The Concerns About NXT
With all the recent additions to the main roster over the last four months, NXT now appears to be in a tough spot. The call-ups of Joe Hendry and Ethan Page, two of its biggest stars and merchandise sellers, dealt a significant blow to the product, leaving the show with fewer polished stars, especially following the departures of Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, and Oba Femi earlier this year.
Some of the talents that Shawn Michaels, Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative, will rely on moving forward include NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo, North American Champion Myles Bourne, and Women’s Champion Lola Vice. The brand also features Zaria, fresh off a high-profile feud with Sol Ruca, and Jaida Parker, who is widely regarded as one of the company’s top heels.
But it appears that this past Tuesday on NXT, they were trying to calm fans’ worries about the shrinking talent pool. The show brought two new talents to the women’s roster, with Lizzy Rain making her highly anticipated debut with a victory over Nikkita Lyons. At the same time, Kali Armstrong also made her first appearance on the brand.
On the men’s side, Will Kroos, a standout from the UK independent scene, made his debut, but the most shocking moment of the night occurred when former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion EVIL made his surprise arrival from New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Ultimately, fans have to be careful what they wish for; the demand for “new faces” was high, and WWE certainly delivered. That said, balance is key, and there is a growing sense that the company may have gone overboard with the influx of new stars, especially since it came at the expense of releasing so many established veterans. This rapid expansion risks overwhelming the storylines and making it harder for any single newcomer to stand out truly.
