Professional wrestling as an industry is in a very interesting position at the moment, especially the WWE. Never before has the world-renowned, global-juggernaut been in such a dominating position, controlling the entire industry from each angle.
The single most visible difference in the current WWE product is the talent. It's not just the quality of talent that is so evident, but also the quantity. There is a new generation of risk takers and dream chasers sitting in the driver’s seat, making for an exciting time to be a WWE fan.
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A significant driving force behind the sudden plethora of top-tier talent is NXT. The entire NXT process has been nothing but extraordinary.
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From hopeful tryouts and NXT rookies to NXT title holders and main roster-ready superstars, the process of creating a perennial superstar has been mastered in the Orlando-based WWE Performance Center, with trainers and staff who flawlessly execute a structured plan which has been proven to be a recipe for success.
As long as the current process in place continues to be the standard by which the company approaches their developmental process, there will likely never be another problem with having enough hands on deck.
When stars from the top of the yellow brand make the jump to the main roster, there will be someone from the middle of the pack eagerly awaiting the opportunity to showcase their abilities, to step it up a notch. In turn, there are plenty of NXT Rookies, just chomping at the bits to make their television debut.
All-in-all, it's a beautiful process and the best part of all... IT WORKS!
With all of this in mind, let’s take a look ahead to 2017. These are the top 10 NXT stars who will probably be making their main roster debut in 2017:
#10 Sanity
With Eric Young as the leader of this group, it is primed to make an immediate impact on the yellow roster. Other members include Glasgow’s own Nikki Storm, the big 6'8" monster known as Sawyer Fulton and the unpredictable Alexander Wolfe.
Also read: Top 5 Best NXT prospects
While there's not a lot known about Sanity just yet, this group does have a unique presence and a sort of fear factor vibe as well. Having Eric Young as the leader will be a tremendous benefit in their favour. The only problem I see up front will be the stark resemblance to the Wyatt Family.
However, if it's angled in the proper direction, it could be a good leaping point for Young to finally get on the WWE main roster.
#9 Tye Dillinger
I'm not sure if most fans truly understand just how long Tye Dillinger has been clawing his way towards an eye-catching position on the NXT roster. Dillinger actually got his first break in the WWE in 2006, when he was assigned to the then developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling.
He eventually got a little work on the watered down ECW roster in 2008, but soon after took his talents back to the indie scene. In 2013, Tye found his way back into the good books of the WWE when he was signed to an NXT contract.
Since returning, Dillinger has been a workhorse for the yellow brand. He's taken any and all matches and angles thrown his way. This guy is ready to go now, he just needs that small window of opportunity. At 35 years old, he needs a break sooner, rather than later.
#8 Authors of Pain
Ok, this one is interesting. What we have here, is two big monsters with minimal pro wrestling related training. With that said, Both Rezar and Akam are young guys, with tremendous training between them in MMA, Kickboxing, amateur wrestling, jiu-jitsu and other sports during their years prior to coming to NXT.
Also, this massive duo has one of the greatest managers of all-time in their corner with Precious Paul Ellering, former manager of arguably the greatest tag team in history, The Road Warriors.
If these men take heed to the direction being offered to them by Ellering, they have the true potential to not only make it to the main roster, but they can actually make a big impact. Time will likely be the ultimate determining factor for this promising young monstrous duo.
#7 Hideo Itami
Oh if we could just go back to the debut of "KENTA" and re-live all the excitement and hope surrounding his arrival...
Hideo Itami is someone who has simply been dealt a bad hand since his arrival into the States. I have zero doubt whatsoever that had it not been for the series of unfortunate injuries, Itami would already be holding a strong, upper-mid card spot on one of the two main rosters.
However, it would appear now that the international superstar is ready to takeoff once again. Once Hideo is back full time, they will likely put the training wheels on him and be as careful as possible. But, knowing his intensity and desire to compete, I doubt they'll be able to hold him down very long.
