SEScoops

Category: NXT

  • Dolph Ziggler On Why He Moved To NXT: ‘I Felt Stale”

    Dolph Ziggler On Why He Moved To NXT: ‘I Felt Stale”

    Prior to Dolph Ziggler’s successful run in NXT 2.0, he was a mainstay and long time veteran on the main roster. Dolph added to his list of career achievements by becoming the NXT Champion by defeating Bron Breakker and Tommaso Ciampa in a triple threat match at NXT Roadblock.

    Before heading down to NXT, Ziggler was in a tag team with Robert Roode on Monday Night Raw.

    Ziggler On Working In NXT

    Ziggler joined Corey Graves on WWE After The Bell to talk about heading down to NXT and how it’s impacted his career.

    “Everyone is asking, ‘how do you feel about being surprised?’ Surprised? I came here to scout talent and two weeks later, I’m the NXT Champion. That wasn’t in the cards, that wasn’t even a thought process. 

    I’m constantly working, I’m never out sick, but I felt stale. Roode and I are really good at what we do and it didn’t seem like we were doing anything that important right now and it’s ‘what have you done for me lately?’ At the moment, we’re not crushing it. It didn’t seem like we were going to have a match on WrestleMania unless we made something happen. We saw an opening and said, ‘Let’s try this out, let’s go see NXT.’ 

    Half the time, anybody who shows up from NXT, their first match is with me anyway. Especially Roode, he even had a match with me. 

    Now, I’m going to cut out the middle man and go to NXT and start wrestling there. I really came to scout talent, see if a few people had some up and coming things that I could possibly work with that aligned, and got thrown right into the mix. It’s crazy. It’s so funny, if you’re surprised that I’m NXT Champion, normally if you’re surprised I’m United States Champion or World Champion, I’m not, I’m blown away,” he said.

    Dolph On Working With Bron Breakker

    Ziggler also spoke about sharing the ring with the top prospect Bron Breakker.

    The former World Champion said, “I did not plan on this. I’m very happy to be in this moment with Breakker, who has 20 matches under his belt, but somehow can go. He has this insane speed and power that…I’ve been speared by Goldberg and I’m like, ‘This guy, you kidding me,’ and has knocked the wind out of me and put me down. This kid hits harder. That spear put me down. I was happy to kickout and keep moving, but I go, ‘Holy Crap.’ 

    He has that, in that prime of his career, linebacker closing speed for every movement. When he figures out how to hone that in a year or two or three, he’s going to be someone who is kind of unstoppable.”

    The current WWE NXT Champion is set to defend his title against Breakker at NXT Stand & Deliver on Saturday, April 2.

    H/T to Jeremy Lambert of Fightful for the transcription

  • Johnny Gargano Set to Make First Post-WWE Appearance

    Johnny Gargano Set to Make First Post-WWE Appearance

    Johnny Gargano is set to make his first public appearance outside of WWE since his departure from the company back in December.

    Johnny Wrestling will appear at the annual WrestleCon convention during WrestleMania 38 weekend in Dallas, TX.

    The former NXT Champion took to Twitter to announce his appearance at the wrestling convention. Gargano wrote: “Doing signings at Axxess was one of my favorite parts of WrestleMania weekend (so much so that I would always ask to do extra sessions if someone couldn’t do it) Believe it or not.. I’ve never done a @wrestlecon! So it felt like a good time.. Excited to see all of you in Dallas!”

    Gargano let his WWE contract expire, which made him a free agent. He had chose to allow his contract expire so that he could be at home with his wife, Candice LeRae, as they were expecting their first child. Their son, Quill Lewis Gargano, was born in February 2022.

    As far as the wrestling ring goes, there is no update on where and when he will be seen in it. However, Gargano seems to be focused on spending his time with his wife and his son for now. With him making a public appearance for the first time, it’s likely that we would hear about his plans soon.

    Johnny Gargano was one half of the tag team DIY in NXT with Tommaso Ciampa. They won the NXT Tag Team Championships once. The both would go on to feud with each other, and fans would remember it as one of the most entertaining feuds on the brand. “The Heart and Soul of NXT” also captured the NXT Championship and the NXT North American Championship a record three times, making him the first ever NXT Triple Crown winner.

  • William Regal Recalls His Time In NXT & Scouting Talent for WWE

    William Regal Recalls His Time In NXT & Scouting Talent for WWE

    William Regal had a lot to share with Chris Jericho during his recent appearance on the Talk Is Jericho podcast.

    Last week, we covered Regal’s revelation that doctors gave him 24 hours to live at one point, as well as him being partially blind in his left eye.

    The former NXT General Manager also spoke in-depth about his time in WWE’s developmental brand. In addition to being NXT’s on-screen authority figure, Regal reveals he also had a lot to do with developing the NXT brand to be the success it once was.

    “NXT had started, I was the first person, as far as I know, that [Triple H] pulled in and said, ‘What’s your vision for this?’” he recalls. “We did what we did and it was a great thing for a lot of people. It was a great success, and I have no ill will at all for anyone. I am really happy. Because it needed some kind of change because things had changed. This place had come along and different things, so it needed [change].”

    Scouting Talent for WWE & NXT

    William Regal worked closely with former WWE executive Canyon Ceman to make NXT a legitimate third brand for the company. He says he had the eye for scouting and developing talent, while Ceman managed the logistics like contracts.

