The following is a preview for tonight’s episode of NXT on the WWE Network:
– NXT Champion Adrian Neville vs. Titus O’Neill
– The Ascension vs. Jason Jordan and Ty Dillinger
– Tyler Breeze vs. CJ Parker
– The Vaudevillains vs. Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy
– Sasha Banks vs. Bayley
Also appearing are Hideo Itami, Sami Zayn, Sasha Banks, Mojo Rawley and more.
WWE NXT star Baron Corbin recently spoke with Alex Obert of the Journey of a Frontman website. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
His Re-Debut at NXT Takeover 2 & Establishing His Character
“Billy Gunn, Bill DeMott and Dusty Rhodes all helped me find myself and how to express it to people so they understand. I know that I’ve played with a few other characters that I thought fit me. When I sat down with Bill and Billy and Dusty, as well as Corey Graves, they had conversations with me about what am I into and what are the things I do. They wanted to know how that would relate to what I’m gonna do in the ring and how to translate that so that people understand this is who I am. You look at me, you see the tattoos and I ride a motorcycle. So how do we fit those things into who I am? There’s past endeavors including being a three-time Golden Glove Champion, we want people to understand that when I punch somebody, it’s gonna hurt. ”
How He Developed His End of Days Finisher:
“I watched a lot of wrestling and I started to watch a lot of Japanese-style. They do things a little differently. A guy here named Solomon Crowe, we were trying to think of something that would be devastating and original and we mixed some things I’d seen from some of the Japanese footage I watched. It’s something that requires a lot of strength. I know a lot of people can’t do it and won’t try it. That allowed me to stand out. End of Days is a lot of impact, it makes people open their eyes. It makes a statement. ”
His Experience Wrestling at NXT:
“I work pretty much every single live event. It gives me an opportunity to work with different people and see what they bring to the table. We want to put on an entertaining match and see who comes out the victor. I get to bounce around with different people and it keeps me on my toes because someone might surprise me with something. I want to know how I’m gonna react to that and it makes me always be prepared. That’s for sure. On recent live events, I’ve faced names such as Elias Sampson and Bull Dempsey. I’ve also faced CJ a few times. It kind of just varies all the time. I’ve been here for a little while now and I’ve had opportunities to work with Tyler Breeze and Sami at Wrestlemania Axxess. All of those opportunities just go into building me and my ability. ”
His Message To The Fans:
“Hold on tight. I think that I’m gonna make an impact that will open a lot of eyes. And I’ve only started. I’m gonna make a lot of people really question what they just saw. I don’t get paid by the hour, I go out there and get it done and get out. That’s the way I want it to be. Just hold on tight because this is gonna be a killer ride.”
– WWE has officially announced that Hulk Hogan will be appearing on Monday’s episode of RAW from Kansas City, Missouri. The last time Hogan appeared in KC was when he won the WWE Championship back in 2002.
– NXT star Tye Dillinger was working a new gimmick at Friday’s NXT live event from Leesburg, Florida. After previously taunting his opponents with playing cards, Dillinger is now using a gimmick that’s been described as a cross between “Ravishing” Rick Rude and Fandango. He was defeated by Hideo Itami, who was sporting new ring gear (black shorts with kick pads instead of tights).
Here’s a look at Dillinger’s new gimmick:
https://twitter.com/Jackknightnxt/status/523520576175222784
The following are highlights from Bo Dallas’ recent interview with The Liverpool Echo:
His Time in NXT: “As it was happening it was an unreal experience, a dream come true. I couldn’t really believe it was happening, because that’s what you’ve always wanted and worked for. And then after the Rumble I got the opportunity to go back down to NXT and really hone my craft. NXT has been an unbelievable experience, which has changed my life and changed my career as a performer.”
What Makes NXT Special: “NXT, the developmental system in the WWE today, is so different and so much bigger and better than it’s ever been before. The production values that go into the developmental system and into the NXT show are not much different than Raw and Smackdown. You really get the opportunity to try things yourself and really find yourself. The intimate crowd that NXT has, with the same people coming back, it’s almost like a family. It’s a really cool environment. And with that it’s never a case of showing up and being the same Bo Dallas as they saw the week before, which keeps you constantly evolving, and wanting to do different things. You don’t want to be stuck in a rut and doing the same thing, because they will notice.”
Working In The UK: “Seeing the vignettes of yourself is an unreal experience in itself. I had the opportunity to debut in London actually on my last UK tour, on SmackDown, which talk about a dream come true, first time in Europe period, then make my debut. It was brilliant.”
