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

[K-Nection]

<p>This tweet signifies my thoughts on the booking decisions of WWE </p><p> </p><p>

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[milamber]

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

<strong>Mojo vs Ryder</strong> - Solid squash match.</p><p>

<strong>Roode vs Ziggler vs Corbin</strong> - Good match. Roode was pretty over. Ziggler winning was a shock. Annual push or one last hurrah before he finally leaves the company?</p><p>

<strong>4-Way Tag Titles</strong> - Good match but it sagged a little in the middle. The entrances got me hyped. It's interesting that none of these teams got outright heel reactions. I wouldn't be suprised to see The Revival or Authors of Pain show up after Wrestlemania.</p><p>

<strong>Natalya vs Charlotte</strong> - Solid match. The in-ring action was a bit basic but they made proper use of the lumberjacks and Carmella teased a cash-in. Natalya as the bitter veteran could be a nice character shift or she chould become the female Ziggler.</p><p>

<strong>Breezango vs Bludgeon Brothers</strong> - OK squash match. I'm happy Breezango got on the PPV but I expected them to get a bit more offense in.</p><p>

<strong>Nakamura & Orton vs Owens & Zayn (feat. Shane & Bryan)</strong> - Good match. Nothing extraordinary but the warring guest referees added a welcome twist. I liked the finish but I thought Bryan counting the 1-2-3 on Owens & Zayn and having them invade Smackdown after being fired would have made for a better story going forward. Hopefully it will be more subtle than Bryan turning heel given that Shane has been the one acting heelish so far.</p><p>

<strong>Jinder vs Styles</strong> - Good match with some stiff spots. Styles is a straight-up legend getting 2 good matches out of Jinder.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Verdict:</span></strong> Solid show with a decent crowd. I wasn't impressed with the camerawork. They missed a lot of spots.</p>

[CQI13]

<p>Not sure they will go with a heel Bryan - the reception he will get upon a return will be huge! And I could see the fast count as "justice" for Shane stopping his short. My guess is we will see Shane keep doing heelish things to Bryan now until he reaches a breaking point.</p><p> </p><p>

Also, why are The Bludgeon Brothers treated like a new team when they have history already and could be challenging the Usos? Also, not a huge fan of the look for them, but whatever.</p>

[K-Nection]

<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>Not sure they will go with a heel Bryan - the reception he will get upon a return will be huge! And I could see the fast count as "justice" for Shane stopping his short. My guess is we will see Shane keep doing heelish things to Bryan now until he reaches a breaking point.<p> </p><p> Also, why are The Bludgeon Brothers treated like a new team when they have history already and could be challenging the Usos? Also, not a huge fan of the look for them, but whatever.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I have not been watching lately and just facepalmed when I googled who the Bludgeon Brothers were. It looks like Harper and Rowan got repackaged into hammer wielding vikings lol.</p>

[The Final Countdown]

<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>Not sure they will go with a heel Bryan - the reception he will get upon a return will be huge!</div></blockquote><p> I can see them turning him heel if they believe he's going to leave and wrestle on the indies/NJPW once his contract expires.</p>

[shawn michaels]

<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 can see them turning him heel if they believe he's going to leave and wrestle on the indies/NJPW once his contract expires.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Well yes, they are that pathetic. Won't make a difference, I can still see the people chanting yes yes yes for as long as he is there. Except maybe for the marks. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> The guy is universally adored by wrestling fans.</p>

[CQI13]

<p>The hype that Jericho/Omega is getting makes me doubt they'd let Bryan go. Brie is still employed there, and I'm sure they'll craft a contract in such a way that it absolves them of any liability should he get hurt. Shane vs Bryan at SummerSlam. </p><p> </p><p>

And having watched the match again, I still think this is Bryan standing up for what's right and it's more being angry at Shane for trying to screw Sami/KO. And even if he is a heel, if he spins it like "The McMahons are trying to keep down the wrestlers the fans want to see like they did with me" the fans would cheer for him anyway.</p>

[The Final Countdown]

The hype that Jericho/Omega is getting makes me doubt they'd let Bryan go. Brie is still employed there, and I'm sure they'll craft a contract in such a way that it absolves them of any liability should he get hurt. Shane vs Bryan at SummerSlam.

