Don't really care what ultra bitter for the last 15 years Mickie James has to say about anything.
I already spoke on the Nick Khan stuff, BG posted about it in a different thread. The key part you blind haters are missing is that he said they're not going to JUST sign indie darlings. And again, Samoa Joe is 45 years old, an indie darling in a sense, and here is first ever 3 time champion.
I imagine they're going to scale back on signing people that were more established in other promotions but that's nothing new. Look at the last 2 years. They were already scaling back on signing people that were players in ROH for example.
You guys make up this narrative in your head it's disturbing. They're re-branding and then put Samoa Joe as the champ....Doesn't exactly fit the narrative.
August 23rd, 2021, 11:08 AM
Psycho666Soldier
I mean, you're right about a lot of what you say here, but they ARE re-branding. Nick Khan literally said it. Whether Joe is part of that re-branding or not doesn't change the fact.
August 23rd, 2021, 11:21 AM
Nash Diesel
Quote:
Originally Posted by Psycho666Soldier
I mean, you're right about a lot of what you say here, but they ARE re-branding. Nick Khan literally said it. Whether Joe is part of that re-branding or not doesn't change the fact.
Never said they weren't re-branding in general, I'm saying the narrative that's out there doesn't line up when they just put the strap on Joe. In that interview, Khan is saying we're going to see changes immediately. Next thing you know we have a new NXT champion in Samoa Joe.
People read what they want to read. Some of you are reading the part MELTZER talks about and applying it to Khan.
August 23rd, 2021, 11:59 AM
PurePlayer
Ilja vs Walter was my match of the year so far. Maybe my match of the last few years. My goodness what a match and what a story. 7 stars. Would be 8 stars if it took place in the Tokyo Dome.
August 23rd, 2021, 12:01 PM
BGMaverick
Quote:
Originally Posted by PurePlayer
Ilja vs Walter was my match of the year so far. Maybe my match of the last few years. My goodness what a match and what a story. 7 stars. Would be 8 stars if it took place in the Tokyo Dome.
It was definitely better than the first one, which is saying something. The crowd absolutely helped elevate the match, too.
August 24th, 2021, 10:08 PM
BGMaverick
Plenty going on for the fallout episode.
Cameron Grimes Celebration
Pretty straightforward segment. My biggest takeaway was that Grimes had a hell of a bruise on his forehead. Pretty sure that came from the Spanish Fly that went awry. Ted DiBiase and Grimes go together so well. Now that Grimes has climbed this mountain, hopefully there's more for him. Would be wild if he crossed paths with Baron Corbin at some point in the near future lol. Funny bit as a finale, calling back to the first interactions, with DiBiase swapping the championships and leaving Grimes with the replica.
Ridge Holland vs. Timothy Thatcher
Can't say if that's a new theme for Thatcher or not because it's been forever and a day since his theme has played haha. The match was as gritty as you would anticipate. You know Holland is something nasty if he can make Pete Dunne crack a hint of a smile. Never would have thought it but Holland's power showed that Thatcher makes a surprisingly good babyface in peril.
Solid win for Holland. Guess they just wanted to have Oney Lorcan out of the mind's eye to make it more surprising when he came back, but it actually was surprising to see Danny Burch back. Was it really five months for Burch to be out? Time flew by. Thatcher being out "indefinitely" doesn't sound good. Tommaso Ciampa gets a piece of Holland next week.
Seems somewhat interesting that they announced the wedding for InDex in three weeks. They usually hype things one r two weeks away so maybe the wedding is one of the things they're hyping that coincides with some of the cosmetic changes NXT will get.
Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter vs. Jacy Jayne and Gigi Dolin
Guess they could try something with female MSK as the TikTok tag team. The pace for the match was a little slower than I thought it would be. The neckbreaker/450 splash combination looked good. They did show a tad more edge here after the match, so that's interesting. Not sure that fits them but it's something. Guess we are finally going somewhere with Mandy Rose and that duo.
McKenzie Mitchell had interview with Raquel Gonzalez cut a promo backstage, mentioning Dakota Kai and Kay Lee Ray. Frankie Monet, Robert Stone, and Jessi Kamea then appeared, threatening Gonzalez.
Kay Lee Ray vs. Valentina Feroz
KLR made pretty short work of the well-dressed jobber. KLR probably didn't stand out in a distinct way like Sarray did when she debuted, but KLR is going to deliver the goods in NXT.
Samoa Joe Promo
Joe wondered who his first challenger would be. Pete Dunne, LA Knight, and Kyle O’Reilly came out. Knight was just one of those guys who fell upwards into a championship contender status haha. Based on the weeks of teasing, feels pretty apparent that Dunne will end up being the contender. I will say, Dunne sounded good on the mic. Don't know if it's a good landing spot if "Cool Kyle" has to move from Adam Cole to Knight or losers from the Breakout Tournament like Duke Hudson.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Odyssey Jones: Finals of NXT Breakout tournament
Good sign for the guys as the crowd seemed quite split between them. Thought the two of them had a pretty entertaining match. All things considered, surprised that Hayes won but should have seen that coming. Jones wasn't a factor before the tournament and Hayes had two standout matches before the tournament. This also completed the story of him being the Giant Killer during the tournament. Will be interested to see how he approaches the championship opportunity. Hayes winning us a move that seems good to me, and we definitely haven't seen the last of Jones.
Xyon Quinn vs. Boa
Is Tian Sha basically ending before it had a chance to really get going? Xia Li has been MIA and Boa just loses here. Yikers. Since it may matter, Quinn is fka Daniel Vidot.
Backstage, Johnny Gargano told William Regal he wants the InDex wedding called off. LA Knight entered and all three started bickering. Gargano/Knight will be an odd battle but it should be good.
Malcolm Bivens cut a promo with Roderick Strong working with recruits in the background. Bivens said Strong is the uncrowned Cruiserweight Champion and will hold an open challenge for next week’s show.
