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

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The NXT Review – September 21st, 2016 – Kill Joe Kill!

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! How creepy was Grumpy-Joe’s disappointment that NXT Champ Shinsuke Nakamura’s injuries, sustained at his hands, won’t require surgery? It’s almost as if keeping him bench for 6-12 weeks was a consolation prize. Then again an assassin doesn’t aim to maim after all. Maybe he should-be taking a page out of the Kevin Owen playbook.

Kill–Joe–Kill.

Talking of Kill. This animosity building between Joe and William Regal is fascinatingly murky with regards to where their growing feud will end up. Firstly Joe has known for sometime – or at least made it known – that Regal dislikes him. And for his part Mr. Regal displays an inability to hide is displeasure of having to deal with Grumpy-Joe.

And can you blame him? What a headache this guy has been. Firstly turning on his Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic partner, Finn Balor. Only to now destroy the newly crowned NXT Champion. Clearly this guy does not play well with others.

But with Regals in-ring days seemingly over, this uneasy partnership between GM and Superstar looks to go down this rocky-road for some time. So lets enjoy the ride folks.

Okay, I’m so ready for this Austin Aires – Hideo Itami showdown. Not to step-over Oney Lorcan’s defeat here because he put on a hell of show. But when Itami came out – ring ready I should add – cutting Aries ranty-rant short. Holy Shit, I thought all my Christmas’ came early.

But Aries being Aires, it wasn’t to be. The perpetual Troll of NXT proceeded to lure Itami into the ring only to turn tail and scamper towards the back.

I can wait, that’s okay, sometimes the juice is worth the squeeze. And I have the feeling that this match will be a TakeOver show stealer. Should it get that far. #ItamiHuntingSeason

Seriously, throw Aliyah a bone already. Not to take anything away from Billie Kay who is on a roll in NXT, of course minus her big loss to Ember Moon at TakeOver Brooklyn II. But when someone like Liv Morgan is getting pushed over Aliyah … you really start to question.

My Fan-Girling aside, I can see why Kay is being positioned as next in line to Asuka’s throne. With the various gimmick-fails and losses behind her, the Australian native really has come far in-between the ropes. And those long-legs are deadly as hell.

I assume once we get Morgan’s inevitable loss to the NXT Women’s Champ (Next Week), Billie will take her shot at the Championship.

Which is great, if you have a Death wish.

With the CWC not only bringing back the long belated Cruiserweight Division, it also gave superior athletes like Cedric Alexander a chance at the big leagues. A chance that many will agree is long overdue in-of-itself.

Clearly Alexander’s time on NXT is limited with his Monday Night RAW debut already in the books. But if this is a one-and-done thing, then at least we got this.

This really was a great match but it only further showed that a so-called ‘Cruiserweight‘ style has been thriving on NXT for some time now. Sure we get Heavyweights like Samoa Joe, Kevin Owens and Bray Wyatt pass through the doors. But some of the Main Eventers like Sami Zayn, Adrian Neville and Seth Rollins have already demonstrated the High-Flying, Grapple Savvy and Fast Paced wrestling that has been wowing fans on CWC of late. Has already made them legit Championship material down on NXT.

Not to say that NXT invented that kind of wrestling because … D’uh. But with RAW going hard on the Cruiserweight division, I just hope that Superstars like Cedric Alexander, Rich Swan and TJ Perkins won’t get stuck in Mid-Card Mediocrity throughout their time with the WWE. Especially when most viewers are tuning in to see this style of Pro-Wrestling more-over the Big Guys that Vince McMahon still holds dear.

At least down in NXT, these small guys get to Main Event and put on a heck of Match. While its still slow progress up-top.

#ThisIsNXT

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

The NXT Review – September 14th, 2016 – Grumpy-Joe Has landed!

