The NXT Review – 23rd March 2016

Whats up Wrestling Peeps! Welcome back to your favourite developmental brand and FINALLY (bold, italic, underline!) some personality injected in the sullen-drifter that is Elias Sampson.

Okay so I’m just gonna jump straight into it this week because damn just when I was about to give up on this guy, NXT makes a believer out of me. I’m sure my loyal followers have noticed that over the past few weeks I’ve tended to skip over any-and-all Sampson matches. Not trying to be a D-bag because the guy has skill but I’ve just been bored with his character.

Sure you can argue that creative (it seems) have been playing the long game, which if all goes well – given the Heel heat from the audience – we could have a legit compelling bad-guy on the yellow brand. I’m still not going all in on this guy but that beat down of Johnny Gargano at the matches end … shades of Bray Wyatt. And that excites me.

Sidenote, Gargano breaking Sampson’s winning streak. Capitalise on this please NXT because his wrestling ability coupled with Sami Zayn like fan-love he garners. Future WWE superstar. Just sayin’

Oh Hello Rich Swan, long time no see my friend. Why is this guy not on my WWE Network each and every week? Because dance moves aside this was great match – undoubtably a showcase for the NXT Champ – Swan was still able to hang with Finn Balor.  Even, dare I say it , outshining the Champ at times. Say What?

These two need to feud-it-up. And if my prediction that Balor will turn Heel sooner rather-than-later, I could see Swan making a worthy babyface in the equation. Perhaps its too soon to be so hyperbolic on Swan but hey, I’m a passionate guy when it comes to good wrestling.

Talking of which, Round Two in the Saga of Emma and Asuka was tonights Main Event. And can these two ladies just like, fight forever? Their chemistry is magic. In a feud that arguably reminiscent of Lita and Trish, I’m afraid that its a matter of lighting in a bottle with this pairing. Much like the Hall of Famers never getting a WrestleMania pay-off to their career-elevating-rivalry. I feel that this Saga is doomed to play out only on NXT.

Speaking of doomed. Emma was just that when it came to Asuka. In her last match before TakeOver Dallas, there is no-way Asuka – the #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s Championship – was going to lose. But Emma, with the help of Dana Brooke, wasn’t going to make it easy for the Empress of Tomorrow.

In a match just as hard hitting as their first encounter at TakeOver London, it was defiantly faster. Trading one reversal after another, both women showed they can tell a comprehensive story between the ropes elevating a feud that signals that the Heel Duo may yet prove to be a thorn in Asuka’s side in the future.

While Asuka goes into Dallas looking strong, I’m sure Bayley has some Hugs in reserved if The Empress even thinks about putting her mitts on the title.

More over WrestleMania, TakeOver Dallas is about to live up to its namesake.

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‘Divergent: Ascendent’ Has Its Budget Cut

Last week, Part 1 in The Divergent Series finale Allegiant, hit theatres to a wavering fan-fare leading to the lowest opening weekend for the young adult franchise so far.

Sources out of The Hollywood Reporter are circulating the news that in reaction to Allegiant’s disappointing return, Lionsgate are slashing the budget for its predecessor Ascendent – the final film in the franchise – due out next year. The source revealed that “the budget for the next one will be reduced,” but “they haven’t said by how much,” indicating that a significant cut will be in effect given Allegiant’s $110 Million budget.

The first film in the series Divergent earned a $29.1 Million on its opening weekend, with its sequel Insurgent giving the series an all time high with $52.3. The dwindling numbers showing the franchise inability to retain a new audience outside of its core fan base.

Although the weekend opening is a disappointment for the studio, It is believed that Lionsgate still plan on releasing Ascendent alongside Universals eagerly anticipated The Mummy reboot and Paramounts sequel World War Z 2.  Going head-to-head with both Summer Blockbusters on June 9, 2017.

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‘Zack Snyder’ Looks To Expand The ‘300’ Franchise

Although Director and Producer Zack Snyder has moved on to pastures-new as lead visionary and Universe builder for Warner Bros. DC franchise. He hasn’t lost the passion for his previous action-romp 300, which Snyder is hoping to expand across history.

In an interview with Collider, Snyder revealed that discussions have taken place about different incarnations of 300, bringing its unique visual style and framing out of Ancient Greece and into other conflicts in time. “I think I mentioned that we talked about the Revolutionary War version, and we talked about the Alamo,” revealed the Batman V Superman director. “There’s a battle in China, a “Lost Legion” kind of concept, any of those kinds of things are on the table.”