The following is a preview for tonight’s episode of NXT on the WWE Network:
– Sami Zayn vs. Tyson Kidd
– Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady vs. Marcus Louis & Sylvester Lefort
– NXT Tag Team Champions The Lucha Dragons vs. Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy
– Baron Corbin in action
– Carmella’s NXT in-ring debut
WWE announced that the next NXT live special on the WWE Network will air on December 11th.
WWE released the statement to members of the media which included a graphic that shows Triple H, Sami Zayn, Kevin Steen, Fergal Devitt, Hideo Itami, Charlotte and Adrian Neville.
HHH will hold another conference call to promote the special prior to the event.
Below is the aforementioned graphic:
– Paul Heyman’s Heyman Hustle website has published exclusive photos of Dean Ambrose from the recent Ringside Fest event in New York City.
– NXT stars The Ascension are expected to be called up soon and WWE will be releasing Ascension action figures in the coming months.
– As expected, Justin Roberts’ WWE departure is a big shock to the WWE locker room. Roberts was very well liked backstage and many people were in disbelief at the news.
Roberts worked RAW last night and he was reportedly informed of his departure after RAW went off the air.
The following statement was released today in regards to independent wrestler Willie Mack being cut from the WWE developmental system:
“Hollywood, CA (October 13, 2014) – Today news of WWE’s release of Willie McClinton, Jr. (Willie Mack) has spread through out the pro wrestling world.
The following is an official statement from McClinton: “I would like to thank everyone for their support during the past few months. It is true that I was scheduled to report to the WWE Performance Center later this year and it is true that they have chosen not to employ me at this time. Although I am disappointed that I will not be headed to Florida, I am proud of the fact that I was on their radar to begin with and was offered the opportunity, and I look forward to future opportunities with the WWE. In the mean time, I will continue my working relationships with Championship Wrestling from Hollywood, AWS, Pro Wrestling Revolution, Future Stars of Wrestling, Lucha VaVoom, All Pro Wrestling, PWG and the numerous international promotions I have worked with over the years.”
For booking inquires please contact McClinton at williethejuggalo2000@yahoo.com.”
California-based independent wrestler Willie Mack has been released by WWE, according to PWInsider.com.
Mack, who was a standout performer at Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and Championship Wrestling From Hollywood, was expected to debut in NXT very soon.
This is a very surprising release, since Mack has a ton of charisma and has a flashy in-ring style.
He received an emotional farewell at the PWG Battle of Los Angeles event last month.
The following are highlights of a new Miami Herald interview with Mark Henry:
On working with Rusev: “He is respectful. He is a really good listener. He is going to be a guy who holds true for the next 10 or 15 years. Hopefully, his body holds up, and he doesn’t have as many injuries as I did. I know what talent looks like and who has got it. Those are the people I want to work with and against. I’m happy to be able to say I had a hand in making some moments for him in his career.”
On NXT star Jason Jordan: “Jason Jordan is one of the ones who are next. He is very athletic. I’m hoping to see more of him in the near future. Athletic, smart, college graduate and understands you have to wait your turn. Ambitious. Not sitting back and collecting checks. I’m happy to know him and know the future is going to be bright.”
On wanting to be a WWE ambassador over a traveling producer when he retires: “I don’t want to be on the road like that because I have small kids. I would like to do more international marketing and urban outreach community involvement. I want to try to develop the brand internationally whenever we open new places abroad. I think that would be more where my skill set would be used better.”
Check out the complete interview at MiamiHerald.com.
The following are highlights of a new Shake Them Ropes interview with former NXT trainer Nick “Eugene” Dinsmore:
On seeing the WWE Performance Center: “No, this is something that when I first saw it, it blew my mind. I heard they went and looked at the New York Giants facility to see what the standard is for professional athletes, and I feel like the Performance Center far exceeds that.”
On new talent coming in: “There’s a wide variety of talent there, from former professional athletes to actors to independent wrestlers… They’re people that can perform. It’s something special I saw at the Performance Center.”
On KENTA (Hideo Itami) and Prince Devitt’s (Finn Balor) integration into WWE: “Kenta would have English class every day to help with his English. Fergal had apparently never driven a car before, so he would have driving classes. WWE was right there to help anyone who wanted to take a college course to help them with their WWE product, WWE was a very helpful company. Phenomenal.”
