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NXT has evolved from being a cheesy reality show to a high-quality wrestling show. However, most of the WWE fans are unaware of the action they are missing out on by not tuning into NXT. Even though NXT is criminally overlooked by casual fans, the hardcore fans adore the yellow brand and laud them for the excellent quality of their product. As of now, the weekly NXT shows and Takeovers are not available in any channels for the United States viewers. If one wants to see NXT, one has to subscribe to WWE network.
This article will be focusing on why NXT is better than the major players in town - RAW and Smackdown Live. It is important to notice that this article will only be looking at the quality aspect of the shows involved.
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#4. Better women's division
WWE received huge acclaim for burying their Diva's division and replacing it with women's division. Women would be treated and booked better. Women matches would evolve from bathroom break matches to main event caliber matches. However, other than NXT, none of WWE's brands are keen to keep this promise. While NXT treats their women talents with due reverence, the main roster is just squandering them.
Take a look at Asuka for example. She was the NXT women's champion for 523 days. She was undefeated in the whole run. It is understandable that having an undefeated streak in the main roster is tough, but WWE has now destroyed her aura and she is now in comedy segments.
WWE is doubling back on their women's revolution, as talents like Ruby Riott are losing to the likes of Nikki Bella on RAW.
#3. Tag team division
WWE's main roster has made it a habit to destroy their tag team division, The revival, Ascension, Authors of Pain, Sanity - the list goes on. Coincidentally, these tag teams were outstanding in their time in NXT. Ascension had a long run with the tag team titles. The revival was one of the best tag teams. Authors of Pain and Sanity were having all-out wars against each other. However, once they reached the main roster, they have been watered down and started losing a lot.
Ascension is now Curt Hawkins of tag team division, The Revival is an afterthought. The main roster creative clearly does not have any plans for AoP or Sanity. The only solace is the booking of tag teams on Smackdown, which is slightly better.
On NXT, however, things are way better. The tag team match between Undisputed Era and Moustache mountains was rated 5 stars. At every NXT takeover, the tag team title match is a special attraction. With the war games set to return in November, it is safe to say that the NXT tag team division is miles ahead of RAW or SmackDown.
#2. Better matches
Match quality is something that is entirely subjective. But there are some matches that are universally loved by all. NXT has witnessed many such matches. Be it the bout between Sami Zayn and Neville, or Sasha Banks and Bayley, or Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura or the recent ones that were rated 5 stars, or even the war games, NXT has seen them all. The main roster pales in comparison when it comes to the quality of matches.
The main roster has not seen a single 5-star match since the money in the bank 2011 clash between CM Punk and John Cena for the WWE championship. However, in 2018 alone, NXT has seen 4 such matches, with two of them coming in the same night. Those matches are :
- Andrade Cien Almas vs. Johnny Gargano - NXT Takeover: Philadelphia
- 6 man ladder match for the North American championship - NXT Takeover: New Orleans
- Unsanctioned match: Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa - NXT Takeover: New Orleans
- Undisputed Era vs. Moustache Mountains - NXT TV
#1. Better and consistent storytelling
NXT does not treat its audience like a bunch of children. When the main roster creatives change storylines and alliances to their convenience, the fans are left wondering how it makes any sense. However, it is not the case with NXT. The creatives are actually trying to make good storylines.
In the main roster, let us take a look at Kevin Owens. He was mentally and physically tormented by Braun Strowman for 3 months which ultimately caused him to quit, but one week later, he came back and helped the monster fend off the feud. These are mistakes that have no excuses other than lack of imagination.
The feud between Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ styles was considered a dream feud by many. However, WWE ruined it by making the feud all about Shinsuke Nakamura low blowing AJ Styles.
On the other hand, we have a really long rivalry between Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano. This feud started in February and temporarily ended in August. But this feud had quality storytelling and compelling matches that leaves you invested into the feud. The transformation of Johnny Gargano from an underdog babyface to a man who is obsessed to destroy his nemesis is outstanding, to say the least.
Triple H and the NXT creatives definitely deserve all the praise they are getting for such storylines.
