‘Bryan Fuller’ Reveals Future Plans For ‘Hannibal’

When Bryan Fuller’s Hannibal came to an end during the summer of last year. The critical acclaimed showrunner and cast had expressed interest in returning to the twisted world of Dr. Hannibal Lecter at some point in the future. Be it a fourth season of the show, a series of special episodes or even a feature film. Fans hopes to see Fullers unique vision on-screen once more was at the very least, a possibility.

Well now it appears that Fuller himself confirmed that fans may actually get what they want sooner than we first thought.

In an interview with Collider, Fuller revealed that the complicated rights surrounding the show will be up for negotiation next year. “August 2017 is when we can actually start talking about it” confirmed the Tv show creator. “That’s when we would have to see what the rights are for the character and for the story, and see who’s interested and how we get it done.“

During its tenure, the show had to constantly concede to legal rights with regards to characters and stories the writers were allowed to use. The NBC show had the rights to Thomas Harris’ Hannibal, Hannibal Rising and Red Dragon, with the latter making up a substantial part of Season 3’s second half. But intellectual properties like the character of Clarice Starling is still owned by MGM. Which means, should Fuller press ahead with an adaptation of Silence of the Lambs (the natural next step after Red Dragon), negotiations for the use of Starling will be tough going.

Not that Fuller seems bothered by the fight ahead, explaining that if “the cast is game, I’m game, [-] but I would love to continue to tell the story with Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen.“

With Mikkelsen currently conquering Hollywood with appearances in Marvels upcoming Doctor Strange and Disney’s first Anthology Star Wars Story, Rogue One. Hopefully the actor will find time to once again bring one of literature, Tv and films most infamous serial killers to life.

He has until next year to clear his calendar. Get on it Mads!

For all your TV News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

The NXT Review – June 22, 2016

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! After a heck of a showing at Money In The Bank where a Lunatic ascended to highest-highs that the WWE has to offer (you know, other than Hall of Famer, which at this point The Shield seem a shoe in, no?). A Roman Empire fell and an Architect Redesigned, Rebuild and indeed Reclaimed his World Heavyweight Title, however briefly. Its safe to say that the company is in a state of flux.

After last weeks Finn Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura capper to the show, it seems that a similar Lunatic Fringe Phenomena is seeping into the fabric of the Yellow Brand. As the guys and gals of NXT appeared to throw caution to wind and go balls to the wall in order to stand out.

I smell a Brand Extension in air … and I’m loving it!

A man who seemingly should have no problem standing out is The Perfect 10 Tye Dillinger. But as followers of The 10 have come to know, our favourite Heel-Candy has been suffering from a bad case of the Ziggler effect. Symptoms include: stealing shows, getting guys over, exceptional mic skills and – as Derek Zoolander can attest too – being “really, really, really, ridiculously good-looking.” Resulting in a bad case of no push-alite-tus.

And nothing change tonight.

In a match that was slow and showed minimum offence from Oney Lorcan, we did get a ton of intensity from Dillinger, which as Corey Graves and Tom Phillips mentioned, is an aggressive side to the cocky Heel that we rarely see. With Lorcan going over in the match, the only glimmer of hope coming out of Graves & Phillips numerous references to this losing streak that Dillinger has found himself in. Is the possibility of greater things to come.

Could this mean a Babyface turn for the super-over wrestler? Or a peek at a larger redemption story perhaps? Who knows, at this point however, I prescribe a course of bed rest until this sickness is over.

Speaking of sickness. A dose of No Way Jose is enough to ruin anyones day. Lucky for me Austin Aires was there to take out the trash. After a stellar bit of Dad-Dancing of course.

I can hear the Chris Jericho “Stupid Idiot” even as I type.

This was a great swerve by Aries that had me laughing my arse off. Yes harsh, but this is the Aries I’ve been waiting to see. And If anyone can get Jose over for me, it might take the talents of Ol’Sparkle Pants to accomplish it.

Finally! After weeks of waiting we get Deonna Purrazzo back in the ring. Nah, I’m just funning Ya. Of course the star attraction in this match up was the Huggable one herself, Bayley.

After recovering from an injury at the hands of Nia Jax, the Hugster was on top form against Purrazzo who was destined to lose yet again. I would feel bad for the girl but I’ve been wanting to see Bayley have another shot at the NXT Women’s Title before her inevitable call-up that, at this point, seems months overdue. So a win here means that she is on her way to achieving that.

