Opinion

Top 5: WWE NXT Performance Center Surprising Successes

Published

7 years ago

May 1, 2018

Last week, we honored the NFL Draft by discussing some of the biggest busts in recent WWE history. It was fun, but I can’t help but think we can be more positive this week.

Indeed, not every draft pick or talent signing pans out. Some fail miserably. However, some end up exceeding our greatest expectations & paying off more than imagined.

These are the Top 5 NXT/Performance Center surprising success stories.

5. Corey Graves

I was familiar with Graves before he came to WWE, and I can’t say I was ever all that impressed. He struck me as a second-rate CM Punk, from the tattoos to the hair & ring attire. He had the look down, and he wasn’t terrible in the ring or on the stick, but he wasn’t on Punk’s level in any regard. I didn’t expect much to come of his going to WWE.

It seemed like I was right for awhile. Graves was solid but unspectacular during his run as an NXT in-ring performer. Concussion issues led to his retirement & it seemed like Corey Graves was destined to be a footnote in wrestling history. He didn’t quit though. He found another aspect of the business to give a try, and ended up becoming one of WWE’s best announcers of this century. He’ll have a job as long as he wants one, or as long as he doesn’t piss off Saudi Arabia with his social media.

4. Carmella

Carmella WWE

According to Enzo Amore, Carmella was hot as hell, and you couldn’t teach that. She wasn’t known for much else before her call-up. We all wondered why she was on a different brand than Enzo & Big Cass. It probably worked out better for her that way. She won the first Women’s Money in the Bank briefcase thanks to James Ellsworth. Well, she won the first one thanks to him, then they had another match that she won without him. I’m still not sure what that was all about.

She had a pretty typical MITB briefcase holder push. Don’t do much for awhile, threaten to cash in occasionally, then cash in. I’m not a big fan, but enough people are that WWE keeps doing it. Carmella is the current SmackDown Women’s Champion. I’m not convinced it lasts long, but at least they let her cash in.

3. Elias

To say that The Drifter wasn’t among the most popular NXT Superstars would be an understatement. Elias Samson got some heat from the Full Sail University crowd, but it wasn’t the “Boo, you’re an asshole” heat. It was the “Get the hell out of the ring” kind of heat. Nobody had anything good to say about Elias in any NXT coverage I saw, whether it was on message boards, social media or whatever.

Then he arrived on Raw and was a great heel. I know his YouTube numbers aren’t great, but he’s quite over with live audiences and his merchandise does pretty well. They like putting him with top acts like John Cena & Braun Strowman, & Undertaker was training with him prior to the Greatest Royal Rumble event. Undertaker is a pretty good person to have on your side. I fully expect Elias to have a long, prosperous career in WWE as a heat magnet getting his ass kicked by people that need to be asskickers.

2. Alexa Bliss

Alexa Bliss WWE Raw Women's Champion WrestleMania Kickoff

I remember people being mad that Alexa got drafted by the SmackDown brand over Bayley. How dare they draft a woman that got over as a manager in NXT! Alexa was not one of the Four Horsewomen that paved the road for future NXT ladies to follow. In spite of that, she’s been one of the most successful women to make their way through the Performance Center.

She dominated the SmackDown women’s division. Then she went to Raw & did the same thing. She’s the best female heel on the roster without a doubt. I thought her year on SmackDown was better than her year on Raw, but you can’t deny her status as one of the best in the game. Nobody would have expected that after her tenure in NXT where she was best known as the manager of Blake & Murphy.

Honorable Mention: CJ Parker/Juice Robinson

CJ Parker was not exactly a favorite of NXT viewers. I’m not sure if it was his wrestling ability, his pro Paris Agreement stance or what, but there weren’t many tears shed when he was released. He didn’t shed any tears either, or if he did he didn’t let it last long. North American New Japan fans were a bit skeptical when Juice Robinson showed up on the scene, but he quickly established himself as a solid player.

Isn’t it amazing how guys can suddenly re-establish themselves when they go to Japan? I remember a time where readers would make fun of me for suggesting such a thing. But now it’s exactly what happens, and everybody is silent. Juice had to wait a little while, but he eventually found his success.

1. Braun Strowman

Braun did not have an NXT run. He appeared on a house show. He spent plenty of time at the Performance Center, but most of the world didn’t see him until he popped up as a member of the Wyatt Family. The first impressions weren’t great. I thought he was a big stiff that couldn’t do anything & got his spot because he was the prototypical WWE big man. His Wyatt Family run wasn’t exactly anything to write home about. He was big, but he had a goofy beard, some weird tattoos & unspectacular wrestling attire. We weren’t even sure he passed the “look” test.

Then he started getting a singles push. He didn’t have five-star matches. He wasn’t a workrate marvel. In spite of that, he won most Internet wrestling fans over with his sheer physicality. He had this odd charisma about him. Once he started attacking Roman Reigns, everybody was won over. “I’M NOT FINISHED WITH YOU!” & “Get These Hands” became catchphrases. He became a babyface while being pushed as a monster heel.

WWE went with it. That usually ends up being bad, especially when they start doing comedic stuff. Braun sang a song to Elias. Braun formed #TeamLittleBig with Alexa Bliss, who he thought was kinda cute. Brain Strowman came out as his “brother”. Braun won the Raw Tag Team Championships with a kid, then forfeited them because the kid had school. These things should sink performers like Braun Strowman. They haven’t. Braun takes anything that WWE Creative gives him and makes it work. We all accept it somehow. It’s Braun Strowman. He can be involved in some complete bullshit, but we know that he can destroy anybody in his path.

There is no greater vote of confidence than the one that Braun received last Friday. Daniel Bryan was in the Greatest Royal Rumble Match for over seventy minutes. We all know how angry people get when Bryan doesn’t win the Rumble, or isn’t even in the Rumble. Bryan is beloved by his audience like few wrestlers I’ve seen. Bryan got dumped out by Big Cass, then Braun got rid of Cass. Everybody was good with that. We all accepted that Bryan lasted the longest in a Royal Rumble Match, and Braun won it. Had anybody else won it we may have complained. But it was Braun, so it was ok.

WWE has spent years trying to make Roman Reigns “the guy”. Some accept it, some don’t. If Braun Strowman takes the Universal Championship from Brock Lesnar, they will get one of the best fan celebrations in the history of modern wrestling. I really can’t explain it, but I know it to be true. I also know that I will be celebrating with them.

He’s the guy, brother.

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Related Topics:Alexa Bliss Braun Strowman Carmella CJ Parker Corey Graves Elias Featured Big Juice Robinson NXT WWE

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1