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?
While NXT episodes haven’t been their best the past few weeks, they have still been entertaining enough. Now with the big NXT Takeover: Dallas event less than six weeks away, the stories are starting to come together and excitement is starting to build. As usual, Tom Phillips and Corey Graves join us on commentary and they seem to be clicking together more and more. Let’s see how the show was.
American Alpha (Chad Gable and Jason Jordan vs. BAMF (Blake and Murphy with Alex Bliss)
I can’t say it enough. American Alpha are just plain awesome. So awesome, in fact, they are easily main roster ready. I don’t think they should be called up yet, of course. I think they have more time to develop on NXT, and equally as important, it is important they are called up when WWE is ready to push them adequately. However, if a brand extension does end up happening, perhaps they could become a much more necessary commodity?
BAMF aren’t awesome. I like them, and I love Bliss, but they just seem to be stuck in place right now. They aren’t quite the Vaudevillains level of stale but I think they’ve definitely hit their glass ceiling on NXT. I think the act could be called up. They won’t hit high peaks, but they’d help a thin roster, especially if the aforementioned brand extension would take place.
Overall, this was a solid match. American Alpha are just so good. Gable’s shine is so entertaining and different to everyone in the company and Jordan’s hot tag is such fire. With that formula, it’d be hard for them not to deliver. BAMF were fine here too. Solid enough match, but American Alpha are the money.
Winner: American Alpha
After they finish celebrating, William Regal has two big announcements. The first major announcement is that Samoa Joe will be taking on Sami Zayn in two weeks. This time, however, they will be having a two out of three falls match. Needless to say, this will be fantastic.
The second announcement is one that most people will likely know of already if they use social media, but NXT has a new signing that is going to be revealed next week. No, not that one. The one before that one. Regardless, this person is an excellent talent and that is sure to be exciting.
Christopher Girard vs. Apollo Crews
For those unaware, Christopher Girard isn’t just some WWE Performance Center rookie, nor is he just some local independent talent. Instead he is the former Biff Busick, a former star from PWG (Pro Wrestling Guerrilla), EVOLVE, and CZW (Combat Zone Wrestling) where he even held the CZW Championship. Although, his best work probably occurred in Beyond Wrestling. Regardless, this is his televised NXT debut and to my surprise, they made him look quite strong.
He went in there and was his fun stiff self, hitting Crews with some big moves. He won’t have the charisma some people are looking for, at least not initially, but he is an excellent talent and if he ever faces Ciampa on NXT TV, we could end up with something extremely memorable. Either way, this was good and Crews gets a nice win to hold him over.
Crews needs something. I’m not sure what, but he needs something. He seemed destined for big things after his debut but he’s definitely stalled out. I assume once a Sami Zayn or Finn Balor gets called up, his role in the company will improve. Regardless, something to flesh out his character would be nice.
Winner: Apollo Crews
After Crews celebrates we get a promo from Baymella. Carmella and Bayley make for a fun pairing and are extremely likable together. I also enjoyed Bayley giving a little shine on Asuka, because when that match takes place it will likely be a show stealer. We also had a look at The Revival beating down Enzo Amore, which I liked. Another hidden camera assault in such a short period of time is unfortunate, but regardless I like both teams. I’m just ready for Enzo and Cass to get the call up.
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Bull Dempsey
This wasn’t great. Nor was it good. This is no fault of Tommaso Ciampa’s, and really, it isn’t Bul’s fault either, but they just didn’t click. It certainly didn’t help that they had some weird booking here. While Tommaso certainly hasn’t had a major babyface push, he’s always come across as a defiant but tough smash mouth baby. Yet here, he was randomly put in the heel role. I just don’t think it worked.
Still, at least Ciampa got the win. He’s a great talent and I’d love to see WWE get behind him more. Let him on a Takeover maybe? How about Rich Swann and Christopher Girard vs. Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa? Just a thought. Also, I believe this was Bull’s final NXT appearance, so that’s notable.
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa
Before the main event we have both Samoa Joe and Sami Zayn cut short promos on one another leading into their big match in two weeks. I enjoy the fact that they do this so frequently on NXT. They don’t overdo the in-ring promos and instead practice vignettes and backstage interaction a lot more and I think it helps NXT stand out more for it, but also it definitely helps develop characters. Cool stuff as always, especially since both are underappreciated talkers.
Nia Jax and Eva Marie vs. Bayley and Carmella
This was perfectly fine. I know Eva Marie is the devil in most people’s minds, but I think she offers something. Aside from the fact that she is improving on the mic and as a character, she just gets so much heat. People can scream “go away heat”, but people aren’t leaving because she’s on the show. Instead it creates a great environment and with someone like Bayley, such an entertaining dynamic.
Nia Jax isn’t good yet. I think she offers less than Eva at this point. With that said, she is green and as a monster she is something different just visually if nothing else. Hopefully she works hard and improves, as I’d love to see her be more of an Awesome Kong and less of a Tamina. Carmella is also improving, although I think she’ll be on the main roster with Enzo and Cass soon.
Praising Bayley, at this point, would be almost too obvious. She is incredible. She is the best babyface in the company along with Sami Zayn, Dean Ambrose, and Becky Lynch. She is just insanely likable and I really hope when she transitions to the main roster she is used in a way she should be. Because if she is, she could be huge. This match was fine, Eva and Nia get the win, but ultimately it seemed like just a vehicle to waste more time. I suspect we’ll get Nia vs. Asuka at some point, maybe Eva as well, but I see Nia turning on Eva sooner or later. Decent main event.
Winners: Nia Jax and Eva Marie
After Nia Jax and Eva Marie celebrate on the ramp, we cut back to Finn Balor and William Regal. Regal praises Finn for his championship reign and informs him he is rapidly approaching becoming the longest reigning NXT Champion in history. So for a match to celebrate that, and to potentially prove who the best champion is, Balor will go one on one with the man who currently has the record, Neville. Next week is going to be fantastic.
Match List
American Alpha (Chad Gable and Jason Jordan) vs. BAMF (Blake and Murphy with Alexa Bliss)
Christopher Girard vs. Apollo Crews
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Bull Dempsey
Nia Jax and Eva Marie vs. Bayley and Carmella
Closing Thoughts
This show wasn’t amazing, but for me personally I had interest in everything. American Alpha are fantastic. I was excited to see Biff Busick’s NXT debut. Tommaso Ciampa getting another big win is nice. Add in a solid enough main event and the show itself was perfectly solid with some interesting dynamics.
The big thing this show offered, however, is intrigue for the coming two weeks. With next week we have the debut of a new massive NXT signing, who for those that don’t know may definitely impress. We also have an excellent match next week with Finn Balor and Neville going at it. Not bad. Oh, and Samoa Joe versus Sami Zayn a week later, and two out of three falls? Sign me up. If you don’t subscribe to the WWE Network, you may want to sub in March for these two upcoming shows alone.
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!