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The following report originally published 5 years ago this week here at PWTorch.com…
KELLER’S NXT ON USA TV REPORT
JULY 15, 2020
WINTER PARK, FLA. AT FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
Announcers: Mauro Ranallo, Tom Phillips, Nigel McGuiness
[HOUR ONE – Q1]
-A video package aired on Keith Lee winning the NXT Title last week. They included a series of soundbites from potential contenders including Finn Balor saying he’s made himself the biggest target in NXT history, plus Johnny Gargano, Damien Priest, Cameron Grimes, and roughly a dozen others saying “Keith Lee.”
(Keller’s Analysis: Effective way to emphasize last week’s big title change and setting the scene for a lot of wrestlers who are now targeting him. Making the major singles title feel like the reason everyone is there and what everyone wants is always a plus.)
-As Lee made his way to the ring, Mauro said he’s the first champ-champ in NXT history. Lee wore his “Limitless Legion – Bask iIn My Glory” t-shit. (The announcer sound-mix during entrance music is again not where it should be as the music is drowning out the announcers.) The audience sang “Oh, Bask in his Glory!” As they banged the plexiglass. Lee said it sounds beautiful and he’d like to hear him introduced as the new NXT Champion one more time. More applause form the audience. “Now that was a beautiful thing,” he said. He said he understands more than anyone that the past few months have been difficult and trying. He said they’ve all had their struggles, difficult times, sadness, and suffering. He said he relates to losses, hurt, and pain and “understands it more than anyone.” (Really? More than anyone?)
He lay both title belts in front of him. He said he has celebrated, but now it’s time to get back to reality. He said there are some supporters, fiends, and enemies in that locker room who want the same opportunity he has managed to earn. He said there is an understanding that he didn’t do this on his own. He said he isn’t a self-made man. He thanked Tim Brooks, who was more than a trainer for him. He said he was like a father to him who believes in him when no one else did. He also thanked the NXT Universe. He looked at the camera and said they welcomed him with the most open arms and sang “Oh, Bask in his Glory!” He said he is celebrating for himself, Tim Brooks, and the WWE Universe.
He said he wanted to talk with his no. 1 “frenemy,” Dominic Dijakovic. Mauro wondered what Keith Lee wants to say to him. Dijakovic said no one is more proud of him than he is. Lee said the competition between the two of them is one of the things that propelled him into opportunities. He said he had a talk with G.M. William Regal, and he offered Dijakovic the first shot at his championships. The audience chanted “Holy shit!” Dijakovic was all for it. He asked when he wants to do it. Lee said his idea was they’d do it tonight. Dijakovic seemed hesitant to agree, but Lee jumped in and told him, “Just say yes.” The audience chanted “Just say yes!” Dijakovic smiled and said yes. They double fist bumped and shared some friendly words.
(Keller’s Analysis: Having Lee show he’s going to be a fighting champion and he’s gracious enough to recognize what those Dijakovic battles meant to his climb to the top are good early statements for Lee as the new Face of NXT. Dijakovic played is part well, appreciating the offer and show affection for Lee and happiness for his success. I also liked Lee acknowledging his trainer, Tim Brooks, the way he did. I’m not sure Keith Lee often referring to himself in the third person is working, though. It seems a little derivative or copycat of The Rock, and seems a little self-absorbed. When you combine that with his “Best in my Glory” catchphrase, I think it might rub some people the wrong way. It’s a work in progress. We might look back at the lack of crowds during this time as a negative for Lee getting a sense of how to steer the nuances of his character to match up with how the audience is reacting to him.)
[Q2]
-They showed Tegan Nox showing up at the arena earlier today. Phoenix talked about her challenging Io Shirai later on the show. Phillips hyped the Damian Priest vs. Cameron Grimes match up next. [c]
(1) DAMIAN PRIEST vs. CAMERON GRIMES
Grimes charged at the bell, but Priest caught him with a boot to the face. Priest pummeled Grimes in the corner. At about 2:00 Grimes caught Priest flying at him with an elbow. He scored a two count seconds later after several moves. He yelled, “You don’t mess with Cameron Grimes!” They cut to a break, but stayed with the action on split-screen. [c]
Grimes dominated during the break. Priest made a comeback right after the break ended. At ringside, Priest gave Grimes a released Razor’s Edge into the edge of the ring. Back in the ring, Grimes ducked a Priest spinning tornado kick. (Grimes should’ve sold that Razor’s Edge way more than that.) Grimes rolled up Priest for a two count. Priest fired right back with a flatliner for a near fall. Grimes yelled that Priest won’t ruin his moment because he’s headed to the moon. Priest fired back and went on a flurry of offense including The Reckoning for the win. Priest looked into the camera and said he’s really interested to see who comes out the double-champ later.
WINNER: Priest in 10:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Solid match. Priest is on a faster track to a high spot on the roster than Grimes at this time, so the finish makes sense. Grimes feels second-tier gate keeper for the foreseeable future, and he’ll be good in that role, but I don’t see him making it to the top tier for a while. His character still feels a bit cartoonish in terms of his his facial expressions and mannerisms.)
