The tumultuous saga of NXT’s transformation from Triple H’s revolutionary brainchild to a pawn in the power struggle between WWE’s titans has been unveiled by none other than Ronda Rousey. In her revealing new book, “Our Fight,” Rousey pulls back the curtain on the backstage machinations that saw Vince McMahon’s regime seize control of NXT, leaving Triple H sidelined and the future of the brand in turmoil.
In the fall of 2021, WWE experienced a significant turning point with the sudden absence of Triple H, the influential figure behind NXT’s rise to prominence. His unexpected departure, prompted by emergency heart surgery, left a void in WWE’s leadership hierarchy, creating a power vacuum that would shape the future of the NXT brand.
With Triple H sidelined, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon’s influence became more pronounced within NXT, signaling a departure from the brand’s previous direction and ushering in a new era known as NXT 2.0. McMahon’s vision for NXT prioritized a fresh, vibrant aesthetic and a focus on developing young talent, aligning with his broader strategy to revitalize WWE’s programming and attract new audiences.
The NXT 2.0 era marked a seismic shift in the brand’s identity, characterized by bold changes in presentation, storytelling, and talent recruitment. McMahon’s hands-on approach brought NXT into alignment with WWE’s broader creative direction, while also sparking debate and controversy among fans and wrestling pundits regarding the brand’s evolution and the future trajectory of WWE’s developmental system.
Rousey’s narrative paints a picture of a brand once hailed as Triple H’s domain, a breeding ground for innovation and talent, now caught in the crossfire of McMahon’s relentless quest for supremacy. As NXT’s trajectory collided with the meteoric rise of AEW, McMahon’s inner circle saw an opportunity to assert dominance, positioning themselves as the architects of change within the company.
At the heart of Rousey’s critique lies John Laurinaitis, the former wrestler turned WWE executive tasked with overseeing NXT in Triple H’s absence. Rousey minces no words in her scathing assessment of Laurinaitis, branding him a “dirtbag” and lambasting his leadership as emblematic of WWE’s systemic issues.
In vivid detail, Rousey exposes Laurinaitis’ tenure as a reign of misguided decisions and misplaced priorities, characterized by a questionable focus on appearance over talent and a ruthless purge of seasoned performers. With Laurinaitis at the helm, NXT’s once-diverse roster was subjected to a homogenizing overhaul, as the brand’s identity was reshaped to align with McMahon’s vision.
Yet, Rousey’s critique extends beyond Laurinaitis, pointing to broader systemic flaws within WWE’s corporate structure. As Laurinaitis symbolizes the manifestation of these deficiencies, Rousey’s narrative underscores the broader implications of WWE’s internal strife.
Ultimately, Rousey’s revelations offer a sobering glimpse into the inner workings of WWE, where power struggles and personal vendettas overshadow the pursuit of genuine innovation and talent development.
As Rousey’s book sets the wrestling world alight with its candid insights and unfiltered revelations, the aftershocks of NXT’s tumultuous transformation continue to reverberate through the industry. With Rousey’s future in WWE uncertain, her searing critique serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and contradictions that define the world of professional wrestling.
