All Things NXT: NXT Episode 255 from 12/18/14

                                                           All Things NXT:

NXT Episode 255 from 12/18/14 Edition

                                              

I going to try something different here and believe me it will be better for everyone in more ways than one. I will be switching to a more review and opinion based blog. Opposed to the mostly summary based blog with some analysis and a little bit of opinion. It was basically a school essay. Those are no fun and they take way too long. So, before we get to my review let me just say that this new style of blogging should be faster, shorter, and most importantly more fun to write and read. Now that we got that out of the way lets get in the fallout of NXT Takeover: R Evolution.

NXT started off with Adrian Neville coming out to the ring and cutting a promo saying that his friend Sami Zayn should have been in his place talking about his amazing and well deserved championship win at NXT TakeOver: R Evolution one week prior. Instead, he was recovering from the blind sided attack he suffered from a debuting Kevin Owens (thought to be his Best Friend in the world). Owens came out and listened to the former NXT champion trash talk him. Owens later said, he had no issues with him but he wanted to fight he would fight him. The two men would face off in the main event (more on that later).

I’m not a big fan of starting any show with 10-15 of talking and either recapping what happened previously or setting up the rest of the show. However, I think in this particular case that, this opening promo was okay. It served it's purpose by reestablishing Neville as a face and further established Steen… I mean Owens, as a heel. It didn’t drag on.

After a quick intermission, Devin Taylor would interview Becky Lynch about her actions last week on the R Evolution Pre Show. Where she attacked the injured knee of Bayley after she interpreted Sasha Banks’ interview with one Alex Riley. Lynch says that “Sasha Banks opened my eyes to what it takes to get to the next level of NXT. That smiling and having the fans cheer doesn’t mean anything when I’m losing week after week after week”.  Lynch, in my opinion did a very good job at delivering the typical heel understudy type of promo. Giving credit to “The Boss” for showing and teaching her what she had to do to make it to the top.

I do have to point out the fact that Devin Taylor asked Becky Lynch if she had time to answer a quick question. Which Lynch responded with: I have a match to prepare for. However, Taylor when on to ask the question anyway and Lynch stopped what she was doing to answer it. I have to admit that Devin Taylor does a great job at her job and I know she was just trying to be a good journalist. That doesn’t change the fact that the whole setup made me laugh a little bit.

Moving on to  a pre-recorded message from “The Gorgeous One” Tyler Breeze. Saying that he is going to quote “going to be taking a little time away from NXT, as I’m doing some modeling over in Europe for the Holidays”. I think that is a clever way to write Breeze out of storylines for a while so he can rehab his injured finger and any other injuries he might have. Don’t worry though, Breeze went on to steal a line from Carmen San Diego saying that he will keep the NXT Universe up to date on “Where in the world is Prince Pretty…. Tyler Breeze".

Next up would be the first match of the evening between Bayley and Becky Lynch. Lynch came down to the ring without Sahsa Banks much like Banks went to the ring without her at R Evolution. She also got a new version of her theme song “Celtic Invasion” to come out to the ring with as well. Bayley dominated most of this match, showing a different side to her that no one has seen before. She was running on pure anger and determination until the fiery redhead attacked her injured knee. It took Lynch longer than I thought to go after the knee, since the commentary team of Jason Albert, Rich Brenan, and Corey Graves were taking any opportunity to point it out. Jason Albert (formerly known as Tensi and Sweet T) even pointed out that he would put the knee brace on the good knee to try and trick his opponent. I know this is not practical but, after all this is a predetermined show; so yeah.

It doesn't take fighting Irish woman long to get the win after her initial attack on her wounded opponent. All and all I thought this was a solid match. There was good technical wrestling. The match kept my attention and it is nice to see the NXT writers take the time to start to really flesh out this rivalry between the fun loving Bayley and the bossy Bostonian along with her Irish counterpart.

Later, We find out that next week on the Christmas day Charlotte will defend her title against Sasha Banks in a rematch because why not. It ought to make a superior Christmas present. Speaking of championship rematches, the Vaudevillians go to William Regal’s office to get a rematch for the NXT Tag Team championships in the next segment.

The team of Simon Gotch & Aiden English show the GM video on a tablet (something 1920’s strong men should not know how to use but, again kayfabe) of the Lunca Dragons pinning the wrong man and how the referee made a mistake. They say that this is unfair and that they deserve a rematch. Regal agrees to give them a rematch sometime in the future. Not much I can say about that.

