The NXT Review – 27th April 2016

Whats up Wrestling Peeps! So I’m going to skip over my annoyance of Finn Balor’s NXT Championship loss occurring off-screen, at the so-called dubbed ‘Mayhem in Massachusetts’. And instead revel in the prevailing rumour that this now means that Balor will be heading onto the Main Roster soon … as in, Payback soon.

Yes this would please me muchly, given that this would almost certainly mean a Bullet Club reunion and my much-anticipated Heel turn for Balor – or at the very less an Anti-Hero status – because c’mon. You ever gonna boo the Bullet Club? I mean, real-time hatred boos. Nah, I didn’t think so.

But the WWE (or Vince McMahon to be more precise) has a proven track record of not giving fans what they want. Throw in the rumour of a Steel Cage pay-off for Samoa Joe and Balor’s long-fought feud at the next TakeOver event. And it adds much anticipation going into this Sunday’s Payback.

Does Balor have double-duty in his future? Its your move Vince.

But back to tonight and someone who will be staying on at NXT for a while, your new NXT Women’s Champion Asuka.

As many of you know I have been down on the Asuka win at TakeOver Dallas. I won’t rehash why exactly in much detail, other than I didn’t like the pass-out ending. But I will say that Asuka will make a fantastic Champion, especially if NXT keep Bayley chasing after the title. I have no information telling me that they won’t do that – other than those pesky rumours that Bayley’s call-up will come soon – but an underdog chasing after the Championship they lost, seems fitting for the perpetual easy-to-root for Bayley.

But lets turn Asuka Heel already. A feat made impossible when you have her against the easy-to-Boo Eva Marie.

God bless Eva. No matter how much she improves her in-ring skills, crowds love to boo the All Red Everything. And I can’t hate on it because hey, its fun to do. But as a watcher of Total Divas (I apologise for nothing), Eva seems like a scripted-sweetheart making it hard to hate her.

Reality TV aside though, her limited skill-set and her ability to slow matches down significantly means that a larger push won’t be on the horizon anytime soon. Which I’m okay with, keep Eva as a  hanger-on to the superior Nia Jax, because that is a future NXT Women’s Championship match I’d like to see.

Queen Nia FTW!

Welcome back Blake & Murphy. I’ll let you guys off for the lack of Alexa Bliss (sad emoji’s all round) but it’s good to see my favourite Tag Team in the ring. But lets take a moment and commiserate Zack Ryder, poor guy. Not only does he lose the Intercontinental Title the night after he wins it at WrestleMania but he is once again sent back to wrestle with the man-ape Mojo Rawley.

Okay I’ve got to stop the hate because I like The Rawley-Monster but the dude is annoying as hell. Straight up!

Truth talk time though. Why is Ryder not a permanent fixture on the Main Roster? Like his bestie Dolph Ziggler, the Broski is so over its mind-boggling that this wouldn’t put him in any title hunt what-so-ever. Even more so when considered that his wrestling skills put some Superstars to shame.

Yes you Roman Reigns. #ShotsFired.

Speaking of shots fired. I would normally skip over Elias Samson matches because I’m just not a fan. But when Shinsuke Nakamura is this D’Bags opponent. NXT kinda forced my hand.

Nakamura seems at home in WWE. The Flamboyant King of Strong-Style has sauntered and face-smacked his way through the competition thus far but I can’t help but think that Nakamura’s greatest match won’t present itself on the yellow brand.

I could be wrong, after all that TakeOver match with Sami Zayn has Match of the Year written all over it . But with fellow Wrestle Kingdom 10 Main Eventer AJ Styles on the Main Roster. Nakemura’s future has Monday Night RAW (and WrestleMania Main Event) waiting for him against arguable more cashable stars than Elias Samson.

NXT … enjoy Nakamura while you’ve got him. It won’t be for long.

*Insert Sad-Face Here*

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The NXT Review – 20th April 2016

Whats up Wrestling Peeps! With NXT tapings still emanating from Dallas in the hangover from WrestleMania & TakeOver. It means that we get to see stars that have made the jump to the Main Roster perform double-duty. Well, at least in the WWE timeline in any case.

