SEScoops

Category: NXT

  • NXT In San Jose Notes: Vince Watching From Backstage (Photo), Stars In Attendance, More

    Hideo Itami finally pulled out his “GTS” finisher in NXT, using the move to win his match in the opener against Tyler Breeze.

    Vince McMahon, Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Seth Rollins were among those backstage watching the NXT event on Friday night in San Jose, California. Jim Ross was also in attendance, sitting in the front row. Below is a photo of McMahon, HHH and some of the other WWE executives watching some of the action from backstage.

    Speaking of last night’s NXT show, the building was packed with lively fans from start-to-finish, with the rowdy crowd doing a lot of “This Is Awesome!” and even “We Are Awesome!” chants.

    Below is a picture of the packed arena:

  • Update On Rumors Of Adrian Neville’s Main WWE Roster Gimmick

    Regarding the rumors that WWE was planning to bring NXT star Adrian Neville to the main roster with a “Mighty Mouse” type-character, there has been no discussions of this happening recently. It is, however, an idea that Vince McMahon has wanted to do with a short wrestler for quite a while.

    There was talk at one point of bringing Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo in for that role, however he chose to pursue a career in MMA instead, with his second UFC victory taking place this past weekend.

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • Ethan Carter III Talks In-Depth About Training Under Bill DeMott While In WWE Developmental

    TNA performer Ethan Carter III recently spoke to the folks at WhatCulture.com about his experiences training under former NXT head coach Bill DeMott.

    EC3 stated the following about working with DeMott while in the WWE developmental system.

    “(Worked with him in WWE developmental) Having been there at that time, I witnessed a lot of it. This industry is extremely difficult and, to achieve success in it, I 100% agree it needs to be hard. It needs to be earned. Preparing for the demands of the industry, both physical and mental, are essential. It requires a special psyche that all may not possess.

    Having said that, I feel there is a big difference between a hard-nosed individual pushing you to the limit to become great, and blatant bullying.

    It is an unfortunate scenario that transpired, as that position holds great power in many peoples careers and physical well being. I feel that in this day and age, with what we know about concussions, someone being slapped in the head while possibly suffering from one is unacceptable. Asking talent to conceal injuries that your “training tactics” are responsible for is unacceptable. Leading the charge on an anti-bullying campaign, while that very thing is taking place under your watch, is unacceptable.

    A company making a statement that the accusations “fully investigated” when they were not, well, that is just is very disheartening.

    Then again, it is not my company to run. I don’t know the inner workings. Perhaps I am wrong. Our generation has been labeled “unmotivated and lazy,” which I can’t disagree with more. Some of the hardest working/creative people I know are putting in maximum effort for just an inkling of success.

    Saying that this entire group has “a feeling of entitlement and a certain level of defiance” (which has since been recanted) is painting very broad strokes and not looking at individual talent. Plus, I believe it was a “level of defiance” that made people like Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, The Rock, HHH and John Cena some of the biggest stars this industry has ever seen.

    In the end, if you believe or enable homophobia, racism, and bullying as coaching methods, we strongly disagree.”

  • Bill DeMott Wants To Tell His Side Of The Story, Recent WWE Attendance Figures

    – Multiple sources are reporting that former NXT head trainer Bill DeMott wants to give his side of the story after resigning from the company a few weeks ago following a lot of controversy. DeMott, however, has been asked by WWE to remain quiet for the time being due to legal reasons. As noted, WWE is expecting lawsuits to be filed as a result of the DeMott controversy.

    – The following are some recent WWE live attendance figures:

    March 12th in Largo, FL for NXT drew a sellout of 500 fans
    March 13th in Abbotsford, BC drew 5,000 fans (Roman Reigns tour)
    March 14th in Seattle drew 6,000 fans (Roman Reigns tour)
    March 14th in Milwaukee drew 7,000 fans (John Cena tour)
    March 14th in Citrus Springs, FL for NXT drew 225 fans
    March 15th in Portland drew 3,200 fans (Roman Reigns tour)
    March 15th in Minneapolis drew 5,500 fans (John Cena tour)
    March 16th in Des Moines, IA for RAW drew 9,300 fans

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • WWE Still Believes The Briscoes Are Signing With Them, Update On Jey Uso’s Injury

    – Despite previous reports to the contrary, WWE is still of the belief that top Ring Of Honor stars The Briscoes will be signing with them and will be heading to NXT by mid-summer.

