NXT is for the smarks and is breaking down the walls of kayfabe

[D-Man]

Our prayers have finally been answered. Vince is finally letting his guard down a bit.

After the past two segments involving Daniel Bryan Danielson, we can clearly see that the WWE is finally giving us what we want... realism. And not just in the sense of making punches look like they hurt more, or advertising when someone fails a wellness test. For the first time since the late 1990's, the WWE is utilizing the voices and opinions of the smarks around the world and has finally begun to let up on force-feeding us with the bullshit of kayfabe. FINALLY, they realized that we get it... wrestling is NOT real.

If Danielson's promo on last night's episode of NXT told us anything, it was the fact that Vince and company decided to stop dictating what we, as an audience, are going to cheer, boo, like, dislike, and believe. I almost felt a sigh of relief when statements were made that mimic the voices of the IWC such as, "You're a poor man's J.R.", "Vince only likes big guys", "The WWE made up this character but it's not really me". Finally, the WWE is going to stop treating its entire audience like children.

What do you guys think? Do you see changes to come? How far do you think this is going to go throughout their organization?

 

[Ferbian]

I'm not quite sure to be honest, it seems as just a way to keep the whole NXT being seen as an actual reality show rather than just another wrestling show with a twist of how it's handled.

Partially it's due to the fact that Bryan Danielson still has the small name sign pop up saying Daniel Bryan, and we still have Matt Striker addressing him as Bryan Danielson, which still leaves some kayfabe to it, I think we're ment to have him cut a promo where he has freedom in the things he says, that, or the fact that they're feeding him opinions of the IWC purely to make it seem less scripted.

But I have to admit I'm actually liking the fact that Vince and the WWE creative seems to be listening a little bit more to the crowd, with the whole changing of Randy Orton into a tweener / face like character, the addressing of Michael Cole being a lousy replacement for Jim Ross etc. and while I marked out for it all, I don't see it as a thing to come for the whole WWE to have a changing of heart, it looks more like a thing to come for a Bryan Danielson kind of moniker, telling it like the IWC sees it.

 

[Justin Satiable]

While, yeah, I love how DB/BD was allowed to embrace opinions of the IWC and "smarks," but I don't want it to grow further than a couple of promos.

I mean, what is wrestling without kayfabe?

 

[ZeroVX]

I view it more as the fact that Vince doesn't really care about NXT as much as RAW, so he's more lenient with kayfabe and such. RAW always has been and always will be the "A" show, so naturally he's going to focus all his energies on that and have a bigger hand in what goes on there. NXT is just some experiment he's trying out and isn't as concerned with it.

The same can be said of Smackdown, if you think about it. To Vince, it's the "B" show, one that's not as important as RAW and is expendable. Yet a lot of the internet fans prefer it to RAW, for its more realistic storylines and focus on wrestling over promos. Does that mean Vince is more willing to ignore kayfabe because of that show? No, it more likely means he just doesn't care about the show as much as RAW, so he doesn't examine it as thoroughly.

Make no mistake, I'm glad NXT is applying more realism to its show. One of my biggest gripes with WWE in general today is that it's still trying to bullshit the fans and obey kayfabe to a fault. Still, I'm going to wait and see what happens when/if one of the NXT rookies moves to RAW permanently before I start believing that Vince has changed.

 

[The Con Volt]

What do you guys think? Do you see changes to come? How far do you think this is going to go throughout their organization?

See, I really really want to believe that this is a trend that will bleed into the other shows, but I don't see it. Yes, it works perfectly for NXT because of a few reasons:

1) NXT is still supposed to be a "reality show." So an air of realism just straight up comes with the territory.

2) Vince realizes that the fans of NXT are predominantly internet fans. People who tune in to see Daniel Bryan Danielson, (love how everyone's using that name now, I think I might have started it, but who cares.) or any of the stars from FCW are smarks. Plain and simple.

3) By appealing to internet fans, (which has been done splendidly with this show) Vince McMahon takes away his greatest critics, us.

The only problem here is that the only person most us care about is BD. For all I care, I can go without seeing any of the other rookies except for Wade an Justin. But that shouldn't take away from one of the best angles of this century so far. That angle being the BD/Miz/Cole storyline. When I saw that segment last night I said, "This is the best angle in a long long time." And then I watched it again. And again. And AGAIN, to the point where I had almost memorized every word of the segment. Maybe if Vince see the number of views that video gets online, he might consider angles like this in the future, but I'm not going to hold my breath. What Bryan Danielson said last night needed to be said for years now. I'm just afraid it'll be years before we see another one like it.

