Every single wrestling company on the planet wants to generate a buzz, to be THE company that every fan is talking about, and steadily over the last 2-3 years NXT has become arguably the most talked about wrestling brand in the world.
What first started as a quasi-gameshow program set in arenas with fans either bored or waiting for Smackdown or ECW to start has now become a breeding ground for cultivating the best talent and preparing them for life on the main WWE roster. The importance of a developmental territory for the WWE can not be understated, before NXT trainees would cut their teeth in OVW and FCW although to a much smaller audience than the Network now provides, and while NXT can still be classed as a developmental system their on screen product is a large majority of the time leaps and bounds above the television that is produced on a Monday night.
The fact that NXT is a one-hour, taped and edited program instantly gives it the edge over RAW as burnout and fatigue are not a factor, but conversely it is really impressive how every character seemingly has a strongly defined role on the show and have that all important emotional connection to the audience. A huge amount of praise has been given to the show’s simplistic but hugely effective creative, and Triple H has been at the reigns (….) of the product and built it to what it has now become.
What is fairly intriguing in the change of mindset in the wrestling community (myself included), is that when a wrestler would go to the WWE before NXT existed we would all worry that they would be watered down, given a generic character or be completely stripped of what made them unique and what made us like them in the first place (insert your own favourite here), but now we have NXT, and we all worry that when someone goes from NXT to the main roster they’ll be gutted of all of their great (Tyler Breeze) qualities. But again, NXT is a developmental show, everyone strives to be on RAW
But my question is, to make the main roster product good, and I mean REALLY good, should they completely ‘raid’ NXT and shake things up? I know what some people’s reaction to this would be “bringing up loads of NXT talent won’t change anything” – but I have to ask what benefit is there to keeping the likes of Finn Balor, someone with a huge marketing potential to the company down in NXT? It’s not just the in-ring talent I feel they should be bringing up either – the video packages (that I assume were created by Full Sail students?) for the Takeover show in Dallas were visually stunning, the actual in-ring camera work and direction feels a lot less clunky and shaky than the main shows, the idea of a Mauro Ranallo and Corey Graves tandem on Smackdown is exciting and the comedy (although rare) on NXT is actually funny.
Now the main reason against a mass influx of talent from NXT is usually attributed to Vince McMahon, but what is important to remember is that EVERYTHING on the main roster goes through him first, and while we can all say he is out of touch – AJ Styles is main eventing Payback and the Bullet Club have invaded the main show, so there are glimmers of hope.
I think a fresh change of pace for the look and feel of the main shows is long, long overdue and with Triple H possibly taking a more focused off camera role in the coming months I really hope that he can implement some of the ideas that have worked well in NXT on the main roster, we’re already seeing the signs with the death of the divas division and the rebirth of Women’s wrestling in the WWE.
I hope that as more talents make their up from NXT the show that I love to watch every week (because it’s an easy hour) doesn’t suffer, but ideally I’d love for the show that I find a chore because it is 3 hours long to be better, and a seismic shift in talent, production and management mentality could do that.
Thanks for reading, let me know what you think in the comments below and if there’s a different way you would look at freshening up the main product.
Please check out the first episode of R&J Wrestling’s ‘WHO BOOKED THIS CRAP!?’ a show where we take horrifically bad ideas for storylines and try to make them work with randomly generated wrestlers…..almost as if we work for WWE Creative:
Virtually anybody who became a fan of Tyler Breeze in NXT is disappointed with how he’s been booked since making his main roster debut. He loses most of his matches in two minutes and it’s clear that WWE’s decision makers do not see him as a priority.
Twitter user @Dyenistylo pointed out to Breeze that he’s lost every single one of his 49 matches so far this year. At least Prince Pretty has a good sense of humor about it:
Author’s Thoughts: I had no idea that Breeze is 0-49 since January. That is so terrible that it is actually amazing. My only hope is that the same fate happens to some of the new talents called up to the main roster this week on both Monday Night Raw and Smackdown. For example, it is easy to envision something similar to happen to the Vaudevillians down the line. They have a unique look to them obviously and if the WWE universe doesn’t respond to them quickly, it is reasonable to assume that they will be fed to more established tag teams. Having said that, the Vaudevillians did defeat Lucha Dragons on Smackdown, so maybe the WWE believes in them more. I get the premise of enhancement talent and it makes sense for wrestlers like the Brooklyn Brawler or someone ridiculously awesome like Gillberg. I don’t get why it happens to wrestlers like Breeze, who was involved in competitive matches in NXT. Maybe sometime down the line Tyler Breeze will evolve into a different character, lose the selfie-stick and start winning matches. Only time will tell.
