NXT 01 02 2024 New Year's Evil | Wrestling Full Review
wrestling 028 & tv review 069
... Took way too long!
WWE
NXT NEW YEAR'S EVIL
January 02nd, 2024
Review
Hm... I'm a bit free here so let's give it a try...:
Blair Davenport v Lyra Valkyria [NXT Women Champion] (8m26s) [3.25/5]
After that amazing Iron Survivor PLE, Blair comes out on top deservedly so as a capable and worthy opponent for Lyra and she proves herself yet again in this match, proving her mettle against the Champion by countering her
agility and abilities with her own submission attempts and ring awareness. They are really hitting each other hard
as they exchange the control of the bout between both of them a number of times but it reaches a crescendo when
Davenport lands a Falcon Arrow off the second rope and then accidentally knees the announcer's table and breaks
the side panel when Valkyria moves to the side to save herself. The challenger tries to reign back the champion
with that second rope down pull but that injured knee certainly affects her just enough to swing the pendulum back away from her, with it buckling during the Suplex attempt and then the Double Stomp. Lyra takes advantage of it right away with a spinning back kick and a Michinoku Driver to end the challenge to her reign right then and there...
But it doesn't really end there, with Lola Vice tries to do a run-in cash-in on her NXT Women's Breakout Tournament contract but it is not meant to be for her as she is jumped by Tatum Paxley on the mat in front of the ring. She is then being jumped herself by Elektra Lopez who herself gets kicked by the Champion from between the second and third rope. This thread of 'stalker syndrome' is now being intertwined with the Championship and the wild card of possible cash-in, smartly putting layer upon layer for this upcoming chapter.
+ That Double Stomp look nasty! + Lyra's Palm Strikes and offences are unikue + Blair has really great ring awareness with the use of the ropes and even the turnbuckle at the end there + What a wild way to pinpoint end there with intertwining of two storylines together and giving them something meaty to chew on
? That match could have been a lot longer since they have the great chemistry with each other. ? Blair is always the bridesmaid and not the bride, from the UK until now in US... she will get her time in the spotlight eventually. ? Tatum does not really has any substantial role to play before this so this is infinitely better than before. ? That meeting at the end of the show is teasing the relationship moving forward... the journey will be fun, at least! -.
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! * Card subject to change * !
NXT Men's Championship storyline
When they announce the work "not medically cleared", I am not sure where this injury angle would lead down the line, whether it will factor into the storyline for Ilya or is it just a viable crutch to lean on when they need to postpone the match further down the road.
? It's unfortunate that we will not get the match that has been advertised but I am sure this is because they find another better place for it down the line.
~
No Quarter Catch Crew (Drew Gulak, Damon Kemp & Myles Borne) v Latino World Order (Cruz del Toro, Joakuin Wilde & Carlito) (8m35s) [3.5/5]
There might have been a silver lining behind the travel issue of Dragon Lee (does my mind serve me correctly? I remember that to be the reason), with the fans in attendance being treated with a surprising (but not at all really considering) appearance by the returning Carlito alongside the rest of the LWO. He just recently joins the faction so it makes sense for him in storyline to sub in for his fellow member. I don't really want to recap it since it will not do the match justice at all since they pack a lot in a short amount of time (almost the same as the earlier match) with almost limitless luchadores prowess on, off and all around the ring especially with the young potentials in Cruz and Joakuin, with the former showing a lot of talents with the ropes while the latter have the proclivity to do wonders off the ropes i.e. that extraordinary launch off the second rope to the NQCC at almost the top of the ring entrance. Just look at that height! This match is booked really well since the babyfaces have the most experience comparatively to the heels (although Drew is definitely one of the veterans on the roster) with the high-flyers running circles around the newcomers for half of the time while the grappling specialists try to ground them down as much as they can. Of course the best pop of the bout is the hot tag for Carlito and of course the spit of the apple on the face of Gulak! It's a treat for the NXT Universe!
