I have become a fan of Thea Hail because of her work as part of Chase U. She "gets it" and for someone so young, I hope the demise of Chase U doesn't hurt her too much.
I have become a fan of Thea Hail because of her work as part of Chase U. She "gets it" and for someone so young, I hope the demise of Chase U doesn't hurt her too much.
As I expected, with the end of Mr. Chase's sad video, it doesn't look like the stable's dead necessarily. Curious who that voice was.
Page vs. Axiom was good. NA Title match was decent. Giulia vs. Kelani was good. I can't stand Lola Vice and hope Jaida beats her in their final blow off but considering Underground is Lola's specialty, Vice is probably winning. Parker and Vice both need to be in the opposite face/heel roles. Eric Bischoff is random as fuck. Women's NA Title match was good and I was really hoping the Gigi foreshadowing was going to lead to her helping Tatum actually win not just appearing after she lost.Not a Gigi fan but if this means more Tatum, I'll be happy.
Current NXT product is just really missing a big spark at the moment. The wrestling is good but the storylines are just so watered down.
Where the fuck has Oba disappeared too? Chase U going through ANOTHER break-up? Axiom and Fraser fighting for ages but no real pay-off. It’s been dragging. I mean there’s some good stuff like they have a good women’s roster but the storylines (other than Tatum) to set the palate on fire.
Also Ava other than being Rock’s daughter is a pretty bland GM.
Yeah, pretty much sums it up, really.Originally Posted by Badger
Still watch, still enjoy on the whole.
Ava just isn't a great actress, she's wooden and as you say, a pretty bland GM. Her discussion backstage about the last chance qualifiers is a perfect example. But I will give her credit for expressing what sounded like legit emotion when she told Eddie Thorpe "Do not touch me!", followed immediately by her bump after getting knocked by the door was better than most staged backstage bumps. I could have done without old man HBK getting aggressive against a man a third his age, but Sean Micheals only showed the rest of the roster how acting is done.
Axiom and Frazer's tension about qualifying for the Iron Survivor, but Ava making them also defend their tag titles at deadline, makes me think they will be dropping the belts, and blaming each other for it.
Not sure what to make about Bischoff coming next week. Ridge Holland has always needed help on the mic, so if they're using Eric to stoke up some heat on this feud, I worry that it is more likely to comes off as a forced retiree appearance,
I meant to add that Andre Chase often feels like the weak link in his storylines. It seems to me that the gimmick is far more over than he is, but there's probably more they can get out of it. Overall, I think they used the gimmick successfully to help refresh Ridge from a main roster reject known for hurting Big E, to now being a contender for the NXT title.
I always thought Ridge was perfectly fine expressing himself. Bischoff's appearance was indeed rather random and seems entirely unnecessary, but we shall see.
Loved Wren qualifying. She's underrated.
Really hope Jaida comes out on top in this feud with Lola. She is money.
Tag battle royal was pretty good. NQCC are at least a fresh option.
Bischoff really added very little to the Ridge/Trick confrontation. I'm probably not even going to watch that match on Saturday. Ridge just does nothing for me.
Speaking of adding very little, X-Pac's cameo was even less worthwhile.
Men's last chance match was good. Lexis King is really fucking impressing me lately, that bridging pin/Northern Lights was siiiick. Thorpe's fnally doing something interesting though he got taken out, maybe? Curious if he stays in or gets replaced.
Women's main event segment was generic AF.
Looking forward to most of the PLE barring Trick/Ridge. Really hyped for the women's Iron Survivor the most, stacked as hell with almost everyone being a possible winner.
Men's Iron Survivor was good. Once Oba was revealed as the (expected) fifth man, it was pretty obvious to me he was winning and that took some drama out of it. Page was hilarious and I'm curious what's happening with him after those post match remarks.
Underground match was alright. As I've said, their alignment should be flipped, I think the dynamic would work a lot better. Hope that's the last we see of that fake-ass brick bouncing around like a rubber ball.
