10 Bold Predictions For WWE In 2018
9. The Debutants
With a dash of optimism, might 2018 finally be the year WWE master the transition between NXT and the main roster?
The 2016 Brand Extension forced a mining of the developmental brand's golden era to such a degree that the Full Sail product required a complete overhaul just months later, but it subsequently extended the brand's midas touch on the TakeOver specials. It's remained the safest supercard bet since, but the characters and matches subtly shifted to foster new fans keen to see what else the group can produce beyond the glory days of The Revival, Bayley and Finn Bálor.
NXT has again embodied the feel of a well-produced minor league rather than an over-performing undercard. This more realistic platform upon which the current mix of seasoned veterans of determined youngsters stand may temper expectations and give the performers far more time to grow and develop their fanbase on Raw or SmackDown! in comparison to the beloved Full Sail graduates called up in the past two years.
WWE's demanding churn has physically wrecked The Revival, butchered Bayley and well and truly f*cked Finn. Fortunately 2018 may be better positioned to advance Adam Cole, elevate Ember Moon and validate The Velveteen Dream.