Backstage Report: Multiple Stars At Last Night's Lucha Underground Taping - Details Inside Here

Partial Source: The Wrestling Observer

The Lucha Underground television taping in Los Angeles, California on Saturday night was reportedly sold out. The tapings held on January 17th and January 18th were also said to be sold out, with 250 fans in attendance for both shows.

Several notable names were in attendance at the taping last night, including former Los Angeles Lakers star A.C. Green, Women's UFC fighter and Four Horsewomen member Shayna Baszler, as well as UFC fighter and New Japan Pro Wrestling announcer Josh Barnett.

AAA Mega Heavyweight Champion Alberto El Patron also worked the taping. He wrote the following on Twitter about being at the show.

Time for @LuchaElRey if u r here get ready 4the best time of ur life and if u r not, come running cause we r making history in this place

— Alberto El Patron (@VivaDelRio) January 24, 2015

Which NXT Stars Will Thrive on the Main Roster in 2015?

2014 has been a great year for the young stars down in NXT. As one of the main shows on the WWE Network, the roster of developmental stars have earned rave reviews from past wrestlers and fans, competing in fantastic matches and compelling rivalries. This Thursday, these efforts will culminate in their final live special of the year, Takeover III: R Evolution.

In the main event, Adrian Neville will defend his NXT Championship against Sami Zayn in a battle about the will to be a champion and Zayn’s desperation to show he can hold the gold. Hideo Itami and Finn Balor team up to take on former tag team champions The Ascension. Charlotte defends her Women’s Championship against former BFF partner Sasha Banks, and the tag team titles are on the line as The Vaudevillains challenge holders the Lucha Dragons.

On paper, this is looking to be their biggest show ever, and with the debut of Kevin Owens also in the offing, it should once again demonstrate that NXT is one of the best wrestling shows on today. But, the goal for these superstars is to one day graduate onto the main roster, competing every week on RAW and SmackDown against established stars.

2014 also had a large number of stars moving from NXT to WWE. However, few of these enjoyed a sustained amount of success. Rusev and Paige have proven the exceptions. The Bulgarian has dominated all opposition, winning the United States title, whilst Paige became the youngest Divas Champion in history on her debut. But names like Xavier Woods, Emma, Adam Rose and Bo Dallas have experienced mixed fortunes, often being lost in the shuffle.

With the hazards of the main roster firmly demonstrated by the career trajectories of these stars, it seems appropriate to consider which NXT stars will likely progress onto the main roster in 2015. Here, I have selected 10 of the biggest prospects that have shown they are more than ready to make the transition to major shows. Who will thrive, who will survive, and who will take a nosedive?

Adrian Neville

The current NXT Champion is one of the most capable and exciting superstars down in NXT. His Red Arrow finishing maneuver seems to defy the laws of physics, and has propelled him into perhaps the greatest high-flier in professional wrestling today. Every superstar that has previously held that title have moved onto the main roster in short order, from the amazing success of Seth Rollins, to the mixed achievements of Big E and Bo Dallas.

So, there is no doubt Neville will make the main roster, but will he be able to reach the heights he has climbed to in NXT? His height could be an issue, but he has shown a capability to have strong matches with any opponent in spite of their size. Neville also still requires work on the microphone if he is to be a major titleholder in WWE, but he can allow his ring skills do the talking at the start. In the new generation of WWE, Neville will at least be a future Intercontinental Champion.

Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn has a quality that many superstars will struggle with constantly throughout their careers, and that is an ability to immediately connect with the audience. He is a sympathetic and hard-working babyface, an ultimate underdog. He will constantly be knocked down, but will get back up asking for more, and that has endeared him to the crowd at NXT ever since he debuted.

Zayn has been ready to jump to the main roster for a while now, his matches with Cesaro in particular have been heralded as some of the best matches of the past two years. As a darling of the independent scene, he has paid his dues, and has the potential of the likes of CM Punk, Daniel Bryan and Seth Rollins to turn that into success in WWE. Could he one day be World Champion? I think among the NXT roster currently he is one of the most likely simply for being a perpetual underdog and its potential as an awesome feel-good moment.

Hideo Itami

The Japanese star has reportedly been struggling to find the perfect balance between the WWE style and the strong style he has performed most of his career. But, when that finally clicks into place, he should become a prevalent star in both NXT and then WWE. Arguably, he is the least likely in this list to make it onto the main roster in 2015 due to time this transition may take, and he be held back in NXT to make sure it is not over-saturated with graduates.

Obviously, there are other factors that may keep him in Florida for a little longer, such as the language barrier...

Chris Jericho Discusses Meeting Fans & Big Stars He's A Fan Of, Vince McMahon & More - Video Inside

Birthdate: 11/09/1970 (age 44) Height: 6'0" Weight: 227 Ib Chris Jericho is one of the most decorated wres...

