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

[milamber]

Not as good as last week's Raw. The crowd were a bit lame, although they didn't crap on the Divas match which was nice. I like the focus on the IC title and the midcard. I hope they run with that long term. And turn the US title a TV title. Evolution vs The Shield should be a good feud to keep those guys busy while Bryan has his run at the top. I actually like Cena playing up his sickening babyface schtick and dumping on the Wyatts. For most smarks Cena is the heel and Bray is the babyface in this feud, so it makes sense to highlight the contrasting characters/styles. It'll be worth it if Bray wins at Extreme Rules.

[The Swanton825]

To be fair, the Shield have been beating the crap out of the faces for over a year, so it seems understandable that nobody would be rushing to help them. It would've felt weird if Bryan hadn't tried since they saved him the previous week, but of course he wasn't there.

It just felt like someone should have at least come out and said "This isn't right" or something and then have Hunter intimidate them into backing down.

[Rickymex]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Swanton825" data-cite="The Swanton825" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>It just felt like someone should have at least come out and said "This isn't right" or something and then have Hunter intimidate them into backing down.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> The Shield is a solitary group. They only care about themselves and no one else. The only reason they helped Daniel Bryan is because he was fighting the same opponents he was. The Shield doesn't ask or need allies. They rely on themselves and it creates a good brotherly dynamic between them.</p>

[The Swanton825]

<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>The Shield is a solitary group. They only care about themselves and no one else. The only reason they helped Daniel Bryan is because he was fighting the same opponents he was. The Shield doesn't ask or need allies. They rely on themselves and it creates a good brotherly dynamic between them.</div></blockquote><p> I suppose so. I just feel that if you're going to show this massive heel unity, then at least show one face (aside from the one/s getting his/their asses kicked) who disagrees. I don't think this made the Shield look weak in any way, but I think it makes the rest of the roster look like cowards for not even saying something.</p>

[iruleall15]

Am I the only one who is hoping they bring in a young guy for Evolution? Someone like McIntyre? Since Wade has his new push, Cesaro has his. McIntyre is the one heel who would be perfect back to a push with evolution.

[Rickymex]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Swanton825" data-cite="The Swanton825" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I suppose so. I just feel that if you're going to show this massive heel unity, then at least show one face (aside from the one/s getting his/their asses kicked) who disagrees. I don't think this made the Shield look weak in any way, but I think it makes the rest of the roster look like cowards for not even saying something.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It wasn't heel unity as much as Triple H commanding them to do it. The 11 guys aren't as important as establishing the power Triple H has and what the odds against The Shield are. The Shield not only has to go through Batista and Orton but through all the heels on the roster to get to Triple H. The only person backstage who kayfabe can lead the babyfaces if John Cena (since DB wasn't there) but John has no beef with Triple H and isn't on friendly terms with The Shield plus has to worry about the Wyatts. The Shield are being portrayed as top babyfaces as a group and including other faces will just pull the spotlight from them. </p><p> </p><p> Since Cesaro wasn't on the heel faction then it establishes that WWE is portraying Cesaro as a face even with Paul Heyman as the manager and him facing babyfaces.</p>

[lazorbeak]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Swanton825" data-cite="The Swanton825" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I suppose so. I just feel that if you're going to show this massive heel unity, then at least show one face (aside from the one/s getting his/their asses kicked) who disagrees. I don't think this made the Shield look weak in any way, but I think it makes the rest of the roster look like cowards for not even saying something.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Don't worry, Sting is close to signing. He'll put a stop to this.</p>

[The Swanton825]

<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>It wasn't heel unity as much as Triple H commanding them to do it. The 11 guys aren't as important as establishing the power Triple H has and what the odds against The Shield are. The Shield not only has to go through Batista and Orton but through all the heels on the roster to get to Triple H. The only person backstage who kayfabe can lead the babyfaces if John Cena (since DB wasn't there) but John has no beef with Triple H and isn't on friendly terms with The Shield plus has to worry about the Wyatts. The Shield are being portrayed as top babyfaces as a group and including other faces will just pull the spotlight from them. <p> </p><p> Since Cesaro wasn't on the heel faction then it establishes that WWE is portraying Cesaro as a face even with Paul Heyman as the manager and him facing babyfaces.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Yeah, I'm probably just overthinking this.</p><p> </p><p> </p><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>Don't worry, Sting is close to signing. He'll put a stop to this.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> As unlikely as that sounds, it would be pretty cool.</p>

[bigtplaystew]

3MB main evented Raw. This alone makes it the greatest episode of all time.

