Every WWE NXT Call-Up In 2017: Ranked From Worst To Best
1. Samoa Joe
The vast majority of WWE's 2017 NXT call-ups come with at least one major downside. For the Riott Squad, Absolution, Asuka, and The Revival, it's tenure. Shinsuke Nakamura, Tye Dillinger, and Bobby Roode have suffered through momentum-less booking, and Elias, though effective in his role, lags well behind the majority of his peers from bell-to-bell.
Samoa Joe is the exception.
The former NXT Champion has been nothing but excellent since joining Raw in January, and while he has largely played a supplementary role, he's always one of the most enjoyable things on the crowded flagship brand.
Joe made an excellent start as Triple H's 'Destroyer,' and gained instant credibility by injuring Seth Rollins in his debut, before beating the mighty Roman Reigns in his very first match. The pillaging continued thereafter. He choked Sami Zayn unconscious at Fastlane, beat Bray Wyatt and Finn Balor on Raw, then starred in the chaotic Extreme Rules main event, earning a shot at Brock Lesnar's Universal Title.
The ensuing feud was a complete success. Joe was established as the most dangerous man on the main roster, and it almost didn't matter that he fell to 'The Beast.' His aura, presence, and strength of character are more than strong enough to absorb the occasional loss, and he's over as hell, too.