Why some talent start in NXT instead of main roster (Patreon)

A constant topic of discussion are NXT call-ups, especially for veteran talent.

Currently, Joe Hendry, Ricky Saints, Blake Monroe and Ethan Page lead the charge on the NXT brand. In the case of Ethan Page, he’s been in NXT for almost two years, while Ricky Saints has been there for a year. At the time of Saints’ NXT debut, WWE sources said that he was sent there because WrestleMania plans had already been solidified, and didn’t expect him to be there long. A year later, he remained, which surprised many in NXT. 

We’re told that each WWE acquisition is a case-by-case basis. There have been some talent adamant that they would skip NXT and go to the main roster. However, we were given some insight as to why talent with television experience often goes to NXT.

Sources familiar with CW’s line of thinking and WWE’s claimed to Fightful that both brands see it as a way to attract new viewers to the NXT platform that might not have already drawn traditional WWE fans to. We’re told that the television experience of the talent is also valuable for the NXT process.