Legado del Fantasma vs. Hit Row
These six guys work very well together. The action was pretty frantic and harkened back to peak six-man tag days from a few years back. Ashante Adonis' Monkey Flips were pretty dang fun. Really good constant attacks on Swerve Scott, though it was repetitive. Top Dolla really is going to be something special. Cool line by Barrett, calling it the "World's Strongest Wasteland" from Top Dolla. B-Fab was the equalizer last week so that apparently was rectified here in the form of Elektra Lopez. She had a pretty good showing in a squash match against Franky Monet in June, so good to see she's going to be used. Seeing Hit Row doesn't seem like a good idea but guess you need that to set up Scott vs. Escobar.
August 25th, 2021, 12:06 AM
mth
I have to be honest, babyface motivational Ted DiBiase doesn't work for me so it's nice when he does stuff like the closing of the opening segment and switched out the title and cackled and drove off. That's who he should be not this weird mentor figure. So, is Grimes still the champ or was that some weird way of writing the belt off TV?
Thatcher vs. Holland didn't do much to me and it seemed like Thatcher was in control most of the time with Holland just hitting a couple move to win suddenly. Was wondering the same as BG about Lorcan seemingly dropped from the group but ti was just a swerve for him and the returning Burch and yeah, feels like he just went on the shelf a month ago to me, wow.
I've marked my calendar and called up the men's wear place for my tux for Sept. 14th. :yes:
I expected Dolan/Jayne to win to build up the new team but I'm not mad about the KCs winning and seemingly on track for an overdue shot at the tag titles. I remember a long while back there was some rumor they were going to be heels that never happened so I'm curious if that might yet come true once they actually get mixing it up with the champs.
Franky getting in the women's title scene is A-OK with me even if it's not really been earned quite yet.
I quite like Valentina Feroz. They did a little bio video on her pre-name change and she's adorable and quite likeable and I like what I've seen of her in ring so far. Cool out fit here, too. KLR didn't do much to wow me here but I know she's solid and she's got presence.
Joe get challenged by a bunch of guys is fine. i was worried it was just going to be Kyle so i was glad that wasn't the case. Also I loved Kyle getting beat up multiple times tonight.
Breakout Tourny final was quite good and they worked the styles together really nicely. I had a feeling Hayes was going to take it but for fun I was rooting for Jones 'cuz the wife picked Hayes and it really did seem like it could go either way. Happy with Hayes winning, he's grown on me a lot since debuting and I'm eager to see what belt he takes a crack at.
Seems like Tian Sha might be on it's way out soon. Quinn has a killer look and it'll be interesting to see if this shock win is the start of something for him or if it was more about Boa losing and what happens with Tian Sha.
Main event six-man was very enjoyable. Sweet Jesus ballsack, Top Dolla walking around with THREE MEN ON HIM. Amazing. Nice to see my thoughts of Legado gaining an equalizer against B-Fab come true with Elektra Lopez. Pretty badass reveal of the lead pipe. Really digging this faction war and more than happy to see it continue.
August 25th, 2021, 6:24 AM
Badger
Top Dolla is a walking wall yet still with the grace of a gazelle. Loved that spot!
I dig it. NXT has been banging on with this dark-dreary look for years now. Bring some color and youth to it all. It’s developmental, it should be bright and energetic.
Ridge Holland vs. Trey Baxter: N/R
LA Knight (c) vs. Cameron Grimes: 3.75
Raquel Gonzalez (c) vs. Dakota Kai: 3.50
WALTER (c) vs. Ilja Dragunov: 5.25
Kyle O'Reilly vs. Adam Cole: 4.50
Karrion Kross (c) vs. Samoa Joe: 3.50
August 30th, 2021, 10:40 AM
3puppies
He underrrated WALTER v Dragunov
August 30th, 2021, 12:32 PM
Tyson
Meltzer has a six-star system? LOL.
August 30th, 2021, 3:16 PM
PurePlayer
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tyson
Meltzer has a six-star system? LOL.
only in the Tokyo Dome
August 31st, 2021, 4:52 AM
Caito
It was that bloody brilliant.
August 31st, 2021, 2:10 PM
Bert
When's the next live NXT?
August 31st, 2021, 3:37 PM
BGMaverick
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bert
When's the next live NXT?
Haven't seen anything in relation to that. My random guess is in 2 weeks.
August 31st, 2021, 10:08 PM
BGMaverick
Sarray vs. Mandy Rose
I was interested to see how this would go for Mandy, wrestling a NXT style match. It's been ages since she's worked anything but five-minute main roster matches. She did have a decent one with Charlotte about a few months ago but that's it. Thought the two of these ladies had a pretty good match and easy out for a bounce back win for Sarray. That basement dropkick is violent and they both made it look good here. Maybe we get Dashing Mandy Rose. Either way, Mandy's cronies jumping Sarray later suggests this is just the start for them.
Kyle O’Reilly vs. Duke Hudson
Commentary got awfully generic with the trials and tribulations for KOR has endured (not mentioning Adam Cole). Hudson doesn't strike me as someone who is going to break out into a massive star, but he's pretty solid. His moveset is good, has decent charisma, character, and can actually wrestle. Thought the match was pretty good, but not sure what direction KOR is going to go.
NXT UK Champion Ilja Dragunov Promo
Seeing the crowd mimic Dragunov's entrance is a testament to his ability to get over in a short amount of time to a new audience. Simple promo, and good to hear that it sounds like he'll make the rounds back to NXT soon.
Kay Lee Ray Interview
Thought the questions were terrible but KLR did very well to show she's not someone who is scared of the depth within the division. Arash Markazi comes off way too fake with these.
McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Carmelo Hayes but was interrupted by Elektra Lopez and Legado del Fantasma to say he needs to stay out of their business. That set up a match between Hayes and Santos Escobar next week.
