WWE NXT Rankings & Evaluation
By George Chiverton, NXT specialist

(1) Bray Wyatt (-)
(2) Corey Graves (-)
(3) Sami Zayn (-)
(4) Kassius Ohno (-)
(4) Paige (-)
(5) Luke Harper (-)
(6) Adrian Neville (-)
(7) Oliver Grey (-)
(8) Xavier Woods (-)
(10) Bo Dallas (-)
(11) Conor O'Brian (-)
(12) Leo Kruger (-)

Waiting List - Sasha Banks, Baron Corbin, Bayley, Scott Dawson, Garett Dylan, Sylvester Lefort, Enzo Amore, Colin Cassidy, Charlotte, Tyler Breeze, Alexander Rusev

A slight fat-trimming is in order on my list with Bronson, Big E., Jason Jordan, Jake Carter, and Richie Steamboat seemingly not returning to NXT for the foreseeable future. And they shall be replaced by Xavier Woods and Sami Zayn.

Controversially, perhaps, Xavier comes in behind Oliver Grey (who I'm hoping will return from his injury sooner rather than later). I bade this as I haven't seen a huge amount of his work just yet and there is something very Kofi Kingston about him at current: although undeniably fun, athletic, and talented, there is not an x-factor about him. I essentially see him fitting perfectly like Kofi into that mid-card face role which kids will love. Still, with a funky character like Xavier's, he was never going to be taken as seriously as a Wyatt for example, so I'm open to have my mind changed. Plus, with such a strong list above him, his place is a respectable place to be. Just ask Kruger; he'd love it.

As for Zayn I had a horrible time placing him as for many he'd be at the top already, but evaluating his entire package at the moment and he's not quite there. Don't get me wrong, he will be soon enough, but Sami is still adjusting, much like Mr. Incredible, to life after the mask. His selling can be overzealous and although I have applauded his mild manner in interviews so far, I need to see how his serious ones stack up, too, before elevating him higher. As I say, though, its not whether he will but when.

It's also worth mentioning other changes at the top. Graves ascends the rankings partly due to his excellent performances and partly due to others not living up to high expectations. Kassius Ohno has been absent for some time (with rumors emerging about heat backstage due to a lack of effort toward his physical condition) and Paige has been wrestling a much less impressive style over the last couple of months. With Sami in the mix now, competition is utterly fierce. Roll on NXT!

8/21 NXT Analysis

- To open there was a promo highlighting the Sami Zayn vs Antonio Cesaro feud in anticipation of this week's 2/3 Falls rubber match. Well made, and an effective way to remind everyone of the importance of the match.

- First up was Bayley vs. A.J. Lee for the Divas Title. Bayley was generally greeted with indifference while A.J. got the main roster treatment of a big cheer. There were formal ring introductions and the match was off.

This may have been one of the shortest wrestling matches in WWE history, by the way, with Bayley only marginally taller than A.J. Anyways, Bayley went for a hug to sell her starstruck gimmick, but A.J. wasn't having it and hit two neckbreakers followed by a snapmare into a resthold.

The crowd rallied behind Bayley, but she came off the ropes and right into A.J.'s awaiting elbow. This was only good for a two. Bayley avoided a corner attack and took the opportunity to hug A.J. before ramming her, mid hug, into the corner. This was odd. A corner clothesline followed by a bodyslam was only a two again, though. Bayley dropped the knee but again there was only two from the ref. She went to the top and hit a diving reverse elbow (a la Christian) which was almost enough but not quite.

Bayley then looked concerned with the damage she'd potentially done to A.J., so she helped her up. AJ took advantage with a kick to the gut and then a beautiful shining wizard for the win.

It was a harmless match but the flaws in Bayley's character are monumental. I get it's meant to be her character, but if this was any other sport she would have been disciplined for throwing the result of the match. Its just non-sense that her character continues to such a degree in the ring. Unless this leads to a snap or a break in character, I haven't got time for it.

- Backstage, Tyler Breeze was being hilarious by asking a passing lady for a photo. When she accepted he handed her the camera and posed. Amazing. He was photobombed once again by C.J. Parker and his dreadlocks, though. This time Breeze saw though and claimed that he was ruining his entire life. Great stuff.

