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

[The Dynamite Sid]

The idea of people calling a 50 year old, whose act I was sick and tired of in 1998, "fresh" is hilarious to me

[Blackman]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Russelrules44" data-cite="Russelrules44" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Think about it, you could put anyone else eliminating The Undertaker in this year's Rumble would have easily been booed out by the audience; but at this point, Roman Reigns is reaching X-Pac levels of hatred; so you know he's going to be massacred no matter what happens which makes the moment all the more intense to watch.<p> </p><p> In short; It's Booking 101 at it's finest, Wrestler eliminates legend, people don't like it, the wrestler beats everyone up, then some other wrestler takes him out of nowhere and wins. But in the case of Roman Reigns, the fact that he's so hated by the WWE Universe makes the moment even more powerful than it had every right to be.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Maybe so, but the problem is that Reigns is given all the greatest opportunities without any major effect. It's like he neutralizes pop gains (in TEW terms).</p><p> </p><p> And the number of people not liking the event has nothing to do with those people being "smarks". It has everything to do with the match quality being subpar in relation to the expected quality (which differs from person to person I suppose). Nothing more, nothing less. When one of the latest RAW's just had better matches (imo), I'm not satisfied with the PPV. </p><p> </p><p> As for Cena: I never dissed him as a figurehead and he always did a good job at it. I just tend to dismiss the E aspect of WWE and don't value it as much as the CEO does. This match was good, though it shocked me that AJ kicked out of an AA from the second rope without much dramatic effect (for which you can't rely on Cena as he's still a horrible seller).</p>

[crownsy]

<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>Maybe so, but the problem is that Reigns is given all the greatest opportunities without any major effect. It's like he neutralizes pop gains (in TEW terms).<p> </p><p> And the number of people not liking the event has nothing to do with those people being "smarks". It has everything to do with the match quality being subpar in relation to the expected quality (which differs from person to person I suppose). Nothing more, nothing less. When one of the latest RAW's just had better matches (imo), I'm not satisfied with the PPV. </p><p> </p><p> As for Cena: I never dissed him as a figurehead and he always did a good job at it. I just tend to dismiss the E aspect of WWE and don't value it as much as the CEO does. <b>This match was good, though it shocked me that AJ kicked out of an AA from the second rope without much dramatic effect (for which you can't rely on Cena as he's still a horrible seller)</b>.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Gotta take issue with this a bit. The crowd lost it's mind, I certainly thought that was the finish, and Cena I thought did a great job of selling "what the hell do I have to do to keep this guy down?!?!" both with his face and then arguing with the Ref that it had to be 3. I also thought that spot made AJ look like a million bucks. It had that feel at the end that both guys were done, and Cena just got a bit lucky to catch AJ on the forearm (which was also a nice call back, that sequence was the finish for the AJ win at SS)</p>

[Poputt]

<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>And the number of people not liking the event has nothing to do with those people being "smarks". It has everything to do with the match quality being subpar in relation to the expected quality (which differs from person to person I suppose). Nothing more, nothing less. When one of the latest RAW's just had better matches (imo), I'm not satisfied with the PPV. </div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Complaining about how well a match was worked = not being a smark.</p><p> </p><p> Uhh... since when? <img alt=":confused:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/confused.png.d4a8e6b6eab0c67698b911fb041c0ed1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[fullMETAL]

Somebody pointed out that KANE, of all people, was NOT in this Rumble.

[Russelrules44]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="fullMETAL" data-cite="fullMETAL" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Somebody pointed out that KANE, of all people, was NOT in this Rumble.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> He didn't even have a match.</p><p> </p><p> Guys, I think that's a sign that Kane's about to enter retirement...</p><p> </p><p> Or maybe i'm overthinking things and this will probably mean nothing in the long run.</p>

[Koholos]

<p>I really liked the Cena vs Styles match. The Cena in that match felt refreshing and cool. It was fun.</p><p> </p><p>

I was glad that Lesnar got dumped so quickly, but I wish Goldberg had already been in the ring and threw him out instantly. Lesnar looks like a naked mole rat on 2 legs, and I don't want him on my TV screen. I don't find myself hating himfor being a heel. I find myself hating him because he looks gross. I was actually surprised to find myself cheering for Goldberg, who I always found kinda "meh".</p><p> </p><p>

Also, having missed the part of Reigns's build that everyone apparently objects to, watching the crowd chant "Bullshit" the entire time he was in the ring made me instantly love the guy more than I already did. In my mind, (esp. after trying to get into NXT) WWE crowds are the <em>ultimate</em> heels, so anything they hate is obviously awesome. I was really hoping he'd take it.</p><p> </p><p>