    “Canyon Ceman, who I worked for and with, is a hell of a fella, a wonderful fella, said Regal. “When he came onboard, Triple H said, ‘Can you just look after him?’ I said, ‘Right.’ And I said, ‘Let’s start off on the right foot, let me take care of the wrestling and you take care of everything else. You take care of the athletes and the contracts and that. I don’t need to know anything else.”

    Regal and Ceman worked together to scout talent and hold WWE tryouts across the world. He added, “I was looking at everybody, everywhere. That’s what I did. I studied everybody from everywhere, paid attention to everything. I would just turn up at whatever country, do this tryout.”

    Listen to William Regal on Talk Is Jericho:

  • Bron Breakker Will Face Robert Roode at Tuesday’s NXT

    Bron Breakker Will Face Robert Roode at Tuesday’s NXT

    As we covered last week, WWE plans to send more main roster talent to NXT 2.0. The company wants to spike viewership on the developmental brand, while also giving the younger talent the experience of working television matches agains veterans.

    WWE has announced Robert Roode will compete against Bron Breakker this Tuesday night in a battle of former NXT Champions.

    Roode is directly responsible for Breakker being a former champion. As the tag team partner of Dolph Ziggler, Roode interfered in the match that saw Ziggler capture the gold just weeks ago.

    Breakker has a rematch against Ziggler scheduled for NXT Stand & Deliver on April 2nd. First, he’ll have to go through Ziggler’s Dirty Dawg partner.

    The following is an updated preview for Tuesday’s NXT 2.0 on the USA Network:

    • Bron Breakker vs Robert Roode
    • Grizzled Young Veterans vs Creed Brothers
    • North American Fatal 5-Way Qualifier: A-Kid vs Grayson Waller
    • North American Fatal 5-Way Qualifier: Roderick Strong vs Solo Sikoa
    • Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Final: Dakota Kai & Wendy Choo vs Kay Lee Ray & Io Shirai
  • How USA Network Feels About NXT 2.0 Ratings

    How USA Network Feels About NXT 2.0 Ratings

    The rebranded NXT 2.0 has so far failed to impress fans with the viewership numbers but it appears that USA Network officials are happy with it.

    The development brand has been averaging about 600k viewers. Andrew Zarian of the Mat Men podcast recently discussed these numbers.

    The wrestling journalist revealed that he recently had a conversation with someone from USA Network. They told him ‘Yeah, we’re fine with the six-somethings.’

    He mentioned how the show was in the range of 700k viewers with the slammed roster during the black and gold era of the development brand.

    The USA Network doesn’t care if there are more main roster stars making appearances on the show, and they are happy with the current ratings.

    WWE made a deal to broadcast NXT on USA Network every Wednesday night in August 2019. The show made its TV debut in September.

    After constantly failing to beat AEW’s weekly flagship Dynamite in ratings, the black and yellow brand was moved to Tuesday nights in April 2021.

    The September 14, 2021 episode of the show then saw the beginning of the 2.0 era for the brand, with a focus on younger talents and a completely different setup compared to its previous iteration.

  • NXT Stand and Deliver 2022 Shaping Up To Be A Strong Card

    NXT Stand and Deliver 2022 Shaping Up To Be A Strong Card

    NXT Stand and Deliver is the next premium live event from WWE’s developmental brand. The main event is set and the card is taking shape. Following this week’s NXT 2.0, we now have six matches confirmed for the show.

    Dolph Ziggler Bron Breakker

    NXT Stand and Deliver 2022 Card

    • NXT Championship: Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Bron Breakker
    • NXT Women’s Championship: Mandy Rose (c) vs. Cora Jade
    • North American Championship Ladder match: Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. Santos Escobar vs. TBA vs. TBA vs. TBA
    • NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship: Toxic Attraction (c) vs. Dusty Classic Winners
    • NXT Tag Team Championship: Imperium (c) vs. The Creed Brother vs. MSK
    • Tommaso Ciampa vs. Tony D’Angelo

    NXT Stand and Deliver 2022 takes place Saturday, April 2nd from Dallas, Texas at the American Airlines Center. The show streams live on Peacock just hours before WrestleMania Saturday kicks off.

    NXT Stand and Deliver 2022
  • Expect To See More WWE Main Roster Talent On NXT 2.0

    Expect To See More WWE Main Roster Talent On NXT 2.0

    Expect to see WWE utilize more main roster performers in NXT.

    NXT is the company’s developmental brand, where fans can see the next generation of WWE Superstars learning their craft.

    WWE previously relied solely on developmental talent to carry the show, but that is no longer the case. On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer stated that there’s a new initiative to send wrestlers from the Raw brand to NXT most weeks.

    There are certainly benefits to developmental wrestlers working with and learning from veterans. However, the primary motivation behind this campaign is to improve viewership for the NXT 2.0 TV show.

    WWE can announce a Raw Superstar will be on NXT TV the following night, as is the case this week with The Miz holding a special edition of Miz TV on NXT. Both shows air on the USA Network and the hope is that Raw superstars will bring star power (and viewers) to Tuesday nights.

    Dolph Ziggler on Miz TV

    AJ Styles also visited NXT recently, as part of this trend.

