As noted earlier this week, WWE legend The Rock tweeted Kevin Owens after his NXT debut at the NXT Takeover: R Evolution event on Thursday. Rock congratulated Owens and told him to “stay humble and hungry.”
Owens responded to The Rock with the following message.
https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/543464474779586561
BACKSTAGE NEWS: Main WWE Roster Concerned Over Being Out-Done By NXT Roster …
As previously reported, the main WWE roster is said to be concerned about being shown-up by the NXT roster after Thursday’s NXT Takeover: R Evolution event. Additionally, there is said to be a lot of frustration among the main WWE roster talents after the show.
There’s said to be a feeling within talents on the main roster that the NXT talents are getting opportunities that they don’t. There’s frustration that NXT talents get better opportunities as far as in-ring work and the creative direction of the product.
The WWE crew feels that they are just as good as the NXT guys, but they don’t get the same chances to prove it.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Radio)
To show their appreciation for the incredible NXT TakeOver: R Evolution special this past Thursday night on the WWE Network, the “Squared Circle” subreddit sent WWE COO Triple H a fruit basket.
“The Game” tweeted the following.
Thanks for the fruit basket @reddit but I'm at @WWENXT working with the future. #WWEArchivistAteIt @WWE pic.twitter.com/fs8ogk2rGa
— Triple H (@TripleH) December 12, 2014
There is said to be a lot of motivation backstage within WWE’s main roster after this past Thursday night’s NXT Takeover: R Evolution event.
Various WWE Superstars are determined to not be “blown away” by the younger NXT stars, with everybody competing for limited spots on the main roster.
As a result, there’s a general feeling that Sunday’s WWE TLC pay-per-view will likely be better than it originally would have due to the success of the NXT special.
(Credit: F4WOnline.com)
In an update on an earlier story, Finn Balor will apparently not be wearing his custom body paint permanently in NXT. It appears as though the paint will only be used for major shows, as was previously speculated.
Balor worked several matches at the NXT tapings on Friday night and did not wear the extensive body paint in any of them.
WWE NXT TV taping
Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University
Results courtesy of In-The-Building Jacob and ProWrestling.net
Dark
1. Solomon Crowe beat Brian Kendrick. Crowe got the win with his slingshot splash. It seems Brian Kendrick has been brought in as a guest coach at the WWEPC.
Show 1
The show opened with Adrian Neville coming out and talking about how he should be coming out to congratulate Sami Zayn on his title win, but Zayn couldn’t be there to accept it because of Kevin Owens. Owens came out and said that he was there to get to the top and he’d fight anyone to get there. Owens presumed Neville wanted a fight and said now he’s got one.
1. Becky Lynch forced Bayley to submit.
2. Bull Dempsey squashed an enhancement wrestler. The guy who lost was indie wrestler ‘Mr. 450’.
3. Baron Corbin squashed an enhancement wrestler.
4. The Ascension over Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady (w/ Carmella). Post-match, The Ascension said that the war with Hideo Itami and Finn Bálor is far from over. Joy.
5. Adrian Neville vs. Kevin Owens ended in a countout or no-contest. Owens hit the apron powerbomb on Neville and medics tended to him to end close the show.
Show 2
1. Charlotte submitted Sasha Banks to retain the NXT Women’s Championship. Ric Flair made an appearance to introduce Charlotte before the match. Charlotte got the win with her Figure-Eight Leglock.
2. The Lucha Dragons defeated Jason Jordan and Tye Dillinger. Post-match, The Vaudevillains attacked the Lucha Dragons.
3. Blue Pants (a/k/a Leva Bates) beat Carmella (w/ Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady). Bates got the win after Carmella was distracted by Enzo. Post-match, Carmella attacked Enzo.
4. Baron Corbin over CJ Parker. Bull Dempsey watched from the crowd and after the match, Corbin asked if Dempsey was scared. He pulled Dempsey over the barricade and the two brawled until broken up.
