SEScoops

Category: NXT

  • Latest Report Signals The End Of An Era For NXT

    Latest Report Signals The End Of An Era For NXT

    It looks like the version of NXT as we know it is coming to an end.

    During an edition of Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez reported that sources within WWE have claimed that Vince McMahon and Bruce Prichard will be in charge of the production of NXT. This is said to be taking effect on Sept. 14.

    Here’s what Alvarez had to say.

    “Anything is possible but I talked a while ago about how we’re gonna have a new NXT. It’s gonna be like the old NXT. I have heard from several people now that when they go back to live shows, this is going to be a Vince McMahon-Bruce Prichard production.”

    PW Insider first reported that major changes would be made to the NXT brand. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio later followed up, confirming the brand would have a new look and overall feel. Meltzer also noted that WWE is putting greater focus on making NXT a developmental brand as it once was rather than a major third brand.

    We’ve also seen reports claiming that WWE is turning away from signing independent talent. A follow-up update has claimed that WWE talent scouts will still give indie talent a look if they feel it’s worthwhile. With that said, the focus will be on larger-sized talent.

    First Look At The New WWE NXT Logo
  • Pat McAfee Offers Adam Cole A “Legit Contract”

    Pat McAfee Offers Adam Cole A “Legit Contract”

    Adam Cole is a free agent. His WWE contract is believed to have expired on Friday and it is not clear where he will end up next. While some expect Cole to sign with AEW, there are others hoping a chance still remains he re-signs with WWE.

    One darkhorse contender to sign Adam Cole to a contract appears to be Pat McAfee, however. The Smackdown commentator sent out a Tweet recently to offer Cole a “legitimate contract” to work on the Pat McAfee Show.

    What is the latest on Adam Cole?

    According to a report from PW Insider, a memo was sent out to some WWE employees recently letting them know that Adam Cole is no longer with the company. He is expected to field offers from other promotions. It was also noted that he could still re-sign with WWE. Previous reports have suggested that Cole is likely done with the company, however.

    Adam Cole Considered “Done Internally” By WWE

    According to a report from Talk Sport, Cole does not have a 90-day no-compete clause that he would have to wait out before debuting in another company.

    “As part of the extension, Cole also managed to ‘kill the non-compete clause’ he would have had to fulfill,” wrote Alex McCarthy earlier this month.

  • Samoa Joe has huge praise for NXT cruiserweight

    Samoa Joe has huge praise for NXT cruiserweight

    WWE NXT Champion Samoa Joe recently spoke to Mediotiempo. The Samoan Submission Machine discussed several topics during the interview, including who he sees on the NXT roster as talents for the future.

    “I open the doors to everyone, it’s time for them to stop looking and start acting” Samoa Joe responded when asked who should step up to him on the roster, including former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar.

    “I didn’t see him show [what he has] when he should’ve done, but I always want to fight the best, regardless of whether they are Mexicans or of any nationality, [but only] if they worthy of challenging me for the championship. Of course I give the option to Santos, and all those who want to put themselves to the test,” Joe continued.

    Samoa Joe on Santos Escobar

    “He is an exceptional talent, comes from a family fighting legacy and knows perfectly well about this business” Joe added. “He is athletic, agile, he knows how to fly, but he has also understood what we are looking for in WWE, he shows personality and charisma, he is definitely one of the best in NXT. Not for nothing, but he has already held a championship.”

    It remains to be seen if Santos Escobar will be used in a main event capacity on NXT going forward.

    It will also be interesting to see how long Joe remains NXT Champion, as the company is reportedly looking to move away from ‘indie’ talents and develop more homegrown athletes to rise the ranks to the main roster.

  • Samoa Joe Confirms New WWE Hiring Directives Come From Vince McMahon

    Samoa Joe Confirms New WWE Hiring Directives Come From Vince McMahon

    Samoa Joe recently had an interview with Alex McCarthy of TalkSport. During the discussion, they touched on topics such as the recent WWE tryout in LA, former UK champion Walter possibly facing Joe, and more.

    The Samoan submission machine has not only become the face of the black and yellow brand once again after winning the NXT championship, but he is also helping recruit new talents behind the scenes.

    Due to his new backstage role, Joe is well aware of the new directive from the upper management. During the interview, he confirmed that the new orders come straight from the boss Vince McMahon himself:

    “As for the directive, yeah, there is a directive and they do come straight from Vince [McMahon], Vince says, ‘hey, this is what we want.’  But, the directives, it’s weird. They’ve been around forever.  I worked for WWE in developmental when I very, very first started in California, and these directives existed.

    But, they change. It changes based on the needs of the company. It’s funny, I read the articles – I know exactly what you’re talking about – I read the outrage about the directive, and I’m like, this is nothing different. And then next week, the directive will be different.”

    ‘A Little Bit Younger And More Athletic’

    Samoa Joe claimed that the company has had cycles where different types of people come in from independent talents to athletes. He explained that the directives change based on the needs of the company:

    “The directive right now is probably a little bit younger and looking for a little more athletic, which isn’t terrible whatsoever, but that directive will invariably shift as the needs as the company shifts. So yeah, there is a directive, it comes from Vince, we all follow it and we get the job done for him. We’re happy to do so,”

    Samoa Joe later compared the role of talent relations to a casting agency in Hollywood. He explained how agencies get requests for different kinds of talents at different times. Their job is to find suitable people according to the need.

