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

[milamber]

My favourite announcer at the moment is William Regal. But again he's probably too dry in his delivery that he won't ever be on Raw on Smackdown. Perfect for NXT, though.

[milamber]

<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">NXT (Anti-Diva Edition) Review:</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Amore & Big Cas vs Dawson & Rusev</strong> - Average match thar needed more time. Ended with a rare 5-count DQ finish after miscommunication between Dawson and the Bulgarian Brute.</p><p>

<strong>Bo Dallas</strong> - Now Bo believes he's Zayn's mentor! His schtick is entertaining. He did well to get his promo (thanking his Bo-lievers for their support while he's injured) out because the crowd were chanting and booing the entire segment.</p><p>

<strong>Banks vs Paige</strong> - Good match. These girls don't hold back! Sara Del Rey is doing a good job training them. "We will rock you" chant.</p><p>

<strong>Kruger vs Woods</strong> - Solid match between two guys who should be in the main roster midcard. Woods is a flashy, likeable babyface. Kruger has a really interesting character and a powerful mat-based style.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Verdict:</span></strong> Strong episode despite the lack of Sami Zayn. The women's and main event matches were enjoyable.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/milamber/NXT-3_crop_exact_zps4d327acc.jpg~original</span><span>http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee503/TripelR/LEOKRUGERVSXAVIERWOODS_zps5fe942d8.jpg</span></p>

[Minarin]

I don't know if its just me, but did something happen with Edge's entrance on Smackdown. He comes out rubbing his eyes. and then looks at the camera and then at the back.

[Arrows]

<p>Poor Archie.<img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

Mean old Ryback.<img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[milamber]

<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Smackdown (Mizco Inferno Edition) Review:</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Opening segment</strong> - Big Show was forced to read a written apology before HHH suspended him without pay for the night. The Shield came down and Big Show beat the crap out of them until Reigns hit him repeatedly with a chair. Nice to see Show finally kick some ass even if the result didn't go his way.</p><p>

<strong>Divas</strong> - The 6-woman tag match was a cluster****. Even AJ couldn't save this one.</p><p>

<strong>Dancing segment</strong> - Truth, Fandango, Khali & Miz in a dance-off, hosted by Vickie. Miz won and he and Truth beat up Fandango.</p><p>

<strong>Ryback</strong> - Fun backstage segment with Ryback interviewing and beating up none other than RD Evans from ROH & Chikara! Ryback actually sounded comfortable on the mic.</p><p>

<strong>Sandow vs Santino</strong> - Short decent match. Santino on a winning streak.</p><p>

<strong>Axel & Heyman</strong> - Amusing PPV marketing tactic - Heyman telling the fans to save their money and boycott Night of Champions to avoid having to watch Punk slaughter him.</p><p>

<strong>Del Rio vs Ricardo</strong> - Decent match. Ricardo should wrestle more often.</p><p>

<strong>Ziggler & The Usos vs The Shield</strong> - Started as a solid match between Ziggler and Ambrose, before the Shield and the Usos got involved and it turned into a good tag match. Rollins got the pin.</p><p>

<strong>The Cutting Edge</strong> - Featuring Orton and Bryan. Quick back and forth on the mic. Orton attacks Bryan. Bryan makes him tap to the Yes Lock. Good finish to the show.</p><p> </p><p>

Verdict: Average show overall as it lacked quality matches. The 2-for-1 main event was good, 2 of the other matches were average and the divas match was bathroom-break material.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/milamber/BT1_RHwIUAAOHpU_zps53afe089.jpg~original</span></p>

[MrSelfDestruct]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="lazorbeak" data-cite="lazorbeak" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Yeah I also can't believe anybody would legitimately try to argue Monsoon over JR. Nobody but nobody could make a match feel special the way Ross did. He brought a real passion that came through in his play-by-play in a way that elevated what he was working with. <p> </p><p> And he loved skittles. </p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/PFIewQRbu4M?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Jim Ross loves SKITTLES"></iframe></div></div></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> see that's why I'd prefer Jim. He could make anything seem like it was, for lack of better termonology, the shit.. Even Skittles</p>

[Jaysin]

