Back before NXT went on the USA Network, you would more commonly see talent from the WWE performance center come onto the program and try their hand at defeating more established stars. This was the case back in January of 2019 when the then Eric Bugenhagen stole viewers hearts when he answered Drew Gulaks open challenge.
Despite being quickly dispatched by the power-point enthusiast, Bugenhagen left an impact with his entrance alone. So much of an impact that the NXT faithful chanted for an encore. He didn’t just play air guitar on his way to the ring, he was an entire air metal band, with everything perfectly capped off by a high pitched scream that would make Rob Halford of Judas Priest blush.
Multi-Talented Individual
The man has star written all over him, he looks like he was cryogenically frozen back in the 1980’s, has more charisma than he knows what to do with, is an impressive powerlifter, and can shread on a guitar like it’s no-ones business. The man holds a rockstar persona. All he needs is the wrestling ability to back up the amazing gimmick.
Bugez is a former collegic wrestling standout, meaning his mat wrestling technique is about as good as a rookie in professional wrestling can hope for. With the help of the WWE Performance Center and hard work on NXT house shows in Florida, it will only be a matter of time before he is the total package of looks, charisma, and ability.
WWE might already have a country folk artist on their roster in the always magnificent Elias, but Rik Bugez will bring a true heavy metal flair to the company, the likes of which it hasn’t seen in ages. A segment between them alone would be all I would need to be completely satisfied with the career of Bugez, and it seems inevitable.
Not Ready Yet
Not everyone signed to the NXT brand is ready to be on prime time TV, which is where NXT is calling it’s home. Someone like Bugez is the definition of developmental, and I wish WWE would provide a show where we can watch this talent grow, like how WWE does Lion Gate shows focused on their rookie talent. Being able to follow someones journey from rookie to star is a satisfying experience for wrestling fans. Until then, we just need to wait patiently until Bugez lets the entire world know what they’re missing. The day he returns to TV will be a day to remember, so don’t forget the name Rik Bugez in the meantime.