    WWE No Longer Scouting Independent Wrestling Talent
  • Ilja Dragunov Urges Fans To Stop Sleeping On NXT UK

    Ilja Dragunov Urges Fans To Stop Sleeping On NXT UK

    Ilja Dragunov wants to be the face of NXT UK after defeating WALTER at NXT TakeOver 36 and becoming the new NXT UK Champion. In what was a rematch of one of 2020’s best matches and a potential contender for match of the year in its own right, Dragunov ended WALTER’s 870-day reign as NXT UK Champion in Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center.

    After his win, Ilja Dragunov wants fans to pay attention to the UK brand as according to the new champion, it is better than all the other brands in WWE. Speaking to Lucha Libre Online, Dragunov said that he knows that he now has the responsibility to represent NXT UK and in his opinion, it is the greatest brand in WWE. The reasoning he gave behind his statement is that no other brand comes close to NXT UK when it comes to the in-ring style and physicality, and the ability to connect fans to the performance. Dragunov said that NXT UK is untouchable and he urged fans to stop sleeping on it.

    Previously in an interview, Dragunov said that the work ethic of the NXT UK locker room inspires him to do better and reiterated that fans should be paying attention to he brand. “Just when I step into the locker room, I see the people, day by day getting better. The work mentality inspires me and makes me proud to be the champion of this brand and represent. I see so much talent on this brand that people will pay attention to as soon as they get a chance. One chance can change the world. I’m sure the people who sleep on NXT UK will not sleep on NXT UK in the future because the talent is rising.”

    Meanwhile, after his loss to Dragunov, WALTER was reportedly in a lot of talks among WWE officials that he should become a regular fixture on NXT. It is not known however if he would actually appear on the regular version of NXT as WALTER is not too keen on relocating to America. So much so that didn’t even consider signing with WWE before NXT UK was created. “I was never too keen about leaving Germany or Europe to live in the United States. It’s a big step. Most of the other wrestlers are willing to do it because it’s their goal from day one or early in their career.”

  • Samoa Joe Doesn’t See the Benefit of the Forbidden Door

    Samoa Joe Doesn’t See the Benefit of the Forbidden Door

    Samoa Joe is a name that wrestling fans around the world know and love. An indie superstar who became a household name. From spells with ROH and Impact to spells in Japan and dominance in WWE. Joe has fought them all, beat them all and conquered every challenge that has come his way.

    With the wrestling world starting a new phase in its continuing evolution. The forbidden door is well and truly open. Dream matches that many never thought possible are now happening week-in and week-out. Yet, Samoa Joe does not support this concept at all. In fact, talking in a recent appearance on So Catch by Hal, Joe made it very clear just how much he would like to close that door.

    “I work for a company,” Joe said. “If I played for a major football club, you wouldn’t lend me out on the weekend to go play for the rival team. Messi’s ain’t doing day shifts over at Manchester United. I understand some fans want for that and they want to see that, but at the same time, just with the whole politics of that type of situation, it wouldn’t be a good outcome anyways. Nobody wants to look bad in that situation. Everyone’s getting pushed and pulled in a certain way and it becomes a convoluted mess.

    Samoa Joe Doesn’t Need the Forbidden Door

    There is an argument to be made that this stance of a WWE stance. However, it could just be that now, at his age he has achieved what others strive for. Joe simply doesn’t need the Forbidden Door. He has been around the world; he has fought everybody there is to fight. Not to mention being a record-setting three-time NXT champion. He has a base, and it is established.

    “If guys want to show and get down with Samoa Joe, get on my level, then come find me and let’s do this. I ain’t making house calls right now.”

    While for others, those hungry to get on the ladder or to make a name in the way Joe has done, the prospect of fighting on other promotions, and exposing their individual brand to new audiences is a means to obtaining that.

    Either way, Samoa Joe, while steadfast in his view, still isn’t going to back down from a fight. Should anybody want to come sign for NXT he will be waiting for them.

  • Ilja Dragunov: My Main Priority Is NXT UK Now

    Ilja Dragunov: My Main Priority Is NXT UK Now

    Ilja Dragunov plans on representing NXT UK to the fullest.

    Dragunov had a “Match of the Year” contender against WALTER at NXT TakeOver 36. This was a rematch from their classic match last year. Dragunov pulled off the win, ending WALTER’s 870-day reign as NXT UK Champion.

    During a media call, Dragunov said he isn’t focused on a potential move to the Raw or SmackDown brands at the moment.

    “I don’t think about it because I have the responsibility to carry NXT UK as a brand, which I think is a standout brand. This is my main priority now. I have big footsteps to step into and I will do it in the future. It is important to carry this brand on my shoulders and I will carry it with pride. I would love to carry this brand on my shoulders because I’m proud of this brand and proud of the hard-working people there.

