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WWE NXT TAKEOVER PRE SHOW COVERAGE: COREY GRAVES' ANNOUNCEMENT

By Richard Trionfo on 2014-12-11 19:49:54
Before we get to the next NXT Live special, it is time for the NXT Takeover Pre Show.

We are in Winter Park, Florida and your host is Renee Young. She is joined by Jason Albert and Alex Riley inside the lobby while the fans are outside in a slightly cool December evening in the Orlando area.

Jason mentions that tonight is the debut of Kevin Owens and the promise that Finn Balor made about doing something special tonight.

Renee mentions the main event, Sami Zayn versus Adrian Neville in a battle of two friends.

Renee mentions that if Sami loses, he said that his career would be over.

Jason says that Sami is a free spirit who tries to avoid Neville at the Performance Center. Alex mentions that Sami has issues in big matches.

Renee turns our attention to Finn Balor and Hideo Itami who will face The Ascension tonight.

We take a look at a video package for Hideo Itami and the introduction of Finn Balor.

Renee asks Jason and Alex if this is a fair matchup.

Alex says that the Ascension are the proven while Itami and Balor are unproven. He asks Jason what have they proven in NXT.

Jason points out that they are new in NXT, but would Regal have signed them if they hadn’t proven themselves elsewhere. He mentions how popular Itami is in Japan.

Alex says that Finn Balor will probably be showing something intense and dark.

Jason says that Finn and Hideo are the quiet guys sitting in the back who you need to worry about.

Sami Zayn was interviewed earlier and he says that he wants to win the NXT Title before moving to Raw or Smackdown, but he has reached the point where he needs to take away the safety net.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Renee mentions that Corey Graves was one of the most popular members of NXT.

We see a video package for Graves.

Corey joins Renee, Jason, and Alex.

Corey says that he missed everyone and he says that since he was a little kid, he always wanted to be a WWE superstar. He wrestled around the world for nine years until the WWE gave him a contract. He says that injuries are a risk you take in the ring and he has suffered a few concussions and he has dealt with some issues.

Corey says that his health is most important and that is why he is announcing that he will be retiring from the ring.

Corey says that WWE is giving him some other opportunities so he will be an announcer for NXT.

Alex welcomes Corey to the announce team.

Renee mentions that Corey will be doing commentary tonight.

Renee mentions that Kevin Owens will be debuting tonight and we see a video package for Owens.

He says that he was not supposed to make it, but now it is time for him to fight his friends who came up with him. This is his moment. Now that he is here, he will fight anyone . . . and everyone. Tonight is his evolution. Tonight, he revolutionizes NXT. Tonight, Kevin Owens takes over.

Renee mentions that Kevin Owens will kick off tonight’s show.

Jason says that Kevin is ready. He will make the most of this opportunity.

Alex says that Kevin has a chip on his shoulder.

Corey talks about the feeling he had when he first stepped into a WWE ring.

Renee says that Seth Rollins told her that Kevin is not the prototypical performer but he will show what he can do.

Sami Zayn mentions that he is setting the ‘stipulation’ and it is not in a contract. Sami says that he does not want to leave and he has no intention of losing the match.

Another title match tonight is the Tag Title match. The Vaudevillains will face The Lucha Dragons.

We see a video package for the match.

Renee sends it to Rich Brennan who is with Kalisto and Sin Cara outside. Rich asks them about the things that the Vaudevillains have done.

Kalisto says that tonight is their evolution to the top. They are no jokes and they will show that they will fight for their goals and their dreams. They will show the Vaudevillains and the NXT Universe that they are Lucha.

It is now time to take a look at the other title match. This one is for the Women’s Title with Charlotte facing former BFF member Sasha Banks.

We have a video package.

Alex mentions that he interviewed Sasha Banks earlier today and he asks Sasha about being called the underdog and she wonders who is saying that. Tonight is her night.

Bayley interrupts and she says that Sasha will not win tonight.

Sasha tells Bayley that Charlotte’s daddy will watch her lose tonight and Bayley better watch her back.

Becky Lynch attacks Bayley from behind.

Alex wonders if Sasha is outmatched.

Renee mentions that Bayley has suffered no ligament damage and she should be back in the ring by Monday.

Renee mentions the main event and we get some comments from Adrian Neville.

Adrian says that he would feel sorry for Sami but he has put this upon himself. Adrian says that he doesn’t want Sami to do this. He doesn’t want the burden of ending Sami’s career.

We go to a video package for the main event.

Renee talks about Sami’s stipulation.

Alex talks about the pressure that Sami is feeling. He says that Sami said that putting his career on the line is not a stipulation and that Sami is backtracking.

Corey says that this is motivation by Sami.

Jason agrees with Corey and he talks about the roadblocks that Sami has gotten past.

Alex wonders if he would put a stipulation on the line if he didn’t think he would win. He also says that Sami lacks the killer instinct.

Renee asks for predictions on the main event. Alex picks Neville. Jason picks Sami. Corey picks Sami as well.

Remember to check out the coverage of NXT Takeover: R-Evolution.

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