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

8. Eric Bugenhagen

Street Profits Triple H
WWE

Eric Bugenhagen brought the WhatCulture office lunch break to a standstill on 7 February 2019, the day after his televised NXT debut.

Strutting out to an entrance theme reminiscent of a metal band covering Yes' "Owner of a Lonely Heart," the neon-clad beefcake stopped at the top of the ramp, threw his head back, and unleashed a piercing Rob Halford-esque scream. Air guitar and air drums followed as the big, silly Bugez approached his encounter with the decidedly un-silly Drew Gulak, and while big Rick was only there to lose in under three minutes, his sheer energy and personality got him over with Full Sail University (and this workplace) in an instant.

That WWE uploaded an official "encore" later in the week speaks volumes to Bugenhagen's sudden popularity. He hasn't even been wrestling for two years and remains a raw prospect, but he's already over as hell in NXT. Regular TV appearances will make him a beloved figure.

As far as Raw and SmackDown go? Watch Vince McMahon turn him into another one-note No Way Jose/Adam Rose style act. The Chairman will kill The Bugez, though we should have a few years left to enjoy him in NXT.

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.