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

[Teh_Showtime]

That looks like a pretty terrible photoshop job really. It has never once been mentioned by 2k that there was a GM mode and they said themselves that universe is a direct replacement and they want to add features from old GM modes.

[Moe Hunter]

<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><span>http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx41/LordBarros/IMG_8434_zps7d26c8ce.jpg</span><p> </p><p> I was sent this thru my cell phone by a friend who pre-ordered the game and has been sending me screenshots endlessly since yesterday.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I feel sorry that either you are incredibly gullible, or that you think anyone else here is.</p>

[EddieFnG]

My 9 year old brother photoshops better than that. :L

[dpoolez]

<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><span>http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx41/LordBarros/IMG_8434_zps7d26c8ce.jpg</span><p> </p><p> I was sent this thru my cell phone by a friend who pre-ordered the game and has been sending me screenshots endlessly since yesterday.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Why would Eric Bischoff be in the game when he's in TNA? Why would Theodore Long be the GM of Smackdown when Vickie Guerrero is? Why is there a Vince for WWE and a Vince for WWF? Why is there even a WWE brand when there's already a Smackdown brand? Where's Raw?</p><p> </p><p> There's just a lot of things wrong with that photo.</p>

[milamber]

<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Raw Review:</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>HBK & Orton</strong> - Fun opening segment. Randy's promo work is getting better since he turned heel.</p><p>

<strong>Miz vs Orton</strong> - Decent match. It also helped set up Wyatt vs Miz for HIAC (depending on Bray's house show injury).</p><p>

<strong>Fandango vs Santino</strong> - Fandango shaved his heel beard. OK match but not as entertaining as their mixed tag match on NXT. </p><p>

<strong>Los Matadores vs 3MB</strong> - Decent match.</p><p>

<strong>Trips & Steph</strong> - "You got knocked out!" Quality promo. Del Rio getting involved with Bryan should get him some easy heat.</p><p>

<strong>Truth vs Ryback</strong> & <strong>Punk vs Axel</strong> - Fun Beat The Clock matches building on the rivalries between these 4 wrestlers. Clever booking.</p><p>

<strong>Tons of Funk vs Real Americans</strong> - Good match between 2 powerhouse teams that should be dominating the tag division instead of jobbing. Short Cesaro Swing on Tensai!</p><p>

<strong>Tamina (w/ AJ) vs Brie</strong> - Solid divas match. Tamina with a rare win. Crazy AJ talking to her belt <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p>

<strong>Bryan vs Del Rio</strong> - Good match.</p><p>

<strong>Rhodes vs Shield (Tag Titles)</strong> - PPV quality match. No DQ made it even better. The Big Show storyline is paying off. I marked out when Cody got the pin!</p><p> </p><p>

<strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Verdict:</span></strong> I loved this Raw. The main event matches delivered. The Beat the Clock Challenges and everything with Trips & Steph were fun. Even TOF vs Real Americans and the Divas match were better than expected.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i.imgur.com/KEecHe5.gif</span><span>http://25.media.tumblr.com/78120fa65ad4e9cface6841bf3d53ec2/tumblr_muowwqWpJk1ql0k28o1_500.png</span></p>

[Big Roguey]

<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><span>http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx41/LordBarros/IMG_8434_zps7d26c8ce.jpg</span><p> </p><p> I was sent this thru my cell phone by a friend who pre-ordered the game and has been sending me screenshots endlessly since yesterday.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I like how instead of going for HHH in charge of modern day WWE, which the current storyline would suggest, your friend decide two Mr. McMahons were fine and dandy.</p><p> </p><p> Try harder bro. <img alt=":rolleyes:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png"></p>

[sebsplex]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="MichiganHero" data-cite="MichiganHero" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I like how instead of going for HHH in charge of modern day WWE, which the current storyline would suggest, your friend decide two Mr. McMahons were fine and dandy.<p> </p><p> Try harder bro. <img alt=":rolleyes:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Yes, but the Mr McMahon on the far right is Super Mr McMahon, no doubt played by Kevin Nash in costume, hence the difference in scale to the other pics.</p>

