Seems like Candice/Shayna would be fitting for the Evolution PPV, and a spot where the championship can change hands.
Seems like Candice/Shayna would be fitting for the Evolution PPV, and a spot where the championship can change hands.
Fucking hell.
This, the next Ciampa/Gargano singles match must be a ladder match. Take it full circle from Takeover Chicago. As much as the story makes sense for Gargano to get proper redemption, I’d love to see Ciampa reign for a decent stretch.Originally Posted by Jordo
Matches for tonight's episode:
I'm gonna guess since it's a non-title, Candice will beat Shayna, and then they'll have a title match at some point which Shayna will win.
Nah, can't see Shayna losing at this stage, and not to Candice. If it's a flukey roll-up, maybe.
This isn't Raw, Donald.
I mean if Shayna was to win why not just make it a title match? Would make her look good as a defending champion.
I feel like Dean Ambrose's character as a heel would be similar to Ciampa.
Less predictable if it's a non-title match and Shayna still wins though, right?
In the context of everything, does Candice deserve a title shot?
Yeah, I could definitely see similarities.
I just got a sinking feeling that we will see Johnny Gargano as NXT Champion and Candice as Women's champion.
Not giving NXT enough credit, compared to the main roster, in terms of booking.
Sounds beautiful.
I'd be cool w/ Johnny getting the belt in the end... but Candice has been pretty meh.
They haven't done great in giving her much of a character other than popular wrestler's wife, but she's pretty damn great in the ring. I'll definitely give NXT the benefit of the doubt in regards to giving her more of a character and purpose.
I somewhat like Candice, she probably has the worst entrance music in history though.
NXT prevails again.
Agreed
It reminds me of "Millenium" by Robbie Williams in some parts.
That Ciampa/Gargano/Black promo segment was quite surreal because even Johnny was getting heat.
Matches for tonight's episode of NxT:
As always, card is subject to change...
This is the second-to-last episode of NxT TV before the big Takeover show in Brooklyn next Saturday.
They've done a wonderful job with her. What female is more over than her? MAYBE Kari. I'll even go one step further and put her in the top 10 of the most over talent in NXT.
Let's also not forget that in terms of wrestling they haven't really done much with her until recently. She was kind of in that AJ Lee role for awhile and now she's getting the chance to shine on her own. Seems that her purpose and character are more in depth than most on the roster. She's not just someone playing a gimmick, her gimmick is about as real as it gets and that's seriously lacking in the WWE empire.
Someone naturally over with a gimmick that's just them on a bigger stage of entertainment who's in arguably the best storyline the WWE has produced in the last year or 2. Maybe one of the best of all time personally.
That's what I'm saying about her character. You don't know much about her because she's been involved in a storyline without wrestling. They've already made great strides in this taping cycle to show what she's about and will be about.
I don't know if what I originally said came off as a knock, but it absolutely wasn't. I don't know if she'll be Peyton Royce good () but she's going to be fantastic as she continues to evolve.
She's a pretty layered talent. We've seen several levels of emotion. The whole wrestling aspect is such a small part of someone's character. If this were a promotion heavily focused on just in-ring work then she'd be lacking but even then all you need is "I want to be the best/champion" and that's it. 90% of Ring of Honor wrestlers, that's all there is to them. With Candace it's beyond just wanting to be the best because obviously she's not a wrestler just to get her ass kicked lol.That's what I'm saying about her character. You don't know much about her because she's been involved in a storyline without wrestling. They've already made great strides in this taping cycle to show what she's about and will be about.
I don't know if what I originally said came off as a knock, but it absolutely wasn't. I don't know if she'll be Peyton Royce good (
Dude I would give anything if some of my favorites had as much depth as Candace. Dean Ambrose, Finn Balor, AJ Styles, Nakamura, Asuka, there's not a lot going on for them but when you add different elements beyond "Who's the best in the ring" it makes them even more appealing in this promotion because it is so character driven. Like when Dean and The Miz were feuding, they rolled in Renee Young and it just brought Dean up a notch, it gave him something beyond wanting to be the best wrestler ever. Because everyone wants to be that already.
In less than 5 years Peyton Royce will be the new Trish.
Didn't mind Conti. Borne is still ordinary though.
That EC3/Dream promo was something else, hey. Felt like a GTA Vice City cutscene.
Breaking News...
The main event of Takeover has been changed (due to Aleister’s injury)
It will now be a one on one LAST MAN STANDING match involving you-know-who, for the title.
The EC3/Dream confrontation seemed like the start of a pretty good porno.
