Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer returns today to talk all the news in wrestling and MMA including tons of thoughts on UFC 194: Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo Jr.! All the fights, the atmosphere, historic finishes, and tons more, all live from Vegas with Dave! Plus, news on WWE TLC, PWG from Friday night, LUCHA UNDERGROUND AND MATANZA, and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
WWE announced Saturday that there will be an NXT TakeOver special on April 1st at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center* in Dallas, TX, with tickets going on-sale December 19th.
The show is the Friday night before WrestleMania, making it the fourth WWE event in the market announced for that week with the Hall of Fame on Saturday, Wrestlemania on Sunday, and RAW on Monday. It seems likely the show will sell out quickly with so many people coming into Dallas that weekend.
Plans for the show’s card are likely close to being finalized already, or will be in a few weeks as they are taping television well ahead of time. Most all the television leading to this show will have been taped by the end of January.
NXT is currently on a tour in the United Kingdom, headlined by NXT Champion Finn Balor vs. the returning Sami Zayn. The tour is building up to the next TakeOver special on the WWE Network, set for Wednesday night in London, England.
*We originally reported the American Airlines Arena, and apologize for the error.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back today with a packed show. Dave is live in Las Vegas with all of the excitement leading into Saturday’s Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo Jr. show — news, results from the last two nights, predictions for Saturday and more, plus WWE TLC notes, PWG, and tons more! Our first of four straight shows this weekend, so check it out~!
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive returns today to talk all the news in wrestling and MMA on a super huge weekend! All the news on McGregor vs. Aldo, including the story of a plane having to be turned around after two Irish fans got into it over the fight, One FC fighter tragically passes away after weight cutting, plus Dr. Lucha appears to talk Rey Mysterio, Alberto Del Rio and more! Check it out~!
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back today with special guest Nick Aldis, AKA Magnus, to talk his new bodybuilding book up now at Amazon.com, his recent biceps injury, thoughts on the wrestling business as a whole and why we need to go back to simpler booking and more flashy characters, and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back today with tons of things to get into, including notes on Breaking Ground and the new season of Lucha Underground, Dave Meltzer’s preview of the weekend UFC main events, plus Blue Pants Leva Bates joins us to talk SHINE this weekend! A fun show as always so check it out~!
One of pro wrestling’s all time greatest pitchmen and the force behind SBIbookings.com Bill Behrens joins the Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling show. Covering topics like how WWE / NXT signs in coming talent, and all of the inner workings of the promotions for which he was a part (WWE, WCW, TNA and more), Behrens gives John and Chad an in depth look at how his television background and unique skill set helped him to penetrate a crazy business. We also learn about how exactly he became “pro wrestling’s super agent” to stars like AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Matt Sydal, James Storm, and many more. Excerpts and download links below…
Excerpts from the interview…
– What type of pro wrestlers does he choose to represent:
Unlike some other folk my tendency is to focus on more of what could be the “younger talent” to people in their “prime” than I do the people that have been past their prime and are the legends of years ago. My roster really features very few of the guys from the 80s for example. Even though I am a big fan of those guys and certainly my wrestling watching began in the 60s so those are my favorites and my greatest stories come from that. Much of my list is like AJ Styles who is my top guy down, which is opposed to AJ being the young boy and going up. But then there are the exception to those rules with the somewhat older guys like the Kevin Nash’s or Scott Hall’s who I’ve been helping off and on and Tommy Dreamer who is surprisingly young yet thought of as an older guy.
– The current landscape of pro wrestling, indy vs. television product:
The overall atmosphere of professional wrestling right now is as vibrant and active than any time that I’ve been involved in it and I’ve been involved in it since the late 80s – early 90s, the tail end of the territory era and when TV or larger companies consolidating the TV became the norm and the Indy companies were struggling. There are more people now putting on good shows that draw hundreds than there were back in the end of the 1990s when there were just a few. My Music City Wrestling (promotion) which became NWA Worldwide in Nashville that I did with Bert Prentice was one of the few that was actually drawing numbers and had a local TV show. There has been a big transition. More people are bellying up that have a chance of actually paying people. Lucha Underground which is a television company almost exclusively right now is still providing good money to their top people, I’m privy to their contracts. Ring of Honor is now really stepping up and providing good money. New Japan partnering with Ring of Honor has now built Ring of Honor and New Japan simultaneously into this much more International entity with footprints outside of their backyards. Whether Global Force Wrestling becomes that is unknown because they don’t have much to announce but then there is the Paragon’s of the world who are buying there way onto television with a roster that is underwhelming at best. You have to look at it as, are they doing it as a step forward in the wrestling business or because they just wanted to be on TV?
