WWE:NXT Discussion Thread

[Emperor Smeat]

Looks like this is might be the Women's title match for the next NXT Special in London based on the recent set of tapings:
Bayley vs Eva Marie

Spoilers from the tapings tonight:

November 4th Episode:
* Asuka defeated Cameron by submission

* Bull Dempsey defeated Angelo Dawkins

* Eva Marie defeated Gionna Daddio, now using the name Marley, and got huge heat

* Apollo Crews vs. Finn Balor for the NXT Title is next. They get spotlight introductions and it has a big-fight feel. This said to be an amazing match. Finn hit Bloody Sunday and it was unreal. Baron Corbin ran down for the disqualification and laid both men out. Samoa Joe then ran down for the save but he turned on Finn and laid him out for the heel turn


November 11th Episode:
* Adrien Reese (Athena) defeated Peyton Royce with a top rope jump into a stunner. Big pop for the former Athena

* Baron Corbin vs. Tye Dillinger never starts as Apollo Crews rushes Corbin and beats him down to a huge pop

* NXT Women's Champion Bayley, Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley vs. Blake, Murphy and Alexa Bliss is next. The crowd is electric and everything is over. They're singing, "Heyyy we want some Bayleyyy." Alexa takes Bayley's title and runs away with it. Bayley hits a Belly to Bayley on Blake or Murphy and then chases off after Bliss. Ryder hits a Rough Ryder to get the win for his team

* Nia Jax squashed indie wrestler Deonna Purrazzo

* The Mechanics defeated The Vaudevillains by submission to win the NXT Tag Team Titles. Simon Gotch was cursing at fans after the match. This was described as "insane"

* Samoa Joe comes out for a promo and is met by boos. Finn Balor confronts him. They get into it and the referees hold them back but Joe is able to choke Finn down in the pile


November 18th Episode:
* Nia Jax squashed Carmella

* Chad Gable and Jason Jordan vs. The Ascension is next. Both teams got big pops. There were dueling chants of, "Gable-yah-Jordan-yah!" Gable and Jordan get the win with the assisted German suplex. Respect was shown from the teams after the match

* Emma defeated Mary Kate (Rosie Lottalove, Andrea) with the Emma-lock

* NXT Tag Team Champions The Mechanics defeated two enhancement talents, possibly Corey Hollis and John Skyler

* Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley for the NXT Women's Title is next. Bayley won with the Huggplex. Eva Marie came out to challenge her to a future title match. These were the loudest boos our correspondent has ever heard and they were unable to hear anything she said.

[Simple Fan]

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....

Beer Money, naturally needed a beer gut.

[Mercenary]

Fron this

http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20131115004900/prowrestling/images/a/af/Rosie-lottalove.jpg

to this

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B5RgDCbIEAA3xEU.jpg

[NormanSmiley]

Nia Jax needs to lose some poundage. Looks too much like bertha faye

[NormanSmiley]

Just watched this....

Nia Jax def looked weird....

Anyways... just seems like she will be "fatter Tamina"

[NormanSmiley]

Why does the asian cunt lick her lips so much like shes trying to be sexy? Nice try slant puss

[Mr. Nerfect]

Evie's got spunk.

[Frank Drebin]

These next few shows are going to be great. Can't wait for Eva Marie to return from her trip to France.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Why does the asian cunt lick her lips so much like shes trying to be sexy? Nice try slant puss

Cause it's feeding time.

[Jura]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/BaronCorbinWWE">@BaronCorbinWWE</a> was surprised when <a href="https://twitter.com/CoreyTaylorRock">@CoreyTaylorRock</a> kept his word at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NXTAftershock?src=hash">#NXTAftershock</a> but definitely not intimidated. <a href="https://t.co/22XKaKGzyE">pic.twitter.com/22XKaKGzyE</a></p>&mdash; WWE NXT (@WWENXT) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/658113151863357440">October 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The battle between <a href="https://twitter.com/BaronCorbinWWE">@BaronCorbinWWE</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/CoreyTaylorRock">@CoreyTaylorRock</a> finally got physical at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NXTAftershock?src=hash">#NXTAftershock</a>! <a href="https://t.co/v9sbCK1bZg">https://t.co/v9sbCK1bZg</a></p>&mdash; WWE NXT (@WWENXT) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/658139226505089024">October 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SamoaJoe">@SamoaJoe</a> thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/CoreyTaylorRock">@CoreyTaylorRock</a> for his help in defeating <a href="https://twitter.com/BaronCorbinWWE">@BaronCorbinWWE</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NXTAftershock?src=hash">#NXTAftershock</a>! <a href="https://t.co/k2acmSuOt4">https://t.co/k2acmSuOt4</a></p>&mdash; WWE NXT (@WWENXT) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/658140091915857920">October 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/BaronCorbinWWE">@BaronCorbinWWE</a> was surprised when <a href="https://twitter.com/CoreyTaylorRock">@CoreyTaylorRock</a> kept his word at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NXTAftershock?src=hash">#NXTAftershock</a> but definitely not intimidated. <a href="https://t.co/22XKaKGzyE">pic.twitter.com/22XKaKGzyE</a></p>&mdash; WWE NXT (@WWENXT) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/658113151863357440">October 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The battle between <a href="https://twitter.com/BaronCorbinWWE">@BaronCorbinWWE</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/CoreyTaylorRock">@CoreyTaylorRock</a> finally got physical at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NXTAftershock?src=hash">#NXTAftershock</a>! <a href="https://t.co/v9sbCK1bZg">https://t.co/v9sbCK1bZg</a></p>&mdash; WWE NXT (@WWENXT) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/658139226505089024">October 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SamoaJoe">@SamoaJoe</a> thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/CoreyTaylorRock">@CoreyTaylorRock</a> for his help in defeating <a href="https://twitter.com/BaronCorbinWWE">@BaronCorbinWWE</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NXTAftershock?src=hash">#NXTAftershock</a>! <a href="https://t.co/k2acmSuOt4">https://t.co/k2acmSuOt4</a></p>&mdash; WWE NXT (@WWENXT) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/658140091915857920">October 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Cord holder Corpsing?

SEND FOR THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mr. Nerfect]

The WWE's segment on SportsCenter on ESPN has apparently been doing very well so far. Well enough that a few people have been speculating that ESPN might one day be interested in having a stake in some original content from the WWE. Would ESPN be a good place to air NXT? It's the less silly WWE brand, more focused on the athletic properties of its talent, with more emphasis placed on winning, losing and championships.

If ESPN is willing to pay the rights fee, NXT could open itself up to a wider audience, the guys and gals down there could be paid better, and the rush to move onto RAW and SmackDown might dissipate. You'd obviously still leave the Takeover shows on the WWE Network, and use the ESPN platform to advertise them. Eventually Breaking Ground could follow suit (provided that it builds momentum and continues to deliver as a show).

[Emperor Smeat]

Probably not since ESPN's parent company wants them to slash their budget for the next couple of years. Already having to do layoffs just to prepare for the big cuts.

WWE would have to be willing to take a really low ball offer for NXT rights before the big sports contracts for ESPN really start to kick in.

[Frank Drebin]

True. It's fun to speculate though. I doubt WWE would be that innovative to be able to do such a thing though. Also, after all the effort they've put into the network, I couldn't see them farming out their product.

At the end of the day, nxt is still a development promotion. Can you imagine hyping up how great it is for espn then sending Eva Marie out there?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Probably not since ESPN's parent company wants them to slash their budget for the next couple of years. Already having to do layoffs just to prepare for the big cuts.

WWE would have to be willing to take a really low ball offer for NXT rights before the big sports contracts for ESPN really start to kick in.

True. Maybe they are willing to do so though? The WWE covers the entire overhead of NXT, so they probably wouldn't need that much. If the "WWE" name is enough to get more people in than already watch the network, it could actually be a real sell to the executives that are putting pressure down. It's not like ESPN would need to hire anybody else to work on NXT or anything. They'd just need to press a button and they can spend the next hour firing people.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Thoughts from this week:

* Love Emma. I like the dynamic between her and Dana Brooke, but I hate that Dana is presented as the star. As the "veteran," Emma should be the leader of this duo with Dana being the annoying little kiss-ass. It actually builds up a good dynamic between Bayley and Brooke, as Bayley wouldn't fall into line under Emma a few weeks ago.