 

Following that, we have Bull Dempsey vs some jobber, who Bull beats in a couple of minutes. Only to be shown up by the man with the wolf on the back of his vest, Barron Corbin. Corbin has his match against another jobber who had some funky looking hair. Let me tell you something, “Funky” was not on a roll in this match as the End of Days was hit and Corbin won the match in 14 seconds. Missing his record for shortest match by just the 1,2,3. Dempsey and Corbin proceeded to have another stare off until Dempsey shoves Corbin after his match in their 1st physical encounter. I have to say that I am getting pretty excited for this match that has been brewing for weeks. Although, I’m really enjoying the mind games both “wrecking balls” are playing with each other. So, I do not want the feud to escalate into a match yet. Hopefully, it will breath new life into Bull Dempsey’s character as I think it is starting to get stale. Also, it hopefully will prove that Baron Corbin can win against a more credible opponent then the ones he has been facing as of late. 

After that, came the match that the viewer was being told about the whole show. Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady with Carmella vs The Ascension. I was starting to wonder where the Bona Fide G, Big Cass who is 7 foot tall, and “Hottest Chick in the Ring” were so it was nice to see them. How you doin’?! The Ascension would come out and the match would get under way. Now this match was due to the fact, that the Ascension attacked Enzo and Big Cass after their match sometime ago. I don’t remember that but, it is not going to really matter considering this match it not going very long.

After around a minute into the match, Cass and Konnor tag their partners in. Enzo who mount some offense on Victor and began to show off, trying to impress Carmella. That it did not go over very well because Victor would get up from the mat and hit the Certified Stud with a high impact move that would win the match for the Ascension. Now, I’m no dating expert but, I’m positive that you don’t show up to impress any girl or boy while you are in the ring with the longest and most dominant champions in NXT history. To top it all off, Enzo got beat with an S.T.O. of all moves. Don’t get me wrong that is a powerful move. However, the S.T.O. should not be a winning move. I’m sorry Enzo but that is just S A W F T, SAAAAWWWFFTT!

Last but, certainly not least, we have the main event. Adrian Neville vs Kevin Owens. Both men look strangely odd coming to the ring for this match. Nevile looked odd without the title he held for 300+ days. Along with wearing a pair of trunks I have not seen him wear since March. Owens, on the other hand, came to the ring with his broken nose bandaged, the hair of the back of his head (or what remained of it gone), and the Sami Zayn wristband gone from his wrist that he had on at the top of the show. When the 2 men got into the ring and the bell rang it was not long after that each wrestlers game plan was revealed. “The Man That Gravity Forgot” was going to try to win with his fast paced, high flying offense. Well, K.O. was going to be patient and keep sliding out of the ring as soon as his opponent mounted any offense on him whatsoever. He waited for Neville to make the mistake, which he did when he tried to hit Owens with a baseball slide but, Owens caught him and slammed him head first into the floor.

It is from that point on that a big, angry Koala turned into a giant, merciless monster. Every time Neville got some momentum going K.O. put a stop to it. In the past year i have not seen my guy, Adrian Neville decimated as much as he was in this match. Eventually, the master of the Red Arrow did take control of the match. It didn’t take long for Owens to once more slide to the outside. This time, he would not get a breather. “Air Neville” took flight over the top rope and landed square onto the merciless monster like he was a land strip. Then, the “landing strip” fought back. He slung his head into the steel ring post. The match would end in a double count out. After a little while Owens got up, and picked Neville up for what is quickly became his calling card. The powerbomb on to the edge of the ring apron. Leaving the former champion on the ground while the medical team attended to him and the screen faded to black.

  This match was surprising entertaining. Not that I doubt these two world class athletes. I just had wasn’t sure how far these two competitors were going to go and if it was going to mesh with the style we have become accustomed to seeing at NXT. I'm sure this isn't the last time these two will face off in Full Sail University. However, I do have to point out that during NXT TakeOver: R Evolution we were told that we were promised that Renee Young was going to interview Kevin Owens on his debut the following week. Well, that obviously didn’t happen. At first, I was unhappy but, once the main event got underway I became glad that interview did not happen. It gives Kevin Owens the chance to keep a certain mystique about him. Leaving us wondering why he keeps injuring his best friends in the world. Overall, this was a surprising entertaining match as I said before. It also, was not your typical “Make the new guy look good but destroying an established star” type of match. It had a different aura about it.

