NXTweet 12.08.15

Is NXT as good as it was six months or a year ago? I don't think so. If Twitter and wrestling news (by which I mean gossip and rumour) sites are anything anything to go by a fair number of people are with me. The trouble is that the show has lost a lot of its key players over the last few months. Sami Zayn and Hideo Itami went out to injuries. Adrian Neville got promoted. Kevin Owens is still around for the time being but he and Finn Bálor seem to be having their developmental appearances rationed, presumably to make us appreciate seeing them that bit more.

This isn't a problem. The point of NXT is to provide a platform for less experienced wrestlers to get better, and veterans with less experience of wrestling in a TV environment get comfortable in that environment. The likes of Baron Corbin, Enzo and Cass, the Vaudevillains, and Alexa Bliss are the ones who should be benefitting from NXT.

Owens, Zayn, Itami and the rest are there to draw us in as viewers. Their absence is disappointing but understandable. And it's not like the show is entirely bereft of indy darlings. Bálor and Owens are still there. The former Uhaa Nation will debut at Takeover. Tyler Breeze is pretty much an honorary former indy standout at this point thanks to his stellar work over the last year. NXT may not be as good as it has been but it's still a must-watch show that focuses on using pro wrestling as a storytelling means. Which, personally, is what I want form a wrestling show as much as great matches.

Intro

Tweet 1: You want tweets about NXT? YOU GOT IT!

Tweet 2: That was a Frank Costanza reference done badly.
Tweet 3: Last week Billy Regal was asked about giving the title match at Takeover a ladder stip. He made the stip seem special and dangerous.
Tweet 4: Contrast that with Main Roster WWE doing ladder themed PPVs because they're too lazy to give us interesting booking.
Tweet 5: Big fan of Regal being like "Nah, not making it a ladder match" then making it a ladder match.

Tye Dillinger v Solomon Crowe

Tweet 6: Remember when Solomon Crowe was a hacker? Now he's a man the commentators tell us "thrives on chaos". My word.

Tweet 7: Tye Dillinger is a solid 7 at best.
Tweet 8: Solomon Crowe is now the guy who faces the newly gimmicked lads. He needs to disappear for a bit and come back repackaged.
Tweet 9: I've said it before, I'll say it again: he should have stuck with the shirt and tie look.
Tweet 10: Your tattoo of a big cat is not a perfect 10, Tye.
Tweet 11: Exposed knee alert. This is about to get real...

Not 10.

Tweet 12: Tye Dillinger looking genuinely amazed that he won clean there.
Tweet 13: I bet Dillinger didn't even make that sign himself. What a phoney!

Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley talk about Mojo being hyped backstage

Tweet 14: "I been blowin' you up all night!" - Mojo Rawley to Zack Ryder

Barry Corbin v Axel Tischer

Tweet 15: What's up with all this screen time for Barry Corbin lately?

Tweet 16: Barry Corbin wins via star tattoos and wolf magic.
Tweet 17: "I am the real deal!" - Barry Corbin, who isn't
Tweet 18: I do like him putting over his finisher though. Too many wrestlers just chat about being generally great.
Tweet 19: Samoa Joe versus Barry Corbin. Do we have to?
Tweet 20: Joe's taken his towel off. He means business.

Barry's got another big lad fight coming his way and he's probably losing it.

Tweet 21: Legitimately amazed at the booking of this confrontation. Corbin being booked to smack Joe around for a bit is so un-WWE.
Tweet 22: Normally the heel would run off. Corbin wasn't made to look cowardly before getting Joe'd.

Bull Dempsey workout video

Tweet 23: I'm going to miss the hoss version of Bull Dempsey.

Finn Bálor v Marcus Louis

Tweet 24: I'm still such a fan of Marcus Louis' unhinged gimmick. Basically the NXT version of Kane.

Tweet 25: I hope Marcus is still in NXT in ten years, being thought of exactly like Kane is on the main roster.
Tweet 26: The please retire mentality.

Baby Kane with his egg head.

Tweet 27:  Marcus Louis' head is very egg-like. How about doing something with that?
Tweet 28: Do a story where he believes himself to be a mutated ostrich egg. The twist comes when it's revealed HE ACTUALLY IS.
Tweet 29: Intrigued that Finn continues to use the Kliq hand sign so prominently. That could be some foreshadowing for something years away.
Tweet 30: Almost certainly isn't though.
Tweet 31: Kevin Owens attacks Finn Bálor. They have a ruck at ringside then Finn gets power bombed in the ring.

