The NXT Review – November 9th, 2016

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! Due to some technical difficulties last week it was impossible to get a Review to you on time, so apologies for that. But lets not cry, swear, and break-things over Internet failings, instead dive into this weeks humdinger of a show.

With only four teams remaining in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Tournament, I have some nagging questions that as-of-yet remain unanswered. Like besides that nifty looking Trophy, does whichever team reign supreme get a shot of the NXT Tag Team Titles? And if so, when will said match happen? TakeOver Toronto?

See, nagging questions aplenty.

And it’s not even as-if a president has been set for how this Tournament ultimately ends. I mean, considering last years winning team of Finn Balor & Samoa Joe pretty much broke-up after Joe contracted a nasty case of Heel-itus. So even if they were granted said title-shot, I don’t think Grumpy-Joe would have been interested. But surely there is some greater prize than just the Cowboy Boot Trophy … no?

Team DIY were on top-form as usual. But even with rare spots in the match were they took command over the dominate team of the Authors of Pain, Paul Ellerings’ monster Heels came out on the winning end. Because – you know – booking dictates that the undefeated Heel-Team must steamroll the competition no-matter how predicable it makes the overall outcome of the Tournament.

The only glimmer of hope which I’m desperately holding onto is TM61 beating AOP in the finals at Toronto (one question answered). I mean it, there better be a CWC-esque swerve coming some where down-the-line because if these two chumps win this whole damn thing … I riot!

Or construct an enthusiastically damning Review. Either way, pissed!

Ember Moon may serve as an unconventional counter-point to the aforementioned Authors of Pain. For starters she is lone female and twice as exciting between the ropes. But more-over her win-loss record so far in NXT may be as predictable as AOP be but at least her matches are far more entertaining.

Whereas I’d happily see the back of Rezar & Akam, Moon is destined for bigger things. Tonight – unfortunately for Rachel Evers – her opponent is merely a speed bump on the road to greatness and possible serious consequences for her health. I mean, who else right now is the top candidate to bring Asuka’s reign of tyranny to an end? I’m certain Mickie James will turn out to be tough competition for the NXT Women’s Champion at TakeOver Toronto. But even if James’ appearance isn’t a one-and-done deal, I don’t see the veteran breaking Asuka’s undefeated streak anytime soon.

Ember Moon on the other hand … we will see.

When was the last time a contract signing ever went to plan? And when I say “to plan“, what I mean is the way that ‘normal’ folks like you and I would end a civil contract signing. With a hearty handshake, an invitation for drinks or – if you’re so inclined – a Bayley approved hug?

Nope, when it comes to WWE, contract signings often mean stare-downs, fisticuffs and splinters.

That is unless your Grumpy-Joe whose own self-preservation meant that a ramp-lengh distance between himself and NXT Champion Shinsuke Nakamura meant that no violence was enacted, not between those two at least. But it did mean that Joe was able to shame NXT GM William Regal in an endless tirade of passive-aggressive actions between the two.

If Joe’s loss at TakeOver Toronto isn’t due to outside interference from Regal I’d be shocked. Not that I question the GM’s integrity (he is British after all) but I do question how long someone can be bullied before they snap and bring out the ol’ Brass Knuckles.

C’mon Regal, no-one would blame you.

#TheNXTReview

For all your NXT News & Reviews, stick with @mitchrated and the entire #SkatronixxxWrestling team on Twitter and Skatronixxx.com

The NXT Review – October 26th, 2016 – “Think About This Mickie? … Okay!”

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! This week saw the end to the First Round of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Tournament. And While we got two great matches – One more-so than the other – it was slightly predictable in both instances which some-what took the fun out of the thing for me.

In the opening match we get Team DIY Vs newcomer (and the first ever signed Chinese superstar) Tian Bing & HoHo Lun, who I have to admit was one of my favourites in the Cruiserweight Classic. But for all that has been reported of Bing, from the numerous articles to WWE’s YouTube videos, I was left some-what Ho-Humed (Banzinga) when in comparison to the charismatic HoHo Lun.

Not to mention the talents of Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargarno, whose quick ascent to the top of the Tag Team division is not just down to Wrestling talent alone. Even if it was however … no contest.

Even with predictability accounted for, this wasn’t a boring match. Bing may well be as milk-toast as they come but surprisingly he has some weight behind, a fact that Ciampa found out to his detriment when Tian quickly took him off his feet with a swift kick to noggin.

