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

[Mootinie]

<p>Few TakeOver thoughts:</p><p> </p><p>

- Why take No Way Jose out the opening match if that's all you're going to do with Ohno? His only memorable spot was the elbow at the start. Otherwise his presence made no difference. The jury is still out, losing to Roode and being just a guy in a eight-person tag isn't going to do him any favours.</p><p> </p><p>

- This being Ruby Riot's in ring debut was senseless. Her offence isn't remotely established yet but her tangles with Nikki Storm seemed placed so as to try and blow the roof off the building. That was over-ambitious on their part and it couldn't have fallen flatter.</p><p> </p><p>

- Strong performances from Roddy and Tye, both deserve better than losing to a Sanity act that's come right out of the TNA 2013 playbook. Commenators shill 'the numbers game' because that's definitely cutting edge wrestling booking in 2017. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

- Tommy End looked decent but probably should have faced a proper enhancement talent, not a spectacular luchadore that went out there and out-performed him. Andrade Almas is, for my money, the best singles wrestler in NXT. </p><p> </p><p>

- I have nothing to say about the tag match apart from that it was fantastic. I have no idea how a NXT Tag Team Title match hasn't headlined a TakeOver yet. Maybe it's because there isn't a tag team revolution in sports right now? It does seem like this division's best days may well be behind it and we'll go back to matches of similar quality to the old Lucha Dragons vs. Ascension matches now.</p><p> </p><p>

- Asuka vs. Ember Moon started fantastic, then started to lack in quality more and more as it went on. Ember still seems hardly the finished article, it doesn't seem like her key moves are over yet and her character motivations are still vague and tropey. The character development of Asuka is something else though, it's been a long-term story and I'm glad to see all the little nuances are adding up now.</p><p> </p><p>

- I'm not watching Roode vs. Nakamura because I don't care. I haven't cared about the NXT title since Kevin Owens dropped it and the by the numbers build to this did nothing for me. I can do far more productive things with thirty minutes than to watch this rubbish (ie. new Rick and Morty, watch the New Japan Cup, continue watching Attack on Titan, play a few games of FIFA). I'm sure it was probably an OK wrestling match.</p>

[jwt13]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hive" data-cite="Hive" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Absurdly dull WrestleMania card. Only interesting match is the cruiserweight match. AJ Styles deserves a better opponent and Reigns going over a crippled Undertaker will not be something anyone except for Vince McMahon will enjoy watching.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I disagree, Roman will pull a good match out of Taker. I know Taker is hurt but Roman always lives up to big match hype and has become one of the go to guys for a MOTN on any PPV card.</p><p> </p><p> AJ Vs Styles is in WWE's mind one of the biggest matches and shows how much they believe in AJ.</p><p> </p><p> Bray Vs Randy should be good this time around, as should Miz/Maryse vs Cena/Bella the build up has been great.</p><p> </p><p> The build for the show in general hasn't been great but I think we will be surprised.</p>

