Opportunity is arriving for many as fans await to see who emerges from the Tough Enough field, the winner earning a chance to join the diverse group of talent at WWE NXT.
Havoc may be working for WWE before long as well, although controversy is set to potentially hold her back. She would be one of the few TNA wrestlers to make the jump from that company to WWE. A shift in WWE's stance on its rival promotion could have others follow her lead.
Other stories include the developmental brand's reported interest in TNA talent, WWE's possible working relationship with a collection of indy companies and Samoa Joe's first match at Full Sail University.
WWE 'Tough Enough' Finalists, Details
After weeks of sorting through entries, it's nearly time to start the reality series that offers two lucky athletes a WWE contract.
The field has been whittled down. On Monday, WWE revealed the 40Tough Enough finalists. The most notable names in that group for WWE fans include Adam Ohriner (aka Big O), who is a friend of Zack Ryder's, along with Jaida (real name: Chelsea Green), who once appeared on Raw as Daniel Bryan's physical therapist.
The Tough Enough Twitter account posted a picture of some of the contestants arriving at the WWE Performance Center.
These men and women have a lot of work ahead of them. The group of contestants is set to shrink in a hurry.
The entrants will go through a mini-camp before the first cut happens next week. As WWE announced on its official website, "the journey of the final 40 will be chronicled on a WWE Network exclusive, Tough Enough Competition Special, which airs Tuesday, June 16 at 8/7 C." Just 13 competitors will remain at that point.
On Tuesday, June 23, the show begins in earnest.
To learn more about the finalists with previous mat experience, check out this breakdown of the indy wrestlers who will be part of Tough Enough.
WWE Reportedly Interested in Adding TNA Talent to NXT
WWE used to shy away from plucking talent from TNA. AJ Styles left the company without a sniff from WWE. Crimson and Christopher Daniels didn't get a sniff after leaving TNA either.
This may not be the case with future TNA cast-offs. According to theWrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t WrestleZone), WWE officials have interest in unnamed TNA talents once their contracts expire.
This represents a change in philosophy that promises to better NXT. Even if the wrestlers who WWE scoops up from TNA aren't main event material, this move increases roster depth and pushes everyone in the developmental system.
The news must be mighty welcome for wrestlers not sure they want to stick with TNA. NXT potentially offers a viable career move after their departure.
NXT to Potentially Work with Indy Promotions
NXT could soon be bolstering its talent pool in a big way. Officials have been talking to WWN, the company behind Full Impact Pro and EVOLVE, about a working relationship with the WWE developmental brand.
PWInsider's Mike Johnson writes, "There has been communication between the two sides about working together and that communication was initiated by WWE about a week ago or so ago." Johnson adds that there is no deal done yet, despite rumors of WWE buying up the companies.
Still, this is exciting news. WWE could potentially bring in wrestlers from those companies on a short-term basis as special attractions. And EVOLVE could act as a feeder system of sorts.
WWE is clearly embracing the talent on the indy circuit and looking to make NXT better than it already it is.
Havok Makes an Impression, Both Good and Bad
Former TNA Knockouts champ Havok caught NXT decision-makers' eyes. Unfortunately, those same people discovered that she had sent some controversial tweets in the past.
Bryan Alvarez noted on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t WrestlingInc), that WWE officials have liked what they have seen from her during recent tryouts in Orlando, Florida.
Speaking with Alvarez on the air, Dave Meltzer mentioned that officials then found out about tweets that included homophobic slurs and racist remarks. These offensive messages caught WWE personnel by surprise and could put her chances to sign a deal in danger.
Wrestlers have to adapt to the current culture where what one puts one on social media is heavily scrutinized.
Havok is a talented competitor who could help revolutionize the women's division. That is, if WWE isn't scared off already.
Other News, Notes
As WWE announced on its YouTube page, Samoa Joe is making his in-ring debut on Wednesday's NXT. This follows two appearances where he confronted Kevin Owens.
The Monitor posted an article about Alvaro Boy Riojas, a Texas wrestler who trained under Rudy Gonzalez. Riojas recently received a tryout match and was being considered for a spot on Tough Enough. He didn't make the cut, though, and was not among the final 40 selected.
No word on whether he did well enough during the tryout to earn a traditional developmental deal.
During this week's WWE tapings, there was a notable lack of an NXT presence. No NXT wrestlers worked dark matches before Raw, SmackDown or Main Event. No NXT stars worked WWE house shows either.
One prospect who has yet to debut on TV made an impact elsewhere, though. As noted on PWTorch.com, Uhaa Nation cut a promo during an NXT live event in Fort Pierce, Florida, on June 5.
WWE has teased on NXT TV that he's set to debut soon but hasn't announced what his name will be or when he will first step into the ring.
