Developmental Discussion: Johnny Gargano
Looking back at Takeover last weekend we saw one of the best matches on the show headlined things with NXT World Championship match between Tomasso Ciampa & Gargano. I don't remember the last time I have seen such a visibly personal feud with so much tension between Gargano & Ciampa. After seeing how the match ended in Brooklyn I don't know that this feud will end just yet but we might be taking a little bit of a break from the feud for the time being; I am unsure of which when they are going next as the finish of the Last Man Standing match caught me way off guard.
However, that isn't the focus of this article it is more to think about if Johnny Gargano belongs on the main roster and has accomplished all he can do in NXT or should we let him wait longer. Some fans might point out that Gargano coming up the same night as Ciampa would be the perfect way to keep things going, but I think that them both coming up so close would be bad. Honestly in my opinion the company should split the former teams call ups as a way to separate them for a time and establish one before promoting the other. Basically the way they went with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn to have either Gargano or Ciampa establish their own identity on the main roster without the other involved. The only reason I chose "Johnny Wrestling" is because Ciampa is still the champion otherwise I would've selected Tomasso because of how good his heel work has been in recent months.
Overall though I think the time is approaching where both Gargano & Ciampa are going to need the call to the main roster, but I think Johnny's time will arrive first. Recently, I have been seeing some rumors about potential call ups and though I don't think Johnny will in fact be one of them it is clear though that after the year he has had the main roster is where he belongs. I know some fans may like to see his feud with Ciampa continue and have him spend more time down in Full Sail, but his time is coming and he will need to move up soon enough and I think it will before the end of 2018.
However, that isn't the focus of this article it is more to think about if Johnny Gargano belongs on the main roster and has accomplished all he can do in NXT or should we let him wait longer. Some fans might point out that Gargano coming up the same night as Ciampa would be the perfect way to keep things going, but I think that them both coming up so close would be bad. Honestly in my opinion the company should split the former teams call ups as a way to separate them for a time and establish one before promoting the other. Basically the way they went with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn to have either Gargano or Ciampa establish their own identity on the main roster without the other involved. The only reason I chose "Johnny Wrestling" is because Ciampa is still the champion otherwise I would've selected Tomasso because of how good his heel work has been in recent months.
Overall though I think the time is approaching where both Gargano & Ciampa are going to need the call to the main roster, but I think Johnny's time will arrive first. Recently, I have been seeing some rumors about potential call ups and though I don't think Johnny will in fact be one of them it is clear though that after the year he has had the main roster is where he belongs. I know some fans may like to see his feud with Ciampa continue and have him spend more time down in Full Sail, but his time is coming and he will need to move up soon enough and I think it will before the end of 2018.
Tomasso Ciampa vs Johnny Gargano: The Feud That Never Ends
For once an injury was a blessing in disguise as it allowed the WWE to hold off the meat of this feud for a little longer and we were able to see an incredible match between Andrade Almas & Gargano earlier in the year. However, I don't think anyone expected that Ciampa had this type of heel run in him because in my opinion he is the hottest heel in wrestling. I will save digging into Ciampa's current run at a later date and will instead focus on the feud that will come to a head this Saturday in Brooklyn. At first this match was going to be a little different with involvement of Allister Black, but now with Black out of the match and it once again one on one it is likely that the feud will end on Saturday.
Honestly I've been thinking about it and I don't remember the last time the WWE had invested this amount of time and development into a feud like they have. The amount of layers on this feud and the continued build for every match has felt extremely different from every feud not just within NXT, but also in WWE as it just seemed like every week they had a new way to push the feud that was unlike all the other ways they used for other feuds. I will be lucky enough to be in the crowd on Saturday for NXT and one of the matches I am looking for the most because Johnny & Ciampa have been doing the best work of their careers this year.
Overall looking at the card I am looking forward to seeing Ricochet, Velveteen Dream, and Mustache Mountain for the first time live. It will also be something different to see Undisputed Era in the WWE rather than in Ring of Honor like I have in the past with familiar faces fighting new talent. However, I don't think the WWE has ever been this close to wining various awards in one year and not only that but it mostly coming from one person, I think that the WWE could get the Wrestler, Match, and feud of the year just from Johnny Gargano. I have been watching Johnny & Ciampa for years and it is awesome to see them putting it all together.
Honestly I've been thinking about it and I don't remember the last time the WWE had invested this amount of time and development into a feud like they have. The amount of layers on this feud and the continued build for every match has felt extremely different from every feud not just within NXT, but also in WWE as it just seemed like every week they had a new way to push the feud that was unlike all the other ways they used for other feuds. I will be lucky enough to be in the crowd on Saturday for NXT and one of the matches I am looking for the most because Johnny & Ciampa have been doing the best work of their careers this year.
Overall looking at the card I am looking forward to seeing Ricochet, Velveteen Dream, and Mustache Mountain for the first time live. It will also be something different to see Undisputed Era in the WWE rather than in Ring of Honor like I have in the past with familiar faces fighting new talent. However, I don't think the WWE has ever been this close to wining various awards in one year and not only that but it mostly coming from one person, I think that the WWE could get the Wrestler, Match, and feud of the year just from Johnny Gargano. I have been watching Johnny & Ciampa for years and it is awesome to see them putting it all together.
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Developmental Discussion: A New Series
For the longest time I have been trying to figure out a way to get more attention on specific sections one of them being this section. This section has been very quite due to the lack of news and updates to provide for NXT without repeating ideas or articles that have been found on other sites. However, NXT isn't written about a lot due to the idea that there really isn't much to write about and be put over as different, because you can only see the same article so many times before you get tired of seeing it or have seen it too many times. It is for this reason that I have attempted to figured a series to set up for this section to raise the spotlight.
One thing that always has brought up a number of conversations is that fans always talk about who will be appearing next on the main roster from the developmental territory. Even though some might point to NXT as a more successful or even more popular at the moment then WWE brands that doesn't really change the fact that it is a developmental brand. This means that the brand is still a feeder system for the promotion and one of the main advantages that the WWE has over other companies because they have a number of incredible talent ready to give them fresh faces at a moments notice. Looking back to last year with the companies second round of call ups with Bobby Roode, Riot Squad, and Absolution joining the main roster you would have to expect that to happen again this year. This will be the focus of the series as I attempt to figure out who will be moving up to the main roster following Summerslam.
One thing that always has brought up a number of conversations is that fans always talk about who will be appearing next on the main roster from the developmental territory. Even though some might point to NXT as a more successful or even more popular at the moment then WWE brands that doesn't really change the fact that it is a developmental brand. This means that the brand is still a feeder system for the promotion and one of the main advantages that the WWE has over other companies because they have a number of incredible talent ready to give them fresh faces at a moments notice. Looking back to last year with the companies second round of call ups with Bobby Roode, Riot Squad, and Absolution joining the main roster you would have to expect that to happen again this year. This will be the focus of the series as I attempt to figure out who will be moving up to the main roster following Summerslam.
Match of the Week: Authors of Pain vs #DIY
This is the match that changed everything, the feud between these two teams was very executed and one of the few bright spots in the golden age of NXT. Now not many fans expected that #DIY would've lasted this long as many fans really thought that the team was going to split up after the Takeover: Brooklyn event the year before when they came up short against Blake & Murphy. It would be on this night when they shocked the wrestling world and split up Ciampa & Gargano to kick off the greatest feud the company has produced in many years. Even though at the start of the feud we were a little iffy due to the injury Ciampa suffered soon after, but nobody expected this feud would go the way it did. It is fun to see where this amazing feud kicked off.
NXT Takeover Chicago: Everything Comes to a Head
One year, one five star match, and a feud that is more intense then anything that has come through the door at the WWE in a very long time comes to a head again this Saturday night. The intensity that they have mounted on a weekly basis with this feud has been incredible with it getting better by the week. The one thing that has changed since their first meeting was the addition of Candice LeRae and how important she has been in the build up of this feud to the match. This build has been incredibly old school and slow but also different, because they didn't really build this feud the same way they do others which made it feel unlike any other feud going on right now.
Though this Saturday is not a one match show and matches like Allister Black vs Lars Sullivan, Ricochet vs Velveteen Dream, and many others have made this another stacked Takeover. But I don't about you there is only one match I definitely want to see and that is the Chicago Street Fight between these two bitter rivals. If the WWE was ever going to win the feud of the year, match of the year and other awards this will be the one feud that brings it all home. The one thing that I have to wonder is that if they tore down the house the first time in New Orleans what exactly do they have to prove this Saturday. No match has had this level of anticipation or intensity to it in an extremely long amount of time and I am very excited to see what they do in Chicago.
