Ringside

WHAT IS THE future of NXT as WWE approaches the final few months of 2021? Will most of the black-and-gold brand’s headliners be elevated to Raw or Smackdown? Will free agent Adam Cole remain in NXT … or even with WWE? Can NXT survive such a depletion of its roster and remain destination programming on USA?

All these questions arose after WWE implemented yet another round of talent cuts this summer, this one specifically targeting NXT. Ex-North American champ Bronson Reed, perennial favorite Bobby Fish, and the respected Mercedes Martinez were the most prominent names among the dozen dismissed performers that also included Jake Atlas, Asher Hale, Kona Reeves, Leon Ruff, Tyler Rust, Stephon Smith, Zechariah Smith, Ari Sterling, and Giant Zanjeer.

While it was widely reported that WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon wants NXT to focus on younger, larger stars, some of these releases counter that assumption. It’s more likely this round of cuts was part of WWE President Nick Khan’s broader strategy for the year, streamlining the talent outlays of all three U.S.-based brands as the company fundamentally restructures as a television and social media content producer.