The recent events in Ohio were said to have been met with a tremendous reaction from both fans and talent, and WWE reportedly has holds on venues for NXT live events which could happen as early as May. Plans are not yet 100% finalized, as WWE is still unsure when they plan to actually launch the touring. There is also speculation WWE NXT might debut at the old ECW Arena in Philadelphia sometime this Spring.
With regards to independent wrestling promotions, due to the nature of WWE NXT’s product, it will be interesting to see how/if NXT impacts indy ticket sales, as NXT could end up hurting local promotions similar to the way WWE impacted the territories when the company expanded nationally in the 80’s.
People are still focusing on NXT as a developmental territory for the WWE main roster, but I’m beginning to see the brand in a much different light. WWE has a proven “independent promotion” on its hands with NXT, and if the company is determined in anyway to stomp out indy “competition,” NXT can do it. Too many fans are hung up on NXT being “better than WWE”, etc, but the way I see it WWE has two brands that are successful in different ways. The main roster appeals to one audience, and the NXT roster appeals to another, and with both firing at the same time, hardcore and casual/mainstream wrestling fans are satisfied. NXT is its own “promotion” now, and I think WWE is cultivating talent for the brand regardless of whether or not they have any intention of bringing said talent to the main roster. Samoa Joe is a perfect example – he might be doomed on the WWE main roster, but in NXT, he’s a perfect fit. Moreover, Joe might be able to sell more tickets as he has more star power, and that’s something NXT will need if it wants to sell well around the country.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
