WWE
Ashley Sweetly Writes: Possible NXT Call-Ups
Wow. That’s pretty much the only thing that comes to mind after watching last night’s NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 4. Of course, the NXT roster has yet to give us a terrible pay-per-view. Nonetheless, with this TakeOver in the books and SummerSlam just hours away, it’s likely time for another round of NXT call-ups. Now, these are simply call-ups that look likely. Or maybe some that I just hope to see.
Shayna Baszler
Shayna had an incredible run with the NXT Women’s Championship. Realistically, she could have kept it for a while yet, barreling through opponents. But there isn’t much left for Shayna to do in NXT. She’s crushed most of her opponents.
I was uncertain of her at first, but let’s be honest. She has completely nailed her character as an unforgiving, mean, brutal chick. The stomping on ankles and fingers and toes that she does just show how great of a heel she already is. Mocking her opponents? Yes, please! From the time she won the NXT Championship through last night, her in-ring skill and character has progressed so much. I think it’s safe to say that she’s ready.
Besides, with her friend Ronda Rousey over on RAW (and likely winning the RAW Women’s Championship), it doesn’t make sense to keep her in developmental. For years, the WWE has teased that “4 Horsewomen versus 4 Horsewomen” angle. With Ronda and Shayna at the top of their game and a few months between now and Survivor Series, it isn’t far-fetched.
Now, I don’t know how they will introduce Shayna Baszler to the main roster, but I have suspicions. If she helps Ronda beat Alexa Bliss tonight, I would hardly be surprised. I don’t love the idea, but it would properly turn Ronda Rousey heel. If WWE swung the bat the right way, they could pull off a double-turn.
Velveteen Dream
Oh, Dream.
Those tights you wore last night? Fantastic. But as Triple H has said, “getting called up might not be a good thing.” In Velveteen Dream’s case, I’m afraid for him.
And it’s not to say that he doesn’t deserve it, or isn’t talented enough. Because we all know that he is unbelievable and capable of pulling off five-star matches with any opponent. But, when I think about how other larger-than-life characters like Tyler Breeze, The Ascension, and even Bobby Roode have been handled on the main roster, I cringe. All phenomenal talents in NXT, but lost in the shuffle with bad creative direction. I fear the same thing would be done for Dream.
On the other hand, it certainly looks like his time with NXT is drawing to a close. Pairing him off in a feud with someone like Jeff Hardy on SmackDown Live would be amazing. Or maybe put him on the red brand, and let him fight Dean Ambrose. The Lunatic would be put off by Dream’s odd personality, but only for a moment. The rivalry those two could extend would be fierce.
Truly, I don’t see him ever main-eventing. However, as long as there is a WWE writer in his corner, making sure they keep him away from becoming a comedy character, he has a chance to be something great.
Johnny Gargano
The outcome of last night’s TakeOver tells me that it’s Johnny’s time.
I could watch Ciampa and Gargano fight for the next three days, but that’s just me. Although Johnny Gargano wasn’t able to topple over his most fierce opponent ever, the heart he puts into the matches has to count for something. If that hasn’t put WWE Management on high alert, I don’t know what will.
Johnny could easily go forward as a huge star. The drive he has to do well with the WWE reminds me so much of a young Daniel Bryan. However, I wouldn’t book him as an “underdog” character. Rather, the WWE should allow him to win against pretty much everyone…
Until, of course, Ciampa gets called up. The story writes itself. So, hey WWE, please don’t screw this up!
Ashley Sweetly Writes
Those are the people who I think are ready to get called up and the most likely to. I flip-flopped with including Adam Cole…BAY-BAY on this list. But the more I think about it, the more I believe the WWE is trying to mirror a Bullet Club situation. AC just lost his Championship. Meanwhile, his brothers retained the Tag Team Championships.
And when Bobby Fish returns from his injury, I think he will be kicked out of the Undisputed Era in a grand fashion.
So, who do you guys think will be making their main roster debut soon? Which NXT stars are or aren’t ready? Let me know in the comments below!
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