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

[Jaysin]

<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>Because it's the WWE Hall of Fame, not the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame. It doesn't matter who Baba or Misawa influenced, the fact of the matter is that they never had anything to do with WWE.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> See my post above your's champ <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png"></p>

[The Swanton825]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaysin" data-cite="Jaysin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>See my post above your's champ <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It wasn't exactly there when I first started writing mine.</p>

[Jaysin]

<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 wasn't exactly there when I first started writing mine.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I figured, but that's why I put the smiley to make it so it didn't sound as "confrontational". </p><p> </p><p> Plus, if we use your logic, why is Verne Gagne in the WWE Hall of Fame? What about Nick Bockwinkel? Peter Maivia? Gordon Solie? Gorgeous George? None of them had anything to do with Capital Sports/WWWF/WWF/WWE, yet they've been inducted.</p>

[The Swanton825]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaysin" data-cite="Jaysin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I figured, but that's why I put the smiley to make it so it didn't sound as "confrontational". <p> </p><p> Plus, if we use your logic, why is Verne Gagne in the WWE Hall of Fame? What about Nick Bockwinkel? Peter Maivia? Gordon Solie? Gorgeous George? None of them had anything to do with Capital Sports/WWWF/WWF/WWE, yet they've been inducted.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Good point. Maybe they think no one cares about Puro stars in America?</p>

[Teh_Showtime]

Antonio Inoki is in it, why shouldn't Baba and Misawa go in? They've done just as much in the wrestling industry as Inoki has. Misawa has influenced countless people.

.

 

Inoki is in because he actually has had interactions with Vince and WWF, not just inspiring people. Vince couldnt care less about people who changed the business that didn't do anything for him directly or indirectly. Inoki actually won the title, even getting Liger or Muta in who have had US exposure is a huge stretch, let alone Misawa whose only US matches have been in ROH

 

The others have had direct influence on the American market and WWE can document that as they have the tapes of those guys who weren't necessarily WWF stars.

[Jaysin]

Inoki is in because he actually has had interactions with Vince and WWF, not just inspiring people. Vince couldnt care less about people who changed the business that didn't do anything for him directly or indirectly. Inoki actually won the title, even getting Liger or Muta in who have had US exposure is a huge stretch, let alone Misawa whose only US matches have been in ROH

 

The others have had direct influence on the American market and WWE can document that as they have the tapes of those guys who weren't necessarily WWF stars.

 

Like I already pointed out, the WWE does not recognize, nor acknowledge that he ever won the championship.

[Mootinie]

There's a bunch of guys more deserving? Whew, that was tough.

 

Was that sarcasm?

[bigtplaystew]

Trish and Lita are divas. If you're letting in one diva per year they both absolutely belong in. It'll get dicey as time goes on, because where do your Kelly Kellys and Michelle McCools stack up? A bunch of your well pushed Divas will get in though if they continue to add one diva per year.

 

With "midcarders" it's an interesting discussion. I think it'll be a case by case basis. Kofi is NOWHERE near done yet and could very likely get main event level pushes some day. He's a gifted in ring performer and I personally find his matches very enjoyable. And as previously stated, he's got very memorable moments which is kind of what it's all about. He is of course one of the guys they use to make heels look fantastic but that's not really HoF criteria I don't think. I think a great Wrestlemania match or two wouldn't hurt his chances, but he's got a long shot of getting in someday if he sticks around long enough.

 

Rikishi is in a similar boat. Not in terms of great workrate or anything, but he has had a lot of memorable moments. If you are forced to put a list of the top 25 guys from the attitude era together, I think he'd be on most lists. Does this make him an exceptionally high level talent? No. But I think a bunch of those guys from that era will get in. So he's got a shot. He'll be in behind guys like Kane but before guys like Savio Vega and DLo Brown (just trying to pick out midcarders from the era who occasionally flirted with decent TV time). I think he'll get in. He's a not a shoe in. But as the years progress they'll keep adding attitude era guys and he'll get in.

 

From the attitude era here are the absolute must haves that aren't in yet but absolutely will be. No brainers such as (in no particular order other than what popped into my head):

1) The Rock

2) HHH

3) Jericho

4) Big Show

5) Undertaker

6) Kurt angle

 

Then you have guys that I'd say are very highly likely:

1) Owen Hart

2) Hardy Boyz

3) Bubba and D-von

4) Kane

5) Goldust

6) Christian

7) New Age Outlaws

8) Bradshaw for sure

 

I'm sure I'm missing a few as I'm doing this off the top of my head, but thats not a ton of names from the era. Depending on their relationship with the company guys like Al Snow, Big Bossman (probably gets in due to longevity no?), Ken Shamrock, D-Lo, Godfather, etc are all on the fence I'd say and Rikishi is among those type of guys. Closer to the top of the list than Droz lol. There's of course the WCW guys that will def get in (Sting, DDP) but I'd say those attitude era WWE midcarders are all getting in before your WCW midcarders because of "what they did for the business (the company)".

 

Interesting discussion though.