    – As previously reported, Jey Uso is currently out of action with a shoulder injury. Due to the injury, Uso’s status for WrestleMania 31 will not be known until he is evaluated by WWE doctors, which is expected to happen later this week. The injury occurred when Xavier Woods landed awkwardly on Uso while executing a somersault plancha during a recent match on WWE SmackDown.

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • WWE Postpones Two NXT Events Scheduled For Next Week

    WWE announced that the NXT events scheduled for March 19th in Orlando, Florida and March 21st in Tampa, Florida have been postponed.

    The event planned for Orlando will instead take place on April 4th, while the event scheduled for Tampa has been moved to April 2nd.

    WWE.com wrote the following about the postponements:

    “The NXT events on Thursday, March 19, at Orlando Armory in Orlando, Fla., and Saturday, March 21, at UACDC Gymnasium, in Tampa, Fla., have been rescheduled. The event at Orlando Armory will now take place on Saturday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m., and the event at Tampa’s UACDC Gymnasium will take place on Thursday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m.

    All tickets purchased for NXT will be honored on the rescheduled dates. Fans that cannot attend the rescheduled dates should call (877) 840-0457 for refunds.”

  • Bully Ray Talks Possibly Working In NXT, Samoa Joe/WWE, Rey Mysterio Leaving WWE

    Bully Ray spoke with Alex Obert of the Journey of a Frontman website while at Tommy Dreamer’s “House of Hardcore VIII” event in Philadelphia last weekend. Below are highlights from the interview.

    On returning at the WWE Royal Rumble: “Well the Royal Rumble is a lot of fun. As far as the reaction was concerned, it was awesome. To be able to come back to Philadelphia ten years after I had left the WWE to that type of reception, you really can’t put any words to it. I kind of knew in the back of my head that I was gonna get a warm reception from the Philly crowd. Some people might of been shocked just how big the reaction was. It was overwhelmingly positive. If that was my last time that you ever saw me in a WWE ring again, not that I’m saying that I want it to be, but if that was the last time that you ever saw me, that’s a hell of a way to go out!”

    On being in the ring with Luke Harper and Bray Wyatt: “I’m a big fan of those guys. I’m a big fan of most guys in the WWE, they’re all extremely passionate about what they do. You can tell that they whenever they go out there, they always strive to be the best and steal the show and do the absolute best that they can. The Wyatt Family is kind of reminiscent of the old Dudley clan back in the day. Big fan of Bray. Big fan of Luke and Erick Rowan. They’re doing a great job. It was fun to be in there with The Miz. It was fun to be in there with R-Truth doing the What’s Up and the 3D. It was all good, lots of fun.”

    On possibly appearing at NXT: “I am open to anything that is fun and that would be good business. Me and D-Von have accomplished so much as a tag team and I’ve accomplished more than I thought I ever would as a singles guy. If you listen to the fans, they would love to see the Dudley Boyz back in the WWE and help bring that tag team division back to the heights that it once was. Our school is going on almost ten years now and we’ve been very proud of the students that we turn out. We are very proud of the way we train our students. On a whole, I’m really happy with the way everything has unfolded so far.”

    On Rey Mysterio leaving WWE: “Whenever people leave a company or go to a company, everyone will ask what my thoughts are. It goes on every day. People come and go from companies every day, whether it’s wrestling or a bank or a big business or McDonald’s, people come and go all the time. When one person stays in a company for too long, they can sometimes get stagnant or stale. So it’s good because with Rey leaving WWE now, maybe he’ll go do some stuff that will light a fire under his ass even more. And now that opens up a spot for a younger guy in WWE to step up and become the next Rey Mysterio. It’s always good for the business when people come and go and rosters constantly get mixed up.”

    On Samoa Joe possibly going to WWE: “That’s awesome for Joe. Great! I would love to see Joe be ultra successful in the wrestling business. WWE is the top of the food chain. When you get into pro wrestling, everybody always wants to wrestle for the WWE. Joe went to Ring of Honor, helped build Ring of Honor and he paid his dues there. He went to TNA and helped build TNA, paid his dues. Now he’s gonna have an opportunity with the WWE and I hope he knocks it out of the park. He’s worked very hard and he deserves it.”

    Check out the complete interview at JourneyOfAFrontman.com.

  • Kevin Owens Undergoes Knee Surgery, Comments On His Recovery

    NXT Champion Kevin Owens underwent a partial menisocectomy late last week for a knee injury that he has been dealing with.

