10 NXT Stars Vince McMahon Will DESTROY On WWE's Main Roster

9. Roderick Strong

Street Profits Triple H
WWE.com

Roderick Strong is a world-class professional wrestler who reasserted his credentials at TakeOver: XXV, where he and Matt Riddle opened the show in spectacular fashion. Their nasty, hard-hitting fight was reminiscent of indie wrestling in its best form, with stiff shots and big bombs building in intensity as the performers worked through their respective gearboxes en route to a breathless conclusion. Roddy lost, but more than reminded the world of what he's capable of.

From a creative standpoint, it'd suit Strong to fill this role forever. He's ideal as the upper-midcard gatekeeper who puts prospective main eventers over on their road to the top as he never falls short in big singles matches, and always ensures his opponents look great. The in-ring is where his strengths lie. Unfortunately, this is also the least important aspect of Vince McMahon's main roster product.

Strong is the Undisputed Era member least likely to cut it on Raw or SmackDown not for a lack of skill, but because he's a wrestler first. Adam Cole is already a three-dimensional sports entertainer, Kylie O'Reilly has enough goofball charisma to sustain himself, and Bobby Fish is a grizzled ring veteran and KOR's partner. Roddy is great at what he does, but what he does isn't what Vince wants.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.