Tag title match was good. Tavion really stood out, man's a beast. Once again fell for the "this is when Fraxiom finally loses!".
Skipped Trick/Ridge. Sounds like I didn't miss anything special.
Women's Iron Survivor fucking SLAPPED. MOTN. Hell, maybe a MOTY candidate. Wren really got to shine, she's the Chelsea Green of NXT, making the most of her minutes and the crowd is hot for her. Sol also had some standout spots, that handspring moonsault out of the ring was nuts. The other three also looked good. Did not expect Giulia to win as she already had a shot, figured it'd be Stephanie, but I'm not mad about it.
Very good show overall.
I missed the mens match but really enjoyed the rest of the show for the most part.
I was digging the underground match until the rubber brick started bouncing around.
Really enjoyed the tag title match.
The women's iron survivor match was really good. I loved how Wren ate like 4 falls but still managed to get a fall to make it a 5 way tie unitil that last second fall by Guilia
I tuned in and was surprised that Eddie Thorpe was being replaced by someone TBD. I hadn't understood why Oba hadn't been seen since his loss of the NA title, but once I saw he was in there, it was obvious he was winning. Jevon made the most out of his time, and Ethan Page is too talented for NXT.
I skipped the Ridge Trick match, figuring I would watch it later if it was better than expected.
I flipped through the bouncing rubber brick match. All I could think was if the gimmick was given to someone more charismatic, someone like Chelsea Green, they could have embraced the stupidity, and they'd find a way to sell thousands of autographed rubber bricks.
I'm finally getting back into NXT, it finally feels like it's kinda back to its roots... or closer to them, rather. Only problem I'm having so far is learning and re-learning who these folks are because most of them still have generically generic and forgettable names. It's crazy how NXT has been able to course correct this well for the second time in its history.
First it was changed from a silly challenge show to the golden days.
Now it's been changed from NXT 2.Shit to this.
There's so many blonde white women in NXT right now. I only know a few of their names.
CW has posted The Rock's promo, uncensored, on their YT channel. If you were concerned about no more Final Boss, he pretty much broke down the 4th wall and said "be patient"
Found Roxanne/Giulia to be a bit underwhelming but am happy Giulia is the champ. I like her but she hasn't blown me away as much as I expected so I look forward to her reign continuing to bolster my fandom.
Stephanie getting the NA Title shot is cool. Shotzi getting in the mix was unexpected but I'm not mad about it so long as Steph's momentum doesn't get too derailed.
Oba winning legit surprised me, figured Eddy was taking the pin and we'd get Trick/Oba one-on-one later where he'd win it but I getg having new champs to usher in a new era and all that.
Dwayne's promo was a meandering waste of time. This was what I expected from him on RAW. Whatever, it garnered numbers so fuck me, I guess.
Really hoping my boys OTM win the tag titles next week...
Your constant hate of The Rock is at least consistent lol.
I wasn't shocked Giulia won, but I was shocked that Trick didn't retain. There's a part of me that still feels like the way Oba lost to Tony D was kinda wack. I felt like they should've had Oba lose the NA title in a 4-way, not taking the pin, and then just saying fuck it I'm off to capture the NXT title. I'm definitely intrigued by where they're going with him and Thorpe. Another guy I'm not really high on and maybe he'll grow on me but I haven't been a fan of anything that dude has really done so far.
How many of us have zero interest in the Heritage Cup championship? I can't be the only one. I just don't think there's a reason for it when you have a smaller roster and you have tag titles, NA title, and the NXT title. These matches are goofy and I respect the historical aspect but it doesn't really translate that well-for me. Just like the Speed title. Completely pointless.
Yeah, not a fan of the Cup or it's convoluted match rules. I almost always end up zoning out when it's defended unless I really like someone in the match. At least this thing with King is making things more interesting.
Feel similar on Thorpe. I like him in a general sense but it still feels like he hasn't fully clicked, even after this heel turn. Something's missing.
