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Despite being a developmental title, the NXT Championship is a highly prestigious title that signifies that a superstar is the future of the company. Although some NXT Champions didn't pan out on the main roster, the likes of Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, and Shinsuke Nakamura have done great things since getting called up.
While meant to be a proving ground for young superstars and indie darlings, NXT has become so much more than just a developmental show. NXT has been flourishing and has established itself as WWE's third brand. Here are the five superstars most likely to be tasked with caring the yellow brand into the future.
Next: Johnny Gargano
Johnny Gargano has been the biggest star in NXT since the break-up of DIY. Though one could argue that the excellent heel work of his former best friend makes NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa the biggest star in the company. Either way, there is clearly only one man that could and should topple Ciampa when the time comes for a changing of the guard.
There was a time when Gargano seemed primed to win the NXT Championship against Andrade 'Cien' Almas, but WWE didn't pull the trigger. While not quite as white hot as he was then Gargano remains the most popular star in NXT, largely due to being a five-star machine.
The Johnny Gargano fairy tale has been the most compelling story not only in NXT, but arguably WWE as a whole. While Johnny seems to have lost his way and turned heel by announcing he was the one who attacked Aleister Black, Gargano is too big of a face to be denied his happy ending. In the end, this rebel heart will overcome the black heart.
Adam Cole
While Johnny Gargano is the obvious choice to unseat his arch nemesis Tommaso Ciampa, what happens next? Gargano does not need a lengthy reign, he just needs to reach the top of the mountain, and once he does he needs a good heel to knock him off. Insert Adam Cole.
After the crusade of classics between Gargano and Ciampa that will ultimately lead to a Gargano coronation, no single heel will feel like a worthy opponent to a man who has overcome so much adversity. But with Adam Cole you don't get one man, you get all of the Undisputed Era.
Currently Cole, Fish, O'Reilly, and Strong are all at full strength. Already the most dangerous faction in NXT as a trio, the return of Bobby Fish from his leg injury makes the Undisputed Era an army.
An army that Gargano will not be able to overcome, allowing the former NXT North American Champion Adam Cole to take the crown he laid claim to upon his debut BAY BAY!
Keith Lee
Just as Cole is the perfect heel to take the title from Johnny Gargano, Keith Lee is the perfect face to rise up and vanquish the leader of the Undisputed Era. With Gargano likely winning the title WrestleMania weekend, and Cole unseating him shortly thereafter, Lee will be primed to pounce.
Currently on an undefeated streak, and with the aspiration of championship gold already coming out of his mouth, Lee is a future star. Already with a huge fan following and a crowd popping catchphrase, the implausibly athletic big man just needs a little more seasoning in NXT before it is time to push the Limitless One to the stars.
Lee will overcome the numbers advantage of the Undisputed Era and defeat Cole for the title, proving that he is, in fact, limitless, and we will all bask in his glory.
Lars Sullivan
Lars Sullivan is a beast. He has a presence about him that makes you feel that something or someone is about to get destroyed. He has size, strength, and the best entrance in NXT (in my opinion). What doesn't the Leviathan Lars Sullivan have? Solid in-ring ability.
Sullivan is a work in progress, and while he has had opportunities at the title in the past, it is still too soon to pull the trigger. Sullivan is no doubt entertaining, but he is sloppy in the ring and limited in his move set.
Following the timeline we have laid out, Lars should finally be ready to carry NXT on his back when it is time to move the title from Keith Lee. A battle between Sullivan, and athletic big man that is Keith Lee would be an interesting match-up that would cement Sullivan as the unstoppable monster champion.
Matt Riddle
Riddle me this, who is going to beat a seasoned Lars Sullivan holding the NXT title hostage? Matt Riddle is set to debut next week on NXT, and while his first major feud is likely to be with Kassius Ohno, this is a look into the future where Matt Riddle is the biggest star in NXT.
Making a name for himself on the Independent scene, Riddle has a huge fan following and a lot of hype has surrounded his signing to NXT. When he does arrive in NXT he will need some time to adjust and develop before getting thrust into the title scene.
With an actual MMA background Riddle would be a realistic threat to the monster Lars Sullivan, and him winning the NXT Championship would put a lot of eyes on the yellow brand. So long as he stays out of trouble.