<p>JBL posting this on facebook. I thought it was fairly entertaining. </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>Amazing how few people realize that wrestling characters are characters. Ryback is a good person-his character is a bully, how does that affect "Be a Star' program? It doesn't unless you think Fred Flinstone also is a real person. However, I get tweets every week about how can WWE allow a character like Ryback-really? <p> </p><p> A news flash-if you don't have bad guys you don't have good guys, it's TV.</p><p> </p><p> AJ Lee has a crazy character, she skips into the ring and has had relationships with half the roster-in real life AJ is quite the opposite. I get some tweets from a bunch of (most likely) kids who don't know the difference and believe we are somehow bashing the women's movement because a fake character accuses us of that on a fictional TV show (this is unreal I have to explain this)-in real life I have supported personally the "10,000 Women Program" with my own money and my wife has been named to the Fortune 50 most powerful women in the world list 4 of last 5 years, she's a legit trail blazer I am so proud of-not just a character on TV but real life, and she works in a total male dominated world on Wall Street.</p><p> </p><p> I can tell you personally I have lived the women's movement every day with my wife-because she is not a TV character but a legend on Wall Street that paves the way for other women. What does this have to do with my WWE character-nothing, that's the point.</p><p> </p><p> In real life I was proud to represent a wonderful program in Bermuda this week at Beyond Sport in Philly. This is a program for at risk kids that I work with and support not only with most my free time but financially as well. How does this affect my TV character, it doesn't-again that's the point.</p><p> </p><p> Amazing that folks who are the first to say WWE programming is scripted are also the first to be outraged over a character and think somehow it is real life.</p><p> </p><p> WWE is a world wide phenomenon because of it's entertainment value, I love it and am enjoying every day there-I'm even the new GM of NXT. Enjoy for what it is. See you at Night of Champions!</p></div></blockquote>

[Teh_Showtime]

<p>I never understood people complaining about Ryback being a bully anyways</p><p> </p><p>

He's not one of the guys front and center in all of the commercials and his actions aren't exactly being praised on TV. People will always find something to complain about I guess.</p>

[Guest codey]

Hell, even when Mark Henry was getting his massive push as a bit of bully, he was front and center as a spokesperson for Be a Star. Honestly, those are some of the best types of people they can get to speak out.

[bigtplaystew]

I know I used to complain about it but since changed my tune. I mean, really, the be a star campaign was designed for Linda McMahon to distance herself from the violent product her family sells to children. But that doesn't mean it can't do some good along the way, does it?

[fullMETAL]

<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>Sami Zayn is the Daniel Bryan of NXT.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> LOL, remember when <em>Daniel Bryan</em> was the Daniel Bryan of NXT? XD <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />:cool:<img alt=":rolleyes:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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> (yes, I know he was "horribly misused"...or WAS he...?)</p>

[jjohns44]

Found a great read on Sheamus while he's injured. I myself have always been a fan of his, but his pre-injury gimmick I agree is going towards pairing up with 'Funkysaurs' or whatever team name they are. He doesn't need to go back to his WWE Debut gimmick, hope he doesn't as it's like taking a step back but to come back evolved and focused would always be a good thing!

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1730271-sheamus-injury-is-perfect-opportunity-to-repackage-him-upon-his-return

[Jaysin]

I hope Sheamus comes back with a new gimmick, or whatever. He's a bad ass, but I can't stand his Irish Cena gimmick. He's stale and his mic work leaves a lot to be desired. I do like him though.

[djthefunkchris]

Found a great read on Sheamus while he's injured. I myself have always been a fan of his, but his pre-injury gimmick I agree is going towards pairing up with 'Funkysaurs' or whatever team name they are. He doesn't need to go back to his WWE Debut gimmick, hope he doesn't as it's like taking a step back but to come back evolved and focused would always be a good thing!

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1730271-sheamus-injury-is-perfect-opportunity-to-repackage-him-upon-his-return

I don't know why, but only about half (and I'm giving it my full "cup is half full" opinion) of these article's do I even feel like I'm watching the same show. It's as if they totally forget about actual crowd reactions, younger television audiences, family viewing, and all the things that WWE has been trying to achieve with the "PG" type feel of the programming... OR just plain trying to make it sound quite a bit worse then what it really is. I'll be the first to admit that I don't think most of the characters are great actors or anything, but these articles that take things more seriously just don't "get it" in my opinion. Nothing against them, as some I do agree with (from all over the place), it's just something that put's me off sometimes.

