Since its renaming, WWE’s NXT has become beloved by fans everywhere. Airing on the WWE Network on Wednesdays, the yellow brand has become WWE’s purest wrestling show. With stars like Finn Balor and Samoa Joe passing through this “developmental territory,” NXT‘s landscape is always changing. The WWE’s next “call-up” is likely Shinsuke Nakamura, who will certainly be a main roster star. But with an ever-changing landscape comes an unusual challenge. NXT doesn’t have a long time to build up their stars. Currently, those stars are Nakamura, along with DIY, Asuka, and Bobby Roode. Next up should be the Perfect Ten, Tye Dillinger.
Note: This article is a follow-up to last week’s NXT Recap piece. If you missed it, you can find that article here.
Tye Dillinger is NXT’s Next Big Thing
A Perfect Character
Since his NXT debut in 2013, Tye Dillinger has blown up. Not only has his ability shone through his multiple losing efforts, but fans have taken a liking to him. His character, although sometimes corny, really works with the NXT crowd. Dillinger, despite being a glorified jobber in most cases, has gotten himself over.
During his time in NXT, Dillinger’s singles career hasn’t been the brightest. He’s never truly even sniffed an NXT Championship reign, which is a downright shame. Additionally, his character is often linked to comedic antics, rather than actual wrestling. When Nakamura leaves, it could be time for all that to change.
WWE, as oblivious as they might seem at times, cannot deny the fans forever. Think about it: they gave a United States Championship run to Zack Ryder. Sure, they might have booked the run horribly, but it was still there. With Triple H at the helm, it might only be a matter of time until NXT gives the fans their due and gives a brass ring to the Perfect Ten.
The Perfect Timing
During the 2017 Royal Rumble event, Tye Dillinger made his main roster debut. Sure, it wasn’t a true call-up, but he was still there. And what number did he debut at? Ten, of course. And the fans loved it. In truth, this was a joke that NXT fans had made for years, finally coming to life.
There’s a lot of hype surrounding WrestleMania each year. An equal amount of hype goes into the night after ‘Mania. “Post-Mania Raw” crowds are almost always the smarkiest, blunt fans that the WWE Universe has to offer. They’re incredibly knowledgeable of what’s going on with both main roster shows, as well as NXT. Although Dillinger might not be ready for a Post-Mania Raw call-up just yet, he could see one next year. But if the WWE really wants to speed up his process, we could see him if they decide to do another WWE Draft.
The Perfect Run
Tye Dillinger has been in NXT for a very long time. Since his 2013 debut, the Perfect Ten has watched his peers, like Neville, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens go before him. What do all those men have in common? They’ve all held the NXT Championship at one point or another.
NXT‘s formula is no secret. To put it bluntly, it goes a little bit like this. WWE hires Wrestler A and they put him in NXT. Next, Wrestler A works his way up the ranks until he is finally noticed by Wrestler B. Fortunately for Wrestler A, Wrestler B is the current NXT Champion. It just so happens that Wrestler A wants what Wrestler B has, and Wrestler A challenges for the title. Then, Wrestler A wins the NXT Championship, and Wrestler B gets called up to the main roster. Finally, Wrestler C arrives on the scene and the whole thing starts all over again.
If WWE wants to truly legitimize Dillinger as a main roster-level talent, he should become the next “Wrestler A.” Currently, Kassius Ohno holds that position, but Tye Dillinger is definitely next in line. If Ohno is able to take down Bobby Roode for the NXT Championship at NXT Takeover: Orlando, expect a program between him and Dillinger.
Conclusion: The Perfect Opportunity
If during Dillinger’s time with WWE, they refuse to call him up, that is a total shame. If they’re doing it right, Dillinger’s time on the yellow brand should be coming to its peak. As he continues to build his resume on NXT, his path is becoming clearer and clearer. Although he has been “in development” for nearly half a decade, it’s time to start really building up Tye Dillinger. He could be the total package star that WWE is looking for; they just have to see it. And when they do, the main roster will become ten times better.