Once the two big guys Tagged out things started to pick up with Gargano and Lun putting on a great show. Although I can safely say that I hold soft-spot for HoHo he still comes off as slightly green for me. Perhaps its unfair of me to assert that but his wrestling style and numerous gurning-faces seem amateuristic. Of course I will take that back if that is just his face, I mean ‘Face-gonna-Face’ and all that, but once he tightens up his move-set (and get his face in check) I’m sure he could become a cruiserweight contender to reckon with.

Sadly tonight wasn’t Lun or Bing’s night, as the obvious favourites to take the whole damn tournament make it through to the next round.

Poor Aliyah. Seriously, this girl can’t catch a break. Not only does she lose time-after-time but it also seems that her persona changes on a dime to suit whomever she is in a match with. So given that her opponent tonight Billie Kay is not only a Heel but seemingly on the upswing to a pretty significant push. It means that Aliyah herself has to play the Babyface – a role that I have commented before doesn’t suit her – but is also destined to lose.

She what? Oh she actually won … go Aliyah!

Okay, I’m not mad at this. If Liv Morgan interfering in the match means that Aliyah not only picks up a win but also gets inserted into this storyline. I can get on board with this feud evolving into Tag Team Warfare. Especially if it leads to Aliyah turning on Liv further down the line.

I can hope right?

Speaking of turns, Tye Dillinger is killing it as a Babyface.

Not that I’m shocked or anything, as a die-hard Perfect 10 supporter I’m more excited that Dillinger’s skill is being paid off with a well deserved push. What has surprised me however is the lack of tweaking to the gimmick that has been needed.

Perhaps more-so it speaks to the genius of the Perfect 10 moniker or that no matter what you present to the fans if you ‘over‘ with the crowd, your over no matter what you are, Heel or Face. But as an ‘over’ Superstar, Dillinger now occupies that rare ‘Tweener” status that opens the doors to the fairground of creativity. Especially when that Tweener Superstar is given mic time. Just look back to the days of Stone Cold Steve Austin or Heel-era CM Punk, arguable the biggest Tweener of the Reality Era.

If Tye Dillinger can take this feud with Bobby Roode and prove to the Big Wigs that he can take his character to the next level. Not only do I see a Main Event rise in his future but much over-due Championship Gold too.

We got the obligatory Auska destroy another women on her road to world domination. But the real story coming out of tonight was the announcement that Mickie James will face the NXT Women’s Champion at TakeOver in Toronto.

Of course rumours had Trish Stratus poised to take this spot but for James to get this spotlight seems perfect to me. For Auska to be undefeated for up-to-a-year now it seems only fitting that the only women to hold the WWE’s Women, Divas and TNA Knockout Title in Wrestling history, should get a shot at the prestigious NXT Women’s Belt.

Not only that but if male veterans of Pro-Wrestling can come and dominate on NXT, why can’t a female Vet do the same?

I am of course getting ahead of myself here, one match at TakeOver doesn’t mean we are getting full-time Mickie James but unlike Trish Stratus who has returned for numerous WrestleMania’s since her retirement. The prospect of seeing one of the stable members of the Ruthless Aggression era return to a WWE ring is tantalising.

Just leave the inappropriate crotch grabs at home, okay Mickie?

It was great to see the Winner of the CWC TJ Perkins team-up with Kota Ibushi, the Guy that myself (and I’m sure everyone out there) assumed was going to win that Damn tournament.

Who knows, maybe a Tag Team Tournament will be more in his wheel house.

Either way Perkins & Ibushi easily out-shown Mustafa Ali & Lince Dorado, a pair (like most in this Tournament) that seemed haphazardly thrown together. Perhaps the same could be said for the winners of this match but at least Perkins and Ibushi have some kind of history together. Much like last years winners Finn Balor & Samoa Joe.

Foreshadowing perhaps?

#TheNXTReview

For all your NXT News & Review, stick with @mitchrated and the entire #SkatronixxxWrestling Team on Twitter and right here at Skatronixxx.com

The NXT Review – September 3rd, 2016 – Blood Moon On The Rise

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! With a relatively quiet week on the Main Roster, it was left to NXT to kick things into high gear.

