http://www.cheap-heat.com/educated-guess-nxt-takeover-brooklyn/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/educated-guess-nxt-takeover-brooklyn/#comments Sat, 22 Aug 2015 15:50:56 +0000
Mark Adam Haggerty
Blogs
Apollo Crews
B+ Players Podcast
Baron Corbin
Bayley
Blake and Murphy
Brooklyn
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Jushin Liger
Jushin Thunder Liger
Kevin Owens
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NJPW
NXT
NXT Championship
NXT TakeOver
NXT Takeover Brooklyn
Prince Pretty
Pro Wrestling Syndicate
PWS
ROH
Samoa Joe
Sasha Banks
Tag Team Championship
Takeover
The Vaudevillians
Ty Dillinger
Tye Dillinger
Tyler Breeze
Uhaa Nation
Womens Championship
WWE
http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=13675
Summer time is almost at an end, and soon we'll be privy to chilly autumn days and back-to-school shopping. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the last two weeks of the seasons! What's Crack-a-Lackin' everybody? My name is Mark Adam Haggerty, and tonight is NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn LIVE on the WWE Network! I will […]
Summer time is almost at an end, and soon we'll be privy to chilly autumn days and back-to-school shopping. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the last two weeks of the seasons! What's Crack-a-Lackin' everybody? My name is Mark Adam Haggerty, and tonight is
NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn
LIVE on the WWE Network! I will be one of the tens-of-thousands of people in attendance at the Barclay's Center, hoping against
hope
for an exclusive Jushin "Thunder" Liger t-shirt. But what about the card? What might we expect to go down when the men and women of
NXT
perform in front of 16,000 fans—40 times the size of the fledgling Full Sail fan base? I've got a few ideas. When other professional wrestling pundits are making
predictions,
I'm doing the due diligence required to form
Educated Guesses
.
Samoa Joe vs. Baron Corbin
For someone that came into the WWE on a wave of momentum, Samoa Joe sure is jerking the curtain on an event that's set to break every record imaginable. Joe was part of TNA's tapings at the
Manhattan Center
, and made a name for himself with
Ring of Honor
in smaller venues across the city. This will
DEFINITELY
be the largest crowd Joe has ever worked in New York. It might even be the largest crowd he's worked in
America
, save for the dark match wherein he crippled Tyson Kidd. This is a tough one to predict; Baron Corbin is still undefeated as far as I'm aware—at least on television. One would assume Baron's toppling of the
Samoan Submission Machine
would cement him as part of the upper echelon of NXT. But Samoa Joe losing to Baron Corbin is a hard pill to swallow, especially when you've got almost twenty thousand blood thirsty New Yorkers who paid to see professional wrestling. You'd also have to guess that Corbin is due for his inevitable humbling sooner than later. Samoa Joe is the kind of
"living legend"
that can defeat Corbin at the end of a hard-fought battle, only to raise his hand in proverbial triumph at the end. Baron Corbin could lose the fight, but gain the respect of Samoa Joe—and in turn, the NXT fans.
Educated Guess: Samoa Joe
Apollo Crews vs. Tye Dillinger
With CJ Parker exploring the independent ranks of professional wrestling, there's a
hole
left on the roster. Parker was, for lack of a better term, "Jobber to the Stars"—the first stop for future
Superstars
such as Baron Corbin and Kevin Owens. Tye Dillinger appears to have adopted the mantle, as the "Perfect Ten" is booked to compete with the recently signed Uhaa Nation—debuting as "Apollo Crews." Listen—I get what they're doing with the name; Apollo like Creed and Crews like Terry, I get it. But a simple Google Image Search for "Apollo Crews" will yield nothing but group photos of NASA astronauts. Just wanted to make that known before its too late. I think it's safe to say Apollo will more than likely achieve victory. I'll be curious to see if they do the Titan Tron "fade out" with the name change, the way they did with KENTA into Hideo Itami and Prince Devitt into Finn Balor. I'm also wondering if he'll continue to employ his "Uhaa Combination";
most
independent stars are allowed to keep their finishing moves, with the exception of Kevin Owens' package piledriver.
Educated Guess: Apollo Crews
NXT Tag Team Championship
Blake & Murphy (c) vs. The Vaudevillians
This week's episode of the
Outsiders' Edge
features our official
preview
show for both NXT and SummerSlam. No one on the show could understand why the Vaudevillians are in contention for the titles, especially since Enzo Amore and Big Cass aren't even scheduled for the
main
show. They're in an eight man tag during the TV tapings! Enzo and Cass are more
over
than the Vaudevillians, they've got
history
with Blake and Murphy, and it's their hometown! Big Cass is from the City, whereas Enzo's from Hackensack—which is
THROWING DISTANCE
from Brooklyn! I made a really outlandish guess, and said
maybe
something happens to the Vaudevillians? Maybe they get attacked before the show, or perhaps they're defeated courtesy of some underhanded tactics. We very well could see the "Certified G," as well as the big seven-foot Italian. Getting back to
this
match—there's no way the Vaudevillians are winning the titles. If this is truly the match they're going with, then I have no doubt Blake and Murphy are set to retain.
Educated Guess: Blake & Murphy
Jushin "Thunder" Liger vs. Tyler Breeze
I write a column for Daily Wrestling News called "
Weights & Measures
," about the
"Excitement Factor"
going into an event. It's just your average percentage scale with 0% representing no interest whatsoever, and 100% being the
presumable
cap. I broke the rules this month and said this match was at a
500%
.
You heard me. FIVE HUNDRED PERCENT! I mentioned earlier that I'm looking forward to finding an exclusive Jushin "Thunder" Liger t-shirt, but there's so much more involved! This guy has been wrestling
professionally
since 1984; he was in the
OPENING MATCH
on the first-
ever
WCW Monday Nitro. He's wrestled everyone from Ric Flair to Daniel Bryan to Dalton Castle! And now he's come to the WWE for the first time in his 31-year career at the age of 50 to wrestle one of the brightest stars in the company! Tyler Breeze seems to have been left by the wayside in recent months—since
NXT TakeOver: Fatal 4-Way—
and has been defeated in the opening match on the last
TWO
TakeOver specials. Tyler is destined for great things in the WWE and the business at large, he's just been submerged beneath a deluge of debuting independent darlings. His time will come; tonight will be a defining moment in the career of Tyler Breeze.
Educated Guess: Tyler Breeze
NXT Women’s Championship
Sasha Banks (c) vs. Bayley
I know everyone is enamored with how amazing the women of NXT are, and all of the Tony Schiavone-wannabes are bolstering hyperbolic boastings such as "Sasha versus Bayley will be match of the night." Guys—Kevin Steen is wrestling Prince Devitt in a fucking ladder match. Jushin Liger is making his WWE debut. Uhaa Nation is making his WWE debut. Samoa Joe is working his largest crowd in New York ever. Sasha versus Bayley will be an outstanding match—but it will
not
be match of the night. There's just no way. Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch stole the show last month, which wasn't hard to do considering the main event never got started. Still, all scrutiny aside, I believe Sasha Banks is unquestionably the most talented in-ring performer the Diva's Division has ever had. Ever. Bayley is a fantastic sports entertainer and appears to have no trouble connecting with the crowd. I've said before that Bayley could very well be the WWE's female equivalent to John Cena—a smiling role model who wears bright colors and sells a ton of frivolous merch. But I don't think her in-ring ability is on par with Becky Lynch, or Charlotte, or Paige—let alone Sasha Banks. I think this is going to be a fun match, it'll be long with a lot of drama, and there will definitely be hugging and crying in the end.
Educated Guess: Bayley
NXT Championship
Finn Balor (c) vs. Kevin Owens
I'm not a main event mark, believe it or not. I'm one of those people who saw Savage/Steamboat and has since said: "The best stuff is on the undercard." And quite often, that's very much the case. But tonight's main event is going to be special. I've been to
hundreds
of events in my life; I've seen WWE, TNA, ROH, NJPW, PWG, ECW, PWS, and dozens upon dozens of regional Indy promotions. This will be my first NXT event, and despite how long I've been attending wrestling live—this will also be my first
ladder match
. So no matter what happens, I'm going to be happy with the result. I think most people are going on the assumption that Finn Balor
has
to win this match because Kevin Owens is on the main roster. While I'm assuming Finn will win, I'm not so quick to assume Kevin
can't.
Kevin Owens needs to maintain some sort of constant presence in NXT until Sami Zayn returns. Not only is the rivalry ongoing, but with Zayn and Itami on the injured list, NXT is pretty scarce in terms of main event talent. I'm very much looking forward to this match. I think it'll probably steal the show, and could very well be the
"Match of the Weekend
" when all is said and done.
Educated Guess: Finn Balor
http://www.cheap-heat.com/nxt-takeover-brooklyn-summerslam-preview/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/nxt-takeover-brooklyn-summerslam-preview/#comments Sat, 22 Aug 2015 13:31:20 +0000
B+ Players
CH Podcast
Cesaro
Finn Balor
John Cena
Kevin Owens
NXT
Seth Rollins
SummerSlam
Takeover
Takeover Brooklyn
The Undertaker
WWE
WWE Network
WWE Universe
http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=13670
If the Media Player gives you trouble – CLICK HERE – for our official page at YourListen! The boys are back in town! Mark, Gary, and “PG” Matt are back on the attack, and getting ready for a jam packed weekend of wrestling! B+ Player Radio is located just 40 minutes from the beautiful Barclay’s […]
If the Media Player gives you trouble –
CLICK HERE
– for our official page at YourListen!
The boys are back in town! Mark, Gary, and “PG” Matt are back on the attack, and getting ready for a jam packed weekend of wrestling! B+ Player Radio is located just 40 minutes from the beautiful Barclay’s Center, and we’ll be there LIVE Saturday Night for NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn!
We sat down to discuss what might take place at TakeOver, as well as the subsequent television tapings. In addition, we’re previewing WWE SummerSlam —
also
at the Barclay’s Center — this Sunday night! We will not be on hand for the ‘Slam, instead we’ll be hosting a Beer-B-Q viewing party with LIVE reactions!
Please
LIKE
and
FOLLOW
us on Facebook for new episodes of the B+ Players; constant coverage courtesy of DailyWrestlingNews.com, and lots of laughs thanks to Gutbusterwrestling.com!
http://www.cheap-heat.com/nxt-takeoverview-unstoppable/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/nxt-takeoverview-unstoppable/#comments Fri, 22 May 2015 16:53:55 +0000
Scott Hayes
Reviews
WWE Network Reviews
NXT
NXT TakeOver
NXT Takeover Unstoppable
Pro Wrestling
Takeover
Unstoppable
WWE
WWE Network
http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=11894
And here we are, less than 12 hours removed from NXT Takeover: Unstoppable. A slight delay because I, as of starting this column, STILL don't have cable and internet. But the guy is here and said internet will be up shortly. So? Lets go shall we? HYPE! No, dude. Not you. They had a nice […]
And here we are, less than 12 hours removed from NXT Takeover: Unstoppable. A slight delay because I, as of starting this column, STILL don't have cable and internet. But the guy is here and said internet will be up shortly. So? Lets go shall we?