    Owens made the following comments regarding the operation and his recovery:

    “I’m not the kind of person that lets things like this get in my way. I’m already walking around without crutches and doing physical therapy at the WWE Performance Center.”

    “Now that I’m at the level I am now, and with as much at stake as there is, I don’t think it’s going to slow me down. I’m on the way back.”

  • Backstage Update On Plans For Samoa Joe To Sign With WWE

    Samoa Joe is still expected to sign with WWE next month, as we reported a few weeks ago. In fact, while the original plan called for Joe to end his run in Ring Of Honor in late April, it is now believed that his ROH run will end after his appearance at the promotion’s WrestleMania 31 weekend event in Redwood City, California.

    This would explain why Joe has not been advertised for ROH’s April 4th event in San Antonio, as well as the company’s upcoming event in Minnesota.

    ROH and WWE have yet to confirm this news, and Joe is expected to work his advertised independent wrestling events in April before moving to WWE, likely as part of the NXT brand.

    (Credit: ProWrestling.net)

  • Ethan Carter III Talks Bill DeMott Controversy, Having Freedom In TNA & More

    TNA star Ethan Carter III spoke with the Journey Of A Frontman website while at Tommy Dreamer’s “House of Hardcore VIII” event in Philadelphia last weekend. Below are highlights from the interview.

    On working with top guys such as Sting and Kurt Angle: “Looking at it from the perspective as a fan growing up watching wrestling, it’s surreal to be in the ring with guys I considered heroes, guys I watched every week. From being a little kid to a teenager, I would see a thing Kurt Angle did in a match one time and pause the TV. Then I’d look to my dad and say, “Someday I’m gonna do that.” And he’s like, “Okay.” Then someday I’m doing it and I’m in the ring with a guy that inspired me. As a fan, that’s incredible. As far as a talent or performer, you only get better being in the ring with people that are better than you. The only way to improve is to be in situations you’re not accustomed to and being taught through hands-on training. Being in the ring with Sting, Bully, Angle, even all the other veterans in TNA like Eric Young, Austin Aries, Matt Hardy, Abyss, you’re always learning with all those guys. You always learn with everything you do. Guys that have been around longer have learned from some of the best too. It’s the trickle-down effect. Trickle-Down Economics, Ronald Reagan style.”

    On having freedom with his character: “I think being locked into a verbatim script is hard for a wrestler because we’re not professional actors. If we were, we’d be getting paid not to get hurt. The thing about being a wrestler and a character is that it’s an extension of your personality. It’s hard for somebody to write who you are. It’s easier to be given a scenario and a situation where you can act in it. You get a script in both places, there’s a difference in that sense. In the sense of TNA, I’ve been able to take scripts and feel it out there. I’m not deviating from the important things, but I’ll put it in my own words. And I think that’s helped me greatly because I’m the best me that I can be and every talent is the best they can be. It’s also the talent’s responsibility to incorporate themselves into their character and not be apprehensive by saying that something sucks and they don’t want to do it. You have a segment on national television, take that as an opportunity to make it something special. Every time you have a chance, do something special.”

    On the Bill DeMott controversy: “It’s an unfortunate situation that happened. There’s varied opinions. As far as wrestling training, it should be difficult a hundred percent. You’re in a place where you’re supposed to represent the best. During my time in developmental, I had some of the best coaches in the world. I had Dr. Tom Prichard, Steve Keirn, Norman Smiley, we had Billy Kidman for a time, Ricky Steamboat, and all these guys push you. They push you to be better constantly. I would be dead dog tired from those practices, but it was never at the expense of my humility as a human being, at the expense of being made an example of, it was to get better. I was pushed to get better. I firmly believe that fully. As far as that scenario, what’s come out are things that did happen and it isn’t a place for that. Not in 2015. Not in wrestling in general. It’s not bettering you as a wrestler.”

    Check out the complete interview at JourneyOfAFrontman.com.

  • Rhyno Talks About Working In NXT, His WWE Departure In 2005 & More

    NXT star Rhyno recently spoke with the Journey Of A Frontman website to promote his current run in the WWE developmental system. Below are highlights from the interview.

    On his recent appearance at WWE NXT: “Yeah, it really came out of nowhere. I was just finishing up a loop one day and they’re like, “Hey, you wanna come down to NXT?” I’m like, “Yeah.” That’s all I’ve heard about, NXT this and NXT that from the fans. Really, if you’re gonna make a splash, you want to do it where everybody’s talking about.”

