NXT Fans Unhappy With New Changes
The move to USA is not without its problems...
Much of the discourse surrounding NXT's move to the USA Network was inevitably centred around Vince McMahon, and the prospect of his (unanimously unwanted) interference. This has faded almost entirely in the wake of the first two shows, which have drawn much acclaim for the authenticity of the presentation and the strong emphasis on in-ring action.
But, in an interesting note from this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the live audience doesn't share in the general consensus of the new, televised audience, and that isn't because Vince is going to Vince, but because WWE is going to WWE.
Writes Meltzer:
"A lot of the regular fans were unhappy bout (sic) a few things. One was that during the live hour, when they did a commercial break, the action would slow down. Roderick Strong vs Velveteen Dream came across much better on television because the action was chinlocks and nobody did anything much for 4:00 during breaks."
This was perhaps an inevitable consequence of the move to live TV (and WWE's approach to it), and until this report materialised, few would have presumed. Crowds have resonated as red-hot so far, but over time, this might pose a threat to the atmosphere.
Moreover, Meltzer also reports that "there’s also less fan interaction with talent". Fans would hang out with the talent at the food trucks, but since catering facilities are in place, this is no longer the case. The Ale House was another common hangout spot, but new policy has put an end to the post-show tradition; talent is now told to park and enter the establishment through the back, minimising interaction. Apart from Triple H, who was on glad-handing duties this week.
Maybe Trips spotted Keith Lee holding court, worried that he was "f*cking going over," and wasn't happy about it.