- 8 hours ago
WWE LFG - Season 3 - Episode 01: A New LFG
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00:07Then, now, forever, together.
00:37Book, Bubba, thank you guys for coming back for the season of LFG.
00:42Look, we need to kind of get back to basics.
00:46Obviously, LFG is a big part of what we do here at the Performance Center,
00:49but we've also got Undertaker running stuff down in AAA.
00:56There are numerous talent being pulled all over the place.
00:59To be perfectly honest, I need to get the remainder of our athletes,
01:06I need them to get ready for NXT Television.
01:09You've got to realize that's the bottom line.
01:11So I kind of want to do away with, I don't know, the points and the teams,
01:16and I still want to have other people, different legends,
01:22different superstars come in, kind of help you guys.
01:25So it's not going to be all on you.
01:27I'm going to have integration of, you know, Matt Bloom and his coaches helping.
01:32But again, we have to get back to training these individuals, plain and simple.
01:35And they can get called up at any point.
01:39The reality is, I don't know when call-ups are happening.
01:42I don't know when Taker's going to call me on the phone to grab somebody down for AAA.
01:46Injuries, all that other kind of stuff.
01:48We've got to have people in the pipeline ready to go.
01:51You guys know that performing in the WWE is unlike performing anywhere else.
01:54But we have to get them ready for NXT Television as quickly as possible.
01:58And when I say it's time to go, they're ready to go.
02:09We're out here to be peace-up. We're here to be great.
02:11When the bell rings, it's not about being nice anymore.
02:15If I was Shawn Michaels, you guys would be on NXT tomorrow.
02:17It has to happen now.
02:19You don't have to wait to see who gets called up.
02:21They can go at any time.
02:23The future is indeed now here on LFG.
02:38My name is Matthew Bloom.
02:40I am currently the head coach and VP of talent development here at the WWE Performance Center.
02:46I've been the head coach now for almost 11 years.
02:50Most people remember from the Attitude Era days.
02:53Came in, started off with Prince Albert.
02:55Then I went to A-Train.
02:57The A-Train is building major momentum.
03:01Then I became Pensai.
03:03I had quite a few name changes.
03:05I had an amazing career inside the ring.
03:09And I'm having an even better time outside of the ring right now.
03:14It's a new season and a new LFG.
03:17With Coach Bloom overseeing the Performance Center.
03:20And Undertaker running things down in AAA.
03:23There are more opportunities than ever for the future greats.
03:27As well as new legendary coaches.
03:30En route to the PC is a WWE veteran and multi-time WrestleMania main eventer.
03:36Looking to pass on his wisdom while he recovers from injury.
03:40The never say die Kevin Owens.
03:43Put the hot dogs down and listen to me.
03:47I've been wrestling for 25 years.
03:49Ultimately for me, I just want to help the next generation.
03:51And also, I don't really know what I'd do with myself if I didn't.
03:55This is just all I've done since I was 15.
03:58You know, this is what I love.
03:59This is what I've always loved.
04:00So, right now I've been off for eight, nine months because of my neck surgery.
04:06I'm losing my mind.
04:07He's like, I just want to be around you.
04:12Well, Natalya really goes to show the ultra-competitive spirit of the Heart Dynasty.
04:20The Performance Center is a machine.
04:21It really is.
04:23It's a machine.
04:23Every tool that you need to make it is here.
04:27I love taking everything that I've ever learned and passing it on to people.
04:30And hopefully, you have the heart to make it.
04:32You know, to really, like, be everything that you can be to connect to the audience.
04:40As our new arrivals get settled in, last season's future greats are busy getting prepared for a massive opportunity.
04:48I've been at the Performance Center for about a year now.
04:51I tore my bicep, so that had me out for about five months.
04:55But now I'm back and I'm better, and I'm feeling good.
04:59I've been here at the Performance Center for two years now.
05:02I was a runner-up on LFG.
05:04But at this point, it's not even about winning anymore.
05:06If you have the it factor, you have the it factor.
05:09And Harlem Lewis has the it factor.
05:14Thank you for being here today.
05:16And today, we're going to be working with talent that are in the on-deck circle.
05:21They have all caught Sean's eye.
05:24They're on the cusp of getting a pretty big opportunity.
05:27But just need to polish up one or two more things before they really start, I think, finding their stride
05:33and get their opportunities to debut on NXT.
05:36Up first, we're going to have Nikita Lyons versus Callie Armstrong.
05:41Bubba, today, you're going to be working with Nikita Lyons.
05:44She was a regular on NXT, but unfortunately, she suffered a severe knee injury.
05:49And that really put her on the sidelines and set her back because when she went onto the sidelines,
05:56we had these other women coming in and, like, really stepping up.
05:59So now Nikita's on her way back right now, the road to recovery.
06:02Now she's just polishing up her in-ring work.
06:05She looks like she's gotten herself into really good shape.
06:07She has.
06:08I mean, talking to the coaches and rave reports about her each and every week,
06:12she's dialed in right now.