+ Carlito debuts on NXT! + What an entertaining match that showcases the LWO in all their splendours with Wilde as the MVP of the match + There's a throughline from one show to another with a smart booking to overcome the unforeseen incident + Giving the NQCC something meaty to chew on, with some of the talents from the Blue Brand coming down to help them gain experience.
? Sure they have already being called up and with the one who couldn't be there looks like he's being called up as well, but they are there to give rub off some main roster sheen and the rating a boost as well. ? Those NXT crew has a lot of potential there, but they need to start a winning streak to be a viable threat to any of the titles available there.
- .
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NXT Men's Championship storyline
Pivoting to the Man Iron Survivor match pedigree itself is smart by focusing on the winners in Trick Williams and of course Grayson Waller, letting them prove themselves against one another although Carmelo unnecessarily put the Iron contract up for grabs despite no visible agreement at all by the holder, Trick. Whether he is just that confident of his friend or try to cause him to lose that title opportunity, thatis still up in the air.
+ You can see the natural chemistry between the two best friends but the underhanded way he gives up her friend's contract just like that is definitely paving the way for a betrayal in the coming future.
? That's definitely not an accident for Carmelo to try to make his 'friend' lose that chance to be on the top instead of him... - .
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Arianna Grace v Roxanne Perez (5m09s) [2.75/5]
Just like with Bronn Breakker, Roxanne Perez has reach the mountain top and proven herself as the measuring stick of the whole division for years now. Since both of them are already main roster-ready when they won their respective division titles months ago, it is just them now trying to bide their time until there's an opening so to speak but what they've done smartly here is to add a little more dimension to their characters since they're already that complete on the wrestling mat. While Bronn has been given a new lease of life by turning heel (and even more so with this partnership with Baro Corbin), it seems that Perez might be going down the same path albeit in a much smaller pace and might be dropping by a similar but different enough destination. The match itself is solid with two wrestlers that have full grasp of their characters, with Arianna the Miss NXT who always think highly of herself while looking down on others and Roxanne the Prodigy who has loosen her grips on her emotions more and more from week to week. The one in her crosshair tonight's unfortunately Grace who's trying to have, well, grace against a no-nonsense opponent who just had enough of the theatrical and would strike down any attempt by her. Arianna of course would do dastardly moves i.e, hair-pulling and insult-hurling and strength strikes but Roxanne only able to counter with her grapplings but not taking control of the match at all... until she is able to just edge her out by pulling off her Pop Rocks. She is playing her grating role really well, further throwing insults to her face despite the loss but then Perez just takes it a step further by tackling her down and throwing down punches non-stop... so much so that they have to call more referees to try to separate them. Barely able to do that, the main ref actually takes into account her conduct post-match and decides to reverse the decision, calls the win for Arianna instead!
+ Great match showcasing the in-ring talent of Grace particularly as well as her character work,from her graceful demeanors and of course her heelish tendencies. + The facial expressions of Arianna is always the highlight when she's on the screen, and Roxanne's smirk during submitting at the end there is a definite tease towards her progression. + That finish is quite unique and unlike any other, giving the referee a more perceived power over the match, before, during and after. ? This slow unraveling of Perez would definitely lead to something definitive down the road but whether or not she would be called up during or after it is still up in the air. - .
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NXT Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic
This annual tournament is always a good opportunity for the developing talents to showcase their chemistry with their tag team partner or maybe even venturing into this division for the first time. It always bring a lot surprises whether good or bad so I'm looking forward to it. Oh, Ava being given apparenty the role of inbetweener is a smart decision for now since he is still green and still has a lot to learn. At least being given screen time to develop her character in front of the camera will help her tremendously, while still working on her in-ring skills in the meantime.
+ The tournament is back! + Smart to let Ava be more comfortable in front of the screen first while letting her develop her in-ring talents more behind the scenes. ? She might not have come to the sport as naturally as other people might have expected her to be considering her lineage, but she is still young and I believe she should take her time.