Credit to all the people who own the photos in this blog post.

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All Things NXT: Holiday Edition

                                                         All Things NXT:

                                                       Holiday Edition

                                            

          I would just like to wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyful holiday season. Happy Holidays from All Things NXT!

                   

                                                       

NXT TakeOver R Evolution Continued

                                           
                                                              All Things NXT:

NXT TakerOver R Evolution Edition Continued

                                               

When the bell rings you can tell that the crowd was firmly behind Sami Zayn due to the loud “Lets go Sami! ” chants throughout the NXT area in Full Sail University. Well, Adrian Nevile was calm and determined; all while sporting a new ring attire that was inspired by his home country's flag, the Union Jack. The Two face off from opposite corners of the ring. The anticipation is at an all it’s climax. Finnlay the two Titans of NXT lock up and Nevile strikes first with a ground takedown. For the next several minutes both men showcase their technical prowess. Rending the contest a stalemate thus far. It is great to see this because in a world of “Sports Entertainment” wrestlers do not get the chance to showcase their technical wrestling skills very often especially not for this long. This continues and Neville is able to take full control and slow down the pace of the match. That is until Zayn hits a Hunicarra sending the champion to the outside. Zayn then hits what I believe is called a seated moonsault off the top ring rope onto Nevile. (Don’t quote me on that name). It only takes a few more moves for Zayn to be in control. This just one of the many momentum swings in this match. These two Titans swap control more than siblings swap control of the television remote.

In a giant game of one ups manship, Nevile attempted to pull off the “seated moonsault from the top ring rope” (again, don’t quote me on that). but only accomplishes the Hunicarra part until he is again fling to the the outside and gets whack with a clothesline as the resultant Canadian comes down from a dive over the tope rope.

After hitting a bunch of high impact moves, Zayn counters Nevile’s acrobatic move into a blue thunder bomb and only get a two count. This was a great move from Zayn. Not only did it finally stop Nevile’s rally. He raised the excitement level in a match that was lacking it. Don’t get me wrong, a love a good technical wrestling match as much as the next person who watch this special event. However, when you have two very capable high flyers like Nevile and Zayn, that is not what I wanted to be a ton of. This excitement would stay throughout the rest of the match. In parlically when the kid from New Castle hits a sit up powerbomb (as Rich Brenan put it) on his challenger. Despite Nevile’s best efforts, Zayn kicked out and keep both his Road to Redemption and NXT career alive. This is what happens when you put the two toughest, most resilient superstars in of NXT and put so much on the line for both men. 

Once Adrian Nevile mounts a little more offense on Zayn. He steps him up for the Red Arrow and goes the top rope. Nevile twists and turns in the air only to meet a pair of knees where Zayn’s stomach is suppose to be. This only the second time that I have seen the Red Arrow miss it’s mark. Both of those instances were in a match with one Sami Zayn. This of course is devastating to the champ who immediately gets caught in the Koji Clutch. Nevile would stay in this hold until…. he gets his foot on the bottom rope. Zayn then tried to hit his opponent with an exploder suplex in the corner. The cunning champ countered, and rolled Zayn up for two and a half seconds. When Zayn kicked out, Nevile flew backwards and the back of his head knocked down the referee. That is something that I have not seen before. At this point emotions are at a high point. It is electric inside Full Sail University. (See you don't need the Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment to get a electricity in the air). Sami showed Sympathy to the ref and it ultimately cost him everything he has worked so hard for. Actually, the man kicked out at two. But, it almost cost his everything, key word being almost. 

The crowd would process to chant “THIS IS AWESOME”! over and over as Adrian Nevile and Sami Zayn traded blows that hurt the viewer watching. There was some much impact behind them. Then, the high flying, red haired, canuck pulled off a moved that he hasn't use since his matches with Cearso earlier this year. You know the one where hit leaps through the middle turnbuckle and does this amazing series of moves in just a short period of time. Yeah that one. 

