By John Moore, ProWrestling.net Staffer (@liljohnm)
NXT TV
Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center
Aired live September 12, 2023 on USA Network
[Hour One] Highlights from last week’s NXT show aired. This was a full teaser, similar to what Impact Wrestling does…
John’s Thoughts: My guess is this video was sparked due to Becky Lynch appearing on NXT this week. Now that WWE’s using main roster stars on NXT this might be something WWE should do every week on NXT. It’s a very good episodic storytelling tool to make sure new viewers are up to date as to the existing storylines and not cold watching. Impact Wrestling does these teasers and it’s really helpful for new viewers to get them comfortable with the show. Heck, I appreciate it when I miss out on Impact Plus shows.
Becky Lynch was shown in the NXT parking lot heading to the Performance Center…
1. Wes Lee vs. Ilja Dragunov for a title shot at the NXT Championship at No Mercy. Both men traded close quarter strikes early on, both having equal momentum. Wes hit Ilja with a shotgun dropkick to the back of the neck. Wes showed off some good agility to avoid Ilja’s strikes. Wes was turned inside out with a knife edge chop to the chest (Homeboy sold it like he was doing a Red Arrow too, really cool sell).
Ilja hit Wes with two chained German Suplexes. Wes sent Ilja to ringside with a Koppu Kick. Wes then hit Ilja with two consecutive Suicide Dives from two edges of the ring. Ilja used a right hand to block a third Dive. Ilja dragged Wes to the announce table and folded him with a sick looking German Suplex on the table. Table didn’t break. The show cut to picture-in-picture.[c]
Ilja was torturing Wes in the corner with chops. Wes turned the tables with a Frankendriver into a nearfall. A “this is awesome” chant ensued. Ilja tried to fire up Wes with forearms. Both men traded Yay yay forearms. Wes hit Ilja with a desperation uppercut. Ilja came back with a Mafia Kick. Lee came back with a sweet looking hook kick. Wes gave Ilja a standing double stomp to the gut of a grounded Ilja.
Wes gave Ilja a chop combo in the corner. Ilja caught the chop and turned Wes Inside Out again with a chop. Wes used a nice Spanish Fly to reverse a lariat. Wes escaped a switch with a headbutt. Ilja reversed a huracanrana with a stiff knee to the gut. Ilja hit Wes with a Charged Up Lariat for a two count (what in the Video game!?!). Wes went for a Cardiac Kick but Ilja caught Wes. Wes reversed the catch into a Tornado DDT.
Wes did a flip dive over the ringpost to hit Ilja. A “Holy Shit” chant ensued (complete with the USA Network censors kicking in). Ilja recovered and managed to hit Wes with a Superplex. Ilja hit Wes with his diving Forearm Finisher. Wes kicked out at two. Wes blocked Torpedo Moscow with a knee. Ilja stumbled into his Diving Forearm Finisher, which they are now calling the “H Bomb” (clever name). Ilja picked up the pinfall.
Ilja Dragunov defeated Wes Lee via pinfall in 13:26 to earn a title shot at the NXT Championship at No Mercy.
Carmelo Hayes made his entrance to jaw with Ilja from a distance. The camera also cut to Wes Lee selling the agony of defeat…
John’s Thoughts: Holy crap! That was a PLE level matchup. Viewers who tuned in for Becky Lynch were treated to an amazing pro wrestling match. Smart to feed new viewers this Black and Gold style of masterpiece. Both men were pulling out things that they usually don’t pull out. Kudos to Wes for bumping like hell for Ilja and kudos to Ilja for returning the favor. I wouldn’t mind seeing these two mix up more often.
Tiffany Stratton was shown heading to the Performance Center…
Vic Joseph put on his somber voice to cut to a video package focusing on Bron Breakker (kayfabe) smashing Von Wagner’s head between two heavy steel steps. This also focused on the aftermath with Shawn Michaels, Steve Corino, and other staff members dealing with making sure Von gets to the back. Supposedly, he was bleeding from the ear. They did the stretcher job via ambulance…
The show cut back to Vic and Booker talking in their somber voice. Vic apologized for getting emotional on commentary last week. Vic said Bron has been diagnosed with a minor skull fracture. Vic then noted that due to Von’s history of skull surgery, his timetable for return is unknown…
Baron Corbin was shown walking backstage heading to the ring…[c]
John’s Thoughts: Uhm? Shouldn’t Bron Breakker technically be sent to jail for attempted murder? Only in pro wrestling! At least Tony D had to do time during his murder attempts, and Dom got sent to the slammer for less.