~~~
Loser becomes a ranch hand/ servant for a day
Tiffany Stratton v Fallon Henley (9m04s) [3.25/5]
You can always count on NXT to have the most extraordinary storylines going for their characters as well as the most bizarre stipulation for their matches. Speaking of which, this is a perfect example for that developing excellence of the Gold Brand since the match could be much more interesting with the ongoing storyline going into it as well as the personalities clashing against each other in it. The two in question here is the perfect polar opposite and totally represent what their characters are to a tee, and what they're fighting for in this bout actually make thematic sense so it's not that too far-fetched at all, which is an achievement in and of itself. After that thrashing (an actual literal one) last week pushing this feud into this predicament, the tension is palpable between them as Fallon comes in guns blazing as she leads the exchange in the opening minute and even able to anticipate Tiffany's tricks and moves... but a heel move of grabbing her by the hair and throwing her to the ring post is just she can't overcome.Stratton begins her offensive by throwing her to the turnbuckles and making her suffer with a submission, but she can't keep it going for long as a double clothesline wipes both of them out. The pendulum swings again as the Cowboy starts to gain momentum against the former Champion and even lands a wonderful Crucifix Powerbomb. The Barbie in exchange almost lands her Prettiest Moonsault Ever if not for a shaky foot placement. A nasty fall together off the top rope leads them to fight on the ringside and her rage just clouds her judgement in the moment when Tiffany grabs a chair from the outside but when the referee of course tries to pull it away from her grasp, that split-second lapse of concentration causes her the match as Fallon lands a flush Shining Wizard and lands a three count.
+ Really wonderful build to this solid bout between two main roster-ready talents. + their personalities really shine through especially considering the stipulation to the match. + A really great showcase to the talents especially Henley as she is at the same level as the former Champion, with a win over her to boot!
? We all know Stratton is bound for the main roster already, so this might be the last storyline she is in before moving up, so it is great that she's (apparently) going out on her back. ? There's a couple of not-so-clean moves with the Moonsault and the chair actually making contact with Fallon's back but it just grazes her so it can be glossed over. - .
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NXT Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic
There's been a tease of Baron Corbin & Bronn Breakker working together for weeks now but looking at where it's going, this is probably the biggest throughline for the tournament, and that's actually one of the smartest bookings considering how natural the conversation between the two of them! The chemistry is off the charts in just that small segment together so I cannot wait to see how well they can go in the TTC as well as a team together.
+ That natural chemistry between them is so delightful to see, with the friendly jab and playful teasing + Seeing the many layers of Bron as well as Baron being peeled away is really great to see, especially for the latter.
? Will they go all the way this time around? The tournament's been focusing more and more lately on makeshift tag teams instead of the actual teams, so the spotlight is not being given to the supposedly more deserving talents... - .
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Cora Jade & Gigi Dolin storyline
I am a bit torn here because these two are on a different trajectory altogether, with the former is just returning from an injury while the latter is trapped in the middle of nowhere after just being involved in the title picture months ago. They are both really deserving to be back fighting for the title based on their characters as well as their talents and the layers of storyline that had been told during their tenures in NXT. They always have so many storylines starting with the most innocuous reasons and this particular one actually sets up well since there was a fight over the locker space before (that actual one as well) so I am looking forward to see them back in the limelight again.
+ They are both back on the television with a storyline tangential with the title picture.
? I hope Dolin would be back fighting for the title instead of languishing off the television without nothing to do. - .
