When you look at the stacked rosters of Raw and SmackDown Live, you see the stars of NXT’s golden era.
It started with guys like Sami Zayn, Neville, and Tyler Breeze. Women became the talk of the wrestling world when Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, and Becky Lynch started tearing the house down on a weekly basis at NXT’s Full Sail Arena.
Soon after, Kevin Owens, Hideo Itami, and Finn Bálor arrived on the scene to catapult the revolution into another dimension. NXT was by far the hottest thing in professional wrestling.
The natural rise of NXT is comparable to that of the 1990’s ECW; it was not supposed to happen. WWE did not predict that their developmental system would grow into its own full-scale brand, let alone that it would surpass its flagship show.
The success of NXT was a large influence on the decision to resurrect the brand split last July. This was an excellent move for the company overall; however, it left NXT with a somewhat depleted roster.
Although I voiced in a previous article that I feel as if the current NXT product is underrated, even I must admit it is not what it used to be.
The yellow team is in need of a new revolution to revitalize the brand, and it starts with Aleister Black. Black, who is known worldwide for his work on the independent scene as Tommy End, is one of the most talented performers on the planet.
Born in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands, the 31-year-old has been wrestling for fifteen years. Over the course of those years, Black developed an explosive wrestling style consisting of many unique strikes and holds.
He has also experienced success as a competitive kick-boxer over, translating this experience to his in-ring work, making his style extremely believable. Fortunately for wrestling fans, Black has transferred his talent in the world of kickboxing to the squared circle.
In addition to athletic ability, Black has a rare charisma that will undoubtedly bring him success in WWE. His distinct look and personality create a level of magnetism that I haven’t seen in this company since CM Punk’s departure in 2014.
Because of the mystique surrounding him, fans will gravitate toward the Aleister Black character immediately. His in-ring work will add fuel to the fire and, ultimately, bring more eyes to the NXT product.
The chance to work with other ultra-talented guys like Bobby Roode, Eric Young, and Kassius Ohno will provide plenty of opportunities for Black to create epic moments in the ring.
I don’t know if we’ll ever see NXT as hot as it once was, but I do think getting the ball rolling on the Aleister Black story is a huge step in the right direction. Black is a guy that can carry the NXT brand into a new era, then, when the time is right, transition into a huge star on the main roster.
