– 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.”
– 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.”
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.
Sometimes doors open that you never expect to open and amazing opportunities are presented to you. I plan on busting through those doors!
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.
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.”
– Regarding WWE bringing in veterans like Rhynoand 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.
– 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 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.”
– 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.
Adrian Neville recently spoke to the folks at the “This Is Awesome Wrestling Show” to promote the upcoming NXT live event in Cleveland, Ohio on March 6th. Below are highlights from the interview.
On if there is any jealousy between main roster and NXT roster: “I don’t think so. I certainly don’t get that when I’m working the main roster shows. I think, if anything, the main roster guys are supportive and they are excited to see us thrive and make the transition from NXT to the main roster. And looking forward to standing across the ring from us and competing against us. I know, if I was on the main roster, and I saw the young guys coming in who were hungry and killing it down in NXT, I’d look forward to facing them. I don’t think that’s the case at all. I don’t think that’s true at all.”
On meeting Vince McMahon for the first time: “I haven’t sat down and spoke with Vince in any depth. It’s just been hellos and goodbyes. The first time he caught me off guard backstage at Monday Night Raw. He was just walking down one of the corridors backstage. It was a bit surreal. But it was just a quick, ‘hello, sir, I’m Adrian Neville, one of your developmental talents. Pleasure to meet you.’ It lasted about 20 seconds. It wasn’t very notable or noteworthy.”
On who his choice is to hit the Red Arrow on and who he’d like to rosterfeud with on main roster: “Red Arrow – Daniel Bryan. We’ve been across the ring from each other before and it would be great to do an one-on-one with Bryan on a big stage. Feud – I’d love to wrestle (feud) with Dolph [Ziggler]. I’ve never wrestled Dolph and I think he’s a phenomenal talent. I think it would be a trip. Also, Seth [Rollins]. He’s on fire at the moment. I’d love to go up against Seth. One of those two would be unbelievable.”
On a NXT match at Wrestlemania 31: “Absolutely. Like I said, I don’t think NXT is considered a developmental brand or territory anymore. I feel like, we put out a product that’s just as good as the main roster. So, I’d say yes.”
On if we will see him on main roster within six months: “I very much hope so. I can’t tell you for definite, because the truth is, I don’t know. If I was a betting man, I’d bet on yes. But we will have to wait and see.”
– The Thursday, February 26th edition of WWE SmackDown averaged 2.624 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. By comparison, last week’s show scored 2.403 million viewers. Thursday’s show marks the highest rated edition of SmackDown for this month.
– WWE has added Brian Kendrick to the official NXT roster page, the same way they did with Rhyno following his NXT debut last week. As things stand now, there has been no word of either Kendrick or Rhyno signing a new deal with WWE.
– The following is Bray Wyatt’s promo regarding The Undertaker from this week’s edition of WWE SmackDown.
Samoa Joe recently spoke to the Chad Dukes Wrestling Show about his TNA departure, return to Ring Of Honor and whether or not he would go through NXT if WWE were to sign him.
Below are highlights from the interview.
On Returning to ROH: “I think certain times in your career you reexamine things and a change of scenery is nice. It’s good for the fans, it’s good for me, and I think it’s healthy all around. I’m excited about some new matches for me, there’s some guys out there I haven’t had a chance to work with especially some younger guys, up and comers, that I think have tremendous promise and talent and I get to get in there and mix it up with them.”
“It kinda was a culmination over the past few months of various factors, various reasons. You kind of come to these big decisions and I kind of looked around saw the landscape of things and thought it was the time.”
On the safety of the Styles Clash: “I’ve taken the Styles Clash several times and AJ’s a formidable athlete in his own right, it’s never been an issue of safety with me ever. I understand how people feel, there’s obviously been injuries involved with it, but I know especially with my very long-term experience with experiencing the move on all ends of it, it’s always been a safe as far as injuries go move and I’ve never really had an issue with it.”
On CM Punk’s tweet to him about “owing him one.” “Time will tell and that’s really up to him and obviously his obligations to UFC. I know he’s training real hard for his upcoming fight but if he wants to throw down, if he wants to scrap, you can come over here and start off with me and see what’s left when you go into the octagon.”
On if he would go through NXT if signed by WWE: “I’ve never shied away from an opportunity to prove myself. Every promotion I’ve ever worked for, initially when I started out, never wanted me. I remember my first Ring of Honor show and [Gabe Sapolsky. Former ROH booker] told me, ‘Hey listen, we can’t afford a flight out from California every month, so it will probably be a one-off deal.’ And then walking back through the curtain after that first match and him going, ‘you’re on every show.’ I think when you do get to the point where you’re not willing to go out there and prove what you can do, I understand guys they feel strongly a certain way, that’s fine, I think it’s individual for everybody, but I know for me I’ve never shied away from an opportunity to prove myself anywhere.”
