NXT's Different Breed: Baron Corbin

   Last Thursday, at Full Sail University, I had the privilege  to witness the reemergence of Baron Corbin during the NXT Takeover PPV.  I have always been a huge fan of Corbin, but this was something amazing to behold. His PPV debut was pure dominance, in a squash match with CJ Parker, that was one of the shortest matches I have seen in years.
   He repeated this same exact feat against Parker again. Friday night at Full Sail during the NXT television taping. This match may been shorter than one the night before! He also had a squash,  match against a fairly unknown to the TV fans, Troy McClain, later in the taping. He has a complete new entrance and I love it! Love all of it, his in ring ability and presence, look and entrance. He has been referred to as NXT's different breed and it is quite apparent why.
  I have been a fan of his from day one.  He is a former NFL player and took the step into WWE developmental a few years ago. Often football players do not evolve well into a true wrestler, but this is definitely not the case with Corbin. Consistently each week, as I would attend the house shows and tapings, I would watch him get better and better. His in ring technique become more solid and move set becoming larger. The one thing he naturally had out of the gate was a ring presence few could match  the NXT roster.
   I knew he was destined for success in the WWE. I have sang praise of him as much as possible when I am featured on TSC News. Finally at Takeover, the world got to witness what I have been saying was coming for a long time. The world finally got see what the different breed of NXT has to offer and that is  complete total domination.

Baron Corbin with the win over CJ Parker, NXT Takeover
 9/11/14

The NXT Universe Catches the Infected Crowe

   Solomon Crowe made his debut at the NXT televison tapings at Full Sail University against Buddy Murphy, last Thursday. Crowe has been doing the house shows for about 9 months now, but had yet to be seen at Full Sail. I have eagerly been awaiting this day.
   Crowe was well known on the indy wrestling scene, as Sami Callihan. Being I am from Baltimore, I was well acquainted with his work on the New York indy wrestling scene, and a huge fan. Northern indy wrestling is much different than that of the south, a much grittier element to it. It is intriguing to see how these guys fit into the NXT roster.
   Crowe started at NXT with this crazy hair wearing a singlet, with a computer hacker gimmick. His purpose to infect the NXT universe with a virus. I love the hacker gimmick, the lights go out, an old school dial tone comes across the speaker, then a computerized voice announces his ring entrance. Suddenly the lights come up and Crowe is in the ring.  They have since changed his ring gear to a much more stylish black and silver pants with matching shirt, and his hair slicked back into a ponytail. The new look makes him look tough as nails, the look matches the attitude. They have went back and forth with the hacker gimmick.

Solomon Crowe, Full Sail University
June 2014

   Thursday he did not enter with the hacker gimmick, so as where that stands,  I do not know. This gimmick is much different than any on the roster so I hope it is the direction they are heading with him.  This was the first I had seen him in action in a few weeks and he looked as if he slimmed down . His in ring performance was amazing and he was on top of his game. On his weeks off he has definitely been putting his work in training.
  The next television taping in July 17th. I am hoping that Crowe will finally get on tv at this taping. He's been busting his ass on the indy's for years and at NXT for months. I can't wait for the Crowe to infect the NXT universe so they can witness the carnage I have been watching for years.

Solomon Crowe vs. CJ Parker,April 2014
courtesy of www.cjparker.info 

CJ Parker is the Truth

    CJ Parker has taken a turn within the last few months from  a dread headed, fun loving, dancing. far out hippie to an avid supporter and voice to environmental concerns. He has always been my favorite on the NXT roster from the moment I saw emerge,  through his many personas, but this one takes it to a whole new level. He speaks to people and his message is the truth.

  Within the last few weeks, Parker has been entering the crowd carrying signs with messages concerning environmental issues. During the PPV NXT Takeover at Full Sail University, he came out with his "There is No Planet B" and "My Sign is Ecofriendly"  signs. During the NXT television tapings some of his messages included "Eat Local, Think Global", "Every day is Earth Day", "Kill-o-watt, Burn a Candle." At the recent house shows, he has been seen with his "Let's Get Green" sign. His social media has turned  to all environmental messages and concerns. 

  He's very serious and passionate about his message and way of life. You can see it on his face, he is no longer coming out grinning and dancing. He is coming with a serious legitimate message for everyone to hear, and will deliver it by any means. He will be returning to the ring very soon from an injury and the carnage he is going on his drop on his opponents is going to be unreal.
   I believe NXT may have hit jackpot with this turn of Parker. It's a way for him to be taken seriously, a legitimate threat to the roster, along with message that needs to be heard. It's a far cry from his persona a few months ago. He's always been my favorite, but now with the message and attitude CJ Parker is the Truth. He's kicking ass and saving the planet.

