11 Ups & 7 Downs For NXT In 2018

5. Extreme Roster Bloat

Performance Center Class
WWE.com

The problems created by WWE's hyper-aggressive signing policy (and Vince McMahon's apparent need to acquire every wrestler in the world) have started rearing their heads, most notably in NXT, where extreme Performance Center bloat is actively undermining clusters of world-class wrestlers.

Dominik Dijakovic was an independent standout for years, but has made just two jobber NXT TV appearances since signing 18 months ago. German mat wizard Marcel Barthel is in a similar position. Humberto Carrillo and Raul Mendoza? Jobbers. Deonna Purrazzo? A bit-parter. Keith Lee? He's on television, but it looks like the writers don't have a clue what to do with him, and there's no room for a push.

This situation will only get worse as WWE's signing blitz continues. ACH, Jonah Rock, and Trevor Lee are expected to sign in January, with KUSHIDA, Rachael Evers, and countless others on the company's radar as well. Each is a wonderful performer, and they all deserve a big WWE payday, but the PC is already well overstocked.

At least a couple of these will spend over a year farting around on Floridian house shows before they make television. A huge problem, and one that can't be solved under McMahon's gotta-catch-em-all approach.

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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.