Though this Saturday is not a one match show and matches like Allister Black vs Lars Sullivan, Ricochet vs Velveteen Dream, and many others have made this another stacked Takeover. But I don't about you there is only one match I definitely want to see and that is the Chicago Street Fight between these two bitter rivals. If the WWE was ever going to win the feud of the year, match of the year and other awards this will be the one feud that brings it all home. The one thing that I have to wonder is that if they tore down the house the first time in New Orleans what exactly do they have to prove this Saturday. No match has had this level of anticipation or intensity to it in an extremely long amount of time and I am very excited to see what they do in Chicago.
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They Did It Again and It will Continue
The feud that never seems to end and only seems to intensify took another step forward tonight with Gargano returning to Full Sail and though it was against his wife's wishes he came for a fight. It is incredible how well they have been booking this feud and overall how well they been booking Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa since the start of the year. We have three more months until NXT Takeover: Brooklyn III when these two will collide once again, but the bar they set the first time in New Orleans is incredibly high. However, it is clear that if any talents could actually raise the bar even higher it is these two especially Gargano who has two five star matches to his name and we are five months into the year.
This has been an incredible year so far for Johnny Gargano and the hottest heel in wrestling name Ciampa. But this amazing to see how good they are and I think that keeping them down there will be the best thing for them and it isn't that they don't belong on the main roster its that they should milk their run as much as they can. Also based on how this feud has been booked especially with this turn and how shockingly it got even more personal it doesn't mean that it will end in Brooklyn. The one thing I will say is that I think this is the perfect time for us to just sit back and be fans as oppose to trying to think about what will happen which I think would be impossible to actually know what could.
This has been an incredible year so far for Johnny Gargano and the hottest heel in wrestling name Ciampa. But this amazing to see how good they are and I think that keeping them down there will be the best thing for them and it isn't that they don't belong on the main roster its that they should milk their run as much as they can. Also based on how this feud has been booked especially with this turn and how shockingly it got even more personal it doesn't mean that it will end in Brooklyn. The one thing I will say is that I think this is the perfect time for us to just sit back and be fans as oppose to trying to think about what will happen which I think would be impossible to actually know what could.
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Match of the Week: Kassius Ohno vs Tommaso Ciampa
This is the first time in a very long time that I have actually found my way to this section of the site and I think it's been a long time coming. But for anyone who missed the most recent episode of NXT these two men had a very hard hitting contest. It is hard to believe just how hated Ciampa is right now because ever since they made the move to Full Sail we have never really seen someone get this type of heat on themselves. Though this does have the underlying addition of being just another chapter of the Gargano/Ciampa classic. Before someone asks no I don't mean that Ohno is apart of the feud, but they do play it off as he is standing up for Johnny it is more for the post match segment this epic standoff continues.
UFC Star Training Performance Center
Back at the Royal Rumble we saw the highly anticipated debut of Rhonda Rousey the WWE. With the likely departure of Brock Lesnar coming after WrestleMania some fans are pointing to Rhonda as Brock's replacement, but with one difference Rhonda is suppose to be full time. Now there is no doubt that not only does Rhonda have a ton of pressure on her as far as how she does in her in ring debut, but also the fact that is it going to be at WrestleMania. Rhonda is under a ton pressure to also put her UFC career behind her as it didn't end the best and the quicker she can start erasing that the sooner she can prove why she is still a household name.
A little side note on the Rhonda situation though is that someone closer to her might be joining her in the WWE in the coming months based on rumors. According to recent reports Travis Browne aka Rhonda Rousey husband has been training at the Performance Center in recent months which has raised some questions. However, nothing at this point is known as far as if Travis has signed with the company or not and it is also unknown what his status within the UFC is at this point as well. I will say though that this might not look good for WWE due to him seeming like a UFC reject or them doing a favor for Rhonda signing her husband, but once again I think he should be given a chance. I do think though that if Travis does sign then he belongs in NXT with the possibility of coming to the main roster and shouldn't be placed right on the main roster due to him not having the same name value as Rhonda from the outset.
A little side note on the Rhonda situation though is that someone closer to her might be joining her in the WWE in the coming months based on rumors. According to recent reports Travis Browne aka Rhonda Rousey husband has been training at the Performance Center in recent months which has raised some questions. However, nothing at this point is known as far as if Travis has signed with the company or not and it is also unknown what his status within the UFC is at this point as well. I will say though that this might not look good for WWE due to him seeming like a UFC reject or them doing a favor for Rhonda signing her husband, but once again I think he should be given a chance. I do think though that if Travis does sign then he belongs in NXT with the possibility of coming to the main roster and shouldn't be placed right on the main roster due to him not having the same name value as Rhonda from the outset.
This Day in Wrestling History: The First NXT PPV
Over the years that WWE has had a developmental territory none of them have been anywhere near as successful as the current territory in NXT. It was little before the advent of NXT that we started to see the WWE's perception of the Independents and the talent at the time like Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose. However, it wasn't until Triple H took over the development of the future stars and created the aforementioned territory that things really started to change. Then everything would peak at this event featured below and it was the success of the this event that lead to the Takeover concept becoming a thing. This has also allowed us WWE fans to get to know stars like Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Sasha Banks, Bayley, and other prior to them debuting on the main roster.
Looking at this card it is interesting to see which stars would make it far and those who also didn't make it in the company and would leave the promotion. I also do remember the major feud that was happening at this time with Neville & Dallas as this was before names like Zayn, Owens, Balor, Nakamura, and others arrived in the company. Also during this time we saw just how good Bo Dallas could be and just how much the WWE is missing by keeping Dallas at the bottom of the card. But from what I remember this card was looked at as fantastically by the fans which makes the fans always look forward to the next NXT event.
Looking at this card it is interesting to see which stars would make it far and those who also didn't make it in the company and would leave the promotion. I also do remember the major feud that was happening at this time with Neville & Dallas as this was before names like Zayn, Owens, Balor, Nakamura, and others arrived in the company. Also during this time we saw just how good Bo Dallas could be and just how much the WWE is missing by keeping Dallas at the bottom of the card. But from what I remember this card was looked at as fantastically by the fans which makes the fans always look forward to the next NXT event.
NXT ArRival
Mason Ryan Def. (Pin) Sylvester Lefort
Cesaro Def. (Pin) Sami Zayn
Mojo Rawley Def. (Pin) C. J. Parker
Konnor (C) & Viktor (C) Def. (Pin) Grandmaster Sexay & Scotty 2 Hotty NXT Tag Team Titles
Paige (C) Def. (Sub) Emma NXT Women's Title
Xavier Woods Draw (NC) Tyler Breeze
Adrian Neville Def. Bo Dallas (C) Ladder NXT Championship (Title Change)
Mason Ryan Def. (Pin) Sylvester Lefort
Cesaro Def. (Pin) Sami Zayn
Mojo Rawley Def. (Pin) C. J. Parker
Konnor (C) & Viktor (C) Def. (Pin) Grandmaster Sexay & Scotty 2 Hotty NXT Tag Team Titles
Paige (C) Def. (Sub) Emma NXT Women's Title
Xavier Woods Draw (NC) Tyler Breeze
Adrian Neville Def. Bo Dallas (C) Ladder NXT Championship (Title Change)
Top 10 Wrestlers 2017: Adam Cole
Still in a way a newbie in NXT as he only showed up back in August following the conclusion of the World Title match at NXT Brooklyn: III with the group now known as Undisputed Era with Kyle O' Reilly & Bobby Fish appeared to attack Drew McIntyre. However, Adam Cole has established himself as one of wrestling top up an comers prior to arriving in NXT and not many names can say that they have been on WWE's radar as long as Cole has. As of last year, Adam is the only person in the history of Ring of Honor to hold the World Title on three occasions during his run which is testament to his ability and the amount that ROH believed in Adam's talent and in-ring skill. In one year Adam competed at Wrestle Kingdom, ROH's Anniversary Show, and NXT Takeover which is something special.
There is no doubt that the year 2017 was an incredible year for Adam Cole and put him in position to really be look at as a top performer for the year and a consistent reliable in-ring talent. Now with 2018 here and Adam looking like he will be adding the NXT World title to his long list of achievements at some point this year he is once again out to prove just how good he is, and even though he won't be in NXT long he will be champion. Overall, Adam has definitely earned his way into conversations of top wrestlers in the world & has lived up to his potential with still an untapped ceiling now with him apart of the WWE.
There is no doubt that the year 2017 was an incredible year for Adam Cole and put him in position to really be look at as a top performer for the year and a consistent reliable in-ring talent. Now with 2018 here and Adam looking like he will be adding the NXT World title to his long list of achievements at some point this year he is once again out to prove just how good he is, and even though he won't be in NXT long he will be champion. Overall, Adam has definitely earned his way into conversations of top wrestlers in the world & has lived up to his potential with still an untapped ceiling now with him apart of the WWE.
