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

[masterded]

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.

 

[milamber]

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

<strong>The Wyatt Family</strong> - Great promo from Bray. However I can imagine a lot of people getting bored with the length of his promos.</p><p>

<strong>Cesaro vs Sheamus</strong> - Good trolling from Heyman. Good match. Cesaro winning was a nice surprise. The fake handshake was funny. Sheamus' work rate and consistency is underrated.</p><p>

<strong>Steph</strong> - Trolling masterclass. The use of BNB and her crappy English accent cracked me up. The crowd were on top form in this segment.</p><p>

<strong>Union Jacks vs Rusev</strong> - Fun squash. Bow down to Lana. Resistence is futile!</p><p>

<strong>Rollins vs Batista</strong> - Another good match for Batista. Helps that Rollins is a top seller. Fun brawl at the end. Ambrose > Cole, JBL & King.</p><p>

<strong>Fox vs Paige</strong> - Good match. Fox finally got the win she needed. Shaping up to be the best divas feud since AJ/Kaitlyn.</p><p>

<strong>Beat the Clock Challenges</strong> - These fast-paced matches were a nice way to show off the midcard without putting them in useless squashes. I like that the IC Title contenders are being chosen via tournaments and challenges to make it seem like a big deal. BNB himself was awesome in his segment.</p><p>

<strong>Adam Rose</strong> - The gimmick has an uphill battle in a PG environment but I loved this segment. Renee, Zeb and the London crowd made it work. </p><p>

<strong>Cena vs Harper</strong> - Good match. The ending was cool. Harper was impressive.</p><p> </p><p>

<span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Verdict:</strong></span> Good for a pre-taped Raw.</p>

[The Swanton825]

Finally watched last week's NXT. Did I imagine hearing Mojo Rawley getting Cena heat?

[masterded]

<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>Finally watched last week's NXT. Did I imagine hearing Mojo Rawley getting Cena heat?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I don't know if I would say that, but I do already hate Mojo. I don't know if it his annoying character, his horrible finisher, or just the fact he can't work a 5 minute match. I just think he is someone who just isn't ready for TV (even if that TV is NXT).</p>

[Jaysin]

I don't even understand why Mojo has a job. He doesn't have any redeeming factors to me. No in ring ability, no charisma, no mic skills, and doesn't even have a good look.

 

Does anyone like Mojo?

[Rickymex]

<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 don't even understand why Mojo has a job. He doesn't have any redeeming factors to me. No in ring ability, no charisma, no mic skills, and doesn't even have a good look. <p> </p><p> Does anyone like Mojo?</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I think has has potential but as of right now he has nothing. He has had not character development, memorable moveset, or interesting storyline. I think he's built perfectly for a babyface house of fire tag partner but not as a singles.</p>

[Teh_Showtime]

He's pretty awful but he clearly has a bit of charisma

[The Swanton825]

<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>He's pretty awful but he clearly has a bit of charisma</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> So does that mean Hunter's taking on the Heidenreich challenge?</p>

[Teh_Showtime]

<p>I mean it's developmental for a reason</p><p> </p><p>

Bo Dallas was completely atrocious in 2011 and now he's turned himself into a solid prospect with a fun character. Mojo is still only in his first year or so of wrestling, even Reigns was pretty bad early on. His moveset is one of the worst in wrestling though</p>

[Rayelek]

I like Mojo's gimmick. His move set is rather eh, it feels like they're trying to display athleticism with it but it doesn't come off that way, and he takes a beating for a lot of his matches. His look isn't spectacular either, but they like the former athletes.

