A different strategy is being used to handle WWE NXT call-ups moving forward.
As reported by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, things are said to be way more flexible compared to when Vince McMahon was in charge. Previously, stars from NXT could have been pulled immediately from the developmental brand, leaving them in a tough place creatively as it affected some of the biggest storylines on the show as a result. However, the report notes that due to the reduced schedule that is now in place, stars are able to pull double duty and finish up NXT commitments before fully joining Raw or SmackDown moving forward. A notable example of this was current Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer, who made multiple appearances on Raw and NXT before officially joining the red brand in May.
Fightful also adds that call-ups are now kept much more secretive compared to previous years when it was expected that stars from the developmental brand would be leaving, most notably the Raw and SmackDowns following WrestleMania or SummerSlam.
It is also noted that some talent have been brought in to have a veteran presence on NXT, and that the intent is to have them have a full run on the Tuesday night show as opposed to having main roster plans in the future.
How Were WWE NXT Call-Ups Previously Handled?
Over the past decade, NXT call-ups to the main roster have been very hit and miss. While the early years saw many of the stars such as Seth Rollins, Big E and Charlotte Flair all find a huge amount of success on Raw and SmackDown, the latter years saw many called up without a plan and quickly fade into obscurity just a few weeks later.
While in the prime black and gold era there was excitement that the top stars of NXT would be getting their opportunity on the grander stage, there was more concern during the darker years of WWE creative in 2018 and 2019, which saw many popular stars struggle.
Many believe that call-ups have been treated much better in the modern day, as the likes of Tiffany Stratton, Bron Breakker and Fraxiom have all been booked well on Raw and SmackDown.
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