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

[milamber]

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

<strong>Women's 6-Pack Challenge</strong> - Fun match. Becky deserved to be 1st champ but my MVP of the match was Harley Bliss.</p><p>

<strong>The Usos vs Hype Bros</strong> - Solid match.</p><p>

<strong>Ziggler vs Miz</strong> - Good match. Smart finish if they handle Ziggler's losing streak storyline right.</p><p>

<strong>Bray vs Kane</strong> - Served its purpose. Not keen on Bray losing on PPV again but at least it added some heat to the feud while Orton recovers.</p><p>

<strong>The Usos vs Slater & Rhyno</strong> - Solid match. Another smart result. Double-Wide baybay! The Usos have adapted quickly to being heels.</p><p>

<strong>Styles vs Ambrose</strong> - Great match, great result. While Ambrose's offense still needs tightening up his brawling style worked better here because he was more agressive.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Verdict:</span></strong> A strong 1st Smackdown PPV. Solid to great matches, interesting storylines and smart booking.</p>

[Crychon]

<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>Women's 6-Pack Challenge</strong> - Fun match. Becky deserved to be 1st champ but my MVP of the match was Harley Bliss..</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Bliss was great in that match. I had a hiccup in the network and had to reload the page. It did the whole logo things again, and it came back just in time to see her get eliminated first.</p><p> </p><p> I think she should've been one of the last ones there. Her vs. Becky would've been a much more compelling finale than Becky vs. Carmella.</p>

[Jaysin]

<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">Backlash Review:</span></strong><p> </p><p> <strong>Women's 6-Pack Challenge</strong> - Fun match. Becky deserved to be 1st champ but my MVP of the match was Harley Bliss.</p><p> <strong>The Usos vs Hype Bros</strong> - Solid match.</p><p> <strong>Ziggler vs Miz</strong> - Good match. Smart finish if they handle Ziggler's losing streak storyline right.</p><p> <strong>Bray vs Kane</strong> - Served its purpose. Not keen on Bray losing on PPV again but at least it added some heat to the feud while Orton recovers.</p><p> <strong>The Usos vs Slater & Rhyno</strong> - Solid match. Another smart result. Double-Wide baybay! The Usos have adapted quickly to being heels.</p><p> <strong>Styles vs Ambrose</strong> - Great match, great result. While Ambrose's offense still needs tightening up his brawling style worked better here because he was more agressive.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline">Verdict:</span></strong> A strong 1st Smackdown PPV. Solid to great matches, interesting storylines and smart booking.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Agreed with pretty much all of this. Even Mojo looked better than he's ever looked. </p><p> </p><p> I can't believe I live in a world where AJ freaking Styles is World Champion in the WWE. So awesome. In my opinion, he's the best performer in the world.</p><p> </p><p> Miz has been better than usual lately. As someone whose been a fan of him for years, it's nice to see him getting a solid angle going again.</p>

[CQI13]

<p>Becky was the right winner there. But Carmella is just meh. Digging Bliss too - is this her new in ring gear? Or was it to match the Backlash color scheme?</p><p>

Digging the Usos as heels. They've done a great job.</p><p>

The Miz has been consistently really good lately - especially his angle with Bryan. I was half expecting Ziggler to win after the whole "the negotiations will be a lot harder AFTER I defend."</p><p>

Bray bores me. The dirty dreads look does nothing to make him compelling to me.</p><p>

Slater & Rhyno - SOOOO happy for Slater. He's more than put his time in. He's done what's been asked of him. And he's turned into a really good in-ring worker.</p><p>

Ambrose is better than some people give him credit for, but he's not on the level of Styles. Glad for Styles getting the belt after all the work HE'S put in from TNA to Japan to the indies.</p>

[milamber]

Again Raw was frustrating. I enjoyed about 1 hour of matches and segments and the other 2 hours was stuff that didn't hold my interest. My rating for Raw is Jinder/10.

[CQI13]

When they bring the Cruiserweights over they don't devote an uninterrupted hour to them (would rather they mix it in) - that way you don't train an audience to skip an entire hour (or 2). Kind of like WCW did with the 3 hour shows where the unopposed hour was all nWo skits and no matches.

[Rone Rivendale]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="CQI13" data-cite="CQI13" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Becky was the right winner there. But Carmella is just meh. Digging Bliss too - is this her new in ring gear? Or was it to match the Backlash color scheme? </div></blockquote><p> </p><p> She was dressed as Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad. And it was HOT. <img alt=":cool:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Blackman]

<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>She was dressed as Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad. And it was HOT. <img alt=":cool:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It was objectively hot because the SS movie is supposedly booming at the box office. I'm a Harley fan, but not of her suicide squad days (rather her Joker days). That being said, I pulled year one of the suicide squad comics so I was a fan of that. Didn't go see the movie.</p><p> </p><p> But I digress. I was hot... That was kinda what I wanted to confirm here. She even matched her attitude to the character somewhat. It was... quite all right.</p>

[Mootinie]

Raw did a 1.88, the lowest non-holiday episode rating since 1996.