 

[The Doctor]

If you'll notice, they actually experimented with this last year, with The Miz and John Cena's feud. Miz was allowed to be the voice of the Cena-haters, leveling many of the same criticisms several IWC members have had.

Then, they actually listened to the crowd and allowed Randy Orton to grow into one of the biggest babyfaces they've had in recent times.

Now they're using the internet's favorite wrestler, Bryan Danielson, to air grievances which mirror our very own.

However, the biggest reason Danielson was allowed to have a worked shoot against the guy who has been riding since the start of the program was because NXT is supposed to be a "Wrestling Reality" show. NXT is going to be full of unscripted segments, worked shoots, and things that stretch the bounds of kayfabe.

The WWE likes to throw things in their programs that make us smarks sit back and think "Wow, they must be listening to us! Was that a shoot?". If that goes through our minds, it worked. We are supposed to believe that wrestling is real, and if it takes leaning on the fourth wall a bit, then that's what will be done.

I believe that in the future we will see more and more kayfabe-breaking storylines, promos, and segments, because that's what it will take for us to become immersed again. Then again, it's still nice to hear someone on TV say the things we've been thinking for the longest time.

 

[Justin Satiable]

The only problem here is that the only person most us care about is BD. For all I care, I can go without seeing any of the other rookies except for Wade an Justin. But that shouldn't take away from one of the best angles of this century so far. That angle being the BD/Miz/Cole storyline. When I saw that segment last night I said, "This is the best angle in a long long time." And then I watched it again. And again. And AGAIN, to the point where I had almost memorized every word of the segment. Maybe if Vince see the number of views that video gets online, he might consider angles like this in the future, but I'm not going to hold my breath. What Bryan Danielson said last night needed to be said for years now. I'm just afraid it'll be years before we see another one like it.

While I agree with the bulk of this, particularly that I love the angle, I don't see how smarking up the WWE will do anything for anybody other than the keen fans of the IWC.

The negative connotations of the IWC will hold back pretty much anyone who attempts to burst through the WWE by bashing kayfabe. I mean, kayfabe is important. It needs to be toned down, yes, but I don't see how blending the IWC into the WWE will particularly benefit anybody. People would just grow to hate it.

 

[Uncle Sam]

I think people are misunderstanding what's happening here. The WWE isn't pandering to - oh fuck it, I'll use the name just this once - "smarks", it's merely demonstrating how they're a demographic that can be worked just like anyone else.

On this site alone, we've had people go so far as to suggest that Daniel Bryan's segment was real. I mean, people are abandoning their own pre-determined logic, such is their uncontrollable excitement at the words "independent" and "internet" being heard on WWE programming. In my NXT threads, I've shown examples were Michael Cole criticising Daniel Bryan has had people frothing at the mouth, so angry they'd tear their own penises off if it meant they had something to throw.

Should it continue? Sure, I think it's good television. If it spreads to the two main shows, we'll see if the ratings agree. The "informed" coming out and showing how easily they can be worked if given half the chance is just an added bonus for cynical ol' me.

 

[3/4 Facelock]

The IWC just wants acknowledgement. It's placating and it seems to be working for the most part. The IWC is an extremely negative fanbase with 98% bad ideas, so I am surprised that the WWE would acknowledge it at all.

BUT...with that being said this entire angle with Cole and Danielson is great. I can't see at all how this would be a shoot or the beginning of Mr. McMahon getting rid of kayfabe.

Everybody busted their nuts all over the place when Danielson put his nice dresshoes to Cole's forehead. But I think we all need to calm down a tiny bit if we're to look at this angle correctly.

This push is for Brian Danielson. Not for us. He is an indy star so it appears his angle is going to be centered around him being indy and different. Otherwise, why on Earth would the WWE tell the WWE Universe to check him out on the internet? WHY?

And that point right there tells me NXT is not for smarks. Why would they tell the smarks to check these guys out on the web if they already spend all their time there? It's not for the IWC or the smarks. It's for the WWE fans.

You think Cole & Danielson "hate" eachtother? 2 grown ass men? Who are at their job and working? So then you must also think that Cena & Batista hate eachother and haven't been spending hours together the past couple of weeks discussing and working out how their PPV match is going to flow and the different things they want to try.