HYPE!
No, dude. Not you. They had a nice opening video package. Of course they did. One of the great things about NXT is its production values. Its WWE Production values with indie sensibilities in the ring and in presentation. Special highlighting of the NXT and Women's championship match. We head to the commentators table. The announcers remind us that Hideo will not be in the #1 contender's match, and that it'll now be one on one. Crowd chanting NXT. Full Sail got a makeover! Not sure if they expanded seating, but it seems like more people are in there. They've ditched the full stage and ramp set up. Added more screens and the biggest bell and, or whistle for ME, the light up LED ramp. Which immediately lights up WHITE…
IN RING!
Women walk out a'la fashion show. They have Breeze's "Muppet Pelts" wrapped around their legs. They're all carrying cell phones and have it in "selfie position". Breeze's music hits and he makes his way out. Stopping at each model to snap a picture. Well done. Love ramping up the entrances and only makes sense considering what's coming next. We get some spooky voiceovers in Full Sail. Lights out. Heart Beat kick drum before Balor's music hits. Full Demon gear, expanded paint, new wings and spine. Good lord. Excellent entrance, as we've come to expect from Finn Balor. Crowd roared their approval. The Balor double stomp to the back of a hunched over Breeze on the outside was SICK. They brawled up the new entry ramp and Balor climbed up onto the jumbo screen… still not sure HOW he got up there. Crowd chants "Please don't die"… lol… well played Full Sail. He does a diving splashy clothesline and takes out Breeze. Balor kicked out of the Beauty Shot which sent Breeze into ultimate hissy fit mode. Eventually Balor hits the high velocity dropkick into the corner. Coup de Grace. Finn Balor 2x NXT #1 contender!
DEEP THOUGHTS!
We'll see after his first match with Owens if he brings the Demon to play the next time. The match was very good and competitive. Breeze is a good wrestler and can hold his own in the ring with anyone. He also can switch up his style being both cowardly and vicious. Balor is one of the best in the world, and its clear they have something with him. It was a great opener and a pleasant surprise, because I felt like it was a foregone conclusion that the Tag Titles would open up and this would be later in the card.
IN RING!
Dana Brooke's music hits, she saunters out and points to the side and Emma strolls out with her. Makes sense her entrance as it exists is for a face. She is not that in NXT. They walk to the ring. Charlotte is out next to a nice reaction from the crowd. She stops on the ramp and waits as Bayley's music hits. So impressive to hear Bayley's reactions. Some of the loudest in the company. She comes out passing out headbands and slap bracelets. She and Charlotte share a huge hug on the entrance way
(Yes I realize I called it "ramp" a few lines up, old habits die hard)
– Dana and Emma dominated early, isolating Bayley. Eventually a hot tag had Charlotte in the ring Cleaning house. REALLY nice closing flurry where Charlotte had the Figure 8 on Emma, and Dana was coming to break it up, and Bayley dove under Charlotte and then threw Dana's legs, spun Dana around and hit the Bayley to Belly, but in the chaos Charlotte released the hold, and hit the Natural Selection on Emma for the win.
DEEP THOUGHTS!
In Over/Under I listed Charlotte and Bayley as favorites, but what I didn't put in there was the fact that I think Dana Brooke and Emma SHOULD win here. Let them cheat and be underhanded and then let these feuds continue as the one on one feuds they've started out as. Maybe this is a sign Charlotte is not long for the NXT World, or they wanted to keep the front third of the show with faces getting wins because it was not easy going for the "good guys" after this. Good effort could have benefited from more time, but its a two hour show and got as much time as Rhyno/Corbin and only slightly less than the tag championship.
IN RING!
GORE! GORE! GORE! Followed by MOTORCYCLES REVVING! Its SLOBBERKNOCKER [/JR] time! Saw this match at NXT Live in Philly. This match was basically THAT match. Rhyno dominated early. Corbin was able to show off his brawling and clobbering skills. Hit a nice clothesline. Hit the End of Days. Ball Game.
DEEP THOUGHTS!
Well Full Sail wasn't as super loudly against Corbin like they were on his last TV appearance
(But that crowd WAS super smarky)
– or how much Philly despised him. Pretty paint by the numbers for these two. I liked how aggressive Corbin was. He was super violent. Needs a little diversity in his moveset. He has the look, the size, and I'm guessing he can put in the work to get there.
IN RING!
Its Tag Team Championship time! Here come Enzo and Cass to the joy of everyone in attendance and watching at home. I saw on twitter that Lance Storm said Carmella should really be a full time valet not as a knock on her wrestling, but because she is so good at this. Which she is. Even if crowds still give her crap. Blake and Murpy are out, three total "tails" for the tag champs. One "Pony" and two "Pig"… and oh god that entrance… as if their music wasn't already the bane of my wrestling fandom? Their crazy flashy strobing of death and awfulness? For the briefest of seconds I cursed the new set up inside Full Sail. This match was what you expect from Enzo and Cass. Enzo gonna get WORKED. Cass will get tagged in and clean house. Easy enough style to work. Enzo is more over and crowds don't want to se him get beat up. He eventually gets the hot tag to Cass. Cass is a wrecking machine. They drop the tag champs, and Cass is going to tag Enzo in who is not even on his feet. Clearly out of it. Cass drags him to the corner to do the finishing move, but this is taking too long and out runs Alexa Bliss! She attacks Carmella and chaos is ensuing. In the confusion, Cass walks away from Enzo. Enzo gets crotched on the top rope, and ends up getting pinned. Blake Murphy and Bliss celebrate on the entry way. They hoist the newly minted Bad Girl Alexa Bliss on their shoulders and gloat.
DEEP THOUGHTS!
NXT loves making the popular faces earn it. Twitter was PIIIIIIIISSSSSSSED last night at this finish, and good. We SHOULD be. This feud should continue. Now you have something with Bliss and Carmella
(Side note NXT now has 3 simmering undercard feuds in the women's division)
– I'll be interested to see Bad Girl Bliss. Don't get me wrong, my personal vendetta against glitter and its ability to get everywhere has already made her a heel in MY book, but now it'll be interesting to see what alterations to the packaging happens. Makes sense too… because the Big Four in the Women's division, despite Sasha Bank's dirty deeds, she's still mostly beloved by NXT Faithful. Dana Brooke is getting booed more because of things outside her character/ability to draw boos. So working on getting some heels to bolster that division is a good idea.
HYPE!
Women's Championship match got a GREAT hype video!
IN RING!
Then backstage we get the building music of impending intensity… aka the Cage Lowering Music, for both Lynch and Banks walking through the backstage area and hitting the curtains for both of their entrances. Lynch had some interesting new gear. Dug the fluorescent hair color. Loved the goggles/glasses and jacket. Wasn't super into her new shorts… it looked like she raided Samoa Joe's closet and took one of those diapers he used to wear in TNA and put some frill on it. – and that… RIGHT THERE is the only outright negative I have to say about this contest. This match was superb. The story telling. Working a body part. Sasha Banks was VICIOUS working Becky's arm/shoulder. Becky in turn also targeted an arm looking for her Mounted Arm Bar. The submission wrestling and exchanges here were great. Crowd was into it. This match has endless rematch value. Sasha won this countering Becky off the top rope and then stretching the hell out of her in the Banks Statement. I didn't do much highlighting here. Plunk down, 9.99 and watch this match. The post match with Becky Lynch in tears was heart breaking. But Full Sail started to sing her theme music. Gave her a huge standing ovation.
DEEP THOUGHTS!
THIS Is exactly what sets apart the Women in NXT from… honestly… any other women who are wrestling on TV. There's a dedication to wrestling. Moves are done with purpose and velocity. The best matches make you cringe because it of the legitimacy, be it real or perceived, of a hold, move, or exchange. This match had that REPEATEDLY. The little ways Banks worked Becky's arm. Twisting, yanking, torturing. Becky rallying with suplexes, throws and grappling. It was amazing to see.
HYPE!
Sami and Kevin also got a great hype video. Recapping what has got us here.
IN RING!
Zayn was out first. He did throw his arms around with reckless abandon… so maybe the shoulder is okay? Owens is out second and was rocking THIS:
Well Played, Mr. Owens. Well Played. In the ring he teases throwing it into the crowd, but then dumps it on the ground. Bell rings and Sami attacks. And that is the first good chunk of this match. Sami Zayn is brutalizing Kevin Owens as they brawl all over the ringside area. Even out into the crowd a bit. This wasn't a match it was a fight. Eventually Owens hit the Pop Up Powerbomb on the outside driving Sami into the apron. This brought out refs and trainers to check on Sami. Owens kept pressing the attack. He'd have to be pushed back, and then he'd attack some more. Eventually he grabbed Sami, his title, and a chair and they ended up in the ring. The match got tossed out at some point in time… not sure when. He drove one shot into the side/shoulder of Zayn and then music hit and Samoa Joe walked out. Crowd was chanting "JOE-JOE-JOE" as soon as music hit. Joe stomped to the ring. They stared down nose to nose and eye to eye:
But Owens backed away. He left. Joe continuing to challenge Owens as he fled the scene. Owens even teased coming back to fight, but tucked tail and ran. Closing the show with Joe in the ring looking out over the NXT crowd seething intensity.
DEEP THOUGHTS!
Main event was good for what it was. We were aware of Sami's injuries and this was a wonderful way to play off that. He dominated and stayed on the attack. Thus, hopefully, keeping any injuries from further damage. Plus their first match was so one sided it was good to see Sami come back with a vengeance. Throw in the fact that the match leaves open the possibility that Sami really needs another rematch, and that's a good thing. Kevin Owens is now, potentially, feuding with: Zayn, Balor, Itami (if the pre show attack hinting are accurate), CENA, and now Samoa Joe. That's getting your money's worth out of one the top heels in the company. Some are calling him THE top heel, but I still believe that goes to Rollins. Now, onto NXT's debutant. Samoa Joe's debut was handled perfectly. Loved that they kept the name. He already has a SPECTACULAR looking t-shirt. The potential matches for him in NXT are great. Loved how this came off.
TL;DR?!
