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As is the case every week, NXT delivered yet another solid episode. But this week's edition was bigger than usual, with a huge main event. While the show's main focus was Karrion Kross vs. Finn Balor II, a lot of other things happened.
We saw a top star making their in-ring debut, multiple stories getting built for the following weeks, and a surprising but logical face turn. A lot happened on NXT, especially with the build towards the next TakeOver event.
NXT TakeOver: In Your House is less than three weeks away, with a few matches being teased for the event. Things could pick up on next week's episode, as we find out at least half of the card.
Before we get into the main positives and negatives from the show, an arbitrary 'Best' is given to Zack Gibson, who quoted Liverpool legend Bill Shankly. He said that if MSK was "wrestling at the bottom of his garden, he'd draw the curtains." A direct reference to Shankly's quote on Liverpool's rivals, Everton.
Anyway, onto the review of this week's episode of WWE NXT. What did you think of the show? Sound of in the comments section below.
#1 Karrion Kross vs. Finn Balor II for the NXT Championship delivers
The big title rematch between Karrion Kross and Finn Balor headlined NXT this week. It was built up as one of the biggest matches in the brand's history, with a few big names showing interest in it. Paul Heyman said that Roman Reigns had his eyes on Kross and Balor's NXT Championship match.
In that case, The Tribal Chief got treated to some excellent wrestling. Kross and Balor put on a great match, possibly even better than their encounter at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver. It flowed really well and ended up being more intense, as a result.
Balor's speed was quickly established as an offset to Kross's immense power, as the match eventually became a hard-hitting brawl. The Irishman got in some big blows on his larger opponent and came close to getting the victory, including when he locked in a sleeper hold.
However, Karrion Kross rallied to pick up the victory after locking in the Kross Jacket, keeping his NXT Championship. He truly had to work for it tonight, with Finn Balor being at the top of his game. This match was an absolute war and a worthy end to the headline rivalry on the Black and Gold brand.
#1 Worst: Finn Balor may be done on NXT
The unfortunate part of Karrion Kross retaining the NXT Championship is that Finn Balor's time on NXT may be over. Of course, this has no bearing on the quality of the show. But rather, it could have an effect in the coming weeks or months. He has been the brand's biggest star and would be a horrible loss.
With WWE planning multiple call-ups to RAW and SmackDown, a main roster return for Balor seems imminent. The Irishman may have improved his chances of succeeding as a main-event star following this run on NXT, which does bode well for his future in WWE.
However, The Prince will be missed. His presence enhanced the Black and Gold brand right from their premiere on the USA Network. Balor's consistency was remarkable, as he put on banger after banger on every single NXT TakeOver event he was on.
The former Universal Champion would be a welcome addition to Monday Night RAW, which desperately needs top babyface stars. But while WWE's Red brand will improve for having Finn Balor, NXT will suffer. Following a phenomenal second run, he will be sorely missed.
#2 Best: Franky Monet enjoys a successful NXT in-ring debut
After weeks of anticipation, NXT delivered the in-ring debut of Franky Monet. She had been roaming around the Capitol Wrestling Center, interacting with various superstars in the women's division. While those interactions eventually got a bit tiresome, Monet is now established as a fully-fledged part of the roster.
Her presentation was great, as was her entrance. La Wera Loca came off as a major star on NXT. She took on Cora Jade and proceeded to impress in the ring as well. The two had a slightly competitive match, which quickly went Franky Monet's way.
She hit a Spear and a spin-out powerbomb to gain complete control of the match. Monet picked up the victory after hitting a Glam Slam - the finisher of NXT commentator, Beth Phoenix.
Now that she has been established as a threat in the ring, Franky Monet should move up the card and further her character. She seemingly has the lot required to become a star, from her look and presentation to her work in the ring. La Wera Loca may be a future NXT Women's Champion.
#2 Worst: No Johnny Gargano or Kyle O'Reilly on NXT
William Regal may have announced them for next week's NXT Championship number one contender's match, but the lack of Johnny Gargano and Kyle O'Reilly on tonight's episode was evident. They are among the biggest stars on the Black and Gold brand.
Gargano may have lost the NXT North American Championship to Bronson Reed last week, but he remains an entertaining figure. We were not given a reaction to this defeat, which definitely would have been fun to see.
In fact, aside from a brief moment of Indi Hartwell visiting Dexter Lumis' room, The Way was not featured at all on NXT. That is a shame, as the four-person group hasn't been together on screen for a few weeks now. Hopefully, we will get more of The Way in the fallout of next week's triple threat.
Meanwhile, Kyle O'Reilly hasn't been seen since Bobby Fish returned to NXT and saved him from a beatdown at the hands of Pete Dunne and Oney Lorcan. The former Undisputed Era member did not return the favor when Fish was attacked by the duo this week.
More could have been done to build next week's triple threat, with O'Reilly and Dunne both in the match. Considering how well NXT is able to incorporate all of its relevant superstars into an episode, Johnny Gargano and Kyle O'Reilly's absences this week were disappointing.
#3 Best: Cameron Grimes turns face after the Million Dollar Face-off on NXT
The storyline between Cameron Grimes and "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase on NXT had been quite entertaining, but envisioning an end did not seem easy. This week's events eased that concern. The WWE Hall of Famer showed up at the Capitol Wrestling Center, as he and Grimes shared a few heartfelt words.
The current NXT star said that he was hurt by DiBiase's actions of embarrassing him, before the two of them were interrupted by LA Knight. The former IMPACT Wrestling star then attacked Grimes, who was pretty over with the crowd tonight.
While the segment was a bit goofy, it featured the right cast of characters to pull it off. They made it work, with the following weeks looking to lead to more interesting developments. Cameron Grimes vs. LA Knight for the apparent services of The Million Dollar Man sounds like a fun idea.
Who will carry the "million-dollar legacy" going forward? Hopefully, it eventually is Grimes. He has been excellent in his current gimmick and a face turn may be the right move. His goofiness has gotten him over, which could ultimately lead to a satisfying victory over Knight.
A possible culmination to this angle could be Ted DiBiase gifting the Million Dollar Championship to whoever wins the feud.
