NXT has been on a roll the last few weeks with a number of storylines and rivalries developing and a well-balanced presentation of matches, promos and backstage segments. This week we are set to be treated to tag team action as TM61 attempt to establish a win streak whatever the costs, a grudge match in the women’s division, and a chance to see three of the hottest stars in NXT right now in the shape of Ricochet, Velveteen Dream, and Lars Sullivan in the ring at the same time. Ready?
Heavy Machinery v. TM61
This match was set up in a backstage segment last week when Heavy Machinery took issue with TM61 cheating to beat the Street Profits recently (a refreshing change from just having a direct rematch). Dozovic and Knight overpower their smaller opponents early on and treat us to a fun spot as they tie Miller up in the corner and then launch Thorne right into his abdomen.
A blind tag puts the Aussie dup in control. They dominate Knight for a while before for some unknown reason both trying suplexes on the big guy. They eventually go for a double suplex but end up on the receiving end. It is the turn of Heavy Machinery for a hot tag as Dozovic unloads on Miller and Thorne. He then sets up for a Vader Bomb but pauses to wipre himself down with TM61’s towel. That gives Shane Thorne the opening to land a kick. Miller then gets another rope assisted pin for the victory.
Winners: TM61
The slow heel turn for TM61 continues. A shame there wasn’t more of a losing streak to lead into it. One other question that I have had for a long time about wrestling – how does putting your feet on the ropes add leverage to a pin? It seems to me like it would actually give less leverage…
Kairi Sane v. Lacey Evans
After a rivalry that has been building for weeks, we see Sane attack right from the bell. Evans soon takes control of her smaller opponent and goes after Sane’s arm and elbow. The babyface comeback eventually arrives and the NXT fans in attendance go wild as the Pirate Princess starts to pull off her signature moves. She ascends the corner looking for The Elbow, but Evans gets up and lands her knockout punch (now dubbed “The Woman’s Right”) for an upset victory.
Winner: Lacey Evans
As the announcers stated after the win, that ties Sane and Evans at 1-1 so I guess a rubber match will be coming soon. It is strange that Sane has been put in this programme and is coming out second best, especially as Shayna Baszler remains without a clear rival.
Handicap Match: Lars Sullivan v. Ricochet & Velveteen Dream
This match was booked last week after Lars Sullivan interfered in Dream and Ricochet’s match. The smaller competitors are supposed to tag in and out but soon resort to double team offence as the only way to hold an advantage over the behemoth Sullivan. Even then, they struggle to get him off his feet with Lars at one point breaking through a double clothesline attempt. A double pin doesn’t even keep him down.
Sullivan eventually asserts himself on the match keeping Velveteen Dream isolated from Ricochet. A powerslam and a diving headbutt nearly get him the win but Ricochet breaks up the pinfall. A chase around the ring allows Dream to land the Purple Rainmaker and make the hot tag. Ricochet uses his speed outmanoeuvre Sullivan. A Shooting Star Press gets him a near fall. We then get two quick tags ending with Ricochet nailing the 450 Splash. Dream though attacks his partner with a Rolling Death Valley Driver mistaking the tag for a push off the ropes. He leaves Ricochet at Sullivan’s mercy. One Dominator later and it’s all over.
Winner: Lars Sullivan
At first, I was not convinced making two of the hottest young talents struggle against one opponent was a good idea (huge as Sullivan is, he’s no Braun Strowman). However, storytelling won out in the end. Sullivan gets to stake a strong claim to be number one contender and the rivalry between Dream and Ricochet has been cranked up a notch.
Matches Announced for Next Week
Through backstage segments and announcements, we learn next week we will get to see:
- Shayna Baszler v. Dakota Kai (NXT Women’s Championship Match)
- Roderick Strong v. Danny Birch
- An Aleister Black appearance
Johnny Gargano Promo
Earlier in the broadcast, Gargano arrived in a neck brace flanked by Candice La Rae saying he would have an announcement to make later in the show. We now see him in the ring getting a warm reception as usual.
Johnny Wrestling talks about how his body has suffered as a result of Ciampa’s attack. He teases a retirement angle, asking if it is all worth it. After a pause, he rips off his neck brace and calls out his rival much to Candice’s despair.
Ciampa answers the call as La Rae runs off to the back. She returns with a gaggle of referees who hold Johnny Wrestling back as the crowd chant ‘let them fight!’ Candice tries to lead Johnny up the ramp, but he is goaded back to the ring by Ciampa, who pushes him off the apron. He lands on his wife who smacks her head on the metal grate of the ramp. The show ends with Candice receiving medical treatment.
A major twist in the rivalry that potentially puts Gargano at odds with his wife. This was a well-worked TV segment that adds juice to a programme we all though had ended at the last TakeOver, but now continues as strong as ever. Smart booking all round.
Final Thoughts
Another strong episode from NXT if not quite on the level of the last couple of weeks. No matches have been confirmed for TakeOver Chicago yet but there are plenty of moving pieces that look set to be arranged for the next showcase event. Ciampa-Gargano and Dream-Ricochet are enticing rivalries and Black-Sullivan should also be something to get excited about. Add in mid-card programmes in the tag and women’s division and NXT looks as strong as ever.
