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

[xXSegemoXx]

I felt a nostalgic feel watching that Los Locales vs Los Matadores match...they didn't do enough to wow the crowd given what they can do but i salivate over tag team wrestling.

[milamber]

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

<strong>Wyatt Family vs Miz & Kofi</strong> - This is a good feud for the floundering midcard. Kofi's selling was good, especially for Harper's clothesline. Decent match.</p><p>

<strong>Brie vs AJ (w/ Tamina)</strong> - Decent match. I appreciate the effort they're putting into this feud, which should end with underdog Brie taking the belt soon.</p><p>

<strong>Big Show</strong> - Fun segment with Show bypassing security with a ticket signed by D-Bry, thanking the fans and knocking out Maddox. Hit him legit hard, hence the (presumably kayfaybe) concussion report on WWE.com.</p><p>

<strong>Punk vs Big E</strong> - Good match. Big E helping Punk fend off Ryback and Axel after the match made for an unexpected face turn.</p><p>

<strong>Del Rio</strong> - One of his better promos, calling the fans gringos and calling Juanito Cena soft, and putting the cross-armbreaker on Josh Matthews.</p><p>

<strong>Real Americans vs Usos</strong> - Zeb stole the focus on commentary. According to him, Los Matadores kidnapped an itty bitty guy and forced him to wear the bull suit <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Los Matadores interrupted a decent match, El Torito gored Zeb, and the Usos stole the win.</p><p>

<strong>Bryan & The Rhodes vs The Shield</strong> - Orton cut a short, effective promo first. Good match. Started slow but the last 5 minutes was action-packed. Bryan hit Ambrose with the Busaiku Knee for the win.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Verdict:</span></strong> Strong well-rounded show. The build-up to HIAC is going well.</p>

[Rone Rivendale]

Call me naive but I really hope that Brad's concussion IS only kayfabe. Cuz that looked legit even during slow motion replays.

[GhostDogg]

<p>You gotta admit... Brad sold that punch like it was death...</p><p> </p><p>

and Big E. turning, I kinda knew that was going to happen, but how they did it, it was GENIUS. I mean he actually looks like a THREAT vs Ryback, and lets face it. I like Big E. LOADS better than Ry-Berg 2.0</p>

[sebsy]

<p>4) Jan. 26 (Royal Rumble)</p><p>

6) Feb. 23 (Elimination Chamber)</p><p>

4) April 6 (WrestleMania XXX)</p><p>

4) May 4 (Extreme Rules)</p><p>

4) June 1 (TBA)</p><p>

3) June 29 (TBA)</p><p>

4) July 20 (Money in the Bank)</p><p>

5) Aug. 17 (SummerSlam)</p><p>

5) Sept. 21 (Night of Champions)</p><p>

4) Oct. 26 (Hell in a Cell)</p><p>

3) Nov. 23 (Survivor Series)</p><p>

7) Dec. 14 (TLC)</p><p> </p><p>

Apparently this is the PPV Schedule for next year. If real, one of the October ppv's has gone \o/...... but has been moved to have an extra ppv in June meaning 4 ppv's between Mania and Summerslam instead of 3.</p><p> </p><p>

I've added a number to the left of each ppv which denotes how many weeks there are from that ppv to the next.</p><p> </p><p>

Means you haven't got the slew of ppv's in the last quarter of the year, with 3 of the 4 ppv's between S'Slam and SurSer having only 3 weeks build-up. In fact it leaves you with just 2 ppv's in the whole year with just 3 weeks build up. And Summerslam/Survivor Series are being held on the same Sunday in relation to this year. We had 4 ppv's this year with just 3 weeks build up, as there was only a 3 week gap between Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber. So, without dropping a ppv, they seem to have actually found a way to improve the schedule, although that will depend on what they serve up between Wrestlemania and Summerslam. Hopefully it could mean a return of KOTR, but I won't get my hopes up on that.</p>

[Dawn]

Yeah, a return of the King of the Ring would be awesome. Unforgiven too.

