WWE NXT: Getting To Know The Six Men In The Ladder Match

Adam Cole (BAY BAY)

Let me be clear about one thing: Adam Cole is a superstar whether he wins this match or not. Cole possesses all of the necessary qualities to become a top guy. He speaks with a level of conviction and believability that few can match. He has an undeniable charisma. He is a tremendous worker. And of course, he has the photogenic look that WWE historically craves from its talent. Basically, Cole has everything he needs to succeed.

This ladder match will allow Cold to show off his slinky heel tendencies in the no-rules environment. However, he probably won’t win. For starters Cole has to wrestle in another match–he and Kyle O’Reilly (Future Shock reunion!!) will defend the NXT Tag Team Championships against The Authors of Pain and Roderick Strong and Pete Dunne in a triple threat match. Unless the bookers plan on turning Cole babyface, I don’t see him “overcoming the odds” to win the North American Title.

Also, Cole strikes me more as a main event guy, not someone who holds a secondary belt for months on end. That isn’t to say that Cole couldn’t pull it off, he absolutely could, but it just feels like he’s destined for bigger and better things.

Like Sullivan and Dain, Cole doesn’t need the North American Title. Yes, it would give his character something to bloviate about (especially if he and O’Reilly retain the tag titles). Yes, he could lend his considerable name value to the belt. But the North American Title might be better suited for the next two guys on this list.