'WWE Tough Enough' Will Add Depth to WWE's Uncertain Future

NXT is marketed as the future of WWE, but as of right now, this isn't entirely true.

As I mentioned on the PodNasty Wrestling Podcast, the vast majority of NXT's biggest male stars are over the age of 30.

The legitimate up-and-comers under the age of 30 are currently on the back burner. Stars like Jason Jordan and Bull Dempsey are much closer to being the future of NXT than being the future of WWE.

Through Tough Enough, WWE can bring in an entire class of potential Superstars and Divas who can connect with fans, win or lose.

Through the WWE Network and YouTube channel, fans were already introduced to WWE hopeful Mike Hayes, a war veteran whose story is straight out of an Oscar-baiting script.

While Hayes failed to become a contestant because of medical issues, WWE has gone out of its way to note that the door remains open.

Should he resume his journey, fans will already know his backstory, making him easier to digest for a fickle audience.

Whether it's a fighter's inspirational journey or their natural ability as a heel that resonates with fans, Tough Enough will provide a ready-made pool of potential WWE Superstars and Divas who won't be starting from scratch. Tough Enough is more than just a competition for a wrestling contract, it's also a television show that needs manufactured storylines and character development.  

For sports entertainment juggernaut WWE, this is a perfect pipeline for new talent.

Tough Enough contestants can bolster an NXT roster that is quickly becoming a victim of its own success.

NXT is more of a hybrid live-event promotion than a true developmental territory. Current NXT champion Kevin Owens is a regular on Raw, but WWE is in no hurry to call up top talents to the main roster since they are big attractions for NXT's live events.

In a perfect world, multiple contestants—in addition to the Tough Enough winner—would regularly make successful transitions to WWE. This has happened in past seasons, as John Morrison, Ryback, Cameron and The Miz all went on to WWE success despite failing to win their seasons of Tough Enough.

By creating a fresh batch of rookie talent that the mainstream WWE audience is already familiar with, Tough Enough can be more of a developmental brand than NXT. And as NXT continues to establish its identity, Tough Enough will certainly help its cause.

Alfred Konuwa is a featured columnist and on-air host for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @ThisIsNasty and subscribe to his weekly wrestling podcast.