WWE:NXT Discussion Thread

[Mercenary]

Why is Emma so sexy now?

Cause she is evil, and bad girls are hot.

[DaveWadding]

still waiting for Devin Taylor to snap and go on a face eating rampage of all the heel NXT divas.

[Innovator]

Devin snapping is the best long term build since Taz vs. Sabu.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Emma is freakin' incredible. I wish the WWE never fucked her up in the first place, and she should really be a part of the Diva Revolution, but I'm just glad for the success she is having.

Eva Marie looks tremendous. She'll get better in the ring. Still, I don't see why they just don't have her valet. Why rush her into roles she isn't ready for? Dana Brooke is also a pretty good personality, but she doesn't really belong in the ring yet. She should just be Emma's disciple.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Love Cassie McIntosh too. I think she's adorable. There's serious ring potential there too.

[Mr. Nerfect]

NXT is going to need some real heels soon. Send Natalya and Layla down or something. Cassie is a bit too cute. Jessie McKay could play a nasty bitch pretty well. Emma does a good job, but might get too over. Alexa Bliss is the only real heel left.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I liked how much this week's episode focused on tag teams. The main event wasn't the best match I've ever seen, but man does Simon Gotch keep getting more impressive. It seems there are a few teams with a stake to the Tag Team Titles. Heading into Takeover: Brooklyn, I'd probably have The Vaudevillains, Enzo & Cass beat Blake, Murphy & The Mechanics in an eight-man, which leads to Blake & Murphy & The Mechanics fighting. Fatal 4-Way in Brooklyn for the Tag Titles. Jason Jordan & Chad Gable can face The Hype Bros.

[Dark One]

https://uproxx.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/bull-fit-bull-dempsey.png?w=650&h=372

[Bad News Gertner]

Baron Corbin should be the champ

[Droford]

The pic of balor hitting his head on the ceiling is hilarious

[Droford]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CLW13c7UkAQ8tBp.jpg

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

https://uproxx.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/bull-fit-bull-dempsey.png?w=650&h=372

Totally freaking bullfit!

[Droford]

If he fails and gain the weight back

Time to get Bull Fat

[Corkscrewed]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CLW13c7UkAQ8tBp.jpg

LOL, what happened there?!?! (real or Photoshop?)

[DAMN iNATOR]

It's real. Was actually tweeted out. See 100k replies wrestling edition thread.

[Innovator]

Goddamn Bayley and Charlotte

[Innovator]

Alright Daddio made it on tv

[Innovator]

LIGERVIDEOPACKAGE

[Dark One]

Balor / Owens ladder match? In a PPV-sized arena? In front of a New York crowd?

Unnnfff.

[Emperor Smeat]

Debut date and new name for Uhaa Nation from this week's NXT episode:
http://cdn2-www.wrestlezone.com/assets/uploads/2015/08/11813364_903448209694619_1596607560098099702_n.jpg

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Can't wait :D

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

What's the best/cheapest way to get a hotel in area? Was thinking AirBNB because there will be five of us.

[Tom Guycott]

Couldn't find a single GIF of Eva Marie's hot rear end :(

I still can't. :| Looks like a triangle. Spandex trunks usually makes everything look better (watch like ANY collegiate volleyball game for proof). Apparently, she botches that, too.

[Tom Guycott]

Baron Corbin should be the champ

Ick. This is like saying Eric Rowan as is should be champ the second he comes back from his injury.

They keep saying he has "that presence"- and he does- but unfortunately, that and being tall is all he has. He's over as fuck in NXT because of those things... that and his not being overexposed yet, but it isn't something that can translate into long term unless he can improve in the ring and on the mic (the only long matches I've seen were his 3 match series with Dempsey, and that shitshow with Rhyno; and Rhyno did some pretty heavy lifting to carry that match to try to get Baron to look like a million bucks). Simply being tall and looking the shit isn't enough anymore, and WWE is on the path of making yet another tragic example of it with this guy.

He shouldn't squash match his way to a championship. He's no Goldberg. Honestly, he should back someone up as outside muscle. The "simply looking menacing" thing is going to wear thin, and when people start asking for the "...and *then* what?" about him, hopefully there will be some kind of answer. Ohh and ahh only lasts so long.

[Tom Guycott]

SAMOA JOE HAS LESS TERRIBLE MUSIC

Oh yeah, and this sounds pretty much inspired by Simon Says, which is fitting, considering what the intro to his theme was inspired by in the first place... the Godzilla opening.

[Innovator]

http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab164/PatLaprade/Lygerandme_zpsacd96cb3.jpg

[GD]

lick his face

[Mr. Nerfect]

Bayley and Charlotte tore it down, didn't they? I'm excited for Bayley vs. Becky Lynch next week, but I'll be sad when Becky loses. I've kind of lost interest in Bayley, but she appears to still be over and that mega-fan girl in the front row was pretty powerful stuff.

They seem to be doing exactly the same thing in NXT that they are on the main roster -- having a bunch of tag teams get the leg up on each other to over-saturate the division. The Mechanics beat Enzo & Cass last week, but lose to The Hype Bros this week? Why? Also, I hate Rawley & Ryder as a team. Rawley is like that annoying jock at school and Ryder's best work was still in like 2009 against Christian. It seems so forced, and the team work between them hasn't been too good yet. The Hype Ryder is a cool move, but Ryder could hit that with anyone who can lift a guy up on the roster.

Good video package for Jushin Liger. Kevin Owens is still great at talking.

Rhyno and Joe had a damn good match. Joe should get a bit of an undefeated run going, I hope. Beating him could mean something. I hope they don't give it to Corbin, because he's still missing quite a few things.

[ron the dial]

corbin is missing everything in the ring minus a finisher. he's still utter shit.

[ron the dial]

i still don't understand why they've regressed to featuring him in squash matches against nobodies. what good is that doing anybody? unless they are using it to get him cheap heel heat, which seems pointless. find another way to get heat on him. or he still just can't wrestle an actual match that involves doing moves, in which case get him out of the ring until when he's ready. if he's ever ready.

[ron the dial]

he is the only thing in nxt that has ever really bothered me. just doesn't seem to fit with what they are doing with everything else down there.

[Mr. Nerfect]

i still don't understand why they've regressed to featuring him in squash matches against nobodies. what good is that doing anybody? unless they are using it to get him cheap heel heat, which seems pointless. find another way to get heat on him. or he still just can't wrestle an actual match that involves doing moves, in which case get him out of the ring until when he's ready. if he's ever ready.

The squashes are pretty over and inoffensive. I'd have him keep doing them for as long as they remain that way. If you move him into longer matches, people stop caring. It's not because he's the drizzling shits (he's not great, but he's not the worst), but because the squashing is so over. Well, maybe it's a combination.

Corbin can work longer matches at house shows, but the TV stuff should be kept short and sweet.

[ron the dial]

are we seeing different crowds? at best, the full sail crowds seem indifferent to the squashes now. it's just boring when pretty much everybody else down there on tv can work an actual match, and we've seen, what, 2 actual matches out of him? and they were godawful. maybe i'm being hard on the guy, but i expect a little more from him by now. at the very least, i expect more out of how he's being booked.

[ron the dial]

on a more positive note, bayley and charlotte put on a hell of match. best i've ever seen bayley look hands down.

[Mr. Nerfect]

They're not as over as they were, true, but the fans still count along. They've gotten wind to Corbin working long matches and don't care anymore.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Bayley and Charlotte tore it down, didn't they? I'm excited for Bayley vs. Becky Lynch next week, but I'll be sad when Becky loses. I've kind of lost interest in Bayley, but she appears to still be over and that mega-fan girl in the front row was pretty powerful stuff.

They seem to be doing exactly the same thing in NXT that they are on the main roster -- having a bunch of tag teams get the leg up on each other to over-saturate the division. The Mechanics beat Enzo & Cass last week, but lose to The Hype Bros this week? Why? Also, I hate Rawley & Ryder as a team. Rawley is like that annoying jock at school and Ryder's best work was still in like 2009 against Christian. It seems so forced, and the team work between them hasn't been too good yet. The Hype Ryder is a cool move, but Ryder could hit that with anyone who can lift a guy up on the roster.