I counted 7 storylines in that match, which seems pretty good to me.</p>

[Blackman]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Poputt" data-cite="Poputt" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Complaining about how well a match was worked = not being a smark.<p> </p><p> Uhh... since when? <img alt=":confused:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/confused.png.d4a8e6b6eab0c67698b911fb041c0ed1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> No. I'm complaining about the overall relative quality of the event. How does that make me a smark? It's probably a safe assumption everybody knows about the kayfabe aspect. I'm not doing some meta-analysis here. Just my perception of the things I saw with my own two eyes and the meaning I created from those images.</p><p> </p><p> I'm not going to argue any further. If you loved the event, than I honestly am glad for you. Like I said: the Cena - AJ match was the best thing about it. After that insane kickout (among many) I thought the ending of the match was doomed, but they somehow made it work. Awesome. Still didn't save the event though. Past events have made me dislike the Cena and Reigns characters somewhat. As the latter was featured prominently in the event, I didn't enjoy it that much as a result. I was just sharing that and will not repeat it any further. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[CQI13]

Probably a good thing that I only watch PPVs and some NXT TV. That way I'm not burnt out on the characters. I thought it was a fun enough event, honestly. I'm not heavily invested in the product. Instead, if there's something I see I don't like, I just say "Hmm, wonder why they did that?" or "Wonder where they're going with that?"

[Poputt]

No. I'm complaining about the overall relative quality of the event. How does that make me a smark? It's probably a safe assumption everybody knows about the kayfabe aspect. I'm not doing some meta-analysis here. Just my perception of the things I saw with my own two eyes and the meaning I created from those images.

 

I'm not mad or anything, but the people like us are smarks. We can't really help it since we play a booking simulator.

[dpoolez]

I'm not mad or anything, but the people like us are smarks. We can't really help it since we play a booking simulator.

 

I never even thought about tbat

 

Anyone who plays EWR/TEW is most definitely a amark tbh

[Questlove]

The last draws weren't what this Rumble was built on.

 

Miz, Ambrose, Rusev, Sami, Dolph, Corbin and Harper all got squashed and dumped out like it was nothing by the part time trio. Even Orton, the guy who won, was one of the many bodies laid out by Brock so he could do his thing with Goldberg.

 

I just don't get how anybody is supposed to care about the full time roster when they're always treated like the losers holding the fort until the "real" stars get involved.

[The Final Countdown]

Rollins re-injured his surgically repaired knee during the angle with Samoa Joe. Hopefully it's not as bad and won't require another surgery, but that's a major bummer either way.

[Rone Rivendale]

<p>Why is Corbin on everyone's list of ppl who was mistreated in the Rumble match? He eliminated Braun single-handedly.</p><p> </p><p>

And speaking of Braun, he got the most eliminations, and the last time I checked, he was not a part timer.</p><p> </p><p>

The sky is not falling, my friends.</p>

[Warhawk8492]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Rollins re-injured his surgically repaired knee during the angle with Samoa Joe. Hopefully it's not as bad and won't require another surgery, but that's a major bummer either way.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> That really sucks if he will have to miss Wrestlemania again.</p>

[The Dynamite Sid]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Rone Rivendale" data-cite="Rone Rivendale" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Why is Corbin on everyone's list of ppl who was mistreated in the Rumble match? He eliminated Braun single-handedly.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Not single-handedly by any stretch of the imagination but yeah I agree. I aren't even a Corbin fan and I thought he shined so brightly in that match that I found myself cheering him on. The pop he got for dumping Braun was HUGE.</p>

[Blackman]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Poputt" data-cite="Poputt" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'm not mad or anything, but the people like us are smarks. We can't really help it since we play a booking simulator.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Maybe we are and think about it too much. I'm not one of those people that think "<em>Phuh, I can do it way better if - I - booked it</em>". TEW does make you think about the possibilities and alternatives. And I was just disappointed. I'm not a Reigns hater or anything. </p><p> </p><p> After seeing RAW, I was like: "No... no... why? It's not fair... Why, god, why? What did we do to deserve this?" Where in the blue hell is Emma(lina)? They teased us nerds for months, and now her appearance got cancelled. I laughed hysterically, thinking it was just a ploy and she got switched to SD!, but disappointment once again (with feeling)...</p><p> </p><p> Ok, maybe I'm over-exaggerating as I stopped caring a while ago, but I'm curious to how she'll tackle this apparent new gimmick as I'm a big fan of her work. So an explanation would be nice. I don't follow the backstage news stories so I haven't a clue what happened. Is she injured?</p><p> </p><p> As for Rollins. It did seem Joe was a little too rough. He kinda has too (it's his thing), but if it compromises the Mania match, it's a big deal for WWE.</p>