06:14She's focused.
06:15Book, today, you'll have Callie Armstrong.
06:17Callie Armstrong raised the bar for women who are coming in here
06:20of how much time it takes for them to train
06:23and then get an opportunity to be on live events
06:25and then be an opportunity to get on TV.
06:28Athletically, she can do anything.
06:30And she's a sponge.
06:31You know, I love working with her.
06:32Okay.
06:33Second match tonight, we're going to have Keanu Carver versus Drake Moreau.
06:37KO, you're going to be working with Keanu Carver.
06:39All right.
06:40Bubba, Drake Moreau.
06:41No stranger to Drake.
06:42No stranger to Drake.
06:44No stranger to Drake.
06:44Look at this.
06:45We have a guy right now that's in a real sink or swim situation.
06:48We have all invested a lot of time in Drake.
06:52He's a good dude.
06:54Yes or no?
06:55Nice person.
06:55Great dude.
06:55Very nice person.
06:56He's a great dude.
06:57He has what it takes.
06:59He just has to bring the two worlds together.
07:02I told him it's world wrestling entertainment.
07:05Two key words, wrestling and entertainment.
07:08Keanu Carver, he's a unique individual.
07:10You look at him and there's a believability to him.
07:13Mm-hmm.
07:13KO, I think that would be a great coach for him, man.
07:15I think it would help him out a lot.
07:16All right.
07:17So finally, our main event.
07:19Uh, this woman has wowed the coaches.
07:22I feel like everyone here has potential, but this woman has the highest potential.
07:28One of the hottest stars in all of professional wrestling, Kendall Gray.
07:33The wrestling media is starting to talk about Kendall Gray.
07:36She is becoming that person.
07:39Natty, you'll be with her today?
07:40Awesome.
07:41Kendall Gray's opponent, a LFG veteran, Kanina, a.k.a. PJ Vassa.
07:46Booker, someone that you know very well.
07:49PJ's got to get comfortable imposing her will on other people, owning the space she's in.
07:53At times when I see her practice and work, she's timid.
07:57And Kendall, she has wowed us here at the Foreign Center.
08:01That's great.
08:01And she hasn't changed one bit from day one until today.
08:04She's as hungry as she was on day one.
08:06She wants to be better.
08:07Yeah.
08:08The big thing for her today is, can she handle the pressure?
08:14We're getting ready to show up and show out.
08:16Well, we already showed up, so half the work is done.
08:21I am Nikita Lyons.
08:24While the Lioness ready to roar in an NXT ring.
08:31My ACL, meniscus, everything in my right knee tore.
08:36Okay.
08:38After finding success on NXT, Nikita is now here on LFG,
08:44looking to claw her way back to where she once was.
08:47The rehab took like 10 months, bro.
08:51No pain, no gain.
08:53And we are hating, so we're gaining.
08:57Just like, everything crumbled.
08:59And I was just like, trying to find me again.
09:02Yes, I get fearful that I won't make it back.
09:05But guess what?
09:06I write this bitch, okay?
09:08I write this story.
09:12Are you fearful?
09:13Not anymore.
09:15You have no fear in the ring about even taking a step or doing anything.
09:20Not anymore.
09:21Confidence in your knees.
09:22Yes, sir.
09:22Okay.
09:24You just have to find what really, really works for you.
09:27And hopefully, we can get you back to where you were and even better than that.
09:32Cool?
09:32Yes, sir.
09:33Good job.
09:33We need a handshake.
09:35Okay, what's our secret?
09:36One, two, back, one, low.
09:38One, two, low, high.
09:39That's it.
09:40Oh, there it is.
09:40Right there.
09:44From an NXT veteran looking to reclaim glory, to a rookie looking to prove she has what it takes.
09:53My name is Callie Armstrong, and I'm from Inglewood, California.
09:57I ran track in college at the University of Southern California, where I became a three-time NCAA All-American.
10:04And then I ran track professionally, where I became a world record holder in a sprint medley relay.
10:09I got the look.
10:10I got the charisma.
10:11I got the skills.
10:13I got the athleticism.
10:14Now, I feel like I'm here to prove myself, that I can do it, and that I am the superstar
10:19that I've always known I was.
10:26What's going on?
10:27Right there.
10:28Yeah.
10:29I'm doing real good.
10:30I'm doing real good.
10:31It's honestly an honor.
10:32I've been looking forward to this moment for a long time.
10:34How do you feel?
10:35How do you feel right now as far as your progress goes?
10:38I feel really good, honestly.
10:40I feel like I'm picking it up, learning more every day.
10:42Now I'm ready to showcase what I've been learning.
10:44Good.
10:46Your playbook is very, very important.
10:49And your playbook is not for you.
10:51Your playbook is for the other person.
10:53I'll bet you won't be.
10:54All right.
10:55So that's what we've been thinking about throughout this time.
10:58I like that.
10:59Let's do it.
11:00All right.
