
Finn Balor, the Briscoe Brothers and Latest WWE NXT Developmental News
It appears more and more likely that Finn Balor will make the jump from NXT to WWE in short time, while a recent announcement shuts down the idea of The Briscoe Brothers heading to the developmental system.
The latest word on Balor will have his fans pumped. There are more signs pointing to him getting a call-up before long.
As for Mark and Jay Briscoe, they reportedly discussed coming to NXT, but in the end chose to stay home. The WWE tag team division misses out on a top-notch duo thanks to that decision.
And while WWE didn't snag The Briscoe Brothers, the company did land nearly a dozen new recruits. In addition, another report says that NXT offered a luchador a tryout. The WWE Performance Center also welcomed two visitors—one a former TNA Knockout, the other a British bruiser.
If those guest trainers want to work with Balor, they're going to need to hurry. Chances are, he will be stepping onto a new stage soon.
The Briscoe Brothers Choose to Re-Sign with Ring of Honor
1 of 5WWE didn't add one of wrestling's most compelling teams. It tried to, though.
Mark and Jay Briscoe are sticking with Ring of Honor. The company announced, "ROH can confirm that the Briscoes are here to stay!"
Before the former champs settled on remaining ROH stars, WWE reportedly reached out to The Briscoes. Writing for PWInsider, Mike Johnson reports, "WWE sources indicate that the company made a 'top flight NXT level offer' in their attempt to sign the brothers but a number of factors led the pair to instead sign new deals with Ring of Honor."
ROH is the winner here. The Briscoes have proved to be a valuable commodity for the company over the years. They are gritty, unique, compelling and the kind of team one can build a tag division around.
It's unclear what The Briscoes would have looked and sounded like having to stick to a PG-TV rating, but it would have been fun to see them try to adjust.
WWE Adds 11 New Recruits
2 of 5The WWE Performance Center just got more crowded as talent from around the world joins the developmental system.
WWE announced on its official website, "A new, international class of 11 recruits, including former collegiate athletes, bodybuilders and talent from the independent wrestling circuit, from seven countries have begun training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla."
The biggest name of that group is Uhaa Nation.
The former Dragon Gate star is a phenomenal athlete, blessed with both top-level power and agility. He has a good build to go with those traits. Most importantly, in just a few years on the scene, he has grown tremendously.
Expect him to continue that impressive trajectory at NXT.
Other notable pick-ups in that class include Axel Tischer, a veteran of the German scene, and Jasmin Areebi and Jessica McKay, both respected female indy stars. Those women have the potential to rise to the top of the NXT Divas division.
Many of the other prospects in this class come from worlds other than wrestling. A ballroom dancer, a rugby player and a bodybuilder are among those looking to learn the mat game.
Former TNA Wrestler Working at WWE Performance Center
3 of 5WWE clearly believes that one can't have too much knowledge. The company continues to bring in new faces to help its prospects learn the craft of wrestling.
The latest two teachers offer drastically different experiences to share.
PWInsider's Mike Johnson reports, "Sarah Stock aka Sarita in TNA is at the WWE Performance Center this week working as a guest trainer." Johnson also noted that Dave Taylor is there as well.
Sarita also has experience working the Lucha Libre style in Mexico. Taylor is a former WWE performer who toiled in rings for WCW, after first making his name in Great Britain and Germany. Taylor has been a trainer for WWE before, having worked for the developmental system when it was still Deep South Wrestling.
Luchador Tries out for WWE
4 of 5Officials continue to look to Lucha Libre for potential prospects. The latest luchador to draw WWE's interest is Laredo Kid.
As noted on PWInsider, "Pictures have surfaced online of Laredo Kid trying out for the WWE before their Smackdown taping in Dallas on Tuesday night and he was doing it unmasked. The pictures didn't show his face but it has been confirmed to have been him."
Laredo Kid previously worked for Mexico's AAA promotion.
Normally, one would assume that he would be too small (5'7'') in WWE's eyes, but it appears the company is shifting its view of luchadores. Kalisto is currently on the main roster. One of the 11 recruits WWE just signed is a luchador from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
And now WWE is at least taking a look at this masked dynamo.
Word on Finn Balor Call-Up
5 of 5Currently working the WWE European tour, Finn Balor may not stay in NXT long after returning to stateside. Rumors of his move to the main roster continue to emerge.
According to PWInsider Elite (h/t Wrestling Inc), there was talk backstage during WrestleMania week of bringing up both Neville and Balor. The report also notes that there is speculation now that Balor will follow Neville.
Neville is already competing for WWE proper. The quality of his matches and the reaction he has received so far should be a sign to officials that smaller, more athletic wrestlers can thrive in what was once a powerhouse's domain.
WWE has pitted Neville (5'10") against Balor (5'11") several times during the house shows in Europe. Perhaps that's a hint of whom the company wants him to battle once he gets called up.
There's no need to have Balor remain in the NXT system for long. He's already plenty experienced and would add quite the jolt to the product.






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