10 Reasons To Be Optimistic Following WWE Draft 2016

9. New Opportunities In NXT

Daniel Bryan SmackDown
WWE.com

As great as it would’ve been to see Shinsuke Nakamura and Bayley get their opportunity on the big stage, clearing NXT of the six chosen superstars has left the roster in better shape going forward.

Balor is a tremendous talent, but his time as NXT Champion has come and gone, and with him out of the picture, newer wrestlers like Shinsuke Nakamura and Austin Aries can ascend towards contendership. Same with American Alpha, whose absence will mean increased opportunities for TM61 and Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano in the tag scene.

The NXT women’s division will benefit the most, however. Not only has it retained one of its main anchors (Bayley), but Bliss, Carmella, and Jax had created a real logjam in in the division’s midcard. Young wrestlers like Deonna Purrazzo, Peyton Royce, and Liv Morgan have been waiting in the wings for months, and should finally get their big chances.

One of the most exciting aspects of NXT has always been watching young hopefuls rise through the ranks. The new look, trimmed down NXT roster allows countless opportunities for such wrestlers to emerge as spotlight performers: it’s going to be super exciting to watch them reach-up and grab the famous “brass ring”.

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.