Every week, the WWE Network airs the latest episode of NXT. Of course, if you are reading this site you know what WWE NXT is. However I know many WWE Network subscribers don’t follow the show. Much like Superstars, I watch NXT religiously every week. So why not share some of my thoughts while also giving some information to those who may not keep up with it?
This week’s NXT comes off of the controversy over the triple threat main event from last week featuring Samoa Joe, Sami Zayn, and Baron Corbin. The big draw for this week aside from that is Apollo Crews taking on Finn Balor. As usual with the recent episodes, Corey Graves and Tom Phillips are on commentary. So how was the show? Let’s find out.
The Hype Bros (Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley) vs. The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch)
I think I liked this more than the average person would. While I am pretty bored of the Vaudevillains act and their Big Show number of turns, I think they are a fine act in the right setting. In addition to that, I thought they played their personas well, especially Aiden being furious at the Hype Bros’ steam hitting them. Small things like that stand out to me.
The Hype Bros are an act I enjoy. I know that may take away my “cool points” but they are just fun as a goofy babyface pairing. I also think Mojo is improving and becoming likable, which certainly helps. While this match was far from a classic or must see, it was certainly serviceable and I’d like to see the Hype Bros eventually get called up to the main roster. The Vaudevillains, while a quality team, are just missing something right now. They could really use a change.
Winners: The Vaudevillains
After the match, the Vaudevillains celebrate before they go to the women’s battle royal from a few weeks ago. This then led to a Carmella interview. I like Carmella a lot. While she is still developing, she has personality which helps her feel important. It was also cool to see them acknowledge that she is a second generation talent. Well done interview segment. This coincided with another quality interview, this time with the NXT Tag Team Champions Dash and Dawson. I love this team, Scott Dawson in particular, and I think as an act they are really coming together. The jackets, the promos, and of course the in ring work. “Powder Keg” Dash Wilder and “The Mechanic” Scott Dawson certainly have an old school flair, but they make it work on a show like NXT.
Carmella vs. Emma (with Dana Brooke)
This was a serviceable match as well. I think Emma is quite an underrated talent and I praise her quite a bit. I thought her match with Asuka at Takeover was the best women’s match in the company since Takeover: Respect and has been since. As for Carmella, she is certainly still not on the level of a Bayley, Emma, Sasha, or Becky, but she is improving and I think her and Bayley could pull off a very entertaining match.
Dana was mostly just there, still recovering from her injury, so she didn’t really mean much here. With that being said, the match was fine and Carmella picking up the win makes sense for her big match next week. The way it was done certainly didn’t hurt Emma in the least, either.
Winner: Carmella
After the match, Carmella celebrates and we look back at the number one contender’s match last week with Sami Zayn, Samoa Joe, and Baron Corbin before they cut to Sami Zayn and Samoa Joe both discussing the controversial ending from last week’s show. While Joe didn’t actually say anything, he is such an underrated talker. Sami is also quite good. I cannot wait to see more from these guys. We also had a nice American Alpha promo package. So much good talent in just a few minutes.
Enzo Amore and Big Cass vs. Local Competitors
Pet peeve: I hate when the WWE doesn’t give names to local competitors. I also hate when the commentators say they have no idea who they are either. Sure, they don’t matter. But at least present it like they could. The good part is one of the local competitors actually managed to shine a little thanks to a nasty bump he took from Big Cass landing on the floor and ramp.
Beyond that, Enzo and Cass were obviously the ones who had all the attention. They dominated and looked impressive in the process preparing for their match with Dash and Dawson. Really, though, Enzo and Cass are main roster ready as an act and it should be about time they start getting phased out from this show.
Winners: Enzo Amore and Big Cass
After Enzo and Cass celebrate we go backstage to Apollo Crews who cut an okay promo. He isn’t a strong talker but by his standards this was pretty good. From there we go to William Regal announcing Samoa Joe and Sami Zayn going one on one for the NXT Championship number one contender spot. Meanwhile, Corbin isn’t pleased. I wonder what this angry Corbin could lead to…
Asuka vs. Santana Garrett
Santana Garrett, also known as Brittany from her TNA run is a well known and successful independent wrestler. Seeing her here was pretty cool, especially since she’s no longer dating a sexual predator. Hopefully this means she can be picked up in the future, as she is extremely talented. She also got some offense here, which surprised me.
I liked this quite a bit. Asuka is obviously very talented and has a presence and they worked a fairly competitive match all things considered. The finish worked nicely as well. Asuka is such a good talent and her against Bayley, Sasha, or Becky could be and should be incredible.
Winner: Asuka
Asuka celebrated and we then got a Finn Balor interview. Balor isn’t much of a promo but this was fine. I wish Balor could find some more personality. I know some people enjoy his demeanor, and it definitely makes for a nice contrast to his demon persona, but it just doesn’t click for me.
Finn Balor vs. Apollo Crews
I’ll be honest, I’m kind of bored of both of these guys. Finn is a great talent and just had one of my favorite matches in recent months with Samoa Joe, but I’m still kind of bored with him. Then Crews is also quite talented but he hasn’t done too much of interest. So I can’t pretend to be overly hyped for this match despite both being quality talents.
As for the match itself, it started quite slow and neither guy is particularly entertaining in the slower parts of their matches, but it was fine. But things eventually picked up with a nice dive by Balor followed by his double stomp which Crews kicked out of, giving him a nice rub. Finn eventually wins with the rarely used Bloody Sunday and that was pretty fun. Good match. Not great, but good.
Winner: Finn Balor
After the match, Finn offers a nice show of respect to Crews to end the show. I thought that was a nice ending, giving some more rub to Crews who definitely is in need of some momentum after this. As for Finn, his focus can go on the winner of the eventual Zayn/Joe match. Either option works for me.
Match List
The Vaudevillains vs. The Hype Bros
Carmella vs. Emma
Enzo and Cass vs. Local Competitors
Santana Garrett vs. Asuka
Finn Balor vs. Apollo Crews
Closing Thoughts
This was a solid enough episode of NXT. It certainly wasn’t extremely strong, but it was pretty good. Finn Balor taking on Apollo Crews was a good match. Honestly, I’m kind of bored of both. I want a Finn Balor turn soon, especially with the rumored arrival of Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. Meanwhile Crews seems to be stalling out a bit. He seems like the kind of guy who would benefit from a secondary title on NXT. Either way, we have a few big title matches coming soon so things should pick up.
What did you think of the show? Make sure to leave your thoughts and feedback. As always, stick to the WWE Network Chronicle for the latest WWE Network news, polls, reviews, and rumors! Bookmark us, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter: @WWENetworkChron!