Daniel Bryan Campaigning For More WWE NXT Call-Ups On SmackDown

Would adding WWE NXT stars freshen SmackDown up? Daniel Bryan seems to think so...

by Andy H Murray
Daniel Bryan
WWE

Daniel Bryan has been making the most of his creative control in WWE, attempting to convincing the company's higher-ups to bring more NXT wrestlers to SmackDown.

This is according to Dave Meltzer. Writing in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, he states that Bryan is doing this as he believes it will help freshen things up on Friday nights. While it remains to be seen if he has been successful, as Meltzer notes, the counterpoint is Vince McMahon's poor track record when it comes to booking NXT stars on the "main roster," as the WWE Chairman and CEO tends to lose interest quickly.

Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley are believed to be on their way to Raw or SmackDown imminently. Priest was earmarked for a big debut as part of Kevin Owens' ongoing feud with Roman Reigns, debuting on last Friday's episode, but this plan was cancelled when KO asserted, correctly, that introducing a man he has nothing in common with as his "best friend" didn't make sense.

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As far as Ripley goes, her loss to Raquel Gonzalez at NXT New Year's Evil was considered her write-out this week, though there's no word on which specific brand she'll land on.

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.