From the WWE/NXT Rumour Mill: NXT's South American stars to receive a push?
What's the story?
The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter has suggested that the WWE has its sights set on prioritising a South American star, with the likes of Taynara Conti and Cezar Bononi likely to receive some sort of push.
In case you didn't know...
Taynara Conti, who holds a black belt in judo and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, signed for WWE developmental in 2016. She made her wrestling debut in May 2017 and went on to star in the Mae Young Classic, losing in the first round.
Recently, Conti started a storyline with Nikki Cross and The Undisputed ERA after costing Nikki Cross victory in a title-shot match on behalf of the new NXT faction.
Cezar Bononi was a Brazilian football player before he pursued a career in pro-wrestling. He was signed to NXT in 2016 and has made sporadic appearances since then, usually in losing efforts to more established names on the roster.
The heart of the matter
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter hints that both Taynara Conti and Cezar Bononi could be in line for a bigger spotlight, not just because of their in-ring ability, but because it appears the WWE wants to target the South American audience.
Much in the same way that they're doing with Jinder Mahal as the WWE Champion on SmackDown LIVE at the moment.
"We're told WWE is prioritising the idea of a South American star. That's probably where the Taynara Conti push comes from, because she looks like they want a star to look and is a real athlete. Cezar Bononi has the size and look, and has picked up realistic selling, almost at Japan quality in spots, but he's still very green."
What's next?
Whilst Bononi currently isn't involved in any sort of programme or storyline, Taynara Conti will be looking for answers following The Undisputed ERA using her to get at SAnitY member Nikki Cross, and not delivering what they promised to her for her help afterwards.
Author's take
I'm never going to be annoyed at WWE for pushing different and diverse talent, but I don't think I've seen enough from Conti or Bononi to view them future stars.
Hopefully, the Taynara Conti storyline with the Undisputed ERA goes somewhere, and they give Bononi something to do, then we'll be able to truly judge their ceiling.