The brand split continues to be a hot topic in the world of wrestling with the draft now right around the corner and speculation continues to grow over what changes will take place and what talent will be involved. NXT stars have been a popular topic throughout the brand split talk, with the need to bulk up the roster it seems that some of Full Sail's biggest names may be making the move up to the main roster, but they may not all move at once.
Brand split news
More news regarding the brand split has begun to creep out of the woodworks, with Dave Meltzer reporting that the current plan is for everything to be totally split, creating two very different shows. Everything from the roster, referee's and writers all the way down to the colors of the ring ropes are set to be different from the opposing show to create a unique feel to each.
This might not be shocking news but it does show that the WWE are fully committing to the idea and are going all the way with it, including small attentions to detail that help define a brand. NXT's yellow ropes have become a staple of that show and whilst it may only be a small difference, it all adds to the brand's unique feeling. Having different writers is likely going to be the most significant difference and this should allow for better writing and storylines in the future.
With the writers now having fewer shows to focus on as well as a smaller pool of talent, it should allow them to fully concentrate on putting on a fantastic show. The WWE also currently has 20 PPV's scheduled for 2017 and the idea is that each brand will have individual shows meaning they can pay off their stories in a bigger way, rather than sharing shows and therefore time and feeling a need to rush it.
This does mean that the writing will need a sense of long-term planning behind it as there will be a longer wait between PPV's for each brand whilst the other has their turn as the two will alternate. Some shows will also include both brands, which brings a bigger feel to the 'big' PPV's which they have missed lately, with PPV's such as, WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and the Royal Rumble all set to involve the entire roster.
NXT call-ups
One aspect that is less clear is which NXT talent's will be getting the call-up to the main roster as the WWE look to increase the talent pool at their disposal. There have been many names floated around, some of which have been since before the draft was even brought into the equation.
Both Finn Balor and American Alpha are expected to make the move up when the split happens, with them no longer champions in NXT it seems like the company is preparing them for the move up and they certainly have the fan support to get over once they do.
One name who is expected to be moving is Bayley. Fans have been patiently waiting for the Hugster to make the jump ever since her fellow Horsewomen transitioned last year, but instead she has remained in NXT as the standard bearer for the Women's roster. It appears, according to a report on NoDq.com that the former NXT Women's Champion might have to wait a little while longer, as it is expected she will not move until after NXT Takeover:Brooklyn ll.
In all likelihood the former champion will get her rematch against Asuka in what could be one of the biggest matches of SummerSlam weekend and then make the move following that, meaning the fans wait must continue. Other names such as Shinsuke Nakamura, Austin Aries, and even Tye Dillinger have been mentioned as people who could get the call-up to boost numbers, but that remains to be seen.