Although he debuted in a losing effort, CWC favourite Tony Neese teamed-up with fellow WWE Network show brethren Ariya Daivari and put on a heck of show. With the Tag Team Divisions favourites TM61 (ugh … that name) in the other corner, I was hard pressed to believe that Neese and Daivari stood a chance. But as with the formers performance on CWC, I was suckered in as Neese dominated for much of the match before falling to a harsh clothesline from Shane Thorne.

At this point I’m sold on Nick Miller & Shane Thorne, so these kinda matches are superfluous in getting what I believe are the next big Babyface Tag Team to come outta NXT over with the crowd. With Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano seemingly done with developmental (?), its important to push TM61 further towards an eventual program with The Revival rather than a pointless feud with The Authors of Pain that we can all see coming.

Speaking of feuds, is it just me hoping that they push Ember Moon into a storyline with the NXT Women’s Champion Asuka soon as possible? I mean, I know its gonna happen while both of these incredible athletes are on the same show but c’mon … give me an early Christmas present all ready.

Coming off her big win at TakeOver Brooklyn II, Moon was paired with a debuting Leah Von. Unlike her first match with WWE, this time around we got see a lot more of the strength that Moon has in her arsenal. From a frickin’ sweet Butterfly Suplex to a brutal spinning Heel-Kick; Moon showed that she is a lot more than just a high-flying Werewolf.

A quick kudos on Ember’s ‘Werewolf/War-Goddess’ gimmick. Rarely do things in WWE just exist without being turned into something. Besides Tom Phillips mentioning Ember’s “Prophecy of Fire” on Twitter, subtly with regards to this aspect of her character really will come in to play when it comes to her longevity with the company.

Now of course I don’t expect that WWE plan on ‘Wolfing-out’ Ember anytime soon (Fingers so crossed on that one) but go ahead and keep mentioning those crazy-freaky-contacts and “Blood Moons” all you want. Showmanship after all is what makes Pro-Wrestling fun. Just keep it subtle and let Ember Moon do her thing.

Because what she does is great. #NXTWarGoddess

After his debut last week Steve Cutler looked to make a name for himself in the nights Main Event against none-other than the King of Strong Style himself, Shinsuke Nakamura.

Cocky Cutler may have played the big man early in the evening but the young up-start soon realised his mistake after Shinsuke went at him hard and fast. Showing why he had what it takes to force former NXT Champion Samoa Joe out of action and get the win tonight.

Unfortunately for Nakamura, Joe was healthy enough to sit at ringside for a majority of the match staking his claim on the title and hopefully a rematch in the not too distant future.

Now that I would like to see.

But until then we will have to enjoy the gift that keeps on giving which is Grumpy-Joe.

Cheer up mate! It might never happen … oh wait

For all your NXT News & Reviews, stick with @mitchrated and the entire #SkatronixxxWrestling team on Twitter and Skatronixxx.com

The NXT Review – August 31, 2016 – Grumpy Joe Is Grumpy

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! NXT’s homecoming saw the dawning of a new era. As the New NXT Champion Shinsuke Nakamura started his Strong Style reign, his TakeOver Brooklyn opponent Samoa Joe was on the receiving end of a rather wooden backstage segment. That further added fuel to growing SmackDown Live debut fire, after Joe left without uttering a word. Leaving GM William Regal looking displeased.

Mmmmh, moody! But more on that later.

You wait nigh on a month for a Tye Dillinger Match, only for two to come along back-to-back. I ain’t complaining because The Perfect 10 was on … well … Perfect form. Coupled with the fact that my favourite NXT Superstar got to perform at TakeOver last week. But I refuse, let me repeat that, refuse to get my hopes up for any iota of a storyline to come for Tye anytime soon. His opponent Buddy Murphy got more character development through Corey Graves explaining that he was looking to one-up his former Tag Team partner Wesley Blake, over any legit development for the under-utilised Heel Bad-Ass.

So you can predict future Gold for Dillinger all you want Graves. But action speaks louder than words NXT … make it so!

Did everyone see that Monday Night RAW promo for the incoming Cruiserweight Division? Alongside the widely reported CWC stars to receive WWE contracts, was NXT own’s Tommaso Ciampa. It stands to reason that WWE would be quick to capitalise on Ciampa and Johnny Gargano’s meteoric rise to prominence, especially with their outstanding Cruiserweight Classic match. But does that mean their days at Full Sail are numbered?