11:00Let's get it going.
11:01Let's get it.
11:02Boom.
11:04When I found out my match tonight was against Nikita Lyons, I was honestly excited.
11:08Because one thing about me, I'm a fighter.
11:09And one thing about her, she a fighter, too.
11:11So I was like, we about to go to war.
11:14As both our competitors get set to make their LFG debuts, they get some final words of encouragement
11:20from their coaches as season three officially gets underway.
11:26This is the first time I'm going to watch you in this setting.
11:30Yeah.
11:30Grip it and rip it.
11:31Let it fly.
11:33Yes, sir.
11:33What's wrong?
11:34That's my music.
11:35No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
11:36I know it's your music.
11:37Relax.
11:38You'll be fine.
11:39You got a lion in the cage.
11:41Go get him.
11:42Go get him.
11:42Go get him.
11:58Go get him.
12:02Go get him.
12:07Go get him.
12:10Go get him.
12:18Go get him, B.
12:26Go get him.
12:28Go.
12:30Go.
12:32Go get him.
12:33Ready, get set, let's go.
12:39And we're going through Eaglewood, California.
12:43Kelly, we are strong.
12:49You see the two men looking on, getting ready for this showdown.
12:56No need to do that.
12:58Right now, when you're doing that, you're taking eyes off of your opponent.
13:03And it's not your, that's her time, not your time.
13:06Booker T, Bubba Ray are here.
13:09They're giving critiques, but as you already mentioned, it's really all about one thing, the main event.
13:16Wow.
13:24Both of these females, I think, epitomize the word future greats.
13:29Both have a lot of pressure on them to perform and to excel.
13:42Big leg drop.
13:43That was unique.
13:44And right back on top, now almost like a lion, pouncing on her opponent.
13:49She's had a few setbacks, though.
13:51A couple of injuries.
13:52She's been able to work through that.
13:53And I don't believe enough people give her credit for the resiliency that she has shown in her young career.
13:58Now she's going to the body, trying to break down Callie Armstrong in the corner.
14:02Well, Nikita Lyons has been knocked down, but she keeps getting back up.
14:05Whether it be injuries, we've seen that happen.
14:07And now an opportunity here on LFG to make it to that next level and take it to Callie Armstrong
14:12in a big way.
14:13And one thing that, you know, I've learned from you over the first two seasons of this show, sitting with
14:17Booker T on NXT on Tuesday nights, is how do you stand out?
14:21And that certainly is something Nikita Lyons does, is stand out.
14:25Callie Armstrong, though, also someone who stands out in a different way for her demeanor in the ring, but also
14:31her strength and her athleticism.
14:34Oh, wow, deliberate.
14:36Right to the mush.
14:38Big super kick, and then following it up with more of that unique offense we were just highlighting from Nikita.
14:50Big kick into the cover, hook of the leg, and a near fall.
14:54Wow.
14:55Any match, any moment, someone's life and career can change in an instant.
15:01Well, let's talk about what that really means.
15:03You're being thrown under the national television spotlight of NXT.
15:07We're talking about more opportunity, more eyeballs on you, and that chance to make it all the way to the
15:11main roster of Raw or SmackDown.
15:12That's the objective.
15:13That's the goal.
15:17Unbelievable balance and a big high cross body again.
15:20And I don't mean to step on what you said, but it's not just nationally.
15:23It's also globally if you go to NXT.
15:26It's also internationally if you go to Raw or SmackDown.
15:28It's a big opportunity with a big power slam into a cover.
15:32Looking for a big win and another kick out near fall.
15:36This time it's Nikita Lyons.
15:47No way.
15:48Look, you're talking about strength.
15:50Trying to get that suplex.
15:51Nice counter, though.
15:52You've been able to see some of the agility by Nikita Lyons as well.
15:55She's able to hit that big German suplex.
15:57The momentum put Callie right back to her feet.
16:00Center of the ring.
16:00Double underhook.
16:01And it's almost a Pearl River plunge and almost a victory.
16:06So close.
16:08Nikita Lyons has shown so much resilience.
16:10And we're really seeing this season, I would say, you know, the on-deck circle of people ready to go
16:16to NXT at any moment.
16:17And that's what's going to be so exciting throughout the course of this whole broadcast.
16:20You felt a different hype, even from the competitors in this match.
16:25It's almost like there's a little bit, I don't want to call it a sense of urgency,
16:29but every competitor I've ran into, man or woman, knows that every moment is so crucial.
16:33And everybody knows.
16:35Boom.
16:35All eyes are on you when you're in the middle of that ring.
16:38Callie Armstrong and Nikita Lyons realize that and are going for it here on this one.
16:42And what a way for these two women to kick off season number three.
16:46And what a kick.
16:49Roundhouse style.
16:52Nikita Lyons just sent Callie Armstrong all the way back to, wait a minute.
16:58How in the world did Callie get up?
17:01And a big power slam.
