WWE: NXT Revamp Plans Kept Very Secretive, New Talent Hirings, Oct. 1 SmackDown Location Moved

WWE Reportedly Very Secretive Over Plans for NXT Brand Revamp

As noted before, WWE is currently working on plans for major changes to be done to their NXT brand and developmental system. Among the major changes includes a new direction for the company’s talent hiring process and a new logo and theme song for NXT.

Fightful Select reported that several NXT talent spoken to stated that they have been kept mostly in the dark regarding the specifics of WWE’s plans to revamp their NXT brand. It was reported that WWE was being “very tight-lipped” over NXT’s future, look, and branding going forward.

It was reported that one talent spoken to stated that despite not being informed beforehand, they could tell some big changes were being planned for the Capitol Wrestling Center venue as it was being taken apart, including the ring arena being adjusted.

---

WWE Hires Six New Developmental Talent for Performance Center

WWE recently announced that they have officially signed six new developmental talent for their Performance Center.

Among the new recruits includes Joseph Fatu, who is the brother of Jimmy and Jey Uso and the son of Rikishi, and Bobby Steveson, who is the brother of 2020 Olympic gold medalist Gabe Steveson.

Official press release:

Six athletes reported for training today at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., to begin their journey to WWE Superstardom.

The new class of recruits features second-generation Superstars, including a member of the legendary Anoa’i family dynasty, as well standouts from football, gymnastics and amateur wrestling.

Minneapolis’ Bobby Steveson, the brother of 2020 Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, stands 6-feet tall and weighs 220 pounds. He wrestled at the University of Minnesota, the same alma mater as his brother, former World Champion Brock Lesnar and Raw Superstar Shelton Benjamin.

Twenty-year-old Ben Buchanan is a former Alabama state high school wrestling champion from Ranbourne, Ala. He was undefeated in the 285-pound weight class during the 2019-2020 season. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder is also the son of former WWE Tag Team Champion Bull Buchanan.

Brady Booker comes to the Performance Center from the world of college football, having played middle linebacker at the University of South Dakota. Also a skilled archer, the 21-year old hails from Lasalle, Ill., stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 245 pounds.

Jessica Woynilko is a 21-year-old gymnast, bodybuilder and CrossFit athlete from Prior Lake, Minn. As a gymnast, she specialized in tumbling and trampoline, competing on the 2016 U.S. national team.

Joseph Fatu of Las Vegas is the younger brother of SmackDown Tag Team Champions Jimmy & Jey Uso and the son of WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi. The 6-foot-2, 240-pounder has two years’ experience in sports-entertainment and played football in college.

Twenty-three-year-old Joshua Dawkins of DeBary, Fla., is the latest trainee of WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley to be signed to the WWE Performance Center. The 6-foot-1 recruit is also the nephew of NBA legend Darryl Dawkins.

---

WWE Announces Location Change for Oct. 1st Episode of SmackDown

WWE recently announced that due to some minor damage done to the Smoothie King Center from Hurricane Ida, they have moved their scheduled SmackDown show on October 1st from New Orleans, Louisiana to Maryland as a result.

It was announced that the October 1st show will now be taking place at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. The company also announced that those who purchased tickets for the original location will have their tickets honored at their next event in the city in 2022.

Official press release:

The WWE Friday Night SmackDown live event scheduled for October 1 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans has been postponed. All original tickets will be honored for the new 2022 date.

Friday Night SmackDown on October 1 will now take place at Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore.

Additional ticket information on both events is forthcoming.