WWE NXT has increased the trend of featuring more main roster superstars in their programming in recent times. The previous regime of Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis started the tactic on an occasional basis while the new regime under Triple H has adopted it on regular occasions.
The hardcore fanbase of WWE NXT is well aware of the fact that there has been plenty of crossovers between the developmental brand and the main roster brands in recent weeks. The October 18 episode of the show saw various appearances from Raw and Smackdown as the programming went head-to-head against AEW Dynamite since April 2021 to keep the ratings steady.
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Ratings are key reasons behind using mainstay stars on NXT
Apparently, this is one of the main reasons why mainstay superstars will continue to appear on WWE NXT programming. In a report from Fightful, it was stated that the appearances from Raw and Smackdown on the black and gold brand will continue.
Sources within the WWE have considered that the main roster integration appeared to be useful for the developmental brand in its growth.
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Main roster superstars to help out protégés from WWE NXT
These appearances raised viewership for the WWE NXT brand and also helped create new matchups and dynamics to put the rising superstar to the test. It was also noted in the report that these experienced superstars can help developmental wrestlers improve their skills.
In addition, some of the veterans from the main roster have also been given the task of scouting wrestlers from the new bunch and giving needed inputs to them before their main roster call-up.
The tradition of sending main roster superstars to WWE NXT isn’t something new. Earlier this year, Dolph Ziggler from Raw headed back to Tuesday nights to become the new NXT Champion for a few days.
The current and the third longest-reigning NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose is also the main roster name who elevated herself by heading back to NXT. Her former Absolution stablemate Sonya Deville has also recently appeared to provide her backup.
Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews has permanently returned to WWE NXT while former Universal Champion Kevin Owens has also made occasional appearances on NXT when required. Most notably, he made a surprise return to be a part of the NXT WarGames 2019 matchup.
