WWE Interested in TNA Names?
While it was originally reported that WWE had virtually no interest in bringing in anyone from TNA, the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter has an update claiming that may have changed. While no names or specifics were given, there is apparently interest in when some of the current TNA contracts expire, with the goal of bringing in some new in-ring talent for NXT.
At this point, the company philosophy seems to be that nobody gets to the main roster without first going through NXT. While this sort of lessens the impact of major debuts for the hardcore fan that watches everything, it does provide WWE with a nice weeding out process and takes some of the risk factor away, as far as investing time and money into previously established names, only to have them flop on national television.
This would apply to anyone coming in, regardless of whether or not they were a major or minor name in TNA, Ring of Honor, New Japan or anywhere else in the world. Even if your name is Samoa Joe, Prince Devitt, Bobby Roode or AJ Styles; you’re still going through NXT. The only exception seems to be major legends like Sting, for beyond obvious reasons.
That being said, Kevin Owens seems to have kicked that door down, making the transition from NXT debut to WWE main roster in about six months. Time will tell if guys like Samoa Joe can do the same – it’s likely, given how much the company will have to spend in order to lock him into an exclusive deal. On the other hand, you still have guys like Finn Balor and Hideo Itami – top stars for different promotions in Japan – working in Florida. So in some ways the philosophy is the same as it’s always been; does the guy in charge (now Triple H) think you’re “ready” to make that jump, and is there a place for you on the roster?
Bryan Wins Money in the Bank
Part promotion for the WWE Network, part promotion for the recent Daniel Bryan DVD release, part promotion for the upcoming Money in the Bank PPV – check out this clip of Bryan winning the briefcase in 2011.