Edit-altering-timeline aside. It means we get to have fantasy booking such as American Alpha Vs. Enzo & Cass, a match which every NXT fan wanted to see before Team SAWFT took their smart-mouths to Monday Night Raw.

Yes okay, I admit it. As a major fan-boy for these two teams, it would take a mess-of-a-match for me to deduct points from these teams performances. But the varied move sets from both sides made for an eclectic match where storytelling was never in doubt given the calibre both teams have demonstrated in the past.

That being said, the match wasn’t perfect, with moments coming from Chad Gable‘s immense speed making Enzo Amore look a little long-in-the-tooth. Don’t get me wrong, Enzo is not known for his mat skills or pro-wrestling acumen but rather a more smash-mouth fighting style. Its just interesting observation that maybe the scrappy-talker could improve in-between the ropes as Team SAWFT ascend the lofty heights of WWE.

American Alpha on the other hand are ready packaged and just waiting to be sign, sealed and delivered to RAW. But not just yet Trips, NXT isn’t done with them yet.

Big shout-out to Corey Graves for the mad LOL’s “Who is this Jose and why is he always being denied.” A very good question that I’m sure my favourite colour commentator will ponder for many weeks to come or alternatively until this gimmick wrestler runs-his-course. *cough* Fandango *cough, cough*

Sorry but I’m going to be a hater for a sec. I know Gimmicks are a facet of Wreslting that have been around since day dot. Along with Heel or Face, it’s an easy way for an audience to identify the character you are portraying in an effort to “get over“. But as Wrestling feels the need to evolve so too must the Gimmicks that are on display.

Lets take Bray Wyatt’s Undertaker inspired character. Rather than straight forward portrayal or homage to the future Hall of Famer. Wyatt’s classic Monster-Type was given a Cult Leader update that was fresh and innovative. How fresh can a dancing Gimmick be?

Lets heed the lesson learnt from Adam Rose shall we and throw this character on the scrap heap before the act runs thin … please.

Oh Hello Deonna Purrazzo, welcome back to your own personal purgatory. I enjoyed that Tom Phillips and Graves referenced this underdog’s propensity for punishment given her rather unlucky losing streak so-far on NXT. But with her opponent Nia Jax looming large over the NXT Women’s locker room, her bad luck looked to continue.

Besides an otherwise obvious squash match to show Jax’s overwhelming power, I have to think that this losing-Purrazzo-Losing meme is leading to something for the young superstar. Because if not, Sad-Purrazzo-is-sad may become the theme to her NXT career.

What was ultimately a m’eh episode of NXT culminated in a pretty m’eh Main Event also. Much like the hangover from a raging party, the storylines are really just hanging on the yellow brand at the moment. Samoa Joe Vs. Apollo Crews is fine but with Crews now smiling-wide on RAW, we know that a long drawn out feud with Joe is not on the cards so why bother here.

With characters like Shinsuke Nakamura, Austin Aires and Finn Balor calling NXT home. This weeks episode was pretty weak-sauce with under whelming strides in making storylines going forward. And with Nakamura paired with Elias Sampson next week, the trend looks set to continue.

I’m not angry NXT, just disappointed.

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

‘WWE’ & ‘E!’ Announce ‘Total Bellas’

With WWE and Total Divas alumni Nikki & Brie Bella sidelined from in-ring action, It seems that the veterans of pro-wrestling are moving onto pastures new with their own reality series Total Bellas.

During WWE’s broadcast of Monday Night RAW’s overseas trip to the UK; E! released the debut trailer for the Total Divas’s spin-off show. “We are excited to build on one of our most successful franchises with this new series that goes exclusively inside the world of WWE fan favourites The Bella Twins,” revealed Jeff Olde, EVP of Programming & Development at E!. “Nikki and Brie Bella have an undeniable charm and wit that matches their irrefutable beauty, and we are thrilled to get an intimate look into what it’s like to be in a relationship with some of the hottest sports entertainers in the world.“

The six-episode series will also feature WWE superstars John Cena and Daniel Bryan, with John ‘Big-Johnny’ Laurinaitis joining the Bella’s clan after becoming engaged to the twin’s mother, Kathy Colace, in September last year.

