5 NXT Stars Who Will Succeed On The Main Roster

NXT is the developmental brand of the WWE. The future of the company is being honed there with some of the current and former champions coming through the system. Some of those WWE superstars include Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks, Kevin Owens, Shinsuke Nakamura, Samoa Joe, and many more.

It is the breeding ground of future Universal and WWE champions. The WWE's overall roster is the most talented in history and they will surely produce superstars who will carry the next generation. Even though it is difficult to do, as evidenced by the lack of true megastars, there are some down at NXT who could be successful on the main roster.

Here are the five NXT superstars who will succeed after getting a call-up. It should be noted this list only features male NXT superstars and anyone on the NXT female roster is not included.

#5. Adam Cole

Since getting signed by the WWE last year, Adam Cole has been very successful at NXT. On top of being the leader of The Undisputed Era, the greatest stable in NXT history, he is also a former NXT North American Champion and a former NXT Tag Team Champion. Cole is also a future NXT Champion if he does not get called up to the main roster next year.

Speaking of the main roster, Cole could debut as part of The Undisputed Era or as a singles superstar. Without the trio of Kyle O'Reilly, Bobby Fish, and Roderick Strong by his side, Cole is will still standout. Just like all of the superstars on this list, he has the complete package to be successful on the main roster.

Being compared to Shawn Michaels is also a plus but his main asset is his ability to play as a babyface and a cocky heel. It also helps that Vince McMahon is a big fan of his, as reported in 2016. With the rumoured support of the boss, as well as Triple H, Cole could become one of the most successful NXT stars on the WWE's main roster for years to come.

#4. Keith Lee

A relatively new face on NXT, Keith Lee has it all. He is big, something that Vince McMahon likes, has charisma, can talk, and he can wrestle. Lee was a former defensive end for the Texas A&M Aggies Football Team before pursuing a career in professional wrestling. He has wrestled for promotions such as Evolve Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Guerilla.

Lee's size can be compared to former WWE superstar Ezekiel Jackson, who is a former ECW and Intercontinental Champion. Although not as ripped as Jackson, Lee is a much better wrestler and athlete while also having a better character and charisma. Vince McMahon loves guy his size but he will probably need to trim down a little bit on the main roster.

In addition, Lee also has a hefty goal when he gets called up to the main roster. He said in an interview that he believes he is the man to bring change in wrestling as he will bring togetherness and inspiration, in terms of being a black WWE superstar.

#3. Tommaso Ciampa

One of the best heels in the entire wrestling industry today, Tommaso Ciampa went from being a tag team specialist to a future world champion. When Ciampa injured his knee last year, he was out for about ten months before making his return to the ring. Already a gifted talker and a good wrestler, he developed his character while also putting on mass.

In 2018, Ciampa and Johnny Gargano told one of the greatest wrestling stories in recent memory, and it's still unfinished. After three great matches, the best is yet to come for both superstars. But with Ciampa's heel character, he has the better chance at being successful on the main roster.

The heat Ciampa is getting at NXT is almost nuclear and it would only get bigger when he attacks babyface WWE superstars such as A.J. Styles, Daniel Bryan, and Seth Rollins. Just imagine Tommy Sports Entertainment getting into it with some of the best in the world.

#2. Matt Riddle

A recent NXT signing, Matt Riddle is a former UFC fighter with an MMA record of 8 wins, 3 losses, and two no-contests before becoming a professional wrestler in 2014. In just a short span of four years, Riddle has reached the WWE after honing his craft in the independent circuit.

In his four-year stint in the indies, Riddle showed he has superstar potential while also being a natural in the ring. He has already locked horns with some of the best wrestlers in the world including Cody Rhodes, Katsuyori Shibata, Jeff Cobb, Fenix, Pentagon Jr. and Zack Sabre Jr.

Riddle still needs to polish his overall character but "The King of Bros" could have the same career trajectory on the main roster as Kurt Angle. It also does not hurt that Riddle has charisma and confidence. He has set out a goal in the future wherein he will be the one to retire Brock Lesnar.

#1. Velveteen Dream

When John Cena, one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time, called Velveteen Dream "The One" during a Q&A at the MegaCon Convention earlier this year, it shows how much potential Patrick Clark has. Cena picked Dream over Adam Cole and Ricochet after getting asked which of the three NXT stars he wants to face in the future.

The Velveteen Dream has it all from his character, wresting ability, microphone skills, and charisma. He has a presence or an aura about him that makes him special. Clark is so into his character that fans have started cheering him despite playing a villainous character. He recently turned babyface and it is only a matter of time before he wins the NXT championship.

After conquering NXT, he will surely get called up to the main roster. Their will be problems along the way with Vince McMahon still in control but just at the age of 23 years old, the Velveteen Dream is going to get better, if not the one of the best.

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Edited by Nishant Jayaram