[sebsy]

<p>Yes, I'm really not a fan of the themed ppv's. TLC the only one I don't really mind, but desperately want to see HIAC removed and only have HIAC matches when they are as a blowoff to a mega feud.</p><p> </p><p>

MITB should go back to being one match at Wrestlemania and Elimination Chamber - like HIAC - should not be a ppv, but a matchtype used only as a specialty match every couple/few years when a situation warrants it.</p>

[Rickymex]

<p>Konnan mentioned recently that some of his contacts in WWE told him that AJ Lee and CM Punk.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://31.media.tumblr.com/bebba550228d5f51ce77aba58c5df846/tumblr_mtp9b2qz2H1szcytro1_500.jpg</span></p>

[Russelrules44]

So i'm watching RAW and i've just noticed something......

 

Have you heard Goldust and Cody Rhodes's new theme, It kicks ass!

 

(A little of Remixed Goldust and 2010 Cody Rhodes)

 

Jim Johnson, You've done it again!

[milamber]

 

<div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/03RKfmq-E3s?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="HaitchTales"></iframe></div></div>

[Big Roguey]

<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> <div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo" contenteditable="false"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/03RKfmq-E3s?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" title="HaitchTales"></iframe></div></div></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Always good to see some newLegacy on GDS. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png"></p>

[jjohns44]

<p>Big E's turn has me interested in what they could do with him now that he's involved himself against Ryback and Heyman. I can see a little involvement in the HIAC match. Heyman trying to weasel his way out of the match like escaping before Punk gets his hands on him, like cage mysteriously raising. then Big E comes out to make sure Heyman doesn't go running to the back. Or he goes after Ryback leaving Ryback distacted while Heyman is left to Punk. A setup to Survivor Series Big E and Punk vs. "Heyman guys" minus Lesnar. Maybe get Ziggler back in there to get a 3 on 3 match, and have him feud with Axel as an IC champ threat if he needs a reason to get involved.</p><p>

So many possibilities opened up just for turning Big E and involving him in the Punk/Heyman feud!</p>

[Clp605]

<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>Always good to see some newLegacy on GDS. <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> Here here. Chocolate drop and all that good jazz.</p><p> </p><p> Also caught Smackdown for once, haven't had the chance to watch Raw or SM in a while... as in months. So I'm not very up-to-date with the a majority of the storylines ATM, I've watched a few matches that people have given praises so I'm not totally lost. Overall, I liked it. </p><p> </p><p> Brad Maddox? Good.</p><p> Shield? Good.</p><p> Big Show doing the Yes Chant? Eeeeeeeh...</p><p> </p><p> All in all, I like what the WWE is doing with Big Show right now, if a little bland and generic, he does the role well. The Punk V Heyman feud is still going as it would seem. Big E looked awesome against Punk, I'm very happy to see him getting some love. Uso's are fitting a good role it seems, I enjoyed them and the Real Americans are awesome having caught a few of Cesaro's matches since the swing began.</p><p> </p><p> In the end, I'm wishing I wasn't so busy right now. That said, I'm probably glad I am busy otherwise I would start getting angry at the storylines. Traditional wrestling fan problem I suppose.</p>

[milamber]

Raw Review:

 

Opening Segment - Trips, Steph & Show were amusing.

Bryan vs Ambrose - Good match. Ambrose is talented but I still find his moveset lacks variety and what he does do (in singles matches) isn't always exciting enough to compensate.

Santino vs Slater - These guys can put on a decent comedy match but I fast-forwarded this one because of the Elvis crap.

Ziggler vs Orton - Good match.

AJ & Tamina vs Bella Twins - Tamina is underrated. I actually like the Bellas now but the noise they make in the ring is as annoying as a female tennis player grunting.

Paul Heyman - 80s WWF style promo. Pure gold!

