WWE Draft 2016: Predicting The 6 NXT Wrestlers Who'll Be Drafted

5. Nia Jax

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WWE.com

While she could definitely benefit from a longer stint in developmental, all signs point towards Nia Jax’s immediate call-up to Raw or SmackDown. Despite her televised NXT debut coming less than a year ago, WWE have proven with Apollo Crews and Dana Brooke that they’re not above promoting wrestlers ahead of schedule, and Jax’s growth should soon take place on national television instead of the Performance Centre.

Her recent NXT bookings are very telling. Promoted as a dominant powerhouse throughout her run, Nia has been unsuccessful in her two attempts at capturing the NXT Women’s Championship. Losing to Bayley at TakeOver: London, then Asuka six months later at TakeOver: The End, she hasn’t been able to get the job done when it counts. She took Asuka to her limits and gained traction by injuring Bayley and forcing her to miss a scheduled title rematch at The End, but for now, the Women’s Championship is out of Nia’s reach.

Nia Jax is very much a work-in-progress. She’s improved in recent months, but still looks uncomfortable in her assigned monster heel role, particularly in longer matches. Still, there’s nobody on WWE’s current women’s roster with her look, size, and strength. These qualities give her a niche, and sometimes, that’s all a wrestler needs to succeed.

It’s also worth noting that Sasha Banks is still searching for a tag team partner to take-on Dana Brooke and Charlotte at Battleground. With Sasha dismissing recent reports that she’ll call-on Bayley’s assistance, could Nia fill the void?

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.