Images courtesy of www.cjparker.info

                                             

The Rise of Adam Rose

Leo Kruger, Full Sail, June 2013

   Leo Kruger is now nothing more than an afterthought. The metamorphosis into Adam Rose has yet to be seen on NXT television, but I have been lucky enough to catch it at the last few NXT house shows. Adam Rose is as far from Leo Kruger as one could be.
  Rose is known as "The Exotic Express", and is very charasmatic and  interactive with the crowd, and . His theme music is extremely catchy. He gives a "Choo Choo" before his finishing clothesline. I adore the new gimmick. I like Kruger, but he was lacking something. He was lacking Adam Rose.
  Kruger was beast in the ring. His gimmick as almost along that of Luke Harper, who always out shined Kruger. Even after Harper was moved up the main roster alongside the other members of the Wyatt Family, Kruger didn't take off.  The Kruger gimmick  was stale, the evolution was nonexistent.  At first sight I was shocked and didn't really know what to think,but every week my fondness grows  immensely. The crowd is also starting to warm up.

Adam Rose, Ft. Pierce, January 2014

   NXT is somewhat struggling on fresh gimmicks, most have went to main roster, some need a makeover, some just plain need released. This is new life into the NXT roster. I am anxious to see where the gimmick will. There are many new tag teams being formed in NXT so it's time for a new standout single competitor. Adam Rose can definitely be this person.
  When I was in Crystal River a few weeks ago, Rose stated "Those that don't like Adam Rose are sour and bitter, I shall call them lemons. Those that like Adam Rose are happy and sweet, I shall call them rosebuds." Guess what? I just changed my middle name to Rosebud.

Xavier Woods: The Next Step?

   As of late, Xavier Woods has been creating much buzz with his petition to Triple H to reinstate Big Show's position within the WWE. The GM of WWE NXT, JBL, stated he would deal with Woods, once he figured out who he is. Lets just take a look at Woods and see.

   Woods enjoyed some success in TNA, as Consequences Creed,  most specifically as Tag Team Champion, along side of Black Machismo. in a team called "Lethal Consequences." One of my favorite teams in wrestling history, pure entertainment, in the ring and promos. If you want a good chuckle check this Lethal Consequences' interview out.
   After his stint with TNA, WWE noticed his talent, and was picked up and placed on the NXT roster. He is by far one of the most entertaining and electrifying talents on the roster. He can work singles and tag matches. He is versatile and fan favorite. As of late he had been sidelined due to a minor injury but is reemerging in a major main roster story line.

  Big Show was fired by Stephanie McMahon, and then he proceeded to knock out Triple H later on the edition of Monday Night Raw.  This had lead up to a match between Big Show and Triple H at the upcoming PPV, Hell in Cell. Woods led a petition that was taken down by the Authority, but continued it on Twitter.
  With Woods playing and integral part in such a huge story line leads me, and many to believe, that upon his return from injury he may be going main roster. I hate to see him go from NXT, as one I love to go watch a few times a month, but he is very deserving of the move and can add so much energy to the main roster, Time will tell what the next step will be for Woods, but I know what I would like it to be.

JBL, Just What NXT Needs

  At the last taping of NXT, at Full Sail University, it was revealed that there would be a new General Manager, John Bradshaw Layfield, otherwise known as JBL. Personally I could have not been happier. It adds a whole new dimension to NXT. He's a great competitor with24 single and tag team belts to his name. He's an awesome color commentator, very witty and comes up with some the best lines I have ever heard
   With Dusty Rhodes being involved in the storyline with his sons, Cody Rhodes and Golddust, facing the Shield at the Battleground PayPerView, he had been asked to step down. This storyline puts the Rhodes family's complete future of WWE involvement in jeopardy. With a loss there is no future with the company, that is the stipulation of the match.
   Dusty is one of my all time favorites,my childhood favorite but I think JBL is perfect for this position. He's much younger and can be hands on. He can play a more active role in the ring. I am hoping he gets into a ring with the roster, just as commentator William Regal does. It's a rare treat when it happens.
   He's a smart business man with so much to offer in that aspect. His character of a brash, hot tempered business man is mirrored from his real life accomplishments as a stock investor. He even wrote a book, "Have More Money Now" on investments and the stock market.
   He is possibly the greatest color commentator in WWE history. He's very quick witted, opinionated, with a delivery that is always on time. He has a YouTube show, along with Michael Cole, called the JBL and Cole Show. Recently they did a show that showcased the new performance center that opened in Orlando, where NXT trains. I am looking forward to his moments on the mic at NXT. Him and Regal together are golden.

