Shawn Michaels has given some more information regarding what fans can expect on October 1st when WWE NXT goes live on the CW Network.
The end of an era took place on September 24th as NXT presented its final broadcast on the USA Network, bringing to a close 5 years on the channel. From October 1st, the developmental brand will air live on CW with the potential to be in every home in the United States.
As the debut episode of SmackDown on the USA Network saw a new presentation with new graphics, logo and theme, it appears that the third brand is also due for a facelift. While speaking with The Chicago Tribune, the senior vice president of talent development is looking to build excitement as much as possible:
“Certainly we want to make a big splash on the CW Network,” Michaels said. “We’ll have some big changes, but I think more of that will be from a look and physical standpoint. We will still be what NXT is, which is bringing some of the most talented, young, diverse athletes in all of the nation, and developing them into the WWE superstars of tomorrow… The hunger, the passion that’s always been the core value of NXT is always going to be there. But certainly we’ll try to put on some pretty cool bells and whistles for the CW launch.”
Michaels also spoke about the challenges he faces on the brand given that none of the stars will be on the roster forever and a main roster call-up is an inevitability:
“That is with a roster where every time people really start to connect with some of these superstars, they move to Raw or SmackDown and we have to start over again,” Michaels said. “That’s the challenge. If you don’t love a good challenge, this probably isn’t the line of work for you. But I’m a glutton for punishment. So I enjoy the challenge of having to continue to rebuild our roster each and every time there’s a call-up. That means we’re doing our job and doing it well.”
What Has Been Announced For The October 1 WWE NXT?
Airing live from Chicago, CM Punk will be in attendance and will factor into the main event as he will serve as the special guest referee in the NXT Championship match between Ethan Page and Trick Williams. Also announced is Roxanne Perez defending the NXT Women’s Championship against Giulia and a contract signing between Oba Femi and Tony D’Angelo to be moderated by The Miz. Women’s Tag Team Champions Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair have also been advertised to appear.
Featured image: WWE
