WWE LFG “VERBAL TAKEDOWN” – ONE MOMENT ON THE MIC

It’s Sunday and you know what that should mean! It’s time for another episode of WWE and A&E’s new reality hybrid show “LFG”. Last week, the contestants started their competition. 16 new wrestlers vie for the opportunity of an NXT contract. They are mentored by living legends in the business.

The Undertaker. Mickie James. Booker T. Bubba Ray Dudley. All know what it takes to become a star. They also know this will be no easy ride to get to the gold.

With one round down, the teams get ready for the next bout of the show.

LAST EPISODE’S RECAP

This week starts with the coaches recapping with their squads. One stood out more than most. Bubba Ray Dudley’s team had a surprise revealed. Drake Morreaux had a hidden talent. That is the “Bajou Boogie”. Bringing out some charisma is vital to having success in the business. Morreaux is very reluctant to roll with this. Dudley overrides him and makes him lean into the fun moment. It’s a moment that breaks up the competition. Unfortunately, it is very short lived.

Shawn Michaels addressed the teams with an announcement. Brayden “BJ” Ray was injured at a live event. Ray is out indefinitely but he vowed to return. With a void on the team, Dudley will evaluate 4 new competitors to see who fills his spot. It is unfortunate as there has been a tremendous amount of build surrounding the young superstar. Dudley gives some “tough love” advice. Coming from someone who’s knowledge of the business is vast, Ray needs to take it to hear.

WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES, ANOTHER OPENS…..

With this set-back, there also becomes a chance to see what Ray really knows. Dudley offers Ray to have some input on his replacement. One of the following wrestlers will join Team Dudley: Josh Black & Drake Starks vs. Case Hatch & Cutler James.

The coaches seem more impressed with these four than some of the others in the show. Ray tries crashing the Coaches row but is asked to leave. With the in-ring work taking shape, impressions are making a tough call. Events go very back and forth. After the 3 count, James and Hatch take the win.

In the evaluations, Ray’s history with the individuals comes to light. The coaches deliberate. Ray throws his vote towards Drake Starks. It’s weighed in for a brief moment. Dudley makes his call. Cutler James is added to his team.

For this week’s challenge, Michaels is focusing on the promo aspect of the business. Micahels can cut a great one but he’s bringing in another great talker for this. “Road Dogg” Jesse James crashes the show to offer some points. James breaks down the 101’s on how to bring the people to the building. A challenge is thrown to Shiloh Hill. If he could promo battle anyone, who in the competition would it be? The new story line building is with Chris Island. After a verbal jab, James announces that is this week’s challenge: Promo battles.

Island and Hill start things off. After their start, Hill is showing him up badly. Dani Sekelsky and Penina Tuilaepa (“P-Nasty”) are next. The swagger Tuilaepa comes with isn’t matched. This becomes a quick sparring match. Zena Sterling calls out Leigh Laurel. It falls very short as Sterling tries making it into a character call. When the coach has to make the save, it’s not going good.

Anthony Luke and Drake Morreaux steal the battles though. Both are linked WWE superstars (Morreaux – Roxanne Perez, Luke is engaged to Maxine Dupree). They had zero issue going to a personal feel to theirs. The coaches break down what they’ve seen and it’s mixed. Trying to make some matches out of this will be another task.

A LEGEND GIVES DANI SOME “FAITH”

Before Dani has her match, Her coach brings in some help. Michelle McCool stops by to see Mickie James and her team. As she is working with James and Dani, her husband The Undertaker crashes the scene. There is a brief talk before the talk swings back to Dani’s match. When moves are being taught, one stands out. McCool teaches Dani about “The Hell’s Gate”. This causes a big red flag. The move is synonymous with the Dead Man.

Dani is told to go ask The Undertaker for permission for the move. It is a sign of respect. The talk is intense. Knowing how it took guts to ask, Taker ok’s the choice. With that out of the way, it’s time for the matches!

SHILOH HILL vs. CHRIS ISLAND – The match is very hard hitting. One kick to the back of the head goes awry. Hill is knocked out cold. Island is properly scolded for not immediately checking on his hurt opponent. James lets Island know what he should do and have done. This causes the coaches to address the rest of the teams.

PENINA TUILAEPA vs. DANI SEKELSKY – “P Nasty” is truly honing her heel persona. Sekelsky looks more comfortable in the ring than we’ve seen her thus far. It’s a typical “David vs. Goliath” style match. There were areas to improve upon. That said, the finish is what viewers take home from this. Taker gives huge insight into how to make this better.

ANTHONY LUKE vs. DRAKE MORREAUX – This was Drake’s shining moment on the show. Luke and him worked very well in the ring. Luke may have gone for too much of character moves, but it didn’t crush the match. It was all about Drake for this one as he got the win.

AND THE JUDGES CHOOSE…..

The judges meet and discuss. Taker awards Luke his point in a close competition. Mickie James and Bubba Ray go with Drake Morreaux. The personality sells his case. Road Dogg goes for Anthony Luke. Michaels asks for McCool’s opinion who’s very impressed with what she saw.

The Legends award DANI SEKELSKY and ANTHONY LUKE the points for tonight’s episode.

Team Booker and Team Mickie are tied with 2 points each

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

Tonight’s episode centered the gift of gab. Promo battles are a huge part of a winning superstar dynamic. With Ray out of the show, there is a void for who the show’s “heel” will be. Anthony Luke is making a case for that role. Luke is breaking away from the rest of the pact. Morreaux and Sekelsky had ample moments but tonight belongs to Luke. Who (if anyone) is gonna step up to knock him down?

Let me know your thoughts on “WWE LFG” airing Sunday Nights 8pm EST on A&E Networks in the comments below. Thanks for reading! CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN