10 Wrestlers Who Can Succeed Finn Balor As NXT's Icon
2. Cesaro
While most of Finn Balor’s potential replacements already reside on the NXT roster, Cesaro comes from elsewhere in the WWE Universe. Nonetheless, he is a perfect choice to become the brand’s cornerstone athlete, and should a significant Raw push not be forthcoming, WWE could do a lot worse than install him as a Full Sail stalwart.
Cesaro’s WWE developmental education came in Florida Championship Wrestling, but he’s appeared in NXT multiple times since FCW’s rebranding. Featured thrice on the “NXT’s Greatest Matches” DVD released earlier this year, his technical classic with William Regal and 2 out of 3 falls match against Sami Zayn are must-watch spectacles for any WWE fan.
NXT fans would worship Cesaro like a deity should he return, and while it’s clearly a smaller stage than Raw, Cesaro would have complete freedom to utilize his incredible wrestling skills however he sees fit. He’d be made a legitimate superstar (something that looks increasingly unlikely on the main roster), and while it might seem like a demotion, a strong NXT run would only enhance Cesaro’s status in the company.
It’s a great fit for everyone involved. Cesaro wouldn’t go going back to Full Sail to learn, but to be a star. NXT isn’t a mere farm system any more, but a touring brand in its own right. It’s primary purpose remains training and building the next breed of main roster superstar, but it needs draws to keep it afloat, and Cesaro would be just that.