Another special outing for NXT Takeover. Unstoppable comes across as just that. This brand, this growing juggernaut could very well be unstoppable. How they hell do they get things so consistently right? I mean, putting on a good to great show isn’t surprising. The talent and dedication to wrestling is apparent. But… A wrestling show that has existed for 2+ years, and continues to be this: fun, excellently produced, but really… how widely acclaimed it is. We the few, the proud, the obnoxious internet wrestling fan are a fickle ass bunch… There are things people will gripe about, because people like to gripe on the internet. Ultimately NXT his this excellent groove. It is currently perfect blend of indie sensibilities and wrestling with more WWE storytelling, and more importantly, production value. Can't get over how awesome Full Sail looks now.
Match of the Night: Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch for the NXT Women's Championship.
Moment of the Night: Joe and Owens nose to nose.
Lets do this again in a week! You can follow me on twitter: @sirmhayesxiv
http://www.cheap-heat.com/the-over-under-wwe-nxt-takeover-unstoppable-odds/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/the-over-under-wwe-nxt-takeover-unstoppable-odds/#comments Wed, 20 May 2015 02:57:57 +0000
Scott Hayes
Blogs
Other Blogs
NXT
Takeover
Unstoppable
WWE
WWE Network
http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=11829
Greetings and Salutations, Cheap-Heaters! Welcome to another edition of the: Today I come live and in internet limbo, where I have approximately an hour to do this… I shouldn't have logged onto the free wifi until I was done/almost done writing! Anyway, a brief hiatus for the insanity of last week capped off with a […]
Greetings and Salutations, Cheap-Heaters! Welcome to another edition of the:
Today I come live and in internet limbo, where I have approximately an hour to do this… I shouldn't have logged onto the free wifi until I was done/almost done writing! Anyway, a brief hiatus for the insanity of last week capped off with a move this weekend, explains my absence and lack of unlimited internet access. So I apologize to you gamblers who had to
(insert outraged gasp HERE)
– make your Payback picks without my "expertise".
So I need to quit with the dilly dallying
(ESPECIALLY the DALLYING!)
Lets kick off this TakeOVER/Under, as NXT gets ready for its 2nd two hour special of 2015. This show features six matches, with all three NXT championships being defended. A #1 Contendership match for the NXT Championship, and three budding rivalries in two matches.
(You'll understand shortly.)
OVERVIEW!
These two teams have been at it for months now. Enzo and Cass have been on a wave of insane popularity. Blake and Murphy upset the Lucha Dragons, and have worked themselves into being good tag team champions. Enzo and Cass won number one contendership… Blake and Murphy decided to flirt with Carmella. They've had some singles matches, some segments, and at Unstoppable it comes to a head.
Favorite(s)!
Enzo and Cass: -100. I'm not entirely sold on this. They have the momentum and so much crowd support its silly. THAT said, NXT likes to build with the faces chasing. PLUS, There is always the possibility of a Carmella turn… she already gets healthy boos despite still being on Enzo and Cass' good sides and "one of the team."
UNDERDOG(s)!
Blake and Murphy: +150. Close. Not going to be surprised if they win. If they do, it'll be by hook, or by crook
(Bet on "Crook" if the prop bet exists)
– Maybe Carmella heel turn helps keep Blake and Murphy in control of the tag team championships for another few months!
PROP BETS O' The MATCH!
Over/Under: 4.5 nicknames Enzo gives himself during his introduction.
Carmella goes with BaM: Yes -200. No +250.
OVERVIEW!
Emma and Bayley have been feuding for a while. Emma came back to NXT after a rather uninspiring time up on the main roster. Emma's words of caution to Bayley were, "Don't trust the people". Down here they LOVE you, up there they won't. Basically she was the ghost of WWE Divas future for Bayley. Their characters in NXT are super similar. Loved the story telling between them, and was REALLY looking forward to a one on one match… BUT? Dana Brooke decided to talk smack on Charlotte
(That'd be a BAD idea)
– So because its only a two hour special, and there was probably NO way they weren't going to have Charlotte on the card? They spackled these two feuds into one match. I still eagerly await the Bayley vs. Emma blow off match. It was one of the matches I was looking forward to most, when I thought that's where they were going. This is good for Dana Brooke too. Who still looks pretty green in the ring, and has two certifiable stud opponents and a good tag team partner to get the most out of her.
Favorite(s)!
Bayley and Charlotte: -400. C'mon. No brainer here. Bayley is one of the most over members of the entire Roster. Charlotte is an athletic freak of nature. They have history and friendship. This should be an excellent tag match. Really looking forward to it, but Emma and Dana don't have much of a chance.
UNDERDOG(s)!
Emma and Dana Brooke: +550. Don't know each other. Both looking out for their own interests. Nothing for them screams "we're going to win", so place your bets accordingly.
PROP BETS O' The MATCH!
Will this be longer than Rhyno vs. Corbin: Yes -300. No +250.
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner: Bayley to Belly: -200. Figure 8: -120. Dilemma: +200. Dana Brooke's Driver Move: +400.
OVERVIEW!
Baron Corbin has been slaying fools, but the crowds have been turning on him. Rhyno returned after the last Takeover, and has been pretty damn dominant, minus a loss to Sami Zayn. So Rhyno called out Baron Corbin. Boom. Match. Least build, and this is the match I'm least excited for. It'll be a slugfest slobberknocker. Interesting to see if Corbin continues down the road to Heelville.
Favorite!
Corbin: -600. Vegas toyed with pulling this match off the board. No reason for Rhyno to win. But its a great chance to have Corbin really work out some evil diabolical stuff… if his weekend of house show performances are any foreshadowing.
UNDERDOG!
Rhyno: +400. Rhyno is most likely here to put over good young talent, and be an added draw to live crowd. MAYBE he makes it back to the main roster, but this match here is all about Baron Corbin. Side note: I didn't realize Rhyno was as, relatively, young as he was. He's still under 40. I was sure he was in his mid 40s.
PROP BETS O' The MATCH!
Over/Under: 5 minutes 47 seconds, bell to bell.
Corbin gets on the mic afterwards: Yes -200. No +200.
OVERVIEW!
These three have been in and around the title picture for the last few months. Balor had a shot against Owens and came up short, though survived it better than both Zayn and Neville. Breeze and Itami spent that last NXT "quarter build" having a wonderful series of matches. Makes sense these three are vying for a shot at the NXT Championship… well TWO
(As you may know this match will NOT be a triple threat. Itami is hurt and will be out for upwards of 6 months.)
I wonder if someone gets added to this last minute? There IS a name floating around and I wonder if maybe they use him here.
Favorite!
Finn Balor: -500. Balor had a great showing against Owens. They also have been heavily involved at house shows. The key here… Balor lost to Owens. The Demon? Did not. Balor has another gear to tap into in his quest to become NXT Champion.
UNDERDOG!
Tyler Breeze +350. He's a good wrestler, and an intriguing character, but him winning this just means they're feeding him to the winner of Owens/Zayn. Not his time.
PROP BETS O' The MATCH!
Demon? NO: -400. YES: +200.
Third Combatant
(SOMEONE gets added to the match)
– NO: -200. Yes: +150. – this line has been moving crazily all over the Vegas boards. STAY TUNED!
OVERVIEW!
Becky Lynch won a hotly contested triple threat match between her, Bayley, and Charlotte to become the #1 contender. Its crazy to think that in this women's division that she is kind of gets lost in the shuffle. This match will be a great chance for her to shine! Sasha Banks has been rolling since taking the championship from Charlotte. This match could steal the show. Both are excellent in ring competitors. Both have tons of fan interest. They have history as "Team BAE", and lets face it… the NXT Women are on a friggin' MISSION to not just "keep up with the dudes", they want to kick dust into their faces. I think we're a Takeover, or two from the Women's Championship match going on last
(#WomensWrestling)
– This match I think lays the ground work for that match
(which after talking with a buddy and he mentioned it… believe it will be Banks vs. Bayley 1 on 1 for the Championship)
Favorite!
Sasha Banks: -300. The Boss is Legit, and I think she rolls on. She holds this until at LEAST August.
UNDERDOG!
Becky Lynch: +400. I keep getting more and more impressed with Becky Lynch. I can't wait to see what she does in this situation. That said? Not her time.
PROP BETS O' The MATCH!
Over/Under: 11 minutes bell to bell.
Sasha's Ratchet. NO She's Note: -4700. Yes: + like… a billion
Over/Under: Becky Lynch Suplexes 4.5.
OVERVIEW!
Where to start? Lets just say, these two have a lot of history predating WWE/NXT. Owens won the championship from Zayn. Zayn kept his rematch clause. Owens ran roughshod over everyone put in his way. Zayn came back and got his rematch, after some nice continuity laced story telling where Owens was going to duck Zayn and his claim to a rematch. To further add to this… A few weeks ago Sami Zayn debuted on Raw against John Cena in his US Championship Open Challenge. Great match, but he lost. THIS week Owens debuted on Raw in a similar circumstance, and destroyed Cena
(Sending ALL The internet wrestling community a-flutter… as if we needed MORE reason to love Kevin Owens)
– So Owens is getting a one on one match against Cena at Elimination Chamber. That's awesome for all us wrestling fans, AND it also plays into their storyline. Owens trying to outdo Sami Zayn. To get out of his shadow. To establish himself separately. The huge ole' stick in the spokes of this match? Zayn hurt his shoulder in the match against Cena. He didn't tour with NXT for the live shows.
(insert a dejected sigh here from your humble author)
– He HAS been cleared to wrestle, but in what capacity? I s'pose we'll bet discussing this in great detail in 24 hours!
Favorite(s)!
Kevin Owens: -350. He has looked great since debuting. Crowds are into him. He's done a good job getting booed despite the huge adoring fanbase he has. With how this is going, the uncertainty about Sami I think Owens retains, AND the Elimination Chamber match in 11 days? Owens wins.
UNDERDOG(s)!
Sami Zayn: +200. Of course he is. Sami Zayn lives his life as an underdog. Plus his shoulder may give out sending his arm flying out into the crowd as a souvenir!
PROP BETS O' The MATCH!
Over/Under: 12 minutes. Could be short if the Zayn injury is bad/worse than its been reported… or maybe goes longer and we were all worked.
(Hope for the latter!)
Joe? No: -150. Yes. +200. Rumors abound. Could a new face make his debut at the end of Unstoppable?
Cena? Yes: -200. No: +200. Cena has been very supportive of NXT. Throw in the fact that he now has a vested interest in keeping an eye on this main event? I could EASILY see Cena making a run in to save a Sami Zayn from a vicious beatdown at the hands of Kevin Owens.
There we have it, gamblers! We're less than 24 hours away from NXT Takeover: Unstoppable. A six match card that looks great on paper!