Zayn gets the champion back into the ring and finally hits the Haubi kick on Nevile but, he also hits the ref as well. The crowd would start to chant “This Ref sucks! This Ref sucks! This Ref sucks”! Which was very appropriate for the time I must say. While the Ref is on the ground Nevile brings his title into the ring. Attempts to hit Zayn with it, he missed. Instead got a mouth full of boot. Zayn then picked up the title. While the ref is still down, he contemplated whether or not to whack his long time friend up side the head with his own title belt. Processed to swear a lot. Ultimately, Sami Zayn lacks a “certain killer instinct” as Nevile put it a few weeks before their match and Nevile’s head doesn’t get hit by his own title belt. Instead, Nevile rolls him up once again and once again Zayn kicked out, this time at 2 and ¾. The majority of the crowd breathes a big sigh of relief, some are just trying to catch their breath from watching the amazing match unfolding before their very eyes, others upset that Nevile didn’t win right there and then. Like the guy wearing a “Paul Heyman Guy” shirt in the front row, wearing black eye glasses.

Moments later, Zayn hits the exploder suplex out of nowhere. He follows it up with another Haubi Kick, this gets all of the champion’s face. Zayn would go for the pin on Nevile as soon  as he could. With the whole NXT universe is on there feet. Even the guy in the “Paul Heyman Guy” shirt is on his feet but, the exact opposite reason of most everyone else. The poor guy is going out of his mind. Especially when the referee's hand hits the mat a 3rd time. Especially, when Sami Zayn became the 5th NXT champion in… well NXT history. Its at this point in time that the the majority of the crowd and the rest of the NXT universe, including myself goes “INZAYN”! (Yes, I just typed that and as Batista once say “deal with it”).

It is not until Sami Zayn has the title belt in his hand does he realize that he the new NXT champion. Zayn becomes very emotional and falls to his knees right in front of the man who he just beat for that very title. Nevile still has his back to the mat, he hasn't moved since he lost his title. The man must in shambles. As much as i’m a fan of “The Man That Gravity Forgot” Adrian Nevile (i’m wearing his t-shirt as I type this) it was gratifying to someone who has worked SO hard for everything, who has scratched and clawed just to get to WWE NXT. Once there, worked even harder for over a 1 ½ (won’t get into politics here) to get to the top, to answer his critics who said that he cannot win the “big one”, myself included.

The whole NXT locker room comes out to congratulate him. They are lead by Another one of Zayn’s long time, best friend, one Kevin Owens. Who made him his debut in the 1st match of night. His nose is no longer bleeding. Hugs Zayn like how a father hugs his son. He feels the same emotional Zayn does, he is proud of him (in the way a best friend would, not a fatherly way). Owen’s nose starts bleeding again. Once more he doesn’t seem to care a bit. Owens raises Zayn’s hand in victory. The whole locker room is standing behind them clapping and cheering. As Adrian Nevile sat in the bottom left corner of the ring where he was just defeated cleanly for a title he held since February 27th.

Zayn was then lifted up on the shoulders of all his peers. Celebrating this glorious moment and the confetti rained down upon them. Sami puts the title down when Nevile gets up and puts his hand out. Nevile promptly kicks it away and hugs the man by the neck. Then, the former champion raises the hand of one of his best friends in the world in victory and shows it unyielding respects for winner. Later, the unthinkable happens. Kevin Owens K.O.s the new NXT champion Sami Zayn. This is the only thing that can explain it. Well, people say a picture is worth a thousand words. I think that one does that better than I ever could. That would be it. the screen would fade to black and everyone watching would somehow have to scoop their jaw off the ground.  

I really, really enjoyed this special event. I thought once again it topped it preciser. I thought that there wasn't really a low part in from the pre show to the end of the show. I enjoyed Corey Graves on commentary. I wish he would still be an active wrestler. No matter what though your health sure always come first. I seriously think that he will grow into his new role  and flourish. It was a overall fantastic show that I will not soon forget.

 

Credit to all the people who own the photos in this blog post.

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All Things NXT: NXT TakerOver: R Evolution Edition

                                                         All Things NXT:

NXT TakerOver: R Evolution Edition

On December 11, 2014 WWE NXT went live with their 4th seasonal special event of the year, NXT Takerover: R Evolution. This the 3rd out of 4 NXT special events that featured the title “NXT TakerOver” title in some way shape or form. It featured all 3 championships on the line, the debut of Kevin Owens (former known as Kevin Steen), the settlement of rivalries, and much more. So lets break down in my opinion the best show WWE put on all week.