Charlotte came out for a promo. She said that she’s beaten everyone there is to beat in NXT. Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch came out and jumped Charlotte, but Natalya ran out to even things up and set up a future tag match.
5. Finn Bálor and Hideo Itami beat The Ascension. There was another GTS tease by Itami which once again popped the crowd big and enticed a “GTS” chant. Itami scored the win after a spinning roundhouse kick.
Former TNA Knockout Brittany (Santana Garrett) was backstage at the NXT Takeover: R Evolution event in Winter Park, Florida on Thursday evening. Garrett lives in the area and was spotted with some of the NXT Divas backstage during the show.
According to various sources, Garrett could potentially be joining the WWE ranks in the near future, possibly as an addition to the NXT roster. However, it has also been said that she may return to TNA in time for their television tapings for Destination America in January.
WWE legend The Rock tweeted Kevin Owens after his NXT debut at last night’s Takeover: R Evolution special. Below is what The Rock had to say to the former Kevin Steen.
@FightOwensFight Congrats on a helluva debut. Very happy for you homeboy. Stay humble and hungry.. and see ya at the top! #SunsetFlips4Life
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) December 12, 2014
Rock also held another “#RockTalk” Twitter chat on Friday. Below is one of the tweets where he talks about being a mentor to many on the current WWE roster.
Im not a "coach" for @WWE but more a mentor to many on the roster. I've walked miles in their boots. Some great talent #ROCKTALK @RoborHood
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) December 12, 2014
The following are highlights of the latest blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On NXT Takeover: R Evolution: “Enjoyed Thursday night’s NXT two hour special a great deal. The two hour show buzzed by quicker than a hiccup in one of the best produced wrestling shows I’ve seen in a long while. The show had a great start with the debut of Kevin Owens and ended with a startling and shocking close with Owens turning on his long time friend from Quebec Sami Zayn moments after new NXT Champion Zayn won the title from Adrian Neville in a helluva wrestling match.
There was nothing on the show that I did not enjoy for what role they each talent filled on the broadcast. There was a purpose in every segment and the talents worked smart and hard to maximize their valuable minutes.”
On Kevin Owens: “Owens is a keeper and has a uniquely, physical style that I like. Finn Balor had as memorable an entrance as I can recall in years. Neville vs Zayn could well challenge any thing we see at TLC….I hope the main roster was watching. Competition is knocking on their door. Charlotte vs. Sasha was crisp and well executed. Charlotte is getting so good that it could be scary in time. Sasha has a natural ‘attitude’ which is marketable. Great stuff from start to finish of this show.”
On Corey Graves: “I especially thought the announcers were excellently prepared and did a superb job all night. Nice to see Corey Graves get an opportunity to contribute as a broadcaster considering that concussion issues have curtailed his wrestling career. Cory got off to a great start and complimented his partners well. I admit that I’m often times too critical of pro wrestling announcing but Thursday night was a pleasure with which to listen.”
Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.
NXT Takeover: R Evolution Results
Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
December 11, 2014
– Corey Graves announced that his in-ring career was over and that he was retiring due to concussions. However, it was revealed that he is joining the NXT announcing team. He makes his debut tonight.
It's a shame Pittsburgh's own @WWEGraves has to end his in ring career but best of luck in your broadcasting future! pic.twitter.com/IhFIPTKCZi
— Dumb Marks Podcast (@DumbMarksPod) December 12, 2014
– Kevin Owens def. C.J. Parker in the opening match on the show. The fans were heavily into Owens throughout the match. Owens ended up getting busted open pretty badly near the end of the match, likely from a palm strike from Parker. It looked like he may have suffered a broken nose. In the end, Owens picked up the win with a big power bomb for the 1-2-3.
#FightOwensFIGHT!! Owens vs. @WWEMoonChild NOW at #NXTTakeover! pic.twitter.com/r0SuV24URc
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 12, 2014
– The Lucha Dragons def. The Vaudevillains to retain the NXT Tag-Team Championships. This was a fun match with a lot of high-spots and high-flying offense. The finish saw Kalisto hit the Salida del Sol on Simon Gotch for the 1-2-3.
