5 under-30 superstars in NXT who are the future of WWE

NXT has a somewhat infamous record when it comes to talent. They become stars in developmental and then inevitably lose some or all of what made them special in the so-called minor leagues when they get under Vince McMahon's thumb on the main roster. It's a tragic situation that no doubt has been integral in creating the problems the company currently faces.

WWE is in desperate need of stars. Its fast-falling ratings demand that a new approach be taken, and while NXT has a number of prospects (Matt Riddle being the most prominent right now), but I'm going to take a look at the longest-term investments that the company can make, the ones that are under 30 and so can do the most over the long run for the company.

#5 Toni Storm

I was on the Toni Storm hype train a year ago, but I've just been underwhelmed the more I've seen of her. Neither her Mae Young Classic run nor her NXT UK title reign have exactly set the world on fire. I'd prefer to put Io Shirai here, but with Toni Storm's look and English being Shirai's second language, Storm will have a higher ceiling as long as Vince McMahon is in charge of the company.

Storm probably won't be a constant main event fixture despite her look - she just doesn't have the charisma or the character, but she'll get a liberal amount of title shots and a number of championship reigns thanks to her look and the strength of her work in the ring. Whenever she comes to the main roster, she'll be a solid upper mid-carder who occasionally comes into the main event.

At only 23, time will be on her side. She'll be able to make her mark in whatever capacity she's in for years to come.