Overall Rating: ****

Physique: ***

Charisma: ****1/2

In-Ring Work: ***

Strengths: Athletic, and exceptional on the mic.

Weaknesses: Limited move set may need to be expanded going forward.

Similar Styles: Bill Goldberg, Umaga, William Regal

Signature Moves: Powerbomb, Big Boot

Headline Potential: Higher Midcard

Accolades: OVW Tag Team Champion (1x), FCW Tag Team Champion (1x)

Scouting Report: We could be looking at the next great heel in The WWE in Wade Barrett.  Barrett’s current skill set is limited as expected with a newer WWE Superstar, however he is very good on the mic and with more in-ring experience Barrett should be ready to make some serious noise if he is to be called up to the main roster.

Barrett’s talking ability is so advanced, that for a while in FCW he was the color commentator alongside Dusty Rhodes.  Wade Barrett’s big, booming voice is utilized to its fullest potential as Barrett has a very charismatic and fluid talking style.  Barrett has also made some strides under the tutelage of Chris Jericho in WWE NXT.

It will be interesting to see how Barrett is used should the WWE invest in his career.  Barrett can be the type of superstar who does little talking and a lot of destroying against lower midcard talent early on.  However he could also use his above mentioned talking ability to get him over as a heel.  Working on standout power moves can establish Barrett as a serious threat if used correctly.  Barrett as a talking heel who still imposes his will physically is a logical choice for the booking of this potentially great character.

Key Match: Alberto Banderas vs. Wade Barrett vs. Kaval. vs. Michael Tarver

Overall Rating: ***

Physique: ***

Charisma: ****

In-Ring Work: ***

Strengths: Solid in the ring with great charisma.

Weaknesses: A bit undersized, may be overlooked for a significant role on cards.

Similar Styles: Edge, Christian

Signature Moves: Spinning spine buster, Flying elbow drop

Headline Potential: Midcard

Accolades: FCW Heavyweight Champion (1x), FCW Tag Team Champion (1x), FCW Southern Heavyweight Champion (1x)

Scouting Report: Of all the talent currently on The WWE NXT roster, Heath Slater is easily one of the most deserving as he has been in WWE developmental limbo since 2006.  On the bright side, Slater’s extended stay in WWE Developmental will give him the edge over the likes of “fan favorite” Daniel Bryan as Slater has been taught how to work the WWE style for almost four years now.

Slater’s unmistakable charisma is very similar to that of an Edge or a Jeff Hardy, and Slater could very well capture lightning in a bottle as he progresses in his WWE career.  Slater had a nice run as FCW Heavyweight champion, and even captured the tag team championships as well as the Southern Heavyweight championship which are all more positives in the building of this character as championship experience will breed a solid foundation of confidence.

The main concern with Heath Slater is that he is quite undersized for The WWE’s liking.  Guys who are Slater’s size can definitely earn a nice living with The WWE, however history tells us that if they are not properly protected, which they usually aren’t, then it is only a matter of time before they sink down the ranks only to become a stepping stone for the bigger, more muscular superstars that Vince McMahon tends to be high on.

Slater can definitely make his mark in The WWE.  The ‘One Man Rock Band’ nickname is catchy, and if Heath Slater can continue to improve  the overall presentation of his character through solid promos and memorable matches, he could get a serious look as a possible darkhorse star.

Key Match: Justin Angel vs. Heath Slater