Finally I am DONE!

wrestling 025 & tv review 066

I want to keep this up... trying to at least!

WWE

NXT

December 06th, 2022

Review

I've been really enjoying the product especially that Deadline PPV (I'll still calling it that!)... now I just need to keep the reviews up to keep up with it! I am determined! So...:

Axiom v Von Wagner (w/ Mr. Stone) v Andre Chase (w/ Thea Hail & Duke Hudson)

in a Iron Survivor Challenge Wild Card Triple Threat Match (11m54s) [3.5/5]

I admit the Iron Survivor Match could be a bit too complicated on paper but wasn't it always like that the first time any of the new matches being introduced before i.e. Elimination Chamber and WarGames. I do miss the so-called Golden Age of NXT that's filled with bangers after bangers (after bangers...) but since this is back to developmental phase, they are much more free to experiment and any new and inventive way to highlight those who've carve their own place in the roster. Some are from the ground up just like Von Wagner that needs more time to sharpen his craft or add more dimension to his character. One that has done exactly that is Andre Chase who has a clear character direction with depth and a definite hit with the crowds, with the ever exuberant Thea Hail and bad-turned-good Duke Hudson just adding to the wonders of this stable. Until the upcoming NXT Europe is in full session sometime early next year (I hope!), any of the remaining NXT UK wrestlers would be wrestling under this local banner for the foreseeable future. Just a handful that are able to have substantial weekly appearances as the dastardly yet dependable heel in the Tag Team Champions Pretty Deadly and of course the dynamic masked Axiom, formerly known as the Kid. I really don't know what kind of a concept the repackage is (and still don't) but his talent just shines through in the ring despite being handicapped by this full mask and hence the muffled voice. That series with Nathan Frazer weeks ago really showcase both in-ring prowess and I hope they could be involved in more storylines moving forward. Just.. please, at least reintroduce him without the mask in Europe, okay?

I was quite surprised by the inclusion of Wagner yet again because he did just fight for the title last month but I think it's necessary to be the giant unstoppable force (not literally, just a manner of phrase) for the others to overcome. Chase is just a crowd favourite that add a dose of excitement in any match he is in and Axiom is that sprinkle of spectacles that could turn any moment into a showpiece so to speak. The bout goes the way to be expected with Von using his strength to overpower others while Andre uses his knowledge to outsmart his opponents, and the wrestler formerly known as the Kid dodges and counters to his advantage. They move at a pretty fast pace to fill an almost twelve minutes duration with a lot without much time to breathe, with the ending underlining exactly this: the Chase U professor's overzealousness throws himself out of the ring after a top-rope cross body splash against the brute, and Axiom is exactly at the right place to take advantage of the downed giant with an explosive Side Scorpion Kick. I think it's the correct choice just to add another highflyer to the Men's Iron Survivor Challenge card.

 

<Highlight of the match: Double Headlock, Double Shoulder Bumps, Superplex, Chase U Spell-Check, Powerbomb onto Andre's back, Double DDTs, > 

+ Fast-paced match with good chemistry between all of them | A good representation of all three wrestling types.

? Really need to add more dimension to Von Wagner.

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Apollo Crews & Bron Breakker goes fishing [NXT Champion]

What an endearing way to get ready for eventual clash at Deadline. After that friendly chat over pancakes in the diner last week, having them go out fishing do not seems like a good idea at first to me but they prove me wrong with a heartfelt and entertaining verbal exchange, leaning more towards genuine conversation between friends who respect each other as well as busting each other's... you know what every now and then. Just love it thoroughly! 

+ Natural chemistry in and certainly off the ring between these two! | A novel place to have a segment on!

? Would Crews takes the title from him? Those premonition though... | I agree that the Champion needs to add a little more dimension to his character despite being just a smiling babyface... maybe lean into his family's pedigree | Oh, the go-home math is whomever is on top going into the PPV, they will lose... since Apollo get the fish, he will...?

