Sami Zayn, James Storm and Latest WWE NXT Developmental News

WWE fans are set to see former NXT champion Sami Zayn and TNA cornerstone James Storm in wholly different environments.

In surprising news, Zayn will make an appearance with a promotion outside of the WWE developmental brand. This trek to the independent circuit is a sign of how NXT is evolving and how its attitude about the wrestling industry is changing.

Storm stepped onto the NXT stage last week, changing the dynamic of the roster in a major way.

In other news, WWE is moving forward with a NXT kids show. The company also let go of two NXT roster members. And two former prospects have found new gigs.

NXT Cuts Two Talents

With the emergence of Dasha Fuentes and Greg Hamilton as NXT voices, it seemed like WWE was looking to push Devin Taylor aside. That moment has finally arrived.

PWInsider's Mike Johnson reported, "WWE released NXT talents Devin Taylor and Cal Bishop this morning."

Taylor had long been NXT's primary backstage interviewer. She never found her footing, though. Her interviews failed to feel natural.

She and little-used Bishop now make way for the next batch of talents who are looking to take their spots. 

Sami Zayn Appearing at Evolve Events

As further evidence of how different NXT is from WWE's previous developmental territories, Sami Zayn is going to be a part of two Evolve shows.

Promoter Gabe Sapolsky announced on Twitter that the former NXT champ will appear on Oct. 17 and 18 in Queens and Deer Park, New York, respectively. The appearance is described on the Dragon Gate USA website as a meet and greet and "autograph opportunity."

This is unheard of. It's bizarre that NXT is acknowledging other promotions, much less allowing for a talent share like this.

Zayn's appearance at these events is a sure sign that Evolve and NXT's relationship is growing. Where that leads next is hard to tell. It's an exciting thought, nonetheless.

WWE Casting for NXT Kids Show

WWE is aggressively going after a younger demographic. It's moving forward on a project that will combine the hipness of NXT with a kid-friendly packaging.

As seen on Backstage, WWE has put out a casting call for a NXT kids show. The description reads, "WWE NXT is casting a pilot for a new wrestling show aimed at kids." The company is looking for kids from seven to 14 years old to work as backstage interviewers and announcers.

The show sounds like a reprise of Saturday Morning Slam, but with more kids being involved and with a focus on the NXT side of the WWE world. 

It's hard to imagine merging those two entities successfully, but WWE is clearly going to give it a go. The financial investment is likely to be minimal, though, so one can understand the company's why-not mentality here as it looks to add to its WWE Network content.

Big NXT Debuts

James Storm has arrived at NXT. There had been whispers and rumblings about him heading to WWE's developmental brand, but we no longer need to lean on those.

WWE announced on Twitter that Storm appeared at a live event at the end of last week.

There's no word yet on whether Storm will sign a short-term deal or something more substantial. Either way, it's going to be exciting to see him in a new environment, The Cowboy is sure to be invigorated by NXT's energy.

He will make a great in-ring mentor to the emerging talent.

Adrienne Reese (who wrestles as Athena) debuted for NXT as well. On Saturday's live event in Winter Haven, Florida, she competed for NXT in tag team action, per ProFightDB,com. 

Storm's appearance was televised, while Reese was on a house show. Bringing both those wrestlers aboard full time would be smart, but it's not clear what their status with the company is just yet.

Other News, Notes

Tyler Breeze traveled with the main roster over the weekend. He competed at two WWE house shows, facing R-Truth in both St. Louis and Bloomington, Illinois, per CageMatch.net.

WWE hasn't asked NXT talent to work these events or wrestle in dark matches lately. The fact that Breeze got the call here is a sign that WWE may be thinking of bringing him up.

Former NXT prospect Dustin Mueller is now a security guard for the company.

He posted on Instagram: "I now work as Talent Protective Services for the WWE. It is my job to protect and ensure the safety of our Superstars and Divas everywhere we go."

With the flood of recent incidents of fans rushing the ring, the importance of Mueller's job is at a peak. 

CJ Parker (now wrestling as Juice Robinson) has found employment elsewhere, too.

It appears that the former NXT grappler signed with New Japan Pro Wrestling. He wrote on his Instagram account, "Honored to call New Japan my new home" as the caption to a picture of him at an NJPW press conference.

Parker had been working there recently on a short-term deal. Congrats to him for impressing the NJPW officials enough to land a spot with the company.