WWE Uses Former AEW Talent On Extended Stints In NXT

6 articles | Updated 1d ago | Created 3d ago

WWE and The CW are utilizing former AEW talent on extended NXT tenures as a ratings strategy to attract new viewers, according to reports from Fightful Select released March 18th. Key performers including Ethan Page (nearly two years), Ricky Saints, Blake Monroe, and Joe Hendry have been central figures in this approach despite internal discussions about removing the "Absolute Experience" segment for some stars like Saint's social media presence following his debut a year ago.

Key Points

1

WWE is utilizing former AEW talent on its developmental roster as a strategic move to attract new viewers.
2

Extended tenures and social media removals suggest WWE's approach goes beyond traditional development into ratings-focused management.

Developments

Mar 18 "WWE" is using former AEW talent on "NXT as a way to attract new viewers," according to FightfulSelect.com. The report notes extended NXT tenures for Ethan Page, Ricky Saints and Blake Monroe are partly driven by ratings strategy between WWE.

Mar 18 "WWE" personnel did not expect Saint's continued presence on the "NXT roster a year after his debut," according to reports from last week regarding discussions about removing Absolute Experience segment. Some staff expected Saints' departure, but Fightful Select recently released new details.

Mar 18 "WWE" is sending TV-ready talent like Joe Hendry and Blake Monroe on "NXT instead of the main roster," raising questions as several experienced names continue to spend extended time there. Page has been part of brand for nearly two years while Saints remains.

Mar 18 "WWE" is bringing in talent through NXT or Main Roster based on a new report detailing their mindset, which includes discussions about Ricky Saint's continued presence despite the removal from social media channels last week. The approach involves placing experienced names like Saints and Page.

Mar 17 "WWE" is using former AEW talent to attract viewers with extended tenures on "NXT, including Ethan Page who has been part of brand for nearly two years while Ricky Saint remains despite initial expectations. Joe Hendry Blake Monroe are among names leading the charge.

Perspectives

WWE is using former AEW talent on its developmental roster as a strategic move to attract new viewers.

— [Mar 18, 20:56] Backstage News On Why Some Talent Start In WWE NXT Instead Of Main Roster (FightfulSelect.com)

There has been internal discussion within WWE regarding the removal of Ricky Saints' 'Absolute Experience' segment from social media and his potential departure after one year.

— [Mar 18, 20:56] Backstage Update On WWE NXT Talent Placement Strategy And Ricky Saints Role (Pwmania)

The extended tenures on the developmental brand of TV-ready names like Ethan Page suggest a strategy that goes beyond simple development purposes.

— (Wrestlezone)

Backstage News On Why Some Talent Start In WWE NXT Instead Of Main Roster

Wrestlingnews Andrew Ravens 2d ago

WWE reports are using extended tenures for three specific former AEW talent members (Ethan Page, Ricky Saints, Blake Monroe) as part of its strategy to attract new viewers via The CW's NXT programming while leveraging their television experience from previous work in the promotion. However, this approach is not a universal policy; other high-profile signings like Penta and Rey Fenix debuted directly on main rosters without using NXT for development or exposure purposes.

Backstage Update On WWE NXT Talent Placement Strategy And Ricky Saints’ Role

Pwmania James Hetfield 2d ago

Backstage News On WWE’s Strategy For Bringing Talent To NXT Or The Main Roster

Rajah Tom Araya 3d ago

Backstage Reason for WWE Sending TV-Ready Talent to NXT — Report

Wrestlezone vishalbhawani 3d ago

WWE is strategically placing experienced television-ready talent on the developmental brand of NXT primarily for audience growth by leveraging star power rather than solely focusing on training newcomers. Additionally, these veterans provide behind-the-scenes guidance and help wrestlers adapt WWE's specific production style to ensure consistent weekly programming quality across its third major division.

Backstage Notes On WWE’s Approach To Bringing Talent In On NXT Or Main Roster

411mania Jeremy Thomas 3d ago

A new report indicates that WWE evaluates its talent placements "case-by-case," noting Ricky Saints' unexpected longevity in NXT due to the network seeking established stars like him for viewership growth, while also confirming Royce Keys started on the main roster despite his lack of recent TV appearances.