WWE LFG “TOUGHNESS AND GRIT” – A QUESTION OF HEART

How bad to the contestants want it? That is the question posed on WWE and A&E‘s new reality show “WWE LFG (Legends and Future Greats)”. 16 people are all vying for a WWE NXT contract. It is a literal golden ticket into the spotlight of professional wrestling.

Guiding them along the way are 4 Legends that are seeking to be the first “WWE LFG” champion.  Mickie James, Booker T, Bubba Ray Dudley and The Undertaker all are attempting to mentor. Who will be responsible for making the next future great?

Let’s see what unfolds this episode with a very special guest stopping by.

RING THE BELL!

Shawn Michaels welcomes the contestants to the Performance Center. Michaels talks up their guest as someone who can help them understand the honor of the business. Entering the show is WWE RAW World Champion GUNTHER! During his time on the main roster, Gunther has made an impact. Former Intercontinental champion. Current World Champion. As the narrator eludes to, he is the definition of Toughness & Grit.

Gunther doesn’t sugarcoat anything with the group. He lays in on why they’re here. No punches are pulled. Gunther calls out their true reasons why they are here. Zena Sterling tries to explain her reasons. It doesn’t go over well. Next up is Jasper Troy. The dressing down doesn’t stop. It’s an honest take from someone who lives every aspect of the business. This pleases one Chris Island, who’s butted heads with Troy.

Passion is what Gunther calls them out for. He wants to see it. Booker T backs up that statement. Now how are they going to book tonight?

LAST EPISODE’S REVIEW!

The coaches meet with Gunther. Tyra Mae Steele becomes a subject of topic. Gunther calls out the Taker for not making her into “a killer”. It is a gutsy call but the right one. Other names are kicked around. When the dust settles, unique pairings are made. Tonight’s card: Tyra Mae Steele vs. Zena Sterling, Troy Yearwood vs. Shiloh Hill, Jasper Troy vs. Cutler James and Bayley Humphrey vs. Leigh Laurel.

Dani Sekelsky is addressing her back injury. It is uncertain what happens with here from here. After that, it’s match planning time. Bubba demands aggression from Zena in her bout. There is no issue there with Shiloh Hill. How his opponent brings it is a whole other question.

There may be no bigger question mark on anyone like Leigh Laurel. From being the standout early, she needs to find a way to get out of her own head to deliver. Gunther gives both her and Humphries advice for their match. The same goes with Jasper Troy. His promo opened one door. Troy needs to walk through it. Gunther gives Underwood some solid takes on what he should bring.

AND HERE WE GO!

Troy Yearwood vs. Shiloh Hill

Solid match but sloppy holds at times. Hill takes home the victory. Hill brought an intensity to the match. Yearwood did not. Troy’s persona was very robotic. The coaches don’t play nice about it. Bubba and Booker unleash the cold truth on Yearwood. Gunther echoes the statements.

Tyra Mae Steele vs. Zena Sterling

Zena brought out something new for her character. It was the much needed spark for her in this competition. Steele gets the win for this round. James makes a very strong point to Zena about her risqué gear. She references her time in the “Divas” era and how she along with others fought for credibility. It is something Zena will take with her. Steele did all the physical things well. As for character, it was the same old same old. For being challenged about it, Steele needed to show something new and didn’t.

Tyra also doesn’t handle Bubba Ray’s criticism well. Dudley said Steele “smiles too much” and doesn’t come off seriously. Steele unleashed an emotional confessional explaining her actions. How this will factor into her work moving forward will be something to watch.

Jasper Troy vs. Cutler James

The pair tried to do something viewers hadn’t seen previously. They spent a lot of time fighting outside of the ring. James wins via back drop. The coaches appreciated the hard hitting approach. During the feedback, Troy appears upset. Gunther calls him out for it and it was solid advice. It’s something Troy needs to work on to take himself to the next level.

Bayley Humphrey vs. Leigh Laurel

Arguably the best match of the night. Bayley continues to impress in her second match. Laurel showed improvement form her last outing. There are things to work on for both.

AND THE POINTS GO TO….

Gunther is giving out the points tonight. First one goes to Zena Sterling. Team Bubba has their first points! Gunther complimented the women’s matches over the men’s. He gives Jasper Troy advice but not the points. This is a learning experience Troy needs to take to heart. In a twist, Shiloh Hill gets the point. It’s a surprising move that has the cast puzzled.

Maybe this biggest moment of the night is Zena earned Bubba Ray’s handshake for getting the first point. This is something he has been very critical of. The other judges reflect on Gunther’s call. This has to be motivation for the next phase of the show.

Gunther explains his reasoning to Troy. Booker T doesn’t handle the lost point well after the show. He speaks to Troy and lights a fire under him for next week.

POINT STANDING: Undertaker 5, BOOKER 4 Mickie 2, Bubba 1 (after 7 episodes)

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

• Bayley Humphries is quickly making an impression on viewers and coaches. It’s crazy to think this is her second match!?
• Jasper Troy continues to take steps forward but how he handles feedback is a glaring place for improvement. Gunther’s moves are prime example of this.
• Troy Yearwood has the talent but where is the character? That will be the sole reason he doesn’t win this.
• With Gunther on, why no BJ Ray this week?
• NEXT WEEK: DDP!

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