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

[milamber]

<span>http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/milamber/emmapaige_zpsda1710fb.jpg~original</span><span>http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/milamber/2AwYcxj_zps6d814b9d.gif~original</span><span>http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/milamber/1044291_563107963728262_1119248551_n_zps87d2e9f9.png~original</span>

[milamber]

<p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1710735-free-falling-the-sad-strange-career-of-former-wwe-champion-ric-flair" rel="external nofollow"><strong>Free Falling: The Sad, Strange Career of Former WWE Champion Ric Flair</strong></a></p><p> </p><p>

<a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1719796-recapping-and-grading-the-premiere-of-wwe-total-divas" rel="external nofollow"><strong>Total Divas Premiere - Review</strong></a></p>

[Basmat01]

<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><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1710735-free-falling-the-sad-strange-career-of-former-wwe-champion-ric-flair" rel="external nofollow"><strong>Free Falling: The Sad, Strange Career of Former WWE Champion Ric Flair</strong></a><p> </p><p> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1719796-recapping-and-grading-the-premiere-of-wwe-total-divas" rel="external nofollow"><strong>Total Divas Premiere - Review</strong></a></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Really enjoyed the ric flair read. really don't care for total divas though.</p><p> </p><p> Randy Orton got low blowed by a fan in South Africa lol</p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofPKXHGKJbk" rel="external nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofPKXHGKJbk</a></p>

[milamber]

<p>Raw Review:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Opening segment</strong> - The McMahons involvement means Bryan is getting the CM Punk push this year. I can't imagine him not winning the WWE title this year but I don't think it'll be until Night of Champions. Prediction: Cena will retain the title after a DQ finish and Bryan will get a rematch.</p><p>

<strong>Shield vs Henry/Usos</strong> - High intensity match that did a good job putting over Henry and the Usos despite the result.</p><p>

<strong>RVD vs Fandango</strong> - Average match. RVD needs a feud. Fandango isn't generating enough heat to be a heel.</p><p>

<strong>Kaitlyn vs AJ</strong> - Decent match but we've seen better from these two.</p><p>

<strong>Ziggler vs Big E</strong> - Ziggler did a good job putting over Big E.</p><p>

<strong>Christian vs Del Rio</strong> - Good match but a weak finish.</p><p>

<strong>Barrett vs Rhodes</strong> - Decent match but Sandow's mic time was better.</p><p>

<strong>Bryan vs Kane</strong> - Solid match but barely main event worthy. Wyatts were good. Bray killed it on the mic again.</p><p>

<strong>Cena vs Ryback</strong> - Ryback's bully gimmick might make him interesting again. Not a match I wanted to see but it was actually good until the weak finish.</p><p> </p><p>

Verdict: Not bad but still the weakest Raw in recent weeks. The dubbed crowd didn't help either. Highlights were the tag match, Bryan, the Wyatts and dare I say Cena and Ryback.</p><p> </p><p>

<a href="http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/42856-fight-breaks-out-at-wwe-raw-taping-in-laredo-texas" rel="external nofollow"><strong>Fight breaks out at WWE RAW taping in Laredo, Texas</strong></a></p>

[djthefunkchris]

<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>Raw Review:<p> </p><p> <strong>Opening segment</strong> - The McMahons involvement means Bryan is getting the CM Punk push this year. I can't imagine him not winning the WWE title this year but I don't think it'll be until Night of Champions. Prediction: Cena will retain the title after a DQ finish and Bryan will get a rematch.</p><p> <strong>Shield vs Henry/Usos</strong> - High intensity match that did a good job putting over Henry and the Usos despite the result.</p><p> <strong>RVD vs Fandango</strong> - Average match. RVD needs a feud. Fandango isn't generating enough heat to be a heel.</p><p> <strong>Kaitlyn vs AJ</strong> - Decent match but we've seen better from these two.</p><p> <strong>Ziggler vs Big E</strong> - Ziggler did a good job putting over Big E.</p><p> <strong>Christian vs Del Rio</strong> - Good match but a weak finish.</p><p> <strong>Barrett vs Rhodes</strong> - Decent match but Sandow's mic time was better.</p><p> <strong>Bryan vs Kane</strong> - Solid match but barely main event worthy. Wyatts were good. Bray killed it on the mic again.</p><p> <strong>Cena vs Ryback</strong> - Ryback's bully gimmick might make him interesting again. Not a match I wanted to see but it was actually good until the weak finish.</p><p> </p><p> Verdict: Not bad but still the weakest Raw in recent weeks. The dubbed crowd didn't help either. Highlights were the tag match, Bryan, the Wyatts and dare I say Cena and Ryback.</p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/42856-fight-breaks-out-at-wwe-raw-taping-in-laredo-texas" rel="external nofollow"><strong>Fight breaks out at WWE RAW taping in Laredo, Texas</strong></a></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I don't think anyone has commented on the reviews that you give, but wanted to say I enjoy the heck out of them. I feel your being as objective as possible, and also fair if not a little more then fair. Keep them up!</p><p> </p><p> I got a chance to watch RAW, and I just wanted to say I felt that Bryan's match should have been last, til' the show was over. I even commented on it while watching with friends, "I'd hate to be following Bryan, this don't make sense, he should be last!" </p><p> </p><p> But, as you pointed out, Ryback and Cena freakin' delivered. I think in this case, the things they do with a pre-taped show actually helped (can't say that for the rest of the show though). I actually thought the match was pretty good considering who was in it, and I felt I actually seen a few unique things there, or at least things we don't see often (anywhere).</p><p> </p><p> I don't always agree with you, especially when you talk about the women. I also don't agree with the NXT stuff about the "Anti-Diva" either, but that's another topic. Basically, when people start comparing them to Trish and Lita, my expectations automatically get higher, and I'm let down really badly. My opinion, the only diva on any of the shows (and yes, I've watched them), that has that kind of talent, is Nattie (when talking WWE/NXT/TNA). Although I like her, I'm not half as impressed as people seem to be for the Anti Diva... The only thing for me is that her character is different enough to stand out, and I love it. Outside of that, I don't think her ring work is as good as people make it out to be.</p>

[shawn michaels]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="djthefunkchris" data-cite="djthefunkchris" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Outside of that, I don't think her ring work is as good as people make it out to be.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Dude...Nattie Neidhart...Seriously? <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Not that good? Really? <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Rickymex]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="shawn michaels 82" data-cite="shawn michaels 82" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Dude...Nattie Neidhart...Seriously? <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Not that good? Really? <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I believe he's talking about Paige.</p>

[shawn michaels]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Rickymex" data-cite="Rickymex" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I believe he's talking about Paige.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Oh, thank God! My bad. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[djthefunkchris]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Rickymex" data-cite="Rickymex" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I believe he's talking about Paige.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Thank you again. Reread my post and still don't get it. Most the time I can see how people screw up what I said because I make mistakes by getting ahead of myself sometimes, but this one eludes me.</p>

[TakerNGN74]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="djthefunkchris" data-cite="djthefunkchris" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Thank you again. Reread my post and still don't get it. Most the time I can see how people screw up what I said because I make mistakes by getting ahead of myself sometimes, but this one eludes me.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> For the record I knew who you were talking about, not sure why SM82 thought you were talking about Nattie when you clearly weren't.</p>

[Rickymex]

<p>He probably skimmed and missed the Anti-Diva part and seeing how Natalya is the name in the paragraph it just ended with her not being good.</p><p> </p><p>

Poor Nattie everyone treats her like crap. (<em>I saw Total Divas</em>)</p><p> </p><p>

EDIT: Why am I a phenom with only 500 posts?</p>

[Swagger]

<p>Anyone else watching that "Total Divas" show?</p><p> </p><p>

I'd hate to say it, but they've reeled me into another hour of their programming a week.</p>

[milamber]

NXT 7/31/13 Review:

 

Amore & Cassidy vs Tons of Funk - Sweet T & Brodus danced, then brawled with the other team, helped by Mason Ryan (who also danced). This is Smackdown bathroom break material -- I expect better from NXT.

Flair vs Banks - The girls lacked chemistry but showcased their athletic abilities.

Tyler Breeze - Strong promo from the Ziggler/Fandango/Zoolander hybrid with Renee Young (whose expressions were priceless). CJ Parker was acting the clown behind the oblivious Breeze, which had the crowd laughing.

English & Keegan vs Wyatts - We got a creepy "Mary had a Little Lamb" vignette before a 30 second squash match. Then Bray gave an almost babyface-like "Warn the world's leaders/Bring down the machine" speech and announced they were finished with NXT for good. The crowd popped loud for the Wyatt family the entire time.

Dawson vs Graves - Graves won in 3 minutes. Regal calls Dawson a young Arn Anderson and Graves is a fan favorite. They deserve at least a 10 minute match.

The Shield - The trio returned to NXT to take potshots at the new tag champs Graves & Neville. Ambrose challenged Neville and agreed to put his US Title on the line next week.

Kruger & Cesaro vs Zayn & Dallas - Solid match. #1 contender Kruger pinned NXT Champ Dallas. I like they way NXT build up their bigger feuds and merge them together with segments and matches that make sense (instead of the random main-event tag matches we used to get weekly on the main shows until recently).

 

Verdict: Weakest NXT for some time. Poorly booked for a 1 hour show. Too many matches and a time-wasting opening segment. The entrances were longer than most of the matches. Highlights: Tyler Breeze promo, the Wyatts, the Shield, the main event tag match.