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! What about that Cruiserweight Classic huh? Boy was I (and the rest of the Dirt Sheets) wrong about that. For what its worth, I’m glad. You know wrestling shouldn’t be obvious, I mean its great when the Babyface overcomes the odds and gets the win that everyone saw coming (a’la Daniel Bryan’s YES-Mania 30). But I’m a simple guy, mostly I just want it to make sense. And a TJ Perkins win is whats best for business.

What isn’t however is allowing for a disgruntled employee to beat up your World Champion.

I mean “C’mon Regal“. Read the tea leaves, get out that Big-ol’ White board of yours or perhaps watch your own product back because a Grumpy-Joe breakdown has been on the radar for a while now. And I think the storm has landed.

After a moving speech proclaiming that NXT Champion Shinsuke Nakamura was worthy enough to hold the title, I’ve got to be honest, I saw a glimmer of a Face turn for Joe … silly me. Perhaps I was just as naive as William Regal because shortly after the King of Strong Style excepted the former Champs rematch, Grumpy-Joe was unleashed and Nakamura was stretchered out of Full Sail.

Yikes!

Oh I set myself up for a segue there because Yikes is exactly how I describe Liv Morgan calling out the NXT Women’s Champ for a match (I assume) next week.

I’ve gotta say it. I don’t favour little Morgan’s odds here when you take into consideration that Asuka is not only a total badass but also undefeated in NXT. Yes her days are numbered when you factor in other Superstars undefeated streaks. I mean, if they can end Undertakers dominate run, anything can happen right?

We will see.

I know he has just come back for a lengthy injury but we don’t get enough of Hideo Itami. So any match with him in is something to savour.

I so feel for this guy given his journey with WWE. Not only does he enter NXT with a huge push which included a WrestleMania appearance but I am in no doubt if hadn’t been benched, that NXT Title would’ve been around his waist already. But that’s okay because if we had to wait for us to get an Itami Vs Austin Aires feud. Fates … you are forgiven.

Of course that isn’t what we got tonight but I’m enjoying the foreplay to their eventual match. Just don’t wait too long NXT, I don’t know if have the staying power.

So yeah, I’m just going to skip over The Authors of Pain yet another beat down of a randomly paired team of Superstars because we have the infinitely more entertaining Tye Dillinger.

Is this a push? Do I dare believe that The Perfect 10 may be on he cusp of greatness? To be fair when did Dillinger last get a backstage segment. And I know that House Shows doubt count as cannon, unless a pivotal Title Happens (yeah .. I’m still bitter ’bout that). But I’ve got to believe that pairing Tye with two of the biggest stars of Yellow Brand in the shape of Asuka and Nakamura means that the Big-Wigs are finally picking up what I (and countless NXT fans) have been laying down.

Last night, I performed along side some incredible talent. Let's do it again soon 🔟 @WWEAsuka @ShinsukeN #NXT @WWE pic.twitter.com/YqihvpaWI3

— Shawn Spears™️ (@ShawnSpears) September 9, 2016

The only thing lacking from this picture is Championship Gold around the waist of The Perfect 10.

Make it happen WWE.

Congratulations NXT! The only way I’m ever writing about No Way Jose is when paired against a Supertar worthy of a review and that defiantly  is The Glorious Bobby Roode.

Damn I’m so excited to have Roode in the WWE, and I say that with no previous TNA experience, so this is what I’m judging the guy on and he is just knocking it out of the park. Not that he brings anything new to the table, an arrogant-Heel, erm yeah … that’s new. But his conviction to the character is akin to other Superstars like Edge and Chris Jericho, whose Heel runs in WWE are the stuff of legend.

It’s no secret I’m a sucker for a Heel but I’m all in of Roode’s run in NXT.

Its gonna be Glorious!

Sorry, I had too.

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

New Era Train Derailed? Finn Bàlor Relinquished WWE Universal Title On RAW

 

By Daniel Finney

Nature  Boy  Buddy  Rogers,  first WWF World Champion, Pat Patterson   first  WWF  Intercontinental Champion, and now Finn Bàlor.The Demon King ushered in the New Era becoming first WWE Universal Champion. The event was the 29th annual SummerSlam at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, NY, this past Sunday.  His opponent fellow WWE Superstar, former 2 times WWE World Champion Seth Rollins.

