WWE NXT 2.0 - Best & Worst - Wade Barrett's in-ring return teased, Champion pinned after incredible match

Mandy Rose continues to dominate the NXT 2.0 Women's division
Mandy Rose continues to dominate the NXT 2.0 Women's division

NXT 2.0's momentum continues to soar, with several exciting developments as 2021 approaches its end. A lot happened on this week's episode - more so than most shows.

There were more positives from NXT 2.0 than this list suggests, with Harland's menacing debut being one of them. He sent The Brian Kendrick to the hospital following a backstage attack.

Meanwhile, a couple of interesting feuds will seemingly come to a head next week. Some of them have been well-booked, like Pete Dunne's issue with Tony D'Angelo. However, there were also a few problems with the booking on NXT 2.0, as we will see. This was still a fun show. The in-ring action was mostly great.

Let's take a look at the main positives and negatives from this week's episode of NXT 2.0. Give us your thoughts on the show in the comments below.


#3 Best/Worst: Cameron Grimes remains a step ahead of Duke Hudson on NXT 2.0

NXT 2.0 kicked off with a stormer of a match between Cameron Grimes and Duke Hudson. The two shared a great No Holds Barred contest, featuring some intense spots. This was a continuation of the fine in-ring chemistry Grimes and Hudson showed at NXT WarGames, during their Hair vs. Hair match.

The former Million Dollar Champion was in fine form as he picked up another win following the Cave In onto a steel chair. This may not have been the most ideal outcome, as Duke Hudson could have done with the win.

The big man was mightily impressive in his own right. He powerbombed Grimes through a poker table. However, Hudson's night ended with his bald head being revealed to the world. This could have been done mid-match, without a loss being necessary for the spot.

Hopefully things get better for the Australian superstar. Meanwhile, Cameron Grimes needs to move to WWE's main roster soon. He would be a valuable asset to either RAW or SmackDown.

#2 Best: Bron Breakker impresses in the ring yet again

Ignoring the issues with the Cruiserweight Champion going around and wrestling beyond the weight limit, Roderick Strong's NXT 2.0 main event match against Bron Breakker went as well as one could hope.

The two had a fun contest, with the young superstar looking smooth in the ring. Breakker impressed with his offense while Strong also had a, well, strong showing.

It looks like the second-generation star will march on to challenge Tommaso Ciampa for the NXT Championship soon, especially after The Blackheart attack on him after the match. This time, Bron Breakker will likely win the title.


#2 Worst: Another loss for Dakota Kai on NXT 2.0

Dakota Kai will face Raquel Gonzalez in a feud-ending Street Fight on next week's episode of NXT 2.0. However, while the match should be good, the result seems like a foregone conclusion.

Gonzalez is the likely victor. Kai has only won once since NXT's re-branding. Her losing run continued this week, albeit against rising star Cora Jade. It came after she brought a shovel to the ring and argued with the referee, while Mandy Rose was scouting her potential next challenger from the commentary table.

NXT 2.0 should have booked Dakota Kai to win a match or two before facing Raquel Gonzalez again, lending some doubt to the eventual outcome. Unfortunately, that isn't the case.

#1 Best: Everybody hates Grayson Waller

The biggest positive from NXT 2.0 was the show-long thread of everybody hating Grayson Waller for his despicable attack on Johnny Gargano last week. Every single person Waller interacted with either walked away or reacted negatively. He has supreme heel heat, which was evident from his promo in the ring.

The NXT 2.0 fans are out for Grayson Waller's blood. The Australian even called out the commentators, with Vic Joseph being Gargano's best friend. We got a slight tease of Wade Barrett returning to the ring as well after Waller said he doesn't listen to his advice because it isn't 2010 anymore.

This run as a mega heel has got off to the best possible start for Grayson Waller, who got kicked out of the locker room. He did end the night by attacking LA Knight and stealing his date, though.


#1 Worst: Is this really the best use of Kushida on NXT 2.0?

Kushida arrived on NXT as one of the most renowned international stars in the wrestling world. However, a couple of years later, he is stuck in a comedy tag team. First off, Jacket Time is a poor name for any team.

Kushida and Ikemen Jiro's appearance on Lashing Out with Lash Legend wasn't exactly great too, as is their motto - Style Strong. At least they defeated The Grizzled Young Veterans on NXT 2.0.

Even that was a problem, specifically for GYV, who spent weeks finding ways to eat free food. Whatever that "journey" was, it hasn't translated to the ring in the slightest.

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