5 WWE NXT Wrestlers Ready For The Main Roster (And 5 Who Should Stay Put)
To call up or not to call up? That's the question for Ciampa, Shirai, and Cole...
Once upon a time, NXT was little more than a feeder system.
Tucked away in Florida performing for a few hundred die-hards a show, it was an opportunity for potential stars of tomorrow to learn the ropes among some industry vets, all the while waiting for their shot at the big time.
While today’s NXT still does have an end goal (reinforced by WWE's internal view of the brand), being a spot on Raw or Smackdown’s illustrious rosters, it now has a life of its own. For many fans, the lack of razzle-dazzle and focus on technical skill makes it WWE’s best product; even those who don’t like it can’t deny it has a solid identity.
While every career needs forward motion, for some the “promotion” to the big time spells disaster. For every Seth Rollin or Horsewoman there’s a Ricochet or Aleister Black: immensely talented wrestlers wasted in WWE’s packed locker rooms.
The majority of NXT talent no doubt still lusts for a shot at the main event, the WrestleManias and the recognition, and plenty should grab that brass ring as soon as they’re able. For others, though, there’s no place like home...
10. Call Up - Bronson Reed
While Bronson Reed hasn’t yet made the transition at the time of writing, it can only be a matter of time.
Exhibit A: He dropped the North American Championship shortly after winning it (in a manner designed to protect him), leaving him unencumbered for his emergence on Raw or Smackdown.
Exhibit B: Just look at him!
Reed looks tailor made for WWE, a monster of a man with a great, menacing look and an easy charisma. The Australian has proved his ability to work with wrestlers of all shapes and sizes, and while his physique and expressive face makes him an ideal heel, he’s demonstrated adaptability in his recent face run.
A slow starter in NXT, he’s come on leaps and bounds of late but has probably done about as much as he can under HHH’s auspices. With Strowman gone, perhaps there’s a space on the card for a proper monster, and Reed’s versatility and charm could make him a useful asset.
There’s every chance they’ll repackage him or confiscate his first name on the way to Raw, but you’d bet on Reed to overcome the odds.