Welcome to "Day 2" of the Draft! I went back and forth about how I should handle this. I thought about just a continuation. Where you'd no doubt see names like: Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, and Heath Slater.
DRAFT ME, BABY!!
(One of these things is not like the other… One of these things just doesn't belong…)
I also began thinking… "Where would the women fall into this?" I no doubt would have had a few ladies in that second ten, despite the fact that the actual WWE, generally, doesn't seem to rank them all that highly. Then I decided it'd be much better for the Women to have their very own Big Board. Lets see the top 10 Prospects in the WWE/NXT.
#1 Sasha Banks.
SCOUTING REPORT: There are fewer surer bets in all the wrestling world than Sasha banks, in this humble scout's opinion. Total package. Checks every possible box you want in a wrestler. Promos. Charisma. Great character. Ring work. Awesome finisher and excellent signature moves. Great nickname. Some catchy catchphrases being developed. Hell even her merchandise is already on point… Throw in the fact that she has a famous cousin? There is good reason to think WWE will be as high on Sasha Banks as I am. Predominantly has worked as a heel, in NXT during her rise to becoming NXT Women's Champion. Expect her to eventually be the top face in the division some day in the not too distant future. Absolute no brainer #1 pick.
#2 Paige.
SCOUTING REPORT: She is only a few ticks behind Sasha Banks, on my score sheet. Arguably better in ring. Her style is unique. She's athletic and more importantly she may be the most physical and punishing woman the WWE Diva's division has had since the days of Alundra Blayze and Bull Nakano. Her only deductions that put her behind Banks, for me, is the promo skills can be lacking, but she has charisma off the charts in sit down interviews. She seems better off the cuff than heavily scripted… so it could be more WWE's doing than Paige's. The other, there have been some character inconsistencies. Which, again might be creatives doing more so than Paige's. But you have the youngest champion in WWE history. An already TWO Time Diva's Champion… Oh, and she's only 21.
#3 Bayley.
SCOUTING REPORT: I can feel some people recoil with this pick. Perhaps Charlotte or Nikki Bella would be some other people's choices, but I don't know if I've seen people rally around and with a women's wrestler… EVER. Trying to think if any of the TNA Knockouts get the love and more importantly inspire the sympathy than Bayley does. The wide eyed enthusiasm. The colors, the streamers, the music, and wild wacky inflatable tube men… The total package is fun and positive. Rooting for Bayley is easy. And? She can go in the ring. Tying that character with excellent in ring skills and genuine love of wrestling puts her this high. Plus she's already moving merch. I'm seeing a lot of "I'm A Hugger" t-shirts on Raw and Smackdown.
Future is BRIGHT!
#4 Charlotte.
SCOUTING REPORT: Arguably the most athletically gifted of the top four. A collegiate athlete, who despite her lineage, has wrestling for less than 3 years. For those not in the know, the "lineage" I speak of is she's the daughter of WWE Hall of Famer, Ric Flair. In ring she can do things I can't remember seeing in Women's matches. When the most suspect things in your matches are homages to your father? (The knife edge chops need some work, as does the WHOOOOOO.) You're doing wonderfully. Needs a little more polishing in the promo department. Seems more suited to work as an athletically superior, cocky, condescending heel. Especially with her "Genetically Superior" tag line. A LOT of promise here, and she's already one of the top women wrestlers in the WWE.
#5 Nikki Bella.