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Ridge Holland interview
This is a really peculiar case to look back retroactively. After having a disagreement with his former partner (then) Butch and returning to NXT to challenge for the title, the main booker, a.k.a. Shawn Michaels decides to use the real-life accident of Big E into the storyline of Ridge accidentally injuring other wrestlers, with the most recent one being the Champion himself, Ilja Dragunov. Now we actually focus on that (then shoot now work) storyline with this quite solid interview with Holland while delving into his backstory of his own horrible injuries and how he overcame them to be an established wrestler here. This is actually really effective in giving him a lot more depth than just a rough, tough guy, making him looks a lot more sympathetic and relatable by the end of the interview.
+ Really effective segment to highlight Ridge's character traits while showcasing his vulnerablities as well.
? Where would they go with this particular storyline? Is it just another wrestler unables to control his own rage that he would hurt others without him meaning to? ? I know that they won't do this storyline without getting permission from Langston first. ? I guess he is back into developmental so to speak, but which direction will he go next? - .
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NXT Men's Breakout Tournament
Oba Femi v Riley Osbourne (9m55s) [3.75/5]
This is the perfect manifestation of that phrase David versus Goliath as the the Chase U student being really cautious when the bell rings against the former shot putter. He tries to string some offences but when he just swats off the dropkicks aside, Riley just has himself being overpowered for a spell before his quickness bails him out of sticky situations a couple of times. When he is about gain momentum on the ring apron, his attention just diverts to the Chase U section especially the enthusiastic Thea Hail who offers him a word of encouragement pre-match, much to his detriment as it allows Oba to take advantage of the lapse of concentration with a really loud slap on the chest. Of course he is then in full control of the match, throwing him overhead so high up as well as throwing him hard into the turnbuckles. A deep bearhug follows but Osbourne able to muster up the strength eventually, trying a number of quick rollups but to no avail so he chooses to wear Femi down instead and he almost does enough to execute a Shooting Star Press, but it is countered unfortunately by the Jamaican with both his knees up. A devastating Snake Eye and Side Powerbomb later, the underdog has been served a Recipe for Disaster Pop-Up Falling Powerbomb tghat ends his hope and grants the wish of the top dog. Congratulations!
+ A really good match showcasing the promising upcoming young talents. + Smart booking highlighting each of the performers' abilities despite the difference in wrestling styles and weight category, making us actually believe Riley could actually pull off a win over Oba. + Smart positioning of the bearhug with Riley ables to look at the Chase U section, seamlessly stitch in the backstage storyline into the actual in-ring product. + Solid video packages especially for Oba's already commanding presence and voice.
? Femi already looks like a full package so it is the right decision to have him win the tournament... the sky's the limit for the 25 years old! ? It's smart to let Thea develop her character more and include Riley in the mix under the Chase U umbrella. Would she rises again to fight for the title in the future or will Jacey gets the honour next? - .
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Kiana James has a her own distinct position on the roster that she has carved over her run here so who is better to be the mentor for the up-and-comer Izzi Dame that shows some potential in the Breakout Tournament. Their personalities really strike the similar chords so it makes sense for the former to be the sounding board or the amplifier for the latter. Kiana has her character down pat so let's see Izzi goes down the same route.
+ Great pairing that will serve them both good in the future.
? What happens to that one assistant that James has before... is she still here? - .
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I really love how far the Chase U have gone ever since they have come into fruition with each of them have their own distinct role and the inclusion of Jacy Jayce was actually a bit unusual at first but now her role appears to be increasing with her involvement with the hilarious Andre Chase's gambling problem.
+ That gambling problem that caused Andre Chase their Tag Team Titles is the throughline that has been going for months now, and will keep going, with another layer of Jacy adding to it possibly to end it on a high for them.
? Where will Jayce go? She is turning babyface by partnering up with Hail... will it sticks or will it be a swerve?
~~~~~~~~
Continuing the angle of Axiom trying to warn Nathan Frazer to be careful of his words and not running his mouth too much without any care of his surroundings, this time around it is with Malik Blade and Edris Enofe. While the two single stars get to team up and do some amazing things together on the same side this time around, Malik and Edris will showcase their chemistry together despite not going anywhere as a team. They might go against one another in the first round so at least they'll definitely put on quite a show. Brooks at the locker in the back though...
