5 ways NXT could change when it moves to USA Network, and 5 things that will stay the same

At this point, most fans have seen the vignettes featuring the Undisputed Era bragging about yachts, college funds, sports cars, and the myriad other ways they are going to be spending their new raises when WWE NXT begins airing on the USA network.

While the boys in the Era--Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish--were playing in character, they were also making a solid point about NXT. As much critical success as WWE's ostensible developmental brand has enjoyed, it isn't as profitable as Raw or Smackdown because those shows have a cable television presence.

That is going to change. With NXT now set to air on the USA network, what does this mean for the yellow brand? Will the fans still be pleased with the product, or will it endure too many changes and 'tinkering' from the powers that be in WWE and the USA network?

Here are five ways NXT could change on USA network, and five things that will probably stay the same.

Might Change #1: A bigger emphasis on 'indie scene darlings' like Keith Lee

Keith Lee on NXT.

All Elite Wrestling was founded by wrestlers who made their mark on the independent scene. The Young Bucks are the most successful, commercially and critically, independent wrestling stars of all time. Cody languished for years in the WWE's lower mid-card before he struck out on his own and became a major independent and international superstar.

In order to compete with a promotion founded upon indie scene ideas, WWE might decide to put forward a lot of NXT star who are former indie scene darlings. Men like Keith Lee and Matt Riddle were hugely popular on the indie scene, so they might wind up being on NXT programming in a featured role.

Remain the same #1: An emphasis on in-ring action

Velveteen Dream, Adam Cole, EC3, Killian Dane, Lars Sullivan, and Ricochet eye the NXT North American title high over the ring during Takeover's wild ladder match.

NXT will be going head to head with All Elite Wrestling, a promotion which was founded upon the idea that most of the story telling in sports entertainment should be done in the ring.

While NXT may not adhere entirely to that model, make no mistake that the yellow brand will still be bringing a heavy emphasis on in-ring action to the USA network. This will likely be the case because they will be competing with All Elite Wrestling for the same fanbase.

It wouldn't make much sense for NXT to put on a drama heavy presentation with little in-ring action in the same time slot as AEW. That decreases the likelihood of fans making the switch, something that WWE is no doubt searching for.

Could Change #2: Big contract signings

Could major international stars like Rainmaker Okada join NXT?

For the longest time, NXT has existed in a kind of bubble. While they were the WWE's developmental brand, there wasn't as much scrutiny from the WWE's corporate offices, particularly Vince McMahon. This meant that NXT had a lot of leeway with their contract signings. Men like Oney Lorcan, who doesn't have the prototypical build of a WWE superstar, were able to garner attention, title shots, and television time.

Now that there will be millions more eyes potentially watching every NXT broadcast on USA network, this freedom from scrutiny might change. The WWE could be interested in bringing major international superstars onto the NXT brand to bolster their roster, like Kazuchiko Okada.

This could also potentially open up the floodgates for WWE legends like Goldberg, who might be brought into NXT temporarily as a special attraction to boost ratings.

Remain the same #2: A scientific approach to matches

Tyler Bate locks in a joint submission on Pete Dunne during one of their many stellar encounters.

One of NXT's main principles is centered around the fact that the Yellow Brand is the main place in WWE where fans can expect a high degree of scientific wrestling and mat grappling.

Men like Pete Dunne, the "Bruiserweight" have not only influenced the type of wrestling you see in the WWE, they've influenced the entire sports entertainment industry. In NXT, a joint manipulation lock like the ones Dunne tends to favor is just as welcome as a big superplex from off the turnbuckle.

This isn't likely to change when NXT makes the jump to USA network. The Yellow Brand is still the future of WWE, and therefore the wrestling will likely be innovative and dynamic, just as it is now. Plus, this is the kind of wrestling that could lure away AEW fans.

Might Change #3: More elaborate entrances

Glorious Bobby Roode's NXT Takeover entrance included a full choir.

Currently, NXT's entrances are often modest other than TakeOver events. Use of smoke or lighting isn't as prevalent as it is on WWE's main brands of SmackDown Live and Monday Night Raw.

However, that could change now that the NXT brand is moving to the USA network--and expanding to two hours. With only sixty minutes allotted to its program each week, NXT has had to skimp on entrances and other trappings of sports entertainment for time and budget constraints.

