NXT (WWE brand)

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WWE NXT, often referred to simply as NXT, is one of WWE's developmental brands. While its primary purpose is to serve as a farm system for WWE's main roster, NXT has come to be viewed by wrestling pundits and fans as its own distinct entity--and now serves as a third brand complementing Raw and SmackDown. Originally holding its shows primarily in the Orlando, Florida area, NXT expanded its reach as time has gone on, having embarked on national and international tours, being praised for its high quality of wrestling and captivating storylines.

Video NXT (WWE brand)

History

Beginnings

NXT was formed in 2010 following the dissolution of the ECW brand. Initially, the "NXT" trademark was disputed between WWE and Scotland's Scottish Wrestling Alliance (SWA), who's developmental division was also called "NXT". WWE worked with SWA to secure the NXT trademark for their new series with SWA's developmental branch being renamed "SWA: Source." In February 2010, WWE debuted the NXT television program, the program featured rookies from WWE's Tampa, Florida-based developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) competing to become members of WWE's main roster. In June 2012, WWE ceased operating FCW, instead running all of its developmental events and operations at Full Sail University under the WWE NXT banner.

On February 27, 2014, NXT held its first live two hour special event called NXT Arrival, which was also the first live in-ring program broadcast on the WWE Network. Eventually, WWE scheduled more live two-hour special events, which have since become a regular fixture on WWE Network.

Expansion

In 2015, NXT promoted its first live events outside of Florida with an event that was held in March in Columbus, Ohio. In August of that year, NXT held their first TakeOver show outside of Full Sail with NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York and in December, held their first international TakeOver event with NXT TakeOver: London. By 2016, NXT was running approximately 200 shows per year between the United States and overseas.

Controversies

In late February and March 2015, several former NXT trainees previously working within WWE developmental system alleged misconduct by head trainer Bill DeMott, with Judas Devlin and Brandon Traven publicizing complaints which they claimed they had submitted to WWE management about DeMott back in March 2013 when they were still employed with WWE. Meanwhile, other ex trainees like Briley Pierce, Derrick Bateman and independent wrestler Terra Calaway also made allegations in 2015, while previous allegations made in 2013 by Chad Baxter and Chase Donovan were also noted. They accused DeMott of making trainees perform dangerous drills, physically assaulting and bullying trainees, using homophobic and racial slurs amongst other derogatory terms and condoning sexual harassment. WWE released statements regarding some of the claims that came to light in 2013 and 2015 saying that investigations were done and no wrongdoing was found. On March 6, 2015, DeMott denied the allegations, but resigned from WWE "to avoid any embarrassment or damage" to the company.

Maps NXT (WWE brand)

Championships and accomplishments

Current championships

Other accomplishment(s)

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Roster

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Television show

The WWE Network broadcasts NXT's eponymous television program in the United States. From 2010 to 2012, WWE NXT existed as a seasonal show which was presented as a hybrid between reality television and WWE's scripted live events. The show saw "NXT Rookies" paired with "WWE Pros", with the pairs competing in challenges until one sole winner remained. The winners of the shows were Wade Barrett (Season 1), Kaval (Season 2), Kaitlyn (Season 3) and Johnny Curtis (Season 4). After NXT Redemption, the show's seasonal format was dropped.

Production

In its original format, NXT was taped in large venues before the SmackDown tapings from 2010-2012. When WWE revamped the show they moved the tapings to Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida, with the venue known as "Full Sail Live". WWE started taping NXT in Florida on May 17, 2012. Tickets are available free for Full Sail students and general admission for non-students costs $10.

NXT began airing on the WWE Network on February 27, 2014 with a live event called NXT Arrival. Regular episodes are one-hour and are pre-taped. Live two-hour episodes are produced periodically as part of the NXT TakeOver series.

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WWE Network events

In addition to the NXT TakeOver series, NXT has also held NXT Arrival and the NXT U.K. Championship as WWE Network events.

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See also

• NXT Year-End Award
• WWE Performance Center

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References

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External links

• Official website
• WWE NXT on IMDb
• WWE NXT at TV.com

Source of article : Wikipedia