WWE is retooling its developmental talent pool

In recent years, the WWE has been facing the fact that its current roster is aging. All of its top stars are reaching the end of their primes, with many already entering the downward slope of decline. 

Fresh talents such as Bron Breakker and Jacob Fatu have helped reinvigorate the talent pool on the main roster. However, it's clear that more work still needs to be done. Fortunately for WWE, NXT is full of potential stars of the future. Trick Williams, Obi Femi, Stephanie Vaquer, Ethan Page and now Ricky Starks are all capable of making a big splash with the Red or Blue Brand in the near future. 

The problem is, if all of those stars make the leap to the main roster, NXT will be devoid of genuine draws for its own show. That's a problem WWE appears to be looking to address. According to a report from Fightful Select, WWE is showing interest in top UK stars "Rhio" and "Man Like DeReiss (MLD for short.)" 

"We are also told that several talents in WWE have been pushing for the signing of both Rhio and DeReiss," Fightful Select reported. "We have not heard if either talent will be present for extra work during the leadup to WrestleMania or will be present at the tryout scheduled for London in March. We are told that WWE has reached out to several schools and promotions with regard to the extra work for their pre-WrestleMania tour."

Both English talents have previous experience with WWE, having worked with NXT UK in the past. Furthermore, both are regulars on Progress Wrestling, which has a close working relationship with the wrestling juggernaut. 

MLD has a growing fan base. He has also competed for Over The Top Wrestling, appearing on stacked cards with top talents such as Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston. Meanwhile, Rhio has built a stellar career on the independents in her own right. 

If WWE is going to start making use of its talent pipeline from NXT, moving to replenish the talent pool is a smart decision. Regardless of the fact NXT is a developmental show, ratings are still king. There must be enough of a draw to keep fans tuning in. 

As the top wrestling promotion in the world, WWE does an incredible job of developing and progressing talent. With a host of stars likely to be slowing down in the next five to 10 years, it makes sense to start pushing some of the younger wrestlers now. It shouldn't be long before we see Williams, Femi and the rest of the NXT standouts challenging for top titles in WWE. 

Everything the WWE does is built around long-term stability, from its storytelling to its talent development. If the plans pay dividends, the WWE will be set for the next 15 to 25 years.