Title change coming? Naaaaaah...

Tweet 32: Imagine if this set up a storyline back injury for Finn and they did a title change.
Tweet 33: I wouldn't be against a title change tbh. Can't really see it happening though. Finn seems like the future focus of NXT.

The Vaudevillains get slapped by Alexa Bliss

Tweet 34: Don't worry, lads, the Vaudevillains have A Plan.

Tweet 35: Is the woman the Vaudevillains are bringing in Rock's most recently signed cousin? I'm voting yes.

Apollo Crews hype video

Tweet 36: Apollo Crews v TBD. Should be an excellent match.

Number one contenders match: Bayley v Becky Lynch

Tweet 37: Pumped for Sasha Banks on commentary.

Tweet 38: Byron Saxton staring around like a textbook #creep here.

Look at that selling though. So pro.

Tweet 39: I like this look Becky Lynch has had since the last Takeover but what is she meant to be? Actually what?
Tweet 40: Saying steampunk is all well and good but that's not an answer. She's not a steampunk.
Tweet 41: Is she just meant to be really into steam or something?
Tweet 42: Fan of steam, Becky Lynch.
Tweet 43: Strong chat between Graves and Banks. Proof that Graves is the man holding that commentary team together I reckon.
Tweet 44: Jay Z is part-owner of the Barclay Center? I don't know why but I find that really funny.
Tweet 45: Becky with some absolutely devastating running leg drops there, brother.
Tweet 46: I wonder what Hogan's up to right now. "Something unsavoury" seems a safe bet.
Tweet 47: Really hope Hogan crops up on 5's Celebrity Big Brother in a week or two. 4 wouldn't have touched him after this racism thing. 5 might.
Tweet 48: Liking the story of this match. Becky's going after Bayley's arm because she knows her finisher is killer she will get her a win.
Tweet 49: Bayley's just trying to survive.
Tweet 50: Desperation rollup as Becky tries to lock in the armbar gets Bayley the win. Good, logical end to the story. Thumbs up.

'The Boss' versus 'The Hugger', coming soon.

Tweet 51: Another number one contender for the women's championship, another episode ending with Sasha standing on a table.
Tweet 52: Good episode, everyone.

NXTweet 08.07.15

Missed the Beast in the East Network special? Don't worry, the best match got repeated on NXT, heavily edited but with its entrances and post-match happenings intact. Just what we all needed.

Intro

Tweet 1: Gonna watch some NXT.

Tweet 2: I was hoping for one of those old style forty-five minute shows. It's not to be.
Tweet 3: Kind of weird that they started by recapping the Beast in the East show but didn't mention the one match there that was relevant to NXT.
Tweet 4: Hyped for this Enzo and Cass versus Vaudevillains match tbh. They're all such great lads.

Dana Brooke and Emma v Sasha Banks and Charlotte

Tweet 5: Dana Brooke's going to wrestle in Converse. This'll definitely win people over on her. EVERYONE loves Converse.

Tweet 6: Look out, Dana's got a microphone...
Tweet 7: Love Sasha being booked to not back down from two heels.

BFF reunion.

Tweet 8: Charlotte wearing a T-shirt like her dad in the 90's ffs.
Tweet 9: Dana getting in a kick there. It was effective because of her Converse.
Tweet 10: The anti-Sasha contingent at Full Sail is absolutely sickening.
Tweet 11: Sasha Banks shoot trying to kill Dana Brooke with knees there.
Tweet 12: I liked the handful of BFFs stuff Sasha and Charlotte did there. Makes sense to do little throwbacks like that in situations like this.
Tweet 13: Banks will beat Charlotte next week. You don't need to read spoilers to know that.

Bayley chats to a camera backstage at a house show

Tweet 14: Bayley wants a title shot. And she's not afraid to compare herself to Steve Austin and Triple H to get it!

Kevin Owens v Finn Bálor, a Beast in the East repeat

Tweet 15: I've been meaning to take another look at Owens v Bálor so this works out nicely.

Tweet 16: I remember not minding Cole's commentary when I watched live. I've a feeling I may rethink that here.

Streamers, yo. They're big in Japan.

