Yo Adrian!

Neville vs. Zayn
Photo by WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

Nearly two years ago I had the opportunity to meet NXT standout Adrian Neville.  It was at an All American Pro Wrestling show in Marion, Illinois.  Back then, Neville was wrestling on the indy scene as PAC.  I had only seen a few YouTube videos featuring "The Man That Gravity Forgot", but was immediately impressed, not just with PAC's skills in the ring (he wrestled El Generico, aka Sami Zayn that night), but also with his kindness backstage.

Fast forward to late 2013. I've watched the last several episodes of NXT, including the match Neville had against Zayn to become the number one contender for the NXT championship.  Once again these two amazed me with their display of athletic ability and storytelling.  It was reminiscent of that night in January 2012, where I got to call the action.  I never dreamed that night that in a short period of time both would be under contract with WWE.

On the most recent episode of NXT, Neville got his shot against champion Bo Dallas.  It was a highly competitive match, one that I was hoping Neville would win.  Well, technically he did win, but only by count-out, so Dallas retained the title.  The ending leads me to believe the former two-time NXT tag team champion will get another crack at the gold, sooner rather than later.

That's me in the middle, with Generico & PAC.

Late last year I wrote a blog hoping that WWE would call Neville up to the main roster in 2013.  With just over three weeks left in the year, I don't see that happening. But he has done some amazing things with NXT and I believe he'll continue to shine there in 2014.  When the WWE does finally call him up, I want it to be for good, and not a flash in the pan who is sent back to Florida like we've seen happen with so many developmental stars before him.