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Triple H's NXT Takeover: Respect Conference Call Notes

3K views 29 replies 23 participants last post by  DJ2334 
#1 ·
http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/627...mmick-matches-such-as-hell-in-a-cell-and-more

Wrestlezone said:
My question is about this past weekend. Finn Balor decided to go out and have some fun on Twitter. He crotch chopped in front of the TNA offices in Nashville, he posed with Grado, they stood in front of a UFC sign… is this something that concerns you? Or is this something you encourage and think is funny?
Triple H said:
(Laughs) It’s funny. Look, here’s the reality of it whether anybody wants to believe this or not. So, when our guys are on the road it’s beneficial for us to travel them by bus. It works out better. We do that depending on the market. When they all landed in Nashville the bus picked them up. We give directions to the company as to what our needs are and the need is to take them to a gym of a certain caliber. Well, they did and they brought them to the gym. When the bus pulled up out front the gym just happened to be right next door to their offices, TNA’s offices. Finn has a very, uh, “large” sense of humor and thought it would be quite entertaining to jump out of the bus and of course just get under the sign and take a photo. He immediately sent the photo to me with a tag at the bottom that said, “Hope you don’t mind if I tweet this out.” And you know? He’s having fun. People take stuff too seriously. He’s having a great time and, you know, people fire back and whatever. It’s creative and it’s fun and it’s good spirited and it is what it is. If people blow up over it or think whatever they want, that’s their business.
Wrestlezone said:
NH: I’ll ask about what everyone is buzzing about and that is the Women’s Division in NXT tomorrow night. Of course, Sasha and Bayley are going at it in an ‘IronWoman Match’. Is there a chance this opens the door for women in NXT, or on the main roster, to compete in other matches that have been specific to men? Like Elimination Chambers or Hell in a Cell bouts?
Triple H said:
Look, if they’re smart they don’t want to be in the Elimination Chamber. I don’t want to compete in the Elimination Chamber. It’s brutal. Yeah, I think the opportunity is there for them to be competitive on every level. I wouldn’t, you know, I don’t know that we should look at them any differently than we look at any other competitors. So, I think those opportunities exist and we’ll see where they go. One thing I do want to say is you mentioned, “IronWoman Match.” This has been something I’ve seen debated on the internet. When we made the plans to do this I asked the question, “So, is it ‘IronMan’ or is it ‘IronWoman Match’?” And we all debated it. I felt like, look, if you compete in the…I don’t know what you would call it. The triathlon? What’s it called? The triathlon IronMan competition. If you win it as a woman I’m pretty sure you win “The IronMan.” You don’t win “The IronWoman.” Right? You just win the IronMan. So, that was my stance on it. Everybody kind of weighed in and Lita was there. I asked Lita what she thought and she thought to call it IronWoman would be derogatory towards women. You know? It’s an IronMan Match. That’s what it is. I want to do the same match the guys do. It’s an IronMan Match. And I said, “Well there you go it’s an ‘IronMan Match’.” So, everybody that’s complaining… everyone has their opinions… but whoever wins is going to win the ‘IronMan Match’ and that’s just the way it is. It’s not derogatory, it’s not anything else. They want to compete in the same thing and that match is called an ‘IronMan’. That’s just what it is.

I honestly don't care either way what the match is called. All that matters to me is that it delivers.
 
#5 ·
Re: Triple H Comments on Finn Balor's Crotch Chop on TNA Property; Discusses Calling Sasha vs. Bayley an Iron Man Match Instead of an "Iron Woman" Mat

He comes off as so much more down-to-earth than either his wife or Vince.
It's almost as if he actually puts some serious thought into the decisions he makes and accepts counsel from others.
 
#4 ·
Re: Triple H Comments on Finn Balor's Crotch Chop on TNA Property; Discusses Calling Sasha vs. Bayley an Iron Man Match Instead of an "Iron Woman" Mat

I actually like it still being called an IronMan match; makes it sound so legit and it can be added into WWE history as an actual Ironman match and it's not in a category of its own just because it's titled IronWoman.

And of course HHH has no problem with it, it was just a joke. Even one of TNA's workers took a picture at the Performance Center and Finn was the one who took it! :lol
 
#6 ·
Re: Triple H Comments on Finn Balor's Crotch Chop on TNA Property; Discusses Calling Sasha vs. Bayley an Iron Man Match Instead of an "Iron Woman" Mat

Here's what Triple H had to say during the conference call:

PWInsider said:
Paul Levesque/Triple H met with reporters on a conference call with wrestling reporters. Here’s our recap.