The bar had been set high for Bàlor, when signing to NXT. Living up to that standard, Bàlor became the longest reigning champion there. After losing the NXT Title to Samoa Joe, everyone including Finn Bàlor wondered what was next. His next and final opponent at NXT was none other than Shinsuke Nakamura. After a valiant but losing effort, Bàlor was then drafted 5th overall at the WWE Draft this past July. Being called up to the big show, the brass ring was Bàlor’s for the grasping.

That next week on Raw, Bàlor was trusted into two fatal four way matches to determine a number one contender to face Seth Rollins at SummerSlam.

Bàlor, victorious over Roman Reigns was now headed to SummerSlam to face Rollins for the new WWE Univeral Championship. Fast forwarding this past Sunday, Rollins superiorly confident in his abilities and accomplishments thought Bàlor was just another wrestler. Underestimating Bàlor’s alter ego The Demon King, a deep, dark place Finn goes to take his skill to that next level.

In a grueling back and forth match it was difficult for people to determine who would be victorious. Sequence after sequence of maneuvers it truly came down to a battle of attrition. In the middle of the match, both competitors were outside the ring. In a desperate attempt to finish Bàlor, Rollins relied on one of his signature moves power bombs Bàlor into the barricade. Unbeknownst to the WWE Universe, Bàlor separated his shoulder. With a warrior’s mentality, Bàlor lived up to this warrior’s  code putting it back in place. Enduring on in the match, Bàlor turned perseverance into triumph. After a series of front dropkicks, Bàlor, ascended to the top rope and landing his finisher Coup de Grâce.

Bàlor accomplished the impossible, defeating Stephane McMahons chosen one Seth Rollins. Overcoming all adversity, and silencing the nay- sayers. Finn Bàlor was leading the helm of the WWE. Beginning with an appearance on Good Morning America accompanied with also newly crowned 2x WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte.

The sky was the limit for Bàlor, but unfortunately fate had other plans. Turns out that that shoulder was damaged more than everyone expected. What was thought to be a separated shoulder, MRI showed it to be a torn labrum of the shoulder. With the severity of the injury, Bàlor is required to have surgery to repair the injury. This results in Balor being out of action until early 2017. Devastated, Finn was forced to relinquish the title on this past Monday episode of Raw.  With grace in the middle of the ring Bàlor thanked GM Mick Foley, Commissioner Stephanie McMahon, the WWE Universe, and even Seth Rollins for pushing him to reach his full potential that night.

Handing over the title to Foley then making his exit to the back. In the middle of his walk, Rollin’s theme music comes on. Out comes the cocky self-proclaimed winner of SummerSlam.  Rollins walked into the ring hugging Stephany expecting to be handed the belt. The WWE had other plans, thrusting Rollins into a series of matches ending in a fatal four way next week episode of Raw. The finalist along with Rollins, are Kevin Owens, Big Cass, and Roman Reigns all members of the New Era as well. It’s up in the air will come out victorious, whispers are that Reigns will be “The Guy”. That victory could reopen the feud with Reigns and Rollins for Clash of Champions, Raw’s first PPV.

Or go in a different direction, and Kevin Owens seizing the victory. His feud with Sami Zayn has become legendary in a short time, and the WWE Universe seems enjoy their grudge. There’s the open possibility of a jealousy angle with WWE veteran Chris Jericho, and Owens.  The potentials seem to be high only time will tell. It begins next week on Raw. A new champion will eventually  be crowned.

Is the New Era train derailed, or can the WWE find an alternate route leading them back on track on a destination course to the future with Bàlor conducting the way. For now all we can do is wish him a full speedy recovery.

