This week’s episode of NXT was in very many ways a reset for the brand, with several new Superstars joining the roster and the power dynamics shifting in every division.
For those who have missed a step in recent news, many NXT Superstars were called up to the main roster over the past few months. Big names like Oba Femi, Trick Williams, Jordynne Grace, and Je’Von Evans already put a dent in the developmental brand, but a few more moved up to Raw and SmackDown over the past week. Raw acquired Ethan Page, Joe Hendry, and Sol Ruca so far, with SmackDown gaining Ricky Saints, Blake Monroe, Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid.
On top of that, TKO fired a bunch of NXT and developmental talent, causing the brand to lose Andre Chase, Chris Island, Francois Prinsloo (who hadn’t debuted), Luca Crusifino, Malik Blade, Trill London, Tyriek Igwe, Tyson DuPont, Tyra Mae Steele, Sirena Linton, and Carlee Bright, if not potentially more who haven’t been revealed yet.
WWE’s response to this exodus was to start off this week’s episode of NXT with Shawn Michaels (Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative), Matt Bloom (Performance Center Head Coach and Vice President of Talent Development), and on-screen NXT General Manager Robert Stone talking about bringing in more talent and blowing up the roster to see what happens.
That is exactly what happened on this episode, as the theme of the show was basically a series of new people going on the attack to make a statement.
At first, Tristan Angels appeared in the crowd to call attention to how he just joined the roster, putting Myles Borne on notice in particular. As that was going on, Kam Hendrix followed suit and jumped Borne from behind. Both have been part of WWE EVOLVE, with Hendrix much more featured over the past few months and Angels just getting started.
A few segments later, Tony D’Angelo had an in-ring promo which was interrupted by former New Japan Pro Wrestling IWGP champion EVIL, who was responsible for giving D’Angelo the “gift” of a box with a symbol of war on it last week, as well as another this week. EVIL has not yet been given his new WWE ring name, nor has Will Kroos, who attacked D’Angelo from behind (after Tavion Heights did the same, seemingly turning heel in the process).
Lizzy Rain scored a victory in her debut match over Nikkita Lyons, who may be part of the roster again going forward as well, though that has yet to be confirmed. It has also not yet been confirmed whether or not Mr. Iguana is part of the official NXT roster after making another appearance to help Lola Vice fight off The Culling, but more information about that may be available next week when the AAA mixed tag team champions team up against Izzi Dame and Niko Vance.
Another EVOLVE talent, Tate Wilder, ran out to help “Super” Sean Legacy and EK Prosper fight off BirthRight, making the step up from the purple brand, where he’s had around a dozen matches.
What are your thoughts on the newest additions to the NXT roster? Drop a comment below with your reactions!