SCOUTING REPORT: Probably the most recognizable WWE Diva. One of the focal points of the E! Reality show, "Total Divas". She would classify as what many would call the "WWE's definition of a �DIVA'". (Translation: Pretty. Curvy. Hopefully she can wrestle a little bit, but it doesn't REALLY matter.) – 3 years ago the thought of this, to me, would be laughable. Today, I toyed with having her as high as 3. Of course the out of the ring stuff is HUGE. Main stream publicity is great. The reality show is a draw. But up until recently I'd not once considered her a WRESTLER. (obligatory every column reminder: #Remember2ndW) But? She is. She's developed herself into a solid to good in ring performer. Her move set is unique and entertaining. I like that she has a developing arsenal of power moves like the Alabama Slam, and the Rack Attack. Value off the charts as a mean girl type heel, especially if paired with her sister to double the evil factor. When I envision the Bellas befriending a recently debuting Bayley, only to turn it saying it was all a ruse? Then they torment her for months? $$$$ in a feud like that. Possible negative? She has expressed a desire to start a family… Now whether or not that is legitimate, or a Reality Show construct? Two entirely different things, but if we're taking it as truth, it has to be weighed by potential drafters.
#6 Natalya.
SCOUTING REPORT: She is the bridge between Divas Past and Divas Future. A wrestler first, Diva second. Daughter of Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, she's been with the WWE for 7 years. Very good in ring. Has had good to great matches with every one of the women listed above her. Has a lot of value in the ring for women's division. Technically sound and can carry her own in segments. The more she can wrestle… more matches… and LONGER matches? The better.
#7 Alicia Fox.
SCOUTING REPORT: I can hear people saying "WWWWHHHHHAAAAAAATTT?!?!" Alicia Fox is athletically gifted. At 5'9" has impressive size for a WWE Diva. A former WWE Diva's Champion. To me she is WILDLY… MIND BLOWINGLY Underrated. If you look back at the unhinged hissy fits she was throwing when losing matches you got an idea of what potential was there for her to connect with a crowd. She threw herself full force into those post match segments. (Reminded me of how Sandow throws himself into anything he was assigned no matter how potentially ridiculous it was) – So much so the crowds really started to get into it. Lots of charisma. Lots of potential and I think a lot more can be done with Alicia Fox inside a WWE Ring.
#8 Becky Lynch.
SCOUTING REPORT: Becky Lynch has been wrestling a long time. Similar to Paige in that aspect she was training as a teenager in Ireland. Strong and athletic she has a lot of in ring ability. Out of the ring the promos could use some polish, and sometimes I get confused on if she is working as a face, or heel. Clearly Team BAE saw her as a heel, but away from Banks' influence she's a bit of a tweener. Love the mat work. Lots of suplexes, throws, and holds at her disposal. The arm bar she's been using is down right nasty. The total package is unique and impressive. Feels like she's not he verge, but something hasn't quite "clicked" with fans, yet. Could be a late round steal.
#9 Naomi.
SCOUTING REPORT: Debuting as Brodus Clay's cheerleader/backup dancer might have sank any other aspiring wrestler. Luckily for Naomi, and us, it didn't. Has a fun and unique moveset in ring. Her move set is totally made for a face, and they just turned her… which was out of left field and made zero sense. So part of the issue is creative, but there is charisma and athleticism there to tap into. The split legged moonsault is one of my favorite moves (That's why his efed character used it as a finish) – I'd like to see a different finisher. The Rear View is just kind of goofy, and again… more of a babyface move, in my opinion. (Mojo, you need to quit using it too)
#10 Emma.
SCOUTING REPORT: I'd love to put Emma higher, but? No can do. I personally enjoy Emma, a LOT more than the WWE does. She is good in ring. Has charisma and in NXT the crowd loved her. Maybe that character missed the greater WWE Universe? Maybe it was the weird coupling with Santino? She was a plucky fan friendly lovable goofball in NXT. Fun unique entrance with the bubbles. A possible problem with Bayley would be how Emma was treated when she moved up to the main roster. But Emma has plenty of time. She just turned 25. Has a new darker edge she's showing in NXT in a budding feud with Bayley. The ability is there. Just needs the direction to put it all together.
Thanks for joining me, Todd McsHAYES for another Big Board Breakdown. We'll see you for the 2016 draft! Enjoy your Super Sporting Saturday, and follow me on the tweets @sirmhayesxiv