Wyatts vs Miz & Kofi - This is how they should have been booked from the start. Harper and Rowan are better than people give them credit for. They would have been huge in the 90s when tag wrestling was still important.

Axel & Ryback vs Big E & Punk - They need to keep Big E as a bad-ass babyface and put the IC title on him. I can see him and Axel getting involved in the Punk vs Ryback match at HIAC.

TOF vs Real Americans - Zeb needs to be on commentary every Raw and SD. Love the bull whip!

Shield vs Usos - Great match. Perfect set-up for a triple threat tag match at HIAC.

Contract signing - Standard fare. Got the job done.

 

Verdict: Good show. Best PPV build-up and card since SummerSlam.

[milamber]

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

<strong>Emma vs Sasha</strong> - Everything about the NXT women's division is good -- the storylines, the entrance themes, the outfits, the matches. Hopefully they won't get shafted when they make the main roster next year.</p><p>

<strong>Bo Dallas, Sami Zayn & JBL</strong> - 3 effective promos dealing with the fallout from last week's controversial title match. JBL ragging on Renee for her Non-NXT sanctioned shirt and Bo getting ready for a well-deserved break touring the world were the highlights.</p><p>

<strong>Maron & Taylor vs The Ascension</strong> - Squash match for the tag champs.</p><p>

<strong>Parker vs Rusev</strong> - Squash match for Rusev. Breeze knocked out Parker post-match and cut off 2 of his dreadlocks. A hot mystery woman in a red dress was ringside scouting Rusev, and was pleased with what she saw.</p><p>

<strong>Graves vs Neville</strong> - Neville ambushed Graves earlier in the show to set up this match in retaliation for Graves' heel turn. Graves works better as a heel. Decent start to an interesting feud. It does leave the tag division short a babyface team, though.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Verdict:</span></strong> Bit of a come-down from last week's stacked show but there was some decent action and feud progression. Tensai on commentary with his deep voice was weird.</p>

[bigtplaystew]

Harper and Rowan are better than people give them credit for. They would have been huge in the 90s when tag wrestling was still important.

 

Interesting point on both accounts.

 

I'm liking Harper and Rowan in the ring a LOT. Very believable and their stuff looks great. They are really impressing me. The characters compliment the in ring work and vice versa. It's comming together well for them I hope it continues.

 

On the tag team point I agree that they'd have been a big deal in eras with more prominent tag teams and I think they will be in the future. I actually think we're seeing a huge resurgence in tag team wrestling. They're taking the time to find guys with decent chemistry who work well together and they're actually giving them something storywise. I feel like there's still soem teams who need to be developed more on TV, but it's so much stronger than it was a few years ago. It seemed like they just threw people together every now and then and just kind of presented them. There'd be a handful of teams to feud over the belt but they all barely got TV time.

 

Now we're seeing a little more depth and development from it. And the tag team titles are more prominently portrayed than they've been on TV for a long time. It still needs to grow and expand a bit, but I think the tag team situation is only getting better in WWE.

[20LEgend]

The inpenetrable Cell proves its worth once again.<img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[Teh_Showtime]

Necessary finish. Orton is still weak as hell and can't even win with his own move vs Bryan which really hurts the storyline as a whole.

[jwt13]

WWE is unwatchable to me, I read the results and it looks like the same old crap. I haven't watched for a couple of months and won't until it sounds like they're through with this awful storyline.

