WWE analyst Sam Roberts believes the company’s decision to bring back more live events this summer is a game‑changer, especially for new talent moving up from NXT.
After years of scaled‑back schedules — largely because house shows weren’t seen as profitable — WWE recently announced 10 new live events. Roberts says this move will give younger stars the chance to sharpen their skills in front of live crowds, something they’re currently missing on the main roster.
“Right now, some of these call‑ups are wrestling maybe two matches a month,” Roberts explained on his Notsam Wrestling podcast. “Live events let them go longer, experiment, and learn how audiences react. That’s invaluable for someone still finding their footing.”
Roberts pointed to names like Oba Femi, who impressed in NXT but is still new to the main roster. He argued that house shows allow talents like him to stretch matches beyond the short TV format, gaining confidence and experience in the process.
While veterans like Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Drew McIntyre don’t necessarily need the extra reps, Roberts stressed that the younger generation does. Without house shows, many of them risk stagnating after leaving NXT’s more active schedule.
The debate around house shows has always been about balance: too many can burn out performers, but too few can slow their growth. Roberts sees this summer’s schedule as a “perfect middle ground” — enough events to help rising stars without overwhelming the roster.