5 reasons why NXT could become WWE's most popular brand

When NXT was first conceived, it wasn't the WWE's third brand, or even a training camp for new wrestling hopefuls. Rather, it was a hackneyed pseudo-reality competition show that focused more on silly stunts than the in-ring product.

Fast forward to 2018, and the whole world is talking about NXT. From a reality show, NXT morphed into a sort of 'minor league' for the WWE where they could develop new talent and groom veteran performers for the WWE's style of television-friendly wrestling.

Slowly, the top-notch performances of NXT and its ability to attract major stars from other promotions like Nakamura and Samoa Joe led to its growth as a fully-fledged third brand for the WWE.

Still, NXT is thought of by fans -- and the WWE, despite Triple H's assurances to the contrary -- as the number three show put out by the company. But that could change, and here are five reasons why.

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#5 The best international talent ends up in NXT

Shinsuke Nakamura was a sensation when he debuted in NXT

Traditionally, international wrestling stars have had little incentive to join the WWE. After all, the WWE is fond of pushing 'homegrown' superstars rather than using an existing wrestler's credentials.

Indeed, many times the WWE has tried to pretend a long-running, famous veteran was someone else (Chainsaw Charlie and the Executioner, anyone?)

There is also concern on the foreign talent's part that they will be forced to change or tone down their wrestling style to better fit in with what the WWE considers good in-ring product.

Many of those fears were put to rest when wrestlers like Shinsuke Nakamura, Samoa Joe, and Kevin Owens were allowed great creative freedom during their runs with NXT. With new signings like Kairi Sane and Aleister Black, NXT has proven they will continue to seek out the best talent the international community has to offer.

#4 NXT has new stars and old favorites

NXT's Sanity

The Sanity stable is a great example of how the creative vision for NXT works out to everyone's advantage. On one hand, you have 20-year veteran performer Eric Young, who is as smooth and seasoned a wrestler as one will find.

On the other, you have three great young talents with a great career ahead of them in Nikki Cross, Alexander Wolf, and Killian Dain.

By pairing veteran performers like Young with fresh new faces, the WWE gets the best of both worlds, and so do the wrestling fans.

#3 In NXT, you can expect the unexpected

Andrade "Cien" Almas

Sometimes the WWE's product has been accused of becoming stale. The same Superstars wrestle each other week in and week out and it sometimes seems as if only a select few are in title contention.

This is not so in NXT. From Samoa Joe winning the NXT title at an untelevised house show to Andrade "Cien" Almas shocking the world with his defeat of Drew McIntyre to the first ever Last Woman Standing match, NXT has proven it can swerve and delightfully surprise fans at every turn.

#2 Emphasis is put on match quality

Pete Dunne rocks Tyler Bate with a stiff forearm smash

There's no question whatsoever that if you want to watch the best in-ring product the WWE has to offer, you tune in to NXT.

The wrestlers are, on the average, more skilled grapplers than the rest of the WWE roster, and with good reason; They were hand-picked because of their wrestling talent first and foremost.

NXT isn't just good wrestling; it's re-writing the wrestling rule book.

#1 NXT has Triple H as its patron saint

NXT is Triple H's baby in many ways

When Triple H was given creative control of NXT, it was to groom him for eventually succeeding his stepfather, Vince McMahon, as the head of the 'main' brands Raw and Smackdown.

Triple H had a bold vision for NXT, and set out to produce the best, most innovative wrestling on the planet. He offered olive branches to stars previously frustrated by dealings with the WWE.

Smaller, more technical wrestlers like Johnny Gargano and Adam Cole were rigorously courted and signed to the brand. And, most importantly of all, Triple H put a huge emphasis on quality women's wrestling.

There is no doubt that NXT kick-started the revolution in women's wrestling. Though the most obvious example is Asuka, wrestlers like Charlotte Flair, Bayley, Sasha Banks, and Becky Lynch helped the perception of women's wrestling move beyond mere eye candy to top quality product that fans of both genders enjoy.

Simply put, Triple H is quite fond of NXT and will likely give it all of his love and attention for the foreseeable future.