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Cathy Kelly interviewed Shawn Michaels and Triple H following WWE’s World Collide event. Highlights:
*Triple H said it felt like they went back to the first NXT Arrival event when they launched on the WWE Network or the first Blackpool Takeover. It felt like they launched a franchise. They had a feeling, a vibe and a palpable buzz in the arena. It carried through over the course of the show and now a franchise has been launched as NXT continues to grow worldwide. To do this once a year or whatever or do a World’s Cup type of event down the line is special.
*In the past people would have said “What If?” but you know what happened when the talents face off.
*Shawn Michaels said IIja Dragonuv has made his name worldwide now. He praised Mustache Mountain’s work. He said you have one chance to make a first impression and they did a great job.
*They said the Cruiserweight Championship being held by Jordan Devlin will be a big thing for the NXT UK brand. Fans will be able to follow the belt there and back here to the States.
*On Rhea Ripley vs. Toni Storm, Triple H said Ripley has really transformed into a star on another platform. She’s gone full circle over the last year and proved her place tonight. Her improvement has been incredible, especially at 22 years old. Michaels said that exemplifies what the UK brand has done since it’s help her build confidence. He feels she’s the hottest female star going right now. HHH said she grabbed her swagger in NXT UK and that’s where she learned to be what she is now, the most dominant woman in the industry.
*On Alexander Wolfe, Triple H said they are lucky that was the only injury in the main event. He got caught in the chin and was KO’d. The medical staff decided he had to “get out of there” and Imperium was left in a 3 on 4 situation.
*Triple H said WALTER is a machine. Michaels said they are former friends from the past who come to NXT UK and have been superior in Europe. They see what’s happening here and want to be dominant. They made a statement tonight.
*On WWE NXT stars in the Royal Rumble match, Triple H said you can expect to see some involvement but declined to say names. He said the Rumble is one of his favorite matches ever and William Regal was having conversations with Raw and Smackdown. He said they need to be careful because NXT could dominate the entire thing.
*HHH brought up DIY vs. Mustache Mountain. Neither team had been teaming of late and for them to come together on short notice and then tear the house down, it showed a lot about them. There was showmanship and character and then they just slugged it out. Michaels said it was phenomenal for what they can do. They’ve been through everything together like HHH and Michaels had been during their era.
*Triple H announced this Wednesday, William Regal will announce Adam Cole’s challenger for Takeover: Portland and teased it will be “epic.”
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