 

 

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/milamber/TylerRenee_zpsdcad2f7e_medium_zpsd22dd431.png~original

[TakerNGN74]

<p>I only started watching NXT two weeks ago with the NXT Women's Title Tournament final and out of the two shows I watched I would say that this weeks episode of NXT was the weaker of the two I have seen. The main event was solid but they really booked Tons Of Funk to squash two guys and then dance afterwards with of all people Mason Ryan. I can see that crap on both RAW and Smackdown I started watching NXT mainly for the wrestling but also to see the upcoming talent that they have to offer. It wasn't a terrible show but I expected better.</p><p> </p><p>

Oh well hopefully next week will be better with the US Title on the line, The title wont change hands (if it does I will be shocked) but it wouldn't make sense at all.</p>

[lazorbeak]

<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><p> <strong>Dawson vs Graves</strong> - Graves won in 3 minutes. Regal calls Dawson a young Arn Anderson and Graves is a fan favorite. They deserve at least a 10 minute match.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Corey Graves doesn't deserve the push he has, let alone ten minute matches. He's like a create-a-wrestler of CM Punk gone horribly wrong. If Bo Dallas is any indication, this means he's destined for a big NXT push.</p><p> </p><p> I watched Graves and DiBiase at a live show and I think I might have temporarily died of boredom.</p>

[milamber]

<p>Taker, NXT is usally way better than it was this week. It's in a bit of a transition period with the recent roster shake-up. The Wyatts have been a constant highlight which is why the Shield have been brought back temporarily to plug the gap and put over the new tag champs. Cesaro and Zayn's feud has been good too.</p><p> </p><p>

Lazorbeak, I'm not a fan of Graves either but, IMO, Graves and Dawson could have put on a solid match given more time. A 3 minute match did neither of them any good, aside from Graves getting a crowd pleasing victory.</p>

[Rickymex]

The Graves vs Dawson match was just a setup for The Shield. You should most likely wait for the Cesaro vs Zayn 2 out of 3 falls match in the following weeks. Apparently many believed it was a MOTYC.

[TakerNGN74]

Taker, NXT is usally way better than it was this week. It's in a bit of a transition period with the recent roster shake-up. The Wyatts have been a constant highlight which is why the Shield have been brought back temporarily to plug the gap and put over the new tag champs. Cesaro and Zayn's feud has been good too.

 

Lazorbeak, I'm not a fan of Graves either but, IMO, Graves and Dawson could have put on a solid match given more time. A 3 minute match did neither of them any good, aside from Graves getting a crowd pleasing victory.

 

I wasn't trying to say that it wasn't good, I have enjoyed what I have seen so far and I will continue to watch but this week's episode was just a bit weak but that's only based on seeing two episodes so I know it will get better. I kept hearing rave reviews about it which is why I decided to start watching it in the first place. Plus your review where you said the episode where they crown the first women's champion was the perfect episode to start watching NXT I took your advice.

[bigtplaystew]

Big E is actually kinda good isn't he?

[Jaysin]

<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>Big E is actually kinda good isn't he?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Little late to the party on that revelation <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png"></p>

[Teh_Showtime]

Big E actually got a good match out of Bo Dallas <_<

[Rickymex]

Follow Big E on twitter. It's hilarious

[milamber]

<p>Smackdown Review:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Del Rio segment</strong> - Del Rio needs to improve his promo delivery. Maybe he could learn from Vicki. Trying to name Ricardo as his SS opponent was funny, though.</p><p>

<strong>Swagger vs Rhodes</strong> - Decent match if a little short. Rhodes is building momentum.</p><p>

<strong>Sin Cara vs Big E</strong> - Fun match and a much needed win for Big E.</p><p>

<strong>Fandango vs Punk</strong> - Good match. Bonus points for Punk winning with a Superplex/Anaconda Vice combo. Credit to Fandango for pushing Punk hard. Summer Rae's reactions ringside were spot-on.</p><p>

<strong>Kaitlyn vs AJ (Divas Title)</strong> - Decent match between the 2 women with the most chemistry. Layla's heel turn made it more interesting.</p><p>

<strong>Orton vs Christian vs RVD</strong> - Good, even match. As Comradebot said a few pages back Orton and RVD worked great together. If Orton turned heel it would be nice to see them feud. The winner was obvious even without spoilers but I don't mind Christian getting a title shot.</p><p> </p><p>

Verdict: Big improvement on last week's Smackdown but they could have fit in another match if they didn't replay the entire Cena vs Ryback match from Raw. A-Ry on commentary! Why has Curtis Axel only wrestled 1 match in 2 weeks?</p>

[Rone Rivendale]

I am a big Christian fan and I didn't even think he would win the 3 way. Orton is head and shoulders the 'man' on Smackdown and #3 overall behind Punk and Cena (in that order)

[Rickymex]

<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>I am a big Christian fan and I didn't even think he would win the 3 way. Orton is head and shoulders the 'man' on Smackdown and #3 overall behind Punk and Cena (in that order)</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Sir, please don't bring sexual topics like Christian threesomes into this family-friendly forum.</p>