Incoming Rumors: Top Indy Stars Heading to WWE
Much like I mentioned in the last part of this series at the start of every year there are always a good number of talent that come onto the radar of WWE. At this point War Machine seem to be heading to WWE with Hanson saying goodbye to his home promotion earlier this weekend. But with recent news the team of Hanson & Rowe don't seem like the only names heading to the WWE in the early part of the new year with two major talents seemingly on their way to the company before the month is out. The first name could actually move right to the main roster even though I don't think she will or could appear in the Royal Rumble, but then head back to NXT. That's right a major female Indy star seem to be on their way to WWE and that talent is Candice LeRae who is actually married to NXT Star Johnny Gargano. Recently, Candice participated in a dark match prior to NXT & then news began to start coming up if she had signed with the dubs. Though at this point it doesn't seem like she has signed, but could be very soon.
Now switching gears we move to by far one of the top independent wrestling stars in the world and one name that really has seen his stock hit an all time high with the rise in interest of the Indy circuit. The man named Prince Puma in Lucha Underground has been the companies top draw since the company first start doing business. Ricochet has not only proven to be a leader for the new style of wrestling, but also someone who really knows how to get fans attention when he is in between those ropes. Both he and Candice will be major signings for the WWE when they are able to put their names on the dotted lines. I also think that having Ricochet in the WWE could help push the cruiserweight division to another level, because it is next to impossible for the man named Prince to not get over.
Update:
As of this weekend both Ricochet & Hanson seem to be done with their Indy dates which likely means that at least one or both of them will be on their way to the WWE. Now don't get me wrong I don't think either of these men will be anywhere close to the Royal Rumble as I don't know how far along they are in the process, but also either way I expect both men to end up down in NXT at least for now. Especially since Hanson has seemingly signed but no word on Raymond Rowe's contract status as of right now.
Now switching gears we move to by far one of the top independent wrestling stars in the world and one name that really has seen his stock hit an all time high with the rise in interest of the Indy circuit. The man named Prince Puma in Lucha Underground has been the companies top draw since the company first start doing business. Ricochet has not only proven to be a leader for the new style of wrestling, but also someone who really knows how to get fans attention when he is in between those ropes. Both he and Candice will be major signings for the WWE when they are able to put their names on the dotted lines. I also think that having Ricochet in the WWE could help push the cruiserweight division to another level, because it is next to impossible for the man named Prince to not get over.
Update:
As of this weekend both Ricochet & Hanson seem to be done with their Indy dates which likely means that at least one or both of them will be on their way to the WWE. Now don't get me wrong I don't think either of these men will be anywhere close to the Royal Rumble as I don't know how far along they are in the process, but also either way I expect both men to end up down in NXT at least for now. Especially since Hanson has seemingly signed but no word on Raymond Rowe's contract status as of right now.
Incoming Rumors: War Machine
At the start of every year random rumors begin to pop up for one or another dirt sheets talk about new possible signings for the WWE. Normally it is fair to say that rumors spark up around the Royal Rumble as to who could be in the match this time around. Also since the inception of NXT we have been starting to hear rumors about who could be arriving in the developmental territory this year. Recently lots of rumors have been coming up about new signings with all of them at this point seemingly done and waiting on the talent to come in.
The first new signing we will be focused on Hanson & Ray Rowe better known as War Machine. For those who may not have heard of War Machine they have been one of the main reasons that the tag team division on the indies has always been so deep. To make a comparison they are similar to the Headshrinkers but with more charisma & they do sell headbutts. Basically Rowe & Hanson are two big hoss guys that can fly like wrestlers half their size which makes War Machine a very special team.
The fact that they have won tag team gold in every company they go to including New Japan & ROH should prove just how special they are. With the NXT roster slowing being depleted as new talent come to the main roster they do need new talent to fill in the gaps. This will be a major signing for WWE & I would love to see War Machine collide with both Sanity and The Authors of Pain before arriving on the main roster.
The first new signing we will be focused on Hanson & Ray Rowe better known as War Machine. For those who may not have heard of War Machine they have been one of the main reasons that the tag team division on the indies has always been so deep. To make a comparison they are similar to the Headshrinkers but with more charisma & they do sell headbutts. Basically Rowe & Hanson are two big hoss guys that can fly like wrestlers half their size which makes War Machine a very special team.
The fact that they have won tag team gold in every company they go to including New Japan & ROH should prove just how special they are. With the NXT roster slowing being depleted as new talent come to the main roster they do need new talent to fill in the gaps. This will be a major signing for WWE & I would love to see War Machine collide with both Sanity and The Authors of Pain before arriving on the main roster.
Top 10 Wrestlers of 2017: #10 Wrestler
Aleister Black
Recently, I noticed that Sports Illustrated has put out a list of the best wrestlers in the world for the year and man has it started some conversations. With that being said I have decided to spread the list out across the site and pick the top wrestlers from around the world. Plus with the new year coming along I always try to pick something new to do and maybe this could become a yearly thing or something I do more often. Either way though it is something new and something that I really have wanted to do for a while.
The reason for me being in this section is my number ten selection for the list is current NXT star Aleister Black. At one point the man formerly known as Tommy End was one of the many talented competitors a part of the UK's Golden Age for talent. Tommy was one of the top stars in the Westside Xtreme Wrestling promotion in Germany winning every active title in the company during his time there. After signing with the WWE last June he has made quite an impact in a very short time with the company showing that the WWE has quite the high hopes for Mr. Black. Now the reason why I chose to include Aleister in this list is because firstly his potential and second since his real push began he has had a bad match.
Also I would think not using his match against Velveteen Dream at NXT Takeover: War Games to help his case would be a missed opportunity. These two up and comers proved that they can steal the show when given the chance and I think at some point next year both men will be on top in NXT especially if they can put together classics like they did at War Games. See even at 32 years old Aleister still has potential and still has a bright future ahead of himself in NXT and in the WWE. Even though other names were close to keeping Aleister off the list I decided that he belongs on here for more reasons than others do which is why I let him be number 10.
The reason for me being in this section is my number ten selection for the list is current NXT star Aleister Black. At one point the man formerly known as Tommy End was one of the many talented competitors a part of the UK's Golden Age for talent. Tommy was one of the top stars in the Westside Xtreme Wrestling promotion in Germany winning every active title in the company during his time there. After signing with the WWE last June he has made quite an impact in a very short time with the company showing that the WWE has quite the high hopes for Mr. Black. Now the reason why I chose to include Aleister in this list is because firstly his potential and second since his real push began he has had a bad match.
Also I would think not using his match against Velveteen Dream at NXT Takeover: War Games to help his case would be a missed opportunity. These two up and comers proved that they can steal the show when given the chance and I think at some point next year both men will be on top in NXT especially if they can put together classics like they did at War Games. See even at 32 years old Aleister still has potential and still has a bright future ahead of himself in NXT and in the WWE. Even though other names were close to keeping Aleister off the list I decided that he belongs on here for more reasons than others do which is why I let him be number 10.
Match of the Week: NXT Women's Championship Qualifying Battle Royal
I chose this match to highlight of all the possible matches due to the fact that it really spotlights the Women's division in the post Asuka NXT era. Though this doesn't highlight particular stars that may not have gotten the spotlight when Asuka was down there it still shows some names that didn't even get TV time. The Women's division at this point is in a period of transition and we shall see who will lead the women's division in NXT in the future.
This Day in Wrestling History: 9/26/17
As always wrestling gives us both great memories and memories we try and forget, but with the amount of moments worth remembering that have happened we are bound to forget some. The same could be said about some talent that were very much underrated during their career or never at the top of a company during a run this unfortunately makes it easier for fans to forget certain talent. I would like to wish a very big Happy Birthday to all who are celebrating their special day today and especially to the one featured below.
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Happy Birthday to Buddy Murphy who turns 29 years old
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Happy Birthday to Asuka who turns 36 years old
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Why the Mae Young Classic was a Success
Over the last month or so a very innovative tournament has been taking place down in Florida at the wrestling capital of the world at Full Sail University. There is no doubt that Full Sail has become a huge place for wrestling even if it is just for the WWE the company has either way made it a place for the hardcore fans to go and make things feel special. Moving into the tournament we had amazing moments from appearances by Rhonda Rousey to the incredible adjustment that Kairi Sane has made since her transition from Japan to the United States.
A few years ago the WWE basically made the women's division feel meaningless and even though some of the women in the division had a vast amount of talent it didn't matter because the WWE didn't care about the division & neither did the fans. Now I will say that since the beginning of NXT and Triple H really taking an active role in creative the role of women in WWE has vastly improved and we care. From Sasha Banks to Charlotte to Bayley to Peyton Royce and Billy Kay the women's division has bright future for years to come. But this tournament has given us an intriguing concept with Rhonda Rousey spending a lot of time around Full Sail due to Shayna Baszler advancing so far into the tournament.
Not to long ago this was something we never thought we'd see happen because most of us didn't expect the WWE's philosophy with booking women to change as much as it has. The real question now is though where do we go from here will we see some names from the tournament get signed and will Kairi Sane be bale to maintain her success in NXT following such an awesome effort in the tournament.
