5 stars who should be on Vince McMahon's 'Hit List' for 2018

From the rise of NJPW to the flourishing Britwres scene out of the UK (which has helped bring talents such as Pete Dunne into the conversation), the wrestling landscape around the world has undergone a renaissance over the last 5 years and shows little signs of slowing down.

The indy scene around the world is exploding and acts such as the Young Bucks are leading the charge; proving that even without the bright lights of WWE, wrestlers can make a name and a decent living.

Yet, WWE is still considered the 'big time' and, to most modern-day performers, the reason they got 'bit' with the wrestling bug and started their careers. You only need to look at the grandeur of Wrestlemania to realise that even the most loyal journeyman grappler would one day like to ply their trade on the grandest stage of them all.

2017 has seen some of these talents jump to 'New York' and make an immediate impact. Talents such as Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish have carved out a little corner of NXT for themselves whilst former Independent stars such as Seth Rollins, AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan have, over the last several years, climbed the mountain in Vince's 'Land Of The Giants' to attain the some of the highest honours that wrestling has to offer.

So what does 2018 hold? With the success stories of hiring from the independents and other promotions whilst nurturing the next crop of talent in the performance centre, one can only assume that Vince and Hunter are taking stock of their roster and seeing where they can inject more talent.

The following is a list of 5 'can't-miss' stars that you may (or may not) have heard about.

5. Jeff Cobb

Matt Riddle (L) and Jeff Cobb (R) are the current PWG Tag Champions (Credit: AAW Wrestling)

The 5'10 wrecking ball from Honolulu, Hawaii is a perfect candidate for the WWE and would make an immediate impact in NXT. After a brilliant 2016 and 2017, Mr Athletic has proven to have the poise and presence of a top star on the independents and recently for NJPW.

Whilst he may not be the tallest, Cobb more than makes up for this with his impressive strength, seemingly able to lift even the heaviest of workers in the ring with incredible ease.

Cobb is also a former Olympian, having represented Guam at the 2004 Summer Olympics before transitioning into a pro wrestling career in April 2009.

Cobb also comes with the experience of working within a television environment, having donned the hood as Matanza in the acclaimed Lucha Underground.

A true powerhouse in the modern day, Cobb's arrival in the WWE is not an 'if' but a 'when'.

4. Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle (Courtesy of Oli Sander/The Ringside Perspective)

It's hard to believe that Matt Riddle only started his pro wrestling career less than 4 years ago when you look at his accomplishments in such a short span of time.

One of the most in-demand pro wrestlers on the independents today, Riddle has had impressive bouts with some of the top stars around the world and has become a mainstay in promotions such as EVOLVE, PWG and Progress (where he is, to date, the only two-time Progress Atlas Champion in history).

Riddle brings a unique clash of his MMA background (a former fighter for UFC) and technical prowess to the ring but it's his charismatic and likeable personality which have won the hearts of wrestling fans across the globe.

At only 32, Riddle hopefully has a long career ahead of him and one can only imagine what the WWE machine can do with him especially in NXT where his unique hybrid style can be introduced to WWE fans.

Here's hoping Vince and Hunter have their fingers on the pulse and we will soon hear 'Bro' chants in the WWE very soon.

3. Marty Scrull

The Villain, Marty Scurll (Courtesy of NJPW)

From humble beginnings as Party Marty to The Villian, Marty Scrull is without question one of the hottest prospects on the independent circuit at the moment and thanks to his association with NJPW's Bullet Club, his cache continues to rise.

Marty is a complete package having honed his craft in wrestling rings across all the globe. Not only is he no slouch in the ring but his promos and character are almost tailor-made to be successful in WWE; he could easily be dropped onto one of the main rosters today and make an immediate impact.

Marty also has the ability to have a great match with seemingly any opponent and can wrestle serious technical matches whilst injecting his British wit and comedy when needed without losing face.

You'd have to be blind to not see the dollar signs when it comes to Marty Scrull and you have got to believe that his fellow countryman, William Regal (who has been influential in talent scouting for WWE over the last several years), has had Marty's name on his top prospects list for the last several years.