(Just like my bets)
– Here's hoping when I join you for the "TAKEOVER VIEW", that we're basking in the glow of a fabulous wrestling show! Until then Youc can follow me on the twitter @sirmhayesxiv where you can see some of my live reactions to the show!
http://www.cheap-heat.com/the-outsiders-edge-may-16th-2015/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/the-outsiders-edge-may-16th-2015/#comments Sat, 16 May 2015 22:45:09 +0000
B+ Players
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http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=11775
The Outsiders’ Edge w/ Dario Rivera Episode 5 This week's episode of the "Outsiders' Edge w/ Dario Rivera" features THE TOP STORIES OF THE DAY, including our PAYBACK and NXT TAKEOVER predictions, a preview of TNA Impact, and our insights into the current state of professional wrestling. Dario and Mark go over the top matches […]
This week's episode of the "Outsiders' Edge w/ Dario Rivera" features THE TOP STORIES OF THE DAY, including our PAYBACK and NXT TAKEOVER predictions, a preview of TNA Impact, and our insights into the current state of professional wrestling.
Dario and Mark go over the top matches and moments from Monday Night Raw, Thursday Night Smackdown, NXT, Lucha Underground, Ring of Honor, and Impact Wrestling in a comprehensive week-end review.
Our Theme today was "Sky's the Limit" – Sasha Banks' NXT entrance theme, by the CFO$. That song is available for just $1.29
RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW
!
And like always, our closing theme is "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash, available for download
HERE
.
Be sure to tune in tomorrow for the "B+ Players Podcast" at Cheap-Heat.com, where Mark, Gary, Dario, and "PG" Matt S will be joined by Brianne "The Wrestling Broad" Marie, as well as Milan Martin and Dave Sloyan of Milan and the Sour Goat. We'll be covering WWE Payback in full, so keep it here at Cheap-Heat and you won't miss a thing!
http://www.cheap-heat.com/top-5-reasons-to-watch-wwes-nxt/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/top-5-reasons-to-watch-wwes-nxt/#comments Thu, 19 Feb 2015 23:48:06 +0000
Bill Wright
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http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=9846
We have seen nXt for years as WWE switched the development program from OVW, which gave us Cena, Orton, Batista, and Brock Lesnar, to FCW. В Florida Championship Wrestling then got morphed into nXt which now comes from the Full Sail Arena. In my opinion it is the single greatest thing in wrestling today. В В Although Lucha […]
We have seen nXt for years as WWE switched the development program from OVW, which gave us Cena, Orton, Batista, and Brock Lesnar, to FCW. В
Florida Championship Wrestling then got morphed into nXt which now comes from the Full Sail Arena.
In my opinion it is the single greatest thing in wrestling today. В В
Although Lucha Underground and Global Force Wrestling are just a few competitors looking to change that. В For now however I must urge any wrestling fan to try the energetic next generation.
So far Rusev, The Wyatt Family, and The Shield have already changed the face of Raw, Smackdown, and even Wrestlemania.В
All who have come from nXt and the funny part, nXt is even better now than it was with them!
So what follows are 5 reasons you have to watch nXt!
The Tag Team Division:
Yep Raw has had a fair chance at amazing tag team divisions. But alas they always get overlooked.В So Usos and Ascension will have their dance for the belts and hopefully Cesaro and Kidd get a much deserved push, but the line of potential teams pulled apart continue.
No more Real Americans, no more Rybaxel, and soon no more Dust Brothers.
But at nXt Triple H is stewing some great teams.В Take the former nXt Champs the Lucha Dragons!В Sin Cara has his best and sometimes worst work at nXt and his partner Kalisto is the very definition of cool.
Murphy and Blake are bringing their best to hang, and the Vaudevillians bring a totally unique blend of technique and persona unlike anything WWE has done before.
Don’t forget Big Cass and Enzo who are over and also entirely unique.В This is a tag team division that is growing and has an insane level of pure potential.
In fact if WWE 2k16 does not expand its nXt roster, I won’t even buy it in protest cause the tag team matches alone are more exciting than anything on Raw.
I mean admittedly the Usos vs The Wyatts was tremendous but with the Wyatt Family disassembled, nXt is left providing equal quality matches one a weekly basis.
The Diva Division:
I love AJ Lee, and Paige and Natalya from the WWE Divas, while the rest of sex appeal they flop nearly every time in the ring.В I mean I am trying to exercise less criticism but every time I hear Brie Mode, I think that means Change the Channel.
Sorry D-Bry she is cute as a button but just as talented in the ring.
But what about nXt Divas… well that is money. I mean Charlotte is superior to many of her male counter parts, Natlya has stellar work there, Alex Bliss is awesome, Sasha banks is someone to love to hate but always respect, Bayley is unique and solid, and hell I even love Blue Pants… Yep dumbest song and gimmick ever and yet so dumb it is instantly endearing.
Watch Natalya vs Charlotte for the nXt Diva Championship on the WWE network and tell me that isn’t the best Diva WRESTLING match you have ever seen.
While they have a few lookers who don’t yet click in the ring, nXt Divas are the perfect mix of attractive and talented.
Oh and AJ Lee and Paige both have roots there too so if you aren’t getting the picture yet, stop wasting time on Divas and get your fill of nXt Divas today for only $9.99!
Phoenix Effect:
In ancient mythology the Phoenix was a bird of fire that would self resurrect and fly again.
Well at nXt Titus O’Neil, Tyson Kidd, and even Curtis Axel have returned to nXt to reignite their careers.
Now the man beast Rhino is back in WWE via nXt and the fans are on fire!
So how can you make the future of WWE even brighter, by adding the element of surprise when you take an underrated career like Rhino and give him the pheonix treatment to bring life back to a career.
Now not only do you have the best Diva Division, the best tag team divisions, and heart pounding action, but you never know who is gonna make their comeback?В I F’n love nXt!
Wrestling Love:
Ok WWE is sports entertainment, you got it Vinny Mac!
But Triple H knows we love WRESTLING!В And he means to give it to us!
For over a decade names like KENTA, El Generico, Pac, and Kevin Steen have dominated the internet as indy wrestling darlings.
Now they are Hideo Itami, Sami Zayn, Adrian Neville, Kevin Owens and they are all on nXt!
You want matches that redefine wrestling, well Raw and Smackdown have nuggets but nXt bleeds gold.
I mean look up Cesaro vs William Regal, or Cesaro vs Sami Zayne 2 out of 3 falls… or heck just Watch nXt on the WWE network just after the most recent Takeover: Rivals!
Seriously Adrian Neville and Kevin Owens had a breathtaking match, one of the beat nXt main events ever.
Sure nXt is not perfect, but it is becoming a real challenge to find flaws in the presentation, but it is damn near impossible to find a bad match on nXt.
If you love wrestling, you love nXt and if you don’t it is only because you just don’t know it yet!
Takeovers:
In WWE the main stage is Wrestlemania, then you get great shows mostly with Royal Rumble, Summerslam, and Survivor Series. В
Everything else WWE does PPV wise is hit or miss.
Take Fastlane for example, I couldn’t care less about this show. В
Get it free on WWE network, ok cause I wouldn’t buy it for $9.99 period.
Sting vs Triple H is the hook right, because there is no Lesnar defending.В And who in their right mind predicts Cena as the new US champ over on Rusev? В
No one, we know Sting vs Triple H is gonna be at Mania and this is just more build up.
Rusev will go one Undefeated to Mania, and so this whole PPV is Mania filler.
But would I pay the full six months up front for WWE to ensure I get the nXt Takeovers?В As Austin once said “Hell ya!”
Everytime nXt gets to a Takeover Special it carries with it a Wrestlemania Energy every single time.В
Presentation is flawless, intros are memorable, and the matches are jam packed with “watercooler” moments.
Every match matters, the job match matters, and the main events are so good you catch yourself so hyped up you watch the instant replay that comes on the WWE network when the live special goes off the air.
In closing I have been married for 12 years and if I could have an affair with nXt I would cause it is just that awesome.
So if you haven’t watched nXt yet think ECW meets WCW Nitro meets RAW and all three have a baby called nXt.В It alone is worth WWE Network asking price, so get your free month of the network now!
Then go and watch nXt and you too will fall in love with Wrestling again!
http://www.cheap-heat.com/wwe-nxt-review-february-18th-2015/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/wwe-nxt-review-february-18th-2015/#comments Thu, 19 Feb 2015 02:51:12 +0000
Scott Hayes
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http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=9831
Its THAT TIME! NXT. IS. LIVE!… if by "Live" I mean taped a week ago! RECAP! We open with a nice video package showing us what happened last week at Takeover: Rival. Lots of awesomeness, that's what happened. REGAL's OFFICE! Regal talks about the shocking show that was Takeover. He states that in NXT a […]
Its THAT TIME! NXT. IS. LIVE!…
if by "Live" I mean taped a week ago!
RECAP!
We open with a nice video package showing us what happened last week at Takeover: Rival. Lots of awesomeness, that's what happened.
REGAL's OFFICE!
Regal talks about the shocking show that was Takeover. He states that in NXT a title CAN change hands via pinfall, submission, or Ref Stoppage due to knockout. Just in case you were scratching your head over the lack of pin, or submission in the Owens vs. Zayn Match. He also says Owens fancies himself a "Prize Fighter", who fights for money. Well? Mr. Owens doesn't make the rules here in NXT. Mr. REGAL DOES, SUNSHINE
(I added Sunshine cuz its a wonderful word Regal sprinkles in from time to time, and should have used it here.)
He announces a match for tonight: Kevin Owens vs. Adrian Neville, in a non-title match. Saying Neville hasn't earned a shot at the champ, but he HAS earned a match with Kevin Owens for Owens' sending Neville to the hospital a few weeks ago.
IN RING!
Kevin Owens is on his way out! He's dressed up for his in ring celebration… no shorts, he's wearing workout pants with his sleeve cut off "KO" shirt. Crowd echo chants "KEVIN OWENS… SAMI ZAYN". Owens talks about people mad at HOW he won the Championship. He says they have NO REASON to be mad. He didn't lie. He'd fight anyone and everyone to make a better life for his family. "What matters now is Sami Zayn is the past." Owens looking to the future, and that future is Finn Balor. Crowd chants "FINN". Probably cuz they're fans of Mark Twain. The ORIGINAL "Smart Mark". Tells Finn to pick a date and place and he'll be there. Says NOBODY is gonna take "THIS"
holds up title for effect
from him OR his family. I saw the adorable picture of his daughter with the belt, rumor has it her work rate is off the charts!
ANNOUNCERS!
Rich, Graves, and Albert talk about the show. We have Sashsa Banks versus Blue Pants also tonight!
IN RING!
Oh, wow… SURPRISE TIME, if you didn't read the spoilers:
the crowd reaction here is great as Rhyno makes his entrance! Confusion melting into a "What the… holy… FOR REAL" type pop. The crowd chants "HOLY SHIT". Because this is surprising. Huge "GORE" chant. Punches. A huge belly to belly. AND? GORE! GORE! GORE! GORE! 1…2…3! Huge "ECW" and "Welcome Back" chants for Rhyno. That was a fun surprise for sure.
