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Examining the next crop of potential NXT superstars.
NXT, as part of the WWE, has slowly but surely become the gold standard of pro wrestling throughout the company. Over the course of the past 5 years, a number of the performers at “Full Sail University” have gone from once being seen as young, budding prospects into bona fide superstars.
Since NXT’s inception in June of 2012, the brand has churned out a staggering 13 eventual main roster world champions. And with guys like Shinsuke Nakamura, Samoa Joe, and Bobby Roode all graduating to the red and blue brands, that number should continue to grow at a rapid pace.
The current superstars in NXT are quite impressive as well. Between Drew McIntyre, Roderick Strong, Asuka, Alesiter Black, Ember Moon, and the recently acquired Adam Cole, the immediate future in NXT is very strong. But outside of the cream of the crop, what other superstars are waiting in the wings for their chance? The WWE is constantly recruiting new workers from all over the globe and for some of the newer superstars, they’re just one opportunity away from joining the elite.
Ahead, we break down 5 potential NXT stars that are currently flying under the radar.
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5. Dakota Kai
Kicking off this list is Kai, the 29 year-old Auckland, New Zealand native and 10 year veteran of the sport. “The Captain of Team Kick” was signed to the WWE last December but waited about 9 months to make a splash. As a contestant in the Mae Young Classic, Kai impressively tore through Kavita Devi and Rhea Ripley before being ousted in the quarterfinals by eventual finalist Kaire Sane.
Through her 3 tournament matches, Kai showed the world what the independent wrestling scene had been watching for over a decade. A high energy performer, Kai dazzled the NXT audience with her ultra-stiff kicks and endless charm.
With NXT in the need for a love-able type baby face to pick up where Bayley left off, Kai has a chance to become a contributor sooner rather than later. And she certainly has the the goods. Outside of brilliant in-ring work and natural athleticism, Kai’s charisma is what could potentially steer her towards NXT greatness and possibly even further beyond.
As mentioned, Kai is 29 years old, basically the prime age for a wrestler to really make a run. If the WWE plays it right, they could be getting her at the exact time of her career when her ceiling is highest.
Kai also brings a solid resume to the ring with her. A champion in 4 different countries including the United States, she’s already locked horns with many of the elite female wrestlers on earth. She’s had numerous battles with fellow tournament members Mia Yim, Abbey Laith, Kay Lee Ray, and Tessa Blanchard, proving she’s ready for the next step.
All being said, Kai has tremendous upside and the WWE would be wise to try and capitalize on the success she had in the Mae Young Classic. If booked correctly, Kai has future champion written all over her.
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4. Fabian Aichner
In the summer of 2016, the WWE presented the Cruiserweight Classic to the masses. A field of thirty-two 205 pounders took to the ring and in a series of matches, proved that the global Cruiserweight division may currently be the best it’s ever been. And the WWE clearly took notice.
Of the 29 men involved in the tournament not already under WWE contract, the company went ahead and signed 14 of them. This led to the creation of 205 Live and with that, a new era of lighter weight wrestlers was ushered in.
One superstar who didn’t make many waves in the tournament as far as success goes, was Italy’s Fabian Aichner. Having to cut nearly 25 pounds just to make the tournament, the 27 year-old was ousted in the first round by Jack Gallagher.
However, his performance apparently turned a lot of heads, because just a year later the WWE signed him to a deal. Currently with NXT, he’s only had a handful of matches but the unique talent he brought to the CWC has already been on display. He’s a brute powerhouse but has the agility of a guy who’s 50 pounds lighter which makes him a handful for whatever opponent he faces.
Still somewhat green as a 6-year pro, Aichner still has a long way to go in his development but the initial prospects for him look promising. Along with high flying/bruising wrestling style, Aichner brings an intensity that that few in the WWE could keep up with. He may never be a world champion in the company, but there is no doubt that the Italian could be a mid-card titlist when he one day makes it to the main roster. From there, anything could happen but one thing is for sure: Aichner will one day be a can’t miss type performer.
