Observations From A New NXT Viewer

[The Brain]

Besides some of the Takeover shows I have not watched NXT. It's not that I haven't enjoyed it, I just haven't made it a part of my routine watching. For the past year I have constantly read about how great it is and how it's better than WWE. Now I'm hearing the London event (which as I type this I still have not seen) was another great show. I've finally decided I need to get on board and try to get caught up. The last show I saw was the Takeover in October so I decided to go back and watch them all since then. I'm only a few shows in so everything you read is from a small sample size (and I'm still learning some names so I may not be specific at times) but here's what I've learned so far.

Less Is More

This is hardly a new thought. I've already been saying it for years, as have many others. Seeing some of these NXT shows just confirms what I've always thought. Three hours of Raw is just too much and Smackdown isn't needed at all anymore. I think the term 'stale' is thrown around too much on this forum but after watching some NXT I can see why people think Raw is stale. One of the best parts about NXT is we don't see everybody every week. This keeps everybody fresh and avoids that 50/50 booking that's hurting a lot more than helping anybody on the main roster. In NXT we might see Tyler Breeze on tv one time in three weeks. In WWE I feel like I've seen Tyler Breeze actually wrestle Dolph Ziggler four times in three weeks and neither one has benefited. I understand WWE is in a bit of a tough position with Raw being live every week. People that buy tickets want to see all the guys. Back when shows were taped fans that bought tickets got to see all the guys in one night but it was spread out for three weeks on tv. The live audience got to see everyone and the tv audience didn't get burned out on them. Also I know USA is the main reason Raw is three hours. So while the solution may not be so simple WWE is hurting from overexposure. When NXT is over you want more. By the time WWE is over you've had enough.

Announcers Are Important

Ok, this isn't a new thought either. I guess it's not that I've learned but instead I now have evidence supporting my thoughts. Not just mine of course. We've all known this for a long time and have been complaining about WWE announcers for years now. It just stands out even more after watching NXT. On Raw Byron Saxton is just a whipping boy for JBL and Michael Cole. On NXT he's an announcer. I'm so sick of JBL, Cole, Lawler, and Booker trying to be funny, trying to zing each other, or trying to create cute little phrases and repeat them over and over. Opposing viewpoints can make for interesting commentary but not every single thing has to be an argument. Just call the match and understand you're not the star of the show. That's what NXT does.

The Roster Is Bigger Than I Thought

Even if I wasn't too familiar with them I thought I at least heard of just about everybody on the roster. So far I've come across some names I don't know at all. They haven't been on any of the Takeover shows which means they're either relatively new or haven't been important enough. Not being important enough is actually a good thing. It means that even in NXT there are lower level guys to fill the show and still be around to put new talent over when the current top guys are called up to WWE. Which leads me to my next observation.

Not Everyone Is Going To WWE

I don't have a crystal ball but looking at some of the guys (remember, small sample size) there are some that I think are meant to stay in NXT. As I just mentioned this is a good thing. WWE can't just suck up the whole roster. This isn't an insult to those guys. It's like baseball. There are plenty of good AAA players that just don't cut it in the big leagues. NXT is like AAA Ball. While the goal is the majors AAA is still better than AA, A, or the California Penal League (reference, anyone?). I'm just going to use the Vaudevillains as an example. They look like they're doing well in NXT. I just don't see them having success in WWE. That doesn't mean they should just give up on wrestling and find something else to do. If they enjoy wrestling and can accept not having success at the highest level they should enjoy being the big fish in the small pond and I'm sure the fans will be ok with them staying. After all, you could argue the Vaudevillains are in a better position than the Ascension right now. I'm not sure what side I'd stand on in that argument but I recognize an argument can be made. I used to think anyone WWE bothered to sign to NXT they did so with the expectation that they would be on the main roster one day. Now I see they need to keep guys around to fill that roster too.

NXT Fans Are Easily Impressed

It might be more accurate to say they like the sound of their own voices but everything is a chant. Chants like “This is awesome” or “Holy shit” pop up for pretty ordinary stuff. I like that the fans are having a good time but I think the spend more time trying to think of clever chants in hopes of them catching on instead of actually paying attention to what is happening.

My Top 3 To Watch

3. Dash & Dawson

I like these guys. They're a throwback tag team. I can tell they're influenced by The Brain Busters which may be my favorite team of all time. Honestly, I don't know how well they would do on the main roster. They don't have the greatest look for a 21st century WWE wrestler. They'd probably get lost in the shuffle but I'd like to see them get a chance.

