NXT Wrestler Debuts On WWE Raw Are On Trial?

WWE continued to put over their "Fresh Start" narrative on last night's Monday Night Raw by unleashing the bulk of recently-promised NXT call-ups, but the flagship show may not be the final destination for the new stars.

Five graduate appeared across the the three hour show, but Michael Cole was clear to note in each case how the newbies will work across both brands before establishing a permanent base.

In a mixed evening for the former NXT performers, Nikki Cross joined Bayley and Natalya to score victory over The Riott Squad, EC3 snarled his way through a vapid vignette during somebody else's match, Heavy Machinery bantered off A Moment Of Bliss when Otis Dozovic needed to be pulled away from ostensibly assaulting Alexa by partner Tucker Night, whilst Lacey Evans appeared as the most oestancious extra as Finn Bálor stalked the halls en route to the ring.

WWE have yet to settle on a tried and tested way to elevate talent thus far, but this week's batch have at least been given the opportunity to establish agency on both shows rather than being rolled out cold or post-WrestleMania pops.

Though EC3 and Lacey Evans in particular felt like spare parts on Night One, Nikki Cross' second main roster soft-launch match and Heavy Machinery's bananas bow were partial talking points following the show. It's possible all five will do more of the same on tonight's SmackDown Live, particularly with open spots still available in both Royal Rumble matches.