James Storm's Debut Represents Continued Evolution of NXT Brand

After a week full of rumors from WrestlingInc.com suggesting a debut with WWE's hottest brand may occur, former TNA world heavyweight champion "Cowboy" James Storm arrived in NXT on Thursday night during the latest round of television tapings, defeating Danny Burch in a glorified squash match.

His appearance was announced by the company Thursday night as it continues to celebrate the overwhelming success and support of NXT.

The arrival of the 18-year ring veteran has continued the evolution of the NXT brand, which began as a developmental territory of sorts for WWE but has become a destination for some of the most recognizable talent in the world.

Samoa Joe, Finn Balor, Asuka and Rhyno are just a few of the established and reputable stars who have seized the opportunity to compete in NXT and signed with the company, despite the fact that the brand is still very much perceived as the developmental brand for Vince McMahon's promotion.

The success of NXT since launching on the WWE Network over a year ago has made it incredibly appealing to stars from other promotions looking to continue their careers or enjoy one last run in the spotlight.

For Storm, it serves as an opportunity to erase the utter disappointment that was his final few years in TNA, which saw him descend into mediocrity, the company failing to use him to his potential.

His almost two decades in the industry also present a scenario in which he can teach the young stars who are there. A performer who found considerable success both in singles and tag team action, he has competed in some extraordinary matches on relatively big stages.

He knows what it takes to be a star in the industry, and he can relay that knowledge to those breaking into the business.

Fans of NXT should expect to see more of this sort of thing happening in the coming weeks and months.

Much like WCW during the first two years of the Monday Night Wars and WWE at the height of the Attitude Era, wrestlers migrate toward promotions or territories that are hottest.

While the current main roster program may be ice cold, the work being done by all involved with NXT has helped make that brand the premier source for consistently great professional wrestling. It only makes sense that guys like Storm, who still have a lot to give the industry and are considered valuable by Triple H and company, would want to be part of the revolution.

What began as a developmental brand designed at teaching young up-and-coming stars from various walks of life has evolved into wrestling's most influential and critically acclaimed promotion.

With newcomers from the worlds of sport, fitness and modeling, and recognizable faces from the world of sports entertainment, it provides every fan with something, or someone, he or she can invest in, get behind of and cheer for.

And as a result, Triple H, the mastermind behind the rise of the brand, has proven more capable of doing what father-in-law McMahon used to than what the chairman currently does.