Thank u @WWENXT @WWEUniverse for the Amazing Support! Gracias!!! @wwe_mex @ #LuchaDragons #NXTTagTeamChampions pic.twitter.com/x7Q5tqQ1KS
— CintaDeOro (@CintaDeOro) December 12, 2014
– Baron Corbin def. Tye Dillinger in a quick squash. The fans did the routine where they count from the opening bell. The count died down when it got past 30, although the match didn’t last much longer than that. Corbin hit Dillinger with the End Of Days for the pinfall victory. After the match, he and Bull Dempsey, who was in the front row, had a long staredown.
– Finn Balor & Hideo Itami def. The Ascension in an awesome tag-team match. Balor’s entrance alone garnered “this is awesome” and “marking out” chants from the fans at Full Sail University. He had the head gear and the full-body paint, etc. The finish in this one saw Balor and Itami both hit a double-foot-stomp off the top, with Balor scoring the pinfall.
Your winners: @HideoItami & @WWEBalor!! #NXTTakeover #REvolution pic.twitter.com/h0Aw3b6uUF
— WWE (@WWE) December 12, 2014
https://twitter.com/joeystyles/status/543238808519458817
– Charlotte def. Sasha Banks to retain the NXT Women’s Championship. This was an excellent NXT Women’s match that had a lot of positive chants from the fans, such as “this is wrestling!” In the end, Charlotte hit the Natural Selection for the pinfall victory to retain the title.
“@divadirt: #NXTTakeover: @MsCharlotteWWE Retains the NXT Women's Championship http://t.co/p1pU7rt7Ug pic.twitter.com/IKVCKOe7yJ” epic battle
— ?Karlee Daniels ??? (@KarleeDaniels) December 12, 2014
– Sami Zayn def. Adrian Neville to become the new NXT Champion in the main event of the evening. This match tore down the house, exactly as you would expect. Zayn hit his big running boot to the face in the corner for the pinfall victory after a bunch of teases with ref bumps, which at one point actually led to the fans chanting “this ref sucks.” Lots of cool spots throughout this one and lots of intensity from the fans in attendance. After the match, the entire NXT roster, including Pat Patterson, came out to congratulate Zayn. They put him up on their shoulders and it was a big, giant celebration.
As Zayn was at ringside taking in the moment, Kevin Owens came out to congratulate his friend once again. He then viciously attacked him, reigniting their classic rivalry. Owens power bombed the new NXT champion onto the ring apron and the show closed with Zayn selling the attack.
Overall, an excellent show that showcased NXT’s unbelievably talented top stars.
https://twitter.com/TheQueenHEEL/status/543236827381915650
RT if you're gonna be humming @ILikeSamiZayn's theme song all night long. #NXTTakeover pic.twitter.com/suMk0EjGto
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 12, 2014
https://twitter.com/TheRealKA250/status/543239265212047362
WWE Hall Of Famers Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes and Pat Patterson are all in attendance at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida for tonight’s NXT Takeover: R Evolution special on the WWE Network.
Triple H posted the following photo of himself with the trio on his official Twitter account.
Make sure to check the website later tonight for complete NXT Takeover: R Evolution results.
You never know who is gonna show up at #NXTTakeOver @RicFlairNatrBoy @WWEDustyRhodes pic.twitter.com/9HV8LpWqiI
— Triple H (@TripleH) December 11, 2014
WWE originally planned a singles match between NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte and WWE Diva Natalya for Monday’s “Slammy Awards” edition of RAW. The idea was then changed to a tag-team match, but was changed back again to a singles match. Due to the awards, time was running low so the decision was made for them to have a quick singles match.
Apparently Vince McMahon made the call for Charlotte to lose. It’s been said that if Triple H had his way, Charlotte wouldn’t of lost on Monday.
