Alexander Rusev, Mojo Rawley and Latest WWE NXT Developmental News

WWE NXT may have a different set of favorite prospects, but company officials clearly have big things in mind for Alexander Rusev and Mojo Rawley.

The two muscular developmental talents are making progress toward the main roster. As for former Ring of Honor stars Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards, their journey is over after just the first few steps.

Other NXT news features a former champion returning to action and a promising Diva getting deserved attention.

In the arduous climb from obscurity to the spotlight, Rusev and Rawley are speeding upward, and that ascent is among the highlights of the latest info on WWE developmental.

WWE's Opinion of Mojo Rawley

WWE.com

MoJo Rawley in his NXT debut.

Mojo Rawley has even more reason to get hyped; WWE is reportedly hugely supportive of him.

Per F4WOnline, via WrestlingInc.com, "WWE officials are very high on NXT star Mojo Rawley. There's a feeling he will be pushed big when he's brought to the main roster. Rawley is seen as someone that can possibly carry the company in the future."

Rawley has an overload of energy and is a big, powerful guy with impressive athleticism. Those traits are certainly going to get company officials excited, but it's surprising to hear that WWE believe Rawley can be someone who carries the company at some point.

It's early in his career, and we haven't seen enough to make that kind of projection.

The report should make fans pay more attention to Rawley, though, as he's likely headed for the main roster before long with that kind of reported backing. 

No Deal for Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards

After months of rumors, tryouts and speculation, it appears that the team known as The American Wolves from Ring of Honor will not be a part of NXT.

Wrestling Observer, via WrestlingInc.com, reports that WWE will not be signing either Eddie Edwards or Davey Richards "mainly because of their size".

Reportedly, Triple H decided to pass on Edwards and Richards after they wrestled The Ascension on NXT TV. It was a well-worked match, but apparently not one that forced WWE to look past the issue of size.

Edwards and Richards will have to go back to the independent circuit to make room for former football players like Mojo Rawley and powerhouses like Alexander Rusev.

Alexander Rusev Working WWE Events

WWE.com

Alexander Rusev attacks Kassius Ohno.

The journey from NXT to the main roster appears to be close to its home stretch for Alexander Rusev. The Bulgarian warrior continues to get opportunities at WWE shows.

Per WrestlingInc.com, Rusev worked a house show in Fayetteville, S.C. against Zack Ryder where he looked "strong but very green." In Greensboro, he defeated Ryder once again, as reported by WrestlingInc.com.

Rusev appears to have big-time support from WWE officials as he keeps getting shots to impress at WWE live events. This is generally a stepping-stone to a jump to the main roster.

Don't count on 2014 going by without Rusev getting called up to flex his muscles on Raw and SmackDown.

Emma Earns Praise

WWE.com

Emma

Paige gets the bulk of the attention in the NXT Divas division. Emma's work is not going unnoticed, though.

WrestlingInc.com reports that "the Emma vs. Natalya match on this week's episode of WWE NXT has been receiving rave reviews from people in the business."

Fans who have been following NXT will not be surprised. Emma has been a fun performer to watch and has grown in recent months. Natalya often gets the best out of her opponents and has apparently done that once again.

Emma is a prospect with a great shot of making the main roster before long. More critically acclaimed matches like this one will speed up that transition.

Oliver Grey Is Back

WWE.com

Oliver Grey grounds Adrian Neville.

NXT fans haven't seen Oliver Grey in months.

The former tag team champ is now recovered from his injury and performing once again. As reported by WrestlingInc.com, "Oliver Grey wrestled his first match in almost a year at last night's NXT live event in Largo, FL. Grey suffered a torn ACL back in early 2013."

Grey rejoins the stiff competition that is NXT with some catching up to do. In his absence, his former tag team partner Adrian Neville has been involved in some memorable performances, Sami Zayn has been thrilling and prospects like Enzo Amore have emerged.

Hopefully, it won't be long before the talented Grey is back on NXT TV and making his way up back up the rankings.