    NXT’s top champions are both WWE Superstars who have been sent to NXT for this very reason. Back in October, Mandy Rose defeated Raquel Gonzales to win the NXT Women’s Championship. Last week, Dolph Ziggler ended Bron Breakker’s 63-day reign as NXT Champion.

    NXT 2.0 Preview (3/15/22)

    In addition to The Miz interviewing Dolph Ziggler, the following items are scheduled for tonight’s NXT broadcast:

    • North American Championship Qualifying Match: Cameron Grimes vs. Santos Escobar
    • Indi Hartwell vs. Persia Pirotta
    • Sarray vs. Tiffany Stratton
    • Plus, A-Kid debuts against KUSHIDA
  • Bron Breakker Reacts To NXT Title Loss: “It Is What It Is”

    Bron Breakker Reacts To NXT Title Loss: “It Is What It Is”

    Bron Breakker is still trying to digest his NXT championship loss to Dolph Ziggler, though he is promising that this story is far from over.

    The now former champion had an interview with Dallas News. He discussed things such as his Raw debut, a potential move to main roster, and more.

    Speaking about losing the NXT title to Ziggler during the Roadblock event this past Tuesday, Breakker said that he is no way close to being done with the Show Off:

    “I’m … I’m still in a little bit of shock. You know, it is what it is. There’s nothing I can do about it now. It’s over. You just wake up, dust myself off, back to work.

    As far as Dolph Ziggler goes – and Bobby Roode, for that matter – we are no way close to being done.” said Bron Breakker, “I’m sure I’ll run into them again down the line. But, I just got to get better.”

    The NXT star also talked about his Raw debut and getting to work with veterans such as Ziggler, Tommaso Ciampa and Robert Roode just in the past few weeks.

    Breakker said that it’s been a great experience and he has been learning a lot about the business. He claimed that he couldn’t be happier to be in the learning position that he is in.

  • Watch: Dolph Ziggler Reacts To NXT Championship Win

    Watch: Dolph Ziggler Reacts To NXT Championship Win

    Dolph Ziggler surprised everyone by becoming the new NXT champion during this week’s Roadblock special of the development brand.

    The triple threat match where Bron Breakker defended his title against both the Show Off and Tommaso Ciampa main evented the show.

    It looked as if Breakker will retain his title when he hit Ziggler with a big spear. Though Robert Roode came to the aid of his partner and he pulled the referee out of the ring to make the save.

    The final moments of the match saw Ciampa going for a running knee on the champion but Roode pulled Bron out of the way. Dolph Ziggler took advantage of the distraction and he delivered a superkick to Ciampa for the win.

    The new champion was interviewed backstage after his big win. He mentioned how he screwed up the plans for everyone with his victory:

    “Just when you thought, you all had WrestleMania weekend all figured out. Good old DZ, screwed it up for everybody.”

    There is no word yet on what the officials are planning for the title now. WWE has announced NXT Stand & Deliver for WrestleMania week. It’s likely that Dolph will defend the NXT championship against Breakker on the show.

  • Bron Breakker Pins Former World Champion in WWE Raw Debut

    Bron Breakker Pins Former World Champion in WWE Raw Debut

    It’s been only 6 months since Bron Breakker had his first match on TV and he is already competing on one of WWE’s flagship shows.

    The reigning NXT champion made an appearance on this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw from Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, OH.

    Breakker teamed up with Tommaso Ciampa to face Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler in a tag match. Prior to the match, we saw a video package showcasing the dominance of the current champion since his arrival.

    Breakker started the bout with Roode. Ciampa later tagged himself in but he lost control of the match after a big Spinebuster from Roode. Bron Breakker got the hot tag towards the ending of the match, while Dolph Ziggler tagged himself in as well.

    After some more back and forth, Breakker dropped Ziggler with a big power slam. The NXT star then pinned the former world champion to pick up the victory for his team.

    Dolph Ziggler has been involved in a storyline with the two NXT stars in recent times. This feud is expected to conclude this Tuesday where Bron Breakker will defend the NXT title in a triple threat against Ciampa and Ziggler.

    Breakker defends the NXT Championship against Tommaso Ciampa and Dolph Ziggler on Tuesday night at NXT Roadblock on the USA Network.

    After an impressive showing in his WWE Raw debut, Bron Breakker spoke about his title defense at Roadblock:

  • WWE Files Trademark for NXT UK Superstar

    WWE Files Trademark for NXT UK Superstar

    WWE has filed a trademark for an NXT UK Superstar who does not appear to have yet officially signed with the company.

    The company has filed a trademark for the name Eliza Alexander, the name used for British independent star Lizzy Evo as part of the recent NXT UK tapings.

    It’s not currently known if Evo has actually signed for WWE, but what is interesting is that they’ve decided to try and trademark the name.

    Lizzy Evo is a prominent name on the UK independent scene, having arguably one of the top feuds in all of 2020 with Alexxis Falcon.

    Lizzy Evo – NXT UK

    Evo has also been working for the likes of PROGRESS, TNT Wrestling, Pro Wrestling EVE and Catch Pro Wrestling, where she recently had a match against Millie McKenzie, who is signed to WWE.

