10 Times WWE Got Their Own BAD Ideas WRONG

3. NXT's Original Run

Ronda Rousey WWE Wrong
WWE

No, not the current developmental brand model. The original 'reality" show version.

What should've been Tough Enough but with matches turned into a goofy excuse to humiliate rookies weekly and giggle at the silliest side of Vince McMahon's "sports entertainment" style. NXT went from "pros" mentoring rookies to some hazing special that made a mockery of WWE's own product between 2010-2012.

Bizarrely, it's like those penning this stuff didn't even realise they were ripping the p*ss out of themselves. Aspiring WWE stars took part in some unwatchable challenges (both verbal and physical) in lieu of, y'know, actually honing likeable/detestable characters or their skills inside the ring. It made the show hard to stomach.

The reality TV direction was bad enough, but WWE couldn't even get that right by focusing on relationships or dynamics between the cast. In short, they missed an easy layup and got NXT badly wrong. It's a miracle the current show was born from this rotten egg at all.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.