WWE’s Roadblock event, billed as a network special but advertised more like a pay-per-view, didn't tell us much as fans. In fact, it really came off like a house show that got elevated to give World Heavyweight Champion Triple H some extra warm-up before Wrestlemania.
But one thing Roadblock did help prove was that there needs to be a mass call-up from NXT to the main roster, specifically in the tag division.
The event included a pair of tag title matches, one for the WWE belts between the New Day and members of the League of Nations and another for the NXT belts between The Revival and Enzo Amore and “Big Cass” Colin Cassady.
There was nothing wrong with the main roster match. In fact, it was much better than expected because Wade Barrett and Sheamus, along with the champions Big E and Kofi Kingston, did an excellent job of making it believable that the Euros could come away with the belts.
Still, everything about the other match felt like a bigger deal, from the moment Enzo, Cass, and Carmella came down the ramp. They seemed not just main roster ready, but main event ready. And Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson carried themselves like a veteran championship tag team with heel tendencies, but also loads of ability within their craft.
The match had everything, from the technical acumen of Dash and Dawson to Enzo’s wild offense to Cass’ thrilling high-impact attack.
Not just for fanboys
Before I continue, realize that I'm far from an “NXT-head.” In actuality, I rarely watch the developmental product just because I've never gotten invested in it.
Further, it has always seemed like claims about NXT’s superiority with regard to match quality were exaggerated by the very different environment and structure. Saturday night proved that, at least when it comes to those four teams, when all things are equal and the two rosters are performing on the same stage, the NXT product is a step ahead.
And there are more teams in the same position, or at least very close. American Alpha, the Vaudevillains and Blake and Murphy have all either held the belts in that promotion or have shown themselves to be on that level. The Hype Bros could either carry the NXT belts or come up as well on entertainment value alone.
In a time when the New Day have completely placed themselves head and shoulders above the division and injuries have decimated the singles ranks, the NXT roster needs to be mined.
More than tag teams
Of course, all those teams come in addition to a very talented singles roster in NXT. Even with Sami Zayn apparently on the main roster to stay, guys like NXT Champion Finn Balor, Samoa Joe, Shinsuke Nakamura, Apollo Crews and Austin Aries perhaps should've never gone to NXT in the first place.
Even if Aries and Nakamura need a little more time to get indoctrinated into the WWE’s way of doing things, the rest could be called up at any time without much of an issue. Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows would naturally follow with Balor.
Beyond those guys, Baron Corbin and perhaps others have developed enough that they, too, could make the jump into main roster action.
While some may question how all that talent could be used, realize how thin the main roster stories are right now. The New Day has essentially mowed through the entire division because they're simply more entertaining and engaging than the other competitors. That changes if the NXT crew comes up.
When it comes to singles titles, the Intercontinental and United States title pictures are feeling the trickle-down effect of guys like Dean Ambrose being needed for main event type feuds.
Sure there are other guys that could be used, like the Wyatts, but even Luke Harper would be a rehash in the Intercontinental race.
What about NXT?
Some may question what a high-volume transaction would do to the NXT roster. Quite frankly, that shouldn't be a concern.
NXT, at its core, is a developmental product, intended to prepare talent for the bright lights and bigger crowds of the main roster. As soon as that talent is ready and there's available space on the main roster, the move needs to be made. No consideration of the NXT product is necessary.
After all, as long as WWE-ready talent is gaining popularity and eating up high-profile ring time in NXT, how much new talent is being developed? Sure, other performers can work on their craft at the WWE Performance Center and in lower matches, but a mass call-up would allow those wrestlers the opportunity to work in real storylines, something Balor, Samoa Joe, Crews and others already know how to do.
It’s time to let those guys be on the main roster, where they belong, and let NXT be developmental again.