[Teh_Showtime]

<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><p> Since Cesaro wasn't on the heel faction then it establishes that WWE is portraying Cesaro as a face even with Paul Heyman as the manager and him facing babyfaces.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> No it doesn't</p><p> </p><p> Does that make the Wyatts faces too then? None of those heels had any storyline relevance so they were free to work the match.</p><p> </p><p> If they had someone there with a story it simply wouldn't make sense. Not specifically speaking about Cesaro, but why wouldn't the guy that one of the heels is feuding with not help Shield?</p>

[Jaysin]

So this happened tonight.

 

[Hive]

Stiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!!! Yeah!! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[RayW]

What did that happen on?!

[UkWrestleFan]

<p>I really hope they add people to this re-formed Evolution. Their previous selling point was the whole thing about "past, present and future" which they can't really with now considering two members of the group are 40+. Then there's the chance they will add Flair back into the group for a while which is cool and everything, but who is representing "the future" in the group?</p><p> </p><p>

Maybe they'll turn Rollins & Ambrose at Extreme Rules and have them join the group for a while? That could work and it'd be cool to see HHH, Orton, Batista, Flair, Rollins & Ambrose turning up in a limo every week and rocking awesome suits.</p>

[Rickymex]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="RayW" data-cite="RayW" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>What did that happen on?!</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> WWE Network. He was talking about The Ultimate Warrior</p>

[dpoolez]

I really hope they add people to this re-formed Evolution. Their previous selling point was the whole thing about "past, present and future" which they can't really with now considering two members of the group are 40+. Then there's the chance they will add Flair back into the group for a while which is cool and everything, but who is representing "the future" in the group?

 

Maybe they'll turn Rollins & Ambrose at Extreme Rules and have them join the group for a while? That could work and it'd be cool to see HHH, Orton, Batista, Flair, Rollins & Ambrose turning up in a limo every week and rocking awesome suits.

 

The only two people who I can see working for Evolution in the same way that Orton did are Bad News Barrett and Alex Riley. Drew McIntyre can work as well but I guess he can be considered damaged goods since his last solo run didnt work out as well as the WWE planned it.

[lazorbeak]

<p>Pretty sure Alex Riley is far more "damaged goods" then Drew, considering how hugely he flopped post-Miz. Drew at least had a decent little run, and is still a big, young dude.</p><p> </p><p>

But honestly I think people are reading a bit too much into Evolution reforming. I think this is a temporary deal, not Evolution being a full-time stable. I think they'll feud with the Shield, maybe have some kind of multi-man match at the PPV after Extreme Rules, and go their separate ways again.</p>

[Rickymex]

<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>But honestly I think people are reading a bit too much into Evolution reforming. I think this is a temporary deal, not Evolution being a full-time stable. I think they'll feud with the Shield, maybe have some kind of multi-man match at the PPV after Extreme Rules, and go their separate ways again.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> This. Evolution forming is just to take care of some things.</p><p> </p><p> 1: Give The Shield main event opponents. Especially Reigns vs HHH.</p><p> 2: Keep those three guys away from DB championship matches.</p><p> 3: Give Batista something to do before the GOTG media hype.</p>

[dpoolez]

<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>Pretty sure Alex Riley is far more "damaged goods" then Drew, considering how hugely he flopped post-Miz. Drew at least had a decent little run, and is still a big, young dude.<p> </p><p> But honestly I think people are reading a bit too much into Evolution reforming. I think this is a temporary deal, not Evolution being a full-time stable. I think they'll feud with the Shield, maybe have some kind of multi-man match at the PPV after Extreme Rules, and go their separate ways again.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I have to disagree. Rileys push wasnt as big as McIntyres push from what i can remember and Riley was still getting pops whenever he was at house shows or working superstars matches from what some smarks have said around the net.</p><p> </p><p> Its not like WWE doesnt have a long road to go with Riley either, and drew would probably get the push over Riley, but IMO theres more potential with Riley if this thing is long term.</p>