Good video package for Jushin Liger. Kevin Owens is still great at talking.

Rhyno and Joe had a damn good match. Joe should get a bit of an undefeated run going, I hope. Beating him could mean something. I hope they don't give it to Corbin, because he's still missing quite a few things.

I for one, think we'll all see Bayley's arm injury that kept her from being called up in the "divas" revokution on RAW may just be a blessing in disguise. Of course, I'm expecting a lot by hoping she doesn't get lost in the shuffle.

I do hope she beats Banks at the TakeOver: Brooklyn show the night before SummerSlam. Give her 5 or 6 months with the NXT Women's Championship before calling her up. The run with it and continued improvement will do her a world of good.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Hmm. The build to Bayley's win kind of felt like it was taken over by Becky Lynch after that AMAZING match those two girls had. I still think we should be seeing them fight for the title at Takeover. Hell, I think THAT should be the Ladder Match.

I feel like they've missed a chance to create a set of NXT Women's Tag Team belts. You have Emma & Dana running around like colossal bitches; Charlotte & Bayley have a newfound respect for each other; you have the two cute Australian girls who could use a leg-up somewhere; you can always call down the occasional heel from the main roster that isn't doing much. Hell, Brian Kendrick could have made a call to a great female talent to help sculpt Eva Marie into a great female wrestler.

Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch would remain feuding over the Women's Title. Becky really has something to prove there. Alexa Bliss wants the singles gold for herself, and steps over Carmella on the way to get there.

Yeah, I dunno -- I think it would have been pretty great television that would have almost written itself.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Just checked out Charlotte vs. Bayley...a 5-star classic, IMO. And how sweet was it of Bayley to hug and give her little superfan a headband? That little girl will probably remember that for the rest of her life. :y::love::heart:

[Mr. Nerfect]

Whoa, the match wasn't that great. It was really, really good, but it wasn't a MOTY or anything. Glad you enjoyed it though.

[DAMN iNATOR]

I hear what you're saying, Noid, but I really feel like Bayley may be at the peak of her popularity right now, and just feel like it would be a humongous fuck up if she doesn't win the belt off Banks in a couple of weeks. Strike while the iron is hot or whatever.

Besides, what does Banks have to gain anymore by continuing to retain an NXT brand championship when she could be focusing on becoming next in line to challenge Nikki for the Divas Championship now that she's on the main roster?

[DAMN iNATOR]

Whoa, the match wasn't that great. It was really, really good, but it wasn't a MOTY or anything. Glad you enjoyed it though.

Fucks sake they went almost 15 minutes exchanging counters, reversals, holds and grapples, and the crowd was going apeshit. What more do you want?

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm not shitting on them. It was a really good match, but it didn't make me jump out of my chair or anything.

[Emperor Smeat]

Ticket sales for the Brooklyn special ended up reaching official sold out status. Shattered previous NXT records for ticket sales and likely means more specials being done outside of Full Sail (maybe even all specials from now on).

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's official <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NXTTakeOver?src=hash">#NXTTakeOver</a>: Brooklyn is
S O L D O U T!! Record crowd of 13,000+ <a href="https://twitter.com/barclayscenter">@barclayscenter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYou?src=hash">#ThankYou</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreNXT?src=hash">#WeAreNXT</a> <a href="http://t.co/WqUq1qZWg8">pic.twitter.com/WqUq1qZWg8</a></p>&mdash; Triple H (@TripleH) <a href="https://twitter.com/TripleH/status/630740902089228289">August 10, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Original plan was just for a small section of the arena to be available for sale but WWE kept expanding after each new batch of tickets sold out quickly.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Good for NXT and the WWE's pocket.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I don't often have much to criticize on NXT but I absolutely hate that Enzo and Cass aren't in the tag title match at Takeover. I love the Vaudevillians and all that and I know Enzo/Cass already had a title shot...but the setting is absolutely perfect for them. The roof would be blown off the fucking building if they were to win the belts in NY.

Just feels like a wasted opportunity I think. They could always drop the belts back on the next taping if they were going to be elevated to the main roster or something.</font>

[Frank Drebin]

When you get a title in NxT, the problem is that the next logical step is the main roster. Don't fret if they aren't given the titles yet. There is enough influx of talent going from NxT to Raw right now that the further off they can hold back NxT talent in the short term, the better. It can be a toss up on if an NxT talent gets used properly as well as if what made them successful in NxT will translate to Raw, so the less chance talent has to get lost in the shuffle, the better odds they have IMO.

This match may get the debut of a new Diva to counter Alexa Bliss. An infusion of new talent is going to be needed now especially in the Divas division if Flair, Banks and Lynch are on Raw to stay. If that's the case, the match has more of a purpose than just this show.

[ron the dial]

enzo and cass are so over they don't need the titles right now anyway. might as well use them to establish some of the other guys and get them more exposure. they'll get them eventually.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Picture spoiler regarding a couple of new faces who debuted on NXT during tonight's taping:</font>

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CMVGDIEWgAAogub.jpg

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Oh shit did they lose 2 on 1 one to Baron Corbin?

[Emperor Smeat]

Spoilers for the next set of shows:

August 19th Episode:
* William Regal is out for a contract signing between Bayley and Sasha Banks. The signing ends clean but Bayley chases Sasha to the ramp for a brawl

* Tyler Breeze defeats an enhancement talent. Breeze then puts on a Jushin "Thunder" Liger mask on the guy and cuts a promo

* Zack Ryder, Mojo Rawley, Enzo Amore and Big Cass defeated 4 of the new recruits

* Blake and Murphy defeated Angelo Dawkins and Sawyer Fulton. The Vaudevillians came out and said they have something in store for Alexa Bliss. She slaps them

* Samoa Joe quickly defeated Steve Cutler. Baron Corbin attacked Joe after the match and hit End of Days

* Kevin Owens comes out with a ladder and cuts a promo on Finn Balor. Balor appears out of nowhere when the lights go out. They brawl and Finn gets the upperhand. He goes to the top of the ladder and says he's going to kick Owens' ass at Takeover


August 26th Episode:
* Sasha Banks defeated Gionna Daddio

* The Ascension get a huge pop and faced Baron Corbin and Rhyno. There was some issue with the match but Regal came out and re-started it. Rhyno got the win with a Gore

* Alexa Bliss defeated Blue Pants

* Apollo Crews defeated Alexander Wolfe

* Eva Marie defeated Billie Kay. There was a lot of angry heat for Eva here with "you can't wrestle" chants

* Jason Jordan and Chad Gable defeated Neville and Solomon Crowe


September 2nd Episode:
* Carmella defeated Peyton Royce

* Tyler Breeze and Bull Dempsey vs. Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa ends when Ciampa pins Bull clean. Breeze blames Bull after the match and they fight

* Dana Brooke defeated Billie Kay

* Kevin Owens comes out with the NXT Title for a match against Neville. Neville wins by DQ. Finn Balor runs down to stop Owens from beating on Neville. Breeze then runs down to help Owens double team Finn. Neville comes back and teams with Balor to take out Breeze as Owens runs away with the title

[Dark One]

So...

They spoiled the mini-PPV's title matches?

[Emperor Smeat]

Probably just teasing the crowd and not an actual spoiler of what's happening at the NXT special.


Apparently during the Eva Marie match this happened which lead to a shower of boos by the audience:
She ended up forgetting to kick out of pin which completely messed up the match she had with Billie Kay. Crowd was already booing by the point because of how bad she or the match itself was.

[Disturbed316]

Wow, she should just give up.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I hope they don't blame Brian Kendrick for that.

[Bad News Gertner]

Lol really digging Mojo and Zack.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I can't bring myself to watch that video.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Baron Corbin's presence disappears whenever he opens his mouth. The vignettes they put together were alright, but keep that guy away from a live mic. The guy needs a manager, ASAP.

[XL]

He'd have been a pretty good Wyatt in lieu of Rowan being injured.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I don't really like Corbin but I do think the NXT fans did him a big disservice. NXT books him in a couple of quick squashes, and the fans decided to start counting down his matches. Then they started booing when he stopped breaking his time record and had to work longer matches. Well shit, what did you expect?