* SHAZZA! I've heard good things about Shazza McKenzie. She sold well here, but she honestly didn't impress me as much as Kay Lee Ray, who bounced around like a maniac for Nia Jax. I hate being that objectifying sort of guy, but Kay Lee looked a bit like a crack addict though.

* The tag match between Gable & Jordan and Gargano & Ciampa was AWESOME! I liked the way they challenged the usual formula of WWE tag matches. This was really back-and-forth, the heat didn't last for too long, there were a few stages of it, and I honestly thought they were setting up for a Gargano/Ciampa win at one point. They really played off what people have been conditioned to expect in WWE tag matches. Gable/Jordan are main roster ready right now.

* Dash & Dawson have the best heel attitudes : terrible name ratio in WWE. I think they are as good at being bad with those bad names as they can be.

* Samoa Joe has got presence. Really think the guy has got some value to the WWE, but I'm already sick of seeing him in NXT. It's not his fault, it just feels like he's a big fish in a small pond and is spinning his heels. Send him up to RAW and SmackDown and have him go on a tear.

* Not trying to be negative for no reason, but Apollo Crews sort of annoys me. Maybe he is that guy in real life, but it's really coming off as sappy and hokey. I liked the story they told with Finn Balor, but now it feels like same-same...but different, you know? I've heard the idea floated that Crews will reveal his true colors in the very near future, so I guess that is a possibility. Crews losing to Balor and then attacking him after a polite handshake offer the next week would get Crews pretty hot. They're going to need a new dependable heel now that Tyler Breeze is off.

[VSG]

I am still not sold on Nia Jax, although I like how Emma/Dana Brooke show up on alternate weeks as Asuka. New aussie check got pretty much Alexa Bliss' original gimmick.

I am sold on Gable and Jordan now, and I love The Mechanics even more now.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm not sold on her, but I like the big paws she has. Already seemed to have some things connected. She's got "wrestler" down even more than either Bella at this point. She's just got to carve that gimmick out of the rough stone that's there now.

I'm not sure if she'll end up picked on by the mean fit girls, like Emma and Dana, or if she goes "scary monster" with a handler. There are so many possibilities. I wouldn't rush her though, and I think she's having the matches she should have at the moment.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Worst part of NXT this week: no Peyton Royce or Billie Kay. Shame.

[VSG]

She's definitely got the wrestling part in her, being from the Anoa'i family.

[Lock Jaw]

Just watched.... Loved the tag team match....

Not sold on Nia Jax.... mainly because I have no idea what she is supposed to be.... dark foreboding tron/lights.... but upbeat music.... at least she got dark attire this week.... but then still all smiles and commentators just talk about how "beautiful and powerful" she is, like she is supposed to be an "inspirational" character or something....

Then I got more into her opponent than I did her, again. I think they need to commit one way or the other here.... and the obvious way is to make Nia Jax a "monster".... really get behind her opponents trying to "overcome the odds".... etc....

[The CyNick]

True. Maybe they are willing to do so though? The WWE covers the entire overhead of NXT, so they probably wouldn't need that much. If the "WWE" name is enough to get more people in than already watch the network, it could actually be a real sell to the executives that are putting pressure down. It's not like ESPN would need to hire anybody else to work on NXT or anything. They'd just need to press a button and they can spend the next hour firing people.

NXT in the next 2 years or so will be interesting.

NXT right now provides The Network with unique programming, which is vital for the The Network's growth.

On the other hand, NXT has shown good growth as a touring brand, especially with the show in Brooklyn. The question to me is how wide is their appeal. My personal belief is NXT is popular with a small percentage of the overall sports entertainment audience. And it works for what it is. In fact the perfect home for it is on WWE Network. And they can likely continue to piggy back off big WWE shows and draw good crowds a few times a year.

Everything changes though if NXT gets on cable in any capacity. Now you need to draw a certain number of viewers to be successful. Any organization that is in the vein of NXT (geared toward the passionate wrestling fan) has ultimately failed on cable. On top of that, if it's on cable, now its just a third brand, it's not just a feeder group. As such the booking and characters will be more similar to what you see on RAW and Smackdow.

But it would be hard to turn down the rights fees money if it was presented.

[The CyNick]

I think it's more likely NXT adds an additional hour on the Network. If they can hold a live audience for a two hour show, then I think there's a chance they farm it out to a cable provider.

[Nicky Fives]

Thoughts from this week:

I hate being that objectifying sort of guy, but Kay Lee looked a bit like a crack addict though.


Thought the exact same thing, you are not alone....

[The Destroyer]

Thought the exact same thing, you are not alone....
Well, she is Scottish so he she's probably smacked out of her mind on heroin most of the time.

[Lock Jaw]

I enjoyed her look.... :shifty:

More than Shazza, anyways...

[Mr. Nerfect]

I enjoyed her look.... :shifty:

More than Shazza, anyways...

Hey, I enjoy a good crack addict looking for work as much as the next guy too.

[Mr. Nerfect]

http://i.imgur.com/adTwlv3.jpg

[Fignuts]

Why does the asian cunt lick her lips so much like shes trying to be sexy? Nice try slant puss

I think the idea is she gets sexual pleasure from hurting people.

It works. She's super creepy.

[Fignuts]

Also, how the fuck are Gargano and Ciampa not signed?

[Nicky Fives]

Also, how the fuck are Gargano and Ciampa not signed?

#toosmall

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm fairly certain it's going to be a given they end up there.

[Nicky Fives]

I'm not too certain of that, not a lot of "wrestlers" signed in NXT, but lots of football players, fitness competitors, amateur wrestlers, etc.

[Mr. Nerfect]

They've been making really good impressions. That being said, I guess they didn't sign Blue Pants.

[VSG]

I am more of a believer of Nia Jax after watching the final segment in the second episode of Breaking Ground. She's super strong.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Also, how the fuck are Gargano and Ciampa not signed?

They make enough being indy guys and probably get more for apperance now that they are on WWETV on the regular.

[DaveWadding]

Love Asuka.

[Lock Jaw]

http://i.imgur.com/bmvnq2W.gif

I also enjoyed whoever Eva Marie's opponent was...

[Emperor Smeat]

:lol:

http://abload.de/img/20151104204305svumw.jpg

[Poit]

Izzy knows what's up.

[Ermaximus]

Loving me some Asuka.

[Innovator]

http://i.imgur.com/bmvnq2W.gif

I also enjoyed whoever Eva Marie's opponent was...

Gionna Daddio

http://i.imgur.com/wh7NsWD.jpg

[Lock Jaw]

Nice.... They should obviously sign her if they haven't...

[The Destroyer]

Unlike some of the women from last week, she is most definitely signed. :y:

[DAMN iNATOR]

Love Asuka.

Loving me some Asuka.

I'm with you both. Probably my 2nd favorite NXT women's division wrestler after of course (WHO ELSE?! :love:) Bayley.

[Frank Drebin]

More classy public bathroom selfies.

[XL]

HHH spoiled D&Ds Tag Title win via a friend of mine sharing his post.

Love the fact that Blake & Murphy have made moves to differentiate themselves from one another. I'm still not sure which Uso is which after all these years, now have the same problem with Dash and Dawson. Blake has gone blonde and that's a really good way to get people to know which one you are; b for blonde, b for Blake. This week Blake was also in trunks.

[Innovator]

Love me some Dash and Dawson. Best team in NXT that isn't ready, willing, and Gable

[hb2k]

Agree, but if they want to emulate the Brain Busters, then they'd better be able to talk like them and have the great big show matches like them, because you strip promos and ability from Tully and Arn and you've got yourselves a team that look mighty good losing to Los Matadores.

[VSG]

I am a big fan of the guys so I welcome their victory.

I also liked the Nia Jax segment with the belt, especially since it is pretty obvious Bayley is retaining next week.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Scott Dawson has something. I like him in interviews and promos so far. Dash probably has further to go, but that's why this team is great for them. Love them as a heel duo and they are a great choice to carry the belts moving forward.

Fucking hate both their names though. Dawson? Dash? Ugh. I'm still going with Scott Anderson & Bruce Wilder.

[VSG]

Scott Dawson w/Sylvestor LeFort was the bomb though, better theme back then too if I do say so myself.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w6KMhIh4UNw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Jobber Corbin makes up for shitty video quality.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Nia Jax looked good this week. I'm starting to get what her vibe is all about. I wish there was a longer way up for her though.

Fucking hate The Hype Bros. I'm sure Mojo is a genuinely cool guy and a team player in real life, but he just comes off as so obnoxious. He needs to turn on Ryder after D&D retain the belts against them or something.