    “Just when I step into the locker room, I see the people, day by day getting better. The work mentality inspires me and makes me proud to be the champion of this brand and represent. I see so much talent on this brand that people will pay attention to as soon as they get a chance. One chance can change the world. I’m sure the people who sleep on NXT UK will not sleep on NXT UK in the future because the talent is rising.”

    Ilja Dragunov appeared on the post-TakeOver 36 edition of NXT UK. He credited his will and his fists for getting him the victory over WALTER. He vowed to take on all challengers gunning for his NXT UK crown.

  • WWE Reportedly Offered Pete Dunne a Contract Extension

    WWE Reportedly Offered Pete Dunne a Contract Extension

    The WWE has reportedly offered NXT talent Pete Dunne a contract extension. Dunne’s contract issue is similar to Cole’s in that WWE was unaware that it was expiring. Fightful Select reports that WWE offered him an extension but was unsure if he signed.

    “The length of the offered extension has not been confirmed and varied based on who we spoke to, but the offer was confirmed by an anonymous WWE rep.”

    – Fightful Select

    Pete Dunne WWE Status

    While it’s unclear if WWE re-signed Dunne, NXT featured him on yesterday’s episode. In the recent episode, he teased a feud with NXT Champion Samoa Joe. He also has a newly formed faction with Ridge Holland, Oney Lorcan, and Danny Burch. Unlike Cole, it seems that WWE has immediate plans for Dunne in NXT.

    Contract issues in WWE

    WWE is hoping to re-sign both Dunne and Cole to avoid them testing free agency. WrestlingInc’s Marc Middleton reported Cole’s contract situation caught WWE executives off guard. Middleton also stated that the departure of former Senior Vice President of Talent Development Canyon Ceman is related to the sudden Cole’s contract issue. “…PWInsider noted that the timing of the company learning of the Cole contract issue “very much lines up with the timing of” Ceman’s departure,” said Middleton.

    While it’s unclear if Cole will re-sign, WWE seems to be confident Dunne will. PWInsider Mike Johnson reported that WWE plans to make him a featured heel in NXT. However, as Fightful Select said, it’s unknown if Dunne “…has re-signed or if he plans to.”

  • Samoa Joe On How Vince McMahon Sees NXT

    Samoa Joe On How Vince McMahon Sees NXT

    The new NXT champion Samoa Joe was recently interviewed by French YouTuber Hal. He talked about things such as his firing from WWE, a potential return to Raw or SmackDown, and more.

    Recent reports about upcoming NXT revamps have been a major topic of discussion among wrestling fans. People have been concerned about Vince McMahon’s apparent directions to change the hiring philosophy for the brand.

    Joe was asked what the boss thinks about the brand during the talk. Replying to it, he claimed that Mr McMahon perceives NXT as the future of the company:

    “I think he perceives it as the future of his company. I think that he’s heavily invested in it. It’s funny, you know, I read all this stuff that I hear from people…

    At the same time, he’s probably the biggest proponent of its existence, and much of what has happened in it thus far.”

    Samoa Joe On Taking Backstage Responsibilities In NXT

    Samoa Joe also commented on his own return to the brand after getting released from the company. He explained why he took backstage responsibilities in NXT saying that he is excited about introducing new stars to the world:

    “NXT – it’s the future of WWE, and it’s a big reason why I’m excited to be kind of associated with it. Because I get to delve into the future.

    I get to work on new things and new projects and introduce new stars in the world. And that’s something that, at this point in my career, I’m very, very excited to.”

    Apart from this, the NXT champion was asked about the forbidden door and the possibility of making an appearance for Impact Wrestling in the future. You can check out his full interview below:

  • Carmelo Hayes Wins NXT Breakout Tournament 2021, Earns Title Shot

    Carmelo Hayes Wins NXT Breakout Tournament 2021, Earns Title Shot

    Carmelo Hayes has defeated Odyssey Jones in the finals of the NXT Breakout Tournament 2021 to earn a future title shot in the brand.

    This week’s post Takeover 36 episode of the black and yellow brand featured the finals of the tournament that started last month on July 13.

    The finals saw the two men wrestling in a competitive match. The ending of the bout saw Jones trying to pin his opponent after delivering a frog splash.

    However, Hayes rolled him over to get the pin and become the winner of the Breakout tournament. The finish left both the superstars in shock as the NXT general manager William Regal came out.

    Regal presented Carmelo Hayes a contract for a future championship match against any NXT champion he wants to face. Samantha Irvin then asked him which titleholder he would like to challenge.

    Hayes first gave a shout out to Jones saying that he is no joke. He then explained that it’s too soon to know which champion he will challenge.

    The NXT tournament winner said that he called his shot to get here and he doesn’t miss whenever he shoots. The segment ended with Carmelo Hayes standing tall on the stage, raising the contract as pyro rained down.

    WWE NXT Results (8/24): Six-Man Tag, Joe Talks
  • Kay Lee Ray Joins NXT Roster Full-Time

    Kay Lee Ray Joins NXT Roster Full-Time

    Former NXT UK Women’s champion Kay Lee Ray has become a full-time talent for NXT. PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reports that she has moved to the United States and will remain with NXT.

    Ray has been training at the Performance Center since the first week of August. She made her surprise return to the brand at NXT Takeover 36 on Sunday.