Sam Roberts recently sat down and interviewed Chris Jericho.In the interview, Jericho discusses meetings with fans, meeting big stars he’s a fan of, becoming friends with Paul Stanley and much more.

Sam Roberts & Chris Jericho - Vince McMahon, Internet Feedback, etc.

WWE NXT Stars Kevin Steen & Sasha Banks Send Out Tweets Praising A New NXT Star

WWE NXT stars Kevin Steen and Sasha Banks have both taken to Twitter to sing the praises of a new NXT star. The two appear to be hyping Dylan Mile who signed with the company last year but hasn’t yet appeared on NXT, although the Twitter account that they’re building up isn’t clear on that. You can see their posts below:

Can we get @DylanMWWE to like 1000 followers before the end of the day? If he tweets like he talks, you'll all thank me for it!

— Kevin Steen (@FightSteenFight) October 2, 2014

Go follow @WWENXT newest superstar @DylanMWWE he's going to be BIG!!!

— WWE Sasha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) October 2, 2014

WWE, TNA & ROH Schedules For This Weekend + Two Top Stars Off

It should be noted that both John Cena and Randy Orton have a rare weekend off. However, both will be at this Monday's Raw from Cleveland, OH.

Friday (6/13) WWE is in Saginaw, MI at the The Dow Event Center for a live event. Matches that are advertised: U.S Title Match: Sheamus (c) Vs. Kane, Intercontinental Title Match: Bad News Barrett (c) Vs. Big E Vs. Alberto Del Rio, Rob Van Dam Vs. Cesaro. Also set to appear are: Kofi Kingston, The Usos and Sin Cara.

Friday (6/13) WWE NXT is in Jacksonville, FL at the Maxwell Snyder Armory.

Saturday (6/14) WWE is in Hamilton, ON at the First Ontario Centre. Matches that are advertised: Roman Reigns Vs. Bray Wyatt, Seth Rollins Vs. Dean Ambrose. Also set to appear are: Ryback, Curtis Axel, Dolph Ziggler and the Miz.

Saturday (6/14) WWE is in Grand Rapids, MI at the Van Andel Arena. Matches that are advertised: U.S Title Match: Sheamus (c) Vs. Kane, Intercontinental Title Match: Bad News Barrett (c) Vs. Big E Vs. Alberto Del Rio, Rob Van Dam Vs. Cesaro. Also set to appear are: Kofi Kingston, The Usos and Sin Cara.

Saturday (6/14) House of Hardcore VI will be this Saturday at Harrah's Resort Southern California in Valley Center, CA. Here is the line up:

*Extreme Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match - Tommy Dreamer (with Terry Funk) vs. Matt Hardy (with Reby Sky) vs. Carlito.

*The Young Bucks vs. Bad Influence.

*Lance Storm vs. Mike Bennett (with Maria Kanellis)

*Chavo Guerrero vs. Matt Striker

*Mil Mascaras vs. Aaron Aguilera

*Bob Holly vs. Adam Pearce

*Chris Mordetsky issues an open Masterlock Challenge to any Legend.

Here is the huge list of wrestlers set to appear:  Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, Bill Goldberg, Terry Funk, Mil Mascaras, Dennis Rodman, Tommy Dreamer, Eric Bischoff, Mean Gene Okerlund, The Sandman, Bob Holly, Don Frye, Ron Simmons, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Candice Michelle, Carlito Colon, Matt Striker, Aaron Aguilera, Maria Kanellis, Mike Bennett, Bad Influence, The Young Bucks, The Nasty Boys, The Wild Samoans, Bushwhacker Luke, Adam Pearce, Joey Ryan, Stevie Ray, Candice LeRae, Tommaso Ciampa, Matt Hardy, Reby Sky, Chris Mordetzky (Chris Masters), Big Zeke (Ezekiel Jackson), Balls Mahoney, Ken Patera, Lita, Gangrel, Rikishi, Kelly Kelly, Lance Storm, Zeus, Sean Waltman and The Midnight Express' Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton.

Also read: Saturday's WWE, TNA & ROH Schedule For Live Events

Sunday (6/15) WWE is in Fort Wayne, IN at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Matches that are advertised: U.S Title Match: Sheamus (c) Vs. Kane, Intercontinental Title Match: Bad News Barrett (c) Vs. Big E Vs. Alberto Del Rio, Rob Van Dam Vs. Cesaro. Also set to appear are: Kofi Kingston, The Usos and Sin Cara.

Sunday (6/15) WWE is in Erie, PA at the Erie Insurance Arena. Matches that are advertised: Roman Reigns Vs. Bray Wyatt, Seth Rollins Vs. Dean Ambrose. Also set to appear are: Ryback, Curtis Axel, Dolph Ziggler and the Miz.

