12 Live Observations From NXT Download Festival
2. Festivals Are Perfect For Wrestling
The initial announcement of NXT coming to Download might have come as a surprise to some, but it really shouldn't have. As Triple H himself says, there's an affinity between rock and wrestling fans (and NXT does feel like WWE's punk rock little brother), so bringing them together closely makes a lot of sense.
The drinking and sunshine (ha, as if) might encourage the crowd to be a bit more rowdy, but these crowds aren't really as demanding as their paying counterparts at house shows and the pops are easier and more rewarding.
If WWE heed the reaction to the events (and how many people waited outside to get in to the tent even after it had started), this shouldn't be the last time we see NXT (or even WWE) in a field with the crusty rockers.
The other advantage for the company was the proximity to lots of musicians meant they were able to perpetuate that old favourite gimmick of trotting out celebrity guests and time keepers (among them members of Beartooth, Neck Deep and Disturbed). They love that sort of famous legitimization (even if the fans aren't nearly as bothered), and it was an easy supply chain.