NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II is toplined with big names like Samoa Joe, Shinsuke Nakamura, Bayley and Asuka. But looking past those names, NXT is at crossroads of sorts. For the past two years, a strong argument can be made that NXT has been the top wrestling promotion around the world (surpassing its big brother, WWE). But with the WWE brand split behind us, both RAW and Smackdown Live bolstered their rosters by calling up 8 NXT stars (on top of the other NXT batch that was called up after WrestleMania). Those eight stars are: Finn Balor, Nia Jax, Alexa Bliss, American Alpha, Carmella, Eva Marie and Mojo Rawley.

Where does NXT go from here? Balor and American Alpha getting the call is no surprise. The NXT women’s division, however, got depleted with Nia, Bliss, Eva and Carmella getting drafted. While none of those ladies were NXT champs, they were being groomed to be the face of the division after Bayley got called up. But the exact opposite happened. Bayley’s still in NXT while they’re in WWE. Go figure.

Outside of the headliners and TNA veterans, the rest of the NXT roster is an unknown. Who will be the next wave of stars that carry the company and continue growing the brand (don’t say Bobby Roode because we all know he’s Glorious)?  With the NXT landscape changing, here are six talents we believe will rise to the top and reach for that brass ring. 

Andrade “Cien” Almas

First thing Almas has to do above all else is get rid of the male stripper/rico suave attire. He’s an amazing competitor, but it’s hard to take him seriously with that feather in his cap and those suspenders. He looks like he raided Buff Bagwell’s closet, and you certainly don’t want any connection to the American male!

Formerly known as the CMLL masked Luchador, La Sombra, Almas is an immensely talented performer in the ring. This athletic high flyer has those “OMG” type of moves, like the running double knees to the face and those flip kicks off the ropes — not to mention his mid rope “GQ” pose.

So far, however, his gimmick hasn’t clicked with the fans, as he’s being pushed as a baby-face. He’s better off as an arrogant heel, as what he lacks on the mic you can cover up with his wrestling talent or with a manager. Some minor tinkering with his presentation and gimmick, and Almas could be a top talent stealing future TakeOver shows.  

Peyton Royce

Up till now, Royce has been used in the women’s division primarily as enhancement talent against the likes of Nia Jax and Asuka. The Australian beauty has paid her dues and is ready to strike. Seeing as all the female heels were drafted, the NXT women’s division needs villains. With a new nasty attitude and a Poison Ivy-type of gimmick, Peyton is a good fit to be the bad girl of the division. She’s got the looks and in-ring ability, all that she has to do now is really build-up a persona. That means getting more time on the mic and in front of the camera and connecting with the NXT crowds.

Johnny Gargano/Tommaso Ciampa

This is a bit of a cheat as both wrestlers are poised to have strong singles run. But for now, I’m treating them as a tag team considering their upcoming match at TakeOver: Brooklyn II against The Revival. “Johnny Wrestling” (Gargano) and “Psycho Killer” (Ciampa), are about as seasoned and well-respected as you can be in wrestling. Having wrestled all over the world for practically every promotion you could think of, these “indie” guys have transitioned well into NXT. The NXT crowd has embraced both men, chanting “Holy Shit” for the clinic matches they put on, including their amazing Cruiserweight Classic match.

Their feud with Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder should help elevate their characters and a run as tag team champs will establish them as main attractions for the company. But before all that and possibly getting called up to RAW’s cruiserweight division, Gargano and Ciampa have been winning social media with their #GLORIOUSBOMB tweets, celebrating (and harassing) Bobby Roode:

I'll fight Conor...boots optional...

But first...#GLORIOUSBOMB @REALBobbyRoode @JohnnyGargano pic.twitter.com/CllkdcuFBG

— Tommaso Ciampa (@ProjectCiampa) August 7, 2016

Billie Kay

The second Australian beauty on the list comes in the form of the fierce Billie Kay. Real life friend and sometimes tag-team partner of Peyton Royce, both women have risen through the ranks together. With the gaping hole in the women’s division, this seasoned competitor is poised to capitalize on the opportunity and shine as a singles star. She already got a taste of the spotlight competing in a match on Smackdown against Dana Brooke. While she won’t be joining Smackdown Live anytime soon, that exposure should help her develop her persona in NXT.

Just like Royce, the biggest hurdle Kay faces is creating a connection with the crowds. Kay has to develop a character that works for who she is, while at the same time standing out from the rest of the division.   

TM61 (Nick Miller, Shane Thorne)

Apparently Australia is the theme of the article, as this talented duo hails from the nation down under as well. Formerly known as The Mighty Don’t Kneel (TMDK), Nick Miller and Shane Thorne are a well-traveled, top-rated tag team having competed in many promotions, with a notable run in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). Tag team wrestling is back with a fury, as both NXT and WWE are stocked with talented tandems. TM61 have the athleticism and personality to fill the void left by American Alpha. Expect them to have feuds both with The Revival and Gargano and Ciampa, as they try and get their hands on the titles.

Tye Dillinger

If there’s anyone on the current NXT roster that deserves some good booking and a solid run its Dillinger. His time in WWE’s development system goes back to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), then Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) and now NXT. He’s that baseball player that’s made a living in the minor leagues, hoping for that shot in the bigs. His window of opportunity has finally arrived.

The “Perfect 10” is an underrated talent that has gotten over with fans not because of a company push, but rather due to his in-ring work and dedication. This is his make or break year. He’ll never be NXT champ, but he’s a great mid-card talent that puts on solid matches and is an entertaining character. With the NXT crowd already behind him, this ultimate underdog needs the right feud to shoot him into the spotlight. Who knows, a year from now Tye might be the one being drafted to WWE.