Even with NXT going from strength to strength in 2016, rumours have risen that the upcoming brand split will result in the cancelation of NXT in the near future so their talent can be used to bolster Raw and SmackDown. Let me stress that this is strictly a rumour and its very unlikely that this will go through. But at the same time, it’s fun to speculate.
In this article I look at 5 NXT Superstars who could benefit if NXT folds and they’re immediately promoted to the main roster.
5: American Alpha
When Jason Jordan and Chad Gable started teaming up last year no one thought that the duo with catch fire with the audience so quickly. Their fast past mat based technical style has caught fire with the fans at Full Said University and at NXT shows all over the States. Gable and Jordan are both former collegiate wrestlers and Gable even represented the United States at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Their amateur based catch wrestling has had them likened to former multi-time WWE Tag Team Champions, The World’s Greatest Tag Team (Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Hass).
The duo have also showed that they can mix it up with different kinds of opponents and are ready to step up into the main roster right now if called upon. The number of new feuds for them on the main roster in salivating. Imagine American Alpha tae on The New Day or The Club. Those matches would likely tear the house down.
4: Bayley
Bayley is one of the faces of NXT. Some have called her the female John Cena. The only difference between Bayley and John Cena is that Bayley is universally loved by the NXT crowd. Right now, Bayley is one of the most popular superstars on the entire WWE roster and it’s a shame that she hasn’t got more mainstream exposure like her fellow horsewomen. Bayley would have been higher on this list, but this list is a veritable who’s who of NXT talent.
On the off chance that the rumours of NXT folding are indeed true, I can see Bayley slotting into the main roster women’s division very well. She’s a really good wrestler and beloved by the hardcore audience. Maybe even more importantly, Vince McMahon is reportedly a huge fan. With the promotion of Bayley and other women from NXT’s women’s division WWE would easily have the more talented women’s division in wrestling ever.
3: Asuka
Since the first moment she stepped into NXT, Asuka looked like she belonged. She’s still undefeated in NXT, and won the prestigious NXT Women’s Championship from Bayley at NXT Takeover: Dallas. So far, the ‘Empress of Tomorrow’ has left a path of destruction in her wake and looks set to continue her dominant run against Nia Jax at NXT Takeover: The End in a few days.
Of all the women on the NXT roster, Asuka’s the most suited to an immediate promotion to the main roster. She brings something completely different to the table than the other women on the main roster. Her strong-style influenced arsenal is sure to knock out more than its fair share of opponents. And let’s be honest, the new WWE Women’s Championship belt would look really good draped on her shoulder.
2: Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe is a unique beast. He has it all: size, strength, speed and a mean streak. Since his debut on NXT Samoa Joe has shown his potential as both a face and a heel. He’s been near the top of the card since his debut and he’s currently the NXT Champion. Joe has proved in his series of matches with Finn Balor that he can still perform at the highest level. His match at Dallas especially was spectacular.
The main roster needs more all-out heels and Joe is the perfect candidate for that. Joe is a different kind of monster than the other heels on the main roster. He would a destroyer and would stand head to head with faces, unlike the more chicken-shit heel characters given to most WWE heels right now.
Samoa Joe is ready for the main roster right now, regardless of whether NXT folds or not. He has proved that he’s a performer of the highest level and his matches never disappoint.
1: Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura is one of the most talented performers in the world today. His debut match against Samy Zayn at NXT Takeover: Dallas was arguably the match of the WrestleMania weekend and showcased what the ‘King of Strong Style’ brought to the table. He’s an internationally renowned wrestler who is arguably the readiest of all the NXT talent to jump to the main roster (I’m not including Finn Balor since his main roster debut is just a matter of time).
If NXT folded today itself, Nakamura could easily slot into the main event scene. Imagine Nakamura taking on Reigns, or Seth Rollins or a Tokyo Dome rematch against AJ Styles. They’re all dream matches. Whether NXT folds or not, Strong Style is coming to the main roster sooner or later.
