For every negative aspect you can pick apart about the current WWE product, the one thing that gives wrestling fans hope is the enormous talent that exists in the world of professional wrestling. Whether it is in the WWE, NXT, ROH or NJPW, these five men exemplify the next crop of WWE main eventers making their way through the ranks and have already shown all the intangibles required to be excellent on the largest stage in the business.
No. 5 – Dalton Castle
Dalton Castle is the first man on this list and has already been making waves with the independent fans. The peculiar “Party Peacock” adds a much needed level of fun to the matches which is sometimes all too forgotten in a business built on beating up your opponent. Castle stands out in ROH where in-ring quality has always been the key focus. Whether it be his unique and extravagant entrances, the vibrantly colored jumpsuit, the set of peacock wings that reach out to sky when he lifts his arm, or the accompaniment of The Boys.
A man channeling the androgynous gimmicks of the past has become a breath of fresh air. Unlike his predecessors who gained the ire of the fans with their odd flamboyancy, Castle has become the most popular wrestler in Ring of Honor today. His charisma matched only by his immense physical strength, his amateur wrestling background, and his ability to mesh well with other wrestlers. While peacocks may not be able to fly, Castle has just done that, and with the natural tools he possesses he would shine in the spotlight of the WWE.
No. 4 – Kenny Omega
Since 2016, Kenny Omega has had one of the biggest impacts on professional wrestling, whether it was the turning on AJ Styles and taking control of the Bullet Club, or his epic match with Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 11, everything he seems to do is pure brilliance. He has not only seen success as a singles competitor but has also strived in tag team competition. His entrance is a masterpiece in itself and no matter the crowd he receives a huge pop. WWE Superstar Roman Reigns should be hard pressed to take notes on Omega’s ability to get over in front of any crowd. Omega might be the hardest working hype man when comes to promoting himself and matches.
He also boosts one of the most unique characters in wrestling, taking his love for video games and anime and infusing them into his character. Even paying homage to Final Fantasy with his finisher the One-Winged Angel. He is considered by some to the best wrestler in the world today and this is backed by him constantly redefining what it means to be the best in the business. His matches never fail to amaze and he can keep an audience on their toes. Even as a heel, his ability to electrify the crowd has made him a merchandise machine for NJPW. The WWE would be wise to capitalize on signing Omega whom is in his prime. The writing on the wall is there with the potential to finally have a rivalry between Styles and Omega, and let us not forget the unfinished business that exists with WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura. Omega has the potential to lead the WWE to bigger and better things.
No. 3 – Sami Zayn
I could simply say NXT Takeover: Dallas, Sami Zayn versus Shinsuke Nakamura is all you need to know. In my opinion, this match was the best WWE match in the last couple of years and it was defined by the way Sami Zayn sold himself and his opponent. It was clear to any fan that Nakamura, the Japanese legend, was not dropping his debut, but midway through the match Zayn had everyone convinced that he had a fighting shot to get the upset. It his stigma as the loveable loser, the man that never gives up that make him resonate so well with fans.
Sami Zayn’s in-ring ability is comparable to the best to ever step into the squared circle. He is fluid throughout his matches, rarely making a mistake and is constantly elevating the performance of his opponents. He can easily get the crowd behind him, and you can hear their displeasure when he loses especially by less the clean methods. The WWE either does not know what to do with Zayn or they just do not care to ever elevate him past being just Kevin Owen’s former best friend. If this is the case, then that is grave misdoing. The underdog can excel especially with the talent Zayn has and that big win would be enormous for both Zayn and the WWE.
No. 2 – Bobby Roode
Glorious might be an understatement at this point in Roode’s career as his current run in NXT has shown nothing less than excellence. While everyone else on this list brings something new to the table in regards to their characters to the world of wrestling, Roode relays an old school train of thought and it has only made him more successful. He has perfected that brash and arrogant attitude similar to that of Ric Flair and his promo work draws heat comparable to the top heels in the WWE.
He does not rely on spots to sell his match but instead is considerably one of the best in-ring technicians and is capable of putting on a 5 star match anytime he jumps in the ring. He might not win cleanly every time but the tactics he employs might that make him a cheat, only adds to his heat. The crowd loves a good heel, and they may want to boo someone but they also want a heel who can WOW them in the ring and that is exactly what he does. He is the heel the wrestling fans have been yearning for.
No. 1 – Shinsuke Nakamura
The WWE has never seen a wrestler as unique and charismatic as Shinsuke Nakamura. Even with his limited spots since joining the main roster, he has received huge response from the audience. His entrance will captivate you and as soon as his music hits, crowds are instinctively swayed to sing along and this only adds to the Japanese legends mystique. Nakamura is a shining example of how showmanship is valued in NJPW and has assisted those characters in getting over with fans even outside of Japan. This seems to be a key focus missing from the WWE main roster but has seemingly become more prevalent and welcomed by the fan in NXT.
It can be argued that Nakamura is the best in-ring performer today and what else would you expect from the man known as the King of Strong Style. His work is flawless as he smoothly transitions from move to move. His ability to sell is matched only by the best of all-time. It seems no matter if he was in Japan or NXT, each time that he entered the ring, he put on matches that can be considered candidates for match of the year. His mannerisms, charisma and in-ring skills will transcend him past Japanese legend into global icon that becomes the face of the WWE for years to come.
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