NXT HITS & MISSES 9/26: Tomasso Ciampa vs. Otis Dozovic, William Regal’s announcement segment with Undisputed Era, Booking Standstill

HITS

Tomasso Ciampa vs. Otis Dozovic:  This was a very entertaining match.  Otis Dozovich looked impressive against the champion as his strength was on full display.  He was able to hold his own and looked like he belonged in the match.  Tomasso Ciampa was his usual dastardly self, but in an entertaining way as he would try to escape and leave the match or just do some other heelish tactics that were too sinister.  He also showed great in the ring IQ as he was aware of his surroundings in the ring to where he could get the upper hand on Dozovic to counter the strength disadvantage.  Ciampa picked up the win as it was a great way to close out the evening for a lackluster program this week.

MISSES

William Regal’s Announcement:  The NXT Commissioner made his way to the ring to make an announcement. At least I believe that was the case, because it was never mentioned what his purpose was for coming to the ring to begin the show.  Before he could really get specific, he was interrupted by the Undisputed Era.  There was no real reason for them to be out there other than for Regal to announce that they will have matches against their foes in a couple of weeks. As of late it seems as though NXT has been relying on the UE a lot and it is kind of a sign of two things, one, that they are definitely main roster ready and two, the brand is starting to have an issue with star power. They have talent on the roster, but how much is really getting exposed other than house shows?  It usually the same people on every other week to where some time could be spent on cultivating talent and not over exhausting the talent that you have.

FINAL THOUGHTS…

This might have been one of the weakest episodes that I have seen thus far from the brand.  The segments were off and the matches were bland.  It might just be the time period, but things seem to be at a standstill with no real storylines going on, so the matches and programming reflect that.  It’s not totally bad as you can’t hit home runs all the time and, if the past is any indication, this will be a rare occasion.

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