The roster depth for the NXT brand is impressive at the moment, to say the least, but it does present minor issues. For example, at the most recent NXT TakeOver: Chicago event there were some pretty noteworthy names absent from the card simply because there wasn't enough time. Well, that problem is heading towards a resolution, and that's where we begin out look at some of the biggest headlines for Monday, June 2. 

NXT TakeOver events running longer

According to a report from PW Insider, beginning with NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn IV next month, the events will now run an hour longer. Per the report, the move was finally made so that the pay-per-view events for WWE's third brand could be uniform with those run on the main roster every month. WWE began running main roster PPVs one hour longer most recently with Money in the Bank last month, with a start time of 7 p.m. ET and a kickoff show starting the festivities at 6 p.m.

It should be noted that Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer has reported the moved-up start time is not necessarily indicative of longer shows. Many NXT TakeOver events in the past failed to even reach three hours. The earlier start time instead gives NXT the flexibility to run over three hours if it so chooses without crossing the 11 p.m. barrier. While all WWE pay-per-views beginning at 7 p.m. are expected to run past three hours, only the biggest events should hit four or longer.

This move for NXT will certainly help get some of the more deserving names find a spot on the card that may be left off for one reason or another. Last month, Adam Cole did not make a defense of his recently-won North American championship at NXT TakeOver: Chicago, and a huge name that had just made a return to the brand, EC3, was left without a role on the show as well. When pegged about the absences, Triple H rationalized them as not wanting to overexpose some of these characters, but one would have to ponder whether they would have competed on the card if 60 more minutes were allotted to the show. 

Now, we won't have to wonder about that anymore. Although, with how much deeper the NXT roster continues to get with signings from all over the independent scene, it may not be long before some are theorizing if maybe an additional hour may be necessary. 

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More WWE news, rumors

  • SmackDown Live superstar Shinsuke Nakamura will be sidelined a little longer after suffering a bite from a police dog. In an interview with Nikkan Sports, Nakamura revealed that it could be at least another two weeks before he's cleared to return to in-ring action. Nakamura suffered the bite prior to a live event last weekend in Bakersfield, California during a routine sweep of the backstage area. 
  • Ronda Rousey will be at Extreme Rules. The kayfabe suspended Raw superstar sat down with Renee Young for an interview on WWE.com where she revealed that while she's currently under suspension from the red brand, she'll be purchasing a ticket to sit front for for the Raw women's championship match between Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax. Rousey was suspended from Raw by general manager Kurt Angle for viciously attacking Bliss the night after Money in the Bank where she was cost the title. 
  • Sadly, on Friday, former "WWE Tough Enough" winner Matt Cappotelli died at the age of 38 following a lengthy battle with brain cancer. The former wrestler's wife, Lindsay, shared the unfortunate news of her husband's passing on Instagram. Cappotelli was victorious on the third season of the show in 2003 but was forced to cut his career short in 2007 when he was initially diagnosed with the condition. 
  • Whether you want to see it actually take place or not, former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal still desires a match with Big Show at a WrestleMania. During an appearance with Chris van Vilet of WSVN-TV, Shaq once again took the chance to call out Big Show for a match down the road. The two behemoths were rumored for a match at WrestleMania 33 in Orlando -- where Shaq began his NBA career as a star for the Magic -- but it never came into fruition. 
  • On Monday night's edition of Raw, Sasha Banks and Bayley are heading to counseling after the latter finally snapped last week and brutalized her former best friend (we can only hope an appearance from Dr. Shelby is upon us). There is one official match set with Roman Reigns & Bobby Lashley teaming up again to take on The Revival for a third consecutive week. WWE is also teasing follow-ups to the intercontinental championship feud between Dolph Ziggler and Seth Rollins with Drew McIntyre and Reigns added to the mix; Raw women's champion Bliss antagonizing the suspended Rousey some more while she awaits the Extreme Rules challenge of Jax; the B-Team's pursuit of the Raw tag team championship; and whether Kevin Owens can avoid the hell that's been brought upon him recently by Braun Strowman.