Joe's promo was good. Guy gets how to be a heel. I just don't know if I completely agree with this direction.

Tye Dillinger is pretty great, but it feels like he's just buzzing along. The dude needs a feud with someone. It'd make sense to give him a tag partner to go against Jordan & Gable in the coming weeks. Dillinger & Breeze would have been a natural fit.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I liked the Dawson/LeFort pairing. Gave Dawson this vibe that he was a prize-fighter.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I can't be the only one that hates The Hype Bros, can I?

[VSG]

I don't know what to make of them. Mojo Rawley is more bearable here and it does really seem like this is them taking their natural selves to 11 but I don't think I would ever pay to see them on my tv, let alone in person.

[Nicky Fives]

Mojo's gig works well for live events to get the fans "hyped" (pun intended), but doesn't do so well on TV when the pops are bigger for the larger stars....

[Mr. Nerfect]

I just find it so annoying. Dude seems like he would be a great dick heel.

[Mr. Nerfect]

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s492/steve_cook411/2012%20Hot%20100/jessie2012.jpg

Some Billie Kay to lighten up the mood.

[Volare]

Is Paige trying to get her own Kliq into the Divas division?

Paige vs Billie Kay

http://www.diva-dirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/motw_81015.png

[DaveWadding]

Needs more Peyton Royce.

[ron the dial]

you've got that right

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Have you heard? <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE">@WWE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumble?src=hash">#RoyalRumble</a> weekend now includes a special <a href="https://twitter.com/WWENXT">@WWENXT</a> taping! FULL STORY: <a href="https://t.co/MNZxnjyqMj">https://t.co/MNZxnjyqMj</a> <a href="https://t.co/WhxFeHaguS">pic.twitter.com/WhxFeHaguS</a></p>&mdash; WWE NXT (@WWENXT) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/666300018970742785">November 16, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Doesn't seem like its an official Special and just a regular live tv taping since they wouldn't have enough time for a real build. London Special is next month and this new event just a little over a month later.

[Mr. Nerfect]

https://fbcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-0/p480x480/11855680_889113311165039_8860776199429771574_n.jpg?oh=de9978043d942ecc56526a1c0aa54b74&oe=56B61678&__gda__=1455523400_8768ef1def2d4d8173a89ff9a450e5b9

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Would quite happily go "down under" on any/all of Emma, Billie Kay, or Peyton Royce.</font>

[Mr. Nerfect]

Australia has a phenomenal array of female talent at the moment. I'm glad those are the three under contract however.

[The Destroyer]

Not confirmed why he's there but another ex-TNA talent was seen at Full Sail today ahead of the TV tapings they're doing later. Spoilered just in case.

Austin Aries

[Emperor Smeat]

Spoilers for the next set of tapings:
November 25th Episode:
* Michael Cole comes to the ring for the NXT "Takeover: London" contract signing between Samoa Joe and NXT Champion Finn Balor. Cole is in charge until Regal returns to work after having the neck surgery, which should be Takeover. Balor and Joe come out for the signing and everything is going smooth until Finn goes to leave and Joe attacks him on the ramp from behind. Joe chokes Finn out in the middle of a referee pile

* The Vaudevillains vs. The Mechanics for the NXT Tag Team Titles is next. Dawson and Dash retain clean. After the match, Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady run down and attack the champs, chasing them off

* Asuka vs. Dana Brooke is next but Emma jumps Asuka from behind and they beat her down

* Apollo Crews defeated Jesse Sorensen. After the match, Crews accepted Baron Corbin's Takeover challenge

* Eva Marie vs. NXT Women's Champion Bayley is in progress. Nia Jax has already pulled one referee out of the ring to help Eva. Eva has almost stolen a few pins as well. Bayley retains after a super Belly to Bayley. After the match, Nia attacks Bayley and leaves her laying

* Baron Corbin defeated Tye Dillinger with End of Days


December 2nd Episode:
* Nia Jax squashed Blue Pants

* James Storm defeated Adam Rose with a superkick

* Chad Gable and Jason Jordan defeated The Vaudevillains clean. Simon Gotch and Aiden English walked away from a handshake after the match

* Emma defeated Gionna Daddio, now using the name Liv Morgan

* Asuka appears on the big screen training with a heavy bag. She says, "Emma, see you in London."

* Samoa Joe defeated Tommaso Ciampa in a violent, hard-hitting match


December 9th Episode:
* Bull Dempsey defeated Riddick Moss in a match that had some comedy spots the crowd enjoyed

* Enzo Amore and Big Cass with Carmella defeated Corey Hollis and John Skyler

* Asuka defeated Deonna Purrazzo by knockout. Emma and Dana appeared on the stage to taunt her

* Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley defeated Blake and Murphy with a super Rough Ryder off the top

* Bayley defeated Peyton Royce in a non-title match. After the match, Eva Marie and Nia Jax came out to the stage to huge boos. Nia says, "see you in London."

* Finn Balor and Apollo Crews vs. Samoa Joe and Baron Corbin is the main event. Joe chokes Finn out and the referee stops the match. The show ends with Joe holding the NXT Title

[VSG]

Speaking of ex TNA talent, Emma faced Rosie Lottalove (minus quite a few pounds) this week on NXT.

[Dark One]

Not confirmed why he's there but another ex-TNA talent was seen at Full Sail today ahead of the TV tapings they're doing later. Spoilered just in case.

Austin Aries

Got hyped. Did not stay hyped after absence in spoilers.

[Lock Jaw]

Just watched the past two weeks.

Surprised at Dash/Dawson tag title win, and how it was so "dominating". Looking forward to the inevitable Dash/Dawson & Gable/Jordan match.

I too really like Scott Dawson. Loved him back before his big injury when he was with Sylvester Lefort and Rusev.... I am glad they are finally getting back behind the guy.


I am glad that they finally seem to have committed to the fact that Nia Jax is a heel. She is improving, but in my own personal opinion, needs to stop smiling so much. Needs to act more like a monster and smile way less. Also needs less upbeat music. All in all, potential there, but needs more practice portraying a monster.


I like the way they are building up Emma. Sure, it is just to job to Asuka, but it makes it a lot more "meaningful" the way they are doing this. Emma's opponent looked like she could one day maybe play a "badass monster" herself.....


NXT fans finding a new way to annoy me with random "Heyyyyyy we want some Bayley" chants.....


Eva Marie did not react well to being booed out of the building.... but what did I expect.... At least the match should be "fun" from a "energy of the crowd" stand point. Which is ironic because I just got done saying the crowd was annoying me.

[Dark One]

Eva Marie did not react well to being booed out of the building.... but what did I expect.... At least the match should be "fun" from a "energy of the crowd" stand point. Which is ironic because I just got done saying the crowd was annoying me.

This is probably accurate play-by-play of the match:

"HEEEEY WE WAAANT SOME BAAAAYLEY HEEEEY WE WAAANT SOME BAAAAYLEY HEEEEY WE WAAANT SOME BAAAAYLEY" Bayley goes for a--"HEEEEY WE WAAANT SOME BAAAAYLEY" Eva Marie counters with a kick to--BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Bayley coming back with an elb--"HEEEEY WE WAAANT SOME BAAAAYLEY"

[The Destroyer]

Those Bayley chants were really, really annoying.

[The Destroyer]

Got hyped. Did not stay hyped after absence in spoilers.
Once again the hype fails to deliver. :(

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm tempted to click the spoilers, as my interest in NXT hasn't been as high as it usually is. Maybe it's because Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks and Kevin Owens are gone. It feels like the new crew is finding its way to completely winning my heart. But I will refrain from reading them to give everything a chance to genuinely surprise me.

[Mr. Nerfect]

This week's thoughts:

* Carmella worked her ass off against Nia Jax -- who also looked tremendous. I was impressed by both girls here. Carmella is finding a look and presence that suits her as a babyface. I thought she would be condemned to a forced bitch heel turn. She's getting pluck down.

* Three women's matches on one show? Sick. Emma gets hotter and hotter each week, and she's embracing this heel persona. I liked her wearing the gloves for a little bit. Her opponenet was a good choice -- a girl with size ("dominance") to prepare her not only for Asuka, but also theoretically Nia Jax.

* Jason Jordan & Chad Gable's gear looks better. These guys are ready for the main roster. They're ready to plug in. The Ascension were over as crazy here. It's crazy how people miss you if you go away, isn't it? Konnor looked alive here, and Viktor looked sharp. He's a guy that "gets it" in the ring. He may not be a major star on his own (or even with Konnor), but he's a good solid hand in the ring that often gets overlooked because of the "RAWR!" gimmick.