 

‘Daniel Bryan’ Thinks ‘Finn Balor’ Should Have Made his RAW Debut “a year and a half ago”

In a sit-down interview with Michael Cole, Former WWE World Champion and current SmackDown!Live GM Daniel Bryan, layeth some home truths with regards to oft-forgotten but beloved brand, NXT.

In response to the former NXT, and mega-over, superstar Finn Balor’s recent sidelining injury. Bryan, no stranger to harsh bumps himself, had some interesting commentary on indie-darlings honing their craft down in NXT:

“Finn Balor should have been up here a year and a half ago. Right? And I understand that NXT is a very important part of our programming. A Very important part of the Network. But he was a superstar when we signed him and some people have to adjust to the WWE style [-] but that takes no more than six months.”

Although the respected Wrestler makes it clear that NXT is important to the WWE Business model and building new up-and-coming stars. Bryan goes on to comment that “Samoa Joe should already be here, Shinsuke Nakamura should already be here; those are guys in their primes and they’re down in NXT right now and they should be here on SmackDown Live or RAW.”

It’s hard to argue with Daniel’s points when it comes to known indie wrestlers biding their time in NXT while still facing the possibility of career ending injuries every-time they step into a WWE ring. Before Balor even made it onto Monday Night RAW, the first Universal Champion had already recovered from a serious Knee injury that kept him out of action for just under two months. It does however seem as if the GM underestimates how integral the small brand is when it comes to introducing smaller Pro-wrestling stars to the larger WWE universe .

Stars like Balor, Joe and Nakamura may have already made their name in other corners of Pro-Wrestling. But for better-or-for-worst WWE is the pinnacle of Sports Entertainment, which means sometimes for fans it is the first port of call for their wrestling fix. Not everyone is scouring the internet to watch AJ Styles Vs Shinsuke Nakamura’s Wrestle Kingdom 10 match or even still watching TNA. So how over would an off-camera name changed Prince Devitt be with a largely ignorant crowd or little kids that are only at live events because their parents took them.

It’s not to say that someone as talented as Finn wouldn’t have made a splash debuting on RAW straight away, he probably would have. But his stint in NXT shouldn’t be overlooked or seen as a waste of time when Triple H’s baby is without question honing stars to take the reigns from the current faces of the WWE.

At the moment former TNA star Bobby Roode is honing his ‘Glorious‘ Gimmick in front of the Full Sail audience. Whose to say if Roode will use it when he makes it onto the Main Stage but where is the harm in testing it out with an NXT crowd first?

The interview (which you can watch above), concludes with Cole drumming up heat for E!’s Total Bellas which stars Daniel Bryan alongside his wife Brie Bella, Nikki Bella and SmackDown! star John Cena. A prospect that causes Bryan to visible cringe, highlighting perhaps how the wrestler really feels about the Total Divas‘ spin-off show:

“It was a really tough part of my life and for people who are entertained by that, you can see it. I don’t necessarily want to relive it but yeah, it’ll go there.”

For all your SmackDown! Live News & Reviews, Follow @mitchrated and all of the #SkatronixxxWrestling team only on Skatronixxx.com

The NXT Review – June 15th 2016

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! NXT seemed to suffer with a hangover after last weeks epic TakeOver. Not to say it was bad, after all we got that Fantasy booking at the close of the show, but leading up to that moment. The usual Brass-Ring-Grabbing stars of the Yellow Brand, weren’t at their best.

I’ve got to be fair though because the show didn’t get off to the best of starts either with Paul Ellering’s new Tag Superstars (or so the Big Wigs seem to hope) The Authors of Pain, stinking up the place.

I’m all in for new talent. With the rumoured mass Exodus coming to the NXT with the New Era Brand Extension, we need them more than ever. But playing the ‘wait and see game‘ that Ellering purposes with his crytic rebuttal when asked what he and his low-Rent Shield imposters are doing in NXT. Isn’t the way to go.

