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 edition of NXT is action packed with five matches set to take place. A running story of the night sees Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy both attempting to prove they’re superior. How will it go? Well… I can take a guess. Tom Phillips and Corey Graves are on commentary, as always, though I suspect a NXT commentary shakeup in the future.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Wesley Blake
This was a decent match. We’ve seen this kind of match a lot since Nakamura showed up around April. It is basically just enhancement for him, although his opponents have some offense. It tends to be a lot of the same. But hey, the crowd loves it, so that isn’t so bad.
Wesley Blake had new music here with new gear and it was, well, weird. I can’t say it fit him at all. In fact, I’d say it almost would fit his former tag team partner, Buddy Murphy, more. Anyway, Nakamura won clean here, as you would expect. Fine enough match.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke celebrates before William Regal comes out. He reveals that at NXT Takeover: Back To Brooklyn, Shinsuke Nakamura will challenge for the NXT Championship against Samoa Joe. Yeah, that match will be amazing. Good little segment here.
Santana Garrett vs. Billie Kay
I’m a big fan of Billie Kay, and I absolutely adore the fact that they’re using her one off on Smackdown as reason for her character becoming more self absorbed. Hilarious, and smart. Billie looked good here, which this was about. Santana Garrett is very talented herself, though, and hopefully in the future she gets signed to a deal as she has a lot of potential. Billie wins with a boot, and maybe a push is finally coming her way.
Winner: Billie Kay
After Billie celebrates, we see Bayley and William Regal backstage. Regal reveals that he will talk to Asuka, and if she accepts, Bayley will get her NXT Women’s Championship rematch at NXT Takeover. So between the NXT Title match and this, the show already looks excellent. Afterwards, we had a brief Ember Moon vignette and she will definitely shake up the women’s division. Cool.
TM61 (Shane Thorne and Nick Miller) vs. Rob Ryzin and Adrian Nailz
Another match that is essentially enhancement. It was a solid enough one, though. Shane Thorne and Nick Miller are fun, and the former TMDK have fun tandem offense. With that being said, I do hope the company does something with them because right now they feel plain and a little dull. Its early still, but I’ll still hope for an actual program or story. Their finish was fun, and they won clean.
Winners: TM61
After TM61 celebrate, we get another look at Hideo Itami. He returns next week, and I can’t wait. One thing that stood out to me was how much this video package pushed that he wants the NXT title. Could that mean something?
No Way Jose vs. Steve Cutler
Yay, more enhancement. I know I sound critical, but I don’t really mind. That is primarily what the NXT weekly shows are. They’re basic wrestling 101, while the Takeovers are where they really deliver something special. Fine by me.
No Way Jose is a good talent. Unlike Adam Rose, who was one dimensional, and quite frankly bad under pretty much any gimmick he had, No Way Jose manages the goofy and fun dancing babyface well while also balancing a more serious side. He is big and credible without coming across as corny. Obviously, he beat Steve Cutler.
Winner: No Way Jose
No Way Jose doesn’t celebrate long, and instead cuts a fiery promo on Austin Aries. This guy is such money. I love Aries, and I hope Aries goes over as he has more main event potential for now, but Jose is a really good talent and if he keeps progressing, he has a ton of potential.
Kota Ibush vs. Buddy Murphy
While this was a one off for now, rumors of Kota Ibushi being signed means that we will hopefully see him here or on RAW going forward in the not-too-distant future. And that’s good by me. He’s an excellent talent and anywhere he goes is good for us.
But you know what? Buddy Murphy can really go. While his heat was a bit boring, when it came down to crunch time, he really brought it. Unlike Wesley Blake, Murphy held his own with a top tier talent and I think he could have serious singles potential in his own right. Really good match here.
Winner: Kota Ibushi
The show wraps up with a Joe promo, as he’s mad that William Regal didn’t consult him about Nakamura being made number one contender. Regal wouldn’t take his bullying though, and made it clear Joe either defends the title or he loses it. Nakamura came out for a staredown at the end of the show, and the anticipation for this match is already at a high.
Match List
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Wesley Blake
Santana Garrett vs. Billie Kay
TM61 (Shane Thorne and Nick Miller) vs. Adrian Nailz and Rob Ryzin
No Way Jose vs. Steve Cutler
Kota Ibushi vs. Buddy Murphy
Closing Thoughts
Five matches on NXT makes for a lot of short matches, but that isn’t always a bad thing. The episode flowed well, and it went by quickly. Kota Ibushi was a great surprise, and with rumors of him being signed, hopefully we either see him on NXT or RAW going forward in the not-too-distance future. And NXT Takeover is looking great. Next week we have Roode and Itami showing up, so that episode should rule.
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!