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

[Rone Rivendale]

I believe the term for that video is STRAIGHT FIYAH <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[milamber]

<p>NXT review:</p><p> </p><p>

- Tag match was solid</p><p>

- Double Dakota Day! That was a quick flight from the UK to the US <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Good to see fresh match-ups every week in the Women's Division now because it was starting to stagnate.</p><p>

- Bianca can learn a lot working with Mia Yim</p><p>

- Interesting promo from Johnny Failure</p><p>

- Dream vs Lars was good. I called a Triple Threat for the title at Takeover a few weeks ago and looks like we might get it.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

NXT UK Episode 5 & 6 top picks:</p><p> </p><p>

- Burch vs Dunne for the NXT UK Championhip (contender for best match so far)</p><p>

- Toni vs Dakota (best women's match so far)</p><p>

- Williams vs Devlin</p><p>

- Andrews, Webster & Smith vs The Coffey Brothers & SPOILER <span style="color:#FFFFFF;">Wolfgang</span> (setup by an earlier angle)</p>

[milamber]

<p>Most of Raw was boring but I enjoyed Drew McIntyre's promo and Main Event Becky.</p><p> </p><p>

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[Derek B]

<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">LOTS OF SPOILERS BELOW</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

So... as above with Raw, Becky kicking ass has been amazing lately though I can't help but think it's a fail for the WWE that a heel turn made someone one of their most popular characters. Talent shines through and I know she's been given the chance to add more things to her character herself, so it's pretty much all Becky at this point. That said... WTF was Nia Jax thinking when she threw the punch that broke Becky's face and concussed her? The replay on Smackdown of it happening just lowers my already fairly low opinion of Nia, that was stupid. That said... Becky's Smackdown promo was good too, though she should have picked Asuka over Charlotte to replace her against Ronda. Oh well....</p><p> </p><p>

The biggest news from Smackdown though is that after 371 days, AJ Styles is no longer the WWE champion a Daniel Bryan turns heel and wins the title from him. In terms of things I didn't see coming, this one was huge! I have a feeling it may have been the original plan for Crown Jewel and that they are paying it off now, but good lord.. unannounced before the show, the two had another great match and have set up a Daniel Bryan vs Brock Lesnar match in 5 days at Survivor Series that it potentially interesting.... if only because I've not had time to think too much about it already ad bore myself with the outcome.</p><p> </p><p>

Survivor Series will have some fun matches this weekend and it's the last major show my subscription to the network will have so I'll be checking it out. Lots going on in the company right now, with the real life chaos of injuries and refusing the Saudi show factoring in to make some interesting on screen things happen. The WWE in general has a LOT wrong with it, particularly in the story telling department but there are some fantastic talents on the roster who seem to shine despite this. Elias recently turning face has continued his entertaining as hell run... Seth Rollins is white hot as a babyface... Becky has been killing it lately and no matter what I want to see her face off with Ronda at some point... The Miz and Daniel Bryan's neverending rivalry is still entertaining and I'm sure it will continue with AJ Styles in the mix, which also has some Royal Rumble stuff from the Mixed MAtch challenge too....</p><p> </p><p>

And of course, there's NXT.... which continues to shine thanks in no small part to having a far more focused regular show. It's going to be another great Takeover weekend too, with one of their first major homegrown talents in Velveteen Dream getting to challenge for the title against the fantastic Tommaso Ciampa, while Aleister Black and Johnny Gargano should absolutely tear the house down in their match. Plus the whole Wargames match too, which should be an epic 4v4 encounter, and the women's title match should be great too.</p><p> </p><p>

WWE has been fun this week.... but it worries me that the main roster is rarely as focused or entertaining as NXT.</p>

[milamber]

<p>Last week of a quick Survivor Series build and they somehow made the event interesting (even with Becky injured). Of course there will be lots of shenanigans to "protect" their top stars facing each other but it has the potential to be a good show.</p><p> </p><p>

Now that D-Bry is a heel I see Mysterio feuding with Nakamura for the US Title and Aleister Black being called up to Smackdown soon.</p><p> </p><p>

I'm all for giving Nia the benefit of the doubt but that was either deliberate or plain reckless.</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="Hi8Q5um.gif" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Hi8Q5um.gif" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[K-Nection]