2. Chad Gable & Jason Jordan

I think these guys are more likely to succeed in WWE. They play off each other really well, look great in the ring, and have a gimmick that can fit into WWE television. I get the impression they haven't been together very long and it looks like they still need some time together before getting called up, but that's the whole point of NXT. Not crazy about their finisher but these guys look good.

1. Finn Balor

I know I really went out on a limb there and picked the champion as my top guy. I think he has a great look. Even his normal look when he's not the demon is good. He's the kind of guy I can picture on a poster or the cover of a magazine. The demon just adds another whole dimension. I think it's great that he only brings out that character on certain occasions and has the natural look and charisma to not disappoint when he's not the demon. Call me crazy but I can actually Balor eventually becoming the top guy in WWE.

These are just first impressions as a new NXT viewer. I didn't really have anything in particular in mind as a discussion point. Go ahead and tell me if I'm right, if I'm wrong, or if I'm telling you the sky is blue like it's a new discovery. How about my top three? Who else should I keep an eye on? I'm just trying to catch up with the rest of you. Once I'm caught up NXT will become weekly viewing for me.

 

[Jeff Deliverer of Mail]

Gable and Jordan are shoe ins for the main roster. My favourite tag team besides New Day. I completely agree with the overly enthusiastic fans. Way over the top but it makes the show better. The NXT fans remind me of the rabid ECW fans back in the day when ECW fought from that ballroom every week.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I agree with pretty much everything the OP said, especially about the fans. Some of them do seem to be overly easy to impress and it's the same sort of attitude I've seen numerous indie shows. Although, to be fair, I've seen the same reaction for just about every wrestling program put on by any wrestling promotion ranging from WWE to TNA to ROH to NJPW where the fans pop huge for damn near every high impact move, suicide dive, chair shot, etc.

It's great to have a good time but I also think that it can sometimes be an example of the crowd wanting to be the collective star of the show. Sometimes, such crowds can also be pretty annoying at times. I meant to bring this up in my little review of the latest TakeOver special in that all the various chants just got kind of aggravating after a while; I mean, it got to the point where the crowd just seemed to be making noise just for the hell of it, just for the sake of being heard. Also, sometimes if a genuinely good match is going on, the wrestlers are working hard but, for whatever reason, the fans sometimes crap all over it. I've noticed that happen a lot of times in situations involving wrestlers who aren't perceived by the fans as being one of "their" guys but rather being one of the "company's" guys. For instance, if it'd been say...Nia Jax taking on Brie Bella with the same sort of story, the same sort of moves being done, the same situation, the same near falls, etc. then I'd be willing to bet a lot of fans would've just pissed all over the match because Brie Bella isn't one of "their" wrestlers. It wouldn't matter how hard the ladies worked, it wouldn't matter how much effort they put into it, a large number of fans would've already decided not to like it no matter what because Brie Bella was involved in it. I think that's how it's gonna be with Eva Marie, for another example, going forward no matter what. Even if she genuinely becomes very good inside the ring, learns how to tell a good story, puts psychology to good use, etc. a lot of fans will almost certainly still give her hell because of the Total Divas thing, because she was put on the main roster before she should've been, at least for a while, etc.

 

[Messiah]

Gable and Jordan are the best tag team in WWE, they're way better than those dancing clowns the New Day.. It's disgusting people find them entertaining, it really shows how big a losers WWE fans really are.

If you're a fan of the New Day, quit watching wrestling, you're killing the business.. It's a shame 3 dancing fools is what people find entertaining nowadays.. I guess 95% of the audience is filled with geeks and weirdos now.

 

[AegonTargaryen]

1)This is a brilliant thread/topic in quite some time. Even though I've never watched an entire NXT episode(not after the first season anyway) or even glimpses of it in forever, I was very surprised when I tuned in to check NXT this week.

2)Usually, and this is an opinion firmly entrenched in my mind, I'd consider "Divas segments/matches" to be utterly nonsense pauses between "real stuff", male wrestling.
But I watched this redhead(don't remember her name) kicking Asuka, and I thought "wow". A little later in the match, when the redhead runs towards her, Asuka does this brilliant move- sort of a hurricanrana??- and the entire crowd was totally active and enthralled throughout it. I was literally like- WOW. And I did watch the rest of the match. I don't think I have seen a normal(male) wrestling match in a long time which captivated me like that. I really think you guys should watch that match from NXT this past week. It was like the female version of Kurt Angle vs Shawn Michaels.

