Adam Cole vs Matt Riddle-NXT Championship
My goodness was this a hot start to the show! Honestly, this match would’ve felt right at home on a Takeover card. It even had a street fight feel without the stipulation as these two threw absolutely everything at each other. And kudos to Adam Cole for powering through this match with a legitimate broken hand. Oh, and Finn Balor (with a ring on it) is back at NXT too?!
Winner: Adam Cole
Grade: A
Velveteen Dream
I will never get tired of Velveteen Dream’s innuendo-filled promos. They’re on the right side of cheeky where it’s still tasteful and entertaining. The way he challenged Roderick Strong was golden; I have a feeling that if used correctly, Dream could be the missile that actually breaks up the Undisputed Era.
Grade: A-
Io Shirai vs Mia Yim
Shirai gets bonus points for that new gear she had. It definitely fits this crazy heel character she has going on currently. After a Takeover match that didn’t quite deliver, I think this was a fantastic showing for Yim. If we can bring this Mia Yim, then I’m all for another title shot for her. My only real complaint was that the match felt a little long, but it wasn’t long enough to be a detriment.
Winner: Io Shirai
Grade: B+
Tegan “Robo-Knees” Knox gets an automatic A because her video package and story were just so good and inspiring.
Johnny Gargano vs Shane Thorne
This match felt like a breather, like a little break for the audience. It was very good and very entertaining. Thorne put up a good fight and I think he’s starting to pick up some more steam for himself.
Winner: Johnny Gargano
Grade: B+
Shayna Baszler vs Candice LeRae-NXT Women’s Championship
Nowadays, there’s not always a clearly defined babyface and heel but we definitely have the front-and-center roles with these women. Baszler is a big bully heel, able to summon her goons when necessary. LeRae is the pure babyface with all the heart and spirit. The air got sucked out of the room with this match because I think a lot of fans were anticipating a title change, but it didn’t happen.
Winner: Shayna Baszler
Grade: B+
Pete Dunne vs Danny Burch
This was quite a physical match, and enjoyable, but it didn’t really stand out on the show as much. It was the post-match beatdown of Pete Dunne by Damian Priest that actually made this interesting.
Winner: Pete Dunne
Grade: B
Interview, bay bay!
The Undisputed Era definitely feel some type of way about Finn Balor returning to NXT. But Cole wants them to worry about keeping themselves dripping in gold.
Not Graded
Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish vs Street Profits-NXT Tag Team Championships
Wale doing the Street Profits’ entrance was lit! I always like seeing other celebrities enjoying their time as wrestling fans. The match itself was a banger too. It was an excellent main event match, with both teams delivering. O’Reilly and Fish are one of the best tag teams I’ve seen and the Profits have so much swag and charisma.
Winner: Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish
Grade: A-
Blackheart!
Ciampa is back! The way he circled Adam Cole without ever taking his eyes off of Goldie…his return gave me chills.
Grade: A
Final Thoughts
Congratulations to NXT on their official two-hour television premiere! All in all, I think this was a great episode and they really knocked it out of the park for the premiere. Also I’m officially getting on the “Dakota Kai beats Shayna Baszler” bus. Buckle up!
Overall Grade: A-