There have been reports going around for a few weeks that Vince McMahon has essentially given up on pushing Tyler Breeze just months after he made his debut on the main roster. According to a report at PWInsider.com, lack of support from the WWE chairman is not the only thing working against the self proclaimed Prince Pretty.
At a recent WWE TV taping, Breeze reportedly left early for an undisclosed reason. Once word around that he did not stay until the end of the taping, several people including management were talking about it being disrespectful and a presumptuous move by a main roster newcomer.
Hopefully this blows over sooner than later because Breeze proved himself to be a valuable talent while in NXT.
– WrestlingDVDNetwork.com is reporting that the following matches will have alternate commentary on WWE’s new “Best Of RAW and SmackDown 2015” DVD, which comes out on February 9th.
* Neville vs. Curtis Axel, RAW 3/30/2015, commentary by Neville
* Cesar vs. United States Champion John Cena, RAW 7/6/2015, commentary by Cesaro
* Paige vs. Sasha Banks, RAW 7/27/2015, commentary by Sasha Banks
– Dolph Ziggler suffered a black eye during his match against Tyler Breeze at the WWE SmackDown television taping in Jacksonville, Florida on Tuesday night. Ziggler tweeted the following photo of his “shiner” this morning.
– As noted, comedian and TV host Howie Mandel and rock band Train performed at the WWE Tribute To The Troops taping, which was also taped on Tuesday night in Jacksonville. Mandel did his stand up routine after Train’s performance. Triple H posted the following photo with Mandel and Pat Monahan at the show.
WWE Superstar Tyler Breeze recently spoke with The Charleston Post & Courier about the role Billy Gunn played in his development in NXT, his transition to the main roster and the legendary Gorgeous George being an inspiration for his current character.
On using wrestling legend Gorgeous George for inspiration:
“In the same vein, just modernized. He was a big influence as far as presentation and mannerisms. I watched a lot of his stuff when I tried to put this character together.”
On coming to the main roster from NXT:
“It’s been a big change for me. As much fun as NXT was, it totally took a different turn up here. Working in front of sold-out houses and at events like Survivors Series, and working with someone like Dolph Ziggler, makes it a real pleasure to come to work.”
On Billy Gunn playing a big role in his development:
“He showed me the character and showmanship part of it. He is so over the top and helped bring that out of me. I wasn’t very much like that before. I wanted to wrestle. I liked the wrestling moves and the athletic part of it. But I didn’t really know the showmanship part of it, and he helped bring that out of me.”
– WWE World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus’ WWE Network “Pick of the Week” was his own victory over Roman Reigns at this past Sunday’s WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view. You can watch his comments on the pick above.
– Lance Storm took a light-hearted shot at Tyler Breeze when responding to a fan on Twitter who recently asked him how it felt to train some of the best talent in the world. Storm sarcastically replied with the following, which Breeze also reacted to.
– In honor of his birthday, Tyson Kidd posted a photo on Twitter of a pair of boots that were given to him by the late WWE legend “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith back in 1998.
Davey Boy Smith gave me these boots in 1998. They're one of my most prized possessions. Happy Birthday, Davey pic.twitter.com/IxbvPbPGkm
– The Gobbledy Gooker returned on Thursday’s Thanksgiving edition of WWE SmackDown. Featured above is a SmackDown Fallout video with The Usos backstage, with one of them in the Gobbledy Gooker costume.
– Also featured on SmackDown Fallout this week, as seen below, is Jack Swagger promising that “We The People” isn’t dead.
