NXT delivered a shocking Tuesday night that saw two major faction shake-ups, but only one involved a steel chair to the back and a veteran laying down the law on social media. While Myles Borne earned his freedom from No Quarter Catch Crew through combat, Brooks Jensen learned the hard way that loyalty isn’t negotiable in Shawn Spears’ world.
Tale of Two Exits: Freedom Earned vs. Brutally Expelled
The black-and-gold brand showcased contrasting approaches to faction departures this week. Myles Borne took the honorable route, defeating Charlie Dempsey in singles competition to secure his release from the No Quarter Catch Crew. His victory represented everything wrestling traditionalists love – earning your way out through skill and determination.
Brooks Jensen’s exit from The Culling couldn’t have been more different. The young superstar found himself on the receiving end of a brutal chair assault from his own stablemates, with Shawn Spears, Niko Vance, and Izzi Dame delivering the message that his commitment didn’t meet their standards.
The Culling’s Code: Commitment or Consequences
Following the shocking betrayal, Spears took to social media to clarify exactly where his faction stands on loyalty. The veteran didn’t mince words when establishing The Culling’s operating principles on Twitter.
“The 1st Rule of #TheCulling … ‘If you’re not fully committed to The Culling… you’re out.’ The 2nd Rule of #TheCulling … ‘If you’re not fully committed to The Culling… you’re out.'”
The Fight Club-inspired message structure wasn’t coincidental. Spears deliberately echoed the cult classic’s famous rules to emphasize that The Culling operates by its own brutal logic.
Jensen’s Response Hints at Extended Absence
The attacked superstar’s social media response suggested this storyline might extend beyond a simple faction shuffle. Jensen posted that he needs to “take some time,” indicating potential character development or even a brief hiatus from television.
This approach mirrors classic wrestling storytelling where betrayals lead to soul-searching periods before eventual comebacks. Jensen’s journey back to relevance could prove more compelling than his original Culling membership.
What’s Next for The Culling’s Future?
Spears hasn’t revealed whether The Culling plans to recruit Jensen’s replacement or continue as a trio. The faction’s current composition of established veterans and rising talent creates multiple storyline possibilities moving forward.
The group’s willingness to violently remove members sends a clear message to the NXT locker room about their standards. This reputation could attract ambitious superstars seeking to prove their dedication or deter others who question the commitment required.
NXT’s Faction Landscape Continues Evolving
These simultaneous departures highlight NXT’s commitment to keeping faction dynamics fresh and unpredictable. The developmental brand has consistently used group affiliations to develop character work and storytelling depth.
Both exits serve different narrative purposes – Borne’s honorable departure positions him as a fighting babyface, while Jensen’s brutal expulsion sets up potential revenge storylines and character rehabilitation arcs.
The Culling’s zero-tolerance policy for wavering loyalty has been established in the most violent way possible, but will this iron-fisted approach ultimately strengthen or weaken Shawn Spears’ hold on his remaining disciples? And more importantly, what kind of competitor will Brooks Jensen become when he inevitably returns seeking retribution?
