Holding their latest live Network special in the United Kingdom has changed up more about NXT's schedule than just the broadcast time for TakeOver. It also move Triple H's usual pre-event conference call up to the start of the tour instead of the day before the show.
WWE's Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events & Creative got on the horn this morning to talk about his baby, the in-house competitor to and feeder system for the main roster, NXT.
The big takeaway for many is that the show will tape an episode which will air on December 23 in addition to what airs live on the 16th, similar to how they handled Brooklyn and the week that followed. In news that will be disappointing to many who are anxiously awaiting his return, Sami Zayn's match from Wembley's O2 Arena is one of the things that will be recorded for later. Elias Sampson's debut and a Fatal 4Way match will also air on the 23rd.
No word on who will be in the fourway, or if Zayn might have a non-wrestling segment on the live portion of next week's show in London.
Other highlights from the call included:
- Look for more travelling dates for NXT in the future, including other international TakeOvers. Hunter pointed to the success of Beast in the East as a reason to head abroad for more live specials.
- In hyping the London show, he specifically mentioned Asuka vs. Emma as putting on something special, Baron Corbin not getting respect because he doesn't have an independent background and Samoa Joe's recent work as having "switched the switch and has gone back in time."
- The Game teased big announcements after the holidays in an effort to help 2016 exceed expectations like 2015 did.
- Responding to a question about Finn Bálor getting called up to the main roster, Hunter reminded everyone that he's still learning the WWE system after years in Japan, Finn wants to ground himself and the company doesn't want to rush anyone. He said they don't like to promote performers without a long-term plan in place and doesn't want call-ups to be a quick fix for injuries.
- He doesn't see the show airing on streaming services as opposed to cable or broadcast as a detriment.
- William Regal has been scouting internationally and the UK independents. Haitch talked again about the value of having wrestlers hone their skills in outside promotions, and his willingness to partner with indies who "do business the right way".
- He discussed the value of seeing how different audiences react to the talent, specifically in this case a passionate fanbase like the UK has versus the American ones NXT usually works.
- Music festivals, the NXT Loud program and his relationship to Lemmy from Motörhead were all discussed as Triple H sees wrestling's connection to music as important and something to be cultivated.
(H/T: 411mania)