WWE NXT Rankings & Evaluation
By George Chiverton, NXT specialist

Latest Network Era Rankings

(1) Sami Zayn
(2) Charlotte (NXT Women’s champion)
(3) Adrian Neville (NXT champion)
(4) Tyler Breeze
(5) Tyson Kidd
(6) The Ascension
(7) The Vaudevillians
(8) Lucha Dragons (NXT Tag champions)
(9) Bayley
(10) Enzo Amore
(11) Alexa Bliss
(12) Sasha Banks
(13) Colin Cassady
(14) Becky Lynch
(15) Bull Dempsey
(16) The Legionnaires
(17) C.J. Parker
(18) Mojo Rawley

9/25 Episode Analysis

- Mojo Rawley was out first and was apparently back in face mode after flirting with being a heel a couple of weeks ago. He was to face Bull Dempsey. The two men brawled a bit and then brawled a bit more and then Bull ran over Mojo and then diving headbuttt and it was over. So, yeah, that was that.

As Bull headed up the ramp Tyler Breeze’s music hit and he made his way to the ring for his match. Mojo brushed Tyler as he headed up the ramp to the back which drew an attack from Breeze. Interesting next chapter for both men perhaps? We’ll see.

- There was an awesome Sin City-esque vignette on Baron Corbin. This was excellent.

- Tyler Breeze had chilled out on the other side of the break ahead of a clash with one Mr. Justin Gabriel, who was understandably over with the ladies of the audience. What a dish. Anyway, what? Ah yes, wrestling.

Breeze took Gabriel into the corner, but argued with the ref a little too long. This started some offense from Gabriel, which relied mostly on kicks. His pace was slow and he seemed to be heeling it up. Breeze being a heel also meant the crowd were pretty much silent. Gabriel hit an STO and a springboard moonsault for a two count as a "Let’s Go Tyler" chant broke out. Gabriel missed with a 450 splash, but landed on his feet only to be caught with a supermodel kick (I know right?) and the Beauty Shot to give Tyler the win. Having had absolutely no offense, Breeze won in two moves. I like it. It adds to the idea that his finishing move can be hit at any time to win a match.

- Backstage, William Regal was ordering tea before Natalya came in to ask for a match for Tyson Kidd against Adrian Neville. Regal gave him the chance, but said it’s his last one with Neville as champion. Really not a big fan of people getting title shots because they ask for it. What’s stopping me wandering in and saying I deserve it? Regal as GM has not been ideal as of yet.

- Alexa Bliss came out to new music (which is a shame; I liked her old weird theme a lot). She was to face off against Bayley, who has stuck with the streamers she wore at "Takeover." The announcers discussed her loss at "Takeover" and how she generally benefitted from it.

Both competitors were smiley and sporting to start with, and so was the ref! That’s right folks if you’re playing along at home, take a drink as we have a Drake Younger sighting! Bayley for the first time in her NXT career had the size advantage over the 5’1” Bliss. It was all very sweet really. The chain wrestling was rounded out with a headscissor takedown from Bliss after which Bliss curtseyed and the two exchanged a High 10. The match had a fun atmosphere so far.

Bayley locked in a key wristlock and high-fived Bliss against her, will which was pretty funny. Bliss tried to roll out, but Bayley rolled with her which was great. Bliss went for a standing moonsault, but missed entirely and then Bayley hit her belly-to-Bayley finisher (which Bliss seemed to botch a tadge) for the win. This was as British a match as you can have in five minutes and was fun to watch.

- Bayley called Charlotte to the ring. Charlotte obliged and looked totally dominant. Bayley said that she let everyone down at Takeover including her mum who watched her lose. She then asked for a rematch which drew a ‘one more match’ chant. Charlotte said Bayley didn’t let her down as she earned her respect. She then said she would be honoured to face Bayley again before closing with, "See you next week, kid." She’s so damn good.

