There have been pitches for numerous NXT talent to be called up to the WWE main roster, Fightful Select reports.
To help evaluate NXT talent, they have regularly worked dark matches or on Main Event. “WWE higher-ups feel it gives them a more accurate reflection of how a talent would immediately connect with a main roster audience since they’re largely working in front of the same few hundred people on weekly NXT TV,” according to one NXT source.
Cameron Grimes was considered for a main roster call-up, as previously reported, but he has yet to appear. Several WWE employees call Grimes a natural fit. He’s been featured on television for over five years and is well acquainted with producer Shane Helms, who works on RAW and SmackDown.
Von Wagner’s name was mentioned as someone who has previously been pitched for a possible call-up. The company got several looks at him on Main Event as he was supposed to be called up last year, but that never happened.
According to the report, there will be a slower and more consistent flow of NXT talent called to the main roster in the future. NXT fans can expect fewer years-long evaluation periods.
Just because wrestlers appear on Main Event doesn’t mean there has been a pitch or plans for a call-up, as WWE is trying to get eyes at talent outside of the Performance Center. Several NXT stars see appearances on Main Event as a reward.
