-If you go back and read these columns from when Ricky Saints debuted in NXT, you’ll see that I’m pretty high on him as a talent. He’s got charisma, can work, and exudes star power. He doesn’t have momentum right now. Look, the promo this week was fine and the heel turn is best for him at this point, but he feels more like a failed babyface than a hot heel.
Plans change, pal
-So, Blake Monroe attacked Thea Hail before her championship match and thought that THAT would convince Ava to simply hand over the NXT Women’s North American Championship? Silly heel. This was laughable logic, but may have been the best of bad options because Blake Monroe got called up to the main roster. Time will tell.
-Tatum Paxley got a bit of an unceremonious win over her arch rival, Izzi Dame, this week. A win is a win and that’s good, but it felt flat and too soon. That said, because of happenings later in the show, we know why it went down this way.
-Izzi Dame became the new NXT Women’s North American Champion by beating Hail after Hail demanded she still get a chance to defend her championship — even if she was injured. Like you, I questioned that strategy and it didn’t pay off. However, with Dame as champion and Paxley owning a win over her as recently as this show, they can pivot to Dame vs. Paxley 3 for the Women’s North American Championship.
-Excuse me??? The “French Luchador” Elio Lefleur??? Yeah, I’m interested.
Timing is everything
-Kendal Grey will have her time as NXT Women’s Champion, but that time just isn’t right now. Grey is a talent that would benefit from a longer run to that championship and bringing fans along for the ride with her. Smart to play the long game.
-As for Jacy Jayne, she’s ready for the main roster. Period. She started out at the bottom of NXT, but worked her way all the way up. Has the upside of Liv Morgan when Morgan first got to the main roster.
-Well, the parade of challengers who walked out to confront Ethan Page wasn’t exactly a who’s who of potential. Page was heads and above all of those challengers in terms of presence and charisma. Not a great look for the talent farm that is supposed to be the WWE Performance Center.
Who is Shiloh Hill?
-Ok, I take some of that back. Just a little piece. Shiloh Hill was entertaining. What he’s presenting in the ring isn’t exactly in line with the vignettes that aired for him ahead of his debut, but there is an “it” factor there that can be harnessed.
-Oba Femi defeated Leon Slater and retained the NXT Championship. No surprise there. This was a weak main event given just how certain this outcome was. Femi is incredibly impressive. He shined and came across as the biggest star on the show.
A vacant NXT Championship
-What is the future of Femi in NXT? He left the championship in the ring after he retained it. Looks like it’s main roster time.
What did you think of this week’s episode of NXT? Let us know in the comments!
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