A few years ago the WWE basically made the women's division feel meaningless and even though some of the women in the division had a vast amount of talent it didn't matter because the WWE didn't care about the division & neither did the fans. Now I will say that since the beginning of NXT and Triple H really taking an active role in creative the role of women in WWE has vastly improved and we care. From Sasha Banks to Charlotte to Bayley to Peyton Royce and Billy Kay the women's division has bright future for years to come. But this tournament has given us an intriguing concept with Rhonda Rousey spending a lot of time around Full Sail due to Shayna Baszler advancing so far into the tournament.
Not to long ago this was something we never thought we'd see happen because most of us didn't expect the WWE's philosophy with booking women to change as much as it has. The real question now is though where do we go from here will we see some names from the tournament get signed and will Kairi Sane be bale to maintain her success in NXT following such an awesome effort in the tournament.
Mae Young Classic Finals
The Mae Young Classic finals have now come and gone and it was amazing. This tournament gave an indication of just how healthy the state of women's wrestling is in the world. Kairi has done amazing getting adjusted to the American wrestling since her arrival in NXT not long ago and this was a perfect way for Sane to find her footing in NXT. As for her opponent Shayna, man she has a tremendous amount of untapped potential and really could open the door for another member of the Four Horsewomen to make her way to WWE.
A few months ago Shayna had found her way onto the Indy Power Rankings and that is the first she got my attention and I am glad that I got an early taste of a member of the Four Horsewomen. I don't think that they could've chosen two better more talent woman to make to the finals of such a ground breaking tournament.
A few months ago Shayna had found her way onto the Indy Power Rankings and that is the first she got my attention and I am glad that I got an early taste of a member of the Four Horsewomen. I don't think that they could've chosen two better more talent woman to make to the finals of such a ground breaking tournament.
Mae Young Classic 3
The tournament has begun and is now in full swing with all the tremendous female competitors showing why they are among the best in the world. Also just a little shoot anyone who thinks that women in this tournament or in general are suppose to look a certain way to be a WWE competitor need to wake up and realize it isn't 1997 anymore and that women are credible members of the roster once again. This tournament can do wonders in helping add more depth to the weak WWE women's division and should be treated in the same light as the CWC was last year and not any different. Below are some videos of the action thus far in the tournament.
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This Day in Wrestling History: 8/31/17
Wrestling gives us both great memories and memories we try and forget, but with the amount of moments worth remembering that have happened we are bound to forget some. The same could be said about some talent that were very much underrated during their career or never at the top of a company during a run this unfortunately makes it easier for fans to forget certain talent. I would like to wish a very big Happy Birthday to all who are celebrating their special day today and especially to the one featured below.
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Happy Birthday to Ember Moon who turns 29 years old
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Happy Birthday to Mickie James who turns 38 years old
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Mae Young Classic: Part 2
Now at this point if I am being honest I had no idea that the Mae Young Classic has yet to begin or may have just started at this point. Honestly, I thought that the tournament began last month and would end this month similar to the CWC from last year, but I was so very wrong considering the tournament just began this week. Though I put over the tournament a lot last time I will put it over a little more this time, because it is almost surreal to see how much the WWE has invested in the women over the last few years.
With the tournament officially underway now we can look forward to the action that has really been kept almost completely under wraps for at least a month at this point which is exciting. The reason I chose to cover the tournament at this point is because of the simple reason that they have kept it under wraps and secretive to make people watch and see what happens rather than having everyone know what will happen before it does. I know that keeping things a secret in this age of wrestling where it is very hard for companies to keep things a secret.
Even though I am one of many people that visit the internet wrestling sites to find out all the spoilers and rumors that go on backstage. I don't mind spoilers, but I do prefer on the few occasions when a company can surprise me and goes the extra mile to keep something quite. I guess in some cases it just give us a breath of fresh air as to having to watch a tournament to actually find out what will happen instead of knowing everything that will happen ahead of time.
With the tournament officially underway now we can look forward to the action that has really been kept almost completely under wraps for at least a month at this point which is exciting. The reason I chose to cover the tournament at this point is because of the simple reason that they have kept it under wraps and secretive to make people watch and see what happens rather than having everyone know what will happen before it does. I know that keeping things a secret in this age of wrestling where it is very hard for companies to keep things a secret.
Even though I am one of many people that visit the internet wrestling sites to find out all the spoilers and rumors that go on backstage. I don't mind spoilers, but I do prefer on the few occasions when a company can surprise me and goes the extra mile to keep something quite. I guess in some cases it just give us a breath of fresh air as to having to watch a tournament to actually find out what will happen instead of knowing everything that will happen ahead of time.
Mae Young Classic: Part 1
Putting into words your thoughts on a tournament that you really don't know much about is very tough to do, but I am going to try and provide my thoughts on this one of a kind tournament. A few weeks ago the tournament kicked off with all the top in the wrestling world coming together in Full Sail for a tournament to crown the best. You can see over the last few weeks that the company has taking a liking to some women more than others, but it all is very similar to the CWC last year. With names like Tess Blanchard, Candice LaRae, Mia Yim, and a number of others are putting on display just how much talent is available on the Indies just within the ranks of women's wrestling.
At first I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to talk about, but the fact is it crazy to me to see just how far women's wrestling has come in the last few years. Everyone knows that this business is ever changing and it amazing to see that women are getting the opportunity they deserve. Now there was a time when I thought that woman were meant to be nothing more than filler for the show, but I am so glad to say that I was so wrong and ashamed that I ever thought that. These ladies down Full Sail are proving that wrestling may not be in another golden age, but Women's Wrestling might be!!
At first I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to talk about, but the fact is it crazy to me to see just how far women's wrestling has come in the last few years. Everyone knows that this business is ever changing and it amazing to see that women are getting the opportunity they deserve. Now there was a time when I thought that woman were meant to be nothing more than filler for the show, but I am so glad to say that I was so wrong and ashamed that I ever thought that. These ladies down Full Sail are proving that wrestling may not be in another golden age, but Women's Wrestling might be!!
Match of the Week: Samoa Joe vs Finn Balor
This is one of those feuds that you really questioned how it was being booked when it was going on, but now looking back you can see how good it was. This is one of those feuds that put on display just how good Samoa Joe's NXT run was and just how much of a great track that Joe has been on since he debuted in NXT. Now this match wasn't extremely good from what I remember but it wasn't terrible and it is one of those matches that is worth looking back at.
So Far Back Sunday: WWE Dropping Criteria for Talent
Though many people believed that for a long time that WWE only looked for a certain look or build for a wrestler or diva. For years it seemed like WWE only signed talent that qualified as models or bodybuilders much like a certain NXT diva or Chris Masters.
At this point WWE is looking for various new faces to tour with NXT next year and though Vince has always been against signing talent from ROH & TNA for the Main Roster. The reason for this hatred is because Vince doesn't like signing talent that has had exposure on National TV previous. Though that idea seems dumb that all has to do with wanting to make his own talent from the ground up with nobody helping him.
However, this reason they'd fit in NXT is because Vince doesn't mind setting those talents much like Samoa Joe & James Storm to NXT. The reason being is that work rate matters a tremendous amount more in NXT then on the main roster these days. The question is who will be chosen to come into NXT next year?
At this point WWE is looking for various new faces to tour with NXT next year and though Vince has always been against signing talent from ROH & TNA for the Main Roster. The reason for this hatred is because Vince doesn't like signing talent that has had exposure on National TV previous. Though that idea seems dumb that all has to do with wanting to make his own talent from the ground up with nobody helping him.
However, this reason they'd fit in NXT is because Vince doesn't mind setting those talents much like Samoa Joe & James Storm to NXT. The reason being is that work rate matters a tremendous amount more in NXT then on the main roster these days. The question is who will be chosen to come into NXT next year?
Two Former TNA Stars Signed with NXT
The one thing that is very common with NXT or any developmental territories is that they build new stars for the main roster, but new talent is always needed for the territory. But with NXT being on the road the need has become that the brand needed some fresh faces and known talent to help build the fan base even more. Over the years numerous former ROH & TNA stars came into the company like Eric Young, Austin Aries, Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode, and numerous other names. Recently, NXT has seen a large number of talent move onto the main roster since the brand split last year and that has forced the WWE to keep a pulse on the top Indy stars and talent in other companies.
At one point a number of fresh faces come through the door of the company and recently two former TNA stars made their debuts for NXT. Currently known as Chad Lail and Zolita Vega the former stars have known brought their talents to NXT. In TNA they were known as Gunner and Rosita respectively and both former Television and Knockouts Tag Team Champions respectively while working for the company.
At one point a number of fresh faces come through the door of the company and recently two former TNA stars made their debuts for NXT. Currently known as Chad Lail and Zolita Vega the former stars have known brought their talents to NXT. In TNA they were known as Gunner and Rosita respectively and both former Television and Knockouts Tag Team Champions respectively while working for the company.
