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

[Remianen]

Remember when Raw after Mania was must watch television?

 

Outside of Xavier Woods referencing Adventure Time, Raw was a bore, a chore, and over all a big old stinking pile of dung.

 

Can't really expect much from a creatively bankrupt company with a senile septuagenarian at the helm. From all accounts, if he doesn't understand how or why a worker has gotten over, he kills their push. See Zach Ryder, Rusev Day, CM Punk (attempted twice but failed), and so on. He's completely out of touch with that all-important 18-49 demographic which means the company is never going to get better until he's 6 feet under.

 

WWE has come to terms on the release of Samoa Joe, Billie Kay, Peyton Royce, Mickie James, Chelsea Green, Tucker, Kalisto, Bo Dallas and Wesley Blake as of today April 15, 2021.

 

https://www.wwe.com/article/billie-kay-mickie-james-samoa-joe-superstars-released

 

Not surprising. The quarterly financials are due fairly soon. Had to drop some (meaningless) numbers from the balance sheet. These releases just prove that WWE is a ship without a rudder. They split up the only really established tag team in the women's division.....to do what, exactly? Oh yeah, release them because you have no use for an ACTUAL tag team for a poorly booked division without a single one. Women's tag titles mean less than the 24/7 title (at least the 24/7 title is entertaining - and has gotten lots of mainstream attention). I hope Chelsea goes back to Impact and resurrects Laurel Van Ness. I think Mickie might be done. Her body has almost reached papier-mâché levels of brittleness by this point. Joe can go anywhere he wants (though I hope he does AEW and NJPW).

 

I feel for NBCUniversal. Everyone is trying to scarf up any and all content they can to pad their streaming service (while still being annihilated by Netflix and Disney+) so NBC grossly overpaid for WWE's content just to say they have it. That, in turn, makes WWE think that they're doing great.

[Jaysin]

Mojo also got released and that surprised me because I thought he was fired last April.

[Crychon]

Can't really expect much from a creatively bankrupt company with a senile septuagenarian at the helm. From all accounts, if he doesn't understand how or why a worker has gotten over, he kills their push. See Zach Ryder, Rusev Day, CM Punk (attempted twice but failed), and so on. He's completely out of touch with that all-important 18-49 demographic which means the company is never going to get better until he's 6 feet under.

 

 

 

Not surprising. The quarterly financials are due fairly soon. Had to drop some (meaningless) numbers from the balance sheet. These releases just prove that WWE is a ship without a rudder. They split up the only really established tag team in the women's division.....to do what, exactly? Oh yeah, release them because you have no use for an ACTUAL tag team for a poorly booked division without a single one. Women's tag titles mean less than the 24/7 title (at least the 24/7 title is entertaining - and has gotten lots of mainstream attention). I hope Chelsea goes back to Impact and resurrects Laurel Van Ness. I think Mickie might be done. Her body has almost reached papier-mâché levels of brittleness by this point. Joe can go anywhere he wants (though I hope he does AEW and NJPW).

 

I feel for NBCUniversal. Everyone is trying to scarf up any and all content they can to pad their streaming service (while still being annihilated by Netflix and Disney+) so NBC grossly overpaid for WWE's content just to say they have it. That, in turn, makes WWE think that they're doing great.

 

WWE has been obsessed with breaking up tag teams just when they've been finding their stride in recent years.

 

Just to do a meaningless breakup feud that doesn't have much heat because the team wasn't around long enough for it to have as much heat as it should.

 

Or, worse, with a case like you mentioned with the Iiconics, just break them up for the hell of it with no apparent plan either member of the team.

[Mootinie]

I feel for NBCUniversal. Everyone is trying to scarf up any and all content they can to pad their streaming service (while still being annihilated by Netflix and Disney+) so NBC grossly overpaid for WWE's content just to say they have it. That, in turn, makes WWE think that they're doing great.

I think the Peacock deal is just the beginning of NBCUniversal acquiring WWE altogether. They have the PPV's and all the supporting content, they have RAW, they have NXT. Smackdown is the only property left so I am interested in what happens when the Fox deal comes up.

 

It wouldn't be a big deal overpaying now if it's giving them the leverage to stop paying Vince for the rights fees in a few years time. Cutting out that middle man saves them millions, maybe billions in the longer term.

 

I think it makes perfect sense for Vince to sell up too, I don't think he views anybody there as an heir to the empire he has built and all the parties involved could make off with some serious cash if they sold up. People have been saying for years that it would improve if Triple H took over but he got given two hours on a Wednesday and has been defeated in a ratings war by a money mark with a Wrestling Observer subscription. Vince bringing in Nick Khan and selling the Network to NBCUniversal is just the beginning of him selling the lot from where I'm sitting.

