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What's the story?
NXT, the developmental brand of WWE, just kickstarted Royal Rumble weekend in style with a brilliant TakeOver event featuring two 'Match-of-the-Year' contenders. In addition to the matches, another highlight of TakeOver was when NXT's newest stars were spotted at ringside.
Among them are War Machine, Candice LeRae, Ricochet and EC3. NXT's boss Triple H described NXT as 'the place to be'.
In case you didn't know...
NXT was once just WWE's developmental brand, but has evolved into the third brand, and an alternative to RAW and SmackDown Live. The hottest independent agents sign to NXT, which is the show that finds favour with the 'smart' audience.
The latest signees are former Impact Wrestling Grand Champion EC3, the amazing high flying Ricochet, Mrs. Gargano and hardcore legend, Candice LeRae and ROH's tag team stalwarts, War Machine.
The heart of the matter
Triple H was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in a WWE.com exclusive and had this to say:
Let me say at this moment, that NXT has become the hottest place to be. If you've never seen Ricochet, please watch.
He went on to specify why NXT was the hottest brand in WWE:
I mean the talent level, the amount of people, the amount of amazing athletes that want to come here, that want to be a part of NXT, that want that opportunity like there was tonight to stamp their place in history and immortality and become those icons...this is the place to do it.
What's next?
It remains to be seen how these superstars will become a part of the NXT landscape. We cannot wait to see them on WWE television. The future is bright!
Author's take
NXT may not be the red-hot brand of a few years ago. However, as they proved with NXT Takeover: Philadelphia, there's still enough fuel in the tank to put on a show for the ages.
Our best wishes to Triple H and his merry bunch of superstars.
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