5 Lessons WWE Can Learn from NXT TakeOver: New Orleans

5. When less is more…

One of the most common complaints against WrestleMania 34 was its sluggish length. Whether in the arena, or in the comfort of your home, 7+ hours of live anything can be an absolute task for a fan to stay invested in. While booking 14 matches is already a bombardment on the senses, making 8 of the bouts multi-person contests adds to a bloated and overwhelming card.

Stacking battle royals, triple threats, fatal four-ways and tag team contests simply for the reason of getting more names on the bill gives the brightest of WWE stars less space to shine, and gives the big stories they’ve been building a lot less room to breathe.

WWE already overuse the multi-person match structure, with almost every big event being headlined by overstacked bouts ranging from triple threats to six pack challenges. Matches featuring more than 2 superstars should feel like a special attraction and less like indecisive booking decisions.

To combat the crushing weight of WrestleMania’s quantity-over-quality approach, WWE need to look no further than NXT TakeOver: New Orleans to learn what a lean cut wrestling show can do when it leaves no room for filler.

TakeOver: New Orleans featured 5 main card matches. Yes, the opening contest was a 6 person ladder match for the new NXT North American Championship, but within a brand that appropriately prioritizes singles competition, these matches still feel incredibly special.

The New Orleans crowd remained red hot, vocal and engaged right through to the storybook ending in what was a succinct and meaningful wrestling show. NXT fans cared greatly about the build up to these matches, and the perfectly paced event made sure to keep them on their toes, and leave them wanting more…