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

[Rickymex]

The latest NXT recap is online! Plenty of Val Doonican and Bullfrogs in this one. Obviously

 

http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-reviews/wwe-nxt-results-recap-wyatt-1888404

 

I'm really hoping they start to fully transfer some of the guys to the main roster permanently and allow some of the other guys to fully develop. Guys like Alexander Rusev and Xavier Woods.

 

Plus a more fully developed tag team division.

[milamber]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1639376-news-emerges-on-cesaros-status-management-sees-him-as-boring

 

On last night's (subscribers-only) Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer gave an update on Cesaro's status in WWE, noting that while it initially appeared the wrestler had been helped by the Main Event match, little had ultimately changed for him:

 

"The reality is, the people who are in charge and have the say believe Antonio Cesaro is boring. I mean, the wrestlers don't. A lot of the other people in the company don't, there are people who think he should be a main eventer...but the people who count? They don't see him any higher than they did two weeks ago. There was lip service paid there for a week or two, but it's over now."

 

Hardly surprising. Bryan got his 15 minutes of main event fame. I hope Cesaro gets his. At the very least they could use him and any of the talented NXT guys to bolster the tag division if they've run out of ideas.

[Teh_Showtime]

John Cena literally gets boring chants

 

Kinda hard for a guy to show personality when you only have him exist to lose to Randy Orton

[djthefunkchris]

Interesting note: The person that said this Wrestlemania might out do last years seems to have been spot on. Last year was 67 Million, this year 72 Million (broke the record, again). I think it was Stennick that said it, but I couldn't find the post *(went back and tried to dig it up so I could quote you).

[Teh_Showtime]

of course it would

 

it was the same exact roster with the addition of Brock Lesnar instead of Chris Jericho in the top 3 matches

 

Brock is obviously a bigger draw than Jericho

[DaMegaFish]

I really loved that when Ryback won his match on RAW, he screamed RYBACK RULES as he was announced the winner, so all he really had to yell was RULES. Smart man.

 

Also, according to Daniel Bryan, The Ryback has a problem with Panera Bread. I would love to hear Ryback talk about that. Starts talking about Ryback/Panera at 19:55.

[lazorbeak]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DaMegaFish" data-cite="DaMegaFish" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I really loved that when Ryback won his match on RAW, he screamed RYBACK RULES as he was announced the winner, so all he really had to yell was RULES. Smart man.<p> </p><p> Also, according to Daniel Bryan, The Ryback has a problem with Panera Bread. I would love to hear Ryback talk about that. Starts talking about Ryback/Panera at 19:55.</p><p> </p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/_7A0SfjIAsU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Wrestling With Rosenberg : Daniel Bryan"></iframe></div></div></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Come on, Ryback, get a steak panini or something. It's not rocket science!</p>

[milamber]

<p>Wrestlers who impressed me most of this week's NXT:</p><p> </p><p>

Bray Wyatt, Connor O'Brian, Big E Langston, Brad Maddox (on commentary).</p>

[Jaysin]

Sakamoto, Derrick Bateman, and Briley Pierce(Dolph's little brother) have all been released apparently.

 

It's a shame. I was looking forward to the eventual storyline between Bateman and D-Bry They're sooooo good together.

[Teh_Showtime]

<p>Mini Ziggler was doing good in development too. They had him as a damn announcer instead of wrestling for a very long time for some reason</p><p> </p><p>

Bateman was comedy gold</p><p> </p><p>

Also Audrey Marie was apparently released as well, she was pretty good by divas standards and I thought she had Mickie James potential</p>

[Rickymex]

<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>Wrestlers who impressed me most of this week's NXT:<p> </p><p> Bray Wyatt, Connor O'Brian, Big E Langston, Brad Maddox (on commentary).</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Dude it's all about Sami Zayn!</p><p> </p><p> <span>http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1609155/NXT_515_Sami_zpsd2c65c7a_medium.png</span><img alt="528184_604178036277360_1408394057_n.jpg" data-src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/528184_604178036277360_1408394057_n.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span>http://24.media.tumblr.com/153955cfef8389971d4899bfbf9b745c/tumblr_mkenerzZkf1rbmjvuo1_500.png</span></p>

[The Final Countdown]

Not sure I'll ever get used to seeing him without a mask. How's he doing in NXT, anyway?