    “Kay Lee Ray is on the WWE NXT roster full-time going forward and will be residing in the United States. This is not meant to be a short run, and then she’s back to NXT UK,” said Johnson.

    Kay Lee Ray Return to NXT

    Ray made her return after NXT Women’s champion Raquel Gonzalez successfully defended her title against Dakota Kai. The former NXT UK Women’s champion stood at the entrance ramp and taunted Gonzalez. On tonight’s NXT taping, she will face Valentina Feroz.

    NXT Women’s Title Picture

    With Gonzalez successfully retaining her championship against Kai, it seems she needs a new challenger. Kai has wrestled on Main Event, so it would appear that she’s preparing to leave NXT. However, WWE also hasn’t officially stated that Kai is going to the main roster.

    Other than Kai, Gonzalez doesn’t have a clear challenger to face next. However, with the return of Ray, she has an opportunity to be the next contender for the championship.

  • Johnny Gargano is Reported to be Positioned as Next Major Heel in NXT

    Johnny Gargano is Reported to be Positioned as Next Major Heel in NXT

    The NXT brand will be looking to make Johnny Gargano the next major heel.

    PWInsider Mike Johnson reports that Gargano will be the next top heel in NXT. This report responds to former NXT champion Karrion Kross moving to the main roster and Adam Cole’s contract status.

    “With Adam Cole and Karrion Kross gone, we are told the current plan is for Johnny Gargano to be positioned as the top heel for the brand,” said Johnson. 

    Johnny Gargano Current Situation

    Gargano is currently in a storyline with his faction “The Way” and Dexter Lumus. He and Candice Lerae has tried to prevent Hartwell and Lumis from being together. PWinsider’s Billy Krotchsen shared results for upcoming NXT tapings. From the tapings, it would seem the current storyline will continue in September. However, the report revealed that he might start a feud with LA Knight.

    Candice LeRae & Johnny Gargano Are Expecting A Baby

    New Direction for NXT

    NXT is moving in a new direction soon. With the departure of Cole and Kross, the brand has a unique opportunity for heels to become fill their role. Johnson reported that along with Gargano, Pete Dunne and Roderick Strong would have new positions within the brand. “We are told Pete Dunne, and Roderick Strong will also be main players on the heel side of things,” said Johnson.

    Nick Khan Confirms NXT Rebrand, Distancing From Indie Wrestlers
  • Adam Cole Update: WWE Contract Expiring This Week, No Non-Compete (Report)

    Adam Cole Update: WWE Contract Expiring This Week, No Non-Compete (Report)

    Former NXT Champion Adam Cole will be a free agent by the end of this week. Following his loss to Kyle O’Reilly at Saturday’s NXT Takeover 36 event, Cole will be free to negotiate with other wrestling promotions as early as this weekend.

    As we’ve covered here in recent weeks, WWE officials were recently caught off guard when they discovered Adam Cole’s WWE contract had expired. There was a scramble to tie him up in a short-term extension, so he could compete at NXT Takeover 36, as advertised. Fightful notes that Cole will be a free man on Friday, August 27th.

    According to multiple sources, the prevailing belief is that Cole has wrestled his final match for WWE. You can be sure the company will go to great lengths in an effort to re-sign Cole. He’ll have a lot of thinking to do over the next several days.

    Talk Sport reports that an important stipulation of Cole’s short-term WWE contract extension is that he would NOT be held to a non-compete clause. afterwards. “As part of the extension, Cole also managed to ‘kill the non-compete clause’ he would have had to fulfill.

    Theoretically, he would be free to sign with a different company this weekend and appear on “the other channel” as soon as next week. That could present a lot of interesting options for Cole.

    Cole’s girlfriend, AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker, just did an interview discussing the possibility of a mixed tag match featuring Baker & Cole vs. CM Punk and AJ Lee. It seems outlandish, but that match could happen this year in an AEW ring.

    More on that story here:

    Dr Britt Baker Discusses The Possibility of AJ Lee Signing with AEW

    Adam Cole’s Choice

    Adam Cole joined WWE and NXT back in 2017. He’s been one of the franchise players of the black and gold brand over the past several years. He’s done everything there is to do in NXT, so he’ll need to decide if he envisions himself on WWE’s main roster.

    Cole is an avid streamer of video games on the popular Twitch platform. WWE has a policy that talent cannot have their own channels on services like Twitch. However, Cole recently stated that his Twitch channel is not going anywhere.

    “There’s been a lot going on lately and I want to make sure everyone knows that this is going nowhere,” he said. “It’s going absolutely nowhere.”

    More on that story below.

    Adam Cole: There Is Zero Chance My Twitch Channel Is Going Away
  • NXT Spoilers For This Week & Next 2 Weeks of 205 Live

    NXT Spoilers For This Week & Next 2 Weeks of 205 Live

    WWE is currently taping episodes of NXT that will air on Tuesday nights for the next few weeks. The brand is expected to return to live episodes next month after upgrades are made to the Capitol Wrestling Center/Performance Center. A report from PWInsider has spoilers for tonight’s NXT and the next 2 weeks of 205 Live.