Tweet 17: I'm already missing Brennan and Graves. Imagine deciding to send one member of the NXT commentary team to Japan and picking Byron Saxton.
Tweet 18: "You think this is smart?" - Kevin Owens on streamers
Tweet 19: Didn't realise how harshly that baseball slide caught Big Kev. That looked nasty.
Tweet 20: They've edited in adverts. Presumably this is Vince trolling us, yes?
Tweet 21: Oh, and it's a way to cut the run time down too. Because why repeat this and give us the full experience, eh?
Tweet 22: We got the entrances, that's what matters.
Tweet 23: Imagine believing Owens would retain with a senton.
Tweet 24: Bálor just won off his first Coup de Gras. That tells me this was even more heavily edited than I expected.
Tweet 25: "I can't believe it. I can't believe Finn actually did it" - Byron Saxton, who's paid to make these guys sound amazing

Byron Saxton can't believe he saw this happen.

Tweet 26: They're going recap heavy. What with this and the full entrances we're getting some awful editing choices here.
Tweet 27: Hideo Itami doing a clap there.
Tweet 28: Remember that time Owens refused a handshake? Great stuff. Whadda heel.

Jason Jordan agrees to team with Chad Gable

Tweet 29: This "Ready, willing and Gable" thing will get OVER given time.

Tweet 30: Soooooo... is Chad Gable meant to have the air of a sex pest to him?

Solomon Crowe's talks about being a little monster backstage

Tweet 31: I hope Solly Crowe's being turned heel. He's flailing badly as a face. There's nothing to him.

Marcus Louis v Solomon Crowe

Tweet 32: I'm dangerously into Marcus Louis' bald madman gimmick.

Tweet 33: Solomon Crowe, who cut a promo just minutes ago saying he'd return soon, is wrestling now.
Tweet 34: This is a weird match pairing.

Loving this Marcus Luis run as a mental lad.

Tweet 35: Bit of wobble on Crowe's thighs there. Vince will be insisting on some toning.
Tweet 36: That's assuming Vince watches NXT, which I bet he doesn't.
Tweet 37: I could watch Marcus Louis roar gibberish all day.
Tweet 38: The Stretch Muffler has been renamed the Crowe Bar. Because Vince and Trips love puns.

The Vaudevillains cut a promo backstage

Tweet 39: Not a fan of Gotch speaking but I did like the black and white. Could've done with the old silent movie approach being dusted off.

Recap of Finn Bálor celebrating his title win

Tweet 40: Finn looking like a giddy mark meeting Cena there...

Tweet 41: What was the point of Cena appearing? To legitimise Finn? No thanks.

Number one contendership match: Enzo Amore and Big Cass v The Vaudevillains

Tweet 42: I like both of these teams. Think I'm going to back the Vaudevillains though.

Tweet 43: They're the better team and I'm over Enzo and Cass v the Dubsteppers.

Enzo, roaring like a proud little lion.

Tweet 44: When did we last see Blake and Murphy? Feels like an age ago?
Tweet 45: Just caught a glimpse of Cass flicking his hair about. He's learnt well from the greatest big man ever, 'Big Sexy' Kevin Nash.
Tweet 46: Big Kev could move like a cruiserweight. He just didn't want to.
Tweet 47: Byron just referred to "Air Enzo." Perfectly sums up why he's a poor addition to this commentary team.
Tweet 48: Good show everyone. Byron aside there was nothing but strong hustle.

French Connection

We haven't seen Sylvester LeFort for a while have we? Not since the September 25 episode of NXT in fact. On that show he was beaten up by his one time pal Marcus Louis and left a lifeless puddle in the ring, finally putting an end to the Legionnires pairing. And it's a shame we've not seen him since because Sylvester LeFort is great.

I probably need to clarify that. LeFort is not a great wrestler. He's, at best, competent and has never dazzled in the ring. He doesn't seem like someone who has the potential to dazzle either. But he does have a good look and an even better gimmick.

This look is money.

The thick beard, the greased back hair, and the hairy chest all help to make LeFort look like a sleazy Eurotrash-esque scumbag (which is surely the point). That's a good thing. Wrestling needs more sleazy Eurotrash-esque scumbags. It's a heel trope woefully underrepresented in the current business. There's so much potential in it and LeFort fits the part so well that I think WWE are foolish to not have him as a regular on TV.

