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

[Arrows]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Fleisch" data-cite="Fleisch" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Sin Cara needs to don the Mistico mask, wipe his arse with the Sin Cara mask before heading back to Mexico and telling WWE to shove their contract. This is killing his career and he needs to head on back down South of the border and try to save as much of his reputation as possible. On paper, Mistico/Sin Cara in WWE could be awesome, in reality he just doesn't fit the WWE style (not saying that's a bad thing). He's never going to be more than a 5 minute midcarder in WWE in my humble opinion.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> If they happen to bring the cruiser division to life like the rumors have hinted, I could see him being able to work there. It wouldn't be as difficult to find people capable of keeping up with him, which is one of the major problems with him right now. All the hype that went into how amazing he was supposed to be, and then he's the slow motion luchadore? Was never going to work that way.</p>

[Moe Hunter]

<p>It's sad that CM Punk's "change" and "revolution" has amounted to him being in the undercard as champion while Cena Main Events four PPVs in a row</p><p> </p><p>

Elimination Chamber: Cena vs Kane</p><p>

Wrestlemania: Cena vs Rock</p><p>

Extreme Rules: Cena vs Brock</p><p>

Over The Limit: Cena vs Lauranitis</p><p> </p><p>

And on Raw Lauranitis said that the "Main Event" of No Way Out will be Cena vs Big Show.</p><p> </p><p>

Punk's been having great matches, but really nothing has changed. Cena still has the spotlight, even without the title. Raw is *about* Cena, the PPVs are all built around Cena. Outside of doing actual shoots, how can Punk "take the ball and run" as Austin would say?</p>

[Tha Black Phenom]

<p>I agree, I think it's unfortunate Cena fighting off against a GM gets the most airtime and hype and Punk is pretty much in the third biggest feud of the show. </p><p> </p><p>

How do they wanna elevate new stars if they're still trying to display the image that Cena is THE man to watch? Which is inherently true, but the transition has to come about somewhere... with Brock Lesnar coming back right after The Rock left, I could excuse that, but at least make a big deal about Punk/Bryan. Instead there was zero hype towards their first encounter, all being directed towards Cena/Johnny, and only now they're putting stuff to it. What grates me the most is Punk has been champion for 7 months now... he should be sort of a big deal by now.</p><p> </p><p>

If Cena/Show gets the last match, it's gonna send a wrong message.. especially as they've faced 20 times already and 95% of the time has ended the same way.</p>

[Hyde Hill]

That is probably the biggest thing to be said against Cena, that WWE feel he needs so much of the spotlight in order to be successful. Vince only widens the spotlight when he feels that his main talent can handle it. Hogan, Rock, Austin and said in shoots.

[shawn michaels]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hyde Hill" data-cite="Hyde Hill" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>That is probably the biggest thing to be said against Cena, that WWE feel he needs so much of the spotlight in order to be successful. Vince only widens the spotlight when he feels that his main talent can handle it. Hogan, Rock, Austin and said in shoots.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Punk can handle it, but Vince, once again will also ruin that. Oh well, that's why i will always hate Cena. And as long as they keep booking him like that, i'll keep disliking him. I don't even watch his matches. It's always the same super hero shit.</p>

[Unregistered]

I gotta disagree with people here. Mistico is not much different from Sin Cara. Only difference is the level of opponents and familiarity. Mistico is in no way the best lucha. They went after the most popular guy, not the most talented.

[djthefunkchris]

I understand that a TEW player could make this kind of mistake (well, i don't, most TEW players book better then the WWE writers), because a TEW player is ONE. But a company with dozens of creative minds and no one noticed this? They needed to fill that mistake with Michael Cole trying to make it look casual, when we really realized he was trying to clean the mess his bosses did? My God! Is this laziness, stupidity, or they just don't give a crap about the fans??? I'm a consumer, i have the right to know! Too bad i'll never know!

I honestly think it was just a Johnny mistake, and they covered it up.

Sin Cara needs to don the Mistico mask, wipe his arse with the Sin Cara mask before heading back to Mexico and telling WWE to shove their contract. This is killing his career and he needs to head on back down South of the border and try to save as much of his reputation as possible. On paper, Mistico/Sin Cara in WWE could be awesome, in reality he just doesn't fit the WWE style (not saying that's a bad thing). He's never going to be more than a 5 minute midcarder in WWE in my humble opinion.

I was going to bring this up.