“Burn the Ships” Baron Corbin made his entrance. Corbin took the mic and said he knows the fans usually hate him and he hates them. He said something was different last week, he had to watch something that forced the TV trucks to go to break. Von recapped Bron Breakker smashing Von Wagner’s head between stairs. Von said what is also very real is Von Wagner’s skull surgery history, and Bron took advantage of it. Baron asked Bron to come out right now.
Bron walked out gloating. Corbin was about to speak, but Bron soaked in “you got tabled” chants. Corbin said he doesn’t know how to put what Bron did last week into words. Baron said that what Bron did was FREAKIN AWESOME! A lot of the crowd actually cheered this (only in pro wrestling). Bron and Baron were then celebrating together over what Bron did. Bron shut Corbin up and said he didn’t try to get Baron’s approval. He said he ended Von’s career because Von put him through a table.
Bron said he didn’t just like doing that to Von, he loved it. Corbin said he appreciates that Bron is not afraid to get his hands dirty. Baron said he actually wanted to praise Bron and even pay his fines, but it seems like Bron doesn’t want that praise or free money. Corbin said Bron is so angry, meaner than evil.
He congratulated Bron for ending Von’s career, but that doesn’t compare to ending two Olympic Gold Medalist careers (Kurt Angle and Gable Steveson). Corbin talked about facing Undertaker at MSG. Corbin said Bron should want his respect and instead he’s spitting on it. Bron said he doesn’t want or need Baron’s respect. He proposed Bron Breakker vs. Baron Corbin at No Mercy.
Bron said Corbin better call his friends, family, and loved ones because Corbin is going to leave No Mercy the same way as Von Wagner last week. Corbin said Bron needs to know that he’s no Von. Corbin gave Bron a slap. Bron slapped back. Both men had a pull apart slap fight to end the segment…
Miles Borne, Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen, and Fallon Henley were warming up backstage for an upcoming match…[c]
John’s Thoughts: Strong promo exchange with Bron Breakker showing some fire. You have to turn your brain off a bit with Bron getting a simple fine for attempted murder. This was heel vs. heel, but they made it work. Baron Corbin is an underrated promo because people usually hate him and undervalue him. He’s getting a chance to shine without a goofy cartoon gimmick. This segment actually did a decent job selling the viewer on their No Mercy match, aside from the attempted murder.
The babyface team got a televised entrance for the next match…
2. Miles Borne, Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen (w/Fallon Henley) vs. Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey, and Damon Kemp. After Briggs and Jensen cleaned house, Jensen tossed Kemp into the corners. Jensen caught Gulak with an STO when he tagged in. Jensen fended off Dempsey and Gulak. Borne caught Dempsey with a neckbreaker. Kemp caught Jensen with a knee. Jensen came back with a spinning heel kick.
All six men brawled at ringside. Borne saved Henley from a flying Kemp. Borne turned heel and tossed Jensen around the ringpost. This allowed Kemp to nail Jensen with a Uranage Neckbreaker for the win.
Damon Kemp, Drew Gulak, and Charlie Dempsey defeated Brooks Jensen, Josh Briggs, and Miles Borne via pinfall in 2:41
Vic noted that Henley must feel crushed like Aaron Rodgers due to the Borne heel turn…
John’s Thoughts: Did Vic Joseph just waste the Aaron Rodgers Monday Night Football line on a random filler midcard match? Anyways, good to see Briggs, Jensen, and Henley on TV again. Not the biggest fan of what they’re doing with Miles Borne. He doesn’t seem TV ready yet, and they have better prospects on Level Up from what I see. I also feel like the 6 other players here can be utilized, and not just as a vehicle for Miles Borne.
The show cut to the latest Chase U skit. Andre Chase sent the students home with homework to watch the Becky Lynch match. Chase was worried about Thea Hail. Duke Hudson checked his phone and Hail’s location share was off. Chase and Hudson were worried.