Here’s the thing. I’ve stayed away from searching out who exactly these guys are. Probably because they’re rather muted arrival has not prompted me to do so but I want to play into WWE’s game. Because – hey if anything – I’m a team player. But I’m interested to see if the company can get these bland and generic characters over and make me care about a team that so far, I’m being told I should be excited for because Ellering is at the helm. Rather than proving it with talent alone.

So as of right now, I reserve opinion until WWE proves I should care about these new Heels on the scene.

Badda-Bing, the Hottest chic in the ring got the win … at the expense of anything exciting going on inside of it mind you.

For a match involving the Princess of Staten Island, the energy was lacking in places, but that wasn’t down to Carmella but rather her opponent.

This marks the second showing on TV for Tessa Blanchard and while she shows promise and physicality that is imposing to boot. It doesn’t translate to her matches inside the ring.

While I can’t say that her skills are awkward they don’t necessarily – or haven’t yet – gelled with her two on-screen opponents. But from those who have seen Blanchard on House Shows, all signs point to something special when given the time to show-case what she has in her arsenal.

I still believe that Carmella has yet to find her best opponent to enter a long-term feud that few women on the small brand get a chance to initiate. At one stage I thought that the nuclear heat that Eva Marie generates would benefit a super-over Carmella. But with a lack of air-time for Eva at this stage, I see Alexa Bliss as the next best opportunity for these women to go at it in the future.

Think I just wrestle-gasmed at the thought.

Speaking of Bliss. It was she who a reunited Blake & Murphy blamed for their past misgivings in recent weeks. Now, as a Bliss fan, this hurts me deeply. But if it means that these two’s ‘Man-splaining‘ means they stay together, however briefly, I’m down with that.

Although I still hate the name, TM61’s Nick Miller & Shane Thorne put on a great show. And to actually have Blake accidentally take out Murphy with a brutal clothesline just highlighted that, for whatever reason, these two former Tag Champions just can’t get on the same page.

So with TM61’s first win on NXT at the expense of Blake & Murphy’s continued losing streak. It does leave me wondering if this reunion is short-lived, finding myself once again in limbo as to the fate of one of the best Heel teams left on NXT.

I can’t deny Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas’ talent but this is a rematch I just didn’t need to see, unless it meant payback for The Perfect 10 Tye Dillinger of course.But to make matters worst for this die-hard Dillinger fan, I don’t think the Perfect 10 got in a meaningful bit of offensive in the entirety of the match. Yet it was perfectly acceptable to have Cien repeat nearly every move from the previous match-up. Which was only a week ago!

Okay, so at this point, I’m over with Dillinger languishing in the mid-card. He may get to square off against great competitors such as recent additions like Shinsuke Nakamura, but a push for this guy well and truly overdue.

It was left to Finn Balor to close the show with an impassioned speech asking “what is next for Finn Balor” after his war with NXT Champion Samoa Joe came to a disastrous end at last week’s TakeOver.

Although Full Sail reflected the hopes of many with “Balor Club” chants – a thought that the Irish Demon acknowledged with a “too sweet” comeback – it seems that the “Thank You Finn” chants may be a tad premature. As our NXT love-in was interrupted by the King of Strong Style himself, Shinsuke Nakamura.

Before Nakamura could speak, it became apparent that Balor would not be leaving the Yellow Brand without facing his New Japan buddy and at the same time, blowing the minds of fan-boys everywhere.

At this point, it seems all but certain that, like Sami Zayn before him, Nakemura will be Balor’s Goodbye Match Opponent. Notable symmetry given that Nakamura deems Balor “Iconic” in NXT, a position that the Japanese wrestler looks to take as his own. Even though it could be argued that Nakamura is already an Icon inside – and outside – the WWE. This is a match that needed to happen.

Although the match is set, where and when are the next questions that need to be answered. With NXT hitting Brooklyn for a sequel TakeOver. Can this match-up wait until then?

Can I wait till then? Can You?

