Trading Maryse for Dallas & Axel

Pep talk by the Miz
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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On Monday Night Raw two relationships seemingly came to an end and a new one developed. Enzo and Big Cass have split as a tag team (a bit prematurely in my 1-2-3 cents) and it looks like Maryse has had enough of the Miz. The "It Couple" has had some trying moments over the last few weeks, in large part due to Dean Ambrose. Reports are Maryse and the Miz are through in part because of the similarities of the gimmick with newcomers Maria and Mike Kanellis on SmackDown Live.

The "It" couple as Cena &Nikki
Courtesy: WWE

Last year when Maryse returned to WWE she gave the Miz's character new life. The couple became Must See TV. Their mocking of John Cena and Nikki Bella was the highlight of that feud leading up to their intergender tag team match WrestleMania 33. Even though the two apparently won't appear on TV together anymore, I haven't read anything about Maryse's future with WWE.

The Entourage
Courtesy: WWE

Now Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel are going to fill the role of support for the Miz. The former Social Misfits are now a part of Miz's Entourage. The duo dressed as teddy bears Monday and offered a beat down on Ambrose to pay back the previous week's attack on the Intercontinental Champion.

That face though...
Courtesy: WWE

While I will miss the magic and chemistry we saw with Miz and Maryse, it's refreshing to see Dallas and Axel getting put in a prime role on Raw. These two have floundered for years with different gimmicks and groups. It's my hope they're able to work well with the Miz and spark new interests from the WWE Universe. Both of these legacies are deserving of something more than what they've done over the past year or so, so I wish them nothing but the best. As for Maryse, I'm sure we'll see more from her in the future too.

Where's Neville?

Neville
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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This post is sure to be a bias one as I write about one of my favorite WWE Superstars, Neville. You've probably already heard my backstory on the artist formerly known as PAC, but here's a quick recap. 

I met him nearly five years ago when I did commentary for a company called AAPW. He and El Generico wrestled that night and I consider it a highlight of my short-lived commentary "career" to have called that match. Earlier this year he recognized me at an autograph signing in Dallas prior to WrestleMania. It was seriously one of the highlights of the trip.

Meeting Neville & Kalisto

At that point, Neville was recovering from an ankle injury. Now he's back, but you wouldn't know that based on watching Raw. The last time I remember seeing Neville in action was months ago in a quick loss to Bo Dallas, the man Neville beat for the NXT Championship. By the way, I believe Neville is still the second longest reigning NXT champ.

Neville has a great look and is incredible in the ring. The only thing holding him back is his mic skills. But I hate that that's a detriment to someone who is clearly so talented. There are things creative could be doing with him. He could be a part of the 205 program, wrestle in the new UK Championship tournament or even team with Sami Zayn. 

Two other times meeting Neville

I'm not saying put a belt on the guy (immediately) but at least give him some TV time. I actually liked when they were doing the backstage stuff with him and The Miz when it looked like Miz was going to start managing or at least mentoring Neville. As a long time fan of WWE and now of Neville's, I implore the company to not forget "The Man That Gravity Forgot." 

Yo Adrian!

Neville vs. Zayn
Photo by WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

Nearly two years ago I had the opportunity to meet NXT standout Adrian Neville.  It was at an All American Pro Wrestling show in Marion, Illinois.  Back then, Neville was wrestling on the indy scene as PAC.  I had only seen a few YouTube videos featuring "The Man That Gravity Forgot", but was immediately impressed, not just with PAC's skills in the ring (he wrestled El Generico, aka Sami Zayn that night), but also with his kindness backstage.

Fast forward to late 2013. I've watched the last several episodes of NXT, including the match Neville had against Zayn to become the number one contender for the NXT championship.  Once again these two amazed me with their display of athletic ability and storytelling.  It was reminiscent of that night in January 2012, where I got to call the action.  I never dreamed that night that in a short period of time both would be under contract with WWE.

On the most recent episode of NXT, Neville got his shot against champion Bo Dallas.  It was a highly competitive match, one that I was hoping Neville would win.  Well, technically he did win, but only by count-out, so Dallas retained the title.  The ending leads me to believe the former two-time NXT tag team champion will get another crack at the gold, sooner rather than later.

That's me in the middle, with Generico & PAC.

Late last year I wrote a blog hoping that WWE would call Neville up to the main roster in 2013.  With just over three weeks left in the year, I don't see that happening. But he has done some amazing things with NXT and I believe he'll continue to shine there in 2014.  When the WWE does finally call him up, I want it to be for good, and not a flash in the pan who is sent back to Florida like we've seen happen with so many developmental stars before him.