WNS Column: The NXT Factor

Hey wrestling fans! After some exciting new signings, matches being talked about more than Raw and of course the next live episode of NXT Takeover airing I thought I'd take the time to talk about NXT and what I hope the future holds for both the wrestlers and the show itself. After being launched as the developmental brand for WWE I certainly didn't expect it to take off as much as it has. I caught the occasional SmackDown show but this has overtaken my interest in that and would say after these new signings I will be watching it a close second to Raw. For those who don't follow it I will give you a run down of who's hot, who's not and who's just penned their most important contract of their professional wrestling career.
I don't promote myself to be a huge Indy follower, I watch the occasional ROH when I can, but being in the UK doesn't help (excuse to pack up and leave?). I do read up on the names getting a buzz though, right here! on WrestlingNewsSource.com, not for 9.99 - for free!!

New Signings
The first of three exciting signings had the whole internet talking about KENTA. Previously a champion in Pro Wrestling Noah and a spell in Ring Of Honor have proved that he is more than ready to sign for the big league and take on the WWE Universe. His style is based on strong kicks and strikes, which his amateur kickboxing history have had a strong influence on. He has wrestled the likes of Daniel Bryan, Seth Rollins and Sami Zayn in previous wrestling promotions and I for one am really looking forward finally seeing him debut at NXT Fatal 4-Way, and being introduced by Nature Boy Ric Flair.

The second signing was Fergal Devitt, also known as Price Devitt. Another exciting buzz was online within the IWC as fans know his skills and wrestling style which is based on technical moves, as well as being a high flyer which has been seen within New Japan Pro Wrestling and on the independent circuits. He is probably best known for his comic book gimmicks, which see's him come to the ring in full body paint often as comic book characters. After a photo surfaced online of him in face paint - it seems he may keep the gimmick when he debuts in WWE. He is also of Irish descent, so watch out for a confrontation with Sheamus, fella!

The third signing was Kevin Steen. He is a Canadian wrestler and former Ring Of Honor world champion. His wrestling style is a brawler and he is well known for his Package Piledriver finishing move, which I think he performs brilliantly, and I am interested to find out what his new finisher will be in WWE as they have banned any piledriver being used, which is a pity. A lot of people online claimed that he was too heavy to become successful in WWE, but with the likes of Mick Foley and more recently Bray Wyatt not having that typical ripped physique I think he is going to do really well.

Takeover II
After the success of NXT Takeover, it's only been a matter of time before WWE had to do another show. The next one having a big Fatal 4-Way for the NXT Championship which pits the champion Adrian Neville against Tyler Breeze, Sami Zayn and Tyson Kidd. After being back in NXT for a while now it seems that Tyson Kidd has got plenty out of it, and hopefully this will allow him to re-enter the Raw roster with maybe a run with the Intercontinental Championship after Miz leaves for his next movie. I have got a feeling that Neville will drop the title in a passing of the torch style match, allowing either Zayn or Breeze to step up into the champs shoes and be the next big thing. Kidd does have the same chance as the others, but I feel he is getting more from working with the upcoming wrestlers.
The Ascension, wow. They go head to head against WWE's new lucha-tag-team of Kalisto and Sin Cara. As much as I'd like to see the lucha's come out on top and win the gold I am absolutely fascinated with The Ascension at the moment. They have a fantastic gimmick, they look mean as, they have held the gold leading into Takeover II for 7 months and they will definitely continue this run of dominance. If they were to lose, I can see a rise to the main roster because of it and I am so excited to see them debut on Raw - hopefully with a strong debut as they have been in NXT.
A Hair vs Hair match also sees Enzo Amore againsr Sylvester Lefort. These matches usually always see the bad guy being beaten and humiliated so if Sylvester Lefort has hair after this match I'll be very surprised!

To round up, I think both Vince and Triple H are doing an amazing job at keeping the third, possibly second, show interesting and modern. The wrestlers that they have on the roster show great potential and an insight into the future of the WWE. And that excites me. I hope they can continue watching the Independent circuit and signing up the next generation of superstars.

If you have any favourite wrestlers you want to see signed up next in NXT, leave them in the comments below - or hit me up on Twitter @iHux!

Until next time!
Huxy