[Blackman]

I wonder where they're going with the diva storyline. Obviously they were shooting for a nice push with Fox - having her beat Page in the upset in her home area no doubt - but I don't think it turned out quite as nice as anticipated. I'm still unclear on the gimmick she's supposed to be. Glamor queen? Wackjob? Attention-seeking ho? Please enlighten me. Maybe I just didn't play as much TEW to recognise the gimmick. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> And this is the 5th time it seems they pair up. In TEW that'd be an E+... <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[Rickymex]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Blackman" data-cite="Blackman" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I wonder where they're going with the diva storyline. Obviously they were shooting for a nice push with Fox - having her beat Page in the upset in her home area no doubt - but I don't think it turned out quite as nice as anticipated. I'm still unclear on the gimmick she's supposed to be. Glamor queen? Wackjob? Attention-seeking ho? Please enlighten me. Maybe I just didn't play as much TEW to recognise the gimmick. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> And this is the 5th time it seems they pair up. In TEW that'd be an E+... <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Her gimmick is "Placeholder for AJ" <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Honestly I think it's a combination of wackjob and attention seeker. They don't want any of the Total Divas involve with Paige and Tamina already lost so... make Alicia Fox relevant quickly and have her be Paige feud for the month. However it sucks that WWE's idea of a feud is make them fight each other and lose cleanly until the title match.</p>

[Mootinie]

So I'm watching NXT and they just made a monumental mistake. Paige is coming down to the ring for her match with Tamina and the commentator says "Charlotte will face Natalya for the title at NXT Takeover" bearing in mind that Natalya hadn't fought Sasha Banks yet...

[Blackman]

<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>and Tamina already lost so... </div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Fox already lost like three times. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I'd rather see Tamina get a match again, but they might not want to give her too many losses.</p><p> </p><p> And you'd honestly think they'd plan Charlotte vs Sasha for that main event. Guess they'll keep it for the future. That said, they don't seem like a good team, but I just base that on the couple of entrances I've seen (which isn't much).</p>

[Kitarzu]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mootinie" data-cite="Mootinie" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>So I'm watching NXT and they just made a monumental mistake. Paige is coming down to the ring for her match with Tamina and the commentator says "Charlotte will face Natalya for the title at NXT Takeover" bearing in mind that Natalya hadn't fought Sasha Banks yet...</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Who said it?</p>

[Rickymex]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Blackman" data-cite="Blackman" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong>Fox already lost like three times</strong>. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I'd rather see Tamina get a match again, but they might not want to give her too many losses.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> On TV through. Remember losing doesn't matter unless it's on PPV and you aren't John Cena.</p><p> </p><p> I remember there being a rumor on the dirt sheets of WWE sending out a memo where they were to ignore losses or something similar.</p>

[Teh_Showtime]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mootinie" data-cite="Mootinie" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>So I'm watching NXT and they just made a monumental mistake. Paige is coming down to the ring for her match with Tamina and the commentator says "Charlotte will face Natalya for the title at NXT Takeover" bearing in mind that Natalya hadn't fought Sasha Banks yet...</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> That wasnt really any kind of commentary mistake, it was a massive editing mistake to show that match before the tournament match. NXT often tapes their shows out of order and chops them up before they premiere so that was likely a holdover from that. It could have also been post production commentary as well but it was a huge mistake</p>

[milamber]

<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">NXT Review:</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Dallas vs Big E</strong> - Bo cut a promo calling himself "Mr NXT." If Bo wins he gets a title shot, if he loses he has to leave NXT forever. Stupid stipulation but he got the send-off he deserved. After the match he was hysterical and turned on the fans. Bo is awesome.</p><p> <strong>Tamina vs Paige</strong> - Good match (aside from the roll-up finish) that made both women look badass.</p><p> <strong>Camacho vs Rose</strong> - Solid match. Camacho got more than he bargained for and took the count-out loss. Sets up a rematch at Takeover.</p><p> <strong>Sasha vs Natalya</strong> - Good match. There was dissension between Sasha and Charlotte, who wasn't happy she now has to face Natalya for the title. </p><p> <strong>Hawkins vs Neville</strong> - Solid match. Kidd cut a passionate promo but his delivery needs work. Neville countered by saying the only person in Kidd's family who would taking gold at Takeover would be his wife.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Verdict:</span></strong> Strong show in the lead-up to NXT Takeover.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mootinie" data-cite="Mootinie" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>So I'm watching NXT and they just made a monumental mistake. Paige is coming down to the ring for her match with Tamina and the commentator says "Charlotte will face Natalya for the title at NXT Takeover" bearing in mind that Natalya hadn't fought Sasha Banks yet...</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Didn't catch it myself but I'm sure it was an editing mistake. The version of Smackdown I watch also has segments and matches rearranged from how they show it on the Network.</p>

[dpoolez]

Watching Ziggler/Del Rio from MITB last year. Ziggler was really over at this time, he even got ADR some heat just by going against him. I know he had the concussion but WWE really screwed up with him in the aftermath of that situation. Hopefully hes the next one who gets a big push.