[djthefunkchris]

<p>It's always been obvious that "Main Event" is not what they must have to be in WWE's Hall of Fame. There are plenty of main event guys that probably won't ever be nominated. I know most realize that it takes the guys below the main event to make main event stars. It's like a building, you have to have a solid foundation for the top to be stable, or you will never be able to build very high. </p><p> </p><p>

Those that never made it to the main event, but put in the time required to build a good foundation for Main Event guys to stand on, are crucial and in my opinion very much deserve to be in the Hall Of Fame. Rikishi is one of those solid members of the midcard, and I am glad he is going in. I"m not saying that I can't think of anyone else that deserves it more, I'm just saying I think he should be in. Order doesn't mean much when I know it involves some politics, number one being that the person has to except it.... People like Bruno and Mr. T (for example), had to be persuaded.</p>

[BHK1978]

<p>Why even bother talking about this? The "Hall of Fame" is a huge joke anyway. </p><p> </p><p>

I mean in what universe is Koko B. Ware a Hall of Famer? </p><p> </p><p>

Koko was nowhere near the top during his time there and he was the very definition of a midcard worker.</p><p> </p><p>

Why is King Kong Bundy not in it? I mean he did main event a WrestleMania and was one of the biggest heels in the 80's. Surely he deserves to be in there more than Jim Duggan and Koko B. Ware.</p><p> </p><p>

Why is Vince Sr.'s personal driver in there?</p><p> </p><p>

Why because the thing is a joke, there is no criteria to get in. If Vince wants you in you are in.</p>

[bigtplaystew]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="BHK1978" data-cite="BHK1978" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Why even bother talking about this? The "Hall of Fame" is a huge joke anyway.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Because it's fun, sillypants!</p>

[BHK1978]

<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>Because it's fun, sillypants!</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> But why is Vince Sr.'s driver in there!!!<img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[milamber]

This week's Main Event looked good from the highlights and reports. Sandow added an Inverted Sharpshooter to his arsenal against Ziggler, Alicia Fox was channeling Crazy R-Truth again, and Cesaro and Sheamus had another good match.

[Russelrules44]

Ok, You'll never believe what I just found out, Harry Smith, (Better known as David Hart Smith) CHOKED OUT a THIEF in AMSTERDAM! Yeah, you heard me correctly, DAVID HART SMITH choked the living crap out of a thief!...In Amsterdam!

 

And i've got proof! http://www.wrestlingnewssource.com/news/34486/Former-WWE-Superstar-Choked-Out-a-Thief-In-Amsterdam/

 

P.S: If I came off as a bit of a spammer in this, I apologize.

[Jaysin]

That's been on the news sites for a day or so and there is nothing proving it actually happened.

 

I'm not saying it didn't happen, but your link has zero proof.

[milamber]

NXT Review:

 

The Ascension vs Murphy & Samson - Quick squash. The Ascension (who get a babyface reaction now) called for real competition. El Local & Kalisto challenged them and started a "Lucha" chant.

Bliss vs Charlotte (#1 Contender Semi-Final) - Solid match. Charlotte won clean. Bliss was selling pinfalls better and Charlotte employed 2 new submissions.

Mojo vs English - Mojo's moveset is still poor. English has potential but he's still Sandow-Lite and needs to improve fast.

Dawkins vs Big Cass - Dominant squash match for Cass. CJ Parker was walking around during the match with a "No Xtra Toxins" sign. He's tolerable when he's not speaking or wrestling.

Kidd vs Breeze vs Zayn (#1 Contender) - Good match, just wish it had gone longer. Kidd won but all 3 guys came out looking strong. Kidd's dual German Suplex/Exploder Suplex on Zayn & Breeze was awesome.

 

Verdict: Good show thanks to the main event. Note: Veronica Lane is the new backstage interviewer and she's already better than Devin.

[masterded]

Ok, You'll never believe what I just found out, Harry Smith, (Better known as David Hart Smith) CHOKED OUT a THIEF in AMSTERDAM! Yeah, you heard me correctly, DAVID HART SMITH choked the living crap out of a thief!...In Amsterdam!

 

And i've got proof! http://www.wrestlingnewssource.com/news/34486/Former-WWE-Superstar-Choked-Out-a-Thief-In-Amsterdam/

 

P.S: If I came off as a bit of a spammer in this, I apologize.

 

That's been on the news sites for a day or so and there is nothing proving it actually happened.

 

I'm not saying it didn't happen, but your link has zero proof.