    NXT Spoilers: Airing August 24th

    Image
    • The show starts with Cameron Grimes and Ted Dibiase celebrating Grimes winning the Million Dollar Championship at TakeOver. Nobody interrupts them and LA Knight appears to begin a program with Johnny Gargano later in the show.
    • Ridge Holland defeated Timothy Thatcher
    • After the match, Holland, Dunne, Oney Lorcan, Thatcher, and Tommaso Ciampa all began brawling. Then Danny Burch made his return from injury to help Holland, Dunne and Lorcan.
    • The wedding of Dexter Lumis and Indi Hartwell is scheduled for the September 14th episode of NXT.
    • Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter defeated Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne.
    • Raquel Gonzalez began cutting a promo on Kay Lee Ray but was interrupted by the Robert Stone Brand, who said they want to take the NXT Women’s title from her.
    • Kay Lee Ray defeated Valentina Feroz
    • NXT Champion Samoa Joe cut a promo about beating Kross at TakeOver. Several people came out to claim a title shot. These included Pete Dunne, LA Knight, and Kyle O’Reilly. Ridge Holland, Pete Dunne, and Tommaso Ciampa get involved as well and a wild brawl erupts.
    • Carmelo Hayes defeated Odyssey Jones to win the NXT Breakout Tournament.
    • After the match, Hayes said it was too early to decide which title he will challenge for.
    • Xyon Quinn defeated Boa.
    • Boa had been distracted by Mei Ying, leading to his loss.
    • Johnny Gargano is seen asking William Regal to call off the wedding between Dexter and Indi, although what authority Regal has to do this is unclear. LA Knight then interrupted this conversation and began arguing with Gargano. So, it appears something could be starting between those two.
    • Malcolm Bivens cut a promo claiming that Roderick Strong is the uncrowned cruiserweight champion due to KUSHIDA being on the shelf.
    • Ridge Holland vs Tommaso Ciampa is announced for next week’s show.
    • Legado del Fantasmo defeated Hit Row in trios action.
    • Santos Escobar pinned Swerve Scott. Before the end of the match, however, B-Fab was attacking Escobar while the referee was distracted and an unknown woman came out and attacked her with a weapon.

    205 Live Spoilers

    Airing August 27th

    Drake Maverick was on commentary for the opening match of this show.

    • Grayson Waller defeated Andre Chase
    • Ikemen Jiro defeated Trey Baxter

    Airing September 3rd

    • Amari Miller defeated Cora Jade
    • Joe Gacy defeated Josh Briggs
  • Adam Cole Done With NXT, Young Bucks Tease He’s AEW Bound

    Adam Cole Done With NXT, Young Bucks Tease He’s AEW Bound

    Adam Cole is moving on to the next chapter of his career. The longest-reigning NXT Champion in history came up short against Kyle O’Reilly at Sunday’s NXT Takeover 36 event. According to PWInsider, that was Cole’s final match for WWE’s black and gold brand.

    News broke earlier this month that Cole’s contract had actually already expired, to the surprise of top WWE officials. Cole reportedly agreed to work through SummerSlam weekend, which has now come and gone.

    Following his loss at NXT Takeover, his longtime friends The Young Bucks immediately reacted to Cole effectively becoming a free agent. As they’re known for doing, the Bucks got their message out via their Twitter bio.

    The ‘new bio’ linked to a YouTube video titled ‘The Most Infamous Seances in History,’ a compilation of moments from Being The Elite. Many of those moments feature Cole.

    Along with this, they updated their Twitter image to a picture from 2016 when together with Kenny Omega they dressed as the Ghostbusters for an NJPW show.

    What does this have to do with Adam Cole?

    Well, the Young Bucks are masters of the social media art that is cryptic sh*t stirring. The link and image combined to create a tenuous link to Cole in so far as his character on Being the Elite is dead.

    Adam Cole: Main Roster or AEW?

    Everybody knew he was fighting his last match for NXT. Could their attempts to communicate with the dead be about bringing Adam Cole back to life in AEW?

    Nobody knows what is going on with the Adam Cole negotiations behind the scenes at WWE. They reportedly dropped the ball on his original expiry, thinking it ran for longer. However, was the one-month extension just to have him finish his feud or was it to work in a non-NXT no-compete clause?

    Time will tell where Adam Cole is going to go with his career. However, it looks as if the Young Bucks are more than happy for him to come over to AEW. As too is Cole’s girlfriend current AEW Women’s Champion Dr Britt Baker D.M.D.

    It will not be long before we know more about Adam Cole’s future. With his departure from NXT confirmed, should he not make an appearance on either Raw or Smackdown this week, then the writing could well be on the wall.

  • Samoa Joe Reacts To Changes Coming To NXT

    Samoa Joe Reacts To Changes Coming To NXT

    Samoa Joe has weighed in on the changes that will be coming to the NXT brand.

    Dave Meltzer of Wrestler Observer was the first to report that NXT will be overhauled. This applies to a new logo, new lighting, and a new feel to the brand. It’s also been noted that WWE will be taking NXT more in the direction of a developmental system rather than a third major brand.