– As we reported as a spoiler earlier this week, Dean Ambrose defeated Dolph Ziggler and Tyler Breeze in a triple-threat match on this week’s SmackDown to become the number one contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship. With the win, Ambrose earned himself a shot at Kevin Owens and the I-C title at next month’s WWE TLC pay-per-view.
At the WWE SmackDown television taping in Indianapolis on Tuesday night, a new title match was made official for the WWE TLC pay-per-view in Boston.
Recent WWE World Title Tournament finalist Dean Ambrose managed to defeated Tyler Breeze and Dolph Ziggler in a triple-threat match to become the new number one contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship, earning himself a shot at Kevin Owens at the upcoming TLC event.
With that now known, below is a look at the updated WWE TLC lineup, including some rumored matches that are expected for the show.
TLC Match For WWE World Heavyweight Title
– Sheamus (c) vs. Roman Reigns
WWE Intercontinental Title
– Kevin Owens (c) vs. Dean Ambrose
Other matches that appear likely include Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger in a chairs match, The New Day vs. The Usos vs. The Lucha Dragons and The Wyatt Family vs. The Dudley Boyz in a tables match.
Rolling Stone has published their latest interview with a WWE star, and this week’s is with the newest addition to the main roster: Tyler Breeze. Having just moved up to touring with the main roster, that’s one of the topics covered, as well as his “gatekeeper” role and NXT and much more. Here are some key quotes:
How did he find out he was being called up?
I had heard some rumblings that they were looking to bring up someone. When you look at the roster of NXT, you kind of gauge yourself and figure out where you fit in, and I figured I’d be a possibility. Finally, I had a meeting with Triple H, and he said that I was given the green light, and we were going to start moving on it. We weren’t sure of all the details, but I knew it was happening. The next thing I know, I was sitting there, ready to go.
Was he worried that they’d tinker with the character?
No, not really. Given the time that I had been Tyler Breeze, and the reactions I had been getting, I really wasn’t too concerned. Now, there are so many great minds here, and if someone tosses an idea to me and we want to add it in, then I can make it work. But if there’s one thing about the character that I know, it’s that I have confidence in it. I can do something that other people can’t; anything that they want me to try, I can go out there and make it work. I’m really not too concerned with any changes that may be made. It will always come out entertaining as far as I’m concerned.
On being seen as NXT’s gatekeeper to the “indie stars,” most recently Apollo Crews:
People see it in different ways. Some people see it as me being bumped aside and shuffling down the card. I didn’t really view it that way at all. The guys coming in, I either knew, or got to know very quickly. I also got the chance and the opportunity to work with all of them. These guys, they’re not just coming in from scratch, they’ve been wrestling for 10-plus years. To top it off, all of them are really cool guys too. As soon as they come in, the fact that either I get paired with them, or I get to work with them later,
I didn’t see it as getting pushed down the card. I saw it as another opportunity to work with someone good and steal the show in another capacity. Whether there’s an NXT title there or not, the match would be one that people wanted to see. I loved working with Hideo and Finn. Me and Owens did some stuff, Zayn, Neville. All these guys that they’re bringing in, it’s not a bad thing, it’s not a jealousy thing. We wanted to make the roster something where people wanted to see every match on the card. The NXT title is where you want to be, but if you’re working with those talents, it’s going to be a match that people are looking forward to, and will buy tickets to see. There was no jealousy whatsoever. It’s just cool to see that everyone is doing well and having fun.
Make sure to check out the whole interview at Rolling Stone for much more, including the prestige of the NXT brand.
Tyler Breeze appeared on the Sam Roberts’ Wrestling Podcast to discuss his role in NXT and #1 contender Apollo Crews. Here are the highlights of what he said about:
Getting opportunities in NXT:
“You could really look at it from a couple of different perspectives. [The way] I like to look at it, basically, is those are opportunities. Anytime they are going to say, ‘hey, we’re going to put you on NXT [TakeOver]: Brooklyn in front of 16,000 people with a legend like Jushin Thunder Liger,’ it’s not like you’re going to be like, ‘ah, damn!’ That’s something that’s really cool that nobody before me got to wrestle Liger in a WWE ring. I’m the only person and the first person to ever do that, so that’s an opportunity for me. It doesn’t really matter what the end result is.”