- Next was Rick Victor and Conor O'Brian against jobbers of the week - Ron Hicks and Michael Zackie. Zackie looks like a beefed up version of Ryback's first jobber. It could well be the same person although this guy's chest is massive. He took the early offense from The Ascension, including a high/low, which was good for the win. Hicks didn't even get in the ring. The Ascension is still an over-inflated gimmick, which for me doesn't work in this day and age. It certainly won't get over unless they get into a meaningful feud, but at the same time I can't see them losing if they want to maintain their credibility. Would I put them over any other tag teams? No, so its a generally awkward situation.

- C.J. Parker was next out for his in-ring debut against the very promising Baron Corbin. He's working a hippie gimmick, but he's not got the balance right at the moment. His entrance to the ring was not so much fun and funky as it should have been, but more like watching someone genuinely and uncomfortably under the influence of things he shouldn't be. The crowd was really not into it

PArker reversed the larger Corbin's offense early before he was caught out with a shoulder block from the former football pro. He managed to take advantage of an opening and hit a big clothesline. C.J. then hit a front headlock driver for the win. This was amid a few boos. This could be a big match for Corbin, of all people.

- Post-match, C.J. flopped about before an interview where he talked about being everywhere and spewed some nonsense you'd expect from a high guy. The audience sat patiently.

To save the bit, out came Tyler Breeze both pouting and looking upset to hilarious effect. His character is Ben Stiller in Zoolander. When he got on the microphone he spoke just like him and to be honest I really don't mind that. Zoolander was funny, why not rip it off? The audience lapped it up, too. Breeze labelled Parker a Lenny Kravitz wannabe and pushed on Parker. When C.J. raised a hand, Tyler was furious that he was going to punch him in the face. Overall, the two characters are overbloated and ridiculous, but only one of them works. C.J. has work to do.

- Out next was a returning caricature, Alexander Rusev. Because he's from Bulgaria, WWE had the bright idea to stick to some stereotypes.

"Bulgaria eh? Didn't we beat them in the Cold War? Lets go with a leather tunic and an Eastern European sounding theme. Wait, how else can we push that he's primitive? No wrestling boots? Let's cut shoes altogether in fact. And why not give him a plank? Why? Because 'Murica.'"

Dolph Ziggler came out to as loud of a pop as you'll ever hear from this sized arena and worked the crowd all the way to the ring. Rusev took an odd fighting pose to start the match, but Ziggler ducked under for a schoolboy attempt before styling out of the one count. Rusev caught Ziggler with a right hand, but Ziggler caught the rope off the Irish Whip and styled and profiled his way out again much to the audiences delight.

The two locked up and Rusev won the power match. Ziggler slowly got to his feet before hitting a picture-perfect dropkick. Oh man, it was beautiful. Rusev dumped Ziggler to the outside, though, taking advantage of his power. He then rolled him back in and hit a lower cross-body on Ziggler in the corner. Soon, though, Ziggler was able to use his speed to hit his own cross-body in the corner followed by another breathtaking dropkick.

Rusev then silenced the audience by splattering him in the ropes. However, Ziggler he had a sudden burst of energy and hit a fameasser for a two. Moments later, Ziggler hit the Zig-Zag for the win. This was a great big man vs. small man match and Rusev made a good account of himself. It'll be interesting to see how well he works with less talented opposition.

*** DISCLAIMER ***

If you haven't seen the Cesaro vs. Zayn match, don't read the rest of this article yet. Go watch this match, as it's a Match of the Year contender.

- Main event time with Sami Zayn vs. Antonio Cesaro in a Two out of Three falls match. This should be a great match. Sami was cheered, although Cesaro seemed to have the majority of the crowd's support.

Antonio came out looking angry, but on the way down the ramp had Zayn flying over the top to contend with. Cesaro was stunned in the corner, but agreed to start the match. Zayn flew in with a Yakuza kick and it was good for a first fall. That felt a bit heelish to me.

Straight out of that fall, Cesaro was taken to the outside and whipped into the ring steps. They exchanged strikes outside before a reverse heel kick once again took down Cesaro. Zayn went for ten punches in the corner, but Cesaro powered out. Zayn reversed into a sunset flip attempt, but Cesaro slapped his hands away and went for a double foot stomp. Zayn rolled and managed to hit a flying cross-body off the top for a close two.

Cesaro managed to throw Zayn into the top turnbuckle to take control. Antonio took a second to compose himself before going for his patented rear chinlock. Zayn eventually backed him into the corner, but when he went for another big kick but Antonio ducked under and powered up Zayn for a powerbomb. Very impressive strength again from Cesaro.

