Hey Internet world.
It’s been awhile since I last wrote one of these. A couple months I believe. The last time was before the site crashed or updated. One of those two. And if I’m honest, I wasn’t entirely planning on writing a new post at the present time but life sort of got in the way. That is to say, I’m going through a bit of a rough patch and I need an outlet to get my mind off my real world troubles. So here we go.
Quick general thoughts before we get to the meat of this whole thing…. Firstly, great show. But that’s a bit redundant at this point, isn’t it? I mean, of course it’s a great show, it’s an NXT special. But with acclaim sometimes comes complacency. That feeling that there’s no longer a need to deliver more than what’s expected. Not here. For the sixth consecutive time, the men and women of WWE developmental stepped up in a big way.
Now the crowd…. A lively bunch. Hot for the product, hot for the performers. The constant chanting
though is starting to become a bit grating. I know you’re just having fun and you’re excited to be there but there are other ways to show it. Simple applause and cheering and booing are plenty enough. A chant here or there is fine but not one every 30 seconds.
Ok, enough of that.
Didn’t watch the pre-show, sorry.
NXT: Unstoppable. Main Show.
Finn Balor vs Tyler Breeze
Star: The pre-match entrances.
Time to get a little heat right off the bat. This was a good match. Even pretty good. Not memorable though. I thought from an in-ring standpoint these guys would finally deliver in a really big way on the NXT roster. Both men, especially Balor, are quality workers but I’ve yet to see either have that break through in-ring moment as a part of the WWE.
That being said…. Those entrances. Yeah, baby. Two Mania caliber presentations for two future main roster stars. Balor’s is still a bit long (it must have been 4 minutes) but great as a once a month spectacle.
Bayley and Charlotte vs Dana Brooke and Emma
Star: Charlotte
An interesting match that featured NXT’s past (Emma), present (Charlotte and Bayley), and future (Brooke). Besides that dynamic, there wasn’t much to see here. The faces really outshined the heels in terms of character strength and in-ring. Charlotte in particular basically carried everyone on her shoulders. Not bad/better than what we usually see from the main roster women, but not by much.
Baron Corbin vs Rhyno
Star: Corbin’s finish
Two big guys brawling. Last special Corbin looked winded after going 4 minutes against Bull Dempsey. This time, he looked winded after going 7 minutes against Rhyno. I even like Corbin. I do. I know it’s not the “cool” thing cause he’s green with no indie cred but I like elements of his act. But maybe it’s time they stopped putting him in feuds with other big guys who won’t bump around for him.
All that being said, he did a nice job hitting his finish on the very beefy Rhyno.
Blake and Murphy vs Enzo and Big Cass
Star: Enzo fucking Amore
I’ve said it several times before but I’m a huge mark for Enzo. He is great, great, great. Character and promo strength are both at a 10. He stands alone as a truly unique character with an excess of swag. Blake and Murphy…. Are the opposite of that. Guys who are as generic as they come. They’re not bad, they’re just…. There. Which is almost as troubling as being bad.
This was an entertaining match that exceeded expectations. As much as I love Enzo, I wouldn’t call him a good worker. Same goes for Big Cass. But they both looked good here. Blake and Murphy were, as usual, fine. A fluky/screwy finish kept the faces strong so it’s fine with me.
Sasha Banks vs Becky Lynch
Star: Both women. Everything.
Let’s cut to the chase; this was maybe the best WWE match of 2015 thus far. If this had taken place at any main roster PPV besides the Rumble, it would have been match of the night. On top of that, this was the best WWE women’s match ever. I’m serious. Before this, I was thinking maybe Charlotte vs Banks from R: Evolution was as good as it could get but this was even better.
Now I have very little knowledge of All Japan Women’s wrestling from the 90’s beyond the perception that it’s the peck of women’s wrestling globally. And maybe it is/was. All I know is this was a legit ****1/2 match that will be a part of my WWE match of the year consideration in December. It had everything. Stiff shots, high flying, ground work, and honest to goodness emotion. A couple spots were a little clunky and the heel/face dynamic was a bit vague but everything else was an absolute hit. Must, must, must see match.
Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn
Star: Zayn…. And later Samoa Joe
Is this the first true rematch from a previous special that we’ve seen on NXT? Someone can correct me if I’m wrong but I believe so. A rematch of January’s contest which saw the decimation of Zayn.
A very good match that was part brawl/part angle as Zayn countered everything Owens threw at him for nearly 10 minutes. This worked from both a kayfabe and reality standpoint as Zayn was seeking revenge as well as legitimately working hurt. The (non) finish came shortly after Owens finally managed an apron powerbomb and looked to put Zayn out of commission for good. Enter Somoa Joe to a monster pop (and shitty music). Owens retreats and the Special ends with Joe standing tall in the ring.
And that’s it. A cliffhanger ending to a Special that started off well enough, had a match of the year contender, and a strong main event.
So what did YOU think? Let me know in the comments section below.
Cheers.