AND if anyone really really really thinks this is breaking kayfabe, then they are a meathead wrestling fan who needs to turn their wrestling card in or they are 7 years old and don't realize that wrestling is scripted. Sorry if I offended any of the meatheads or 7 year olds, but things like this grind my gears.

Cole & Danielson...THIS IS STRAIGHT UP KAYFABE. PURE CLEAN GOOD OL' KAYFABE.

Whether the IWC likes it or not and no matter how smarkish you think might think you are...Vince fooled you.

That is why he is a billionaire and I am a one-hundred dollaraire.

 

[Blackboris]

Hello wrestlezone forum. I am new here and im a big time fan of wrestling....I joined the forum just for this thread....i actualy watched the first 2 nxt shows and the last 2 just to see who got da boot boy that was the best wwe thing i have seen in foreverrrrrrr
by far that guy who looks like the bagger at my local grocer really told it like it is

the vince talkin in coles ear the whole time. all about pluggin wrestlers matches and what not

that guy cannot call a damn match to save his damn life

dont get me wrong he has a great voice. he does and thats a simple fact, which could have gotten him a commentary chair in almost any business. too bad he picked wrestling the guy cant call a move to save his damn like besides calling the signature finishing moves. for the most part i hate what vince has done with the commentators.

for Jr whos last few years was flung to smack down. I really really loved the banter between Jr and Lawler. that was the best. Im glad someone said hey u suck dude. wish he went further into and told the truth that mike knows jack shit about wrestling.....

and miz i have respect for miz not as a wrestler but as a stupid reality show star who decided to do something with his notoriety besides being some mtv stooley. so better for him he is a vince mcmahon stooge that said.....he isnt good at a wrestling. just went to the cena/batista/tripple h school of wrestlign for people without talent...

sorry hustling is not wrestling. these guys may look explosive but cant do shit wrestling wise

there are really good wrestlers in the wwe but too bad only orton gets any spot light for his talents

anyone who can do a picture perfect fully extended drop kick thats a real professional wrestler

unlike batisduh and cena and tripple h....

im not a internet wrestling iwc freak i do like the more mainstreem stuff but wwe for years has sucked bad

since they turned the proffesor of thugenomics to some flag waving army recruitment cena of today....i liked the peanut bag throwing cena i thought it was hilarious even tho he cant wrestle

anyways great thread and i do think it was kayfabe but i do think bdb took it a little farther then wwe might have liked

i would like to think the whole thing was real and not kayfabe....

seriously tho i am like minded when i think wwe has been way too much into the dramatics since the invent of the undertaker.....i actualy stopped watching wrestling for many years after hogan wasnt wrestling. wasnt into all that stupid character crap they had goin on wwe. i prefer the older wwe the golden age of the wwf with all the greats. i think that tna is much better much more interesting then all those matches from wwe. same guys same cards only mixed around a bit

i find myself panning almost all of raw all of smackdown dont even bother with superstars anymore and never liked nxt...for the simple reason i dont want to hear miz or punk or anyone else lol sick of there talk and there overproduced bs
wwe is really stagnant for me but my hat is off for my local grocery bagger bryan danielson bravo...btw he way i didnt see him wrestle much looked to me that he was made into a fall guy and didnt show much of his so called talent can he do a drop kick with full extension?...

one thing i do think is dude should have had his ego in check....iwc is not wwe and its best show respect for the people he wants to work with...even tho he probably wrestles better then all vinces headliners besides orton. I mean cmon you got to have some respect for office politics when your in the big time..he would be better of going to tna but i doubt he would talk smack im better wrestler to people in tna doubt they would put up with that either.....

lol did he say he took batista to the limit yeah in kayfabe land u might have hehe if it was real lol i picture db running for his damn life lmao

In the long run if you want to make it in the wwe u might want to start practicing kissing your hand getting yourself rdy to plant lips around vinces and his minions bunghole obviously db did not do that

oh and dude above me if that was kayfabe homey deserves an oscar it was spot on believable...just watched some clips of that batista vs db uhm
cool sub but uncool kicks...looks like he was taking way too long to brace for those kicks....he should practice with rvd now that dude knows how to kick.

 

[RVDgurl]

Greatest. Storyline. Ever.

When it comes to wrestling, I live and breathe for Bryan Danielson so I may be a bit partial here- but I find myself smiling like a little schoolgirl during these segments. The build up has been on point and the segments have been extremely well done by all involved. The WWE has definately put some thought and careful planning into this angle from the generic "Daniel Bryan" name to the 0-100 record on NXT. In fact, I feel like an asshole for complaining about the name change when it's now become obvious that it was all part of the storyline.