Released in 2007, 300 was the first of two films based on legendary comic book writer and artist Frank Miller works, with 2014’s Rise of an Empire based on Miller’s as-of-yet unreleased story Xerxes.

Should Snyder get the go ahead, it would give the creator the opportunity to bring his George Washington passion project to the big-screen – an idea that Snyder has previously expressed an interest in producing – commenting that the painted visual display of 300 would suit the era.

Snyder’s current big-screen venture Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theatres March 25, 2016.

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Star War’s ‘Daisy Ridley’ In Talks For ‘Tomb Raider’ Reboot

With a hugely successful Inter-Galatic franchise under her belt, Star Wars The Force Awaken’s Daisy Ridley could get her own Blockbuster to helm if talks with the Big-Wigs over at Warner Bros. goes well.

Speaking on the red carpet for the 2016 Empire Awards. The Jedi-in-training confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that there “have been conversations” about her helming the rebooted adaptation of Crystal Dynamics acclaimed Tomb Raider video game series, with the British actress currently just “waiting for someone to say ‘I want you, let’s do it’.”

Earlier this month, Norwegian Director Roar Uthaug revealed that he would be taking on the rebooted action-adventure series that previously starred Angelina Jolie as the British archeologist Lara Croft. In an interview with IGN, Uthaug confirmed that his film would tread familiar ground as 2013’s Tomb Raider game, concentrating on Lara’s origin with the director looking “to make people relate to Lara as a character.”

Although the film is still in the pre-production stage, it seems that Ridley certainly has the endorsement of her Star Wars co-star Joh Boyega – who after playing the video game – told THR that he texted the star, telling her that “‘this is you!’ and ‘you need to get on that because you could be Lara Croft.’ She should be.”

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The NXT Review – 16th March 2016

Whats up Wrestling Peeps! After last weeks two-man domination of NXT, it was back to your regular scheduled programming and one helluva Tag Team Match. And thats saying something after that NXT Tag Team match at Roadblock just Saturday past.

But lets not skip-to-the-best-bit because we actually got some Big build up for TakeOver Dallas, with the co-mish William Regal awarding Sami Zayn a headlining match against the newly-signed Shinsuke Nakamura. Like the crowd can attest, truly a “Holy Sh#t!” moment, but it does raise the question as the build-up we will be getting to this face-off.

Now Hey, I don’t need Nakamura to debut before TakeOver arrives. Surely NXT holding off on the New Japan Wrestling star’s debut until the big night in Dallas will ensure butts in seats and fans fapping all-over the WWE Network (imagine the mess!) But in saying that I wouldn’t mind it either, especially given that word-on-the-street (via Dirt Sheets galore) that NXT is meanly a pit stop for the King-of-strong-style before hitting the bright lights of Monday Night RAW. It would be nice to see him get some decent NXT matches under his belt before he gets lost in the Main-Event-shuffle.

I mean, Its not as if WWE has an abundance of Wasted Talent already right?

Okay I’ve sunken my Hater-Aide early this week, so lets move onto the positives and Deonna Purrazzo actually getting a win … Oh wait! She lost again. Seriously? I’m really trying to be positive here guys. Well … I guess she looked good while losing. After all, Emma does have a knack of getting a good match out of the of greenest of wrestlers, so theres that I guess.

Better luck next time Deonna.

But singles completion aside, it really was the Tag Teams that dominated the night with Bayely & Asuka teaming up against the impressive team of Nia Jax & Eva Marie. Great match that set little up other than the fact that Asuka is out for the gold, a match that was quickly established by the co-mish for TakeOver Dallas. Almost like it was planned or something.
But lets not overlook that inadvertent leg drop on Eva by  Nia, her own Tag partner no less. Thing of beauty and painful as hell. Gif it internet … keepsake for life.

Main Event time and American Alpha brought it well and truly. The Vaudevillians however weren’t going to make it easy for them. After their return, the throwback duo seem to have reverted to their namesakes. With a ruthless style and killjoy agenda, they looked to put a stop to the wave of enthusiasm that has built for American Alpha since NXT’s tour of the UK.

The Vaudevillians tyranny was in vain however. After some high spots like Jordan’s Spear to the corner and that roll-through-German-Suplex from Gable, the brightest Tag Team in the division at the moment won the match and a chance at the titles.