BACKSTAGE!
Finn is asked about Owens'. He too will face Owens anywhere, anyplace, anytime. Says Owens fancies himself a prize fighter, and that he too is a prize fighter, THAT prize? The NXT Championship- only before he can finish that sentiment? Rhyno walks in. Stops. Eyeballs Finn. Smirks. Walks off. That could be fun. Also paints a picture that Rhyno might be around for a little while.
IN RING!
Black and White and grainy projector shot as the Vaudevillains are set for a tag team match. Announcers sell the fact that there is a void for WHO will step up to face Blake and Murphy? Gotch and English pose as we get the intro for Cass and Enzo. At least 5 leopards went into the making of Enzo's jacket and bandanna tonight. Enzo's beard is also insane. Carmella gets booed during Enzo's mic work. Big "HOW YOU DOIN'" chant from the crowd as it feels like a while since we've seen these two. Gotch and Enzo kick us off. Cheap shot from English on the outside gets the Vaudevillains the precious MO. Aggression from the Villains. Enzo makes the diving tag and Cass is in wrecking house. Sidewalk slam to Gotch. Big splash to English. Double team in the corner and then a big boot later and Enzo and Cass get a big win.
On the big screen Blake and Murphy talk trash on Cass and Enzo. Hit on Carmella. Tell her to ditch the sewer rats. Congrats, a bouncing tag team rivalry is born!
BACKSTAGE!
Adrian Neville can tie his boots. Asked about his loss to Balor and his upcoming match with Owens. Says he almost feels relieved because forever he's been hunted, and now he's the hunter, and Kevin Owens is about experience that.
MORE BACKSTAGE!
Quick hit post match interview type dealie with Bayley and Becky. Bayley promises she WILL be Women's Champion. Becky says Bayley cost her the title, and she is kinda sorry happy that Banks could win, but she is VERY Happy Charlotte lost.
IN RING!
CJ Parker is on his way. Jean shorts and a button down shirt informs us that he's not wrestling. CJ Parker is sick and tired. His being left out of Takeover is �BULLCRAP'. Now CJ Parker is taking over the show. Holding it hostage. Today's sign "CJ IS TAKING OVER THE TAKEOVERS". He is now Caution taping the ring. Uh oh. "Technical Difficulties". "This is Not A Test". Solomon Crowe attacks and destroys CJ Parker. The crowd figured out it was Crowe before the announcers.
IN RING!
SASHA BANKS IS OUT! Blue Pants is on her way out. Love they've bottled and used Cass's announcing slash singing for Blue Pants. Blue Pants might be the most over person in NXT. Blue Pants early X-Men color scheme is great. Sasha is giving her the chance to leave the ring, holding open the ropes for her. Blue Pants responds by kicking Sasha out of the ring. Drop Toe Hold! Sasha is angry. Double leg and fists of fury. Backslide gets OBP a solid two. Sasha drives her into the corner and drives a series of shoulders. Does her double knee in the corner. Covers, but pulls OBP up at the two. Crowd BOOS! Drags Pantalones Azul up, backstabber into the Crossface, aka the Banks Statement! OBP does the TAP.
Post Match. Mic Stand asks Sasha what it means to be champion. Sasha gets grabby with the mic. What's it means is Banks is "the baddest Diva in NXT".
EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE!
The post match fallout for Sami Zayn. We see doctors working on him and Regal coming out to check on him. So we get an interview with Doctor Chris Amann. Sami got evaluated, and got a CAT Scan. They let Sami go to Abu Dhabi. He'll be back and ready to go! At least the crowd didn't chant "Z-Pack" at him.
IN RING!
Adrian Neville is on his way out! Kevin Owens is next. Owens bails much like the start of his match with Zayn. Neville gets to him quickly. Big quick, but the tide is quickly turned with a gut buster and then standing senton from Owens. Owens with an elbow drop. Then a chop in the corner. He goes into methodical pummeling mode. Clubbing blows. Stomps. Forearm. Some cheer. Some boo. Rich tries to name Owens' fans "OWENS-IACS", Graves then hits a home run with, "Lets NEVER call them that." So far this is the match we got at Rival, only with Neville playing the role of Zayn. Neville trying to fight his way out of a REVERSE… CHINLOCK… O'… DOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!! Owens yelling "who's the champ", and crowd chants back "NOT FOR LONG". Owens rag dolls Neville over the top rope to the outside. Man… they are making him look like the most dominant dominator that ever dominated. Owens interplays with the crowd, ramping up his douche-ness to 11. Snap mare and a boot to the shoulder blades gets a ONE PLUS! Neville tries to stage a comeback. Slingshots, but Owens catches him into fireman's carry. Neville spikes Owens with a DDT. Owens first up. Crowd getting live. Exchanging forearms. Neville gets the upper hand. Forearms. Chops. Flying forearm and then kicks. Owens gets outta dodge. Neville with a moonsault to the outside takes out Owens! Two kicks to the chest and an enzugiri. Missile dropkick gets Neville the TWO PLUS! Owens again gets outta dodge. "You're a Coward" chant from FULL SAIL. Baseball dropkick from Neville! OH MY… 450 OFF THE APRON TO THE FLOOR! THREE MINUS!!!! Albert asks if we've seen Owens in this much trouble? … uH… JASON? Its his fourth TV match. Great german, and then the DEADLIFT german with a bridge from Neville. High speed European, but as Neville goes in Owens lashes out with a HUGE running flying forearm. Neville in the corner. Owens charges for the cannonball… SUPERKICK. Reverse �RANA… that looked NASTY, almost botchy. OWENS KICKS OUT AT THREE MINUS! Neville drags and Climbs… Red Arrow, Owens rolls outta the way, and when both men are back up? Pop Up Powerbomb! One… Two… THREE! That. Was. AWESOME!
Owens celebrates we get replays of the awesomeness. Rich gives us the tag line "Kevin Owens Ferocious, UNYIELDING" … damn right he is. As the show comes to a close.
OVERVIEW!
Another excellent edition of NXT. We had groundwork laid for the Reign of Owens, and it got off to a rousing start with his non-title bout with Adrian Neville. We got a budding tag feud between the Champs and Cass and Enzo. Sadly, no clue where this leaves the Vaudevillains. Sasha Banks also made an impressive statement in her first televised appearance as reigning Women's Champion. PLUS we got a surprise return/NXT Debut of the War Machine, Rhyno. Plus his little tease face to face with Balor. Hit the ground running, NXT continues to be the fastest 60 minutes in Pro Wrestling! I URGE YOU TO WATCH OWENS NEVILLE, if you haven't. If you have? REWATCH IT!
http://www.cheap-heat.com/the-takeoverview-nxt-takeover-rival-february-11th-2015/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/the-takeoverview-nxt-takeover-rival-february-11th-2015/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2015 04:24:59 +0000
Scott Hayes
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http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=9700
Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girl… WRESTLING Fans of All Ages… well the literate ones at least. Welcome to another Whizz-Bang Edition of the NXT Recap slash Review slash Something. This a SPECIAL edition as this week's NXT was a SPECIAL TWO HOUR TAKEOVER: RIVAL. Five matches were officially announced with a sixth being added […]
Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girl… WRESTLING Fans of All Ages… well the literate ones at least. Welcome to another Whizz-Bang Edition of the NXT Recap slash Review slash Something. This a SPECIAL edition as this week's NXT was a SPECIAL TWO HOUR TAKEOVER: RIVAL. Five matches were officially announced with a sixth being added via twitter and then the pre show. So that's a whole lot of recappening
(it is TOO a word!)
Good hype video. Paying special attention to Balor vs. Neville, Women's Fourway, and Zayn vs. Owens. Foreshadowing on which three matches would be my top three for this show.
IN RING!
Itami's music hits, as the twitter slash WWE.com match against Tyler Breeze.
ANNOUNCE TABLE!
Rich, Corey and Albert welcome us to the show. They put over the action which is something they excel at doing. Throw to the replay of Breeze attacking Itami. "YOU BLEW IT… YOU RUINED IT. YOU RUIN EVERYTHING." – That is a hissy fit line that always makes me giggle.
BACK IN RING!
Breeze is out with a selfie stick. A "fan" then jumps the barricade and she jumps onto Tyler. Security takes the lady fan away. That is a quality selfie stick.. At least 3 muppets gave their lives to cover that selfie stick in their pelts. Bell rings. Itami is on the quick offensive. Itami gets the momentum with a nice knee to the midsection and then a vicious kick to Tyler's chest. Educated feet and going for the drop kick to a seated Breeze in the corner, but Breeze smartly gets outta dodge. Breeze gets on the offensive focusing on the bum knee of Itami. Wraps it around the ring post a few times, and… RING POST FIGURE FOUR! NICE! Breeze with a nice cloverleaf styled submission. Breeze hits the Super Model Kick for a TWO PLUS! Breeze can't believe it and the crowd gets loud for this. Tyler starts throwing hard rights, but Itami is like �NUH UH', and gets all hulked. Quick flurry of strikes: palms, forearms, kicks galore. Breeze in the corner. Stalling dropkick… RUNNING KICK TO THE HEAD! That's all they wrote. Solid opener. Breeze impressed me. I wonder what they'll do with Itami moving forward?
BACKSTAGE!
Referee and Regal are discussing something with Owens. He seems unimpressed with their talking and goes back to his phone, cuz that Candy ain't gonna Crush itself!
IN RING!
BULL! BULL! BULL! Out comes Bull Dempsey, who judging from my friend who doesn't watch NXT religiously, but pointed out that Dempsey's look teeters between "80s throwback" and "slob". Engines rev. Corbin is out and B-Lines it for Bull. Baron sporting his new t-shirt. Brawling all over the floor. Bull tries to flee. Baron chases. Bull turns the tide with a push into the apron and suplex onto the ramp. Crowd wants tables. Bull teases it but is all like, "PSYCH!" Full Sail not happy with that. More brawling. Stomps. Fists. Smashes. Bludgeons. And various What-Nottery. Huge Arn Anderson styled spine buster and Baron nearly gets the win. Graves says Dempsey was 10 feet in the air… uh… really Core? Corbin goes for a running clothesline to send Dempsey over the top rope. Corbin goes, but Dempsey doesn't… until like 4 seconds later than he should have. Oops-town Population: YOU, Bull. Dempsey hits the diving headbutt for a TWO PLUS! Stays on the attack. goes for a chair. Slides in. Charges. Corbin snatches him. End of Days. Ballgame. This was pretty average. A few botches. Didn't really find a groove. Didn't really make use of the NO DQ Stip. Post match Corbin sets up the chair and takes a seat and catches his breath and dismissively shoves Bull away with his boot. This was hindered by the fact this was their third match, in my opinion. And it was longer than the other two combined. I think Bull should've been using that No DQ stip to its FULLEST potential.