    WWE President and CRO, Nick Khan, confirmed the report during an interview with Ariel Helwani of BT Sport. Khan also confirmed that NXT will be shifting away from indie talent in order to focus on younger talent elsewhere.

    Samoa Joe, who will be competing for the NXT Championship tonight (Aug. 22) at TakeOver 36, spoke to Wrestling Inc. on the upcoming changes.

    “Absolutely, it always changes. This is the thing that really is a touch confusing about the ‘NXT is changing’ thing. It’s never been the same thing its entire existence. From when I entered NXT to now, it’s been drastically different, it’s changed so much.

    “The athlete, the stars that have come from NXT have completely shifted over from 4,3,2,1 year ago. To see this big vale of surprise that things are changing in NXT, it’s just yet another evolution of NXT and it will change again and after that it will change yet again. I’m failing to see the uproar when NXT is essentially doing what it has always done and what it will continue to do in the future.”

    Joe had been released by WWE back in April. He was brought back in short order to work on the NXT brand. Recently, Joe was able to get medical clearance to return to the ring.

    Where do you think Samoa Joe will fit in once the changes to NXT are in effect?

  • Nick Khan Confirms NXT Rebrand, Distancing From Indie Wrestlers

    Nick Khan Confirms NXT Rebrand, Distancing From Indie Wrestlers

    Nick Khan has confirmed reports of NXT receiving a significant makeover.

    Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer reported that major changes are coming to the NXT brand over TakeOver 36. Meltzer said that fans can expect new lighting, a new logo, and an overall different feel to the brand soon. On top of that, Meltzer has said that the idea is to treat NXT as the developmental system, rather than the third brand. He claimed the focus will shift from smaller indie wrestlers to bigger and younger talent.

    During an interview with Ariel Helwani of BT Sport, Nick Khan said that fans can expect a new experience with NXT in the coming weeks.

    “We’re doing a complete revamp on NXT, led by Triple H, Paul Levesque, who’s really one of the architects of the original NXT. What we found, it’s probably why we did the tryout yesterday, what we want to make sure is easy for folks who want to be WWE superstars is figuring out how to become WWE superstars. If you think of the life of an elevated athlete throughout their career, the opportunity to go play somewhere has always been easy, being able to play somewhere is not.

    “In terms of an NXT rebrand, look for it in the upcoming weeks, it’s going to have a whole new look, it’s going to have a whole new feel, and we believe because of a lot of the ‘indie wrestlers’ if you will, have come through our system, and are in our system with SmackDown and RAW now. We don’t want to keep doing that same thing, we want to look elsewhere for great young talent.”

    TakeOver 36 takes place tonight (Aug. 22). Samoa Joe will challenge Karrion Kross for the NXT Championship. Also set for the card is a two-out-of-three falls match between Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly. This could be Cole’s final match with NXT as his brief contract extension is set to expire.

  • Triple H Comments On If NXT Has Changed Its Recruitment Policy

    Triple H Comments On If NXT Has Changed Its Recruitment Policy

    Triple H spoke with the media following tryouts held in Las Vegas yesterday. When Triple H was asked if the recruitment policy in the company has changed, he said it has not shifted at all despite reports to the contrary.

    “It’s a funny thing, people talk about the shifting of what it is. It never really shifted,” Triple H said (transcriptions via Wrestling Inc.). “So if you go back and look at the hiring process, not the hiring process of a television show, the hiring process of who we’re looking to train and make WWE Superstars. Long term. If you go back and look at it, it hasn’t shifted. It’s been the same process. I don’t negate anybody.”

    Triple H continued to say that someone would not be denied an opportunity because of having wrestled on the independent scene. He never did mention if someone would be denied an opportunity because of height or size, however.

    “Vince used to always say ‘we’re a variety show. We are. In some manner, you need a little bit of everything. That’s the key to all of this. But people hear one statement and then make one (assumption). ‘Now it’s that. No, now it’s this.’ It always has been.”

    Triple H would continue to talk about how the company is not looking for professional wrestlers as much as they are superstars. It’s about finding those “diamonds in the rough” who have the potential to do great business for the company.

    “You’ll hear Vince say it a lot. It’ll sound wrong to a lot of people, but it’s right. We’re not looking for professional wrestlers, we’re looking for superstars. We’re looking for somebody that can break through that. The rest of it takes care of itself,” Triple H continued.

    Several reports recently have stated that WWE’s hiring policy moving forward will place greater emphasis on larger wrestlers who have the potential to “one-day main event WrestleMania.”

  • NXT’s Relationship With Full Sail University Is Over (Report)

    NXT’s Relationship With Full Sail University Is Over (Report)

    WWE’s NXT brand hasn’t taped inside Full Sail University since September 2020. The shows currently emanate from the WWE Performance Center or the Capitol Wrestling Center as it is referred to on television. According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, NXT will not be returning to Full Sail but rather will be making the CWC its permanent home.

    At the conclusion of this week’s NXT, the CWC was destroyed during a brawl between Samoa Joe and Karrion Kross. This will reportedly set the stage for the venue to be upgraded. The reported plan is for the CWC to be lit brighter, as the current belief is it comes off as too dark on television. Also, it is expected that the plexiglass inside will be taken down.