Imperium vs. Grayson Waller & Drake Maverick
Maverick being the voice of reason in a tag team is something new haha. Waller, fka Matty Wahlberg, seemed like a goober. Just came off like an Australian Jake Paul. Short, easy work for Imperium.
Johnny Gargano vs. LA Knight
InDex being in Gargano's corner helped break up the heel/heel dynamic a bit. Gargano being annoyed at Lumis before the break was great. Dynamic aside, Gargano is going to have to do something dastardly at the wedding to get some serious heat because the crowd is going to be behind him for the foreseeable future with his current shtick. Not what I would do, but I get why Knight won. Lumis' reaction with his eyes after the loss was so good.
MSK calmly approached Commissioner William Regal to set up a championship match against Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan next week.
Boa said he let down Mei Ying last week. Mei will make her in-ring debut next week.
Raquel Gonzalez vs. Jessi Kamea
Two tall drinks of water here. This wasn't a very long match but they certainly made an effort to give Jessi a little bit and she looked fairly decent. Franky Monet had a stare down with Raquel afterwards. Whenever that happens, that should be good.
McKenzie chatted with Ember Moon, and Moon called out KLR for a match next week.
Wade Barrett's Interview with NXT Champion Samoa Joe
Barrett >>>>> Markazi. Je said he wants to re-establish the standard for the championship. Interesting enough, Joe talked about his real-life responsibilities as a talent scout and how that will help carry on the legacy of NXT in a different way. Having him as a compass for reshaping the brand is a good idea.
Ikemen Jiro vs. Roderick Strong
Guess The Kasper Brothers (now as The Creed Brothers) replaced Tyler Rust. Seems fine to have "young lions" there to be walls for Strong if someone tries to attack him. Most of the guys from the tournament have had their chances to get more time and Jiro is one of the more entertaining ones. Malcolm Bivens is great in his role too, and he doesn't even have to talk to be effective. KUSHIDA's run with the championship hasn't been ideal for a variety of reasons, so we might as well see a change here.
We got the setup for Io Shirai & Zoey Stark vs. Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter next week for the gold. Could see that being a hard-fought match that further moves the challengers into a turn.
McKenzie was talking to Cameron Grimes but they were interrupted by the Grizzled Young Veterans. At least GYV is still around.
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Ridge Holland
This was a slobberknocker as expected. This didn't make me feel all that well for Ciampa's neck but things seemed fairly fine. The match was good for what it was but was kinda surprised we got a loss for Holland here. Guessing that builds for Pete Dunne to take on Ciampa and win there, building him Dunne for Joe.
September 1st, 2021, 12:53 AM
mth
I had seen a headline about Rose being injured in this episode but glad to see it was a work. Interesting to see if she wears a mask. I like the stable she's put together. Love that dropkick from Sarray and dig they made it more deadly by causing this "injury".
KOR vs. Hudson was pretty standard fair. I don't mind Hudson. This went exactly how I expected it to go. I really don't want to see KOR get back into the NXT title scene but I'm sure that's coming.
This short run in NXT has done well for getting me to like Dragunov. Will be glad to see him if he ever returns.
Arash Markazi reminds me on Jimminy Glick for some reason.
Maverick in search of a new tag partner could be a fun little angle. Not much to invest me in it this week but the idea has potential if he's not going to just stick with Waller.
Gargano w/ InDex vs. Knight was a fun time. I called InDex inadvertently costing Johnny the match as soon as they came out with him and it played out how I expected but I mean that in a good way as it was tremendously entertaining. The match itself was solid as hell, too. Really curious how the wedding's gonna go and who's going to fuck everything up.
Will be very interesting to see Mei Ying in action next week. Very curious how the gimmick will translate to actual in-ring competition unless she just chokes out some poor jobber and that's it.
Jessie Kamea did a few surprising/unique moves against Raquel. I'm totally down with Franky going after the title but I feel like she could use a few rebound wins after her first loss to really feel like more of a threat.
Good interview with Joe. Still curious how this whole rebranding thing is going to unfold. There was something I read that Kross/Joe taking out the barricades was supposedly leading to a revamp but obviously, nope. So, will the logo/set/etc. just suddenly be totally different one week? Or will there be some explanation and causation for the change?
Was happy to see Jiro get more offense in on Strong than I expected. Figured it'd just be a squash but he some time to shine. Jiro's bumped Dexter out of my favorite dudes' top spot, btw. That hiptoss onto the steel steps was pretty nasty. Glad to see Diamond Mine has expanded I'll have to see if these new boys do anything to gain my interest in the group. I'd really like to see them pick up a female talent or two...maybe Valentina Feroz?
Ciampa/Holland delivered. Was quite surprised to see Ciampa win, though, but not mad about it as he's top tier.
September 1st, 2021, 6:01 AM
Badger
Perhaps Theory returns to crash the wedding in some way? He disappeared some time ago and there's been no rumblings about him being called up or injured (unless I've missed something). Besides just Johnny and Candace themselves then can't think of anyone else who could logically mess it up.
Should be good either though. The banter between Wade and Beth will also be good too.
September 1st, 2021, 11:10 AM
mth
Theory's been working dark matches before RAW/SD for quite awhile now. So the call-up theory (see what I did there?) seems likely.
If it's not ruined by an outsider, you'd think it'd be Johnny/Candace but as they've been trying to prevent InDex every step of the way that seems too obvious. My next thought is that Indi or Dexter bails or turns on the other.
September 1st, 2021, 11:42 AM
Badger
Quote:
Originally Posted by mth
Theory's been working dark matches before RAW/SD for quite awhile now. So the call-up theory (see what I did there?) seems likely.
If it's not ruined by an outsider, you'd think it'd be Johnny/Candace but as they've been trying to prevent InDex every step of the way that seems too obvious. My next thought is that Indi or Dexter bails or turns on the other.