Back to the action though and Deonna was more than a match-up for the former Women’s Champ, with this perpetual loser showing great chemistry and ability to keep up with the pace that Bayley was setting. But as predicted, Purrazzo unwisely angered our Bayley who Hugged-Out and ended the dream of Deonna’s first win on NXT with a Bayley-to-Belly for the pin.

Isn’t it fun that Liv Morgan is so small? Nia Jax could quite literally launch her out of the arena and back to New Jersey with a mere flick of the wrist.

I have yet taken the pulse of the WWE Universe in relation to Jax (future Twitter Poll perhaps) but I enjoy her Beast Mode style so much, which is rare for me. As a Wrestling fan I’m more pre-deposed to fast pace showings but Nia’s ability to destroy a women in a few powerful moves is delicious.

That being said, I want her to get more time to show-off her skills because as yet, a Monster Heel who dominates is all she has shown us. But I reckon she can get fast and creative if given the time.

Lets put a pin in that for the future.

On to the main event and despite Nakamura and one half of my favourite – and currently on hiatus – Tag team. This match-up was so-so.

Nakamura was on fire as ever but Buddy Murphy fails to shine on his own. It’s no bad thing to be a Tag Team wrestler, look at The New Day or even Enzo & Cass. So lets drop this experiment already and give me Blake & Murphy back. Ideally with Alexa Bliss in tow but unlike her boys, she has greater things in store as a solo act. Thats for sure.

So after literally folding Murphy in half, The King of Strong Style picked up another win. Hang on, has he actually lost yet? I don’t think so … wow. An undefeated Nakamura matching up against a harden Champ such as Balor in three weeks time …

I can’t wait!

For all your NXT News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

‘Bryan Cranston’ Cast In ‘Power Rangers Movie’

Bryan Cranston’s Power Rangers past seems to have caught up with him, as the popular actor revealed via Twitter that he will step into the famous shoes – or would that be floating head – of Zordon in Saban’s Power Rangers Movie.

When the Breaking Bad actor roared to prominence back in 2013, Cranston’s past voiceover work for the seminal children’s show came to light.”One of my jobs as a young actor starting out was voiceover. I also did dubbing. A lot of dubbing and a lot of voiceover” explained Cranston in an interview with IGN. “One of the places that did a lot of that was Saban Entertainment. And they would take movies and then cartoons from all over the world and we’d go and do the English dub. And the Power Rangers came in and I did some voices for that.“

It is also a little known fact that the Blue Ranger Billy was given Cranston’s surname in honour of the actors work on the show. A piece of trivia that Bryan himself is more than happy to tweet about.

With filming already wrapped in Vancouver back in May, the movie is on track for a release date of March 24, 2017.

For all your Movie News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

The Conjuring 2 Review

Director James Wan returns to his horror roots with The Conjuring 2 after the colossal success of Fast & Furious 7, showcasing his formidable ability as a spine-chilling-provocateur and upping the ante on the Warren Ghost-busting franchise.

We reunite with Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) as they close the door on arguably one of their most famous cases in their career The Amityville Horror. As the action jump starts, we watch as  Lorraine’s physic walk around the house – a trope pulled straight from Insidious, Wan’s other horror franchise – bumping into a particularly scary Demonic Nun who will serve as an ever-increasing nefarious presence for the Warrens throughout the film.

This not only raises the stakes for the Warrens but it makes it clear that although we are meant to care about the Hodgson family of the Enfield Haunting case. It is in the Warrens were a majority of our focus and concern lies, a complaint I had with the first instalment that largely portrayed Ed and Lorraine as unsympathetic to the victims of their cases and seemingly held at arm’s length from the viewers.

Characterisation on whole, is a markable improvement this time around. As mentioned, not only do the Warrens feel more approachable as characters, but the Hodgson clan portrayal as a poor-working-class family brings a kitchen sink drama to a story that could easily have overlooked dynamics within the family in favour of the supernatural element. It is the moments in-between the investigation into the ghostly presence in the house where we find those human elements. One particular moment when Ed busts out an Elvis classic on the guitar does come out of left field but unites everyone and highlights the underlining theme that we are stronger together than alone.