Adam Hopkins reminded us about WrestleMania 32 tickets going on sale, which we reported yesterday.

HHH said he was a bit late because he had to call Bruno Sammartino and wish him a happy 80th Birthday. Bruno is recovering from back surgery and doing well.

HHH talked about how well NXT did in Brooklyn and said said that some of the shows on the upcoming UK tour have sold out, including Takeover from Wembley Arena in London. He said that being part of Louder Than Life in Louisville, KY over this past weekend was a success as well. He said it was a good experience for the wrestlers to be in front of a different kind of crowd. And of course, tomorrow we have Takeover: Respect. HHH paid homage to the late, great Dusty Rhodes and said he will be show respect by those in the tag tournament. On a second level, respect is paid to the women of NXT. For the first time they will be THE main event as Sasha takes on Bayley in a 30 minute Iron Man match. It is about respect for women in the business. As much as they have both done for women’s wrestling so far, he feels they will raise the bar tomorrow night. HHH also talked about the new series “Breaking Ground”, which is being shot right now at the Performance Center and other places, such as the Louder Than Life Festival. He thinks that the look inside will be very interesting for fans.

The first question came from Mike Johnson. He asked about the three different crowds at the shows at the Barclay Center, with demographics at Raw, NXT and the PPV. He asked what HHH derived from the unique demographics that NXT brought. He also asked what lessons have been learned in 2015 and what can WWE glean from that information.

HHH said there are definitely different crowds at the shows and he wonders how much crossover there is between the brands. He said that while NXT is not difference from a performance standpoint, it’s more underground and edgier. HHH said that they are feeding that niche and the niche is huge. If NXT is Punk or Heavy Metal, than WWE is more Pop Music, it catches everyone. He knows who is fan base is with NXT and he knows who he is trying to serve. He wants to glean what the crossover is to those that also went to see Raw and the PPV. The goal of the main roster is to appeal to everyone.

As for 2015, as he said they have thrown a lot against the wall. It’s grown. He hopes to have even more fully functioning third brand that is touring even more than it is now. He wants to tour more internationally and do more festivals, as they did over the weekend. He said now they may get to the point where they can’t do everything and will have to say no to things, due to the growth. It’s a great problem to have.

Mike said it might be time for a brand split. HHH laughed and then said he didn’t know if he could handle that.

Jason Powell asked who has taken over for Dusty as the head of the promo class. HHH said it’s kind of split up right now and Dusty is kind of irreplaceable in that respect. The way he ran the promo class worked great because it was Dusty’s invention. HHH is trying to find the right people to put in the role that can then morph it to work for him the way Dusty’s system worked for him. Right now it’s a mix between guests, internal people and William Regal. He is still looking find the right person/people.

Powell asked about Muta appearing at the last special. HHH joked that he didn’t remember that. Did you mean Liger? Yes he did. He said he wouldn’t mind working with Muta or Liger. He is open to working with people and companies where there is a mutual reason to do so. He has met with New Japan and we will see what comes out of it.

The next question asked how important HHH thinks Bayley vs. Sasha from Brooklyn was to bringing women’s wrestling back to WWE, down the road.

HHH thinks the match was huge, but there are other and will be more moments that are just as huge. It all builds to where it will end up. He put over Natty and Sara Del Rey for their roles. He mentioned Ronda Rousey and the US Women’s Soccer Team. He thinks they are in the mix to do that for women in wrestling. He said their Brooklyn match was one the greatest he has ever seen. He said that the world is saying that they are phenomenal, passionate athletes that make the sacrifices necessary, just like the men. He said to say that one moment is what made it happen wouldn’t be fair. It’s a giant wheel of momentum and a lot of people are a part of that. All of the women have started the revolution and they will continue to be.

He asked about NXT talents learning all aspects of the business, like Bayley over the weekend. HHH said some people just want to perform while others want to learn all aspects of the business. He said it’s very hard for people to do that at a Raw, but they can do it at NXT. He said some people, like him, like to learn all aspects of the business so that when their time in the ring are done, they can have a second career in the business. He appreciates that some people want to perform and also that some want to do more. He encourages people to learn more if they want to.