17:04I'm absolutely stunned at the last few moments of this match between both these women,
17:09showing you just how far they're willing to go to succeed in a big pounce from Callie.
17:16Lyons is down.
17:18Callie into the cover.
17:19And it's Armstrong who's victorious.
17:25That was an entertaining match.
17:28Yeah, right it was.
17:29Both of these girls got star power ripped all over, bro.
17:35Well, Booker T seemed impressed.
17:38Bubba Ray seemed impressed.
17:40Hard-hitting action to open up LFG season three.
17:43And up next, we'll check in with our legends and get their feedback on the matchup.
17:50Good job.
17:52Damn good job.
17:53That right there for you is the beginning of you thinking for yourself.
17:58I need to start thinking like that all the time.
18:02It puts you on the track to work.
18:03Okay, now.
18:04Oh, now I understand what I'm doing.
18:06Yeah, right.
18:08Okay.
18:08Damn good job.
18:10We rock.
18:10We rock and roll.
18:12Physicality was really on point from both of you.
18:16Good strikes.
18:18Good punches.
18:19You guys could have probably sold things a little bit more appropriately.
18:25When she was hitting the ropes and you hit the spinning back kick.
18:28Yep.
18:28Right?
18:29Holy ****.
18:30Right?
18:31But then you bring her over to the corner and you're going up to the Vader bomb.
18:33And then all of a sudden she just pops up.
18:35Right.
18:36Then I kind of forget about what just happened.
18:38Those moments will mean more if you sell them more.
18:42If you sell them more.
18:43If she sells them more.
18:45You know?
18:45Yes, sir.
18:46Now that brings me back to the beginning.
18:48When it's your time to have all the eyes on you, it's your time.
18:53Yes, sir.
18:53But when it's her time, it's her time.
18:54What I mean is she's doing her entrance.
18:57Yep.
18:57Right?
18:58The spotlight's on her.
18:59And what were you doing in the background?
19:00Being a bitch.
19:01You were shaking your booty.
19:02Yes.
19:03I don't want my eyes on you at that moment.
19:06I want my eyes on her.
19:08That's professional courtesy.
19:09Of course.
19:10Okay?
19:10I'm not going to take the eyes off of you.
19:12You ain't going to take the eyes off of me.
19:13And in turn, we get the eyes on us together.
19:15Yes, sir.
19:16Cool?
19:16Yes, sir.
19:16Great job.
19:17Thank you so much.
19:17You got it.
19:19You know, with all the injuries that have happened in the past, having a match like that, being able
19:24to work with someone like Callie has just been, it was amazing.
19:28The match went wonderful.
19:30I couldn't have asked for better.
19:32Next to hit the ring, Drake Moreau and Keanu Carver.
19:36But before coaching can even take place, a tense moment causes tempers to flare.
19:42Throw a good punch.
19:43I thought the best punch is.
19:44Throw a good punch.
19:44I thought the best punch is.
19:45Let's see your great punch.
19:46Get in the corner right here.
19:47You're going to see us on.
19:48You.
19:49I'm asking you to show it right now.
19:51Y'all going to see us on.
19:52You ain't going to make it in this.
19:54You won't make it in this.
19:56You got a better punch than me.
19:57I'm done talking to you.
19:58I'm done talking to you.
19:59Nobody here got a better punch than me.
20:00You ain't.
20:00You don't know.
20:01Point blank here.
20:02You don't know.
20:03Nobody here got a better punch than me.
20:07My name is Keanu Carver, and I'm from Washington, D.C.
20:10I play football at Temple University.
20:12But I got in a fight with my coach, and I was like,
20:16I'm out, and I left.
20:18And I was like, damn, I know I'm not going to the NFL.
20:20So I moved back home, and I started doing Uber Eats.
20:24I'm driving around.
20:25Everybody's like, whenever I'm driving my food off, they're like,
20:26you big as shit.
20:27Like, what the fuck are you doing?
20:29I'd be on the WWE recruit page, and they hit me back.
20:33So I was really just broke.
20:34That's how I ended up here.
20:38Oh, man.
20:39I ain't seen you in six months, and you come over here.
20:41That is.
20:42Telling like that.
20:43Please tell me that that guy thought he was acting it up for the camera.
20:48That is the wrong foot to get off on.
20:51That is how you create an awful first impression.
20:56So just tell me about yourself and how you got into this.
21:00I played football at Tampa.
21:02And before that, like, I got into a fight with my coach.
21:04Okay.
21:05It was immediate.
21:06What's your background?
21:07Well, I got into a fight with my coach, and then, oh, all right.
21:11Okay.
21:12I just meant, where do you come from?
21:14But that's fine.
21:16People are fueled by different things.
21:17He's going to show that coach.
21:19You kind of have to, like, figure out what is more important to you.
21:23Speak your mind and say what you feel, which is fine.
21:27But, you know, now it happened to you.
21:29You'll catch him, right?
21:30For sure.
21:31Or the job.
21:33Because eventually, if you do it too much, it could cost you a job.