    On who in NXT has his attention right now: “Gosh, who doesn’t? From top to bottom, you see it in their eyes and you see it when they go out there. They’re hungry. You see it everyday when they get up. I don’t just tune into the program, I see who’s working the hardest in that Performance Center. I see and I listen and I hear and I ask questions. I have been in wrestling for twenty years, I have a lot of friends and I have eyes and ears in all different places. Not that I’m spying, but I’m asking questions and I’m doing my research. There’s a lot going on.”

    On being released from WWE in 2005, showing up on RAW and One Night Stand, then going to TNA: “Well I was released from WWE for a little incident, but it’s not a secret. It involved alcohol and I was going through a difficult time in my life. Alcohol wasn’t an issue, I just happened to be drinking. And I was very irresponsible. As a man, you have to take responsibility for your actions. Every action. There was no physicality, I just threw a flower pot. I laugh at it now and my ex-wife laughs at it now. But like I said, you have to be a man and stand up. No matter what was said or done, there is no excuse for the behavior. And when you behave, you have to be responsible. I understand what I had to do, I had to work hard and work towards the indies. We already had the One Night Stand booked and I fulfilled my commitment with that. They wanted me to honor that commitment and we did good business. We professionally parted ways. They were good on their part and did everything as far as they were contractually obligated to, they did not try to mess around or anything. It was just one of those things where it was a very good learning experience. But it was a good situation for me. I made it a good situation by learning from the mistake and that mistake becomes an error, then I move forward in my career. I put my nose to the grindstone and worked to keep my career going. I moved forward, there’s no dispute about it. I began to create some good memories like working with “The Monster” Abyss, he’s a great talent. I worked on the independents and developed a great relationship with the fans. I met and interacted with them, one on one, on a smaller intimate level. You have that time and you have that ability. When you’re doing the bigger venues, it’s harder because there’s so many more fans and it can get chaotic.”

    On what NXT means to him now that he’s had the experience: “At this moment in my life, the fans of NXT and their passion, I see that same emotion and that same passion and that same drive from all the fans that I did fifteen years ago. I see that same passion and drive from the performers that I did fifteen years ago. They had something to prove fifteen years ago in the company that I worked for, we all know the company that I’m talking about, don’t even have to say it. They were rejected, look at each and every single talent, they had something to prove. Stone Cold Steve Austin was fired from WCW, they said he’d never make it and that he’d never be anything better than a midcarder. Where did he go for six months to prove his worth? He had something to prove because he was rejected and he proved it in under six months. Then he went to WWE and within six, seven months, he started taking off. The rest is history. Kevin Owens has something to prove. Sami Zayn has something to prove. The list goes on and on. Finn Balor. The list goes on and on. It’s the same stuff that happened then, people crave that same passion. There’s a lot of great wrestling out there and there’s a lot of great things happening in wrestling, just with a little different formula. And that brings a person alive. That brings me alive. I feel alive all the time and I feel great, but this makes me feel really young again. The fans and their passion makes me feel really young again. You’ve just gotta feel it. Whether you’re in the crowd or in that ring, it brings you alive.”

    Check out the complete interview at JourneyOfAFrontman.com.

  • NXT Event In San Jose Sells Out Quick, Mick Foley On Piper’s Pit, WWE Fury Video

    – Part two of Roddy Piper’s interview with Mick Foley is available on the latest edition of the “Piper’s Pit” podcast. You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.

    – The NXT show in San Jose scheduled for WrestleMania weekend on March 27th at the Events Center is officially sold out. Tickets for the show went on sale today and sold out in a matter of hours.

    – The latest edition of “WWE Fury,” which you can watch below, showcases “33 kicks that will break your face.”

  • Backstage Update On Bill DeMott Controversy, Some Stories Were Exaggerated?

    While many of the accusations that have come out against Bill DeMott took place in early 2013, some of the stories reportedly date back to his first run as developmental coach, which ended in 2007.

    Issues with DeMott in the past is one of the reasons WWE had cameras installed in the WWE Performance Center, and are also why all practices are filmed.

    WWE reportedly wanted proof to defend themselves in case any lawsuits came up in the future. As noted recently, WWE is expecting lawsuits to be filed as part of the recent DeMott controversy.

