-Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen had a really strong no-disqualification match to start the show this week. Briggs had huge welts on his back from being dropped on steps and getting whipped with Kendo Sticks. Jensen took a huge table bump that got a big pop from the crowd. Thumbs up. Here’s the thing, though, Jensen got the win thanks to Shawn Spears and I instantly became less interested in the Jensen saga. Look, Jensen as a rogue NXT wrestler was interesting. I still don’t think Jensen is the right guy to play the role, but it was a fresh story. Spears is now going to pull strings for Jensen? Why? Spears is old and tired, thus totally neutralizing what the angle had going for it.
Fighting tag teams … blah
-LOL. I don’t like Axiom and Nathan Frazer fighting because they are getting opportunities. It’s such a silly premise and neither guy is doing a good job acting out the story. These guys are tag team workers and top in-ring guys. Just let them be that.
-A year ago, beating Lexis King would have been a big deal for Eddy Thorpe. Now, it’s ehh. Just ehh. A wins a win, so Thorpe will take it and he’s still a standout character that is underutilized, but this certainly isn’t a win that’s going to jump start a big push.
-I’ve got nothing against Oro Mensah. Truly. That said, he’s positioned as a top world title contender for Ethan Page and just isn’t one. The win this week against Ashante “Thee” Adonis was fine and the match was fine, but he’s out of place given where he’s been and the credibility he has on television.
-Wren Sinclair used No Quarter Catch Crew to win her match, which plays right into their story with The D’Angelo Family. So, thumbs up I guess, but a low card story on the show each week.
All Hail
-Highlight of the night goes to Thea Hail. Her sit-down interview finally showcased her as a real human and not a cheerleader caricature with Chase University. Ahead of a title match next week against Roxanne Perez, this was a smart presentation.
-Trick Williams vs. Cedric Alexander was weird match this week. It wasn’t bad, but Alexander is a very likable talent and habitual babyface. I know Williams is on his road to a return match for the NXT Championship, but rolling another babyface in Alexander is an odd way to express that quest. Pete Dunne vs. Williams is surely on tap for one of the Great American Bash cards and that is a strong heel vs. babyface feud for Williams to win.
-Sol Ruca is one of the brighter up and coming talents on the NXT roster. She didn’t lose her tag match for her team, but they took the L. Why? Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson are fine tag team, but c’mon, you can get to a title match between them and Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn without someone the caliber of Ruca taking a loss.
I believe in a concert
-A Joe Hendry concert next week? Such a smart call. With that on tap, it makes you wonder why TNA didn’t pull the trigger and put their world title on him at Slammiversary over the weekend. This should draw some viewers.
All action
-The main event of The Rascalz vs. Axiom, Nathan Frazer, & Je’Von Evans was an action packed bout that lived up to the hype that comes with these six guys. It was fast, but smooth, and featured some unique spots — particularly on the side of The Rascalz. We know what’s next since The Rascalz won this match. Rascalz vs. Axiom & Frazer for their tag titles. Book it.
What did you think of this week’s episode of NXT? Let us know in the comments!
Subscribe to the Brass Ring Media YouTube channel HERE.
Become a Brass Ring Media member HERE.