   Change is inevitable. As much I hated to see Dusty stepping down, there are very few people who could fill that spot, but JBL is surely one of them. This is something I, along with many other fans, didn't see coming I am eagerly awaiting to see what in is the future of JBL and NXT.

No More Bo ??!!

   Bo Dallas has been the NXT Champion now since May after defeating Big E Langston for the belt. Big E made his way to the main roster and it was time to pass the gold on. Many fans and critics have been quite vocal in the fact that Dallas isn't deserving of the belt.

Myself and Bo Dallas, June 2013, FWE Arena

   At the NXT television tapings at Full Sail fans boo Dallas profusely when he comes out. The chant "No More Bo", along with "Boring" and stand up and turn their backs to the ring. He was once a  baby-faced fan favorite but since winning the belt the tide has shifted.
   He comes from wrestling bloodline and family. He's a third generation wrestler, his grandfather being BlackJack Mulligan, his father being the I.R.S. Man, Mike Rotunda. His uncle is one of my childhood favorites, Barry Windham. His brother is the WWE Superstar, Bray Wyatt. Dallas' ring skills are solid, but some feel he has the belt simply because of his bloodline.
   Dallas is young at the age of only 24. He's been wrestling in the WWE developmental territory since 2008. He is technically already main roster if you look at WWE.com. He had a DUI in 2011, which in most stars cases put them on the back burner. Alex Riley, Jack Swagger, and Jimmy Uso were all the fast track to being stars and champions, but DUIs put an end to that. Yes they are all on the roster still but for the most part are now being used as jobbers. Dallas' career progress wasn't hindered one bit by his.
   I guess time will tell if he is going to live up to the huge expectations of the WWE. Maybe we as fans will come to see what the company sees in him. Personally I like him, I think he's nice guy with a lot of talent but is still young in the game. He is a natural in the ring.  It's been two months since he won the belt so I give it about another month or two and we will see a new NXT champ. The big question now is who will that be? I have feeling it's gonna be Sami Zayn who finally gives us "No More Bo".

 Sami Zayne, Orlando Armory, June 2013

The Shield and The Gold

The Shield, NXT taping, July 11, 2013

 It's been almost 9 months now since the Shield bust on the main roster scene and completely took over. Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns have remained undefeated since.  That's an impressive winning streak. It has lead to Ambrose holding the United States Championship belt, and Reigns and Rollins holding the Tag Team Championship belts. As a cohesive unit  they are stellar, but after 9 months one must wonder what is going to happen once the they do finally fall. They can't remain undefeated and keep the belts  forever.

   From day one, Ambrose has been the stand out as far as being a total package. He's a wrestler that doesn't need a character. Being himself is enough, no gimmicks needed. He can cut promo like no other. He can throw down in the ring the best. He holds the single championship in the trio, so I am obviously not the only one who feels the same. At the July taping of NXT, I witnessed firsthand, one of the greatest matches ever between him and Adrian Neville, for the U.S. belt.  This two young stars at the top of their game going at each other. Of course though in the end the Shield interferes when things get tough for Ambrose.

Ambrose, NXT taping, July 11, 2013

  I love the Shield, they brought life back into the WWE main roster when it was needed more than anything.  I wonder when the WWE will let these stars flourish on their own? It is starting to get stale knowing that when the going get tough that the back up is coming every single match. Ambrose is stellar, he doesn't need the gimmick with the back up anymore. Reigns and Rollins have gotten better, but they are a tag team they have each other's back. As true champions it's time that they are allowed to shine on their own. They are quite capable of doing it. 

The Wyatt Family, NXT taping, June 2013

  With another trio of NXT superstars, the Wyatt Family, making main roster recently with a unique gimmick leads me to wonder if they might just be the ones to finally take the Shield down a notch.  The Wyatt Family's Erick Rowan and Luke Harper held the NXT tag belts, while the leader ,Bray Wyatt, is one the best in the sport right now. He combines a unique character with his large size and unmatched amount of agility. When defeat does come to the Shield it may be the end of them. Even as a huge fan of the Shield, I am feeling it might just be that time. Only time will tell what is next for the Hounds of  Justice.