On the NXT TakeOver: R Evolution Pre Show viewers were told to tune in and find out the status of NXT Superstar Corey Graves. It was revealed that Graves was told by the WWE Medical staff that he should seriously consider retirement from in-ring competition due to multiple concussions. That is what Graves ended up doing live on the Pre Show. However, he did announce that he and WWE had been working on trying to find ways for him to shine in the company since this was the only thing he has wanted to do his entire life. Graves told the world that he will join the NXT announce team. He would go on to commentate the live special with Rich Brenan and Alex Riley later that same night. WWE would later post a video on their YouTube channel showcasing a conversation with Corey Graves and The COO of the World Wrestling Entertainment Triple H. Graves would receive a 2 year contract with WWE.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hu-lhCU9hM

I will be telling how I think Corey Graves Did a little later. For now though lets get to the actual show shall we.

NXT TakerOver: R Evolution started off with the debut of Kevin Steen… I Mean Owens. I was surprised that Owens started off the show but, I guess you can only start off with a Tag Team Title match so many times. None the less it got the crowd excited for the rest of the show which was its ultimate goal. Kevin Owens came out and NXT Arena and myself went crazy. K.O. as it says on his shirt would face CJ Parker. Let me just say Poor CJ. He is always the guy to put over new talent and he hasn’t had a decent storyline in months. Anyway I digress. The match starts and for anyone who hasn’t seen any of Kevin Owen’s work, they were probably presently surprised by his agility and athleticism. This was a competitive match and it was refreshing to see a debuting superstar not win a squash match. Something to note here is that Owens did not use his famous Package Piledriver as his finisher instead, he used a modified version. Also, this would not be the only time Owens would bleed from the nose. More on that later. In the end it was K.O. Kevin Owens that would come away with the victory.

The next match on the card was for the NXT Tag Team Championships. It featured the Lucha Dragons (c) vs The VaudeVillains. I personally wanted the Vaudevillians to win but in reality I did not expect them to win. This match was very entertaining. The clash of styles between the high flying Lucha Dragons and the technically sound ground game of the VaudeVillains. The Lucha Dragons are also the only team that has been

able to beat the team of Aiden English and Simon Gotch. Nonetheless this match was very good but there was not much that we have not seen before. When the dust settled The Luicha Dragons retained their titles.

Baron Corbin would be up next in a match that might have been longer than his entrance! He face Tye Dillinger in a 47 second match. Dillinger was without Jason Jordan which I found a little bit weird but, I understand why he wasn't there. Corbin showcased some new moves like: snake eyes and a big boot. It would be the “End of Days” for Tye Dillinger in 44 seconds, followed up with the 1,2,3. It seems the main reason of this match was to further set up the rivalry between Corbin and the “Last of a kind” Bull Dempsey. I like the way that the creative team is not just jumping right into this feud like on the main roster. In spite of this I’m not particularly looking forward to this feud but i’m still curious about the storyline will go.

Next is my favorite match of the night. It was the Ascension vs the team of Hideo Itami. There was a lot of buildup to this match. It all started 3 months ago at the last NXT special event (NXT TakeOver: Fatal 4 Way) when (at the time) KENTA made his debut in NXT and changed his name to Hideo Itami. The Ascension would come out and try to attack Itami, but to no avail. In the following weeks the Ascension would attack Itami 2 on 1 until the debut of Finn Bálor former known as Prince/Fergal Devitt. Itami “brought his friend to NXT because he was tried of the Ascension’s 2 on 1 attacks. Bálor’s presence was immediately felt by not just the Ascension but the whole NXT universe. That brings us to their actually match at R Evolution. Hideo Itami debuted a new entrance attire (a bright yellow sleeveless robe with black outlining) but, the real story is Finn Bálor’s entrance. Now, since Bálor debuted, I have always thought that he had one of the best entrances in all of WWE. The way he came down to the to ring, how he would would crawl up the steel steps and jumped off the top rope. However, one week before the live special on the WWE Network Bálor told the Ascension “You better bring all you got. Because I’m bringing something you've never seen before”. It turns out that Bálor wasn't kidding. He still had his dramatic entrance he had for the first month of his career but with a MUCH higher intensity. 

Bálor was known in Japan for having amazing “war paint” that he Japan and all over the world for having amazing “war paint” that he wore to NXT TakeOver: R Evolution. Oh my was it awesome, in fact that was what the crowd chanted after Bálor finished his epic entrance. He still did the mostly the same movements towards the ring as he has done throughout his short NXT career. This left the Ascension rattled and gave the mental edge to Itami and Bálor. After chanting “That was awesome! **clap clap clap** That was Awesome’! The crowd starting chanting “MARKING OUT! MARKING OUT! MARKING OUT” ! Now that I have given you my opinion about Finn Bálor entrance and talked about the build up, lets get to the actual match.