* Samoa Joe cuts a good promo. An old-school good promo. Love that shit. Part of me hopes he beats Finn Balor and goes on a tear, with Balor moving up to the main roster.

* Love Dash & Dawson as a team; still hate the names. Apparently they knew each other growing up. Kind of a cool story there.

* Those Bayley chants are REALLY fucking annoying. So bad. Maybe cute the first time, but now they make me want to see Bayley go away. Seriously they need to tour out of Full Sail just to get away from those chants that just mark out for themselves.

* Alexa Bliss is a good heel and gets the stuff that is hardest to teach, but she still has a way to go in getting really fluent in the ring. I like that she lost and can now move on.

* Eva Marie gets so much heat, but it kind of pisses me off too. Not because I love her or anything, but because the heat has reached an unwarranted stage. Like they won't even let her talk. Shut the fuck up, dorks. I would kind of reverse mark out if Eva beats Bayley next week.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Again, NXT set up a lot for the next week:

* Joe/Balor contract signing.

* Bayley vs. Eva

* Vaudevillains vs. The Bad Names

Good stuff.

[Mr. Nerfect]

If they do bring in Gunner and James Storm, I'd like to see NXT rip-off the Monster's Ball concept a little somehow and do a "Devil's Dance" at Takeover: London. Throw Rhyno into the mix. Maybe something like a Triple Threat Elimination Match -- No DQ, pinfall or submission for the first round; Last Man Standing for the final fall? I dunno.

[Ultra Mantis]

Gunner seems like a really odd choice to drag out the sea from HMS Tits&Ass on account of he's awful. Throw him back.

[Emperor Smeat]

I am glad that they finally seem to have committed to the fact that Nia Jax is a heel. She is improving, but in my own personal opinion, needs to stop smiling so much. Needs to act more like a monster and smile way less. Also needs less upbeat music. All in all, potential there, but needs more practice portraying a monster.

Agree on the music but the smiling could work if its done more in an Asuka way. Right now her smiling doesn't have the same sinister vibes of something really bad about to happen.

[Poit]

I kinda like the idea of Nia Jax being a monster heel, but Eva Marie has deluded her into believing she's a dominant face.

[Damian Rey]

Dear Jesus, how epic would it be for Eva Marie to win the women's title. I'd be all for a 30 day run, just for the heat factor.

[XL]

I'm hoping that as Eva Marie hasn't been on TV for over a month (which means she has had 2 months of further training) that she blows us all away in this match against Bayley.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Eva Marie as heel champion with Nia Jax as her "protoge". Mega-heat.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Dear Jesus, how epic would it be for Eva Marie to win the women's title. I'd be all for a 30 day run, just for the heat factor.

Yeah but when Full Sail is empty the next taping?

[Lock Jaw]

It won't be.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Only because they probably taped 5 shows in a row. If Eva won. I would immediately leave.

[Lock Jaw]

Even if Eva was a long term champion, they would still sell out.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Yeah, she's a hot act. Got genuine heat for just being her. If she legitimately screwed Bayley and you had the Bayley chase and the promise of Asuka coming after her, people would be hooked. They'd be bitching about it the whole time, but they'd be hooked.

[The Destroyer]

Solomon Crowe has been granted his release after requesting it. So long.

[VSG]

Don't blame the guy at all.

[The Destroyer]

Yeah me neither really. He wasn't getting used and I never really felt it as far as his matches went. He was supposedly pretty good on the indies, so he should be in a good place as far as getting work goes.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I thought the "computer hacker" gimmick Crowe was meant to have when he first was approaching a debut could have gone somewhere cool. But as it was he was just sorta there.

He'll be fine back on the indies.</font>

[Lock Jaw]

Not really gonna miss him.

I miss CJ Parker, though.

[Simple Fan]

<font color=goldenrod>I thought the "computer hacker" gimmick Crowe was meant to have when he first was approaching a debut could have gone somewhere cool. But as it was he was just sorta there.

He'll be fine back on the indies.</font>

I thought when they brought back the Anonymous Raw GM it would have been cool to have it be him that was behind it.

[XL]

I'd have been ok with an Eva Marie win given the way it was framed.

[Evil Vito]

Not really gonna miss him.

I miss CJ Parker, though.

<font color=goldenrod>CJ Parker was excellent once he adapted his "asshole environmentalist" gimmick.</font>

[VSG]

This was one of the best NXT episodes I have ever seen. Everything from the contract signing to Lil Naitch establishing the corporate involvement with Eva Marie was done very well I felt.

[Lock Jaw]

I really wish that Eva Marie was a lick of good in the ring, because as XL said, I found myself thinking that I wouldn't have minded a title switch "given the scenario".

I think there would be theoretical "money" in Bayley chasing Eva Marie, corporate champion. And then in Asuka murdering Eva Marie, corporate champion.

[VSG]

Yeah, but this way they solve the issue of Nia Jax coming off generic big woman. Bayley vs Nia Jax at Takeover London and next major event for rematch, and Asuka vs Nia Jax later should be good.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I want to see Asuka kill everyone indiscriminately.</font>

[Mercenary]

<font color=goldenrod>I want to see Asuka kill everyone indiscriminately.</font>

I do too. Asuka is by far my favorite nxt diva

[Mr. Nerfect]

Talent be damned, I'd have done the switch to Eva Marie. As a champion, I don't see much value in Bayley as a long-term champion. Obviously she needs to succeed to prove to little girls and boys that you can "make it," but the money is in her chasing. Eva Marie -- with Nia Jax as her enforcer -- would have been a tremendous heel champion. That's the sort of champion Nikki Bella should have been.

Given that the WWE have already worn out Charlotte, Paige and Becky Lynch, I'm thinking more and more that the money women's match at WrestleMania 32 is Sasha Banks defending against Bayley. NXT can survive with Eva Marie, corporate champion; Nia Jax, bad-ass enforcer; Asuka, bringer of death; Emma & Dana, bitch heel team; and Billie & Peyton, adorable plucky faces for a few months. You've also got Carmella and Alexa Bliss down there doing their thing on the face and heel side, respectively, and Athena yet to make her debut. I'd like to see Sarah Stock on TV in the Natalya role too.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I almost don't want to see another woman get called up from NXT because they're invariably going to flop on the main roster due to the general incompetence and dumbassery of the WWE writing staff.</font>

[Mr. Nerfect]

I wouldn't be opposed to seeing more of them moved down.

[VSG]

Evil Emma agrees

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<font color=goldenrod>I almost don't want to see another woman get called up from NXT because they're invariably going to flop on the main roster due to the general incompetence and dumbassery of the WWE writing staff.</font>

Sexist fans more than anything.

[Emperor Smeat]

The remix or new song they gave for Blue Pants' return sounded horrible. Should have just kept Big Cass' rendition of the song.

[XL]

Was that her being written off?

[Dark One]

The remix or new song they gave for Blue Pants' return sounded horrible. Should have just kept Big Cass' rendition of the song.

Probably someone got their panties in a knot about copyright.

[Emperor Smeat]

If it was, should have at least gotten someone else to sing the remix. Whoever it was sounded really bored and/or forgot what the new lyrics were supposed to be.

[VSG]

Who's the new in-ring announcer? She's hot.

Glad to see Ciampa getting more tv matches on NXT too, even if it went exactly like I thought it would.

[VSG]

NVM, google had my back there- Dasha Fuentes.

[Innovator]

Joe Back

[KIRA]

Asuka= diva killer
I Love her!

[Mr. Nerfect]

I was going to miss it, but I decided to give NXT a watch this week. Emma vs. Asuka is good stuff. Jason Jordan & Chad Gable are main roster ready.

[Innovator]

Chad Gable is already the WWE World Heavyweight Champion

Of my heart

[Poit]

Ready
Willing
Gable

[Mr. Nerfect]

He cannot quite dethrone Cesaro for me.

[Mr. Nerfect]

If you ask me, Jason Jordan, Chad Gable, Emma, Asuka, Samoa Joe and James Storm should all be main roster right now.

[XL]

Nope. Quite happy with them exactly where they are.

[Lock Jaw]

Just watched....

Forgot to mention this the last time he had a match, but I dislike Tye Dillinger's new theme. Loved his first "Perfect 10" theme.... I guess it probably was a "generic theme" or something "not owned by WWE"....

