While speaking on the December 2 episode of Wrestling Observer Live, journalist Bryan Alvarez spoke about Beth Phoenix’s departure from NXT commentary. The Hall of Famer will be leaving NXT but will remain a part of WWE. There are now rumors that she will join her husband, Edge, who returned on the November 29 edition of Raw, to face off at Day 1 against The Miz and Maryse, who also returned on the same episode. Regardless of what she does, it seems clear that her full-time working days in WWE are done. Alverez also noted that Phoenix more than likely had the option to continue her commentating duties while also doing the supposed program on Raw, but that won’t happen.
He said of the matter during Wrestling Observer Live, “It’s not like she can’t do both. She has just decided that she is done with NXT. Whatever that means, she says it’s due to family, but this also, again, might not be the last person. Because no matter what you guys think about me and anyone else saying that it sucks, it does. There are people there who have told me that it’s just not fun anymore.” (H/T ringsidenews.com)
This is an interesting comment for Alverez to make. It has become apparent with the over 80 stars and staff released in the past two years that morale has taken a nosedive, both on the main roster and in developmental. With many of the releases being from NXT, WWE has recruited new younger talent to replace the older and more experienced workers hoping that it will attract younger viewers. The thought was that younger talent and a new design for the once yellow brand would garner higher ratings, but the show has seen a decline instead.
WWE recently sent out a survey to fans asking what they do and don’t like about the rebooted NXT. This could mean they are looking for ways to improve the show and bring viewers back. If this is the case, then perhaps they can implement necessary changes to improve morale amongst the talent and the quality of the show.
