An update on the NXT UK contract situation.
As previously reported, NXT UK talent are now restricted from working for non-WWE partnered promotions in Europe, their appearances cannot be filmed for distribution or streaming, and they cannot work against anyone from a major company (NJPW, RevPro, ROH, etc...).
Robin Reid of Voices of Wrestling reports that NXT UK superstar contracts can be broken down into three tiers.
Tier 1: Wrestlers are signed to what is essentially WWE full-time deals, structured similarly to that of traditional NXT deals. Wrestlers can work dark matches for WWE-partner promotions, similar to NXT talent working dark matches for EVOLVE prior to WWE/NXT allowing those matches to be part of WWN Live broadcasts. The report indicates that PROGRESS and ICW are set to be added to the WWE Network at the "start of 2019." As previously reported, WWE is looking into adding new content to the Network and have internally discussed a tiered Network structure. A majority of those scheduled to appear at NXT TakeOver: Blackpool fall into this tier.
Tier 2: Wrestlers can appear on streaming services, but only for WWE-partner promotions (PROGRESS, ICW, wXw, Fight Club Pro, Attack! Pro Wrestling, Over the Top Wrestling and Futureshock). Wrestlers who are semi-regulars, but without a role on TakeOver, fall into this tier.
Tier 3: Wrestlers can work freely across the world, but cannot appear for major promotions such as Rev Pro, Defiant, New Japan Pro Wrestling, Ring of Honor, Impact, MLW, Lucha Underground and the potential All Elite Wrestling. This tier consists of mainly enhancement talent and one or two wrestlers who have not signed new deals.
Reid reports, "there are of course exceptions that don’t fit neatly into any one box." One exception is WALTER, who will remain in Germany and will freelance for WWE/NXT.
As previously stated, no matter which tier a wrestler falls into he or she cannot wrestle anyone from a major promotion.