    The company filed for the following:

    Mark For: ELIZA ALEXANDER trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely, blogs, in the field of sports entertainment.

  • Amari Miller Confirms She Suffered a Concussion on NXT

    Amari Miller Confirms She Suffered a Concussion on NXT

    Amari Miller confirms she suffered a concussion on this week’s NXT 2.0.

    Miller wrestled Lash Legend on the show. The duo recently joined forces in the Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament, but lost in the first round. The former partners squared off to determine who was the weak link in the team.

    Tuesday’s match featured a few spots that could have been executed better and were reflective of the competitors being ‘developmental’ talents.

    Miller sustained an injury during the match, although it is unclear exactly when. She was tended to afterwards and was taken away from the ringside area on a stretcher.

    You can watch highlights from the match here:

    Amari Miller Concussion

    Amari Miller responded to fans on social media who commented on the situation and addressed the situation.

    Miller clarified that she was up late tweeting because it can be very dangerous, even fatal, to fall asleep immediately after sustaining a head injury or concussion.

    She later thanked everybody for their concern.

    SEScoops wishes Amari Miller a speedy recovery.

  • Ladder Match at Stand & Deliver, Amari Miller Stretchered Out, NXT Roadblock

    Ladder Match at Stand & Deliver, Amari Miller Stretchered Out, NXT Roadblock

    The 3/1 episode of NXT 2.0 contained a lot of new developments for both character arcs and their upcoming events.

    NXT Roadblock Next Week

    It was announced that next week there will be a special episode of NXT titled “Roadblock.” The name of the event was announced following Dolph Ziggler saying that he was going to be Bron Breakker’s ‘“roadblock” on his way to NXT Stand & Deliver. Three big matches have been announced for next week.

    The Creed Brothers, the winners of the 2022 Men’s Dusty Cup Tournament, have decided to cash in their title opportunity to challenge Imperium for the NXT Tag Team Championships. The Creed Brothers defeated MSK in the finals of the tournament at NXT Vengeance Day. The match between Imperium and The Creed Brothers will take place next week at NXT Roadblock.

    NXT Roadblock Matches

    • NXT Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Tommaso Ciampa vs. Dolph Ziggler
    • Last Man Standing Match: LA Knight vs. Grayson Waller
    • NXT Tag Team Championships: Imperium (c) vs. The Creed Brothers

    Women’s Dusty Cup

    This week, the Women’s Dusty Cup Tournament continued the quarterfinal rounds. Cora Jade and Raquel Gonzalez teamed up to defeat Yulisa Leon and Valentina Feroz. Dakota Kai and Wendy Choo were also able to defeat the established team of Indi Hartwell and Persia Pirotta.

    The semi-finals will be Dakota Kai & Wendy Choo vs. Cora Jade & Raquel Gonzalez and Io Shirai & Kay Lee Ray vs Kayden Carter & Kacy Catanzaro with the winners moving on to the finals. The reward for winning the Dusty Cup is a shot at the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships currently held by Jacy Jayne and Gigi Dolin of Toxic Attraction.

    GUNTHER ends Solo Sikoa’s Streak

    GUNTHER, formerly known as WALTER, was able to end the undefeated streak of Solo Sikoa. Sikoa debuted in NXT in November of 2021. Since then, he has been able to defeat Jeet Rama, Grayson Waller, LA Knight, Boa, Santos Escobar, Andre Chase, and many others. 

    North American Championship Ladder Match

    Carmelo Hayes, after successfully defending his NXT North American Championship against Pete Dunne, took to the microphone to announce that he will be defending the championship in a ladder match. The match will take place at NXT Stand & Deliver on Saturday, April 2, as a part of WrestleMania weekend. Hayes claimed that he wanted to defend the championship in the match that the belt was “founded in”.

    Amari Miller Injured

    Amari Miller, after having a match with Lash Legend, was unfortunately stretchered off from the NXT set. We did not receive an on-air update or announcement. However, a fan in the NXT audience was able to record a video of what happened after the match.

    Lash Legend defeated Amari Miller after the implosion of their tag team last week. We are still yet to receive an update on her injury or a timetable.

    We at SEScoops would like to send our best wishes to Amari Miller and wish her a speedy recovery.

  • Samoa Joe Reveals Why He Relinquished the NXT Title Last Year

    Samoa Joe Reveals Why He Relinquished the NXT Title Last Year

    Samoa Joe was released from the WWE/NXT for the second time in a year in January. Triple H brought him back to the Black & Gold Brand after being released from the WWE Raw Announce Team shortly have standing through the rain at Wrestlemania.

    Samoa Joe joined Busted Open Radio with Tommy Dreamer and Davie LaGreca this morning to guest host during the final hour of the show. Joe informed the Busted Open Nation exactly why he had to relinquish the NXT title after wining it from Karrion Kross.

    Samoa Joe on Relinquishing NXT Title “Due To Certain Injuries”

    “I popped for COVID,” said Joe. “You know, at the time, it was over the weekend. My wife was making stew and I couldn’t smell it. She said, ‘Wow, doesn’t that smell great?’ I went, ‘No’ and then I tested positive I think on Saturday and by then, Vince had really wanted to go in a different direction with NXT and he really wanted to have the new opening of NXT 2.0 kind of be with a bang and I agreed with him.

