NXT HITS & MISSES 2/21: Gargano vs. Andrade Cien Almas, Velveteen Dream vs. No Way Jose

HITS

Velveteen Dream vs. No Way Jose: This match served its purpose as being entertaining and opening this week’s show.  It is funny how both the Velveteen Dream and No Way Jose were over, but the Dream was over way more per the crowd’s response. This match had its moments with hard-hitting moves and highly0-entertaining spots such as the Dream mocking No Way Jose’s dancing moves (he did it a little too much though, taking away from the moment on certain occasions).  In the end, it was the Dream that was victorious.  But what this match showed also is that the Velveteen Dream is sort of a big deal.  The only thing is, what will NXT do with him next?  Being such a great character, he needs a feud to enter that will continue to prove his relevancy and overall greatness.  But it doesn’t seem like he has a suitable advocacy.  He shined as he was feuding with Aleister Black as they are both enigmas, but after their battle, it appears he is drifting in the wind.  He doesn’t have the exact skillset to make the jump to the main roster, so he belongs in NXT; he just needs something that will keep in active in the storyline of the show.  Is this someone who is currently on the roster or will it be someone that is soon to come.  I could possibly see him playing mind games with Ricochet, and that will help to elevate both to the next level.  Only one can dream…

Andrade “Cien” Almas vs. Johnny Gargano (NXT Championship Match): Once again, another amazing match between these two competitors.  What made this match so great was that they did not try to repeat the magic of their previous match from Takeover: Philadelphia.  This match was a conclusion between these two in that if Johnny Wrestling lost, he would leave NXT.  As usual, these two put on an impressive display of skill as none of their battles came up short in that department, but what became apparent by the end of the match was that Almas only served as a catalyst for the events to come between Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa.  From every step of their feud, Ciampa was involved one way or another.  If it wasn’t a #DIY shirt playing a part, it was a crutch.  The feud between Almas and Gargano helped to establish Gargano as a fan favorite, showing his moxy and heart, but also kept the feud between him and Ciampa going while taking it to another level.  Ciampa is certainly living up to his name as the “Sicilian Psychopath” as he has taken so much from Gargano.  He has taken his friendship, cost him the NXT Title, and most of all, his NXT career.  It is yet to be seen if there will be a swerve that will allow Gargano to stay in NXT, or if he is off to the main roster.  More than likely it won’t be Raw, but will it be 205 Live?  Will it be Smackdown? Viewers will have to wait and see. Also, if he goes, will Ciampa follow serving as his nightmare as this feud is long from over.

MISSES

None this week!

NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S COLUMN: NXT HITS & MISSES 2/14: Roderick Strong vs. Pete Dunne, Ember Moon vs. Shayna Baszler, TM-61 squash match