WWE NXT: Why the Future is Bright from Recent Roster Additions

NXT bounced back nicely after losing several top stars to the WWE brand split. Will this new combination of talent mesh as well as their predecessors?

The growth of NXT over the past few years exceeded all expectations. They are selling out major arenas and were the hottest ticket over WrestleMania weekend in Dallas this year. But for the first time, NXT suffered a major loss of talent. Since Wrestlemania weekend, they lost Balor, Zayn, Corbin, Bayley, Carmella, Crews, Bliss, Jax, and American Alpha. Any wrestling company would suffer from losing that much of their roster. However, after a short adjustment period, NXT has bounced back with new roster additions to re-invigorate the brand heading into the future.

The most notable addition is the signing of “Glorious” Bobby Roode, a proven veteran talent with a great new gimmick. His new entrance theme alone was enough to generate interest and social media awareness (#GLORIOUS) in his debut. Not to mention he is a great performer and looks to be a top heel going forward. He is likely next for Nakamura after his feud with Samoa Joe concludes at NXT Takeover: Toronto. Samoa Joe will likely finish up with NXT soon, and Roode should work well with Nakamura. Knowing Bobby Roode’s success in TNA as a headliner, it’s reasonable to assume he will do the same in NXT.

Speaking of TNA, another one of their cornerstones recently arrived in NXT leading a stable of developmental talents. Eric Young is the leader of Sanity, a new post-apocalyptic themed group. Young will serve as a strong veteran hand to help develop the new performers in his stable. Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic debuted as a tag team in the Dusty Rhodes Classic. Their unique in-ring style combines power and surprising quickness for men of their size. They could develop into a strong tag team in the division despite losing their first round match to Austin Aries and Roderick Strong.

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The former “Mr. ROH” was the mystery partner for Austin Aries in the tag tournament. Strong has long been one of the best wrestlers in the world and will be in the main event picture of NXT before long. Strong working programs with Roode, Nakamura, and Aries is enticing. In addition to that, the recent heel turn by Andrade “Cien” Almas sets up his program with Cedric Alexander. Furthermore, after a failed fedora and suspenders gimmick, this turn will help Almas revitalize his career. It’s also good to see the cruiserweights like Alexander and Swann continuing to have a presence in NXT. Their fast-paced style is appreciated in NXT and will create entertaining match options.

But what about the women’s division? This division suffered greatly following the departure of “The Four Horsewomen”. Since Bayley’s departure, no legitimate contender for Asuka has been established. The quick fix is in place for NXT Takeover: Toronto, with Mickey James being brought in to face Asuka for the big event. This is only a short term solution, though, NXT needs new talent to be established in the women’s division. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce are on the right track with their new heel gimmick, They may prove to be the biggest threat to Asuka with their “strength in numbers” approach.

After some concerning months, NXT has once again found its stride. With the new combination of young and established talent, there are plenty of creative avenues for NXT to explore going forward. Now that the brand has proven it can create new stars, who will be the next big stars to emerge from NXT? It will be exciting to watch and find out.

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