Looking at the Women's divisions in the WWE currently and even though the division has been plagued by weak booking depth has been an issue for the division since the split. Now with a known talent like Thea Trinidad joining the brand it will not only help the depth for NXT, but also eventually could help the WWE women's division. Then back when Gunner worked in TNA I was a big fan and thought that he could eventually be a top star for the company as I thought he had a grand amount of potential. However, the company wouldn't invest in Gunner as much as I thought they could have and even though at this point I don't think that Gunner still has the potential that he once did.
Either way though I am very excited to see both Zolita and Chad or Gunner & Rosita in NXT as I believe that they could help improve the depth of the brand and overall name value of the brand. I do know that they don't have the same name they did prior, but it is easy to recognize Gunner especially which allows the fans to think they have seen them before.
Either way though I am very excited to see both Zolita and Chad or Gunner & Rosita in NXT as I believe that they could help improve the depth of the brand and overall name value of the brand. I do know that they don't have the same name they did prior, but it is easy to recognize Gunner especially which allows the fans to think they have seen them before.
Update on Taijri's WWE Run
Last summer, the talk of wrestling was the announcement of the "Cruiserweight Classic" tournament which involved a large number of talent lightweights came to Full Sail for one of the best tournaments in recent memory. Many big names like Brian Kendrick, TJ Perkins, Tozawa, Cedric Alexander, and various others including the legend known as Taijri also returned to the company for the tournament. Following the tournament numerous names would remain with the company as a part of the returning cruiserweight division and then they would not only join Raw, but were given their own show following their debut on the main roster in September.
One of those names that would come to the division was the veteran Taijri and immediately he jumped into a feud with Brian Kendrick. Unfortunately, very early in his run Taijri sustained an injury to his knee and would end missing an extended period of time and this injury changed the perception that Taijri had among management and someone thought that at his age working for the WWE would be too taxing on his body and decided to let him go. At this point, Taijri has decided to return to his native Japan and even though his run with the WWE was short it was great seeing him back in the company one more time.
One of those names that would come to the division was the veteran Taijri and immediately he jumped into a feud with Brian Kendrick. Unfortunately, very early in his run Taijri sustained an injury to his knee and would end missing an extended period of time and this injury changed the perception that Taijri had among management and someone thought that at his age working for the WWE would be too taxing on his body and decided to let him go. At this point, Taijri has decided to return to his native Japan and even though his run with the WWE was short it was great seeing him back in the company one more time.
Match of the Week: Sami Zayn vs Alex Riley
For the first time in a while we are looking back at a match from the developmental roster and it is an old school match as both competitors aren't apart of the brand anymore at this point. This match in my book was from NXT's peak as a brand as this was before the call-up of Sasha Banks, Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Sami, and a variety of others. Ask for Alex Riley he would remain with NXT for another year before being let go following WrestleMania last year after Spring Cleaning.
Former TNA Star Heading to WWE
According to reports former TNA star and Television champion Phil Shatter mostly remembered as Gunner in TNA Wrestling. Following the brand split the WWE kept their eyes open for talent to sign and improve the depth on the roster. The WWE has been paying attention to one name in particular as Gunner has been on the companies radar for a long time with rumors of his arrival. Though Gunner hasn't been a part of TNA in two years he did have a good run with the company from 2010-2015.
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Currently it is expected that Gunner will be taking a WWE physical soon and if he passes he will then start with the NXT brand soon after. Honestly, at this point I feel like it's been a wide enough gap that most fans don't remember Gunner from his time in TNA, but I always thought that he had potential and could have been World Champion in the company.
At this point the NXT brand is in transition after an excess of call ups since the draft last July with a lot of the long time names coming up to the main roster like Tye Dillinger, The Revival, Shinsuke Nakamura, and various others. Overall I do think that Gunner will be a big help for the brand cause he is still a name as he is very recognizable. I do think that this could be the start of a lot of new names heading to NXT and bringing the depth of the roster back up together and I also think that the names will include more former ROH and TNA talent heading to the company in the coming months.
At this point the NXT brand is in transition after an excess of call ups since the draft last July with a lot of the long time names coming up to the main roster like Tye Dillinger, The Revival, Shinsuke Nakamura, and various others. Overall I do think that Gunner will be a big help for the brand cause he is still a name as he is very recognizable. I do think that this could be the start of a lot of new names heading to NXT and bringing the depth of the roster back up together and I also think that the names will include more former ROH and TNA talent heading to the company in the coming months.
So Far Back Sunday: Signing Praised by Legend
Most wrestling fans make excuses why talent they don't like is getting a push and it's always any reason other then actual talent. Most of the time in that case it doesn't allow the fans to even given the talent a chance if they believe they achieved their success through less then "honorable" means.
Before I continue step this guy up for failure let me get to the point and I do have one, my point is that in wrestling matters more what talent the wrestler has and not who brought them to the dance, because ultimately they had to impress someone. Jerome Turner who recently signed a contract with the WWE had a big supporter in getting the deal done and his supporter is The Rock. As the story goes Turner was discovered by Pablo Marquez and Rocky Johnson which explains the connection to The Rock. In terms of background he has a big background in boxing and is being referred to as someone who could be "the next Big Show."
See what I mean some of you would just jump all over this and portray it as something bad even though its not like there are plans to put him directly on the Main roster or anything. Because having The Rock on his side could be both a blessing and detriment for a new signing especially one who is sort of green.
Before I continue step this guy up for failure let me get to the point and I do have one, my point is that in wrestling matters more what talent the wrestler has and not who brought them to the dance, because ultimately they had to impress someone. Jerome Turner who recently signed a contract with the WWE had a big supporter in getting the deal done and his supporter is The Rock. As the story goes Turner was discovered by Pablo Marquez and Rocky Johnson which explains the connection to The Rock. In terms of background he has a big background in boxing and is being referred to as someone who could be "the next Big Show."
See what I mean some of you would just jump all over this and portray it as something bad even though its not like there are plans to put him directly on the Main roster or anything. Because having The Rock on his side could be both a blessing and detriment for a new signing especially one who is sort of green.
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NXT: Should We Be Worried?
In recent months we have been witnessing a transition period for NXT as most of the talent that had become seminomas with the brand for the last year or two. Since the first draft back in July of last year we have seen the NXT roster become immensely depleted of talent with everyone from Finn Balor to Samoa Joe to American Alpha to Alexa Bliss and other joining the Main Roster. The first point I wanted to make is that some fans forget that NXT is in fact the most successful developmental territory in the history of the WWE, but either way it is a developmental territory. Now looking at the NXT roster we have names like The Authors of Pain and Bobby Roode on top of the card and leading the charge at this point, and that will be how things are for the time being.
Even though the brand is in a period of rebuild we will still be getting the typical 5 star match that we always get every Takeover, but the name recognition may not be there. Currently they are rebuilding the roster of NXT from scratch pretty much and are looking for help anyway they can and that started this weekend with the NXT debut of Drew McIntyre. It's a pleasant sight to see Drew back in the WWE after his short time away from the company. The WWE has done a great using veterans like Eric Young, Bobby Roode, James Storm, Samoa Joe, and now Drew McIntyre is added to the long list of talent to be brought into NXT as a way to help the young stars gain a bit of credibility.
One way or another, this was bound to happen eventually as NXT is a developmental brand and was designed to help build the superstars of tomorrow like Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Sasha Banks, Charlotte, Sami Zayn, Seth Rollins, and a long list of others. We don't need to worry about the future of NXT, because the WWE will always be the business of making new stars trying to find the "Next Big Thing."
Even though the brand is in a period of rebuild we will still be getting the typical 5 star match that we always get every Takeover, but the name recognition may not be there. Currently they are rebuilding the roster of NXT from scratch pretty much and are looking for help anyway they can and that started this weekend with the NXT debut of Drew McIntyre. It's a pleasant sight to see Drew back in the WWE after his short time away from the company. The WWE has done a great using veterans like Eric Young, Bobby Roode, James Storm, Samoa Joe, and now Drew McIntyre is added to the long list of talent to be brought into NXT as a way to help the young stars gain a bit of credibility.
One way or another, this was bound to happen eventually as NXT is a developmental brand and was designed to help build the superstars of tomorrow like Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Sasha Banks, Charlotte, Sami Zayn, Seth Rollins, and a long list of others. We don't need to worry about the future of NXT, because the WWE will always be the business of making new stars trying to find the "Next Big Thing."
A Rumored Call-Up
As is always the case for this time of year rumors have been running rampant about who could be joining the Main Roster from NXT following Wrestlemania on April 2nd. One those rumors plays into some original plans the WWE had for an NXT superstar before the wrestler got injured last year and this one is a shocker. Apparently as of this writing, the man known as "The Drifter" could be one of the many names set to make his main roster debut following Wrestlemania. This means that Elias Samson could be moving onto either Raw or Smackdown which is a little dumbfounding in my opinion.