[Jaysin]

Actually watched this week's Smackdown just because Pat was on commentary and was fairly surprised. It was a very solid show. Though it was funny when Roman made his entrance, Michael Cole said Roman had a giant smile on his face and Roman wasn't even smirking.

[Jaysin]

<p>Can't believe I'm about to type this, but Raw was actually fairly good with week. Three shocking wins; Riddle beating Orton, Elias beating Kofi, and Asuka beating Charlotte. Nothing all that bad other than this storyline with Nia, Shayna, Mandy, and Dana. </p><p> </p><p>

Charlotte looks like she lost weight, got a breast reduction, and had some work done on her face. She looks far less "manly" now in the face. Either she had some more work done, or she has a new makeup artist that's better than whoever did it before.</p><p> </p><p>

I'm really liking what they're doing with Charlotte for the first time in ages. They're leaning heavily into the IWC's perception of her and it's working in my eyes. </p><p> </p><p>

I wonder how long her "suspension" is going to be. They said on social media that it was indefinite.</p>

[Jaysin]

So Charlotte's suspension was over in a week. Annoying storytelling, but I am enjoying Charlotte's current persona more than I have in awhile. Thankfully she isn't using five million lame royalty/queen jargon.

 

I have zero interest in Braun Strowman. Yes, he's in the best shape of his career, but he has done nothing but spin his wheels for ages.

 

I love Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville, but not enjoying their story either. It feels far too soon for yet another heel authority figure even though it's been quite awhile. The gimmick has just been run into the ground so much by wrestling promotions in general, but no one has done it worse than WWE except maybe Dixie Carter's awful on screen persona.

 

RKBro on the other hand is pure money and magic. Hoping they don't rush the eventual split as I'd like them to have some fun for awhile first. Riddle's stoner charm and Orton's straight gimmick just gel so damn good together.

 

Not saying I want a tag title run or anything, but this is already giving me flashbacks to Team Hell No and I loved that pairing too.

[Jaysin]

I know it's been rumored since last year, but Eva Marie...really?

 

[Antonin]

...RKBro on the other hand is pure money and magic. Hoping they don't rush the eventual split as I'd like them to have some fun for awhile first. Riddle's stoner charm and Orton's straight gimmick just gel so damn good together.

 

I agree! I like this pairing, and I'm surprised that I like it. It looks like they are both enjoying themselves.

[crownsy]

I know it's been rumored since last year, but Eva Marie...really?

 

 

they played it up like it was some huge return too.

 

Who cares? most overrated Women performer they've ever had. Can't act, can't work, can't talk, and to be crass Vince, if I wanted to see an attractive redhead in next to nothing that badly pornhub exists man. It's not the early 90's when it was a real treat to see a attractive women on TV with skimpy clothes dude.

 

She brings less to the table than Jax, and that's tough to do.

[Jaysin]

SUPPOSEDLY Daniel Bryan is no longer under contract according to Fightful

[crownsy]

SUPPOSEDLY Daniel Bryan is no longer under contract according to Fightful

 

Heard the same thing, interesting.

 

Obviously the WWE can throw a brinks truck worth of cash at him, but DB is kinda an odd bird, he might value one last world tour vs a set contract with one company

 

should be a fun summer if true ha

[Jaysin]

I know it's highly unlikely, but I'm not seeing anything about a no compete clause either and AEW is live tonight with a "ppv" style push that's sure to attract more people than usual. Would be a great way to debut in a company.

[Jaysin]

Two things: Why on earth did Ricochet start wearing dress pants? He looks like the most generic dork around. The "dab" after losing made him look even more lame.

 

Other thing: Why does Charlotte have cow spots on her gear?

 

*Edit*

 

Zombie lumberjack match? Really? I love the Miz and Priest, but this show is so freaking cringey.

 

*Edit again*

 

That announcer table spot in the WWE title triple threat was dumb as hell. What was Drew going for? A Frankensteiner?! "Hey Braun, catch me!". Good match, but that was such a dumb spot that really took away from the final product.

 

Roman vs Cesaro was quite good and a clean finish was very much appreciated after how much they beat the Usos being involved to death. I couldn't care less about Rollins though. Dude is overrated and not remotely interesting. Plus his assertion over the years that WWE is the best wrestling product in the world is laughable.

[Mootinie]

Zombiessss hahahaha.