+ These two fast highflyers certainly are perfect against each other, so I'm sure they'll be perfect together!
? Blade and Enofe deserve to be elevated to the top of the division... they just need to be given a chance! ? Jensen is going on a journey of self-discovery after that mutual uncoupling with Josh Briggs and Fallon Henley... that decision then was a surprise to me but it makes sense retrospectively with the former teammates trying to find themselves with their own personal identity, with varying degree of success... Brooks is still on that journey.
~~~~~~~~~
NXT Men's Tag Team Championship
OTM has a solid video package earlier that highlights Bronco Nima's and Lucien Price's personalities alongside Scrypts who leads the trio expertly to challenge for the Tag Team Championship. Then the interview with the Don & Stacks finally introducing the newest member of the family, Adriana Rizzo, to the WWE Universe while Joe Jacy inserts himself in many absurd scenes as well as locations... losing a cult that you cultivated would do that to a person.
+ It's always great to be able to insert some levity here and there despite the circumstances with Joe's help in body disposal... this isn't that far-fetched for the Family considering the amount of antics they have pulled themselves.
? Another smart booking to pair her with already established talents that will allow her to learn tangentially off and on the camera. ? Gacy is trying to find some focus for this new iteration of his character... a more deranged Mick Foley, perhaps?
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NXT Men's Breakout Tournament Contract Duel
Grayson Waller v Trick Williams (13m06s) [3.75/5]
They are at least using this glorified PLE to highlight the future of the NXT Division in the rising Trick Williams who is so over with the home crowds here. The always solid Grayson Waller leans on his usually reliable heel tactics to gain an advantage it blows up in his face against a smart opponent, being thrown over the announcer's table for his trouble but then eventually pays divident to him as he is able to ground him down and eventually lead the exchange this time around. Then Trick is able to mount a comeback for only a moment before being planted down with a nasty-looking Double Stomp on the back of his head to the mat. Changing tactic by targeting his knee instead, Grayson's arrogance allows Trick to land a flush punch which follows by a Pump-Up Punch as the lead keeps changing from one person to another. A Rock Bottom off the second rope is the highlights of his comeback but Waller's ring awareness saves his skin for a near fall. After another heel move of pulling the hand over the top rope and right after that a Rolling Flatliner but that's not enough to keep Williams down as he counters with a Swinging Neckbreaker and when he is just about to land his finisher, a questionable Melo run-in actually disturbs his friend's concentration to end the match then and there. Thankfully him being there actually distracts the referee long enough for another surprise appearance by the one and only Kevin Owens who lands a devastating knockout blow on Waller who rolls back into the ring into the Big Knee of Trick!
+ Solid match between two high-calibre talents, with perfect booking between the two extremes of loved and hated wrestlers. + Just enough tangential storyline to play into the finish of the match without feeling too overbooked. + I am always a fan of talents from the main roster to come down for a cameo or even a match to boost the ratings of the show, if they made sense in the storyline... use everything in your disposal! + That high-five fake out with the girl by Grayson! + What a surprise appearance by Kevin Owens! HBK did teased a former Champion coming in...
? This slow burn of the storyline between Carmelo and Trick is being done smartly... not too obvious that fans would think Williams is too oblivious hence naive to not notice his best friend's true intention after all.
- I know any card is subject to change but this is the first time that a it is storyline-based decision instead of real life injury or unforeseeable event i.e. travel issue for example but they're always around Florida so that's not possible.
