WWE held a conference call with members of the media today hosted by Paul “Triple H” Levesque to discuss the massive NXT Takeover: New Orleans live special happening on Saturday, April 7th only on the WWE Network. PW’s Mike Killam was a part of today’s media call, which you can listen to in full using the audio player above.
On hold for today’s NXT Takeover: New Orleans media call with Triple H. Should be starting any time now unless there are delays. There’s usually delays. #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/SiuJRfCMic
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
Triple H calls the @HBO documentary on #AndretheGiant absolutely “spectacular” and recommends everyone go to see it when it’s available on 4/10. He attended the world premiere last night in LA. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
The North American Championships is a “long-term expansion play much like the UK Championship is a part of a long-term strategy play with the brand.”
Triple H says it’ll help with national and international NXT touring. Announcements COMING SOON for the UK title. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
On a possible secondary women’s title for NXT, Triple H says he’s into the idea but they have to make sure the creative is there, and there’s enough depth to make it happen effectively.
The men are getting a second title right now because that’s what’s needed now. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
Q: Who has the final say with regard to NXT talent being called up to WWE?
A: Vince. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
Triple H says he likes that other promotions “piggyback” on WrestleMania because as much as they try, they can’t be all things to all people. All the various companies mean that there’s going to be something for everyone no matter their tastes. (1/3) #NXTTakevoer
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
That being said, it’s a problem if an indie promotion comes in for the week and gives the fans a bad experience because that reflects on the grander “WrestleMania experience”, but they would be willing to work with groups on making it a positive experience (2/3) #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
Triple H says that people complain because they think WWE tries to move things around to screw over indie promotions during Mania week, but claims that WWE doesn’t do anything because of anyone else. They don’t have to. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
With regard to the Ciampa/Gargano story being similar to Shane/Owens/Zayn, sometimes it’s hard because they write & tape NXT 2-3 months in advance. A lot of times he has to ask “are you planning a ladder match at WrestleMania” and hope they don’t overlap too much. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
Triple H says he’s happy with the new direction of 205 Live. Says viewership is up and it’s trending on social where it wasn’t before. Praises the team there, is enjoying the new responsibility but isn’t as hands-on with 205 Live as he is with the NXT brand. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
Triple H praised Elias for being talented on every level, and that their goal with him was to keep him in NXT just long enough to learn the essentials before moving him up because his kind of entertainment is better suited for the main roster. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
Triple H praised Elias for being talented on every level, and that their goal with him was to keep him in NXT just long enough to learn the essentials before moving him up because his kind of entertainment is better suited for the main roster. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
Talking about MMA stars transitioning to WWE, Triple H says “becoming great is a puzzle” and it’s learning all the pieces (in-ring, mic work, character, etc.) over time, but great MMA stars already have polished pieces of that puzzle. Hence the natural transition. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
Triple H says NXT is about building stars on every level of the business. Talent is constantly asked for input on their own promos, characters, creative, etc. A lot of times they try things out at house shows and it evolves on their own. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
A big part of it is giving NXT talent the tools to find out what works and what doesn’t, and giving them the experience so when they get to the main roster they can participate and evolve and have a better idea what will get them where they need to go. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
Triple H says @AdamColePro had a following and brand when he came into NXT, all the coaches say that dealing with him (creatively, his mindset, his attitude) requires little direction and he’s got the right idea; has improved drastically in a short period of time. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
Other stars he mentioned where Lars Sullivan, Ember Moon, Velveteen Dream but Triple H says there’s been movement from literally everyone in the system. Talks about Shayna Baszler adding to her skill set in the last few months, but there’s too many people to name. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
“Anybody that fails to improve [in NXT and the Performance Center]is not on us. The tools are there.” #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
Triple H says having too much talent is a “great problem to have”. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018
Triple H reflects on Braun Strowman now compared to where he was a few years ago when he first stepped through the doors and says it’s night and day. Probably the best example of the system. #NXTTakeover
— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) March 30, 2018