NXT Star Kalisto May Be Called Up Soon

Emanuel Rodriguez, better known by the ring name Samuray del Sol on the independent circuit, signed a developmental deal with WWE in May of 2013. Later that year, in August, Rodriguez received a new ring name, “Kalisto.” A couple weeks later, Kalisto made his debut in NXT on September 20, defeating Baron Corbin at a live event.

In April of 2014, Kalisto formed a tag team with El Local, better known as Ricardo Rodriguez. At the recent “NXT Takeover,” WWE Network special, on May 29, the two faced The Ascension for its NXT Tag Team Championship. In a match that went under seven minutes, Kalisto and El Local unsuccessfully challenged for the titles.

In a recent edition of Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is noted that WWE wants Kalisto to debut on the main WWE roster before the end of 2014. WWE’s reasoning behind the possible call up is that the company believes it is lacking a Latino babyface. Kalisto, who will turn 28 in November, is a Mexican American born in Chicago, Ill.

Arguably WWE’s biggest Latino draw, Rey Mysterio, is out of action due to a hand injury. Interestingly enough, Mysterio may pursue legal action against WWE, following Vince McMahon’s decision to renew Mysterio’s contract due to his belief that Mysterio owes the company time.

Editor’s Note

With the slew of releases by WWE, we could definitely be in store for some more NXT stars debuting on the main WWE roster. I would love to see Kalisto in WWE by the end of 2014, as I was impressed with his work at “NXT Takeover.”