Here's a report from a recent NXT live event. With some of NXT's top acts on the road with the main roster, the live events were missing some important players. I'm curious to see who will step up as "the next" Zayn, Neville, Breeze, Ascension, etc. as they transition to the main roster as time goes on.
WWE is teasing the beginning of the "next generation" for the day after Night of Champions. This could just be in relation to WWE 2K15, but it could also be a signal of an increased push of NXT on the main roster. Several NXT names are booked for upcoming TV tapings. WWE could definitely use some fresh faces on the main roster, but that only means so much if they don't elevate people who are already on the main roster. If that glass ceiling of stars who've been in main events for roughly ten years (or longer in some cases) remains at the top of the card, only so much change can be achieved. I think there needs to be a conscious goal to transition the roster in the coming years. The Cenas and Ortons can still contribute, but it's time to use them better. Triple H vs. The Undertaker was billed as "the end of an era" two years ago, but we still see some of the Attitude Era names pushed in big ways. It's OK in small doses, but ultimately it doesn't help the business long-term if new names don't get cycled in to the mix on a more regular basis.
WWE is making a HUGE investment into India moving forward. I think expanding internationally is going to be an increasingly important goal for WWE. I think in years to come we're going to see even more of an emphasis of the first "W" in the company, including more international signings to expand the company's reach. It could be pretty exciting!
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Adrian Neville beat Tyson Kidd for the NXT Championship at a main roster main event this weekend. Also on the show, Sheamus retained the U.S. Title over Bray Wyatt, and Kofi Kingston teamed with Xavier Woods. The show ended with John Cena bringing out hometown star Heath Slater to sing "Country Roads". The WV crowd was behind Slater despite him being a heel. I'm glad Slater got some recognition for how entertaining he's been in his roles over the years.
Roman Reigns underwent emergency hernia surgery, and will miss Night of Champions. That really sucks, as he was really building momentum. Hopefully he doesn't miss much time.
Update: Reigns is expected to miss anywhere from one-to-three months. He saw medical staff after complaining of severe abdominal pains, which led to the discovery he had a loop of his intestines wrapped around a hernia. That sounds incredibly uncomfortable! It sucks he'll miss that long. I can easily see WWE turning this into him making a comeback in time to win the Royal Rumble with a big face push. I'm not 100% sold on that direction, and I think a lot of fans are in the same boat.
Stardust talked about not being Cody Rhodes, his next feud, and more. This character direction has been ridiculous, but very entertaining. I appreciate how much he's putting into the gimmick. There's another tease of The Ascension being brought up. I think it's time.
Seth Rollins talked about his wrestling academy. His schedule is crazy intense. I hope his trainees have what it takes to succeed like he has.
Chris Jericho did the weather, which is harder than it looks. This was part of promoting Fozzy.
Matt Hardy talked about TNA in the UK. It is pretty cool to see the Hardys wrestle Team 3D again. Adding The Wolves was smart to add something new and fresh to the mix. Hopefully this gets the current tag team champions really over. TNA does have some really hardworking wrestlers trying to keep the company afloat and on TV. Hopefully I'm not tired of the Hardys by the time of the UK tour.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I don't anticipate BFG being the kind of show it was in years past, as far as being the company's WrestleMania. I can easily see it just being a One Night Only-style PPV instead of something with matches built up for weeks on TV. The show's less than a month out, and there aren't any matches announced for what's supposed to be the biggest show of the year. That doesn't bode well for it not being a filler PPV. TNA's focus is clearly on staying on TV, and BFG will suffer to a degree because of that.
Nothing to add to 2.
3. My impression is that Creative sets the big-picture stuff for a match, while producers connect the dots since they have the wrestling knowledge. Creative wants to push a certain end-game, and the producer helps the talents in the match put that story together.
4. Can't argue with that pick! Taker would be a good pick, as well, but imagine knowing everything Vince has in his vault. I'd love to read a full-on biography of Vince when he finally passes on. Not a WWE-sanitized version, but a well-rounded one covering his accomplishments and his faults. I don't anticipate Vince passing away soon, though (nor do I hope for it). He's a fighter.
5. That's former WWF Women's Champion Harvina!
More wrestling tomorrow.
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