The Official WWE / NXT Discussion Thread *May Contain Spoilers*

[sabataged]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="dpoolez" data-cite="dpoolez" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>He also tried to do that Vet to rookie promo to Kevin Owens when I think Kevin Owens was wrestling longer than even he was.<p> </p><p> He needs to stop doing that unless its an NXT/Performance Center type of rookie.</p><p> </p><p> AJs been wrestling all over, been NWA, IWGP world champion. Those are probably the more prestigious belts when you leave the realm of WWE.</p><p> </p><p> AJ is probably the most legitimate full time wrestler that's signed to WWE that wasn't made by them in a long time when you look at his resume.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> The problem is your standard casual WWE fan doesn't know all the stuff you just said. I have a 15 year old son that has watched wrestling with me off and on for the better part of 10 year. All he really knows is WWE. I took him to a couple TNA shows but he just calls them "that other company". </p><p> </p><p> When Kevin Owens and AJ Styles shows up with Cena giving them they need to prove themselves talk it resonates with the WWE Casual fan because they dont know what these guys have done. </p><p> </p><p> I think we superfans get caught up in it and try to nitpick everything.</p>

[shawn michaels]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="sabataged" data-cite="sabataged" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The problem is your standard casual WWE fan doesn't know all the stuff you just said. I have a 15 year old son that has watched wrestling with me off and on for the better part of 10 year. All he really knows is WWE. I took him to a couple TNA shows but he just calls them "that other company". <p> </p><p> When Kevin Owens and AJ Styles shows up with Cena giving them they need to prove themselves talk it resonates with the WWE Casual fan because they dont know what these guys have done. </p><p> </p><p> I think we superfans get caught up in it and try to <strong>nitpick everything</strong>.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Amen. It's too much nitpicking. Half a dozen years ago (even less), AJ Styles as WWE Champion, Steen as world champ, and so many other indy guys in that we liked, in the WWE was a mirage and now look how it evolved. More than Triple H (who has his fair share of responsibility), there is also the fact that they now need to cater to the internet fanbase as well, given that the network is an online streaming service. Sure, there is a lot that can be improved, the shows are repetitive cause they did a brand split before bolstering the roster, etc etc, but it has been much worse. A few years back and we would kill for the product we have nowadays. We nitpick too much. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[crownsy]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="sabataged" data-cite="sabataged" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The problem is your standard casual WWE fan doesn't know all the stuff you just said. I have a 15 year old son that has watched wrestling with me off and on for the better part of 10 year. All he really knows is WWE. I took him to a couple TNA shows but he just calls them "that other company". <p> </p><p> When Kevin Owens and AJ Styles shows up with Cena giving them they need to prove themselves talk it resonates with the WWE Casual fan because they dont know what these guys have done. </p><p> </p><p> I think we superfans get caught up in it and try to nitpick everything.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> oh, the Owens one was fine.</p><p> </p><p> My nitpick with the AJ version is he's already done it, when AJ and him fueded before. And AJ beat him, clean, 1-2-3 and has been one of, if not the, hottest act in the company in 2016.</p><p> </p><p> So I am unclear how AJ now needs to prove he can beat John Cena when he's already done it. </p><p> </p><p> Also, I was somewhat surprised AJ hasn't brought that up Before they made the (correct) decision to have AJ go over clean while John took a hiatus to film TV and movies (not taking a shot, god knows he's earned it) The Fued was built around "If I beat you, you have to say I'm better than you in the ring John, and if you won't your a liar" and then AJ never really followed up on that. </p><p> </p><p> Again, i thought the promo between them was awesome, just kinda raised an eyebrow when Cena went there like "dude, I remember this already going down. He beat you."</p>

[Blackman]

Really good promo with AJ and Cena...and then they send out that turd Baron Corbin.

 

Just watched last week's Smackdown as I apparently had missed it. Man, what an awesome show (though I watched it in the background). Jericho was right. I AM a stupid idiot. So I enjoyed the show, but then Corbin had to spoil it and make Ziggler look like a fool by arriving too late to stop the pinfall. A newb like him shouldn't be in the main event. Period. I guess you can turn it around and say it made AJ look better. But let's give the kid some slack: he didn't botch the two spots he was involved in, or I must have missed it. But great show that even started well, with Cena making a tolerable showing. Like said before, I kinda dig this edgier Cena.

 

Having Owens lose the title makes sense. It's been a while.

