If you’re a professional wrestling fan today, and have access to the WWE Network, NXT is arguably the best product out there. Sure, it is the “developmental program” for future WWE Superstars, but when the decision was made to give them a weekly one-hour program, NXT grew from a breeding ground to a full-fledged hot bed for wrestlers and fans alike. While the product continues to grow at a rapid pace, is it time for Triple H to introduce a secondary title for the group down in Florida? Seemingly each week, there are rumors that the WWE is interested in another top indy darling, and with an already stock pile of exceptional talent, it will be hard to fit them all in a program for the NXT Championship. Here are three reasons why a secondary championship for NXT would be a positive decision.
It Will Help Further Develop the “Brand” of NXT
As someone who loves and follows pro wrestling as much as I can, WrestleMania weekend was a dream for me. Podcasts, articles and interviews talking with almost everyone signed to WWE was readily available by the second last weekend. One common theme spoken amongst NXT members was that it is no longer a developmental system; it is considered a brand. Finn Balor, Charlotte, Kevin Owens and even Triple H all used the word “brand” while describing different aspects of NXT. The one-hour weekly program and the quarterly special events on the WWE Network add fuel to that fire. Couple that with the fact that NXT is beginning to venture out of Full Sail University and tour different parts of the country for live events signals that there may be some action behind their words. One way to continue this trend even further is adding a secondary championship behind the NXT title. Having another belt would bring a sense of added legitimacy to the product while giving another single’s competitor a chance to tout gold.
The ECW Effect
One thing wrestling loyalists have seen is many comparisons between NXT and Extreme Championship Wrestling. The company that changed the landscape of professional wrestling and the minor leagues of WWE do have similarities; small, intimate and passionate crowds, giving wrestlers a chance no matter how they look and astonishing in ring action are three aspects that ECW and NXT have in common. In ECW, the Television Championship started out as a secondary title to the ECW Heavyweight Championship. However, as time went on, there wasn’t a championship considered number one; the TV title went on to main event pay per views and clashes between both champions were common on ECW television. NXT could experience a similar fate if they added a secondary title themselves. Again, like ECW, there seems to be a grey area for the NXT Championship, meaning just about anyone can fight for the title, no matter how you look or what style you wrestle with. If you were to introduce another championship, many wrestlers that would have been fighting for the NXT Championship can now turn their attention to the new title. This could provide even better storylines, with maybe even a champion versus champion match to see who really is number one in the company.
Gives Other Wrestlers a Chance to Shine
As stated earlier, the NXT roster has many wrestlers deserving of carrying gold. However, with only one championship in tow, it only gives a certain number of wrestlers to be a part of the title picture. For example, current members of the main event picture are Champion Kevin Owens, Finn Balor and Sami Zayn. That’s only three members on a very talented roster than have been in the current main event scene. Hideo Itami, Barin Corbin, Solomon Crowe, and Tyler Breeze could all be considered wrestlers who could be in a spot to compete for the NXT Championship. On top of that, also as stated above, the WWE seems to be interested in many independent talents throughout the world. Samoa Joe, Uhaa Nation, ACH, Adam Cole and Biff Busick have all been either rumored to be signing with the WWE or have received a tryout with the company. With the addition of another title belt, this would give other people the chance to hold gold and get the experience as a champion. It would create more competition inside of the organization, while also giving more meaningful programs to deserving wrestlers.
While NXT continues to expand in a variety of ways, the next logical step is to add another championship to its system. This is a necessary step to help expand the brand of NXT and take it to the next level.
What do you think? Comment below with your thoughts, opinions, feedback and anything else that was raised.
Dan Federico is a writer for PWMania, SportsBlogNewYork and Split the Uprights. Follow on Twitter @DFBlogger