With Gargano seemingly written out of storylines and Ciampa receiving a beatdown at the hands of The Revival. Could this be leading to a ultimate ‘Goodbye‘ Match at a future TakeOver against their nemesis?

I just don’t know … too many uncertainties. Too many Questions, so little answers. Ah Wrestling.

What is certain, when a Superstar enters the ring sporting attire that can be better described as bondage. You’ve got a Heel-Turn on your hands ladies and gentlemen.

Liv Morgan got the win here but lets be clear, she shouldn’t have. I understand the babyface formula of ‘coming from behind‘ to win the match but Aliyah just looked far too impressive for me to believe the end result. For starters her new bad-girl attitude (and bondage attire) saw her dominate the match with superior wrestling skills. But when you sinch-in that submission move, damn. Don’t know what its called but I’m all about it.

And while Liv Morgan has had more TV time, her character is just a Jersey rip off Carmella’s shtick. When she got hyped up and spun around I swear deJaVu kicked in.

Match takeaway? More Aliyah please.

Capping off the evening was the NXT Champ himself, Shinsuke Nakamura.

The Champ wasn’t in action tonight but rather putting his stamp on a new era for NXT, which was probably a good thing given the rather sombre mood Joe was in tonight. Not that man with the wired jaw would get his rematch straight away but how long is that clause in effect?

Damn it! More questions.

But with Alberto Del Rio sitting out the rest of his contract with WWE on the bench. Many have speculated that Samoa Joe has been fast track to take his place has second top-tier-Heel behind Bray Wyatt on SmackDown Live. As per-norm with Pro-Wrestle, speculation comes hand-in-hand with dirt sheets rumours but with Nakamura being positioned to take the reigns from the former champ I wouldn’t be surprised to see Joe make his Main Stage debut anytime now. Especially if a rematch takes place before the next TakeOver event.

Until then, Regal will have to put up with the silent grump stalking the halls of Full Sail.

#GrumpyJoeIsGrumpy

For all your NXT News & Reviews, stick with @mitchrated and the entire #SkatronixxxWrestling team on Twitter and Skatronixxx.com

The NXT Review – June 2nd 2016 – “You Talk Too Much”

Whats up Wrestling Peeps! With just one week away from TakeOver:The End, the hype-machine was in full gear as we march towards NXT’s Network exclusive PPV. Which meant that The Revival got some mic-time which besides the usual “we’re gonna beat you” rhetoric, actually reminded me that these pair are pretty decent talkers.

With their program against the Tag Champs American Alpha already set-in-stone – I just want the damn match already – all I heard was ‘blah blah blah’ when it came to The Revival putting down their competitors. That being said, Dawson telling an interfering Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano to “go back to the Bingo Halls“, was pretty dope indeed. Even if it earn the ‘Top Guys’ a beat down and a main event match for their troubles.

What a specimen The Perfect 10 Tye Dillinger is. For a guy that laps up every inch of screen time he gets, he doesn’t get nearly enough of it in my eyes.

His match against a newly single and first name revived Buddy Murphy was surprisingly good. My shock isn’t a knock on either of these guys proven talents in-between the ropes, but rather my inexperience in seeing Murphy work a singles match for a long time.

His first singles effort was all for not however because without Blake & Alexa Bliss by his side, he fell to the Perfect 10. But then again, Murphy wasn’t winning with his friends in the corner anyway, so a new low for Murphy perhaps?

I just hope this the long game in bringing Blake & Murphy back to prominence atop the Tag Division. If Blake is to lose his next singles match, perhaps it will signal a renewed belief that together they are stronger rather than apart.

Like a DNA Digivolve or something. OMG, new gimmick!

Again a superior superstar matching up against Elias Samson has forced my hand in speaking about The Drifter. Urgh, I’m so over this boring gimmick. No I take that back, it’s not the gimmick, it’s the holding pattern that Samson is forced to take in-being labeled with this drifter moniker.

The gimmick itself has legs. For every match Samson appears in he could display something he has learned  from being on the road. An attitude, a unique move or even a character flaw, like a fear of fire or something. Akin to The Hound from Game of Thrones … he does look like him, slightly.

Just show us something besides that Damn Guitar already.

