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Following an exciting New Year's Evil, NXT has maintained its momentum through great matches and solid storytelling this week. Things continue to look up for the brand.
From Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes cutting victory promos to Imperium and Toxic Attraction getting extended vignettes, the champions were highlighted despite not being in action this week. Other stories concluded, which may result at the end of the road for a particular top star.
Elsewhere, AJ Styles brought his phenomenal self to the third brand as he took on Grayson Waller. As long as these kinds of storylines continue to happen, the show will remain in a good position. Which WWE main roster Superstar will appear next? We may find out soon.
Here are the main positives and negatives of this week's episode of NXT. What did you think of the show? Let us know down in the comments.
#3 Best: AJ Styles puts on a show on NXT and brings back LA Knight
The feud between AJ Styles and Grayson Waller concluded this week, as The Phenomenal One defeated his rival in an entertaining match.
Waller was truly impressive, nearly upsetting the former WWE Champion with a Stunner. In the end, experience won out as AJ Styles got the victory with the Phenomenal Forearm. But he did put Grayson Waller over in a promo after the match before introducing him to the returning LA Knight.
Having missed a month due to an attack from the Australian, Knight came out and beat up Waller. He and Styles then hugged in the ring.
The impending rivalry between LA Knight and Grayson Waller could be great, with both stars being impressive in the ring and on promos. However, fans expect the heel to win, as he has much more to achieve on the brand.
With that being said, the former Million Dollar Champion should make his way to the main roster soon on either RAW or SmackDown.
#2 Best: Is this Pete Dunne's NXT swan song?
Pete Dunne may have wrestled in his final match in NXT. He lost to Tony D'Angelo in a brutal Crowbar on a Pole Match. The stipulation may not have been the greatest, but the action made up for it.
The match did get better after the crowbar was introduced as a weapon. The Bruiserweight locked in a crowbar-assisted STF, but his opponent broke out. D'Angelo hit the Englishman in the face with the crowbar to win.
While a decisive win for him, Tony D'Angelo would be further highlighted if Pete Dunne never appears on the brand again. He should be the main roster-bound, with the Royal Rumble being the perfect place for him to debut. The Bruiserweight can make an instant impact, much like Damian Priest did in last year's match.
#2 Worst: The 'Winner takes Elektra Lopez' stipulation
One of the most recent questionable storylines involved Elektra Lopez, who was caught in the middle of a triangle of sorts. Despite being a member of Legado del Fantasma but she became the subject of Xyon Quinn's affection.
Things came to a head-on tonight's episode. Quinn took on Santos Escobar, with Lopez leaving with the winner. It was seen as a primitive gimmick, with the female star being viewed as a prize for the men.
Also, this entire situation proved to be a waste of time as she turned on Quinn and allowed Escobar to pick up the win. While Elektra Lopez staying with Legado was positive, this entire angle felt unnecessary.
#1 Best: Wendy Choo steals the show on NXT
Wendy Choo wrestled her first match under her current gimmick on NXT, teaming with Indi Hartwell and Persia Pirotta to win a six-woman tag team match. Before the bout, she had constantly appeared in backstage segments, either waking up from a nap or going to sleep.
The slumber followed Choo into the ring as she napped in the corner throughout the match. But whenever called to wrestle, she always delivered. The gimmick makes for a wildly entertaining and relatable character who can flip the switch from sloth to offense instantly.
At the very least, Wendy Choo is better than her Mei Ying gimmick that failed to reach its potential. She could become very popular among fans as WWE's version of Orange Cassidy.
#1 Worst: Harland's first loss is an underwhelming one
Harland suffered his first defeat tonight as he and Joe Gacy got disqualified during a qualifier match for the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. The duo took on Malik Blade and Edris Enofe in what could have been a straightforward win, but now, Gacy and Harland aren't even in the contest.
The big man's first loss came in the most underwhelming way possible, with him not heeding by the simple rules of the match. Harland's character is interesting, but the angle could have been handled better.
Also, what happened to his match against the supposedly returning Brian Kendrick? The questions remain unanswered.