Early on in the match it was all Itami and Bálor due to the  “emotional storm” as Alex Riley put it. We finally saw the wide arsenal of kicks Hideo Itami can use on his opponents. Though to the dismay of Itami and Bálor, it didn't take long for the Ascension to weather said storm and took control for the majority of the rest of the match. They isolated the man in the yellow trunks and did not let him get to his corner. The tag team will the longest championship reign in NXT history continued to dominate until Itami caught Konnor with a swift kick to the jaw stunning the big man. He would now be able to crawl to his own corner and make the tag to a impatient Bálor. He took out both members of the Ascension faster than you can say  its about damn time. After a bunch of acrobatics and theatrics, Itami and Bálor both it a diving double foot stomp; I guess you could call it a double double diving foot stomp. Your winners Hideo Itami and Finn Bálor. I would go into more analysis but, I think this has gone on for a while and we need to move on. So that is what we are going to do.

Next up was an interview with Roman Reigns. … Moving on to the NXT Women’s Championship match between the champion Charlotte and the Challenger Sasha Banks.

Now, I not going layout the the whole background to the storyline for this or any or other match left on the card as detailed as I did the previous one. It will be more summarized. For example, Charlotte and Banks were once BFFs (Beautiful Fierce Females). They had a falling out when Charlotte and Banks faced off in the tournament to see who would the second ever NXT Women’s Champion. Since the daughter of Ric Flair beat the self proclaimed “Boss of NXT” and went to win the Women’s title. Banks has been trying to get a match with Charlotte for the title ever since. That leads us to this match. Going into this match I was 85-90% sure that Banks was going to come away with the title and Charlotte would head up to a main roster that desperately needs her.

As the match begins, I noticed that Sasha Banks did not have her “friend” Becky Lynch at ringside, which I thought was very weird. Considering the two have been inseparable in recent weeks. Anyway, the match gets underway and the to women's wrestlers are pretty even, going blow for blow. Within minutes Sasha Banks had shoved Charlotte into the steel steps and taken firm control. She slowed down the pace of the match and wore the “Genetically Superior diva” down. She proceeded to mock Ric Flair by doing her strut. Also, she attempted to slap Charlotte across the face but, Charlotte rolled her up instead (unsuccessfully). A bunch of great spots, technical wrestling moves, and taunts later, the champion finds herself in control by swinging the momentum in her favor via a few high impact moves. For awhile I thought that this match was not going to live up to the 3 other live NXT Women’s Championship matches before it. That all changed when Sasha Banks did a suicide dive to the outside on to Charlotte who when back first into the metal grate on the entrance ramp. That would not be the end of the reign of the tall blond from the Queen City. After Banks rolled her into the ring, she only got a 2 count on the champ. Seconds later the Boss would be turned inside out due to a spear. From then on the match would be filled with false finishes and Banks would start to get visibly frustrated not being able to away the current title holder. The crowd started to chant “This Is Wrestling! **clap clap clapclapclap** “This Is Wrestling! **clap clap clapclapclap** “This Is Wrestling”. Which I believe I’m not the only one besides them who thought of this. Anyway, Charlotte would going on to hit this move that Corey Graves said he hadn't seen anyone due before. Male or Female.

She would go for the pin but Banks would get her foot up on the ropes. Minutes later Charlotte would hit her finishing move “Natural Section” from the top rope and retain her title. This one contest you will only be able to see on NXT. the passion, the fight, the determination, the drive, and the hungry to be the next best women’s wrestler really shine through the whole duration of this match. you could tell that both girls wanted to be the champ. Although, I was surprised that Charlotte got to hang on to the championship and not go to the main roster. I can’t argue with the way the match ending. It was one spectacular feat of athletic ability.  She would go for the pin but Banks would get her foot up on the ropes. Minutes later Charlotte would hit her finishing move “Natural Section” from the top rope and retain her title. This one contest you will only be able to see on NXT. the passion, the fight, the determination, the drive, and the hungry to be the next best women’s wrestler really shine through the whole duration of this match. you could tell that both girls wanted to be the champ. Although, I was surprised that Charlotte got to hang on to the championship and not go to the main roster. I can’t argue with the way the match ending. It was one spectacular feat of athletic ability. Maybe the writers have something planned for the 2nd NXT Women’s Champion, I don’t know. Forgive me but, I have to mention how stupid Sasha Banks’ hair looked at least to me.