Who knows how long they ultimately knew they were going to have to shelve the triple threat match for Takeover, but they hit it out of the park creatively for how to transition. The Enzo/Cass mystery was a fun part of Raw for a few weeks. The little reveals of the people within proximity of the incident was a really nice touch.
I liked how when the Undisputed Era drove away they were playing their own entrance theme from the car stereo.
I really liked that German kid, have already forgotten the name though.
/Marcel Barthel it was, had to look it up.
Last edited by OD50; August 10th, 2018 at 5:13 AM.
Exactly where in the show did this happen? I can't find it.
Exactly where in the show did this happen? I can't find it.
This was a wwe.com network exclusive.. i seen it on twitter
Amazing.
Watched it now on Youtube.
Lars Sullivan did Aleister Black in, you can see him walking off in the background (bright yellow shirt/red trunks). Payback for that broken jaw at TakeOver I guess.
If Dream got shrinkage, he can always do a George Costanza..."I WAS IN THE POOOL!"
If that wasn't him, it was someone who looked a hell of a lot like him. Maybe this was the end game they were thinking of all along, having Black beat Sullivan, having Sullivan eventually cost Black and they work off in a non-title feud again.
Pretty cool they've got different bits of footage of the post-attack scene. EVERYONE'S A SUSPECT.
Reckon you guys are right about Sullivan, though.
Ciampa just became champ, do you have him lose it to Gargano so soon?
No, I'm pretty sure he retains here. And he should, too.
Matches for tonight's episode of NxT TV:
Nobody looks like Lars Sullivan...
Real "Who Shot Mr Burns" stuff. I love it
I love concerned GM Regal after these attacks so much. Otis in the background's always great too.
Takeover predictions for tonight:
Ciampa
Sane
Undisputed Era
Ricochet
Dream (please, cannaecbe arsed with EC3)
No Contest
Sane
Undisputed Era
Ricochet
EC3
Double count for the LMS
Sane
MM
Ricochet
EC3
The most minor of complaints in that I think the finish came a touch too easily, especially when you consider what UE kicked out of, but fuck me that was wonderful.
This strikes me as a loser gets called up match.
edit: And this is the result I expected, considering that thought. EC3 seems way too versatile of an option right now and could do well with direction on the main roster.
Last edited by BGMaverick; August 18th, 2018 at 7:55 PM.
Matt fucking Riddle!!!
Re-subbed to the Network for this PPV at 2 months for 99 cents..
That opening Tag Team match was amazing. Dream/EC3 match felt a little slow to me but it was decent.
Well bugger me, that was daft and brilliant and silly and amazing.
Cole losing clean is very interesting.
My thoughts exactly.
So happy for Kairi Sane. Shayna really improved since I last saw her but I'm just not a fan of the MMA crap.
What a stupid finish.
Kinda agree, I get what they were going for, but the execution was off to me...
Yep. Hell of a match though leading up to the finish. Nigel might have read the script too soon when he conveniently said "No one at ringside is safe" and then boom, super kick from Gargano to a plant. I did laugh though when Ciampa threw everything to cover Gargano, including that dude that Gargano killed.
But for the finish, it's the whole bit with Gargano winning the title and refusing to accept Ciampa's apology, which end up costing himself the match. The handcuff placement was too predictable though where Ciampa can easily just stand up.
Hell of a feud though, maybe they over thunk it a bit with the story telling.
Overall, great PPV though. Thank you NXT for never disappointing.
This Ciampo-Gargano feud is starting to feel like Lesnar-Reigns.
Really great opener. Don't think it was better than the two matches prior but it was a great trilogy. I felt like it was more of a coming out party for Tyler Bate overall. Guy looked phenomenal throughout the match.
I went in thinking EC3/Dream was going to be the weakest of the bunch for the evening. That ended up being the case, but I didn't think the match was bad. It just felt like it never really hit another gear. It was nice to see Dream get a win on Takeover. Will be interesting to see what he does next. Like I said, thought this was a loser gets called up match and I think EC3 will outdo the guy that was called up after Brooklyn III (Roode). Regardless of whether he's a face or heel, I think EC3 is going to be able to do more with his character more than Roode at this point.
Very interested to see what Matt Riddle can do on an already stacked roster. Guy looks like a star.
Ricochet and Cole seemed to have a first half of a match that really didn't strike me as memorable. I don't feel like much of anything that happened in that portion mattered later. That said, the second half of the match was absolutely nuts. That welt Ricochet had from the superkick looked gnarly and the execution of that move was fantastic. The slow motion replay was beautiful. They put over the 630 like crazy after the match.
