WWE NXT: 5 breakout superstars to watch in 2019

Xia Li

“I am spicy, you will feel the heat.”

That was one of Xia Li’s lines during the Mae Young Classic 2, where she established herself as a potential breakout star, lasting one more round than she did at the first Mae Young Classic.

Li has received high praise from main roster superstars like Sasha Banks, who called her “one to watch” going forward.

She’s already grabbed the audience’s attention at NXT Live Events, and it’s only a matter of time before she does the same on NXT TV. Xia Li did make her television debut in a match against Mia Yim, shortly after joining Kacy Catanzaro, Candice LeRae, and other rising stars with an eye-opening performance at the Women’s Rumble this year.

Eric Bugenhagen

The “Bugez” took the NXT Universe by storm on the Feb. 6 episode of NXT TV, and his hard rock gimmick has huge potential in both NXT and in the future on the WWE main roster. Eric Bugenhagen’s charisma has never been in question, as anyone who followed his videos about lifting (especially his behind-the-back deadlifts) can attest to his, shall we say, uniqueness.

An excellent strength athlete with a background in amateur wrestling at the University of Wisconsin, Bugenhagen has promise in the ring, too. But it’s his character work and ability to engage the audience with his confidence and promo work that will make him a future star in NXT and beyond.