Sports

Big NXT Changes Coming, WWE & UFC Want Olympic Gold Medalist

In the aftermath of Friday night’s deep cuts, it seems big NXT changes are coming. Plus, both WWE & UFC want an Olympic gold medalist, but who?

Big NXT Changes Coming

Friday, August 6th, was a rough day for the brand…and more big NXT changes are coming.

That is the report coming to us from the Wrestling Observer.

The news echoes other recent chatter in the wake of Friday’s stunning releases.

source: custom, nodq.com twitter screenshot

According to the report, these big NXT changes coming are all driven by…Vince McMahon.

Perhaps the most stunning bit around all of this? It seems that neither Shawn Michaels nor Triple H have been very involved in the decision making process thus far.

Considering that Hunter has been one of the top leaders of the black and gold brand…that might bear watching.

Now, back to those big NXT changes coming…

We reported following the releases that one expectation was that the brand was getting overhaued-new look, new logo, new direction.

Per the Observer, this is likely indeed true.

The goal moving forward appears to be to work with more younger and unproven talent, and to develop them into more “home grown” talents.

This would be a bit of a shift in recent years, to an extent.

NXT has been the WWE developmental territory for a while, born from the ashes of Florida Championship Wrestling.

As the brand exploded in popularity, it was not only the developmental spot for younger signings…but a landing spot for free agents that would get a bit of a WWE tune up prior to the main roster.

The brand saw such Superstars as Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, Samoa Joe and Drew McIntyre spend time there.

More recently, we’ve got to look no further than Karrion Kross, who was an established talent prior to joining NXT.

Now, it seems like Vince McMahon wants the brand to be a little less polished, a little more raw and working toward finding the next diamond in the rough.

Given this apparent new direction, fans have to wonder at least a couple things.

Considering Triple H may not have had a say…is this Vince being spiteful that NXT has been the most consistently watchable WWE brand for a while?

And, what would this mean for folks who enjoy content that they cannot typically get on Mondays or Fridays? The “main roster” shows are not filled with strong displays of technical wrestling, for example.

It’s a bit of an ironic twist. For a good bit, many within WWE insisted that the three brands were basically on equal footing (fooling no one, but it was said).

Now, it seems like Vince McMahon is out to make sure there is no doubt-NXT should be seen as below the main roster.

Of course, if those in charge of the brand remain in charge…here’s hoping the output from NXT remains as good as ever, in spite of any handcuffs.

WWE & UFC Want Olympic Gold Medalist

The Olympics have come to a close, and we’ve learned that both WWE & UFC want an Olympic gold medalist to join them.

Which one?

Well, there are honestly a few to choose from, given there are several combat sports in the Olympics.

In this case, it would be an American Olympic wrestler who won gold.

There are honestly two (at least) whom should garner attention. In this specific instance, we are looking at Gable Steveson.

source: custom, gopherwrestling twitter screenshot

Per multiple outlets, we can expect a bit of a bidding war between WWE & UFC for this Olympic gold medalist.

He is big, athletic and gifted…and he is also just 21 years old. Perhaps he’d be OK in NXT for a little bit?

In any case, Steveson has a lot of options…including the ability to go back to college for another season, should he wish.

With the new Name, Image and Likeness regulations a thing, Steveson won’t be necessarily losing money if he stays an amateur for a bit longer.

While WWE or UFC offer the allure of big paydays, the new NCAA rules allow him to cash in for himself now while still being a Gopher for a bit longer.

Considering Steveson’s ties to WWE, perhaps McMahon hopes for the win. Gable Steveson is friendly with both Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman, among others.

source: custom, @x_rob_ twitter screenshot

Oh, and that “other” Olympic gold medalist that both WWE & UFC should have an eye on?  That would be self-admitted huge WWE fan Tamyra Mensah-Stock, the first black American woman to win gold in wrestling.

John Deegan

Introduced to professional wrestling in the 1980's thanks to Superstars and Saturday Night's Main Event, John's passion for the medium was reborn thanks to ECW in the 90's. A former in-ring "talent" with a career 0-2 record, he finds it more rewarding, and far less painful, to write about wrestling now.

Recent Posts

Sofia Vergara Reveals Her Secrets To Defying Age at 51

Actress Sofia Vergara is absolutely gorgeous. And plans to stay that way. The 51-year-old recently told…

16 hours ago

Cher Reveals Why She Turned Down Dating Elvis Presley

The singer Cher is speaking out this week to reveal why she allegedly turned down…

18 hours ago

Eva Mendes Explains Why Having Kids In Her 40s Is Better – ‘Easiest Decision I’ve Ever Made’

The 50 year-old Hollywood star Eva Mendes is speaking out this week to reveal why…

19 hours ago

Country Star Colt Ford Reveals He ‘Died Two Times’ – ‘The Lord Had More For Me To Do’

The country music star Colt Ford is opening up about the heart attack that he…

20 hours ago

Marvel Actor Chris Hemsworth Hammers Rumors He Quit Hollywood Due To Alzheimer’s Fears

Chris Hemsworth, best known for his role as Thor in the Marvel cinematic universe, insists…

21 hours ago

Michael Richards Makes Rare Red Carpet Appearance, Reunites With Jerry Seinfeld

Michael Richards, who played Cosmo Kramer on the hit show Seinfeld that ran for nine…

2 days ago