Five NXT superstars who will benefit from the rebrand

There have been a lot of changes and rumors swirling around the NXT brand lately. One thing that is certain is the new look set to take place onscreen. The new logo is accompanied by a new theme performed by recording artist Wale.

Traditionally, NXT has been the developmental brand and in many ways was the “wrestling” show in WWE. This new era may look to focus more on the “sports-entertainment” aspect of NXT, which could help with character development.

These Five Superstars will benefit the most from the NXT rebrand

Not to say that character development has been an issue in NXT; in fact, many superstars have thrived there. However, somewhere during the main roster call-ups, all of that character building gets tossed out.

The most recent example is Karrion Kross. Perhaps more influence from Vince McMahon and Bruce Pritchard can help massage that process so NXT favorites don’t lose momentum on the main roster. This new era could really do magic for these five names:

Ridge Holland

The brute from across the pond is back in a big way. Holland was set for a push before a major injury sidelined him for months. Since returning, he has aligned himself with Pete Dunne and looked dominant in the ring.

While Dunne seems like the next challenger for Samoa Joe, this is a prime opportunity to build Holland as the biggest threat on the roster. He could easily fill the Karrion Kross void and eventually find himself in the main event picture.

Tommaso Ciampa

Ciampa has already reached the top of the mountain before. Many considered him the biggest heel in professional wrestling at one point. However, since returning from injury, while featured on programming, his past aura is absent.

The former NXT Champion should be used as more than a gatekeeper to the brand, and the new era should position him as such. Before, simply seeing the name Ciampa onscreen would be followed by a chorus of boos and no music. WWE needs to throw it back to that era of Ciampa with this rebrand. It wouldn’t be such a bad thing if Johnny Gargano and Tommasso crossed paths again.

Ember Moon

When Ember Moon returned at TakeOver 31, it was made to feel like a big deal; that was almost a year ago. Her run since being back has been up and down. Moon returned and had success in the tag team division, and brought prestige to the new NXT Women’s Tag Titles.

But she’s been on the losing end more times than not as a singles competitor. A former NXT Women’s Champion in her own right, it’s time for Moon to be viewed as a threat to the entire division. The new era of NXT should look to get Moon back in the win column and perhaps shift her character to the heel side.

Isaiah “Swerve” Scott

I’m not sure there’s any superstar that needs the new era more than “Swerve”. In 2021, Scott has only partaken in three major feuds, with one of them ongoing now with Santos Escobar. He flexed a new edge against Leon Ruff which led to him gaining a new stable in Hit Row.

Hit Row has been an amazing infusion of creativity to the NXT brand. Yet since gaining the North American Title from Bronson Reed back in June, not only has Swerve not defended the gold, he hasn’t been in singles competition.

The rebrand should feature Swerve as one of their top stars which could then elevate him to the NXT Championship picture. Of course, the feud with Hit Row and Legado Del Fantasma has been a slow build. But with as slow as things are it’s beginning to feel like Swerve will be dethroned in his first title defense.

The new era of NXT would be wise to not let that happen and play up to the character development of Hit Row.

Carmelo Hayes

The NXT Breakout Tournament winner has put on some incredible matches during his brief run. Hayes has shown he could swim with the elite talent in NXT. The rebrand should continue to build off of this and position him as the next star to become the face of NXT.

Hayes will eventually use his guaranteed contract to challenge a champion, which should be reserved for a TakeOver event. That way Hayes can be showcased under the big lights whether he takes it all or comes up short. The kid has a certain “it” factor about him which will only get better with time. The rebrand should strike while the iron is hot.