By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
NXT Hits
Lio Rush vs. Angel Garza for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship: The first NXT match was the best match on either Wednesday night show. Rush vs. Garza was a blast with innovative moves, several strong near falls, and all around outstanding work from both men. The finish with the referee failing to see that Garza’s legs were in the ropes was welcome in this case, as it created the need for a rematch, and I don’t think anyone will complain about seeing them meet again.
Io Shirai vs. Mia Yim in a ladder match for the advantage in the WarGames match: This was a physical war even before Yim was busted open from the missile dropkick into the ladder she was holding. Yim deserves a serious hazard pay bonus for that spot and the big bmp from the top of a ladder in the ring and through the second ladder that was set up over the ring and the barrier. Here’s hoping she was able to get out of bed this morning. The final shot of Shayna Baszler applauding only to be hit from behind by Bayley was good build for Survivor Series.
NXT North American Champion Roderick Strong vs. Keith Lee in a non-title match: The angle that preceded the match with Finn Balor and Matt Riddle, plus Undisputed Era, Riddle, Lee, and Tommaso Ciampa was strong. The actual match filled a lot of television time in an entertaining way. The post match angle with Dominik Dijakovic coming to the aid of the babyfaces and putting his differences with Lee aside to join the WarGames team was solid. It’s good to see Dijakovic getting a slot on the Takeover card.
Pete Dunne, Killian Dain, and Damian Priest: Priest attacking Dain before he could get to the ring for his match with Dunne and the brawl involving all three men that followed was a simple and effective way to set up what I assume will be a Triple Threat match at Takeover.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott vs. Bronson Reed: A good match that felt like it went a bit longer than needed. It was surprising to see Reed lose so quickly after it seemed like he was in line for a push following his recent television win, but it’s nothing he can’t bounce back from.
NXT Misses
Xia Li vs. Aliyah: They had the unenviable task of following up the great cruiserweight title match. It appeared to be a quick showcase for Li, who was well received by the live crowd. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a clunky match and a rough night for Aliyah, who was left bloodied by one of the kicks that led to Li getting the quick win.
>>Yim deserves a serious hazard pay bonus for that spot and the big bmp from the top of a ladder in the ring and through the second ladder that was set up over the ring and the barrier. <<
Well, Mr. Self-Righteous Equality Hypocrite, then make sure the guys get the same hazard pay (and yes, I know you meant it tongue-in-cheek). Equality for ALL, right? LMAO.
Your sick burn might have landed better if they received equal compensation to begin with LMAO