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Later this month, WWE NXT will see a major change when the show relaunches on the USA Network. Not only that, but the Black and Gold Brand will also be extended to two hours long, and there have been rumors of stars from RAW and SmackDown being moved to the show.
Though some could see being moved to NXT as a downgrade, there are plenty of Superstars who could benefit from the change of pace. Here are five WWE main roster Superstars who could be moved to NXT in the rumored upcoming WWE draft.
#5 Finn Balor
NXT is WWE's developmental brand, where the show hones the next generation of Superstars, and their have been fewer success stories bigger than Finn Balor. Joining the company in 2014, Balor would become the NXT Champion the following year, and holds the record as the longest champion of all time.
Being called to the main roster in 2016, Balor would become the first ever Universal Champion at SummerSlam, only to be forced to forfeit the title a day later due to injury. Since his return, the former main eventer has been relegated to the mid-card, holding the Intercontinental title twice in fun but forgettable stints.
After losing to the Fiend Bray Wyatt at SummerSlam earlier this year, Balor could make a huge return if he was to go back to NXT. Returning to the Black and Gold Brand would instantly give the Irishman a ton of possibilities, including a heel turn or maybe another reign as NXT Champion. Given his reception at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool earlier this year, it's clear that Balor could be a big fish in NXT, as opposed to his current spot on RAW.
#4 Apollo Crews
Apollo Crews, in short, seemingly has it all. A star of other companies under his former name Uhaa Nation, Crews joined the WWE in 2015 and made a huge splash in NXT. Shortly after joining, Crews impressed fans with how he handled being thrust into a main event program with then-Champion Finn Balor, and in 2016 was called up to SmackDown Live as part of the Brand Extension.
Much like in NXT, Crews was quickly put into the title picture, feuding with the then-IC Champ The Miz over the summer, though things would go downhill quickly after. Since then, Crews has plummeted down the card, barely getting any on-screen time, and more often than not, losing the matches he is spotted in.
A move to NXT may not help turn Crews into a huge star overnight, but could help give the incredibly talented athlete a fresh change of pace, especially with many of the company's fastest stars being found in the yellow brand.
Though a move to NXT couldn't guarantee success for him, it couldn't be much worse than what he's doing at the moment.
#3 Dana Brooke
Dana Brooke may be the strongest woman on the main roster today, with a background in bodybuilding, but it's clear that it takes more than muscles to make a Superstar. Like many on this list, Dana is a former NXT star, who has struggled since being moved.
Dana was in NXT for only a year and a half before getting the call to join RAW in 2016 and similar to Apollo, she has struggled mightily to get over with the crowd. Arguably her best work came when she worked alongside Charlotte Flair, serving as the Queen's manager and providing interference when necessary.
It's been quite a while since Dana and Charlotte worked together, and a move to NXT could be the ideal spot to let her hit the reset button and reinvent herself. Perhaps the company could focus more on Brooke's background as a bodybuilder and fitness model, as either a heel or a face. With the NXT crowd known for being more forgiving of new gimmicks than the main roster, the developmental brand could be the best place for Brooke to test the waters.
#2 The Authors of Pain
The Authors of Pain have had an interesting time on the main roster, to say the least. The team of Akam and Rezar, AOP joined the main roster in 2018, after a dominant time in NXT. Though they debuted on the main roster on the RAW after WrestleMania 34 with long-time manager Paul Ellering, the legendary figure was quickly dumped in favour of Drake Maverick.
Despite being an impressive group in NXT, even holding the brand's Tag Team Titles, the Authors of Pain have had something of a poor treatment on Monday Night RAW. The sole accolade of their near-two year stint on the main roster was their 35-day reign as RAW Tag Team Champions, a reign that only happened owing to a two on one advantage against Seth Rollins.
If moved back to NXT, the pair could be given more creative freedom, something that the developmental brand has become well known for. We're not saying that Akam or Rezar should become completely different characters, but a move to NXT could breathe new life into the team after an underwhelming stint on RAW.
#1 Dolph Ziggler
The only Superstar on this list to not be a former member of NXT, Dolph Ziggler could become the latest Superstar to be moved to the developmental brand. Debuting as Ziggler in 2008, the Show Off has had an interesting career on the main roster, holding the World Heavyweight Championship twice, once in 2011 and again in 2013.
Despite being a former World Champion, these reigns were incredibly short, and Ziggler is best known for his time as a mid-carder on both RAW and SmackDown Live. Despite multiple pushes, Ziggler has never broken free from that mid-card image, and now at the age of 39 years old, may not have too many years left on his contract.
Moving to NXT could give Ziggler one final shot as a main event player, and even if that doesn't happen, the Triple Crown Champion could provide vital insight to the young Superstars as a veteran of the business.
Moving to the USA Network, NXT would benefit from having a recognisable name to appeal to casual fans, something that Ziggler is. Though he will battle for the RAW Tag Team titles this Sunday at Clash of Champions, there is always a place waiting for him on NXT, when the show moves to the USA Network.