I really don't know what they expected from the guy. He is what he is: a big dude with a power moveset. He's never going to be able to wrestle a technical masterpiece. But the fact that the fans just boo and chant boring the second the match starts now seems like they're trying to get themselves over. A frequent occurrence with Full Sail, really.

A manager would definitely help him out, though.</font>

[Dukelorange]

Probably just teasing the crowd and not an actual spoiler of what's happening at the NXT special.


Apparently during the Eva Marie match this happened which lead to a shower of boos by the audience:
She ended up forgetting to kick out of pin which completely messed up the match she had with Billie Kay. Crowd was already booing by the point because of how bad she or the match itself was.

See this is that I tell folk. Eva Marie can be an AWESOME heel champ along the lines of Maryse. She can get her behind beat until her opponent makes that ONE mistake which Eva can apply a finisher and win.

[drave]

No.

[ron the dial]

I don't really like Corbin but I do think the NXT fans did him a big disservice. NXT books him in a couple of quick squashes, and the fans decided to start counting down his matches. Then they started booing when he stopped breaking his time record and had to work longer matches. Well shit, what did you expect?

I really don't know what they expected from the guy. He is what he is: a big dude with a power moveset. He's never going to be able to wrestle a technical masterpiece. But the fact that the fans just boo and chant boring the second the match starts now seems like they're trying to get themselves over. A frequent occurrence with Full Sail, really.

A manager would definitely help him out, though.
i don't think the booing has anything to do with not beating the squash time record, but in the fact that he was exposed as an awful worker when forced to work an actual match. his moveset consists of next to nothing, and he doesn't have the mic skills to compensate for that. or at least he hasn't shown it yet. if he could add some more power moves, it would go a long way. he doesn't need to be a mat technician, but at least show some variety. i'm still holding out hope that he and joe can put on a good match and he can come out looking strong. he's got a good look, but right now he's just got that and a solid finisher.

[GD]

<iframe src="https://vid.me/e/JTj3?stats=1&amp;tools=1" width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen scrolling="no"></iframe>

[Emperor Smeat]

Arena setup for tonight's special. According to people at the arena, outside was packed full of people waiting to get in along with several "Full Sail sucks" chants as a counter to the "Brooklyn sucks" chants from the recent tv episodes.

http://i.imgur.com/3jRrmPp.png

http://i.imgur.com/dLLFItt.jpg

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

They are filming next week's episode now.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CNDQVXRWcAAvh8n.jpg

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

No embed on mobile?

[Mercenary]

...fuck you byron!

[Frank Drebin]

so are we gonna post here during the show or is someone gonna make a thread?

[Frank Drebin]

Wondering if Joe was brought in to be a glorified jobber like Rhyno at NxT or RVD on the main roster.

[Mercenary]

See Tommy Dreamer as well :P

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Eddies son in law better not be beaten by his finisher

[Mr. Nerfect]

I actually had no clue that Aiden English was engaged to Shaul Guerrero. He's also younger than Simon Gotch by like five years. Also, Gotch's Wiki page lists him as having been partially trained by Daniel Bryan.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Haven't read the spoilers (if they exist), and don't want to, but I know what my heart is screaming for as far as Bayley's next program goes:

* Bayley comes out to celebrate her Women's Title win. In street clothes. Maybe jeans, her "I'm a Hugger" shirt with a jacket over the top. She's not doing her usual gimmick entrance -- she's more relaxed and kind of has a justified swagger about her. But the inflatable people come out, because it's a scheduled segment for her.

* She thanks the fans, and says she has a lot to say, but she wants to hear what they say about her as the NXT Women's Champion. The crowd cheers. She thanks her super-fan at ringside, because she believed in her even more than she did herself. Everyone is super-happy and emotional.

* Bayley specifies that she knows this isn't the destination, but part of the journey. She earned the Women's Title at Takeover Brooklyn, but she knows that she will have to re-earn it every time she puts it on the line.

* William Regal's music hits, and the NXT General Manager comes out, looking rather troubled -- head hanging low, shaking, etc. He says that there are a lot of people he wants to thank for the success that was the biggest show in NXT history, but this is Bayley's time, so to one-half of his main events, he wants to say thank you. And I'm sorry.

* I'm sorry? What? Cue some guitar riff, and out comes NXT Head Female Trainer, Sara Amato, in her ring gear.

* Amato enters the ring and points at Bayley, then at herself, then at the NXT Women's Title. Bayley looks around the audience (hopefully chanting "YES!"), and nods her head. Amato then offers her hand. Bayley shakes her head. She stretches out her arms (she is a hugger after all). Amato shakes her head. She then forearms Bayley in the fucking face.

* Amato beats down Bayley, then hits maybe one big move and sends Bayley out, where William Regal helps her. Amato is your new #1 Contender for the NXT Women's Championship.

[XL]

I was thinking earlier today how it'd be a nice little "thank you" for the work she's putting in to the women's division if she got to do something on WWE TV.

[GD]

HS @ the reception that Enzo and Big Cass got.

[Lock Jaw]

Really wish Enzo and Cass had won the titles that night... that was logically where the story should have gone, and the roof would have blown off the place....

I enjoy the Vaudevillains but it just seemed out of place/cutting into the natural story with Enzo/Cass/Carmella vs. Blake/Murphy/Alexa....

Also find it weird how people who call themselves "villains" can be the good guys...

[Lock Jaw]

In another comment from Lock Jaw:

I don't think Emma was supposed to win that fatal four way match. Obviously surprised, and Charlotte looked legit POed.... Dana on the outside was holding her head like "Oh damn what have I done"... was probably supposed to get in there to break up the pin but was out of place...

[Lock Jaw]

I hope they run with it and maybe give Emma a bit of a push.

[Lock Jaw]

Kind of enjoy Emma's new theme too....

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ggKu9nSDVuk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[GD]

I do not enjoy majority of CFO$ work.

[GD]

Eva Marie is unbearable.

[GD]

Crazy fake reaction for Samson.

[GD]

Bull reminds me of Silent Bob.

[GD]

In another comment from Lock Jaw:

I don't think Emma was supposed to win that fatal four way match. Obviously surprised, and Charlotte looked legit POed.... Dana on the outside was holding her head like "Oh damn what have I done"... was probably supposed to get in there to break up the pin but was out of place...

Yeah! That was super awkward.

[GD]

Poor Sascha

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr +JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhL w7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nY FnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; ██████████relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6uoiC1ICH6/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_top">A video posted by Tyler Johnson (@tyler41)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-08-23T14:07:07+00:00">Aug 23, 2015 at 7:07am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>

[Disturbed316]

Ouch

[Emperor Smeat]

In another comment from Lock Jaw:

I don't think Emma was supposed to win that fatal four way match. Obviously surprised, and Charlotte looked legit POed.... Dana on the outside was holding her head like "Oh damn what have I done"... was probably supposed to get in there to break up the pin but was out of place...

It did look goofy but Charlotte overreacted badly which made it worse. Instead of just attacking Emma, she does the legit ending and later knees Dana's face as punishment.

[Damian Rey]

Thought pinning Emma for the fuck of it was funny. But yeah, clearly a fuck up.

[Mr. Nerfect]

That ending did come off as botched, but I think Emma going over is actually the right call. Charlotte and Becky Lynch should be putting over the next wave of heels for Bayley to beat, and Emma is in that pack. She's fucking rocking her new gimmick by the way. And she looks amazing.

Anyway, the Charlotte win was unnecessary, but kudos to them on how they covered it up. Great work by all, even if they got boo-boo faces on a bit. Professional shit at the end.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Emma is so good at being bad, that she should probably be turned on by Dana, cheered, and built up to be the next big face behind Bayley.

[NormanSmiley]

Divas revolution is soooooo good these dumb cubts cant even remember who is supposed to go over. They are inbthe main event and they botch the fucking thing. Let's keep pushing this bullshit. Greg Valentine ftw!

[Mr. Nerfect]

Emma is fucking sexy.

