Shawn Michaels Says These 5 WWE NXT Wrestlers Are The Future

HBK spoke out on last night's WWE Backstage.

by Andy H Murray
Shawn Michaels NXT
WWE

Last night's episode of WWE Backstage saw guest Shawn Michaels pinpoint the up-and-coming names he believe will help take NXT to the next level.

HBK mentioned Karrion Kross, Dexter Lumis, and Timothy Thatcher when host Renee Young asked which wrestlers he was keeping the closest eye on. On top of this, Michaels commented on the recent push given to the partnership of Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez, putting the heel duo over as a modern-day HBK and Diesel.

Strong praise indeed from one of the consensus greatest wrestlers of all time, who added that there are "a number of [other] guys coming up that are going to be very interesting."

Advertisement

Kross is a fascinating subject, as it was reported that he was going to receive a big, big push before he even signed with the company. He has already been slotted alongside NXT main-eventer Tommaso Ciampa for a feud. Thatcher, meanwhile, debuted as Matt Riddle's fill-in tag partner a few weeks ago, while Lumis has become an increasingly big part of NXT programming over the past month.

As for Kai and Gonzalez? They're still warring with Tegan Nox, who looks another likely candidate for elevation in 2020.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.