I would be remiss not to mention Austin Aires during my ranty-rant. Aires finally has a fire lit under his butt going into his match against Shinsuke Nakamura. A match that could potentially steal the show, a show that includes a Steel Cage Championship match no-less.

Oh, I like Dash Wilder’s new Red Jacket, is this a thing now? Can’t complain, its nice to be able to distinguish between the two.

Okay first, ouch! That knee from Ciampa to the side of Dawson’s head … just ouch! This was a great match, and I speak as a de-tractor of The Revival. Not that they aren’t great in the ring, because yeah obviously. But tonight is the first time they have proven they are more than just flying-fists. Perhaps it was the shocker of being great on the mic as mentioned earlier. I dunno, yet I see why WWE is pushing the Old school pair.

That didn’t stop them from losing however. And in a display of great sportsmanship, the pair proceed to beat-down Gargano & Ciampa before a save from American Alpha.

With so much heat between these two tag teams, next week’s TakeOver will be a war.

Contract signings are fun no? I mean, we all know that scarcely a table ever survives the ceremony and no-one ever brings up the fact that it’s perfectly okay for these things to, you know, occur off-screen in a non-violent situation.

I’m just saying, a case for negligence could be called into question against Mr. William Regal. But then again, would you dare stop either of these women from killing each other?

Without question, Nia Jax Vs Asuka has been a match I’ve been eager to see. Besides the obvious penance for violence both possess, it’s actually their contrasting wrestling styles that I’m excited to view.

After Asuka’s last TakeOver match against Bayley, I was part of the vocal minority that found the match awkward. For me, the pair’s in-ring style didn’t gel, with many spots feeling incoherent and sloppy. Rather than blaming Asuka I defend the fact it’s because she is one of the more unique Women performers in NXT today. So finding a partner that can match up to her skill-set is going to be hard.

Before her move onto the Main Roster, Emma fit that bill. The many matches she had with the Empress of Tomorrow were some of the best that Emma has had since day one in WWE. Catapulting not only herself into the fans conscience but helping in getting a newly signed Asuka over. Can Nia Jax step up to the plate?

If not, NXT will have to find someone who can match-up against Asuka or her days as NXT Women’s Champion may be short-lived.

For all your NXT News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

The NXT Review – May 25th 2016 – Boybands, Bombshells & Brand Extension

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! With another exciting (and storyline progressive) show ahead, I just want to take the time to mention this little Wrestling news called the New Era Brand Extension. Oh you heard of it!?

Well of course you did my friend, but what does this mean for NXT? Meh – I dunno. But what I can impart is my two cents on the matter and well … I’m in two minds on this. On the one hand with SmackDown! moving to Tuesday nights with a live show, the Big-Wigs could harness the chance to showcase new talent from our little-brand. Rather than planting wide-eyed and fresh-faced NXT stars on the main roster for the big guys to feast on. They could be given a chance to show their skills and establish themselves on the Blue-brand while (perhaps) playing double duty for NXT. I mean let’s be honest, for every Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens and Baron Corbin, there is a Adam Rose, Tyler Breeze and (poor guys) The Ascension. Who without any clear direction have floundered and fallen into obscurity on the frantic RAW Roster.

Put simply. With Championships and Talent spread across two shows, there is going be more opportunities for NXT stars to get a shot on the main stage and grasp for that damn Brass Ring that Mr. McMahon moans about constantly.

But lets put the hater hat on for a second. The WWE may be wrestling-entertainment but it is foremost a business. My snarky attitude to how the Biz handles fresh-talent is already blighted at best. Save for a handful of the talent mention, WWE will sooner drop you into a Gimmick-effused stable before it even gives the audience a chance to buy your merch. So what stops the ratings dictating who should be the “Face” and planting established Superstars at the head of Tuesday Night SmackDown!, effectively taking away New Era Stars opportunity to shine?

Hater-Aide enthused sure, but its not like WWE isn’t in it for the money. Why do you think John Cena has stuck around so long.

For the most part I’m cautiously excited for a brand split, but with very little information at this stage, I reserve the right to hold my comment until that SmackDown! roster and Championship line-up is revealed.

With that ahead of us let’s get back to the action with Johnny Gargano. With my team of Blake & Murphy seemingly parting ways last week, Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa are fast filling their spot. My love for American Alpha aside that is.