Check out the complete interview at VoicesofWrestling.com.
– As noted earlier this week, Randy Orton reached a new part-time deal with WWE that allows him to miss certain weekend live events. As far as the upcoming European tour is concerned, Orton will only be working the first week of shows. Orton vs. Dean Ambrose is scheduled as the main event for their leg of the tour for the first week, while Orton will be taking off the rest of the tour.
– Below are some recent NXT attendance figures:
September 25th for TV tapings at Full Sail University drew 400 fans for a sell out
October 2nd in Jacksonville drew 130 fans
October 3rd in Cocoa Beach drew 100 fans
October 4th in Fort Pierce drew 160 fans
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
The following matches are scheduled for tonight’s episode of NXT on the WWE Network:
Triple H recently spoke to SIRIUS/XM host Sam Roberts and responded to the topic of fans seemingly enjoying the NXT product more so than the main WWE roster product.
“At the end of the day down here, I take the talent that I have and I try to write the best show,” Triple H said. “I try to write a show that I want to watch, and that’s all I do. People can say, ‘Oh, the difference in the shows.’ Listen, if I had to write a three-hour show ever week? You know, I don’t, I have to write a one hour show.”
HHH continued, “The pressure is a lot different. There’s a lot of masters that have to be served – Raw and Smackdown and all of those things. I’m flattered that people love the product. I think it’s great. I’m excited for these kids. At the end of the day, the goal is still to get them up to the main roster, but the bigger I can make the platform for them to jump off onto that main roster, the better it is.”
You can check out the complete interview above.
Bo Dallas recently spoke with Jim Varsallone of The Miami Herald. Here are some highlights:
Working in NXT: “The NXT today is a developmental system unlike anything that has ever been done before. It’s a great platform for someone to grow. I had the opportunity to do that and live through it. I wouldn’t be the same performer if I didn’t get the chance to go down to NXT and perform in front of a crowd like that. It really helped me hone my craft and character unlike I ever thought possible.”
His Family Lineage: “Obviously, you have the big shoes to fill and having people wondering if you will ever compare up to your family members. I got into this business to make it as myself, whatever that was. I don’t think you look at me and say, ‘Wow, he took a lot from his father or grandfather or uncles.’ I think I’m a completely different entity. I think I do a good job distancing myself from that.”
R-Truth Ending His WWE Undefeated Streak: “The undefeated streak was great, but you are forever changing to keep yourself relevant and driven. No matter what happens, you’re going to come out okay…You never know where the character is going to go. I never knew I was going to get to this point. If I can say anything, I have my eyes set on the Intercontinental championship. So whoever is holding that at any point, that is where I’m going now…Bret “The Hitman” Hart, Shawn Michaels, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, the Intercontinental title needs to be put on that pedestal it was when I was growing up. Hopefully, I can strive to do that one day.”
– Sami Zayn vs. Titus O’Neil has been announced for this week’s edition of WWE NXT on the WWE Network.
– Chris Jericho noted via social media that he was recently in New York City filming footage for a new Jericho DVD project. According to various sources, it’s possible that the DVD could be a WWE project.
– Below is a video of a CWE event in Canada where WWE Hall Of Famer Amy “Lita” Dumas is working as a special guest referee.
CYBORG Promises To KNOCK OUT Ronda Rousey In Her UFC Debut! [READ HERE >>]
The new NXT star that Sasha Banks and Kevin Steen have been hyping on Twitter is confirmed to be Dylan Miley.
Miley is the man who impressed WWE officials with a 37-inch vertical leap back in 2013 when he had a tryout with the company. He’s been tweeting photos of his very large hands and it’s been said that he cuts great promos.
Below, he’s pictured with Hideo Itami Braun Stowman and Finn Balor.
– NXT Diva Alexa Bliss returned to action at this weekend’s NXT live events after being out for a few weeks due to a wrist injury.
– Hideo Itami (formerly Kenta) wrestled at his first non-televised NXT live events over the weekend in Florida defeating Tye Dillinger. Itami’s matches were designed to showcase his in-ring skills and he got great reactions from the live crowds. He thanked his fans on Twitter after this weekend’s shows:
Thank you #NXTFTPierce #NXTCocoa #NXTJacksonville .Don't forget my name. #HideoItami must go on. @WWENXT
— Hideo Itami / ???? (@HideoItami) October 5, 2014
– Below is a video preview of WWE’s new “John Cena – Greatest Rivalries” DVD.
http://youtu.be/1AiebfsGQB0
– NXT star Sawyer Fulton recently debuted a new look, which is one of a few he has underwent in the past year alone. The NXT performer is now sporting a dark mohawk, as you can see in the pictures below.