Women's title match was superb. Loved it so, so much. Baszler looks really good in the ring and in terms of her execution. She can get under everyone's skin, too. Sane showed a lot of fight and tenacity. That counter to the InSane elbow looked rough too. Really clever and fun finish.
Gargano must have read Dean Ambrose's book for trying to finish a match. That was a silly finish but the match was really, really good.
Last edited by BGMaverick; August 18th, 2018 at 10:05 PM.
It's one thing to not like the feud or feel that it has ran its course, but comparing it to Lesnar/Reigns now?? Get outta here.. lol. Lesnar/Reigns isn't even a feud. Not when Lesnar doesn't show up 99% of the time. Or the fact that it's no secret that Vince wants Reigns to be a star. But hey, you're entitled to your own opinion even if I feel it's silly enough to have to disagree with you.
It was just a shitty way to end the feud. Honestly, NXT has enough heels for Johnny to fight through with Adam Cole and EC3. Tiamso has like zero since Black seems to be out for awhile. NXT really does a fine job of building and executing PPVS, but they sometimes have the stupidedst finishes to matches. I also think most of NXT should look at Jose, Bobby and a bunch of other stuck in mid-card hell guys and gals. I have no zero desire to see anyone on the main roster for awhile.
Opening tag match was solid. Love how the dudes involved always just go full tilt. I had predicted MM winning earlier today but while I was at work I thought War Raiders were probably the next challengers and MM would probably be more on NXT UK, so I should've gone with UE retaining but didn't have time to change my pick before the show.
Dream/EC3 was alright but not as memorable as Dream's other recent TakeOver matches. Certainly not a bad match, though. Loved Dream's "Call me up, Vince" tights. Was surprised and happy Dream got the win, i thought his thing was kind of being the guy that loses but looks awesome doing it. Hope to see him get in the NA or NXT Title picture soon if Vince doesn't agree with the tights.
Ricochet/Cole was very good. That upside-down superkick spot was bananas. I still don't care for Cole, though, dude is bland AF but pretty solid in the ring, I will admit. Super happy Ricochet won.
Women's title match was outstanding. Baszler is like a female Samoa Joe and I dig her and Kairi is just fucking terrific. Such an adorable badass. Was thrilled when she won and did not expect it after the elbow counter into the clutch. I really want a Sane/Belair feud for the title.
Mixed feelings about the main event. Pretty awesome at times and a bit ridiculous at times. Loved the dude at ringside getting kicked and being used as plunder to toss onto Gargano. Finish was interesting.
Also about the show, looking at the week of shows ahead, there wasn't anyone who really jumped out that I could see them debuting on main roster this week coming up outside of Baszler. I like when the night after these big shows, the crowds are hot, and debuts are anticipated. Just don't see it this time.
intresting if true
From HHH's post ppv press conference, from Dave Scherer recap.
He was asked how much went as they expected vs. what happened. He said that sometimes stuff happens. Clearly he wasn’t planning on Gargano hurting himself. They changed on the fly but it was supposed to go differently than it did. But the only people that knew that were those who were involved with the planning. He mentioned Dusty Rhodes told him that if he can get 70% of what you see in your mind happens, that’s great. He did a great Dusty impression when he said it.
I thought Baszler/Sane was wonderful. Just a damn good match start to finish. Ronda won't be the horsewoman we care about within a year. And Sane is one of the best storytellers I've seen in a while. Not for a woman. Just in general.
I loved the finish on the main event. I wanted Johnny to win so badly and he was right there and he fucking deserved it and then NO FUCK YOU PSYCHO KILLER WINS AGAIN. It's just awesome as shit.
"CALL ME UP VINCE!"
Dream is great.
Amazing card overall as Takeovers usually are. I hated that finish to Gargano/Ciampa which up until then was great. Made Gargano look like a complete buffoon.
Great show. Brilliant atmosphere live. I have yet to be let down by a takeover
Yeah, I thought the same.
I thought that was one of the best shows I've ever seen. Top to bottom that was great.
I had a little tear in my eye when Kairi Sane won (even though I had seen that result before I watched it).
The dislocated kneecap situation is one of that works within reality or convenience so I'm okay with it. The story between these two needs room to breathe now. What's interesting is what happens next for Ciampa. They can let the mystery attacker angle consume Black as much or as little as they want to and they can do so in terms of how long it lasts as well. Gargano needs to stay out of the picture, so who realistically makes sense for the next top contender for Ciampa?
He's the only guy that makes sense, but I'm getting major mixed feelings on it.
That back and forth would be outstanding.