Although The Enfield Haunting does tick all the boxes for horror clichés. Old house, tick, Jump scares, tick. Heroes placing themselves in needless danger, tick-tick. Wan impresses with his unique take on paranormal horror with fans of his other works finding some surprises mixed in. Spoiler avoidance here, but pay particular attention to Ed’s first meeting with the spectre of Bill Wilkins (Bob Adrian). Pure genius.

That being said the film does have problematic use of CGI when The Crooked Man enters the fray. I get that the film was going for a obvious fairytale-come-illstration depiction to the character (which is further explained at the films end) but the overall appearance was jarring to the overall aesthetic of the movie. Ultimately pulling me out of the film, spoiling my emergence, albeit for a brief moment but it stuck in craw never-the-less.

The Conjuring may have introduce us to Warrens but The Enfield Haunting makes you care about our heroes as they traverse a disturbing case that places their lives in danger like never before. Although Wan utilises all the tricks in the book, there are surprises to be had, which makes the wait for Conjuring 3 all that much more painful.

Oh, and you’ll never look at a Nun the same way again … you’ve been warned.

For all your Movie News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

The NXT Review – June 15th 2016

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! NXT seemed to suffer with a hangover after last weeks epic TakeOver. Not to say it was bad, after all we got that Fantasy booking at the close of the show, but leading up to that moment. The usual Brass-Ring-Grabbing stars of the Yellow Brand, weren’t at their best.

I’ve got to be fair though because the show didn’t get off to the best of starts either with Paul Ellering’s new Tag Superstars (or so the Big Wigs seem to hope) The Authors of Pain, stinking up the place.

I’m all in for new talent. With the rumoured mass Exodus coming to the NXT with the New Era Brand Extension, we need them more than ever. But playing the ‘wait and see game‘ that Ellering purposes with his crytic rebuttal when asked what he and his low-Rent Shield imposters are doing in NXT. Isn’t the way to go.

Here’s the thing. I’ve stayed away from searching out who exactly these guys are. Probably because they’re rather muted arrival has not prompted me to do so but I want to play into WWE’s game. Because – hey if anything – I’m a team player. But I’m interested to see if the company can get these bland and generic characters over and make me care about a team that so far, I’m being told I should be excited for because Ellering is at the helm. Rather than proving it with talent alone.

So as of right now, I reserve opinion until WWE proves I should care about these new Heels on the scene.

Badda-Bing, the Hottest chic in the ring got the win … at the expense of anything exciting going on inside of it mind you.

For a match involving the Princess of Staten Island, the energy was lacking in places, but that wasn’t down to Carmella but rather her opponent.

This marks the second showing on TV for Tessa Blanchard and while she shows promise and physicality that is imposing to boot. It doesn’t translate to her matches inside the ring.

While I can’t say that her skills are awkward they don’t necessarily – or haven’t yet – gelled with her two on-screen opponents. But from those who have seen Blanchard on House Shows, all signs point to something special when given the time to show-case what she has in her arsenal.

I still believe that Carmella has yet to find her best opponent to enter a long-term feud that few women on the small brand get a chance to initiate. At one stage I thought that the nuclear heat that Eva Marie generates would benefit a super-over Carmella. But with a lack of air-time for Eva at this stage, I see Alexa Bliss as the next best opportunity for these women to go at it in the future.

Think I just wrestle-gasmed at the thought.

Speaking of Bliss. It was she who a reunited Blake & Murphy blamed for their past misgivings in recent weeks. Now, as a Bliss fan, this hurts me deeply. But if it means that these two’s ‘Man-splaining‘ means they stay together, however briefly, I’m down with that.

Although I still hate the name, TM61’s Nick Miller & Shane Thorne put on a great show. And to actually have Blake accidentally take out Murphy with a brutal clothesline just highlighted that, for whatever reason, these two former Tag Champions just can’t get on the same page.

So with TM61’s first win on NXT at the expense of Blake & Murphy’s continued losing streak. It does leave me wondering if this reunion is short-lived, finding myself once again in limbo as to the fate of one of the best Heel teams left on NXT.

I can’t deny Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas’ talent but this is a rematch I just didn’t need to see, unless it meant payback for The Perfect 10 Tye Dillinger of course.But to make matters worst for this die-hard Dillinger fan, I don’t think the Perfect 10 got in a meaningful bit of offensive in the entirety of the match. Yet it was perfectly acceptable to have Cien repeat nearly every move from the previous match-up. Which was only a week ago!

Okay, so at this point, I’m over with Dillinger languishing in the mid-card. He may get to square off against great competitors such as recent additions like Shinsuke Nakamura, but a push for this guy well and truly overdue.

