NXT was back this week and it more or less concluded Crews, Enzo and Cass’ journey there as they head to the main roster permanently. The Mens’ and Women’s Champion were missing but we were told that Asuka was set to face Eva Marie, who recently stole her title at NXT house shows. Nia Jax had a squash match much like No Way Jose and Shinsuke Nakamura will be in action next week against Elias Sampson.
Much happened in this one hour show. Some parts good, other parts decent but we more or less know that there are many male superstars who can follow in Balor’s shoes and carry the brand once he steps out into the main roster. The women’s division is still looking for a successor to Asuka.
Here are the 5 points to note from this weeks show-
The Realest Guys In The Room
The introduction shtick that Enzo and Cass go through after entering any arena is a reminder of what Paul Heyman once said on the Stone Cold Steve Austin Podcast which was aired on the WWE Network. You have to first introduce yourself to the audience. Not everyone follows each and every episode. For new viewers or for viewers who haven’t been so much in touch, you need to explain everything that is happening at the moment in the simplest yet significant way possible. And that’s why Enzo and Cass can get over easy wherever they go. Their catchphrases seam so well into their introductions. At first you may scratch your head as to decipher what they’re trying to talk about but you’ll still be entertained.
The Opening Match
The American Alpha are easily the second most popular team in NXT and this episode was apt in just passing on that baton of popularity. These two teams have never faced each other and the episode kicked off with their match. This match showed how well coiled these two teams are. The ending was particularly great. The moment Jordan brought down his stripes, you knew the end was near but Cass came in the way and took the bullet for Enzo but that did not deter the tag team champion. He put his stripes back on and then again brought them down and that more less signaled the end. The tag team champions won and it was the perfect conclusion to the NXT journey of The Realest Guys, now to conquer the main roster.
A Debut
No Way Jose debuted this week and the first match for this hyped debut was a squash, obviously. What was clear was that this gimmick certainly needs a lot of energy of not technical skills. To dance that much to the ring and then in the ring while executing moves takes a lot of effort. The first match did not show much of wrestling skills. It was a showcase of the moves he’ll predominantly use and there’s no harm yet. Some moments like him using a dance move to reel his opponent into a lock. Much too early to think about his potential but No Way Jose had the NXT audience in the arena interested in his match. They even made the ‘Ole Ole’ chant to a ‘Jose, Jose’ chant. Though this act may not work on the main roster. MAY Not
Double-A Level
Austin Aries had a backstage interview and it again displayed how great it is to have someone as experienced as him on NXT. His delivery on the mic is always on point. He was amused at Corbin’s comment that it was luck that led Aries to beat The Lone Wolf at Takeover : Dallas. Aries, very clearly and as matter of fact retorted that he doesn’t need luck, luck is always a by-product for the hard work and dedication that is put forth. Everyone in NXT is A- Level, he thinks. But there is only one guy on ‘double-A- level. And that’s A-ustin A-ries.
Monster Level
Joe became the second person after Finn Balor to hand Apollo Crews a loss in NXT. That should be something worth noting. Joe is on his way to a third bout with Balor and as they say- third times the charm. The arrival of Gallows and Anderson on the main roster has only propelled rumors of a Balor call up and if Balor does make it then rest assured that Joe is the next in line in the illustrious list of NXT Men’s champions. The story NXT is taking is that Balor survived the last two times he was in the ring with this monstrous performer but the end of the matter is that he won. This should be more of Joe’s relentless reach for that title more than anything.