#NXTCocoa @BaronCorbinWWE vs @SteveCutlerWWE #DifferentBreed pt 2 pic.twitter.com/gYdn5D5l3K
— Kusiga (@Kusiga) October 5, 2014
While there is still one more set of television tapings before the next NXT live special, which is expected to take place on December 11th on the WWE Network, based on what has been taped thus far, the following matches are rumored for the fourth live NXT special:
NXT Championship:
– Adrian Neville vs. Sami Zayn
NXT Women’s Championship:
– Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks or Becky Lynch, or a multi-Diva match with Bayley included
NXT Tag-Team Championships:
– The Vaudevillians vs. The Lucha Dragons
– Hideo Itami and Finn Balor vs. The Ascension
– WWE Diva Naomi had her Twitter account hacked on Friday morning. Her account linked to an adult website with a caption that read: “I never feel more racist than when trying to find my waiter at a Mexican restaurant.”
– The former KENTA, Hideo Itami wrestled his first NXT live event match in Jacksonville, Florida on Thursday night. Itami defeated Tye Dillinger in singles action in a match that was said to be excellent.
The following are highlights of a new Sporting News interview with Bill DeMott:
On being the head trainer and working with NXT talent: “I love this company. This is fun. We get to come here and challenge ourselves every day with up to 70 men and women at any time and challenge each other to be better and to make a statement. There’s a sign over there: you’re not here to fill a spot, you’re here to take a spot. That’s fun when you’re challenging your own team for more. We challenge the main roster on a weekly basis. We’re letting John Cena know. We’re letting Randy (Orton) know. We’re letting Roman (Reigns) know … you came from here and we’re right behind you. I have a smile on my face because we let everyone know. Triple H challenges us to find the next one and how do we make it better and give everyone an opportunity. That’s a cool challenge. Not a job, it’s a challenge.”
On the WWE Performance Center being in the “My Career” mode in the WWE 2K15 game: “It’s unbelievable. It’s the red wall. You see our banners. You see the seven rings. You’re in the performance center with us, with me, and that’s an honor. I love the fact that the performance center is represented and I get to represent that. That side of what these superstars do to become NXT superstars and to WWE superstars and to WrestleMania.”
Check out the complete interview at SportingNews.com.
VIDEO: Top UFC Contenders Have HEATED Exchange Backstage After Controversial Fight
Nick Dinsmore (formerly known as “Eugene”) has been released by WWE.
He had been with the company since last September, most recently working as a trainer at the WWE Performance Center. He tweeted on Thursday:
I would like to thank @WWE @WWEPerformCtr The coaches & Stars from @WWENXT for the past year. It was truly an honor to have been part.
— "Eugene" Nick Dinsmore (@UGeneDinsmore) October 2, 2014
Currently accepting bookings to wrestle, for seminars & autograph signings. Contact me on Twitter or message on FB at Nick U-Gene Dinsmore
— "Eugene" Nick Dinsmore (@UGeneDinsmore) October 2, 2014
The following matches were taped for tonight’s edition of WWE NXT on the WWE Network:
NXT Championship
– Adrian Neville (c) vs. Tyson Kidd
NXT Women’s Championship
– Charlotte (c) vs. Bayley
– Hideo Itami vs. Viktor
– Baron Corbin vs. Troy McClain
– The Vaudevillains vs. Jason Jordan and Tye Dillinger
VIDEO: Top UFC Contenders Have HEATED Exchange Backstage After Controversial Fight
The following are highlights of a new Sporting News interview with NXT Champion Adrian Neville:
On the camaraderie at NXT: “Yeah, it’s a very competitive environment. We all push each other and we all bring out the best in each another, none is more true than between me and Sami Zayn. We’re good friends but we’re very, very competitive in that’s starting to play out a bit in what we do on NXT TV. It’s good competing against your friends and creating that environment where what you do is fun but what you do also brings out the best in each other. it’s a very cool dynamic.”
On when he is going to be on Raw again: “Oooh, next week? No I’m joking. You never know when that opportunity is going to come but when it comes I’m ready. I’m ready to go, I’m ready for my chance so fingers crossed, it won’t be too far around the corner.”
Check out the complete interview at SportingNews.com.