At the top of the year, the NXT roster is looking pretty stacked. With blossoming superstars in the form of Aleister Black, Drew McIntyre, Johnny Gargano, and Sanity being supported by young upstarts like The Velveteen Dream and Lars Sullivan, it’s safe to say that the massive gaps left behind by Finn Bálor, Shinsuke Nakamura and Samoa Joe have finally been filled. Unfortunately, it’s getting to that time where NXT breakouts begin to be plucked away from their developmental cubby-holes and are thrust into the scramble of talent on either Raw or SmackDown Live.
Even though the main roster is the end-goal we want to see a lot of NXT stars achieve, it’s hard to let them go after such an exceptional period on NXT television. So, once again, we’re in need of a few big names to help fill those gaps and carry NXT through to the next era. Who could they be I hear you ask? Well, here are five wrestlers from various parts of the world who I think would be ideal for the grungy pit of future stars.
1. Jimmy Havoc
Jimmy. Jimmy. Jimmy Effing Havoc.
One of the growing number of British indie darlings to be globally recognised, Jimmy Havoc has become world-renowned for being one of the most explicit wrestlers in the industry. Channelling the ilk of ECW, Havoc likes to cuss, bleed, and fall off of high things. Perhaps not the most suitable guy for WWE. But still, he’s a megastar in the making if he tones it down just a tad.
WWE are heading into another transitional period, where fans of different ages are demanding more gritty, legitimate styles of wrestling. Jimmy combines the Brit style of grappling with cringe-inducing violence, which has brought him many championships and achievements across the independent scene. He is known to be one of the most exciting guys to watch, whether that be while he’s practically killing himself in death matches, or when he’s performing as a despicable heel on the mic.
Havoc’s anti-hero nature and general aesthetic would prove to be something unique among the NXT roster. Whether he be introduced as part of the burgeoning UK Championship division or as an addition to the wider roster to reinvigorate the ‘extreme rules’ match types, Havoc would be an asset to them.
2. Hiromu Takahashi (and Darryl)
The “Ticking Time Bomb” of New Japan Pro Wrestling is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated wrestlers in the world today. A regular of the Junior Heavyweight division, Takahashi can be relied upon to put on a spectacle in the ring with almost anybody, recently putting on an excellent four-way match with Will Ospreay, Marty Scurll, and Yujiro Kushida.
Takahashi is another superstar who just oozes charisma, having an extraordinary look and swagger about him that instantly makes you a fan. His hybrid style of wrestling helps him stand out as a huge prospect for NXT, now that they seem more willing to take Japanese wrestlers more seriously than they have in the past. Takahashi may not be the most recognisable of NJPW stars, but I guarantee that in a few years, this man will be breaking global boundaries.
The ailing Cruiserweight division desperately needs more international talent to help broaden their roster. Similarly to how WCW began their version of the weight class, bringing in talent from Japan and Mexico would be the ideal way to keep fans invested. Takahashi could be a perfect fit to shine in NXT and then capture the world’s attention on 205 Live.
But all this will be for nothing if his stuffed cat Darryl doesn’t get to come along.
3. Keith Lee
The big powerhouse has recently broken through as one of the top stars of the independent scene. Having an extremely vivid look about him, Keith Lee captures your attention in seconds, but unlike most lumbering big dudes, this guy can go. Lee has defied my expectations several times by putting on some excellent matches with the likes of Zack Sabre Jr., Donovan Dijak, and Jeff Cobb, combining high-impact moves with genuinely impressive athletic ability.
If 2017 has proven anything, it’s that powerhouses can still be relied upon to put on exciting matches. The age of the big hoss is back, with Braun Strowman leading the charge for guys like Keith Lee, Walter, and Jeff Cobb. I would love to see Keith Lee be brought in to dwarf half of the guys on the NXT roster, and go on to change people’s perception of the big boys.
Lee also has an undeniable charisma which shines through in his matches. He’s a likeable babyface but can also get himself over as a heel if necessary. I’m sure his size alone is going to get him on the radar one day.
4. Matt Riddle
Another up-and-comer in the independent scene is former UFC competitor Matt Riddle. Having recently made the transition to professional wrestling and undertaken the moniker of “King of the Bros”, Riddle has quickly found himself as one of the most sought after names across all territories. MMA is growing more and more popular, and WWE are adapting to this by throwing names like Sonya Deville and Shayna Bazsler into the mix to satisfy the fans that need a more legitimate style of fighting. Matt Riddle captures that exciting, hard-hitting nature of MMA perfectly, whilst being one of the most popular performers on any card, an ideal name to make the jump to NXT.
Riddle is not only a solid singles competitor, but he can also be relied upon to be an exciting tag wrestler. So, should NXT be looking for a few extra tag teams after Sanity and The Authors of Pain make their anticipated call-ups, then perhaps Riddle and his partner Jeff Cobb could be called upon for their services?
I think NXT needs someone like Matt Riddle to help quell the desires for more competitive wrestling, bringing in an explosive performer to match strikers such as Aleister Black and Kassius Ohno. I’m sure Riddle is in the cross hairs somewhere, it’s only a matter of time.
5. John(ny) Morrison/Mundo/Nitro/Impact/Hennigan
If we’re looking at superstars that have truly come into their own since departing WWE, then look no further than John… MorriMundo. Much like Drew McIntyre, WWE let Morrison go back in 2011, allowing him to mature as a performer on the independent scene. Since then, Morrison has transformed himself into an bona fide star, competing in various promotions all across the world. Most recently showing up in Impact Wrestling to feud with fellow WWE alum Alberto El Patron, Morrison continues to wow Western audiences with his hybrid style of wrestling and parkour. There really is nobody quite like John Morrison.
NXT is a place for reinvention and restoration, the brand did wonders for Zack Ryder, Emma, Cesaro, and Drew McIntyre, I’m sure it could do the same for John Morrison as well. Returning with his new attitude and general demeanour would make him one of the most popular performers on the roster and instantly elevate him into the main event scene, somewhere he never truly managed to reach during his first run with WWE.
It seems only fitting that Morrison would make his comeback to WWE, but perhaps bringing him back via NXT to help maintain its profile as the place for innovative and exciting wrestling would be the perfect environment for Johnny. There’s a tonne of former WWE talent out there who could make the leap back into the big leagues as part of NXT, but no one deserves it more than Morrison.
Who are your indie darlings that you want to see mysteriously observing from the crowd at the next TakeOver? Let us know in the comments section below.
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