WWE Considering Demoting Superstars to NXT

Just like Major League Baseball clubs, WWE may start sending it's "big league" talent back to the minors.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is considering moving talent that isn't being used regularly down to NXT. Even further, wrestlers that Vince McMahon personally doesn't deem worthy of any semblance of a push would also be placed on the chopping block.

Up Next: It's Time for Bayley to Go Back to NXT

This comes on the heels of news that WWE was contemplating a second Superstar Shake Up after SummerSlam. However, that news has been squelched and possibly replaced with this demotion storyline.

WWE's roster is bloated. Even with 5 hours of live television (9 if you include 205 Live and PPV Weeks) to cover each week, there are hoards of active wrestlers who are not included in WWE programming. To be short, WWE can afford to downsize.

This is a great idea for several reasons. This will keep WWE putting out its best product and will keep the backstage environment competitive. A survival of the fittest mantra is crucial to any good product and wrestling is no exception. Many Attitude Era stars will tell you that an increased level of ambition was essential to producing the most compelling programs WWE has ever seen.

With no outside competition like WCW, WWE has gotten a little complacent– the wrestling conglomerate has lost its sense of urgency. There' s probably several reasons for that, but one has to be the locker room. With the threat of NXT demotion looming, we are going to see more inspired performances.

More: SmackDown Is Better Than RAW For One Reason: It's Shorter

This condensed roster concept is why Smackdown can be so good. With only 2 hours to play with, WWE is forced to scrutinize what actually goes on camera. This means that shoddier talent doesn't get to play on Tuesday because WWE is forced into cramming its best into a shorter show. That, and the fact that Superstars on Smackdown aren't prone to overexposure like they are on RAW. On Monday, a 20-minute promo is expected. On Smackdown, an inflated segment like that is impossible.

There one more positive byproduct of WWE downsizing. Actually, it may be the best thing that comes from this. Naturally, WWE Superstars that are unfortunate enough to get demoted will be heartbroken– both professionally and personally. No one wants to go backward.

However.

This could be an extraordinary path to redemption. Let's say a lovable fan favorite, like Sami Zayn, is sent down to NXT (unlikely, but play along). It would be crushing to watch him leave WWE. He goes to NXT and is forced to climb the ranks yet again. Then once he's undeniable, WWE brings him back the main roster, hotter than ever. Sami Zayn would re-enter the WWE fray with a real backstory and one that fans would melt for. This could be great.

Let's hope WWE follows through on this, as it's hard to find anything negative about a more efficient and emotionally potent WWE.