[Mr. Nerfect]

She should have won that match 99/100.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Forgot that Konnor is married to Krissy Vaine. Very sexy.</font>

http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/10/12/100_17.jpg

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Speaking of very sexy, Alexa Bliss just entered. Fuck yeah.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I will never tire of Blue Pants entering to the Price is Right theme</font>

[Innovator]

The sexual tension between Jason Jordan and Chad Gable is unparallel to anything we've seen

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Kinda wonder why they abandoned the Shoot Nation stable when Sawyer Fulton and Angelo Dawkins have basically the same gimmick as Jordan and Gable.</font>

[Innovator]

They weren't ready, willing, and Gable

[The Destroyer]

If Eva Marie is better than she used to be, I'd really hate to see how bad she once was. Can't even kick out of a pin properly.

[Poit]

The sexual tension between Jason Jordan and Chad Gable is unparallel to anything we've seen

"Say my name".

[Poit]

On the subject of Jordan & Gable, is anyone else getting a "World's Greatest Tag Team" vibe from them?

When Gable was setting up for that bow & arrow on Crowe, a part of me thought he was going to do the Haas of Pain.

[Frank Drebin]

If Eva Marie is better than she used to be, I'd really hate to see how bad she once was. Can't even kick out of a pin properly.

Her matches are entertaining from beginning to end. Anything can happen in an Eva Marie match.

[What Would Kevin Do?]

On the subject of Jordan & Gable, is anyone else getting a "World's Greatest Tag Team" vibe from them?

When Gable was setting up for that bow & arrow on Crowe, a part of me thought he was going to do the Haas of Pain.

Yep! That actually makes me love them more.

I also love their tag finisher. It is so simple yet badass.

[Poit]

The first time they did their tag finisher (Wikipedia says it's called the Grand Amplitude), it looked pretty dangerous. But they've gotten better at it since then.

Also, Chad Gable is, like, super cute.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Loving Chad Gable & Jason Jordan. Definitely get the World's Greatest Tag Team vibe from them. I actually think the WWE should contact Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas about working them. But I think Benjamin is in GFW now. Oh well, I bet you can still sign him.

I've also picked up on the sexual tension. I don't think they should ever explain it away or address it. Just quietly make them the two partners with *that* sort of relationship.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Alexa Bliss looks out of this world.

[Innovator]

The first time they did their tag finisher (Wikipedia says it's called the Grand Amplitude), it looked pretty dangerous. But they've gotten better at it since then.

Also, Chad Gable is, like, super cute.

Does it add to his cuteness that he can tie you up like a pretzel and have his way with you?

[Innovator]

Loving Chad Gable & Jason Jordan. Definitely get the World's Greatest Tag Team vibe from them. I actually think the WWE should contact Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas about working them. But I think Benjamin is in GFW now. Oh well, I bet you can still sign him.

I've also picked up on the sexual tension. I don't think they should ever explain it away or address it. Just quietly make them the two partners with *that* sort of relationship.

Honestly, a lot of NXT male on male interactions have a underlying sexual connotation.

[Mr. Nerfect]

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTywRJWbrIGK0TyJvevC6tSfdDYuvMoyzkQb1pEWtRhaE8PUa9n

"I can't wait to do it again..."

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Really stoked for Gargano & Ciampa next week.</font>

[Mr. Nerfect]

Me too actually. I liked the way they didn't present them as best friends. Seemed like two guys who are just looking for an opportunity.

[Tom Guycott]

Also find it weird how people who call themselves "villains" can be the good guys...

Meanwhile, Regal gets a huge ovation whenever he appears, and even as a "face" authority figure, he still refers to himself as a "villain", so there's that.

Oh yeah, and there was Kai En Tai... they were EEEEEEEVVVVVVVIIIIIILLLLLL, HAHAHAHA!

[Tom Guycott]

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTywRJWbrIGK0TyJvevC6tSfdDYuvMoyzkQb1pEWtRhaE8PUa9n

"I can't wait to do it again..."

That actually gave me a Snitsky vibe when Rhyno did that. Almost expected him to also say "... nice shoes."

[Mr. Nerfect]

Still find it surreal Rhyno is working for the WWE in 2015. Good for him.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'm pumped that Rhyno's been at NXT for as long as he has. When he was first brought in and they said they were going to be bringing back old faces I assumed it would just be a quick one or two appearance stint for old time's sake and then that would be it.

Similar to how Kendrick only made a few appearances, although in his case I believe he was specifically signed to be a trainer and his NXT appearances were just a bonus thing.</font>

[Poit]

Does it add to his cuteness that he can tie you up like a pretzel and have his way with you?

I, uh... :$

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Poit is most certainly ready, willing, and Gable</font>

[Frank Drebin]

All Red Everything

ARE

[Mr. Nerfect]

I hope that his work as a trainer isn't undercut by Eva Marie being shit. I mean, I'm hopeful and don't hate her -- but I hope this doesn't all go belly-up.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Eva Marie vs. Blue Pants is a big NXT match, by the way.

[Frank Drebin]

I want to see that match with crowd noise unedited

[Tom Guycott]

Hopefully WWE will wise up and realize that Eva just isn't built for this. I fear, however, they're still in the thinking of her having the look they want and hoping everything else just falls into place after (personally, I don't see the hotness... she looks like a half-assed Jessica Rabbit cosplay; or more accurately, like someone made an anime CAW in cartoony colors and a shitty moveset and pit them against actual rendered model wrestlers... just in real life.)

About the only thing she can do adequately is sell. But EVERYTHING ELSE is just atrocious. Even her rope running- the basic first-step- is abysmal and makes Kelly Kelly's rope running look like HBK caliber ringwork.

[Bad News Gertner]

<font color=goldenrod>Really stoked for Gargano & Ciampa next week.</font>

Fucking part timers taking time away from young talent

[Shisen Kopf]

Wonder if NXT will ever be the caliber of a TWA or dare I say, as good as CHW?

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

#HABM is out so NXT is 4life.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

OCW was the only competition but they died.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Not as down on Eva Marie as others. She's nowhere near ready for a real push, and should probably be losing most of her matches, but she's got a great look and has a heel gimmick ready and built-in. When she does become a good worker, she'll get really over.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Eva Marie did the Rodgers title move during Brooklyn show.

[Mr. Nerfect]

That's the ultimate goal of every woman in the division, and she has even verbally committed to her plans to challenge for the title down the line; but I wouldn't look too much into it.

[Lock Jaw]

Just watched this week....

Ha ha at Eva not kicking out of the pin quick enough and the ref really obviously stopping his count before 3, and the fans just booing the heck out of the ref/Eva afterwards.


Didn't know Tommaso Ciampa was signed on... or is this a short time thing? I remember back at the few ROH shows I was at, I was impressed by his "look" and "entrance"....

[XL]

Don't think they're signed. Same sort of deal The Wolves had.

[Lock Jaw]

The Wolves were never in NXT, were they?

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

They did one match I think.

[Lock Jaw]

Oh yeah... checked their wiki.... they had a squash match vs The Ascension... I remember that now... Kind of a different situation there.

[XL]

Well there's no indication that they're full time guys, at least not right now.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I don't see why they won't get signed though. Both would fit what the WWE is after, I would think. What do you think the odds are that Santino Marella comes in as Tommaso's manager?

[Emperor Smeat]

If its the same as last time its because Triple H already feels that he has enough teams and/or wrestlers similar to the Wolves. Also didn't help that their try-out match(es) was a bit sloppy which didn't help impress management.

Triple H doesn't really share the same habits Vince has when it comes to building a roster. Doesn't want to overload on any type unlike Vince who is notorious for big/fat guys and "roided up" muscular guys being the main guys getting pushes or hired.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I really like Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa coming in together, because even if they don't stay a tag team, there's at least that connection in people's minds that can be exploited and used to generate interest in future interactions between them.

[Bad News Gertner]

If its the same as last time its because Triple H already feels that he has enough teams and/or wrestlers similar to the Wolves. Also didn't help that their try-out match(es) was a bit sloppy which didn't help impress management.

Triple H doesn't really share the same habits Vince has when it comes to building a roster. Doesn't want to overload on any type unlike Vince who is notorious for big/fat guys and "roided up" muscular guys being the main guys getting pushes or hired.