 

This one time Daivari choked a guy on the Minneapolis light rail then threw him off after the drunk tried to cause issue for other passengers and I actually have proof.

http://youtu.be/_PzOCffcXNQ

[The Swanton825]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="masterded" data-cite="masterded" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>This one time Daivari choked a guy on the Minneapolis light rail then threw him off after the drunk tried to cause issue for other passengers and I actually have proof. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> <a href="http://youtu.be/_PzOCffcXNQ" rel="external nofollow">http://youtu.be/_PzOCffcXNQ</a></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> So basically, Daivari is just as awesome outside of wrestling as he is in it.</p>

[fullMETAL]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaysin" data-cite="Jaysin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I figured, but that's why I put the smiley to make it so it didn't sound as "confrontational". <p> </p><p> Plus, if we use your logic, why is Verne Gagne in the WWE Hall of Fame? What about Nick Bockwinkel? Peter Maivia? Gordon Solie? Gorgeous George? None of them had anything to do with Capital Sports/WWWF/WWF/WWE, yet they've been inducted.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Verne, Nick, and Gordon (perhaps the most legendary wrestling play-by-play guy of all time) were inducted probably because Vince got the AWA and JCP video libraries, so why not? Gorgeous George helped revolutionize the concept of the heel in general, and Peter Maivia was The Rock's grandfather, plain and simple.</p>

[milamber]

Smackdown Review:

 

Rhodes Bros vs The Usos - Good match won by the Usos. Cody and Goldust were more agressive, almost heelish.

Natalya vs Nikki - Eva Marie was referee. She was slow on the count and the announcers made fun of her. OK match won by Nikki.

Ziggler vs Batista - The Animal dominated this solid match. Ziggler won by DQ after a low blow. Batista destroyed Ziggler after the match, including a Batista Bomb on the barricade. Batista is improving and pairing him with a strong seller like Ziggler was smart.

Sheamus vs Titus - Titus cut a decent promo, calling Sheamus out for being an Irish US champ and comparing him to a tough diva. Then they ruined it by having Sheamus win the match 5 seconds after the bell with a surprise Brogue Kick.

Sandow vs Santino - Sandow dominated for 2 minutes then lost to the cobra. Sandow tried to cut his 2nd promo of the show but his mic was turned off.

Truth vs Cesaro - Could have been a decent match if they'd given it some more time.

Cena vs Rowan - The Usos were ringside to keep the match clean. Cena won of course but this was Rowan's best match so far, which made it watchable.

 

Verdict: Weakest Smackdown in some time. A couple of matches worth watching but the rest was filler.

[Jaysin]

Verne, Nick, and Gordon (perhaps the most legendary wrestling play-by-play guy of all time) were inducted probably because Vince got the AWA and JCP video libraries, so why not? Gorgeous George helped revolutionize the concept of the heel in general, and Peter Maivia was The Rock's grandfather, plain and simple.

 

Did you read the discussion at all? People were complaining at the thought of Misawa and Giant Baba going in and I was pointing out there are plenty of people already in the Hall of Fame who had nothing to do with WWE.

[Blake Trask]

<p>Sometimes I wonder wtf goes through the head of WWE writers.</p><p> </p><p>

"Hey you know what will make Titus look like a legit heel threat? Having him instantly job to Sheamus multiple times in the space of a month, without even putting up a fight!"</p>

[djthefunkchris]

Sometimes I wonder wtf goes through the head of WWE writers.

 

"Hey you know what will make Titus look like a legit heel threat? Having him instantly job to Sheamus multiple times in the space of a month, without even putting up a fight!"

 

It seems to me that in the last few years, every time I here this or that guy is going to get a push (that's been on the roster for a while), the first thing that happens is they lose for six months to a year, then the push actually happens. I don't know if that is on purpose, or if they just happen to utilize them for making other's look good until the writers have them in a proper story to be push. I figure if the information we hear is correct, we are just hearing about it way too soon for it to be in effect as the current stories still have to take place first.

[lazorbeak]

Sometimes I wonder wtf goes through the head of WWE writers.

 

"Hey you know what will make Titus look like a legit heel threat? Having him instantly job to Sheamus multiple times in the space of a month, without even putting up a fight!"

 

I think it was more "Sheamus lost a match a few weeks back, we have to correct this! Quick, let's have him beat some heel 20 times in a row." And then by luck of the draw they picked Titus instead of Fandango or Sandow or one of the other 20 heels they use as jokes.

[djthefunkchris]

But why is Vince Sr.'s driver in there!!!

 

Ah, what the heck, I'll answer it for you although I'm sure you already know. James Dudley's input and behind the scenes help (not his driving) was so valuable that it is said without him WWE would not exist the way it is today. He was involved with the company for more then four decades, starting with Jess McMahon in the 50s under Capitol Wrestling Corporation. Yes, he was Vince Sr.'s limo driver, but he was also a close personal friend, a bodyguard, and had more responsibilities to include managing Turner's Arena (WWF Broadcasts) in Washington, D.C., which included many events (not just wrestling, and this is a big deal, he's a first). He managed several wrestlers, including Bobo Brazil, who was one of the more colorful characters at the start of the Sports Entertainment era.

 

Of all the things the man has done, being a limo driver just sounds like those websites that rate Inductee's by throwing out any actual research as to why they were inducted. It's "WWE" Hall of Fame, not "Wrestling" Hall of Fame. He was huge in building WWE, but I guess that some people don't believe "building" means anything, it's all about the stars, not the pioneers. It's the only real reason I can think of.