The two favourites of NXT were a perfect match for a debuting Shane Thorne & Nick Miller, with a fast pace chain wrestling and an abundance of charisma in-between the ropes, it made for a successful introduction for the Australian duo.

But seriously TM-61 … sounds like a lame Boyband.

Austin Aires, never the one to be overlooked, called out the NXT Title scene prompting the King of Strong Style to saunter to the ring and cut a promo all over Ol’ Sparkle Pants himself. Its got to be worth mentioning that for a guy who English is not his first language, Shinsuke Nakamura put “the Guy” of WWE, Roman Reigns, to shame. #ShotsFired!

It wasn’t long until William Regal interfered announcing that the two would face-off on June 8th at TakeOver. Much to the delight of Nakamura whose toothy grin spoke volumes.

With Bayley sidelined with an injury, it was left to Carmella to step-up for her bestie in the nights Main Event to find the #1 Contender to Asuka’s NXT Women’s Championship. But the favourite going into the Triple Threat Nia Jax and my favourite Alexa Bliss standing in her way. The two top Heels on NXT weren’t exactly going to move aside for the Princess of Stanton Island.

As my past hyperbolic statements regarding Carmella have shown, I am more than high on this woman. And yes her association to the perpetual underdogs Enzo & Cass doesn’t hurt her stock. But since the two guys have moved on-up, she has more than shown that she is not just a mere cheerleader but a serious competitor also.

That being said, it is Jax’s time to go onto the Title scene, I mean just look at that Double-Suplex she gave to her opponents, a thing of beauty. And a TakeOver match against Asuka is going to be epic.

This also means that Carmella and Alexa Bliss have the opportunity to enter feud which will no-doubt elevate the pair if the higher powers pull the trigger on it that is.

Go on WWE, excite me.

That sounded dirty didn’t it?

For all your NXT News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

The NXT Review – 13th April 2016

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! I’m back! Yes I survived my trek into Middle Earth, met some Orcs and got more than slightly tipsy on Elf Juice; but I’m back-here to break down this weeks NXT and yes perhaps discuss those call-ups that happened over the WrestleMania Festivities.

First up, I’m more than obsessed with Austin Aries sparkle-trunks. So glad it wasn’t just a TakeOver thing. Maybe we could extend it to sparkle-clothing in a budget version of Y2J’s light-bulb heavy jacket? “Yeah, Baby!”

For reals tho, Aries offered up an appropriate showing coming off his big win at TakeOver but Angelo Dawkins … yawn. I know this guy has been with NXT since its re-branding from FCW, so the kid has paid his dues but this gimmick, I’m not down with. ‘Curse of Greatness’, yeah right. Re-establish yourself first then come back with this. Otherwise go back to those Dork Glasses.

Unique Clothing For Everyone!!!!

Speaking of unique. The Vaudevillians were back in action. And receiving a more appreciative response from this NXT crowd than their lack lustre debut on SmackDown! last week. But lets not focus on the negative (Sorry Ascension) because we’ve got Johnny “Wrestling” Gargano in action with his boy Tommaso Ciampa and damn! What is it with NXT and creating great Tag Teams?

Of course this pair picked up the win – The Vaudevillians have one foot out-the-door after all  – but a win here was important. Not only does it show that when NXT hits the reset button (with Talent moving up an’ all), their are guys itching for that opportunity to shine. But also the yellow brand’s versatility with single performers linking-up on short notice.

Ciampa probably benefits more out of the two, considering that Gargano is so over at this point its ridiculous. But lets face it, the NXT Title scene is so bloated with big signee’s, the Tag Team division is probably the best fit for these guys. For the time being at least.

Another guy playing double-duty tonight was Baron Corbin. Fresh off a lose at TakeOver Dallas and the Lone Wolf was looking for blood. And yeah … he got his fill.

Lets be honest, this was nothing but a squash match against fresh prey that was Tucker Knight. And I have a sickening feeling that this will be the course of action until Corbin no longer has to set foot in an NXT ring.

Eat. Sleep. Squash. Repeat.

My mantra regarding Corbin is that he has more to prove outside of NXT than in it. With him being called-up and winning the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal (yeah, say that three times fast), we will see if he can achieve that on RAW and SmackDown!