    The issues surrounding DeMott were well known within the company, so much so that many were said to be surprised that he still had a job. There was said to be a feeling that the controversy was a time-bomb that could go off at any point.

    Additionally, there’s a feeling that some of the stories that came out about DeMott in recent weeks were exaggerated by those who were telling them.

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • WWE Expecting Lawsuits Related To Bill DeMott Controversy

    The belief is that former NXT head trainer Bill DeMott, who resigned from WWE last week, received a significant severance package on his way out of the company.

    WWE is apparently expecting lawsuits to be filed as a result of the controversy surrounding DeMott and their developmental system, which is why they were careful in making it clear that they admit no wrong doing in their official statements regarding the situation.

    Additionally, there was said to be a feeling that some WWE employees were aware of the complaints, but didn’t expect so many people to come forward because generally everyone aims to stay in their good graces, as it’s everyone’s dream to work and/or return to WWE one day.

    It’s also being said that some of the people speaking out right now, while they were still in WWE, they were asked about the allegations and at the time, they said the stories were untrue.

    (Credit: F4WOnline.com)

  • More Issues With Bill DeMott In NXT, Talent Frustrated With Triple H Showing Favoritism?

    Following former NXT head trainer Bill DeMott’s resignation from WWE, additional stories are starting to come out about him.

    One in particular has to do with the Kevin Owens vs. CJ Parker match at the NXT Takeover: R Evolution event back in December. The match that we ended up seeing was the one that the three worked out together ahead of time.

    Between not liking Owens, the big guy, doing a flip-dive and not working so many moves into the opening match, DeMott reportedly did not like the match.

    Prior to the match, Owens reportedly complained to Triple H about what was planned, to which HHH told him to simply let Owens do what he wants.

    This apparently led to some issues, as many felt that Triple H allows “his guys” to do whatever they want while the rest of the guys are said to be micro-managed and told not to wrestle the “independent style” of matches that they are used to.

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • Backstage Talk On NXT Before Bill DeMott Controversy, More Letters Againt DeMott Surfacing?

    Former NXT employee Rob Naylor noted during a recent Wrestling Observer Live appearance that he keeps in touch with many people who work in NXT and they claim there hasn’t been any bad behavior from Bill DeMott or any other trainers as of late.

    WWE officials reportedly “cleaned up shop” before the letters started surfacing about DeMott’s behavior in the past.

    Speaking of which, the belief right now is that more letters about DeMott that were written in the past will begin surfacing in the near future, despite the fact that WWE accepted his resignation last week.

  • Contender Match Announced For This Week’s NXT, Alberto El Patron Shoot DVD, Ross Report

    – The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and Kalisto) vs. Enzo Amore and Big Cass in a tag-team match to determine the number one contenders for the NXT Tag-Team Championship has been announced for this week’s edition of NXT TV on the WWE Network.

    – Speaking of NXT, former NXT World Champion Sami Zayn is now officially on Facebook. You can check out Zayn’s page at Facebook.com/SamiZaynWWENXT.

    – Lucha Underground and Ring Of Honor star Alberto El Patron will be coming out with a new YouShoot DVD produced by the folks at Kayfabe Commentaries on March 17th. The DVD will be available at KayfabeCommentaries.com.

    – Former WWE Diva Melina Perez will be the guest on this week’s Jim Ross “Ross Report” podcast, which will be available on Tuesday night at approximately 9pm EST. at PodcastOne.com.

  • Hulk Hogan Endorses Kevin Owens & Sasha Banks (Photo), Jim Ross Talks WrestleMania 31

    – WWE Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan gave his endorsement of NXT talents Kevin Owens and Sasha Banks. “The Hulkster” tweeted a photo out on Saturday that features himself, Triple H and Jimmy Hart with the NXT champions and wrote, “This is why the WWE will live forever brother.”

    You can check out the photo below.

    – Jim Ross touched on the build to this year’s WrestleMania and the fan reaction to the push of Roman Reigns in his latest website blog. Below is an excerpt where JR comments on these two subjects.

    “For those looking at the build to this WrestleMania as being not to their personal liking because of not enough hype and a lack of momentum in their eyes, I equate it to the Super Bowl. This year in the Super Bowl I did not have a horse in the race so I did not have an emotional investment to a high degree but I still watched the game with interest simply because I’m a NFL fan and it was, after all, the Super Bowl. Could that analogy apply to WrestleMania as it currently stands? I’m not jacked to the max today about WM31 but I promise you that I will be come that weekend and wouldn’t miss watching the show on the WWE Network for anything. Why? Because I’m still a true, wrestling fan. Let the show happen and then judge it as you choose.”

