NXT HITS & MISSES 9/19: Ricochet vs. Pete Dunne steals the show, Dakota Kai & Deonna Perrazzo vs. Aliyah & Lacey Evans, Gargano’s Alibi

HITS

Ricochet vs. Pete Dunne (Title for Title: UK and North American Championship match): From the onset of this week’s episode, this match was all the hype.  All the commentators kept talking about was “first time ever”, “champion vs. champion”, etc.  Well, I can honestly say that in my humble opinion that thi s match lived up to the hype and then some.  This match had everything that one could want, great story telling as it was the clash of two warriors, fast-paced action as well as hard hitting strikes at any moment.  In this title-for-title match, weeks of tension built up between these two stars came to a head each man wanting the other’s title.  It began with some chain wrestling and grappling that Dunne came up on the upper end in addition to dishing out some of his signature joint manipulation, even applying it to Ricochet’s feet.  The pace soon picked up with the action went back and forward with man countering the other leading to near falls that had the crowd, no pun intended, all in.  Ricochet then went on a tear with great moves like a reverse hurricana and an avalanche frankensteiner.  As both men were laid out, the Undisputed Era came in and attacked them only to be ran off by the War Raiders.  This was probably the best possible finish as it would not have made any sense for either man to get the other’s title.  At best, this was a treat for the NXT Universe, a Takeover worthy match that lived up to every expectation. 

Dakota Kai and Deonna Perrazzo vs. Aliyah and Lacey Evans:  This was a very entertaining match that was very technically sound.  Perrazzo and Evans began the match strong with different submission locks as well as display of extreme athleticism.  Aliyah’s upgrade in attitude is becoming more welcoming by the week as she seems to be finding her own.  Her ring work works well with this demeanor that is helping her to become a viable contender in the women’s divisions.  Evans and Aliyah showed great chemistry as they exchanged quick tags as they inflicted punishment on Perrazzo.  After getting the hot tag, Kai did not see the tag by Evans and was laid out with a Woman’s Right.  NXT continues to put Evans over picking up another win.  Perrazzo was great as she definitely has a place in the division.  It was refreshing to see some tag team action from the women’s division as it is a change from the norm.  

MISSES

None

FINAL THOUGHTS…

A solid episode.  We saw more questioning about the Aleister Black attack, this time Candice LaRae as she provided an alibi for Johnny Gargano.  The Forgotten Son’s Jason Ryker made his debut in convincing fashion over Humberto Carrillo and mainly some additional promos and interviews.  Overall, this episode didn’t move the needle in any way, but it was entertaining none the less.

NOW CHECK OUT THE FULL TV REPORT: 9/19 NXT TV RESULTS: North American Champion Ricochet vs. UK Champion Pete Dunne in title vs. title, Kai & Purrazzo vs. Evans & Aliyah