It was left to Finn Balor to close the show with an impassioned speech asking “what is next for Finn Balor” after his war with NXT Champion Samoa Joe came to a disastrous end at last week’s TakeOver.

Although Full Sail reflected the hopes of many with “Balor Club” chants – a thought that the Irish Demon acknowledged with a “too sweet” comeback – it seems that the “Thank You Finn” chants may be a tad premature. As our NXT love-in was interrupted by the King of Strong Style himself, Shinsuke Nakamura.

Before Nakamura could speak, it became apparent that Balor would not be leaving the Yellow Brand without facing his New Japan buddy and at the same time, blowing the minds of fan-boys everywhere.

At this point, it seems all but certain that, like Sami Zayn before him, Nakemura will be Balor’s Goodbye Match Opponent. Notable symmetry given that Nakamura deems Balor “Iconic” in NXT, a position that the Japanese wrestler looks to take as his own. Even though it could be argued that Nakamura is already an Icon inside – and outside – the WWE. This is a match that needed to happen.

Although the match is set, where and when are the next questions that need to be answered. With NXT hitting Brooklyn for a sequel TakeOver. Can this match-up wait until then?

Can I wait till then? Can You?

For all your NXT News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

The NXT TakeOver: The End … Review

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! TakeOver: The End is here and with it comes a whole host of new question, new opportunities and new talent to our little brand.

But those are wonderings for another time – lets stay focused shall we – because the talent on display was Main Roster worthy, and really put some of the top stars to shame. But that is NXT. When it comes to TakeOvers  they just seem to give a little extra each and every time. And lets face it, that’s what makes a PPV or Network Exclusive different from weekly programming Because otherwise, why bother?

So lets dive right into it with “Flash! Ahhh Ahhh“! Dude, I doubt The Ming The Merciless attire was what The Perfect 10 Tye Dillinger was going for, but my main complaint is how budget the overall get up looked. Sorry 10, love you and all that but damn that glowing 10 box on the back … I’ve got to stop.

Moving on.

After appealing to GM William Regal for a Match at TakeOver, Dillinger got his wish in the form of a debuting Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas. Now of course with a debut you think “well he is gonna win” … and you would be right.

For a match that was spectacular I was let down by allowing Almas to go over the uber over Dillinger. Again, maybe its my fan-boy status when it comes to the mega popular Heel, but I’m going to stop using that as an excuse for the higher-ups failings. Lets get The Perfect 10 into the big leagues. For a guy whose Gimmick could be considered hokey – like an Elias Samson – he has proven that with skill and the ability to entertain. He is more than just superficial wrapping, he is the complete package.

That sounded vaguely naughty.

I’m going to get this going #GiveDillingerAChance.

Feels like American Alpha have been Champions for ages, given how comfortable they feel atop the Tag Division. So the fact that tonight was their first title defence felt special, which translated into a fast-paced and entertaining match. Would you expect no-less from Jason Jordan & Chad Gable though?

Side note moment. Two matches in and three superstars have utilised the rip-away pants for entrance attire. No hater here but Cesaro take note. Royalties to be collected son.

What a match. Too many high spots to mention here but worthy mugging for the crowd from Jordan & Gable. These guys were pumped – as were the crowd for that matter – so perhaps it was fitting for The Revival to get the win. Especially considering the beat down American Alpha received at the end of the match.

Speaking of Ming, Hello Paul Ellering.

On to the match that I tipped to steal the show. And Boy did it deliver.

Some of the better matches are simply to find out ‘who is better’ and my heart went out for Austin Aires, who I tend to agree with, has been overlooked since stepping into NXT. He has won matches, don’t get me wrong, but ultimately has plateaued. So a win over Shinsuke Nakamura meant more for his stock within the company than The King of Strong Style.

Surprisingly this match was slower than expected, which perhaps worked more for the aggression that Aires brought to the match-up. It was as if Ol’ Sparkle pants had taken a page out of Nakamura’s book, punishing the flamboyant star with knees, forearms and kicks galore. And that barricade buster though. ouch!

For all the control that Aires had at the first half of the match, he couldn’t maintain as the match-up went deep and Nakamura pulled out all the stops. Ultimately however it was Aires eagerness that cost him the win leading to yet another win for Nakamura.

