Welcome to our live coverage of Triple H's NXT Takeover: Phoenix media call. We'll have live updates, as well as a live stream of the call, which you all can check out.
Triple H Media Call For NXT Takeover: Phoenix From https://t.co/mWs3QF7zUn https://t.co/EoE9k7QWFZ
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
Triple H discusses the success of NXT UK TakeOver, talking about how well it trended in the US and UK despite going up against football. Expresses excitement for this Saturday's TakeOver.
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) January 23, 2019
Triple H calls Matt Riddle a "charisma force" and thinks this weekend's match with Ohno will go more than a few seconds this time
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
Triple H is asked about Velveteen Dream's tweets. HHH hasn't spoken to him about it, but says he's "wonderfully gifted" in all aspects, including creating buzz about himself.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
HHH says he hasn't spoken to Velveteen Dream about his tweets. Credits him for creating buzz. "He's wonderfully smart and gifted."
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) January 23, 2019
Triple H says people want to be engaged, but don't want everything given away when asked about social media. Kayfabe isn't really something they have to adhere to on social media in today's landscape. Thinks fans are smart enough to decipher.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
HHH says there are parameters on social media. Doesn't want to ruin the magic for fans. "People want to be engaged in it, they just don't want things given away."
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) January 23, 2019
Triple H says NXT Takeover on WrestleMania weekend was moved because it was the right business move for WWE, and they didn't want to make fans have to choose what event to go through
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
HHH says TakeOver moved to Friday during WM weekend as to not make fans choose on what to go to. "It was the right business move for us."
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) January 23, 2019
HHH says TakeOver moved to Friday during WM weekend as to not make fans choose on what to go to. "It was the right business move for us."
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) January 23, 2019
They'll continue to monitor everything, but they have to keep making smart business decisions. They don't just compete against people like AEW, they compete against all content and sleep.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
HHH says WWE will keep an eye on AEW but will continue to conduct their own business. "When you're a content provider, you compete against everything. Including sleep."
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) January 23, 2019
Triple H says there were a ton of people involved in getting NXT UK's Performance Center off the ground.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
Lars Sullivan's status is asked about. Triple H says he's in a good place and nothing has really changed. WWE is moving forward and "nothing has changed."
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
HHH says "nothing has changed" in regards to Lars Sullivan and his status. Says Lars is "in a good place."
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) January 23, 2019
Triple H puts over @SuperKingofBros' charisma and growth again. Bianca Belair, too.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
HHH discusses the growth of Matt Riddle and Bianca Belair. Is very excited about where they are at now. Cites Punishment Martinez as a guy who is "sitting prime for the door to open to show who he is."
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) January 23, 2019
On NXT UK WrestleMania Week: They have thoughts in mind where it can go, but have to take the next step. They'll be involved that week. They're working through it. Points to the involvement this weekend for Worlds Collide. Says putting it together was fun.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
"NXT UK brand will be involved in WrestleMania week." - HHH. Says he is excited about this weekends Worlds Collide tournament and brining brands together. "I had a lot of fun putting that together. All of those brands will be part of what we do."
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) January 23, 2019
Triple H says he just got cleared to start training a week ago after his pec injury. Has been doing rehab prior. He says he's sore from training
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
HHH says he's been cleared to start training from his torn pec.
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) January 23, 2019
Future UK Takeovers were a "wait and see how it does" based on how the first one did. He said the first one did spectacular, and wants to leave fans wanting more. They're doing something like 530 live events across all brands this year and says it's a task logistically.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
HHH doesn't have a specific number of NXT UK TakeOvers in mind. Says they can get it to a place where NXT is now with their TakeOver specials.
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) January 23, 2019
HHH says a few Performance Centers over the next few years is a realistic goal.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
HHH calls Andrade "an exceptional talent." Says it took him some time to get comfortable with language. "Hopefully we see him more and more." Says he's capitalized on every opportunity put in front of him.
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) January 23, 2019
HHH says The Rock's daughter Simone has the "wrestling bug." Says wrestling is in her blood. "If it's something she wants to pursue, he is big on educating and doing things the right way. Will you see her more in the future? I think it would be hard not to see her"
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) January 23, 2019
I asked Triple H about the emergence of Canadian Destroyers on TV. He says it comes down to safety. The danger level is high and looks out for the long term health of the wrestlers. If they don't think the move can be done safely, they won't allow it.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
Triple H doesn't have a crystal ball on if talent will come up after WrestleMania. It's a matter of need on any brand.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
HHH says call ups are done based on a matter of need. "It comes down to whats best for all levels of the product."
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) January 23, 2019
Triple H says WWE is more focused on moving Smackdown to Fox than trying to get NXT on TV. They're constantly evaluating. They're excited to make the move.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
HHH says brand switches could happen at anytime for anyone. Says he wants to make sure everyone is positioned to have the most success possible.
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) January 23, 2019
HHH on India PC: They're going through discussions about where regionally it makes sense to put it. They have massive distribution deals over there. They're trying to figure out where they'll be most connected to the market place and their partners.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 23, 2019
