WWE NXT: 7 Potential Rookies to Become WWE's Next Breakout Star

With all the buzz in the IWC today about the return of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, JBL and the backlash of last night's RAW, I've decided to set aside my excitement to focus on the newest season of NXT.

Yes people, NXT is still on air, just hiding on WWE.com. I'm surprised as anyone that the show has lasted this long after becoming mediocre around August, but WWE still continues to pursue it due to contractual reasons.

As I write this, I am unaware of tonight's contestants, with rumors floating they could be a mix of Superstars and Divas. I will only focus on 10 men who we could potentially see tonight, despite my lesser knowledge on some of them.

On a side note, Maryse has been nearly confirmed to be this season's host, which gives everyone a new reason to watch the slowly declining show.

*UPDATE* I've been notified that this season's cast will be returning members unfortunately, so none of these names made the cut. Nonetheless, I will state my dream picks for any possible future seasons.

Visit my website at Next Era Wrestling for more of GSM's writings. 

Richie Steamboat

Richie Steamboat vs. Donny Marlow

With the possible theme of having fathers coach their sons, this seems like a definite. WWE has been high on WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Steamboat's son, and he could be a fan favorite to win it.

I would automatically assume him to be paired with his father, but his father's condition could prevent that. I see Steamboat as this season's Justin Gabriel or Kaval.

I had the pleasure of seeing Richie wrestle live at live event a while back, and he certainly deserves a spot on this season's roster. 

Seth Rollins (Tyler Black)

Seth Rollins vs. Vance Archer

Rollins is an obvious favorite amongst the IWC, and if Season 5 will be the show's last, I expect to see Rollins participate. Of course, Rollins should debut straight to television, but we all know that won't be happening seeing how WWE can sometimes abuse good talent (Daniel Bryan, Kaval).

If anyone were to be his Pro, I'd personally choose CM Punk due to their history in Ring of Honor. Thinking of a feud between the two has me licking my chops.

Brett Dibiase

Brett Dibiase vs.Dylan Klein

Since his debut in WWE back at SummerSlam 2009, I have been slowly anticipating the debut of Brett DiBiase. I would wait for his name to be shown on the new season's roster, but no luck.

He was originally supposed to debut in April 2010 as a part of Ted DiBiase's "Fortunate Sons" gimmick, but an injury prevented the stable from coming to fruition. I'm anxious to see what Brett can bring to the table with his brother.

It goes without saying that either Tedd would be coaching Brett in the competition.

Abraham Washington

The Final Abraham Washington Show

Similar to Bryan Saxton, most of the WWE Universe is already familiar with Washington through the ECW brand, where he hosted the "critically-acclaimed" Abraham Washington Show with Tony Atlas.

With his background, Washington can receive some early heat in the competition in addition to whatever in-ring skills he may have. For a pro, I'll would choose Zack Ryder without any real reasoning. 

Bo Rotundo

Bo Rotundo vs. Vance Archer

Of all the rookies I've listed, this is one I know least about. Noticeably he is related to Husky Harris and IRS, but hasn't had much more background than that.

I could expect him to be coached by his father IRS, seeing that Husky is currently inactive.

Xavier Woods

Xavier Woods vs. Jacob Novak

Once known as Consequences Creed in TNA Wrestling, Woods is my personal pick to move onto big things in WWE. I mildly enjoyed his act in TNA, reigning as a former X-Division and World Tag Team Champion.

His new persona will either make him or break him in WWE, seeing how Vince loves to see former TNA wrestlers suffer. Kofi Kingston would be a suitable coach.

Tito Colon

Tito Colon vs. Jinder Mahal

Third-generation Superstar Tito Colon would be another great addition to the NXT Season 5 roster with the theme of legendary fathers. As a brother of former WWE Tag Team Champion Primo, these two could do serious improvement in the tag division.

With his look and style resembling to Primo's, Primo would obviously be a perfect pro, or perhaps a returning Carlito?