Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
Welcome to PWInsider.com's coverage of the traditional pre-WWE NXT Takeover media call designed to promote Saturday's NXT special in Philadelphia, which will air on the WWE Network.
Adam Hopkins, WWE's PR czar welcomed everyone to the call. They went right to Triple H. He said he is excited for the weekend in Philly, especially since the Eagles are going to the Super Bowl. He said it should be a crazier crowd than usual, kicking it off with NXT Takeover. He said he hopes to raise the bar for everyone that follows the NXT Takeover event.
Triple H ran down the four announced matches for the Takeover broadcast. He noted that the Extreme Rules match was not booked because they were in Philly or ECW. He said he didn't want fans to embrace the past as much as embrace the future.
He said they've had some exciting signings the last few weeks at the Performance Center with Ricochet, War Machine and Candice LeRae.
Kassius Ohno vs. Velveteen Dream has been added to the NXT Takeover card tonight.
There will be content filmed before the broadcast. TM-61 will return to the ring, plus Nikki Cross and Roderick Strong appearing before they go live. That content will air the following week.
He was asked if there was interest in Jessamyn Duke. He said he's aware of her and he's seen her training and she has a gift for pro wrestling, but he's not chasing down everyone with a MMA background. He knows that she's serious about getting into the business, but it's all about timing. They are full in the WWE Performance Center and that process has become very demanding. You have to be the best of the best to get in.
Triple H was asked about Shayna Baszler and what excites him about her as a performer that led to her being in such a big match so soon. He said there's a certain aura to her as a performer and has a bad-ass personality, a "bully component" to her. He said that it just works for her as she's so matter of fact in the ring. He said the character was there to put things in place. He said that her work gives him an emotional attachment to Ember Moon as a defender. Before, it was about her desire to achieve and get to the title but, now what? This gave her a chance to be a defender against the bully and to achieve two things at once. He felt the story worked on all levels and did a great job of getting things where they needed it to go with the story.
He was asked about heavy metal becoming one of the musical themes of NXT. Triple H said that when they formed NXT, he wanted it to have a different imagery and feel. WWE is more pop music. They are a bit more a niche and an edge and he wants people to feel that edge. It's not about a certain genre of music but how that music might make you feel. It's not about urban hip hop or heavy metal as much as it's about making you feel something or cool about a certain story. He thinks its cool to be a brand that breaks new talent and gets to expose new and upcoming bands. Some of them get a huge social rub working with them and it helps them. He feels it helps that genre of music and it helps the brand and he likes it, so it's win/win for everyone.
He was asked about the new signings coming in and where they would pop up first. Triple H said that the way it usually works now is everyone goes through NXT as its unfair to send talents to the main roster before they know how WWE produces TV and it doesn't matter who you are or where you worked, because without that comfort level, it's intense and can be overwhelming. He said that he expects they will be in NXT at least at first. He said that he doesn't want to see anyone fail. He doesn't want to jinx anyone and wants to make sure everyone has all the tools to succeed before they are let out into the world, at which point its up to them and creative to make things happen.
Triple H id Raw 25 was a good time. You don't often get to visit with all your buddies together.
Jason Powell asked Triple H about whether the company was "open for business" in terms for a sale. Triple H said that it's obvious that Vince McMahon said they are. They are happy where they are, but if someone has an idea, they are open to discuss, even if it doesn't happen.
Raj Giri asked about discussions with Ronda Rousey. They have talked all sorts of scenarios. They have had back and forth conversations. They are all busy and haven't hammered anything out. She has a deep love for pro wrestling, noting the Roddy Piper connection. He said she's actually been training for pro wrestling on the side going back four years. He said that Rousey likes the business that he thinks it will be difficult for her to not be "all in" but she's very busy and their talks are not going to be the fastest process.
Triple H was asked about the idea of doing a Takeover in Australia at some point. Triple H said that he thought the opportunity to do things internationally is there, whether its a Takeover or a TV taping. He said that such things are easier for NXT vs. the main roster since Raw and Smackdown have to be live every week. He said that they are open for business if the opportunity is right. He said they did a tour there before with promoter Paul Dante and it was successful and popular. They would do it again and they have to work on that. It's time consuming to make it happen.
Triple H was asked about the Iconic Duo in NXT and asked how far they might be from getting a call up to the main roster. HHH said he didn't think they were far. He said there's a certain point in time that you "get all of it" but then you need "reps" to prepare to be ready for the opportunity. He said that they want to make sure they have the reps and the time so they are prepared to take it to the next level when they step up to the main roster. He said sometimes there are little things that make you delay movements because you have to move little pieces around. When the time is right, they will smash their opportunity. For years to come, they'll be able to wow fans in Australia when they go home.
That's it for the call. It was shorter than usual as he was late getting to the call.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