    I said, ‘Listen, if that’s the case, then you know, this is probably what’s best for what your vision is for what you want for this product.”

    Listen to Samoa Joe break down why he had to relinquish the NXT title weeks after winning “due to certain injuries”, courtesy of our friends at the Putting You Over podcast:

    https://youtu.be/dQ4Jc2QMzUY


  • Malcolm Bivens Wants Diamond Mine to Collect All The NXT Titles

    Malcolm Bivens Wants Diamond Mine to Collect All The NXT Titles

    Diamond Mine manager Malcolm Bivens has big plans for his faction Diamond mine.

    Since the rebranding of NXT, Diamond Mine has become a prominent group on the developmental show. Besides the leader Roderick Strong and Bivens, the other members are rookies. Regardless, WWE has pushed the group in NXT 2.0, and are they having a successful run.

    The Creed Brothers won the 2022 Dusty Cup by defeating former NXT Tag Team Champions MSK at NXT Vengeance Day on Feb. 15. The tag team will challenge the NXT Tag Team Champions Imperium’s Fabian Archer and Marcel Barthel. While it’s unclear when the match will occur, it may happen at NXT Stand and Deliver on Apr. 2.

    In an interview with The Black Announce Table Podcast, Ms. Sookoo asked Bivens what he expects for the group after The Creed Brothers tournament win. He shared that he expects the match at NXT Stand and Deliver. He also believes Niles will challenge for the NXT Women’s Championship at some point and hopes the faction wins all of the NXT titles.

    “I think it’s the NXT championships. I am eyeing Stand and Deliver in Dallas and we also have the pitbull of NXT Ivy Nile and I think she has her eyes set on the NXT Women’s Championship, so If I could have all the gold that’d be great. That be fantastic,” said Bivens.

    Will the Creed Brothers Defeat Imperium?

    As NXT 2.0 progresses, the brand is slowly replacing it’s veterans with newer talent. The show has also seen veteran NXT talents either move to the main roster, get released from the WWE or choose to leave. After winning the Dusty Cup, the WWE may have The Creed Brothers defeat Imperium to win the NXT Tag Team Championships to become the face of the NXT 2.0 tag team division.

    WWE main roster could also use a fresh tag team like Imperium on either the Friday Night Smackdown or Monday Night Raw roster. In addition, Gunther may also be staying in the United States and possibly lead the group on the main roster. However, it’s unclear if WWE has interest in taking Imperium faction from NXT 2.0.

  • NXT Star Ivy Nile Announces She Is Engaged

    NXT Star Ivy Nile Announces She Is Engaged

    WWE Superstar star Ivy Nile is engaged to be married.

    She posted the following photo on social media over the weekend, vowing to always love her fiancé.

    Ivy Nile (Emily Andzulis) currently wrestles for WWE’s NXT 2.0 developmental brand. She is a member of the Diamond Mine faction.

    Prior to joining WWE, she was a mixed martial artist and was the first woman to win the Titan Games championship, the reality competition series hosted by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

    Nile an Tatum Paxley recently entered the 2022 Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament. They were eliminated in the first round with a loss to Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter.

    SEScoops extends our congratulations to Ivy Nile and fiancé on their engagement!

  • Hideki Suzuki Reflects on Altercation with NXT Coach

    Hideki Suzuki Reflects on Altercation with NXT Coach

    Former Coach Hideki Suzuki recalls getting into a heated argument with his co-worker in WWE.

    WWE hired Suzuki as a performance center coach on Apr 23, 2021. He also worked under the name Hachiman in NXT as a member of Diamond Mine. While he didn’t have a long career in WWE, the former coach had some thoughts about the company’s developmental program.

    In an interview with Weekly Pro Wrestling and translated by Connor Writing, Suzuki shared that he disagreed with WWE’s style of coaching talent. When asked if he disobeyed the other coaches, the former coach gave his honest opinion.

    “I didn’t disobey them, but I did kick up a fuss and give them attitude. As you might expect, WWE’s a big company, even in NXT alone, there are so many people employed, and things change day-by-day, so a lot of things get decided without any contact with you,” said Suzuki(H/t Connor Writing)

    Hideki Suzuki Altercation with NXT Coach

    When asked about his style, Suzuki shared that he did things at his own pace. He also admitted that he chose not to attend the coach meetings because he felt unnecessary. Although Suzuki thought it wasn’t necessary, one NXT coach decided to address him.

    “I’m not gonna go into details about this, but one day one of the coaches asked me, “Why the hell did you [not go to the meeting]?” He tried explaining to me what he was mad about, but I didn’t understand anything of it, and I wasn’t convinced,” said Suzuki. (H/t Connor Writing)

    He continued, “This was happening in front of the wrestlers, so a bunch of them got in between us like, “Calm down, coach!” Afterward, Bernard told me, “(The coach I fell out with) is really mad at you.” and I just said, “So what?” Something had to change. We always kept telling the trainees, “You gotta change, we need to change things up,” but at that moment, I thought, “It’s you guys who really have to change. Wrestlers don’t need coaches, but coaches couldn’t exist without wrestlers. You’ve forgotten that.”(H/t Connor Writing)

    WWE Released Hideki Suzuki

    Although Suzuki had a heated argument, he shared that he respected the coaches’ work and they were nice people. He also believes that the NXT coaches acted more friendly towards him after the incident. It’s unclear if the incident or his coaching beliefs played a role in WWE releasing Suzuki on Jan. 5.

