SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
This edition of NXT television gave us two championship matches and began the process of setting up the card for NXT Heatwave.
NXT WOMEN’S TITLE
Champion: Kendal Grey
Kendal Grey defended her NXT Women’s Title in an “Underground Match” against the former Women’s champion, Lola Vice. These two combatants went after each other with submissions, strikes, and potential knockout blows. Early in the match, Grey banged her ear into the ring side steps. Kendal was bandaged up by the medical staff and continued. Late in the match, as Vice was going to hit Kendal with her backfist, she accidentally hit the ref. She then hit a knockout blow on Grey. Grey was revived by BFF Wren Sinclair and went after Vice. Grey won by tap out.
Brandler’s Bit: I have never been a fan of the past Underground Matches. This one was excellent, however. It had high drama and was hard hitting. Vice is leaving NXT and made Kendal look strong. When Kendal was bleeding from the ear, I flashed back to the NWA Starrcade Chain Match between Roddy Piper and Greg Valentine. In that match, Piper was hit in the ear by the chain and was gushing blood. He was disoriented and couldn’t stand. Grey’s performance was reminiscent of Pipers.
NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Champions: The Vanity Project (Ricky Smokes & Brad Baylor w/Jackson Drake & Lockwood)
The Vanity Project (VP) were making their sixth defense of their NXT Tag Team Titles against the team of NXT North American Champion Myles Borne and his friend and partner Tavion Heights. Borne & Heights obtained the title shot when Borne defeated Kam Hendrix on last week’s episode of NXT. Borne & Heights were able to use their superior wrestling skills to override the athletic double teams of the champs. The champs took control of the match. As the challengers made a comeback, Drake and Lockwood attempted to interfere as they have throughout VP’s title reign. Somehow the interference was seen by the referee who sent them to the back to the locker room. The challengers hit stereo power slams to make the champs woozy. Heights hit his “Heights of Glory” finisher for the win and we have NEW NXT Tag Team Champions!
Brandler’s Bit: This is a great win for the double champion Borne and Heights. They combine power, wrestling skills and agility. It was very surprising that the Vanity Project lost the titles. Will there be a rematch at NXT Heatwave?
NXT WOMEN’S SPEED TITLE
Champion: Wren Sinclair
Wren Sinclair the NXT Speed Champion took on the Women’s NXT North American Champion Zaria. The stipulation was that if Wren successfully defends the title she will get a North American Title match against Zaria. In this five-minute title match, both combatants wrestled as though there was no time limit. Wren was smooth; Zaria used power moves. As the clock ran down, their pace picked up. Both Zaria and Wren ended up outside the ring with eight seconds to go. This match ended up being a draw and a successful defense of the Speed Title. Post Match: Zaria gives Sinclair an F5 to show her dominance.
Next week: Zaria vs. Wren Sinclair for the Women’s NXT North American Championship.
Brandler’s Bit: As much as it is refreshing to have a time limit draw in a title match, since draws were a fixture in old school wrestling, this was a cop out finish. Wren did in fact “successfully” defend her title by not losing but didn’t win either. I could think of many better ways to promote a Zaria vs. Sinclair match for the North American Title than a five-minute draw. For example, Sinclair could win a non-title match against Zaria which then gives her the title shot. This would have made her a much stronger contender.
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)
NXT MEN’S HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
Champion: Tony D’Angelo
Tony D’Angelo came out and wanted to have a conversation with Cruz Montano who accidentally clotheslined him last week. Grayson Waller came out instead. He was wearing a shirt that said “Soft, Lazy, Complacent, Glad to be here,”(I don’t think this will be a big seller!) This shirt amplified his comments about the Men’s NXT roster from last week. Cruz Montana came out and after some back and forth with Waller stated, “I’ve spent years showing that I belong here; you’ve spent years trying to get people to notice you.” Ouch.
Tony D got control of the proceedings and made the match for next week, Waller vs. Montana. The winner will face D’Angelo at NXT Heatwave.
Brandler’s Bit: Both Waller and Montana’s regurgitated their comments from last week. They continue to be clear about their goals and why they think they should be the “top dog” in the Men’s Division. I would like to see a one-on-one match at NXT Heatwave because that usually leads to a decisive winner. NXT loves to have triangular configurations so I’m guessing that we will have a triple threat match.
MID-CARD MATCHES
Thea Hail & Jaida Parker vs. Nakitta Lyons & Karmen Petrovic (with Nattie)
This match was set up when Hail threw in the towel during the recent Jaida vs Nattie match. Jaida and Hail had some chemistry but were an odd couple pairing. Both Lyons and Petrovic are part of Nattie’s stable. After some good solid exchanges, Lyons was thrown out of the ring by Parker. Jaida tagged in Hail who hit a trust fall senton for the win.
Brandler’s Bit: Both Parker and Hail have been in NXT for three-four years. It was clear that their experience in the WWE system is paying off. This duo demonstrated their skill level and growth to produce an interesting match. The Jaida vs. Nattie feud needs to have a proper ending. I guess that this happens at NXT Heat Wave.
EK Prosper vs. Keanu Carver
Prosper has two wins over Carver. Carver has beaten Hank & Tank. His booking has been all over the place. On commentary both Vic and Booker T commented about the “new” Keanu Carver. He was working slower, wasn’t rushing and seemed more confident. Prosper is in the Je’Von Evans class of worker, lots of high impact moves with great gymnastics and power. Just when it seemed that Prosper would win again, Carver won with a small package roll up!
Brandler’s Bit: Who is Keanu Carver? Is he a highly muscled power athlete with an intense motor? (like Monty Brown.) Is he a hot-headed jerk who gets in his own way causing himself to lose? (insert any wrestler you like.) Is he a methodical big man who can win a match with a roll up? I understand the purpose of NXT is to help to develop character and wrestling style. They are certainly developing Carver since he changes his persona every week.
NEXT WEEK ON NXT
- Montana Cruz vs. Grayson Waller for the NXT Men’s Heavyweight Title number one contender designation (Cruz should win, but I wouldn’t rule out some screwy ending to get to a three match at Heatwave)
- Zaria vs. Wren Sinclair for the Women’s North American title(Is this how Wren moves up the card? Shouldn’t Zaria have a longer title reign?)
- Dion Lennox vs. Saquon Shugars (the Dark State grudge match)
- Shawn Spears & Lizzy Rain vs. The Culling (Niko Vance& Izzie Dame) (Can Lizzy trust Spears?)
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