15 Ups & 6 Downs For WWE NXT In 2019

6. NXT On USA

The panic was real.

When NXT was cynically used as the vehicle with which to counter the rise of AEW from its very birth, most felt as though the damage had already been done. It was moving to USA Network, where Vince McMahon would assume control as he does everything else and it'll never be the show it once was. Instead, and long may this continue, the move has been an unmitigated triumph.

The extra hour has allowed NXT to be all things to all fans - it remains the breeding ground for new stars to a point, but offers at least one match worthy of main event billing every week whilst addressing most major concerns with regularity rather than the detached taped cycle of old. The stars shine brighter on TV, with Full Sail electrified for every second instead of taking for granted what they'd normally get in bulk.

It's expedited certain matches as part of NXT's attempt to defeat Cody's company in the ratings war, but WarGames was early proof that this wouldn't be at the expense of TakeOver cards if at all possible. Angles have since been set up and paid off within the 12 weeks the two sides have been positioned against each other, highlighting how logically and strategically the show can still be booked in spite of this new era. Having now won several of the head-to-head battles in the chase for viewers, the brand has carved out its own revitalised identity, perhaps even more so than its nascent opposition.