Davey Richards, KENTA and Latest WWE NXT Developmental News

Two men not signed with WWE created much of NXT's news this week.

Davey Richards did so thanks to a recent interview explaining his choice to go to TNA instead of NXT, and KENTA did for confirming that he's not joining the developmental system despite his appearance at the Performance Center. Word from both wrestlers provides insight into why neither will be in a WWE ring anytime soon.

As for the prospects actually working for the company, two of them earned a spot on a WWE house show and will both be major attractions for NXT's live special following the launch of the WWE Network.

While fans watch the company's future megastars battle it out, Richards and KENTA will be elsewhere, showing us how much success one can have outside NXT and WWE.

KENTA Explains His Visit to WWE Performance Center

KENTA's recent appearance at the WWE Performance Center is not leading to a spot on the roster. As he explained, he was not there to try out.

PWInsider.com shared the following translated statement:

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I am in the States and enjoying the WWE training. But as for now, it's not about getting a tryout or a contract. It is indeed true that I have always been yearning for a spot in WWE, and I've always wanted to give it a try sometime.

"

The Pro Wrestling Noah star also went on to talk about how competitive the environment was and noted the athletic ability of the wrestlers at the training center. As Marc Middleton of WrestlingInc.com wrote, once KENTA returned to Japan, he "gave the impression that he was 'Pro Wrestling Noah' for life."

While fans of his work in his home country were salivating at the thought of Daniel Bryan and KENTA building off what they did together in Pro Wrestling Noah, this is likely for the better. Aside from WWE's history of struggling to book Japanese wrestlers, KENTA's style would have been a major issue.

Much of his offense is built around thunderous kicks, and WWE would have certainly asked him to pull back on them. The language barrier wouldn't have helped his position with the company either.

Japan is a more fitting home for his work as TNA may prove to be a better home for Davey Richards.

Davey Richards Talks Not Signing with WWE

Davey Richards and his tag team partner Eddie Edwards went from seemingly being on the verge of signing with WWE to debuting on TNA and working alongside MVP. Early word on why Richards went that route was that it was WWE's decision.

Wrestling Observer, via WrestlingInc.com, reported that "Triple H didn't want to sign them after their tryout because of their size."

In the above preview for an interview with Kevin Steen, Richards says otherwise. He said that he didn't want to go to WWE's developmental system. He mentioned that his work as a medic was important to him and made it sound as if TNA was no consolation prize.

While some may question his choice to spurn NXT, the positives of working for TNA include jumping right to the main roster, a more prominent spot on the card than he would have likely had with WWE and a lighter road schedule.

WWE Creative Visits NXT

It may soon be time for more NXT prospects to debut on the main roster. For Alexander Rusev, the story of his arrival to WWE was as simple as being a part of the Royal Rumble. WWE officials may have been looking for inspiration for non-Rumble debut narratives.

F4WOnline, via WrestlingInc.com, reported the following:

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Members of the WWE creative team attended last Thursday's NXT TV tapings at Full Sail University to evaluate some of the developmental talents, possibly looking to come up with debut storylines for some of them.

"

That's possibly great news for top prospects like Sami Zayn, Adrian Neville and Paige. At the very least, it's another example of how seriously WWE is now taking its developmental program. When Florida Championship Wrestling was the feeder system for the company, it didn't get nearly as much attention.

With the increase of focus on NXT, it's no surprise to hear that WWE creative members were asked to see the next line of wrestlers they would be penning tales for in person. 

NXT Prospects Work WWE Event

Credit: WWE.com

Adrian Neville and Bo Dallas continue to inch toward becoming members of the main roster. 

WrestlingInc.com reports that Neville defeated Dallas at a WWE house show on Jan. 31. The Miami, Fla., event also featured the company's biggest names, from John Cena to the Rhodes brothers. 

The result is far less important than the fact that Neville and Dallas were the only two NXTers asked to be a part of the show. This is fast becoming a trend for these two.

For confirmation that working WWE live events is a precursor to debuting on the main roster, look no further than Alexander Rusev's story. After several similar appearances on house shows, Rusev stormed into the Royal Rumble.

Should Dallas and Neville get their name called for these kind of opportunities on a more regular basis, expect them both to soon join Rusev in WWE's major leagues.

Live NXT Special Details

The spotlight will shine on NXT come Feb. 27.

Just days after the WWE Network launches, the company will put on a live NXT show called NXT: Arrival. Thanks to a loaded lineup and a number of guest stars, the event is going to feel momentous.

As noted by WrestlingInc.com, John Cena, Sheamus, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and The New Age Outlaws will make appearances. The following is the lineup for the card so far:

• Emma vs. Paige (NXT's Women's Championship)
• Sami Zayn vs. Antonio Cesaro (2-out-of-3 Falls match)
• Adrian Neville vs. Bo Dallas (Ladder match for NXT Championship)

Cesaro and Zayn's last 2-out-of-3 Falls match was one of the best bouts of 2013. Booking a rematch is a wise move as it will be highly anticipated and is all but assured to be great. Neville and Dallas have had a series of excellent matches and this ladder match would serve as a fitting climax to their feud.

Fans who haven't yet discovered NXT will be exposed to some of the brand's best talents on a show that is looking to be of the can't-miss variety.