Zayn managed a jawbreaker for a slight opener, but took a clothesline followed by a big double foot stomp. Only two once again, though. Zayn fought his way out of the corner with chops and strikes but Cesaro took them and asked for more. Elbow strikes were good for a second, but soon Cesaro scooped up the Canadian and threw him over head. He again jumped into a foot stomp before going for a gut wrench. Zayn caught the leg on the way over and managed a sunset flip for a close two.

The space allowed Zayn to get a little speed and hit a running huracanrana. Cesaro caught him, though, and hit a fallaway slam into a bridging pin. That was such an impressive maneuver as it needs strength, flexibility and technique.

Back from the break, Cesaro was still going for the chinlock, but Zayn managed to get the upper hand after another impressive series of reversals. Cesaro attempted to toss up Zayn for an uppercut, but Zayn reversed into a dropkick, which was visually impressive. Zayn tried to charge into another Yakuza, but Cesaro caught him with his rear chinlock. Cesaro spun the smaller man to the floor and out of no where Zayn tapped. Tapping for me was the wrong course of action here. I would have much rather have seen the ref call a stoppage as tapping out should not be what a brave and tough face does.

Sami slowly got to his feet in the corner and agreed to carry on the match. Antonio steamrollered into the corner and hit a sledgehammer of an uppercut. Zayn collapsed, but it was only a two much to the surprise of the crowd. Sami rolled to the apron, but was hung up on the rope. Cesaro climbed to the second rope and suplexed Zayn all the way from the apron into the ring. (Hey, Brian Cage and Michael Elgin, I'm sorry to say anything you can do Cesaro can do better.) This was again a two but there was certainly a feeling the end was near.

Cesaro screamed in Zayn's face he would never be on his level, but Zayn went for a small package. Cesaro again powered through and lifted Cesaro into a suplex attempt. However, Zayn landed on his feet and attempted to roll up Antonio. He sat up though and had the chinlock once again on Zayn, but Zayn rolled back though into a pinning predicament. It was two again and Zayn ducked under and clothesline from Cesaro. He finally hit a second Yakuza kick, but it wasn't enough for the win. This match is insane.

The two reset and slowly got to their feet. Zayn tried to whip Cesaro out, but took a forearm. He was whipped instead, but when Cesaro went for a powerbomb, Zayn went right over the top and nailed a sunset flip driver. So impressive from both men on that move. Again, only two, though, popping the crowd. Cesaro rolled to the outside.

Zayn hit arguably his most impressive move on the indies: a torpedo DDT (as it was dubbed). This is where, on the outside, Zayn dives between the bottom and middle turnbuckle into the corner into a tornado DDT. It's an unreal move if you've never seen it, and the audience at Full Sail lost it at this point. Alex Riley was great on commentary here, as he had been all night I might add.

Back in the ring, Zayn grabbed Cesaro's hand and attempted to go to the top with a lucha libre armdrag. But, Cesaro managed to hold him. Cesaro then, in the most impressive act of strength, I think I've ever seen in wrestling, deadlifted Zayn using only his arms and carried him around the ring. Anyone else would have dropped him there, but Cesaro is a genuine freak. He then threw Zayn up and - boom - a Swiss Death uppercut. Then, the Neutralizer for the win.

WHAT A MATCH. The audience was chanting "Match of the Year," after the match and I cannot disagree. An exhibition in pacing, execution, and just incredible wrestling. Go watch this match now. Do it for you. Wow.

8/14 NXT Analysis

- Paul Heyman was out first for a nice surprise. He was here to start scouting a new "Paul Heyman Guy." He talked up the NXT roster and said backstage was the next Paul Heyman, the next Brock Lesnar, the next Curtis Axel, who came out. Paul said Curtis was more than perfect and then heeled up saying there wasn't anyone who was man enough to take the intercontinental Title from Curtis Axel.

Cue up a returning Big E. Langston to answer the challenge. He was met with a "Five" chant from the crowd. Axel accepted much to Paul's disbelief. However, he twisted it by suggesting the title match take place on Thanksgiving. Big E baited him into accepting a match for tonight, though.

- Axel vs. Langston was going from the break and William Regal talked about how ill-advised it was for Curtis to accept the match tonight. The two had big rope-running exchanges that concluded with a huge belly-to-belly suplex from Big E. Heyman looked shocked going to the break.

