5 Things NXT did better than RAW and SmackDown this year

#5 Consistency and identity

NXT excels when it comes to that big-fight feel

Another indisputable fact of NXT’s success is its unwavering ability and apparent insistence on staying true to its roots and foundations.

Despite the fact it has grown from a developmental product with a cult following, to a globally-adored weekly format, it has retained its trademark edginess and rough edges, something which is, actually, probably helped by the added, new uncertainty thrust upon its stars that comes with performing live.

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RAW and SmackDown are different and, at times, a victim of their own size and success. From a commercial standpoint, it can pretty much do what it wants, when it wants, and it matters little because people know that, for instance, Raw will still be in the same place at the same time.

But could you really identify a RAW or a SmackDown broadcast on its own merits, if you removed all things red and blue? When you watch NXT, you know you’re watching NXT, and long may that continue. Its identity is firmly established.

About the author

Matty has been covering WWE and AEW, and interviewing some of the industry's biggest names for major mainstream news outlets in the UK for the last four years, including the Independent and Daily Mirror. Matty's notable interviews include: Triple H, Roman Reigns, Stephanie McMahon, Cody Rhodes, Jon Moxley, The Young Bucks, Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, John Morrison, The MIz, Charlotte Flair and more.

Matty’s work has been sourced by major mainstream news networks including the Associated Press, BBC, Bleacher Report, Yahoo, MSN, CBS, Sports Illustrated and many more, not to mention many leading wrestling titles.

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Edited by Alan John