Sportskeeda WWE Awards 2017: NXT Superstar of the year

Before we begin this list, let us just mention that we've decided to omit Tag Teams from this list. Even so, it is an immensely difficult task to narrow the list of NXT superstars that impressed us in 2017, to a mere 5 individuals only.

As the men and women of NXT have proved in every Takeover, they bring their A-Game, every time they get an opportunity to dazzle the WWE Universe. There have been a variety of NXT superstars who've impressed us with their skill, charisma and versatility in 2017.

A notable omission from this list is the current NXT Champion, Andrade 'Cien' Almas. As good as he was this year, we felt that these superstars just managed to outshine him.

Here are 5 superstars from NXT, male and female, who we felt deserved the distinction of NXT Superstar of the Year.

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#5 Adam Cole

In a short span of time, he's already become the top player

Adam Cole was possibly the biggest superstar to arrive at NXT this year. He did not come alone. At NXT Takeover: Brooklyn III, Adam Cole arrived with Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish, leading a faction called The Undisputed ERA. The effect was felt quite instantly.

Following the injury sustained by Drew McIntyre, and considering that Bobby Roode has been called up to the main roster, Adam Cole is possibly the most integral figure in the entire NXT landscape, at this moment. We're certain that NXT Creative has big plans for him.

He's certainly the top heel, and even though he does not hold any gold yet, one knows that he's due for a title run. After all, he picked up the win at NXT Takeover: WarGames for his team after a 'Match of the Year' candidate.

#4 Aleister Black

Black is due for greatness in the annals of WWE

It's hard to watch a match featuring Aleister Black and not be impressed with his amazing skill-set. Not only are his strikes and kicks a sight to behold, he has the coolest gimmick, perhaps in all of WWE. We're certain that he'll make waves on the main roster as well!

Aleister Black held no gold this year, but due to his gimmick, he comes across as a man who's beyond material concerns like Championships. He enjoyed an undefeated streak that lasted through all of the year 2017 and until very recently. His entrance is captivating and his aura is mesmerizing.

Much like Adam Cole, we're certain that NXT has big plans for Black in the coming months. Indeed, his feud with the Velveteen Dream alone is enough to warrant him a place in this very list.

Is it any surprise that Aleister Black has already featured in WWE Main Event, picking up a win against Curt Hawkins?

#3 Ember Moon

Ember Moon's story was one of tragedy and triumph

Unlike Aleister Black, Ember Moon's story did not see her vanquishing every single opponent. Instead, her saga was one of perseverance and not letting herself get bogged down, in the quest for gold and glory.

Even though she failed to capture the NXT Women's Championship several times, she finally managed to defy the odds and realize her dream at NXT Takeover: WarGames. NXT told a great story with her, of sheer tragedy and triumph. Needless to say, she's a great hand in the ring.

We see Moon as a top babyface in the months that follow. With Asuka gone, she bears the burden of leading the charge in the NXT Women's Division.

Also, her spellbinding finisher, 'The Eclipse', is just a wonderful sight to behold.

#2 'The Glorious' Bobby Roode

The Glorious One was an NXT mainstay until he got called up

Former NXT Champion Bobby Roode was brought in not just as a player, but also as a coach. Many of the younger talents in the locker room benefited from working with him until he got called up to SmackDown Live. Roode's run in NXT was quite impressive indeed.

The TNA Original came to NXT last year and picked up the title at NXT Takeover: San Antonio, earlier this year. He had a fantastic feud with Shinsuke Nakamura and subsequently, another one with Hideo Itami as well. Perhaps the best rivalry of his entire tenure, however, was the one he had with Roderick Strong. One that was deeply personal.

Roode used his momentum from NXT to catapult himself into an important spot on SmackDown Live, where he still wrestles. It is impossible to not sing along when his music hits!

#1 Asuka

Nobody was ready for Asuka, all though the year 2017

All records are meant to be broken. Unless your name is Asuka, that is. Asuka is undefeated from the time that she made her debut. Yes, she's carried her streak right from NXT, all the way to the main roster.

Asuka undertook the unimaginable task of being the face of NXT, after the departure of the Four Horsewomen. She did a fantastic job, despite the odds. In the ring, she certainly has no equal.

Her run was so exemplary, that she did not lose her title. Instead, she surrendered it on NXT TV, before she subsequently moved up to RAW .

Do you agree with our list? Disagree? Let us know in the comments. We'd be thrilled to hear from you!