[Rickymex]

<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>Not sure I'll ever get used to seeing him without a mask. How's he doing in NXT, anyway?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> He hyped up his debut this week with a good interview segment and I think that he has adapted very well to his new character/style. He will make his in ring debut next week against Curt Hawkins. Hawkins is a very solid guy who I think will mesh well with Zayn.</p>

[Rickymex]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Teh_Showtime" data-cite="Teh_Showtime" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Mini Ziggler was doing good in development too. They had him as a damn announcer instead of wrestling for a very long time for some reasonl</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I think Briley would had make a great addition to Ziggler's entourage. Since Ziggler is the champ he shouldn't lose, Big E is a monster so he shouldn't lose and Briley would have made the perfect dweeb to lose against Del Rio or Swagger.</p>

[milamber]

<p>Pierce and Sakamoto have midcard jobber/tag team potential. Derrick Bateman has the personality to be a good crazy heel or comedy midcarder. Should have given him a chance as USA guy against Cesaro before letting him go.</p><p> </p><p>

I liked Sami Zayn's promo on NXT, smooth-talking the hot interview chick and talking about his lack of nerves because of his worldwide wrestling experience.</p>

[20LEgend]

Was weird seeing Sami Zayn, it really seems like a completely different person (which in character terms it is), but other guys I can see Kassius Ohno is Chris Hero or whatever this really is like a completely clean break. Which is think is a good thing. Can't wait to see his first match and thought his promo came across pretty well.

[milamber]

<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>It's a shame. I was looking forward to the eventual storyline between Bateman and D-Bry They're sooooo good together.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Derrick Bateman is awesome. Maybe he'd be a hit in Chikara. </p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/eSH4-Ihvme0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Daniel Bryan and Bateman's double-date with the Bella Twins"></iframe></div></div><p> </p><p> <span>http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/milamber/h43DC159F_zpsda5a6e26.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p> Dave Meltzer on Sami Zayn:</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>Sami Zayn (El Generico) has been told to slow down and not do so many high spots. The feeling is he’s really good, very intelligent, good promos (which nobody knew about) and they like the spots he does but not to do so many in a match. Plus, there is fear that even though he’s not showing the signs of it today since he’s still young, that all the bumps and crazy moves he did already could catch up to him if he doesn’t tone it down...</div></blockquote>

[Self]

<p>Good. He should slow down. I love his indy stuff. Watched a bunch of his PWG matches the other day, but you don't need to do that in WWE. So you shouldn't. </p><p> </p><p>

Loved the promo. A delightful surprise. Psyched for his match with Hawkins.</p>

[3rdStringPG]

<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>Sakamoto, Derrick Bateman, and Briley Pierce(Dolph's little brother) have all been released apparently.<p> </p><p> It's a shame. I was looking forward to the eventual storyline between Bateman and D-Bry They're sooooo good together.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Also future endeavored - another long-time NXT mainstay, Percy Watson.</p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_70660.shtml#.UZeYhaIwdT5" rel="external nofollow">http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_70660.shtml#.UZeYhaIwdT5</a></p>

[bigtplaystew]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Self" data-cite="Self" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Good. He should slow down. I love his indy stuff. Watched a bunch of his PWG matches the other day, but you don't need to do that in WWE. So you shouldn't. <p> </p><p> Loved the promo. A delightful surprise. Psyched for his match with Hawkins.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Yea man if you look at the indy guys who WWE have translated well (Punk, Bryan, Ambrose, Rollins, etc) you can see these dudes are pros and know how to turn it down and to what level. Or if they don't know they seem to possess the ability to learn. Point is if you can work you can work, and El Generico can work.</p>

