5 WWE NXT Fresh-Faced Talents Most Likely To Succeed
Hi folks. Here to give you a short list of WWE NXT talent who have caught my eye. I have done my best to only include those who made their TV debuts in the past year (excluding NXT UK), although I may include an exception where necessary.
Of course, stars like Carmelo Hayes, Tiffany Stratton, Bron Breakker, Ilja Dragunov, and others are destined to move up to the main roster, but this isn’t about them. It’s about those we may have only seen a handful of times, having the potential to do great things in WWE. Let’s take a look.
#1. Dragon Lee
He graduated from CMLL’s training school close to a decade ago, and has been a rising star ever since. Out of all the young prospects in NXT, it could be said that Dragon Lee is the only sure thing. Before signing, he had already proved himself in Mexico with CMLL & AAA, Japan in NJPW, and for Ring Of Honor as a two-time Television Champion, before it was purchased by Tony Khan.
WWE has been looking for a luchador to step into Rey Mysterio’s role for a long time. The Lucha House party didn’t turn out, the Lucha Brothers are in AEW, and nobody else has caught WWE’s eye. Dragon Lee could have gone anywhere, but he decided to sign with WWE and develop in NXT. And so far, he has been comfortable in the ring and on the microphone. Dragon Lee could well be the babyface luchador to represent lucha libre in WWE for the next generation. The tools are there, he just needs to put in the work. More importantly, he needs to get over with the WWE Universe, which is easier said than done.
#2. Javier Bernal
Bernal has been used sparingly as a heel in a comedic role, and I’m digging the confidence. There’s a Miz level of poise that most superstars can take years to learn. He hasn’t done much yet, but I’m already looking forward to Shawn Michaels giving him something substantial. A long way to go to improve in the ring, but that’s what NXT is for. “Big Body Javi” has a bright future.
#3. Stevie Turner
This 4D Superstar is about live streaming her way to success. Yes, her gimmick is that of a live streamer. However, while it would suit some, she isn’t all about getting paid while sitting on her backside.
Stevie Turner has been in WWE since 2021 in NXT UK, but was only called to NXT last year after the UK brand was decommissioned. She’s pretty solid in the ring, and her biggest match to date was a NXT UK title match against Meiko Satomura. Not only that, but with a confident cockney accent, she enjoys talking anyone’s ears off. And then there’s the fact she is engaged to Kit Wilson of Pretty Deadly, which for anybody who knows, are obnoxiously self-assured. She could easily join them someday.
A few may remember her disappearing after debuting seven months ago. Turner suffered a knee injury which sidelined her for seven months, but she returned on this weeks episode of NXT LVL Up with a win over Valentina Feroz. Now is the time for the 26-year-old to put in some serious work.
#4. Lola Vice
I have not seen much of her yet, but from what I have seen, and what I have read from others, she is doing an awesome job of adapting to the world of sports entertainment.
Before signing with WWE, Cuban-American Valerie Loureda spent her days as a MMA fighter, actress, and model. Because of her background, she has been using a mean roundhouse kick to finish her opponents in style. In her downtime from wrestling, she enjoys posting all kinds of things on social media, like being stoked to get a picture with John Cena. There’s a lot to learn, but she clearly has the fire and the passion for this game.
#5. Tank Ledger
Security guard Hank Walker was introduced to NXT by Javier Bernal, and soon enough, he got in the ring and beat Bernal. From that point on, he was a little lost, at least, that was til Tank Ledger showed up. Along with Oba Femi, he was brought in as part of WWE NIL (Next In Line), which is a program WWE introduced to recruit graduated college athletes to the company.
It’s interesting to note that out of the dozens of athletes WWE took on, he is one of only a few who made it to TV. And it’s easy to see why, because this former football player has natural charisma. He also doesn’t look awkward in the ring. His character reminds me partly of Mojo Rawley when he was “hyped”, but not in an annoying way.
It was interesting when he began teaming with Hank, because he suggested they have a match because it will make them closer as a tag team. Tank lost to Hank, but he was fine with that. Ever since, Tank & Hank have formed a natural tag team that could be around for years. That works for me, because NXT has some shoddy teams, but this one feels like it could get over, because Hank & Tank are two guys people can relate to.
With that said, please let me know who you would add to this list in the comments. Thanks for reading!
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