Over the past few days, a rumor has been spreading that WWE is considering moving some main roster talent to NXT. If WWE decides to do this, there are some great things that can come out of it. First, some Superstars that got lost in the shuffle can have a chance to shine and reinvigorate themselves. Second, it gives NXT more legitimacy as a third brand instead of just a developmental brand. That begs the question, though: If WWE were to send some Superstars to NXT, who should they be?
Before we get started, let’s take a look at some Superstars that benefitted from going to NXT after already being on the main roster. A great example is Emma, who went from Santino Marella’s bubbly love interest to the Evil Emma we all know today. Another is Sin Cara, who had a rough debut period, but after Hunico was put under the mask, he went to NXT and teamed up with Kalisto to capture the NXT Tag Team Championships from the Ascension. Drew McIntyre should also be included on this list. Even though McIntyre spent years on the independent scene before going to NXT, his current run is already miles better than his time in 3MB.
Dana Brooke
When Dana Brooke was called up to the main roster as Charlotte’s backup, most fans thought that she wasn’t ready to compete on that level, especially compared to the likes of Bayley and Becky Lynch. Brooke has gotten used to the big stage and bright lights, but even her matches against the most talented of opponents just feel jagged and awkward. Brooke could use some more time in NXT improving on fluidity and fleshing out her character.
Tamina
Before the “Women’s Evolution” began, Tamina was viewed as the big powerhouse in the women’s division. She seemed like the bruiser that other women didn’t want to mess with, but after returning from injury, it seems like the rest of the division is leagues above her. It is hard to take Tamina as an intimidating force when Charlotte, who is better and taller than her, is on the same show. Like Dana Brooke, Tamina could use a bit of enhancement from the NXT system to find out who she is outside of “Jimmy Snuka’s daughter.”
Darren Young
When The Prime Time Players split up, WWE tried to reinvent Darren Young by pairing him up with WWE Hall of Famer Bob Backlund. While these segments were always zany, they never really landed. Young always seemed to be treading water with this gimmick, then he got sidelined with an injury. Whenever Young is healthy enough to get back in the ring, and NXT run could do great things for him. Undoubtedly, Young would be lost on the main roster if he doesn’t get paired up with Titus Worldwide, so actually having screen time would help the former Tag Team Champion climb the ladder.
John Cena
Before I say anything about this entry, this would not be a permanent move. I just want to see John Cena wrestle in an NXT ring. He has already put NXT talent over with Kevin Owens, and he could very easily have great matches with most of the roster. Some NXT Superstars might never get a chance to work with Cena because of his part-time schedule. Cena could feud with Bobby Roode, Tommaso Ciampa, or even SAnitY. If there is one way to build the legitimacy of the brand, it is to put “free agent” John Cena there (that’s why he’s on SmackDown Live).
Of course, adding Superstars to NXT means that there could be the chance of having too many wrestlers on the one-hour long show. This is fixed by calling up NXT stars who be beneficial to the main roster. Asuka is more than ready to be on the main roster, and so is NXT Champion Bobby Roode. Two Superstars that are underlooked, Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy, should join Raw’s stacked tag team division and provide protection for the Raw Women’s Champion, Alexa Bliss.
