Roderick Strong vs Bronson Reed
Reed was an acceptable interruption in Strong’s opening promo on Velveteen Dream. The match was okay but it definitely felt like an unimportant blip in the true feud between Strong and Dream, especially with the purple light distraction. Also I wasn’t feeling the jumping knee strike as the finisher here. It probably wouldn’t work against more high-profile opponents.
Winner: Roderick Strong
Grade: B
Dream’s Tights
Velveteen Dream’s countering promo, complete with more tights airbrushed with Roderick Strong’s family, was amazing. This feud is getting personal and I love it. I’m also just glad to have Dream back from injury as well.
Grade: A
Angel and Lio
I think the key for right now is giving Angel Garza shorter interview answers because his English isn’t the strongest. That’s not a knock against him, just something to work around because let’s face it, English is tough! Lio Rush interrupting him was perfect for this.
Not Graded
Candice LeRae vs Dakota Kai
I had mixed feelings about this match. On one hand, it was good and perhaps in the frustration showed by LeRae, seeds have been planted for her next story or turn. On the other hand, this was meant to get some momentum behind Kai for the upcoming street fight between her and Tegan Nox and I feel that the post-match brawl did that more than this match.
Winner: Dakota Kai
Grade: B-
Johnny Gargano vs Cameron Grimes
Honestly this just felt like a good old fashioned wrestling match and it was pretty fun to watch. It was a well-paced match that didn’t feel rushed or go on for too long like some of Gargano’s matches tend to do. I also liked the emphasis on Gargano’s interactions with the fans of Full Sail. It’s a great juxtaposition to the heel gimmick that Finn Balor is currently portraying.
Winner: Johnny Gargano
Grade: B
Backstage Stuff
Adam Cole is big mad about everyone reminding him that Ciampa never lost the title (which is true!). Roderick Strong is going to defend his wife’s honor next week against Velveteen Dream (and surely some more fabulous tights). And Robert Stone and Chelsea Green are going to re-launch their brand (cool, I guess).
Grade: B+
Angel Garza vs Lio Rush-Cruiserweight Championship #1 Contendership
Garza gets an extra point for immediately taking off his pants at the beginning of the match and giving the people what they want. This was another well-paced match, even if the pace was a little faster. How cool was that spinout facebuster bomb thing? The post-match confrontation was simple as well, keeping the mood perfect.
Winner: Lio Rush
Grade: B
Bianca Belair vs Santana Garrett
This was an absolute squash match. I’m pretty sure their entrances were longer than the actual match. Rhea Ripley getting dropped by an irate Belair after answering her call-out was icing on the cake.
Winner: Bianca Belair
Not Graded
Nothing to lose
Tommaso Ciampa’s quest to bring Goldie back is one of the most captivating stories going on right now. Many of us were devastated when he had to relinquish the title due to injury and this is basically writing itself. Kudos to Ciampa on having a very dramatic air about him as well!
Grade: B+
The Broserweights’ Excellent Adventure
I thoroughly enjoyed Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne trying to get to Portland with their trophy. I would watch an entire series about these two. Make it happen, WWE Network!
Grade: A
Adam Cole vs Kushida
This was a pretty good match, though I have seen better main events and certainly better performances from both Cole and Kushida. But Cole got a nice win and some more momentum going into Takeover on Sunday. Ciampa’s appearance after the match and their staredown was a fantastic way to end the show.
Winner: Adam Cole
Grade: B-
Final Thoughts
All around, this was a solid go-home show for the upcoming Takeover with good builds for most of the matches on the card. I’m definitely wondering about the Ripley/Belair match. I feel that Charlotte Flair is somehow going to get involved and possibly create a triple threat match at WrestleMania. I also feel like the Nox/Kai street fight really has to bring it because the feud has fallen a little flat.
Overall Grade: B+