“I’ve always firmly believed that you can’t deny talent and cream always rises to the top. Those are two things you always hear clichés among all sports not just pro wrestling and it’s something that I firmly believe. At the end of the day, if you’ve got it you’re going to get there. You’ve got to find the opportunities, the doors and the windows you can find and do what you need to do.”
– The following matches are confirmed for tonight’s edition of NXT on the WWE Network.
Hideo Itami vs. Bull Dempsey
The Lucha Dragons vs. Jason Jordan and Tye Dillinger
Baron Corbin vs. Tye Dillinger
Becky Lynch vs. Bayley
Brian Kendrick vs. Finn Balor (Kevin Owens is on commentary)
– Samoa Joe, who recently left TNA, and CM Punk recently had the following exchange on Twitter, leading some to speculate that the two may eventually work a match together. While there is nothing of substance to suggest they will be working together in any capacity, here is the exchange:
Just a disclaimer the ride this year is going to be a wild & unpredictable one. You have been warned
On Monday, NXT Superstar Solomon Crowe (Sam Johnson), who made his NXT debut on the WWE Network last week, was involved in a situation that resulted in some mainstream media attention.
Crowe helped a woman who was involved in a car accident in Orlando, Florida on Monday. The NXT star helped the woman, who wrecked her car near the WWE Performance Center.
Crowe tweeted the following about the incident:
There was a wreck in front of me…Pulled a young lady out of an upside down car today… Mind blown…. Right place, right time!
Crowe had stopped by a local nearby store after working out at the WWE Performance Center when he heard the crash and rushed to the scene. Crowe, along with another civilian, helped remove the driver from the SUV, which reportedly jumped a curb and hit a tree before rolling over.
“I didn’t even think,” Crowe told WWE.com. “When I saw it, I was wearing sandals, and I just took off in a full sprint toward the car. I knew especially if a car’s upside down like that, it can catch fire very easily, and whoever was in it, we wanted to get them out.”
“I would hope someone would do the same for me,” he said. “That’s how I think about it.”
– Former WWE performer Vickie Guerrero announced that she has been selected to represent the class of 2015 at Herzing University at the 50th Anniversary Alumni Gala. “All expense paid weekend in Tampa and I will be giving my testimony on my life story,” wrote Guerrero on Facebook. “I am blessed and grateful to be recognized among my classmates!”
– In the following videos, NXT Diva Becky Lynch talks with The Miami Herald’s Jim Varsallone about her time in WWE thus far.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Sgt. Slaughter recently spoke with Vice’s “Noisey” website about his short-lived rock career in the 1980s. Slaughter spoke about his “Sgt. Slaughter and Camouflage Rocks America” LP that was released via Cobra Records in the 80s, saying the album and the mini-tour that went along with it was a “very uncomfortable experience.” For more, check out the article at Vice.com.
– As seen on this week’s edition of NXT on the WWE Network, Solomon Crowe finally made his long-awaited debut. Crowe tweeted the following shortly afterwards, commenting on his first NXT television appearance.
– Toronto Blue Jays MLB players Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez were among those that Roman Reigns was taking pictures with in the crowd during Daniel Bryan’s match on this past Monday’s RAW.
– There’s talk within WWE right now of pairing NXT Diva Zahra Schreiber with Baron Corbin because they both have a lot of tattoos. Zahra is the same NXT Diva who was involved in the Seth Rollins nude photo controversy last week.
– Below are some recent WWE attendance figures:
February 12th in Abu Dhabi drew 5,000 fans
February 13th in Abu Dhabi drew 4,700 fans
February 14th in Abu Dhabi drew 4,500 fans
February 14th in Tampa drew 7,000 fans
February 15th in Ft. Myers drew 4,500 fans
February 13th in Ft. Pierce for NXT drew 530 fans
February 16th in Orlando for RAW drew a sellout of just over 12,000 fans
February 17th in Ft. Lauderdale for SmackDown drew 8,000 fans
As seen on tonight’s edition of NXT on the WWE Network, former WWE Superstar Rhyno made his return to the company, squashing Elias Samson in a singles match. Rhyno also worked a backstage segment with Finn Balor and taped some work for future episodes of NXT.
It’s also worth pointing out that WWE’s official Twitter account linked to Rhyno’s Twitter account and while he hasn’t posted a new tweet since December of 2014, the most recent tweet on his page is a TNA Impact Wrestling logo.
In the above video, NXT General Manager William Regal discusses Rhyno’s NXT debut.
– Sunday’s edition of WWE Total Divas drew 914,000 viewers on E!, the lowest number the show has drawn thus far this year. By comparison, the previous week’s show averaged 1.08 million viewers. This coming Sunday’s show will look to bounce back, but will have to do so while running against the live WWE Fastlane event on pay-per-view.