<p>Wow that shot was horrible! Who throws an overhand "worked" punch like that? I was personally always the guy who prefers throwing forearms instead of punches because it is easier to protect your opponent without sacrificing too much in visual. I only think punches should be thrown when a babyface is giving a heel their comeuppance right before the end of a match (The Rock and Stone Cold come to mind here in their comeback spots because those kind can still protect your opponent).</p><p> </p><p>

But I think she just contributed to Becky's Austin 3:16 moment because that made her into a star. I don't even watch the product but there was no ignoring the rumbling that night.</p>

[Derek B]

<p>I know that no-one in cares, but punches are illegal in wrestling still. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Forearms and European uppercuts should always be the way forward.... though I guess in Nia's case it was just a fight so punches make sense. But that one was reckless as all hell. No one is holding her back, there are no obstructions between her and Becky and she followed right through on it too... that was in no way a worked punch, so she was either reckless or deliberately punched Becky in an unprofessional way... either way, she doesn't deserve any kind of push when there are far more entertaining and talented people on the roster and in NXT that could replace her. She may be related to The Rock, but she has none of his talent or charisma. It's not the first person she has hurt (she's hurt at least one person in NXT and at least one more on the main roster that I know of). <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

Anywho, not really the point. Becky is kicking ass just now and her rivalry with Ronda could be amazing if they play it out longer term now. I was hoping for Becky to win their match at SS to hand Ronda her first defeat. Hopefully they do something great going forward and I'm hoping for them to face off at Wrestlemania. It could be great. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[sheepy]

<p>God knows how they keep Becky hot from here. For me the money would be in:</p><p> </p><p>

Becky vs Nia Jackie Royal Rumber: Becky hands out an absolute ass whooping. I’m talking a stoppage win because Nia can’t put up a fight anymore. Absolutely brutal shit.</p><p> </p><p>

Becky vs Ronda at WrestleMania: Tough one to book but I’d probably have Stephanie McMahon help Ronda win to set up a year long pursuit for a rematch. </p><p> </p><p>

One thing I do know, I can’t remember the last time I was as invested in a character.</p>

[milamber]

<p>From Meltzer:</p><p> </p><p>

- This weekend Vince decided he wanted to do Lesnar/Bryan for Survivor Series and wanted Bryan to hold the title.</p><p>

- Bryan himself had been pushing for a heel turn and they finally approved it this afternoon. Vince decided to do the turn and title change together rather than apart for impact.</p><p>

- All of this was decided before Becky was hurt.</p><p>

- Ronda/Becky is on for WM and expected to be the main event or one of the two top matches.</p>

[Blackman]

<p>I guess there can be good consequences to this "accident" on the long term, as it did help Becky get her defining "moment". But still... there's no excuses for this behavior. That's what you get when clowning around, letting workers with severe weight differences work. But then again, Big Show never really hurt someone, so I must change this to "unsafe workers ...".</p><p> </p><p>

But the youtube views never lie. Becky's speech - in theory not really thàt significant - almost got as many views as the impromptu title change, which is one of the most impactful moments of the year in terms of booking. Both segments are getting significantly more views (like 5x the amount) of the average views.</p><p> </p><p>

One can argue she was already on her way to stardom after the string of Charlotte matches and promos, but this pretty much establishes her as a Star now. Can't say I expected this, but I'm happy it happened. She seems like an awesome person (based on the RideAlong segment I watched with her and Charlotte right before the feud).</p><p> </p><p>

A trashing of Nia at Royal Rumble like Sheepy suggests would be awesome and would keep her red hot for at least a month. Doesn't have to be a match. She could do it during the rumble, right after Nia's elimination spree to make her not look bad.</p>

[Jaysin]

<p>Matt Hardy confirmed on X-Pac’s podcast that they’ll be filming more House Hardy specials. So stoked.</p><p> </p><p>

It’d be cool if they did a Hurricane cartoon or something though.</p>

[Rone Rivendale]

<p>I've heard people call this Becky's "Stone Cold" moment. I have to agree. The visual of her with the broken face, blood dripping down, staring like a total badass. That's going to be replayed for years to come just like the Austin/Bret match where Stone Cold had the crimson mask when he refused to tap out.</p><p> </p><p>

If they wanted a female Austin type that's a tweener that the fans will go crazy for, they did it. Accident or not.</p>

[milamber]

NXT

 

- Bianca vs Mia was solid but you can tell Bianca lacks experience in longer matches. Mia's theme rocks.

- Looking forward to Riddle and Ohno next week. At least they should get more time than they would have on Takeover.