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3. “The Velveteen Dream” Patrick Clark
Now this one isn’t that far “under the radar” as Clark does have some name recognition from his appearance on the last season of Tough Enough. However, it was on that show that some people soured on Clark due to his what was perceived as an ego problem despite being one of the favorites to win.
After a much shorter than expected run on the show, Clark retreated back to the independent circuit but just a few months later was signed to the WWE. Apparently the company couldn’t pass up on his potential.
Clark really does have it all as it comes to being a major player in the WWE, despite being only 22 and wrestling for less than 3 years. At 6’3′ and 230 pounds, he has the size and with that, brings a level of athleticism that could rival anyone in the company. But where Clark is beginning to set himself apart with is his mic work. He seems to be a natural cutting promos, a trait that is extremely difficult for a young worker yet hugely important for his future.
The kid oozes charisma and his new “Velveteen Dream” heel gimmick is really starting to catch on. Once perceived as a likeable baby face, Clark has suddenly turned himself into an arrogant bad guy and he’s done it with ease.
The Velveteen Dream may just be the highest-ceiling prospect the company has right now. He’s the blue-print for a future WWE star. He’s got size, in-ring ability, unlimited charisma, great mic-work, and he’s at an age and experience level where he hasn’t learned any bad habits. He has the potential to be molded into anything the company wants him to be. And that’s exactly why it’s only a matter of time before Clark is wearing gold.
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2. Sarah Logan
An independent wrestling scene stand-out for over 5 years, 24 year-old Sarah Logan has already begun to make a name for herself in the WWE. Logan spent the first year of her WWE tenure making appearances in mostly NXT house shows but has recently been elevated to television exposure, although they haven’t been successful as far as the win column goes.
But the fact that the Jeffersonville, Indiana, native is being thrust into TV matches against Peyton Royce and a round of the Mae Young Classic hints that there’s more to come. When it comes to NXT, normally where there’s smoke, there’s fire and that notion should mean that Logan has some potential future plans.
And why not? In the few television appearances she’s made, it’s clear that Logan is one of the most polished young performers in the company as her in-ring acumen is about as smooth as it gets. She has a perfect blend of power and speed, and her basic technique is spot-on. Factor in a pretty face and a plethora of charisma and the idea of her being a major player one day is not that far of a stretch.
However, the one thing that may set her apart from the field is something that we haven’t even seen from her yet. On the indy circuit, Logan went by “Crazy Mary Dobson”. An outrageous, borderline manic character that could pull off baby face or heel depending on what the night called for. Her personality may just be her best trait.
Logan has the raw ability to captivate crowds whether it’s for her or against her and that’s not something that comes easy. The WWE fans have yet to see that side of her yet but when they do, coupled with how good she is in the ring, they’ll make her a star.
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1. Oney Lorcan
Boston native Oney Lorcan has been with the WWE for almost 2 years. In that time, he’s compiled close to 150 matches and has taken on the who’s who of the NXT roster. Between Aleister Black, Hideo Itami, Kassius Ohno, and Roderick Strong among a host of others, Lorcan seems to be playing on the same playing field as NXT’s elite.
However, that hasn’t produced much success as the 31 year-old has yet to win a belt or be a part of a major angle. And with guys like Drew McIntyre and Adam Cole elevated almost immediately to the NXT title scene, the waiting period for Lorcan may continue.
But if the waiting game becomes too much for Lorcan, this guy is clearly good enough to go directly to the main roster. Whether it’s 205 Live, or straight to RAW or Smackdown “The Boston Bruiser” is every bit as talented in-ring worker as anybody in the company. A 13 year veteran of the sport, Lorcan has traveled the globe wrestling the top guys in multiple different countries. He’s a stiff striker with a heavy arsenal of power moves and electric intensity drives up every match he’s in a couple of notches.
But where Lorcan stands out the most is quite frankly, just himself. The NXT crowds are almost always red-hot for him as he carries himself like a fearless monster. Lorcan’s popularity is a sign that he could be a star at the next level. His audience appeal based on his “never say die” attitude is something that the fans will always gravitate towards and could someday make him the top superstar that he has the potential to be.
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If Lorcan gets a chance, everyone in the company should watch out. Because he’s just that good.