NXT will become the “internet darling” – today in the United States it’s only available on WWE.com. It still airs on TV in certain international markets, including in Canada on theScore Television Network – perhaps the reason this “season” of NXT has gone as long as it has is because of contractual obligations from these agreements. Hardcore fans will seek out the product online, especially with its recent reputation of showcasing stellar matches (Tyson Kidd vs. Michael McGillicutty comes to mind). Another welcome addition would be new faces from FCW and may not be ready for the next tier (Smackdown) just yet. Personally, a large part of why I watch NXT today is for the commentary. Last week when Matt Striker filled in for Josh Mathews, I laughed out loud at several things he said, less because it was intended as a joke, but more because I couldn’t believe he said it on the air.
WWE draft for Raw and Smackdown: Does anyone still care?
Under this “tiered” system, the paradigm is development as opposed to exclusivity – something I much prefer. There is a lot of benefit to making NXT the first stop, Smackdown the land of opportunity and Raw (to steal a phrase from WCW) “where the big boys play.” Most importantly, this system doesn't require a draft ... not in the traditional WWE definition we are used to anyway. Instead of trades, why not a sports-style draft where shows like NXT and Smackdown get populated with new faces, complete with scouting reports and flashy video packages that educate us on why we should care about this individual?
If none of this happens and a draft as we know it happens, be sure to let me know if you actually enjoyed it or had any sort of attachment to it at all.
Arda Ocal is an on-air personality with theScore Television Network in Canada. You can find his video interviews here.