[dvdWarrior]

<p>This might surprise a few folks, considering... things I've posted here in the past... other folks might not even care... maybe no one will care, I dunno...</p><p> </p><p>

But I've been watching that Monday Night Wars thing on the WWE Network... and it's very good. I've been enjoying it immensely. </p><p> </p><p>

I... uh... have always had a really bad habit of... defending WCW's honor, but... yeah.</p><p> </p><p>

Anyways, this series is good. Moving right along.</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/redface.png.900245280682ef18c5d82399a93c5827.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Rayelek]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="dvdWarrior" data-cite="dvdWarrior" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>This might surprise a few folks, considering... things I've posted here in the past... other folks might not even care... maybe no one will care, I dunno...<p> </p><p> But I've been watching that Monday Night Wars thing on the WWE Network... and it's very good. I've been enjoying it immensely. </p><p> </p><p> I... uh... have always had a really bad habit of... defending WCW's honor, but... yeah.</p><p> </p><p> Anyways, this series is good. Moving right along.</p><p> </p><p> <img alt=":o" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/redface.png.900245280682ef18c5d82399a93c5827.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I also recently started that series. I concur in your assessment regarding its quality.</p>

[Blackman]

I watchted five episodes yesterday. Didn't do much else after work. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> It was a good watch, even though we've seen most of the footage through other videos. The whole DX tank thing was new for me, given I've just seen screens before now.

[shawn michaels]

I'm thinking (hoping) that maybe this time the women's title is kept by Charlotte for a while instead of all the hot potato thing they did with her and Banks. I mean, keeping it up would make the title mean nothing. So I think Charlotte's streak will continue for a little more, probably until Mania.

[milamber]

Anyone watch NXT? I was wondering how they would setup Asuka's rumored match for Takeover and make her a sympathetic but still kick-ass babyface and they did it perfectly in a single episode. That final segment screaming "All of them!" at Regal is an early contender for best segment of the year.

[sabataged]

<p>Royal Rumble/Wrestlemania Thoughts/Predictions:</p><p> </p><p>

I feel like the Undertaker of all people is going to win the Rumble and go on to face Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania. I think Reigns is going to beat Kevin Owens maybe due to Jericho screwing him over accidentally somehow. Also I think the match will come down to Goldberg and Undertaker as the final two or maybe 2 of the final 4. Lesnar will screw Goldberg out of his chance to win the match. </p><p> </p><p>

I read Goldberg is having a match at FastLane. I kind of get the feeling he is going to work with Reigns. In kayfabe Foley could say since Goldberg was screwed out of winning the Rumble then he will have a Universal Title match against Reigns at FastLane with the winner taking on the Undertaker at Wrestlemania. Lesnar again screws over Goldberg which sets up the Goldberg/Lesnar and the Reigns/Undertaker matches at Wrestlemania.</p><p> </p><p>

I am on the fence for the AJ Styles/John Cena match. In my "dream" scenario I would have a face AJ Styles vs heel Miz at Mania for the WWE title. I feel like those are the two most deserving people on Smackdown based on 2016 performances. If AJ turns face I could see Ambrose turning heel and I think a Cena vs Ambrose match could be nice. I just dont see them turning Ambrose heel before Mania. Also there are rumors that Samoa Joe is being called up either at the Rumble or directly after for a big match at Mania. Joe is a way better heel than a face. I could easily see a Ambrose vs Joe match at Mania for the IC title. Again though this leaves Cena in no mans land. </p><p> </p><p>

So I back it up some more. If Cena beats Styles at Wrestlemania. We can have Samoa Joe debut and challenge AJ Styles. Those two will tear the house down at Mania and do not really need a title to feud over. This could free up Cena to work with....Corbin? I don't know. I really think Miz deserves this spot but I can't see another Miz vs Cena match up. I could see them having Elimination Chamber in February with Miz, Ambrose, Ziggler, Corbin, Styles, and Samoa Joe with Corbin coming out the winner. WWE seems to be dead set on pushing the guy. I like his performances lately even though I don't think he is ready yet. I would personally rather see an Ambrose vs Corbin match for IC title, Cena vs Samoa Joe for no title, and then face Styles vs Miz for WWE Title but I doubt it would go down that way. </p><p> </p><p>

So after my ramble my Wrestlemania card is </p><p> </p><p>

Roman Reigns vs <strong>Undertaker</strong> - Universal Title</p><p>

<strong>Brock Lesnar</strong> vs Goldberg</p><p>

<strong>Kevin Owens</strong> vs Chris Jericho - US Title</p><p>

<strong>Seth Rollins</strong> vs Triple H</p><p>

Charlotte vs Sasha Banks vs <strong>Bayley</strong> vs Nia Jax - Raw Womens</p><p>

