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In recent years WWE has signed some excellent wrestlers from various promotions. However, some wrestlers have performed on the global stage for years without getting a chance to showcase themselves in WWE.
It is unclear why WWE has missed out on signing names such as Kenny Omega and Jay Lethal. Considering the talent on the independent wrestling circuit, what can we expect from WWE in 2018?
Here are 5 wrestlers WWE should sign in 2018.
# 5 Jay Lethal
Jay lethal has achieved it all. He is the only black African-American ROH World Champion and longest reigning ROH Television Champion as well.
Furthermore, he worked for Impact (TNA) where he was a one-time Tag Team Champion alongside Consequences Creed (Xavier Woods). Between ROH and Impact, he has held eleven championships.
Jay Lethal started as Samoa Joe's protege in 2004-2005. However, would depart ROH in 2006 to wrestle for Impact (TNA). During his time at Impact, he would win multiple championships. His Ultimate X match at Destination X in 2009 could be considered a classic. On June 26th, 2011 Jay Lethal would return to ROH.
At Death Before Dishonor XIV, his 427-day reign as ROH World Champion was ended by Adam Cole. Although he has been wrestling against good wrestlers such as Dalton Castle, Marty Scurll, Cody and Matt Taven, it does seem that ROH seeks to replace him.
Therefore, with WWE signing talent from all corners around the world, it becomes clear that Jay Lethal would be suited for WWE programming. Considering his history with current WWE wrestlers like Adam Cole and Samoa Joe, there is certainly potential for fantastic matches.
Furthermore, Jay Lethal could work excellent matches against AJ Styles, John Cena, and others. Will we see Jay Lethal in a WWE ring some day?
# 4 David Hart Smith
Harry Francis Smith is a British-Canadian wrestler currently working for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). Performing under the ring name Davey Boy Smith Jr., he has garnered much acclaim and success in Japan.
Alongside his partner Lance Archer, he is part of a unit known as Killer Elite Squad. The team holds the distinction of being former IWGP, GHC, and NWA Tag Team Champions.
Davey Boy Smith Jr. would debut in 1996 aged eleven, wrestling a house show for WWE. However, his most notable performance in WWE was teaming with Tyson Kidd and becoming the Unified Tag Team Champion. On August 5th, 2011 he would be released from WWE.
Since leaving WWE Davey Boy has achieved success in Japan for NJPW in singles and tag team competition. With a lengthy tenure in Japan, could Davey Boy be ready to return to WWE?
The tag team division in WWE desperately needs a change. With Davey Boy's experience, he could serve WWE well.
# 3 Marty Scurll
Born in 1988, Martin Scurll is an English wrestler currently signed with Ring of Honor (ROH) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). Performing under the ring name Marty Scurll, he has wrestled for TNA (now Impact), Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and many British promotions.
His success led him to replace Adam Cole in Bullet Club. In recent months Marty Scurll's popularity has soared and his merchandise can be seen worn everywhere.
Marty Scurll's 'Villain' character is a throwback to the old-school wrestling era and would suit WWE immensely.
Whether on the main roster or NXT, he has the credentials to surpass fellow British wrestlers Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate. Therefore, with excellent ability to sell merchandise and garner crowd reactions globally, how long will WWE wait to sign Marty Scurll?
# 2 Moose
Born on April 23rd, 1984 is American wrestler and former American football player, wrestling under the name Moose. He is signed with Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA) and is a former two-time Grand Champion. Furthermore, he has worked with Ring of Honor (ROH), Pro Wrestling Noah, Evolve Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
Moose signed with ROH on May 6th, 2015 and would feud with Mark Briscoe and wrestle regular 'squash' matches. However, on May 16th at Global Wars '15,' Cedric Alexander would end his undefeated streak. At this point, Moose left for Impact Wrestling on July 8th, 2016.
Since 2016, Moose feuded with the likes of EC3, Mike Bennett, Drew Galloway, Bobby Lashley and Cody. Subsequently, this would lead him to two reigns as Impact Grand Champion. Recently, Moose was involved in a 20-man gauntlet match to determine the vacant GFW Global Championship but was unsuccessful.
Moose has a history with current WWE wrestlers; Drew McIntyre and EC3, therefore, match options are endless. Moreover, Moose has the typical 'Big Guy' persona that Vince McMahon seeks and would fit well into WWE storylines. Could we see Moose feud with Braun Strowman? Only time will tell.
# 1 Motor City Machine Guns
The Motor City Machine Guns are perhaps one of the best tag teams in wrestling history. They are known for their tenures with Impact Wrestling (TNA), New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and their current promotion Ring of Honor (ROH). Together they are former TNA World Tag Team Champions, IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions and the current ROH World Tag Team Champions.
Debuting in 2007 Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin feuded with Team 3D (Bully Ray and Devon) and Beer Money Inc (Bobby Roode and James Storm) leading to their first TNA Tag Team Championship. However, at Genesis 2011 their 182-day reign was ended only two days away from becoming the longest tag team reign in history.
Since debuting in ROH they have feuded with The Addiction (Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian) & The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) for the ROH Tag Team Championships. Moreover, on September 22nd, 2017 they would capture the ROH World Tag Team Championships from the Young Bucks.
Excellent in singles and tag team competition Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin are are reminiscent of past tag teams such as The Rockers. Therefore, with a wealth of experience and extensive credentials, it would seem that they are headed for WWE success. Moreover, with WWE lacking decent tag team stories, could The Motor City Machine Guns play a key role in reviving the division?
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