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

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.

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The NXT Review – 30th March 2016 “The Go-Home Show”

Whats up Wrestling Peeps! Were here, we did it! The Go-Home show of NXT before TakeOver Dallas and to be honest … it went out with a whimper. But hey, with TakeOver now in sight we didn’t need this to steal the show. Save it for Dallas boys and girls.

American Alpha kick-the-action off and right now, from where I sit, it’s all been said and done at this point about these guys. I’m sold, there over and its time for a title change. Will it happen? I dunno because although I’ve fantasy booked these guys to go up against Enzo & Cass. I think that Team SAWFT may have already covertly jumped to Main Roster already. And if that’s the case – the night after WrestleMania may not only get SAWFT-Up – but NXT will have the perfect underdog pair in American Alpha to go up against The Revival on the weekly programming. And in the long-run, that’s the best story going forward. Or Best-For-Business as the head honcho of NXT would say.

But still … American Alpha FTW at Dallas!

Baron Corbin’s Back! So yeah, I’m quickly becoming a fan. In an effort not to bore the regular readers but I strongly believe that this guy has a lot more to show when he makes that jump to the big leagues. Whether it shows arrogance – and Proving Ground defiantly shows this guys propensity for that – but this guy clearly believes he is a Big Fish in a very small pond.

So dependent on how you see that as ambition or arrogance will skew your attitude towards the Lone Wolf, I’m just glad to see his progression in skill set inside the square-circle.

I can’t say this for every match on the TakeOver card but I’m super-excited for Shinsuke Nakamura & Sami Zayn. Not for any particularly reason and almost in-spite of how NXT have handled the approach and build up to the match, but I super-dig that they have held off actually showing Nakamura in the flesh. It’s actually a perfect example of the WWE using Press and the internet – where millions of Fan-boys, like me, exist – to their advantage. After all it was no small secret that the King of Strong Style had signed with the company and was to debut on the yellow brand, so to hold-off until one of its biggest Streaming events for the Network, makes this a can’t miss match for a sight of the newest signee alone.

To make a blatant comparison, its Sting debuting in the WWE … maybe even bigger.

Another guy who has continued to impress me after a rather lacklustre debut is Apollo Crews, It’s a shame however that the same can’t be said for Alex Riley. Maybe its just because I enjoyed Riley on the commentary team, maybe its just because I’m not a fan of the long-haired brooding-Heel look. Perhaps both but I just can’t get it up for this guy.

For a superstar who has experience on the Main Roster, nothing about him or his wrestling set entertains. And isn’t that what that ‘E stands for. M’eh just a thought to consider.

But lets look past that squash match and into the future because after Crews was done wiping the floor with Riley, we got the soft dulcet tones of Elias Sampson, signalling a building tension between the two.

Did I space out, am I tripping? When was these two a thing? I’m defiantly forgetting something but any who, I’m not against this. But will we see this at TakeOver? Hopefully not unless it’s the start of a storyline with these two because Sampson defiantly needs some elevating and perhaps Crews could be the man to do it.

No Women’s match tonight but we did get a kick-ass promo that reinforced how awesome Bayley Vs Asuka will be. So the question is, who will be NXT Women’s Champion walking out of Dallas? Who knows for certain. Asuka has been on a roll but Bayley’s story as Champ isn’t over just yet. My bet is that this is just the beginning of a series of matches between these two. Why? Because they are too awesome in their own right to have just one TakeOver match.

So you better believe Bayley will still be Champ at the end of the night.

Talking of Champ material, Samoa Joe has been through it of late. Facing Sami Zayn numerous times to just get a chance at Finn Balor and that NXT Title. You’ve gotta think that this pisses off Joe to no end. Lets just say I wouldn’t want to be Balor this Friday.

Will he win though? Probably not but this is a match that I think is very much alive. In essence … it could go either way. As I keep predicting, I certainly see a Heel-Turn in Balor’s future. Could this set him off, a lost to Joe on the Grandest NXT Stand of ’em all?

I certainly hope so. Heel Balor FTW!!!

For all your NXT-News-And-TakeOver-Review, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

Ben Affleck’s Solo Batman Movie Is “An Option”

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice was released this month to a mixed response from fans and critics alike. Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Batman however has been almost universally noted as a highlight in Zack Snyder’s problematic DC Universe builder, brining a rejuvenated interest to the prospect of a Batfleck solo movie in the future.

In light of this, Patrick Whitesell of William Morris Endeavor was quick to revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that Affleck is “contracted to do at least Justice League One and Two, so at least three times wearing the cape;” noting that BVS being the first of three contractual DC appearances.

Whitesell further elaborated on rumours of a solo outing for Batfleck commenting that “there’s a script that he’s written that is a really cool [Batman] idea, so that’s out there as an option.“

Ben Affleck will also make a cameo appearance in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad later this Summer, as a bunch of his Rogue Gallery alumni – including The Joker (Jared Leto), Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) and Deadshot (Will Smith) – raise hell as part of the US Governments Black-Ops team.

Justice League Part One is currently scheduled to hit the big screen in November 17, 2017 with Part Two to follow shortly after in June 14, 2019.

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Final Fantasy XV Animated Film Revealed

Fans were treated to the first reveal of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XV feature length film at the companies seminal game series uncovering last night.

The animated film titled Final Fantasy XV: Kingsglaive, will feature the talents of Game of Thrones stars Lena Heady as Princess Luna and Sean Bean as King Regis, with Breaking Bad mainstay Aaron Paul lending his voice to soldier Nyx.

Alongside the fan event, Square Enix released the following synopsis of the upcoming film:

“The magical kingdom of Lucis is home to the hallowed Crystal, but the menacing empire of Niflheim will stop at nothing to make it theirs. War has raged between the two for as long as most can remember.

King Regis of Lucis commands an elite force of soldiers dubbed the Kingsglaive. Wielding their king’s magic, Nyx Ulric and his fellow glaives stand before the crown city of Insomnia, fighting to stay the inexorable advance of Niflheim’s imperial army.

Before the overwhelming military might of the empire, King Regis can only salvage his kingdom by accepting an ultimatum—he must cede all lands outside the crown city, and see his son, Prince Noctis, wed to Lady Lunafreya, the former princess of Tenebrae now captive of Niflheim.

As the war of wills rages, the machinations of Niflheim transform Insomnia into an awe-inspiring battleground, pulling Nyx into a struggle for the very survival of the kingdom.”

Kingsglaive won’t be released in theatres but will be available to download and stream worldwide via Sony Pictures Home Entertainment sometime this year.

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Gambit Movie Delayed

Channing Tatum’s X-Men Spin-off Gambit has been pushed back with production delayed until late 2016.

Sources out of The Hollywood Reporter cite rewrites as the reason for the push-back which is unsurprising given how many directors have jumped on board during the pre-production phase, looking to put their stamp on the popular X-Men characters first solo outing.

Edge of Tomorrow Director Doug Liman will still helm the X-Men movie after taking over the reins from Rise of the Planet of the Apes Director Rupert Wyatt late last year. Lima however will first direct The Wall, a physiological thriller produced by Amazon studios, while re-writes are taking place.

Gambit is currently without a release date after 20th Century Fox removed the film from its upcoming list of movies. The films original release was for sometime in 2017 but 20th Century won’t be without a superhero film on its slate as Hugh Jackman’s final X-Men film Wolverine 3 will still hit cinemas on March 3 next year.

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