So normally I would say that the chase is often better than the win but these guys are better served by holding the NXT Tag Team titles. Unlike Enzo & Cass’ plucky underdog story, American Alpha are just too good at the moment to not hold the titles and be left on the back-burner come Dallas.

Picture it. American Alpha as the Tag Champs Vs Team SAWFT at TakeOver Dallas.

I think I just Wrestle-Gasmed … make is so NXT!

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‘Disney’ Shortlists Actors For Their Young ‘Han Solo’ Movie

Disney has narrowed down the search for their Young Han Solo after a number of Actors screen tested for the role last weekend in London.

Amongst the combatants vying for the part are a few homegrown talents including Skins star Jack O’Connell, Transformers 4 hero Jack Reynor and Kingsman leading man Taron Egerton. Who interestingly lost out to The Force Awakens‘ John Boyega for the Rising Star Award at the BAFTAS last month.

The Hollywood Reporter noted that a handful of American hopefuls have also been included in the list with Blake Jenner (Glee) and Hail, Cesar! actor Alden Ehrenreich – who is currently winning critics over in the Coen Brothers directed comedy – are amongst the favourites.

Skatronixxx reported last week that the Young Han Solo won’t be alone in his adventures, as faithful Wookie companion Chewbacca will return for the Origin story.

So the lucky leading man better get use to acting alongside a Temperamental-Space-Bear when filming starts January next year.

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‘Mark Hamill’ & ‘Kevin Conroy’ Team-Up For ‘The Killing Joke’ Animated Movie

Batman: The Animated Series legends Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill have confirmed that they will once again face-off as Batman and The Joker in DC’s animated adaptation of The Killing Joke.

It had been rumoured that the voice acting duo had been tapped to star after DC announced they were working on brining one of their more controversial stories to the small screen at Comic-Con last year.

Comic Book Resources got the confirmation however when they had a chance to speak with Geekdom’s fan favourites: “I’ve had the great privilege of voicing Batman for more than two decades, and some of my favorite moments in the recording booth have been alongside Mark Hamill,” Conroy said. “Mark always enables me to be a better actor. I’m thrilled that we’re both back to bring these characters to life in one of the most heralded Batman/Joker stories of all time.”

Hamill, who will make his official return as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode 8 next year. Also shared the same sentiments as his his co-hort expressing that “the chance to work once again with Kevin Conroy, my favorite Batman, in what some consider the definitive origin of this iconic villain is a dream come true for me. I am beyond thrilled to return as The Joker in ‘The Killing Joke!“

Fans of the Cape Crusader will remember the story as a dark period for Jim Gordon and his family as The Joker sets out to prove that even a hero can become a villain given “one bad day.” The 1988 Alan Moore comic also revealed for the first time Joker’s origin story as a failed comedian and featured the iconic villain shooting Barbara Gordon – which not only ended her superhero career as Batgirl – but also confined her to a wheelchair until DC’s New 52 comic book reboot in 2011.

CBR also indicates that another voice-acting legend Tara Strong (Teen Titans, Powerpuff Girls, Rugrats) will voice Barbra Gordon while Twin Peaks’s Ray Wise will play her father Commissioner Gordon.

Although Warner Bros. have yet to reveal a release date for the film, this years Comic-Con San Diego attendees will be treated to the world premiere with the animated feature hitting stores later in the summer.

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The NXT Review – 9th March 2016

Whats up Wrestlings Peeps! Okay so first, I have a Major-LOL to get out the way with Corey Graves & Tom Phillips assertions that when NXT General Manager William Regal shows up, overtly complicated storylines become clearer. Really? This is a man that takes a whole two weeks (minimum) to decide what a draw means for the #1 contender spot. Just saying.

So with draws seemingly in Vogue with the WWE at the moment, I shudder to think how much that White-Board in Regals office will be getting serious work-out and wipe-down (insert dirty White-Board joke here) in the coming months.

But lets put the Hater-Aide away and leap into the match that took over the night and dude … they gave an entire episode of NXT to that Two-Out-Of-Three-Fall match! Props. And is that Sasha Banks, Hideo Itami and Michael “Freebirds” Hayes in the front row!? What an eclectically-odd bunch. Selfie anyone?

So we all know what was on the line for both men in this competition. But with the Main Roster lights looking ever closer for Sami Zayn, this easily could’ve been the last hurrah for the Ska-enthuasist before he saids goodbye to the yellow brand forever (or until they need him to perform double duty of course).