As many of my loyal readers will know, for me, the NXT Women’s Championship match is more than winning the title. Its a chance to find an opponent that can convincingly match-up against the Champ Asuka, a feat that so-far only Emma – in my opinion – has been able to do.

Nia Jax’s methodical pace was in step with Asuka, which like the match before it, made for a hard-hitting affair that allowed both women to showcase their strengths. Unlike Asuka’s last TakeOver match this one felt more concise but that was mostly down to the champ playing the underdog role with Nia dominating as she is want to do.

Of course Asuka was destined to retain but Nia did not make it easy for her, which leads me to believe that her involvement at the top of the ranks won’t come to end just yet.

Triple Threat with Bayley perhaps? We will see.

Main Event time and how fitting for The Demon Finn Balor to actually climb into the cage like some Spider-Demon hybrid. And I totally digged the allusion to the Venom make-up of Balor’s indie past reminding us just how far he has come since joining NXT.

For Samoa Joe, this is the only way for his war with The Demon to end. He has known for some time now that he is better than Balor but this was his time to prove it. By breaking down the challenger and taking his time to exit the cage, he showed dominance over the former-Champ in the early going. But Joe’s arrogance to not end the match via escaping allowed Balor to get a few high spots in, with a particular high spot from the top of the cage that Samoa Joe was able to turn into a Muscle-Buster from the corner.

This was perhaps one to the shortest matches between these two but this wasn’t about showcasing each others skills, this was about ending a feud that has taken these men to limit, with neither men backing down.

The biggest takeaway from tonight is the future of Finn Balor. With the arrival of The Club on the main roster, many have been predicting The Demon’s call-up. With a loss such as this, it would seem sudden for the top brass to move Finn over to the main stage with that on his resume. Not that continuation means much of anything over there but we fans would know that Balor has unfinished business on the yellow brand.

Best case scenario – and my best guess – we see Finn Balor getting drafted in the Brand split in July.

All I know for sure, Balor’s days in NXT are numbered.

For all your NXT News & TakeOver Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

‘DC Animation’ To Tackle ‘Justice League Dark’ Next

DC Animations much-anticipated DVD/Blu-Ray release of Batman: The Killing Joke, offers up fans an “exclusive sneak peek at the next DC Universe Original Movie.” And its going to get dark.

Sources close to Comicbook.com brought attention to a listing courtesy of the BBFC, which reveals bonus features on The Killing Joke includes “A Sneak Peek at Justice League Dark.“

Fans of the dark and macabre corner of the DC universe will be familiar with the title that sees mystic wielders like John Constantine, Zatanna, Deadman, and Swamp Thing deal with supernatural entities that The Justice League proper can’t.

A live action adaptation of Justice League Dark has long been in the works at Warner Bros. with Guillermo del Toro attached. But the Director step down late last year in order to produce the project alongside Oscar winner Scott Rudin, who was keen to push the project through with shooting possibly taking place this year.

Reports regarding the planned movie have been scarce since then however, with many believing that the rescheduling of DC’s Extended Universe in light of Dawn of Justice’s less than stellar performance at the box office. May have nixed Warner Bros. planned creation of a Dark Universe – of which Justice League Dark would be its headliner – in favour of more popular characters such as Harley Quinn and Batman receiving their own solo movies.

If this is the case, an animated film would be a great way to give fans of Justice League Dark comics something to look forward. While introducing these characters to a new audience with the prospect of a live action adaptation further down the line, should demand grow for it.

Batman: The Killing Joke will be available to purchase on Blu-Ray & DVD on August 2, with a Digital format premiering before then on July 26.

Until then enjoy the Trailer below:

For all your Film News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

‘Superman’ To Appear In ‘Supergirl’ Season 2

Supergirls move to CW has ushered in a new era for the Daughter of Krypton. Not only will Kara & Co. feature more predominantly in Arrow-verse’s annual crossover event, but CW has now been allowed to introduce their own version of DC’s poster boy , Superman.

“Greg [Berlanti], Ali [Adler] and I are beyond thrilled to welcome Clark Kent and his slightly-more-famous alter ego to the world of Supergirl“, revealed executive producer Andrew Kriesberg. “Superman will be appearing in the first two episodes of the new season and we cannot wait to see who next dons the red cape!“

Although Supergirl fans have seen Kara’s (Melissa Benoist) cousin crop up in the pilot episode – albeit draped in shadow – and exchange words of wisdom via email from time-to-time. This will be the first time that Clark Kent will be introduced on screen as casting is currently underway to find CW’s Man of Steel.

