NXT Vs. AEW: Head To Head

5. Overall Presentation

Cody HHH
AEW

What worked for NXT on the Network may expose the show on national television.

NXT’s stripped-back, intimate presentation set it apart so expertly from the main roster that many fans absolutely refused to conflate it with WWE. Financed by the company, and honestly not too dissimilar to it as a fictional universe, it was considered its own entity—an underground secret that must be kept hidden from Vince McMahon, who…owns it.

On USA, in contrast to AEW’s arenas packed full of roaring fans conditioned to create history in full voice, Full Sail will resonate as more small-time than cult sensation. This informs WWE’s calculated thinking—it’s “only” the “developmental brand”—but the worry is that it won’t feel the same. From stripped-back to stripped of its charm, NXT is no longer the novelty, as the increasingly tired and familiar weekly audience reflects. To lapsed fans piqued by this talk of war, NXT is going to look like the lesser proposition, and in wrestling, appearance is everything.

The production hasn’t captured this fully, yet, but AEW’s shows look gorgeous and feel big time. It’s major league competition that has materialised instantly—and if it looks big-time, and talks big-time…

NXT 2 - 4 AEW

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!