Apollo Crews:
“Crews is someone who nobody has really seen a lot of him yet. He’s brand new. He’s fresh to the company and he’s fresh to the audience. And the audience wants to see more from him. They want to see him in a spot to [see] ‘does he have what it takes to be in a 10 minute match, a 15 minute match, a 20 minute match?’ and if I’m the person that has the opportunity to show everybody that, then I kind of take pride in that. That’s another opportunity for me too. As much as it highlights him, I think it highlights me as well.”
WWE is teasing a Sasha Banks vs. Natalya match for this coming Monday’s edition of RAW from Denver, Colorado.
Additionally, WWE is teasing Tyler Breeze’s RAW debut match for this Monday night’s show. They posted the following teaser on WWE.com:
“Tyler Breeze has always been narcissistic, but Prince Pretty has really been kicking things up a notch since joining the main WWE roster last week. Aligning with Summer Rae and repeatedly targeting Dolph Ziggler, it’s clear that “The King of Cuteville” is desperate to show up The Showoff. But why? Is it jealousy that fuels Breeze, or is he simply out to prove that there can only be one flashy, blond-haired Superstar on the roster?
Regardless, expect Ziggler to strike back against the egotistical upstart on Raw. After all, something tells us The Showoff is no stranger to crashing VIP sections.”
– The injured Randy Orton has been pulled from the WWE European tour scheduled for next month. The new top matches set for the Roman Reigns-led side of the tour are now Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan vs. Dean Ambrose and The Usos. As noted, The Usos are set to return to WWE television imminently.
– Tyler Breeze has been added to the Seth Rollins-led side of the tour. Matches for that side of the tour include The Dudley Boyz vs. The New Day and Rusev vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze in a triple threat match. There is no word yet regarding Rusev’s replacement.
– Kofi Kingston is one of the guests on the latest edition of Chris Jericho’s “Talk Is Jericho” podcast. You can download the show at PodcastOne.com.
– The above WWE SmackDown Fallout video for this week’s show features Tyler Breeze and Summer Rae talking about their Halloween costumes.
– Below is another Halloween-themed clip from SmackDown. This video features Bo Dallas dressing up like a ghost and trying to trick WWE Superstars.
– Former WCW star Buff Bagwell is the guest on the latest edition of the “Steve Austin Show” podcast. You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.
– Featured above is a preview for tonight’s episode of WWE Rivalries on the WWE Network. The latest episode features a look at the rivalry between John Cena and The Rock.
– The man who played the security guard for Tyler Breeze and Summer Rae’s “V.I.P. Section” on Monday’s RAW in San Diego was California-based independent wrestler Alexander Hammerstone.
– WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins tweeted the following regarding his upcoming title defense against the new number one contender, Roman Reigns.
This is the one I've been waiting for. #RollinsVsReigns Time to train til I die.
Dolph Ziggler spoke with the Phoenix New Times to promote tonight’s Smackdown TV taping from Phoenix. Here’s what DZ said about Tyler Breeze getting called up to the main roster and their feud:
“I look forward to anything, any kind of challenge, anybody new coming to the roster, anybody that wants to say, ‘Hey, I’m better than you,’ or younger or faster. Well, let’s see what you got and let’s see if you can hang with me. I’m someone who’s very open to new challenges, down to do whatever. And it seems like he’s pretty good, good head on his shoulders, seems like he knows what he’s doing, and he’s been working really hard for a long time.
Ziggler revealed that he’s taken Breeze under his wing and sees a bright future for Prince Pretty, despite the fact that they’re currently at odds on TV:
“He used to pick my brain, actually. So I gave him a couple pointers and I hope he can hang in the ring with me, and if he can, he’ll be on his way to a hell of a start.”
There is still no confirmation from within WWE regarding who is scheduled to answer John Cena’s “U.S. Open Challenge” at tonight’s WWE Hell In A Cell pay-per-view, however the strongest rumor making the rounds is that Samoa Joe will be the man to challenge Cena.
At last word, Joe was in Sacramento, California for the NXT events at the Aftershock tour, but it would only take a quick flight to get him to L.A. for Hell In A Cell if necessary.