If they happen to bring the cruiser division to life like the rumors have hinted, I could see him being able to work there. It wouldn't be as difficult to find people capable of keeping up with him, which is one of the major problems with him right now. All the hype that went into how amazing he was supposed to be, and then he's the slow motion luchadore? Was never going to work that way.

I have hopes for it, but I believe it's rumored to be a show on their own Network, and I don't think they even know who they are going to be a network with yet... I hope Comcast, etc... but I don't know yet.

I agree, I think it's unfortunate Cena fighting off against a GM gets the most airtime and hype and Punk is pretty much in the third biggest feud of the show.

 

How do they wanna elevate new stars if they're still trying to display the image that Cena is THE man to watch? Which is inherently true, but the transition has to come about somewhere... with Brock Lesnar coming back right after The Rock left, I could excuse that, but at least make a big deal about Punk/Bryan. Instead there was zero hype towards their first encounter, all being directed towards Cena/Johnny, and only now they're putting stuff to it. What grates me the most is Punk has been champion for 7 months now... he should be sort of a big deal by now.

 

If Cena/Show gets the last match, it's gonna send a wrong message.. especially as they've faced 20 times already and 95% of the time has ended the same way.

 

That is probably the biggest thing to be said against Cena, that WWE feel he needs so much of the spotlight in order to be successful. Vince only widens the spotlight when he feels that his main talent can handle it. Hogan, Rock, Austin and said in shoots.

 

Punk can handle it, but Vince, once again will also ruin that. Oh well, that's why i will always hate Cena. And as long as they keep booking him like that, i'll keep disliking him. I don't even watch his matches. It's always the same super hero shit.

These three kind of go together, so I just quoted you all.

 

I have NOT seen the numbers, but it's been rumored that tv veiwership numbers have alot to do with things right now. There are more rumors that Vince has insisted they quit building their shows to PPV's, but build PPV's to their shows... Saying Ratings are what matters now. They need better TV ratings.

 

Thoughts, at least mine, are that he's thinking this way because of the New WWE Network scheduled for November this year. When you "own" the network, ratings are going to mean alot more then when your just a show on the network, so I can understand this logic, but Raw and Smackdown are supposed to stay a part of NBC from what I understand.

 

It's also been rumored that all but the big four PPV's, are supposed to be free on the new WWE Network, so that might be good news as well.

I gotta disagree with people here. Mistico is not much different from Sin Cara. Only difference is the level of opponents and familiarity. Mistico is in no way the best lucha. They went after the most popular guy, not the most talented.

/nod. I really checked as much as I could find on youtube about this guy, before his debut, and I feel your thoughts on this seem the most solid.

 

EDIT: I wanted to add that word is that WWE has been looking at alot of ROH top talent, and wants to bring in Lucha's as well, all for the Cruiserweight Show they have planned for the WWE Network.

[milamber]

Sandow v Big Zeke - Very good for a short match. Sandow is now my 2nd fav SD wrestler after Bryan.

 

Ryback needs a proper opponent. Maybe they can feed Tensai to him

 

Ziggler showed against Sheamus he deserves a title push this year. Have him walk out on Vicki and Swagger and win the MITB briefcase.

 

Prime Time Players - "Millions of dollars, millions of dollars, millions of dollars." On NXT they were average but they make a good heel tag team.

 

Punk v Kane - Surprisingly good slow-build title match. Sets up the Triple Threat match at No Way Out.

[bigtplaystew]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Moe Hunter" data-cite="Moe Hunter" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>It's sad that CM Punk's "change" and "revolution" has amounted to him being in the undercard as champion while Cena Main Events four PPVs in a row<p> </p><p> Elimination Chamber: Cena vs Kane</p><p> Wrestlemania: Cena vs Rock</p><p> Extreme Rules: Cena vs Brock</p><p> Over The Limit: Cena vs Lauranitis</p><p> </p><p> And on Raw Lauranitis said that the "Main Event" of No Way Out will be Cena vs Big Show.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Punk's been having great matches, but really nothing has changed. </strong>Cena still has the spotlight, even without the title. Raw is *about* Cena, the PPVs are all built around Cena. Outside of doing actual shoots, how can Punk "take the ball and run" as Austin would say?</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> Hmm interesting points. I'd say things have changed for him, and I know in interviews he's said things have changed for him since last summer. He's simply more recognized now. I think the general pop culture awareness of CM Punk is higher, and I think he's the valid number 2 guy right now. </p><p> </p><p> But yes as far as "change" and "revolution" yeah I think some of us (and maybe him) expected bigger changes by this point. Cena is simply a more marketable face as far as world economics go.</p>