It had been reported last week that E! had trademarked the name Total Bellas with reference to the title being used for a reality based show, leading many outlets to suspect that the Twins would be departing the Total Divas brand. E! confirmed today however that the pair will remain on the cast when the show returns for Season Six in the fall, alongside new cast members Maryse, Lana, Naomi and WWE announcer Renee Young.

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The NXT Review – 13th April 2016

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! I’m back! Yes I survived my trek into Middle Earth, met some Orcs and got more than slightly tipsy on Elf Juice; but I’m back-here to break down this weeks NXT and yes perhaps discuss those call-ups that happened over the WrestleMania Festivities.

First up, I’m more than obsessed with Austin Aries sparkle-trunks. So glad it wasn’t just a TakeOver thing. Maybe we could extend it to sparkle-clothing in a budget version of Y2J’s light-bulb heavy jacket? “Yeah, Baby!”

For reals tho, Aries offered up an appropriate showing coming off his big win at TakeOver but Angelo Dawkins … yawn. I know this guy has been with NXT since its re-branding from FCW, so the kid has paid his dues but this gimmick, I’m not down with. ‘Curse of Greatness’, yeah right. Re-establish yourself first then come back with this. Otherwise go back to those Dork Glasses.

Unique Clothing For Everyone!!!!

Speaking of unique. The Vaudevillians were back in action. And receiving a more appreciative response from this NXT crowd than their lack lustre debut on SmackDown! last week. But lets not focus on the negative (Sorry Ascension) because we’ve got Johnny “Wrestling” Gargano in action with his boy Tommaso Ciampa and damn! What is it with NXT and creating great Tag Teams?

Of course this pair picked up the win – The Vaudevillians have one foot out-the-door after all  – but a win here was important. Not only does it show that when NXT hits the reset button (with Talent moving up an’ all), their are guys itching for that opportunity to shine. But also the yellow brand’s versatility with single performers linking-up on short notice.

Ciampa probably benefits more out of the two, considering that Gargano is so over at this point its ridiculous. But lets face it, the NXT Title scene is so bloated with big signee’s, the Tag Team division is probably the best fit for these guys. For the time being at least.

Another guy playing double-duty tonight was Baron Corbin. Fresh off a lose at TakeOver Dallas and the Lone Wolf was looking for blood. And yeah … he got his fill.

Lets be honest, this was nothing but a squash match against fresh prey that was Tucker Knight. And I have a sickening feeling that this will be the course of action until Corbin no longer has to set foot in an NXT ring.

Eat. Sleep. Squash. Repeat.

My mantra regarding Corbin is that he has more to prove outside of NXT than in it. With him being called-up and winning the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal (yeah, say that three times fast), we will see if he can achieve that on RAW and SmackDown!

Who knows. Maybe fans will warm to his loveable douche-bag persona. M’eh, or not

So those who read my TakeOver Dallas review know how bummed I was at Bayley losing her NXT Women’s Title. Yes it was too soon and Yes I stand by my totes amosh response to how it happened. But as with all things, time heals all wounds.

That being said!

I need closure to this Asuka size hole in my heart that the Empress of Tomorrow left when she torn that title away from an unconscious Bayley. And you give me a Liv Morgan match?

Now I’m not hating on Morgan, she is a plucky little competitor that had a great showing during the #1 Contenders Battle Royal match awhile back. But I can’t wait till the next TakeOver or Network exclusive PPV for Bayley to get a shot at the title again. I’m a Bayley-Holic and I need my fix of the Huggster in a match of substance.

Sorry Liv, your just no Asuka.

Isn’t it totally absurd that Shinsuke Nakamura would be paired with Tye Dillinger after that re-donk-kulous debut match against Sami Zayn at TakeOver?