At only 29, Marty can pick and choose when he makes his journey to Stamford and seems very happy with his current roles in NJPW and ROH. However, I would bet the house that eventually we will see The Villian grace the rings of the WWE.

Woo, Woo.

2. Will Ospreay

Will Ospreay (Courtesy of Enuhito.com)Will Ospreay is only 24 years old...i'll let that sink in.

Will is one of the best high flyers in the world right now and has the potential to become one of the biggest stars in the WWE assuming that Vince doesn't tie the 205 Live albatross around his neck.

Will's matches with Richocet in NJPW were some of the most talked about bouts in wrestling last year (for better or worse) and the Essex native is already an experienced world traveller appearing in promotions across the planet during his 5-year career.

Set to challenge for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12, Will has carved himself a comfortable position in NJPW but could have limitless potential under the WWE banner. His style in the ring appeals not just to the hardcore fans but also to a casual viewer who will be blown away by the fluidity and gravity-defying weapons he has in his arsenal.

With Ricochet seemingly on his way to Stamford, we hope Will will join his New Japan brethren in the future and continue to put on matches that will be talked about for years to come.

Honourable mentions

With a wealth of talent out there, there is always going to be some omissions to a list.

The Young Bucks

Do 'The Bucks' deserve to be on this list? Absolutely. Do I think they're in Vince's sights to offer a contract in 2018? No. Matt and Nick have drawn their battle lines and, at least for the moment, it appears they will continue to fly the flag for independents around the world whilst taking home some impressive change.

Ethan Carter III

Once a joke in NXT, Ethan Carter has proven to be a commodity to IMPACT! (Or GFW or whatever they're called this week). With one of the best-rounded characters that IMPACT has, I have no doubt he will find his way back to Stamford over the next couple of years once his contract expires.

Kazuchika Okada

New Japan's crown jewel, Okada has had without question the best year of his career, putting on Match Of The Year candidate matches with every opponent he has stepped into the ring with. The Rainmaker is set to battle Naito at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in what is set to be one of the most anticipated matches in the company's history. Could we ever see Okada in WWE? If Vince McMahon decides to make a play for Okada and the money is right, you never know.

Travis Banks

The Kiwi Buzzsaw and current Progress Wrestling Champion is starting to make waves around the world including notable matches at PWG's Battle of Los Angeles 2017. Could 2018 be the year we see Banks in a WWE ring? He has all the potential to hold his own in the Land of the Giants.

1. Kenny Omega

Come on, you knew this would be Number 1.

Kenny Omega has proven himself to be one of pro wrestling's most diverse and interesting performers but it's really only over the last 18 months that his stardom has gone stratospheric.

With two Match Of The Year candidates under his belt, the first Gaijin to the win NJPW's acclaimed G1 Climax tournament in 2016 and NJPW's first ever IWGP United States Champion, Kenny Omega's stock has risen faster than bitcoin in 2017 and you've got to believe that Vince and Hunter are licking their lips at the prospect of taking the Winnipeg native and adding him to their team.

With WWE wanting to expand and capitalise in Japan, Kenny (along with Finn and Shinsuke) could hold the key to them getting some footing in the Land of the Rising Sun and his signing would be a huge blow to NJPW who are, albeit a distant second, a competitor to their wrestling empire.

At the start of 2017, there was a lot of debate as to whether Kenny would or wouldn't jump ship and with his contract set to expire on 31st January 2018, the rumour mill is already starting again.

Taking on Chris Jericho at Wrestle Kingdom 12 also provides Vince and Hunter with a direct insight into how Kenny would adapt to the WWE's 'style' and how he carries himself against someone of the calibre of Jericho.

Whilst all signs point to Omega resigning with NJPW and helping New Japan continue to get a foothold in North America, as they always say in wrestling... never say never.

Do you agree with this list? Have your say in the comments below.

Edited by Tanya Rudra