Triple H conducted a press conference call today for the NXT Takeover special tomorrow night, and the following are some highlights:
Triple H opened the call by touting the success of the NXT Arrival special and when asked if WWE has plans to run the specials monthly, Triple H indicated that quarterly specials is probably a more attainable goal. HHH noted that when the Arrival special aired on the Network, Vince McMahon praised the event by noting WWE not only launched a great show, but launched a new brand.
Triple H addressed the difficulty of transitioning from a developmental talent to the main roster, and noted just because something works in NXT does not mean it's going to work in front of a main roster crowd. He stressed the importance of NXT as a training territory, and said their goal is to help talents make that transition to live TV and PPV.
HHH mentioned Cesaro specifically, and said back when he was working both main roster and NXT events that he wouldn't always showcase everything he could do in NXT when he was on main roster TV. HHH said he would pull Cesaro aside and tell him "do that on Raw, or do that on Smackdown." HHH noted main roster TV carries a more big time feel to it, so that often times creates a nervousness talents have to adjust to.
Triple H discussed Bray Wyatt transitioning from his developmental status, and said he thinks Wyatt is just now becoming comfortable with his main roster role. He said he believes Wyatt has been "knocking it out of the park" for awhile now, but the transition takes time, and Wyatt's just now scratching the surface of what he can do in WWE.
As far as the current NXT TV taping format is concerned, Triple H noted they're constantly discussing what's best for the show and their relationship with Full Sail University, and the current taping format appears to be suitable for the time being.
Triple H went on to confirm that WWE has been scouting talent recently in Europe, Abu Dhabi and Brazil, and they are constantly looking for global talents to bring to the Performance Center.
With regards to main roster talent working NXT shows, as is the case with Tyson Kidd and Natalya at Takeover, he said NXT is a place where you can get showcased if you don't have a major main roster role at the moment. It's a great way for NXT talents to learn from main roster talent and improve their games. He also added when he sees the opportunity to weave main roster story lines with NXT story lines he will take that chance.
On the possibility of Tough Enough returning on the WWE Network, Triple H said he could not confirm the show will be returning, but they have been discussing it, and have been discussing filming the show at the Performance Center in Orlando.
Triple H praised the ability of NXT Diva Charlotte, calling her a very gifted athlete. He noted how great of a story it will be to see the Ric Flair vs Bret Hart rivalry play out at NXT Takeover with the Natalya vs Charlotte match.
With regards to Shawne Merriman's WWE status, HHH noted the two sides have been in talks, and it's up to Shawne as to what he wants to do in WWE.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