Sunday (6/15) TNA will be holding Slammiversary live on PPV from Dallas, Texas. Here is the card for that show:

* MAIN EVENT: WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: Eric Young (c) vs. MVP

* TEXAS DEATH MATCH: EC3 vs. Bully Ray

* Kurt Angle will announce the next TNA Hall Of Fame Inductee

* Ladder Match For The X Division Championship: Manik vs. Tigre Uno vs. Crazzy Steve vs. Sanada (c) vs. Eddie Edwards vs. Davey Richards

* Bobby Lashley vs. Samoa Joe

* Willow vs. Magnus

* James Storm vs. Mr. Anderson

* Austin Aries vs. Kenny King

* Knockouts Title Match: Angelina Love (c) Vs. Gail Kim

The Von Erich Family to appear

There are no Ring of Honor events this weekend.

Paige Warns Tamina Snuka + Big Stars In WWE Comic Book

- Current WWE Divas Paige tweeted the following about her match with Tamina Snuka that is scheduled to take place later tonight at Extreme Rules:

.@TaminaSnuka you'll be taught something too. How far you can stretch. #scorpioncrosslock #ExtremeRules

— Divas Champion (@RealPaigeWWE) May 4, 2014

- Batista and Hulk Hogan will be incorporated into the new WWE comic book. They will be in issue #8.

2 Top TNA Stars Injured At Last Night's Sacrifice PPV

- Bully Ray had to take a hospital trip last night after being involved in a tables match against Bobby Roode at last night's TNA Sacrifice PPV. He wrote the following on Twitter:

Normally would be walkin into gym at this time. Just walked out of hospital. 1 bruised rib 1 fractured rib.

— Bully Ray (@REALBully5150) April 28, 2014

- James Storm wrote on Twitter that he had to go under X-rays on his back after his match with Gunner at last night's TNA Sacrifice PPV:

X-rays on the back negative. Just some deep damn bruising. War is what it is. BRUTAL. #Sacrifice

— James Storm (@Cowboy_J_Storm) April 28, 2014

Meet Kurt Angle, TNA Stars vs. The Easter Bunny/Santa Claus

-- There is reportedly some unhappiness in TNA over talents posing for photos with Jeff and Karen Jarrett at events because they were posted on the social media feeds for Global Force Wrestling.

-- Kurt Angle is set for an autograph signing today at Primo Collectibles in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the Garden City Shopping Center from 1PM to 4PM. Tickets are $30 in advance and can be purchased here.

-- Below is a video of TNA wrestlers talking about who would win in a match between Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.

Two WWE Stars Attend Indy Event, NXT Preview, M...

-- Curt Hawkins and Tyson Kidd were in attendance at the Pro Wrestling Syndicate event in Edison, New Jersey on Saturday night.-- WWE will be airing a special "This is NXT" preview today at 11AM ET on the WWE Network.-- As noted late last night here on the website, the attendance for the WWE Elimination Chamber PPV was 14,101. This was listed as a sell out for the Target Center in Minneapolis.

Update: 3 Top WWE Stars Leaving?

Partial Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Rey Mysterio's contract is the next major deal to expire in WWE. His deal is reportedly up in approximately two months. While he is one of the talents in the company with one of the largest downside guarantees, he is also one of the top merchandise movers currently in WWE.

Mysterio's contract is an interesting situation, as WWE officials would usually start aggressively attempting to re-sign a talent in his situation by this point, however that is apparently not the case.

Speaking of Mysterio, one of the main reasons he was booked to work the non-televised live events in Northern California as opposed to his hometown in San Diego was due to the feeling in the company that he has been booked too often in San Diego. For the record, San Diego ended up drawing the worst crowd among the live events that took place last weekend.

We previously reported that when his current contract expires, Alberto Del Rio may be leaving the WWE. He's been openly talking to people about it in recent months. There are also reports that many do not expect Christian to stay with the WWE once his contract expires.

Christian is 40, and there is a feeling that WWE creative isn't going to do anything significant with him. There were even reports last week that that if WWE found someone "more important" than him, that they would replace him in the Elimination Chamber match. As you know, they wound up going with him but there had been talk of replacing him if the opportunity arose or if someone really "connected with the crowd" going into the pay-per-view. As you can imagine, this didn't go over well with Christian but he kept quiet about it for obvious reasons. He's not the only one. Many mid-card talents are extremely frustrated but do not speak up simply because they know that if hey do, they'll be fired or "jobbed out."

More MMA Stars Call Out CM Punk, Y2Js Big Crow...

-- According to fans in attendance, Chris Jericho's appearance at Saturday's World of Wheels event drew over 1,000 fans.-- Former UFC fighters Jason "Mayhem" Miller and Phil Baroni are the latest MMA stars to call out former WWE Superstar CM Punk to an MMA fight:Phil Baroni tweeted: "I’ll fight @CMPunk in @BellatorMMA @BjornRebney. No better fight"Jason "Mayhem" Miller chimed in with the following: "YO. @@CMPunk LETS FIGHT IN DAIRY QUEEN PARKIN LOT"