I don't necessarily want to see him wrestle though. Personally I enjoyed LeFort when he was working as a vaguely ineffective heel manager. I liked him having his stable of Legionnaires, all of whom were a bit generic and not particularly impressive. I liked the fact that the only guy he brought into the stable who showed any promise, a lad called Alexander Rusev (maybe you've heard of him?), was fairly swiftly nabbed by a more efficient manager in Lana.

It was a simple, fun little role that felt real. Not every sports manager is going to be world class and it absolutely made sense that a guy who wasn't able to keep hold of any above average clients was operating in the developmental league. It played to LeFort's strengths (looking like an idiot in ridiculous shiny jackets and talking with a foreign accent to remind everyone he's a heel) and disguised his weaknesses (specifically that he's not a very good wrestler, as already established).

Bring LeFort back to NXT as a manager. There's mileage left in his storyline incompetence. He could reunite with his old Legionnaires client Scott Dawson. He could bring in a new team altogether. He could introduce a singles act to help him get reverence on Marcus Louis (not that anyone's begging for that rivalry t be reprised). With Hideo Itami, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens gone or about to go from NXT Triple H is going to need to become more inventive with the stories he tells and the stars he features if NXT is to remain the hot brand it currently is. I don't think Sly could be a major part of that but he could certainly contribute. 

NXTweet 03.06.15

A balanced episode, featuring something from each of the three main divisions and managing to hold interest even without NXT champion Kevin Owens.

Elimination Chamber recap and intro

Tweet 1: Watching that NXT show.

Tweet 2: Michael Cole and John Cena are not the ideal start to NXT.
Tweet 3: Watching Cena take bumps in slow motion does him no favours at all. Pretty telling that him taking power bombs elbow first has been edited.
Tweet 4: #veteranadvice
Tweet 5: Dana Brooke has a spot in the intro now. That'll please the purists.
Tweet 6:

Tyler Breeze v Adam Rose

Tweet 7: Big fan of Breeze's furry cape.

Tweet 8: Liking Rose coming out without the entourage and looking utterly dishevelled. Budget cuts and malaise caught up to him.
Tweet 9: Also digging Rose basically having reverted to Leo Kruger, the audience acknowledging it, and Rose kind of going with it.
Tweet 10: If the Breeze character ever loses steam they could repackage him as a modern day Robin Hood. He has a bit of that look to him.

The Bring Back Leo Kruger campaign starts here.

Tweet 11: This ref is getting his sweat on. He's possibly the sweatiest ref I've ever seen.
Tweet 12: If Adam Rose ever gets released he could get a solid team together with Dalton Castle.
Tweet 13: Rare example of me not enjoying a Breeze match there. Too slow. Nice moments but not enough. It did keep the Beauty Shot strong though.

Devin Taylor chats to Solomon Crowe

Tweet 14: Devin Taylor calling Solomon Crowe by his surname. Is he the latest lad to lose a first name?

Tweet 15: Solly reckons he'll be back in the ring with the NXT champ. Good call that. Makes the title mean more.
Tweet 16: Preps someone to replace the current batch of main eventers. Which is needed because they're all injuring themselves or getting call-ups.
Tweet 17: Or both.

Greg Hamilton speaks to Eva Marie

Tweet 18: Eva Marie's popular with the crowd isn't she?

Tweet 19: "I love YOU guys!" - Eva Marie to an audience booing her out of the building and chanting that she can't wrestle
Tweet 20: Putting over the women's division. I wonder where this is going...
Tweet 21: Pros and cons to Eva in NXT. Pros: she's got so much heat and helps flesh out the division. Cons: she's bland and can't wrestle.

William Regal announces a Network special for July 4

Tweet 22: Regal's talking up a Network spesh in Japan. Big fan of his pronunciation of Bálor.

Tweet 23: Bálor and Owens should comfortably steal that show.

Carmella v Alexa Bliss

Tweet 24: Enjoying this crowd not knowing how to react to Carmella. They still don't like her BUT SHE STAYED LOYAL TO ENZO AND CASS.

Tweet 25: Carmella not turning was possibly the biggest swerve of the last half decade.
Tweet 26: Alexa as a mean girl heel though. Big into this.

Alexa as a heel is one of the best things ever.

Tweet 27: Disappointed in Enzo and Cass wearing their own baby blue merch. I thought those guys were better than that.
Tweet 28: Just noticed the lack of signs in the crowd. Are they not allowed at NXT? Is Full Sail anti-sign?
Tweet 29: Let's take a moment to remember that this time last year Carmella was a hairdresser. The progress she's made verges on inspirational.