[Mootinie]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Kitarzu" data-cite="Kitarzu" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Who said it?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Rich Brennan I think. </p><p> </p><p> I understand that it was a mistake with the editing and production, we all make mistakes I guess. The show was pretty solid though, I am very excited for Takeover. Neville vs Kidd should be absolutely fantastic.</p>

[milamber]

<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Smackdown Review:</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Ziggler vs Batista (No DQ)</strong> - Good physical match. Ziggler was booked surprisingly strong despite losing. At one point Cole got knocked over and JBL told him to get up and stop being a pansy <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Nikki & Eva vs Funkadactyls</strong> - Summer was guest referee and her counting was dodgy. I only watched it for the eye candy.</p><p> <strong>Bo Dallas vs Sin Cara</strong> - Solid match. I'm happy it wasn't a Rusev-style squash. Bo even gave Sin Cara a condescending pep talk after beating him.</p><p> <strong>Bray Wyatt</strong> - Another long promo that turned totally nuts when he started talking in what sounded like a make-believe language!</p><p> <strong>Del Rio vs Sheamus</strong> - Solid match but should have been longer. Cesaro was answering Cole's questions at the announce table in Italian, which was amusing. He then interrupted the match, beat down Sheamus and shook his hand while he was unconscious.</p><p> <strong>Adam Rose</strong> - The theme song is over at least. Vicki's involvement in the segment (including involuntary crowd surfing) was mildly amusing.</p><p> <strong>The Usos vs The Wyatts</strong> - Good entertaining match. Bray caused a DQ but refused to let Cena sucker him into the ring.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Verdict:</span></strong> Good show.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://deadspin.com/unedited-unaired-wwe-smackdown-broadcast-leaks-online-1580739646?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow" rel="external nofollow"><strong>Unedited, unaired Smackdown Broadcast leaks online</strong></a></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>At 51:52 of the second video, Cole asks McMahon about some talking point, "Do you want me to say that every time, because I've said it a ****load of times tonight." We don't hear Vince's reply, but we do hear Cole's cowed reaction: "OK...yes sir...yes sir...OK, I've got it sir."</div></blockquote>

[Jaysin]

Wasn't sure where to post this, but it had to be shared.

 

Buff Bagwell doing a Canadian Destroyer at this past weekend's JT Lightning Invitational Tournament against Ethan Page. An "F" bomb is dropped, just to warn everyone.

 

[dpoolez]

Wasn't sure where to post this, but it had to be shared.

 

Buff Bagwell doing a Canadian Destroyer at this past weekend's JT Lightning Invitational Tournament against Ethan Page. An "F" bomb is dropped, just to warn everyone.

 

 

That was a decent Canadian Destroyer. Didn't know that Bagwell still wrestled, I thought he retired to do the male escort thing.

[Jaysin]

That was a decent Canadian Destroyer. Didn't know that Bagwell still wrestled, I thought he retired to do the male escort thing.

 

He's doing both. A lot of workers who worked that show are saying Bagwell was a lot cooler in person than all the horror stories about him over the years made him out to be.

 

Also, a really fun interview with Buff.

[dpoolez]

<p>Buff does seem like a pretty cool guy. I wonder why both WWE and TNA have passed on him. Sure, he wasn't the best wrestler or anything but IMO the could've made some money on himi the took the time to invest in booking him properly.</p><p> </p><p>

I really feel bad about Vince screwing him over with the money. He really could've just sat at home and collect his thousands like the other big time WCW guys did.</p>