[Rayelek]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mootinie" data-cite="Mootinie" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Few TakeOver thoughts:<p> </p><p> - Why take No Way Jose out the opening match if that's all you're going to do with Ohno? His only memorable spot was the elbow at the start. Otherwise his presence made no difference. The jury is still out, losing to Roode and being just a guy in a eight-person tag isn't going to do him any favours.</p><p> </p><p> - This being Ruby Riot's in ring debut was senseless. Her offence isn't remotely established yet but her tangles with Nikki Storm seemed placed so as to try and blow the roof off the building. That was over-ambitious on their part and it couldn't have fallen flatter.</p><p> </p><p> - Strong performances from Roddy and Tye, both deserve better than losing to a Sanity act that's come right out of the TNA 2013 playbook. Commenators shill 'the numbers game' because that's definitely cutting edge wrestling booking in 2017. <img alt=":rolleyes:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> - Tommy End looked decent but probably should have faced a proper enhancement talent, not a spectacular luchadore that went out there and out-performed him. Andrade Almas is, for my money, the best singles wrestler in NXT. </p><p> </p><p> - Asuka vs. Ember Moon started fantastic, then started to lack in quality more and more as it went on. Ember still seems hardly the finished article, it doesn't seem like her key moves are over yet and her character motivations are still vague and tropey. The character development of Asuka is something else though, it's been a long-term story and I'm glad to see all the little nuances are adding up now.</p><p> </p><p> - I'm not watching Roode vs. Nakamura because I don't care. I haven't cared about the NXT title since Kevin Owens dropped it and the by the numbers build to this did nothing for me. I can do far more productive things with thirty minutes than to watch this rubbish (ie. new Rick and Morty, watch the New Japan Cup, continue watching Attack on Titan, play a few games of FIFA). I'm sure it was probably an OK wrestling match.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I figured Jose had to be hurt if they took him out of the opener. Ohno got me excited when I saw him as the replacement, but he's really fallen flat since he came back to me. Ruby Riot and Nikki Cross/Storm were fine, but it was basically blind brawling that they did which didn't really need to be part of the match. I haven't been made to care about Sanity, but Roddy looked amazing and Tye's comeback performance was great too. I really hope Tye comes up soon, and Roddy would look so good against some of the guys they have in the Cruiserweight division (they announce him at 200 lbs, so here's hoping).</p><p> </p><p> I was unimpressed by Tommy End/Aleister Black. I like the character bits, and it was obvious he was going to win, but Andrade has been exceptional since he became a heel. Black seems like the kind of guy who debuts as a face because everyone knows him, then oh wait he's actually a heel, which I'd anticipate by the next Takeover.</p><p> </p><p> Asuka vs Ember Moon was alright. Didn't really care about this one, but the finish was "worth it" in a manner of speaking. I think it was good for Asuka's character. I see her coming up to the main roster soon, but I wouldn't be surprised if they give her more time in NXT because I think she can still improve on the mic, and that's where the women spend a lot of their time on the main roster.</p><p> </p><p> Barely watched the main event. I love Roode, but I haven't cared about Nakamura since he was done with Balor, and I don't enjoy his ring style. I really hope that Roode moves from here to another challenger, but I don't see another face who has been built up for him to fight right now. There's Tye, Roddy, Ohno and Jose, but 3 of the above are coming off losses and Jose didn't even get his Takeover match, so who knows?</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mootinie" data-cite="Mootinie" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>- I have nothing to say about the tag match apart from that it was fantastic. I have no idea how a NXT Tag Team Title match hasn't headlined a TakeOver yet. Maybe it's because there isn't a tag team revolution in sports right now? It does seem like this division's best days may well be behind it and we'll go back to matches of similar quality to the old Lucha Dragons vs. Ascension matches now.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> And to this one specifically, it's not a tag team revolution, it's a tag team Revivial. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> But yeah, MOTN with ease. If these teams would stay down there, I think it's reasonable they'd ME a Takeover in the next year, but they're probably coming up.</p>

[Hive]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="jwt13" data-cite="jwt13" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I disagree, Roman will pull a good match out of Taker. I know Taker is hurt but Roman always lives up to big match hype and has become one of the go to guys for a MOTN on any PPV card.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> lol okay then.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>AJ Vs Styles is in WWE's mind one of the biggest matches and shows how much they believe in AJ.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I agree, AJ Styles vs. a clone of himself would be awesome to behold. Much more interesting than him against McMahon jr. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Bray Vs Randy should be good this time around</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Yeah, 19th time's the charm, right? Don't get me wrong, I like Randy and I can tolerate Bray - but Jesus Hercules Christ, how many times have they done this matchup already?</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>as should Miz/Maryse vs Cena/Bella the build up has been great.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Yeah, mixed tag matchs are often show stealers. And Cena vs. Miz is fresh as fresh can be... or something.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The build for the show in general hasn't been great but I think we will be surprised.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Granted, my expectations are so low for this show that I'm inclined to agree with you: it can pretty much only surprise me...</p><p> </p><p> Is Samoa Joe at least in the battle royal? I'd like to see him win that, would save the show a bit for me.</p>

[Blackman]

<p>I really don't think the card is that bad. It could've been better, but that's what we're playing this game for, isn't it? <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

Can someone confirm Dixie Carter was at the HoF ceremony? I swear I saw her (next to Sting maybe?). I understand Angle not mentioning Benoit because of the context surrounding his demise - given mentioning him would invoke sorrow instead of the usual happy memories - but he could've nodded in his direction a little.</p><p> </p><p>

I'll be watching NXT tonight. Haven't watched in no long since the exodus of talent to WWE, but as a fan of Roode, Nakamura and Kana/Athena it should be a good watch.</p>

[shawn michaels]

Looks like Big Show is calling it a day after WM.

