10 Most Larger Than Life Wrestlers In The World Today

9. Velveteen Dream

Velveteen Dream
WWE.com

Ask a handful of NXT fans which wrestlers they're most worried about heading to the main roster and there's a good chance many will say "Velveteen Dream." One of wrestling's hottest prospects he may be, but his situation best explains the problem's with today's call-up system.

Dream's ability to project personality, flamboyance, charisma, and character is far above his 24 years. He possesses numerous traits that can't be taught, which is why it doesn't matter that he isn't a 10/10 wrestler yet; when that side of his game catches up, he'll become one of his generation's most complete performers.

But fans are right to be worried about Dream on Raw and SmackDown for one simple reason: overexposure. Acts like his can't afford to become normalised. Shinsuke Nakamura was in a similar situation prior to departing developmental and while 'The King Of Strong Style' remains a uniquely charismatic individual, his "wow" factor was killed by overexposure a long time ago. Once a larger than life, attention-grabbing star, Nakamura is now "just a guy."

Restraint needs to be exercised when booking such characters. That's why Dream comes off so well in NXT, so fingers crossed he stays there a while longer.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.