The Heritage cup stuff was at least watchable when Dar was the champ. The passing of it pretty quickly to someone else since Dar dropped it makes it more meaningless. I haven't watched a full show in weeks but know King and Regal were somewhat of a pair, or a pair in progress. They can have them as a pair with King as a NA title contender instead of this. And I don't even know who the NA champ is now.
They can do whatever the hell they want with Femi. Any title, all the titles, looking threatening doing promo time. The guy is built like one of those 90s action figures.
I think The Heritage Cup was fun and had a place on NXT UK. NXT, not so much. That format as well and adverts doesn't work too well either. There are times when an entire round has been missed because of ads and at least, most of the round. Just takes me out of a it a bit more in this format than a regular match does.
And yes, with plenty of titles, does seem unnecessary.
Last edited by Murphy; January 13th, 2025 at 12:45 PM.
I think Nom Dar is my least favorite wrestler on the planet.
I do agree that it worked better on NXT UK because those fans I think appreciated the historical aspect of it more than any other fanbase. Again it's like the Speed title. It's catering to a very very specific type of fan. The majority of us do not care if you're a former Heritage cup champion. The rules are so obscure compared to a regular match.
Not the same, but reminds me a little of the ROH 'Pure' title back in the day. I say back in the day, probably still a thing. The rules made it rather dull. 3 rope breaks etc. Can't remember the other rules, but more often than not, not always, but was fairly dull. Was merged with the ROH Title back in 2006 when Danielson beat McGuinness in Liverpool at 'Unified'.
Must have made a comeback after that, but I don't care enough to look it up.
Graves says he has a lot to say tonight on NXT. This is after he tweeted about his frustration about being moved off the show he was on because he wasn't famous enough.
I believe Graves has been medically cleared in the last few years. Wonder if they are building to a match with him and McAfee. Could be fun.
Just made the same post in the RAW thread. Very interesting.
Really looking forward to tonight's show. Big OTM fan so I'm hoping they get the win tonight but I really don't expect it, so if they do, I'll be flying off the couch. Also very excited for Shotzi/Stephanie. New era with the new champs is also intriguing.
@MTR Welp, nevermind. Apparently Graves is off NXT tonight and left town.
Kinda sucks for Graves as he's oodles better than Pat or Joe.
They have to be building to something. At least I hope so
Man I wish I subscribed to Fightful. that is like the one news site I trust for the most part. seeing some mixed reports and opinions on what is going on.
Graves' brother tweeted not at work. But that really doesn't mean anything if they are really trying to work things.
edit: found a site citing Fightful. Saying unclear if work or shoot but people close to him claim he is legit frustrated with the move to NXT. they couldn't confirm he left but other sources have said he was seen at airport and he was not at rehearsal and only two seats at commentary.
Last edited by MTR; January 14th, 2025 at 5:32 PM.
Not a peep about Graves on NXT tonight. Feel like if it was a work they'd have probably said something about him not being there.
Vaquer/Shotzi qas really good. Haven't really seen Shotzi work a chain/mat style like that, i was impressed. Gril can go. Not thrilled Steph lost her shot but the bigger story seems like FI are afraid of her and that she will eventually get back at them, Shotzi is the filler on the way to it.
Genuinely forgot Ridge Holland was a thing. Not really thrilled with Oba's current challenger situation but I think Thorpe's getting more interesting every week.
Loving Page right now. I was pretty lukewarm to him when he first came in and became champ but he's really won me over. Dante needs to grow a beard if possible to hide that Ellsworth chin (I say this as someone who also has a weak chin).
Metagirls vs. Unholy Union was really good. Fan of both teams so either winning would've been cool. Happy to see Metagirls get spotlight.
Masha in the crowd was a surprise, thought the TNA crossover was over. Would be rad to see her work in WWE a bit, have heard very good things.
Tag title match was great. Much as ai was certain OTM weren't winning, they had me a couple times thinking they might.
Bayley/Roxanne confrontation felt rushed and it didn't seem like the dialogue ramped up enough to warrant the brawl. Seemed like the copyright stuff popped up halfway through so they just jumped to it.