New Day vs <strong>Club</strong> vs Cesaro/Sheamus - Raw Tag</p><p>

6-8 Man Ladder Match for Cruiserweight Title </p><p>

<strong>AJ Styles</strong> vs Samoa Joe</p><p>

<strong>Dean Ambrose</strong> vs The Miz - IC Title</p><p>

<strong>John Cena</strong> vs Baron Corbin - WWE Title</p><p>

Bray Wyatt vs <strong>Randy Orton</strong></p><p>

<strong>Becky Lynch</strong> vs Mickie James - Smackdown Womens</p><p>

<strong>American Alpha</strong> vs Uso's - Smackdown Tag</p><p>

Big Show vs <strong>Shaq</strong></p><p>

Andre the Giant Battle Royal - <strong>Strowman </strong>wins</p><p> </p><p>

Last year we had 11 matches and the year before we only had 9. I don't see them going with 15 matches. 3-5 will probably be cut. If they wait for the blow off on the Orton/Wyatt feud you could get rid of their match and have them take on American Alpha for the tag titles.</p><p> </p><p>

I didn't even go down the Finn Balor scenarios yet. The last I read was they were expecting an early March timeline for Finn. I would love to see him return early and win the Rumble to challenge Reigns for his Universal title. Which could then free up Undertaker for a match with Bruan Strowman if that's what they really want to do with his God Push he has going on. Even cooler scenario would be to see him switch Brands to challenge AJ Styles for the WWE Title in a AJ Styles vs Finn Balor dream match. The dirt sheets were saying they wanted a fantastic match at Mania to compete with the Okada/Omega match. That is probably their best shot honestly. </p><p> </p><p>

But thats for a different day and a different rabbit hole</p>

[Russelrules44]

Royal Rumble/Wrestlemania Thoughts/Predictions:

 

I feel like the Undertaker of all people is going to win the Rumble and go on to face Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania. I think Reigns is going to beat Kevin Owens maybe due to Jericho screwing him over accidentally somehow. Also I think the match will come down to Goldberg and Undertaker as the final two or maybe 2 of the final 4. Lesnar will screw Goldberg out of his chance to win the match.

 

I read Goldberg is having a match at FastLane. I kind of get the feeling he is going to work with Reigns. In kayfabe Foley could say since Goldberg was screwed out of winning the Rumble then he will have a Universal Title match against Reigns at FastLane with the winner taking on the Undertaker at Wrestlemania. Lesnar again screws over Goldberg which sets up the Goldberg/Lesnar and the Reigns/Undertaker matches at Wrestlemania.

 

I am on the fence for the AJ Styles/John Cena match. In my "dream" scenario I would have a face AJ Styles vs heel Miz at Mania for the WWE title. I feel like those are the two most deserving people on Smackdown based on 2016 performances. If AJ turns face I could see Ambrose turning heel and I think a Cena vs Ambrose match could be nice. I just dont see them turning Ambrose heel before Mania. Also there are rumors that Samoa Joe is being called up either at the Rumble or directly after for a big match at Mania. Joe is a way better heel than a face. I could easily see a Ambrose vs Joe match at Mania for the IC title. Again though this leaves Cena in no mans land.

 

So I back it up some more. If Cena beats Styles at Wrestlemania. We can have Samoa Joe debut and challenge AJ Styles. Those two will tear the house down at Mania and do not really need a title to feud over. This could free up Cena to work with....Corbin? I don't know. I really think Miz deserves this spot but I can't see another Miz vs Cena match up. I could see them having Elimination Chamber in February with Miz, Ambrose, Ziggler, Corbin, Styles, and Samoa Joe with Corbin coming out the winner. WWE seems to be dead set on pushing the guy. I like his performances lately even though I don't think he is ready yet. I would personally rather see an Ambrose vs Corbin match for IC title, Cena vs Samoa Joe for no title, and then face Styles vs Miz for WWE Title but I doubt it would go down that way.

 

So after my ramble my Wrestlemania card is

 

Roman Reigns vs Undertaker - Universal Title

Brock Lesnar vs Goldberg

Kevin Owens vs Chris Jericho - US Title

Seth Rollins vs Triple H

Charlotte vs Sasha Banks vs Bayley vs Nia Jax - Raw Womens

New Day vs Club vs Cesaro/Sheamus - Raw Tag

6-8 Man Ladder Match for Cruiserweight Title

AJ Styles vs Samoa Joe

Dean Ambrose vs The Miz - IC Title

John Cena vs Baron Corbin - WWE Title

Bray Wyatt vs Randy Orton

Becky Lynch vs Mickie James - Smackdown Womens

American Alpha vs Uso's - Smackdown Tag

Big Show vs Shaq

Andre the Giant Battle Royal - Strowman wins

 

Last year we had 11 matches and the year before we only had 9. I don't see them going with 15 matches. 3-5 will probably be cut. If they wait for the blow off on the Orton/Wyatt feud you could get rid of their match and have them take on American Alpha for the tag titles.