So he overloads on guys that I could probably take in a fight

[Simple Fan]

Think Ciampa and Gargano are apart of them working a deal with EVOLVE.

[Tom Guycott]

Not as down on Eva Marie as others. She's nowhere near ready for a real push, and should probably be losing most of her matches, but she's got a great look and has a heel gimmick ready and built-in. When she does become a good worker, she'll get really over.

If. Not when. And therein lies the problem. WWE assumes her becoming a good worker is a sure thing. And a majority of the heat she's getting is the same heat that Baron Corbin is getting- not because she's a great heel, but because she is terrible and has been exposed as being terrible, much like the Lone Wolf has.

There is only so much leeway that comes with trying to blame IWC blowback instead of just admitting this cart-before-the-horse thinking is dangerous for short-term booking and devopment.

If the idea was to get Eva in position to be the be all end all Diva in 5 years, is one thing, but they want her to be credible and a top draw inside of six months. That rarely ever works with ANYONE (I can only really think of Undertaker's WWE career, Goldberg's WCW streak run, and Brock Lesnar's WWE rookie year). Everyone else this thing has been attempted with has pretty much failed.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Oh, I don't think they should be pushing her with a six-month goal in mind. I don't even think she should be working on TV yet.

[Tom Guycott]

Exactly.

To be fair to her, she's on track to fail spectacularly, and it will become "her fault" instead of the fault of WWE of expecting wayyyy too much of her, let alone expecting it too soon.

The "best" person they've handled recently in this respect was Roman Reigns, with about what, two years (active time, not injury) on the main roster, and they STILL pulled the trigger on him too soon. They aren't willing to wait nearly as long for anyone else they try to shoehorn. Meanwhile, those who get over organically like Cesaro keep getting derailed because they don't see him as "that guy".

But what should we expect from a company who is willing to let a woman who is arguably in the lower tier of performer in every aspect keep co ing out on top of girls who can outperform her and potentially become the longest reigning champion presumably just to spite the current record holder and her husband?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jimmy Uso is a terrible color commentator.</font>

[DaveWadding]

I'm officially opening the Peyton Royce Fan Club.

[GD]

Bull looks so much like Silent Bob.

[Emperor Smeat]

Spoilers for the next set of NXT tapings:
Episode 1 (Sept. 17):
* Tyler Breeze is out first followed by Adam Rose. Bull Dempsey is out next and says he's here to bat Tyler. Bull takes out Rose but Breeze escapes. Bull demands a match

* Tye Dillinger defeated one of the enhancement talents

* Apollo Crews defeated Solomon Crowe with a standing moonsault. Crews got a big pop and this was a great match

* Rhyno and Baron Corbin defeated Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa in a Dusty Rhodes Classic match when Corbin pinned Gargano with End of Days. This was another really good match

* Bayley defeated Sarah Dobson. Sasha Banks cuts a promo after the match and Bayley vs. Sasha for the title at Takeover in a 30-minute Ironwoman Match is announced to a huge pop


Episode 2 (Sept. 24):
* Jason Jordan and Chad Gable defeated The Mechanics

* Eva Marie defeated Carmella by count out. Huge heat for Eva here

* Bull Dempsey vs. Tyler Breeze is next Breeze knocks Bull off the top rope and pins him with his feet on the ropes

* NXT General Manager William Regal has a desk set up in the ring to introduce Kana. Her new name is Asuka. Emma and Dana Brooke come down to berate her and say they are the ones who run NXT. Asuka leaves sadly

* Blake and Murphy vs. The Vaudevillians for the NXT Tag Team Titles is next. Blue Pants comes out to chase away Alexa Bliss and make it 2 on 2. The Vaudevillians win clean


Episode 3 (Oct. 1):
* Apollo Crews defeated Johnny Gargano with the press slam and standing moonsault

* Dana Brooke and Emma defeated Peyton Royce and Billie Kay when Dana hit her finisher

* Tyler Breeze defeated Tommaso Ciampa. This was a good long match with Ciampa getting in a lot of offense but Breeze hit the Unprettier for the win

* Finn Balor and Samoa Joe defeated Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady in the second Dusty Classic match of the night. Joe hit a Musclebuster and Finn hit the Coup de Grace for the win in the main event

Some non-match spoiler stuff:
* Kana got renamed to Asuka
* Bayley vs Banks for the Women's title match at the next NXT special is going to be a 30-minute Ironwoman match

[Mr. Nerfect]

Peyton Royce and Billie Kay both have my heart. :heart:

[Mr. Nerfect]

One of the things that makes NXT so fucking good is that you can kind of tell where things are going. After the pretty solid women's matches this week, you can sort of tell that they are building to Dana Brooke vs. Carmella to decide who is next in line for a Women's Title shot.

The more I think about Bayley vs. Sasha Banks as the next Takeover event, the more I like it. I assumed that Finn Balor & Samoa Joe would get eliminated from the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic pretty early so they could feud in time for Takeover, but now I think they've got a great shot at winning the whole thing. I personally hope they end up facing Jordan & Gable in the finals. Rhyno and Corbin can cross each other after they lose. Takeover could realistically end up looking like:

* Bayley vs. Sasha Banks in an Ironwoman Match for the Women's Championship
* Finn Balor & Samoa Joe vs. Jason Jordan & Chad Gable in the TTC finals
* Baron Corbin vs. Rhyno in a Hardcore Match
* The Vaudevillains vs. Dash & Dawson for the Tag Team Titles
* Tyler Breeze vs. Bull Dempsey

[XL]

Didn't Corbin and Rhyno have a match at a Takeover event already?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Yeah. It wasn't the best and it wasn't the worst, but it felt like both guys were holding back, and they alluded to more clashes.

[Frank Drebin]

Noid hearts jobers

[Lock Jaw]

Just watched this week... Carmella is really getting this thing down.... I think she could be huge....

They should make a "Team Australia" stable with Emma, Billie, and Peyton.... Should probably change Billie's name though.... Sounds too much like Bayley....

Imagining Rich Brennan trying to yell "BAYLEY WITH THE BELLY TO BAYLEY ON BILLIE!".....

[Lock Jaw]

Also, the little bit with Bayley and Bayley-Fan melted my cold heart.... Can't wait to hear the reaction Bayley gets next week on her return....

[Mr. Nerfect]

Just being Australian is a pretty loose connection. I'd like to see Emma feud with Peyton Royce eventually, because Royce also trained under Lance Storm. There's like a "I used to look up to you" story to exploit there. Billie Kay is also adorable, but she looks like she could play a smug, slightly bitchy heel. Maybe have her come to Peyton's aid against Emma & Dana Brooke, but when it becomes obvious they can't get the job done, she turns on Peyton Royce.

Put her in that school girl outfit and call her "The Boyfriend Stealer." Introduce a nice little American boyfriend for Royce for Kay to seduce and mess with Royce. Maybe bring in Cameron (I mean, they have to teach her sometime, right?) to basically run around playing dress-up with Kay. If you need a partner for Royce at this point, use Blue Pants and have her do a bit of cosplay of her own.

[Lock Jaw]

Just being Australian is a pretty loose connection.

Ya ever watch wrestling? It is everything they need.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Yeah, I get ya, but I'm not a big fan of the "British guys all flock together because they are British" thing. I'd rather spread them out and give them something meaningful to do.

[Lock Jaw]

No, no, no. This would be completely different than "British guys all flock together because they are British".

Because they would be Australian!

[Mr. Nerfect]

We're still part of the Commonwealth and going to EuroVision next year.

[Mr. Nerfect]

One guy that has been on my mind lately has been Fit Finlay. The dude can still apparently go and works for the WWE. Wouldn't it be fucking sweet to see him brought in by William Regal to help groom some guys? The idea of Tyler Breeze vs. Finlay is giving me a bit of a mind-boner.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Victoria for the Women's Division and Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas for the Tag Team Division would be awesome too, but I think Shelton might be tied down with GFW. I'm sure the WWE could wrangle him though. There are so many guys the WWE could bring in for some NXT house shows. I know they never really got "over," but The Bashams and Rob Conway making shots would help out a lot of guys. These are the sort of workers who helped John Cena and Randy Orton along.

[Lock Jaw]

Didn't Charlie Haas retire or something?