Tyler Breeze is another rumor, as it would set up Breeze vs. Dolph Ziggler for the U.S. title, which has been talked about.
With that being said, multiple WWE sources have claimed James Storm, Tyler Breeze and Samoa Joe will not be the ones to answer Cena’s “U.S. Open Challenge” this evening.
Another rumor is Sheamus, as Sheamus vs. Cena is currently being advertised for the WWE live events that Cena is booked to appear on after returning from his scheduled hiatus.
Finally, there has been talk going around that Daniel Bryan could be the man to answer the challenge, as he is rumored to be in Los Angeles today, and is rumored to be officially cleared to return to the ring.
Make sure to join us here at SEScoops.com later this evening for WWE Hell In A Cell live coverage.
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently updated his official blog with his latest thoughts and opinions on a number of current topics. Below are some of the highlights.
On John Cena’s U.S. Challenge on Sunday: “WWE has a golden opportunity, no pun intended, to do some water cooler talk-like business this Sunday at the HIAC event in Los Angeles in the US Title Open Challenge offered up by the title holder John Cena. The table is perfectly set for a challenger to take a giant step in becoming much more relevant if they defeat John Cena for the United States Title. Cena is and will remain WWE’s biggest, full time star no matter the outcome of Sunday’s US Title match but what Cena can do is elevate a talent into the much needed main event sphere of WWE. With Cena stepping away from WWE for a few weeks to apparently tape a new TV show for Fox, or so I’m hearing, giving another wrestler the ‘rub’ elevates the new champion and gives Cena a destination, if desired, when he returns.
I’d love to see WWE take a bold more on this matter come Sunday notwithstanding taking other calculated risks to move additional talents up the ladder. It’s not an impossible feat if one has the courage to pull the trigger and try a new, creative approach. How about Samoa Joe getting the valued, Cena ‘rub?'”
On Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar this Sunday: “Been asked a lot about the outcome of the Lesnar vs. Taker match inside HIAC Sunday and I see Brock winning. Could there be a strong piece of creative waiting in the wings for this match? Will another competitor, or more, get involved? Could Lesnar AND Taker both be left down at the end of Sunday’s show or does that simply defy logic? That could help ‘make’ multiple heels to a large degree. If Lesnar wins and there is an opportunity, do the two warriors shake hands at the end of their battle? No matter the extracurricular stuff than may transpire, I’ve got Lesnar winning the match.”
On Tyler Breeze’s SmackDown debut: “Enjoyed antagonist, Tyler Breeze’s debut Thursday night on Smackdown and the Lance Storm Wrestling Academy product has some viable, old school traits that WWE should be able to monetize. Would WWE be so bold as to have Breeze upset John Cena to become the new WWE Champion Sunday in LA? Stranger things have happened in the biz over the years.”
On Jesse Ventura’s recent comments about him: “Been asked to comment on Jesse Ventura’s recent statements on “Busted Open Radio about working with me. I dropped the ball on that matter and I’m man enough to admit it. I was jealous and frustrated over what Jesse was earning for a few hours of work a week while I was hitting it hard multiple days a week and earning less than half of what he was earning. Just reading that sentence back is embarrassing as I was unnecessarily pissed at the wrong guy. Jesse and I did not have the chemistry that he had with Vince McMahon or Gorilla Monsoon and I did not have the mojo with the Governor that I had with the King, Paul Heyman, Bob Caudle, Jim Cornette and others. I wish we had done better for the fans sake but the failure to do so is on me. I was burning out and the stress and pressure of WCW politics was getting the better of me I’m sad to admit. As a result of that scenario, I soiled the sheets. Life Lesson learned.”
Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.
– NXT Diva Gionna Daddio is now using the name “Marley.” She will be facing Eva Marie on the November 4th episode of NXT TV, which was taped on Thursday night at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida.
– Also at the NXT TV tapings on Thursday night, independent wrestlers Corey Hollis and John Skyler worked a tag-team match against The Mechanics. That match will air on the November 18th episode of NXT TV.
– As noted, Samoa Joe vs. Tyler Breeze is scheduled for next week’s edition of NXT TV. Breeze cut the following promo on Joe ahead of their match.
