5 Things We Learned From NXT At Download Festival

1. The Rock & Wrestling Connection Is Alive And Well

With a whole stage dedicated to wrestling most exciting brand, NXTs arrival at Download didnt just reignite the longstanding relationship between rock and wrestling, it set it completely ablaze; proving that rock music and pro wrestling are the entertainment equivalent of fish and chips (or peanut butter and jelly for those Stateside).

Despite poor weather conditions throughout, the NXT tent was completely packed out for the entire weekend; with a dedicated portion of those fans braving the elements as part of an overflow crowd spilled out several rows back outside. While the capacity crowd and overwhelming interest was somewhat surprising, what was perhaps even more surprising was the level of fandom of those in attendance.

Considering that the action on display was very much secondary to the rock music in terms of perceived importance by both the widespread media and general festival-going public, the fans that attended the shows seemed very well educated in the product on show; with everything from typical NXT chants to hilarious DLo Brown references from the rowdy rock audience.

In what has to be deemed a resounding success, its clear to see that the rock and wrestling connection is definitely alive and well in 2016.