The Future Looks Bright for the NXT Diva's Division

   The NXT Diva's division is full of extremely talented young women at this time. There has even been a tournament held at the television taping at Full Sail University to crown the first ever NXT Diva's champion. The new champion was crowned last Thursday
  The first round of the tournament saw Paige defeat Tamina, Alicia Fox defeat Bayley, Summer Rae defeat Sasha Banks, and Emma defeat Aksana. Being that Summer Rae is tecnically already on main roster I was disappointed that Banks did not advance. She is one of my favorites,very exciting to watch. She has some high flying moves.
  The second round saw Paige defeat Fox and Emma defeat Summer Rae. After her defeat we Summer Rae have her usual meltdown and go crazy on Emma. Emma found her finals' competitor Paige come to her rescue,
  The final match was a stellar one. These 2 women have some solid technical wrestling skills. Emma was trained by the great Lance Storm, which speaks for itself. Paige comes form a wrestling family in England, her mother was even a wrestler. The new champion is Paige.





                                                          Paige



   We also saw the television debut of Charlotte. She happens to be the daughter of Ric Flair, who was part of the taping and introduced his daughter. She has quickly become a favorite of mine with her unique style that  incorporates gymnastics into. She's amazing  fun to watch. There are high expectations being set for her since her dad is Ric Flair. She won't have any problem exceeding those expectations.
















                                                                                 Charlotte



 Congratulations to Paige on being the first ever NXT Diva's champion. History has been made. I am excited to watch the future unfold for all these talented young women.

William Regal: The Ambassador of Professional Wrestling

Back in December Colt Cabana's podcast, Art of Wrestling, did a two part interview with William Regal. I had the chance to listen to the first awhile ago, but today sat down to listen to the second part. This part showcased his career when he first came to America. Regal is my favorite wrestler of all time, in which I have done substantial research on, and read his book "Walking A Golden Mile" numerous occasions. It was refreshing to listen to a current interview that allowed me to gain a deeper insight into a man that has been a pillar in the industry for years.

Back in 1993, WCW was taken over by Bill Watts. Regal finally received a phone from Watts stating he could start right away. This was a huge break for him but he told Watts he couldn't immediately due to wrestling obligations, that were not under contract,  in England over the next couple weeks. Watts told him his statement of that secured his place on the WCW roster, He showed loyalty and commitment. His loyalty also earned his family green cards with the help of WCW. It also allowed him some creative input into quite possibly the greatest storyline of his WCW career.

The Blue Bloods were a  tag team made of Regal and Bobby Eaton. Regal had been working with Triple H on developing a tag team. Triple H was suddenly called to WWE without anyone at all knowing. Suddenly there was an immediate need to find a replacement for him. Regal chose Eaton,a seasoned tag tea vet, and started a "My Fair Lady" type  storyline. Regal was given free reign on the creative aspect in the beginning. The video montages they made were quite comical and  entertaining.

After returning to WWE, with a broken ankle, Vince McMahon called Regal and filled him on his new character, The Real Man's Man.  Regal showed his adaptability by telling McMahon he would "make it work", even though this character was a far from the true Regal. Also at this point Regal was battling the demons in his personal life, out of his mind often. Looking back he said the character didn't bother him, it was all he was worth at  the time, The character lasted 5 weeks, and he was sent away for treatment.

It's no secret about the demons Regal has battled through his career. He has never been ashamed to talk about him.  He stated he finally overcame them when stopped making excuses. He gave this advice move on and it will end. Its something that he shouldn't have been doing to begin with.

Regal is currently on the commentary team of NXT, the developmental territory for WWE. He stated that commentary is there help you draw attention away from what is going on in the ring. They are the main tool of those in the ring getting over. He often is selfless in his promotion of the younger talent by training them and working with NXT.

At the beginning of the interview Cabana states "Regal is  great ambassador for professional wrestling all over the world, not just in America, not just England, everywhere. He embodies what it means to be a professional wrestler." I couldn't agree more. As person trying to break into some aspect of professional wrestling I take what Regal says to heart, He has so much to offer advice wise and just by following his career. He's a one of kind and I am proud he's my favorite wrestler, and a true inspiration to me following my dreams.

Which NXT Superstar is Ready to Rumble?