Ahh did wonder about Theory. Tbh I don’t pay much attention to dark match results.
If there’s no outsider, then I think if anyone would be turn, it could likely be Indi in that this was a grand plan all long by them to screw with Dexter all along similar to X-Pac and Tori. Sympathy for Dex, major heat for the way then Dex/Gargano go full blast with a feud.
September 1st, 2021, 2:06 PM
Nash Diesel
I've scaled back on watching NXT because of the Gargano/Dexter feud. It needs to end. All this time and I'm still not sold on Gargano as a heel and I've never liked Dexter going all the way back to Sam Shaw in TNA.
The angle feels like something Russo put together in WCW or TNA. But it's not as bad as the Lana-Rusev relationship angles they did over the years. Maybe they needed God's help idk.
September 1st, 2021, 4:09 PM
Hero!
Dirt sheets reporting that triple h is no longer in charge of NXT, but Bruce and Vince will run it now.
if this is true (waiting on better confirmation) then I can not imagine what NXT is about to become.
September 1st, 2021, 4:37 PM
Nash Diesel
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hero!
Dirt sheets reporting that triple h is no longer in charge of NXT, but Bruce and Vince will run it now.
if this is true (waiting on better confirmation) then I can not imagine what NXT is about to become.
Did they say what Triple H is doing instead?
Let's ponder this. What if Triple H pulls a Misawa and takes a good chunk of talent with him and starts his own shit? There's a Disney "what if" for your bitch ass.
September 1st, 2021, 4:40 PM
Badger
I bet you’re gutted that your favourite Cole’s gone. ;)
September 1st, 2021, 5:05 PM
BGMaverick
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hero!
Dirt sheets reporting that triple h is no longer in charge of NXT, but Bruce and Vince will run it now.
if this is true (waiting on better confirmation) then I can not imagine what NXT is about to become.
Looks like it's getting confirmed by others. The word is that McMahon and Prichard will be behind the big decisions, and will be behind marketing, promotion, and direction. So with those two taking the top-end stuff, Triple H would, assumedly, take the rest.
September 1st, 2021, 5:10 PM
Hero!
Probably just have Hunter focus more on the actual talent development, working with Tensai
September 1st, 2021, 5:15 PM
Donald
As someone who liked NXT, but not as much as the main roster, I think this is good news.
September 1st, 2021, 6:38 PM
VHS
Well... it was fun while it lasted.
September 1st, 2021, 6:43 PM
Badger
Quote:
Originally Posted by VHS
Well... it was fun while it lasted.
Though I’m not fond of the Technicolor Dreamlogo, let’s at least wait and see what happens with the TV product before judging
September 1st, 2021, 7:23 PM
VHS
Eh. I've seen their recent work. Not enthused.
September 1st, 2021, 7:34 PM
Badger
While the main roster product certainly isn’t perfect (especially on the Raw side), there are still positives out there. Let’s just wait and see.
If Hunter’s working more on the talent development side than the front office, then at least there’s that.
September 1st, 2021, 9:58 PM
mth
As someone who only watches the main roster on PPV, I'm willing to see how it goes. NXT is as much about the talent as it is about the storylines/booking for me, so as long as most of the folks I like are still around, and I really like a lot of the roster, I'm not going to immediately assume it's turning to shit just 'cuz those guys are booking it and like Badger said, not everything on the main roster is shit.
September 1st, 2021, 9:58 PM
Nash Diesel
Quote:
Originally Posted by Badger
While the main roster product certainly isn’t perfect (especially on the Raw side), there are still positives out there. Let’s just wait and see.
If Hunter’s working more on the talent development side than the front office, then at least there’s that.
I mean it really sounds like we don't have much info as to what everyone is doing so I'm with you, let's wait and see. The dirtsheets spin a certain narrative to get people to click on their links and drop $$$, sadly many fans like a gossip filled narrative like it's Friends. They want wrestling to be wrestling but then live and die by hoping Vince and Triple H fuck everything up lol.
September 1st, 2021, 10:01 PM
Nash Diesel
Quote:
Originally Posted by mth
As someone who only watches the main roster on PPV, I'm willing to see how it goes. NXT is as much about the talent as it is about the storylines/booking for me, so as long as most of the folks I like are still around, and I really like a lot of the roster, I'm not going to immediately assume it's turning to shit just 'cuz those guys are booking it and like Badger said, not everything on the main roster is shit.
Adam Cole is out of the way so right there is a major positive lol.
September 1st, 2021, 10:24 PM
mth
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nash Diesel
Adam Cole is out of the way so right there is a major positive lol.
:yes: Hopefully Strong and KOR follow suit. Honestly, that "inside info" or whatever that was going around about "more characters" is kind of exactly of what I want. More folks with some personality and less bland-ass indy darlings, please.
September 1st, 2021, 10:45 PM
Hero!
I’d love if NXT was more like it was when it was on Hulu. Strong focus on characters and more squashes building up to big matches. The days of the Leo Kruger, ascension, Tyler breeze, types were really cool and felt like developmental.
work rate indie NXT was cool until it was long epic matches every fucking week and we burned through dream matches and feuds like nothing.
I’ll check out an episode of the new NXT, hopefully the camera work doesn’t kill it for me.
September 1st, 2021, 11:07 PM
BGMaverick
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hero!
I’ll check out an episode of the new NXT, hopefully the camera work doesn’t kill it for me.
The WWE NXT brand will still be “very much in the hands” of Triple H and his team, despite the upcoming revamp that will reportedly see WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon produce the show with Executive Producer & Senior Vice President Bruce Prichard.
As noted, it was reported on Wednesday that McMahon and Prichard will be producing the NXT brand when live shows resume later this month, with the September 14 episode. It was said that McMahon and Prichard will be behind the big decisions for the NXT brand, but not the smaller ones. They will also be responsible for marketing, promotion and direction of the NXT brand. It was also said that NXT will be like “the old NXT” moving forward, which appears to be a reference to how the brand was at its peak, around 2015-2018 or so. You can click here for that report.