[djthefunkchris]

<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>Necessary finish. Orton is still weak as hell and can't even win with his own move vs Bryan which really hurts the storyline as a whole.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> /nod, I agree. I do think he is stronger with his heel turn, but he doesn't look strong enough yet. He has to look really strong, or have lots of help to make it matter when he loses. I guess HHH will wake up tomorrow sometime:).</p>

[Teh_Showtime]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="jwt13" data-cite="jwt13" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>WWE is unwatchable to me, I read the results and it looks like the same old crap. I haven't watched for a couple of months and won't until it sounds like they're through with this awful storyline.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> The guy who has been the best wrestler in the world since 2006 is the top face of the company and all of a sudden you decide to stop watching? <img alt=":confused:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/confused.png.d4a8e6b6eab0c67698b911fb041c0ed1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> I don't think its as good as it was in the summer but it's still pretty good and miles above even the early part of this year</p>

[jwt13]

<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>The guy who has been the best wrestler in the world since 2006 is the top face of the company and all of a sudden you decide to stop watching? <img alt=":confused:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/confused.png.d4a8e6b6eab0c67698b911fb041c0ed1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> I don't think its as good as it was in the summer but it's still pretty good and miles above even the early part of this year</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> The storyline is just incredibly boring an irritating to be and honestly idk why I just can't get myself to watch.</p>

[djthefunkchris]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="jwt13" data-cite="jwt13" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The storyline is just incredibly boring an irritating to be and honestly idk why I just can't get myself to watch.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I wanted to make a comment to you before, but I wanted it to come out the right way. I guess it's more like an observation then anything, but I think I know why it's hard for you to watch.... and because of your post I think I come up with a way to get a point across the right way.</p><p> </p><p> I've noticed comments similar to this on other sights, and I've read other comments the same people have made about other things, and so I'm making a "guess" I suppose, as to why some people are tuning out when they should be tuning in. In a nut shell, it's going on too long for people. I think that it's doing what WWE wants it to do, which is make a huge star out of Daniel Bryan. Daniel Bryan is getting over with people that he wasn't getting over with before. With each "screwjob" he has become even more popular... and I have a feeling it's going to go on til' they think they've reached the ceiling with him, and then the storyline will evolve into what long time fans desired a month or two ago... which is Daniel Bryan becoming the WWE Champion with at least a normal run, instead of being cut short.</p><p> </p><p> With long time DB fans, and I think young people in general, things feel like they are taking forever. Patience is hard when you think it's been "that time" for months. It also gets boring when you think time after time "Finally!" it's going to happen, then doesn't. </p><p> </p><p> Not watching actually hurts Daniel Bryan though... but... I think it might really make an impression if and when he does become WWE Champion, that everyone actually watch's the shows til' he is no longer WWE Champion. Well, it might work if enough people do that. So if you don't want to watch right now, perhaps you will when Daniel Bryan becomes WWE Champion. If there are enough people doing that, and ratings get great when he is champ, he will end up being champ more often then not. </p><p> </p><p> The problem is, the ratings slump started the day Cena stopped showing up, and will probably be back to normal Monday night, when he shows up with the World Heavyweight Championship.</p>

[panix04]

