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

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="K-Nection" data-cite="K-Nection" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>You are currently listening to Smackdown's! NUMBER ONE ANNOUNCER!<p> </p><p> <span>http://i.imgur.com/ATT8mEa.jpg</span></p></div></blockquote><p> I'm pretty sure he really is on the team too! He was probably the one who kept shouting "NICE!" after all the signature moves. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> So...Ronda vs. Stephanie at Mania? Ugh. Imagine if when they brought in Mike Tyson, it was all designed to make Vince a mainstream star. <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> Cool factoid though: the jacket Ronda was wearing was Roddy Piper's actual jacket, given to her by his son.</p>

[Blodyxe]

I think Rousey just came up and said "hi" to Stephanie in order to get a match she wants.

[Uncrewed]

<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>So...Ronda vs. Stephanie at Mania? Ugh. Imagine if when they brought in Mike Tyson, it was all designed to make Vince a mainstream star. <img alt=":rolleyes:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I think it's going to be Asuka/Alexa and Ronda/Charlotte. Apparently, Ronda signed a full-time deal, so putting her against Charlotte would make sense.</p>

[CQI13]

You could tell she even told Charlotte "see you there" as she pointed to the sign and left the ring.

[The Final Countdown]

<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>You could tell she even told Charlotte "see you there" as she pointed to the sign and left the ring.</div></blockquote><p> Yeah, I saw that too. But with all the focus on the unhappy look on Stephanie's face, it felt to me like that was the clear direction. Hopefully you're right and I'm wrong.</p>

[Alan James]

<p>I popped when Ronda's theme came on. Totally forgot the speculation about her so it was a surprise. Makes me a little interested in their revolution. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I enjoyed the Rumble match. </p><p> </p><p> </p><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>...Do they really need to explain the rules for the Rumble match? WE JUST WATCHED ONE.<p> </p><p> I'm watching this match with Japanese commentary. I don't understand anything they're saying, but it's still better than Stephanie on commentary for an hour.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I had those fears going in but she was fine tonight. Relatively speaking. Guess I just like it better when she is not burying everybody. She was in eager mode and did yell a lot. Heard worse commentary performances.</p>

[TakerNGN74]

I'm happy with Asuka winning the women's Royal Rumble but I hated how they sacrificed her moment to introduce Rhonda. So dumb and it made the whole womens rumble seem like an afterthought.

[Rone Rivendale]

Considering she didn't come in until after the Rumble was over, I don't see how it's an afterthought. It main evented the Royal Rumble PPV.

[The Final Countdown]

Was just chatting with a friend about how interesting it is that both Rumbles were won by Japanese people. They really have come a long way from the many years where every Japanese guy that came in used the Orient Express theme.

[GUINNC]

Loved the way they brought in Ronda, but goodness I hope they pair her with Heyman if they plan on giving her a big push. She's too green to be on her own. Baszler has been wrestling in the indys for a couple years now and she's still green as can be, so hard to see Rousey in a position to pose a threat to Flair.

[K-Nection]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="GUINNC" data-cite="GUINNC" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Loved the way they brought in Ronda, but goodness I hope they pair her with Heyman if they plan on giving her a big push. She's too green to be on her own. Baszler has been wrestling in the indys for a couple years now and she's still green as can be,<strong> so hard to see Rousey in a position to pose a threat to Flair.</strong></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Ummm......</p><p> </p><p> <span>http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1856654.1404663855!/img/httpImage/animation-67.gif</span></p><p> </p><p> I mean if Bayley can carry this woman to watchable matches.....</p><p> </p><p> <img alt="images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRyBY-26WfwWmdfb632iXmBVvsD7LpBdDTDihwDqd3064rF7iPg" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRyBY-26WfwWmdfb632iXmBVvsD7LpBdDTDihwDqd3064rF7iPg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> I'm pretty sure Charolette can make her look like a million bucks.</p>

[Sco xY2Jx]

That was genuinely one of the best Rumble matches in recent years, possibly ever. Unexpected but awesome returns, awesome storytelling, a lot of Star Power and an excellent final four with the right winner.

 

After the Rumble's of the past few years, it felt like a nice Cathartic moment for the fans with Nakamura's victory. Plus, WWE is playing it pretty clever with the Mania matches.

