10 WWE Wrestlers Who Grabbed The Brass Ring In 2018

8. Nikki Cross

Seth Rollins Brass Ring
WWE.com

Wrestling is subjective, and your writer is no fan of Nikki Cross' 'crazy' gimmick, which shatters the suspension of disbelief every time she appears on WWE's most reality-based brand. Nonetheless, it's impossible to deny that the Scot hasn't poured all she has into her 2018 performances, particularly through the divisive whodunit saga, during which Cross was placed in a bigger spotlight than ever before.

A key piece in the revelation that Johnny Gargano was behind Aleister Black's ambush, Nikki rubbed shoulders with NXT's biggest players on a weekly basis. Handed some of the wildest scripted material developmental has ever seen, her enthusiasm for the role helped make her one of Full Sail University's most popular acts, and while her in-ring fortunes remain middling (despite her talent), she's over as hell with the NXT audience.

Cross' future is a question mark. There's little doubt a gimmick like hers will be destroyed on the main roster, and it has always felt like a small room act. Nonetheless, there's no questioning her application in 2018, and her willingness to fully commit to such a wacky character suggests she'll endure.

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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.