Brit ace Zack Sabre Jr tipped to be NXT’s next breakout star – is he on WWE’s wish list?

British wrestling standout Zack Sabre Jr looks to be on WWE's wish list after he was targeted as a potential breakout star for its hottest brand.

Kent-born Sabre, 28, was identified as a ‘top, elite talent’ by EVOLVE head honcho Gabe Sapolsky in comments distributed across WWE’s digital and social media, indicating the grappling ace is on WWE’s radar.

Heaping praise on the 11-year ring veteran, Sapolsky told WWE.com the acclaimed Sabre - whose lithe physique belies the ferocity of his kicks and strikes - would be his prime tip to be NXT’s next breakout star. 

Earlier this week, WWE’s close ties with Sapolsky’s Florida-based independent outfit were confirmed with the announcement Sami Zayn will appear at EVOLVE’s shows in New York this weekend. Stars already established on WWE’s worldwide programming, such as Daniel Bryan, Dean Ambrose and Kalisto have appeared on EVOLVE’s cards before becoming main roster players.

(Watch from 52 second and 3 minute 16 second marks)

(Watch from 5 minute 29 second mark)

Sapolsky said: “I’ll go on the record as saying Zack is the best technical wrestler on the planet. 

"The things that he can do to a man’s arms and legs make you cringe when you watch it. He bends them into such unnatural positions.

“He’s also an escape artist. It’s hard for other wrestlers to put holds on him, because he knows counter after counter after counter. 

"When it comes to elite talent, Zack Sabre, Jr’s at the top of the list right now.”

(Watch from 12 minute 10 second mark)

He won over legions of new fans in the States as he clinched on-trend promotion PWG’s Battle of Los Angeles tournament honour at the end of August and is also already very familiar with NXT champ Finn Balor, one of his business partners in merchandise venture SPLX. 

However, the modest star is staying tight-lipped on his own WWE ambitions - and is believed to be living his dream working in Japan, where he has been resident for the last year.

Also tipped as possible candidates for future spots in NXT were EVOLVE regulars Anthony Nese, ‘Hot Sauce’ Tracy Williams, Timothy Thatcher and Johnny Gargano, who has already taken his bow on WWE’s proving ground platform.

Scottish star Nikki Storm has also been rumoured to be in the running for a place on NXT’s expanding women’s division. Last week, Glasgow’s Kay Lee Ray had a chance to impress NXT agents when she was booked for a match at the WWE Network show’s tapings at Full Sail University.

It is hoped more Brits may receive tryout opportunities when WWE is in the UK in November, ahead of NXT's seven-date trip over here in December.