WWE NXT continues to stand out as a strong presentation of weekly sports entertainment. When looking at where it’s come from, the iterations its been through, what fans are given today is the best version of the WWE developmental brand. The women’s division is frequently considered the best in women’s wrestling and rightfully so. But the men’s division? Lacking isn’t a strong enough term to describe how far it has fallen.
WWE NXT used to be the brand that introduced the WWE Universe to some of the top names from around the world. Finn Balor, Shinsuke Nakamura, Samoa Joe, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and PAC are just a few of the standouts who’ve graced the brands doors. But as WWE has changed its emphasis on talent acquisitions, NXT has become the place where young, underdeveloped talent gets the opportunity to sink or swim on smaller shows and with fewer eyeballs on the weekly product.
WWE has its own system of doing things, and that system has worked in several ways. Individuals like Bianca Belair and Tiffany Stratton have emerged as top names in the women’s division. Bron Breakker is well on his way to doing the same in the men’s division. NXT features several fantastic performers today, but the men’s division is clearly falling behind the women’s group.
Individuals like Jordynne Grace, Giulia, Roxanne Perez, and Stefanie Vaquer jump off the page in NXT. Yes, they all come with world-renowned experience, but even the young talent like Sol Ruca, Jaida Parker, Lola Vice, and Fallon Henley are doing well and building a fan presence. Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson have grown a strong following as well.
The NXT Men’s Division isn’t keeping up with the women
The men’s division isn’t keeping pace. Ricky Starks came into the company with his own aura built on his work in NWA and All Elite Wrestling. Ethan Page is another name with a slew of experience around the world. But outside of them, the rest of the division is filled with young talent who seem to not connect in a way that translates to the main roster.
Oba Femi and Trick Williams are two top prospects in NXT, but there’s concerns about how they will be booked on the main roster where Black men aren’t presented as singles stars. Je’Von Evans has “it” but the same applies, will he get the opportunity to shine? Nathan Frazer and Axiom were just moved to SmackDown, leaving a huge hole in the tag team division.
Tony D’Angelo is a character who has received a steady push in NXT, but his character would never work on the main roster. The same could be said with Chase University. The individuals in the men’s roster who can work from bell-to-bell do not come off with the same cache that’s needed to be a success on SmackDown or Monday Night Raw. Charlie Dempsey, Eddy Thorpe, Riley Osborne, and Noam Dar are great at what they do, but these current iterations do not seemingly have a place in today’s main roster WWE.
WWE NXT has become a fantastic place for women’s wrestling, thanks to steady booking, character development, and great wrestling. The same isn’t happening for the men’s division, and they are continuing to fall behind.