BACKSTAGE!
Becky Lynch is doing pushups on the steps. Bayley is looking nervous and that works its way into a confident nod.
IN RING!
LU! CHA! LU! CHA! LU! CHA! Sin Cara and Kalisto are out. They have a new camera set up next to the apron so we get a neat view of them trampolining into the ring. That was nifty. Next out are our tag champs. Who's music I find dreadful. Text from a buddy pointed out their tights were VERY American Wolves-y. Bell Rings. Cara and Murphy to start
(Thank the wrestling gods they have their names on their tights tonight, so your humble writer can tell them apart with certainty.)
– Uh oh botches are contagious early in this one. Not sure what happened. Arm drag gone awry? Crowd noticeably flat for this… and these people usually cheer and chant EVERYTHING. See:
Oh man another bit of sloppiness. Kalisto slips while running to the ring looking to do something. Cara gets the TWO PLUS with the victory roll from the top… SUPER VICTORY ROLL? Name will be a work in process. Double team pop up neck breaker is a nice move from Murphy and Blake. A kick gets Sin Cara free, and Kalisto in. Corkscrew cross body. Kalisto kick. The hurracanrana on a kneeling murphy was NICE. Kalisto has the SDS countered, A bunch of near falls. Trading two counts. Inventive double bridge where both guys had their shoulders down. Two Pluses all over the place…
YOU GET A TWO COUNT! YOU GET A TWO COUNT! YOU GET A TWO COUNT!
Cara hits the hoist one arm power bomb. Murphy hits a running suplex almost brain buster, and Blake hits a frog splash. Three Count. and STILL Our NXT Tag Team Champions! First half the match had some sloppiness and it took a while to find a rhythm. Last 5-7 minutes were pretty enjoyable. Lots of chain wrestling. During the celebration someone is coming next week. His hype video interrupts and looks like the last few where I've seen the names "Solomon" and "Crowe" at different times. Hint. and HINT!
HYPE!
NXT #1 Contendership tournament is recapped and our next matchup is hyped.
IN RING!
Neville is out first because… well we all know why. Lights out, and Balor is crawling his way to the ring. Paint job is slightly different. A tongue sticking out of the mouth on his chest. Added what appears to be wings and a tail to his back. Add some smoke in the corner to his entrance. Its go time. I can't wait for this. Crowd chants Finn. Neville puts his mouthpiece in. Fast start with some chain wrestling. Crisp. Clean. These two might be the best combination of pure athlete AND wrestling ability. Neville's athleticism almost gets lost in the shuffle with all the talent in NXT. A couple early ONE! counts. Neville scores a spring board dropkick then lock in the… ahem… REVERSE CHIN LOCK… O'… DOOOOOOOOOM!!! To jump back, good work by the announce crew to explain Balor's entrance. The not only psychological warfare on his opponent but to psych himself up. They should also put the layer of "currying favor" with the crowd. Take notes, Cole and Company when you're talking about Bray Wyatt's "Creepy" entrance. Neville dominates for a spell. Balor tries to turn the tide with a chop so hard it welted MY chest. Neville keeps on it though with a dropkick and stalling vertical suplex. Neville nails some 12 to 6 elbows to Balor's head, and somewhere a UFC official is screeching "STOP THE FIGHT!" Back to the RCLO'D! Balor fights out. Whip. Balor eats a boot, Neville goes to the top rope and Finn nails an enziguri. Neville to the outside. Balor nails a huge Tope. Crowd chants NXT. Neville is on the move! Finn is stalking, and then drop kicks him into/through a ringside barricade. Crowd goes with a expletive laced chant of surprise. Back in the ring. Balor with a double stomp to the back of the HEAD?!?! WHAT?! I was SURE that was it. That was a THREE MINUS! WOW. That was an amazing move. First this is awesome chant. Neville nails a forearm and a bunch of kicks. Balor with the Pele! And Neville with a desperation Superkick!
(Picks up jaw off floor)
Germans from Neville. One of them stalled was amazing and into a bridge! THREE MINUS!!! Neville to the middle rope… ARE YOU KIDDING?! Was that a Phoenix Splash from the middle rope?! Done flawlessly. Dude is a mutant of athletic ability. High velocity European Uppercut. Balor with a desperation Sling Blade! HUGE Clothesline turns Neville inside out. Lifting to vertical reverse DDT! My fingers can't keep up with this. Balor going to the top, but Neville grabs the leg to avoid the double stomp. He hits a kick. Then a slam. Looking for the Red Arrow, but Balor lifts the knees, AND then turns it into a roll up, and they got me AGAIN! I was sure this was done. High velocity dropkick shots Neville into the corner violently. COUP DE GRAICE! Rich asks "Have you ever seen anything like it?!" Hyperbole, sure, but that was a DAMN AMAZING match. Standing Ovation rightly deserved, fellas.
*Writers Note: It was my third time watching this match 3 times when I wrote this.
Its scary the guy was NXT Champion for how long, is one of the guys they use on the road for Raw/Smackdown, but Neville still is somehow underrated. Also can we get two outta three falls for these two?
BACKSTAGE! +HYPE!
Charlotte and Sasha are getting ready! Goes right into the video package for the Women's Championship Match.
IN RING!
Bayley is out first. Banks is second. Becky third. And in the sake of alliteration: Bram's wife third. Lets go! We hit the ground running. Bayley with a roll up on Charlotte. Team BAE team up early. They break the LED board by throwing Charlotte into it. Then they go at Bayley. Nice double team moves from BAE as they violently throw Bayley into the turnbuckles. That was unique. Both of them make the cover on Bayley. Alliance dissolved. Becky with a nice pump handle suplex. Now Becky is in control. She works on Bayley with a dragon screw leg whip and then a nice submission, but Banks is back to break it up. Banks with a nice series of shoulders into the corner. High velocity as she channels her inner Lesnar. Charlotte back in and attacking. Ends up hitting a neck breaker for a two plus. Then hits Banks with a leg drape neck breaker in the corner. Now Charlotte and Banks exchanging violent forearms. Charlotte goes for a spear, but Banks moves. Charlotte spears Becky. Bayley back in and wheel barrows Banks, and Bayley comes in and hits a codebreaker of sorts. Charlotte big boots Bayley out of the ring.Banks ends up back in control. Double knee drops in the corner to both Charlotte, who was across the middle ropes, and Becky who was on the bottom ropes. Bayley is back with a suplex! Bayley hits a series of three running reverse elbows into the corner. She hoists Charlotte to the top rope. Top Rope �Rana! Crowd firmly behind Bayley. Bayley to Belly! Lynch breaks it up. Bayley with a nice baseball drop kick from the floor up under the bottom rope. Nifty. BANKS SUICIDE DIVE! Three are down. Charlotte in ring. "WOMEN'S WRESTLING" chant melts into "THIS IS WRESTLING", and Charlotte sling shot over the top to the outside onto the other three! Charlotte throws Becky into the ring. But Becky nails a running knee lift and a T-Bone Suplex. Man the shots in this are so high velocity and landing. Chaos in the corner. Charlotte on the top. Bayley German's Lynch. Then TOP ROPE BAYLEY TO BELL! ONE TWO… BANKS! Banks throws Bayley out violently. Gets a three minus. Then locks in a nasty cross face. Really pulls back. Becky starts to get in, but Banks kicks Becky INTO Bayley. Back to the cross face. Stretching her. Keeps pulling back. Charlotte is not tapping, but is fading. Banks pulls back even harder and then turns it into a roll up! THREE SLAP OF THE MAT LATER…
This was spectacular. Awesome story, and action bell to bell. These ladies got put in the "spot of death" between the two huge main events and OWNED it. The velocity of moves and the WRESTLING was as good as anything we see on a weekly basis, ladies, or gents. Women's MotY can be handed out, as who knows if anything will approach this on the main roster, and I could absolutely see this being on many a top ten list at year's end. MIGHT be the best Women's match I've ever seen… but that might be me being to wrapped up in the immediacy.
HYPE!
Zayn and Owens video package is where the awesome in ring product meets the awesome WWE Production values and things like this is where we get the melding of these worlds.
IN RING!
We see Owens backstage as the "drop the cage" music kind of plays before he storms through the curtain and heads out. Same thing for Zayn. This is a neat twist. Zayn sporting nifty new tights. Crowd really into the "LETS GO!" Part of Zayn's theme. Owens is ready rocking in the corner… random thing I noticed yesterday, his armpits looks like Abdullah the Butcher's forehead. What the hell is going on there? Stare down. Owens standing and leaning in the corner. Sami crouching. Big Fight announcement. "FIGHT OWENS FIGHT" followed by boos and then "SAMI" chant. They stare. Crowd "OLE's". They circle, Sami advances. Owens bails. This continues. More stalling, but eventually, Sami flies over the ref and nails a somersault onto Owens on the outside. Zayn punching and kicking. Mounted punches into the corner. Owens hoists and drops him across the top turnbuckle. A couple NASTY running clotheslines into the corner where Zayn does his best Shawn Michaels. The whip into the corner was a looney tunes sell. Owens goes on the grind offensive. Wearing down Zayn. Punishing with holds and slams. Driving his knee into his back. Owens continues to punish making occasional covers and yelling at the referee. Zayn tries to fire back with fists to the gut, starts to get some momentum, but Owens drops him gut first onto the top rope which sling shots him back into the ring, Zayn crashing onto his face/upper body. Owens locks in the Reverse Chin Lock O' DOOOOOOM! Match totally at Owens' pace. Back suplex gets a two count. On the outside its violent. Owens is dominating. Crowd starts up a "Kill Owens Kill" chant. Back in the ring. Two PLUS on Sami. Zayn looks "woozy". VIOLENT forearms and stomps into Zayn. This is a methodical dissection. Gut buster, and senton. TWO PLUS!
