SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
Jacy Jayne vs. Stephanie Vaquer: Hit
First: sorry Tatum, Stephanie has become my favorite woman on the NXT roster. I love her Lucha style and her presence screams star. Her popularity is through the roof and it’s only a matter of time I see her Main Roster bound. Jayne has become a reliable gate keeper for NXT. The two worked well together. I was surprised that Nyx’s interference didn’t cause a DQ, but a pinfall win for Vaquer makes her look strong headed into her match against Fallon Henley.
Lexis King promo: Hit
Finally, a direction for Lexis King. It was an awkward setup, but at least the payoff (so far), is cool with me. A good, fiery promo from King and an awesome re-debut from Fandango/JDC. This NXT/TNA collab is a lot of fun for me. I’m not a fan of the one fall/take all for The Cup rules, but I’m willing to take a “wait and see” attitude for a bit.
“Stacks” Lorenzo vs. Ridge Holland: Hit
Another well-worked match that did more to further the possible dissension in The Family and the Izzy Dame drama. “Stacks” is missing something to me: he’s good in the ring, but there’s just a piece missing and I wonder a pairing with Shawn Spears group could give him that personality boost he needs in my eyes. The Underboss needs a new coat of paint and hopefully gets it sooner than later.
ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…
Check out the latest episode of “PWT Talks NXT” with Kelly Wells and Nate Lindberg, part of the PWTorch Dailycast line-up: CLICK HERE to stream (or search “pwtorch” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other iOS or Android app to subscribe free)
Sol Ruca & Zaria vs. Tatum Paxley & Gigi Dolin: Hit
I have to give the match it’s props: it was fun to watch, but I’m not feeling the pairing of Zaria and Ruca. Zaria should be the badass that NXT needs. Ruca hitting her finisher always brings a smile to my face and in my opinion, she needs to stay a babyface, so a split with Zaria would be perfect. Zaria could be the perfect foil for a lot of faces, IF she alters her promo style a touch and distances herself from the faces she’s been so friendly with. Put Zaria into a program with a Stephanie Vaquer, Tatum Paxley or the missing Thea Hail and the heel turn could be made easily.
Kelani Jordan vs. Karmen Petrovic: Hit
Okay, I liked this match more than I thought I would. By the last 1/3 of the match, I was invested in all the moving parts between Jaida Parker and Ashante Thee Adonis and the in-ring action. I love this new aggressive side of Jordan. It has added a layer to her that was sorely missing as simply the red meat baby face. Good stuff.
Trick Williams & Oba Femi vs. A Town Down Under: Minor Hit
Nothing wrong with the match, per se, just a paint by numbers “two men who dislike each other teaming up”: a wrestling trope that goes back decades (at least they weren’t given the tag titles…). The whole A Town Down Under has grown stale with me and I truly believe they have a great face in Theory. His work with The Way was great, but I think a driven, non-goofy Theory face run could be fun. I really dig Eddy Thorpe now and would love to see him continue in the title hunt, as long as they are careful with having him take too many losses (see: early in his NXT start).
Line of the Night: Bayley: “I want that bitch in a match” Ava: “Which one?”
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