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yBhEKkq_F-4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Damian Rey]

Sounds a bit much like Apollo Crews theme.

[Lock Jaw]

Which one?

[Lock Jaw]

Cause neither of them really do.

First one kind of reminds me of The Avengers.... and being called "City Invasion", that is prob intentional.... prob some generic knockoff.... which is why they changed it..... but I liked it anyways.

[VSG]

Good super serious promo by Enzo and Cass at the beginning. Sold me on the rivalry and motivation for the match being more than the gold.

[VSG]

Any time I hear Asuka's music play, I am a happy person.

[VSG]

Also, Evil Emma's music

[VSG]

Corey Graves is tremendous in this Hype Bros vs Blake/Murphy tag match

[VSG]

Nia Jax getting massive heat finally due to Eva Marie. I wish she cut a better promo talking about how much larger and stronger she is than the usual "this is my destiny" talk though.

[drave]

Good super serious promo by Enzo and Cass at the beginning. Sold me on the rivalry and motivation for the match being more than the gold.

It was definitely noticeable. The entire match had a different tone and made me want to see the match next week. THIS is the type of shit the main roster needs to do to get people to "care"


Any time I hear Asuka's music play, I am a happy person.

She is beautful

Corey Graves is tremendous in this Hype Bros vs Blake/Murphy tag match

If he continues to improve, he will be great on commentary for the "main roster". Great heel commentator.

Nia Jax getting massive heat finally due to Eva Marie. I wish she cut a better promo talking about how much larger and stronger she is than the usual "this is my destiny" talk though.


Meh, bored by her so far. She is big but that is all.

[VSG]

Also, the drool sell for the coquina clutch was top level.

[Emperor Smeat]

Zayn from his return on the UK tour:

https://scontent-ams3-1.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xft1/t51.2885-15/e35/12353196_773842226094271_576263552_n.jpg

[Nicky Fives]

If you ask me, Jason Jordan, Chad Gable, Emma, Asuka, Samoa Joe and James Storm should all be main roster right now.

Gable & Jordan need just a little more seasoning for me, but other than that you are 100% correct

[Nicky Fives]

Enzo & Cass versus The New Day would be money... size and speed versus size and speed, and throw it some Xavier/Carmella shenanigans on the outside......

[VSG]

New Day are close to getting overexposed as it is, I wouldn't want Enzo and Cass in there now.

[Tom Guycott]

Any time I hear Asuka's music play, I am a happy person.

Me too. I also like the fact that it isn't stereotypically Japanese. I know that sounds weird, considering the mask and robe deal, but it's just a badass theme for a badass submission machine who doesn't even have to snap.

[Lock Jaw]

Watching this week's....

"Ha ha" at none of the commentators knowing Simon Gotch was supposed to be one of the Doctor Whos.... I don't even watch it and I knew...

"Huge pop" for Gable/Jordan it seemed...

[Lock Jaw]

Vicious boos for Mojo Rawley tagging himself in and forcing Gable out.... immediate "We want Gable" chants....

[Lock Jaw]

Jason Jordan suplex machine

Some sweet T-BOOOONES

[Lock Jaw]

"The Drifter" very underwhelming. (Good top rope elbow drop, though)

[Lock Jaw]

Sami Zayn's image "not looking good" right now.... huge pop, though....

[Lock Jaw]

Still very "likable" and "relate-able" on the mic, though.... if he can just stop getting injured and keep his "image" looking good, he could be "big" for the company....

[VSG]

I don't care about Elias Samson at all, but then again I simply don't understand why Tye Dillinger is so over now either.

[VSG]

Stop using double quotes like that, LJ Rodney. They don't mean what you think.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Evil Emma continues to call throughout time and space to me, almost drawing me back to NXT...

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Fallen behind on NXT.

Pretty bad sign when my interest in wrestling is low enough that I allow myself to fall behind on NXT even though I don't watch Raw.</font>

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm in the same boat. I hate main show WWE more than I love NXT at this point. I feel that I've become "conditioned" to NXT too. It's great solid wrestling, and that should spoil me enough, but the patterns are becoming obvious.

I honestly believe that losing Becky Lynch, Charlotte and Sasha Banks was a bit damaging for the show. There's no one there who really "grabs" me now. I mean, Asuka is awesome, Chad Gable is entertaining and all that all -- but I feel like I am always waiting for that "next" moment.

[Dark One]

"The Drifter" very underwhelming. (Good top rope elbow drop, though)

I think the lack of reaction hurt. London probably wasn't the right place to debut. I think the character could go somewhere since the vignettes have felt different and been somewhat intriguing, but having him just go out in front of a crowd who clearly wanted to see their favorites and no one else and just have "a match" was not helpful.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I like Elias Sampson. He showed something a few months ago when I saw him. He seemed to get "the little things." I'm not sure where I'd really like to see him fit.

[Emperor Smeat]

Spoilers for the next set of shows (January 13th - Februrary 3rd). Small note that NXT taped a pilot show called NXT Kids which is meant to be a kid friendly version of NXT or similar to what Saturday Morning Slam was.

Next set of tapings will happen on January 22nd and cover up to Mania.

NXT Kids
Becky Lynch and Natalya both made their return to Full Sail and faced off in a singles match. This match was for NXT Kids and Izzy and some other children got introduced in the ring beforehand. Becky got the victory via pinfall.

In another match for NXT Kids, Big Show defeated Heath Slater via leg drop, then pretended to give Heath CPR in the ring. After the match, Big Show and Izzy shared a moment.

Episode 1 (to air Jan. 13)
General Manager William Regal announces that there will be a women's battle royale to determine the next No. 1 contender for the NXT Women's Championship. He then brings out Sami Zayn, who addresses the Full Sail crowd and says he'd like to be the first two-time NXT Champion. Samoa Joe interrupts him. Baron Corbin interrupts both. Corbin and Joe agree that Sami's place is at the back of the line. Zayn fights Joe off while Corbin leaves them to it.

Tommaso Ciampa defeated Danny Burch via submission

The Ascension faced NXT Tag Team Champions Dash and Dawson in a non-title match. The champs picked up the victory over the former most dominant team in NXT history.

Elias Samson was in action against Corey Hollis. He picked up the win with a spinning neckbreaker.

The women's battle royale participants include Billie Kay, Eva Marie, Asuka, Emma, Carmella, Alexa Bliss, Peyton Royce, Deonna Purrazzo and Aliyah. Carmella ended up winning to become the No. 1 contender. Bayley congratulated her afterwards. BayMella is now on a collision course!

Episode 2 (to air Jan. 20)
Sami Zayn vs. Adam Rose opens up the second show. Zayn kept in the win column by picking up the submission victory.

Apollo Crews and Tye Dillinger faced off in a singles match. Crews got the pinfall following his spinning atomic power bomb (as featured on the season finale of Breaking Ground). After the match, Crews says he wants a no-DQ match against Finn Bálor since their last one ended with an interruption. He says it doesn't necessarily have to be for the title.

Rich Swann made his NXT debut, facing Baron Corbin. Corbin picked up the win with a spinning End of Days.

Alexa Bliss and Emma were accompanied to the ring for their tag team match against Bayley and Carmella. BayMella is now officially in canon. The besties for realsies picked up the clean win.

Johnny Gargano faced Samoa Joe in singles action. Samoa Joe won by submission.

Episode 3 (to air Jan. 27)
Gable and Jordan (who are now called American Alpha) vs. Blake and Murphy opened the show. Gable and Jordan won by pinfall.

Nia Jax defeated Liv Morgan in a short squash match. Eva Marie accompanied Jax and celebrated with her after the win.

Alex Riley made his NXT return, getting a quick win over Bull Dempsey.

Elias Samson had a singles match against John Skylar. The Drifter picked up his second victory of the night but the Full Sail crowd has reportedly turned against his gimmick in a big way.

The main event of Episode 3 is Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin vs. Samoa Joe in a triple threat match to determine a No. 1 contender to Finn Bálor's NXT Championship. Corbin tapped while he was in a double submission (crossface from Joe and sharpshooter from Sami), so there was no clear winner. William Regal came out to try to make sense of things.

Episode 4 (to air Feb. 3)
The Vaudevillains and the Hype Bros opened Episode 4 with some tag team action. The Vaudevillains managed to get back in the win column with a pinfall victory.

Carmella defeated Emma with a backslide. Emma was once again accompanied to the ring by Dana Brooke.

Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady defeated two local talents who weren't introduced by the ring announcer.