[shawn michaels]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="bigtplaystew" data-cite="bigtplaystew" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Hmm interesting points. I'd say things have changed for him, and I know in interviews he's said things have changed for him since last summer. He's simply more recognized now. I think the general pop culture awareness of CM Punk is higher, and I think he's the valid number 2 guy right now. <p> </p><p> But yes as far as "change" and "revolution" yeah I think some of us (and maybe him) expected bigger changes by this point. Cena is simply a more marketable face as far as world economics go.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I do not understand how people can see the same thing over and over and like it.</p>

[milamber]

Ricky Reyes (one half of the Havana Pitbulls with Rocky Romero in ROH who beat Punk & Cabana for the tag title in 2004) tried out for WWE last month:

 

On the May 25, 2012 episode of WWE Smackdown, Reyes competed in a handicapped match on the losing end of two-man team versus Ryback. Reyes competed under the name Brian Edwards. He also received a tryout match (against Tyson Kidd) before the event that blew everyone away. William Regal was putting Reyes over big time to WWE officials. - Wrestlezone

 

Only seen 1 Pitbulls match before so I didn't recognise him.

[Guest codey]

Cool, I knew I recognized him from somewhere.

[shawn michaels]

<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>Sandow v Big Zeke - Very good for a short match. Sandow is now my 2nd fav SD wrestler after Bryan.<p> </p><p> Ryback needs a proper opponent. Maybe they can feed Tensai to him <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Ziggler showed against Sheamus he deserves a title push this year. Have him walk out on Vicki and Swagger and win the MITB briefcase.</p><p> </p><p> Prime Time Players - "Millions of dollars, millions of dollars, millions of dollars." On NXT they were average but they make a good heel tag team.</p><p> </p><p> Punk v Kane - Surprisingly good slow-build title match. Sets up the Triple Threat match at No Way Out.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Well, it was a very entertaining Smackdown, i had fun. And had nothing to do with Cena not showing up, though that helps. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> :D <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> It seems that they're putting some more match time on their shows then ir recent months, which is good, and it was an entertaining show. </p><p> </p><p> Now, about the matches:</p><p> Sandow vs. Zeke - got the job done, and it was actually good for what it was. Sandow is definitely a much welcomed breath of fresh air in SD, and certainly my favorite "newcomer" of the moment. The man pulls it off. Period.</p><p> </p><p> Ryback vs. 2 low lifes who's name i can't even remember - Yeah...this is becoming ridiculous. I remember a point where people didn't mock the jobbers, actually trying to promote the match about to take place as legit. Mocking the opponents a guy is about to demolish isn't what i'd call the best way to push someone. Besides, he really needs actual opponents. These weekly jobber beatings are becoming tedious. And what the hell is wrong with Ryback? I almost sufocate when i watch his matches, because it seems the guy is about to colapse and sufocate of some lung failure. Really? Heavy breathing on a "30 seconds" match? Imagine a 15 minute one. </p><p> </p><p> Ziggler vs. Sheamus - This was everything a wrestling match should be. And it really surprised me, as i wasn't expecting such a good match. The selling was good, the offense wasn't perfect (in a good way), with both wrestlers not just standing on the other one's shoulders and taking the hit, they actually moved and perfectly simulated the attempts of avoiding their opponents offense, which is realistic and it was perfectly executed. The momentum changes were also good, and i actually think that with a few more minutes, this could have become one of the best tv matches of the year. Oh well, too bad.</p><p> </p><p> PTP vs. Santino & Ziggler - Couldn't care less about PTP, though they do help freshening uop the tag division, which the WWE seems to be rebuilding up to a certain point, maybe to help with the 3 hour Raws. Other then that, i liked the flash pin, The Big show did well, and the whole thing worked good enough to not get criticized.</p><p> </p><p> Cody vs. Kid - It was a regular way to advance the IC title feud, and even though it was a squash mach, it was still worth watching. Christian's interaction with Rhodes was acceptable and at the end of the day it was regular stuff, but again, served it's purpose.</p><p> </p><p> Punk vs. Kane - Much better then i expected, and i was actually afraid that Punk would lose again by D-Bryan interference, or a DQ, so i liked the no contest instead. VEry good slow built match, and the Punk-Aj interactions really seem good to me atm. Maybe it just end up with her screwing Punk over (hope not, hope the WWE isn't that predictable) but it's being fun to watch, and the Punk vs. Bryan feud (I couldn't care less with Kane's participation on the feud) is the main reason i watch WWE right now. My 2 favorite wrestlers in what is turning out to be a very entertaining feud. Much better then the super Cena s***!</p>