 

Reigns vs Lesnar (Casual Fans)

Nakamura vs Styles (Hardcore Fans)

 

All aboard the Hype train, peeps! CHOO CHOO!!!!

[CQI13]

Yeah, I saw that too. But with all the focus on the unhappy look on Stephanie's face, it felt to me like that was the clear direction. Hopefully you're right and I'm wrong.

 

There are rumors of Triple H/Stephanie vs. The Rock/Rousey - which if Rousey isn't ready for a 1v1 match against Charlotte at WM I would be perfectly fine with. For 9.99 USD a month I am not going to complain about the product - especially since I just mainly watch the PPVs (when ot comes to the main roster).

[The Final Countdown]

There are rumors of Triple H/Stephanie vs. The Rock/Rousey - which if Rousey isn't ready for a 1v1 match against Charlotte at WM I would be perfectly fine with. For 9.99 USD a month I am not going to complain about the product - especially since I just mainly watch the PPVs (when ot comes to the main roster).

Yeah, I saw that too. I'd be more okay with a tag match, as long as Ronda finishes Stephanie quick when they're actually in together. I'm not sold on Rock as the partner being a good idea, and I kind of doubt it anyway. Unless it's going to be a 5 minute match where he doesn't do anything beyond some punches and maybe a Rock Bottom, Hollywood wouldn't be thrilled. The last time he worked a legit match, he got hurt and it screwed up the schedule of the movie he was shooting.

[Dawn]

Great Rumble PPV. Both Rumble matches delivered, with some of the best comedy spots in years for the men's Rumble, great endings for both, and the WWE Championship match was also really good. The rest did what it had to do. Legit 8/10 in my estimation. I was very hyped for Ronda, even moreso when the full-time contract was announced.

 

But, her rumoured Mania match doesn't excite me one bit. I'd rather have her murder Alexa and build towards a champion vs. champion match against Asuka for SummerSlam, or even a normal match at WrestleMania 35, seeing as Carmella still has the briefcase and it's very doubtful she won't be successful with it. Can't be over either one out of Asuka or Ronda, so I guess that's one reason for the tag match too. I'd also bet money they'll go for the Horsewomen match at the Survivor Series, so Charlotte and Ronda need to be kept away from each other before then.

 

Other than her, all the other surprises were great. Rey Mysterio looks to be at a physical peak, Hurricane was a nice callback to the 2002 Rumble, and the majority of the women had runs that made me nostalgic.

[mad5226]

My only real complaint, other than Brock going over (but we all knew that was going to happen), was the amount of time the women spent outside the ring during the rumble. Don't get me wrong I know the men do it too, but it fell REALLY excessive. There were multiple points in the match where only 2 women were in the ring even though at least 5 were still in the match. Even though it would've had the same effect, I much rather they lay low in the corner.

[Questlove]

<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>Yeah, I saw that too. I'd be more okay with a tag match, as long as Ronda finishes Stephanie quick when they're actually in together. I'm not sold on Rock as the partner being a good idea, and I kind of doubt it anyway. Unless it's going to be a 5 minute match where he doesn't do anything beyond some punches and maybe a Rock Bottom, Hollywood wouldn't be thrilled. The last time he worked a legit match, he got hurt and it screwed up the schedule of the movie he was shooting.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Braun could work, he has beef with Trips from the Survivor Series stuff.</p>

[Dawn]

<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>Braun could work, he has beef with Trips from the Survivor Series stuff.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Braun is rumoured to be facing Miz for the Intercontinental Title as a consolation for both World title matches being locked. But I agree that he's a good option.</p>

[milamber]

<p><strong>Royal Rumble:</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Zayn & Owens vs Styles ©</strong> - Solid match. I kind of wanted KO/Sami as temporary co-Champs but Styles is the right choice for Champ heading into Mania.</p><p>

<strong>Shelton & Gable vs The Usos</strong> - Solid match. Bold choice to end it with 2 quick falls.</p><p>

<strong>Men's Rumble</strong> - One of the best Royal Rumble matches. Highlights: Rusev Day chants, Corbin rampage, Slater getting his ass kicked repeatedly, Almas & Adam Cole, KO/Sami backstage beatdown, Sheamus elimination, Seth's tights, New Day pancake shenanigans, Rey Mysterio, Ironman Balor, Nakamura winning. Lowlights: Goldust at #29, Ziggler at #30, no Jordan/Cedric/Neville/Bryan/Batista.</p><p>

