WWE NXT: 5 wrestlers with massive breakout potential

3) Xia Brookside

The daughter of British legend Robby Brookside, Xia Brookside is already a veritable star in the UK. Fans gravitate towards her bubbly and welcoming personality, and her pure babyface demeanor and character (coupled with her slight frame) spur most everyone to root for her in every match.

Who’s better poised for a breakout than the one who fans already want to see pushed?

Taking a cue from her father and other British legends (like General Manager Johnny Saint), she incorporates the unique holds and transitions associated with British wrestling. She can also fly, and is fond of using a top rope cross body.

After all, with her frame, Brookside needs all the momentum and leverage she can muster (particularly against larger opponents).

That’s another reason fans gravitate towards her. No matter the obstacle in the form of a wrestler in front of her, she does not back down. She showed fire and spunk in a loss to former NXT UK and NXT Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley. After constantly being attacked by Jinny and Jazzy Gabert, Brookside eliminated Gabert in a #1 contender’s battle royal. It doesn’t matter who, it doesn’t matter how big and/or strong; all that matters is Brookside is not going to back down.

Brookside may never be the long-term champion to carry a brand for a year, but does she need to be? No. Her role could be that of NXT-version Sami Zayn: perpetually chasing and having the title snatched away from her every time she comes near…until she doesn’t and finally wins. That jubilation and emotional catharsis many fans felt when Zayn finally won the NXT Championship is possible with Brookside.

That’s the potential she holds. I hope we are able to one day see it come to fruition.