[Mootinie]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="CQI13" data-cite="CQI13" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Probably a good thing that I only watch PPVs and some NXT TV. That way I'm not burnt out on the characters. I thought it was a fun enough event, honestly. I'm not heavily invested in the product. Instead, if there's something I see I don't like, I just say "Hmm, wonder why they did that?" or "Wonder where they're going with that?"</div></blockquote><p> I'm exactly the same, I watch the TakeOver specials and I cherry-pick the PPV's. I think the best way to watch WWE is at an arm's length, it is a variety show after all.</p><p> </p><p> </p><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>Ok, maybe I'm over-exaggerating as I stopped caring a while ago, but I'm curious to how she'll tackle this apparent new gimmick as I'm a big fan of her work. So an explanation would be nice. I don't follow the backstage news stories so I haven't a clue what happened. Is she injured?</div></blockquote><p> I think the Emmalina thing relies on timing and well, they really have nothing for her considering they're planning a four way at Mania. I heard that barely three weeks into the hype videos, the delay in her debuting was already a running joke backstage. I've also heard of an anti-Womens Revolution storyline that's in the pipeline, it's already come to fruition on Smackdown but the shade being thrown at the numerous Sasha vs. Charlotte rematches by Summer Rae and Emma (among others) is something of a work.</p>

[The Dynamite Sid]

Speaking of the women's division(s) I can't believe that with the amount of talent they have that Alexa has to defend her title against the hot mess that is Naomi at the pay per view. My God she's awful

[milamber]

<p>Naomi is decent is the ring, about on par with Alexa who had the benefit of more time in the performance center. So long as she doesn't get carried away and botch like in the past.</p><p> </p><p>

But it's definitely a filler feud. The money feud before WM is Becky vs Mickie.</p>

[Poputt]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Questlove" data-cite="Questlove" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Miz, Ambrose, Rusev, Sami, Dolph, Corbin and Harper all got squashed and dumped out like it was nothing by the part time trio. Even Orton, the guy who won, was one of the many bodies laid out by Brock so he could do his thing with Goldberg.<p> </p><p> I just don't get how anybody is supposed to care about the full time roster when they're always treated like the losers holding the fort until the "real" stars get involved.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> So what you're saying is that having these guys survive the match for 30 or more minutes them being dumped or squashed? You seem to hate the idea of someone coming out last and fresh and scoring eliminations over the spent workers so would a 25-30 draw for these guys make you upset a la Roman?</p>

[Blackman]

I don't think they buried anyone, and used them well. Maybe Lesnar wasn't given enough credibility, but that remains to be seen. Lately they are going with all 'serious' contenders making an immediate impact. Corbin imo was used well too.

 

I expected them to debut her as a valet to promote someone for a couple of months before letting her back in-ring, so there could be something interesting for her. But then again, that wouldn't mesh well with the self-centered promo's.

 

And I don't think Naomi is awful at all. The execution isn't flawless, but we're not exactly talking about core/basic moves. When it's flashy, it's excusable imo. And she got a nice reaction (given it's not edited in).

[CQI13]

What kind of Faustian Bargain did Rollins strike to cash the MITB at WM a few years ago?

[crownsy]

<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 don't think they buried anyone, and used them well. Maybe Lesnar wasn't given enough credibility, but that remains to be seen. Lately they are going with all 'serious' contenders making an immediate impact. Corbin imo was used well too. <p> </p><p> I expected them to debut her as a valet to promote someone for a couple of months before letting her back in-ring, so there could be something interesting for her. But then again, that wouldn't mesh well with the self-centered promo's.</p><p> </p><p> And I don't think Naomi is awful at all. The execution isn't flawless, but we're not exactly talking about core/basic moves. When it's flashy, it's excusable imo. And she got a nice reaction (given it's not edited in).</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Agree, Naomi is fine. Sure, she isn't Sasha or Baylee in there, but she's a solid hand and the fans like her.</p><p> </p><p> And agree on Lesnar, the promo by heyman made that make the 2nd shock elimination make sense, and will make Brock's eventual WM win all the better at rebuilding his character.</p><p> </p><p> The problem will be where do they go from there. Because I'm only really interested in the "re energized, focused beast!!!" narrative after WM I'm sure they are hoping for if you know, he's around and working consistent programs with guys.</p>

[jjohns44]

I am putting in my prediction that Reigns vs Taker at WM ends up being a career on the line match for Taker, and completes Roman's eventual heel turn that's been talked about. Anyone's thoughts?