    The company released talent and employees throughout last year due to budget cuts. He revealed in the interview that Matt Bloom gave him the news that WWE decided to let him go. While he’s still unsure why WWE released him, Suzuki is ready to move on.

  • 205 Live Ending, NXT Level Up Show Taping This Week

    205 Live Ending, NXT Level Up Show Taping This Week

    WWE’s 205 Live show will no longer be around in the near future.

    The company’s developmental system is going through a revamp. NXT was rebranded to NXT 2.0 on Sep. 14, 2021. NXT 2.0 has featured newer talent from the developmental system to build them to be the next company star. While introducing new talent like NXT Champion Bron Breakker, the company has released or let go several veterans from the NXT era like Samoa Joe on Jan.6.

    Sarray faced Lash Legend during the December 17 205 Live
    Sarray faced Lash Legend during the December 17 episode of 205 Live

    While NXT 2.0 features new talent, not every wrestler can compete on the show weekly. The WWE decided to have the fresh talent from developmental to compete on 205 Live. Wrestlers like Draco Anthony have competed on the 205 Live last year before his NXT 2.0 debut on Feb. 1. PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reports that 205 Live will be ending and that the WWE will rebrand it to NXT: Level Up. The taping of the new show starts on Feb. 15 and will be 60 minutes episode.

    “…Instead of 205 Live, WWE are slated to tape the first episode of NXT: Level Up prior to tonight’s NXT Vengeance Day live broadcast in Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center. We are told the episode is slated to be 60 minutes long, said the report(h/t Mike Johnson).

    Problems With 205 Live

    While 205 Live will end, fans can hope that the company will pay more attention to NXT: Level Up. 205 Live started as a show for the WWE cruiserweight division and had great talents like Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali, and Tony Nese. While the show had cruiserweights putting on incredible matches, the WWE failed to promote the shows. Former 205 Live talent Tony Nese shared his experience being on the show with Chris Van Vliet on Oct. 27, 2021.

    “We would always say that we were in this wrestling purgatory. Even though I was there, when it comes to the company’s decisions, I’m on the outside looking in too. This is all speculation, but it seemed like they had an idea for the show. It was Triple H’s idea. It was his baby. He wanted the show to have a yearly tournament, win/loss records, all that stuff. He wanted it to be a different feel. As soon as it was announced that the cruiserweights would be a part of RAW, that was where Vince was like, ‘No, it’s my show now.’ All that other stuff went out the window,” said Nese(Fernando Quiles Jr.).

    It’s unclear what WWE has planned for the first NXT: Level Up episode.

  • WWE Files Trademark For NXT: Level Up

    WWE Files Trademark For NXT: Level Up

    WWE has filed a new trademark related to the NXT 2.0 brand. The company filed for the term “NXT Level Up” on February 9th. The listed purposes of the trademark state that it is ” intended to cover the categories of a show about professional wrestling.”

    Back in December, there had been talk that WWE was getting ready to rebrand 205 Live. Bryan Alvarez had the following to say about the rebranding of 205 Live on Wrestling Observer Live.

    “So, it’s gonna get a new name. I don’t know what it is. It’s probably just going to be a tertiary show. I don’t know what form it would be. It’s going to be a low-level WWE show that God bless them, nobody is going to watch. But, this is where they will get their experience in front of a live crowd. It’s coming. It’s no longer going to be 205 Live.”

    The trademark filed could also be for a new show focussed more on developmental talent, however.

    NXT Vengeance Day Lineup

    It’s a big week for the NXT brand as they present NXT Vengeance Day tomorrow night on the USA Network. The following matches have been booked for the show:

    1. NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne) (c) vs. Indi Hartwell & Persia Pirotta
    2. NXT North American Championship: Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. Cameron Grimes
    3. Weaponized Steel Cage: Pete Dunne vs Tony D’Angelo
    4. Dusty Rhodes Classic Finals: MSK (Nash Carter & Wes Lee) vs. The Creed Brothers (Brutus Creed & Julius Creed)
    5. NXT North American Championship: Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. Cameron Grimes
  • Keith Lee Becomes the 5th Former NXT Champion to Sign With AEW

    Keith Lee Becomes the 5th Former NXT Champion to Sign With AEW

    Keith Lee made his AEW debut last night on Dynamite. He is the 5th former NXT Champion to have signed with the promotion. Lee defeated Isiah Kassidy and earned a spot in the Face of the Revolution ladder match in the process.

    Lee joins Malakai Black, Adam Cole, Andrade el Idolo, and PAC as former NXT Champions now with AEW.

    With WWE’s rebrand of NXT to NXT 2.0, many wrestlers who do not fit the mold of what WWE wants on its main roster have been released or who left of their own accord.

    Former NXT Champions In WWE

    PAC – The former Neville in WWE has been with AEW since the beginning. Neville voluntarily left WWE in 2018. Currently, he’s a member of Death Triangle and involved in a feud with the stable of another former NXT Champion now in AEW.