There was a shoulder block from Langston on the other side of those lovely adverts, which sent Curtis flying. Curtis managed to take control with a clubbing blow to the back of Big E., then Paul amused the crowd on the outside by clutching the IC Title as if it were his own child.

Big E. eventually powered out of a headlock from Axel before setting off his explosive offense. When he looked set to hit his finisher, Paul jumped in and drew the DQ. Curtis attacked from behind to make the save. Predictably, though, Curtis took the Big Ending and a Five Count from Big E. That was pretty much how you'd expect, although early exchanges suggests these two have a lot of potential chemistry together.

- Backstage, Sami Zayn called out Cesaro for the Two out of Three Falls match. More strong stuff from Sami. He'll be a world champion one day.

- Mason Ryan was out next followed quickly by a silk-clad Sylvester Lefort, who talked about his money-making scheme in Scott Dawson. The match kicked off, but Enzo Amore quickly made his way to ringside, which Dawson used as a distraction to cut the knee away from Mason. This was only good for a brief comeback, though. Enzo and Colin Cassidy went for the post-match attack, but were sent to the outside. Dawson soon joined them over the top via a Mason Ryan press slam. This was generally a bit of a mess.

- Next up was an NXT Women's Title match. Paige was brought out first to a normal massive reaction. Summer Rae by contrast was met with general indifference. After formal ring introductions, the match got started.

Paige rolled through a cross-body attempt early for a one count before stomping a mudhole in the corner. Summer caught a boot to the midsection, though, and threw Paige's leg down causing her to go face-first. Summer then hit a weird Pedigree-esque maneuver while shouting out the crowd.

Paige made a half comeback with an armdrag attempt, but Summer rolled through into a headlock. Paige managed to catch a boot, allowing her to take control before abruptly hitting the Paige Turner for the win. The pacing at the conclusion of the match was off and it's something Paige will have to work on. Where has Paige of early NXT gone?

- Backstage, A.J. was being fun in interview before a nervous Bayley interrupted with a hug. She sounded like a stalker before challenging A.J. to a Divas Title match. The two were pally (which came off well) until Bayley accidentally called A.J. crazy. A.J. flipped modes looking intense. This didn't quite work as well but a fine set-up, even if Bayley has done nothing to warrant a title shot.

- During the break, Emma attacked Summer Rae to keep their feud fresh. Okay?

- Main Event time with the Shield taking on the team of Corey Graves, Adrian Neville, and Xavier Woods. A lot of independent stars on-display here. This should be good.

Seth started the match against Corey Graves and was pensive to get in the action, but these two clicked instantly. Seth went for an armdrag, but Graves managed to not only land on his feet but over rotate into an armdrag of his own. I have never seen that be done before and I doubt there are many wrestlers who could pull it off so crisply.

Graves tagged in Neville, who delivered big strikes in the corner and off the ropes. He tagged in Woods, who undoubtedly got a big spotlight in this match loaded with stars. He hit tilt a whirl headscissors (which was called wrong by Tony Dawson). Graves tagged in and started a strike exchange with Rollins. Rollins got to the top rope, but Graves hit a dragon screw from the top. As The Shield recuperated on the outside, Xavier and Adrian came flying over the top with a somersault plancha each. NXT cut to break with the faces standing tall.

Back from break, Woods was beat down for a solid couple of minutes before he managed to tag in Graves. Graves hit boxing jabs before a big chop block took down Ambrose. He locked in a submission, but the Reigns came in to break up the pin. Advantage Shield, who sent in Reigns to hit a big falcon arrow. Rollins came in next to wear down Graves.

The match then really kicked up the pace in the final five minutes, which were insane. For the finish, Rollins tried to hit a sunset flip powerbomb, but Woods held on. That was until Reigns blind tagged himself in and drilled Woods with a right hand. This allowed Rollins to run across the ring and hit a buckle bomb in the corner. Reigns then came out of nowhere with an unbelievable spear. He came into the impact with real momentum and man, poor Xavier Woods. The pin was good and the Shield won clean.

- Backstage, Cesaro was angry about Zayn. He called himself the boss of the world before accepting Sami's challenge for the 2/3 Falls match. He was really fired up before Sami came in a hit an amazing right hand. Security came in to break it up before the show ended on Cesaro screaming "ZZZAAAAAAAAYYYYYN." Awesome.

Overall, a great NXT setting up the 2/3 Falls match.

[Torch art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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