In an update, @Wrestlevotes reports that their sources say the day-to-day operation of NXT won’t be changing drastically, and that it’s still very much in the hands of Triple H, Shawn Michaels, William Regal, Matt Bloom and others.
It was also noted that the look of the weekly NXT TV produce will have a “Vince & Co.” stamp on it.
Furthermore, it was reported today on Wrestling Observer Radio the revamp will mean at least some loss of power for Triple H.
The news of McMahon and Prichard producing the weekly NXT show led to “#RIPNXT” trending worldwide on Twitter over the last 24 hours.
In an update, word via Wrestling Observer Radio is that part of the changes will apparently involve the release of some top talents who have been with the brand for a while.
It was noted that there are names on the chopping block, and ones being discussed for cuts are a lot of the wrestlers who have been there for a long time.
September 2nd, 2021, 3:03 PM
Nash Diesel
Think about who's been in NXT for awhile and ask yourself, will you miss them? "Top talents" like who though? Ciampa could be one, he's made it crystal clear that he doesn't want to be on Raw or SD, and he's not really doing anything of worth in the tag division. The last round of cuts weren't anything to die over despite people feigning outrage over the release of people they didn't give a shit about in the first place.
September 3rd, 2021, 9:45 PM
BGMaverick
Quote:
Originally Posted by BGMaverick
Sounds like that could be starting on Sept. 14.
Will be on this date.
September 5th, 2021, 8:21 AM
Hero!
This could mean something, could mean nothing, but on September 7, wwe will be dissolving the UK company that they had been using to run NXT UK
Ember Moon vs. Kay Lee Ray
Thought these two ladies had a pretty good match. Felt like their contrasting styles worked to where it wasn't always clean but didn't feel sloppy. They cranked it up a notch after the commercial, too. Solid opener and KLR winning was the right move. Like how McKenzie Mitchell caught up with a dejected Ember after the match, and that Ember is teasing something in terms of an evolution.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Santos Escobar
Good point by commentary by stating the fact that Hayes has mainly been facing a size differential though the tournament but an experience differential was the challenge against Escobar. That said, Hayes looked solid here. Elektra straight up bodyslamming Hayes was a surprise but a pleasant one. B-Fab has her hands full there. Based on the impending landscape change, if Escobar isn't winning the North American Championship soon, his outlook appears to be very murky.
William Regal announced that Tommaso Ciampa, Kyle O'Reilly, Pete Dunne, and LA Knight will compete yn a Fatal 4-Way todetermine the N. 1 Contender for Samoa Joe.
Julius & Brutus Creed vs. Chuckie Viola & Paxton Averill (fka Jason Cade and Chico Adams)
The Creed Brothers certainly have a unique look for today's wrestling. They came off as AOP meets American Alpha. Amateur dudes who just use that style to wreck people plays well on TV. The intensity came across well and they just need some more seasoning. With Emily Andzulis working in the background when Malcolm Bivens was hyping the Creed Brothers prior to the match, Diamond Mine appears to be trending up.
Hit Row was in the studio and said Legado del Fantasma essentially done screwed up.
Io Shirai & Zoey Stark (c) vs. Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter: NXT Women's Tag Team Championship Match
The young kids being tortured in the crowd was a bit distracting to the start of this match. The story of the match made plenty of sense. The KCs were working hard and making progress working together and the champs weren't in sync and making things tougher for themselves. The match was alright, but it appears the KCs didn't quite step up tothe moment. After the match, Gigi Dolin, Jacy Jayne, and (Dashing) Mandy Rose attacked the KCs.
KOR mentioned that one obsession is over and another begins as he gets ready for next week's match.
Dexter Lumis and Indi Hartwell's bachelor and bachelorette parties featured some solid comedic gold. Candice was hilarious with her mom mode putdowns. Not sure when needed the callback to the zombie referee but the callback to Lumis and Cameron Grimes was good haha. Lumis wrecking the civilians during laser tag was hilarious. Nuts were cracked, and it seems like The Way lost a son but potentially gained a son-in-law. We'll see if a WWE wedding can actually go off without a hitch.
Robert Stone let Franky Monet know she's facing Raquel Gonzales next week for the championship.
Mei Ying vs. Virginia Ferry
This was a squash haha. Xia Li may be gone so Mei have to carry the spooky torch in NXT. The gimmick is something but it certainly lacks a place or direction within NXT.
Riding in a corvette, LA Knight said it is championship season. Ciampa said he's motivated and that makes him dangerous. He wants Goldie back.
MSK (c) vs. Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch: NXT Tag Team Championship Match
As has been most of the defenses, the approach with MSK matches has been brawling methodical teams trying to impose their will against the champs. Couple more inches and Burch's trunks would have been up to his chest haha. More or less, MSK were able to handle their business with the defense. Certainly helped their cause that Dunne and Ridge Holland didn't get involved. Guess that was because they wanted to see if Lorcan and Burch could hang or if they were dead weight. Pat McAfee's money is now up in smoke. Sad.
A new era for NXT begins next week.
September 7th, 2021, 10:18 PM
Bert
Rip NXT
September 7th, 2021, 11:11 PM
mth
Ember vs. KLR was quite good. Once again, as per the usual, Ember busted out some fresh new moves. I like KLR but have to admit she hasn't really wowed me in any of her matches that I've seen (which is admittedly only a handful). Interesting post-match interview with Ember, curious what that means.
Shayes vs. Escobar was solid, as expected. Lopez slamming Hayes was simple but impressive. I fucking love Legado and think they're boss AF but am bummed they've never all held gold as a group. I guess if Escobar comes up short against Swerve, maybe they go to the main roster and get that done (ha, that's some misguided optimism).
