NXT HITS & MISSES 5/30: Aleister Black promo, Kai vs. Baszler, EC3 vs. Aichner, Bianca Belair, Ricochet vs. Dijak

HITS

Aleister Black Promo:  The NXT champion made his way to the ring defiantly calling out any possible opponents warning them that all he needs is one shot to land Black Mass and they would surely fade to black.  This prompted Lars Sullivan, who has been on a rampage of late, to approach Black and declare himself to be his challenger at NXT: Chicago.  He acknowledged Black for his accomplishments but said that he has never faced anyone of his caliber, strength, size or dominance, as he will take everything away from him that he has worked hard for during his career.  As Sullivan attempted to choke him, Black retaliated and attempted Black Mass but was blocked and ended up being the recipient of the Freak Accident.  Sullivan then posed over the champion with the title marking himself as a formidable foe to the thrown.  This is a great set up for the pay-per-view event in two weeks and the build up to it thus far to where one could actually see the Leviathan possibly becoming the next NXT champion.

EC3 vs. Fabian Aichner:  The match itself was not one that will really be remembered as the in ring performances were mediocre at best.  Aichner got on the offensive early as he delivered some decent moves to the “Top 1 Percent”, but EC3 was able to counter with some offensive of his own.  The highlight came when Johnny Gargano appeared from nowhere after it was said that neither him nor Tomasso Ciampa would be there that night due to the actions of last week.  As Gargano made his way to the announcer’s table, EC3 was taken off guard and appeared to be confused by these actions.  Gargano then announced that he is challenging Ciampa to a street fight at the upcoming Chicago event.  As he made his way to the back, EC3, still looking confused, was ambushed by Aichner, but to no avail as he still prevailed with the swinging neck breaker.  Still befuddled, one could possibly assume that this might be setting up for a future altercation between him and Gargano as there are some questions that need to be answered for his decision to come out during “NX3’s” match.

Bianca Belair Segment:  As NXT is known for its segments highlighting future and featured athletes to help get them over with the NXT universe by familiarizing them with the person and character, this did not disappoint.  Belair’s story of being something of a big deal from an early age was highlighted.  From her lineage of greatness to where her great grandfather being the first licensed black electrician in Durham, NC to where he was highly educated with degrees in chemistry, organic chemistry and biological chemistry receiving a bachelors, masters and doctorate in the those fields respectively.  Education and culture were highlighted in this segment as her parents (its beautiful how she emphasized “both” parents) are highly educated as well and herself being a scholar and a standout athlete at the University of Tennessee to where she was All Conference in track and field.  She spoke of how even though she was great in all areas; she played up mediocrity, as it was easier not to stand out.  This was very good as it explains her sense of confidence as she learned in crossfit to have that air of confidence and embrace it, explaining why she is the “EST” today and is able to shine.  This segment truly defined who she is as a person and athlete and has us all anticipating what is her next steps in evolution.

Ricochet vs. Chris Dijak:  Even though this match was short, it was very good as it not once again showcased the talent of Ricochet, but it was the debut of Chris Dijak, long time ROH and independent stand out wrestler.  Ricochet began the match aggressively as it could be seen as an extension from the actions of last week by the Velveteen Dream as he used both striking hits and faced paced moves.  One of the highlights from the match came from when Ricochet attempted to dive out the ring onto Dijak only to be caught and slammed onto the ring apron.  Dijak also showcased his athleticism as well as he went for a moonsault, impressive for someone his size at 6’8 and even though he missed, it was still a sight to see.  Ricochet then marveled the crowd when he hit Dijak with a suplex then another one from a dead lift position, proceeding to end the match with the 630 splash.  At the end of the match, he grabbed the microphone and called out the Velveteen Dream daring him to come and try to take the spotlight.  The Dream came out and spoke of how he is better than the “One and Only” and challenged him to a match at Takeover: Chicago, which I assure promises to be impressive just off of the in ring chemistry that we witnessed them to have over the last couple of weeks.  As the Dream dared him to do something that he could not do, Ricochet leaped from the ring flipping and landing on his feet on the entrance ramp, something that not only shocked the Dream, but also the NXT universe and from the looks of it social media as well.  There collision at NXT: Chicago surely promises to impress and might be one of the best matches at the event in two weeks.

Dakota Kai vs. Shayna Baszler (NXT Women’s Championship Match): This match was an extension of the ongoing storyline of these two as once again Kai was obviously intimidated by the Queen of Spades.  During the match Baszler toyed with her then eventually focusing on her leg/ankle to neutralize her kicking skills that she is known for all the while taunting her in true heel fashion.  She even delivered a crushing stomp to her ankle, as it was reminiscent of the stomp that she did on her elbow that put her out of action for a short period of time.  Kai tried to fight back and at one point of the match really showed her abilities as she landed a series of kicks.  But that was all short lived as she was soon put in the Krufuda Clutch and that is where the match ended, but not the action.  Baszler put her back in the clutch to where Nikki Cross came out to make the save.  She made Baszler retreat, but she ran after her, grabbed the belt and ran back into the ring daring her to take it back from her.  When Baszler came into the ring, Cross challenged her to a match at that moment with Kai as the referee.  As Baszler tried to attack Kai to get the belt back, Cross put Baszler in the Purge and Kai did a three count to where Cross really thought she won the belt.  She celebrated in the crowd as it was very entertaining to see, so I guess we have our NXT Women’s championship match set up for the upcoming Takeover event with a possible stipulation involving Kai, but something tells me that some kind of swerve might be in the works.

MISSES

War Raiders vs. Enhancement Talent: Honestly, it appears that we are seeing the same thing week after week from the War Raiders.  They come in, they demolish some jobbers and they leave.  I know that NXT is trying to get them over as a premier dominant tag team, but it’s getting kind of old and stale.  They really need to have more competitive matches against some higher-level tag teams.  They don’t have to lose, but seeing them week after week with no real variation in style or competition only weakens them.  I can’t expect them to be heirs to the NXT Championship titles because who have they really faced?  Aside from Heavy Machinery, which should have been saved for a later feud if they were going to have them go back and face jobbers, who have they fought?  It is disappointing to see a team of this caliber that has been celebrated around the world in different promotions to be drifting the way they are.  Sometimes you are only good as your competition, but this might say something more of the tag team division in NXT if anything.

NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S COLUMN: NXT HITS & MISSES 5/16: Tomasso Ciampa’s promo, Ricochet vs. Velveteen Dream, O’Reilly’s swagger, Mendoza vs. Reeves