If you aren’t watching NXT, you should be.
If not, you’re missing out on the next true evolution in professional wrestling.
In recent months, NXT had become the answer to many of the WWEs most ardent fans wishes.
From 2007 to 2012, FCW was WWEs sole developmental territory.
FCW was quickly becoming the hottest indie promotion in the country, without being an indie promotion at all.
A year before FCW was created, the WWE attempted to resurrect the 5 years defunct ECW.
Various problems led to the decline of ECW and in 2001 its doors were closed.
Though ECW was extremely inconsistent, the highlight was almost always the new talent being showcased every week.
The WWE still lacked the spark of change that it was clearly searching for.
Unfortunately, this talent would rarely wrestle.
They were subjected to wacky games and tasks, comparable to reality shows of the time.
This format lasted 4 seasons, the length of which was somewhat inconsistent.
These seasons generated 16 current Superstars and 2/3 of the competitors would eventually make WWE television.
In August of 2012, FCW disappeared, along with some of its storylines.
Many potential superstars found themselves in a new arena, a new promotion calling itself NXT.
This NXT was a different beast than either FCW or the former NXT.
For the first time, NXT truly looked like the future of the WWE.
With recent shows, NXT has caught the eye of the hardcore fan.
And it seems like thats the point.
Vince McMahon, in the words of his daughter, thrives on competition.
At one point, It was going to be a free internet promotion.
While I dont agree with all of his theories, I do have one of my own.
NXT is potentially the solution to the WWEs lack of competition and need to test new stars.
A product different enough to stir change onMonday Night Raw, but still under the same roof.
If something works, it can be sent to the A-Show without any turbulence.
The potential of instant change.
While NXTs presentation may be traditional, its in-ring work is not.
Wrestling on NXT simply looks different than onRaw.
While the WWE internet may mostly reach the companys devotees today, this isnt necessarily a bad thing.
Devoted fans are ever willing to spread the word when they see something they like.
Being on WWE data pipe is being on the cutting edge of entertainment in general.
When they reach that point, the standard for everything from matches to mic work shifts.
Paige is one of the first to benefit from this and I cant imagine she will be the last.
NXT will stir the pot.
And thus, Adam Rose can be forgiven.
I cant help but think that this has a lot to do with the WWE itself.
Though imperfect, the WWE is the promotion most people are drawn to.
Their contests are held in front of crowds that no one in the United States can match.
NXT is finally serving a purpose that was potentially theorized over a decade ago.
A complete solution to the problems of contemporary TV wrestling.
The bar is being raised for TV Wrestling and the wave should soon hitRawandSmackdown.
NXT may share one more thing with ECW when this is said and done; starting a revolution.