    Malakai Black – The former Aleister Black in WWE was released on June 2nd, 2021. Due to only having a 30-day non-compete clause, Black debuted for AEW the following month. He is a 11-2 in the promotion overall and has been spewing black mist in the face of many. That mist seems to be having a big effect on people.

    Andrade el Idolo – Andrade requested and was granted his release from WWE in March of 2021. He made his debut in AEW on June 4th, 2021. He has a 10-4 record in the promotion thus far and appears to be entering a rivalry with Darby Allin and Sting as he had been attempting to get Darby to work for him.

    Adam Cole – Adam Cole left WWE after TakeOver 36 as his contract with the promotion ran out. While attempts were made by WWE to re-sign him, Cole left for AEW and debuted at the end of the All Out PPV last fall. He is still undefeated in the promotion and at the end of last night’s Dynamite let it be known he wants the next shot at Hangman Page’s AEW World Championship.

    Other Former NXT Champions Available

    On top of the 5 former NXT Champions now in NXT, several more are currently free agents.

    Samoa Joe – WWE released Samoa Joe in April 2021 and he signed a new deal with NXT shortly after. He was then released from that contract on January 6th, 2022. Joe is a 3x NXT Champion.

    Killer Kross – Karrion Kross is a former 2x NXT Champion and was released from WWE on November 4th, 2021. His is now a free agent as his 90-days non-compete period has expired.

    Johnny Gargano – Gargano’s contract with WWE expired in December and he opted not to return. The former NXT Champion is free to show up wherever he wants currently but the belief is he is taking time away for the birth of his child.

    Bo Dallas: Bo Dallas was released from his contract in April last year after having been with the company for 13 years. He was the 3rd ever NXT Champion.

    There have been a total of 19 NXT Champions in history:

    • 10 are still with WWE: Bron Breakker, Finn Balor, Shinsuke Nakamura, Robert Roode, Seth Rollins, Tommaso Ciampa, Big E, Kevin Owens, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn.
    • 5 are signed to AEW: Keith Lee, Andrade el Idolo, PAC, Malakai Black, Adam Cole.
    • 4 are free agents: Killer Kross, Samoa Joe, Johnny Gargano, Bo Dallas.
  • Candy Floss Departs NXT UK After Contract Expires

    Candy Floss Departs NXT UK After Contract Expires

    NXT UK’s Candy Floss is no longer a member of the roster. She posted to social media recently to state that her contract with WWE has now expired. Candy Floss has not wrestled since 2019. Her statement is below.

    “In May 2019, I lost my mum to cancer. Then in January 2020 I signed with NXT UK,” she began her statement (grammatically edits have been made.).

    “Unfortunately, my dream career with WWE got put on hold when, during the pandemic, I was diagnosed with severe PTSD and anxiety because of the trauma I experienced witnessing my favourite person, my mum, fight for her life. I decided I needed to put my mental health first and WWE couldn’t have been more supportive. In December 2021, my contract with WWE expired. It is very sad for me as I wish my journey with WWE didn’t have to end like this as I’ve worked so hard to get signed. I just want to say thank you to WWE for dealing with me so well as I know it’s not an easy situation, I’m very grateful for it all.”

    “From fighting in the ring nearly every day, I found myself being in the biggest fight with my mental health. On a positive note, I am doing so much better! My dream isn’t over, life just decided to be very unfair (not so sweet) towards me. Hopefully, I will be back in the ring again sometime soon and hurt my 90-year-old back again.”

    “Thank you to everybody for supporting me!”

    Floss announced last summer that she was on leave from the company. The 22-year-old was trained by the Progress Wrestling Dojo before signing with WWE.

  • Kyle O’Riley Praises Shawn Michaels’ Role as NXT Coach

    Kyle O’Riley Praises Shawn Michaels’ Role as NXT Coach

    Kyle O’Riley credits WWE legend Shawn Michaels for teaching him how to structure a main event wrestling match.

    Before his departure for All Elite Wrestling, O’Riley had singles run as a main event talent in NXT. At the time, the WWE wanted to give him a push while his partner Bobby Fish dealt with an injury. NXT had him feud against his former Undisputed Era leader Adam Cole and Finn Balor.

    O’Riley had experience as a singles wrestler in other promotions, like Ring of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. However, he thanks Michaels for learning new skills on how to compete in the main event. On the All Elite Wrestling Unrestricted Podcast the new signee explained how the legend help him.

    “I learned alot about structuring like a main event match and you know there’s that age old adage of pro wrestling listen to the people, listen to the people, ane never really got what the meant,” said O’Riley.

    He continued, “…Shawn really kind of taught us just to instead of going up and down with the crowd reaction you try and just keep it at a level. So like on a double down just don’t move and like until they start to die and, then you can move and, then you can bring them back up and, it’s just little things like that you don’t really think of and, it’s really hard to learn on your own until someone just kind of explains it to you and, then a light bulb goes off and just helps take your game to next level.”

    Shawn Michaels Current Role in NXT

    O’Riley isn’t the only former NXT talent to praise Michaels for his help. Adam Cole and Johnny Garagno have also credited the WWE legend for his coaching and appreciates their time working with him.

    While NXT has changed to NXT 2.0, he continues to work closely with younger talent to succeed. His job as a coach helped Michaels get promoted to NXT 2.0 Vice President of Talent Development.

