WWE NXT could benefit from returning to its Full Sail University roots

The presentation of WWE's NXT brand could benefit from revisiting the style established during its “black-and-gold” era at Full Sail University in Florida between 2012 and 2020. During this period, the production was characterized by an intimate atmosphere, minimal stage design, and dark lighting, with a regular audience of 300 to 400 fans providing high engagement.

Key to the success of that era was the pacing and booking strategy. Rather than weekly tapings, episodes were often recorded in batches once a month, allowing for a focus on quality over quantity. The storytelling emphasized long-term character development, where losses were used as meaningful narrative tools to build talent such as Becky Lynch and Bayley. This patient approach allowed wrestlers to climb the ranks through clear trajectories, fostering deep fan investment in their eventual success.