This match started as an intimate affair between wrestlers and fans.  The first 30 minutes was a measured back-and-fouth until Samoa Joe nailed a Muscle Buster to gain the upper hand, amping up the match, the fans and the stakes alike.

But this is where Zayn shines. With his final chance at Gold on the line he took it to the top rope, out of the ring and to the mat before locking in a koji-clutch for his first fall via tap-out.

From that point on, Joe ultimately takes it to the former Champ but Zayn is the man of the people and wouldn’t give up. Unfortunately he didn’t have too because with a Coquina Clutch firmly locked-in, Zayn passes out causing the Ref to call it a Fall in favour of Joe. Sidenote, when did we stop the hand raising thing?

You know, when the Ref raises the hand of a seemingly passed-out competitor once, then twice and a third time only for that guy to stop it before it hits the mat in a very Hulk Hogan-esque “Hulking-up” fashion. I miss that … the hand thingy, not Hogan, lets make that clear.

Anywho, Joe is your #1 Contender and I am totes-amosh because reasons.

I mean, I didn’t see a final NXT Title run in Zayn’s future. Obviously Samoa Joe is the sensible choice to go-forward to TakeOver Dallas given that the rumour mill has Zayn’s Monday Night RAW appearance as his welcome party to the main stage. But isn’t Joe also rumoured to be leaving soon-as. Like Post-WrestleMania RAW soon-as?

Hey whatever, Rumour-Mill will churn but I don’t wanna see Finn Balor lose the title only for Joe to just drop the title before moving up. There is president for that after all. Technically WWE’s Anti-Diva (and E!’s Total Divas Star) Paige never lost her title but rather gave-up the belt leading to a Tournament to award the next Women’s Champ. I wouldn’t put it past NXT to do that again, they love their Ttitle Tournaments after all. It just seems cheap to take the title off Balor to see that angle through is all.

Look at me, I’m totally Balor-Fan-Boying-out before the fact. But this is just the hokey crap that WWE pulls sometimes. M’eh, we will see. Prove me wrong WWE.

For all your Angry-Angry-Ranty-Ranty-WWE & NXT News, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

‘Chewbacca’ Will Appear In The ‘Han Solo’ Origin Movie

The Young Han Solo standalone movie may have yet found its leading man but confirmation out of Disney reveals everyones favourite Furry-Wingman will be making an appearance.

Speaking at Deutsche Bank 2016 Media, Internet & Telecom Conference. Disney’s Chief Bob Iger dropped the Wookie Bomb that Star Wars mainstay Chewbacca will join a young Han Solo in the Phil Lord & Chris Miller Directed Anthology story.

In a interview with The Wrap, Iger touch upon the Gareth Edwards’ Rogue One, set “before what was George Lucas‘s first film.” Before revealing that Disney have “others in the works, including one, which is an origin story about Han Solo and Chewie. And that’ll come after ‘Star Wars 8’ in 2018. And then there’ll be possibly be more thereafter.”

The film will mark the first time Solo’s origin has been explored on screen under the Disney banner. Dark Horse Comics and Novel’s have previously established the early years and mis-adventures of Han and Chewie – including a dark period in Han’s life when he joined the Imperial Navy – before Disney ret-conned the expanded universe in favour of their new Marvel-led comic book timeline.

We will have to wait and see what Disney has in store for the Intergalactic-duo but with numerous actors vying for the role, it will be interesting to see who will join our favourite Wookie at the helm of the Millennium Falcon when the film hits theatres May 25, 2018.

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‘The Mummy’ Reboot Finds Its Female Lead

Universals second remake of the classic Hammer Horror The Mummy has acquired its female lead.

Variety broke the story that Peaky Blinders actress Annabelle Wallis will join the cast alongside Mission Impossible mainstay Tom Cruise and Kingsman: The Secret Service villainess Sofia Boutella, as an archaeologist who finds herself caught up in the Mummy caper.

The Mummy will mark the first film in Universals Avengers-esque monster franchise. With their 2014 offering Dracula Untold, remaining non-canon to their monster-universe after it was met with critical backlash and underperformed at the Box Office.

The story is being kept under-wraps but it will take place in present day with Cruise assuming the de-facto Rick O’Connell role played by Brendan Frasier in the previous Mummy Trilogy.

It was also previously confirmed that Boutella will assume the title role with Fringe Co-Creator Alex Kurtzman Directing.

The Mummy hits the Big-screen June 9, 2017.

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