21:37It's just the way it is.
21:38I could tell he's strong-willed, which is fine.
21:41I was just curious how it was going to affect him in terms of how, you know, coachable he is
21:46and how open to feedback he is.
21:49There's a lot of eyes on you.
21:50You know that, right?
21:51A lot of eyes on you.
21:53Every eye is on you.
21:55And as many people as you have, like, on your side, you have people, not that they're not on your
22:02side,
22:02they're just like, I don't know if he has it in them.
22:05I've been at the Performance Center for three years now.
22:08I'm definitely one of the more experienced athletes in the Performance Center that is not yet on TV.
22:16Unfortunately, the clock is ticking for him.
22:18He's, you know, becoming the lower-hanging fruit of the tree.
22:20And if he doesn't show us something soon, Drake's career with WWE may be over.
22:26I know that my contract is going to expire soon.
22:30And just a whole lot of uncertainty in the air right now.
22:33But all I know is I still have opportunity while I'm still on contract.
22:38So I'm going to show up and I'm going to get to work every day and bust my ass like
22:41I always do.
22:45I don't have any more time to try and figure this out.
22:49It's not up or shut up.
22:51Six, five, four, three.
23:10The following podcast is scheduled for one fall.
23:14Introducing first, from Washington, D.C.,
23:16Wiggin at 290 pounds,
23:21Keanu Carver!
23:24I see Blake Howard, the ring announcer here for LFG, a smile on his face.
23:28I don't know if you'd have that same smile if you saw this man walking down the back alley of
23:35a bar.
23:36Keanu Carver, what a history with this man and how he got here to this spot right now.
23:41And what an opponent he's about to face.
23:43A perennial favorite here on LFG.
23:46His arm is on make or break situation.
23:49It really is.
23:49What do you say?
23:50He understands it.
23:51He understands it.
23:56And we're being joined by Kevin Owens, of course, this season in Season 3.
24:01We saw Booker T. earlier.
24:02I do have to say this.
24:03I know Booker was there just a moment ago.
24:05It's nice to see Booker and Bubba kind of on the same page.
24:08I don't want to jinx it like, you know, announcer does on a field goal kicker in the NFL, but
24:12it's nice to see them always getting along here in Season 3.
24:14Well, they're working together to get to one place, and that's to get the talent to the next level, get
24:19those paychecks to the next level.
24:21A new tax bracket, if you will, going from LFG to NXT.
24:26That's the step we're trying to get them to in Kevin Owens.
24:29Booker T.
24:30Bubba Ray Dudley, Hall of Famers, legends called in this process, and we're about to see it.
24:36A reminder, at any point, Shawn Michaels can give the green light to bring these talent up to NXT and
24:43compete on a worldwide level.
24:52We've seen Drake Moreau now over the course of two seasons here on LFG, and a third season begins.
24:59It's either time to go or time to get out.
25:04We'll have to see the time to step up or step out, as some others would say as Booker T.
25:08is rejoining the party.
25:09It's interesting to see what those three individuals will think about this matchup.
25:13There's Drake taking over, in control, but yes, he's in the ring with someone like Keanu Carver,
25:18who had a very interesting way to get here, as you already pointed out.
25:21Well, certainly a man with a background.
25:23He didn't intend to be in the ring.
25:24He didn't intend for this to be his destination.
25:32And the new Drake struggling to get Carver up for the slam.
25:38Oh, Bubba not very happy with what he just saw.
25:42No one home on that splash, but yes, for Carver, it wasn't really his intended career path.
25:47A couple of phone calls and emails, and he found his way into a tryout, which has brought him into
25:52the ring,
25:52which has brought him to this moment, and possibly, quite possibly, as we've already hinted at,
25:57could be a moment away from getting an opportunity of a lifetime, showcasing his skills, his strength on NXT.
26:04Got to wonder what else is Shawn Michaels is thinking, as you just saw the frustration from Bubba Ray.
26:09Well, frustration coming out, and he has high expectations for Drake Moreau.
26:13He's had so much time invested in the career of Drake Moreau to get him to this point,
26:16and to help get him to the next level.
26:18The question is, in Shawn Michaels' mind, is Drake Moreau ready to take that step to NXT,
26:23or is he ready to be done with him all together?
26:26And you take a look at some of the two other men that have won Season 1 and Season 2.
26:30You talk about Shiloh Hill, who is that championship officer.
26:33You talk about, oh, big pounce.
26:36Someone like Jasper Troy, who came on the scene after winning Season 1.
26:40Into the cover goes Carver, hook of the leg, and Drake getting the left shoulder up.
26:43You talk about someone like Jasper Troy from Season 1,
26:45who made an immediate impact, challenging at that time Obafemi for the NXT Championship.
26:53LFG can certainly change your career around.
26:56Now more than ever, though, there's a heightened sense on being impressive.
27:00Well, the good thing is, we don't have to wait for the end of the season to see who gets
27:03called up, who wins.
