Reviews by Dave
By David E Houston II
Show air date: May 25, 2021
NXT on USA put forth a strong effort this week, particularly in the ring, overcoming some off-booking and a few very weak or confusing segments.
Shotzi Blackheart and Ember Moon defeated Dakota Kai and Raquel González
In a match that felt random but was a solid outing for both teams, Shotzi Blackheart and Ember Moon beat Dakota Kai and NXT champion Raquel González (she needs a nickname).
If the purpose was to set up Moon as a challenger for González, I’m down. If it’s just the setup for more Moon/Blackheart vs The Way, I’ll pass. González laid a vicious beatdown on Shotzi after the match that made her look like a beast. I do think Moon should have at least been struggling to fight back on Kai, not just laid there drooling.
Still Waiting…
Still waiting for Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher to be good on the mic together.
Pete Dunne defeated Bobby Fish
In a very good grudge match, Pete Dunne beat the returning Bobby Fish. Then Dunne’s associate (flunky) Oney Lorcan beat Fish down further. I guess Kyle O’Reilly was at home.
Mercedes Martinez defeated Zayda Ramier
Mercedes Martinez gave a decent backstage promo. Boa is a damn stalker. Call HR, Mercedes.
Martinez then beat Zayda Ramier in a properly one-sided match that saw Ramier, coming off her first win two weeks ago, and get some nice hope spots. Then we got some smoke from Xia Li’s Tian Sha. So I guess she’s mad at Martinez. Li vs Martinez should be good.
I Guess Grimes is a Face Now
There was a face-off with Cameron Grimes and Ted DiBiase that was the weakest segment they’ve done together. Adding in LA Knight didn’t save it. But I guess Grimes is a face now.
Hiiittt Rooowww!
I liked this week’s Hit Row promo segment better than last week’s. Everyone got to talk but they leaned off that cypher style they tried last week. Just talk. You’re all good at it.
Franky Monet defeated Cora Jade
The former Taya (Valkyrie) made her in-ring debut as Franky Monet, steamrolling Cora Jade. Probably gave Jade too much offense and needed to shave a minute or two off the match, but Monet got to show off her best assets: her strength and strong personality.
Overbooking is the Hot Sh!t
New North American champion Bronson Reed had an in-ring promo and it was okay. I was wondering who would cut him off, Hit Row or Legado del Fantasma. Legado it was. Santos Escobar was pretty good here. Now why they rushed the ring with tag champs, MSK, came out, I don’t know. Overbooking is the hot shit.
‘Plain this to me, Mr. Regal: Gargano lost to Reed last week, but he’s in the triple threat to determine the next challenger for the NXT title (along with Dunne and O’Reilly)? So are we failing up in NXT?
Main Event: Karrion Kross (c) defeated Finn Bálor
for the NXT Championship
NXT champion Karrion Kross successfully defended his title against a very game former champion in Finn Bálor in a rematch. They got a lot of time and put forth a very good match, the best match of the week so far (I know it was only Tuesday, let me live). Refreshingly, Kross won by just being the better man, winning with his rear-naked choke finish.
Great way to close a good show.
Thanks for reading!