– TNA being similar to how ECW operated:
TNA was doing very well and they made the same mistake in some ways like ECW made years ago of not realizing when you’ve gotten to a point where you have been as big as you could be and trying to get bigger before they had the resources or audience that would support it. ECW did that when they moved to The Nashville Network. They blamed it of course on The Nashville Network and the editing of the show but the reality was they tried to get too far without a base that was there to embrace them beyond their core base. TNA always had their base of one or two million people and all of a sudden they decided “we want to go head to head live with WWE and we will bring in Bischoff, we will bring in Hogan and by bringing in these people we will become bigger” but the reality is that isn’t what grows the companies.
– WWE signing Samoa Joe, how they evaluated his contract offer and how they maintain the outlaw feel:
Samoa Joe was working with me as he went to them and for example the deals that NXT did prior to him for Prince Devitt and El Generico and for the other people they were taking from Ring of Honor or from overseas, the thought process of when they signed those people changed dramatically (to) when they then evaluated Samoa Joe. When they did Joe, Joe had three or four deals change over a two to three week period as they continued to evaluate what are we really trying to do here and what’s our goals for NXT. How do we get people to pay attention to the product and be big enough that we don’t piss Vince off but stay small enough where we could be the rebel or outcast league but still present the big screen, the lights, the music playing but a little bit more of an intimate environment in terms of presentation. In essence, that’s a Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla a more “Indy” feel. NXT started from we are going to be like those guys and yet not be offensive to the WWE product yet still be the cool kid.
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On Thursday, WWE COO Triple H did his usual conference call before big NXT events, this time hyping up the Wednesday, December 16th WWE Network event from London, England.
Here’s some highlights and the audio itself which ran just under 40 minutes:
– He ran down the card and teased some impending announcements.
– He was asked about pushing emotion on the NXT brand as opposed to a lack of that in promos on the major brand. He made a reference to ‘some like chocolate, some like vanilla’ as he’s done before and said when it comes to NXT, he picks the flavor.
– He was asked about three-hour shows. He said the company has to be more creative, come up with a better format, and that they hear people’s frustrations. “It’s fixing it, trying to fix it, and it is what it is. We’ll get there…trust me.”
– He was asked about Finn Balor not being called up to the main roster despite there being an injury crisis. He essentially said that while he has experience in Japan, he’s still learning some things at NXT like promos, etc. He doesn’t want to call guys up to be Band-Aids when there are injury issues. He wants people to have a long-term plan in place for when they come up.
– He was asked about relationships with groups like Evolve and the possibility of opening up relationships with emerging UK groups (ones that our Alan Boon talks about weekly!) to find new talent.
– He was asked about implementing some of the ideas that begin in NXT making their way to WWE. He said that slowly, you see some things bubbling their way up but again referenced the chocolate/vanilla comparison. As far as things he’d like to see change, he mentioned how the women are characterized, but that things take time to change.
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Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back today to talk all the news in wrestling and MMA including a preview of a huge weekend ahead for UFC, the future of Daniel Bryan and Sting after their injuries, Smackdown and Tribute to the Troops notes, New Japan results and Tokyo Dome line-up, questions and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Check out WrestlingOutsiders.com for free wrestling podcasts four days a week (and one awesome podcast that has nothing to do with wrestling the fifth day)!
The Big News: Samoa Joe choked out Finn Balor in the main event, just seven days before their championship match at NXT Takeover.
The Medium News: Bayley vs. Nia Jax was made official for Takeover, which threatens the streak of eight straight great Takeover women’s championship matches.
The Little Beaver Sized News: The Hype Bros did a promo talking about poop.
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Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady defeated Corey Hollis & John Skylar
The #1 Contender’s are here to kick off the go home show to Takeover! Next Wednesday night Enzo and Cass get their second shot this year at the Tag Team Titles, this time held by Dash & Dawson. This was a very different Enzo & Cass, as they didn’t do their usual entrance, which is so weird.
Hollis and Skylar looked similar to the champs in the way they dressed, which I guarantee wasn’t coincidental. Colin managed to still scream “How you doin” while beating the snot out of one of his foes. Enzo tagged in and collided with Hollis before dropping him a second time with a nice looking dropkick. The #1 Contender’s picked up the win with the Rocket Launcher.
After the match they cut a promo talking about how this is how they put food on their table. They have been teaming longer than any team in NXT history (which really isn’t saying too much, but they have been teaming well over 2 years). They stated Dash & Dawson will not effect their future, the only people that will effect their future are in the ring.
Colin said they have fought too hard for too long to let Dash & Dawson get in the way of what they want. They promised to get retribution, they will leave the champs laying and will walk out as Tag Team Champions.
-Backstage Tom Phillips interviewed Emma & Dana Brooke. Emma asked why the red carpet has been rolled out for Asuka since Day one. Emma stated that she is the one that paved the way long before you ever heard of Bayley, Sasha, Charlotte or Asuka. Dana made Tom squat down to pat him on the head.
-NXT Takeover is LIVE at 3:00pm EST. I am sure Dave and the crew will have live play by play. I will be at work, so you will be spared from that.
