10 Greatest Debuts In WWE NXT History

9. James Storm

The business side of TNA has been strongly criticized over the years due to their downright dumb decisions at times, but never its incredible wrestling roster. For the flack TNA tends to receive, the wrestlers they have under contract, even now, are top-notch and among the best in the world. That said, the idea that any homegrown TNA talent would surface in WWE was almost unfathomable, especially several years ago. That changed with Samoa Joe's shocking NXT arrival in May 2015, and from that point forward, anyone from TNA was fair game. Rumors ran rampant the day of NXT TakeOver: Respect that James Storm was spotted at Full Sail University, reportedly to talk with WWE officials about coming in. Although he didn't debut at the TakeOver special, he did make an unannounced appearance at the next night's television tapings, which was spoiled by WWE on their official website and social media accounts. As a seasoned veteran in the business, fans knew from the get-go that Storm wasn't destined to win championships in NXT nor was he main roster bound, but it was a thrill to see him show up in Full Sail University, regardless. As someone who cut his teeth in TNA for over a decade, he deserved that outstanding ovation when he walked across the stage and his name flashed on the Titantron. He has since re-signed with TNA for more money, but a return to WWE down the line isn't out of the question seeing as how he left on good terms with Triple H.