[crownsy]

<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>Two things: Why on earth did Ricochet start wearing dress pants? He looks like the most generic dork around. The "dab" after losing made him look even more lame.<p> </p><p> Other thing: Why does Charlotte have cow spots on her gear?</p><p> </p><p> *Edit*</p><p> </p><p> Zombie lumberjack match? Really? I love the Miz and Priest, but this show is so freaking cringey.</p><p> </p><p> *Edit again*</p><p> </p><p> That announcer table spot in the WWE title triple threat was dumb as hell. What was Drew going for? A Frankensteiner?! "Hey Braun, catch me!". Good match, but that was such a dumb spot that really took away from the final product.</p><p> </p><p> Roman vs Cesaro was quite good and a clean finish was very much appreciated after how much they beat the Usos being involved to death. I couldn't care less about Rollins though. Dude is overrated and not remotely interesting. Plus his assertion over the years that WWE is the best wrestling product in the world is laughable.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Rember when we all thought Rollins would be the best member of the shield, career wise?</p><p> </p><p> good times, good times.</p>

[Jaysin]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="crownsy" data-cite="crownsy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Rember when we all thought Rollins would be the best member of the shield, career wise?<p> </p><p> good times, good times.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> He's been so cringey and boring for so long I almost forget about how good he was prior to WWE. </p><p> </p><p> That said, Roman is killing it right now and I'm glad he finally got a clean win. I feel like Roman should be a bad ass heel that doesn't need help from his cousins. Making him reliant on his cousins really drags down an otherwise great character. Really dig the new music too. If only he'd wear real wrestling gear instead of the Shield pants.</p>

[crownsy]

so it looks like the Zombies have actually killed Miz

 

https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/05/wwe-superstar-could-be-out-of-action-for-7-9-months/

 

What a way to sit out 7-10 months.

 

"When did you injure it?"

 

" a meaningless movie tie in match with Zombies"

 

"oh.....oh no."

[RKOwnage]

so it looks like the Zombies have actually killed Miz

 

https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/05/wwe-superstar-could-be-out-of-action-for-7-9-months/

 

What a way to sit out 7-10 months.

 

"When did you injure it?"

 

" a meaningless movie tie in match with Zombies"

 

"oh.....oh no."

 

I'm not a doctor but I always laugh when people bring up the possibility of a partial ACL tear. Your ACLs are wound up like rubber bands and if you're putting enough pressure on it for it to tear, it's going to tear fully like 95% of the time. I unfortunately know this from experience and years of doctor visits lol. Horrible for Miz.

[MightyDavidson]

I'm not a doctor but I always laugh when people bring up the possibility of a partial ACL tear. Your ACLs are wound up like rubber bands and if you're putting enough pressure on it for it to tear, it's going to tear fully like 95% of the time. I unfortunately know this from experience and years of doctor visits lol. Horrible for Miz.

 

Agreed and I imagine this whole zombie business is something he's never gonna live down. Hopefully not as bad as the Red Rooster was for Terry Taylor but still.

[crownsy]

Agreed and I imagine this whole zombie business is something he's never gonna live down. Hopefully not as bad as the Red Rooster was for Terry Taylor but still.

 

Honestly I feel more bad for Priest. Miz is a joke mid card act, Priest allegedly has a future.

 

But I'll always remember him now as the guy who got scared and freaked out by zombies.

[Jaysin]

I don't think Miz, Priest, or Morrison will be harmed by the awful zombie segment.

 

Priest looks like a company man willing to do business for taking part of it despite the ridiculousness and Miz and Morrison have done countless comedy gags over the years.

 

I hate the segment and think it's one of the lowest points in modern wrestling, but I think their careers will be fine.

 

I do hope that since Miz is out with injury that Morrison can get the singles run he should have gotten his first go around. I think if he hadn't been dating Melina, his career would have panned out very differently.

 

Not saying Morrison should be WWE or Universal champion, but he's a great talent that can have good matches with a variety of styles.

 

On an unrelated note, it's bonkers to me that Ricochet is just a generic dork on the roster. He really grew from a generic spot monkey to a guy who can tear the house down.

 

He does look like a dork, so maybe they should have put him in a mask like Lucha Underground did. Plus, Prince Puma was a cool ass name and his attire ruled.

[Jaysin]

WWE finally released the pedophile Velveteen Dream and the Qanon whack job Drake Wuertz!

[Jaysin]

Adnan Virk is already done with WWE as he doesn't want to travel. Not sure why he even bothered signing with the company as he had to of known they would go back to touring at some point. He was enthusiastic about commentating, but not all that good. Still he was a breath of fresh air compared to tired Michael Cole who has been phoning it in for over a decade.

 

Also read Pat Mcafee might be leaving the company soon because traveling might not work with his schedule. This one is a shame as he's so damn entertaining

[Rampaaage]

Also read Pat Mcafee might be leaving the company soon because traveling might not work with his schedule. This one is a shame as he's so damn entertaining

 

Huge bummer. I only really watch WWE for ppvs now, but since he's joined I've watched a bit of SmackDown and he makes it so much better. His enthusiasm makes it hard to even tell if he's acting or really just that excited to be there. The way he put Boogs over last week was awesome.