3)I'm not acquainted with Finn Balor but they were hyping Samoa Joe vs Balor at NXT Takeover London. I loved the demon promo/vignette of him they aired. I am yet to see Finn Balor as the demon, but he sure looked awesomely creepy. I bet Finn Balor is awesome.

4)The commentary sounded quite good, like The Brain said. I'm beyond sick, basically desensitized to WWE commentary and I have been so for years now. Michael Cole is beyond monotnous, JBL is worse. I don't even know what to say about Booker T and Jerry Lawler. I'm sure pretty much everyone here is sick of them. I was watching Seth Rollins vs Dean Ambrose, and Cesaro vs Chris Hero/Kassius Ohno the other day, and I heard commentary, actual wrestling commentary, I thought, after ages. So yes, NXT is definitely awesome based on the commentators.

5)I'm definitely going to be tuning in to watch NXT every week. 3 hours of Monday night Raw is too much anyway.

PS:- LMAO@It's a shame 3 dancing fools is what people find entertaining nowadays.. I guess 95% of the audience is filled with geeks and weirdos now, @Messiah.

Christ it's true. It's only been two months since I got back to watching Raw regularly, and I have already felt like New Day's schtick has gotten boring/ridiculous, even though I know it's meant to be ridiculous. They're still more entertaining than Tyler Breeze, The Miz, The Eww-Sos, etc. anyway.

 

[MTL722]

I've watched all the Takeover shows and quite a few weekly shows, and OP is spot on with every observation. Here's what I will add that might help newer audiences
1. Bayley is the most over wrestler on that roster. The crowd is so into her that it really makes me believe that her main roster debut will be a disappointment. Also, watch for Alexa Bliss. She plays the bitch role excellently. She'll make a great valet on the main roster. Not sure about her in-ring tho

2. Enzo and Cass will get over very well with the Raw audience. Cass is probably the fastest and most agile "7 footer" I've seen and Enzo is a natural on the mic. They'll be an entertaining duo for years go come. Come to think of it, NXT is overflowing with good tag teams. That division has a bright future

3. The crowd DOES NOT like Eva Marie. Think Vicki heat combined with X-pac heat. It's insane

4. My final point is this. Finn Balor cannot debut as the demon. NXT does a great job of keeping that side of him exclusively for Takeover events. It's really an awe inspiring entrance and one that should not be overused

 

[Wrestlingaholic]

• women's wrestling - the NXT 'divas' actually have (mostly) defined characters and are given proper storylines and actual time; consequently, it is arguably the greatest generation of women that WWE have ever had. This has taken a bit if a knock since Sasha (the best of the lot IMO), Charlotte and Becky got moved up simultaneously, but moving Emma back down and turning her heel was a masterstroke, as was the signing of 'female Daniel Bryan' Asuka. The rest are developing nicely, with Alexa Bliss one in particular with a big future (promising in-ring and absolutely stunning, she will be easy to market, and plays both heel and face well, which not everyone can do) and Dana Brook in many ways the female Mark Henry, her intermittent prescience in strong woman competitions gives WWE exposure in different areas, and means Triple H is very high on her

• the best tag scene in American wrestling - similar to the women, the tag division is full of characters that are given time to develop, and match time. It often bugs me that, over the last 12 or so years, tag wrestling on the main roster has been underlooked, largely, and that WWE would focus more on throwing together two feuding singles wrestlers as champions rather than a proper team; NXT's tag division is a throwback to earlier times when tag teams made sense, when team mates wore matching trunks. WWE to be fair is also doing this a lot more now, but mostly through NXT call-ups. I agree that Gable and Jordan (probably my favourite wrestlers on all tv at the moment) are long-termers, both as singles and tag wrestlers. But don't forget Enzo Amore and Big Cass. They have all the neccesarilly tools to succeed: they have one big guy, two good move sets, a hybrid look which could appeal across the board, and several catch-phrases - the two superstar t-shirts you saw most at NXT Takeover: London on Wednesday were Bayley and Enzo & Cass, and merch sales are usually a good indicator of popularity.

