As a unit, the Nexus have been a deadly and destructive force within the WWE and on Raw specifically. It's amazing to think that just a couple of months ago, they were rookies competing for one spot on WWE's main roster. By banding together and using brute force and scare tactics, they were all able to obtain contracts, and due to their pledge to stick together, are still a focal point of Monday Night Raw even months later. Although most expect this group to stay together for quite a while, I thought I'd take a look beneath the surface and break down this dominant group. When they were on NXT, I would share my personal rankings of these men, but what they have shown within Nexus has certainly altered my perception. Thus, I present to you the Nexus power rankings:
7. Darren Young - At this pont, I think it's painfully obviously that Young is the weak link of the group. For starters, he was first the guy who kind of looked like the love child of John Cena and a black troll doll. It's kind of hard to be taken seriously with that stigma, but Young has done a good job of keeping quiet and blending in. The problem is, his hair made him stand out, and changing it this week only perpetuated matters. Now, he looks like the love child of John Cena and Trent Reznor, but black. I dont' think it was a coincidence that Cena took out Young first, and I believe management sees him as the weak link as well. That's not to say that he has absolutely no future, but he has definite things working against him, and at this point, he is certainly the guy least like to break out once Nexus is through.
6. Heath Slater - This kid was perfect to be paired with Christian, in that he had that pain in the ass charm that made Christian hated for a long time, but loved in the long run. That confidence he eluded was very similar to that of his mentor, and things looked bright for the "One Man Rock Band". However, he didn't win NXT and now he is playing a ruthless bully in Nexus, which seems completely out of character for him. His red hair and boyish look dont' come off as intimidating, and his voice never really went with his body. If you isolate him, there's just something off about him being in Nexus, but by keeping silent and staying straightfaced, he can blend in and not have people focus on how awkard he looks individually within this group. Perhaps he will one day play the right role for him, but for now, the role he has is tough and he's doing the best he can.
5. David Otunga - This guy came in second on NXT somehow, but I can guarantee you that he is not second in command when it comes to the Nexus. He is scrapped the Hollywood look to become more generic, sans the fact that his hair has a certain shine to it. However, he's done a nice job at adapting to his role, but his soft voice just doesn't sound intimidating. He's a good talker, but not the right voice for the group. He's also not a very good worker, so at this point, I can't have him as being worth more than others in teh group. Perhaps his look will get him somewhere as a singles competitor one day, but for now, he's a big body who is best utilized by simply looking intimidating without opening his mouth and/or botching anything in the ring.
4. Michael Tarver - I had a hard time separating the next 3 guys, as all have played a vital role within Nexus without actually leading the group. Tarver is so perfect for this group, as he is absolutely perfect for the bully role. His size, vicious approach to the business, and his eyes above that bandana he wears on his face are perfect to strike fear into opponents. Heck, his eyes look downright scary at times and you really want to focus on him to sense the emotion of the group. He's done a great job with all that, but when it comes to hitting finishers, he hasn't done much. He has been utilized as a spokesperson, and after Barrett, he's probably the second best speaker in the group, but until they unleash him in the ring, he can't be any higher. With that said, Tarver has excellent potential as a heel in the business, and this group is certainly giving him a jumpstart into the type of character he was born to play.
3. Justin Gabriel - This is a guy that looked to be unfit for the group. He was a high-flying babyface with a goofy haircut and winning smile. However, no one has surprised the WWE Universe more than Gabriel with his transformation in this group. Not only is he one of the better workers in the group, but he has the cold, emotionless look down pat. When he ascends the ropes and looks down upon his victim with those cold, dead eyes, you get the feeling that he is flying with the intent on hurting the guy, but that he has no sympathy for any of his victims. That look automatically put him in the upper echelon of workers in this group, as it proves that he can play an effective heel as well as a face. That versatility will serve him well in the long run, but as with some others, it is definitely best to keep him off the microphone, especially in this group. He may come off intimidating with how he works, but his mic work cannot sell that. Best to leave that to others.
2. Skip Sheffield - A couple of months ago, I thought this guy was Stone Cold's retarded cousin. He is now the most intimidating presence in the Nexus. As stated on NXT, he has a "meathead" body, in that he is very big and strong. He has utilized this attribute to be a human wrecking ball for his group, taking down opponents with lariats and other power moves on a weekly basis. To truly sell the beating an opponent is getting, Sheffield is always a major part of the attack, and he sells his own offense well, making it look as vicious as possible. On the occasions he's talked, he's kept it short and meaningful, which works quite well for this role. I'd liken it to Batista's face character, but more soulless. He has morphed into a machine with one goal in mind, and that is to serve as powerhouse for the Nexus. Since he was already an effective face, and now he has shown the ability to be an effective heel, the future looks bright for Sheffield. Of course, with a body like that, any competance in the ring and as a character should keep you employed for quite a long while.
1. Wade Barrett - Duh. This is the guy who won NXT, who started Nexus, and who has stood as their leader every step of the way. He has been so good in his role that I am steadfast in the belief that the group does NOT need an external leader that is more established. I believe Barrett has been excellent as a leader, speaking fluently and intelligently every time he picks up a mic, leading his bretherend whenever they are on screen, and having the wrestling prowess to look competant against anyone in the ring. He has really sold the idea that Nexus is a cerebral group in that they plan out every action, make sure everyone is on the same page, and do everything with a logical goal in mind. This guy would have been a success without the group, but as its leader, he might be able to find great success right away. I don't think it's ridiculous to believe that Barrett could hold the WWE title by the end of the year, and I honestly don't think it would look out of place on him. This guy is a star and has absolutely everyhting necessary to become an icon in this business. Leading the biggest group since Evolution might just vault him towards that status quicker than anyone would have imagined.
Well, there you have the Nexus power rankings. Don't agree? Write a comment and tell me how you'd have it. Though if you put Heath Slater at 1 I might wish bad things upon you! Just kidding, but I hope to get a lot of feedback from everyone on this and anything else I write. Make your voices heard!
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