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mootinie" data-cite="Mootinie" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> - I'm not watching Roode vs. Nakamura because I don't care. I haven't cared about the NXT title since Kevin Owens dropped it and the by the numbers build to this did nothing for me. I can do far more productive things with thirty minutes than to watch this rubbish (ie. new Rick and Morty, watch the New Japan Cup, continue watching Attack on Titan, play a few games of FIFA). I'm sure it was probably an OK wrestling match.</p></div></blockquote><p> I'm kind of amazed at how little I care about Nak in WWE. His first match with Zayn was really good, but even there it seemed to me like he wasn't all in. I'm sure I don't need to tell you about his tendency to go through the motions when he's bored, and it feels to me like he's been doing that his entire time in NXT. (Granted I only watch the Takeover shows, but I can't imagine he's trying <em>harder</em> on the NXT TV show or random house shows in Florida.)</p><p> </p><p> The tag match was really good and definitely MOTN, but that division's going to all but fall off a cliff once The Revival are called up. Those guys are awesome; my favorite tag team in the world right now.</p>

[milamber]

<p>New NXT belts. I like them, except the tag belts looked a little dark with the arena lighting.</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="tumblr_onrbzmUkB91tzogbdo1_400.jpg" data-src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/535edf747ef46d70a578b40671d0769d/tumblr_onrbzmUkB91tzogbdo1_400.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="C8XzADRUAAEmigG.1491096871.jpg" data-src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g437M9US8O2rYuD6cUwLq7QXXMU=/0x0:1200x900/920x613/filters:focal%28504x354:696x546%29/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54030107/C8XzADRUAAEmigG.1491096871.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://www.dailywrestlingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/wwe-nxt-title-620x350.jpg</span></p>

[The Final Countdown]

<p><span style="color:#FFFFFF;">"Things are about to be BROKEN!"</span></p><p><span style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#FFFFFF;">

LOL. Take that, owl.</span></p>

[Psycho Sam]

Anyone excited for the return <span style="color:#FFFFFF;">of JR?</span>

[The Final Countdown]

<p>So this show will be approximately 47 hours long, yet they couldn't find ANYTHING for Samoa Joe to do?</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Questlove]

<span style="color:#FFFFFF;">Can anybody think of a worse way for Undertaker to retire? I'm struggling because that match was just painful to watch</span>

[The Dynamite Sid]

Man I have something in my eye...

[Findlay]

That match wasn't bad. But it wasn't good. I get that they wanted you to feel like this was the end for Taker and make it emotional. I just didn't care. At all. I literally have zero interest in anything Roman does, because he always wins and overcomes the odds. I've already seen that. The crowd was dead for that much. When Roman was on offense it was pure silence. Even the boos at the end were meek. Sucks that Taker went out this way. He was trying to do the right thing and be a company guy, they just picked the wrong guy.

[Crychon]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Findlay" data-cite="Findlay" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>That match wasn't bad. But it wasn't good. I get that they wanted you to feel like this was the end for Taker and make it emotional. I just didn't care. At all. I literally have zero interest in anything Roman does, because he always wins and overcomes the odds. I've already seen that. The crowd was dead for that much. When Roman was on offense it was pure silence. Even the boos at the end were meek. Sucks that Taker went out this way. He was trying to do the right thing and be a company guy, they just picked the wrong guy.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I wasn't emotional for the match at all, and kind of just wanted it to end. It was nice for JR to be calling it, though.</p><p> </p><p> Everything after Roman left, however. Yeah.</p>

[Warhawk8492]

Wrestlemania 33 is proof a bad ending can ruin a good show.

[Crychon]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Warhawk8492" data-cite="Warhawk8492" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Wrestlemania 33 is proof a bad ending can ruin a good show.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> But... The Reigns match wasn't the ending. Though the last match wasn't very good, the ending was sending the Taker out and that was pretty fantastic.</p><p> </p><p> I also disagree. Though the final match, and even the couple before it weren't very good, WM33 was pretty enjoyable.</p>

[Warhawk8492]

Undertaker losing without Roman turning heel ruined the show for me.

[Questlove]

I thought almost the whole show was super boring. Maybe I'm getting old. What did everyone else think?

