Finn Balor, Bull Dempsey and Latest WWE NXT Developmental News

Finn Balor's WWE NXT journey is stalled due to a bad wheel, while Bull Dempsey's is over for good.

The NXT champ joined the crowded WWE injured list, but his attitude about the injury suggests it's not as serious as those affecting Randy Orton, Hideo Itami and others. Still, officials can't be thrilled to see a top star walking around on crutches.

As for Dempsey, he was among a large group of prospects who fell victim to roster cuts. 

In other NXT news, Patrick Clark officially kicked off his career, Enzo Amore took a step closer to promotion and a report offered an update on the status of both Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa.

NXT Releases Several Prospects

Bull Dempsey is now seeking work elsewhere. The NXT prospect is no longer with the developmental brand. And he's not alone.

PWInsider's Mike Johnson reported that WWE released Dempsey, Marcus Louis, Sylvester Lefort, Oscar Vasquez and Pete Howard last Friday.

Dempsey was the most high-profile of these names. He had been on TV the most in recent months. A switch from bruiser to comedy act didn't translate into great success. 

Louis' and Lefort's lack of spotlight made news of their departures far from a surprise. 

Look for Dempsey to make the biggest impact post-WWE. He has the makings of a compelling, terrorizing heel.

Patrick Clark Makes NXT Debut

Patrick Clark, the biggest surprise elimination from the latest season of WWE Tough Enough, stepped into the ring for NXT.

According to ProFightDB.com, Clark made his in-ring debut for the developmental brand, competing at a house show in Lakeland, Florida, on Feb. 5. He took the loss going up against Riddick Moss. 

When Clark was voted off the show last year, Chris Jericho told him that he would be back and that he wasn't done in this business (see video above). Clark is already proving Y2J right, taking a key step in his NXT career.

Next up will be making it to TV. Look for the talented, young performer to make that happen before the year is over.

Enzo Amore, Carmella and Colin Cassady Travel with Main Roster

Carmella, Colin Cassady and Enzo Amore are all creeping closer to spots on the main roster. 

Mike Johnson of PWInsider reported on Feb. 6, "Enzo Amore, Colin Cassady and Carmella are on the road with WWE this weekend and will be appearing at the WWE live event in San Jose, California, tonight."

According to ProFightDB.com, Amore and Cassady also worked a dark match before Tuesday's Main Event taping. They defeated The Ascension at the house show before besting two unknown competitors on Feb. 9.

These kinds of opportunities are no guarantee of a move to the main roster but are often a way to test out potential call-ups.

Keep an eye on arena results for the next few weeks. The more one sees Amore and Company on the bill for main-roster shows, the more likely it is that they are on their way to leaving NXT.

The tag team division could desperately use their entertaining antics. And as good as American Alpha is, it feels like its moving closer to a tag title run, while The Realest Guys in the Room seem poised for promotion.

Finn Balor Suffers Ankle Injury

The NXT champ is hurt. 

As WWE.com noted, Finn Balor injured his ankle during a house show on Friday and was unable to compete the next night. The report noted that he would undergo further evaluation.

Balor has since posted several photos (like this one) on Instagram in which he's using crutches. In most of them, he is wearing a wide smile.

WWE has to be crossing its fingers that this is just a sprain. Balor has been the heart of NXT for the past year. And injuries have already derailed many of its plans heading into WrestleMania and the first NXT TakeOver event of the year. 

Other News, Notes

The indy favorites who keep showing up to Full Sail University are reportedly not official members of the roster.

According to PWInsider Elite (h/t Wrestling Inc), Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa are not signed to NXT. They are free to work independent shows. As much as WWE has been using them of late, count on that changing before long. 

NXT fans in the United Kingdom may not have to wait long to see their favorites in action again. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestle Zone) reported that another NXT tour of the U.K. is being teased for June.

The cruiserweights of the world could soon be part of a showcase on WWE's streaming service.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc), the company is weighing a number of options for a WWE Network-exclusive show focused on smaller wrestlers. It may include developmental talent, indy wrestlers or a combination of both.

That's definitely a thrilling concept. Guys like Rich Swann may not be WWE material in some officials' eyes but could certainly tear it up in an environment like this.