Forearms and Sami with a slap! Now Sami fires up with three clotheslines! Owens spills to the outside. Owens takes a bite out of the ring steps. Now Sami is brawling. He's throwing haymakers. Owens tries to rolls Sami in, but Sami rolls right back out to the other side, runs around and NAILS a clothesline. Back inside. Blue Thunder Bomb! TWO.. PLUS PLUS! each man in a corner.. Sami charges… OUCH! SUPERKICK. Sami is out on his feet! Collapses into the corner. Running CANNONBALL! THREE MINUS! Owens pump handles Sami and drops him neck first onto his knee! Whoa. THREE MINUS.. MINUS!!! Whip going for a pop up power bomb. Zayn dropkicks out of it. Half and Half by Zayn. TWO PLUS! Zayn doesn't believe it. Zayn gets dropped throat first across the top rope. Owens up top… Zayn meets him in the high rent district. They exchange up top. Owens gets the upper hand. SWANTON-NO! KNEES UP! Exploder into the corner. Sami looking for the Heluva… Owens gets outta dodge. Sami chases. Outside Owens looks for the powerbomb into the ring apron, but Sami grabs the ropes, and stops it. Sami kicks and then hits that seated spring board moonsault to the outside, but his head hit the ramp. He's woozy. Sami staggers and stumbles back in the ring. Tries to come out of the corner, but stumbles and falls feeling the effects. Charges again, pop up powerbomb nearly ends it for Owens. Ref checking on Sami. Owens goes in with nasty forearms. European uppercuts.. Rabbit punches. Basically just wailing away on Zayn. Ref trying to get Owens off. Trainers are out to check on Sami. A few smart asses chant "Z-Pac" at this. Powerbomb number TWO. AND THREE! Owens with the cocky cover. Two Zayn fans are near tears. Trainers are still checking on him. They're in ring now. Owens decides he has his OWN medical advice… three MORE Powerbombs. Oh, nope ref stops him at the third one, and calls the match. Crowd starts a bullshit chant. Stunned. Some confusion, but the crowd roars when Owens is handed the NXT Championship. Owens wins due to Ref Stoppage. A fewf and are inconsolable. Owens is bouncing between laughing and crying. He points at someone in the audience. Announcers do a great job laying out. Selling the shocked nature of this. Clearly they LOVE Owens. He celebrates, and eventually stands over the prone Zayn. Very good match, that was intense and super story based, and REALLY puts Kevin Owens over in a big way and shows how much fight Zayn has. This felt like a first chapter to what could and should be an amazing saga. Sprinkle in Balor's #1 contendership and there is a lot they can do moving forward.
OVERVIEW!
ANOTHER excellent outing for the NXT Brand and their quarterly Takeovers. Top to bottom not as good as R Evolution, in my opinion, which is understandable, seeing as that show was about as perfect a wrestling show I've seen. There was one very average match: Bull and Baron. Two decent to good matches: Breeze/Itami, and Tag Titles. And three awesome matches that were unique and fun and told good stories and had amazing in ring action. And now we set off down the road to the NEXT Takeover. If you have wrestling fan friends who don't subscribe to the Network? You should invite them over and start doing NXT Viewing Parties. If they DO have the Network and DON'T watch NXT? Man… I don't know… rig them up to that contraption from Clockwork Orange, maybe?
Bottom line, if you're not, or they're not watching? You and they should be.
http://www.cheap-heat.com/the-over-under-wwe-nxt-takever-rival-odds/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/the-over-under-wwe-nxt-takever-rival-odds/#comments Sat, 07 Feb 2015 02:44:49 +0000
Scott Hayes
Blogs
Other Blogs
Adrian Neville
Baron Corbin
Bayley
Becky Lynch
Buddy Murphy
Bull Dempsey
Charlotte
Curtis Axel
Finn Balor
Kevin Owens
Lucha Dragons
NXT
Rival
Sami Zayn
Sasha Banks
Takeover
The Vaudevillains
Tyson Kidd
Wesley Blake
William Regal
WWE
WWE Network
http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=9522
Ladies and Degenerates- NO! Not you guys! I'm talking about GAMBLERS! Welcome to another installment of the "Over/Under" this Cheap Heat's author's attempt at bring the sports book to the squared circle. Admittedly I have no experience handicapping, and from a betting standpoint I have little… actually… err… no… I have NO experience in any […]
Ladies and Degenerates-
NO! Not you guys! I'm talking about GAMBLERS! Welcome to another installment of the "Over/Under" this Cheap Heat's author's attempt at bring the sports book to the squared circle. Admittedly I have no experience handicapping, and from a betting standpoint I have little… actually… err… no… I have NO experience in any form of sports betting. Yeah… ya know… in case someone's watching. SO?
OVER/UNDER!
Disclaimer:
The Over/Under is an entertainment slash hype slash super terrific fun time article. The author does not look up any possible "Lines" for wrestling matches, and suggests you not bet on a scripted contest. Though if you're at a party and your friend has had too many adult beverages and Raw is taped and you read spoilers and want to make five bucks at said friend's expense because someone upsets Kane in a match? FEEL FREE!
(Hayes fact 814: Did that a party. Gonna totally send the link to this to said buddy.)
Overview:
For the last few months these two have been all up in each other's bidness. What started out as a contest to see who could mash a random sack of potatoes faster? With Baron mashing so hard that it led to Bull's jealousy. Which led to a match. Which Baron won. Which led to a second match. Which Baron won. Which led to Bull costing Baron in his #1 Contendership Match. And now? These two "Hosses" will battle it out in a NO DQ Match. Their first two contests didn't last a combined 5 minutes. Baron dominated.
Favorite:
Corbin -450 He's a huge favorite. He just lost and it was Bull that cost him. Violent revenge for NXT's Lone Wolf.
Underdog:
Dempsey +300 Big Dog. Only way I see this win is if they really REALLY want to try hard to swerve us.
Prop Bet of the Match:
Over/Under 7 minutes.
(That's bell to bell. No entrances included, or post match shenanigans included.)
Overview:
This is easily the match I'm least looking forward to. I'm probably not alone, but there isn't a ton of investment in it for me. The story falls a little flat, but lets take a look at that story. The Lucha Dragons beat the Ascension and then… well… "Meh". They have a nice move set. A decent amount of support from the crowd, but something has felt flat with their reign. They dispatched the Vaudevillains easily. Were rolling, albeit, unspectacularly. Buddy and Blake appeared to fill a need as Tag Team on the Roster. Their win/loss record drove that point home. Then? They beat the Vaudevillains. THEN? They challenged the Lucha Dragons, cuz if you beat, basically the only OTHER full time tag team that isn't the champs? Boom. Title shot. AND.. THEN?!?!
AND… NNNNNEEEEEWWWWWWWWW… NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!!!!! They shocked the world. Okay, the portion of the world who
A)
Follow Pro Wrestling
2)
Know that there is an WWE Network
iii)
WATCH NXT
FOURTH)
or at LEAST read spoilers slash results.
(I hear the results guy HERE kicks 14 kinds of ass… Just sayin'.)
Favorite:
Murphy and Blake -120. A slight favorite. They just scored the upset win. I wonder if they want to bolster the Main Roster's tag ranks, and so I wonder if the Dragons are a way to add another team to the tag division. Especiallly with two teams recently having or in the process of splitting (Miz/Mizdow, and Dust Bros).
Underdog:
Lucha Dragons +110. Its not a huge instance of her being an Underdog. I won't be surprised if they walk out of Rival two time tag champions. I will be interested to see how this plays out and hopefully coming out of Rival we'll see a little more shine/interest in the tag division.
Prop Bet of the Match:
Will the NXT Crowd Chant "AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE… Oi Oi Oi"! (due to Murphy's Nationality) Yes -400 No +400.
Overview:
Charlotte has been dominating the Women's division. She beat Bayley. Sasha Banks on the rise, and along with Team BAE (Best At Everything, for anyone unaware) bestie, Becky Lynch took out Bayley. Then Banks set off on a series of awesome Women's title matches. The stories did a nice job staying intertwined. Banks got one more shot, Lynch ended up jumping in and attacking Charlotte. <— Insert DQ Bell Ringing here. Bayley rushes to the ring to make the save. When Bayley takes too long gazing at the title lustily. Charlotte is like "HAND OFF". Bayley hits the Bayley to Bell! Regal makes the women's title match a fatal four way. They did a tag match the next week Of COURSE, chaos ensued. I'm really looking forward to this, and we could be seeing the Women's match of the year at Rival.
Favorite:
Charlotte -200. She's a dominant champion. Unless they're thinking "Call Up" for her, and really she is plenty ready, though I'd be sad to see her talents leave and be shuffled off into 3 minute matches centered around the cast of Total Divas? Eventually they grow up and leave the nest.
Even Money:
I'm putting both Bayley and Sasha Banks here. Both have great stories and momentum behind them. This is a great match for someone (i.e. Charlotte) to lose and not get pinned and still lose the Championship. Bayley the plucky underdog/Little Engine that Could, with the most funnest entrance in the bidness! Banks, someone who is an amazing talent. Who has improved so much its mind boggling. She's a heel who is getting a "you deserve it" vibe from the crowd in her past title matches.
Underdog:
Becky Lynch +600. Easily makes the least sense. Treading water as a face and then being paired with Banks almost as added muscle. Its not Lynch's time… YET.
Prop Bet of the Match:
Who takes the Tower of Doom Spot? Bayley -300. Banks -150. There is none even money. Lynch +100. Charlotte +200.
Overview:
Back when we kicked off this trip toward Rival, Commissioner Regal announced a Number One Contendership Tournament. Balor beat Curtis Axel in the first round and Hideo Itami in the second round, which was a spectacularly physical encounter and almost made my prediction that "Itami hits his FIRST GTS on Balor" come true. I STILL think the first has Balor's name written all over it. Neville beat Tyson Kidd in the first round, another fantastic match, and took down the undefeated Baron Corbin in the Semi's sing it: "He got by with a little help from the Bull". So this sets up between two well traveled world class wrestlers. Both are super popular with the crowd. Neville a former NXT Champion and Balor a future NXT Champion… that is unless the WWE doesn't come calling. This has Match of the Year Contender written all over it. Don't blink. Sit back. And bathe in the excellence this contest can, and hopefully WILL, produce.
Favorite:
Finn Balor -250. Crowd is behind him. Momentum is on his side. He's been awesome, and continues to entertain. A win here would be excellent as he continues rocketing up the NXT Ranks.
Underdog: Adrian Neville +100. Won't be shocked if he wins, but he certainly doesn't need a victory. Long rumored to be one of the next in line to get the call. Makes sense to elevate Balor if that rumor is true.
Prop Bets of the Match (two main events get multiple)
Balor Paints Up: Yes -300 No +300
"This is Awesome Chants": Over/Under 3.5
Post Match Attack: None -200 Tyler Breeze -100 Hideo Itami +100.
Overview:
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG… breathe Hayes… BREATHE.
Inhales… Exhales…
I assumed we would see this. Didn't think it'd be THIS fast, and for the NXT Championship already. Sami Zayn had a long trip to the summit. At NXT R-Evolution he beat Adrian Neville in a fantastic match. The crowd, the story, the finish, the celebration. It was excellent. He and Owens hugged. He and Neville Hugged. This was all the feels we can feel watching this crazy form of entertainment! Then it lingered… and lingered… but they showed the closing graphic, and THEN Owens decided… "I'm happy for you, but I'm no THAT happy for you." Nasty pull down onto the ramp. Nastier power bomb onto the apron and the man who had debuted 114 minutes earlier just made a massive statement. Like he said in his hype videos. He was in NXT to fight, to better his and his family's life, AND its not lost on him that so many guys who he wrestled with and against across the globe got the call from WWE before he did. No wrestler was safe. No Friend. No CHAMPION. Sami begged for a match with Owens. Regal didn't want to reward Owens for his behavior, because it establishes a dangerous precedent. So it was to be non title… except… yeah Owens wasn't going to fight non title. The title is a PRIZE. One he wants. One that gets him more money. More prestige. More EVERYTHING. So in a contract signing the only thing that got broken
TABLE LIVED!