- Back on phone cam were Enzo Amore, Colin Cassady, and Cassandra. Enzo asked her why she said she was his sister (pronouns, eh?) as it could get awkward for them in the future. Cassandra responded with some sass. She’s very sassy. I like the sass. Enzo said she had to get in shape before hitting the ring. Cassandra responded by getting into her gym gear which drew a how you doing by Cassady. This was pretty great actually. I’m really liking these skits and when the Jersey boys do eventually make it to the main roster vignettes of this style would be a good way of going about it. The announcers called Cassandra Carmella after. Which name is it?

- Amore was in action next against Marcus Louis, who was now completely hairless. That would be next.

- The Legionnaires’s hilarious 1970s funk entrance theme kicked in to bring in Louis with Lefort. He was rocking a very obvious wig under an amateur wrestling head guard a la Kurt Angle after he was shaved by Edge back in the day. Marcus looked absolutely mortified. Enzo’s theme then hit (which is bloody awesome; Jim Johnston, you are a hero) to bring out the certified G. He rocked the mic to hilarious effect with the "How You Doing?’ audience chant being money in the future. Match on.

Louis, having been insulted, came out very aggressive and used his size to control Amore. He tossed out Enzo, which almost drew Lefort into the mix, but Cassady ensured there was no foul play. From the outside, Enzo pulled the wig off Marcus, which made Louis try to retrieve it, only to get rolled up by Amore. Louis, looking like an orc, freaked out in the ring. An okay little comedy bit and Louis is doing the best with what he’s got.

- Backstage, Kidd was talking to camera about his title shot. It was the standard procedure, really.

- Sami Zayn was then interviewed about Kidd’s title shot. He offered his thoughts while at the same time maintaining he would be gunning for whoever won.

- The Lucha Dragons - with new merchandise - were out first for the main event, a re-match of the Tag Title match from "Takeover." The Ascension looked badass as per, and the announcers discussed The Ascension trying to ruin Hideo Itami’s debut as well as attacking him last week. I sense he may have a part to play in this match.

The Luchas hit some nice tandem offense early before The Ascension settled into control over Kalisto. Viktor tried to throw the little man, but he cartwheeled out before doing things that only he can. The Luchas, now in control, did some more entertaining stuff (I would try and describe it, but I’d never do it justice), but Konnor got into the match and used his size to dominate Kalisto. This included his continuous rolling hiptoss on the mat which got him a two count. Viktor tagged in and went to work on the back of Kalisto. Kalisto has that Melina quality to him where he is so flexible that his opponents can really lean into submission moves, making them look super-painful.

Back from the break, Viktor was slamming little Kalisto before tagging in the big man Konnor. They continued to build the hot tag with Konnor setting up for a dominator before Viktor came off the top with a double axe handle. Ouchies. Viktor settled into a chin lock as Cara tried to re-invigorate the audience. The Ascension continued their control, with Konnor locking in body scissors before again Viktor came in. Jason Albert broke down how Ascension had learned from their mistakes at "Takeover" and were now dominating the pace of the match up and keeping Kalisto grounded. Good work, sir.

Hot tag and Sin Cara came in flying about including a springboard moonsault onto a standing Viktor. Viktor though managed to back elbow Kalisto, who had tagged in for some tandem offense once again and then tossed Sin Cara from the ring to take advantage. Closing in on the win? Well no, as Hideo Itami’s music hit to distract Viktor enough to allow Kalisto to hit his Solista del Sol (or something like that) for the win. The Ascension looked dominant, the Luchas retained, and Hideo got some mark of revenge. I’d say that’s some pretty neat booking and a good build to, SPOILERS, the eventual Ascension vs. Hideo Itami and Prince Devitt/Finn Balor confrontation, which has been taking place at live events. This should all be top.

- OVERALL: This was a really solid episode of NXT with lots of storylines advancing, a sense of progression from Takeover and clever booking to leave a lot of winners and very few losers. There was nothing spectacular in particular but a good workhorse of an episode.

Well, that’s it. So thanks for reading me and I’ll be seeing you next week I hope.

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