Now there is no doubt that someone in the WWE is a big fan of Samson who I once called a cross between James Storm & Damien Sandow, and I have to say that I am fan of him being different then everyone with his gimmick. However, I don't think the timing is right for him to come up to the main roster as I believe it'd be too soon. The last time that the WWE brought someone up too soon it was Apollo Crews who debuted following last years Mania and look at where he is now. It is possible that the WWE could have a plan for Samson when he makes his main roster debut, but the question is why bring him up so fast before he even had the opportunity to face any top talent in NXT. I guess we will just have to wait and find out the answer.
Now there is no doubt that someone in the WWE is a big fan of Samson who I once called a cross between James Storm & Damien Sandow, and I have to say that I am fan of him being different then everyone with his gimmick. However, I don't think the timing is right for him to come up to the main roster as I believe it'd be too soon. The last time that the WWE brought someone up too soon it was Apollo Crews who debuted following last years Mania and look at where he is now. It is possible that the WWE could have a plan for Samson when he makes his main roster debut, but the question is why bring him up so fast before he even had the opportunity to face any top talent in NXT. I guess we will just have to wait and find out the answer.
So Far Back Sunday: Tough Enough Final Thoughts
As everyone is aware about two months ago the WWE officially re-launch the once popular "reality show" Tough Enough which followed 13 hopeful contestants on their path to becoming the next WWE superstars and divas. I have mentioned in other posts in this section of the site that I was a big fan of Tough Enough and that this series was my favorite show produced by WWE. However, that was before this season happened because everything including my opinion of the show has changed due to how bad this season has been. Let me just put it this way if something is your favorite show would you willingly miss it three weeks straight or would you at least try to watch it. See for the last three weeks I haven't seen Tough Enough, but then tonight I decided to give it another try.
Boy was that a mistake, if you followed my "commentary" on twitter then you would know that I wasn't speaking very highly of anyone in competition and the show in general. Well I take that back I did praise both GiGi and Tanner after their match on the show which was a part of this weeks challenge. Fact is the two of them and Josh were the bright spots of the show for me. There is no doubt that if GiGi messed up by being a heel instead good guy for her match then yeah that's bad, but grounds for elimination Nope!! (someone will know what I am referencing right here)
The low point of the show for me was when ZZ and Sara board line lied on camera when they said that they didn't depend on the popular vote. Bull*** you don't depend popular vote if it wasn't for the fan vote both ZZ and Sara wouldn't be in the competition right now and people who actually deserve to have made it this far would have been here instead. That is why I think it was mistake to allow the fans to have say in who stays and who goes in the competition, because at this point this show has become a Popularity Contest rather then a search for the next WWE superstar & diva which means this show has been a waste.
The problem is they believed that they needed to change the show to get interest, well I hate to you but the concept wasn't they that was broken. How about the fact that in Six Season of the show not one Winner has accomplished anything in the WWE. I mean just take Season 5 winner Andy Levine who was actually from NXT. Andy won the competition then went back to NXT and was never seen again. Why? because he got release less then a year after he won the show. Why? Bother doing the show if you have not intention of keeping the winner/s and if you have NO!!! Plans for the winner after the show ends. So it wasn't the concept that needed tweaking it was this idea that WWE never "pushes" the winners of Tough Enough they rarely end up accomplishing anything or even staying with the company for a long period of time.
Author's Note:
The problem with this show is at this point the damage has been done and it is time to cut ties and run far away from the show idea in general. The host brings nothing to the show and the judges just over complicate things and make the show all the less real. Fact is this why the fans shouldn't have a say, because they make everything a popularity contest and this isn't a popularity contest it is suppose to be a competition to find the next WWE superstar and diva and I think they are doing the opposite; they are instead finding the next flop and failure in the WWE. I was a fan of this show because it gave "opportunity" and to see the joke the show has become is a damn shame and very unfortunate for everyone. Because whoevers wins the show would have won a meaningless competition.
Boy was that a mistake, if you followed my "commentary" on twitter then you would know that I wasn't speaking very highly of anyone in competition and the show in general. Well I take that back I did praise both GiGi and Tanner after their match on the show which was a part of this weeks challenge. Fact is the two of them and Josh were the bright spots of the show for me. There is no doubt that if GiGi messed up by being a heel instead good guy for her match then yeah that's bad, but grounds for elimination Nope!! (someone will know what I am referencing right here)
The low point of the show for me was when ZZ and Sara board line lied on camera when they said that they didn't depend on the popular vote. Bull*** you don't depend popular vote if it wasn't for the fan vote both ZZ and Sara wouldn't be in the competition right now and people who actually deserve to have made it this far would have been here instead. That is why I think it was mistake to allow the fans to have say in who stays and who goes in the competition, because at this point this show has become a Popularity Contest rather then a search for the next WWE superstar & diva which means this show has been a waste.
The problem is they believed that they needed to change the show to get interest, well I hate to you but the concept wasn't they that was broken. How about the fact that in Six Season of the show not one Winner has accomplished anything in the WWE. I mean just take Season 5 winner Andy Levine who was actually from NXT. Andy won the competition then went back to NXT and was never seen again. Why? because he got release less then a year after he won the show. Why? Bother doing the show if you have not intention of keeping the winner/s and if you have NO!!! Plans for the winner after the show ends. So it wasn't the concept that needed tweaking it was this idea that WWE never "pushes" the winners of Tough Enough they rarely end up accomplishing anything or even staying with the company for a long period of time.
Author's Note:
The problem with this show is at this point the damage has been done and it is time to cut ties and run far away from the show idea in general. The host brings nothing to the show and the judges just over complicate things and make the show all the less real. Fact is this why the fans shouldn't have a say, because they make everything a popularity contest and this isn't a popularity contest it is suppose to be a competition to find the next WWE superstar and diva and I think they are doing the opposite; they are instead finding the next flop and failure in the WWE. I was a fan of this show because it gave "opportunity" and to see the joke the show has become is a damn shame and very unfortunate for everyone. Because whoevers wins the show would have won a meaningless competition.
This Day in Wrestling History: We Have Arrived
Trying something new today with the title of this post and also mixing things up from the normal This Day in Wrestling History's because one special show took place on this day three years ago. It is extremely difficult to find a song that can relate to pro-wrestling in most cases, but not in this case because the song "Look How Far We've Come" definitely related to NXT, because today is the three year anniversary of the first major NXT event.
In late 2012 the concept was formed out of a failed third brand and it replaced the long time developmental known as Florida Championship Wrestling. The fall of 2012, may have seen the birth of NXT and the Performance Center but it was on February 27, 2014 that NXT and Full Sail University were put on the map thanks to NXT Arrival. Over the course of the last three years we have grown accustomed to NXT Takeover events happening roughly three to four times a year. This event live from Full Sail University was the one that started it all from Sami vs Cesaro at the start to Neville vs Bo Dallas in the Main Event this show gave everyone a taste of what NXT was going to be, but I don't think anyone could have predicted it was going to be half as successful as it's been. Below is the card from memorable night at Full Sail:
In late 2012 the concept was formed out of a failed third brand and it replaced the long time developmental known as Florida Championship Wrestling. The fall of 2012, may have seen the birth of NXT and the Performance Center but it was on February 27, 2014 that NXT and Full Sail University were put on the map thanks to NXT Arrival. Over the course of the last three years we have grown accustomed to NXT Takeover events happening roughly three to four times a year. This event live from Full Sail University was the one that started it all from Sami vs Cesaro at the start to Neville vs Bo Dallas in the Main Event this show gave everyone a taste of what NXT was going to be, but I don't think anyone could have predicted it was going to be half as successful as it's been. Below is the card from memorable night at Full Sail:
NXT Arrival:
Mason Ryan Def. (Pin) Sylvester Lefort Dark Match
Cesaro Def. (Pin) Sami Zayn
Mojo Rawley Def. (Pin) C. J. Parker
Konnor (C) & Viktor (C) Def. (Pin) Grandmaster Sexay & Scotty 2 Hotty NXT Tag Team Titles
Paige (C) Def. (Sub) Emma NXT Women's Title
Xavier Woods Draw (NC) Tyler Breeze
Adrian Neville Def. Bo Dallas (C) Ladder Match for the NXT Championship
(Title Change)
Mason Ryan Def. (Pin) Sylvester Lefort Dark Match
Cesaro Def. (Pin) Sami Zayn
Mojo Rawley Def. (Pin) C. J. Parker
Konnor (C) & Viktor (C) Def. (Pin) Grandmaster Sexay & Scotty 2 Hotty NXT Tag Team Titles
Paige (C) Def. (Sub) Emma NXT Women's Title
Xavier Woods Draw (NC) Tyler Breeze
Adrian Neville Def. Bo Dallas (C) Ladder Match for the NXT Championship
(Title Change)
Random Wrestling Video of the Day
It's not always talked about, but it is very rare that the entire career of a talent is traced or talked about on TV especially if you work for the WWE. The formerly named "Samoan Submission Machine" was once an up and coming Indy wrestling performer for both Ring of Honor and Ultimate Pro-Wrestling then he would become a household name for TNA Wrestling. While in TNA the Submission machine would hold practically every championship in TNA including the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
When Samoa Joe left his long time in TNA Wrestling and then would make an unexpected debut in NXT. On the Road to WrestleMania we have seen the debut of Samoa Joe on the main roster by the side of "The Game" as his hired gun. This is truly the best way to bring things full circle for the "Samoan Submission Machine" as he has worked his but off for his entire career and this is where he came from.
