Top 5 WWE Stars who would thrive in NXT's Fight Pit
WWE NXT introduced the fans to the Fight Pit on May 27, 2020 when Timothy Thatcher and Matt Riddle locked horns inside the structure. This bout was extremely physical, and it looked like Thatcher and Riddle were actually trying to hurt each other. This introduction to the steel structure immediately solidified its status as a brutal match type.
Thatcher won the match by choking out Riddle at the end of a very compelling contest. The Fight Pit was one of the highlights of NXT last year, and many fans absolutely loved the concept. The WWE Universe hoped the black-and-gold brand would bring the stipulation back. This request was answered, as NXT brought back the Fight Pit to settle Thatcher's feud with Thatcher and Tommaso Ciampa.
From the looks of it, the Fight Pit seems to be Thatcher's playground, as he has won both of his battles in this match type. Given the fact that NXT waited eight months to bring the Fight Pit back, it would be safe to assume that this steel structure is being reserved for special occasions in WWE.
Fans have already started to imagine what could happen if some of WWE's top stars appear in the Fight Pit. Plenty of competitors could put on some amazing matches in this match, but only a few of these wrestlers would truly flourish. So, let's take a look at 5 WWE Stars who would thrive in the Fight Pit.
#5 Cesaro
Cesaro is an absolute powerhouse. Throughout his career, he has regularly displayed exemplary feats of strength. He constantly amazes WWE fans with his remarkable athleticism. "The Swiss Cyborg" is one wrestler who would be extremely entertaining in the Fight Pit.
Cesaro is easily able to adapt his wrestling style to any environment, and the Fight Pit would be a fitting place for him. He could wrestle in his natural, organic style. The former WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champion could use the steel structure to his advantage and completely batter his opponents.
By placing Cesaro in the Fight Pit, WWE would easily give its fans an engaging bout. His versatility also works to his advantage, as he could deliver some fresh spots inside the steel structure. It's fair to say that Cesaro can be the perfect litmus test to see whether the Fight Pit could successfully host diverse wrestling styles.
#4 Kevin Owens
When the occasion calls for it, Kevin Owens can be the most brutal wrestler on the WWE roster. The Fight Pit demands its competitors to tap into their dark sides. As a result, "The Prizefighter" seems like he'd fit right in.
Owens' history in WWE has made him a strong pick for the Fight Pit because he has wrestled in almost every match type in WWE's arsenal. He has absolutely knocked it out of the park in these stipulations. He has competed in the Royal Rumble, Hell in a Cell, Money in the Bank, Ladder Matches and WarGames.
The Fight Pit has featured the most toughest wrestlers in the business, and Owens is a member of this group. It would be definitely incredible to see Owens wrestle in the steel structure. It even suits his "Prizefighter" character, as the Fight Pit is a setting where he'd be able to ruthlessly battle his opponents.
Plus, Owens has already jumped over to NXT multiple times during his main roster run. The Fight Pit seems like it's a stipulation that's exclusive to NXT. But Owens has been one of the main roster stars that Triple H has occasionally brought back to the brand.
#3 Shayna Baszler
As many fans have already noticed, the NXT Fight Pit resembles the UFC cage in many ways. It has no ropes, and the large mat gives the competitors plenty of room to wrestle. Both Fight Pit matches were clearly been influenced by the mixed martial arts style.
From this point on, the stars named in this list all have connections to the MMA world. First, Shayna Baszler naturally belongs in the Fight Pit.
Shayna Baszler was an MMA fighter for nine years. Her MMA record is 15-11, so she was clearly successful during this part of her career. She has also integrated mixed martial arts into her wrestling style. Her move-set is full of MMA submission holds.
If Baszler steps into the Fight Pit, WWE would give fans an excellent analogue of her battles in UFC. Baszler's brutality is quite convincing in the ring, so she could look quite unstoppable in the Fight Pit. Fans often want to see realistic matches, and putting Baszler in the Fight Pit would allow the company do just that.
#2 - Bobby Lashley
Since Bobby Lashley returned to WWE, fans have been wanting to the company push him to the top of the card. Unfortunately, he had a relatively unstable start to his second run. But right now, he's doing fairly well. He (unsuccessfully) challenged for the WWE Championship last year. Now, he's regularly featured on RAW as member of of The Hurt Business.
Lashley is one of the few WWE stars who genuinely looks like an imposing fighter. One way to elevate his status in the company would be to have him battle in the Fight Pit. The steel structure would provide "The Almighty" with a setting where he could utterly destroy his competition. As a result, Lashley could use the Fight Pit as a springboard to the main event scene.
Of course, Lashley has also had a very successful MMA career. His win-loss record was 15-2, so he's clearly a skilled competitor. Like Baszler, Lashley would fit right in if he stepped into the Fight Pit.
It's hard to imagine that the walls of the steel structure could confine the havoc Lashley would wreak inside of it. Lashley would definitely be the number one pick on this list if one former world champion didn't have a legendary UFC career.
#1 Former WWE and UFC Heavyweight Champion - Brock Lesnar
Former Universal Champion Brock Lesnar is the perfect candidate for the Fight Pit, and many fans would love to see him compete in it. Lesnar is the first name that comes to mind when fans think of stars who crossed over to the UFC. "The Beast Incarnate" can thrive in any setting.
Lesnar had been known as the ex-UFC guy when he returned to the company. But he has put on some incredible wrestling matches, so fans have been able to see his remarkable abilities in the ring.
Lesnar would absolutely demolish his opponents in the Fight Pit. His accomplishments in UFC are a testament to his skills when it comes to mixed martial arts. "The Beast Incarnate" had a stellar run in UFC after his departure from professional wrestling in 2007.
The Fight Pit was built for someone as imposing as Lesnar. He can bring that special MMA appeal to professional wrestling. This steel structure demands a blend of pro wrestling and MMA, and Lesnar embodies that blend.
The Fight Pit fits the "The Beast Incarnate" like a shoe. If WWE wants to attract some MMA fans, many of these potential viewers would probably tune in to see Lesnar fight in the cage.