   The Royal Rumble is quickly approaching Sunday, and one NXT superstar will be guaranteed a spot in it, by winning the 8-man tournament. NXT stars have been making a huge impact on the main roster of late with, The Shield exploding on the scene seeking “justice”, and Big E. Langston as AJ Lee’s bodyguard. This is a chance for another promising star from developmental talent to make its mark on the main roster, and even possibly headline WrestleMania.
   The participants are Corey Graves, Oliver Grey, Xavier Woods, Conor O'Brien, Bo Dallas, Luke Harper, Adrian Neville, and Leo Kruger. All of the participants bring some different characteristics to the table and any of them are quite capable of coming out on top of the tournament.
   O’Brien was one half of the tag team, The Ascension. The tag team fell apart after his partner, Kenneth Cameron’s release last year. O’Brien’s success has been mostly with the Ascension. He’s been rather quite since the split. I don’t see him as a serious threat to winning the tournament.
   

Leo Kruger

Kruger is boring to me. Not much on the mic, solid in the ring but not  nescesarily

entertaining. Him and Harper have that same kind of weird persona , out to cause pain gimmick. Harper is a much better wrestler so that leaves Kruger in the shadows. He’s the only participant that I questioned even being in the tournament.

Corey Graves

   At the last NXT taping I attended Graves and Grey actually wrestled each other in somewhat of a sloppy match. Graves has been making a buzz since coming into NXT as the Savior of Misbehavior. There isn’t a superstar on the roster with a character like his, and I do like him, but I don’t think his skills are up to the main roster level yet.

Adrian Neville

   Out of all the competitors, Neville is the one I know the least firsthand about. He’s trained all around world. He’s diverse in styles and very quick. Debuting just weeks ago on NXT I don’t see him winning the tournament but I am eager to see his career form in NXT.  This week’s show he and Grey formed a tag team that beat Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre to advance to the finals of tag tournament for the new NXT tag belts.

Luke Harper

   Harper is by the largest at 6’6, 262 pounds, His presence in the ring is astounding. I watched him demolish Mike Dalton in a few quick minutes a few months back and was impressed. Harper is half of the tag team, The Wyatt Family, along with Erick Rowan, which may win the tag belts. I don’t see any of the 3 stars involved in  the tag team finals to win this singles tournament.

 Xavier Woods

  Woods has the most energy of all entrants, and by far the most entertaining. He’s good on the mic and solid in the ring.  He wrestled for TNA as Consequences Creed and was a two-time tag team champion during his time there. I loved his run as tag team champ with Jay Lethal, forming one of my favorite tag teams in TNA history, Lethal Consequences. It could quite be his time to shine in WWE.

 Bo Dallas

   Dallas is also a prominent contender to win the tournament. The son of Mike Rotunda, he has wrestling in his blood. He’s a 3-time FCW champion and 2-time FCW tag champion. He’s only 23 and been in developmental since 2008. There’s a big bright future for Dallas. His mic skills are competent. I witnessed him wrestle Jinder Mahal a few months back and was astounded by his skills. He’s a natural.
   Who do I think will win? It’s a close call between Woods and Dallas. Both are deserving of a main roster spot. I am a huge fan of Woods so I am pulling for him. I eagerly await to see who gets this major push to the Royal Rumble. Regardless of who wins it’s a chance for 8 NXT superstars to shine in the spotlight. Good luck to all.

Pictures from NXT television taping, October 11, 2012

Jimmy Uso

NXT

Jinder Mahal

Paige vs. Alicia Fox

Full Sail Live 

Mike Dalton

Michael McGillicuttyy

Richie Steamboat

Trent Baretta

Seth Rollins, Michaei Cole, and Jinder Mahal

Tyson Kidd vs. Damien Sandow

Layla

Dean Ambrose

Big E. Langston

Corey Graves

Oliver Grey vs. Corey Graves

Jimmy  and Jey Uso

Jinder Mahal with Bo Dallas in the Camel Clutch

Xavier Woods

Darren Young & Titus O'Neil 

Corey Graves

Jimmy Uso vs, Titus O'Neil

Tyson Kidd vs. Damien Sandow

Tyson Kidd vs. Damien Sandow

Dean Ambrose

Jimmy Uso

Jim Ross

Johnny Curtis

Myself and Darren Young

These are pictures I took while attending a television taping of NXT at Full Sail University on October 11, 2012. It was one of the most amazing wrestling events I have ever attended. The smaller venue adds a personal touch with amazing energy. I look forward to my next visit in February.
There were some very good matches. Kassius Ohno vs Richie Steamboat was stellar and solid. Best match between 2 strictly NXT roster members.It seems that there matches are constantly amazing. Some other talent I found and destined for big things were, Emma, Mike Dalton, Dean Ambrose, and Roman Reigns. Reigns blew me way with his calculated wrestling technique, ring presence and looks. He's gonna make a huge impact on the WWE for years to come.