Devin Taylor chats to Rhyno

Tweet 30: Rhyno's not a talker.

Tweet 31: "His theatrics and his mind games aren't going to phase a psychotic man beast like myself" - Rhyno on Finn Bálor
Tweet 32: That was a lol line. Still wish they'd bring in fifty-year-old Don 'Cyrus' Callis to manage him though.

Sami Zayn medical update

Tweet 33: Sami Zayn here, doing his best to force a Cena heel turn by revealing that it was him that caused the shoulder injury.

The Vaudevillains v Marcus Louis and Jason Jordan

Tweet 34: #Vaudevillainspop

Tweet 35: So sad we're not getting their old music.

More over than The Impact Players' pose I reckon.

Tweet 36: Jason Jordan and Marcus Louis are a team here. This will not last.
Tweet 37: Remember when Marcus Louis went all Hunchback of Notre Dame and stalked Tyler Breeze?
Tweet 38: Really enjoying Marcus Louis basically being reintroduced as NXT's answer to Kane.
Tweet 39: Commentary team talking up the tag division. Nah, mate. It's been all about two teams for months now. Needs getting back on track.
Tweet 40: I miss Sylvester LeFort.
Tweet 41: Dying at Marcus Louis' hilarious squealing noises.
Tweet 42: Louis takes the pin. Classic Kane booking.

Sasha Banks video

Tweet 43: Video package reminding us that Sasha Banks exists and is great. Not that we needed it.

Tweet 44: Such a fan of Sasha Banks. Great character. Great wrestler. The future of WWE's main roster women's division.

Rhyno v Finn Bálor

Tweet 45: Anyone else think it's weird that the Network special is being held in Japan on Independence Day?

Tweet 46: Finn Bálor revealing he'll be engaging #demonmode in Tokyo. Not surprised by this but it's nice to know.
Tweet 47: "Hi, my name's Rhyno and I like to wear only one kneepad" - Rhyno
Tweet 48: Brief "E-C-dub!" chant there. Hope the audience does a "New Japan!" chant too, to keep things even.
Tweet 49: "Woooooooooo!" - 'The Nature Rhyno' Terry Gerin
Tweet 50: When did announcers stop putting over the thickness of Rhyno's thighs?
Tweet 51: Loving this hoss versus plucky, experienced junior dynamic.

'The Real Rock 'n' Rolla' versus 'The Manbeast'. Great stuff.

Tweet 52: "Like tree trunks" - Rich Brennan hyping Rhyno's legs and thus earning his keep
Tweet 53: How joyless do you have to be to participate in a "We hate Rhyno!" chant?
Tweet 54: Bálor avoided the Gore and won off a roll-up. Noting this because nobody has kicked out of the Gore since Rhyno's return.
Tweet 55: I thought Bálor might get to because he's Bálor. Apparently not.
Tweet 56: Rhyno's clearly being protected to a degree so he can be that upper mid-card guy lads go through on their way up.
Tweet 57: Then Rhyno killed Bálor by Goring him on the stage. RIP Finn.

The Four Man Tag Division

I'm usually as happy as the next guy to rave about how good NXT is. Because by any reasonable standard it is good. How could it not be with a main event scene built around the artists formerly known as Kevin Steen, El Generico, Prince Devitt, and KENTA and a surprisingly good WWE find in Tyler Breeze?

This doesn't mean NXT is flawless though. Far from it. Recent months have seen a very clear deemphasising of the tag team division. Over the first half of this year a lot of teams that were regulars in 2014 have disappeared. The Ascension and the Lucha Dragons have been promoted to the main roster. Sylvester LeFort and Marcus Louis had a falling out, split, and then both vanished. The Vaudevillains simply stopped appearing with no explanation after their loss to Enzo and Big Cass in February.

The Ascension aren't a loss in terms of quality matches but within NXT they worked well in their established role. The same can be said for Sin Cara and Kalisto, although they did actually turn out quality work. The promotion of both of these teams was inevitable, with the Dragons being obviously ready and Konnor and Viktor having nothing else to do in developmental besides tread water.