[Q2]
-They showed Shirai arriving at the arena earlier.
-A Thatch as Thatch Can aired. He said he wanted to demonstrate the lesson he taught Oney Lorcan earlier. He demonstrating the Fujiwara armbar. He applied extra pressure after the tapout and said, when he did that to Lorcan, Lorcan cried like a child. He said a tap is education, but making your opponent cry is pure satisfaction. He told his victim to “get some ice on that.”
(Keller’s Analysis: These segments are a blast. Thatcher is such a distinct character.)
(2) SHOTZI BLACKHART vs. INDI HARTWELL
The announcers talked about Robert Stone. Phillips took his side and talked about him being driven over by the tank. Phoenix wondered how concerned he was about her. Hartwell got in some early offense including a two count. Blackhart fired back, including some kicks. She showed great fire. Stone walked out to the ringside in a walking boot. Phillips said, “God bless this man. What bravery!” Blackhart landed a DDT as Stone distracted the referee. She then climbed to the top rope, but Aliya yanked her down from the top rope. Hartwell then caught Shotzi with a running boot for the three count. Mauro said it is Hartwell’s first TV win, although many will put an asterisk next to it.
WINNER: Hartwell in 4:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: They aren’t slowing down on the Stone gimmick.) [c]
[Q3] -McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Nox who, who said she has travelled too far and done this too long to let this opportunity to go by without a win. She said tonight is he night.
-They went to Phillips on camera who threw to a Santos Escobar segment. He was in a fancy looking house and toasting his cohorts, Jacquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza, on the end of Drake Maverick. Escobar laughed that the only reason he has a job is that he tried on YouTube. They talked about Breezango making fun of them. Escobar said the Cruiserweight Division was in desperate need of makeover, and they’re going to build their empire. “Sometimes you have to tear something down in order to build it back up.”
(Keller’s Analysis: Escobar gives some gravitas to a division that has often lacked it. I’m a fan of the assembly of these three as a faction. It’s a good updated use of Wilde, who I’ve always thought had good charisma but mid-card gimmicks, and gives the talented Mendoza a role to grow win.)
-A video package aired on social media reaction to Lee’s victory last week. Then the announcers hyped the Lee vs. Dijakovic match up next. [c]
(3) KEITH LEE vs. DOMINIC DIJAKOVIC – NXT Title and North American Title match
Phoenix said it’s always magic when they step in the ring with each other and tonight will be no different. Lee came out second with both title belts. He held them up and pointed at himself with his thumb and took that deep cleansing breath. Phoenix said Lee is showing he’s a locker room leader by giving Dijakovic this opportunity. They engaged in tests of strength early.
ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…
Check out the latest episode of “PWT Talks NXT” with Kelly Wells and Nate Lindberg, part of the PWTorch Dailycast line-up: CLICK HERE to stream (or search “pwtorch” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other iOS or Android app to subscribe free)
[HOUR TWO – Q5]
Dijakovic offered a smile and a handshake after countering Lee and scoring a one count. After a pause, Lee shook his hand. Phillips said these two respect each there, but that doesn’t mean Dijakovic is a saint and he’ll do what it takes to be successful. They exchanged chops to the chest, with Lee’s knocking Dijakovic down hard.When Lee climbed to the second rope, Dijakovic popped up and hoisted him onto his shoulders. Lee slipped free. They stood and looked at each other caught their breath. They cut to a break. [c]
Back from the break, Dijakovic had the better of Lee mid-ring. Lee broke free and punched away at Dijakovic. Lee knocked Dijakovic down with two Pounces. Dijakovic rolled to the floor. Lee went after him there, but Dijakovic moved. Lee pursued Dijakovic into the ring. Dijakovic landed a quick side slam on Lee for a two count. When Dijakovic went after Lee with a discus punch, Lee blocked him and landed a turning faceplant for a near fall. Nice sequence. Phoenix wondered if Lee was thinking he bit off more than he can chew. Dijakovic headbutted Lee off of him in the corner, then landed a blockbuster on Lee for a near fall. Dijakovic landed a cyclone boot for a two count. When Dijakovic flew off the ropes, Lee slapped his chest with both hands. Then Lee landed a one-armed slam and the Big Bang Catastrophe for the win.
WINNER: Lee in 16:00 to retain the NXT Title and North American Title.
(Keller’s Analysis: Another very good match between these two, and a worthwhile exclamation mark on their rivalry to establish that Lee is just a level better than Dijakovic. Good start to Lees title reign. Dijakovic got in enough of offense that it hardly seemed lopsided.)
[Q6]
-Dijakovic got up and hugged Lee afterward and wished him well. Then the lights went dark. They looked around. Out walked Scarlett onto the stage through some fog and special lighting. She approached the ring and emptied a wack which had remnants of the shattered hourglass that Lee destroyed a few weeks ago. Shen left without saying anything, but he facial expressions indicated Lee should be nervous about retribution from Karrion Kross.