It was just really weird. Like she lost of most the hair on the front of head or something. That doesn't matter at the end of the day though. What matters is that this 2 fantastic women put on a show. They keep the NXT Universe guessing in a match that was over 20 minutes. That is no small feat. Moving on to another match that was no small feat, the main event of the evening. Adrian Nevile (c) vs Sami Zayn and his road to redemption for the NXT Championship.

 

     PAC and El Generico have known he other for years. Since they broke into the business of professional wrestling. They went through the ranks of the independent circuit together. They have been great friends for years but, none of the matters as soon as they step into the ring. Until, face off for the biggest prize in NXT history. Sami Zayn had to win this match or else he would leave WWE NXT. Now, I knew that Zayn was not going to leave NXT. But, I thought that Nevile was not going to drop the title. I did not want him to drop the title because He is my favorite NXT superstar for multiple reasons. I had a feeling that it was Zayn’s time. That it was his night and his moment to finish his “road to redemption” and win the “big won” as Nevile put it. There was a ton riding on this over 30 minute match. So, lets get down to then, shall we?

To be continued. Credit to all the people who own the photos in this blog post.

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                All Things NXT:

        The Slammy Awards Edition

        

Welcome to the inaugural edition of All Things NXT! I'll be breaking down what happened on the Slammy Awards that was NXT related. What current and former NXT Superstars won slammys, those that were nominated, and the surprise RAW debut of a certain "Genetically Superior diva". So let's get right down to it.

 
On the December 8th edition of Monday Night Raw it was the 2014 Slammy Awards. On the Slammy Awards Pre-Show it was announced that this year there would be a Slammy for WWE NXT Superstar of the year. The nominees were: NXT champion Adrian Neville, Sami Zayn, Tyler Breeze,  and The Ascension. Sami Zayn took home the 1st ever NXT Superstar of the Year Award. Also on the Slammy Awards Pre Show the Slammy for the Anti-Gravity Moment of the Year. Adrian Nevile's finishing move "the Red Arrow" was nominated. Sadly, The Man That Gravity Forgot lost to the first ever NXT champion Seth Rollins and his dive off the balcony back at the WWE PAYBACK PPV.

         

It was a great night to be Mr. Money In the Bank. Seth took home Slammys for: Best Rivalry of the Year, Anti-Gravity Movement of the Year as I mentioned earlier, Fan Participation Award with the "You Sold Out" chant from the WWE Universe, and Double-Cross of the Year. Also accepted Slammys on the behalf of both Sting and Randy Orton.

Tyson Kidd and Wife Natalya were nominated from Couple of the year. However the lost to Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella.

         On to the Slammy Awards that aired live on the USA Network.The current NXT Women's Champion make her surprise RAW debut. That right Charlotte, the daughter of the only 2 time WWE Hall of Famer made her surprise RAW debut. She would face Natalya in a one on one "rematch" from their match that took place at the 1st NXT Takeover earlier this year. (In my opinion it was one the best matches on NXT this year.) Nattie would be accompanied to the ring by her husband Tyson Kidd.This was Charlotte's opportunity to make a good first impression on the WWE Universe. She would achieve that. The genetically superior diva mounted a lot of offense in the Queen of Harts. She showcased her technical wrestling ability and he ground game. She put Natalya in the figure 4 leg lock. What we did not see on Monday was Her Finishing Move Natural Section. Ultimately though, Natalya came away with the victory when she countered the figure 4 with a rollup for the 1,2,3.

Charlotte had a very strong showing on her debut. She is expected be brought up to the main roster in the sooner rather later.This a good way to introduce Charlotte to the majority of the WWE Universe. Her losing to Nattie only makes fans want to see more of her.

Some NXT Alumni make history on WWE's annual award show. All 3 members of the faction once known as the Shield took home Slammys for their work as individuals and the work as the Hounds of Justice. Bray Wyatt was nominated for: Superstar of the Year, Match of the Year, the OMG Shocking Moment of the Year among others. The 1st ever NXT Women's Champion Paige was nominated for: Breakout Superstar of the Year and Diva of the Year. Tyson Kidd was nominated for Best of the Year. Lastly Adam Rose and his Rose Buds were nominated for Faction of the Year.

It certainly was a great night for NXT and the NXT Universe. I hope you will join me when I break down the 4th WWE NXT special event NXT Takeover R Evolution match by match, give you my opinions, and overall view on it. Thanks for reading.

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