The departures wouldn't have been a big problem had they not inexplicably coincided with other teams splitting or vanishing too. But for whatever reason The Vaudevillains are being held off televised shows and more was seen in LeFort and Louis as singles acts. In fact a story possibly inspired by the Phantom of the Opera (or maybe The Hunchback of Notre Dame) was started with Louis being glimpsed watching Tyler Breeze entrances and matches shortly after he split from LeFort. That was dropped quickly, even though it could have been enjoyably silly. Personally I feel LeFort shone brightest as a sleazy Eurotrash manager and think that's the role he's best suited to. Meanwhile Jason Jordan and Tye Dillinger, who were a decent team who could have achieved more, were split to make way for repackaging work on both guys.

I like Enzo and Cass, but some variety wouldn't go amiss.

Right now the NXT tag division features little but matches and skits pitting Enzo Amore and Big Cass against Blake and Murphy. As a tag title programme it's fine, and Carmella's involvement as a heel manager of two very popular babyfaces gives the whole thing a unique slant, but it's noticeably weaker than the men's and women's singles ranks. With most episodes of NXT being around forty-five minutes (discounting ads) there should be plenty of time to feature more teams. And despite the lack of them on screen there are enough to have a much healthier division.

Last week we saw the first appearance of Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder's Mechanics tag team in months. It's an enjoyably daft, mid-card gimmick and I think the pair would work well opposite Enzo and Cass. Being redneck stereotypes they could have a lovely clash of characters with the refined Edwardian carnival troupe dandies English and Gotch too. The Vaudevillains are, as has already been pointed out, overdue a TV return (unless there's an injury involved that nobody knows about).

Angelo Dawkins and Sawyer Fulton have been good in the few matches they've had, but they've been positioned as enhancement talent, there to make the more important teams look good. It's particularly frustrating as teams with the amateur wrestler gimmick are always enjoyable. There's something about the way the style's applied to pro wrestling that makes it a good fit for doubles matches. That they're part of a larger group being tinkered with on house shows makes it more frustrating still: there could be an entire new act on TV. That said a strength of NXT is developing things gradually, so it's best to remain patient for the gang currently known as Shoot Nation to show up.

There are also plenty of guys we haven't seen yet who could be paired up and used as double acts. But even discounting that there are three teams that could be used to make the tag scene more competitive. Given how much the other championships in NXT mean it's a pity thatthe NXT tag belts are going through a dry patch right now.

NXTweet 21.01.15

The highlight of NXT this week? The long awaited return of Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy. Hideo Itami wrestling a singles main event on a show that also featured Charlotte v Sasha Banks and Finn Bálor v Curtis Axel was just icing on the cake.

Intro and recap

Tweet 1: What is with these 50 minute-plus episodes of NXT? Ah well, best get on with it. The sooner I start the sooner I finish...

Tweet 2: I'm immediately laughing at people in the audience looking massively shocked at the Owens turn from R Evolution.
Tweet 3: They're showing highlights of last week's title match now. It was good, for the record.
Tweet 4: I'm less enthusiastic as Owens using the pop-up power bomb as a finish.

William Regal makes announcements

Tweet 5: Regal sitting at a desk? You better believe I'm marking out.

Tweet 6: Tournament. Marking out for that too.

Sami Zayn promo, featuring William Regal and Tye Dillinger

Tweet 7: What did Tye Dillinger ever do to Sami Zayn, eh?

Poor ol' Tye.

Tweet 8: Regal means business here. Didn't even wipe his feet before getting into the ring.
Tweet 9: On a side note I realised the other day that I wipe my feet whenever going into a building. I like to think I picked that up from Regal.
Tweet 10: Owens v Zayn will main event the next Takeover special? I'm shocked...
Tweet 11: One of the tournament entrants is "the enigmatic mind of Finn Bálor"? So, not Bálor, just his mind? C'mon, commentary team.

Number one contender tournament: Curtis Axel v Finn Bálor

Tweet 12: Better than Perfect? Nah mate.

Tweet 13: Axel went to NXT to get his career back on track. He should've just reformed his team with Ryback.
Tweet 14: Axel realising he's been outperformed before the bell's even rung, there.
Tweet 15: Rich Brennan cracking jokes about Yogi Bear. I actually despair.
Tweet 16: This match was really good until Axel went on offence and slapped on a rest hold.
Tweet 17: Bálor's double stomp needs a cool name. How about... Kill Feet?
Tweet 18: Magic Jumping Finisher?
Tweet 19: Rich Brennan is welcoming us to the show and we're well over 18 minutes in.

