NXT HITS & MISSES 5/16: Tomasso Ciampa’s promo, Ricochet vs. Velveteen Dream, O’Reilly’s swagger, Mendoza vs. Reeves

HITS

Tomasso Ciampa’s Promo – Once again, Tomasso Ciampa’s heel skills were on full display as he made his entrance to Johnny Gargano’s theme music (such a sinister move).  He was really good at connecting the storyline of his loss to Gargano at NXT Takeover: New Orleans and their current feud state as he stated that he may have lost the battle but he will win the war.  It was also a great connection to the current storyline by having Candice LaRae come out confused by Ciampa’s actions.  Her questioning Ciampa as to his motives that she does not understand helped the ongoing situation but also her character as well as a concerned wife of a heavyhearted competitor.  Ciampa’s mannerisms as he reacted to her pleas were very entertaining as he mocked her while questioning Gargano’s manhood.  His interactions with the crowd as he improvised his responses to their chants were classic truly exemplifying his personification as the ultimate heel.  As mentioned in other articles, Ciampa is the current epitome of a heel, somewhat throwback in a way to some of the greats that came before him as he is currently carrying this feud with a very well performing supporting cast.  Only when you think that this feud can’t get any better, we are all surprised as it gets better and better.

Velveteen Dream vs. Ricochet: While watching this match anyone can see that these two have some great chemistry in the ring.  Continuing the great promo that they had last week, these two went to battle for the first time since the 6 man ladder match from NXT Takeover: New Orleans but this time it was one – on – one.  It was great to see the clash in styles of these two as the Velveteen Dream kept up with the fast paced style of Ricochet while Ricochet displayed some charisma that the Dream is known for.  These two are compliment each other so well that one would wonder what it would be like if they some how teamed up, not really in a tag-team, but more so as part of a stable.  Due to the interference by Lars Sullivan, we will get a chance to see them joining forces next week since the Leviathan came out to spoil the party to prove that he is a forced to be reckoned with in the NXT Title picture.  So this match was great for all parties involved as the Dream and Ricochet put on a clinic of great moves and chemistry and Lars Sullivan as the “Thanos” of NXT and a forced that cannot be denied.

Oney Lorcan & Danny Birch & Pete Dunne vs. The Undisputed Era (Kyle O’Reilly & Adam Cole & Roderick Strong): Wow, the swagger of Kyle O’Reilly is getting stronger and stronger as the weeks go on.  From him strumming the tag team championship belt like a guitar to his cocky but corny persona, he has really developed into an awesome character that you not only love to hate but also hate to love.  It also seems like the Undisputed Era his really hitting their stride as a stable not only seen on social media but also on the program as well.  Their cohesiveness is at its pinnacle as they gelled very well together during the match as they cut off their competitors to their corner of the ring during the match.  Their individual skills were could be seen as well as Adam Cole did his trash talking while being very conniving and cunning, O’Reilly showing off his mixed martial arts skills and Roderick Strong not only becoming a great heel but also delivering many great back breakers.  Their opponents were great as well as Pete Dunne was very eager to get his hands on Roderick Strong and the team of Oney Lorcan and Danny Birch have shown that they came a long way as they could now be viewed as a true tag team and not just two people who were put together for the sake of nothing else going on with their characters.  Dunne, Lorcan and Birch picking up the win was a great move as it makes the team of Lorcan and Birch that more believable as strong competitors for the tag team championship, especially with them picking up the win against O’Reilly.  It also keeps this rivalry in full motion as if the opposite had of happened, the storyline would have become stale and that less competitive.

MISS

Raul Mendoza vs. Kona Reeves: There is not much to say on this one, but the Kona Reeves is a real bust.  I believe that this is due to his character not matching up with his ring style.  His character is one of arrogant, stylish and flamboyant, but his in ring style is one of vicious heel tactics.  There is no poise or true ring moves to his style and that really hindered this match as Raul Mendoza is decent, but there was not much to compare it with and it just made the match deplorable.  The two just don’t blend and I think that is holding him back from being a successful and entertaining character.  He needs to perform more moves that can display his wrestling talents as well as back up his out of the ring persona.

NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S COLUMN: NXT HITS & MISSES 5/9: War Raiders vs. Heavy Machinery gets a miss, Ciampa and Ohno get a bit, plus Dakota Kai vs. Vanessa Borne