[Big Roguey]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="sebsplex" data-cite="sebsplex" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Yes, but the Mr McMahon on the far right is Super Mr McMahon, no doubt played by Kevin Nash in costume, hence the difference in scale to the other pics.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Now that's a storyline I'd love to see.</p>

[Mammoth]

Why are they pushing the Rhodes' so much? Don't get me wrong, I like Cody and Dustin; Cody has been brilliant for the past couple of years both with his gimmicks and in-ring ability, and Dustin looks like he's in the best shape of his life, but really? You'd sacrifice the momentum of the best stable you've produced in years, The Shield? It was obvious they'd win at Battleground, but I wouldn't have handed them the straps a couple of weeks later.

 

I'm glad the 'E are seemingly trying to reinvest in the Tag Team division, but to reinvest in it you don't weaken your best team. You might say they've not been weakened because it was Show who cost them, but as long as they're no longer the Tag Team Champions, they're weaker... as a Tag Team and a stable. There was plenty of other ways it could have been played out with Show still interrupting, Triple H being aggravated and Rhodes' "winning" without them dropping the belts. I just don't understand it, that's all.[/2cents]

[TheWrestlingMan]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mammoth" data-cite="Mammoth" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Why are they pushing the Rhodes' so much? Don't get me wrong, I like Cody <em>and</em> Dustin; Cody has been brilliant for the past couple of years both with his gimmicks and in-ring ability, and Dustin looks like he's in the best shape of his life, but really? You'd sacrifice the momentum of the best stable you've produced in years, The Shield? It was obvious they'd win at Battleground, but I wouldn't have handed them the straps a couple of weeks later. <p> </p><p> I'm glad the 'E are seemingly trying to reinvest in the Tag Team division, but to reinvest in it you don't weaken your best team. You might say they've not been weakened because it was Show who cost them, but as long as they're no longer the Tag Team Champions, they're weaker... as a Tag Team and a stable. There was plenty of other ways it could have been played out with Show still interrupting, Triple H being aggravated and Rhodes' "winning" without them dropping the belts. I just don't understand it, that's all.[/2cents]</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It doesn't weaken the Shield at all it was a tainted win that will help lead to a longer feud. It adds more to the shield than it hurts them. I just wish they would let Dustin be Dustin and not Goldust for this angle</p>

[Teh_Showtime]

<p>If anything Shield was weaker with the belts because they had to look vulnerable to set up challengers</p><p> </p><p>

They lose absolutely nothing from the loss and with a few group beatdowns and dominant wins it will be like nothing ever happened.</p><p> </p><p>

If anything it screws the entire tag division since there is only 1 non Shield heel team (Americans) and like 3 or 4 face teams to go with the face champions.</p>

[Eisen-verse]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="TheWrestlingMan" data-cite="TheWrestlingMan" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>It doesn't weaken the Shield at all it was a tainted win that will help lead to a longer feud. It adds more to the shield than it hurts them. I just wish they would let Dustin be Dustin and not Goldust for this angle</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I agree. It didn't hurt their 'image' very much at all. I mean, Big Show IS over 7 feet tall and 400+ pounds. Sure, three guys could give him a fight but if he storms ringside with aggressive intent then there's not much you can really do to stop a man like that.</p><p> </p><p> Plus, I think we, as wrestling fans, read TOO much into who appears 'weak' and who does not. It's booking. You can't win everything (angles or matches). You HAVE to look vulnerable unless you're running with an "I can't be stopped" persona (and even in that case, eventually, they MUST be stopped to give the story some depth).</p><p> </p><p> In some ways, we need to stop looking at wrestling like 'weak' vs. 'strong' and more about the stories that are being told. Does this person look weak here? Maybe. Did it move along the story? Yep. Good with me then.</p>

[milamber]

I read a rumor that The Usos vs. The Shield vs The Rhodes is planned for Hell In a Cell. That would make for a good match.