The fact some of us are question is it a work/shoot shows that whatever they're doing is working.
Let's be honest.....Nobody IDGAF who they are is going to tweet "I've got a lot to say on the show tonight" after what he posted if it's not an angle. This dude isn't that fucking dumb. If you're a fan who thought "oh wow Corey's going to be at the booth talking shit this is a shoot!" Turn in your wrestling fan card. Now maybe he is that stupid idk. Cheated on his wife, said some stupid shit about Sami Zayn, he was the guy who was tasked to bury Sasha and Naomi when they walked out...But imo, this all just screams "storyline" and if it isn't well, guess we'll find out when he's future endeavored or made lead announcer for Speed on Twitter.
He was already calling Speed and just got replaced on it, as well:
https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/20...ard-pat-mcafee
But that was actually taped before he went off on Twitter, so
Corey may be dumb, but he's a terrific announcer with an incredibly hot wife now. I don't condone him cheating on his first wife, or any of the other dumb shit he's done in the past, but I can understand his frustration with being kicked out of a job he's doing really well, when part-timer McAfee has been cringe as he isn't up to speed on the players or storylines yet.
This screams storyline to me, mostly because I think they want McAfee in a Mania match to reset the crowd, and I can't think of a good opponent for him right now.
I lean towards this is a work too even if he is legit frustrated. Him and Cole are like the MVP's of the commentary team and go where needed. Everyone else is in and out of there on like a rotating basis. Barret has been in there for quite a while now actually though starting out in NXT and bouncing back and forth from Raw and Smackdown.
I mean like I said, unless he's a total idiot which I wouldn't be shocked but still---if he was serious about how he was going to be talking some shit on NXT last night he might as well have signed his walking papers lol. Or at the very least they're going to make him sit at home or do shit off camera while he's getting paid. I'm trying to keep myself in check and not get worked lol.
Well, Graves was back and said he was where he wanted to be so I guess everything's blown over there.
Easily the best Eddy Thorpe's ever looked against Femi last night. Busting out new offense, looking smart, aggressive, and strategic in his approach. Pretty impressed, would be down with him going after and winning the NA title after this loss and running with that for awhile.
Bayley/Giulia/Roxi/Cora segment was fun as hell with the nuclear heat from the crowd. The women's division on NXT is really blowing the mens's sifde out of the goddamn water. Was amusing that everyone in this was wearing black leather pants.
Lennox seems like he could be something someday but just needs to get a few more pieces into place.
Heritage Cup match was decent, glad King kept it and it seems the face turn was, in fact, a ruse all along which is the right move. Dude's naturally a douche.
Would really like to see more Zaria in ring and not just backstage.
I'm actually a little surprised with how Zaria has been booked. IDK I'm just looking for something more.
I can't stand the Heritage Cup but King can't be a babyface with that facial hair game looking absolutely ridiculous lol. Charlie Dempsey is someone who should be in the North American title picture. Leave the Nom Dar's to the lame Cup and put Dempsey in there challenging Tony D. And when is Stacks going to get his true solo run??
Yeah Dempsey needs to move on past the Cup at this point.
I have been a little surprised by the Zaria booking but waiting to see how it plays out.
Do you think they'll hold a NXT/TNA crossover event? Would be cool to see TNA vs. NXT in every match.
They did that angle a long while back teasing Stacks betraying Tony. They need to get back to something like that and Stacks can overthrow him. A Family divided angle where the members have to take a side. Could make them more interesting than they have for awhile.
That would be cool to see. At this point we will probably just see NXT people at TNA events and TNA people at NXT events on various levels. But it would be fun to see a straight up crossover event with TNA vs NXT
TNA doing a taping at Full Sail, so I’m expecting lots of TNANXT shenanigans
Was there a glitch on Netflix or something or did the King/Dempsey Heritage Cup match go to commercial at the end of the first round at 0-0 and come back at the start of the 4th round at 1-1?
Reply With Quote