The show cut to the performance center lounge where Thea Hail and Jacy Jayne were hanging out. Hail was shown turning off location share on her cellphone. Two random dudes pulled up to hail and Jayne and mocked Hail for being a kid. Hail and Jayne sent the random developmental wrestlers packing by kicking them in the balls and slapping them…
Dana Brooke and Kelani Jordan made their entrance. Brooke has new dark heel music. She also wears dark lingerie to the ring…[c]
Lyra Valyria made her entrance while Brooke was trying to tune out the boos from the crowd against her…
3. Lyra Valkyria vs. Dana Brooke (w/Kelani Jordan). Lyra blocked a huracanrana with a cartwheel and dumped Dana to ringside with a enzuigiri. Lyra hit Dana with a wrecking ball dropkick. Dana tripped Lyra off the top rope. Her neck might have hit the buckle. The ref seemingly asked Lyra if she’s ok, and she said she was. The replay shoed that she might have barely missed the buckle (I’m not sure though). Brooke worked on Lyra with a cravate.
Dueling “let’s go Dana” and “Dana Sucks” chants ensued. Lyra rallied back with strikes and a Delayed Body Slam. Lyra hit Dana with a hook and axe kick combo. Lyra blocked the corner elbow and returned the favor with a Crescent Kick. Lyra hit Dana with a Frog Splash for the victory.
Lyra Valkyria defeated Dana Brooke via pinfall in 3:33.
Jordan went to check on Brooke. Lyra offered to help Dana to her feet. Dana accepted respectfully. When Lyra turned her back to leave, Brooke tried to jump Lyra. Jordan held Brooke back before Lyra could notice…
A graphic aired to announce the Women’s Breakout Tournament as “coming soon” (That’s where the wrestlers fight for NXT’s version of Money in the Bank)…
John’s Thoughts: Good match and I’m glad they put Lyra over strong as opposed to having a competitive match against the damaged Dana Brooke. Speaking of damaged, I’m glad they’re also leaning to the damage done to Brooke’s character, and turning that into character devlopment. I’m already liking some of the changes Brooke is making to her act. It also seems to be getting the attention of the crowd too.
McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Eddy Thorpe. Dijak interrupted via the TV screen. Dijak was in Eddy’s “forest”. Dijak mocked Eddy for losing two in a row for him. Dijak said Eddie needs to unleash his wild side. Dijak said he’s marking his territory. He then went on to lash at a tree with his belt. The segment ended with Eddy saying they can talk another time…
Tyler Bate made his entrance. The other wrestlers in the Heritage tournament were shown picture-in-picture having a watchparty for the match backstage…[c]
Dominik Mysterio met up with Carmelo Hayes backstage. Dom said he respects that Melo did exactly what he did by making his two possible opponents against each other. Melo called Dom out for finessing the match last week by screwing over Dragon Lee. Dom noted that Melo is facing a man that he can’t beat in Ilja. Melo talked about being 1-0 against Ilja.
Dom held the NA Title up and said that Melo called the NA Title the “A-Championship” so Dom is now the “A-Champion”. Melo said back then it meant something different compared to when Dom says it. Melo challenged Dom to a match next week. Dom said he’ll talk to Mami about it…
McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Becky Lynch about if she plans to leave NXT as Women’s Champion. Becky said that’s the plan. Becky said she’s been reflecting on her time in NXT. She said back it was about survival and fighting for crumbs. She said no one thought she was championship material, but no one doubts her now. She said she’s still as hungry as ever and The Man will walk out as new NXT Women’s Champion.
Kiana James showed up and said she doesn’t want Becky here. Kiana said if she faced Becky she’ll send Becky back to Raw. Becky said that sounds like an invitation to an ass whooping from Becky. She said it would be fun taking down James after Becky wins the title….
[Hour Two] Axiom made his entrance. Vic plugged tickets for No Mercy. The Meta Four were shown watching the match from their VIP section. The section was Safari Themed (last week it was snow themed). Noam Dar was riding an inflatable elephant…
4. Tyler Bate vs. Axiom in a Group A match of the Global Heritage Invitational. Both men started with a technical stalemate. A “Power Ranger” chant ensued for Axiom (which in fact, his attire is Ranger/Sentai inspired which was evident in his Jason David Frank tribute attires). Axiom dumped Bate to ringside Axiom hit Bate with a high top rope Triangle Moonsault.
The back of his head might have caught the announce table. Bate recovered and put Axiom in the Airplane Spin into a Michinoku Driver. The show cut to regular commercial.[c]
Axiom caught Bate with a top rope Superplex. Bate came back with a T-Bone Suplex. Axiom countered a standing shooting star into a armbar. Axiom gave Bate a kick. bate came back with a Liger Kick. Axiom came back with a PK. Bate gave Axiom a right hand. Axiom reversed a rebound lariat into a Standing Spanish Fly. Axiom countered a dive into a Rear Naked Choke. Bate powered Axiom up into an Airplane Spin.