[milamber]

<p>SD review:</p><p> </p><p>

- Rollins/Reigns vs Usos - Way too short. Good to see the Usos getting air time.</p><p>

- Jericho vs Cesaro - Fun match between 2 great performers.</p><p>

- Sandow vs Miz - Sandow gets his own show if he wins. Sandow loses <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p>

- Kaitlyn vs Aksana - Decent match. Lovely snap suplex from Kaitlyn.</p><p>

- 6v6 tag match - Not a fan of these multi-feud tag matches they always do right before and after PPVs.</p><p> </p><p>

Better Smackdown than I was expecting right before Extreme Rules but not a must-see episode.</p>

[Rickymex]

<p>Here's the video of Sami Zayn's interview</p><p> </p><p>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IygWD3xJHjE" rel="external nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IygWD3xJHjE</a></p>

[bigtplaystew]

<p>So happy for Dean Ambrose. Been watching this kid since he's 21 years old and I loved the little changes he's made to his character to get totally over in WWE. So happy for him.</p><p> </p><p>

Edit: Shield won! Shield won! 3 members 3 belts! Awesome!!!!</p>

[milamber]

<p><strong>Extreme Rules review:</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Jericho vs Fandango</strong> - Fun match to open with. Fandango was a little botchy. I wish Jericho were a full-timer.</p><p>

<strong>Kofi vs Ambrose (US Title)</strong> - Good chemistry. Fast-paced and even match-up. Ambrose deserves the belt.</p><p>

<strong>Sheamus vs Henry (Strap)</strong> - A unique and entertaining match. Both guys did well.</p><p>

<strong>Swagger vs ADR (I Quit)</strong> - Great match that made both guys look good. Could have used more weapons and less "Do you want to quit?" Towel throwing swerve was weird.</p><p>

<strong>Hell No vs Shield (Tornado Tag Title)</strong> - Not the best match in this feud but close enough. Had a few good spots, a sick finisher and Shield got the clean sweep!</p><p>

<strong>Show vs Orton (Extreme Rules)</strong> - Crowd were super hot for Orton. The punt was cool. Decent match but it would have been boring without the extreme rules stipulation.</p><p>

<strong>Ryback vs Cena (WWE Title)</strong> - Surprisingly epic match that benefited greatly from the extreme rules stipulation. Good length, crazy finish and Ryback came out looking like a tough SOB.</p><p>

<strong>HHH vs Lesnar (Cage)</strong> - Brutal match that hopefully ends the feud. Hidden sledgehammer! Heyman played his part well. Lesnar sold the knee injury like a badass and finally went over!</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Verdict:</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Bland card on paper but the PPV was solid. Shame half the card was anything but extreme. I predicted all the results except the WWE Title draw but the booking all made sense. WWE continue to nail the Shield storyline. The main events delivered against my expectations, however the WWE Title match should been on last. I hope Lesnar interferes in the Ryback vs Cena rematch to get a crack at Cena's title at Summerslam.</p><p> </p><p>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8GRt7irbtgA" rel="external nofollow">The Office starring Brock Lesnar (parody)</a></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/milamber/shield_win_zps80df1d04.jpg~original</span><span>http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/milamber/jVB1CMBKAIJH1_zps80363bce.png~original</span></p>

[bigtplaystew]

<p>I thought the PPV was solid, expecially considering the lackluster build and the fact that one of your "main event" champions is sidelines with an injury. </p><p> </p><p>

I'm not getting carried away and saying it was amazing, but solid. I thought Ryback/Cena was kinda crappy (who sells who in this match?) but the finish made me forget about the match. HHH/Lesnar was pretty cool. I thought it was a neat little story they played out. ADR/Swagger was a tv match nothing greatnothing bad. Shields' wins were awesome to see. The Ambrose/Kofi match was really cool I thought they did a great job with that one.</p><p> </p><p>

Like I said, bad build but a decent card with good, albeit predictable, booking.</p>