<strong>Rollins & Jordan © vs The Bar</strong> - Solid match even though it was too similar to the earlier handicap match. Rollins vs Jordan feud starting soon.</p><p>

<strong>Strowman vs Kane vs Lesnar ©</strong> - Solid big-man match. No excuse not to put the title on Strowman even if they were to hotshot it back to Lesnar at Elimination Chamber. Strowman has failed 3 times now. At least Brock had to earn his huge paycheck selling for him.</p><p>

<strong>Women's Rumble</strong> - Not as technically good as the men but the huge amount of Veteran and NXT cameos made it more entertaining. Asuka winning was the right call. They did well to keep Rousey's appearance secret. I hope she's learned how to wrestle enough not to embarass herself. The Women's Elimination Chamber should be interesting. I'd also be down for unifying the Women's Titles and having a Women's Tag Title but I don't expect it to happen.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Verdict:</strong> NXT Takeover wins again but (aside from Lesnar winning) the Royal Rumble was solid. Successful weekend overall for WWE. The words "History" and "Historic" I never want to hear again.</p>

[OneWarriorNation]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="mad5226" data-cite="mad5226" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>My only real complaint, other than Brock going over (but we all knew that was going to happen), was the amount of time the women spent outside the ring during the rumble. Don't get me wrong I know the men do it too, but it fell REALLY excessive. There were multiple points in the match where only 2 women were in the ring even though at least 5 were still in the match. Even though it would've had the same effect, I much rather they lay low in the corner.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> That bothered me too. I think Sasha Banks spent more time outside the ring than in it. Half the time I had no idea who was actually still in the match.</p><p> </p><p> I'm not a big fan of lying in the corner either. I watched the first two Royal Rumble's ('88 and '89) over the weekend prior to the live event on Sunday and one thing that really jumped out at me about the old matches was how much more active the participants were in the periphery. For the most part, it seemed like guys were always doing "something", even if that something was just strolling around the ring throwing a few punches.</p><p> </p><p> Modern rumbles have devolved into everyone lying down in the corners while a few focused participants have their planned action in the middle of the ring. There is a disconnect between a wrestler who can go for 15 minutes in a singles match before being pinned, but taking one shot in the Royal Rumble puts him down and out for 5 minutes.</p><p> </p><p> I don't know what the answer is, and maybe it is better for TV to clear the ring and focus the action, but I would much rather see everyone actively working.</p>

[Blackman]

I enjoyed the Rumble this year as opposed to last year which was so underwhelming. Hurricane was a nice pop, would've dug a different surprise entrant but we did get many of those in the second Rumble (even though several made an appearance on RAW: why???). Maybe a bit too much? It almost got riddled by near-botches, but we did get Trish-Mickie and Beth-Nattie. The matches in-between weren't bad, but I just wasn't invested, except maybe in the carnage that was the monster match.

[milamber]

<p>Raw was pretty good. Braun did Braun things. Asuka vs Sasha was straight fire.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="mad5226" data-cite="mad5226" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>My only real complaint, other than Brock going over (but we all knew that was going to happen), was the amount of time the women spent outside the ring during the rumble. Don't get me wrong I know the men do it too, but it fell REALLY excessive. There were multiple points in the match where only 2 women were in the ring even though at least 5 were still in the match. Even though it would've had the same effect, I much rather they lay low in the corner.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I thought the women excelled at the rope spots (I excepted them to way more sloppy) more than anything which is no surprise because I read that they missed house shows to spend extra time on Rumble training.</p>

[shawn michaels]

Loled so hard when Coach was completely out of touch with the crowd booing Cena. Dude, it's 2018, you no longer have to pretend it doesn't happen or make elaborated excuses, just call him "the most polarizing figure" and go with it. That was so 2005, Coach. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[CQI13]

Rumor has it the women's division will be getting a sustained puah due to Rousey's mainstream publicity. Here is hoping the women step up in a way that they don't need Rousey.

[shawn michaels]

<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>Rumor has it the women's division will be getting a sustained puah due to Rousey's mainstream publicity. Here is hoping the women step up in a way that they don't need Rousey.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I'm all for it if they do good matches and the equality is great, but if they stopped forcing it, making it seem so shoved down our throats, it would actually work better for us non casual fans.</p>