10 WWE NXT Main Roster Call-Ups That Must Happen In 2018

4. Aleister Black

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WWE

Cultivating a TV-ready character is a primary goal for any NXT debutant, but not Aleister Black, whose persona has been bigger than developmental since the day his first vignette aired.

The former Tommy End is truly unique. He carries an aura and presence that can't be taught, with everything from the ominous entrance music to his unsettling calm in the heat of battle making him NXT's most compelling character. He's primed and ready to become a hugely marketable commodity on the main roster, though his booking will be key: WWE don't exactly have a shining track record when it comes to darker characters.

For all his character's triumphs, there is a case for keeping Black in NXT for the bulk of 2017. From a creative standpoint, not giving him a title run feels like a waste, but he's not the finished article between the ropes either. Always a tremendous tag worker, Aleister has long been a relatively underwhelming singles performer. His style is hard-hitting and eye-catching, and recent bouts with Velveteen Dream and Hideo Itami show his progression, but he could certainly use another 6-8 months in developmental so that he can hit those heights with increased regularity.

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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.