NXT, which was officially launched in 2012, was an idea that evolved into a movement and ultimately became a self-sustaining brand that would go on to churn out some of the very best entertainment in the entire world.
Since its inception, NXT has become one of the most attractive brands in the industry and while WWE still considers NXT to be its official developmental territory, the yellow brand has actually become a desired destination for the best up and coming talent from around the world.
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Now that WWE is running dual main rosters, there is a constant need for fresh faces on both RAW and SmackDown, respectively. After taking an in-depth look at NXT’s current roster, I have come up with the following list, which gives you an idea of who I believe will be the next 5 Superstars called up to one of the two main rosters.
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#5 Killian Dain
Killian Dain came to NXT as an established, 12-year veteran from Belfast. Dain actually became popular under the alias “Big Damo,” which is the name he used when he won the Insane Championship Wrestling World Title.
Dain also saw tremendous success all throughout the British Independent scene as well. Admired for his unmistakable presence, Dain is also deceptively quick and agile for a man of his stature.
Dain signed with WWE in the middle of 2016 and currently performs as Eric Young’s henchman in the NXT stable known as SAnitY. While his primary home at the moment is NXT, Dain can already boast of a Wrestlemania moment, as he was one of the participants in the Andre The Giant Battle Royal.
Dain has proven throughout his career that he is more than capable of standing on his own two feet, which is why I believe he will be called up before his other stable-mates.
#4 Kassius Ohno
This is one pick that I have always been on the fence about. Kassius Ohno has already had one stint in the WWE developmental system and for whatever reason, that run came to an end in 2013. Since that time, Ohno appears to have gained quite a bit of weight as well.
However, despite his ongoing issues with weight, Ohno continues to perform as if he was a cruiserweight.
Ohno is 37 years old, working for the biggest wrestling company on the planet, which also happens to be getting younger by the month. In order for Kassius to have any legitimate shot at success on the WWE main roster, he will have to be called up sooner than later.
The skill level is there, let's just hope the determination and self-discipline accompany it. Even though he may have missed out on the opportunity of being the third member of the Shield instead of Roman Reigns, the future is certainly bright for the gifted veteran.
#3 Asuka
Asuka is the type of female athlete that will come around once in a lifetime, there's no questioning that at all. With her current undefeated streak at 170 wins, Asuka is essentially the female version of Goldberg. She is simply unstoppable and building a very intriguing story along the way.
It hasn't been too long since Sasha Banks, Charlotte, Alexa Bliss, Bayley and Becky Lynch were all plucked from the yellow brand, which really left the cupboard dry, so-to-speak. Thankfully for NXT fans, there has been a resurgence in women's talent at Full Sail University, which will enable a top star, such as Asuka to make the jump to the main roster, without depleting the NXT Women's roster.
Look for stars like Ruby Riot, Nikki Cross, Liv Morgan, Sarah Bridges Billie Kay and Peyton Royce to all contribute in big ways very soon. The division will most likely be led by Ember Moon, once Asuka does get elevated.
#2 #DIY (Gargano & Ciampa)
This may very well be the most underrated tag team in wrestling today. Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano are two of the most well-traveled, accomplished wrestlers on any roster.
Since being paired together in NXT, this dynamic duo has been the cornerstone in revamping the NXT tag team division. Their chemistry is unbreakable and their overall in-ring ability is simply unmatched.
The unique thing about #DIY is the versatility they bring to the table. While they could easily make an immediate impact on either of the main rosters, as a tag team, they are also very much capable of succeeding individually, as singles competitors, if the need were to arise.
Gargano and Ciampa have racked up a laundry list of championship reigns prior to signing a WWE contract. Between the two Superstars, they have succeeded in most of the top promotions in the world, including Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling Guerilla, EVOLVE, Chikara and Dragon Gate USA, just to name a few.
#DIY is more than ready to make the move to RAW or SmackDown very, very soon.
#1 Drew McIntyre
In 2006, Drew McIntyre had a tryout match prior to the start of a SmackDown taping. Soon after, Drew was signed and almost immediately, he was dubbed as "the next big thing" in the WWE.
If you recall, Vince even called him "The Chosen One" early on in his main roster career. Unfortunately, that didn't last too long at all and before you knew it, Drew went from being The Chosen One to being the third wheel on a jobber stable known as the 3MB.
I was extremely disappointed to hear of McIntyre's release in 2014. It was obvious that Drew was never allowed to explore his full potential. Once he left the company, Drew went on to show Vince and everyone else what he was capable of, as he worked for multiple top promotions, including TNA and ICW, winning Word titles everywhere he landed.
Now is the time for redemption. While Drew may stick around in Orlando long enough to win the NXT title, I fully expect to see him on one of the main rosters before the year ends – a return 3 years in the making!
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