 

The main thing that get's to me about them, is they act as if the person has lost popularity in some sort of fashion, which is rarely even close to reality.

 

They changed their last quarter expectations, money wise... to a lower amount, but with great hopes for future revenue. This come up right after Sheamus and Cena were scheduled to be out of it for a while. That tells me something and should tell them something.

 

Improve his character I am all for. Evolving characters, or at least growing them up a bit on camera is always a good thing. However, trying to tell me something that I don't really see as legitimate reasons to do this, as if it's something that is needed for the character to have any chance of surviving, just makes me question the writer's knowledge about the business.

 

I hope Sheamus comes back with a new gimmick, or whatever. He's a bad ass, but I can't stand his Irish Cena gimmick. He's stale and his mic work leaves a lot to be desired. I do like him though.

I don't think he's half as stale as Cena, but I think sometimes people mean repetitive when they say stale (which I can see how that can feel the same).

 

I don't necessarily agree with his mic work being very bad either... I just feel they let him ramble sometimes, perhaps give him too much leeway in scripting him, when he doesn't really have the experience to deliver as other's can (Cena, Punk, etc.).

 

In other words, I tend to agree with you on all your points, but I see it slightly different. I would like to see the same things as both of you though, which is where we agree 100%.

[djthefunkchris]

LOL, remember when Daniel Bryan was the Daniel Bryan of NXT? XD :cool:

 

(yes, I know he was "horribly misused"...or WAS he...?)

 

I remember it, and I remember the Cole character making sure he was singled out. I remember quite a bit of fuss from a few people on here about Michael Cole, and I remember me saying Cole was doing nothing but good for him, which not too many actually agreed with me.

 

There is nothing more I would like to see, then for something like that to happen to Zayne when he gets to the main roster... I would like some heel(s) to put him down as an indie nobody and been given a free pass ("We The People"), basically doing all the same things Cole did with Bryan, as I think that will speed up his rise in popularity just as it did for Daniel Bryan.

 

I know there will be those fans of his that will hate for that to happen, because all they want from everyone is for them to talk great about them... but that rarely ever works in favor of the person they are talking up. That's what happens with Cena all the time, which gives the feeling of being "thrown down our throats". Going the opposite direction gives the audience a reason to cheer them, as well as make their own minds up about them. More then anything, nobody wants to be told who to like. However, everyone loves an underdog in some capacity.

[djthefunkchris]

Well, watched most of the PPV and I actually thought I knew exactly what was going to happen. Two match's I was wrong about though, been waiting to talk about it, but didn't want to spoil anything in case other's are planning on watching but haven't yet. So I'll post a few thoughts in white so you have to highlight them to see.

 

The two match's I was wrong about was the Punk match and the Bryan match. I didn't see Ryback coming out. Interested in Ryback all the sudden now. The other match I was pleasantly surprised about, but wouldn't have done it that way myself, was the Main Event, having Daniel Bryan win... clean. IF I had Bryan win, I would have had it a disqualification by Orton, so the belt wouldn't have moved and Bryan would continue fighting for it. He has it now though, can't wait for Raw to see where it goes. I can't help but to think that HHH is going to place himself as the number one contender or something, to take it off him. Or has an immediate rematch on Raw where the match has a stipulation that makes it easy for Orton to win it back. OR he picks someone else. I don't know... but I'm intrigued. I definitely understand why they went this way, considering the rest of the show (which I didn't count on Punk losing). Without any other "Feel Good" moments for the crowd, they had to end it like that I suppose.

[ThatChizzle]

Thought in white to read

Was I the only person that noticed the final 3 count in the Main Event? Looked a lil fast by the Ref that was bumped by Orton.....

[Rickymex]

Yeah that was what a lot of people were commenting about will probably be what they use to take Bryan's title away.

