Sami Zayn stunned the WWE Universe when he emerged in his hometown of Montreal to accept the open challenge of United States Champion John Cena. With a stamp of approval from WWE Hall of Famer Bret “Hit Man” Hart, the former NXT Champion put on the performance of a lifetime against The Champ, kicking out of the Attitude Adjustment and taking Cena to the limit.

Zayn’s incredible bout has the WWE Universe turning its attention to the future of Superstars and Divas at NXT, wondering who might be the next to make waves on the main roster. There’s plenty of talent ready to make the jump from the yellow-and-black ring at Full Sail University. WWE.com’s editors got together and picked out five rookies we would love to see mix it up with the main roster’s finest. 

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Bayley

Who needs a hug? Everyone, and Bayley’s just the Diva to give it to them. The lovable Diva has been circling the NXT Women’s Championship for almost a year now, mixing it up with the more conniving likes of Charlotte, Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch on the NXT TakeOver specials.

Watch Bayley take on Charlotte on WWE Network

Sure, she hasn’t snagged the title yet, but she has captured the hearts of the WWE Universe and roster (AJ Lee wrestled her last Raw match in a Bayley T-shirt) with her unfailingly positive ways (she’s like The New Day, but un-ironic) and technically crisp ring acumen (she’s like Daniel Bryan, only a Diva).

Let’s face it, the Divas division on the main roster — hell, the main roster in general — could use a bona fide ray of sunshine. And Bayley, with her wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube men at her side, is just the Diva to do it. Bring it in for the real deal! — ANTHONY BENIGNO

Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady

The main roster’s tag team division is hotter than it has been in a long time. That success can be heavily credited to NXT, as The Lucha Dragons, The New Day’s Big E & Xavier Woods, The Ascension and Tyson Kidd all came from or had a career resurrection down at Full Sail.

However, there’s one team still in NXT whose call-up would inject even more energy into the division and bring it some East Coast panache: Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady.

The Certified Gs have a special charisma about them when they come down to the ring. Enzo’s body language, energy and ability to talk on the mic are unparalleled, while Cassady’s imposing 7-foot frame makes him a standout physical competitor who also has a charm to match that of his partner’s.

Their abilities may have them hot on the heels of current NXT Tag Team Champs Blake & Murphy, but they’re ready to do the same to the WWE Tag Team Titleholders. And, as the duo loves to remind the NXT Universe, “You can’t. Teach. That.”  — MIKE MURPHY

Baron Corbin

Baron Corbin commands attention wherever he goes. The Lone Wolf slowly stalks to the ring for his matches, barely even giving a glance to the Superstar standing across the ring from him. A 6-foot-8, 275-pound monster waiting stoically for the bell to ring, creates a tense situation for anyone unlucky enough to battle Corbin.

Once the bell tolls, The Lone Wolf quickly shows that he doesn’t work by the hour. NXT fans have taken to counting the mere seconds it takes for Corbin to put away his rivals. He has unbelievable strength, having hoisted up monsters like 300-pounder Bull Dempsey for his devastating finisher, End of Days.

There are few within NXT who have proven to be a true challenge for The Lone Wolf. Having left carnage in his wake in NXT, it would be interesting to see Corbin try and continue along his path of destruction on the WWE roster against titans like Ryback, Kane and Big Show. If Corbin’s time in NXT is any indicator, the End of Days for the main roster may be coming soon. — BOBBY MELOK

Sasha Banks

In a locker room filled with Divas, Sasha Banks is The Boss. The current NXT Women’s Champion is the total package, with the moves of an experienced ring general and mic skills that would make even the most outspoken Diva blush. So why not let The Boss step inside a WWE ring to see if she can hang with the likes of The Bellas, Naomi and Natalya? If anyone can do it, it’s Banks. Just watch her five-star contests against Charlotte, Bayley and just about anyone else in the NXT women’s division.

Watch The Boss win the NXT Women's Title on WWE Network

The confident champion would bring a new attitude to the Divas division, one that only the Boston native can bring. And with her already climbing the NXT ranks, it may only be a matter of time before we see Banks depositing a statement in the WWE Divas locker room. You can bank on that. — SCOTT TAYLOR

Finn Bálor

When announcing themselves to the WWE Universe for the first time, all NXT Superstars face the uphill battle of reintroducing the reputation they built in NXT to a much wider audience.

That won’t be a problem for Finn Bálor.

Check out Finn Bálor's Superstar profile

Every move made by the enigmatic Irish brawler is mesmerizing. From the second the lights go down and Bálor creeps toward ringside to the moment he finishes off an opponent with a Coup de Grace, the WWE Universe won’t be able to take its collective gaze off him (and the demonic image he brings to life with his imaginative use of body paint).

Oh, and this isn’t some NXT Superstar who’s all style and no substance. Bálor already earned one NXT Championship Match, and is poised to clinch another round as the No. 1 contender if he comes up victorious at NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable.

Bálor is ready for WWE. Now it’s time to see if the WWE Universe is ready for him. — MATTHEW ARTUS