Axiom reversed the spin into a Poisonrana. Bate came back with a Brainbuster. Axiom staggered Bate on the top rope with a Gamengiri. Axiom hit Bate with a Super Spanish Fly. Bate kicked out, but Axiom went right into an armbar. Bate deadlifted Axiom into Bomb position ,but Axiom countered into a rana.
Axiom countered a Tyler Driver 97 into a huracanrana. Bate followed through and hit Axiom with a rebound lariat. Bate was able to hit Axiom with the Tyler Driver 97 to earn 2 points in the Round Robin.
Tyler Bate (2 points) defeated Axiom (1 point) via pinfall in 10:08 to earn 2 points in Group A of the Global Heritage Invitational.
Kelly Kincaid interviewed Butch backstage about having to face his longtime friend and rival Tyler Bate next week. Butch said he and Tyler go way back, the UK Tournament, match of the year at Takeover Chicago, their WWE tryouts, and even Bate’s first match when Bate was 15 years old.
Butch said he’s not here to reminisce. He said he’s here to prove he’s the toughest man in WWE. Butch said nobody brings out the bruiser in him more than Tyler Bate. Butch said next week will be Fight Night (LOL… he had to force the promo… Good promo otherwise though)….
Tiffany Stratton was shown doing bicep curls backstage…
The Creeds and Ivy Nile made their entrance…[c]
John’s Thoughts: Good match as you would expect from two of the top standouts from NXT UK. Would have liked to have seen what was behind the regular commercial, but it also might be smart not to have this match overshadow the killer opening match. The two British Strong Style guys, Bate and Butch, are the favorites to win this tough block (Joe Coffey after beating Frazer early sets him up to steamroll his block). I still can’t come up with a solid winner because they can always do some tricky points things with Axiom. Charlie Dempsey is the clear fall guy of Block A.
Joe Gacy and Ava were shown sulking over a dead tree in a grassy field. Gacy said the Schism’s tree is dying. He said this tree is rotten and withered away. Gacy said he and Ava are now alone. Gacy and Ava put their hands on the dead tree…
Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes were hanging in the locker room. Trick joked that he feels alone like Joe Gacy and Ava. Melo said he’ll always have Trick’s back. Trick offered to have Melo’s back against Judgement Day next week. Melo said that’s good, but he also wants to respect Trick’s decision to be more of a singles wrestler.
Melo said it’s fine though because outside of the ring, Trick Melo Gang will always be a thang. Melo and Trick Dapped up and walked off. Wes Lee was in the background packing his bags and tossing his locker nameplate into a trash can…
John’s Thoughts: Are we finally there? Are Zack Gibson and James Drake finally free to go to New Japan, AEW, or Impact? I hope so. Not to excited at the Schism maybe sticking around? They might make it work? I’m not getting my hopes up. Interesting segment with Wes Lee. Main roster callup?
5. “The Creed Brothers” Julius and Brutus Creed vs. Edris Enofe and Malik Blade. Enofe and Blade dumped The Creeds to ringside early on. Julius turned Enofe inside out with a lariat. Brutus tagged in and hit Enofe with a Samoan Drop, Moonsault, and Senton. Blade broke up a pin. Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo were watching the match from the crow’s nest.
Enofe and blade hit Brutus with a Hart Attack Blockbuster for a nearfall by Enofe. Enofe hit Brutus with a Bicycle Kick. Brutus started firing up and launched Enofe with a Pounce. Julius and Blade tagged in. Julius did his Belly to Belly Suplex City on both opponents. Julius hit Enofe with a DVD Cartwheel. He caught Blade and deadlifted him. Brutus tagged in and the Creeds hit Blade with the Doomsday Brutus Bomb for the win.
The Creed Brothers defeated Malik Blade and Edris Enofe via pinfall in 3:38.
The Creeds taunted Carillo and Garza. Hank and Tank walked out and were attacked by Scrypts, Price, and Lima. They brawled to the back while The Creeds and Garzas continued to taunt…
Becky Lynch was hugged by Lyra Valkyria backstage who wished Becky luck…
Nathan Frazer vs. Akira Tozawa in a Global Heritage Invitational match was hyped for after the break…[c]
John’s Thoughts: Good tag match with the Creeds going over strong. They are slow burning the return of the Garza cousins. I can’t wait and think they should jump on the return. Interesting having Kiana James and Lyra Valkyria interact with Becky. That’s smart if they are setting up future Becky Lynch NXT matches, but that doesn’t necessarily tip the hat that Tiffany losing is a foregone conclusion.