The next question asked about Finn Balor doing the crotch chop in front of TNA offices over the weekend. Doesn’t concern him or does he think it’s funny?

He think it’s funny. The talent travels by bus in cities. They gave the bus company a mandate to take the talents to a good gym and it just so happened to be near TNA’s offices. He said that Finn sent him the photo and said he hopes he doesn’t mind if he tweets it. HHH didn’t care. He said anyone who minds it takes it too seriously.

He was asked about women competing in cage matches and Cells. He said the opportunities should be there for women. He also said that when they planned to do the match, they debated whether to call it an Iron Man or Iron Woman match. He thought Iron Man and asked Lita and she said she thought calling it Iron Woman would be demeaning. So they went with Iron Man.

Scott Fishman asked about Vince being hot and cold about women’s wrestling. He was asked if Vince was hard to sell on letting the women main event NXT. HHH was like HUH? Fishman said that Vince has the final say. H corrected him and said not in NXT. He said he told Vince he was doing it and Vince was fine with it. He said if people want to see it, great. HHH said that Vince does have a different way of presenting women on his roster, but he lets HHH book his product his way. He could, of course, overrule him but that isn’t the case. He said that Vince came to Brooklyn and just watched, which is hard for him because he likes to put his fingerprints on it. He said he was happy Vince came and watched. He said Vince enjoyed it. Vince told him yesterday he can’t wait to watch Bayley and Sasha tomorrow night.

He asked about Asuka debuting against Dana Brooke. He said that he thinks Asuka debuting is another cog in the wheel of the women growing. He talked about Hideo Itami coming in and it was a struggle and that happens. He compared college football to the NFL in that there is an adjustment process. He said what he has seen of her so far tells him that she will be great. She has an innate charisma as well.

Jim V. asked what the thought process of the Horsewomen do the Curtain Call in Brooklyn. He said for him, it’s all about emotion and telling the story. He tries to look at it like a fan. What is real and what would the fans want to do. He wanted to make it real, like in other sports. He likes capturing the emotion, especially in something that big. Sasha was leaving and Bayley was ascending, and the women that bonded together got to show that emotion. He said it was kind of like their Curtain Call back in WWF. He said it was magic.

He was asked Vince thought. He said Vince loved it and thought it was a great touch. He said it’s all about selling the emotion and that came out. He said it’s not bad for the heel to show the emotion, it’s real. He said fans now more than ever get that. They know as much of the reality of the business as they do the story now. If you present it correctly, it makes it magical.

The last questions came from someone from 1Wrestling.com. He put over Bill Apter. He then asked if Gabe Sapolsky and Evolve will be working with NXT as possibly a feeder system or will Gabe be a booker?

The second part was new to HHH (so no). But Evolve as a feeder system? Yes. He likes what Gabe and Evolve does. He sees them as a feeder system and supports them and their shows. The talent that have come in to NXT from there have been well trained and they speak highly of Gabe. HHH would definitely send talent to Evolve if he didn’t have a space for them in NXT, or if there was something that they need to work on. HHH said he supports them in any way that they can and if he can help out Evolve he will.

The caller said that he thinks Apollo Crews will be the first "black" WWE champion in three years (I guess he never heard of The Rock). He was asked what he thought of Crews. He is obviously high on him, or he wouldn’t be there. He also thinks that he has everything it takes to be a champion. He also added he doesn’t understand how people don’t get that The Rock and Booker T were already African American champions.

HHH closed by thanking us and once again threw out the invitation for us to come on down to the Performance Center. He thanks us for coming and appreciates us for our support.
 
#9 · (Edited)
Re: Triple H NXT Takeover: Respect Conference Call Notes

I know he white and all but he can't be that naive can he?
In fairness, Booker T was WHC when it was considered to be on par with the WWE Championship. But yes, there still has not been a non-mixed race African-American WWE Champion.

Unless you were alluding to the fact that it's not enough and there need to be more black wrestlers pushed to the top of the card, in which case I agree... but that wasn't the question Triple H was responding to.
 
#22 ·
Re: Triple H NXT Takeover: Respect Conference Call Notes



Why shouldn't he do that? So if you were in his position you wouldn't have signed a top independent guy cause you don't care about making money?
 
