A piece on WWE Network in Canada looked at the "pay TV vs. over-the-top" debate. I don't see a pay TV channel coming to the States any time soon, but we'll see.
Trish Stratus talked comics and wrestling. Not too deep of an interview.
The Miz and the Usos did an anti-bullying appearance. It's always good for WWE to do those things.
Sheamus promoted WWE 2K15 in Dubai. I wouldn't rule out WWE trying to push him as one of the top names in the company again.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Jerry Lawler tweeted about the two-year anniversary of his brush with death. He's extraordinarily lucky he's still with us after that. I often don't like his commentary, but he's a legend and that was a scary moment.
Kurt Angle said in a recent interview that he'll be making an announcement about his return to the ring (and for what company) inside of two weeks. I get this weird feeling we're in for Angle vs. Rusev at WM31. Angle has to pass all the physicals and stuff first, though. And, hey, there's no guarantee he's leaving TNA! We'll know for sure before long.
Here's a rundown of HHH's conference call about NXT Takeover. In order:
- WWE's got a lot of great things going with HHH's work. I hope things continue to bear fruit.
- I think it should be a ground rule that any NXT talent wrestling on the main roster as a special attraction shouldn't be obviously a "developmental" name still working toward being ready for the big time. The college football vs. pro football analogy was a good one in that regard.
- It makes sense to save Devitt and Steen for a little later so they don't get lost in the shuffle. Let Kenta get acclimated to NXT, then you can use those two.
- I think there are some talented names in NXT for sure, but enough for a big invasion? Probably not, unless you're counting Crowe, Steen, Kenta and Devitt (none of whom have had a match on NXT TV yet).
- I liked the part about HHH's initial vision for NXT and continuing to learn about the wrestling business. His head's in the right place.
- I can't say I disagree with the philosophy of acknowledging what people did before WWE, especially in 2014. That said, there's definitely a large part of the viewing audience who doesn't follow anything outside of WWE and doesn't know who these names are until they're on Raw or Smackdown.
- I also like WWE's hiring philosophy. A lot of times people are kind of myopic and just want a bunch of indie names brought up.
- I definitely like the attitude of no one getting complacent and thinking their spot's completely secure, especially for names who've been on the main roster quite some time and get more chances than they probably should.
- I'm glad working the main roster was beneficial for the NXT crew.
- I'm glad NXT has been successful with crowds and merch sales. For something that was originally just a training ground, it's exceeded expectations.
- Props to HHH for actually talking to the wrestling media, and for those in the media being respectful and all that. They asked good questions without trying to get themselves over or whatever.
- Classy of HHH to acknowledge O'Haire's passing.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. WWE will do just about anything to get mainstream publicity for their sports-entertainment variety show. Presumably having more press would lead to more viewers, or at least a raised profile.
2. WHOA, brother. The Levi's Silverdome can only hold 75,000 Hulkamaniacs, dude. Do you really want to turn that many screaming fans away at the doors, jack? The reaction when the Hulkster takes the strap would probably start an earthquake, and WWE doesn't want that kind of publicity.
3. I've heard two feasible theories. One is that Vince doesn't want the talent involved to get too big of an ego. Vince wants to be the one pulling the reins. The other theory is Vince has a short attention span and moves on to the next toy when he gets tired of the first one and it doesn't hold his interest anymore. I can kind of see where he's coming from in the first theory, but it could be doing a lot more harm than good.
4. I really doubt it. Unless Reigns goads The Authority into putting the briefcase up, I think Rollins is keeping it for now. I also think it's better for Reigns to win the title without the briefcase.
5. As was said, most of the audience doesn't know the NXT names. It'd be tricky to pull such a concept off without damaging one side or the other with a loss. I think what was done this week was a good way to use the talents involved.
More wrestling tomorrow.
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