[Astil]

If you like Sandow wait until Moxley debuts <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[Rone Rivendale]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Astil" data-cite="Astil" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>If you like Sandow wait until Moxley debuts <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Agree 100% there. Been a huge fan of Moxley for years.</p>

[shawn michaels]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Astil" data-cite="Astil" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>If you like Sandow wait until Moxley debuts <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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>Agree 100% there. Been a huge fan of Moxley for years.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Yeah, i like Sandow, then again, i've always liked Stevens. And he's pulling it off pretty well. Can't wait to see what Moxley is all about, as i really don't know much of him. But i'll take your word for it. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[ChrisKid]

In my opinion a poor RAW, only positive i see is that Reks & Hawkins was on RAW.

[milamber]

Raw Highlights:

 

Cole telling Cena he's overrated.

 

Ziggler v Sheamus - Another good match from these guys.

 

Ryback - He needs a proper feud but it's still fun to see him squashing indy wrestlers. At least make it 3-on-1 next week!

 

Punk v Kane - Not a big Kane fan these days but I like him in this 3-way feud. Good finish with distractions helping Kane to win. AJ charming her way out of a Kane beatdown and messing with Josh was funny.

 

Hawkins & Rex on Raw! The tag division now has several legit teams and a few part-time ones. WWE better not drop the ball.

 

Cena v Tensai - Wasn't expecting Tensai. They streamlined his entrance, but no gimmick change. Probably his best match so far. And it turned the Cena v Cole main event match into a watchable beatdown.

[Astil]

Worst RAW of the year by far. Nothing of value happened, and the filled was bad filler.

[Makhai]

Word is backstage Vince flipped out at the 2.9 rating heading into 3hr show and demanded he be written into the story.(Because, you know, he's the biggest star in the company.) This is going to be a train-wreck... As Terrell Owens says: Getya popcorn ready!

[shawn michaels]

Raw Highlights:

 

Cole telling Cena he's overrated.

 

Ziggler v Sheamus - Another good match from these guys.

 

Ryback - He needs a proper feud but it's still fun to see him squashing indy wrestlers. At least make it 3-on-1 next week!

 

Punk v Kane - Not a big Kane fan these days but I like him in this 3-way feud. Good finish with distractions helping Kane to win. AJ charming her way out of a Kane beatdown and messing with Josh was funny.

 

Hawkins & Rex on Raw! The tag division now has several legit teams and a few part-time ones. WWE better not drop the ball.

 

Cena v Tensai - Wasn't expecting Tensai. They streamlined his entrance, but no gimmick change. Probably his best match so far. And it turned the Cena v Cole main event match into a watchable beatdown.

 

 

SO...I haven't watched RAW yet, but i'm already noticing that it's just a lazy reboot of last week's SD! And the WWE champions keeps losing and drawinf almost every week. This is ridiculous! I'm not even gonna botter saying more for now...

Word is backstage Vince flipped out at the 2.9 rating heading into 3hr show and demanded he be written into the story.(Because, you know, he's the biggest star in the company.) This is going to be a train-wreck... As Terrell Owens says: Getya popcorn ready!

 

God, i hope they crash and burn a bit, to see if they actually learn something.

[Jaysin]

So CM Punk has mentioned a new WWE Title design recently in interviews and said that it's hideous...

 

This doesn't look finished and it's rumored to be the title he's referring to, but good god I'd rather look at the spinner belt than this horrible chunk of metal.

 

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/252304_409007329138327_323348924370835_1187990_1586876088_n.jpg

[Hyde Hill]

I have to wait to see the finished product but yeah it seems like more of a lateral move. Going from ugly spinner to ugly this.

[shawn michaels]

So CM Punk has mentioned a new WWE Title design recently in interviews and said that it's hideous...

 

This doesn't look finished and it's rumored to be the title he's referring to, but good god I'd rather look at the spinner belt than this horrible chunk of metal.

 

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/252304_409007329138327_323348924370835_1187990_1586876088_n.jpg

 

Have they milked the spinner completely? xD

[Jaysin]

The more I read JR's blog the more I wish he had creative input or at least something pertaining to the younger talent.