What’s good everybody? It’s your boy Todd Smith here with your weekly NXT recap. We had three appetizing match ups to whet your appetite this week. Plus two returns to the NXT roster. One which was announced. The other which turned out to be a bit of a surprise. Well lets get to the action!
NXT Match Recap
Arturo Ruas vs. Matt Riddle
This was a worked MMA bout rather than a traditional wrestling match. An opportunity for both competitors to display the versatility of their skill sets. After a nice back in forth contest Riddle picked up the W after several repeated strikes to Ruas’ head. Riddle’s celebration would be short lived after a re debut of Killian Dain. Dain ambushed Riddle punishing him with an assortment of senton attacks. This included one which drove Riddle through the stage! No explanation yet as to why Dain made Matt his target.
Dexter Lumis vs Bronson Reed
Its been a while since I’ve seen Sam Shaw aka Dexter Lumis. Last time was several years ago as a member of the Impact roster. He has added quite a bit of muscle mass since then. He is also supporting a different look, including a mustache. I can only assume by his entrance theme and dark persona that his character won’t be too far off from his Dexter inspired gimmick. If I did not know any better I’d swear that Jonah Rock aka Bronson Reed was a member of the Anoa’i family.
At 5’11 , 275 lbs he can fly with the greatest of ease and comes equipped with a decent array of power moves. This Breakout Tourney match gave these two an opportunity to show off what they’ve got; both men were able to showcase their offense. However, in the end Bronson got the victory with a monstrous splash from the top rope.
Apollo Crews vs Kushida
Crews returns to his former home of NXT to take on the Timesplitting Kushida. Crews has the look, the size and athletisicm to be a star in the WWE. However being sent to the main roster too soon might have done him more harm than good. Kushida is very fluid and consistent and can draw a decent match out of just about anyone. The biggest question is will he be able to breakout as an Asian superstar at the next level? This match featured several highlights but, nothing tops Kushida’s delivery of the flipping cross arm bar from the top rope! Then to top it off he transitioned it into the Sakuraba lock for the finish. Wow, that was impressive!
We will be treated to a face off between two of the most talented big men on the NXT roster next week as Limitless Keith Lee wages war against the towering Damian Priest.
NXT Conclusion
The night concludes with Adam Cole challenging one of the students featured from the school that he visited in Ohio. Twan Tucker answered the challenge yet made it clear that he did not show up to NXT alone. Cole got more than what he bargained for when Gargano himself appeared and ambushed Cole. They brawled all over the arena. Several officials were forced to pull the two apart.
What’s Next for NXT?
Note: Once NXT concluded Commisioner Regal announced that we will get Cole vs Gargano at NXT Takeover Toronto 2 out of 3 falls. Except this time Cole and Gargano each get to choose a stipulation. If the match goes to a third fall Regal gets to pick a stipulation of his choice.
That’s all for this week. Until next time around… Y’all take care!
