NXT has been taped over the past couple of weeks due to the show airing on Syfy instead of the USA Network (that's a result of the Olympics being covered in its place).
Last night's episode, however, was live, and the first time the brand's Superstars had been together since the release of Asher Hale, Ari Sterling, Bobby Fish, Bronson Reed, Jake Atlas, Kona Reeves, Leon Ruff, Mercedes Martinez, Tyler Rust, Zechariah Smith, Giant Zanjeer, and referee Stephon Smith.
Since then, we've learned that Vince McMahon is planning to change the brand's direction, moving the focus away from smaller and older wrestlers to instead focus on finding the next WrestleMania main eventer (which, in fairness, is what NXT was originally supposed to be there for).
Regardless, it's now being reported that the mood backstage was not good. Tensions were reportedly running high, no great surprise given concerns over job security and the upset surrounding the talent about being released; Reed, for example, moved his family to Orlando for WWE and was expected to be called up to the main roster...now, he's unemployed.
We'll be sure to keep you guys updated as we learn more.
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