27:05They can go at any point, at any time, after a match, before a match.
27:09If Shawn Michaels feels the need, he'll put them right in.
27:20The two guys that size, it's just, it's not very physical.
27:25You know what I mean?
27:25Correct.
27:29Booker, did you see those punches?
27:31Oh, there's s***.
27:32Oh, come on.
27:33There's s***.
27:34What the hell?
27:39And for two guys that size, that suplex should be a lot bigger and not so small.
27:45But even Cannon, with the demeanor he has and the vibe I get from him,
27:48I wouldn't expect him to get in the ring and look so careful.
27:52You know what I mean?
27:52Sure.
28:01The pressure is on Drake to really step up and show the coach that he does have value
28:08to step through that door and into NXT.
28:11Well, look, for a lot of these athletes, there are no failures.
28:13They're just learning opportunities.
28:14If they can make that happen, if they can turn those failures into opportunities of growth,
28:20that's where you excel.
28:21And Drake Perreault, house of fire here so far,
28:25and really trying to show the world that he belongs.
28:30Big discus, Lariat, rocking Carver.
28:33And now Drake is starting to feel it, trying to turn some of those thoughts around.
28:38And he's trying to turn Carver around, another Lariat, center of the ring, into the cover.
28:43Will it be enough?
28:44And the boy from the bayou picks up the win.
28:47Here's the winner, Drake Perreault.
28:53But the question is, was it enough?
28:57I thought Drake had a lot better last two minutes than first two minutes.
29:01The last 30 seconds was worth.
29:02It's like he saved all the energy he had for those last 30 seconds.
29:06Two big men looking to make an impact here on LFG, but did they impress the legends?
29:12Wow.
29:20How are you feeling?
29:22I feel good.
29:22What happened on the slam?
29:24Which one?
29:24Like, the first one, he looked like he kind of, like, did you guys just mistimed it, or he just
29:29couldn't pick you up?
29:30Mistimed it.
29:30Okay.
29:31I could, uh, post it back.
29:32Yeah?
29:33You know what I mean?
29:33Um, so look, I'll be really honest with you, and I would tell you the same thing, the cameras were
29:38here or not.
29:39A hundred percent.
29:39I think both of you looked too light.
29:43It looked like you guys were being careful.
29:44Like, when you're giving the shoulders in the corner, you look like you're going easy.
29:47The stomps, you know what I mean?
29:49You gotta work this like it's SummerSlam.
29:51You know what I'm saying?
29:52Because you're scary looking, you move scary, you act scary.
29:56So the offense, like, the shot's gotta follow that up.
29:59You know what I mean?
29:59I appreciate that.
30:00Yeah.
30:00Anytime, dude.
30:01Appreciate that.
30:02Respect.
30:03My presence's gotta fit my offense.
30:06That was the gist of what he told me.
30:08Like, when you look like me, you know what I'm saying?
30:09I gotta make my, everything I do look vicious.
30:12After that first interaction, I was curious to see how he would receive the feedback.
30:16And I think he, he received it well, and we'll see how he can use it.
30:20I didn't feel like I was watching two men your size.
30:25It's a little too light.
30:26It's a little too ginger.
30:28It's a little too, eh.
30:31You gotta bring it.
30:32Okay.
30:33We can hit each other here and here, okay?
30:36I'm not telling you to do this.
30:37Yeah.
30:38But lay it in.
30:40Dive into the swamp and fight the alligator with your bare hands.
30:44Otherwise the alligator's gonna f***ing kill you, right?
30:47That's what you need to do.
30:48You need to go out there and just let it go.
30:51Yes, sir.
30:51All right?
30:52Good.
30:52You got it.
30:53You got it.
30:55At least I know where I'm at.
30:56And season three, it feels, uh, I'm happy to be back, but I'm also pissed off to be back.
31:06Happy to be here.
31:07Happy to have another opportunity, but it's time to f***ing go.
31:11While an introspective Drake looks to push himself into next gear, we look to our main event of the evening,
31:18featuring one seasoned LFG veteran and one blue chip prospect.
31:23My name is Kendall Gray.
31:24I'm from Las Vegas, Nevada.
31:26And before coming to WWE, I was an amateur wrestler.
31:31I was on the boys' high school varsity team.
31:36I think it made me better, and I think it pushed me to be better.
31:41I knew the guys were always stronger, so I had to find other ways to wrestle around them.
31:47Whatever I put my mind at, I usually do pretty well in, so I just feel like I won't stop
31:52until I get what I want.
31:57Especially because Kendall's new, we do need to make sure the audience cares about her.
32:01But we also need to have you as a mountain, so it's like, it's one of those things that's not
32:04to say that she has to literally get squashed out of the game.
32:07No, I definitely agree with that, too.
32:08I feel like for me, with my size, too, it's going to be more, a better story of me, like,
32:12fighting from underneath.
32:13Yeah.
32:14Let me get you out.
32:14Kendall is someone to watch out for.
