USA Network Reportedly Unhappy with WWE Taping Episodes of NXT

NXT is potentially going to tape shows after SummerSlam! This news hasn’t gone down well with executives of the USA network. Andrew Zarian recently tweeted saying a close contact of his from the USA network revealed they aren’t happy with this decision. The quoted statement stands as follows, “A Taped Show isn’t what we paid for“.

The NXT brand has been on the USA Network for the past two years. Currently, the scenario at NXT hasn’t been the most appealing for many since they fired recently a lot of wrestlers.

They also axed NXT regulars in the recent round of firings. This has led to a deficit in confidence amongst the members of the locker room. There are reports surfacing claiming wrestlers are unsure and not keen on resigning. Adam Cole’s situation is the most prominent.

Watch this story: Former WWE Superstars Who Are Thriving in AEW

What’s next for the black and yellow brand?

NXT, for sure, doesn’t want to get on the wrong side of their network partners. From what we know at this point is they faced a conclusive loss to AEW Dynamite when studied through ratings. Upon which, the recent cuts have already left them with a dearth of superstars. To believe that they are on a contract worth 20 million dollars per annum and yet might want to tape shows is beyond the network.

Taping shows create a huge chance of many fans not turning up to view. This would act detrimental to what the brand needs currently. NXT needs to add new fresh storylines currently as well as create new stars. Triple H and his team need to think quickly to counter this situation.

Could there be more than what meets the eye for NXT?

They initially promoted NXT as their developmental show, to make stars for the main roster. However, over the years, HHH has swerved the scenario and presented it as the third brand. To many people’s surprise, rarely has an NXT star made it big on the main roster. Stars like Nakamura, who were expected to be major players in WWE, are yet to be elevated over the mid-card.

READ MORE: Does Roman Reigns Have His Eyes on WWE NXT Stars Finn Balor and Karrion Kross?

These are the rather positive examples as many wrestlers have been lost in the shuffle. There have been reports that network executives are trying to wash their hands of the show. If that is the case, WWE needs to re-evaluate their situation with their third brand and save it.