On the face of it yes. The Perfect 10’s goofiness shouldn’t work against the hard-hitting King of Strong style. But Nakamura’s shtick, his gurning face and flamboyant movements, inherently stems from the weirdness that is common place in Japanese Manga and Anime that, at times, can be goofy too.

This match was far from goofy however.

Dillingers and Nakamura’s banter showed that NXT’s newest signee can put on an entertaining match even without the high-stakes that his debut match had. Without pride on the line, he was able to mock The Perfect 1o and get the win whilst still maintaining his blasé persona. As for Dillinger, this only further cemented him as the most over-looked commodity inside NXT.

#GiveDillingerAChance

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‘Men In Black’ Meets ‘Jump Street’ Film Title Revealed

 

We heard rumours of a Men In Black meets Jump Street crossover film early last year during the Sony hack scandal that gave an insight into where the companies film division planned on moving forward in the coming years. One of those said plans was Spider-Man being lent out to Marvel which eventually became a reality and it seems that MIB 23 is actually happening also.

At last weekend’s CinemaCon in Las Vegas, sources out of ComicBook.com snapped a quick-pic of the logo (above) revealing the franchise mash-up title alongside Sony’s panel announcement that the film was moving forward.

No official word as to whether Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones will once again step into the black suits for MIB 23. But the Sony Pictures hacks did indicate that Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill will return without Jump Street’s original Director’s Phil Lord & Christopher Miller. Instead Muppets (2011) Director James Bobin has been tapped to takeover the comedy-action series.

For all your Here-Comes-The-Men-In-Black-News, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

‘Ben Affleck’ To Star & Direct Solo ‘Batman’ Movie

Batfleck fans brace yourself! That standalone Batman movie that your wanted will actually happen with Dawn of Justice star Ben Affleck once again doning the Cape n’ Cowel and also directing.

The news comes hot off the heels of last months confirmation that Affleck is contractual oblige to star in at least two more Justice League films with a solo Batman film “an option“ for the multi-talented Hollywood star.

Well it seems that “option” has been picked up, with Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujihara confirming during their press event at CinemaCon yesterday. Affleck, on stage alongside Tsujihara, shared his excitement for future DC instalments expressing that it has been “tremendously exciting for us to be a part of the DC Universe, and we’re looking forward to working on Justice League.“

With David Ayer’s Suicide Squad set to introduce a number of Batman’s most infamous Villains – including a cameo from Affleck’s Batman no less – it would be safe to assume that groundwork will already be in place by the time we see Affleck’s Batman movie further down the line.

So in the meantime, enjoy the prospect of Jared Leto’s Joker and Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn kicking some Batfleck arse in the future with the latest Suicide Squad trailer.

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‘Marvel’ Reveals New Movie Title ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’

Spider-Man: Homecoming see’s Marvel’s first son return to the fold – of course not before his well publicised cameo in this months Captain America: Civil War – and to celebrate, the big wigs put on a big soiree which saw Spidey actor Tom Holland release tidbits of information about web-heads newest reboot.

In press released at CinemaCon, Holland joined Sony Pictures Head Tom Rothman on stage to unveil the studios first joint film with Marvel Studios and that nifty new logo (above). “I’m Tom Holland and I’m your new Spider-Man,” quipped Holland before revealing that his first solo Spider-Man movie will see the titular hero search for his identity. While “saving the world and getting your algebra homework done at the same time,” added Rothman.

Acknowledging the woes that Sony have had with the arachnid-hero in recent years, Rothman commented that their lucrative deal with Marvel will hopefully see Spider-Man’s story go past “about three movies.”

Besides Holland’s cameo in Civil War, the actor is also signed to star in future Avengers movies but fans will have to wait until Infinity War Part 1 on May 4, 2018 before they can see that.

But if you really can’t wait to see your favourite Web-Slinger, don’t forget to catch Captain America: Civil War in theatres April 29, 2016.