    “Continue to get feedback from fans on Twitter or here at our Q&A’s that Roman Reigns “isn’t ready.” How many of you think that JYD was “ready” when Bill Watts made him the top star in Mid South Wrestling back in the day? Simply ask some of Dog’s opponents. But Dog had much of what many feel that Roman Reigns does. “Charisma” and a marketable look. Time will tell on that one but I say put Roman in the game and let’s see what’s in his heart when he knows he’s being relied on to pull the wagon. I’d enjoy seeing Reigns and Heyman put the screws to Brock this Monday in Pittsburgh on RAW whereby Lesnar goes into the main event at WM31 as a fan favorite defending his title against a stacked deck w/ Heyman ‘making’ a couple of villains by enlisting their help as “backup.” Just an idea much like Fantasy Football from my friends a @DraftKings.”

  • Bill DeMott Comments On WWE Resignation, Update On His Replacement

    Following his resignation as NXT head trainer after a world of controversy fell in his lap, Bill DeMott has resurfaced on social media. The former NXT trainer tweeted the following update on Sunday.

    Speaking of the DeMott situation, as we reported earlier this week, Matt Bloom (aka Jason Albert, Tensai and A-Train) is rumored to be DeMott’s replacement as NXT head trainer. Bloom tweeted the following on Sunday, which alludes to the fact that he is indeed the new head trainer for WWE’s developmental system.

  • Update: Real Reason Bill DeMott Resigned, New Head Trainer For NXT Revealed

    As we reported earlier today, Bill DeMott has resigned from his job in WWE as head trainer of the company’s developmental system.

    DeMott reportedly resigned in light of a new round of allegations made against him, including those by independent wrestler Terra Calaway, who claimed that DeMott used a variety of racist terms to address a Middle Eastern wrestler during a tryout camp, as well as accusations from an anonymous wrestler alleging that he refused to do anything about a strength and conditioning coach who was sexually harassing the women.

    While WWE has not yet confirmed it, effective immediately, Matt Bloom (aka Tensai, A-Train) will be taking over the role as head trainer in NXT.

    (Credit: F4WOnline.com)

  • Sasha Banks Comments On Being NXT Women’s Champion, A Role Model To Young Women & More

    NXT Women’s Champion Sasha Banks recently took part in a Q&A with the official WWE website. Below are some highlights.

    On her era as NXT Women’s Champion: “If you look at it in historical terms, Paige was the first champion so her era was like an introduction into this higher level of female empowerment. Charlotte’s era was similar to what Brock Lesnar is now. Just a dominant, “It’s gonna take the world to take me down”-type of competitor. My era is bigger than that. I’m going to transcend boundaries. I’m aiming for an era that’s on par with The Rock. Sasha Banks will be a name that’s on everyone’s tongues, and not just fans of NXT. Bank on it.”

    On whether or not she sees herself as a role model to younger girls: “I believe I am. Bayley, for all her hugs and lovingness, can be a bit naive. I think that type of inspirational figure can leave girls a bit vulnerable in the real world. I’m showing young girls that to be a big deal in life, you have to be a big deal inside. You have to believe that nothing in this world is too farfetched, and if you want something bad enough, you can’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough to achieve it. In order to be a star, you have to walk, talk and act like a star.”

    On her future as Women’s Champion of NXT: “I’ve got the NXT Women’s Championship around my waist. That was the easy part. Now, it’s time to broaden the horizon. It’s time to show the world how big the NXT Universe is and how Sasha Banks is the brightest star in it. Then and only then will I set my sights on much bigger fish. Hey, WWE Divas, I hope you’re ready.”

    Check out the complete interview at WWE.com.

  • Reason Behind WWE Bringing Veterans Back In NXT, Update On Ticket Sales For WrestleMania 31

    – Regarding WWE bringing in veterans like Rhyno and Brian Kendrick to NXT, the idea behind it is that new developmental talents will improve faster if they work with more experienced talent. This is a similar move to that made by Jim Ross, who had a similar philosophy when he was working with Ohio Valley Wrestling, WWE”s developmental territory at the time. WWE is rumored to be bringing in more past veterans to work with the young guys in NXT.