    There have also been several rumors regarding a change to NXT’s format. Although this cannot be confirmed, the belief is the program will seek to give younger and less experienced wrestlers more in-ring time. The report in the Observer says the idea is for the show to revert back more to what it was around 2015.

    Upcoming episodes of NXT will be taped from the CWC on Monday and Tuesday. Takeover 36 will take place the night after SummerSlam this weekend on the 22nd.

    https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/1428357166314835973
  • Triple H Announces New WWE Partnership With Enfield Town F.C.

    Triple H Announces New WWE Partnership With Enfield Town F.C.

    The wrestling landscape is changing. The opening of the forbidden door paved the way for all manner of working arrangements and partnerships. However, WWE COO Triple H just announced possibly the strangest partnership in the history of WWE. The wrestling empire has formed a partnership with Enfield Town FC. A UK based football club that currently plies their trade in the Ithsmian League Premier Division.

    This is not to be confused with the Premier Division. Home to the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United. The Ithsmian League is currently six leagues below the top level and three away from the professional leagues. Why is a WWE legend like Triple H building ties to an amateur football team?

    The partnership is not as crazy as it sounds. The WWE has long-standing ties with the UK, and the NXT UK  performance center is located in Enfield. So the town and the company share a deep connection.

    Triple H took to social media to confirm the link just as the new season of football begins in the UK.

    Triple H and WWE Want to Support Their Local Community

    At the time of writing it is not clear as to the extent of the agreement or if WWE will be providing any financial investment into the club.

    “Not only is it a big week for WWE with SummerSlam on Saturday and NXT Takeover 36 on Sunday, but it’s a big week for the UK. The football season has returned. Enfield in London has played a big part in the journey of NXT UK since the opening of our UK Performance Centre. That’s why I’m proud to announce today, the first of its kind partnership between NXT UK and Enfield Town Football Club in celebration of their 20th anniversary. As the UK’s first supporter-owned football club, they share our passion for putting fans at the centre of everything we do. Be on the lookout for plenty of exciting things to come over the next few months.”

    “But for now, there’s only one question left to ask. Enfield Town football club, are you ready?”

    -Triple H

    WWE have a long association with building roots in their local communities. Under the leadership of Triple H, NXT UK and the general WWE presence on British soil continues to grow. It only makes sense for them to form relationships with other companies as their brand expands.

  • Samoa Joe Comments On Being Cleared For In-Ring Return

    Samoa Joe Comments On Being Cleared For In-Ring Return

    At TakeOver 36, Samoa Joe will return to the ring for the first time since February 2020. Joe was concussed while filming a commercial and has been out of action ever since. This weekend, he’ll face Karrion Kross with the NXT Championship on the line.

    Joe spoke to Sports Illustrated recently about finally being cleared to return.

    “My goal has always been to get healthy and get back in the ring,” Joe says. “[Getting cleared], it was a feeling of reassurance and relief. It was very reaffirming. Everything we did, all the therapy, all that work was worth it.”

    Joe spent a little under a year as a commentator on RAW. He was released from the role earlier this spring. He says it gave him something to put his energy towards while he was out.

    “Commentary gave me something to focus on and put my energy into while I was recovering. I enjoyed my time in the commentary booth. I threw myself so deeply into that because it kept me from driving myself crazy. Only time and healing were going to solve anything, so doing commentary helped me alleviate a little bit of that stress I put on myself.”

    Shortly after being cut from the main roster, Joe signed with NXT. At first, he was William Regal’s enforcer but that only set the stage for his feud with Karrion Kross and return to the ring.

    “This is very real to me,” Joe continued. “The hours of training to come back, those are very real. It’s been very real to me for a long time. I can’t wait to get back in the ring and mix it up.”

    Joe has a chance to enter the record books this weekend as the first person to hold the NXT Championship 3 times. He already holds the record as the first person to hold the title twice. Since Joe’s second title reign, Shinsuke Nakamura, Finn Balor, and Karrion Kross have all won the title a second time as well.

  • Samoa Joe Believes NXT Is Always Going To Be In ‘A State Of Chaotic Flux’

    Samoa Joe Believes NXT Is Always Going To Be In ‘A State Of Chaotic Flux’

    Recent reports of WWE management looking to shake things up with NXT have made fans worried. However, Samoa Joe is not startled by these changes. He seems to believe that constant change is in the fate of WWE’s third brand. The former NXT champion recently appeared on Busted Open Radio.

    Among other things, he also commented on the reports of the expected changes to the black and yellow brand. Joe explained that NXT has always been at the impetuous for experiments. According to him, it won’t be anything different in the future and the show will always be in a state of chaotic flux:

    “That evolution is going to continue. NXT has always been at the impetuous for experiment and change and doing things differently in WWE. A lot of that change has reverberated down to the SmackDown and Raw brand. I don’t think it’s going to be anything different in the future. It’s always going to be in a state of chaotic flux and the state of change just by the nature of what it is.”

    Samoa Joe continued his explanation mentioning how they are always finding new talent and introducing them to the world through the NXT brand:

    “We’re finding brand new talent and introducing these people to the world. In able to do that, you have to be able to keep mixing up the pot. It makes a lot of fans a little uneasy at times, but at the same time, it’s exciting to get in on the ground floor and see somebody become a star in front of your eyes.”