When the idea was for the two to compete in a tag-team match, it was Charlotte who was scheduled to score the pin for her team. When it was changed to a singles match, Natalya reportedly asked to lose the match, feeling it was the right thing to do.
McMahon ultimately decided for Natalya to win and it’s said that Triple H defended the idea in a sense, bringing up the timing issues and noting that in six months when they bring Charlotte back to the main roster, no one will remember that any of this happened.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
Corey Graves is set to make a “major announcement” regarding his future on the NXT Takeover: R Evolution special this Thursday.
Graves has suffered from multiple concussions in the past and has not been allowed to train for quite a while, although he has remained with the promotion in a backstage capacity.
Make sure to visit the website this Thursday night for complete NXT Takeover: R Evolution coverage.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
During Tuesday night’s WWE SmackDown television taping, a vignette aired hyping the main roster debut of NXT tag-team The Ascension. The promo aired during the start of the number one contender’s match between The Usos and Tyson Kidd & Cesaro.
It’s possible that The Ascension will be wrapping up business in NXT at this Thursday’s NXT Takeover: R Evolution special, where they are set to work with Hideo Itami and Finn Balor.
The tag-team made a main roster appearance back in September, defeating Los Matadores on an episode of WWE Main Event.
Following this week’s edition of NXT on the WWE Network, below is the latest official lineup for the NXT Takeover: R Evolution live WWE Network special, which takes place on December 11th:
NXT Championship vs. Career Match
– Adrian Neville (c) vs. Sami Zayn
NXT Tag Team Championship
– Kalisto & Sin Cara (c) vs. Simon Gotch & Aiden English
NXT Women’s Championship
Charlotte (c) vs. Sasha Banks
– Finn Balor and Hideo Itami vs. The Ascension
– Kevin Owens debuts
Make sure to visit the website on December 11th for the best NXT Takeover: R Evolution live results coverage on the web!
WWE has released another hype video centered around the upcoming debut of Kevin Owens (the former Kevin Steen) at the upcoming “NXT Takeover: R Evolution” live WWE Network special on December 11th.
In the video above, watch Owens talk about how he has fought to get to WWE and now that he is here, he will fight anyone because that’s what he likes to do more than anything else.
Owens says he enjoys proving people wrong almost as much as he loves fighting — which is why he claims he’s here.
He promises to change everything in WWE, and it all starts at the 12/11 “Takeover: R Evolution” special.
WWE has announced Finn Balor & Hideo Itami vs. The Ascension for thr upcoming “NXT Takeover: R Evolution” live WWE Network special on December 11th.
Above is a hype video from the official WWE YouTube channel regarding the match, with NXT General Manager William Regal commenting.
There continues to be discussion within top WWE circles that NXT Women’s Champion and daughter of WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair — Charlotte — will be receiving her call up to the main roster in the very near future.
Most are under the assumption that she will be appearing on the main WWE roster shortly after the upcoming NXT “Takeover” live WWE Network special on December 11th.
Additionally, many considered her appearance at the recent WrestleMania 31 Kickoff Party to be a sign that they are moving her in the direction of the main roster sooner rather than later.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
– WWE is billing Kevin Owens’ (aka Kevin Steen’s) television debut at the December 11th “Takeover: R Evolution” special as a “date of reckoning” for NXT.
– The mini wrestlers who played “The Mini Lucha Dragons” on this week’s edition of NXT on the WWE Network were El Torito and Blixx from Hulk Hogan’s former “Micro Championship Wrestling” show.
– Kevin Steen, now known as Kevin Owens, tweeted the following regarding his vignette that aired on this week’s edition of NXT on the WWE Network:
Everything I've done since I first stepped foot in a ring 14 years ago has been about this moment…@WWENXT @WWE pic.twitter.com/Ww55CBynU4
— Kevin Steen (@FightSteenFight) November 21, 2014
– Below is a video from the official WWE YouTube channel which features William Regal talking about the “NXT Takeover: R Evolution” live WWE Network special on December 11th.