With the network previously confirming that Supergirl will appear alongside Arrow, The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow in the mega-crossover this year. It remains to be seen whether or not Superman will play a part or featured predominantly further down the line.

Supergirl Season 2 will premier on CW this fall.

For all your TV News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

The NXT Review – June 2nd 2016 – “You Talk Too Much”

Whats up Wrestling Peeps! With just one week away from TakeOver:The End, the hype-machine was in full gear as we march towards NXT’s Network exclusive PPV. Which meant that The Revival got some mic-time which besides the usual “we’re gonna beat you” rhetoric, actually reminded me that these pair are pretty decent talkers.

With their program against the Tag Champs American Alpha already set-in-stone – I just want the damn match already – all I heard was ‘blah blah blah’ when it came to The Revival putting down their competitors. That being said, Dawson telling an interfering Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano to “go back to the Bingo Halls“, was pretty dope indeed. Even if it earn the ‘Top Guys’ a beat down and a main event match for their troubles.

What a specimen The Perfect 10 Tye Dillinger is. For a guy that laps up every inch of screen time he gets, he doesn’t get nearly enough of it in my eyes.

His match against a newly single and first name revived Buddy Murphy was surprisingly good. My shock isn’t a knock on either of these guys proven talents in-between the ropes, but rather my inexperience in seeing Murphy work a singles match for a long time.

His first singles effort was all for not however because without Blake & Alexa Bliss by his side, he fell to the Perfect 10. But then again, Murphy wasn’t winning with his friends in the corner anyway, so a new low for Murphy perhaps?

I just hope this the long game in bringing Blake & Murphy back to prominence atop the Tag Division. If Blake is to lose his next singles match, perhaps it will signal a renewed belief that together they are stronger rather than apart.

Like a DNA Digivolve or something. OMG, new gimmick!

Again a superior superstar matching up against Elias Samson has forced my hand in speaking about The Drifter. Urgh, I’m so over this boring gimmick. No I take that back, it’s not the gimmick, it’s the holding pattern that Samson is forced to take in-being labeled with this drifter moniker.

The gimmick itself has legs. For every match Samson appears in he could display something he has learned  from being on the road. An attitude, a unique move or even a character flaw, like a fear of fire or something. Akin to The Hound from Game of Thrones … he does look like him, slightly.

Just show us something besides that Damn Guitar already.

I would be remiss not to mention Austin Aires during my ranty-rant. Aires finally has a fire lit under his butt going into his match against Shinsuke Nakamura. A match that could potentially steal the show, a show that includes a Steel Cage Championship match no-less.

Oh, I like Dash Wilder’s new Red Jacket, is this a thing now? Can’t complain, its nice to be able to distinguish between the two.

Okay first, ouch! That knee from Ciampa to the side of Dawson’s head … just ouch! This was a great match, and I speak as a de-tractor of The Revival. Not that they aren’t great in the ring, because yeah obviously. But tonight is the first time they have proven they are more than just flying-fists. Perhaps it was the shocker of being great on the mic as mentioned earlier. I dunno, yet I see why WWE is pushing the Old school pair.

That didn’t stop them from losing however. And in a display of great sportsmanship, the pair proceed to beat-down Gargano & Ciampa before a save from American Alpha.

With so much heat between these two tag teams, next week’s TakeOver will be a war.

Contract signings are fun no? I mean, we all know that scarcely a table ever survives the ceremony and no-one ever brings up the fact that it’s perfectly okay for these things to, you know, occur off-screen in a non-violent situation.

I’m just saying, a case for negligence could be called into question against Mr. William Regal. But then again, would you dare stop either of these women from killing each other?

Without question, Nia Jax Vs Asuka has been a match I’ve been eager to see. Besides the obvious penance for violence both possess, it’s actually their contrasting wrestling styles that I’m excited to view.

After Asuka’s last TakeOver match against Bayley, I was part of the vocal minority that found the match awkward. For me, the pair’s in-ring style didn’t gel, with many spots feeling incoherent and sloppy. Rather than blaming Asuka I defend the fact it’s because she is one of the more unique Women performers in NXT today. So finding a partner that can match up to her skill-set is going to be hard.