When Samoa Joe left his long time in TNA Wrestling and then would make an unexpected debut in NXT. On the Road to WrestleMania we have seen the debut of Samoa Joe on the main roster by the side of "The Game" as his hired gun. This is truly the best way to bring things full circle for the "Samoan Submission Machine" as he has worked his but off for his entire career and this is where he came from.
Graves to Leave NXT
At the latest edition of the NXT Takeover from San Antonio the announcement was made that Corey Graves would be officially moving from NXT onto the Main Roster full time. Now this wasn't surprising because I felt like it had to becoming soon as Corey's workload was too much with him working on Raw and NXT every week, and then on both the Raw and NXT's PPV broadcast every month. I also think that having him on pretty much every show made him feel overexposed and lacking something.
Recently the WWE has signed various announcers including Corey's actual NXT replacement Nigel McGuinness who debuted with the WWE a part of the UK Championship Tournament. Basically the idea is that Corey was on 5 hours of television a week and then 8 hours of television a week when they air a PPV. With all the recent signings being announcers it'd make sense that they would pull back on the overexposure of Corey and replace him with one of the new announcers.
Thank you Corey for your time in NXT but much like so many wrestlers and announcers it was time for him to move on and join the main roster effectively leaving NXT and developmental behind him for the bright future of being on the Main Roster and in particular the "main attraction" even though Smackdown is better.
Recently the WWE has signed various announcers including Corey's actual NXT replacement Nigel McGuinness who debuted with the WWE a part of the UK Championship Tournament. Basically the idea is that Corey was on 5 hours of television a week and then 8 hours of television a week when they air a PPV. With all the recent signings being announcers it'd make sense that they would pull back on the overexposure of Corey and replace him with one of the new announcers.
Thank you Corey for your time in NXT but much like so many wrestlers and announcers it was time for him to move on and join the main roster effectively leaving NXT and developmental behind him for the bright future of being on the Main Roster and in particular the "main attraction" even though Smackdown is better.
NXT Takeover: San Antonio Review
It has been a very long time since I decided to make an addition to this section of the site due to the infrequency of news worthy stuff to post. Right now the brand of NXT is in a transitional period with so many of there known stars getting the call to the main roster like Alex Bliss, Carmella, Apollo Crews, and others on the brand leaving NXT the weakest it's been in a long time or even the weakest the brand has ever been. But in my book this show absolutely defied the expectations set for it especially matches like the ones for the Roderick Strong and Andres match as well as the Shinsuke vs Bobby Roode match.
Also with this Takeover in the books, I think it's fair to say that NXT as a brand maybe entering not just a period of transition, but just a period that the brand has never gone through before because I think it is getting to the point that they will have to start building from bottom up with the talent again like they were when they first began.
Also with this Takeover in the books, I think it's fair to say that NXT as a brand maybe entering not just a period of transition, but just a period that the brand has never gone through before because I think it is getting to the point that they will have to start building from bottom up with the talent again like they were when they first began.
New Class for the Performance Center
In what has become a yearly tradition for WWE the newest "rookies" have been brought to the Performance Center as the next class of talent to make their way to NXT TV in the future. In the past talent like Kevin Owens, Apollo Crews, Bayley, TM61, and a variety of others have been a part of a performance center class. However, thus I think that this class for the performance center is by the most talented class yet with more known talent than any other before them. Though the class consists of about 8-10 names I will only be focusing on just two of those names in particular.
Recently the United Kingdom has been producing the most talented International stars in the world and I firmly believe that wrestling in the UK is going through a golden age right now with all of the talent in the region. Now though they have one less extremely talented roster member and that is Tommy End. This is because Tommy has officially begun to work for the WWE and is a part of this Performance center class. Though some may chose to not include Tommy on the same level as other UK stars I do believe he is not just up there but is among the top of the list as a wrestler. Tommy made his first appearance with the WWE at a recent NXT house show which mean could mean he could be on TV by next year since he is on house shows already.
The other name I wanted to speak on is Roderick Strong aka Austin Aries partner in the Dusty Rhodes. Strong had become the recent veteran to sign with NXT this being after his nearly 10 years in ROH came to an end earlier this year. During his career Roddy has called both TNA and ROH home and is a former triple crown champion with ROH as he would become one of their top stars in recent years. This is a great pick-up by WWE due to the fact that Strong had been in such a major position in a company like ROH. If Roddy can halfway duplicate the work ethic he had at the end of his ROH run in the WWE then Strong will have a great career with Vince.
By far the best thing about this class is that numerous "newbies" are able to go right to TV and don't need much if any seasoning before they make their debut on TV.
The other names in this class include:
Victoria Gonzalez
Big Damo
Demitrius Bronson
Sarah Bridges (Mary Dobson) +
Recently the United Kingdom has been producing the most talented International stars in the world and I firmly believe that wrestling in the UK is going through a golden age right now with all of the talent in the region. Now though they have one less extremely talented roster member and that is Tommy End. This is because Tommy has officially begun to work for the WWE and is a part of this Performance center class. Though some may chose to not include Tommy on the same level as other UK stars I do believe he is not just up there but is among the top of the list as a wrestler. Tommy made his first appearance with the WWE at a recent NXT house show which mean could mean he could be on TV by next year since he is on house shows already.
The other name I wanted to speak on is Roderick Strong aka Austin Aries partner in the Dusty Rhodes. Strong had become the recent veteran to sign with NXT this being after his nearly 10 years in ROH came to an end earlier this year. During his career Roddy has called both TNA and ROH home and is a former triple crown champion with ROH as he would become one of their top stars in recent years. This is a great pick-up by WWE due to the fact that Strong had been in such a major position in a company like ROH. If Roddy can halfway duplicate the work ethic he had at the end of his ROH run in the WWE then Strong will have a great career with Vince.
By far the best thing about this class is that numerous "newbies" are able to go right to TV and don't need much if any seasoning before they make their debut on TV.
The other names in this class include:
Victoria Gonzalez
Big Damo
Demitrius Bronson
Sarah Bridges (Mary Dobson) +
Match of the Week: NXT Spotlight for this Week
With the gap of posts between the NXT posts on this section of the site I really feel like there are certain places on the site that have been really lacking and need a little bit of a boost. I am mixing things up with this Match of the week as I found two matches worth posting. The last couple of years a particular week in August has become a big wrestling weekend with both NXT Takeover and WWE Summerslam taking place on the same weekend. So now I picked a match from NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 2 to share with you now:
Happy Birthday "Dream"
It was last year when the wrestling world was turned upside down with the passing of two all time greats. But there was one that hit the folks at NXT a little harder, because from the start of this brand there was one driving force every step of the way. That driving force was The "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes who helped develop numerous names on the roster and also handled promo class for the developmental territory. Dusty's passing left such a whole in NXT that last year they came up with the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic as a way to keep Dusty's presence a live and well even though he may not have been there directly.
In many cases we hear about how Triple H is a student of the game and is always surrounding himself with people that would help him learn. Dusty had a track record that spoke for itself as he was taught by one of the greatest in Eddie Graham in Florida and stabilized the unstable booking in Jim Crockett's territory. Also throw the WCW, TNA, and NXT in there as well as coming up with countless gimmicks and helping numerous talent live their dreams. That is why Dusty's memory is kept alive by those who knew, because his influence runs so deep in modern wrestling.
This isn't the day that we sadly remember a memory, but is the day that we remember and celebrate the legendary memory of one of the greatest Icons in history of professional wrestling. Today we celebrate the memory of the "Dream" and praise the career he had and admire the life he lead. For me I idolized the "Dream" and knew that if I could not take his booking style, but his lifestyle teaching then maybe I could be a better person, I still believe that to this day. Thank you Dusty for the memories and I wish you very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
In many cases we hear about how Triple H is a student of the game and is always surrounding himself with people that would help him learn. Dusty had a track record that spoke for itself as he was taught by one of the greatest in Eddie Graham in Florida and stabilized the unstable booking in Jim Crockett's territory. Also throw the WCW, TNA, and NXT in there as well as coming up with countless gimmicks and helping numerous talent live their dreams. That is why Dusty's memory is kept alive by those who knew, because his influence runs so deep in modern wrestling.