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Women's Iron Survivor Challenge

Having all these video package of these challengers is great to summarize their journey so far to reach this point, a great alternative from another exhausting talking segment since the wrestlers themselves is talking from their own point of view.

+ Great video packages all the way around.

? .

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Diamond Mine v Indus Sher feud

This storyline is really being milked for what it's worth (a shoot injury is preventing them from meeting at Deadline) but the booking is really working for them, making the already wrought relationship between Ivy Nile and the Creed Brothers that much more tenuous. It is understandable that she's only looking out for them, especially if they're about to face down the Indian giants. It's unfortunate that Bryson Montana is the cannon fodder of the week but it certainly does its job, putting them over even more considering the size of that athlete. These gentleman demeanor is really a breath of fresh air from the usual trope of angry monsters just shouting everywhere, in line with their motivation to gain respect, by any means necessary. Another bonus to the scene is Javier Bernal just waltzing in oblivious at first and then very transparently feigns an injury to quickly get himself out of the way. Having the Diamond Mine walking out to confront them and being hold back by the security is the perfect way to end it, for now.

+ Just amping up the excitement for their eventual clash down the line | Showcasing the depth to Ivy Nile's character, after not being able to do much before with Damon Kemp. | Oh, I want to mention that I appreaciate them giving more leeway and freedom for the backstage interviewers to be much more lively and being themselves, with McKenzie doing her best with Waller and especially with Bernal later on... with a little help from Ikemen Jiro. Stellar!

? It is actually Veer, one of the Indur Sher, that is injured and the management do not want them to look weak before the big show in India early next year | I am still not sure Tatum Paxley has done much of a substance as of yet... Speaking of which, Ivy Nile is just a hair above her with a couple of wins here and there. She needs layers, people! | It is unfortunate that Veer himself that had to get down back to 'developmental' but it's for the better since he's not just another mindless monster | Javier has the charms but I think he needs to improve his skills a bit more... Bryson on the other hand has a solid arsenal for a newbie but doesn't has more layers to himself yet. 

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Tony D'Angelo (w/ Channing Lorenzo) v Xion Quinn (1m55s) [2.25/5]

Thank goodness that the Don escapes that injury scare with only a minor tweak that needed just weeks to return from and he doesn't look like he miss a step at all. "No ring rust!" Certainly! On the other side of the ring is someone who has found his definite persona and presentation but just like over half of the roster here need to diversify their skill sets even more, or have that extra edge that would make them stand out even more. This is a short but sweet bout and both have got their licks in, with Tony's cheap shot from the outside in allow him to quickly end the match right after. The actual focus of this segment is to just to let the return wrestler back into the groove and to keep the angle on the NXT North American Championship starting back against Wes Lee and Dijak. He was injured accidentally in his match against the Champion while the former T-Bar is calling his shot for the Title after his own comeback. The exchange between the three of them is great, with the confident Lee coming off a decisive win over the former champion Carmelo Hayes caught between a force of nature in Dijak and D'Angelo who is hellbent to add the gold to his repertoire. Considering his (questionable...?) gruff persona and motivation, it is fitting that he wouldn't even bother to be in person, just that arrogant to think he has done enough to be the number one contender.

+ Solid outing for the returning Don of NXT | the Champion looks strong despite the odds | that roll to the outside though! | the shot of Dijak still

? Xion definitely needs more times under his belt.

- It's still too early to judge a book by its cover for me, but this throwback look and demeanor could be divisive among fans, even in this current developmental roster that's more personality than talent (it is a given considering).

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Scrypts

Hm... Yeah... I was also a bit confused between the vignettes for Dijak as well as Scrypts since they did touch upon the same general points, which I think they could've make the difference between much more clearer. And then... the attire. I do like the colour and the flowy design but that mask... He did move unlike any other around the ring during his debut and then I found out he was actually Reggie and this was his re-debut. Okay... this new insight is something of substance at least, shot beautifully with that impatient foot tapping is in character to boot.

+ The amount of talent here is astronomical!