• storylines tend to make sense, often stemming from an earlier storyline. Perhaps WWE's biggest problem: all too often, new feuds make very little sense. I can accept a completely different guy making an impact by assaulting or challenging the champion from out of left field; but take the Wyatts, for example. Now, I love the Wyatts. Visually and audibly, everything about them screams, "this is a key part of the show" and I personally feel they have the best T-shirts. The one thing I strongly dislike about them is the way the jump between feuds with no real logic or thought behind them, it's like the writers pick them random opposition and then worry about reasoning later. In NXT, largely, either feuds or storylines are intermingled or they are slow-burners, like Samoa Joe and Finn Balor. It gives fans a reason to care about the feuds and, by virtue, the product. I am sure this is mainly to do with one of the Brain's points, that it is only an hour a week whereas WWE has 3 hours of Raw and 2 of Smackdown to fill. Less is definitely more!

There is, however, one complaint I have with NXT, and that is the frequency of title changes. This is obviously done because of call-ups to the main roster, or to try and showcase more developing characters, but again I prefer the less-is-more philosophy. Unless there is a logical reason to do so (Triple H v the Rock; the Dudleys v the Hardys v Edge & Christian in 2000) then in my opinion titles shouldn't change that often. Takeover: London was a surprising show as no titles changed hands, but it was surprising because it was rare. Unfortunately, logic dictates that the NXT Champion is the guy management regard highest, and therefore should be 'next in line' for promotion. This makes sense, of course, but it does make title changes that much less of a surprise; and the tag titles changed like 3 times in 2 months recently, Enzo and Cass to Blake and Murphy to the Vaudevillians to Dash and Dawson...

But the positives FAR outweigh the negatives, and long may it continue

NXT! NXT! NXT!

 

[OYDK]

Less Is More

This is hardly a new thought. I've already been saying it for years, as have many others. Seeing some of these NXT shows just confirms what I've always thought. Three hours of Raw is just too much and Smackdown isn't needed at all anymore. I think the term 'stale' is thrown around too much on this forum but after watching some NXT I can see why people think Raw is stale. One of the best parts about NXT is we don't see everybody every week. This keeps everybody fresh and avoids that 50/50 booking that's hurting a lot more than helping anybody on the main roster. In NXT we might see Tyler Breeze on tv one time in three weeks. In WWE I feel like I've seen Tyler Breeze actually wrestle Dolph Ziggler four times in three weeks and neither one has benefited. I understand WWE is in a bit of a tough position with Raw being live every week. People that buy tickets want to see all the guys. Back when shows were taped fans that bought tickets got to see all the guys in one night but it was spread out for three weeks on tv. The live audience got to see everyone and the tv audience didn't get burned out on them. Also I know USA is the main reason Raw is three hours. So while the solution may not be so simple WWE is hurting from overexposure. When NXT is over you want more. By the time WWE is over you've had enough.

I think this is the biggest factor right here. It just seems as if so much more is accomplished in one hour of NXT than three hours of Raw. Also, your point on the overexposure of certain wrestlers is spot on. I especially like your Tyler Breeze comparison because it's so true. Usually in NXT, you'd see Tyler Breeze compete a couple of times a month. Since his debut on the main roster, I've seen him more in a week than I would have in a month in NXT. It also doesn't help that WWE pretty much jobs their NXT guys out right away. What's the point of bringing them up?

Announcers Are Important

Ok, this isn't a new thought either. I guess it's not that I've learned but instead I now have evidence supporting my thoughts. Not just mine of course. We've all known this for a long time and have been complaining about WWE announcers for years now. It just stands out even more after watching NXT. On Raw Byron Saxton is just a whipping boy for JBL and Michael Cole. On NXT he's an announcer. I'm so sick of JBL, Cole, Lawler, and Booker trying to be funny, trying to zing each other, or trying to create cute little phrases and repeat them over and over. Opposing viewpoints can make for interesting commentary but not every single thing has to be an argument. Just call the match and understand you're not the star of the show. That's what NXT does.

I would rename this section "Announcers are Unimportant" and that's exactly how it should be. When I watch NXT, I actually forget that the announcers are there a lot of the time because I can actually focus on the match. With Cole and JBL out there screaming about utter nonsense and arguing like school-girls, it's nearly impossible to get into the action. Also, I just think Corey Graves adds a lot to the desk. He should replace JBL almost immediately in my opinion. Byron and Graves seem to have great chemistry at the announcers table. Also, Rich is useful in his role as the statistician. All in all, it works to give NXT a "wrestling" feel.

The Roster Is Bigger Than I Thought

Not being important enough is actually a good thing. It means that even in NXT there are lower level guys to fill the show and still be around to put new talent over when the current top guys are called up to WWE. Which leads me to my next observation.

Also, a lot of these lower level guys will eventually get their shot once the big guns move up. Bailey started as enhancement, as did Becky Lynch, Tyler Breeze, Blake and Murphey, Dash and Dawson, etc. The majority of these current jobbers, are going to make up the "next batch" once this batch is gone.

NXT Fans Are Easily Impressed

It might be more accurate to say they like the sound of their own voices but everything is a chant. Chants like “This is awesome” or “Holy shit” pop up for pretty ordinary stuff. I like that the fans are having a good time but I think the spend more time trying to think of clever chants in hopes of them catching on instead of actually paying attention to what is happening.

I can't stand the Full Sail crowd to be honest. My TV is muted the majority of the time because I get angry listening to them. It's stupid chant after stupid chant after stupid chant after stupid chant. They literally can't shut their mouths for 10 seconds without reminding us "Look at us! We're still here guys!" While a good crowd can create a good environment, a stupid crowd can create a shitty one.

My Top 3 To Watch

3. Dash & Dawson

I like these guys. They're a throwback tag team. I can tell they're influenced by The Brain Busters which may be my favorite team of all time. Honestly, I don't know how well they would do on the main roster. They don't have the greatest look for a 21st century WWE wrestler. They'd probably get lost in the shuffle but I'd like to see them get a chance.

You'll be happy once you're caught up.

2. Chad Gable & Jason Jordan

I think these guys are more likely to succeed in WWE. They play off each other really well, look great in the ring, and have a gimmick that can fit into WWE television. I get the impression they haven't been together very long and it looks like they still need some time together before getting called up, but that's the whole point of NXT. Not crazy about their finisher but these guys look good.

You'll be happy once you're caught up.

1. Finn Balor

I know I really went out on a limb there and picked the champion as my top guy. I think he has a great look. Even his normal look when he's not the demon is good. He's the kind of guy I can picture on a poster or the cover of a magazine. The demon just adds another whole dimension. I think it's great that he only brings out that character on certain occasions and has the natural look and charisma to not disappoint when he's not the demon. Call me crazy but I can actually Balor eventually becoming the top guy in WWE.

You'll be happy once you're caught up.

I don't really know the type of style you enjoy, but you might take to Apollo Crews as well. Also, check out Tye Dillinger as a sleeper.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

One thing I also want to touch on are the commentators in that the NXT commentators do what I think most would hope commentators to do: they call the action, they help with the story that's being told, they put over the talent, they put over the product and keep the focus on what's going on in the ring. This happens sometimes with the commentators on the main roster, but only when certain wrestlers are in the ring and/or during certain points in the show, like the main event spot. Much of the rest of the time, you have the commentators goofing off or making some lame attempt at comedy, especially Jerry Lawler.

 

[noTORRIEus]

Gable and Jordan are the best tag team in WWE, they're way better than those dancing clowns the New Day.. It's disgusting people find them entertaining, it really shows how big a losers WWE fans really are.

If you're a fan of the New Day, quit watching wrestling, you're killing the business.. It's a shame 3 dancing fools is what people find entertaining nowadays.. I guess 95% of the audience is filled with geeks and weirdos now.

I think that's a bit much. Our family (I watch wrestling with my fiancé and 4 year old daughter just my dad and brother use to watch when I was little) enjoy the New Day because they are over the top just as much as we enjoy Samoa Joe for being a bad a$$.

It's called taste and not everyone has the same but to tell someone who has been watching through all of the up and downs for over 32 years to quit wrestling because they like a certain act is "disgusting".

Now to the OP, you are spot on with everything you said.

Dawson and Dash are very much a carbon copy of Tully & Arn and I love them for that. In an era where everyone wants to be flashy, they are just two tough as nails low maintenance technicians who work hard to become the champs.

Gable and Jordan are fun to watch and I like how they don't shy away from the comparison to The World's Greatest Tag Team. Can't wait to see them as well as Enzo & Cass up on the main roster.

As for Finn, my only complaint about him wearing the Demon paint is that it always happens at the Takeover events without much meaning. The Demon should be a Bruce Banner/Hulk type deal where he can't get the job done as Finn so he digs down deep, turns into the Demon and all hell breaks loose. This could even happen on regular NXT TV just so it is less predictable.

One more person I say to watch out for is Asuka. This woman can go in the ring. She is a "don't turn away because you might miss something" special kind of worker. I believe she will be a huge star (I didn't see a lot of Kana's work prior) on the main roster.

 

[Trill Co$by]

Gable and Jordan are the best tag team in WWE, they're way better than those dancing clowns the New Day.. It's disgusting people find them entertaining, it really shows how big a losers WWE fans really are.

Only not. Gable and Jordan are a comedy act, and more importantly the jobbing kind. They're talented, no doubt about it but they're jobbers. That's all they're going to be in NXT and WWE. Jordan could get a Shelton Benjamin treatment but I doubt it. I think they're talented, but they're jobbers... at least currently. Blake and Murphy were jobbers one week and won the tag titles two weeks later. So who knows, I could be wrong about Gable and Jordan's future, but the point is they're still a comedy duo... and not a funny one at that.

If you're a fan of the New Day, quit watching wrestling, you're killing the business.. It's a shame 3 dancing fools is what people find entertaining nowadays.. I guess 95% of the audience is filled with geeks and weirdos now.

So it's bad that 3 guys who have great chemistry together are using terrific in ring psychology and using creativity to get over? It's bad that they can switch from fun loving to downright serious and dangerous? And doesn't that make you quite contradicting? The fact that you dislike a 3-Man stable that has fun when it calls for it and then gets serious when they have to, but you enjoy watching a tag team on the developmental brand do it?


--

As for the topic itself, I happen to believe that NXT is the primary selling point for WWE Network... it's also a great bonus for those who have HuluPlus. And I really love the mix of Independent feel with the WWE bank account. It's great that WWE's signing a few well known indy talent and stars while also bringing in people that they can train from the ground up or who aren't as well known but can still be good if not great. Baron Corbin, to me, is a future champion on the Main Roster. He's new to the whole wrestling thing, but he's growing as a wrestler and I can't wait to see how he turns out.

Personally, my favorite part of NXT is without a doubt the tag team division. Dash & Dawson are just great together, Blake & Murphy with Alexa Bliss is highly entertaining and I hope that becomes a main roster act in itself with some very great success, Vaudevillains is getting old so hopefully they'll split and Aiden English can return to his old shtick, and even though they're currently used as jobbers/put over talent I even like the WGTT wannabe duo of Gable and Jordan. Tag Teams in NXT don't seem as forced as the main roster, and tag matches aren't just thrown with lazy booking tactics. They actually make sense and come out really awesome.

And one final note, I'd like to say it's great hearing that more people are giving NXT a try. I hope this continues and that the thought of "Not on tv, I don't care" goes out the window more and more. It's a great product and I should definitely be given at least a month's worth of watching the product.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

I agree with pretty much everything the OP said, especially about the fans. Some of them do seem to be overly easy to impress and it's the same sort of attitude I've seen numerous indie shows. Although, to be fair, I've seen the same reaction for just about every wrestling program put on by any wrestling promotion ranging from WWE to TNA to ROH to NJPW where the fans pop huge for damn near every high impact move, suicide dive, chair shot, etc.

I've seen this posed as somewhat of a criticism, and while they do make the show about THEM sometimes, in general I will take an enthusiastic crowd every single time over the funeral home level stuff we get on the main roster most weeks.

Sure it may be a bit of its own artificial bubble, but as long as they are selling out every tour they go on, sometimes in record time, I don't think its a problem at all (beyond being a bit grating at times)

 

[The Butcher]

I agree with Mighty NorCal. I don't get annoyed by crowds much one way or the other, but I prefer them to make noise. I mean, when did crowds having fun become a bad thing? WWE's main roster has turned fan against fan as there are now many who believe that the crowd at a professional wrestling show is nothing more than a standard TV studio audience. It's also unfortunate because now a crowd can't catch a break unless they behave just right. Not too loud, not too quiet. Chants A and B are okay, but X and Y are annoying. Give the people a dang break; they paid their money and just want to have fun.

As for the main topic at hand, Brain, I am with most of your analysis. The "less is more" approach has long been a strength of the show. I was a big fan of latter day WWE ECW for that very reason. I don't know what folks here at WZ thought of it during its run, but the forum I frequented at the time had a dedicated fandom. When ECW gave way to NXT, I was iffy about the name and format changes and thought it would die out before coming back around to being a fun weekly show. It's done that and more, though. In NXT, WWE has created the perfect blend of third brand, training ground, and indy fan snatcher. The more engaged announcers and long roster make coming back weekly that much easier, and the specials are always top notch. Glad you're enjoying, Brain.