I know some people get sensitive that Cole is getting body-shamed but he looked ridiculous next to Buddy.
He doesn't need to roid up, but at least put some work in and get back to that NXT look like you said, or change up his character and moveset to match up.
Like you don't need to be a huge muscle monster. Darby isn't a big guy at all for example, but he wrestles like he looks. He sells his ass off, and his offense is largely him being super reckless and literally just throwing his whole body at people.
It makes sense.