10 Things NXT Did Specifically To Beat AEW

4. Incorporating 205 Live

As above, so below really. WWE know that they have audiences there who consume their product without ever tuning into either Raw or SmackDown and, no matter how small they may be, they're worth making NXT appeal to. If they can get a few thousand NXT UK fans invested by including WALTER, then there's no reason not to lure 205 Live fans in with the promise of Cruiserweight Championship action.

In truth this a good fit even if AEW weren't a consideration, what with the current show really struggling to engage a live crowd in its current post-SmackDown taping spot. If nothing else, the stars on there would mostly benefit from all the extra polish a run in developmental brings.

However for all the ways 205 will benefit from this, it's how their inclusion shapes NXT that makes it relevant for taking on AEW. In short, it adds more variety to the product. Arguably the biggest reason to tune into Dynamite every Wednesday is going to be the sheer scope of the different wrestling styles on offer - their entire brand is that there's "something for everyone". NXT lags way behind them in this regard, but adding the cruiserweights (and those street fights) is a smart way to close the gap.