[The Final Countdown]

<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>Raw did a 1.88, the lowest non-holiday episode rating since 1996.</div></blockquote><p> That's what happens when you combine declining ratings with the return of Monday Night Football.</p><p> </p><p> I wonder if Smackdown might actually have higher ratings than Raw some weeks over the next few months since Smackdown won't have any NFL games to compete with.</p>

[Big Roguey]

Figured what with it being the finals of the CWC tonight, it'd post a link to the TEW chatroom. I plan to be in there myself whilst the CWC is on - go go PS4 powers! - so I figured it'd be neat if a few of us were in there watching it live and whatnot.

[milamber]

Smackdown and Talking Smackdown were really fun. The opening segment alone destroyed just about every segment on Raw. The No Mercy card is looking good.

[crownsy]

<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>Smackdown and Talking Smackdown were really fun. The opening segment alone destroyed just about every segment on Raw. The No Mercy card is looking good.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Agree with those here, MNF did for me Monday, and outside of seeking out the KO/ Rollins stuff (which was good, but at some point they need to expound on the reason Trips did what he did and why its such a huge thing if Steph did or didn't know?) I fast forwarded through most of the other stuff. </p><p> </p><p> It's like currently, who cares if she knew or not? She hasn't been in "mega heel mode" for awhile now, she now occupies this nebulous area. Sure, she greenlighted Seth into the M/E with Finn, but it's not like she stacked the deck against Finn, ala "Full authority" Steph. Other than that, she hasn't really done much to show favoritism or heel tendencies since the split. </p><p> </p><p> I suppose they are trying to show us "good" steph before she either 1) looks like a moron for not knowing what her Husband was up to for weeks and weeks or 2) EVVVIIIILLLL steph returns (do not want) Either way, hopefully the expand on the whole Triple H involvement soon. </p><p> </p><p> Anyway, aside from the Rollins/KO and Jericho/Sami segments, and the killer M/E with Owens and Reigns trying to save the show, it sucked.</p><p> </p><p> Smackdown was much better, and at this point im starting to wonder if it's as simple as the pacing. Two hours is just enough time to move the ball forward on feuds, and Talking Smack provides a nice Network draw, and also sets them up with great material to reference in future video packages/ storylines. </p><p> </p><p> Glad to see the best booty in the company, AKA Alexa get some time to shine. She's come a long way from her time as the sparkly, bubbly babyface. She has great heel mannerisms, and is getting better in the ring. </p><p> </p><p> Swagger is just so uninteresting to me, but ok Jack, i'll give you a 9th chance to develop a character.</p><p> </p><p> The Aj/CEna/ Ambrose segment was well done, though a bit to much dog whistling from Dean calling Cena a part timer ect. But I guess that's going to be Dean's "thing", that he might not be the best, but hes always there and willing to fight where other guys who might be seen as "better" aren't as reliable. </p><p> </p><p> This week goes to the Blue Brand for me.</p>

[Dr_Avalanche]

<p>I thought the Jack Swagger promo was sooo strange. I just kind of want him away from my eyeballs.</p><p> </p><p>

I thought it was a bit weird that Cena was handed a title shot just like that. I mean, he has lost twice in a row now to AJ, the last time clean. Why does he deserve a title match? Get in line, dude.</p>

[Big Roguey]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="MHero" data-cite="MHero" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Figured what with it being the finals of the CWC tonight, it'd post a link to the <a href="http://webchat.quakenet.org/?channels=tew2016" rel="external nofollow">TEW chatroom</a>. I plan to be in there myself whilst the CWC is on - go go PS4 powers! - so I figured it'd be neat if a few of us were in there watching it live and whatnot.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Figured I'd bump this up once more, what with the finals starting in just under an hour and a half.</p>

[Big Roguey]

*ahem*

 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[Crychon]

*ahem*

 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

 

^ This

 

Any of the other three finalists would have made me happier.

[The Final Countdown]

^ This

 

Any of the other three finalists would have made me happier.

Ibushi and Sabre aren't signed so the only choice was between TJP and Metalik.

 

I'm not sure TJP would've been my first pick at the beginning of the tournament, but I'm happy for him. I always thought ROH and TNA both missed the boat with him.

