Who's NXT?

When WWE decided to discontinue their version of ECW in 2010 they unveiled a new show. It was to be known as NXT. The premise was simple, 8 so called "rookies", in reality they were FCW wrestlers to be groomed for the main roster, would be paired individually with a WWE wrestler from the main roster with the goal of one of them becoming the NXT break out star. Each week one of the rookies would be eliminated until one man was left standing. Initial signs were positive. Seeing Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan) on WWE television competing against Chris Jericho in a fantastic match was a highlight of the first series along with the development of eventual season 1 winner Wade Barrett. The first season of NXT also led to the rise of The Nexus who quite clearly made an impact that has lasted as during a Wade Barrett and Justin Gabriel match from last weeks Raw audible chants of "we want Nexus" erupted from the crowd.

Season 2, 3 and 4 saw a gradual decline in what NXT was producing. The shift from in ring work to so called "rookie challenges" was disappointing. Season 2 was won by Kaval (Low Ki). Season 3 an all diva season was won by Kaitlyn. Season 4 was won by Johnny Curtis. After season 4 it was announced that season 5 would be entitled NXT Redemption where those who failed to win in previous seasons could come back and redeem themselves. An ok premise but that season ran for well over a year with little or no direction.

In June of this year a new version of NXT debuted. Essentially it was FCW. The stupid challenges and rookie/pro partnerships were abandoned. In their place, straight up competition with a young and talented roster. FCW was eventually discontinued in August with all titles ceasing to exist and as such NXT is now the developmental territory for new additions to the roster to ply their trade. As such I will now look at who I believe are the 5 gems of the roster that could move on to bigger and better things on Raw or Smackdown when the time comes for them.

1. Richie Steamboat- Son of the legendary Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, the boy has pedigree. The first time I saw Richie was against Damien Sandow for the FCW 15 championship (all matches were 15 minute iron man matches, winner would be one with most pinfalls/submissions). Richie won 2-1 and was crowned champion. A championship he held for 6 months. He is crisp and moves effortlessly around the ring. The highest compliment that can be paid is the he moves likes his father. Since the debut of the new NXT he has put on some entertaining matches against the likes of Leo Kruger and Jinder Mahal. He makes his opponents look good which is a great attribute to have. With age on his side, he's 25, he could have a long and successful career. Will he win a world title? I don't see why not. The shift to the likes of CM Punk and Daniel Bryan as world champions has benefited the smaller competitors. Richie Steamboat is one to watch, he is his fathers son, more so than other second generation wrestlers. Ricky "The Dragon" was a supreme worker who was consistent and reliable, Richie can do the same and possibly surpass his father's legacy.

2. Seth Rollins- Formerly known as Tyler Black, former ROH World Champion. He has won every title in FCW history and is now the current NXT Champion. Simply put. He is that good. Out of everyone on the NXT roster Rollins is "the" guy. He is the one who will likely move to the main roster first and experience success on the main roster. Those who have followed Rollins career know how good he is, for those who have not seen his earlier work I'd recommend his two matches against Austin Aries for the ROH World Championship. Becoming the first NXT Champion clearly shows that he is thought of as one for the future. He is a natural fit for the main roster and the thoughts of seeing Rollins hook up with Punk, Bryan, Sandow, Ziggler are intriguing match ups to say the least. Like Richie he has age on his side as he is 26 years of age. I see him as a natural replacement for CM Punk, when Punk decides to hang up the boots. Similar style and work ethic but different enough in character although there are similarities, particularly in their career trajectories. Punk could easily pass the torch to Rollins.

3. Bray Wyatt- NXT afficionados will recall Bray Wyatt as the former Husky Harris. A third generation wrestler and the only one on my list who competed on Raw and Smackdown. The man behind these characters is Windham Rotunda. Rotunda has created numerous characters/gimmicks in his time since returning to development, however his main reason for returning to development was to drop weight. His latest character that of Bray Wyatt (a Max Cady type character) is just brilliant. Deranged, uncomfortable, volatile and calm all at the same time, Rotunda's portrayal has been something totally different that we haven't seen before. Different characters are what is always needed on the main roster, as a worker he can move like a smaller guy even though he is a big guy. The character is the selling point for Rotunda and as such his work rate comes second (although as a worker I deem him underrated). He tore a pectoral muscle in July and returned at the most recent lot of tapings as a manager. This is another facet to the character that is brilliant, it lends itself not just as a competitor but as a leader of a group where he doesn't have to compete. Out of all the characters on the NXT roster Wyatt is the most interesting and intriguing and the one with longevity.

4. Kassius Ohno- Don't let the ridiculous name fool you, the man formerly known as Chris Hero is a supreme worker. Saddled with a terrible name should be no bother for him as his natural ability and talent shines through. A mainstay of the independent scene for a long time I thought he wouldn't make it to the WWE as unlike the 3 previous competitors he is slightly older at 32 years of age. Whereas Rollins, Wyatt and Steamboat could stay on NXT for a couple of years that happening to Ohno could cost him his prime years away from Raw and Smackdown. Initial signs show that Ohno is thinking along those lines as his performances have been crisp, athletic and have been of a high impact. While I think Rollins will be the first to move, I see Ohno as a close second. He needs the move more so than Rollins. Ohno is a smarmy, witty heel. Once again something different. I don't see him becoming a world champion as time is against him but he could be a great gate keeper and maybe luck out with a title run much like Christian.

5. Paige- This is a sole gut instinct one. They have featured a lot of new divas on NXT. But for me she stands out from the crowd. She isn't the typical diva. She reminds me of a mix of Daffney and Lita. I wish I could write more about her but I don't know much about her apart from she is British. It is a gut instinct and I think she is a "diva" for the future. With the addition of Sara Del Rey as a trainer Paige, will benefit no end as she already has the raw materials and with one of the best to hone those raw skills she could be the gem of the women's division for years to come.

Those are my 5 to watch for the new NXT. Thanks for reading.

Gar