NXT HITS & MISSES 11/22: Johnny Gargano challenges Pete Dunne for UK Title, Ruby Rio vs. Sonya Deville right before call-up

HITS

Ruby Riot vs. Sonya DeVille

This match kicked off this week’s action, as there is no love lost between these two even though they recently debuted on the two different brands of the main roster.  This match was technically sound even from the beginning with the skilled takedowns and reversals.  After a strong leg sweep from DeVille, Riot fought the rest of the match in pain, reinjuring her ankle from two weeks ago at the hands of her opponent.  As DeVille controlled the match, Riot fought hard, showing perseverance and tenacity while fighting through the pain.  DeVille once again put Riot in the ankle lock, reminiscent of their last bout, but this time Riot made it to the ropes.  While arguing with the referee, DeVille turned around and was hit with a Pele kick for Riot to pick up the win.  This was a great match, as it seems to be the conclusion of their rivalry as they go their separate ways to the main roster.

Johnny Gargano vs. Pete Dunne

This was an awesome match.  Honestly, Johnny Wrestling never ceases to amaze me as he fights with so much heart, it’s like it’s for a purpose that serves not only the story of the match, but his story so well.  It was the clash of styles that also helped to enhance this battle, as they are completely different.  Dunne really came across as the “bruiserweight” he is with hard hitting forearms and strong submission locks.  There was a lot of back and forth as no man controlled the match.  Gargano started to build momentum and eventually locked in the Gargano Lock, but Dunne ended up biting his way out of it.  Gargano continued to fight valiantly, but to no avail as Dunne hit Gargano with the Bitter End to pick up the win.

MISSES

None

This week mainly served as a recap for this past NXT Takeover: War Games and the spectacular event it was.  The only matches were both Hits that seemed to be taped during the Takeover event but not aired.  Fortunately, there were no misses this week.

NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S COLUMN: NXT HITS & MISSES 11/15: Final Takeover WarGames hype, Street Profits vs. Moss & Sabbatelli, Drew and Almas face-off, Moon vs. Martinez, Lars squash