Post by T-Robosaurus Rex on Feb 28, 2014 20:45:46 GMT -5
So the initial few days of the WWE network have been a bit ropey for me, with a lot of content seemingly not working for me, but the potential for how good it can be is clear, the WCW Library is something I'm looking forward to delving into, as is the ECW TV archives, and I'm curious about some of the even older stuff that's on there. That's not to mention the amount of original programming that seems promising.
Since it was announced the thing that has caught my interest most is the inclusion of NXT, and I was really curious to see how they handled it. NXT ArRIVAL was my first exposure to the 'development league' of the WWE and I was hugely impressed, not just with the in-ring work but also the obvious push the WWE is giving NXT, from last nights show it's clear they see this as a potential jewel for the network.
They used more established stars in a manner which sold this product, rather than reminding you that you weren't watching RAW and the 'big boys' . The guy's from NXT were sold as the future of the business and for the most part they paid back the faith shown in them. The only moment where the established star possibly eclipsed the spectacle which was the Networks first live streamed show was when HBK introduced the Main Event Ladder Match, but he's a Hall of Famer so it could hardly be helped. Also having the likes of Ric Flair in the crowd and John Cena applauding after the main event really added to the sense of importance the WWE was trying to build. There was also a genuine sense of pride when Stephanie introduced the NXT Diva's title match.
I won't post any spoilers to results because I highly recommend you watch this event, and the Network is still giving a free trial so you have no excuse not to give it a go.
The first match, Cesaro vs Sami Zayn was one of the best matches I've seen in a while, a great bout with some dramatic false finishes and great psychology throughout, if you don't watch anything else from this show make sure you catch this one.
CJ Parker vs Mojo Rawley. This was a quick match which didn't really pique my interest, Rawley's gimmick is 'The Hype Man' and I think the basic concept is that the greatw wrestlers all have their 'hype' moements, hulking up etc, and the premise is he's 'always' hyped. I don't see that gimmick being a long one, but was an intriguing idea.
The Ascension vs Too Cool. This was for the Tag Titles, and I hope you can work out who won just from the names. I have to say the Ascension look really promising, the commentary team drew parallels with L.O.D, which is a lot of pressure to put on an upcoming team, but I can see where they're coming from. The Ascension are main roster ready from what I saw.
Paige vs Emma. This was for the NXT Diva's Championship and I was really curious about this because I've heard a lot of hype around Paige as she knows a few of my friends and is also hot in the 'IWC'. This was another stand out match, and if the main roster could focus on the in-ring talents like NXT are, rather than Reality TV theres some real potential. Paige vs AJ has the potential to really give the Diva's division credibility if given the opportunity.
The Main Event for the NXT Championship was Bo Dalls vs Adrian Neville (Another Brit, we're coming!) in a ladder match, and lived up to the legacy of what this match can provide, their were some stuff bumps and Adrian Neville will give the best high fliers a run for their money if promoted to the main roster, 'The Man Who Defies Gravity' may sound like hyperbole, but is a fitting monika.
At just under 2 Hours long there was no filler and the pace of the show was great. The small scale partnered with a fun and loud crowd gave the show a more indy feel despite the corporation that stands behind it and I can't wait for more.
So has anyone else caught it, I'd be interested to see what others think. Am I just looking with rose tinted glasses cause I'm going to see them live in 3 weeks? Or do others agree that if the NXT Roster keeps pulling off shows like this they're going to start raising the bar for the main roster, especially if NXT is successful in attracting viewers on the network.
Since it was announced the thing that has caught my interest most is the inclusion of NXT, and I was really curious to see how they handled it. NXT ArRIVAL was my first exposure to the 'development league' of the WWE and I was hugely impressed, not just with the in-ring work but also the obvious push the WWE is giving NXT, from last nights show it's clear they see this as a potential jewel for the network.
They used more established stars in a manner which sold this product, rather than reminding you that you weren't watching RAW and the 'big boys' . The guy's from NXT were sold as the future of the business and for the most part they paid back the faith shown in them. The only moment where the established star possibly eclipsed the spectacle which was the Networks first live streamed show was when HBK introduced the Main Event Ladder Match, but he's a Hall of Famer so it could hardly be helped. Also having the likes of Ric Flair in the crowd and John Cena applauding after the main event really added to the sense of importance the WWE was trying to build. There was also a genuine sense of pride when Stephanie introduced the NXT Diva's title match.
I won't post any spoilers to results because I highly recommend you watch this event, and the Network is still giving a free trial so you have no excuse not to give it a go.
The first match, Cesaro vs Sami Zayn was one of the best matches I've seen in a while, a great bout with some dramatic false finishes and great psychology throughout, if you don't watch anything else from this show make sure you catch this one.
CJ Parker vs Mojo Rawley. This was a quick match which didn't really pique my interest, Rawley's gimmick is 'The Hype Man' and I think the basic concept is that the greatw wrestlers all have their 'hype' moements, hulking up etc, and the premise is he's 'always' hyped. I don't see that gimmick being a long one, but was an intriguing idea.
The Ascension vs Too Cool. This was for the Tag Titles, and I hope you can work out who won just from the names. I have to say the Ascension look really promising, the commentary team drew parallels with L.O.D, which is a lot of pressure to put on an upcoming team, but I can see where they're coming from. The Ascension are main roster ready from what I saw.
Paige vs Emma. This was for the NXT Diva's Championship and I was really curious about this because I've heard a lot of hype around Paige as she knows a few of my friends and is also hot in the 'IWC'. This was another stand out match, and if the main roster could focus on the in-ring talents like NXT are, rather than Reality TV theres some real potential. Paige vs AJ has the potential to really give the Diva's division credibility if given the opportunity.
The Main Event for the NXT Championship was Bo Dalls vs Adrian Neville (Another Brit, we're coming!) in a ladder match, and lived up to the legacy of what this match can provide, their were some stuff bumps and Adrian Neville will give the best high fliers a run for their money if promoted to the main roster, 'The Man Who Defies Gravity' may sound like hyperbole, but is a fitting monika.
At just under 2 Hours long there was no filler and the pace of the show was great. The small scale partnered with a fun and loud crowd gave the show a more indy feel despite the corporation that stands behind it and I can't wait for more.
So has anyone else caught it, I'd be interested to see what others think. Am I just looking with rose tinted glasses cause I'm going to see them live in 3 weeks? Or do others agree that if the NXT Roster keeps pulling off shows like this they're going to start raising the bar for the main roster, especially if NXT is successful in attracting viewers on the network.