This isn't the day that we sadly remember a memory, but is the day that we remember and celebrate the legendary memory of one of the greatest Icons in history of professional wrestling. Today we celebrate the memory of the "Dream" and praise the career he had and admire the life he lead. For me I idolized the "Dream" and knew that if I could not take his booking style, but his lifestyle teaching then maybe I could be a better person, I still believe that to this day. Thank you Dusty for the memories and I wish you very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
So Far Back Sunday: Don't Forget the Drifter
Strange topic for a post like this I know, but would you expect someone to write about him without him actually doing something. That's why I am doing it because your not expecting it. This story has been told many times thus far in NXT with so many talents in a very short time. They start at the bottom and work their way up the card and get noticed by the fans and management as sort of a new face.
Following his repackaging as the "Drifter" many of us thought that this would be the start of his push and though it might be right now it's to early to really tell what Elias will be in the future. My early opinion of him is that he has the look of Damien Sandow and seemingly the personality of Curtis Axel. However, like I mentioned before it's a little too soon to make a judgment on Sampson as he needs a little bit more time to sink in. I think with enough time Elias may find his place in NXT I think we just really need to be able to make some sense of his gimmick before determining his potential. A few months ago at an NXT house show unfortunately Elias sustained a serious leg injury and has been on the shelf since it is very likely that Samson will not be back in an NXT ring until 2017, but then again we will never know when he will "Drift" in again.
Following his repackaging as the "Drifter" many of us thought that this would be the start of his push and though it might be right now it's to early to really tell what Elias will be in the future. My early opinion of him is that he has the look of Damien Sandow and seemingly the personality of Curtis Axel. However, like I mentioned before it's a little too soon to make a judgment on Sampson as he needs a little bit more time to sink in. I think with enough time Elias may find his place in NXT I think we just really need to be able to make some sense of his gimmick before determining his potential. A few months ago at an NXT house show unfortunately Elias sustained a serious leg injury and has been on the shelf since it is very likely that Samson will not be back in an NXT ring until 2017, but then again we will never know when he will "Drift" in again.
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CWC Gets the Spotlight
For the last few months we have dazzled, dumbfounded, and shocked by the talent that the worlds best cruiserweights posses and that is all thanks to the WWE's Cruiserweight Classic. I am right with most fans who didn't believe that names like Kota Ibushi, Zack Sabre Jr or Akira Tozawa would ever be seen in a WWE ring but this tournament has prove us dead wrong. This Cruiserweight Classic is an awesome way to introduce these guys to the WWE fans especially with the announcement that the Cruiserweight championship will be returning very soon (which I will talk about eventually) on the main roster and Raw specifically. As a fan of a lot of the names in the Cruiserweight classic I have to say how happy I am for them to have been given this opportunity........ This tournament has been Glorious!!!!
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Zack Sabre Jr vs Tyson Dux
Match of the Week: Paige vs Emma
The never ending series is taking a new turn as we head to a place for the first time. Since I kicked off this series some time last year we have either never or very rarely shown some love to NXT as a part of the series. Which I never really thought to question until now, but considering questioning it could make me look stupid I will not be doing that and I will just get to this weeks match.
Cruiserweight Classic Talent Update
In what can only be thought of as somewhat of breaking news that appeared on the internet wrestling sites over the last week that two of top contestants in the Cruiserweight Classic. At this point Japanese wrestling legend Kota Ibushi and a man who has been a staple of CMLL known as Mascara Dorada. Though we are only a pretty short time into the CWC the WWE has already jump at the opportunity to sign some of the most talented competitors from the Cruiserweight Classic. Recently we saw both of these men compete on episodes of NXT like I assume you will be seeing here and there as the CWC continues to progress through the full 32 man single elimination tournament.
Ibushi and Metalik are just the first two in what will likely be a long string of new signings for NXT in coming weeks as several former NXT stars have been called up to the main roster via the draft and that has left big wholes on the roster that need filling in some way. Also some other names that maybe offered contracts very soon are Cedric Alexander and Zack Sabre Jr. who are both also involved in the Cruiserweight classic. The best part of this tournament in my book is the idea that now the whole world can see just how talented some of these competitors finally are.
Ibushi and Metalik are just the first two in what will likely be a long string of new signings for NXT in coming weeks as several former NXT stars have been called up to the main roster via the draft and that has left big wholes on the roster that need filling in some way. Also some other names that maybe offered contracts very soon are Cedric Alexander and Zack Sabre Jr. who are both also involved in the Cruiserweight classic. The best part of this tournament in my book is the idea that now the whole world can see just how talented some of these competitors finally are.
Talent Sticking Around Following the Classic
Late last month the highly anticipated Cruiserweight Classic tournament kicked off on the WWE Network from Full Sail University. For those who aren't the WWE actually taped the first round of the Cruiserweight Classic last month and apparently I did recently find out that they are tapping things round by round I think as a way to keep things under raps as far as preventing the spoilers for the tournament from coming out.
Though many fans were waiting for the debuts of Zack Sabre Jr. and Kota Ibushi as a part of the Classic, but I will say this that there are a number of rumors going around that some talent maybe sticking around following the tournament. In my book I think more than just the winner may stick around in the company as I do believe that WWE maybe using this to help spring board some new talent into the company or re-introduce old faces.
If you remember back a few months when many names were rumored to have been contacted by the company like Kurt Angle, Carlito, Shelton Benjamin, and others The only talent that I have heard that maybe Taijri maybe sticking around with the company in some form as of right now it is unknown if he would stick around as a trainer or a wrestler or both.
Though many fans were waiting for the debuts of Zack Sabre Jr. and Kota Ibushi as a part of the Classic, but I will say this that there are a number of rumors going around that some talent maybe sticking around following the tournament. In my book I think more than just the winner may stick around in the company as I do believe that WWE maybe using this to help spring board some new talent into the company or re-introduce old faces.
If you remember back a few months when many names were rumored to have been contacted by the company like Kurt Angle, Carlito, Shelton Benjamin, and others The only talent that I have heard that maybe Taijri maybe sticking around with the company in some form as of right now it is unknown if he would stick around as a trainer or a wrestler or both.
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So Far Back Sunday: WWE Excited about La Sombra
With the sudden success that Andrade Almas has had in NXT since his arrival a few months ago I felt it was the right time to take a look back in time to before both Andrade's debut with the company and even before he got his name. From the time that La Sombra got signed by WWE from CMLL he has been a highly touted signing
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Recently WWE has signed another big international this time it's NJPW and CMLL star LA Sombra. This move could bring WWE the big Latino star they have been wanting for a long time. As of this writing those within WWE believe that Sombra, who has began training at the Performance Center, and his apparent value could bring the company a big crossover star.
Sombra's in ring skills are what put him on the radar of the WWE and also his skills in speaking English also has only helped his case in landing a spot in NXT. Unlike other International stars that WWE has signed in the past Sombra is said to be very professional and takes a lot of pride in his work, also I think it seems important to note that he's unlikely to rub people the wrong way backstage. Sombra seems like the perfect example of someone who has all the tools to break the mold and shatter that selective glass ceiling that WWE has in front of talent from certain backgrounds.
We shall see if La Sombra's future will be this bright once he steps in the NXT ring for the first time. If so then we might be seeing someone with a very bright future.
Sombra's in ring skills are what put him on the radar of the WWE and also his skills in speaking English also has only helped his case in landing a spot in NXT. Unlike other International stars that WWE has signed in the past Sombra is said to be very professional and takes a lot of pride in his work, also I think it seems important to note that he's unlikely to rub people the wrong way backstage. Sombra seems like the perfect example of someone who has all the tools to break the mold and shatter that selective glass ceiling that WWE has in front of talent from certain backgrounds.
We shall see if La Sombra's future will be this bright once he steps in the NXT ring for the first time. If so then we might be seeing someone with a very bright future.
Theme Song of the Day: Enzo Amore & Big Cass
A few days ago I started talking about old series coming together with some new series now that we are back home with the site. But how about a series that never got a chance. If you go back a couple of months then you'd find the only time I have actually done this series. Now I thought about it and figured I'd give it another try and I thought about couldn't think of anyone better to kick start this series back up.
I just have one question for ya........ How You Doin???
These two have taken the main roster by storm I was shocked that they have gotten over as quick as they have since arriving on the Main Roster back in April and I will add that I am extremely happy for both Enzo and Cass as they have worked very hard to get to where they are and deserve everything they are getting. In my book these two are throwback to the old days of talent that can talk the fans into the seats and make them stay where they are just based on pure entertainment. I know some person somewhere probably hates Cass and Enzo, but I've never met them and I am glad because these are the best thing going today far none.
I just have one question for ya........ How You Doin???
These two have taken the main roster by storm I was shocked that they have gotten over as quick as they have since arriving on the Main Roster back in April and I will add that I am extremely happy for both Enzo and Cass as they have worked very hard to get to where they are and deserve everything they are getting. In my book these two are throwback to the old days of talent that can talk the fans into the seats and make them stay where they are just based on pure entertainment. I know some person somewhere probably hates Cass and Enzo, but I've never met them and I am glad because these are the best thing going today far none.