The NXT Five: Analysing and grading their WWE careers

#1 Neville

Neville defeated Austin Aries at WrestleMania 33

Key quote from WWE.com interview: “I didn’t really have an interest in getting signed by WWE earlier in my career. If I did have the opportunity to come here, I wanted it to be later when I was a more traveled, well-versed performer. Honestly, with my body type and my style, I never really expected to be here. The fact that I’m here alongside these guys is kind of mind-blowing.”

NXT career: Neville was one of the most exciting Superstars to watch during NXT’s early days. The Brit won the NXT Championship from Bo Dallas at the first TakeOver special, TakeOver: Arrival, in February 2014 and he held the title for 287 days during a time when the brand was starting to build a die-hard fanbase.

WWE career: “The Man That Gravity Forgot” was involved in several mid-card storylines during his first 18 months on the main roster. He then turned heel and had a memorable run as “The King of the Cruiserweights”, which ended when he walked out of the company before Raw in October 2017.

WWE future: Triple H recently praised Neville as “one of the most talented guys in the world” and, with regards to his future, said “time will tell where that ends up”. Days later, with no official announcement from WWE, he was added to the ‘alumni’ section of WWE.com.

Verdict: Reading what Neville said to WWE.com in 2014, you have to question whether the fame and everything that went with being a WWE Superstar happened a little too much, too soon for him. The 32-year-old, in many people’s eyes, was the standout member of “The NXT Five”, so everyone is hoping that he returns to the ring one day.

Grade: C

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