Gargano Forms an Alliance
The show started with Gargano trying to explain his championship loss and how he still feels like a champion. He was about to tell his only reason for success when Ciampa interrupted him and told him that he has been the reason Gargano has enjoyed success in the past and the two should reunite again so they can come out of Takeover as champs. Gargano was convinced enough to shake on it.
Our take from it: With the championship off him, Gargano needed something concrete to sink his teeth in and this seems like the right way to go about it. The tensions with Candice adds another dimension to it and this while not being the high octane start NXT usually showcases, this was still quite enjoyable.
Rating: 4.2/5
Vanessa Borne and Alyiah Take on Taynara Conti and Xia Li
This was a shortish match that still featured a lot of action. Conti was the initial aggressor but Alyiah and Borne wrestled to get control back. These two finally were able to hit their finishers for the win.
Winners: Alyiah and Borne
Our take from it: This match was a classic victim of NXT’s time constraints and there was just too much going on. This was bound to happen when four women were given so little time. Conti and Alyiah managed to impress though and while this match would have been a lot better had it been paced nicely, it was still pretty fun.
Rating: 3.5/5
Dominik Dijakovic and Keith Lee Put on a Worthy Show
The match began with the two putting on a show of strength and trying to one up the other. Lee would no sell a shoulder tackle and Dijakovic landed on his feet after a hiptoss.
It kept getting more physical with neither wrestler being able to gain the upper hand. Something that would be capped off by both men getting counted out after a moonsault to the outside by Dijakovic.
Winner: No Contest
Our take from it: Keith Lee and Dijakovic are exciting talents and with the top guys seemingly heading to the main shows, these guys are expected to fill the void and this match proved that NXT has nothing to worry.
This was a classic sloberknocker of a match and was just fun. The double countout keeps the momentum with both wrestlers and leaves the future wide open.
Rating: 4.5/5
The Boss n’ Hug Connection Make a Show While Baszler Stop Yim in Her Tracks
The Boss n’ Hug Connection did a bit of nostalgia act about coming back home and informed the NXT crowd that they will be defending their titles the next time they are on the show.
The match between Baszler and Yim started of at a fast pace as soon as the bell rang. Yim initially managed to fend of some of Baszler’s offensive advances but Baszler managed to tip the scales in her favour.
The spot with Baszler bending Yim’s legs in ways it should not was painful to watch. There were a few pin attempts towards the end from both women until Baszler managed to make Yim tap out to the Kirifuda Clutch.
Winner: Shayna Baszler
Our take from it: This was another great match but the overall narrative is becoming a bit boring now. Baszler needs a legitimate challenger. One wrestler to go after her. Apart from that, this was a great match and a fitting end to the show.
Rating: 4/5
Overall NXT Review: Those following the main show might have found the opening segment a bit confusing but apart from that, this was yet another solid showing from NXT.
Some of the storylines and angles are approaching their saturation points and things need to be shaken up a bit.
Moment of the Night: Baszler manipulating Yim’s legs
Rating: 4/5