I figured with his "bask in the experience" that Dream may face off with Keith Lee soon
a burning hammer/top rope knee drop twenty minutes into a match is kicked out of but a sweep/thrust kick combo is the finish? tag match was good up until seven went and grabbed the towel, then it completely lost me.
i just finished watching it myself and yeah, the burning hammer kickout WAS excessive but i still thought it was one of the best matches of the year. bate backstroking across the ring to make the tag after trent threw the towel away was awesome. bate is legit one of the best in the world.
i hated the towel spot. i didnt buy for a second that seven was going to throw it in cause the build wasnt there. so it was just a bit of forced drama for a call back that wasnt earned at that point.
I can see that being a wash but I think it was used under the guise of creating as much suspense as humanly possible for a result almost anyone had to assume was a foregone conclusion. MM basically has two finishers (at least that we've seen) that have gotten the job done against UE. I would have found a way to flip it, have the lariat suplex kicked out of then have the setup for the burning hammer get stalled out by taking out Bate, KOR swarming out and then doing the actual finish they had.
slowly working through the show. EC3/dream went too long and got dull at times, but that ending was awesome.
That's why I'm stoked about it finally coming to Los Angeles in November. My friends and I got tickets asap for this. It took them awhile to release NXT tickets too. They were trying to get people to buy Survivor Series, RAW, and Smackdown first. But we knew the only show we wanted to attend was TakeOver.
I think Ohno is the guy for the next couple of months
He could use a big win before being thrust back into the title chase.
The burning hammer kick out shit was ri-goddamn-diculous. That move should very rarely be kicked out of.
That was the one thing that kept it from being match of the night IMO. Took me out of it. Especially considering it took one finish from UE to take MM out.
FWIW, Austin reviewed Takeover and Summerslam on his podcast.
- Said MM/UE was his favorite match of the entire weekend.
- Austin would be interested to see EC3 with higher caliber talent to really get a feel how far EC3 can go in the ring. That wasn't said in an indicting way towards Dream, but he can just tell that Dream is still green in a lot of ways. Said he certainly sees main roster value in both performers.
- Happy to see how Ricochet has transitioned to work more of a WWE style but still make himself stand out. Can really see how Cole is extremely over with the audience and is really nice all-around in the ring.
- Thought both of the ladies showed some strong promise and was an entertaining match. A distinguishing factor was use of emotion (compared to EC3/Dream). Use of it in the women's match seemed more real and authentic, while the other seemed more of a pandering sense.
- Really enjoyed the main event. Didn't really buy into the criticism fans had about the foolishness shown by Gargano with the finish of the match.
Love Austin and usually agree with him, but Gargano looked daft. Ciampa was handcuffed, ffs and Johnny lost. Clean. I get the emotion, but no.
That's the point, IMO. His anger is getting the better of him. I reckon the final match of this feud, whenever it may happen to be, will just be a straight garden variety one-fall match.
Baszler/Sane was match of the night for mine. Baszler finally being unsettled was great and the finishing sequence was brilliant.
Dream/EC3 felt like it had a lot of callbacks to the HBK/Hogan match from a while ago where HBK was comically over selling. Dream is green as fuck but his characterisation is so good that it doesn't matter yet,
Matches airing on tonight's episode of NxT TV (taped in Brooklyn on Saturday, prior to Takeover):
NxT will be taping 4 weeks of television tonight...
Dunne & Ricochet vs. Undisputed Era will take place.
---
And NxT UK will be taping TV this Saturday and Sunday...
There will be a 2-day, 8-woman tournament to determine the FIRST EVER NxT UK Women's Champ.
Hhh has a hard on for tournaments doesn't he
How close are we to Fish being cleared?
Regardless, seems relatively primed for UE versus British Strong Style versus War Raiders and Ricochet (maybe?) for WarGames.
Meltzer ratings:
Undisputed Era/Mustache Mountain: 4.5
EC3/Dream: 2.75
Cole/Ricochet: 4.5
Baszler/Sane: 3.5
Ciampa/Gargano: 4.5
New theme music for Ciampa at the latest tapings:
Anyone who consider it a spoiler, don't click that little white arrow in the middle.
The previous theme was so much better.
Do you mean this from WWE 2K18 or his most recent Bad News Brown style theme?
Did he actually use the one from 2K18 for real? Maybe it was his singles theme during the DIY run?
Nah, I was jokingly making the point that no music was better. The boos were music enough, should've kept it that way.
That was what I meant by Bad News Brown theme, Bad News never had any entrance music. He was too badass for sissy stuff like that.
I see he now has a shirt too. Shame.
Aye. He stood out with no frills. Now he's just typical.
Don't blame him though, obvs.
Need more tough guys like Bad News Brown in the business again.
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