Who knows. Maybe fans will warm to his loveable douche-bag persona. M’eh, or not

So those who read my TakeOver Dallas review know how bummed I was at Bayley losing her NXT Women’s Title. Yes it was too soon and Yes I stand by my totes amosh response to how it happened. But as with all things, time heals all wounds.

That being said!

I need closure to this Asuka size hole in my heart that the Empress of Tomorrow left when she torn that title away from an unconscious Bayley. And you give me a Liv Morgan match?

Now I’m not hating on Morgan, she is a plucky little competitor that had a great showing during the #1 Contenders Battle Royal match awhile back. But I can’t wait till the next TakeOver or Network exclusive PPV for Bayley to get a shot at the title again. I’m a Bayley-Holic and I need my fix of the Huggster in a match of substance.

Sorry Liv, your just no Asuka.

Isn’t it totally absurd that Shinsuke Nakamura would be paired with Tye Dillinger after that re-donk-kulous debut match against Sami Zayn at TakeOver?

On the face of it yes. The Perfect 10’s goofiness shouldn’t work against the hard-hitting King of Strong style. But Nakamura’s shtick, his gurning face and flamboyant movements, inherently stems from the weirdness that is common place in Japanese Manga and Anime that, at times, can be goofy too.

This match was far from goofy however.

Dillingers and Nakamura’s banter showed that NXT’s newest signee can put on an entertaining match even without the high-stakes that his debut match had. Without pride on the line, he was able to mock The Perfect 1o and get the win whilst still maintaining his blasé persona. As for Dillinger, this only further cemented him as the most over-looked commodity inside NXT.

#GiveDillingerAChance

For all your NXT-News-&-Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

The NXT Review – 23rd March 2016

Whats up Wrestling Peeps! Welcome back to your favourite developmental brand and FINALLY (bold, italic, underline!) some personality injected in the sullen-drifter that is Elias Sampson.

Okay so I’m just gonna jump straight into it this week because damn just when I was about to give up on this guy, NXT makes a believer out of me. I’m sure my loyal followers have noticed that over the past few weeks I’ve tended to skip over any-and-all Sampson matches. Not trying to be a D-bag because the guy has skill but I’ve just been bored with his character.

Sure you can argue that creative (it seems) have been playing the long game, which if all goes well – given the Heel heat from the audience – we could have a legit compelling bad-guy on the yellow brand. I’m still not going all in on this guy but that beat down of Johnny Gargano at the matches end … shades of Bray Wyatt. And that excites me.

Sidenote, Gargano breaking Sampson’s winning streak. Capitalise on this please NXT because his wrestling ability coupled with Sami Zayn like fan-love he garners. Future WWE superstar. Just sayin’

Oh Hello Rich Swan, long time no see my friend. Why is this guy not on my WWE Network each and every week? Because dance moves aside this was great match – undoubtably a showcase for the NXT Champ – Swan was still able to hang with Finn Balor.  Even, dare I say it , outshining the Champ at times. Say What?

These two need to feud-it-up. And if my prediction that Balor will turn Heel sooner rather-than-later, I could see Swan making a worthy babyface in the equation. Perhaps its too soon to be so hyperbolic on Swan but hey, I’m a passionate guy when it comes to good wrestling.

Talking of which, Round Two in the Saga of Emma and Asuka was tonights Main Event. And can these two ladies just like, fight forever? Their chemistry is magic. In a feud that arguably reminiscent of Lita and Trish, I’m afraid that its a matter of lighting in a bottle with this pairing. Much like the Hall of Famers never getting a WrestleMania pay-off to their career-elevating-rivalry. I feel that this Saga is doomed to play out only on NXT.

Speaking of doomed. Emma was just that when it came to Asuka. In her last match before TakeOver Dallas, there is no-way Asuka – the #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s Championship – was going to lose. But Emma, with the help of Dana Brooke, wasn’t going to make it easy for the Empress of Tomorrow.

In a match just as hard hitting as their first encounter at TakeOver London, it was defiantly faster. Trading one reversal after another, both women showed they can tell a comprehensive story between the ropes elevating a feud that signals that the Heel Duo may yet prove to be a thorn in Asuka’s side in the future.

While Asuka goes into Dallas looking strong, I’m sure Bayley has some Hugs in reserved if The Empress even thinks about putting her mitts on the title.

More over WrestleMania, TakeOver Dallas is about to live up to its namesake.

For all your NXT-Reviews-And-Wrestling-News, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx