The debate over WWE NXT as a third brand vs. a developmental brand has continued, with NXT General Manager Robert Stone the latest.
Stone herself has pushed back against the “developer” label, noting that the brand has a distinct aesthetic and on-screen performance style. “I think NXT develops talent. Obviously, that’s what it’s all about for them to go 110%, to hone their craft before moving on to the next level. But I don’t think it’s a developing brand,” he said. “Lost Open Radio”.
“It’s its own brand, with its own unique style that’s different from Raw, SmackDown and all the other WWE brands, from everything else in wrestling. But yes, it develops talent and that’s what it’s all about. And the start of the show last night such a meeting, Jaida (Parker) and Kelani (Jordan), I’ll face any match right now on Raw or SmackDown. It’s just as good or even better, proving that it’s not really a developmental show.”
Previously, WWE CCO Paul “Triple H” Levesque had NXT is referred to as one of the three main brandsAlongside “WWE Raw” and “WWE SmackDown”. 2022 NXT main booker Shawn Michaels was adamant that NXT was actually a development the program.
Michaels continues to host “NXT,” which airs Tuesday nights on The CW Network, to this day, with Grayson Waller and Kelani Jordan currently reigning as the NXT and NXT Women’s Champions, respectively. The two won their titles at Heatwave on August 30 at NXT.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, credit Busted Open Radio with ah/t Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