In singles action, Asuka defeated Santana Garrett (formerly known as Brittany in TNA), who was making her NXT debut. Asuka got the win by submission.

The main event of the episode is Finn Bálor vs. Apollo Crews in a non-title match. The Demon was not present. Bálor used the Bloody Sunday to get the victory, a bit of a change from the usual Coup de Grace.

[Nicky Fives]

Looks like Sampson is going to become the next Baron Corbin....

[XL]

A lot of these women in NXT look too similar to one another.

I really don't know Peyton Royce from Billy Kae and now Liv Morgan could be Alexa Bliss' twin.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I love them all.

[The CyNick]

I like Sampson.

Womens Battle Royal was a miss in my opinion aside from the finish. Would have rather seen a 4 way or something. Could have told the same story.

Dash and Dawson are awesome.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'd like to see AJ Styles reveal that he and The Bullet Club were behind Hideo Itami being taken out. This puts Balor in the middle between his friendship with Itami and his friendships with The Bullet Club. This sets up Itami vs. Styles very nicely for Dallas -- where Itami drops the "Hideo Itami" persona and comes out as "KENTA". You can also do something like Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe vs. Sami Zayn for the NXT Championship, and Baron Corbin vs. Apollo Crews II.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

I'd like to see AJ Styles reveal that he and The Bullet Club were behind Hideo Itami being taken out. .

That would insult the intelligence of the fans. NXT fans know AJ was in Japan. Vince could do something like that but not Triple H.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I can't remember which show it was, but I remember seeing Karl Anderson backstage at one of the NXT events. It wouldn't be a stretch to imagine him taking out Hideo Itami to help out his former buddy. Keep in mind that Itami was meant to face Finn Balor and Tyler Breeze on the night he got injured.

You start off with Itami vs. Anderson, and then you have Styles and Gallows come out, revealing that AJ was the one behind the attack. Like the mafia don behind the scenes. Itami then goes after Styles, but gets cut off by Gallows as Styles just laughs. Itami asks Balor if he knows anything about it, and Balor states that he didn't and he doesn't approve of what Karl Anderson did, but he's not going to get involved. Itami points at Balor's NXT Championship and tells him "A black cloud hangs over this. Gold has changed you." Balor looks all intense and upset as Itami walks away.

They do a big beat-down segment on NXT TV one week. Balor comes out, and looks all heelish. Styles passes him a steel chair to take out Itami as Anderson and Gallows hold him. Balor instead takes out Styles with the chair, as Anderson and Gallows retreat. The next week Balor says that Itami is right -- he may not have deserved to have become #1 Contender at Unstoppable, but he'll prove he deserves to be champion with every subsequent decision he makes.

Just one possible way to kick-off a Balor vs. Styles feud, or continue an Itami vs. Styles one.

[Lock Jaw]

That would insult the intelligence of the fans. NXT fans know AJ was in Japan. Vince could do something like that but not Triple H.

Pretty sure the fans would not care. Well, the majority of them. I guess there will always be those who think like you do.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Just to put it simply: AJ Styles could have ordered the hit from Japan as a favor to his "buddy." That makes sense, and actually makes Styles more of a dick heel.

"I did it for The Demon. I did it for the people." You just know that will get a reaction at Full Sail.

[Lock Jaw]

Really enjoy Corey Graves as a commentator....

Speculating on how "The Drifter" drifted his way from London to Florida had me laughing.

[VSG]

On his wooden guitar

[Nicky Fives]

That would insult the intelligence of the fans. NXT fans know AJ was in Japan. Vince could do something like that but not Triple H.

Because he couldn't have flown home to "visit family" and his connecting flight back to the west coast from Georgia was through Orlando? I'm not familiar with NJPW but as long as he didn't have a show within 2-3 days when Itami was attacked, it's easy enough to be explained....

[Lock Jaw]

Watching this week's episode.... Good promo showing from THE AMERICAN ALPHAS.

I hope they get a remake of The American Males theme, but with American Alphas instead!

[Lock Jaw]

Apollo Crews' entrance just makes me laugh now with the underwhelming steam columns as he poses at the top of the ramp......

[Lock Jaw]

Crowd seems more into Tye Dillinger than Apollo Crews....

[Lock Jaw]

Never heard of this Rich Swann guy.... fans seemed to pop for him, though.....

[Lock Jaw]

Less a swan and more a dolphin.... Flipper

[Lock Jaw]

Carmella seems to have lost her accent....

[Lock Jaw]

Evil Emma and Evil Alexa together...... good team

[Emperor Smeat]

NXT cramming more shows than usual due to WWE switching all focus towards Mania very soon.

Spoilers for the upcoming set of shows starting on Februrary 10th and ending on March 2nd.

February 10th Episode:
* Baron Corbin defeated Johnny Gargano with End of Days

* Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley defeated two enhancement talents

* Alexa Bliss defeated Cameron with a top rope splash

* Elias Samson defeated Jesse Sorensen

* Bayley retained the NXT Women's Title over Carmella with a roll through. This was a clean match. They hugged after the match and raised arms. Eva Marie and Nia Jax run down and destroy Carmella. Bayley also gets knocked down but Asuka makes the save. She has a staredown with Eva and Nia to scare them off. Asuka then stares Bayley down to a huge "yes!" chant


February 17th Episode:
* Enzo Amore, Colin Cassady, Chad Gable, Jason Jordan vs. Dash, Dawson, Blake and Murphy is next. The babyfaces get the win after Jordan runs wild, then Enzo and Cass hit the splash

* Asuka defeated Deonna Purrazzo

* Tye Dillinger defeated Alex Riley

* Samoa Joe vs. Sami Zayn in a #1 contenders match ended in a draw. Sami had Joe beat after a Helluva Kick but it ended with a double pin when Sami's shoulders were down as he fell on Joe for a pin


February 24th Episode:
* Chad Gable and Jason Jordan defeated Blake and Murphy in a lengthy match, using the alley-oop German suplex

* Apollo Crews defeated Christopher Girard (Biff Busick) with the big slam

* Tommaso Ciampa defeated Bull Dempsey by submission

* Eva Marie and Nia Jax defeated Carmella and Bayley when Nia dropped a leg on Carmella and Eva tagged herself in for the pin


March 2nd Episode:
* NXT General Manager William Regal announces Joe vs. Zayn in a 2 of 3 Falls Match for the next tapings, winner will be #1 contender

* The Vaudevillains defeated Hugo Knox and Tucker Knight

* Elias Samson defeated Steve Cutler

* Emma defeated Santana Garrett by submission

* Regal announced he's signed Austin Aries and introduced him. Before Aries could make it into the ring, Baron Corbin attacked him from behind and destroyed him at ringside

* Neville vs. NXT Champion Finn Balor is the main event. Balor wins the non-title match with a Bloody Sunday after a foot stomp. This was said to be a great match

[Volare]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BQ0qFidCEyo?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/npn34yn8GJE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[XL]

Shouldn't that Aries video be spoiler tagged?

[Simple Fan]

WWE has already sent out a press release about it.

[XL]

Yeah, I just saw it all over the 100k thread.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

So odds are good his debut match is TakeOver: Dallas? :drool:

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm going to be honest -- not sold on Crews. Something is missing.

[Emperor Smeat]

Final set of January tapings to get everything covered up till Mania week. Also a special announcement was made during one of the tapings.

