Aliyah vs Mia Yim
The ring work in this match was solid; Yim and Aliyah had some good chemistry. I feel like the audience was firmly behind Yim in this match; her video package about her past seems to have garnered her even more support as a babyface. Yim has so much momentum right now and her threatening message to Shayna Baszler is actually pretty credible. I also feel like Aliyah has some Carmella-esque potential if she could just figure it out and make it click
Winner: Mia Yim
Grade: B-
Regal’s office
People stay busting in poor William Regal’s office, but he’s so calm and proper about it. He announced that the Street Profits will defend their tag team championships against Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan next week.
Not Graded
Week 2 of Cole’s Celebration
Adam Cole really went to Johnny Gargano’s parents’ pizza place and hung up his own photo on the wall of fame. And then he gave a whole speech about how all the rookie talent should give up. Cole is wild.
Grade: A-
Kushida vs Jeff Parker
It was a little disappointing seeing Kushida face a rando after several weeks of more high quality opponents. But at the same time, it was pretty much a walk in the park. It is best to let him build even more of a match record before giving him a big feud.
Winner: Kushida
Grade: C+
NXBreeze
Tyler Breeze reminded us that NXT used to be his stomping grounds. He’s got a point; Breeze was one of the most over talents during his time on NXT.
Not Graded
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott vs Cameron Grimes-NXT Breakout Tournament Round 1
Scott actually wrestled at my local indie promotion so it’s super cool to see him on NXT television now! As for the match, it was quite slow in the beginning but the pace picked up as did the audience interest. The match was solid in the latter parts as both men got more comfortable with each other.
Winner: Cameron Grimes
Grade: B
Bianca Belair vs Zuniga
I’m not sure if I spelled Belair’s opponent’s name correctly but it doesn’t really matter because Belair absolutely demolished this woman. Belair needed a good squash after her recent losing streak so this was perfect for her. Also the woman is ridiculously strong and total body goals.
Winner: Bianca Belair
Grade: B
Bro!
We got a nice little video of Matt Riddle training and talking about how he got into UFC and wrestling. Riddle is adorable and I just enjoy his presence.
Grade: B+
Roderick Strong vs Tyler Breeze
Strong showed a more vicious side in this match, including two brutal backbreakers on the steel steps and the barricade. Breeze’s back and chest got torn up and this was just a regular match! This was a great back-and-forth bout, showing Breeze’s ring abilities in a way we definitely haven’t seen on the main roster. Even though Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish showed up, Roderick is still arguably one of the best members of Undisputed Era when it comes to singles matches.
Winner: Roderick Strong
Grade: A-
Final Thoughts
All in all, this was a pretty good episode of NXT. We’re in a little bit of a dry rut since the next Takeover isn’t until Summer Slam but we’ve got other things going on so it’s all good.
Overall Grade: B+