 

[Honkey_Kong]

Our prayers have finally been answered. Vince is finally letting his guard down a bit.

After the past two segments involving Daniel Bryan Danielson, we can clearly see that the WWE is finally giving us what we want... realism. And not just in the sense of making punches look like they hurt more, or advertising when someone fails a wellness test. For the first time since the late 1990's, the WWE is utilizing the voices and opinions of the smarks around the world and has finally begun to let up on force-feeding us with the bullshit of kayfabe. FINALLY, they realized that we get it... wrestling is NOT real.

If Danielson's promo on last night's episode of NXT told us anything, it was the fact that Vince and company decided to stop dictating what we, as an audience, are going to cheer, boo, like, dislike, and believe. I almost felt a sigh of relief when statements were made that mimic the voices of the IWC such as, "You're a poor man's J.R.", "Vince only likes big guys", "The WWE made up this character but it's not really me". Finally, the WWE is going to stop treating its entire audience like children.

What do you guys think? Do you see changes to come? How far do you think this is going to go throughout their organization?

I don't think it's going to go much further than NXT, unless Danielson goes to RAW. Then they'll continue the feud with him and Cole. I think their strategy of mixing truth with kayfabe in their storyline is actually a good idea. It blurs the line for us and makes us more willing to believe the BS parts to the story. I wish they'd do more, but let's face it, we know they won't.

I think with using all the comments the IWC says, they're establishing Danielson as the internet hero. If you notice every wrestler there appeals to some crowd or another.

 

[Slack]

Ok I'll be straight up honest here, I hate smarks. Smarks to me ruin wrestling. Smarks are the folks that will find out backstage information, then go to wrestling events and ruin the kayfabe for all the other wrestling fans. I'll give you an example of what I mean. A few years ago there was a wrestler in the state of GA who's dad was a referee. But if you didn't know these guys, you wouldn't know that they were father and son. But yet everytime the dad would ref the son's matches, this group of smarks would always bring up the fact that they were father and son. Or they might find out a wrestler's real name and call the wrestler by that name, instead of his stage name. And basically ruin the experience for the other wrestling fans.

Also we don't need a wrestling organization telling fans that wrestling is choreographed, we pretty much figured that out a long time ago. I truthfully rather have a wrestling organization believe that I'm some dumbass bumpkin who believe that wrestling is 100% real, than have them take that away to appease a bunch of guys who spend half of their waking hours beating off to Japanese cartoons.

Also anyone who believes that a Danielson/Cole feud is a great idea, needs to have their heads examined. I can't remember one legendary feud that involves an announcer. Unless you count the ECW stuff, but i said legendary. Noone, well maybe with the exception of smarks, pays to see the announcer in a feud.

 

[FitFinlay4Life]

NXT is a feeler program (just like WWECW). IMO this is Vince tryin a newish type of kayfabe, last seen I believe in the collapsing stage angle when he called his longtime nemisis (HHH) Paul [If you don't remember this, it's probably because it was dropped very quickly when a TNA employee died in similar circumstances]. In this land of kayfabe, it's that much harder to work out if someone has gone into business for themself or if someone is legitimately injured (there has been a couple of instances of faked 'X's given by Referees in recent times).

However, while this might make for more interesting storylines, recent DVD releases (John Morrison- Rock Star, Jim Morrison HAS come back as a wrestler you know) would indicate that Vince is still mainly stuck in pre90s kayfabe mode, mores the pity.

 

[Chaz]

I am in love this storyline. The way they are taking to this is amazing. Everyone (well mostly) loves Bryan Danielson, and Everyone hates Michael Cole, and seeing our favorite kick the life outta Cole makes me feel like I am an IWC-less wrestling fan. It made the losing streak worth it for this storyline. AS RVDgurl said, WWE took thoughtful planning into this storyline. Bravo WWE.

 

[Honkey_Kong]

I am in love this storyline. The way they are taking to this is amazing. Everyone (well mostly) loves Bryan Danielson, and Everyone hates Michael Cole, and seeing our favorite kick the life outta Cole makes me feel like I am an IWC-less wrestling fan. It made the losing streak worth it for this storyline. AS RVDgurl said, WWE took thoughtful planning into this storyline. Bravo WWE.

Yeah, I know what you mean. Although, even if it were John Cena kicking the life out of Cole, I would've still enjoyed it. You know what I'd like to see is if Danielson will refuse to wrestle any matches without JR calling them for him.

