The word broke several months back that Impact Wrestling might cease to be come September, an ironic twist for a company branded as “Total Nonstop Action.” I remember reading a billion blog posts about who the WWE might pick up once TNA has gone the way of so many other promotions. At the time, it seemed premature, especially with the immediate future of NXT in question. If you’ll remember, Kevin Owens has only recently made an impact—no pun intended—on the WWE’s main roster. Before Neville, there were questions as to how an NXT wrestler might successfully transition into a WWE Superstar, but now the WWE appears to be an ever evolving entity. We’re going to see Tyler Breeze versus JUSHIN THUNDER LIGER, for crying out loud! Now that NXT is touring the country, and set to debut in New York City, it would seem that anybody worth marketing is a possible prospect for the hottest promotion in professional wrestling. I read down the roster and came up with seven guys I could honestly see in NXT.
Jessie Godderz
Before he was one half of the Bro-Mans, “Mr. Pectacular” was a Big Brother contestant. He proved to be so popular that he returned for a second season, and was eventually signed by TNA. Now, I know that sounds shady. Where’s the wrestling come into play with this guy? Well—it doesn’t. Didn’t I say I was going to keep this list honest? In addition to recognizable independent talent, the WWE likes to stack its developmental system with potential superstars from various walks of life. You have your power lifters like Dana Brooke, the football players like Baron Corbin, and even soccer players like Hugo Knox. Every once in a while you’ll also get a few actors, a couple stunt men, and yes—male models. Jessie has a great look in terms of what Vince likes to see, and his character work within TNA since turning on his partner Robbie E has been acceptable.
Kenny King
Kenny King is 33-years old and is the oldest person on this list. The WWE isn’t looking to sign talent over 30 unless there’s money to be made on their name. Samoa Joe would have never been signed if he hadn’t made such a lasting impression on the sport of professional wrestling. Kenny King might not be a household name but he’s made his rounds in the last thirteen years, working with companies like Ring of Honor and Full Impact Pro. In fact, Kenny King’s foray into the industry began in 2002 as a second season cast member on Tough Enough. Kenny King might be a long-shot, but a try-out shouldn’t be out of the question.
Rockstar Spud
Rockstar Spud is unlike anyone the WWE has ever hired. Daniel Bryan is often considered one of the smaller-statured Superstars in the WWE, and he stands just shy of 5’10”. Rockstar Spud is 5’4”, and weighs a whopping 140 pounds. Despite his size, Spud has proven his worth inside the squared circle—and the six sided ring! The subtle choices he’s made since turning babyface are spectacular, but they’re nothing compared to the exaggerated lunacy he exuded while working with EC3 and Dixie Carter. Sami Zayn might one day get called up to the main roster, and when that day comes, NXT will need a new underdog.
Mahabali Shera
When Rey and Alberto left WWE, everyone shouted to the high heavens about how there needs a new Mexican wrestler. Now that Kevin Owens is coming into focus on the main roster, people are nitpicking about the lack of marketable Canadian Superstars. It’s clear the WWE likes to have an assortment of multicultural talents to help sell tickets both in the ‘States and abroad. The Great Khali was India’s most recent homegrown representative—all due respect to Jindar Mahal. According to a recent episode of “Talk is Jericho,” Pro Wrestling and Cricket are the two most popular sports in India. Mahabali Shera was part of Jeff Jarrett’s Ring Ka King, and has since been rechristened “Khoya” on Impact. He’s not a great wrestler, but that’s what the performance center is there for. Plus, he’s 24-years old and he’s got a barrel chest unlike any Indian athlete I’ve ever seen.
Robbie E
You’ll notice there aren’t any former WWE Superstars on this list. There are a handful of “developmental defects,” but nobody that ever broke through to the main roster, or even television for that matter. No EC3? No EC3—but Robbie E! Robbie E is from my home state of New Jersey and actually trained with a few friends of mine. He was tag team partners with the “Chop Daddy” Biggie Biggs, and eventually got noticed enough to become a longtime fixture on the TNA roster. I have a soft spot for Robbie E, but I also feel that—just like Jessie Godderz—he’s coming into his own since the break-up. Robbie plays a perfectly believable sympathetic babyface, and has flipped the script on his character in just a matter of weeks.
Bram
I think it’s only a matter of time before we see Bram in the WWE. I want to say that right here and now. Let’s look at the facts, and not bury the lead: he’s married to Charlotte, one of the newest WWE Divas, who just so happens to be the daughter of the only two time WWE Hall of Famer, Ric Flair. He’s got the size and look of a WWE Superstar; he’s six-foot-three and has long greasy hair. Bram gave it a go in WWE developmental back in 2010, and found certain success as a tag team competitor, until a few run-ins with police landed him in hot water. Bram is only 28—in fact he’s just about one month older than I am, so I feel like I can accurately gauge his temperament when this all went down in 2011. I’m not making an excuses for his behavior—that you can research on your own—I’m just saying people grow up. And if he’s good enough for Charlotte and the “Nature Boy,” I’m certain he’s good enough for Triple H.
The American Wolves
Coming in at number one, we have a tandem, a twosome, and the current TNA World tag team champions, the American Wolves. Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards are both celebrated professional wrestlers, both in singles, and tag team action. It’s sort of a cop out, listing them as one entry, but they are—for my money—the most desirable act left in TNA. Think about it. Who’s still there? Austin Aries is gone, otherwise A-Double might have been listed at or near the top. Bobby Roode has never proven to be a draw, neither has Magnus. And how many shows has Eric Young sold out? Triple H has said that he’s willing to sign anyone that can get over and has gotten over in other promotions. Everyone I’ve listed has gotten over in some way or another, whether it was in TNA, or as part of Ring of Honor, or even Ring Ka King. They’re 31 and 32 years old respectfully, and according to William Regal’s interview with Fighting Spirit: “Wrestlers only start to get really good when they’re around thirty, thirty one.” As singles’ competitors, Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards are both former ROH World Champions; Eddie Edwards holds the record for 13th longest title reign, whereas Davey is seventh with 321 days. But the WWE shouldn’t discount the ‘Wolves value as a team. It’s become clear that NXT—and the main roster for that matter—is sorely lacking in tag team talent. Securing someone like the American Wolves could not only jumpstart that division once and for all, but inspire other accredited teams to give it a go down at Full Sail University.
Until next time, please LIKE “The B+ Players Podcast” on Facebook, and FOLLOW me on Twitter for all the latest and greatest updates courtesy of Cheap-Heat, Gutbusters, and Daily Wrestling News!