- O'Reilly vs Hanson was a masterclass in limb targeting and selling. The brawl at the end was a bonus. Easily Hanson's best performance in WWE. I don't think O'Reilly gets enough credit for his in-ring ability.

 

NXT UK

 

Episode 7 top picks:

 

- Bate vs Drake was good. Everything else was solid.

 

Episode 8 top picks:

 

- Dakota vs Nina and Millie vs Jinny tournament matches are worth watching

- Trent vs Gibson was the best match this week

[milamber]

<p><img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

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[Jaysin]

<p>I'm watching the Hulu version of Raw and there wasn't a match until almost 40 minutes into the show...</p><p> </p><p>

Raw was pretty much garbage except for the women invading.</p>

[Jaysin]

Takeover was a good show.

[Uncrewed]

<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>Takeover was a good show.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I really liked it, especially the Shayna/Sane match.</p>

[milamber]

Kairi vs Shayna © - Good match but too short. I'm not convinced Shayna retaining was the right call. Interestingly, Kairi hasn't locked Shayna into her Anchor submission yet so hopefully that will be saved for a future match where Kairi wins the title back (HIAC match would be perfect). *** 3/4

Black vs Gargano - Great match. **** 3/4

Dream vs Ciampa © - Great match. **** 3/4

WarGames - Epic battle! **** 3/4

 

Verdict: Great as expected. Only negative was Shayna retaining but I trust NXT to turn it into an entertaining storyline.

[guyver3]

so what’s the point in doing the Raw vs Smackdown thing when Smackdown doesn’t win any of the matches. O wait apparently they won a match on the pre show cause we can’t have Smackdown looking good in anyway on the main show.

[Warhawk8492]

Just an all around awful show.

[Wrestling Century]

<p>I don't understand why they had RAW win every single match. They basically buried Smackdown, for no apparent reason. The only really good matches (that I saw anyways, I've been sick in bed so I kinda drifted off to sleep during the Rousey/Charlotte match) were the Cruiserweight Title match and the main event, but they weren't good enough to save the Pay Per View.</p><p> </p><p>

I would've been fine with RAW winning every match if the matches were at least competitive, but both 5 on 5 matches had RAW dominate and Smackdown not come close to winning.</p>

[BHK1978]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Wrestling Century" data-cite="Wrestling Century" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I don't understand why they had RAW win every single match. They basically buried Smackdown, for no apparent reason. The only really good matches (that I saw anyways, I've been sick in bed so I kinda drifted off to sleep during the Rousey/Charlotte match) were the Cruiserweight Title match and the main event, but they weren't good enough to save the Pay Per View.<p> </p><p> I would've been fine with RAW winning every match if the matches were at least competitive, but both 5 on 5 matches had RAW dominate and Smackdown not come close to winning.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Because RAW will always be the showcase show. Smackdown is the bastard child of the WWE. Sure they have talent on the show (I think there could be a very good case that Smackdown has the far better overall talent) but the show has always been viewed as the lesser show. I am not sure if it is because RAW has been around longer or what.</p><p> </p><p> It will be interesting to see if SD gets more attention when they move over to FOX. I mean it is network television, granted that does not mean as much as it used to but I still have to believe there is some prestige there.</p>

[milamber]

Survivor Series was weird. The singles matches were good to great. The tag matches were poorly booked clusters with just enough fun spots to make them watchable. Drake Maverick pee spot and Raw's "clean sweep" were awful.

[K-Nection]

<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>Because RAW will always be the showcase show. Smackdown is the bastard child of the WWE. Sure they have talent on the show (I think there could be a very good case that Smackdown has the far better overall talent) but the show has always been viewed as the lesser show. I am not sure if it is because RAW has been around longer or what.<p> </p><p> It will be interesting to see if SD gets more attention when they move over to FOX. I mean it is network television, granted that does not mean as much as it used to but I still have to believe there is some prestige there.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> If I was an executive at FOX and I seen I just signed a show where everyone of the talent just lost to the other show I would be asking myself why are we signing the B show up? I haven't watched the show I usually just read reviews nowadays but I can't comprehend from a business/booking perspective on why would you have one show clean sweep the other.</p>

[Rone Rivendale]

<p>If I had to guess I would say the clean sweep has something to do with the full blown heel turn that Shane is supposed to have soon. Maybe as soon as Tuesday. It's been teased ever since he won 'best in the world'.</p><p> </p><p>

The bright side is, there's a rumor Miz will turn face, and I'm happy about that.</p>