I think this entire angle was written with the IWC in mind. And yeah, I'm actually surprised that their writing team was capable of writing this angle. It was way beyond what the scope of those failed soap opera writers have shown us. I just hope it continues to stay interesting for a while.

 

[Slack]

The only way this would be an ok angle is if Cole leaves the commentating table and becomes a manager or something, other than that, it is extremely stupid. Can anyone name legendary angle that involved an announcer as one of the main components? I sure can't. Who turns on their TV to watch an announcer involved in a feud? Noone. How about paying your money to order a PPV or buy a ticket to see the feud that involves the announcer? Again nope.

 

[RVDgurl]

The only way this would be an ok angle is if Cole leaves the commentating table and becomes a manager or something, other than that, it is extremely stupid. Can anyone name legendary angle that involved an announcer as one of the main components? I sure can't. Who turns on their TV to watch an announcer involved in a feud? Noone. How about paying your money to order a PPV or buy a ticket to see the feud that involves the announcer? Again nope.

I'm sorry you feel this way, but I think you're way off base here. I don't think this angle is meant to be legendary, but make no mistake about it- it's special. It's meant to give Bryan Danielson some credibility so he may one day be involved in angles that could become legendary. Danielson is just beginning his WWE career and this is his test run to see if he's got what it takes (an of course, he does )

You need to remember that this fued is not about Michael Cole, it's about Danielson and that's what makes people want to watch. You better believe I'd pay money to order a PPV or buy a ticket just to see this particular fued. It's been done well by all parties involved including the creative team who has put together something that the WWE does not usually put forth.

 

[FitFinlay4Life]

The only way this would be an ok angle is if Cole leaves the commentating table and becomes a manager or something, other than that, it is extremely stupid. Can anyone name legendary angle that involved an announcer as one of the main components? I sure can't. Who turns on their TV to watch an announcer involved in a feud? Noone. How about paying your money to order a PPV or buy a ticket to see the feud that involves the announcer? Again nope.

Hey Slack, first off I would like to apologise for my former post - it didn't make any point and was rightly removed by D-Man. It was not ment to cause any offense and was a knee jerk reaction because I was unable to make a measured response at the time as I was heading out to play soccer. Sorry.

The WWe has used commentators on a number of occasions to progress feuds. Most notably Jim Ross in the Triple H versus Stone Cold Steve Austin feud. JR was noted at the time to be a friend of Austin's and to progress the feud he was rediculed, attacked and even took part in a headline Raw tag match (JR & SC vs HHH & Chyna). JR has also been involved in high level feuds with Kane, SC himself and even Vince. Jerry Lawler did as much to put Bret Hart over as a commentator as a wrestler - carrying their feud on over the mike even once it had finished in the ring. TNA has been great proponents of using the commentator to put over heels by having alledged friction. AMW, JJ and Team 3D have all man handled the Professor giving the play by play commentator legitimate reason to show pure hatred for the heels. Mike Tenay and Jim Ross have both given immense heat to heels.

I see this angle actually building to a JR return. JR has done alot of talent relations work over the years and had an angle with Michael Cole in 1998 about Cole attempting to steal his job. I can see this storyline developing into a Ross backed Danielson match with a Cole backed Miz. Cole has been regarded by many (personally, I find him satisfactory if not overexciting) as a pretty bland play by play man over the years. As the King generally plays the good guy these days in the colour seat, maybe a heel play by play man would spice things up.

 

[Slack]

While announcers played a role in feuds, it was never has one of the main components. This angle is one where the announcer is a main clog in the angle. Remember when they had JR be a main guy in an angle when he brought in the fake Razor and Diesel. That angle didn't last long. And I wasn't a big fan of the of JR wrestling, but still JR was only a small part of the angle, he wasn't one of the 2 main components like Cole is.

Also while Lawler was a main part of the feud, there is a difference between Lawler and Cole. Lawler was and still is, a wrestler, Cole isn't. And even then I wasn't a big fan of the angle. The only way I might remotely like this angle is if Cole leaves the announce table and becomes a manager. An announcer has never made any wrestling company any money. And truthfully it makes Danielson look like a whiny crybaby pussy. This angle can end up making Danielson look bad.

Think about it. They have Danielson attacking announcer who was never wrestler, because the announcer apparently hurt is feelings. They have Danielson acting like a spoiled 5 year old kid who is upset because his parents won't buy him a new toy. What is the next Danielson angle going to be? Feuding with the make up lady?