Now, with twice as much time and a bigger budget, NXT could up the level of spectacle offered on its programming. No one does pageantry and pomp like the WWE, and they could bring their best and brightest ideas to NXT to make it stand out against the relatively stripped-down style of All Elite Wrestling.

Remain the Same #3: Triple H's sandbox

Triple H has been running the show in NXT for years.

Triple H is a man who has done a great deal in the sports entertainment industry. He was trained by the legendary Killer Kowalski, a WWE Hall of Famer who was one of the most respected wrestling coaches of all time.

Kowalski instilled Triple H with a deep respect for the wrestling business, something he continues to carry with him even today. When Triple H was given the opportunity to oversee the NXT brand, he envisioned much more than just a developmental territory. He envisioned a third brand which would stand out from WWE's other product as a unique voice in sports entertainment.

Triple H has enjoyed so much success, that it gives many people hope for the future of the WWE. He is considered by many to be the heir to Vince McMahon's throne, after all. Look for NXT to remain under his charge--unless the ratings get too low (see next slide.)

Could Change #4: The Boss might get involved

Could Vince McMahon take a more active role in NXT?

Vince McMahon has been very hands-off with NXT. Part of this is because NXT is so critically lauded for its presentation, in-ring action, and old school sensibilities.

However, Vince McMahon has also hands off with the NXT product because it hasn't been as visible--or profitable--as SmackDown Live and Monday Night Raw. Now that NXT will have its own television slot, and will be diametrically opposed to All Elite Wrestling, that has changed.

NXT will now have to face the same ratings slalom that the other brands have to endure. Its quarter-hour demographics will likely be analyzed as the WWE machine examines how best to press their attack against rival AEW.

If the ratings war doesn't go the way WWE hopes it will, the Boss Vince McMahon might get personally involved. That could mean big changes for NXT if it comes to pass.

Remain the Same: #4 NXT will be the entry point for new WWE stars

Io Shirai, international wrestling star, made her WWE debut with the NXT brand.

At one point, Triple H quoted "The path to WWE leads through NXT." This was both a reference to it being a developmental brand as well as an entry point for international wrestling stars.

Most wrestling companies focus their product, even that which is televised, upon a live arena show. This means that the wrestlers are trained to be in the best possible position to make the fans watching live and in-person catch all of the action.

WWE, however, is more focused upon their television product. This means that wrestlers must be trained to perform their moves in the area of the ring where the cameras can catch the action. This means that even veteran wrestlers like Shinsuke Nakamura must be taught how to be in the right place at the right time for the sake of the camera crew.

This means you still might see NXT as the point of entry for WWE stars destined for the 'main roster.'

Might Change #5: More gimmick matches

NXT Takeover: Wargames. Eric Young of Sanity drops his signature elbow onto Undisputed Era's Kyle O'Reilly, while Alexander Wolf is trapped in an armbar submission.

All Elite Wrestling has not shied away from blood and mayhem on their broadcasts. While WWE is unlikely to take the same tactic, due to its PG ratings, you might still see some changes in NXT product with regards to the different match types offered.

For the most part, NXT does not do gimmick matches overly much. Their reliance upon scientific, technical wrestling precludes a lot of hardcore style weaponry or steel cages.

However, that could be changing now that the yellow brand of NXT will be seen on Turner Network Television. Since they will be competing with the 'edgier' content offered by All Elite Wrestling, NXT might start using more gimmick matches to draw fan's attention to the WWE product.

Remain the Same: WWE's most Exciting brand

Tommaso Ciampa unleashes a shining wizard on Kassius Ohno.

The Yellow brand has long been recognized by both fans and critics as the most dynamic and exciting of WWE's programs.

Whether it's the expertly crafted DIY split which led to one of the sports best modern rivalries--Ciampa vs. Gargano--or the long, glorious undefeated streak of Asuka, the yellow brand has not skimped on excitement and thrills.

With a roster featuring some of the best that sports entertainment has to offer--men like Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, the Street Profits, and Pete Dunne--that excitement is unlikely to diminish.

The NXT roster is filled with men and women who have been working for years, sometimes decades, to achieve the type of stardom that only the select few ever get to enjoy. Now that they have a major platform to perform upon, these wrestling stars will likely work just as hard as ever, if not harder, to produce the most exciting wrestling on television.

There you have it: Five ways NXT might change when it moves to the USA network, and five things that will likely remain the same. Questions or comments? Please leave them after the article, and as always thanks for reading!