March 9th Episode:
* Sami Zayn vs. Samoa Joe in a #1 contenders 2 of 3 Falls match is first. Joe wins the first fall with a Musclebuster at around 30 minutes. Around 10 minutes later, Sami gets the second fall with a Koji clutch. Less than 10 minutes later, Joe wins the match and the third fall with a clutch


March 16th Episode:
* Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley defeated Angelo Dawkins and Kenneth Crawford

* Emma with Dana Brooke defeated Deonna Purrazzo with the Emma Lock

* Tommaso Ciampa defeated Jesse Sorensen by submission

* Bayley and Asuka vs. Eva Marie and Nia Jax is next. Bayley gets the win for her team by pinning Eva. NXT General Manager William Regal comes out and names Asuka the #1 contender for "Takeover: Dallas"


March 23rd Episode:
* Chad Gable and Jason Jordan defeated The Vaudevillains to become the new #1 contenders

* A video airs with Shinsuke Nakamura and Regal announces Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn for "Takeover: Dallas"

* Johnny Gargano defeated Elias Samson but Samson beat him down after the match. Apollo Crews runs out and stops the beat down from going too far. Samson and Crews have a staredown

* NXT Champion Finn Balor defeated Rich Swann with Bloody Sunday in a fun non-title match

* Alexa Bliss defeated Mary Dobson with the Sparkle Splash

* Bull Dempsey vs. Danny Burch never happened as Samoa Joe choked them out to send a message


March 30th Episode:
* Asuka defeated Emma in a long match with the Asuka Lock

* Austin Aries defeated Riddick Moss by submission

* Chad Gable and Jason Jordan defeated Skyler and Hollis

* Baron Corbin defeated an enhancement talent

* NXT Tag Team Champions Dash and Dawson defeated Steve Cutler and Tucker Knight in a non-title match

* Apollo Crews defeated Alex Riley. After the match, Elias Samson taunted Crews from the stage by playing a song

* Samoa Joe defeated Bull Dempsey by submission but doesn't let go of the hold. Regal sends a bunch of guys out to pull him off but Joe handles them all. Balor makes the save but Joe roughs him up. Finn fights back and even dives off the announce table during the brawl. Joe grabs Balor from behind but Balor fights him off again to end the show

[Corndad]

Takeover is kinda shaping up to Unbelievable. Might out Mania... Mania

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Good thing I bumped my flight to early Friday Morning. NXT NXT NXT!

[Disturbed316]

Might have to resubscribe to the network for the Dallas show.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

I'm going to be honest -- not sold on Crews. Something is missing.

It's his promo. He's missing that. Also I don't know if I like the amount of smiling he does. Need to be hungry not happy.

[Mr. Nerfect]

It's his promo. He's missing that. Also I don't know if I like the amount of smiling he does. Need to be hungry not happy.

It might be his promo, but there's something in-ring too. He's all steak and no sizzle to me for some reason.

[Mr. Nerfect]

So the NXT Takeover card is set to be:

NXT Championship
Finn Balor (c) vs. Samoa Joe

NXT Women's Championship
Bayley (c) vs. Asuka

NXT Tag Team Championship
Dash & Dawson (c) vs. American Alpha

Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Rumored:

Baron Corbin vs. Austin Aries

Apollo Crews vs. Elias Sampson

Hot fucking damn.

[VSG]

That's a pretty epic card already.

This week's show was pretty decent too. Alex Riley was the surprise mostly. Especially the promo he cut. I don't think it is going to lead anywhere but nice promo nonetheless.

[Funky Fly is back]

What is a good way to start watching NXT? Will I be lost if I just start watching or does WWE air it in seasons?

[Mr. Nerfect]

I don't think you'll be lost. They usually do a pretty good job of encompassing the storyline material into each show. They don't address every plot thread every week, but it's simple and effective with its presentation.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

That's a pretty epic card already.

This week's show was pretty decent too. Alex Riley was the surprise mostly. Especially the promo he cut. I don't think it is going to lead anywhere but nice promo nonetheless.

Emo Riley.

What this guy do to piss off John Cena?

[Nicky Fives]

What is a good way to start watching NXT? Will I be lost if I just start watching or does WWE air it in seasons?

you should be alright no matter where you start, just binge watch 2-3 episodes prior to when you want to start watching regularly and you'll be fine....

[Emperor Smeat]

"Perfect 10" Tye Dillinger got injured at a recent house show.

The following fan video was posted on Twitter, showing the injury suffered by Tye Dillinger at tonight’s NXT live event in Detroit, Michigan. Dillinger was injured after countering a suplex attempt by Sami Zayn. Help came from the back and had to help Dillinger from the ring.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisVannini">@ChrisVannini</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cagesideseats">@cagesideseats</a> I actually caught it on vid. Look at his right leg <a href="https://t.co/KOElMPFTSC">pic.twitter.com/KOElMPFTSC</a></p>&mdash; Jimmy Deeb (@JimmyDeeb) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimmyDeeb/status/693612403402088448">January 31, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[VSG]

Bull Dempsey, Marcus Louis, Sylvester Lefort, Oscar Vasquez (Magno) and Peter Howard were released by WWE today. I guess that's one way to stop the Bull fit campaign.

[The CyNick]

I don't think you'll be lost. They usually do a pretty good job of encompassing the storyline material into each show. They don't address every plot thread every week, but it's simple and effective with its presentation.

I think you can jump right in. Wont be lost. Angles move slowly, so the commentators will explain backstories and stuff.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Not major losses. I'm sure they'll all be back if they show more in the future. Bull Dempsey is a guy I preferred over Baron Corbin, back when they were doing the two monsters thing, and I liked this idea of this practical fighter from Brooklyn. The comedy stuff had a shelf-life. I think the best thing for a main roster run for him would have been in a tag team managed by William Regal.

Marcus Louis had a tremendous look, but I guess he didn't "translate" over enough. His gimmick was kind of...hmm. I hope he improves and comes back if he becomes a good worker.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I really want Paige to show up in NXT for a little while. She doesn't need to forfeit her spot on the main roster. Keep her team with Natalya going, but have her tear it up in NXT with Emma, Bayley, Eva Marie and Nia Jax. They'd be fresh matches that you can't guarantee would have the same appeal on the main roster.

[Heisenberg]

This week's crowd fuckin shit all over Cameron

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Alexa Bliss marry me please.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

And an electric ending to this week's NXT. I love wrestling so much sometimes.

[Heisenberg]

Blake and Murphy need masks, they are too goofy to be face frontal. They should kayfabe go off to war and come back as Sektor and Cyrax, ninja cyborgs

[Heisenberg]

In the past I've been too hard on Mojo Rawley, but after watching their match last night(the Hype Bros) I stayed on Mojo and saw a man that loves being in the ring, can put emphasis into the little things and definitely isn't trying to jump the shark and skate his way onto the main roster based off his NFL credit.


If they brought the Hardcore Championship back I would put Mojo at the top of the heap and just let him do his thing. Too bad that won't happen

[Damian Rey 2.0]

I wish they'd tone Mojo down a bit. He has charisma, is more than athletic enough and looks really natural in what he does. He's just a bit overwhelming.

[Heisenberg]

Isn't that why they put him in a tag team? They still see something in him otherwise they wouldn't be trying to help him. I do agree though, he was a bit much at first. I was just a bit more appreciative about all the talent on the show last night. Wish Mojo the best

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm sure Mojo is an awesome human being. I just don't want to watch him on a television.

[Mr. Nerfect]

A somewhat acceptable arrangement would be Heath Slater & Bo Dallas as a tag team, with Rawley as their muscle.

[Evil Vito]

It would be funny if Mojo got called up to the main roster and immediately inserted into The Social Outcasts as their muscle while Zack Ryder is still given precisely nothing to do.

[VSG]

Is it just me who just <s>drifts though</s> skips through Elias Sampon's matches? I am doing it less and less admittedly but I still don't care about him and why he keeps drifting through different tapings.

[VSG]

Alexa Bliss is the best. No questions asked.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Zack Ryder sucks pretty hard. It's time to be honest.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The dude's not even over anymore.

[VSG]

Correction, Asuka's the best. Even without speaking a single word, she's got more charisma and is more over than half the main roster at least. I am afraid for her call up more than anyone else admittedly.

[Mr. Nerfect]

This is definitely not jealousy over him getting to fuck Emma.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Asuka just needs to come up as Paul Heyman's entrant into the Women's Division. :y:

[VSG]

Fuck you for ruining my monologue, Noid. No evil Emma this week either so no love for you!

[Evil Vito]

The fact that Ryder has been signed to WWE for a fucking decade seems hard to believe.

[VSG]

This is definitely not jealousy over him getting to fuck Emma.

Dunno, I feel so conflicted each time Emma and Dana Brooke come out. One's tapping Ryder and the other would ryde me and make me tap.

[Evil Vito]

Especially when you consider that Ryder reached his highest point of relevance right around halfway through his WWE career. So he's been on a downslide of nothingness for a damn eternity.

[VSG]

Especially when you consider that Ryder reached his highest point of relevance right around halfway through his WWE career. So he's been on a downslide of nothingness for a damn eternity.

What happened to his friend, the big O or whatever it is? I always thought those two would make a nice tag team.

[Evil Vito]

Big O worked a match in TNA during their Gut Check challenge and was a finalist for this past season of Tough Enough but didn't make the proper show.

He had a fucking great look to him.

[VSG]

Big O worked a match in TNA during their Gut Check challenge and was a finalist for this past season of Tough Enough but didn't make the proper show.

