NXT Scouting Report: What Superstars should Mick Foley and Daniel Bryan consider taking in the WWE Draft?
Shockwaves reverberated throughout the NXT Universe when it was announced that six selections in the WWE Draft would come from the NXT roster. NXT fans began speculating who might be taken to join the Raw and SmackDown Live rosters as WWE’s New Era takes on a new form. But while rumors swirl as to who Raw General Manager Mick Foley and SmackDown Live GM Daniel Bryan will take, WWE.com has been scouting NXT’s top Superstars. The top names on our draft board are below. Will Foley and Bryan pick them? Tune in to the WWE Draft on the debut episode of SmackDown Live, tonight at 8/7 C on USA to find out!
Asuka
The sport of boxing has never had a draft, but if it did, you can most certainly guarantee that Mike Tyson in his prime would have been a top selection. Enter Asuka.
Just like Iron Mike, Asuka hits hard, hits often and exudes the big-fight feel that the WWE Universe craves. She uncrowned Bayley for the NXT Women’s Championship and has yet to be defeated during her time with the black and yellow brand.
A top prospect? That’s a no brainer. Best female Superstar in all of WWE? We’re listening. — RYAN PAPPOLLA
Samoa Joe
A 17-year veteran of the squared circle, Samoa Joe has had one goal since arriving in NXT: destruction. He’s achieved that in spades, demolishing everyone in his path. The submission specialist and reigning NXT Champion bulldozed the demonic Finn Bálor to win the title, and is certainly looking to carve a path of carnage throughout WWE. An unmatched force in the squared circle, Samoa Joe should be near the top of any GM’s draft board — BOBBY MELOK
The Revival
Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder have made it clear that they consider themselves the best tag team walking the planet today. Winning the NXT Tag Team Titles on two occasions certainly backs up The Revival’s claim. The ruthless roughnecks are itching for the opportunity to prove themselves against teams like The New Day and The Usos. Their mantra of “no flips, just fists” may not win them fans in the long run, but it’s proven successful in NXT, and should earn them the call to Raw or SmackDown. — BOBBY MELOK
Bayley
What do you look for in a top draft pick? Is it skill level? The adoration of the WWE Universe? The ability to hug like no other human alive? Former NXT Women’s Champion Bayley contains all those qualities and then some. She has been a cornerstone of NXT and would absolutely be the same for either Raw or SmackDown. — RYAN PAPPOLLA
Finn Bálor
If ever there was a can’t-miss prospect, Finn Bálor is it. Since arriving on the scene in late 2014 after rising to prominence in Japan, the Ireland native has become the face of NXT. Bálor hits hard, flies high and can go hold-for-hold with the world’s best. He proved that over a 292-day reign as NXT Champion, the longest in history. The international sensation isn’t afraid to engage in some mind games either, unleashing his inner demon on his worst enemies. With a resume like Bálor’s, whoever doesn’t draft him may come to regret it. — BOBBY MELOK
Shinsuke Nakamura
As the old expression goes, “Styles make fights.” Well, take a second and imagine what kind of fights Strong Style would make for Raw or SmackDown.
Shinsuke Nakamura has taken NXT by storm since debuting at NXT TakeOver: Dallas. Although he may have only scratched the surface on what he can do as a part of the gang at Full Sail University, the idea of seeing him in the ring facing the likes of John Cena, Seth Rollins and countless others would prove simply too irresistible.
Nakamura isn’t just a top prospect — he’s a factory of dream matches. — RYAN PAPPOLLA
Nia Jax
There aren’t any women like Nia Jax in NXT — or WWE, for that matter. The towering Jax has made NXT her own personal demolition site over the past year, steamrolling through everyone in her path. Jax has taken the ultra-tough Asuka to the limit and put the incredibly resilient Bayley on the injured list in the past few months. It’s not hard to imagine Jax continuing to pulverize the competition, this time on Raw or SmackDown. — BOBBY MELOK
American Alpha
Real quick, open up a new window and look at the list of current WWE tag teams eligible for the WWE Draft — it’s a great time to be a fan of tag team wrestling. Competition is at a premium and the talent-level of teams is at its peak … so just imagine if American Alpha came aboard!
Jason Jordan and Chad Gable have become the darlings of the NXT Universe. Their matches are outstanding and their energy is infectious. They, unquestionably, should be at the top of any Commissioner or General Manager’s draft board. — RYAN PAPPOLLA
Carmella
The WWE Draft is going to be many things — exciting, unpredictable and revolutionary. But is it going to be F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S? We sure hope so.
Carmella has been a mainstay in NXT since 2014. Whether by the side of Enzo Amore & Big Cass or clashing with the best of the Women’s division in pursuit of gold, time and again Carmella has proven one of the fiercest, most energetic and scrappiest Superstars in the entire brand.
Bada bing … let’s see what The Realest Chick can do in either a Raw or SmackDown ring. — RYAN PAPPOLLA
Alexa Bliss
Alexa Bliss is no longer the glitter-spraying pixie that debuted in NXT two years ago. Alexa is cold, calculating and ruthless. Her callous attitude helped Blake & Murphy hang onto the NXT Tag Team Titles for much of 2015, and has proven to be an asset since Bliss broke out on her own. While she may not have the size of a Nia Jax, her fierce nature and nasty disposition in the ring more than make up for it. That, plus uncanny agility, has many experts pegging Bliss as a future WWE Women’s Champion. — BOBBY MELOK
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