Update On Recent NXT Talent Cuts, Brand To Transition Back Into Developmental Style
Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer has provided another update this weekend on the recent round of NXT talent cuts that included 13 superstars being released.
According to the report, Vince McMahon, Bruce Prichard, and John Laurenaitis got together and decided on who would be released from their contracts. It was said that Triple H and Shawn Michaels, who work most of the behind the scenes work in NXT, had no say or part in the releases.
The reported plan for NXT is to transition back into a ‘developmental brand’ that features larger than life characters that can become box office draws in the future. An NXT official told Meltzer that there would be, “No more midgets or guys starting out already in their 30’s.”
It was noted that there will always be exceptions to this rule, such as people like Adam Cole. Main roster writers have already been told to have something ready for Adam Cole if he does indeed decide to stay with WWE.
In summary, WWE is trying to stray away from ‘independent style’ wrestling and have not been happy with how the NXT brand/show has evolved in recent years. Less flippy and acrobatic style wrestling appears to be in the works moving forward. Yesterday, we reported some additional reasons on why the talent releases occurred, including NXT undergoing rebranding efforts in the near future.
READ MORE: Reported Reasons Behind Latest Round Of WWE Releases