Ok, congrats Diamond Mine, you've got members I'm interested in. Creed Bors' wrecking fools was highly entertaining. And Emily in the background means Emily joins soon I suspect so hopefully we get a lady wrecking fools that I can dig, too, so it's not just bland ol' Roddy anymore. :yes:
Women's Tag Titles match was good though it didn't quite hit a PPV quality title defense level. Felt like the KC's could've done a bit more and gotten a bit closer to getting ti done. I will admit the champs' tension had me thinking they might lose, though. Post-match attack from the Rose Garden was good, Mandy masked as expected.
Indi's bachelorette party was alright with a few chuckles but my god, Dexter's bachelor party was a laugh riot. So much comedy gold in there, not surprising considering it had some of the best comedy characters in the damn company involved. Delighted to see Johnny and Dex come together at the end, heart warming stuff. VERY curious how the wedding is going to play out because as it stands, everything seems to be going FAR TOO WELL. :chin:
Mei Ying is silly but fun.
Main event tag was fine but not really anything special. I see I'm not the only one amused by Burch's high waisted trunks. Had a feeling the gang was going to implode when the camera was lingering on them a bit long without the logo popping up. Fine enough, I suppose.
Welp, things are at least going to get more colorful next week. Cracks me up that folks like Bert are all "Rip NXT" when next week's show's already got a bunch of shit announced and everything's rolling on like normal. So far, it just seems like we're getting a new coat of paint. Will be curious to see if the changes are really going to be that noticeable or as detrimental as people are expecting/fearing.
September 7th, 2021, 11:15 PM
Bert
One, I'm being a little tongue-in-cheek with it.
But also, is it unlike WWE to not let people go just because they have stuff going on? Doesn't seem like they really care. They'll change it to something else.
September 7th, 2021, 11:32 PM
Nash Diesel
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bert
One, I'm being a little tongue-in-cheek with it.
But also, is it unlike WWE to not let people go just because they have stuff going on? Doesn't seem like they really care. They'll change it to something else.
It's not the norm and keep in mind, despite your fake over the top reactions to anything Tony Khan puts out, NXT is still developmental. You're over there marking out for Adam Cole, wow, dominated developmental like he was the modern day Nick Dinsmore.
So yes, plans will change and to act like it's common is a reach.
September 7th, 2021, 11:54 PM
Bert
I never said it was common but it has happened and will happen again. There's been multiple reports of NXT OGs being on the chopping block. Ciampa doesn't want to go to the main roster and work a crazy schedule because of his neck. I don't think Gargano does either. If this is truly going to be developmental it seems like they might want to get rid of those type of guys.
There's nothing fake about my reactions. Well, only if I mess with you about loving Marko Stunt because you seem to think everyone does and you bring him up all of the time. I loved Adam Cole in NXT. I loved Undisputed Era too.
September 8th, 2021, 12:04 AM
BGMaverick
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bert
I never said it was common but it has happened and will happen again. There's been multiple reports of NXT OGs being on the chopping block. Ciampa doesn't want to go to the main roster and work a crazy schedule because of his neck. I don't think Gargano does either. If this is truly going to be developmental it seems like they might want to get rid of those type of guys.
There's nothing fake about my reactions. Well, only if I mess with you about loving Marko Stunt because you seem to think everyone does and you bring him up all of the time. I loved Adam Cole in NXT. I loved Undisputed Era too.
Some, maybe a majority. They're going to hold value because you need guys to lead a match. Can envision a lot more matches like we saw with Hudson vs. KOR over time.
September 8th, 2021, 12:52 AM
mth
Guys like Ciampa and Gargano have really done everything they can in NXT so if they aren't going to go to RAW/SD, they might as well move on from WWE. I also think there'll still need to be some veteran talent on board as you can't/shouldn't just have new kids fighting new kids 'cuz they're not going to learn as much as they would if they're mixing it up with some seasoned vets. So I can see some of the top guys who have ticked all their possible boxes moving on from the brand (potentially the company) while a few stay around. Which, now that i think about it, is still not that different from how it's been...so yeah, still don't think this change is going to be as drastic as people are fearing...
September 8th, 2021, 12:55 AM
Bert
The difference being it was high level indie darlings taking the spot of another high level indie darling and reportedly they don't want to do that anymore. So do you push the green people to the top? Maybe if they're huge.
September 8th, 2021, 1:12 AM
mth
They don't want to bring in more indy talent but that doesn't mean they're going to lose everyone they've already got. Some of the guys I think can main event in NXT: Escobar, Swerve, Dunne, Kushida, Knight, Grimes.
September 8th, 2021, 1:24 AM
Bert
Not Grimes?
September 8th, 2021, 1:37 AM
mth
Edited him in. Had momentary doubts about his character translating to the top level when i made the post but upon second thought, hell yeah.
September 8th, 2021, 8:33 AM
BGMaverick
Quote:
Originally Posted by mth
Edited him in. Had momentary doubts about his character translating to the top level when i made the post but upon second thought, hell yeah.
Happy Corbin eats into his gimmick.
September 8th, 2021, 11:31 AM
mth
Quote:
Originally Posted by BGMaverick
Happy Corbin eats into his gimmick.
I meant main event the NXT brand itself.
September 8th, 2021, 11:37 AM
Nash Diesel
Did anyone from the WWE actually say they're never going to sign indie talent? I read it as they weren't only signing indie talent, and I'm just going off Nick Khan's interview.
WWE have done just fine with not relying on the indies for talent. They had a period where they were looking at ROH and some other places but they were still banging out their own guys. How many people that came out of OVW were 10-15 year vets of the indie scene?
September 8th, 2021, 11:38 AM
BGMaverick
Quote:
Originally Posted by mth
I meant main event the NXT brand itself.