-A video for Tye Dillinger aired. I’m not sure if you heard the rumors but he is the Perfect 10.
Asuka defeated Deonna Perazzo via ref stoppage
It’s Asuka time. She has added the horizontal line across her face that is similar to the one Havok used in TNA. They could not have given Deonna a wackier name if they tried.
Asuka with some really nice wrestling before snapping off an armbar so beautiful that Alberto Del Rio could take lessons. Thankfully for Deonna, Jimmy Uso did not dive off the top rope onto the arm, but instead she got the ropes.
Asuka hit a Hip Attack, so Emma decided now was the best time to stand on the ramp, looking amazing in her jeans. Asuka then took off Deonna’s head with a spin kick and won via ref stoppage.
-The Hype Bros were being annoying and talking about poop.
-Alexa told Blake & Murphy that she was embarrassed. Alexa is really upset that she lost to Bayley and it’s her mens’ fault. They did vow to break the Hype Bros.
-The Drifter is Elias Sampson and I assume he is re-debuting soon. Honestly I think NXT should have a grifter character.
The Hype Bros upset Blake & Murphy (w/Alexa)
Blake is now wearing a ripped shirt that looks like he tried to wear one of Alexa’s shirts. Not sure if that’s better or worse than when I couldn’t tell the two apart. My least favorite announcer’s Heel Rant Of The Week was about the Hype Bros.
The former champs tried to double team Mojo, but Mojo ran through his foes and then Irish Whipped Zach, who took the Chris Hamerick bump through the ropes with a dropkick to the heels outside the ring. Ryder went for the Broski Boot on Murphy, but Blake broke it up. Unfortunately Blake then got hit with the Broski Boot, but Murphy cut off Ryder for the heat.
Mojo got the hot tag and did a really good comeback, featuring a discus lariat to Blake. The faces actually won with the Assisted Rough Ryder (Hype Ryder) in an upset.
This was a decent match that was given quite a bit of time given that neither team is currently on the Takeover card.
-Samoa Joe and Baron Corbin had a meeting backstage. Tonight is not about how they don’t like each other, it’s about taking out Finn Balor & Apollo Crews. Corbin called Apollo a rookie who doesn’t deserve anything while Joe said Finn betrayed him and not the other way around.
Women’s Champion Bayley pinned Peyton Royce
Next week on Takeover Bayley will defend the eight pounds of silver and purple against Nia Jax. While I like both ladies, I suspect that the streak of amazing womens championship matches ends at eight. Peyton now comes out with a flower.
The story of this match was if Bayley was making a mistake by taking a match with Takeover next week, especially since Nia has beaten her down the last two weeks. Peyton got a bit more offense than you would expect, but it did further the story. Bayley made her comeback, hit the Belly to Bayley and picked up the win!
Bayley had no time to celebrate when Nia Jax and Eva Marie strolled out onto the stage. The fans made so much noise to avoid hearing Eva talking. Shockingly they didn’t get any quieter when Nia took the mic, so Nia spoke louder. Nia said if she got to NXT sooner then Bayley never would have become champion.
Nia vowed to win the strap because she is destined for greatness.
-The NXT Championship is hanging around backstage, while Finn Balor stood nearby and threw kicks. Apollo Crews walked up and they discussed whether or not Finn’s head was in the game.
-Apollo reminded him they have unfinished business and that he is coming for the strap.
-The video of Sami Zayn injuring his shoulder before his match with John Cena aired. He returns soon!
Samoa Joe & Baron Corbin defeated Finn Balor & Apollo Crews
Baron Corbin still has a great entrance. Finn started the match, so Joe made sure to tag out to Baron. Baron and Finn wrestled for a minute until Finn tagged out to Apollo. Baron didn’t want to wrestle Apollo, so he tagged out to Joe. Apollo dropkicked Joe’s head off, but Joe screwed it back on and beat down Crews. With his hated rival down, Baron agreed to tag in to beat down Apollo.
The match built to Apollo making the hot tag to Finn while Baron tagged Joe in. Finn got the best out of the interaction with Joe, including a beautiful running kick and several running chops. Joe went for the Muscle Buster, but Finn rolled behind for a two count.
Apollo and Baron fought out of the ring, while champ and challenger fought inside. Balor hit The Slingblade and went for the Coup De Grace, but Corbin pushed him off the top rope. Joe laid out Finn with the Death Valley Driver and then choked the champ out.
-Seven days before Takeover Samoa Joe has choked out the NXT Champion! What will happen next week? That will do it for this week! Until Takeover, remember to say your vitamins and take your prayers!
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Next week:
Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe for the NXT Championship
Apollo Crews vs Baron Corbin
Bayley vs Nia Jax for the NXT Women’s Championship
Emma vs Asuka
Dash & Dawson vs Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady for the NXT Tag Team Championship