The smartest move in this situation could be to fast-track Itami to the main roster and have him take his chances on the big stage.
#6 The Revival
Just as their slogan suggests, "no flips, just fists," Dash and Dawson won't be seen pulling off a hurricanrana from the corner. These guys are the epitome of nuts and bolts 'rasslin and to be honest, it's a welcome sight for this old school fan.
Tag team wrestling is on a comeback trail in the WWE. With teams like Gallows and Anderson, Enzo and Cass, The New Day and all the other teams that provide such diversity in the division, the Revival could be a that much needed addition to place the division in an even more elite class.
We have seen teams like The Ascension completely dominate NXT, beat everyone and carry the titles with ease, only to fall flat on the main roster, courtesy of some incredibly poor booking decisions. Let's just hope that the same situation doesn't happen with Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson.
#5 Austin Aries
I was completely shocked when I found out about Austin Aries signing a WWE contract. Of course, there were the rumours and what not, but I honestly expected to see TNA throw out an offer Aries couldn't refuse. Unfortunately for them, I believe it's just a sign of the troubled waters they were in fact wading in at the time.
Aries is a technical wizard and a great showman.
His jump to the main roster is a must. While he might not have time to win any top level titles, he still has plenty of fuel left in his tank to offer fans a strong run. His charisma and ability to sell in the ring, combined with his solid mic work, will be a winning recipe for the self-proclaimed "greatest man that ever lived."
#4 Bobby Roode
What an impact this guy made on his debut at Takeover! You could see in Bobby’s eyes that he was grateful to be inside the yellow ropes and he certainly deserved to be there as well.
Bobby Roode is not someone who can afford to be an NXT experiment very long at nearly 40 years old, with a tonne of top level experience under his belt.
To be completely honest, Roode could be sent up right now. He has the presence and skill level to be a main eventer right away. With such a stacked roster on both Raw and Smackdown though, the options are unlimited for this former world champion.
#3 Asuka
Under her former moniker "Kana," this phenomenal lady made a huge name for herself, on a global scale. Asuka is such an extraordinary talent, with the ability to carry any women's roster, anywhere in the world. She has proven her ability to do so with NXT, now it's time for the WWE main roster ladies to find out just how great she truly is.
The only issue will be finding a fitting candidate to take the NXT women's title from Asuka.
Mickie James is an incredible wrestler, but is she someone who wants to sit on the NXT roster for an extended period of time? The upcoming Takeover event should prove to be a pivotal night for many involved, including the current NXT women’s champion Asuka.
#2 Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe is someone who you simply cannot help but root for. This guy is so incredibly gifted in the ring, from his deceptive quickness, to his superior ground work, Samoa Joe has the total package when it comes to his overall body of work.
Joe has already done his part and then some, in regards to making NXT a stronger brand. Joe has been a leader and a world champion everywhere he's competed from ROH, to TNA and now WWE,
Samoa Joe has earned the right to showcase his talents on the grandest stage in professional wrestling. Don't be surprised if Joe is on one of the two main rosters in the first half of the new year.
#1 Shinsuke Nakamura
Never before has a Japanese-born superstar entered into WWE's way of professional wrestling with such class, charisma and stellar skills. Shinsuke Nakamura jolted the wrestling world when news broke of his WWE signing.
Also read: 5 Booking options for Shinsuke Nakamura on the main roster
While being more than qualified, many just never imagined Nakamura leaving the comfort of his abode that was NJPW, where he accomplished everything he possibly could. However, being the true competitor that he is, Shinsuke felt the urge to challenge himself to even higher levels than ever before.
As the current NXT champion, Nakamura is definitely the biggest attraction in NXT. But, as big as NXT has grown, the WWE main roster is the pinnacle that Nakamura has to set his sights on now. The talent is there, now it's more or less a matter of logistics to see when he gets the call to the next level, which will happen in the very near future.
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