<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>The guy who has been the best wrestler in the world since 2006 is the top face of the company and all of a sudden you decide to stop watching? <img alt=":confused:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/confused.png.d4a8e6b6eab0c67698b911fb041c0ed1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> I don't think its as good as it was in the summer but it's still pretty good and miles above even the early part of this year</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I disagree - I haven't missed a show this year, but lately I am finding it harder to bring myself to shell out for the PPV's. Take one look at the card for this PPV:</p><p> </p><p> Bryan Vs Orton part 7? 8? Even hell in a cell couldn't stop it appearing drab and the finish was hardly unpredictable</p><p> </p><p> Cena Vs Del Rio - this had about as much heat as an ice cube, really boring match as well. glad the straps off Del Rio now, I just find him really boring either as a face or heel. Mind you I struggle to see who they will have challenge Cena for that title now. Unless they go for a unification (which would actually kinda make sense)</p><p> </p><p> CM Punk Vs Ryback - The feud that never ends. Sure it started interesting but Punk Vs Brock should have been the pinnacle, not a really hard to watch match against Ryback. I love CM Punk but I fell asleep (literally) during this match. Punk really needs to be back in the WWE title picture now, the feud with Heyman was a clever distraction, but it's time the best in the world was back where he belongs</p><p> </p><p> Brie Vs AJ - at least this had a bit of build up. Just a shame that nobody really cares. Diva's division needs new talent to make it exciting and then people might start to notice that Brie has actually improved a bit.</p><p> </p><p> Mixed tag match - why?</p><p> </p><p> US title match - Big E is hard to watch, it would appear all he knows how to do is slam people and in short bursts in tag matches that is cool (and he's so damn powerful its almost impressive) but this match was really drab, it only got vaguely exciting because of the gash under Big E's eye.</p><p> </p><p> American-y people against the bull fighter dudes.</p><p> </p><p> I'm probably in a minority here, but I can't help feeling that dressing up primo and epico as bullfighters hasn't covered up the fact they are really boring, if anything its made it worse. When you get upstaged by a dwarf who always botches his entrance it might be time to find a new career. Cesaro needs to be used better, the guy is a brute he shouldn't be getting hurricanraned (is that even a word?) by a tiny guy in a bull costume <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> Tag title match</p><p> Would have been so good as a tornado tag match - credit where its due I really enjoyed this match. Goldust has looked like a new man since his return and Cody has managed to maintain the momentum he had gathered prior to MITB. Rollins and Reigns are beginning to look like the stars of the shield (I think Ambrose has looked poor lately) and the Usos are entertaining and likeable. Good match.</p><p> </p><p> There was as much great talent not being used as there was actually in matches. Need to have a month with some new feuds developing. I agree the summer run wasn't bad, but I think they stretched out key feuds too long and haven't developed any decent new ones.</p>

[milamber]

<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Hell in a Cell Review:</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Rhodes Bros vs Usos vs Shield (Tag Titles)</strong> - Great match. Surprised it wasn't Tornado rules. Cody's suplex out the ring was crazy. The effort WWE has put into the tag division over the last year is paying dividends. Real Americans and Wyatts should be their next opponents.</p><p>

<strong>Miz, Wyatt Family & Kane</strong> - Fun segment but Kane looked clumsy.</p><p>

<strong>Fandango & Summer vs Kahli & Natalya</strong> - Surprisingly decent, but only when Summer and Natalya were wrestling. Summer looked hawt and got the pin in her first match.</p><p>

<strong>Ambrose vs Big E (US Title)</strong> - Nice agression (resulting in blood). OK match but there were a few spots that didn't click. Once again Ambrose showed he can't carry a good match on his own. I hope Big E improves because he has the potential to be a better version of Ryback.</p><p>

<strong>Punk vs Ryback & Heyman (HIAC)</strong> - Decent match but should have been much better. The post-match stunt had no wow factor. The match lacked the intensity of a (supposed) blow-off match to a long feud. Ryback is clearly not in the same league as Lesnar. And it might as well have been a Street Fight instead of a Cell match because they played it safe. Somehow I don't think the feud's over unless Punk goes after the WWE or WHC title.</p><p>

<strong>Los Matadores vs Real Americans</strong> - Zeb is always awesome! Harmless filler match.</p><p>

<strong>Del Rio vs Cena (WHC Title)</strong> - Above average match but the lack of build hurt it. Del Rio's in-ring work is underrated. I love his stiff kicks and german suplex. I don't mind Cena winning... if a Sandow cash-in is on the horizon.</p><p>

<strong>AJ vs Brie (Divas Title)</strong> - Good for a divas match. I'm suprised AJ retained. She's run out of opponents hasn't she?</p><p>

<strong>Orton vs Bryan (HIAC WWE Title)</strong> - Good stiff match that made proper use of the Cell. Even the overbooked finish was exciting if a little predictable. Glad they kept Big Show out of it.</p><p>

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

Verdict:</span></strong> Average PPV saved by the opening and closing matches. HIAC should be a gimmick for violent blow-off matches not a themed PPV.</p>