[lazorbeak]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mammoth" data-cite="Mammoth" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Why are they pushing the Rhodes' so much? Don't get me wrong, I like Cody <em>and</em> Dustin; Cody has been brilliant for the past couple of years both with his gimmicks and in-ring ability, and Dustin looks like he's in the best shape of his life, but really? You'd sacrifice the momentum of the best stable you've produced in years, The Shield? It was obvious they'd win at Battleground, but I wouldn't have handed them the straps a couple of weeks later. <p> </p><p> I'm glad the 'E are seemingly trying to reinvest in the Tag Team division, but to reinvest in it you don't weaken your best team. You might say they've not been weakened because it was Show who cost them, but as long as they're no longer the Tag Team Champions, they're weaker... as a Tag Team and a stable. There was plenty of other ways it could have been played out with Show still interrupting, Triple H being aggravated and Rhodes' "winning" without them dropping the belts. I just don't understand it, that's all.[/2cents]</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It doesn't "sacrifice the momentum" of a heel stable to lose midcard titles that they've dominantly defended since May in a match via interference in a hot feud. If anything, just being involved in major programs is a major step forward over time-killing feuds with the Prime Time Players or the Usos.</p>

[lazorbeak]

<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>If anything Shield was weaker with the belts because they had to look vulnerable to set up challengers<p> </p><p> They lose absolutely nothing from the loss and with a few group beatdowns and dominant wins it will be like nothing ever happened.</p><p> </p><p> If anything it screws the entire tag division since there is only 1 non Shield heel team (Americans) and like 3 or 4 face teams to go with the face champions.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> 3MB are also heels, but they haven't won a match in... ever. And Real Americans are on the verge of a babyface turn or a split, based on the fan reaction to the giant swing.</p>

[Dawn]

By the SmackDown taping results, The Rhodes Family & D-Bryan faced The Shield again. Yeah, this is always a guaranteed good match, but every week? This is being like Ryback vs. Antonio Cesaro, which in the start of the year happened at nearly every show.

[DaMegaFish]

<p>Sooo has Punk vs Ryback in the cell actually been confirmed or is that just in rumor-ville? </p><p> </p><p>

Because this really ought to spice things up! Wait a second...what was the main event of the HIAC PPV last year? Ooh...right...Punk vs Ryback in the cell.</p>

[djthefunkchris]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Smasher1311" data-cite="Smasher1311" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>By the SmackDown taping results, The Rhodes Family & D-Bryan faced The Shield again. Yeah, this is always a guaranteed good match, but every week? This is being like Ryback vs. Antonio Cesaro, which in the start of the year happened at nearly every show.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> They are feuding... Shield just lost the titles to The Rhodes Family, and The Shield are acting as Triple H's muscle against Daniel Bryan. Makes total sense to me. Plus, not everyone watch's PPV, so this is only the second time I believe.</p>

[TakerNGN74]

<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>Sooo has Punk vs Ryback in the cell actually been confirmed or is that just in rumor-ville? <p> </p><p> Because this really ought to spice things up! Wait a second...what was the main event of the HIAC PPV last year? Ooh...right...Punk vs Ryback in the cell.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Yes it was confirmed on Monday's RAW but unlike last years match it is Ryback and Paul Heyman vs. CM Punk Inside of Hell In a Cell instead of just Ryback vs. Punk inside Hell In a Cell from last year. The match has potential to be good and neither man has a title so unlike how the match last year was booked this one could be way better IMO.</p><p> </p><p> Last Year's match had to be booked to not have Ryback look weak but to still keep the belt on Punk which made for some questionable booking which I didn't mind but the match was ten minutes and just when it was getting good it ended out of nowhere. I think this years match has the potential to be better than their match last year based just on that.</p>

[TheWrestlingMan]

<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>Sooo has Punk vs Ryback in the cell actually been confirmed or is that just in rumor-ville? <p> </p><p> Because this really ought to spice things up! Wait a second...what was the main event of the HIAC PPV last year? Ooh...right...Punk vs Ryback in the cell.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It's confirmed Punk Vs Ryback and Heyman in the Cell</p>

[djthefunkchris]