As noted and announced officially by WWE despite the fact that it was on a taped show, NXT star Tyler Breeze made his official main roster debut at the SmackDown television tapings on Tuesday night in Austin, Texas.
Breeze had been paired with Summer Rae on a couple of live events in the past and according to one source, he was put with Summer coming out of the gate on the main roster to test out how the two fit together as a pair in the main roster storylines.
According to F4WOnline.com, WWE is already working on marketing “selfie sticks” as merchandise for Breeze, which has led to speculation that Breeze’s push will be taken more seriously than some may have expected. He has already started out strong, as he attacked Dolph Ziggler during a Miz TV segment on his debut appearance.
Below is some of the promotion WWE has given Breeze’s debut on various social media accounts.
– On this week’s edition of NXT TV it was announced that on next Wednesday’s show on the WWE Network, Samoa Joe and Tyler Breeze will compete against each other in one-on-one competition.
– WWE Divas Champion Charlotte was recently given a Rolex watch to match the pair of watches that both Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels have. Charlotte wrote the following about receiving the watch on Instagram, along with the photo below.
“Family Tradition: When Shawn Michaels wrestled my Dad at WrestleMania 24 he surprised him after with a matching Rolex….. It was his “Retirement” match & Hall of Fame Induction weekend. My Dad says this match was a highlight & one of the most special moments in his career…. HBK said he grew up idolizing him…. Last night, I was given a matching one ?? to carry on the tradition. By no means is my career ending anytime soon but to carry on the tradition in our family for my first WWE Divas Championship!”
After it appeared that New Day member Big E. had spoiled the main roster debut of a well-known NXT star at the SmackDown television taping on Tuesday night, he was saved by WWE, as the company posted the news on their official website.
WWE.com wrote the following about the debut of the NXT star on Tuesday night in Austin, Texas.
NXT Superstar Tyler Breeze stunned the WWE Universe by making his surprise main roster debut Tuesday night during a SmackDown television taping in Austin, Texas.
What business did the Gorgeous One have on the best show on Thursday night? Who did the newcomer tangle with on his first night? Find out this Thursday night at 8/7 C on Syfy.
At last night’s WWE SmackDown television taping in Austin, Texas, a top NXT star made his official WWE main roster debut.
During the Miz TV segment with The Miz, Dolph Ziggler and Summer Rae, NXT performer Tyler Breeze made his main roster debut as expected. It was reported that Breeze would be paired with Summer Rae on the main roster, and based on last night’s taping, that appears to be the direction things are headed.
Ziggler was talking about how he is no longer into Summer when she revealed she has a new man — Tyler Breeze. Breeze then cut a promo and attacked Ziggler.
You can check out a photo of Breeze’s debut from the taping here.
– As noted, NXT star Tyler Breeze is expected to make his move to the main WWE roster in the next few weeks. According to F4WOnline.com, WWE at one point had Breeze officially scheduled for Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown television tapings in Austin, Texas, however that could end up changing and Breeze’s debut could be pushed back a week or two.
– The first WrestleMania 32 pre-sale code for November 4th is RAWVIP.
– Below is another photo of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones backstage at Monday’s RAW in Dallas, Texas with Vince McMahon.
– Adam Rose responded to a fan on Twitter today who wrote that NXT Superstar Tyler Breeze will become a “jobber” when he moves to WWE’s main roster, and that he will get “the Adam Rose treatment.” Rose replied to the fan, “Not at all, Tyler is gonna be a mega star! Mark my words.” As noted, Breeze is rumored to be joining the main roster imminently.
– WWE shot an angle during the RAW pre-show that saw co-hosts Corey Graves and David Otunga campaign for the job of “Director of Operations.” Prior to RAW, WWE announced that Corporate Kane was suspended this week and that if he loses to Seth Rollins at WWE Hell In A Cell this Sunday, he will be relieved of his job in The Authority permanently. The announcements led to Graves and Otunga campaigning for the spot throughout the pre-show, with both guys referencing it multiple times and airing campaign-style video packages. The fun continued on social media, as you can see via the following tweets.