:yes: gotcha lol
September 8th, 2021, 11:46 AM
Donald
Quote:
Originally Posted by mth
They don't want to bring in more indy talent but that doesn't mean they're going to lose everyone they've already got. Some of the guys I think can main event in NXT: Escobar, Swerve, Dunne, Kushida, Knight, Grimes.
Your lack of faith in Lumis disturbs me.
September 8th, 2021, 12:05 PM
mth
Quote:
Originally Posted by Donald
Your lack of faith in Lumis disturbs me.
:lol::dunno: Sorry, boss. Just being realistic. It's facts over faith for me and I'm not sure the evidence is there for him being of that caliber. I think he could be NA Champ and maybe get a shot at the NXT champ but I can't see him as a main event regular. The way they're using him (more as a character, less in ring) seems to support that.
September 8th, 2021, 12:24 PM
3puppies
Quote:
Originally Posted by mth
Guys like Ciampa and Gargano have really done everything they can in NXT so if they aren't going to go to RAW/SD, they might as well move on from WWE. I also think there'll still need to be some veteran talent on board as you can't/shouldn't just have new kids fighting new kids 'cuz they're not going to learn as much as they would if they're mixing it up with some seasoned vets. So I can see some of the top guys who have ticked all their possible boxes moving on from the brand (potentially the company) while a few stay around. Which, now that i think about it, is still not that different from how it's been...so yeah, still don't think this change is going to be as drastic as people are fearing...
They have to have their share of vets at the top of the card to help younger talent get better, but it seems many are forgetting about Samoa Joe, plus they have plenty of talent on Raw/SD that they can/will move around to help NXT as needed.
September 8th, 2021, 1:04 PM
VHS
Quote:
Originally Posted by mth
:lol::dunno: Sorry, boss. Just being realistic. It's facts over faith for me and I'm not sure the evidence is there for him being of that caliber. I think he could be NA Champ and maybe get a shot at the NXT champ but I can't see him as a main event regular. The way they're using him (more as a character, less in ring) seems to support that.
Lumis on the main roster would be your paint by numbers WWE jobber comedy act. He'd be there to interrupt backstage segments. He'll stand there and everybody will look at him, and then the camera will hold on him for an eternity before they go to commercial.
September 8th, 2021, 1:06 PM
BGMaverick
Quote:
Originally Posted by VHS
Lumis on the main roster would be your paint by numbers WWE jobber comedy act. He'd be there to interrupt backstage segments. He'll stand there and everybody will look at him, and then the camera will hold on him for an eternity before they go to commercial.
^
Bingo
September 8th, 2021, 1:08 PM
Nash Diesel
Quote:
Originally Posted by VHS
Lumis on the main roster would be your paint by numbers WWE jobber comedy act. He'd be there to interrupt backstage segments. He'll stand there and everybody will look at him, and then the camera will hold on him for an eternity before they go to commercial.
So literally what NXT has been doing with him the entire time. Shit even his run in TNA was unintentionally hilarious with how over the top it was.
September 8th, 2021, 1:24 PM
VHS
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nash Diesel
So literally what NXT has been doing with him the entire time. Shit even his run in TNA was unintentionally hilarious with how over the top it was.
Homeboy, do you even watch NXT? That's literally not all they've done with Lumis. Go watch every single episode of NXT featuring Lumis and come back to me with a Dr. Pepper and bag of Cheetos, write me an essay about how Vincent from Collateral is the brother of DeNiro's character from Heat, and then let me know when you have a clue about wrestling because I know everything and you know nothing, sport. You think you're being clever, but I'm literally laughing at you right now.
*Takes off ND mask*
Ok, real talk tho... you're just wrong.
September 8th, 2021, 1:45 PM
Bert
Gimmick infringement is not a laughing matter.
Neither is Kushida testing positive for covid. I hope he gets well soon and sticks around.
September 8th, 2021, 1:51 PM
Nash Diesel
Quote:
Originally Posted by VHS
Homeboy, do you even watch NXT? That's literally not all they've done with Lumis. Go watch every single episode of NXT featuring Lumis and come back to me with a Dr. Pepper and bag of Cheetos, write me an essay about how Vincent from Collateral is the brother of DeNiro's character from Heat, and then let me know when you have a clue about wrestling because I know everything and you know nothing, sport. You think you're being clever, but I'm literally laughing at you right now.
I saw the bachelor party thing and it was fuckin hilarious.
Who is the big black dude they were hanging with? Dude has some real charisma.
Also, why was there a random zombie there?
September 8th, 2021, 4:22 PM
Donald
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hero!
I saw the bachelor party thing and it was fuckin hilarious.
Who is the big black dude they were hanging with? Dude has some real charisma.
I could be wrong but I think that's Odyssey Jones.
September 8th, 2021, 4:38 PM
Nash Diesel
Quote:
Originally Posted by Donald
I could be wrong but I think that's Odyssey Jones.
Damn right it was Odyssey Jones.
September 8th, 2021, 6:39 PM
mth
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hero!
I saw the bachelor party thing and it was fuckin hilarious.
Who is the big black dude they were hanging with? Dude has some real charisma.
Also, why was there a random zombie there?
The zombie was a throwback to the Haunted House of Terror Match that Lumis had with Grimes where there were zombies including a zombie ref (although I think this might've been a different guy?).
The zombie was a throwback to the Haunted House of Terror Match that Lumis had with Grimes where there were zombies including a zombie ref (although I think this might've been a different guy?).
ok, I don’t know what any of that means, but I really appreciate you explaining it to me.
September 9th, 2021, 10:22 AM
Badger
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hero!
ok, I don’t know what any of that means, but I really appreciate you explaining it to me.
It was a match they had on NXT Halloween Havoc last year. Corny but the ending was fun.
September 9th, 2021, 10:27 AM
BGMaverick
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hero!
ok, I don’t know what any of that means, but I really appreciate you explaining it to me.
