5 Ups And 5 Downs From NXT 400
Despatches from the front lines of the WWE's developmental program/hipster brand.
NXT is in a period of flux. A major drain in its most quality performers has left it denuded of much of the indy wrestler talent that now enhances the main brand rosters. Now it is trying to establish new stars, build characters and feuds, and create compelling title pictures built around current holders Asuka and Bobby Roode.
The aim is to build a card for the forthcoming NXT Takeover show in August, the night before Summerslam, but the roster isn't yet deep or characterful enough to provide the customary challenger to the main PPV's offering.
NXT 400 was based around the championship match between Bobby Roode, whose amazing Glorious gimmick has defined the NXT title, and relative newcomer Roderick Strong.
It also featured Cassius Ohno and Hideo Itami against SAnitY's tag team configuration, along with segments building up events in the women's division and continuing the pushing of Drew McIntyre.
All these are elements designed to push stories towards a climax at Takeover - but can NXT still produce a quality hour of wrestling TV even as it shuffles its pieces into a complete picture?