Devin Taylor interviews Sasha Banks

Tweet 20: Sasha reckons she's winning the women's title on this episode. I reckon she's not.

Bull Dempsey promo

Tweet 21: Lovely close-up on Bull Dempsey's hands.

Tweet 22: Bull Dempsey: the talent Taz could have been.

NXT women’s championship match: Charlotte (c) v Sasha Banks

Tweet 23: Charlotte's had her hair done but she's STILL wearing that same T-shirt and ring gear. I bet she smells rancid.

Tweet 24: Love that she threw her shirt in a kid's face. You wouldn't catch John doing that.
Tweet 25: Yeah, just John. What of it?
Tweet 26: Charlotte being announced from Queen City tickled me. Probs near Dudleyville.

Could've been great with more time and a different ending.

Tweet 27: Still not sold on Becky Lynch. Sasha is a great talent. Probably the best woman WWE has.
Tweet 28: Between her and Paige.
Tweet 29: Not understanding why Becky interfered, other than to set up that Bayley run-in.
Tweet 30: Was that suplex from Bayley to Charlotte meant to be a heel turn? On the unimaginative main roster it would be obvious.
Tweet 31: What's Becky done to earn a women's title match? Actually what? C'mon, Regal...

Some new interviewer bloke talks to Kevin Owens

Tweet 32: New interviewer interrupting Owens while he's texting or playing Angry Birds or whatevs. He wouldn't have gotten off that lightly with Punk.

The Vaudevillains v Buddy Murphy and Wesley Blake

Tweet 33: #Vaudevillainspop

Tweet 34: No pop for Murphy and Blake.
Tweet 35: Can't tell Murphy and Blake apart? Don't worry, they've got you covered! Their names are written on their tights.
Tweet 36: Sometimes even they forget which one's which.

Wear down hold!

Tweet 37: Murphy still looks like a younger, shorter Undertaker.
Tweet 38: I've worked out what it is that gives me trouble about these lads. Their look is very TNA. Which obviously isn't a good thing.
Tweet 39: Their entrance music though. I'm going to be disappointed when Jim Johnston gets around to them.
Tweet 40: Vaudevillains lost btw. I was surprised.

The new interviewer bloke talks to Murphy and Blake

Tweet 41: "This isn't where our year ends!" - Buddy Murphy, in January

Tweet 42: They reckon they're going to the top. Maybe settle for NXT, guys. You don't want to get Ascensioned on RAW.

Number one contender tournament: Tyler Breeze v Hideo Itami

Tweet 43: Look! Look, everyone! It's Tyler! *swoons*

Tweet 44: Against my better judgment I'm enjoying this phantom of the opera thing they've got going on with Marcus Louis stalking Breeze.
Tweet 45: It's exactly the level of gimmick storyline I love right now. They'll mess it up though.
Tweet 46: 'The Handsome Godzilla'! That's Breeze's best nickname yet.
Tweet 47: "That is going to change some molars in the mouth of Tyler Breeze" - J-Train, with a perfect example of why he shouldn't be commentating
Tweet 48: I mean, yeah, I'm enjoying this match, but not as much as I think I should be. I'm beginning to think this is on Itami.
Tweet 49: Breaking news: Lucha Dragons accept the challenge of Burphy and Mlake.
Tweet 50: Even breakinger news: no one cares.
Tweet 51: Maybe Rich Brennan should look into what a fisherman's suplex actually is.

Tasty little point from Breeze, there.

Tweet 52: Breeze hitting a super kick, reminding me that he is WWE's answer to the Young Bucks.
Tweet 53: That crucifix was a bit...
Tweet 54: Look at all those lovely, lovely kicks.
Tweet 55: Itami won. With a kick.
Tweet 56: Good show, everyone. Good hustle.

NXTweet 27.11.14

The return of Blue Pants, Finn Bálor’s first NXT singles match, and Tyson Kidd Skyping cats. It’s NXT.

Tyler Breeze v Marcus ‘le Monstre’ Louis

Tweet 1: Right then. Let's get NXT watched.

Tweet 2: Look everyone! It's Tyler!!
Tweet 3: Loving this Marcus 'I'm A Monster!' Louis shtick.
Tweet 4: Trunks and a towel. No music. Pure entrance.
Tweet 5: No kneepads.
Tweet 6: "Marcus Louise" - The Bernard Train
Tweet 7: Solid comedy promo from Breeze. Gets his character over, refers to himself as precious, drops an "uggo" for good measure.
Tweet 8: Then Breeze won. Tremendous.
Tweet 9: Then this happened:

Tweet 10: I miss those carefully cultivated tufts of hair on Marcus's head.