[evileddie10]

As a biased person due to my filipino origin, I am happy for TJP. If you told me before the tournament that TJP would win, I would have laughed in your face, and told you "you've been playing too much TEW recently". Nobody tell Dixie, that AJ and Manik are champions. Personally, am loving how Josh Matthews is getting hate on Twitter for his comments about TJP. If EVOLVE are smart they would set up a Kota vs Sabre match ASAP. Overall, the CWC has been epic, can't wait for the next one, hopefully it can be bigger and better next time. Maybe even change the format, tag team or trios, would be amazing.

[milamber]

What a fantastic 2 hours of wrestling. The CWC finalists made sense. And TJP totally deserved it. I think he was slightly better than Ibushi and Metallik in those matches. And the belt looks good n him.

[crownsy]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Crychon" data-cite="Crychon" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>^ This<p> </p><p> Any of the other three finalists would have made me happier.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Well, i mean ZSJ and Ibushi both turned down WWE contracts, so i pretty much figured one of the two guys ya know, going to RAW would win it.</p><p> </p><p> I'm happy for TJP, great worker, deserves it and looking forward to the Cruiserwieghts on RAW...at least until i am inevitably disappointed with how RAW books them.</p>

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="crownsy" data-cite="crownsy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Well, i mean ZSJ and Ibushi both turned down WWE contracts, so i pretty much figured one of the two guys ya know, going to RAW would win it.<p> </p><p> I'm happy for TJP, great worker, deserves it and looking forward to the Cruiserwieghts on RAW...at least until i am inevitably disappointed with how RAW books them.</p></div></blockquote><p> I think they'd have a better chance on Smackdown. I know Raw has more time to fill and all that, but how can you send the cruiserweights over there when Mauro and Bryan are both on Smackdown?</p><p> </p><p> Then again, there's a lot I'd do differently about the brand split. Like make the women's division exclusive to one show and the tag teams exclusive to the other, or have one set of champions for both of those divisions and have them float between shows. Basically anything other than splitting both of those divisions in half with champions for both shows, because they don't have anywhere near enough depth for that.</p>

[Rainmaker]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="crownsy" data-cite="crownsy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Well, i mean ZSJ and Ibushi both turned down WWE contracts, so i pretty much figured one of the two guys ya know, going to RAW would win it.<p> </p><p> I'm happy for TJP, great worker, deserves it and looking forward to the Cruiserwieghts on RAW...at least until i am inevitably disappointed with how RAW books them.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Yeah but if they were going to go by guys who were under RAW contracts all along than I think Gargano or Cedric Alexander would of been better picks. As soon as TJP started doing the dabs, there was no chance the crowd weren't going to turn on him.</p>

[crownsy]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Rainmaker" data-cite="Rainmaker" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Yeah but if they were going to go by guys who were under RAW contracts all along than I think Gargano or Cedric Alexander would of been better picks. As soon as TJP started doing the dabs, there was no chance the crowd weren't going to turn on him.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I didn't notice anyone turning on him, at any point.</p><p> </p><p> I mean sure, he was in matches with more over Full Sail Darlings (Gargano and Ibushi esp.) but he seemed to have pretty crazy support throughout. When they pulled the Title out before the main event, the Chant was "TJP" not for grand metallic (who I also love, don't get me wrong). </p><p> </p><p> I think TJP will be just fine, but again, it depends on how this divsion is presented, which I don't think WWE fully knows yet.</p><p> </p><p> What I mean by that is rumors are everywhere. Will they keep it just straight matches with very little keyfabe storyline beyond "I want to win to show I'm the best/ still got it/ belong here" ect they went with in the CWC or will they have full story line participation with these guys and the rest of the roster? Storylines only within the division? Will there be some sort of match based ranking system, ala ROH? I've also heard it is going to "encompass NXT" as well as Raw, so what the heck does that mean? </p><p> </p><p> It all depends on how they are going to make the "curiserweigh" division unique. I don't think you can just toss them into the main roster if you hope them to be successful. Needs to be it's own separate division in more than name.</p>

[milamber]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I think they'd have a better chance on Smackdown. I know Raw has more time to fill and all that, but how can you send the cruiserweights over there when Mauro and Bryan are both on Smackdown?<p> </p><p> Then again, there's a lot I'd do differently about the brand split. Like make the women's division exclusive to one show and the tag teams exclusive to the other, or have one set of champions for both of those divisions and have them float between shows. Basically anything other than splitting both of those divisions in half with champions for both shows, because they don't have anywhere near enough depth for that.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> The best thing they could have done, IMO, is make each show 2.5 hours with equal rosters but maybe USA didn't give them that choice. At first I thought splitting the divisions was a bad idea but now I'm not so sure as the shows would have lacked variety.</p>