[Mr. Nerfect]

I think he still makes selected appearances. I doubt he would turn down WWE money for a few dates a month here and there.

[Damian Rey]

Finley as Regal's enforcer would be grand.

Also, Apollo Creed needs a new finisher. The standing moonsault is impressive but it's not end of the match material.

[Lock Jaw]

Seems like he should have a "power" finisher....

[Damian Rey]

That's what I'm thinking. Not sure what it would be though.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I could see him using a Tiger Driver, if only for a few weeks until they find something better.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I think he also used a Dominator for a while. But can he use that on everybody on the roster?

[What Would Kevin Do?]

I'm assuming at some point he'll add the standing SSP.

On the indy scene/ dragon gate his finisher was technically a standing moonsault folllowed immediately by a standing shooting star press.

[GD]

I am amazed by how Samoa Joe is received by the regular WWE audience. Would definitely love to see AJ Styles in a similar environment.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

I think he also used a Dominator for a while. But can he use that on everybody on the roster?

Every muscle big black guy gotta use the Dominator? Damn.

[Lock Jaw]

When in doubt.... POWERBOMB

[Frank Drebin]

Hope Eva Marie starts thinking that

[Mr. Nerfect]

I am amazed by how Samoa Joe is received by the regular WWE audience. Would definitely love to see AJ Styles in a similar environment.

I've drooled at the thought of The Bullet Club gate-crashing NXT. Literally drooled.

[XL]

Safe to assume Sasha/Bayley is *the* Main Event for the Oct 7th show? They've got a lot of ground to make up to get someone in position to challenge Balor for the belt otherwise.

[Frank Drebin]

He's probably gonna be in a tag match with Joe which would allow the women's match to be the main event without the nxt title being on the line.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

IT'S TYLER!!!!!!!

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Love the NXT Announcer.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I think we'll be getting Balor/Joe vs. Jordan/Gable in the Takeover semi-main event.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Asuka? Good. Nobody will make fun of that name ever.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Poor Solomon Crowe.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

IT'S BAYLEY! :heart:

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

IT'S DA BOSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mr. Nerfect]

Man, what a show this week.

* I loved the opening promo between Tyler Breeze, Adam Rose and Bull Dempsey. It was organic, they were having fun and Adam Rose had MEMORY! I didn't like the idea of Rose just changing gimmicks, but this actually feels like an evolution. The guy can work, he can talk -- he might not be the best ever, but he has a place. I hope he gets involved in Breeze vs. Dempsey next week and turns this into a three-way feud. We've got Breeze vs. Dempsey, but Rose interrupting could build to a Takeover match. Hey, a hook for next week.

* Tye Dillinger has suddenly sprung to life. It was a smart move to organically turn him, because he's pretty freakin' over. I love Martin Stone as a jobber too. The guy looks like a hooligan that is just meant to be in a fight.

* Apollo Crews impressed me more in his showing against Solomon Crowe than he has so far. Hell, for that matter, Crowe impressed me too. Good move to organically turn him too. I've been using that word a lot. It feels good. Crowe becoming frustrated seems like the natural evolution of his persona. I'd like to see him make an issue out of his loss to Crews and build to a Takeover match.

* The Asuka vignette was cut out of the Australian version of the show, but she's already debuting? Sweet. I've always thought there was a place for between one and four joshi on the show (two faces and two heels for the purposes of a tag team match). I hope Asuka clicks with the other girls. And hey, a hook to tune in next week.

* The promos from Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Emma and Dana Brooke were edited out of the Australian version too. A good move to have Gargano & Ciampa explain their success to connect them with people. Emma and Brooke are steaming themselves up too. That's three women getting promotion with clear direction so far. Four if you count Devin (and I do).

* Oh look...a fourth woman. The Boss getting the "We've got to capture her arriving at Full Sail" treatment makes her seem like a star too. Gimmick.

* I hope Jordan & Gable beat The Hype Bros. I NEED them to beat The Hype Bros.

* The match between Rhyno & Corbin and Gargano & Ciampa was really well put together. The faces showed fire and acted like this was their one shot to make it. Smart. Rhyno & Corbin kind of got taken by storm and only got what they needed to in. They look good because they advance, but I want to see more out of Gargano & Ciampa. I like teams like them, because they feel like two really good wrestlers who have collaborated to kick down the door on tag team wrestling. Corbin sold the win out of nowhere great too. That facial expression of "Thank fuck I caught him" sold Gargano almost as well as Gargano's offense did.

* It seems odd that the established teams and guys with confirmed contracts only get their Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic matches recapped, but I really like it. It's a different way of presenting advancements to viewers, and it sells the importance of NXT's live events -- which they are trying to promote and grow. A very smart move. It'd actually be nice if the main roster took some notice of that, since their formulaic approach with a three-hour RAW must be fatiguing to most audiences.

* The Vaudevillains/Blake & Murphy interview segment seemed a little too scripted, but I guess there's a place for that sort of entertainment. They're not really being treated as "heavy players," which is probably my biggest complaint about the tag team division at the moment. Alexa Bliss has got the aura of a star (and not just because she's hot). Blake & Murphy are anchoring themselves more all the time. You just like The Vaudevillains. They set up a Tag Title match for next week. Hey look, a hook for next week. Women featured count: 5

* Nia Jax vignette was aired out of Australia. Women featured count: 6

* Loved the Bayley vs. Mary Dobson match (they called her either "Sara" or "Sarah"). It was simple stuff, but it seemed like a good dynamic test for Bayley. Her against a darker-seeming opponent who tried to go for some submissions put you in Bayley's shoes. I hope there is legitimate interst in Dobson -- she impressed me and looked great. Bayley didn't fuck around at the end, and went into kill-bot mode. Women featured: 8

* Sasha Banks can promo and has got her gimmick down. I worried when she was crying over the adulation their match got, but then she did exactly what I hoped she did. Why does she care how competitive her matches are? Why does anybody, for that matter? She should want to steam-roll over all her opponents, as any wrestler should. The set-up for the Takeover main event was simple, effective and the crowd was so emotionally invested. I think Regal was feeling that too.

[VSG]

Caught up with NXT finally. So many newer characters and nearly everyone has something given to them, which is great to see. I would have liked to see the Banks-Bayley match be called an Ironwoman match but it's nitpicking.

Very happy to see Scott Dawson again, massively underrated guy imo.

[XL]

That's one of the best thing about NXT; there's always someone new coming through.

Apollo Crews is quickly becoming a highlight, the repackaged Ty Dillinger is going places (had a thought about a Dillinger/Johnny Curtis tag team), Adam Rose will be a great asset, all of the women are doing something. The tag team scene. Everything.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The NXT Behind the Curtain ESPN special makes me pull for Adam Rose so hard. Seems like such a nice guy.

Realistically, at 36 and having gone through multiple gimmicks and character transitions it's tough to imagine he'll wind up with something that will lead to sustained success on the main roster. But hopefully if nothing else he can be an asset on NXT and continue to make a living that way.</font>

[Damian Rey]

Does anyone know if Apollo is solid on the mic? Because in the natural charisma and in ring ability is through the roof.

[Mr. Nerfect]

He sounds raw, but I'm sure the company can polish him up.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Question: Should they be trying to get NXT on network television? I've been thinking about this recently, and the one thing I keep coming back to is "No, it's a hook for the Network." But the more I think about it, the more positives I can see coming out of it.

Advertising dollars means that the guys can be paid more and the product can continue to expand, travel, get hot, etc. It might hook new fans to the NXT experience, which can, in turn, generate more Network subscribers and get people interested in wrestling in general. Right now, everyone in the States has to watch NXT on the Network, yes? That means that the product is only going to have around 1 million viewers a week, tops, right? That's roughly half of what the WWE pulls for SmackDown on average, yeah?

Even if they did just a few months on USA or something, just to see what they can pull in -- if it increases fans for NXT, then it might be worth it. You can still keep the Takeover specials on the Network, so you can essentially use them as PPV.

The other option is that you could put the Takeover shows on television, or even trial them on PPV -- making them available on the Network later.

