10 Thoughts on NXT – Samoa Joe, Cedric Alexander, Aaliyah

10 Thoughts, Reviews

JT on NXT logo

1. It’s NXT time and we kick off with a video package from Samoa Joe recapping the lead up to his vicious attack on Shinsuke Nakamura last week. After the vision Joe makes his way to the ring and talks some smack. He is eventually interrupted by William Regal, promising to take care of the problem that Joe has created. In response, Joe threatens the entire NXT roster, which seems fair and balanced.

2. Now it’s time for a recap of the excellent CWC, and the introduction of Cedric Alexander. Cedric is facing Cien Almas later tonight, and delivers a strong promo about the match and his struggle to get to WWE. If you’re a fan of Alexander, check out his recent appearance on Colt Cabana’s podcast – he seems like a genuinely nice and humble guy.

3. Hey, it’s newcomer Oney Lorkin and he is facing the greatest man who ever lived, Austin Aries. ‘Lets go Oney’ chant early, and Lorkin sure seems to love a side-headlock. After a near fall with a nice series of running uppercuts, something goes wrong with an Aries brainbuster and he quickly locks in the last chancery for the submission victory.

4. Post-match Aries calls Hideo Itami a coward and Itami answers, but Aries bails and we get a video intro to Dan Matha, a big jacked guy who joins NXT in a fortnight.

5. Interview with DIY (Gargano and Ciampa) following their CWC finale victory, and then they get into a parking lot brawl with the Revival, because the Revival really want to hammer home that they’re just like the average wrestling fan.

6. Now Aaliyah is facing Billie Kay, who has been showing a nice vicious streak lately. Not a bad match with Aaliyah showing gradual improvement and Billie continuing to develop as a heel. BK picks up the win after a nasty big boot.

7. Having now seen the members of Sanity, I think it’s going to take a lot to get them over. Is Eric Young up to the task, or is this another Misfits in Action?

8. Our main event tonight is Cedric Alexander versus Cien Almas, and it’s great they’re giving these guys the chance to headline. No hat or braces for Almas tonight, which may not be a good sign…

9. Fun flippy match with control shifting back and forth and both men working hard to make the other look good. Alexander hits a spectacular Tope Con Hilo and looks to be in control, but almost falls to Cien’s deadlift powerbomb. Cedric finally picks up the hard fought victory with a belly to back suplex into a backbreaker.

10. After the match Almas and Alexander embrace, which is a nice touch. Hopefully this is the start of a steady stream of CWC talent into NXT. Strong if not exactly star studied episode of NXT.

JT is a hot air balloonist, writer and tattoo aficionado. He writes about movies, science, music, video games, action figures and professional wrestling.