#12 ·
Re: Triple H NXT Takeover: Respect Conference Call Notes

HHH always comes across very level headed and really acquits himself well. Good to hear that he still has a sense of humor even though he is a "suit". I really hope that Baley/Sasha II equals the first and then takes it even loftier ground. Just hope they both come out of it unscathed and with even greater stature.
 
#13 ·
Re: Triple H NXT Takeover: Respect Conference Call Notes

HHH always comes across very level headed and really acquits himself well. Good to hear that he still has a sense of humor even though he is a "suit". I really hope that Baley/Sasha II equals the first and then takes it even loftier ground. Just hope they both come out of it unscathed and with even greater stature.
It pleases me that even Vince is looking forward to Sasha vs. Bayley. He really thinks highly of her, as evidenced by her protection on the main roster.
 
#18 ·
Re: Triple H NXT Takeover: Respect Conference Call Notes

It's sad to think that Triple H knows the industry and what people want more than his father in law does and his father in law was born into this industry.

Triple H is cool.
 
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#23 ·
Re: Triple H NXT Takeover: Respect Conference Call Notes

HHH needs to get Vince the fuck out of the company and take over as he knows what hes doing
 
#26 ·
Re: Triple H NXT Takeover: Respect Conference Call Notes

Just watched NXT:24 from yesterday, and reading this kind of stuff about HHH makes me feel strange, I just don't know what to think about him. You can see him as a proud dad with his "NXT kids", as a humble guy who doesn't care about TNA (or maybe he was just burying it lol). I get to like him, and feel that the WWE will be in good hands if he takes over.

But then I see him as a character and as a wrestler on RAW, and although I can tolerate him most of the time, you can feel that he has a massive ego. I mean, why he needed a win over Sting? okay, it was Vince call. I'm quite sure that if he had approached Vince and refused to win... yes, probably Vince would of heard him and stopped that WWE vs WCW bullshit. Well, and you hear stories about him in the past, how he didn't want to put CM Punk over, the fuck you he did to Booker at Mania XIX, how hesitant is he about signing Angle... I honestly don't know how to feel towards him.

Well, I guess both things are not (exclusive?) I mean, I understand it's possible to have both sides.

Still, I can't stand his wife, nor do I understand how do they got together.:renee2
 
#28 ·
Re: Triple H NXT Takeover: Respect Conference Call Notes

Just watched NXT:24 from yesterday, and reading this kind of stuff about HHH makes me feel strange, I just don't know what to think about him. You can see him as a proud dad with his "NXT kids", as a humble guy who doesn't care about TNA (or maybe he was just burying it lol). I get to like him, and feel that the WWE will be in good hands if he takes over.

But then I see him as a character and as a wrestler on RAW, and although I can tolerate him most of the time, you can feel that he has a massive ego. I mean, why he needed a win over Sting? okay, it was Vince call. I'm quite sure that if he had approached Vince and refused to win... yes, probably Vince would of heard him and stopped that WWE vs WCW bullshit. Well, and you hear stories about him in the past, how he didn't want to put CM Punk over, the fuck you he did to Booker at Mania XIX, how hesitant is he about signing Angle... I honestly don't know how to feel towards him.

Well, I guess both things are not (exclusive?) I mean, I understand it's possible to have both sides.

Still, I can't stand his wife, nor do I understand how do they got together.:renee2
He's both. Even with NXT you can see his ego spilling through especially with the 4HW and the Kliq 2.0. You can see the difference between the way he is with the people he's chosen to live vicariously through and everyone else. Rollins was the first NXT champ, a tag champ, MITB, WHC, US champ. Owens in less than a year NXT and IC champ. Neville, Balor, Zayn all NXT champ and everytime any of them win something you see a ton of pictures of them all throwing up the "too sweet" but I didn't see that when Ascension or BAMF or Vaudevillains won and nobody outside of Kliq 2.0 has been in the main event scene since their signings except Tyson Kidd and Breeze briefly.

Overall he's better for the business than Vince but we shouldn't canonize him until he shows some love to somebody other than his toys.
 
#27 ·
Re: Triple H NXT Takeover: Respect Conference Call Notes

Um CJ Parker is a guy who used his connections made in NXT to go to NJPW and WWE let him out of his contract when asked... So I guess triple h does support these other companies.
 
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