 

[FitFinlay4Life]

While announcers played a role in feuds, it was never has one of the main components. This angle is one where the announcer is a main clog in the angle. Remember when they had JR be a main guy in an angle when he brought in the fake Razor and Diesel. That angle didn't last long. And I wasn't a big fan of the of JR wrestling, but still JR was only a small part of the angle, he wasn't one of the 2 main components like Cole is.

Also while Lawler was a main part of the feud, there is a difference between Lawler and Cole. Lawler was and still is, a wrestler, Cole isn't. And even then I wasn't a big fan of the angle. The only way I might remotely like this angle is if Cole leaves the announce table and becomes a manager. An announcer has never made any wrestling company any money. And truthfully it makes Danielson look like a whiny crybaby pussy. This angle can end up making Danielson look bad.

Think about it. They have Danielson attacking announcer who was never wrestler, because the announcer apparently hurt is feelings. They have Danielson acting like a spoiled 5 year old kid who is upset because his parents won't buy him a new toy. What is the next Danielson angle going to be? Feuding with the make up lady?

Commentators have a major role in every storyline for one simple reason - they are the narrator of the story, to give them a vested interest in the story gives the storyline more credibility.

I agree that there is a chance that this can be detrimental to Danielson if handled wrong, in that he could become regarded as whiney (if everytime we see him he's complaining) or over pushed (if Cole does nothing else but go on about him).

However, Shawn Michaels (face) superkicked Teddy Long (face non-wrestler) when Teddy would not do what he wanted (or was whining about, if you want) without detriment to his character. Randy Orton has RKO'd everyone but the makeup lady (and I think it's just a matter of time) and is getting cheered. It never annoyed SCSA who he stunnered - the crowd popped everytime. Basically the only time anyone paid any attention to non-wrestlers Buddy Rose or Jonathan Coachman was when they where getting their smiles wiped of by Kane or Cena.

The biggest criticism levelled at Danielson is lack of character - why should you like or loath him? If Michael Cole has a fit everytime he see's him (particularly if Danielson does not rise to the bait) this gives him defacto heat without Bryan having to actually do anything. This is not a two man feud between Cole and Bryan - it's a three man feud, involving the Miz. With an over heel like the Miz (who is great on the mike) and a cheerleader Cole on commentary taking on an underdog (no clean singles win on NXT, remember). Danielson can get over without having to try and show charisma on the mike - basically, they'll do that work for him.

 

[Slack]

Yes the announcer is the narrator, but narrators aren't the stars of the show. For example, not sure if you'll get this reference, but can anyone name the narrator of the TV show the Wonder Years? Not without looking it up first. Plus if you are at a live show, you can't hear the announcer.

And again all those examples you gave of a non wrestler being involved in an angle were all minor characters in the angle, nothing more.

 

[Cookie14]

It all started with Daniel Bryan. He cut some shoot-style promos. He used his real name at times instead of his WWE name, something I have NEVER seen happen. WWE also acknowledged his success outside of WWE, another first (with the exception of wrestlers brought in from WCW when WWE bought them)

Now you have both Husky Harris and Michael McGillicutty saying they are second/third generation wrestlers. In doing this, they have revealed they have revealed the real names of their fathers, who both played characters (Mr Perfect and IRS) during the 80's and 90's (and in the case of Mike Rotunda, he still appears on screen occasionally as IRS)

Neither of these use the names that made their parents famous, nor do they use their real names. This has all been pointed out during their introduction NXT promos.

They have also mentioned the success that Kaval has had around the world, they showed pictures of him in other wrestling organisations (including a picture of him in TNA, but that was only shown very briefly)

Why are they doing this now with the NXT guys?
Will they start doing it with other new people who come in from now on?
How about mentioning the history of people that are already there? (for example, it's never been mentioned that R-Truth was previously in WWE as K-Kwik)
Do you think breaks of kayfabe like this are good or bad for WWE, and wrestling in general?

Personally, I think it is a good thing for WWE to recognise a wrestlers success in other organisations. For example, how much easier would it be to push R-Truth if he was billed as a 2-time world champion?

However, I don't see any benefit to mentioning the family history of a wrestker, unless the new wrestler is going to play of the gimmick of his parent, like Ted DiBiase.

I just don't see the point in someone coming out saying (using Husky as an example here) 'my father is Mike Rotunda. You won't know that name because he wrestled here as IRS, however, I'm going to ignore both of those names, so you can call me Husky Harris' To me, that just de-values the characters involved.