10 Ups & 12 Downs For WWE In 2020 (So Far)

2. The Devolution Of NXT

Dexter Lumis
NXT

NXT isn't NXT anymore.

Once a fresh, exciting, and dynamic alternative to Raw and SmackDown that pushed straightforward A-to-B booking and cutting-edge in-ring action to the forefront, team black and gold now apes the boomer wrestling of its bigger, shinier cousins almost to a tee.

Disqualifications, distractions, and other screwy finishes are spammed to the same extent rather than saved for occasional use - and therefore greater effect. High-school dramatics are everywhere. Matches are scripted and agented to a harmful extent, though NXT retains an athletic edge over the old main roster. Robert Stone is working puke segments. Angles are repetitive, banal, and rigid, rarely straying beyond standard brawls and staredowns. Everything is overproduced to a ridiculous extent.

Etc., etc. etc.

It's a shame that WWE gave up on presenting NXT as a unique, "alternative" product since moving it to USA Network, but they have. The odd big match aside, the weekly show is now indistinguishable.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.