    The former Raw star went on to name people such as Finn Balor, Bayley and Sasha Banks who grew up with the audience in NXT and have become big stars now. Samoa Joe is currently scheduled to challenge Karrion Kross for the NXT championship at the TakeOver: 36 event. This will be Joe’s first match in 18 months.

    Samoa Joe On Potentially Reigniting Rivalry With Roman Reigns
  • Samoa Joe On Potentially Reigniting Rivalry With Roman Reigns

    Samoa Joe On Potentially Reigniting Rivalry With Roman Reigns

    Samoa Joe will be competing in his first match in nearly 18 months this Sunday. However, despite his hiatus from the ring, Joe does not have any doubts about himself. He is ready to take on even the top WWE star in Roman Reigns in a single call.

    The former NXT champion recently had an interview with Give Me Sport. He talked about things such as his recent WWE release, upcoming SummerSlam PPV, and more.

    He was also asked about Roman Reigns during the talk. Replying to it, Joe, who has faced Roman on multiple occasions before said that the tribal chief merely needs to say his name and he will show up to take the challenge:

    “What Roman’s been doing has been fantastic. He’s really embraced what he probably should have been a long time ago. He’s built a hell of a squad around him. And you know, Head of the Table – that’s an interesting moniker. But Roman knows what’s up. I’m never too far away.

    He merely needs to say my name, and I will show up. No problem.” said Samoa Joe, “He knows that. And I ain’t interested in sitting at your table, man. I’ll flip it over and I’ll eat your birthday cake in front of you. That’s about it.”

    The Samoan submission machine has crossed paths with the head of the table before. The two feuded over the intercontinental championship back in 2018.

    Samoa Joe is currently scheduled to face Karrion Kross for the NXT championship at the upcoming NXT TakeOver: 36 event on Sunday, August 22.

    Samoa Joe Says His WWE NXT Return Was Initially Discussed Years Ago
  • Former NXT Star Tyler Rust Reacts To Rumors Of Upcoming NXT Changes

    Former NXT Star Tyler Rust Reacts To Rumors Of Upcoming NXT Changes

    There have been reports of an internal power struggle in WWE after NXT lost the Wednesday night wars but Tyler Rust believes that it’s all just speculation.

    The former NXT star recently had an interview with WrestlingInc. He talked about things such as the rise of AEW, why the company should continue growing, and more.

    Rust was asked about the reports of Triple H being blamed for the loss of NXT. Replying to it, Tyler explained that it’s likely just a rumor because things were very controlled in NXT when he was there:

    “Honestly, I would think they’re just speculation, personally, because the vibe around NXT has always been very good, it’s always been very controlled.

    When we did move to Tuesday, for example, it was made very clear that, hey, this is a total network thing. This doesn’t have anything to do with the Wednesday night deal.”

    Tyler Rust On Upcoming NXT Changes

    Tyler Rust also offered his thoughts on the reports of the upper management wanting to overhaul the NXT product. He said that we will have to see how it works out:

    “I know there’s a lot of rumors now as far as Vince wanting to overhaul the NXT product and everything. Sometimes, rumors, maybe they’re right.

    We’ll see how it is going forward from there, but from my experience there, there wasn’t really many eggshells as far as upper management not being happy.”

    Tyler Rust signed with NXT back in December 2020. He spent early 2021 working with Malcolm Bivens. Rust was revealed as a member of the Diamond Mine stable in June but he was released from the promotion on August 6.

    Championship Match Added To SummerSlam, Updated Card
  • Kushida Reacts To Missing WWE NXT Cruiserweight Title Defense

    Kushida Reacts To Missing WWE NXT Cruiserweight Title Defense

    Kushida has issued a brief statement on missing a title defense on WWE NXT.

    He is the reigning WWE NXT Cruiserweight Championship. He was set to make a title defense on the Aug. 17 edition of NXT. Plans changed as NXT General Manager William Regal announced that Kushida wasn’t medically cleared to compete.

    “Unfortunately after a medical examination, officials learned Kushida
    is not cleared to compete tonight. When I informed Malcolm Bivens and Roderick Strong, they expressed Roderick’s desire to compete.

    Therefore, WWE NXT will begin with a Diamond Mine open challenge.”

    Strong remained on the show and issued a Diamond Mine open challenge as Regal mentioned in his statement. Ilja Dragunov ended up taking the challenge and he defeated Strong.

    Kushida took to his Twitter account to speak on not being able to defend his title on NXT.

    https://twitter.com/KUSHIDA_0904/status/1427766544784834560

    “I’m sorry for everyone who was looking forward to tonight’s title match. Did not [get medically cleared]. I can’t do anything and I’m just stunned… I promise to be back on TV soon. Thank you for your support.”

    There is no word on why Kushida hasn’t been medically cleared. We also don’t have an update on when he’s expected to return to the ring. For now, fans will have to wait to see when the former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion can get back to business.

    SEScoops.com will keep you updated on the status of Kushida as well as when the NXT Cruiserweight Title bout with Roderick Strong will be rescheduled.