TakeOver, Samoa Joe and the Latest WWE NXT Developmental News

It's easy to be pumped as a WWE NXT fan right now, what with the next TakeOver special on its way and Samoa Joe continuing to talk with company officials.

The second live special of 2015 will be here before summer officially arrives. These shows have continually been just as good or better than the main roster pay-per-views, and it's nearly time for another one.

As for Joe, it's looking more and more like he's set to join the WWE developmental system.

The ever-shifting developmental landscape is undergoing changes as we speak, beyond the possible addition of Joe. WWE cut a handful of prospects. In addition, a powerhouse is reportedly catching the company's attention.

It's clear that Joe has done that as well. The story of his potential arrival continues.

Samoa Joe Reportedly Meets with Triple H

The sight of Samoa Joe busting heads at NXT is getting closer to being a reality. After leaving TNA, there have been whispers aplenty of his coming WWE's way. 

The latest news is the most concrete thing to date regarding that potential move. PWInsider's Mike Johnson reports, "Former TNA and Ring of Honor champion Samoa Joe was backstage at last night's WWE NXT taping in Orlando, Florida, to meet with Triple H about potentially coming into the company."

A backstage meeting like that is no guarantee of anything, but it's progress. Joe has to like what WWE has in mind for him just as much as WWE wants bring him aboard for this to go anywhere. If Triple H told Joe that he'd be a bit player or would hang around NXT for years, then The Samoan Submission Machine would be more likely to head to Japan.

Joe is too much of an asset to pass up. This is a big opportunity for NXT to bolster its roster.

Fans just have to hope that meeting went swimmingly.  

NXT Cuts Several Prospects

After signing a whole new class of recruits, a bit of downsizing was inevitable. WWE trimmed its NXT roster by five.

PWInsider (h/t Wrestling Inc) reports that WWE cut Dustin Mueller, Laszlo Vandracsek and Leyvonna Zakari. In addition, C Denzel Freeman tweeted that WWE terminated his contract. Tony Briggs also took to Twitter to announce that he was leaving the company (h/t Wrestling Inc).

None of these prospects are household names. Briggs appeared on NXT TV, but only as an enhancement talent. The others are even less familiar to fans.

This round of releases is a reminder of how tough it is to make it up the NXT ladder. Competition is fierce for every available spot. Seeing NXT journeys end like this is part of the process.

Date for NXT TakeOver Special Set

Count on Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens clashing once. After Owens dethroned and hobbled Zayn at NXT TakeOver: Rival, he is certain to face his old friend soon. A new TakeOver special is coming.

As Mike Johnson reports for PWInsider, "The next WWE NXT TakeOver special will be Wednesday, May 20."

That will be just days after Payback. The main roster won't have to worry about following an electric NXT special this time around.

In addition to Owens and Zayn likely going at it, fans can look forward to Finn Balor vs. Tyler Breeze. Those two crossed paths on last week's NXT, with Prince Pretty berating Balor from the big screen. Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady have been feuding with tag team champs Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy, so that looks to be something to expect at TakeOver as well.

Officials Reportedly High on Prospect

WWE likes what it sees from Dylan Miley.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc), the company is high on the big man (6'3'', 285 lbs). That's reportedly due in part to his unique look. Miley is set to make his official debut soon.

Miley is a muscular, hairy guy with massive hands. He will certainly have no issues standing out. Information on what he offers beyond that is scarce for now.

With so many of NXT's top prospects being smaller, more athletic wrestlers, there is definitely a void for a big brute to fill. 

Other News, Notes

Following the controversy surrounding former NXT head trainer Bill DeMott, things appear to be quiet behind the scenes at WWE developmental. According to F4WOnline (h/t Wrestling Inc), there have been no negative reports about new head man Jason Albert.

WWE is sure to be hypersensitive to the issues which ousted DeMott.

Another NXT trainer got some love in a recent profile piece. Vice published an article about Sara Amato, discussing her role on the coaching team. It includes quotes from Triple H and several NXT Divas. 

More publicity for the developmental brand is coming. PWInsider shared a press release providing details about the upcoming ESPN documentary about WWE. The release states, "The show will follow three amateur wrestlers on their grueling, high-stakes climb with dreams of making it to the big show."

WWE: Behind the Curtain will air on May 5.

At a recent NXT taping, popular indy wrestler Crazy Mary Dobson joined the fun at Full Sail University. According to ProFightDB.com (warning: link contains spoilers), Dobson worked the April 22 taping. This is likely just a one-off appearance. 

Then again, that's probably what WWE probably had in mind for Blue Pants (Leva Bates).