[Damian Rey]

I'll go with no. Reason being is once it hits network television, ratings and ad money now become priorities and that's going to force them to have to showcase their top talent weekly instead of the slow builds they get to do now.

[Mr. Nerfect]

That's a possibility. I'm probably being too optimistic that they could confidently present their current product to a mainstream public audience without freaking out.

How about an encore presentation on a lower network? I'm not sure the status of the WWE's relationship with SyFy, but when they lose SmackDown, they might accept a later screening of NXT since SmackDown is still one of their highest rated shows, isn't it? It would fit the channel more than SmackDown would, arguably, as I imagine the nerdish following of SyFy would probably value the geek element of professional wrestling presented as a territory.

But that way you also have NXT "premiering" on the Network, so if you're subscribing for NXT, then you aren't calling up to cancel, and it might draw new fans in -- potentially a few hundred thousand, which moves the meter at no extra cost to them (and they'll probably be making money off Syfy too).

[Mr. Nerfect]

Keeping that relationship with Syfy might be a good idea for the reason that if the USA Network loses interest in having five hours of WWE programming on a week, and the WWE just can't heat up SmackDown effectively without cutting into RAW, they might want to one day move SmackDown back.

[Damian Rey]

A rerun airing might work but then they have to sell advertisers on a show people will be able to tune in to prior to television airings. Not sure it'd be a good sell.

I think it works perfect on the Network. If nothing else they should just can Smackdown at this point. It's become useless.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Well, they're still selling advertisers on SmackDown, and that's basically a RAW recap show.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

It's moving to USA soon so it can't be a recap for long.

[Damian Rey]

I honestly don't feel the move will matter for long. They'll make it a big deal for a bit before regressing back to writing as B show.

[Emperor Smeat]

If its going to be like every time the WWE moves a show to a new network/channel, I give it till post-SummerSlam before the real regression happens. Maybe earlier if RAW struggles too much during the Road to Mania and post-Mania like last year.

Smackdown is going to benefit from the honeymoon period and Road to Mania focus but will need to carry the momentum till Summerslam. After that is usually when the WWE starts to enter the "don't care anymore" mood for the rest of the year.

[Lock Jaw]

Just watched this week...

Bayley is so damn over.... she could be huge on the main roster if they ever get their act together up there... Just so invested into Bayley.... Makes me happy....

Sasha Banks also so great... another total package with looks, a character, charisma, and the ability to cut a good promo....

Weird how Asuka gets one promo and debuts next week, where Nia Jax has been getting promos for a month and no sign of when she will debut...

Good to see Dana and Emma also keeping their presence known... excited for where this division goes after the next Takeover where Sasha will presumably finally leave NXT "for good"...

In the men's side of things... I really dig Tye Dillinger's gimmick. It is a pretty quality gimmick. Sweet theme, too....

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Evil Emma gets hotter every time I see her. Holy fuck.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Breeze/Crews at the next Takeover should be an excellent match, even though it likely will spell yet another Takeover loss for Breeze.</font>

[Mercenary]

<font color=goldenrod>Evil Emma gets hotter every time I see her. Holy fuck.</font>

good god evil Emma so hot

[Mercenary]

And I think the ref has something for Eve angle is being played

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Vaudevillians</font> :heart:

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

And I think the ref has something for Eve angle is being played

Pretty terrible that they have to have a storyline for her shitting the bed like this. She is the Mike Adamle of women's wrestling.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

"We ran out these two girls making it big on Raw out of NXT!"

"We'll do the same to you!"

-Dana Brooke, paraphrased.

[Lock Jaw]

Never knew "Asuka" was supposed to be pronounced as "Ass-ka"... seems like a "bad name" now..... Always thought it was "Ah-soo-ka"....

[Lock Jaw]

I both enjoy and dislike that the Dusty Rhodes Classic has been happening on the house shows....

On one hand it is pretty rad that they are doing "stuff that matters" on house shows, and I love the "old school" feel of Kyle Edwards from the studio providing updates.

On the other hand, I don't get to see big moments like Dash & Dawson upset the Vaudevillains.

Speaking of Dash & Dawson... don't like how they got rid of Dash's last name, or Dawson's first name.... Makes them seem "less legit" right when they are trying to be presented as "more legit"...

[Emperor Smeat]

:lol: that Eva Marie promo. Wasn't bad or good but hilarious that her botching is actually part of the storyline now.

[Lock Jaw]

I kind of want Enzo and Cass to win the tournament... Would make a good "tribute" to Dusty for the "most over" actual tag team to win.... also be a good "thanks" to Enzo and Cass... make it up to them for not winning the tag titles yet....

But I don't see them getting past Balor and Joe, because those two need something to do at Takeover, and it is "too late" to build some storylines for them...

Unless Joe turns heel against Balor and they square off at Takeover...

[Lock Jaw]

:lol: that Eva Marie promo. Wasn't bad or good but hilarious that her botching is actually part of the storyline now.

Just need some backstage segments now where she is being "overly friendly" with some referees...

[Lock Jaw]

Or is seen leaving the referee's locker room with her hair all messed up and fixing her clothes, etc...

[Evil Vito]

I kind of want Enzo and Cass to win the tournament... Would make a good "tribute" to Dusty for the "most over" actual tag team to win.... also be a good "thanks" to Enzo and Cass... make it up to them for not winning the tag titles yet....

But I don't see them getting past Balor and Joe, because those two need something to do at Takeover, and it is "too late" to build some storylines for them...

Unless Joe turns heel against Balor and they square off at Takeover...

<font color=goldenrod>Joe going out of his way to tap the title and say something like "isn't that right...CHAMP?" during every promo feels like a subtle hint that they'll be fighting for the belt soon enough.

With Bayley/Banks main eventing the next Takeover though it's probably more likely that Joe turns at Takeover itself, setting up the match for the next Takeover.</font>

[Lock Jaw]

I want a gif of Carmella having a seizure in the ring....

[XL]

Is Eva Marie supposed to be face or heel?

[Lock Jaw]

Obviously a heel?

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Looks like Eva Marie's push is off.

[Damian Rey]

Thank the Lord Steven Regal. Nowhere near ready.

[Lock Jaw]

Showed a friend the Sasha/Bayley match... his response: "That Sasha Banks is good, huh?" and also "What a good match"

[VSG]

He passed the friendship test

[Mr. Nerfect]

Never knew "Asuka" was supposed to be pronounced as "Ass-ka"... seems like a "bad name" now..... Always thought it was "Ah-soo-ka"....

I think it's one of those Japanese language things, where desu is pronounced "dess," but "dessu" isn't technically incorrect. The Japanese sometimes rush through those vowel sounds instead of elongating them as they would be in another context. I imagine they will be calling her "Ah-soo-ka" on commentary and such.

[Lock Jaw]

Dunno if they will.... already had the crowd chanting "Ass-ka"...

[Mr. Nerfect]

My thoughts from this week:

* I'm not anti-Eva Marie, but I think she should be losing all of her matches. Have her play the face role (since it makes sense for her opponents to school her), then have her start winning when she gets better and starts cheating. I didn't like Eva Marie in blue. She is "All Red Everything" -- build to that Blue Pants match.

* I like how they turned around Bull Dempsey. He's not the best part of the show, but he's embracing this thing, even if it has gone a bit too far towards the goofy side of things. I LOVED the spot where they teased the countout. If you remember, the genesis of Bullfit came from Dempsey getting counted out in a match against Tyler Breeze. A nice little nod to show how he's growing.

* I like Asuka being in the suit. Regal tried his best to make her sign like a huge deal. I've always wanted a joshi in the WWE, but I'm not yet as excited for this as I potentially should be. I liked that she didn't do the cliched "beat up both girls" thing. I feel like she's a smart, calculating competitor now. I'd like her first match to be against Emma. That would be hot.

* I know people love Bayley, but I'm worried she's going to get the "jammed down our throats" treatment, and even someone as adorable and beloved as Bayley is going to struggle with that. Part of me thinks her run with the belt should be short so that we can feel sorry for her again. I'd even consider switching it to Banks at Respect, even though people would feel it weren't right. Keep Bayley vs. Banks going into the winter while you have other girls being built up.

* Emma and Adam Rose would actually make a completely logical on-air pairing. Their gimmick is basically the same now.