For all your Web-Headed-Solo-Movie-News, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

Casting News & Director For ‘ Captain Marvel ‘ To Be Announced This Summer

Move Over Guardians of the Galaxy, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is about to get that much more busier when Captain Marvel arrives on the scene.

News of a Captain Marvel film has been public knowledge since Marvel’s press-event in October 2014, showcasing their upcoming Cinematic slate . What has remained tight-lipped however has been exactly who will portray the popular heroine and the Director that will helm the ambitious project.

In an interview with Fandango, Marvel Studio’s President Kevin Feige revealed that fans guessing game as to the identity of the lucky actress that will embodied Captain Marvel’s alter ego Carol Danvers will soon be over. “I think we’ll be announcing a filmmaker in the next month or two, and probably some cast members later in the summer, at the end of the summer.“

From Sci-Fi icons such as BattleStar Galactica’s Katee Sackhoff to Buffy The Vampire Slayer’s own Eliza Dusku – and even UFC Megastar Rhonda Rousey – fan speculation has been rife as to who should be awarded the role.

Feige also hinted as the nature of the standalone Captain Marvel film, revealing that it will serve as an origin story “about Carol Danvers and that journey to being Captain Marvel.“

Captain Marvel is currently slated to hit theaters on March 8, 2019.

For all your Marvel-Cinematic-Guessing-Game-News, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

Kong: Skull Island Preview

Over the weekend, Legendary revealed new details regarding their Universe building Monster flick Kong: Skull Island.

In an exclusive sneak peak for MTV, Skull Island’s cast elaborated on the story – set during the Vietnam era – following “a group of explorers who set off on an adventure to a previously uncharted island.” After setting foot on the infamous isle, “mythic beasts – come into their midsts” resulting in the explorers fighting “to get off the island alive.“

The King Kong reboot features a stellar cast lead by Academy Award Winner Brie Larson (Room) as peace activist and photojournalist named Weaver, Tom Hiddleston as former British SAS Officer Captain James Conrad and Jason Mitchell as a helicopter pilot named Glenn Mill. The film will also feature Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman and Thomas Mann alongside Straight Outta Compton star Corey Hawkins, who will soon lead an ensemble cast in Fox’s 24:Legacy.

The Jordan Vogt-Roberts directed film will lay groundwork for a shared Universe with Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla (2014) after Kong: Skull Island left Universal for Warner Bros late last year. In a joint press release following the move, both companies explained that “Monarch, the human organization that uncovered Godzilla in the 2014 film,” would link the two Monster franchises together starting in Skull Island and 2018’s Godzilla 2. Before both cinematic legends clash on the big screen in Godzilla vs. Kong in 2020.

Kong: Skull Island will smash into theatres March 10, 2017.

For all your Monster-Universe-Building-News, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

The TakeOver Dallas Review – “Wrestling Panto & Panache”

NXT! NXT! NXT!

Whats up Wrestling Peeps! And WOW what a night for wrestling. In the words of Corey Graves this really is NXT’s WreslteMania and boy did the yellow brand not let us down. Dreams where made and more than some were broken … ah heck, lets jump straight into it shall we.

So in an opening match that had everything from flips-to-fists, American Alpha walked out as your new NXT Tag Team Champions but The Revival did not make it easy for them. In a near 20 minute match I was hooked from the offing. Given that Chad Gable and Jason Jordan leave it in the ring each and every night it was surprising to see how much of an in-depth story these guys can carry in-between the ropes. Yes it was flippy and show-boatey but hey it’s what these guys do best and the audience lap it up. I say carry however, in regards to American Alpha, because The Revival (in particular Scott Dawson) really executed a compelling narrative using the audiences vocal dislike (good-job Dallas) for the old-school-pair to their advantage. Even the Botch-A-Mania moment that the audience really railed them for (although take a look back guys, Gable didn’t help the spot, just sayin‘) helped to compound the desperation of the Champions continuous use of dirty tactics. Leading to a satisfying end where the eventual winners defeated the underhanded villains. Its was like Wrestling-Panto.

