NXT Rising Stars: Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes are set to collide at NXT’s Halloween Havoc, marking the third chapter in their ongoing battle for the NXT Championship. If their upcoming clash is anything like their previous encounters at The Great American Bash and No Mercy, fans tuning in to the USA Network should prepare for an unforgettable showdown.
However, no matter how electrifying their current showdowns may be, they pale in comparison to what Hayes and Dragunov could achieve in the next decade.
One of the privileges of being a long-time pro wrestling enthusiast is witnessing emerging stars evolve into legends. One common theme among the greats is that, no matter how skilled they are now, they only get better with time.
Take Brock Lesnar, for example. When he burst onto the scene on Raw after WrestleMania X8 in 2002, he displayed remarkable technical prowess and physical abilities. There was little he couldn’t do in the ring, except perhaps execute a shooting star press, a move he attempted at WrestleMania XIX while already headlining WWE’s biggest show of the year.
But there was something missing that intangible quality of being an entertainer.
In 2004, Lesnar left WWE and the wrestling world, with a few appearances in Japan, and an attempt to join the NFL. After that, he transitioned to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and the UFC, swiftly ascending to the top of the heavyweight division. He returned to WWE in 2012 as a more formidable presence, especially after ending The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak at WrestleMania XXX. Lesnar embodied the persona of a conqueror and became the proverbial “final boss.”
After a 16-month hiatus during the pandemic, Lesnar returned in 2021 with a rugged beard and a top-knot ponytail, resembling a modern Viking. He donned cut-off flannel shirts and a cowboy hat, showing a more relatable and personable side. He even incorporated elements of his personal life into his character, like riding a tractor to the ring at SummerSlam in 2021.
Without Paul Heyman by his side, Lesnar began delivering promos with remarkable ease, transforming from a silent and intimidating figure into a confident speaker. He would smile, crack jokes, engage with the audience, and issue threats to his opponents. Lesnar’s run in 2021 was arguably his most entertaining, marking his evolution into a complete performer. It highlighted his comfort and maturity as an entertainer, developed over years of in-ring experience and life lessons.
As we prepare to watch stars like Carmelo Hayes, Ilja Dragunov, Tiffany Stratton, Bron Breakker, and others, we should acknowledge the challenges they face. They meet with agents, producers, and WWE staff to fine-tune their actions, movements, and personas. They must meet WWE’s high expectations while delivering outstanding performances as both athletes and entertainers.
At times, we can see the gears turning in their heads as they deliver their monologues, revealing room for improvement. As viewers, this can momentarily disconnect us from their performances. However, when we consider the immense pressure and the learning curve these young talents are navigating, it’s truly impressive how they excel at such an early stage in their careers.
In these moments, we must applaud the incredible talent of NXT’s stars. While they are already exceptional, their potential for future growth is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As they accumulate personal and professional experiences, the instructions they receive will become second nature, leading to even greater performances.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who are the breakout stars in WWE 2023?
In 2023, WWE and AEW saw a wave of breakout stars, including LA Knight, Jey Uso, Rhea Ripley, and Ricky Starks. WWE has especially excelled in developing rising good guys, with Knight and Uso becoming top sellers and beloved main eventers.
Who is tank ledger?
Bio Tank Ledger is geared up to make an impact in NXT and engage with the NXT Universe just by being true to himself. With his impressive blend of size, speed, and larger-than-life personality, Ledger has swiftly carved out a place for himself in NXT since joining WWE via the collegiate NIL program.
Who is Ivy on NXT?
Born on February 26, 1992, Emily Andzulis is a versatile American athlete. She competes in mixed martial arts, fitness competitions, and professional wrestling. Currently, she is affiliated with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), performing on the Raw brand using the ring name Ivy Nile.