He had a fucking great look to him.

Ah I didn't watch Tough Enough this season. That's a shame, I thought he was essentially Vinny Mac's wet dream.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Time for a Queen of the Ring tournament:

1. Asuka
2. Bayley
3. Brie Bella
4. Becky Lynch
5. Charlotte
6. Natalya
7. Paige
8. Sasha Banks

First Round:

* Asuka defeats Bayley after taking her to Asuka City.

* Becky Lynch makes Brie Bella tap-out, despite her training with Daniel Bryan.

* Charlotte defeats Natalya and ascends one step closer to being "The Queen from Queen City."

* Sasha Banks defeats Paige with the Banks Statement.

Semi-Finals:

* Asuka defeats Becky Lynch in a fucking slobberknocker.

* Charlotte defeats Sasha Banks after Paige gets some revenge and costs her the match.

Finals:

* Asuka defeats Charlotte and becomes the first-ever WWE Queen of the Ring.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm fairly certain that Asuka is going to be the NXT Women's Champion soon.

[VSG]

I think that's a given. It's pretty amazing how NXT keeps churning out legit challengers for the Women's Championship for over 2 years now.

I thought Nia Jax would have taken it first but I guess she is too green still. Asuka-Jax will be promoted like Hogan-Andre. More likely Mysterio-Khali.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Man, I still think Eva Marie as the Women's Champion is massive heat.

[ron the dial]

she gets massive heat without it.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

But imagine if she won the title?

[Anybody Thrilla]

Alexa Bliss is so much better than I ever would have imagined when I first saw her. She just...gets it. I love the Kruger motif of that team, too.

You know how people worry about NXT talent getting called up to the main roster and being ruined? Do you think that perhaps now that NXT is a touring brand in and of itself, there will be people who stay in NXT for their entire careers? I'm thinking about the Johnny Garganos of the world and such. Very solid hands who seem like they would ONLY work on NXT. Doesn't seem like a bad gig.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

I think there's always going to be a contingent of guys who are steadily featured on nxt only. But for the premier talent, women included, the end game on both management's and talent's end should be to get to the main roster.

[Emperor Smeat]

Probably not unless that person was already an established big star like Joe, Rhyno, and Asuka.

Developmental pay is tiny compared to the main roster. Outside of a handful of people, its in the $25k range for average. Divas get more because of higher costs needed to maintain their appearances but even that is tiny compared to the main roster.

Some like Joe and Gargano have other indie deals on the side to cover the money gap and others like Bayley have high enough merch sales to help out. Both groups likely wouldn't fit the long term mold needed for just a NXT career since the Gargano types are just temporary workers and the Bayley types are the ones who get the call ups.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Didn't Joe get his deal restructured after his initial debut to be exclusively signed?

[Emperor Smeat]

Probably since there have been rumors recently of him being a candidate for upcoming call-ups which wouldn't happen if he still had an NXT-only deal with the WWE. Then again Rhyno was rumored to have an NXT-only deal and he showed up during the Dudleys vs Wyatts feud.

There are a few people in NXT that have NXT-only and/or allow indie dates like Ciampa and I assume Gargano since both are from Evolve.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I understand things are structured that way now. I'm just thinking that maybe in the future things could change. Purely speculation.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

she gets massive heat without it.

They are going to stop calling that kind of heat Xpac Heat and it'll be Eva Marie Heat. There is only so far that kind of heat will get you. It's fine right now as a sidekick to Nia Jax but there is no future in Go Away Heat.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Big O worked a match in TNA during their Gut Check challenge and was a finalist for this past season of Tough Enough but didn't make the proper show.

He had a fucking great look to him.

He was just a muscular jacked up freak. The kinda guy Vince usually does love. Not sure why he hasn't gotten a shot yet. Probably was the liquid shits in the ring and cardio.

[Asmo]

While watching NXT last evening, realised that a huge part of the show being eminently watchable and gripping is the commentary. Corey Graves and Philips have great chemistry, and kinda know when to speak, and when to shut up. They move the storylines forward, and draw attention to details when required. Also helps that they don't have to plug stuff a thousand times. Wonder if they are also fed lines. It genuinely doesn't seem so.

On a completely different note, will Bayley ever turn heel, in her career? How would you believably book it? I for one, am stumped by that proposition. I can't picture her as a heel, ever.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

She refuses to hug somebody. Crowd shocked and dismayed.

Bayley: I only hug people worthy.

(Hugs Self)

Super over heel

[VSG]

I would actually like to see that.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Bayley as a heel only happens when she's well and truly established on top, she has won a billion Women's Titles, and she is tiring as a face. Oh, and there has to be a young up-and-coming girl that she says can't beat her. She loses, but then realizes she's become everything she hated. Bayley turns face (think Hollywood Hulk Hogan post-Rock match) and the two team up to battle the forces of evil before Bayley retires and goes into the WWE Hall of Fame.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Alexa Bliss reminds me of Trish Stratus. A little in terms of look, but a lot in terms of how she has that star quality. It hasn't translated to the ring yet, and it might not ever, but Alexa Bliss Agency should be a main roster thing one day.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'd like to see the NXT/main roster relationship evolve to the point where NXT can make legitimate money on its own. The product is already good enough for television. Given it's got the sports-based presentation and old-school feel, I wouldn't mind seeing it eventually go to PPV when they have something epic enough. Or for NXT to get its own legitimate TV deal and be its own feeder for the WWE Network Takeover specials.

When talent on the main roster are losing steam, send them to NXT to tour, work with some newer talent, and get some time away from the spotlight. More like the brand split than developmental. NXT gives guys time away from RAW and SmackDown to recharge, but it also gives guys in NXT time away from NXT, you know?

[Asmo]

Bayley as a heel only happens when she's well and truly established on top, she has won a billion Women's Titles, and she is tiring as a face. Oh, and there has to be a young up-and-coming girl that she says can't beat her. She loses, but then realizes she's become everything she hated. Bayley turns face (think Hollywood Hulk Hogan post-Rock match) and the two team up to battle the forces of evil before Bayley retires and goes into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Thanks. But still, what kind of heel do you think she'd be?
Going Hollywood might work. I'd think it's right to say that none of us could imagine Hulk going heel before Hollywood.

Can't see her as the stereotypical heel though. And honestly, it's a topic i can't seem to fathom.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I imagine her as the sort of heel that has scratched and clawed her way to the top and is terrified of losing it all. She's the protagonist of her own story, and that means she's got to keep the Women's Title at any cost and by any measure. She believes her own hype a bit too much, and has reached an age where she can feel her grip in #WomensWrestling slipping, and she can't have that.

[Heisenberg]

Carmella has improved the most out of the current batch down there, Dana Brooke/Emma/Bliss/Bayley are close seconds. Don't want any of them to leave, but eventually they'll be used to patch up the main roster of chicas

[Nicky Fives]

Alexa Bliss reminds me of Trish Stratus. A little in terms of look, but a lot in terms of how she has that star quality. It hasn't translated to the ring yet, and it might not ever, but Alexa Bliss Agency should be a main roster thing one day.

I thought the exact same thing when she first debuted....

[Nicky Fives]

Bayley as a heel only happens when she's well and truly established on top, she has won a billion Women's Titles, and she is tiring as a face. Oh, and there has to be a young up-and-coming girl that she says can't beat her. She loses, but then realizes she's become everything she hated. Bayley turns face (think Hollywood Hulk Hogan post-Rock match) and the two team up to battle the forces of evil before Bayley retires and goes into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Ricky Steamboat with a vagina....

[Heisenberg]

NXT teamed up Enzo/Cass and American Alpha and it was as good as it sounds

[Heisenberg]

Asuka wrestles like someone hiked up the price of tampons at a nearby gas station and immediately feels the need to articulately dissect a human of equal frustration just to come down from her violent high.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Asuka is a fucking badass.

[Heisenberg]

I didn't get to appreciate her til NXT, followed Uhaa Nation and Prince Devitt, Samoa Joe and others, she just seemed to slip through the cracks so I was not on her side at first.

[Heisenberg]

Finished Breaking Ground today and hope they do another season with a newer batch of trainees. Getting to see the inner workings of the PC was really special and hopefully they are not going to send these guys off to the main roster just to die out.

[road doggy dogg]

with all this talk of how great the women rasslers are in this thread and etc., y'all think it's about time the WWE stops stupidly referring to them as "divas"... seems to entirely undermine all the good shit they are doing by making them sound like a sideshow still