? It is an intriguing direction to take him in... everything looks good on paper but only when you put it in motion and on television for all to see, you can gauge the reaction and see what works and what doesn't.

- That mask! Please desgin one that won't come off every time he moves! Especially this fast-paced talent!

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Charlie Dempsey v Hank Walker (4m06s) [3.25/5]

There's always a unique gimmick to introduce new talents to the WWE universe and I know which one came first: the body type and skill level that's being retrofitted to the everyday/security man angle or the other way around. Hank has a charming personality that endear him to the crowd of course but this round it is time to put over the more technically gifted talent that started twenty years earlier than him. At least that's how it's presented by the interaction between them in the locker room last week. Just a short segment to tie these two individuals together, carrying over the storyline from the week before of Dempsey looking down on others and Walker trying to prove himself worthy. The bout itself is a great clash of styles between the two opposite approaches to wrestling: technical, brute force and strength-focused against grounded and grappling-focused, with the former turning up the heat and speed things up while the latter halts everything down and turning down the pace significantly. I love seeing the overabundance of enthusiasm from Hank to be snuffed down time and time again by the cold and calculated Charlie with his experience of submission attempts and counter moves. I couldn't wait to see how they would meet again somewhere down the line and how they would fare then. Oh, Drew Gulak is back! If he couldn't be used properly on the main roster (after a stellar performance in 205 Live!), why not actually use all the expertise to teach the young talents here, if he's not done so already in the Performance Center. Ah, Why not put him over with the Gold as well?! He certainly has the chops for it... but for now, him focusing on Charlie could be a start for another wrestling clinique... 

+ That little vignette is smartly used to trigger this match as well as highlighting a couple of upcoming talents in Dante Chen and Quincy Eliot as well as Oro Mensah. Dante was great against Dijak last week! | Drew Gulak! Yes!

? That little mention of Charlie's real-life father, William Regal, considering his eventual return early next year in WWE. He couldn't have any on-camera role though so that's a bummer... but Triple H will have his buddy back! | Where could Dempsey go after this? The same could be asked about Hank as well... needs a pick-up right after.

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A Real Christmas Story by Pretty Deadly [NXT Tag Team Champions]

I am never really a fan of this talking segment especially by heels but it does what it intends to do: generate heat. The surprise of the night for sure is when the actual THE NEW DAY comes down the entrance and interrupt the segment to the delight of everyone! And they actually is going to fight for the title! WHAT?!

+ That is a well-written tale and the juxtaposition between the self-centred divas and the actual crowd favourites is beautiful | this heel tag team has done their role really well despite being transferred here from UK just months ago
| Even if they didn't win the belts, any main roster talents being added to the Deadline card would be a plus! | That interaction between both teams and the beatdown afterwards is vintage New Day antics.. Classic!

? Pretty Deadly has been a solid Champions for months now, holding the Titles up with their own unique ways. Would they drop the titles any time soon? The New Day can be the one to do it... imagine them being regulars here!

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Thea Hail v Isla Dawn (w/ Andre Chase & Duke Hudson) (2m51s) [2.25/5]

Ah, I love how interconnected everything is right now! It's just common sense not to get involved with Dawn after the stunt she pulled before in the Last Woman Standing Match (which was great by the way!), and while Duke agree with that sentiment, Hail's overeagerness just totally overpowers her own fear and the usually level-headed Andre let her take the offer out of frustration after losing the match earlier. The only senseful voice in the room, Hudson's, is warning him of the consequence but Chase's lashing out to assert his authority just shows his cards.

There's a small vignette from her opponent right before the match but when the bell rings, there's a clear difference on the level of talents here, with the debuting Dawn seems like playing with their prey somewhat, reveling in the pain she's inflicting. As much as Hail wants to fight back, she could only do so much before being pulled back down to the mat by the hair and being put down with two side elbow drops one after the other, with the Sorceress looking in Andre's attention and even taunting him before the end there. Do not say he isn't warned before...