– It looks as though former NXT Tag-Team Champions The Lucha Dragons could be headed to the main WWE roster soon. The duo, which consists of Sin Cara and Kalisto, worked the WWE Main Event taping on Tuesday night, defeating the team of Curtis Axel and Heath Slater.
There is said to be a lot of unhappiness within the main WWE roster right now regarding the way NXT talents are given the opportunity to go out and put on excellent matches while many of the main WWE roster talents are relegated to short, nothing-type matches on television, especially those in the Divas division.
Wrestling Observer Newsletter editor Dave Meltzer offered the following update on his message board:
“So story is accurate but it’s inherent. It was the same thing in the OVW days, well not exactly the same, but similar. I get DMs from people on the main roster always after those specials. It’s a common frustration. The top NXT performers are frustrated they aren’t on the main roster making money. Then they will get more frustrated when they realize their dream. WWE guys are frustrated they aren’t having the matches guys in NXT are when they know if they can perform before 400 fans in longer matches they can tear the house down.”
– WWE Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan praised Kevin Owens following his NXT TakeOver: Rival match with Sami Zayn on Wednesday evening. Hogan tweeted the following:
Congrats to Owenmania the new champ made me believe again brother!! WWE your in trouble HH
– In a recent radio interview in Milwaukee, CM Punk spoke about going from WWE to UFC and training with the Roufusport team. Punk noted the following during the interview:
“I don’t think I’ve ever told anybody this. If you watch NASCAR and you want to race in NASCAR, but you give yourself every excuse why in the world not to do it. I have a 9 to 5 job, a wife, kids, I can’t afford it. Too expensive. And then you eliminate all that and just go after what you want to go after. That’s just something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”
– Former hardcore wrestler Drake Younger, who now works at a referee in NXT, is featured in a new article on the official WWE website. The article features comments from Dean Ambrose and William Regal. In the story, Younger, real name Drake Wuertz, comments on working as a referee after so many years as an in-ring performer.
“It’s cool to be out there as the third person in the ring. What is gratifying to me is when you come back after a match and a talent is like, ‘You really helped me a lot, you made a difference. I couldn’t have done it without you.’ That’s more gratifying than anything I’ve done as a wrestler. I couldn’t ask for a better job.”
– Dolph Ziggler, John Cena and other WWE performers visited the sports and entertainment venue “Yas Marina Circuit” in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Below are some photos and clips of Ziggler and Cena driving fast cars while at the venue.
– Following their performances at NXT TakeOver: Rival, Paul Heyman praises the efforts and abilities of both Finn Balor and Kevin Owens. Heyman tweeted the following:
– Seth Rollins spoke about being in the ring with WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar during the WWE press conference in Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning. Rollins stated the following:
“I have watched Brock Lesnar for a really long time and I thought I knew how strong he was, I thought I knew how fast he was. Being in the ring with him, he is a completely different animal. He is a beast. They call him the Beast Incarnate and that is real. Whether you are in the Octagon with him trading fists, or in the ring trading German suplexes it is on another level. It was a pleasure and I am glad I got to be in the ring with him and i think I proved to the entire world I can hang with the guy.”
– Finn Balor, who defeated Adrian Neville to become the new number one contender to the NXT Championship at last night’s NXT TakeOver: Rival special, posted the following photos of his body paint on Twitter.
– Sami Zayn posted a new tweet commenting on his loss to Kevin Owens at last night’s NXT TakeOver: Rival special, as well as his booking on the main roster for their upcoming tour of Abu Dhabi. Zayn wrote the following:
The following are results of the NXT TakeOver: Rival special, which aired live on the WWE Network on Wednesday, February 11, 2015.
– Hideo Itami def. Tyler Breeze in an excellent opening match. This was a solid match to kick off the special. The crowd was hot for it throughout. In the end, Itami picked up the “W” with a running kick to the face.
– Baron Corbin def. Bull Dempsey in a No DQ match. Dempsey dominated a lot of the action throughout the majority of the match, however in the end, Corbin hit his End Of Days finisher for the 1-2-3.
– Wesley Blake & Buddy Murphy def. The Lucha Dragons to retain the NXT Tag-Team Championships. This was a solid tag-team match with a ton of fast-paced, high-flying spots. In the end, Blake hit a top rope frog splash on Sin Cara for the pinfall victory.
– Finn Balor def. Adrian Neville to become the new number one contender to the NXT Championship. Balor did his elaborate entrance, which as usual, received a big reaction from the crowd. Neville dominated a lot of the action throughout, including multiple believable near falls, however in the end, Falor hit a giant double foot stomp off the top rope to score the win.