Before her move onto the Main Roster, Emma fit that bill. The many matches she had with the Empress of Tomorrow were some of the best that Emma has had since day one in WWE. Catapulting not only herself into the fans conscience but helping in getting a newly signed Asuka over. Can Nia Jax step up to the plate?

If not, NXT will have to find someone who can match-up against Asuka or her days as NXT Women’s Champion may be short-lived.

For all your NXT News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

‘Survivor: Millennials Vs Gen-X’ Preview

With Survivor Koah-Rong in the can (congrats Michelle “malarkey” Fitzgerald) and the celebration for my first Win with the Survivor Draft (Nailed It!) dying down. Its time to look forward to the Fall, when Survivor returns to Fiji for the first time since 2007 with their 33rd season Survivor: Millennials Vs Gen-x.

In a season that nobody asked for and nobody wanted, CBS has returned to Old Vs Young format that has graced – let’s be honest – some of the least popular seasons like Survivor Exile Island and Nicaragua. But while Panama gave us a 4-way split of Old Men Vs Young Men Vs Old Women Vs Young Women. Season 33 has made use of that buzzword that will plague my generation for years to come … The Millennials.

Yes, unlike the hard-working and perseverance observed by the Generation-X’ers. Survivors take on The Millennials looks to demonize the younger Tribe with Selfie-Obsessed misnomer and stereotypes lobbied at the ‘inevitable’ laziness that the young up-starts are sure to display.

They might as well subtitled the season Heroes Vs Villains 2 and have done with it.

But while Koah-Rong has amassed a league of Aubrey Bracco–loving de-tractors since that Michelle win. The 32nd season gave us a plethora of characters such as the multi-job-titled Debbie to the “love every creature” Tai Trang, which judging by the preview-video is set to continue.

First the stereotypes. In the Gen-X corner we have Chris who – with the help of Inside Survivor – we learn is a Trial Attorney at a firm he founded in 2009, epitomises the work ethic and hard work which the Gen-X’ers are famed for. A factor which Chris references to the game, saying that Survivor “is hard work” and won’t be easy as “how fast you can type it into Google to find the answer.“

With Technology at the forefront of The Millennials identity, it doesn’t take this years compulsory long-haired-lothario Taylor to get the first Twitter trend in with “#SoleSurvivor“.

Let me back that up with “#FacePalm”.

Mari on the other hand doesn’t help matters either. As a Pro-Gammer, she is prime cannon fodder for parents around the world to lament the wasted time a career such as hers can be. Not that Mari cares, rather calling-out the fact that as a Millennial, she is able to make a profession out of what she loves to do.

But Survivor wouldn’t be the show we have loved for so long without some Outcasts thrown into the mix. No, not that terrible twist from Pearl Island. I’m talking about David and Zeke, Tribal opponents in the game with an affinity one another’s ideologies.

I mean, they ain’t no Tai but Zeke’s Hipster-Tache is a marvel. #10thWonderoftheWorld if you will (Damn You Taylor!)

David however is already as endearing as the aforementioned Mr. Trang. His confession that he could have done with “a dozen” participation awards back in his day, gives him a Charlie Brown underdog quality that rivals Spencer Bledsoe himself. Hyperbolic maybe, but like the Second Chancer runner-up, David too has a Chess background that would have him on the Brains Tribe in a heartbeat.

Zeke though, maybe not so much. In what could be a completely inaccurate read, his assertion that he can “hack it” living in the great out-doors, seems at-odds with his high maintenance or ‘well-groomed’ appearance. That tache … Mucho wax needed me thinks.

And like Cydney found out, no branch-chain-amino-acids out there me’lad.

As Survivor fans we have had to grin and bear these gimmicks that Mark Burnett and the team seem to be doubling down on of late.  But to be honest – when paired with a stellar cast – they truly knock it out of the park. I mean after all, both seasons of Brawn Vs Brains Vs Beauty offered up a cacophony of Alpha-players that are sure to return in future seasons and could work in-spite of any gimmick their season is given.

So while the idea of Millennials Hash-tagging every damn ‘Big-Move’ they make (and the Gen-X’ers condemning every minute of it). After the first swap, we will have to learn the Tribe’s actual names anyway and the big characters will get their chance to shine, regardless of the stereotype thrust upon them in the first half of the game.

And after all is said and done, it isn’t the format that makes the show but the Players themselves. And I for one can’t wait to meet all 20 Castaways when Survivor: Millennials Vs Gen-X returns to CBS this Fall.

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