<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>Sooo has Punk vs Ryback in the cell actually been confirmed or is that just in rumor-ville? <p> </p><p> Because this really ought to spice things up! Wait a second...what was the main event of the HIAC PPV last year? Ooh...right...Punk vs Ryback in the cell.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="TheWrestlingMan" data-cite="TheWrestlingMan" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>It's confirmed Punk Vs Ryback and Heyman in the Cell</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> /nod, it was confirmed... Punk beat the clock and the deal was he would pick the stipulation. He went along with Heyman's idea of a handicap match, but instead of Punk vs. Ryback and Axel, it would be Punk vs Ryback and Heyman (so he can get his hands on Heyman).</p><p> </p><p> Ongoing storyline that makes total sense to someone that has been actually watching the shows. IF you haven't been watching the shows, how can you come off as if it's bad when everyone watching knows it's been good tv... Good tv for a while now.</p>

[DaMegaFish]

<p>I've been watching. And I actually did see the stipulation set. I was kinda napping in and out of RAW at that point though, so that probably explains why I didn't remember until I posted here.</p><p> </p><p>

And yeah, it's a good storyline no doubt, and I know their roles as characters are completely different than where they were a year ago but idk, I'm having a hard time getting super excited for it. Maybe I'll think it over for a couple days and see if I can't figure out what is bothering me about it.</p>

[bigtplaystew]

<p>I like R Truth. I want him to get another push. Main Event was pretty awesome last night. Ambrose/Ziggler was a masterpiece (for an opener on a b show that is... not comparing it to Taker/Micheals or anything) and I would kill to see that become a fully developed fued. Sandow/Truth was pretty solid too. I like the way Sandow brawls he's got a very retro vibe to his brawling moves, they look stiff (but I don't think they are). His matches with Sheamus were some of the Irishman's best IMO. He matched up well with Truth.</p><p> </p><p>

Even the Santino/ToF match was entertaining for what it was. Main Event is actually a decent show.</p>

[djthefunkchris]

<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've been watching. And I actually did see the stipulation set. I was kinda napping in and out of RAW at that point though, so that probably explains why I didn't remember until I posted here.<p> </p><p> And yeah, it's a good storyline no doubt, and I know their roles as characters are completely different than where they were a year ago but idk, I'm having a hard time getting super excited for it. Maybe I'll think it over for a couple days and see if I can't figure out what is bothering me about it.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Perhaps I can actually help you with that. My whole problem with this feud is that it's as if they are in their own little world for the most part. No one involved in the story line has acknowledged what's going on outside of their feud. </p><p> </p><p> What bothers me more about it is the fact that Punk was feuding with HHH just because he felt he would be exactly like he is right now, and Punk has had literally nothing to say about it.</p><p> </p><p> Since everything is going along so well though, it's kind of stuck in the back of my mind for the most part... and the fact I can't figure out how to have them acknowledge things without them getting involved in them.</p>

[milamber]

<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">NXT Review:</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Ascension vs Neville & Graves (NXT Tag Titles)</strong> - Decent match with The Ascension retaining the belts. Graves turned heel, attacking Neville for being pinned.</p><p>

<strong>Parker vs Breeze</strong> - Fun match with Breeze winning. Breeze needs to heel it up more because the fans love him too much. Parker's trying hard with his hippy gimmick but he's not getting over with the fans (ala Dallas).</p><p>

<strong>Paige & Emma vs Summer & Sasha</strong> - Solid but a little scrappy Divas action. Summer pinned Paige to score a win for the BFFs. They all deserve to be on the main roster next year.</p><p>

<strong>Dallas vs Zayn (NXT Championship)</strong> - Great match with lots of near falls and a false finish where the ref was correctly overruled by JBL. The crowd were electric. Controversial ending but I won't spoil it for those who haven't watched it yet.</p><p> </p><p>

<span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Verdict:</strong></span> Great show. 2 titles on the line, feud progression in the other 2 matches and a heel turn.</p><p>

<a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/546246" rel="external nofollow"></a></p><p>

<strong><em>Full episode here</em></strong></p>