NXT General Manager William Regal has officially announced the “NXT Takeover: R Evolution” live special for Thursday, December 11th at 8pm EST. on the WWE Network.
The main event for the show will feature Sami Zayn vs. Adrian Neville for the NXT Championship. The stipulation for the match has Zayn promising to quit if he loses.
More “NXT Takeover: R Evolution” matches are expected to be announced in the near future.
The following matches were taped at Full Sail University for tonight’s edition of NXT on the WWE Network:
– Charlotte & Bayley vs. Sasha Banks & Becky Lynch
– Tyson Kidd vs. Dash Wilder
– Sami Zayn vs. Tyler Breeze (No. 1 Contender To NXT Championship)
With the announcement that WWE SmackDown is officially moving to Thursday nights starting January 15th, NXT will be making a move as well. As a result of the schedule change for SmackDown, it is now known that NXT will be moving to Wednesday nights on the WWE Network.
WWE Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer Michelle told Variety.com that NXT (and the quarterly live “Takeover” specials) will air Wednesdays at 8pm EST.
The official date for the NXT move has yet to be announced, however it is believed to be the same week as the SmackDown move.
NXT’s next live special on the WWE Network will be “NXT Takeover: Evolution” on Thursday, December 11th.
NXT taped 4 weeks of shows from Full Sail University on Thursday night that will run through December 4th.
The following matches were announced for Takeover: Evolution –
* Sami Zayn vs. NXT Champion Adrian Neville. If Zayn doesn’t win, he will quit NXT.
* Sasha Banks vs. NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte.
* The Vaudevillians vs. NXT Tag Champions Sin Cara and Kalisto
* Finn Balor and Hideo Itami vs. The Ascension
WWE taped 4 episodes of NXT TV on Thursday night from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. The shows will run from November 13th – December 4th.
11/13/2014 episode:
* Finn Balor kicks off the show to a huge pop. He’s interrupted by Tyson Kidd and Natalya. Justin Gabriel also comes down and they corner Balor. Hideo Itami makes the save and we have a tag match. Balor and Itami get the win. Balor’s promo to start the show was said to be very good.
* Sasha Banks defeated Alexa Bliss. Alexa had new music and got busted open. It was said to be pretty bad with blood all over her face.
* Sin Cara and Kalisto defeated Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy. This may have been a non-title match and was described as a must-see tag match.
* Sami Zayn vs. Adrian Neville for the NXT Title is up next. Zayn came out first to a big pop. The crowd is said to be almost entirely for Zayn. Neville got the win after Sami suffered an injury and while he was being checked on, Neville rolled him up.
11/20/2014 episode:
* Becky Lynch defeated Bayley. Sasha Banks was at ringside with Becky and provided distraction. Charlotte came out to a big pop and chased Becky and Sasha away after the match.
* The Vaudevillians defeated the mini-Lucha Dragons. These were midget wrestlers supposed to be Sin Cara and Kalisto. Entertaining performance by Aiden English and Simon Gotch.
* Baron Corbin squashed Elias Samson.
* Bull Dempsey squashed Steve Cutler. Bull made his entrance while Corbin was still out and they teased something between the two in the future.
* Tyson Kidd vs. CJ Parker is next. No Natalya this time. Kidd won by submission and challenged Finn Balor after the match.
* Enzo Amore and Big Cass defeated Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder. Carmella was at ringside. After the match, The Ascension destroyed everyone and cut a promo on Itami and Balor, calling them dead men. The Ascension is coming for them both.
* Adrian Neville and Sami Zayn have words in the ring over how their last match ended. William Regal interrupts and announces they will face each other at NXT Takeover: Evolution on December 11th. Sami says if he doesn’t win the NXT Title, he will quit WWE.
Hit up page 2 below for 2 more weeks of NXT tapings results –