[KeyserSoze]

<p>Just my 2 cents.</p><p>

The Show has a good to great undercard. But the deep it went, the worst it was. You can't put an old glory in almost any match with all the good talent you have. </p><p> </p><p>

The Reigns- Taker match should be deleted by Matt Hardy. Taker retiring is just sad. But the match was sad itself.</p>

[liontamer]

<p>thought it was very subpar WM. Styles vs Shane was good, not sure I liked any other match on the entire card (tag match pending as I missed it), the preshow had some matches better than those on the card. Takeover was better as well</p><p> </p><p>

Brock and Goldberg was a very odd match. what was that, maybe 5 total different moves between the 2? I was shocked at how bonkers the crowd went for it. Is Goldberg just that limited now or that all they want him doing? Where's his MMA training (muay thai, right)?</p><p> </p><p>

The one thing I did like was the set this year, lots of nice video stuff for the entrances.</p><p> </p><p>

Anyone else think taker should have gone out in a casket match? I think It should have been vs bray to pass the torch. Maybe even with some weird interference from the druids that normally escort him out, to show the transfer of power to Bray. This doesn't really elevate Roman much in my view.</p><p> </p><p>

Also, a question. I'm thinking maybe it' was his ex's name and he did it to cover it up, but I noticed Taker has a tattoo around his neck where his wife's name used to be. I hadn't seen that before. How long has that been there, and if it's wasn't the ex's name, but the current wife, what's the story there? I'm also confused on why he put all his stuff back on, just to take it off.</p>

[moon_lit_tears]

<p>My group thought casket too.</p><p> </p><p>

Also yes Bray would have been perfect, but they gave it to someone the crowd can't get behind. Someone that doesn't deserve it. They want to force Roman down our throats. That was a mistake. </p><p> </p><p>

Also. Randy bearing Bray made me sad. Bray needs the push.. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

As for the woman's total. Would have loved to see a Sasha Baykal feud Baykal winning last night by pinning Sasha with a rematch at Payback. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Giving Brock the title...again.........</p>

[K-Nection]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="liontamer" data-cite="liontamer" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> Also, a question. I'm thinking maybe it' was his ex's name and he did it to cover it up, but I noticed Taker has a tattoo around his neck where his wife's name used to be. I hadn't seen that before. How long has that been there, and if it's wasn't the ex's name, but the current wife, what's the story there? I'm also confused on why he put all his stuff back on, just to take it off.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> That tatoo has been covered for many years now. It used to have his ex wife's name Sara.....</p><p> </p><p> <span>http://www.wrestlingmedia.org/wv/02/22869/22869.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> His current wife is former Diva Champion Michelle McCool</p><p> </p><p> <img alt="d998138311919c5397e150ca481fe007.jpg" data-src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/d9/98/13/d998138311919c5397e150ca481fe007.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Michelle and Taker have a child together and would probably be salty if he kept the tat lol.</p>

[Crychon]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="liontamer" data-cite="liontamer" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Brock and Goldberg was a very odd match. what was that, maybe 5 total different moves between the 2? I was shocked at how bonkers the crowd went for it. Is Goldberg just that limited now or that all they want him doing? Where's his MMA training (muay thai, right)?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> You were being generous.</p><p> </p><p> 4. Spear, Jackhammer, German Suplex, F5.</p><p> </p><p> That was it. I'm also surprised the crowd ate that one up. Two of the most boring dudes in the industry right now.</p>

[sabataged]

<p>I am sorry buy if you didn't like Wrestlemania then it's probably time yo give up WWE all together. I k ow a lot of you try to come off cool and say you don't ever watch it anymore. Which is an obvious lie when you chime in all the tie about current storylines. </p><p> </p><p>

Wrestlemania was great. 7.5 to 8 out of 10. Wrestlemania isn't for the hardcore wrestling fan. the quicker people accept that the better it is for the viewer. Wrestlemania will never ever be wrestle kingdom. It will rarely if ever have a 5* match. It is all about the entertainment value and glitz. Once you accept thinks the biggest live action entertainment show in the world it makes your life easier. You want the best wrestling show of the year? That is every Janauary so don't come into Mania expecting that.</p><p> </p><p>

And I am ok with that that. Shane and AJ was better than expected..Owens and Jericho was good as expected, literally every match was as good or better than expected outside of 2 for me.</p><p> </p><p>

the Wyatt and Orton s--- was too much for my taste. And against popular opinion here Roman couldn't carry Taker to a good match. Taker was awful. He should notnhave been in the ring. Roman did his job. Like him or not but he is one of the top 5 in ring talents in WWE. AJ stylesnis the greatest in the world today and would have struggled with Taker.</p>