One of the biggest critiques of WWE right now is how they have no relationships with any other wrestling company to exchange talent with. In the pre-pandemic times, WWE showcase and let some of their talent work in certain independent promotions such as Evolve in the US, ICW in Scotland and Progress in the UK. Nowadays, If you wanna meet a WWE Superstar, you have to go through Ryan Fitterman who represents all WWE talent. And now, if you want to see any WWE talent you have to buy a ticket to a WWE or NXT show (since that brand just started touring again).
On February 4th Bryan Alvarez reported that NXT Talent would be allowed to work certain independent talent dates going forward. However, at the NXT Vengeance Day Press Conference later in the day, Shawn Michaels debunked these rumors. Even though NXT Superstar Ivy Nile was booked to work in Reality of Wrestling, which is Booker T’s company down in Texas. However, just because it may not be true at the moment does not mean it may not be true in the future. So, why exactly is this such a good idea? Well, let’s lay this out.
Number One: More Reps in the Ring — A normal schedule for a WWE Superstar is around four matches a week. One on the main show whether that be Raw or Smackdown, and three or four live events in between. For the NXT talent, their schedules are less chaotic. They only wrestle around once or twice a week which can lead to some superstars being more prone to injury or not being their best in the ring. Even though NXT is doing select house shows in Florida, it will be better for a lot of the talent especially those who have never wrestled before to get more reps in the ring. While taking independent bookings they could be wrestling as many times as the superstars on the main roster while also expanding their craft. NXT Talent can be traveling the world while learning new moves or different techniques that they can use on TV.
Number Two: Opportunity — WWE has a lot of keywords that they use throughout their programming, but one of the main ones is opportunity. The opportunity on the independent scene can be a two-way street.
First, the opportunity for independent talent. No matter what company NXT talent works, there will be WWE office eyes and fans’ eyes on these shows. If WWE becomes impressed by an independent talent this could open the door for them to get signed by WWE.
Second, dream matches. The independent wrestling scene is blooming with talented individuals, and a lot of them would love some dream matches against some of the best NXT has to offer. If WWE begins promoting these dream matches on the indy scene this could mean more eyes on the NXT superstars and the independent superstars. It is truly a win-win opportunity.
Number Three: Money — In the wrestling business everyone only cares about one thing and that is money. The money that can be made if this takes place is golden. Independent wrestling promoters would draw huge crowds and make a lot of money if they were able to get NXT Superstars on their show. As well as for the NXT Superstars who with their exposure can sell merch as well as autographs and photos and make money that way on the show.
Even though Michaels turned this idea down from a business standpoint this makes perfect sense. There is not only good business to be made from the independent promoter’s point of view but also NXT’s standpoint as well. Maybe down the line Michaels and other executives will be able to change their minds, but for now, I guess we will have to wait and see.