32:18With the size difference, there's a great little built-in story.
32:20You'll stay alive, but then you also get it.
32:22It's a good challenge for you, too, to, like, you being a big bully, a big bitch, it's like you
32:28could do it with your strength, but what makes you a heel is that you could do it with your
32:31strength, but you're also going to be a ****.
32:32Yeah.
32:33It's like, I don't know, it's like we're, like, in the same brain.
32:35Penina was gone.
32:36PJ.
32:37PJ's going to hit him with a bad man.
32:38PJ Vassa, formerly known as Penina Tulepa on season one and two of LFG.
32:43Me and Shawn Michaels, we talked about what name I really wanted.
32:47I definitely wanted a P name.
32:48One of the options was Paradise, but that was a little too cutesy for my character.
32:53And Vassa in Samoyen means ocean.
32:56What's the first thing you're going to do?
32:57Kill time.
32:57Well, how are you going to kill time?
33:00Talk crap.
33:01No.
33:01See, see, that's what I'm saying.
33:03I'm thinking...
33:03PJ's got a lot of pressure on her right now to go out there and perform at a very, very
33:08high level because this is not the first time we saw her.
33:11I'm going to throw that person in.
33:12I'm going to get a cover first.
33:14One, two, kick out.
33:15All right?
33:15And then I'm going to go to...
33:16I'm going to pick that person up, and I got to do something to them.
33:20All right?
33:21Because I want to win.
33:22I'm excited to watch you guys.
33:23I mean, it'll be awesome.
33:25Yeah, it'll be really cool.
33:28As night falls on Orlando and the crowd begins filling in, our two competitors ready themselves for the biggest match
33:35of their young careers.
33:38We have a generational talent in Kembo Gray.
33:41Any moment, she can get the call to the main roster.
33:53You can feel the excitement.
33:55It's in the air here for Legends and Future Greats.
34:01We've been waiting.
34:02This is the first main event of Season 3 here on LFG.
34:06Wow, what a wild ride.
34:07It's been already kicking off Season 3 here on LFG.
34:10It's main event time.
34:11We have a perennial favorite.
34:13The last two seasons of LFG taking on one that's skyrocketing to the moon.
34:18We're going to see what happens in our main event.
34:20Here we go.
34:29The following contest is scheduled for 1-4.
34:34Introducing first from Las Vegas, Nevada, Kendall Gray.
34:42This is someone who really has taken over the performance that has come in since day one, has put in
34:47the work.
34:48And when you think about her amateur background, correct me if I'm wrong, you're the statistician.
34:5360-0, 62-61, 62.
34:5661 and out.
34:5861 and 0.
34:59Let that sink in.
35:00Undefeated in her entire college career.
35:02It's Kendall Gray.
35:03Okay, let's see what we got here.
35:05She seemed a little nervous to talk to me beforehand because I was, like, trying to give her some advice.
35:10And she's like, yep, yep, yep.
35:11She's a little different.
35:12She's a little different.
35:13I've noticed that.
35:16I want that green.
35:17Go get that green.
35:19I want that green, green.
35:20You talking about I'm a savage.
35:22Now maybe you're a bitch.
35:22I ain't bound to have it.
35:23From Seattle, Washington, DJ Fasa.
35:29As intimidating as anyone I've ever been around in the Performance Center.
35:39Kendall Gray versus DJ Fasa.
35:41Our colossal main event is coming up next.
35:52I'm so excited for this matchup for a number of reasons.
35:55One of them being DJ Fasa.
35:58New attitude, new name.
36:00Same fierce, ferocious mentality.
36:04Kendall Gray certainly has her work cut out for her when it comes to being outsized.
36:08But let's talk about that amateur wrestling background where Kendall Gray has exceeded anyone's expectations.
36:15Has excelled far beyond belief with that 61-0 undefeated record.
36:20Three-time national champion, ladies and gentlemen, in wrestling.
36:24Kendall Gray comes with huge, huge expectations.
36:27But a very wise man once told me pressure is a privilege.
36:31It means that the expectations are very high for you.
36:35And that's certainly the case for Kendall Gray.
36:37I don't know if Kendall Gray ever met someone like PJ on an amateur mat during her time collegiately.
36:45Kendall!
36:56We're talking about the size difference.
36:58It's going to be the quickness and that agility that Kendall Gray has.
37:00It's going to have to be implemented here for this matchup for her to be successful.
37:03And either one of these two could be on the precipice of greatness to NXT.
37:09That's the goal.
37:10That's the object here is to try and make it to that next level.
37:14Big Samoan drop.
37:16And look at the intensity boiling through on PJ.
37:20And Kendall Gray doing the wise thing, getting to the outside to try to buy herself a few extra seconds.
37:25When you talk about LFG, talking about legends and future greats, you think about names like Jasper Troy.
37:30Names like Shiloh Hill, Skyler, you know, you think about all the past winners and what they've done so quickly
37:37in their time on NXT.
