While NXT is often still referred to as WWE's developmental brand, Triple H has pointed out why that has never really been accurate.
When you look back on the lifespan of NXT, it's incredible to think what it started out as and what it has gone on to become. WWE's black and gold brand started off as what was effectively a reality TV segment to introduce new wrestlers to the audience. Fast forward all these years later and it might well be the hottest thing in wrestling.
Trouble is, NXT is still viewed by some as less than when compared to Raw and SmackDown. It is still referred to as a developmental brand, and when a Superstar leaves the brand to head to the main roster, it is referred to as a call-up. We think those terms should be left in the past as NXT makes the move to live TV, and so does Triple H.
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While in the UK for NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff, The Game sat down with Sportskeeda's Tom Colohue. When asked if he still views NXT as WWE's developmental brand, Triple H revealed that he has disliked that term since day one. "The developmental term makes it sound almost less than...I don’t even like the word call up. It just sounds, it’s wrong," WWE's COO admitted.
"There’s three brands to me within the WWE. There’s Raw, there’s SmackDown and there’s NXT," Triple H went on to say. He did add that NXT has offshoots such as NXT UK, and even revealed that he views 205 Live as an extension of that brand too. Despite admitting to his dislike of the word developmental, he did give examples of wrestlers who fit that definition. The likes of Braun Strowman, Alexa Bliss, and Tyler Bate.
We're of the belief that NXT has been on equal footing with Raw and SmackDown for a while. The show getting its own live two-hour slot on USA is just definitive evidence of that. We are very much looking forward to seeing what Triple H and the NXT roster can do with twice as much time each week and on a live platform.