(Keller’s Analysis: Good pivot to Lee’s first actual feud of his title reign.) [c]
-They showed Io Shirai warming up backstage.
-Mitchell interviewed Dijakovic, who said Lee is on a completely differently level now. Kross walked up to him. Dijakovic asked if he had something to say. Kross said some words, then they broke into a fight with Dijakovic throwing Kross through the set by his throat, but then Kross backdropped him onto some storage crates. Kross loosened his tie and then went back over to Dijakovic, who was out cold on the floor, and said, “Tick tock.”
(4) TIMOTHY THATCHER vs. DENZEL DEJOURNETTE
Thatcher controlled Dejournette at the start and scored an early one count. Dejournette used amateur wrestling to control Thatcher on the mat in a scramble. Thatcher ended upon top. Phoenix said Thatcher has an answer for everything Dejournette throws at him. Just then, Dejournette maneuvered behind Thatcher with a chinlock. Thatcher escaped and went for a leg lock. Dejournette tried to kick out, but Thatcher torqued his legacy and Dejournette tapped quickly. After the match, Thatcher put Dejournette in another ankle lock. Oney Lorcan ran out and made the save. Thatcher retreated.
WINNER: Thatcher in 2:00.
-They showed a tweet by Rhea Ripley wo said she’s not wasting time with Robert Stone anymore is refocusing on the NXT Women’s Title.
-Phoenix plugged the main event. [c]
[Q7]
-A clip from earlier aired of Stone meeting Killian Dain as he entered the venue and he apologized to him. Aliyah ran in and showed the latest drawing from Dexter Lumis which included Stone getting run over by Shotzi’s tank. It also included Keith Lee, Dain, and others. Dain grabbed Stone and said he can make it up to him by finding a way to get him a match with Lumis. Stone gasped and hyperventilated, but indicated he’d try.
-Phoenix confirmed the Dain-Lumis match just became official. They also announced Cross vs. Dijakovic next week.
(5) IO SHIRAI vs. TEGAN NOX – NXT Women’s Title match
Nox made her entrance first. Phoenix said Nox has trained harder for this than anything in her life, and it’ll be eight years of hard work paying off. Shirai came out second. Nox offered a handshake during ring introductions. Shirai slapped her hand away. That cut intros short. The ref promptly started the match. Nox locked on a headlock a minute in. Shirai powered out and applied her own side headlock. At ringside, Shirai grabbed Nox’s leg and swept her down face-first onto the ring apron. They cut to a break at 4:00. [c]
Back from the break, Nox battled back Pheonix called it a crucial moment for Nox. Nox rolled through Shirai’s attempt at a crossbody and leveraged her over with a fallaway slam into a bridge for a near fall after. Shirai grounded Nox next with some creative matwork. Nox leveraged Shirai down again for a two count, so Shirai broke her grip. A few minutes later Shirai landed a faceplant and scored a two count. They cut to a break, but stayed with the action on split-screen. [c]
Shirai controlled during the break. They fought at ringside after the break, with Shirai battering Nox. No reverse-whipped Shirai toward the steps, but Shirai stopped short and threw Nox into the steps. When she dove at her with two flying knees, Nox moved and then took control. She threw Shirai into the ring and went for a chokeslam, but Shirai broke the grip and gave her a tiger driver backbreaker. Shirai sold a tweaked knee afterward and was slow to get up. Nox small packaged Shirai for a two count. Shirai came back with a back bridge near fall. Nox knocked Shirai off balance on the top rope, then landed a cannonball for a two count. Nox looked up in disbelief. Nox fired up and went after Shira with a series of clotheslines and an uppercut followed by another corner cannonball. She climbed to the top rope and landed a crossbody for a two count. She landed a chokeslam for a two count next. Shirai came back with a German suplex a minute later. She hit a 619 and a leaping dropkick off the top rope next for a two count. Nox went after Shirai’s knees and then climbed to the top rope and leaped off with a Molly-Go-Round for a near fall. Shirai caught a charging Nox with a palm strike, then leaped of the top rope with a moonsault for the win.
WINNER: Shirai in 23:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: The match was really good. I just don’t think there was a ton of viewer investment in Nox, especially since Shirai isn’t someone fans have any vested interest in seeing lose. So if you like good wrestling or had a particular interest in either or both wrestler, it could have worked well as a TV main event. I’m not sure it had enough juice to cover a wide swath of the fanbase, though, being particularly interested in the outcome.)
-After the match, as Shirai celebrated, Dakota Kai attacked her.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Enjoyable show start to finish with a good steady pace. It didn’t have any super high high-points or super low low-points, but the Lee-Dijakovic and Shirai-Nox matches really carried the wrestling-side of the program, and the other three matches were good and served purposes of moving certain wrestlers forward. The top matches were also used to shift key wrestlers into their next feuds, post Great American Bash shake-up.
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