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 episode of NXT features the usual team of Tom Phillips and Corey Graves on commentary. With just two weeks until NXT Takeover: The End, big matches are being made with some really fun stories being told. The program starts with William Regal revealing Bayley is not medically cleared to compete at NXT Takeover, and as a result there will be a triple threat match in the main to decide the number one contender. Works for me.
Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa vs. TM61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorn)
This match was really good. Really, really good. For those unaware, TM61 are TMDK, also known as The Mighty Don’t Kneel. And their debut was a very strong one. Some are questioning why they lost in their debut, but it is important to acknowledge just how strong they looked in defeat.
Plus, Gargano and Ciampa have been winning a lot lately. Corey claims they didn’t have much singles success, but Ciampa won constantly and I believe Gargano’s last single match saw him beat Elias Samson, so that narrative seems a bit off. Regardless, I hope the two are slotted into a major tag feud soon, either with the Revival or challenging American Alpha, as both options would be fantastic.
Winners: Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa
After Gargano and Ciampa celebrate, we become loaded with vignettes, interviews, and segments. First we have a video package for Samoa Joe and the main event along with an effective Bayley interview which focuses on her being unable to compete at Takeover, but she intends to come back for a rematch and succeed.
Then we get an excellent Andrade “Cien” Almas vignette and he’s sure to be a huge star. Former developmental staff member Rob Naylor said this was similar to what they wanted to do with Sami Zayn, and it was fantastic. We also have an American Alpha interview to hype up their tag match at Takeover, which was effective.
The biggest and longest bit however was Austin Aries coming out and cutting a cocky promo, before stating he wants the NXT Championship. This leads to Shinsuke Nakamura coming out, and Nakamura cuts a really fun promo considering the language barrier and the two’s interaction was great. Eventually, Regal makes a match for the two at NXT Takeover, and it is sure to be awesome.
No Way Jose vs. Jonathan Oregon
No Way Jose is just endless fun. How can you dislike this guy? He is overloaded with charisma, his theme song is crazy catchy, he is very over, and his wrestling isn’t half bad. Sure, he might not be all the way there yet in the ring, but he has personality and some fun offense and at this stage, that is enough.
The issue with a guy like No Way Jose will be what you do with him after the initial fun squashes end. He needs something serious eventually, but how will he fit in that role? All we can do is wait and see, but I hope he excels as I greatly enjoy him thus far.
Winner: No Way Jose
No Way Jose goes on to celebrate at the announcer’s table, making Corey Graves dance which was a sight to behold. This felt so fun and Jose is so charismatic. I can’t praise him enough right now. After, we get a video package for NXT Takeover’s main event and then then a very brief but effective Asuka interview. This worked, and WWE’s presentation of talent who don’t speak English well is usually suspect, but it has been very well done tonight.
Number One Contender
Carmella vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
The biggest thing that stood out to me about this match wasn’t the victor. Nia is improving, and I’m intrigued at how her match with Asuka will go, so by no means am I criticizing the decision, but instead I just want to give credit where credit is due. Alexa Bliss and Carmella have improved tremendously. Especially Carmella, but really both of them have come such a long way from where they were. I think Bliss’ improvement is less noticeable, as she has been better for a bit now, but she’s even better than where she was and Carmella has come an incredibly long way. This match gave me a lot of hope for the post-Bayley era of NXT, especially with Asuka and Athena around.
As for this match, it was quite fun. It wasn’t great, but the crowd was hot for it and some of the big moments were a ton of fun. Nia IS improving, even if not at the pace of the other two, and her offense is slowly looking better. And that’s a very good thing. She won here, as you’d expect, but all three girls came out of this winners, I think.
Winner: Nia Jax
Nia is celebrating when Asuka comes out and they stand toe to toe to wrap up this week’s edition of NXT.
Match List
Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa vs. TM61 (Shane Thorn and Nick Miller)
No Way Jose vs. Jonathan Oregon
Number One Contender: Carmella vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
Closing Thoughts
This week’s episode of NXT, in my opinion, was the best by a decent distance for quite some time. I felt like every single aspect of the show delivered from the in-ring work, the stories being told, the mic work, and the vignettes.
Looking ahead, we have one more episode before NXT Takeover: The End. This has a lot of people panicking, but this represents the end of the Balor and Joe feud, and the end of this era of NXT. With the brand extension now confirmed, this just means a lot of call ups are coming. As is a new era for NXT.
What did you think of the show? Make sure to leave your thoughts and feedback. As always, stick to WWE Network News for the latest WWE Network news, polls, reviews, and rumors! Bookmark us, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter: @WWENetworkChron!