One of the biggest challenges that wrestlers face is the ability to break through what is called the ‘glass ceiling'.
For a number of men in WWE, they are being used, but it feels as though there is so much more they can do. Some wrestlers don't stand out; perhaps they just don't have the special quality that others on the roster possess, the ‘X factor’.
However, some WWE superstars do have it, something that makes them better than the rest. In a number of cases, ‘it' can be seen in a few particular wrestlers, even if they aren't booked in a manner that showcases it just yet. Does that mean things will eventually go their way?
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We can only hope so, as they consistently demonstrate these traits match after match and appearance after appearance. Though they may be in tag teams or are simply booked away from the main event right now, their time in the spotlight may eventually come. Here are five particular wrestlers that are on the cusp of greatness.
#5 Rich Swann
Fans are not likely to know much about the story of Rich Swann's life, and how tough it has been. Still, what he is able to do in the ring says more about him than anything else. Swann may seem unassuming because of his height and weight, but that is far from the reality.
While he may dance and show how much he likes to have fun in the ring, that shouldn't be confused for weakness.
When he steps into the ring he is explosive from bell to bell. He is an engaging and entertaining character that can be relied on as an integral part of the WWE's Cruiserweight division and can do things in the ring that most wrestlers can only dream of.
Swann's greatness isn't in how he walks, talks, or presents himself. He is on the cusp of greatness because he is a combination of heart and skill that is missing in most wrestlers today.
He may lose matches, but that isn't the measure of what makes anyone a success; he may seem like another cog in the cruiserweight division wheel right now, but he is most definitely more. He can turn heads like very few others.
How great can be Swann be? The sky is the limit!
#4 T.J. Perkins
If you are unfamiliar with the full career of former WWE Cruiserweight champion TJ Perkins, then you are really missing out. His career prior to WWE says a lot about his ability to stay true to his craft, working through promotions too numerous to count in order to get an opportunity.
The eighteen-year veteran has paid his dues to be where he is today. Fans may not know that years ago Perkins competed for WWE as enhancement talent J.T Quinn. He also competed as part of Impact Wrestling under a mask, known first as Suicide and later Manik. However, while his face was hidden, what wasn't hidden was his talent in the ring.
His young and exciting attitude is a breath of fresh air in today's WWE, as are is his video game inspired entrance video and music. His trendy, flashy attire only adds to his character. He is able to combine a high flying aerial assault with savvy technical wrestling, like his knee bar submission manoeuvre.
How good is he? He could be the company's next Rey Mysterio Jr, which says a lot about what the future holds for Perkins in WWE.
#3 Cedric Alexander
While this selection may surprise some, it really shouldn't. Many fans may not know what Alexander has done to get where he is today, but fans of wrestling outside WWE know that he was until recently among the greatest wrestlers in North America not employed by the biggest promotion in the world.
He earned his stripes competing primarily in Ring of Honor, first as part of a tag team with Caprice Coleman called C and C Wrestling Factory and then going on to achieve success on his own as well.
What was lacking for Alexander was character development, but he eventually became a heel that was not only convincing in the ring but added an element of dastardliness to his character as well, thereby rounding him off perfectly.
After Alexander left Ring of Honor, he lost twenty pounds to meet the Cruiserweight limit and looks physically incredible. He is much leaner, and that has added to what he can do in the ring. His abilities should be able take him beyond the Cruiserweight division, as he should be seen as a credible talent that is a threat to everyone.
He has been a star on the rise outside the WWE for a number of years, and now appears poised to be on the cusp of greatness.
#2 Big Cass
Whenever fans see this nearly seven-footer come to the ring, they can't help, but think that the success or failure of the tandem of Big Cass and Enzo Amore rests with Cass. To see him as a star in the making is absolutely correct.
The character formerly known as Colin Cassidy has truly come into his own as the muscle of his team with Amore, and there is no question that there is a great dynamic between the two. However, the difference between them is that Cass combines the ability to deliver a convincing promo with the physicality to back it up.
There have been signs that the company has toyed with the idea of having him as part of the main event scene. Fans may recall that on the night that Kevin Owens walked away as the WWE Universal championship, the match that Owens won was a fatal four-way that included himself, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns.
What fans may have forgotten is that the fourth and final member of the match was Big Cass, unsurprising since little has been mentioned of his involvement since. The future is bright for Big Cass, and his time to excel on his own may come sooner rather than later.
#1 Big E
Fans who recall Big E's rise as part of NXT may recall that he was the second ever NXT champion. However, when he was called up, he was simply the silent muscle that stood behind World champion Dolph Ziggler and his ‘girlfriend' AJ Lee.
After turning on Ziggler, Big E was elevated in the process and captured the United States championship. After a short time; however, he was not a part of anything and had no platform to show the audience what he could achieve. However, what was unappreciated was Big E's ability to sell himself.
He is very talented on the microphone, and as part of the New Day has contributed comic relief just as much as Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have.
Does that hinder his chances of being seen as a viable singles title contender? Not in the least. Big E could easily be booked as part of the main event, and fans would stand behind him. He has been able to show character versatility and a move-set that could convincingly finish anyone that he finds himself in the ring with.
A feud against the likes of Rusev could be an interesting pairing. Big E is another performer that is on the verge of being more than a tag team wrestler!
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