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

The NXT Review – May 11th 2016 – ‘Clean Cut Hardy Boys’

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! Boom or a Whimper? That is the question regarding the handling to the aftermath of NXT’s longest reining Champ Finn Balor’s lose to Samoa Joe. I somewhat subscribe to the later given that the wound still smarts with how that lose occurred offscreen. But I can’t let-go of the hope that NXT will give a big payoff to a feud that has dragged on for many months. Especially if that oh-so-tantalising rumour of a Steel Cage goodbye Match for Balor is set in stone.

Oh baby, pleases all round.

The perpetual show openers, rabble-rouser or ‘The New Day‘ of NXT, American Alpha, got this weeks show off the blistering start. Who’d thunk that giving the most over guys on the developmental Brand the Tag Team titles would go over so well? It’s almost like giving fans what they want seems like a good idea or something. Who knew!

Okay, snarkiness aside, it takes more than being a crowd pleaser to ascend to the next level once you own that coveted title. But these guys – like The New Day – have used the fans goodwill and championship gold to catapult them to the face of the division, rather than resting on their laurels.

I could bang on about their in-ring skill and their willingness to try new things, but that’s old hat at this point. In fact, it is American Alpha’s commitment to their pro-wrestling background, a gimmick that altogether is old hat too (hello Kurt Angle, Jack Swagger and The Worlds Greatest Tag-Team), that has reinvigorated the NXT Tag Division.

Whereas the The Vaudevillians took the old timey too far, perhaps cementing themselves as a gimmick with a limited shelf life. American Alpha is old-skool exciting whose gimmick and mass-appeal lies in their talent in the ring.

Think a cleaner-cut Hardy Boys. Now doesn’t that get you excited for this teams future?

Could this count as a goodbye match for Alex Riley?

I know I’ve had some unkind words for Riley in the past but I won’t Sh@t on dude on the way out because simple fact is, the style of matches he produces just don’t do it for me. It’s not his fault and neither should he conform to suit any one individuals opinion. But there just isn’t anything new since he debuted with The Miz back in the day. A glaring fault in Riley’s repertoire highlighted when paired against the ever-entertaining Shinsuke Nakamura.

Of course Nakamura got the win here as he continues to rack up the points before the final boss in the form of Samoa Joe. A match that I hope we will see on NXT before the two inevitable rise to the Main Roster. I would have liked to see Nakamura and Balor face-off for the title but guess I’ll have to wait for a future WrestleMania match or … you know … WWE2K17.

Sidenote, I absolutely agree with Austin Aries observation that Blake & Murphy with Alexa Bliss is a marketable improvement.

Because EVERYTHING is better with Alexa Bliss.

Alexa’s ‘Blissed-off’ expressions is constant gif-worthy gold. Her total lack of enthusiasm for Rachel Ellering’s entrance was everything you want from a mean girl of her calibre.

So why is she being wasted on newbies?

My love for the Bad-Pixie of NXT is no secret. And my girl needs to be put in a storyline of substance. I’m not saying she is NXT Women’s Championship material just yet, due in part to my inability to watch Asuka wreck that smarmy little face of hers. But she deserves something better than this.

With her boys matching up against Aries and a partner of his choosing next week. Maybe – at the very least – she’ll get some airtime going forward.

Baby steps Alexa, I can wait for that eventual push.

Main event time and back to that Boom or Whimper pondering. But first … Erm, stop wasting the former NXT Champ on the drifter Elias Samson already.

I’m sorry but I just can’t get it up for this guy. It’s that bad, I only just realised that I’ve been spelling his name wrong since he debut. Oops my bad, but can you blame me? Ugh, so boring.

Anywho, Balor got the win, William Regal got angry and Balor went flying over the top rope right smack-boom on Samoa Joe’s face. A full stop on the episode that set up a title rematch for TakeOver.

No Steel Cage stipulation just yet but there’s always time.

Make it so Regal. Get your trusty ol’white board out and make it so.

 

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

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