No way. The only way Bryan's ever wrestling in WWE again is if their doctor reverses course and decides he can safely return. Unless he "wrestles" in the sense that Bret Hart did when he returned, where he took nothing resembling a bump.

[milamber]

<p>Bryan is going to be a wrestling drawcard outside of WWE once his contract is up so it would be stupid for Vince to cash-in and not to give him at least a one-off Wrestlemania match.</p><p> </p><p>

The Bray/Matt segments were better this week. No more quick cuts and Woken graphic.</p>

[CQI13]

As for the football rumors? Let him. Don't push it as competition to the NFL just an alternative. Like the college league Ed McCaffrey is launching - modified rules, kids just out of HS getting paid. I think it's 8 teams or whatever. There was no vitriol towards that and that has probably less of a chance to succeed.

[milamber]

<p>Smackdown was a fun filler show. Rusev & English are awesome.</p><p> </p><p>

Best NXT of the year. Dunne and Bate put on another clinic. Lars Sullivan is better now than Strowman was when he hit the main roster. Shame it was near </p><p>

the end of the tapings because the Full Sail crowd sounded half asleep.</p>

[milamber]

<p>Raw was decent. I like what they're doing with Jordan. Despite the continued use of cringey laughing, Woken Matt is really over. Title changeovers on the usually skippable Xmas shows was smart booking by Vince.</p><p> </p><p>

Smackdown was good. The Multi-team Tag was my favorite WWE match this week. Rusev Day is crazy over and I could watch Gable wrestle anyone for hours. The US tournament gives the midcard meaningful matches until the Rumble. Props to the creative team for the shades of gray writing of the Shane/ Bryan/Styles/Owens/Zayn storyline. The Women's Division is a snooze-fest. </p><p> </p><p>

205 Live was OK. The matches are fun but until Drew turns on Enzo the show feels like it's stuck in low gear. Shame Kendrick got injured and the GTS is banned.</p><p> </p><p>

NXT has been on a roll since Takeover. The Women's Division has some much needed direction. The Fatal Fourway #1 Contender match was great.</p><p> </p><p>

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[CQI13]

<p>Ever since "Ready, willing and...say it...Gable" in NXT I thought Gable was going to be the star. The lack of direction they had at first was criminal!</p><p> </p><p>

I was upset that they broke them up for the Angle's Kid storyline (not a fan of those types of storylines to begin with) and thought Gable would fade into obscurity. Instead Gable has shined brighter than Jordan and would have likely done better as Angle's kid.</p>

[Derek B]

I think I'm the only person on the internet who loves the Jason Jordan storyline. He gets lots of air time that helps him to develop a character that is getting more and more heelish as times goes on... all while getting to perform alongside many of the best that the WWE has. Even while losing, that means he's getting a character over while helping to put over a bunch of other guys in the process.

 

It's great.

[K-Nection]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Derek B" data-cite="Derek B" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I think I'm the only person on the internet who loves the Jason Jordan storyline. He gets lots of air time that helps him to develop a character that is getting more and more heelish as times goes on... all while getting to perform alongside many of the best that the WWE has. Even while losing, that means he's getting a character over while helping to put over a bunch of other guys in the process.<p> </p><p> It's great. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> You are not alone. Its a slow burn story that I've kept my eye on through highlights.</p>

[CQI13]

I watch the events only and his one night feud with Elias was dreadful! You are probably right but it's the drawback (or benefit) of only watching the events on the Network.

[Rone Rivendale]

I think this storyline will finish with Jordan either being the next Rocky or the next McIntyre. The Chosen one or the 'chosen one'.

[milamber]

From what I've read the Jordan slow-burn heel turn story was planned from the beginning. They knew the reaction the Kurt's Son storyline would get. But now with Ambrose on the shelf for 9 months the heel turn is on hold while he and Seth Tag Champs.

 

Becky should be back soon. Paige was injured at a house show (supposedly by a kick from behind from Sasha due to miscommunication). She might not wrestle for a few weeks as a precaution.

