WWE has afforded entertainment to fans for decades. In the 1980's, Hulk Hogan was pivotal in developing WrestleMania. In the 1990's, names like Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, The Rock, and Steve Austin helped build the Attitude Era.
However, in modern times the entertainment value has shifted. It has been more diverse (watch the video below).
In the last few years, Women's wrestling has exponentially improved in popularity and prestige. Ultimately WWE has benefited from its success. Additionally, other factors have improved. In recent years wrestlers with smaller physiques have come to the fore.
They have reached the pinnacle of WWE. Notable names include Daniel Bryan, Rey Mysterio, and AJ Styles. However, they are just a few examples.
This prospect would inspire the vision for NXT and 205 Live. Essentially, providing a platform for aspiring performers, who may not fit the typical wrestler image. Arguably, the WWE has turned towards wrestling talent instead of just appearances.
#3 Aleister Black (Raw)
Aleister Black has been excellent in recent years. Performing on the NXT brand he has had stellar matches with Adam Cole, Velveteen Dream, and recently Johnny Gargano. However, that is not the limit for his success.
Black became NXT Champion at NXT Takeover: New Orleans. In subsequent months Black performed brilliantly being exponentially successful. However, on July 18th Black was defeated by Tomasso Ciampa, thus losing his championship.
The weeks following Black's defeat were pivotal for two reasons. Firstly, it set up Black's feud with Gargano. Moreover, it provided drama for the NXT Championship picture. At NXT Takeover: Brooklyn IV, Black challenged Ciampa in a rematch, which included Gargano. Following the PPV Black was found unconscious, leaving Black out of action. On November 7th, Gargano expressed his true intentions for attacking Black.
At NXT Takeover: WarGames, Gargano and Black went at each other with intense fury, (watch the video below). The match was a combination of action, technical wrestling, and pure striking. Ultimately Black gain retribution by hitting Gargano with two Black Mass kicks. Considering Gargano's connection with Ciampa, it is likely their feud continues.
Therefore, now is the perfect time to transition Black to Raw. Why the Raw brand? Ultimately Black's character suits the brand. Moreover, imagine Demon Finn Balor versus Aleister Black.
#2 Shayna Bazler (SmackDown Live)
Arguably one of the purest athletes on the NXT roster, Shayna Baszler is the current NXT Women's Champion. However, the level of competition to face Baszler seems lackluster.
Especially following Baszlers's victory over Kairi Sane at NXT Takeover: WarGames II, (watch the video below). Therefore, what could her future hold in store?
Baszler made an impact at the Mae Young Classic in 2017. Since her debut, she has dominated the majority of her competition. This success would lead to her second championship reign. In essence, her performance has been lucrative for the NXT brand. Nevertheless, it is inevitable Baszler finds her way to the main roster.
On Raw Ronda Rousey has been exponentially improving. Being a friend and fellow FourHorsewomen member from their time in the UFC, things look interesting. But, the best option for Baszler is to move to SmackDown.
Ultimately due to their similarities, they could clash poorly on the same brand. Moreover, imagine the possibilities of SmackDown offering a similar character to Rousey. The match options are endless.
#1 The Undisputed Era (Raw)
Consisting of Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Bobby Fish, and Roderick Strong, The Undisputed Era has been brilliant. Their impact and presence have afforded excellent storylines. Moreover, refreshed the necessity for factions in WWE. The group share similarities with Bullet Club, The Shield, and perhaps even, The Nation of Domination.
At NXT Takeover: WarGames 2017 they competed in the first ever WWE version of WarGames. Ultimately they proved their worth, by defeating Authors of Pain with Roderick Strong, and Sanity. Fast forward, and the group has earned a plethora of championships. Adam Cole was the inaugural NXT North American champion.
Whereas, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, and Roderick Strong secured NXT Tag Team championships. Their success has been immense.
This year's NXT Takeover: WarGames once again featured Undisputed Era facing off with; Pete Dune, Ricochet, and War Raiders. Arguably this WarGames match cemented the level of talent possessed by Undisputed Era. Moreover, it cemented the insane talent which the NXT roster affords, (watch the video below).
Considering their lengthy tenure, and Adam Cole's Royal Rumble appearance in 2018, a Raw debut would be perfect. Could they outshine The Shield's epic performance?