 

I didn't even go down the Finn Balor scenarios yet. The last I read was they were expecting an early March timeline for Finn. I would love to see him return early and win the Rumble to challenge Reigns for his Universal title. Which could then free up Undertaker for a match with Bruan Strowman if that's what they really want to do with his God Push he has going on. Even cooler scenario would be to see him switch Brands to challenge AJ Styles for the WWE Title in a AJ Styles vs Finn Balor dream match. The dirt sheets were saying they wanted a fantastic match at Mania to compete with the Okada/Omega match. That is probably their best shot honestly.

 

But thats for a different day and a different rabbit hole

 

That's around the territory for me, though I find it pretty hard for WWE to match what Dave Meltzer called a six star match.

[milamber]

Taker vs Balor is my pick.

[Greylocke]

I don't care who wins the Rumble, but I hope they put James Ellsworth in the match and have him somehow last till the Final 2. Basically, let him pull a Santino Marella, except the big pop will go to his opponent instead of him when the winner chucks him out.

[Blackman]

<p>Ellsworth is almost a sure addition, but I hope they let him enter around the middle. Thus edition - looking at the entrants list - would definitely benefit from a "final four" (or 2) spot, and James shouldn't be near that.</p><p> </p><p>

Looking forward to it regardless, with the hope that it brightens up the main event. But does it matter, really? <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

That fantasy card looks nice. Most matches seem realistic. Here's hoping Mickie makes it after that surprisingly great comeback. The fatal four women's match has potential as mania has a history of good triple threats, but I'm not convinced. Having Bailey beat Charlotte for the title with help from Sasha seems better. The "streak" isn't worth maintaining any longer for the extra dramatic effect, and its clear thry are going to pile up title reigns instead.</p>

[milamber]

Just watched Day One of the UKCT. Not as exciting to watch as the CWC but it was solid. The last match was great and there was only one dud, IMO. The QF match-ups all look interesting. I hope Nigel McGuinness gets a permanent gig announcing in NXT.

[Jaysin]

I'd love for AJ and Miz to have a match at Wrestlemania, but in a dream scenario I'd love to see Samoa Joe and AJ stealing the show.

 

Finn jumping to Smackdown to face AJ would be magical as well especially if the Club jumps too.

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaysin" data-cite="Jaysin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'd love for AJ and Miz to have a match at Wrestlemania, but in a dream scenario I'd love to see Samoa Joe and AJ stealing the show.<p> </p><p> Finn jumping to Smackdown to face AJ would be magical as well especially if the Club jumps too.</p></div></blockquote><p> Heel Finn and Face AJ? Sounds like a winner.</p>

[milamber]

I won't spoil Day 2 of the UKCT but holy crap the step up in quality was massive. The matches were fantastic and the storytelling was top-notch.

[codey_v2]

Day 2 was indeed excellent. No idea if it's true, but I've heard that all 16 men have been signed to one year deals that allow them to still work indy shows. There's definitely some jobbers in there, but many of them are great pickups.

[Blackman]

I might be wrong, but if they pair the winner with the dueling 205 star, they might just become one of the greatest tag teams ever.

[Rone Rivendale]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Blackman" data-cite="Blackman" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I might be wrong, but if they pair the winner with the dueling 205 star, they might just become one of the greatest tag teams ever.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> They could reach new 'heights'.</p>

[Fleisch]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="milamber" data-cite="milamber" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I won't spoil Day 2 of the UKCT but holy crap the step up in quality was massive. The matches were fantastic and the storytelling was top-notch.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> That first semi-final match was without doubt the best match of the 2 nights. I was surprised with the winner to be honest, I honestly thought <span style="color:#FFFFFF;">Pete Dunne</span> was going to win the whole thing as he was my pick from the start. Still, looking forward to see how WWE takes this whole concept forward now the first UK Champion has been crowned. Still have NXT Takeover and Royal Rumble to get before my subscription cancels but already feel like my one off £9.99 (until Wrestlemania month) has been well spent.</p>

[Russelrules44]

<p><a href="http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/794703-breaking-news-kurt-angle-to-headline-2017-wwe-hall-of-fame-class" rel="external nofollow">http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/794703-breaking-news-kurt-angle-to-headline-2017-wwe-hall-of-fame-class</a></p><p> </p><p>

It's happening.</p>

[Greylocke]

Well, he certainly deserves to be in it, but on the not-so-bright side, it's also an indication that WWE almost definitely doesn't want him in the ring any longer. Generally, they don't induct anyone who's still going to be competing in the ring (even on a part-time basis). I know there are rare exceptions like Hogan who still popped in for a couple of big matches after his induction, but I don't think that'll be the case here, except maybe one more match at WM itself.

[CQI13]

The restaurant I was at happened to have ESPN on one of the TVs (though no sound) so I got to watch the Kurt Angle interview. Gotta say, he looks really happy. Good for him.