7 WWE Acts That Peaked In NXT

WWE clearly had big plans for Graves. He was positioned in showcase matches from the get-go and engaged in a memorable blood feud with NXT favorite Adrian Neville. Fans and announcers constantly called him the new CM Punk, and with some justification. While some of that comparison may have been down to superficial similarities like his tattoos and punk rock look, Graves was charismatic, edgy, and great on the mic.

Unfortunately, one concussion too many prematurely ended his in-ring career before he could make it to Raw or SmackDown as an in-ring competitor. Graves’ future seemed uncertain for a while, but he eventually got an opportunity to don a smart jacket and try his hand in the announcing booth.

His snarky commentary mixed with a great talent for putting over the action solidified him as an essential part of NXT during one of its most exciting periods. He can now be found calling the action on Monday Night Raw.