[bigtplaystew]

<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>Pretty sure Alex Riley is far more "damaged goods" then Drew</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Hmmm... well Riley is a B-Show commentator seemingly being groomed for more since they put him in post shows and stuff like that with legends. Drew's with Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal jobbing his way throught he bottom of the roster once or twice a month...</p><p> </p><p> Although they DID just main event Raw!</p>

[lazorbeak]

Hmmm... well Riley is a B-Show commentator seemingly being groomed for more since they put him in post shows and stuff like that with legends. Drew's with Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal jobbing his way throught he bottom of the roster once or twice a month...

 

Although they DID just main event Raw!

 

I don't know that being converted to NXT broadcaster and then WWE Network only broadcaster is a sign that someone's being "groomed for more." I think it usually means that a guy isn't really a wrestler any more. Unless we're waiting on a big Jason Albert push in 2014.

[Russelrules44]

Going to a WXW show today!

[milamber]

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

<strong>Big Cass vs English</strong> - Pre-Arrival feud renewed with a solid brawl. English won again, cheating by holding the big man's trunks. Enzo is back in training so Big Cass should get a tag team push later in the year.</p><p>

<strong>Camacho vs Grey</strong> - OK match with Camacho going over the returning Grey.</p><p>

<strong>Ascension vs Blake & Bishop</strong> - Fun squash match. They should debut the Ascension as Kane's acolytes at Extreme Rules. There's nothing left for them in NXT.</p><p>

<strong>Parker vs Khali</strong> - Why? The NXT crowd hate Parker so much they cheered for Khali <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p>

<strong>Jordan & Dillinger vs Corbin & Fulton</strong> - Solid match. Finally the tag division is getting fresh blood.</p><p>

<strong>Neville vs Brodus</strong> - Clay's theme song sucks. I laughed when Renee compared Clay to King Koopa. Solid match that put over Clay as a dominant monster while giving Neville a win. It's hard to care about this feud.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Verdict:</span></strong> The run of average shows continues.</p>

[milamber]

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

<strong>HHH</strong> - Put over the Shield as the best talent he's bought into the company in years, before stating that they've gotten too powerful for their own good. He vowed to destroy what he created.</p><p>

<strong>Del Rio vs Big E</strong> - They let Big E show some personality in a pre-recorded promo. Good match. It was interesting to see Del Rio targeting Big E's head instead of the arm like usual. Del Rio got DQ'd for holding the Cross Armbreaker too long.</p><p>

<strong>Heyman</strong> - He totally went nuts at the crowd, shouting "My client Brock Lesnar conquered the Streak!" over and over again. Brilliant.</p><p>

<strong>Paige vs Aksana</strong> - Solid match. This was the hard-hitting Paige from NXT. Aksana is actually a decent wrestler when she's not botching (just keep her off the mic). Despite the way they handled the end of AJ's reign, the Divas division is looking up.</p><p>

<strong>El Torito vs Hornswoggle</strong> - The match was OK, the commentary was funny and BNB trashed it afterwards but it probably should have been on Main Event.</p><p>

<strong>Rusev vs Truth</strong> - Squash match. I hope they book a Rusev vs Truth & Woods handicap match at Extreme Rules.</p><p>

<strong>Fandango vs Santino</strong> - A bunch of short repetitive matches doesn't add up to an effective feud. Just let Emma and Layla have a proper match.</p><p>

<strong>Sheamus vs Batista</strong> - Good match. A hard-hitting brawl that put both guys over. Probably Batista's best 1v1 match since his return.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Verdict:</span></strong> Surprisingly solid show despite most of the top stars being absent.</p><p> </p><p>

 

</p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/PPL1hlgGdUc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Horns vs. Hornswoggle - SmackDown Fallout - April 18, 2014"></iframe></div></div>

[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><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Smackdown Review:</span></strong><p> </p><p> <strong>HHH</strong> - Put over the Shield as the best talent he's bought into the company in years, before stating that they've gotten too powerful for their own good. He vowed to destroy what he created.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Maybe when Evolution fails, it'll be time to destroy his creation with a <em>lethal dose of poison</em>. Scott Hall 2014 comeback time!</p>