Roxanne Perez was backstage chatting wtih random developmental wrestlers backstage and wishing them luck in the breakout tournament. Lola Vice and Elektra Lopez showed up to confront Perez and try to bully her. Lola held Elektra back. Vice said Perez’s new attitude will get her in trouble. Lola said that after she beats Perez, she’ll win the breakout tournament…
John’s Thoughts: Lola Vice is my favorite to win the Tornament. I love Tae Kwon Do, and she throws good looking Tae Kwon Do kicks in a pro wrestling context. Call me biased. We need more than just Speedball Mike Bailey TKD’ing it out there (Ethan Page and Nikkita Lyrons gave me a bit of hope, only to be just eh with the pro wrestling karate).
Vic Joseph announced the following matches for No Mercy: Baron Corbin vs. Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes vs. Ilja Dragunov for the NXT Championship, Dominik Mysterio vs. Mustafa Ali for the NXT North American Championship. and Noam Dar vs. the Global Heritage Winner.
Entrances for the Group B Global Heritage invitational took place. Noam Dar was still riding his inflatable elephant in his VIP section. Vic Joseph noted that at this point Tozawa is a spoiler in the tournament…
6. Nathan Frazer vs. Akira Tozawa in a Group B match of the Global Heritage Invitational. Tozawa took down Frazer with a headscissors. Frazer reved up by running the ropes and took down Tozawa with a dropkick. Frazer ducked a spin kick. Tozawa got a two count off a rollup.
Tozawa hit Frazer with a German Suplex and Shining Wizard. Tozawa hit Frazer with a sweet suicide dive at ringside. Frazer recovered and got to the top rope. Frazer hit Tozawa with a Superplex Final Cut combo for the win.
Nathan Frazer (4 points) defeated Akira Tozawa (0 points) via pinfall in 2:30 to earn 2 points in Group B of the Global Heritage Invitational.
The score card showed that Nathan Frazer and Joe Coffey are now tied in the Heritage Invitational with 4 points a piece…
Kelly Kincaid interviewed Joe Coffey at the watchparty room. Joe said he’s been the favorite since the beginning and all he has to do is slap Duke Hudson. Duke Hudson stood up and pointed out that if he beats Joe it’ll be a 3 way tie. Hudson said people can call him “the spoiler”.
Separate shots of Becky Lynch and Tiffany Stratton head to the ring were shown…[c]
John’s Thoughts: LOL. That finish actually caught me off guard. Seth Rollins never wins with that Superplex combo. That conditioned me to assume a kickout in Seth’s protege’s match Well played, and it’ll be cool if they can establish the Final Cut as an alternate finisher for him. The Joe Coffey and Duke Hudson promo was smart in making next week’s match have stakes. I personally think they should have Joe go undefeated, but maybe they have something clever in mind. I just think that Group B’s purpose from the beginning should be to elevate Joe Coffey to a top position in NXT.
McKeinzie Mitchell interviewed Mustafa Ali about his tainted win last week. He said it wasn’t his fault, it was Dom’s. McKenzie said the crowd gave him a negative reaction. Ali said they were booing Dom. Ali talked about how he dropped Dom after realizing that his hand was being held up by a convicted criminal and outsider. Dragon Lee showed up and respectfully pointed out that Ali had a tainted win. Ali proposed that for everyone, he’ll give Dragon the first title opportunity…
Wes Lee was interviewed backstage about what was his next move. Wes said if he wasn’t going to No Mercy, he’s going home. He kissed his wife backstage and left the performance center. After Wes left, the camera panned over to witness a pull apart brawl between Gigi Dolin and Blair Davenport…
Vic announced the following matches for next week: Carmelo Hayes vs. Dominik Mysterio in a non-title match, Roxanne Perez vs. Lola Vice, Tyler Bate vs. Butch, and Joe Coffey vs. Duke Hudson…
Entrances for the NXT Women’s Championship match took place. Alicia Taylor handled the formal in ring introductions for the championship match. During the introductions, the crowd was mostly cheering Becky while booing Tiffany. The crowd also showered Becky with a “welcome home” chant. There was ten minutes left at the top of the hour…
7. Tiffany Stratton vs. Becky Lynch for the NXT Women’s Championship. Tiffany started with an early shove and headlock. Tiffany took down Becky with a shoulder Tackle. Tiffany did a matrix dodge and trip. Becky kicked out with a matrix dodge. Becky mocked Tiffany’s cartwheel taunt. Tiffany escaped a Disarm-Her attempt. Tiffany tossed Becky against the buckles. Both women traded forearms.
