'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
It is not uncommon for WWE Superstars to move between rosters. Several performers have shifted between RAW and SmackDown, especially during the WWE Draft season. Fans often see NXT stars being called up to RAW and SmackDown. The most recent main roster call-up was that of former NXT North American Champion Damian Priest.
Sometimes, NXT call-ups do not quite go to plan. A few NXT Superstars become victims of WWE's poor booking once they reach the main roster, or even get their characters changed for the worse. Some former champions from NXT haven't been a part of anything significant since their call-up to RAW or SmackDown.
On some occasions, WWE Superstars who rejoined NXT have subsequently undergone somewhat of a career revival. The current NXT Champion, Finn Balor, and Ember Moon have been recent success stories since moving from WWE's main roster to NXT. Drake Maverick also moved to NXT following his brief release from WWE and has shined as part of the Black and Gold Brand.
Here are five WWE RAW and SmackDown talents who could benefit from a move to NXT.
#5 WWE RAW Superstar Tucker
Tucker hasn't appeared on WWE television too frequently following his split from his tag team partner Otis. Following Tucker's heel turn at Hell in a Cell, it was expected that Tucker may be in a more prominent position on RAW. Many fans thought he could even have a feud with Otis, but this angle hasn't come to fruition.
Now that Heavy Machinery has split for good, Otis has moved on with Chad Gable as part of the Alpha Academy on SmackDown. This would be a good opportunity to revamp Tucker's character and even move the star to NXT with a refreshed outlook.
On NXT, there would be more opportunities for Tucker. The star could be involved with some great talent on the Black and Gold Brand, such as Johnny Gargano or Bronson Reed.
#4 WWE SmackDown Superstar Ruby Riott
Ruby Riott is a talented member of the WWE SmackDown roster, but her character isn't getting the recognition that she deserves on the Blue Brand. Riott is a good wrestler with a unique look. However, she can sometimes get overlooked in the women's division, which is currently dominated by the women's championship picture.
The star always puts on stellar performances, especially during events such as the Royal Rumble. A performer like Ruby Riott would be a great addition to the NXT roster and could be a huge contender in their women's division.
It would be great to see Ruby Riott face stars such as Ember Moon and Toni Storm in NXT. Ruby Riott also seems like a good contender for the NXT Women's Championship. There is a lot of potential in her that could be tapped into on NXT.
Ruby Riott is often praised by WWE fans and regarded as an underrated member of the women's division. It would be great to see her display what she can do in NXT once more.
#3 WWE RAW Superstar Nikki Cross
Nikki Cross has had a mixed run on the WWE main roster. She is popular with fans. But as of late, Cross hasn't been given the push to reach her full potential in WWE.
The former WWE Women's Tag Team Champion has suffered somewhat as a result of the rift between herself and her former tag team partner Alexa Bliss. Whilst Bliss has been thrust into prominence with her storyline with The Fiend, Nikki Cross has often been relegated to WWE Main Event.
During her time in NXT, Nikki Cross was known for her unhinged character. She was often involved in high-profile moments on the Black and Gold Brand, including being a part of a big storyline with Aleister Black. She was also involved in a feud with Asuka that resulted in NXT's first Last Woman Standing Match in WWE.
Nikki Cross would be a great addition to the NXT roster. The star has posted numerous promos online where she claims to be frustrated with her current position in the company. Moving back to the Black and Gold Brand would be a fantastic way to revive her character.
#2 WWE RAW Superstar Andrade
Former WWE United States Champion Andrade hasn't been seen on screen since the time of the 2020 Draft. On his last WWE television appearance, Andrade and his former manager Zelina Vega were attacked simultaneously by The Fiend and Alexa Bliss.
Fans have been speculating about a return for Andrade for quite some time, potentially linked to his fiance Charlotte Flair. But this has not yet happened. According to a recent report, Andrade is one of the WWE Superstars who Vince McMahon has no current plans for, which is surprising given his popularity with fans.
Given the high level of talent that Andrade has, it would be a shame to see him being underutilized in WWE.
A great way to reignite Andrade as a force to be reckoned with in the ring could be a potential NXT return. The star has great potential and could have a great run on the Black and Gold Brand. There are multiple NXT stars who will turn out to be great opponents for Andrade in the future.
#1 WWE SmackDown Superstar Aleister Black
Aleister Black hasn't been seen on WWE television since the time of the 2020 Draft, back in October. Despite his popularity with fans and his high level of in-ring skills and unique characteristics, not much has been done with Aleister Black on WWE's main roster.
According to recent reports, Vince McMahon isn't sold on Aleister Black. The star appeared to be getting a slight push on RAW when Paul Heyman was Executive Director of the Red Brand. Now that Heyman is out of the role, he doesn't have the same influence with WWE Superstars.
There was also talk of Aleister Black re-debuting in WWE as a repackaged character, but this has yet to come to fruition.
Aleister Black would be a great addition to the NXT roster. The star did well during his time on the Black and Gold Brand a few years ago. He would have some great matches with the current NXT talent as well. NXT appears to be an edgier product than WWE's main roster, and Aleister Black would be a fantastic fit there.