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[in order of appearence]
Lyra Valkyria (+9)
+++ in Women's A storyline ++ awesome match + a win ++ building title defense streak + intriguing side-plot with Paxley
Blair Davenport (+8)
+++ in Women's A storyline ++ awesome match + a hard fought battle despite the lose + putting over another talent
Lola Vice (+4)
+++ in Women's A storyline + involves with another wrestler on-screen
Tatum Paxley (+4)
+++ in Women's A storyline + involves with another wrestler on-screen + intriguing side-plot with Valkyria
Elektra Lopez (+4)
+++ in Women's A storyline + involves with another wrestler on-screen
Drew Gulak (+3)
++ in Men's Tag Team storyline + good showing
Damon Kemp (+3)
++ in Men's Tag Team storyline + good showing
Myles Borne (+3)
++ in Men's Tag Team storyline + good showing
Cruz del Toro (+4)
++ in Men's Tag Team storyline ++ great showing with a win
Joaquin Wilde (+6)
++ in Men's Tag Team storyline ++ great showing with a win ++ MVP performance
Carlito (+6)
++ in Men's Tag Team storyline ++ great showing with a win ++ nostalgia hit done right
Ariana Grace (+6)
++ in Women's B storyline ++ great match ++ perfect character play that earns her the win
Roxanne Perez (+6)
++ in Women's B storyline ++ great match ++ a win that is rescinded because of her slow turn to heel
Ava Raine (+2)
++ being used as an on-air talent moving forward
Tiffany Stratton (+5)
++ in Women's B storyline ++ great match + putting over other talent when going up into the main roster
Fallon Henley (+6)
++ in women's B storyline ++ great match ++ a win going on a winning streak
Baron Corbin (+2)
+ in Men's B Tag Team storyline + great interaction between them + short airtime
Bronn Breakker (+2)
+ in Men's B Tag Team storyline + great interaction between them + short airtime
Cora Jade (+2)
+ in Women's C storyline + short airtime
Gigi Dolin (+2)
+ in Women's C storyline + short airtime
Ridge Holland (+4)
+++ great interview delving into his backstory and character + unique storyline
Oba Femi (+5)
++ great match ++ solid dominant showing with a win + a tournament win equals trust from the management
Riley Osbourne (+4)
++ great match ++ solid underdog showing despite the loss
Kiana James (+2)
+ good promo + short airtime
Izzi Dame (+2)
+ good promo + short airtime
Andre Chase (+1)
+ entertaining ongoing storyline + short airtime
Duke Hudson (+2)
+ entertaining ongoing storyline + short airtime
Thea Hail (+3)
+ entertaining ongoing storyline ++ longer airtime with three small segments
Jacy Jayne (+3)
+ entertaining ongoing storyline ++ longer airtime with three small segments
Axiom (+3)
+ in Men's B Tag Team storyline + great interaction between them + short airtime
Nathan Frazer (+3)
+ in Men's B Tag Team storyline + great interaction between them + short airtime
Malik Blade (+3)
+ in Men's B Tag Team storyline + great interaction between them + short airtime
Edris Enofe (+3)
+ in Men's B Tag Team storyline + great interaction between them + short airtime
Bronco Nima (+4)
+++ in Men's Tag Team A storyline + good challenge promo
Lucien Price (+4)
+++ in Men's Tag Team A storyline + good challenge promo
Scrypts (+4)
+++ in Men's Tag Team A storyline + good challenge promo
Tony D'Angelo (+5)
+++ in Men's Tag Team A storyline ++ good reply & comedy spot after
Channing Lorenzo (+5)
+++ in Men's Tag Team A storyline ++ good reply & comedy spot after
Adriana Rizzo (+3)
++ in Men's Tag Team A storyline tangentially + solid background character
Joe Gacy (+4)
++ in random places every week + great comedy line deivery
Grayson Waller (+5)
+++ in Men's A storyline ++ solid showing despite the lose
Trick Williams (+7)
+++ in Men's A storyline ++ solid showing with a win + so over with the fans + two small segments
Carmelo Hayes (+5)
+++ in Men's A storyine + play his part expertly throughout + two small segments
Kevin Owens (+4)
+++ in Men's A storyine + play a part in the closing segment.
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