What happens next is a return to the more mystical side (in tune with the resurgence of Bray Wyatt) as elements of Alba Fyre's entrance bleeding in through Isla Dawn's outro with the LED display and the smokes, follows up by the appearance of the artificial redhead to exact revenge against the literal redhead. Keeping in tune with the previously introduced element, they are being pulled apart by a number of officials in the ring before Alba narrowly evades the mist being sprayed by Isla that hit a referee in the face whose in its direct trajectory. That's the great equalizer here.

+ Solid debut, with both wrestlers able to show off just enough moves to showcase their talents as well as where they are now booking-wise. | That look of despair from Chase seeing his disciple in a situation that he himself put her in & that look of disappointment from Hudson is just icing on the cake. Chase U is the best storyline on NXT to date! | A pull apart is always a good expectation builder, but that mist-spreading is certainly out of the ordinary!

? Will Alba ever going to win that belt anytime soon? Or will she being transferred to NXT Europe... or might even go up to the main roster? She definitely experienced enough to compete with the women roster there!

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Brooks Jensen & Josh Briggs v Malik Blade & Edris Enofe (w/ Odyssey Jones) (3m24s) [3/5]

The cowboys have reach the high in this current division and now just having fun with this current bar storyline, bringing in Kiana James naturally and include the solid duo of Malik & Edrise in a heated backstage exchange by smartly using Sol Ruca's social media presence. Both sides actually have an ongoing storyline going into this and the latter ends up costing them despite having the match virtually won after a dominant fight in the ring. Von Wagner's attack of Odyssey Jones is enough to distract Enofe to be hit by their finishing move out of nowhere.

+ That is a succinct showcase of Blade & Enofe despite the loss, with only their concern over Odyssey that cost them the match... that holding back the team mate at the ropes is a good Japanese wrestling reference | Jensen and Briggs is still on the higher rung of the tag division despite the showing here | Even if she's not used regularly in the ring, just utilize anything that is at their disposal. Even if she's on the screen for seconds, any exposure is good.

? Will Malik and Edris ever win the title? They made a good case against Pretty Deadly weeks before.

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Indi Hartwell v Fallon Henley v Wendy Choo in a Iron Survivor Challenge Wild Card Triple Threat Match (10m15s) [3.5/5]

For the Women Division, these three talents are just under the surface of breaking out, especially Indi Hartwell. After disappointingly not being called up with Dexter Lumis, I do think it's the retrospectively right decision since she could build up her character more, not just a capable mid-tier wrestler that's dwindling in obscurity. This new edge of being much more forced and determined to get her hands on the elusive title is exactly what she needs to give herself that extra push in the main event scene. The other remaining twos are solid each on their own but with the cowboy girl being relegated to be Jensen's and Brigg's chaperone and the sleepyhead only recently getting a number of wins under her belt, well before being splashed with water the other day. All of them actually get to put their licks in, taking charge in turns one after another, taking control of the flow of the match in a really well-choreographed ten minutes exchanges. Surprisingly, when Choo who is getting the second wind approaching the end at the expense of Henley, it is Hartwell who swoops in to throw Wendy out of the ring and feast upon the already weakened Fallon with a well-placed forearm to the back of the head and a pin afterwards.

<Highlight of the match: Double Pin Attempts, Superplex> 

+ Great outing for all three, but MVP certainly goes to Indi especially after that post-match warning against the defending champion Mandy Rose.

? .

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Grayson Waller Effect w/ all five Men's Iron Survivor Challenge competitors

Never a fan of talking shows on WWE... but at least they are able to show off their characters on the mic and lay down their motivations going into the Premium Live Event (I had to...) on Sunday. Of course it would end in a brawl out and pull over by the officials but they successfully build up the momentum for the historic first gimmick match.

+ Good verbal exchange, with Grayson's doing a flip off to the outside with a phone in hand as the highlight.

? Never a fan of talking shows personally... but all these clashing personalities certainly bucking the worn trend.

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Source: Official & wikia