37:39LFG certainly cannot just change a life.
37:41It can change a career in a blink of an eye.
37:44Well, what I like about it this season, this go-around, it could happen at any moment.
37:47At any time, Shawn Michaels could point at you and say, you're next.
37:51You're it.
37:52You're up to bat.
37:53And NXT awaits.
37:55That's the goal.
37:56Oh, wow, she kicked it there, full steam ahead.
38:01Feel the air dribbling out of the lungs of Kendall Gray, and you can feel it again.
38:06And this year, really, if you go all the way back to January, has been the year of opportunity in
38:12NXT.
38:13The door wide open for many superstars to stake their claim.
38:17PJ into the cover and a kick out.
38:20And one of these two women, they could be on the cusp of, as you talked about,
38:23to taking that giant step through a door that leads them from LFG to NXT.
38:28Well, that's the object.
38:29And here at the Performance Center, it is trick-
38:32Oh, look out.
38:32PJ.
38:33Uh-oh.
38:34Locks it in.
38:34Looking to go for a chokeslam.
38:36Are we going to see Kendall Gray?
38:37Gray able to counter for a moment, create a little bit of separation,
38:40trying to get her win back at her.
38:42What's a pattern right at the post?
38:43Goes PJ.
38:44PJ.
38:45Could be a turning point in this matchup.
38:48Kendall Gray needs to capitalize on that.
38:51Wow.
38:53You might have heard that last one all the way back in Season 1.
38:56That connected.
38:57PJ's rocked.
38:58Rubber leg.
38:59Swing and a miss.
38:59Kendall Gray picking up some steam.
39:01Charging right in.
39:02Trying to take PJ off her feet.
39:04Charging in for a second time.
39:05This time with an elbow.
39:06What does Kendall Gray have to do?
39:08Uh-oh.
39:10Oh, didn't want to take that ride a second time.
39:12Able to counter.
39:13Right back in.
39:14Another swing and a miss.
39:15No way.
39:16Looking for maybe a German.
39:17You've got to be kidding me.
39:19Kendall Gray.
39:19A German suplex to PJ Faust.
39:23And you hear the crowd.
39:25WWE Universe rising to their feet.
39:29Well, if you're Shawn Michaels watching this, you've got to be happy.
39:33Oh, and there's the power of PJ on display.
39:36And right back in.
39:37Big super kick.
39:38He talked about Shawn Michaels.
39:39That certainly was sweet.
39:40Setting up again.
39:41Number two.
39:43And maybe having to go a little bit extra.
39:47A little bit more sense of urgency and gets caught.
39:52Will the second time work?
39:53Another choke slam.
39:54Counter.
39:55Roll through.
39:56No.
39:56Oh, right to that flat liner.
39:58Into the cover.
40:00Two.
40:01Kendall Gray picks up the win.
40:05Here is your winner, Kendall Gray.
40:11She's answered every challenge.
40:13And you're throwing the trophy in the team.
40:17I think she'll be right.
40:24All right, Kendall Gray.
40:25Come here, girl.
40:26Congratulations.
40:26Hell of a job.
40:27Thank you so much.
40:27So, look, we've been talking, and so the reality is, you're as ready as you're going to be.
40:34All right?
40:34So, look, we're going to bring you up to NXT right away.
40:38All right?
40:39And here's the deal.
40:41Honestly, I was speechless.
40:42It just, I don't know, I'm so excited and so, you know, excited for this opportunity and excited for my
40:49future.
40:49This is your launching point, all right, for NXT.
40:53Thank you so much.
40:54After that, it's all for you, girl.
40:55Thank you so much.
40:56Hell of a job.
40:56I'll make you proud.
40:58I know you will.
40:58You just can do it one whole, just continue doing what you do, all right?
41:01Thank you so much.
41:03Hell of a job.
41:03Appreciate it.
41:09The thing is, like, I don't try to think about the future.
41:11I just try to take it day by day and be present every day.
41:15I'm, like, speechless.
41:16You know what I'm saying?
41:18But this is exactly where I want to be, and I feel like this is just a start for Kendall
41:22Gray.
41:22So, oh, I'm so happy for you.
41:25Thank you so much.
41:26It's so cool.
41:27Have you seen goosebumps?
41:28I know.
41:29I'm excited.
41:30I'm so excited.
41:30I'm so excited.
41:31The match went great, and the crowd was on fire.
41:35Did you do the suplex?
41:37Great.
41:38awesome.
41:39Did you do every move you did?
41:41I did both of you guys executed perfectly.
41:46There's two people to tango in the ring, and I'm very happy for Kendall deserves to be on the NXT
41:53roster right now, and I'm glad I was able to, you know, push her up.
41:57I would say I would say I'm the one that pushed her up.
42:02With my amateur wrestling background, I want to bring a different type of intensity and technical side of wrestling to
42:08the women's division.
42:10But obviously, I want to be a champion, so I'm going to be looking forward to trying to chase one
42:13of the championships for sure.
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