As we approach one of the biggest weekends on the WWE calendar, one that features NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III and the 30th annual SummerSlam, roster shake-up examination is sure to be a hot topic. With rivalries potentially coming to a close, doors will open begging the question: Which of the supremely talented NXT superstars will get the call to the RAW or SmackDown Live rosters?
However, that shouldn't be the only question. As more superstars become main roster-bound and more bodies are added to the RAW and SmackDown Live equations, already precious TV time will become even more limited. So why is there such a hesitation to shift superstars, especially ones who could use repackaging, to NXT?
The wildly popular NXT has come a long way from being viewed as simply a developmental brand. Its ability to create captivating characters, storylines and most importantly, incredible performances has elevated it into a class of its own, often outshining the two premier brands.
Let's take a look at five examples from both sides that could prove to be beneficial to the superstars themselves and their respective brands.
Five Up
1. Asuka (to RAW)
Asuka is the most obvious name on this list. She has been the feature attraction in NXT since she became Women's champion over a year ago, dominating the division as evidenced by her near 500-day reign as champ. She has accomplished everything under the sun and more as part of the NXT roster and it's time to utilize her undeniable talent in a new environment on Monday nights.
As part of the RAW roster, Asuka would provide a significant boost in the intensity department and create some enticing, fresh matchups in the process. Asuka vs. Sasha Banks, Asuka vs. Alexa Bliss -- who wouldn't sign up for that?
Asuka has the potential to rise to the top of any division she joins. All she needs is the opportunity.
2. Bobby Roode (to SmackDown Live)
Ever since Bobby Roode debuted in NXT as the "Glorious" one, complete with a catchy theme and the talent to back it all up, he has done nothing but succeed. His TakeOver entrances are over-the-top -- in a good way. He's one of the longest-reigning NXT champions of all time and he has yet to be defeated.
At 40 years old, Roode deserves a chance to shine on the main roster and would be a tremendous asset to SmackDown Live. A chance to revive the wonderful rivalry he and Shinsuke Nakamura put forth in NXT as well as new possibilities including Chris Jericho, Kevin Owens and the great John Cena would be very intriguing. The back-and-forth banter with those three superstars would be enough invigorate any audience.
3. Aleister Black (to 205 Live)
While there is no denying the amount of talent featured on 205 Live every Tuesday night, it has become quite clear that the brand is in desperate need of a spark. Look no further than the 205-pound master of the Black Mass spinning heel kick, Aleister Black.
In his short run thus far, Black has taken NXT by storm. His character is mysterious, the fan base has taken to him and his style is strike-heavy and lively.
He'd fit perfectly in the 205 Live roster, a roster that could use his obvious star power as a credible foe for the cruiserweight champion, Neville.
4. Roderick Strong (to SmackDown Live)
Roderick Strong has transitioned from a performer known almost exclusively for his outstanding in-ring prowess to a well-rounded character thanks to some recent insight into his personal life via a two-part series that aired on NXT called "Who is Roderick Strong?" He has carried that evolution into successful high-profile programs with Bobby Roode and SAnitY.
He also spent some time teaming with recent SmackDown Live call-up Tye Dillinger. Dillinger hasn't quite caught fire on Tuesday nights, so a Strong call-up and a rekindling of that partnership could not only benefit both superstars, but improve the SmackDown Live tag team division, which is in need of some depth.
5. The Iconic Duo: Peyton Royce & Billie Kay (to RAW)
Peyton Royce and Billie Kay have not been prominently featured on NXT TV recently, but there is no denying their ability to entertain as a pairing.
Reminiscent of the successful "LayCool" duo in 2009 featuring two former Divas champions in Michelle McCool and Layla, both ladies would have the opportunity to not only amuse us with their antics, but also expand the RAW roster, allowing for multiple rivalries to break out, something that has been missing as of late.
Five Down (to NXT)
You might be thinking: What? A former multi World and Intercontinental champion to NXT? However, when you put it in perspective and eliminate the off-base notion that this would be a demotion, it makes a lot of sense.
Ziggler would immediately be seen as a threat in the NXT championship picture based on his impressive résumé and would bring a ton of excitement to the rivalries he'd be involved in and the brand overall. In addition to that, he would have a ton to offer up-and-coming superstars in terms of advice and feedback. Ziggler has done it all.
If you're questioning the logic, ask yourself one question: Wouldn't regular TV time in compelling storylines while serving as a potential mentor to younger superstars be better than sitting on the SmackDown Live sidelines?
The answer is yes.
Has there ever been an act as wildly successful in NXT that failed to connect on the main roster like The Ascension? Konnor and Viktor still hold the record for longest NXT tag team championship reign at 364 days. That number in itself illustrates their level of dominance in NXT.
Unfortunately, a combination of poor booking and being trashed on commentary, even by heels who should have had their backs, resulted in the demise of two talents who could have ruled the RAW or SmackDown Live tag team division for years.
Why not send them back to NXT, the brand where they had the most success, in an attempt to reassemble some form of what they once were.
3. Emma
Emma is a talented worker. Whether she's popping bubbles while performing a quirky dance or donning dark attire and taking on a villainous persona, Emma can get it done in the ring. We'll never know whether her previously scrapped "Emmalina" character would have caught on, but as it stands right now Emma is sparingly used on RAW that she started the Twitter trend #GiveEmmaAChance -- a play on the popular and effective #GiveDivasAChance trend two years ago.
Should Asuka join the main roster, NXT would need some fresh faces and a run at the NXT women's championship could be just what Emma needs to right the ship.
4. Dana Brooke
Dana Brooke has undoubtedly improved since her debut with NXT in 2014. However, she was called up relatively quickly in her NXT career and perhaps a bit too soon. Not only that, but she was relegated to playing the role of Charlotte's sidekick for much of her main roster stay, which prevented any ray of the spotlight from reaching her.
Another go-around in NXT could land her a more substantial role from a character perspective and allow her to come into her own as opposed to relying on the storyline progression of someone she's paired with.
5. Apollo Crews
The Titus Worldwide stable featuring Titus O'Neil, Akira Tozawa and Apollo Crews has primarily focused on the advancement of Tozawa in his pursuit of the cruiserweight championship. Crews feels like the odd man out, but that began long before the formation of Titus Worldwide.
Crews made his RAW debut the night after WrestleMania 32 and has consistently dazzled audiences with his impeccable combination of strength and agility. That being said, the progression has been limited because the reaction to his character has been uninspiring, to say the least.
A character repackaging and advancement up the ranks in NXT could do wonders for Crews because his first-rate in-ring ability is unquestionable, he just needs to find that emotional chord to strike with fans.