Tiffany kicked Becky in the gut and gave her a front suplex on the apron. Tiffany used a shoulder tackle to knock Becky off the apron. The show cut to picture-in-picture.[c]
Becky hit Tiffany with a Stinger Splash and Exploder Suplex. Becky hit Tiffany with a missile dropkick for a two count. Tiffany countered the Disarm-her into a rollup for a two count. Tiffany hit Becky with a Sky High for a two count. Becky held on to Tiffany’s leg to block a PME attempt. Tiffany gabe Becky a jawbreaker on the top rope. Becky punched Tiffany at the top rope. Becky gave Tiffany the 10 punches in the corner.
[Overrun] Tiffany came back with gut punches and a front suplex. Tiffany hit Becky with a picture perfect Swanton Bomb. Becky recovered and hit Tiffany with a Underhook Suplex. Becky put Tiffany in a Juji Gatame. Tiffany wriggled her way into a rope break. Tiffany then deadlifted Becky. Becky countered with a rana for a nearfall. Tiffany hit Becky with a hip attack and running basement Double Stomp for a nearfall.
Becky staggered to her feet. Becky countered Tiffany’s Manhandle Slam attempt. Becky countered a PME attempt into a 2nd Rope Russian Legsweep for a nearfall. Tiffany blocked a PK and tripped Becky on the apron. Tiffany tossed Becky into the steel steps. Tiffany cleared the announce table. Becky blocked a power bomb by grabbing the barricade. Becky shoved Tiffany on the table from the baracade. Becky gave Tiffany a Leg Drop and the table didn’t break (“I am the Table” twice tonight). Vic Joseph’s candy bowl lives to fight another day.
In the ring Becky hit Tiffany with a top rope leg drop for a nearfall. Tiffany broke the Disarm Her with a rope break. After an exchange, Tiffany hit Becky with a power bomb for a nearfall. Both women took a moment of respite to soak in This is Awesome chants. Tiffany countered a Manhandle into a two count.
Tiffany hit Becky with a Rolling Senton. Tiffany went for a Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Becky dodged (Tiffany stuck the landing right on her feet though). Becky went immediately into the Man-Handle Slam for the victory.
Becky Lynch defeated Tiffany Stratton via pinfall in 13:19 to become the new NXT Women’s Champion.
Vic Joseph reiterated that this is the first time Becky Lynch has ever won the NXT Women’s Championship in her entire career. Highlights from the match aired. Sparkler pyro went off as Becky posed with the title to close the show…
John’s Thoughts: WWE actually put weeks and weeks of build into this match. This episode kept hyping it up as a big match. Tiffany Stratton was a huge underdog heading into this match. The match quality allowed us to suspend our disbelief and both women delivered a stellar match. They call Gunther “The Ring General”, but somebody better give Becky a military rank after leading both Trish Stratus and Tiffany Stratton to strong top level matches back to back (and no disrespect to Trish and Tiffany either. Both women stepped up their game on their end).
They’ve seemingly set the table with potential matches against Kiana James and Lyra Valkyria (given what I’ve seen from Kiana in the past, I’m particularly looking forward to that one). October is coming up very soon too and I wouldn’t mind seeing Becky Lynch vs. Tiffany Stratton in the run-back at Bakersfield which I’m hyped for (my plan is still to attend that show if I can align work and travel up). Becky at Beckys-Field, California should push tickets (Forgive me, for the pun!).
This was a strong episode of NXT. Only thing that made me facepalm a bit is Bron Breakker’s attempted murder of Von Wagner leading to a wrestling match, but Corbin and Breakker did a good enough job on the mic to hype the match up, murder aside. The opening match was a PPV level banger. We got good heritage matches. The midcard stuff were good as buffer. There was also a lot of development with skits. Yes, this was packed, but it was paced very well. I’ve reviewed AEW Dynamite in the past and that can be a poorly paced and overstuffed show. Dynamite should seek to do what NXT did this week with it’s packed content.
Wow, that Corbin/Breaker segment was beyond weird. So, is Breaker face now. Strange.
…and after attempting to murder Von Wagner, after exploiting Von Wagner’s physical disability.
….and only in wrestling can women assault guys for no reason lol.