Post-break recap of Marcus Louis’ antics

Tweet 11: During the break Louis wandered out of the front door in his trunks.

Tweet 12: Crowd popped for seeing a man walk out into the street in his pants. Don't blame them. #TVgold

Carmella v Blue Pants

Tweet 13: You can't teach being seven feet tall. That's a shoot.

Tweet 14: Does Staten Island have royalty?

These three could be so good on RAW.

Tweet 15: Crowd chanting for the return of Leva Bates as Blue Pants. WWE should really consider signing her.
Tweet 16: That entrance music Big Cass did was better than some of Jim Johnston's work.
Tweet 17: Carmella getting booed because she's not as over as the enhancement talent there.

Finn Bálor interviewed backstage

Tweet 18: Finn Bálor’s backstage taping his fists with a flag jauntily draped over his shoulder.

Tweet 19: He thinks the future is now. Factually inaccurate.

The Lucha Dragons v Jason Jordan and Tye Dillinger

Tweet 20: I reckon the real reason Rey Mysterio wants out of WWE is that he knows he'll never be as over as The Lucha Dragons.

Tweet 21: Jordan and Dillinger should use the team name Jordillinger.
Tweet 22: Renee Young thought The Vaudevillains, who are pantomime villains, would be above using midgets to mock opponents. Oh, Renee.
Tweet 23: That "Oh, Renee" in the last tweet was withering. It wasn't a reference to 'Allo, 'Allo.

Work on your boots, lads.

Tweet 24: It's bothering me for more than it should that the Dragons don't have matching boots but do have matching tights.
Tweet 25: Well that match did nothing for Jordillinger. Didn't do that much for Cara and Kalisto either.

Kevin Owens hype video

Tweet 26: Kevin Owens vignette. He fights to provide for his family. He'll fight anyone.

Tweet 27: Looking forward to seeing what WWE do with this Kevin Owens guy. He looks like he might be good...

Bayley promo, featuring Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch

Tweet 28: Bayley's booked herself some in-ring promo time after Charlotte said she wouldn't be around to watch her back. This won't end well.

Tweet 29: Bayley with a B A Star promo there.
Tweet 30: OMG Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks have interrupted her! Whadda shock!

Sasha Banks, looking decidedly non-ratchet.

Tweet 31: Team BAE gave Bayley's knee a tap and some refs broke them up. The overly buff ref was involved.

Tyson Kidd and Natalya interviewed backstage

Tweet 32: How does Natalya feel about her husband's match with Finn Bálor? She's excited. Excited for Tyson's #opportunity

Tweet 33: Natalya just said she's putting Tyson over. Insider term, much? Jim Neidhart will privately disown her over that.
Tweet 34: Natalya should take a Kevin Nash approach with her character. Start taking it easy in the ring and dropping in insider jargon.
Tweet 35: Tyson's off to Skype some cats and cousin Teddy before his match.

Vaudevillains vignette

Tweet 36: Silent black and white movie of The Vaudevillains training. Legit gold.

Tweet 37: Gotch boxing a bear was probably the highlight.

Finn Bálor v Tyson Kidd

Tweet 38: That pose was a bit Jericho. 'Y2Devitt'.

Finn Bálor channelling Chris Jericho.

Tweet 39: Just going to put this out there: I reckon WWE are doing a slow build to a Natalya versus Tyson Kidd match. Probably at 'Mania.
Tweet 40: Kidd pulled Natalya in front of him to stop Bálor doing a tope. If I were Bálor I'd have done it anyway. Natty can bump.

Heel husband.

Tweet 41: "C'mon, ask him! Ask him in Irish!" - Tyson Kidd with an attempt at comedy heat
Tweet 42: The crowd is backing Kidd and booing some of Bálor's moves. I bet Bálor wishes he'd gone to TNA now!
Tweet 43: Sarcasm, obvs. Nobody in NXT wishes they were in TNA.
Tweet 44: Bálor had the match won and got jumped by The Ascension. Because special event hype.
Tweet 45: Some random jobbers joined the referees in trying to restore order. To the surprise of no one it failed.