    Kyle O’Riley in AEW

    Kyle O'Relly Adam Cole Bobby Fish
    Kyle O’Relly, Adam Cole & Bobby Fish

    O’Riley signed with AEW on Dec. 22, 2021, but he still is thankful for his time in NXT. In the interview, he didn’t share any ill will to his former employer.

    In AEW, he’s reformed ReDragon with Bobby Fish and hope to become AEW Tag Team Champions. Although he is back in a tag team, it’s still possible to see O’Riley compete in one on one matches.

    It’s unclear if AEW fans will see him compete in the main event as a singles star.

  • Bron Breakker Is Ready To Put NXT Title In Line Against Dolph Ziggler

    Bron Breakker Is Ready To Put NXT Title In Line Against Dolph Ziggler

    Bron Breakker is ready to put the NXT championship in line against Dolph Ziggler. He has put the ball in the show off’s court for a potential title match.

    The current NXT champion took on his Twitter on Monday. He told the main roster star that he can come down to NXT to get a shot after Santos Escobar:

    “@HEELZiggler mentioned coming to NXT and taking my title.” wrote Bron Breakker, “You want the next shot after Santos come on down. Your move #Iwillsayittoyourface”

    For those who don’t know, it all started when Ziggler teased a confrontation with the NXT star in a backstage video after Monday Night Raw last week.

    Bron Breakker responded to this via a tweet. He also made a Ziggler reference on the following episode of the developmental brand saying that he “doesn’t work Tuesdays.”

    This prompted the former IC champion to suggest that he will take the NXT title away from the second-generation star. Now he has gotten his response.

    Bron Breakker is currently scheduled to defend his belt against Santos Escobar at the NXT Vengeance Day special on February 15. We will see if Ziggler shows up to confront the current champion at the show.

    Bron Breakker Comments On New Year’s Evil Entrance
  • Liv Morgan Is A Big Fan Of NXT 2.0 & Cora Jade

    Liv Morgan Is A Big Fan Of NXT 2.0 & Cora Jade

    WWE star Liv Morgan has given her seal of approval for NXT 2.0 and one of its bright young talents.

    The NXT brand has undergone a change in recent months. Gone are the days of the black and yellow logo and a focus on proven indie talent. Instead, WWE has reverted back to making NXT a developmental hub with an emphasis on younger and bigger talent.

    Praise For NXT 2.0

    Liv Morgan has made a name for herself on the main roster after spending three years in NXT. Speaking to TV Insider, Liv expressed her belief that NXT 2.0 is in good hands and that Cora Jade’s stock is rising.

    “Love her. I think they are doing a great job at NXT. I feel they are creating stars. The same core group of girls is really trying to grow. Trying to let everyone shine and showcase everyone to see what they can do.

    “It’s so important to give opportunities to other people. I love Cora. I love Amari [Miller]. Tiffany [Stratton] is funny; I think she is going to be great. She is clearly athletic, but so new. I think with more experience she is going to be great. I love Toxic Attraction, Indi [Hartwell].

    “There are so many girls who are going to be amazing. Eventually, when they come to Raw and SmackDown, they will be even more amazing.”

    NXT 2.0 has been a polarizing change. Most fans are in agreement that the likes of Jade and Bron Breakker have been welcome additions to the brand.

    Time will tell if this change will ultimately lead to more new stars for WWE.

  • Dolph Ziggler Teases Match with NXT Champion Bron Breakker

    Dolph Ziggler Teases Match with NXT Champion Bron Breakker

    Veteran Dolph Ziggler has an interest in challenging NXT Champion Bron Breakker.

    After his loss against Angelo Dawkins on Monday Night Raw, Ziggler shared that he is unfazed by his defeat. He also commented on Breakker’s tweet poking fun at his elimination in the Men’s Royal Rumble match on Jan. 29. Ziggler threatened to confront the NXT rookie and defeat him for the NXT Championship.

    “…There’s a lot of people online, who, if you saw them in real life, they wouldn’t say exactly the same thing. I mean, I think it’s Tyson or somebody, Mike Tyson probably has said, everyone runs their mouth until you see him in person. And they shut the hell up, or you punch him in the face, and that changes everything,” said Ziggler.

    He continued, “…A lot of people ask me after matches like this, ‘Dolph, you good’? And I go, not good. I’m the best MFer we got. So maybe one of these days, those people that run their mouths online have to deal with me in person. So maybe, Breakker and his title, maybe I take it away from him. Maybe I stop by. Who’s to say?”

    Dolph Ziggler Teasing NXT Appearance

    Ziggler comments about Breakker isn’t the first time WWE teased his appearance on NXT 2.0. Alongside Bobby Roode, Ziggler confronted NXT 2.0 superstar LA Knight and hinted at competing on the developmental brand.

    Ziggler isn’t the only WWE veteran that wanted to challenge an NXT 2.0 rookie. The company had AJ Styles involved in a quick feud with Grayson Waller and make appearances on NXT 2.0. Waller also showed up on Raw to promote his feud with the veteran and get fans interested in watching their match. The feud ended with Styles defeating Waller at NXT 2.0 on Jan.11.

    It’s unclear if WWE will allow Ziggler to challenge Breakker for the NXT Championship. However, the company hints that Ziggler will appear on NXT 2.0 at some point.