10 Things Keeping WWE Alive Right Now
5. NXT
Speaking of NXT, the developmental brand is the only way WWE looks towards the future, at least in terms of talent. While the main product has become stale and is losing viewers, there are a lot of fans sticking around purely for NXT. Its been described by media outlets as having a grungy and edgy type of feel and that's appealing to jaded fans who are sick of WWE's sterile current setup.
During a recent interview, Rhyno compared NXT to the old ECW in terms of rabid fanbase, and the small engine that fans seem to love rooting for and he's not far off in that assessment. In 2015, NXT has added shows to WrestleMania and SummerSlam weekends and its started a new initiative - NXT Loud where the brand goes to music festivals and puts on events and signings at metal festivals across the country.
At the recent Aftershock Festival, Slipknots Corey Taylor even got into a physical altercation with Baron Corbin which got picked up by large media outlets and further enhanced the image of NXT as the cool new place where you can see the superstars of tomorrow.
The NXT brand is fast becoming the coolest thing about WWE. From bringing in big indy names like Samoa Joe and James Storm to focusing on womens wrestling through Asuka and Bayley, NXT is getting WWE mainstream press coverage, adding to their two big weekends a year and starting to make serious money for the organization.