    – Ticket sales for WrestleMania 31 have reportedly picked up since the WWE World Heavyweight Championship between Brock Lesnar and Rmoan Reigns was officially announced after the WWE Fastlane pay-per-view. Comped tickets are said to be down a considerable amount compared to 2014 and the overall pace of ticket sales for the show as a whole are said to be slightly ahead of where WrestleMania XXX was at this time.

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • NXT Preview For Tonight, Nikki Bella Reaches Milestone, Wrestling Birthdays

    – Nikki Bella, who busted her nose up pretty good at Monday’s RAW, has reached a personal milestone as WWE Divas Champion. The Bella Twin has held the Divas title for 100 days.

    – WWE referee Scott Armstrong celebrates his 56th birthday today. Armstrong was born on March 4, 1959. Also celebrating birthdays today are former WCW star Crowbar (41) and former TNA Knockout Sarah “Sarita” Stock (36).

    – WWE taped the following matches for tonight’s edition of NXT on the WWE Network.

    Adam Rose comes vs. Tyler Breeze
    Blake and Murphy vs. Sawyer Fulton and Angelo Dawkins
    Baron Corbin vs. Tony Briggs
    Solomon Crowe vs. Bull Dempsey
    Charlotte vs. NXT Women’s Champion Sasha Banks

  • Blue Pants Explains How She Ended Up In NXT, What Triple H Told Her & More

    Blue Pants recently spoke with WWE.com to explain how she ended up in NXT. During the interview, it is acknowledged that she is independent star Leva Bates. Below are highlights from the interview.

    On how she ended up in NXT: “I actually filled out the recruit page, because you always hear, “Hey, fill out the recruit page,” and I got a call asking if I would be interested in wrestling a match at NXT! So, of course, I said yes. [Laughs] I ended up getting called, and the name Blue Pants actually came about [when] I was stretching near the ring. At that point I was told I was going to wrestle Carmella, and Enzo & Cass were brainstorming an [intro] just off the top of their heads. They were like, “Maybe we should call her out, the girl with the blue pants.” I laughed about that, I just thought it was really funny. I went, “Absolutely! Do that!” I was just wearing the pants to roll around in, I wasn’t sure I was going to actually wrestle in that outfit. I have a crazy amount of costumes. I always over-pack so I have hundreds of things with me. I just put the blue pants on real quick to roll around in the ring, stretch, kind of get comfortable and it just stuck … that’s how Blue Pants was born, and I just embraced it!”

    On what Triple H said to her after her first few matches: “The first time I came back he said, “You got a Blue Pants chant. I don’t even. I can’t,” and then he started laughing. I shook his hand and said, “Well, thank you for everything, I really appreciate this opportunity.” He said, “You’re welcome,” and then he just started laughing at my blue pants! That was kind of a really awesome moment for me, to make Triple H laugh.”

    On having a more regular role in WWE: “I would absolutely love that! I kind of go with the flow. If they want to keep calling me back, if they want to make it permanent, if they want to say, “Alright, the ship has sailed,” I will roll with it. Right now I could stress out about it, but you gotta have fun with it! Enjoy the moment as it happens, and that’s what I’m doing: enjoying every single second. If it continues to go on and becomes a permanent thing, hallelujah, that’d be awesome. Even if it doesn’t, I still accomplished a dream of mine. Actually a couple of dreams of mine! I got [to wrestle] for WWE, I got to wrestle in front of a huge crowd and I got to win in a match for WWE, so all of these dreams have happened! To keep pursuing it? Absolutely, I would love to do that. I’m just enjoying it while I can.”

    Check out the complete interview at WWE.com.

  • Finn Balor To Work Main Roster Show, Dixie Carter Congratulates Hulk Hogan, NXT Attendance

    – This past Saturday NXT live event in Tampa, Florida drew over 500 fans, setting a new record for the venue.

    – NXT star Finn Balor is advertised to appear at the WWE live event in Warsaw, Poland on Tuesday, April 14th. Matches advertised for the show include Dolph Ziggler vs. Bad News Barrett, Big Show vs. Roman Reigns in a street fight, The Miz & Damien Mizdow vs. Los Matadores vs. The Usos vs. Tyson Kidd & Cesaro.

    – TNA President Dixie Carter posted the following congratulatory message to Hulk Hogan following his “Appreciation Night” at Madison Square Garden this past weekend.