The NXT episodes after NXT TakeOvers continue to boggle me. They do a lot of recaps for the matches that happened on the big show, but they also include two matches that were obviously taped prior to the event and try to sell it as if they have returned to the arena for another show. It's a bit awkward and hard to review.
I'll try to keep the reviews of the recaps to a minimum to save us all a headache.
Let's Do This!
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| NXT 1/30/19; WWE Network |
NXT Thoughts (1/30/19)
- After the recap of the overall Takeover show, we get to our first match: Io Shirai and Kairi Sane taking on Jassamyn Duke and Marina Shafir. The crowd goes absolutely nuts for Shirai and Sane. Shafir and Shirai start off with Shirai showing off some impressive flips. Duke and Sane tag in. Duke does a mocking "Test of Strength" move to the much smaller Sane. Sane and Duke start rolling around trading punches. Shirai and Sane do some insane misdirection to Duke, causing her to get confused. However, Shirai gets distracted by Shafir, allowing Duke to attack her on the apron.
Back in the ring, Shafir tags in and goes on the attack. A tag to Duke allows the two of them to double up on Shirai. Shafir gets a Dragon Sleeper on Shirai, but Shirai uses the turnbuckles to flip out of it. Shirai gets the tag, and Sane uses her speed to get a lot of high-impact moves. Spear out of the corner by Sane. Duke is taken out. Pop-Up Elbow Drop by Sane. SHIRAI DIVES OUT ONTO DUKE! INSANE ELBOW TO SHAFIR! 1-2-3!
(This was a good way to get Shafir and Duke some reps in the ring in front of a live crowd. Being able to work with more experienced talents like Shirai and Sane will help them more in the long run in terms of improving their in-ring work. For what it was, this was very good for both of them. Shirai and Sane were their usual great selves. Both women would make great NXT Women's Champions should Baszler go to the main roster in April.)
- A recap of Ricochet vs. Johnny Gargano is played. (If you haven't seen that match, you should. It was tremendous.) An interview with Johnny Gargano after the match reveals one thing: He loves winning.
- Bianca Belair talks about being "undefeated" being a mindset, not a record. In response to Sam Roberts saying that Belair was just a ponytail and out of her league against Baszler, she tells Sam to kiss her.... well, you know.
- War Raiders talk about ending the era of The Undisputed Era. The reign of the War Raiders starts now.
- We get a promo from Matt Riddle. He talks about making a mark by making Ohno give up and tap out. He'll do that to anyone else who tests him.
- We get highlights of the main event match and the madness that happened afterwards involving the six men in the NXT Halftime Heat match (which I will cover on Sunday).
- We get a review of the NXT superstars who made a surprise entrance in the Royal Rumble.
- The main event sees The Forgotten Sons taking on The Street Profits. (For the record, The Street Profits had a much more "Main Roster" feel for their entrance than The Forgotten Sons.) The Profits get the advantage on the Sons early by throwing them into each other. But Ford gets decked with a clothesline. The Sons now double-team Ford. Cutler is in the ring yelling at and mocking Ford. Tag to Blake. Blake keeps up the offense by torturing Ford. Springboard into a Backbreaker by Blake gets a 2 count as Dawkins breaks up the pin. Ford avoids high-impact moves from The Sons.
Dawkins gets the tag and starts through bombs left and right. Dropkick by Dawkins. Running bulldog (Sting like) by Dawkins. FORD WITH A RUNNING SENTON DIVE OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE FLOOR! (THAT WAS SOME INSANE HEIGHT ON THAT DIVE!) Dawkins gets a spear in, but he only gets a 2. Tag to Ford. ELECTRIC CHAIR BLOCKBUSTER! 2 count only as Cutler breaks up the pin. Tag back to Dawkins. Cutler takes Dawkins out of the ring as Ryker beats down on Ford on the floor. Ryker and Dawkins stare at each other from ringside and walk around. SUICIDE DIVE BY BLAKE TO DAWKINS! Double-Team by The Sons (Memory Remains) gets the win.
(The Street Profits... what a showcase for these guys! The Forgotten Sons looked good too, though they still have some rough edges to work out. Ford of The Street Profits has an undeniable future ahead of him in Tag Team and in Singles. That type of athleticism he displayed is truly special. Good match.)
Overall, this was one of the better post-TakeOver shows that NXT has put together. The two tag matches both worked perfectly. This show proved that the depth of talent that NXT has is incredible. I just wish this show had aired prior to TakeOver instead of 4 days after it.
Until next time, take care of yourselves. Spread some awesomeness.
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