10 Reasons Why You’re Watching WWE Wrong

5. [Insert Name Of Wrestler] Sucks On NXT

roman reigns braun strowman
WWE.com

But that's why they're there.

NXT as a brand has suffered since its white hot streak between 2014 and 2016 because of a perceived lack of star power - which in turn has led to increased disinterest. Many bemoan the state of the weekly Network TV programme because it doesn't make best use of its still strong roster - but that is the exact point of it.

The formula is perfect for what it needs to be. The disproportionate roster is in place to give the lesser lights the experience needed to make the transition to international television. Bobby Roode, Hideo Itami et al. are there to prop NXT up as a touring brand and allow the likes of Kona Reeves the opportunity to hone their craft in front of sizeable and enthusiastic live crowds. As mediocre as much of NXT TV is, the model is far preferable to what it used to be. Florida Championship Wrestling used to run spot shows in dive bars. It's little wonder that so few of its graduates reached a respectable level on the main roster.

The Elias Samson act was dire - as tone deaf in concept and execution as his guitar playing. No Way Jose is a dead on arrival act, but that's why he's on NXT. He's an experiment, not the finished product.

Everything bad in NXT is for the greater good.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!