I entered the NXT arena just as it was on the verge of a groundbreaking surge at Full Sail University. What began as live event management quickly evolved into a whirlwind of marketing prowess, encompassing every facet of NXT events, from venue selection to ticket sales and marketing. In due course, our team assumed the reins of WWE NXT's budding social media channels in 2013, including platforms like Vine and Tout. I found myself at the helm, leading a dynamic team of social media producers responsible for both live and television events, with a razor-sharp focus on talent marketing and extending on-screen storylines into new digital realms.
Our journey reached new heights when we took charge of WWE NXT's first pay-per-view-style event, a historic moment and the inaugural live event on the then-new WWE Network. From there, we spearheaded every pay-per-view-style event that followed. Our secret sauce? A deep dive into television scripts, often spanning over 3 hours of programming, seeking opportunities to amplify complementary moments on social media. For example, when a superstar faced a "must-win" match but suffered defeat, we'd capture their departure from the arena, their discouragement, and inquire about their next steps. This added a thrilling layer to WWE's "second-screen experience" through social media, and we owned every aspect, from script review to creative execution, and collaborating directly with talent to bring their ideas to life.
Our approach to managing NXT's rise to stardom brought a fresh dynamic to WWE's digital landscape. We harnessed the power of social media to amplify on-screen drama, creating an immersive experience for fans. We had a transformative impact because of our seamless fusion of live events, marketing, and social media in the world of professional wrestling.