Thoughts on the new WWE NXT

So what have WWE been up to with the recent changes with FCW and NXT? They have amalgamated the two shows to create the new NXT, and to be honest, it’s a welcome change.

NXT now feels like an old school Shotgun Saturday Night/Wrestling Challenge/Superstars. Gone are the big arenas and pyrotechnic displays, all were getting here is WRESTLING and I love it.

The show takes place in a small venue in Florida University where the focus is bringing in the talent from FCW and NXT together and giving them the chance to display their skills. There doesn’t seem to be many stories being told on this show as of yet. It has been kept to a basic wrestling format where we are slowly being introduced to the characters on a weekly basis.

So far we have seen a tag team called The Ascension who in my eyes are already close to being the best tag team in the WWE. They have a unique look and in Conor O’Brian they have managed to spark my interest in a character who I thought had no chance. Their creepy entrance and great use of lighting almost emulates The Undertaker but with today’s current interest in Twilight and vampires they seem relevant.

We also have young upcomers in Bo Dallas and Richie Steamboat along with people we have been waiting to be seen given a TV opportunity like Kassius Ohno and Seth Rollins. The main event on the first show was Michael McGillicutty vs Tyson Kidd. They were given a good 20 minutes to display their skills in a match that could have never happened on RAW or SmackDown because of time constraints.

The other joy of NXT is the return of Jim Ross! His work at the announcing booth with William Regal is a match made in heaven. Regal has been spot on in commentary previously but working with someone like Jim Ross can only help propel Regal further in to his announcing future. It reminds me of a classic announce team with someone who can call play by play and someone who can give RELEVANT insight in to the action happening in the ring.

These young rookies and prospects should be honoured to be able to have people like that trying to push their careers further.

Overall I really like what is happening on NXT. It has gone from a D grade show within WWE that everyone could miss to exactly what pure wrestling fans have been waiting for.

We will have to see how things pan out in the future but it looks bright for the upcoming stars of the WWE and this fan will now never miss an episode.