11 Ups & 7 Downs For NXT In 2018

10. Taking Center Stage

William Regal Center Stage
WWE

An early-year sojourn to Atlanta's historic Center Stage Theater breathed new life into a TV product that was started to become stale in 2017's latter stages, setting NXT up for another consistent year of awesome weekly content.

Switching NXT's tapings up is always welcome. While there's nothing wrong with Full Sail University, the last thing WWE want is their hottest crowd getting burned out on their most revered product, which has happened several times throughout NXT's lifespan. Moving to a different venue not only gives the Floridians a chance to recharge their batteries, but lets a new group of ravenous wrestling fans enjoy the developmental experience live. Predictably, the Center Stage audiences were awesome. They gave each taped episode an extra jolt of energy, reacting to everything that was put before them the right way, and at no point did it feel like they were trying to get themselves over at the product's expense. Two thumbs up.

On top of the atmosphere, the site of the old WCW Saturday Night tapings looked incredible on tap, with its roundhouse-style seating bringing a totally different feel to Full Sail. It was an aesthetic delight, so let's hope NXT plan another detour through Georgia soon.

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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.