3. The Superstar Initiative Becomes The Future With NXT
In 2007 the WWE began the Superstar Initiative via WWECW, which allowed new talent coming through the developmental system (at the time) a chance to showcase their style and what they had to offer in front of a worldwide television audience. Various names came through the program and some of them went on to reach heights that we can be rest assured not even the WWE was expecting. Names like Sheamus, who went on to become a two time WWE Champion, a World Champion and King of the Ring winner. Kofi Kingston, a four time Intercontinental Champion and two time United States champion. Zack Ryder (who was introduced with Curt Hawkins as the Major Brothers before becoming the Edgeheads), an internet sensation and former United States Champion. Jack Swagger, a former ECW and World Heavyweight Champion. All of these names began under the ECW Superstar Initiative and went on to become staples within the WWE roster. And thanks to its success the concept was expanded into a new brand of sports entertainment that was to follow on from what they started. That being NXT, the next generation of superstars. That in turn paved the way for groups like the Nexus and the Shield, superstars like AJ Lee and Big E, among many others. Basically a good portion of the current roster as it stands today made their start in NXT. Not bad for a concept that began in WWECW.