10 Times NXT Was As Dumb As WWE's Main Roster
1. Compromising Storytelling For Ratings
Ever since inheriting his father's company in 1982, Vince McMahon's modus operandi has always seemed to be to become the sole source of professional wrestling.
After running pretty much unopposed since 2001, WWE finally had weekly competition again from late 2019, moving NXT from the Network to USA in order to compete with AEW Dynamite.
Up until this point, NXT's biggest pull was just how much it wasn't like the 'main roster'. Characters could have nuance, matches were allowed to breathe, there seemed to be fewer punishments for mistakes, and stories progressed fluidly and - for the most part - made sense. The Triple H-helmed brand was a safe haven from Saudi shambles and Wildcard nonsense, but when NXT began getting direct competition, Vince couldn't stay away and got more involved with the week-to-week runnings of Wednesday night content.
Booking for a good show with storytelling got dropped in favour of ratings pops (e.g. Keith Lee's double title win), the poorly-booked injection of Charlotte Flair, a lacklustre tag team division, and over-shadowing a women's division match with bodily fluids (Robert Stone vomiting during Xia Li vs. Aaliyah - during a pandemic no less). NXT was a shadow of its former self in 2020, while AEW prospered.