[Mootinie]

<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>From what I've read the Jordan slow-burn heel turn story was planned from the beginning. They knew the reaction the Kurt's Son storyline would get. But now with Ambrose on the shelf for 9 months the heel turn is on hold while he and Seth Tag Champs.</div></blockquote><p> Hmm, it could be a WrestleMania program? Rollins vs. JJ is a perfectly serviceable opening match.</p>

[shawn michaels]

<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>From what I've read the Jordan slow-burn heel turn story was planned from the beginning. They knew the reaction the Kurt's Son storyline would get. But now with Ambrose on the shelf for 9 months the heel turn is on hold while he and Seth Tag Champs.<p> </p><p> Becky should be back soon. Paige was injured at a house show (supposedly by a kick from behind from Sasha due to miscommunication). She might not wrestle for a few weeks as a precaution.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I doubt it was planned. That's probably Vince trying to save face with yet another missed shot. From what I read it seems the Paige situation was just a scare. What happened with Kendrick and the GTS?</p>

[milamber]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="shawn michaels 82" data-cite="shawn michaels 82" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I doubt it was planned. That's probably Vince trying to save face with yet another missed shot. From what I read it seems the Paige situation was just a scare. What happened with Kendrick and the GTS?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I'm inclined to believe it this time given how big the storyline was treated and how quickly JJ began to act like a spoiled brat, and because a few dirtsheets have reported JJ was always going to turn heel, probably leading to a match against Kurt. Vince does do long term planning sometimes -- mostly with top guys like Lesnar and Reigns, and the Shield in the past. But yeah most of the time it's caving to fan pressure like Bryan's WM moment.</p><p> </p><p> Itami didn't toss Kendrick very high and caught him on the nose instead of the upper chest (to keep it safe). Kendrick had his head down and didn't get his hands up, so not sure who's most to blame. Kendrick has a fractured orbital bone and a fractured nasal bridge. He used Rings of Saturn (ex-Neville finisher) instead this week. GTS might be used again but only if he can convice Vince he can do it safely.</p>

[shawn michaels]

Sooo, does that RR stipulation ensures that Styles will win or what? Especially after suffering 2 losses against both Owens and Zayn. Doesn't mean it's 100% guaranteed he will win at RR, but i'd say it's a long shot that he loses. On the other hand, wouldn't Owens or Zayn as champs add to the actual storytelling? Or both of them as champs, with some kind of freebird singles rule.

[Rone Rivendale]

<p>From what I've read, it's just a way to start a rift between KO and Sami so they can build a match for WM34.</p><p> </p><p>

Cuz what we need is KO vs Sami part 50.</p>

[shawn michaels]

<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>From what I've read, it's just a way to start a rift between KO and Sami so they can build a match for WM34.<p> </p><p> <strong>Cuz what we need is KO vs Sami part 50.</strong></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It's Smackdow's version of Cena vs. Orton, just like Raw's version of Cena vs. Orton is Reigns vs. Strowman, which will eventually happen again before Mania.</p>

[milamber]

So Raw was pretty good if you ignore the filler segments.

 

Pros:

 

- Miz putting over the IC title like Heyman puts over Lesnar

- Bo and Axel fighting over who can suck up most to Miz

- Strowman using a freaking grapple hook to try to kill Lesnar and Kane!

- Jason Jordan's character is hilarious

- Woken Matt's new entrance song

- Elite, Tama Tonga and Bad Luck Fale were namedropped

- Balor Club vs Discount Shield is a fun feud. Add the Miztourage to the mix and the tag division is getting more interesting. Revival might need to turn babyface when they re-debut again to balance it out.

- Titus Worldwide beat The Bar

 

Cons:

 

- Woken Matt's titantron theme hasn't been updated for his new character

- Creative is beating a dead horse with these Bray/Matt laugh-offs. The fact they were in the ring this time is progress I guess.

- The women's division has stalled heading into the Rumble

- Nia busting Alexa's scheme by claiming Asuka can't speak English was stupid because Asuka's catchphrase is in English and she tweets in English.