I think Dexter Lumis should be a no nonsense guy. Just comes down to the ring and kicks ass and then leaves. Have him talk, but just a little. I'm picturing sort of like Ken Shamrock but maybe without too much intensity.
I don't think he'll stay as this creepy character forever.
September 9th, 2021, 11:58 AM
Nash Diesel
Quote:
Originally Posted by Donald
I think Dexter Lumis should be a no nonsense guy. Just comes down to the ring and kicks ass and then leaves. Have him talk, but just a little. I'm picturing sort of like Ken Shamrock but maybe without too much intensity.
I don't think he'll stay as this creepy character forever.
I hope he's part of the next round of cuts.
September 9th, 2021, 12:13 PM
mth
Quote:
Originally Posted by Donald
I think Dexter Lumis should be a no nonsense guy. Just comes down to the ring and kicks ass and then leaves. Have him talk, but just a little. I'm picturing sort of like Ken Shamrock but maybe without too much intensity.
I don't think he'll stay as this creepy character forever.
No, thanks. That would make him less unique and more like a million other guys. The way he is right now is why I like him. He's one of the most unique characters going.
September 9th, 2021, 12:25 PM
Bert
Quote:
Originally Posted by mth
No, thanks. That would make him less unique and more like a million other guys. The way he is right now is why I like him. He's one of the most unique characters going.
Better hope he never goes to the main roster then. Vince doesn't like unique. He wants same old. Keith Lee to be the next heel Mark Henry and wanting Adam Cole to be his manager and cut his hair short. Why not just use Robert Stone at that point? Keith Lee can talk on his own anyway.
Elias can't play the guitar anymore and has to be a generic sports entertainer because they already have one guy playing guitar even though they're on two different shows and two different types of guitars.
Ahjdksajdjs. I'm okay.
September 9th, 2021, 12:30 PM
Nash Diesel
Elias sucks and so does Adam Cole. People cried when Lio Rush was made Lashley's manager but it was the most interesting Lio Rush had ever been in his entire life.
Keith Lee can't talk. His promos are weird and emotionless. He sounds like a teacher putting kids to sleep while reading the Hobbit. That's always been his weakness, his promos.
Dexter Lumis....The guy has always sucked. The funny thing is this would probably be a gimmick Vince would love. The guy has a good look, the supposed look Vince LOVES. But I can also see Vince, and many many many others not even getting the gimmick. Sometimes just because you're obscure doesn't mean you're good. But then again we have people defending the Dark Order and Tamina.
September 9th, 2021, 12:31 PM
mth
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bert
Better hope he never goes to the main roster then. Vince doesn't like unique. He wants same old. Keith Lee to be the next heel Mark Henry and wanting Adam Cole to be his manager and cut his hair short. Why not just use Robert Stone at that point? Keith Lee can talk on his own anyway.
Elias can't play the guitar anymore and has to be a generic sports entertainer because they already have one guy playing guitar even though they're on two different shows and two different types of guitars.
Ahjdksajdjs. I'm okay.
Was that stuff about Cole being a manager confirmed? Last I read it was on some random-ass site and nowhere else. Also, bit too soon to say Elias isn't unique anymore as we have no idea what he repackaging will be...provided he's not released beforehand...
But yeah, no, I don't want Dexter to get called up.
September 9th, 2021, 12:44 PM
Nash Diesel
I think Uncle Dave mentioned it as well and honestly it doesn't sound out of the realm of possibilities.
I will say this, despite how I personally feel about Adam Cole, it really does show that Vince truly looks at NXT as developmental. I think back to Nick Dinsmore debuting as Eugene. Here was a guy who was to OVW what someone like Joe or Thomaso are to NXT. Helping guys left and right, a serious gimmick, and what do they see in him on the main roster?
Look at Batista. They did him dirty as well. Made him D-Von's lackey. Rico was a top guy in OVW and they made him a manager who transitioned back to being a wrestler-a pretty fun one. So who knows what Vince's plans were. But I just think if this was true he didn't give 1 fuck about what Cole did in NXT or anywhere else. Which is crazy because they seemed to push NXT really really strong back in 2019 when they had the 3 brands interacting. Was it to just position them a a strong brand for the USA debut?
Maybe Vince blames Adam Cole-who was champion the majority of the time NXT was up against AEW-as the reason for such lackluster ratings?? I mean, if we're going to blame Trump for everything wrong last year why not Cole?
September 9th, 2021, 12:46 PM
PurePlayer
The funniest part of that report is they wanted to change Adam Cole's name because of Michael fucking Cole. They were going to change a wrestler's name because of Michael Cole having the same last name. Think about that for a second. They think the fans are too stupid to know the difference or think they're brothers or something? lol
September 9th, 2021, 12:50 PM
Nash Diesel
Quote:
Originally Posted by PurePlayer
The funniest part of that report is they wanted to change Adam Cole's name because of Michael fucking Cole. They were going to change a wrestler's name because of Michael Cole having the same last name. Think about that for a second. They think the fans are too stupid to know the difference or think they're brothers or something? lol
This has actually been WWE's thing for awhile unless your name was Chris lol. Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Christian, that's ok. But Shane McMahon and Shane Helms? Fuck that lol. Shawn Michaels and Sean Waltman? Nope you're X-Pac. Referee Mickie Jay and Mickie James? Sorry ref you get a name change too lol
I guess that was first names but shit Adam Cole's real name isn't even Adam Cole it's Austin Jenkins which sounds just as fucking stupid.
It's funny though because in developmental you had/have a few with the same last names but that won't last.
September 9th, 2021, 12:54 PM
Donald
These Creed brothers bored me. Boring look, boring moves. Hopefully they'll get better with time
September 9th, 2021, 12:58 PM
Nash Diesel
Quote:
Originally Posted by Donald
These Creed brothers bored me. Boring look, boring moves. Hopefully they'll get better with time
They will. I agree, the look is plain but that's the intention.