Were Regal and Zayn's wills. Zayn, in a self admitted lapse in judgement pleads with Regal to make the match, which he does, and here we are. Like the match for #1 Contendership? This could easily find itself on all kinds of Year End Lists.
Favorite:
Kevin Owens -150. A slight favorite. Not many have walked into NXT/WWE and ended up where he is in such a short period of time. His THIRD TV Match will be for the NXT Championship. He's has promised to "take" the NXT Championship. Which is an interesting phrasing that has stuck in my mind since he used it.
Underdog:
Sami Zayn -125. His chase was epic and super fulfilling. Imagine him losing the championship. The dejection, but also the realization that WHO will be able to stop Kevin Owens. Sami chasing is right in his wheelhouse, and really Owens winning really kicks off them going back and forth, if Zayn isn't destined for Monday and Thursdays? This could be the start of something incredibly beautiful. ESPECIALLY considering that a #1 Contender will be named as well.
Prop Bets of the Match:
Duration of first Hockey Styled Brawl
#CrazyCanadians
: Over/Under 14 seconds
Long Live the Streamers
(Will any fans throw streamers)
: No -350. Yes +200
There will be Blood: NO -200. THE HARD WAY – +100. Holy S. Holy S. Holy S. BLADE – +650.
So there you have it. Place your bets, I'm betting (see what I did there)
Takes action. No matter if you're dropping coin, or not on NXT Rival? You SHOULD be investing your time. The last show I was THIS excited for was R Evolution, and my geek out level is SKY HIGH. I'll see y'all for the Recap.
http://www.cheap-heat.com/wwe-nxt-review-january-1st-2015/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/wwe-nxt-review-january-1st-2015/#comments Fri, 02 Jan 2015 02:10:36 +0000
Scott Hayes
Blogs
Other Blogs
Other Reviews
Reviews
Baron Corbin
Carmella
Charlotte
CJ Parker
Colin Cassady
Enzo Amore
Finn Balor
Hideo Itami
Kevin Owens
Konnor
Lucha Dragons
NXT
R Evolution
Renee Young
Sami Zayn
Takeover
The Ascension
The Vaudevillains
Viktor
WWE
http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=8415
Ladies and Gentlemen, Greetings and Salutations and Happy New Year! Yesterday I made my cheap-heat debut, and today I make my show recapping debut. Tomorrow? Who knows. Maybe I tap dance. Like so much of the internet I adore NXT. So its my pleasure to bring a recap. If you're like me? You looked at […]
Ladies and Gentlemen, Greetings and Salutations and Happy New Year! Yesterday I made my cheap-heat debut, and today I make my show recapping debut. Tomorrow? Who knows. Maybe I tap dance. Like so much of the internet I adore NXT. So its my pleasure to bring a recap. If you're like me? You looked at Twitter you found out that NXT actually aired at 4 pm today! It'll also air at 8pm, as normal, but the powers that be might be thrilled that this recap is gonna find it to the inbox BEFORE 8pm. AND it frees me up to fully pay attention to the College Football Semifinals tonight! Lets kick thing off.
NXT New Year's Day Edition!
Match Time!
We open with LU! CHA! LU! CHA! As the Lucha Dragons head to the ring. Jason Jordan and Tye Dillenger are out as we're set for non title tag team action. Your referee is Charles Robinson (don't get used to that as I don't know most of the refs in NXT, or even in WWE anymore.)
Kalisto immediately getting worked by Tye and Jason. Dillenger does a stereotypical bow… and I feel he's confused by where "Lucha" originates. NXT crowd is getting behind Tye during this match. Kalisto kicks his way out of the corner and flips through to make a hot tag. Sin Cara hits a nice middle rope moonsault onto a standing Dillenger, and caps it off with what the announcer called "Sunset Bomb" off the top rope… It was? Kind of. Lucha Dragons win, but the Vaudevillains are out! A beat down ensues. They leave the Dragons laying.
Backstage! … in a Locker Room!
Backstage CJ and Bull are chatting. CJ has a match with Corbin. Bull doesn't want CJ to get humiliated again, and after an exchange Bull leaves it that this match with Baron has to be about the "Greater Good".
Commercial! (Normally won't mention these)
NXT is moving to Wednesdays. Of course. Cuz they aren't gonna put NXT up against Smackdown. We wouldn't watch Smackdown!
Match Time!
Enzo, Cass out to introduce Carmella who is up. I enjoy Enzo's schtick, and the crowd is already chanting "Blue Pants". Carmella is not fond of this. Enzo and Cass team up to give "Blue Pants" a wonderful ring announcement. Blue Pants has ring gear that reminds me of early X-Men uniforms. Apparently Blue Plants met up with Steve and got a "Blue's Clue". Huge "LETS GO BLUE PANTS" from Full Sail. Enzo jumps on the apron to "coach". Carmella pie faces him off the ring, turns, small package and Blue Pants with the ONE… TWO… THREE! Carmella goes Jerry Springer on Enzo. With a wild swinging/slapping/clubbing attack, before Cass can get in there and break them up. So they're continuing this story. Enzo has now cost the group 2 straight matches. Dissension continues to grow… I HOPE its not leading to a break up. It'd be incredibly early to do that.
Match Time!
CJ Parker is up, and you can "Break his sign, but can't break his spirit" (that's the "A-Side" of his sign this week). Take THAT, Kevin Owens! Motorcycles rev and out comes Baron Corbin. I've enjoyed the hell out of what they're doing between Bull and Baron and the "Squash Olympics". Makes squashes fun as you build these two monsters up, and I'm looking forward to this feud building to a one on one… I'm guessing at the next Takeover. Bell Rings. Crowd Counts. Bull Sits (ringside). Snake eyes. Big Boot. End of Days. Bell Rings. Stares Dempsey Down. Crowd was up in the 20s of their count. Baron has a mic. Hmmm… He challenges Bull, though he needs to work on his mic work. No… literally… Either the mic was too far away from his mouth, or Production was so stunned by his wanting to talk they forgot to make his mic hot. First line was kinda garbled and inaudible. But he ends up dragging Bull over the barricade and they slug it out. The First Platoon of Referees pours from the back to break up the brawl. Crowd is unhappy. Baron is unhappy. Bull is unhappy.
WHY SO SERIOUS?!
Backstage!
Regal says Zayn will return next week. He's interrupted by Curtis Axel. Axel wants to recharge his career. He's a former IC Champion with wins over Cena and Triple H! So? Regal is like, sure, dude. You can fight Hideo Itami next week. "Happy New Year Sunshine" – and I mark out just a little. As Regal calling people Sunshine is a favorite of mine.
In Ring!
Please welcome NXT Women's Champion, Charlotte. Charlotte is an incredible athlete and in ring performer. Her match with Nattie and her series of matches with Sasha Banks have been excellent. But this is an area that needs work. She is asked what's next after beating almost everyone and the crowd chants "BLUE PANTS". Charlotte says no one chants at her because she's genetically superior… or something. Charlotte definitely came off more heelish here. Sasha cuts her off with Becky Lynch in tow. They threaten to give her the beat down of a lifetime, and just as its about to pop off, the Screech of Guitars that means a Hart is near. Out is Nattie to cut off this beatdown before it even begins. Somewhere Teddy Long is screaming "TAG TEAM PLAYA!!!" – but alas that's going to grace our screens at a later date.
Match Graphic!
NXT Week (see what I did there?) – The Vaudevillains will get their rematch with the Lucha Dragons. That is quite manly!
iPhone Video!
Sami Zayn is shooting a promo on his iPhone to check in with us. Wherever Sami is? Its snowy. Not the picture… There is snow on the ground.
Three Weeks Ago!
Renee Young sits down with Kevin Owens. Renee asks Kevin about stealing Sami's moment. Calls him a life long friend. Kevin disagrees with both of those points, and storms off. He's known Sami 12 years, according to Kevin.
In Ring!
Main Event Time. The Ascension is out. Hitami is out next. Balor out last. Crowd stomping/hitting the barricade with the heartbeat opening. No makeup for Finn, and I'm good with that. I wondered if we'd hear boos for that. Finn's music is fantastic, and the lighting choreography is so on point. Crowd chanting "Finn". Bell rings and they brawl. Ascension bailed. Finn starts off dominating. Viktor taking a beating so far. Lots of tags and good team work between Finn and Hideo. Makes me feel like they're going to keep them a team for a bit. Tide changes with a nasty European Uppercut that Balor ate attempting to slingshot from the apron onto the top rope, and sent Finn crashing to the floor.
Which sends us to?
Commercial!!
…
because.. well… it is STILL a WWE show. We come back from ads for Smackdown's move and Bray+Dean+Ambulance = Rawesomeness, and Finn has had a less good time while we were away. Good thing with Balor/Itami is they can structure every match differently. Both guys have a future as singles stars so they can mix up who gets beat down, hot tags, and who picks up the tab at IHOP. Itami gets the hot tag. Goes off. Hits a nice Tornado Hot Shot. Think tornado DDT only keeps rotating through and drops Viktor throat first across the top rope. They really pick up the pace, Itami again lifts Viktor up into GTS position, the crowd roars their approval, but Viktor gets out. Crowd chants "GTS", but we're destined to be teased… Vegas will set the over/under for him hitting the GTS at the NXT Takeover. Favorite for who he hits it on? Finn Balor. Thoughts on my humble prognostication, Finn?
STOP.
Back to the action. Itami hits what appeared to be similar to the Trouble in Paradise, with Viktor kneeling. Balor hits a Double Stomp onto Connor on the outside. Itami makes the cover. One… Two… Three! Balor and Itami continue to roll. Probably a step below their R Evolution match. Enjoying the evolution of Itami and Balor as a tag team.
FINAL THOUGHTS!
Good episode. You're almost always guaranteed one good to great match that gets a bunch of time. That was our main event. Every other match, while on the brief side, had a story aspect, and entertained. Segments were solid. I was pleasantly surprised with Bull and CJ backstage. Worried about where they're going with the Five Burroughs crew. I hope if its a �break up', its simply cutting Carmella loose. Because Enzo can't function with her around. Time will tell.
That brings a close to this the first recap of mine, here. First of 2015. Hopefully you enjoyed. If you have anything. Drop me a line here or tweet me @sirmhayesxiv. See you soon.