[djthefunkchris]

It's all over the internet. I wasn't going to mention it unless it gets brought up tonight on RAW... If it's not, then it was nothing. However... Something similar ALMOST happened during the last week in one of his match's. So there might be a story there.

[Russelrules44]

<p>And now, for the unessacary topic change of the day.</p><p> </p><p>

.....I rest my case.............Fandango has failed.....and for once it isn't the creative team's fault!......ok, so it was mostly it's fault......I guess.......oh, Fandango just won a match.......ok, so maybe there is SOME hope left for him.....but not much.</p>

[alphadraighon]

<p>Anyone else feel like they're going to run with this HHH/Corporation/heel domination until Cena returns and "saves" the WWE?</p><p> </p><p>

This would be the perfect time for them to create a new "hero of the WWE Universe", and I can't help but feel like they're just using this as a holding pattern until Cena comes back. Then he can be shoved down our throats in the superhero role again.</p><p> </p><p>

I expect to see this crud to continue for a few weeks or months, with only brief reprieves of guys like Bryan looking like they might turn back the tide, but always falling short. Big Show's inevitable snap and rampage might set the HHH Corporation back a bit, and that might be fun to see, but I still just don't feel like that program will be given and serious impact.</p><p> </p><p>

Like I said, it just feels like they're running with this thing so that they can make Cena look strong when he returns. Which is just stupid.</p><p> </p><p>

Maybe I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong.</p>

[Astil]

Even if they do, t's the most entertaining WWE's been in a long time. So why ruin it thinking like that? I mean we have Brian Danielson, Jon Moxley, Tyler Black and CM Punk doing a lot of heavy lifting on RAW. So why do people focus on Cena and Triple H still?

[alphadraighon]

<p>It's hard to enjoy it when all I see when I check in is HHH and his goons burying everyone in sight. Daniel Bryan's matches have been amazing lately, and I enjoy that for what it's worth. But seeing him face down at the end of every show for most of the last month hasn't exactly been "entertaining" storytelling for me, or (I suspect) many others.</p><p> </p><p>

I'm of a duel mind when it comes to wrestling. I want great matches but I also want good stories (at least in American-style wrestling.) You could put on nothing but 5-star matches all night long, but if it's only leading up to HHH (whose work I enjoy, don't get me wrong) and his goons doing the same thing at the end of every show.</p><p> </p><p>

When I was young, I always rooted for the heels. I still do most of the time. But for me, this current storyline makes it hard for me to enjoy ANY of it, because I feel like they're blowing an opportunity.</p><p> </p><p>

The reason I brought up the Cena thing is because that's how this program feels...like a Cena program, but without him actually there. It's like they're showing that without him, no one can really stand up to the boss. I think that takes a big steaming one all over the other talent, regardless of their skills and how well they are performing. It seems like they are building to his return, and I don't like that, personally.</p><p> </p><p>

It would be like reading Dune and having Paul Atreides fall short of taking down Harkonnen and Shaddam, only to have Stilgar come in and bitch slap them both into oblivion.</p>

[Astil]

The heels need to get heat or the big win doesn't really matter. Bryan has won in back to back PPV main events so I give leeway with him losing on TV.

[alphadraighon]

<p>There's a fine difference between a building heat and making someone look bad. I think they've crossed that line recently.</p><p> </p><p>

I realize that the storyline IS about how HHH doesn't think that Bryan is a worthy main eventer or champion, but that being said they should be showing that he actually IS. They've put the title on him twice in six weeks...and he's lost it within 24 hours both times. He's gotten the big win at the PPVs, and been left unconscious almost every other time.</p><p> </p><p>

The flip side to a heal getting heat is a face looking strong. Getting your rear kicked in 90% of the time does not make a face look strong. It may gain him some sympathy from the fans, but a main event/championship contender shouldn't be meant to look sympathetic. They should look like a threat to the bad guys. Unless they're going with the underdog-hero. But in Bryan's case, that doesn't seem to be what's going on. Underdogs often have close matches against long odds that they find a way to win. Bryan hasn't seem to be legitimately in danger against his opponents in the ring in a long time. At least not during the matches. Afterwards, when he gets beat down, that's a different story. Means he's not an underdog.</p>