“He’s behind you Gable!“

WWE’s video packages are always great but their work for the Baron Corbin & Austin Aires feud highlighted the core values of Corbins’ quarrel with Aires. Fear.

Corbin has been on a downward spiral since being the sacrificial lamb in the Sami Zayn and Samoa Joe saga. Sitting back, watching as these two superstars fight-it-out for the top spot really has to get your goat. So for an accomplished wrestler like Aires to come to NXT and call himself the greatest thing since slice bread (No.2), makes Corbin feel like he has been put out to pasture.

Wow, so many live-stock references. Well he is the Lone-Wolf after all, Bazinga!

Speaking or Aires, check out his sparkling self. He wouldn’t be out-of-place in Magic Mike 3, hey if Kevin Nash can do it (*shudders*) … anybody can.

This was a surprisingly sloooow match, not bad but meh not great. As a rule, I don’t dig matches such as these unless it features a comprehensive storyteller which Corbin just isn’t yet. That reversal of the End-of-Days into a pin was a great finish though.

Moving on.

Shinsuke Nakamura, Holy Shit! So jarring in the land of WWE yet oh-so-Brilliant. How long do with have this dude for? Oh really? Double it, Triple it, Quad-f@#king-duple it!

I spoke about storytelling early on but nothing compares to the talents of these two. In short, this was a showcase match in which Nakamura chewed up every inch of it with an influx of charisma and wrestling panache.

A thoroughly enjoyable back-and-fourth match that had a strong ebb-and-flow with both men trying to one-up each other. Ultimately Nakamura shined in his debut but Sami Zayn was not an afterthought, proving that he has a bright future on the Main Roster and an uncanny ability to produce Match of the year material when given the chance.

Was this a goodbye match for Zayn? You have to wonder but what a match to go out on.

From a Holy Shit to WTF! Did not see Bayley losing the title, it was a possibility, a definite possibility given how dangerous Asuka is but still, feelings right now, so many feels.

Bayley and Asuka are two of my faves on the NXT Roster right now but I was totally under whelmed by this match, which only further compounds my disappointment with a Asuka win. Both women put on a great show but something about the submission holds and the direction the match took seemed clunky to me – or better yet – obscure with what story the wrestlers were trying to tell.

At moments we saw Asuka in trouble when Bayley deliberately targeted her competitors knees only for The Empress to jump straight back to feet and nail the Champ with a kick to the face. I get fighting through the pain and with wrestling there is an inherent need to suspend belief but c’mon.

Okay I’ve vented. Bright side, this does further the title with regards to whom will challenge the new champ going forward. Bayley will no doubt get her rematch but past that, could we see a prolonged feud between Asuka and Emma going forward?

My fingers are crossed.

As the night came to an end we finally got to see Samoa Joe get another crack at Champion Finn Balor’s title. And for a match that was as hard-hitting as their first in TakeOver London, The Demon was in the details.

When Joe started bleeding I assumed, like many, it was just a mistake. They happen, superstars get cut open and the red flows freely. However, with continuous interference from the medical team (tend to those cuts kids) I started to get a whiff of a screw-job going down here.

As many of my loyal readers will know, I’ve been Nostradamus-ing a Balor Heel-Turn for some time now. So the insistence of the medical staff to tend to Joe’s – can only assume – life threatening injury when the Big-Guy was on a roll. Started to get me excited that an Authority-style ruse was in play.

As with many of my predictions, of course, I was wrong. However, this was a litany of errors that put a bad taste – not only in my mouth – but the Dallas crowd. Whose chants of “Bullshit!” only made the Heel of the match looked downright sympathetic. Especially given the hoops that Joe had to jump through just to get this shot in the first place.

I can let this go because obviously it was just happen-stance but the theme of the night has been storytelling and in this case, it soured towards the end.

With Joe rumoured to make the jump to the Main Roster this coming Monday (we will see), it might be the right time to find some fresh-meat for the Demon to Chow-down on.

For all your NXT-News-Reviews-And-Pay-Per-Views, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx