Changes reportedly on the horizon for the NXT brand

Following the release of multiple NXT talent this past Friday, more details have emerged in regards to the future of the black-and-gold brand.

It is being reported by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer that Vince McMahon, Bruce Prichard, and John Laurinaitis were behind the cuts. Meltzer noted that Triple H and Shawn Michaels were not involved with decisions.

It is also now reported that NXT is set to return to an older style of developmental, seen back in the days when superstars like John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and Batista broke through. In essence, they are looking for bigger guys and younger guys to work on the brand.

Meltzer even quoted some exact working from an apparent brief he had seen in regards to the future of NXT. “no more m*****s, no one starting in their 30s. They want people that can be box office attractions and main characters.”

Is this really it for NXT?

Triple H’s baby has given us so many memories over the years that it would be a travesty if it was to sink. NXT became incredibly popular with fans looking for an alternative to Raw and SmackDown. It had an edge about it and provided a platform for many talents to perform.

There have been whispers that Vince McMahon hasn’t been happy with the talent NXT has produced. In fairness, on the male side of the graduates, WWE’s creative team has seemingly lacked a direction for many. The odd exceptions such as Baron Corbin, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn have thrived.

On the women’s side of the graduates, NXT has made most of the current WWE women’s roster we see today. Charlotte Flair, Bayley, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, and Carmella were all raised in NXT and have become stars.

From a business point of view, it looks like the WWE hierarchy is looking for superstars who will make an instant impact, just like back in the early days of developmental with OVW. What remains to be seen is how the reported change will come across on TV, and will it have the same impact as the real NXT has had.

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