10 Ways WWE Are Currently Catering To Hardcore Fans

For a few years there was the report that WWE had zero interest in signing anyone who had worked for TNA, preferring to avoid any wrestlers who were tainted by the "stink" of working for that dying company.

Likewise, people who were considered "indy darlings' were often overlooked; instead WWE opted to create their own stars from scratch using their developmental system.

That all began to change with the influx of guys like Daniel Bryan, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, but then WWE doubled back down on the old policy and put a halt on bringing in experienced workers, citing the unwillingness of these guys to break from the "bad habits" they had already learned.

That's all changed in a big way, and a large part of the reason is the transition of NXT from strictly training ground to genuine touring company. More established names are needed to fill out the roster and help sell tickets, as well as give the rookies seasoned veterans to work with whom they can learn from.

In the last few months, the likes of Austin Aries, The Mighty Don't Kneel, Bobby Roode and possibly even Adam Cole and Ricochet have all either signed or been in talks to sign with the company.

These are all guys that are highly respected by the smart fans and have stoked the fires of passion among the most rabid in the audience.