* I hope they put Breeze over Crews at Respect. Build that up as an actual feud.

* I'm not really feeling Joe turning heel, per se, as I'd rather see him go into his match with Finn Balor undefeated. But the money might be in Joe going really nasty, and pissing on the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic would certainly get heat. I really want Jordan & Gable to be in the semi-finals, but I have a feeling they might go with The Hype Bros vs. Rhyno & Corbin, with Rhyno & Corbin advancing and then Joe turning on Balor; but Balor still winning. Joe gets his heat, but remains undefeated in the process.

* I have this weird feeling that Jordan & Gable might not be long for the tag scene, because there is enough appeal in them as singles competitors. I'm not saying that the WWE should break them up, but I think they might. They could get knocked out of the tournament and Jordan could turn on Gable, leading to a fiery face run for Gable. They're going to need to build up singles stars soon.

* I felt The Vaudevillains and Blake/Murphy did a good job. That double Japanese arm drag English does just looks ridiculous go. They actually had me thinking they were going to switch the belts back for a second there. Good work.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I both enjoy and dislike that the Dusty Rhodes Classic has been happening on the house shows....

On one hand it is pretty rad that they are doing "stuff that matters" on house shows, and I love the "old school" feel of Kyle Edwards from the studio providing updates.

On the other hand, I don't get to see big moments like Dash & Dawson upset the Vaudevillains.

Speaking of Dash & Dawson... don't like how they got rid of Dash's last name, or Dawson's first name.... Makes them seem "less legit" right when they are trying to be presented as "more legit"...

I agree with all of this, but I don't think that they've officially gotten rid of their names, have they? I thought that was just their shortened team name.

And yeah, I would have much rather seen those guys pull off their "biggest win" than Eva Marie v. Carmella on the most recent show.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Without quoting anyone, it seems ridiculously obvious that Joe is eyeing the title. Which I'm fine with.

[Anybody Thrilla]

There hasn't been enough of a Jordan and Gable run yet for anyone to be interested in a break up. They are both awesome individually, but I think they help bring the best out of each other. No reason to split them yet.

[Innovator]

I don't want them to break up, I'm too ready willing and gable for them to make a long run

[Mr. Nerfect]

I want them to stay together too, but I dunno, it's just a feeling I had recently. To be honest, I had the same feeling about The New Day once they started getting over, so I might just be imagining things.

[Emperor Smeat]

Rather they stay as a team because both would probably get lost in the shuffle if they broke up any time soon (or maybe even at all). The tag division has usually been the weakest out of the big 3 divisions in NXT so more depth is always welcomed.

Then again tag division is also pretty weak on the main roster so its not just a problem exclusive to NXT.

[Innovator]

I want them to stay together too, but I dunno, it's just a feeling I had recently. To be honest, I had the same feeling about The New Day once they started getting over, so I might just be imagining things.

That's the Russo effect

[XL]

I want them to stay together too, but I dunno, it's just a feeling I had recently. To be honest, I had the same feeling about The New Day once they started getting over, so I might just be imagining things.

That's just you working with WWE's inner logic; they don't really put guys together in the hope of creating the next Road Warriors, they do it hoping for a Shawn Michaels.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I think there are some very good points above. :y:

[Emperor Smeat]

Spoilers for the next couple of weeks:
October 14th Episode:
* NXT Women's Champion Bayley opens the show with a promo but is interrupted by Alexa Bliss. At one point Bliss snatches the title from Bayley and throws it back at her before leaving.

* NXT Tag Team Champions The Vaudevillains defeated Sawyer Fulton and Angelo Dawkins. They pinned Fulton first then did a quick re-take, pinning Dawkins.

* Nia Jax debuts and defeats Evie from SHINE.

* A #1 contenders battle royal is next. Participants include Samoa Joe, Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Apollo Crew, Scott Dawson, Dash Wilder, Blake, Murphy, Rhyno, Baron Corbin, Enzo Amore, Colin Cassady, Bull Dempsey, Zack Ryder, Mojo Rawley, Tyler Breeze, Tye Dillinger and maybe one or two others. The final four comes down to Joe, Crews, Breeze and Corbin. Breeze gets eliminated and pulls Joe out. Joe chases him away. Corbin and Crews go at it. Crews gets the win and future title shot to a huge pop.


October 21st Episode:
* Asuka defeated Billie Kay by submission.

* Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady with Carmella defeated The Mechanics but got beat down after the match.

* James Storm came out to a huge pop and quickly defeated Danny Burch with Eye of the Storm. Storm led the crowd in a clap & cheer after the match.

* Alexa Bliss defeated Peyton Royce with the Sparkle Splash. Bliss cut a promo after the match but you can barely hear her due to the boos. She says she's coming for Bayley and the NXT Women's Title.

* Baron Corbin defeated Rhyno in a really good match.


October 28th Episode:
* Emma defeated Australian women's wrestler Shazza McKenzie by submission.

* Chad Gable and Jason Jordan defeated Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano. Gable and Jordan got a huge pop and were like "made men" in the NXT arena. Fans sung their their names to the tune of Kurt Angle's theme song and chanted "let's go Gable, Johnny wrestling." Gable and Jordan won a great match with the Assistplex.

* Nia Jax defeated Kay Lee Ray from Scotland with a slam.

* The Mechanics attack Enzo and Big Cass, beating them down. They do an injury angle with Cass as doctors come check on him in the ring. This was clearly an angle as The Mechanics pulled his brace off and worked the knee over when they first attacked him.

* Samoa Joe vs. Tyler Breeze is next. This match had some amazing nearfalls with Breeze almost stealing wins. Joe won by submission.

* NXT Champion Finn Balor defeated Tye Dillinger in a great match with the Coup de Grace.

[VSG]

Spoiler video:



<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cr0P2tFoSJ8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Devin Taylor still there for this taping :)

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Nia Jax needs to lose some poundage. Looks too much like Tamina Snuka.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Stay in France.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Johnny Gargano looks like CM Punk.

[The Destroyer]

Nia Jax needs to lose some poundage. Looks too much like Tamina Snuka.
Some slightly more flattering ring gear might help as well.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

She just came to see "Honk if You're Horny" in peace!

[Emperor Smeat]

Some slightly more flattering ring gear might help as well.

Not sure why they went with that blue set but her gear does get changed by her next official match. Its either the same or something more similar and flattering to what she had for her pre-debut house show matches.

[Lock Jaw]

Just watched this....

Nia Jax def looked weird.... "dark and forboding" promos for week.... then comes out in bright blue (very unflattering for her shape), "upbeat" music, and smiling.....

Anyways... just seems like she will be "fat Tamina" eventually....

I liked the look of that Evie chick, though.... she signed on?

[VSG]

Yeah dunno.. Are they going for a Awesome Kong character here? Either way hopefully what Smeat said about new attire is going to happen sooner than later. I kinda liked her opponent more.

[Nicky Fives]

so Nia Jax gonna be Tamina's replacement in a year since she's Samoan, has the bloodline and doesn't have a murderer for a father?

[Innovator]

BAHGAWD THAT'S THE COWBOY

Also, "15 years on the independent circuit" = hey TNA

https://38.media.tumblr.com/2c3e682796c8a3474f428485e4404315/tumblr_njgjxdZNsM1sbzhteo1_400.gif

[Lock Jaw]

What year did James Storm get "fat"? I remember when I was watching TNA regularly, I saw him split from Chris Harris and turn heel.... and he was "in shape"/"smaller".... And I remember really enjoying him and thinking that he had a ton of potential....

And then after I stopped watching TNA, the next time I checked it out, Storm was all "bloated"... face a different shape... etc.... Looked like he had aged like 15 years....

[Lock Jaw]

Also: glad this was an Asuka week and not a Nia Jax week.

[Lock Jaw]

https://33.media.tumblr.com/e74895d097962ba7a9b55513229fd146/tumblr_nwlmjgGdhl1uj0qvto1_400.gif
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Us__Go30_kk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Huge potential, but I can't imagine her playing the same character on the main roster... can only "picture her" on main roster as "evil foreigner" or "goofy face", but not as "badass, kind of scary, face".