‘WWE NXT’ Review (August 8th 2018)
Welcome to this week’s NXT review, right here on Nerdly. I’m Nathan Favel and we have stuff… lots and lots of stuff. Did I sell you on the card yet? Yeah, well I’m not a commercial you know… or a good writer.
Match #1: Nikki Cross def. Amber Nova
The following is courtesy of WWE.com:
Looking to make a lasting impression on the NXT Universe, Amber Nova — a ’73 Chevy-driving daughter of a mechanic — showed no trepidation going against one of the black-and-yellow brand’s most unpredictable Superstars, Nikki Cross. After suffering some of Nova’s aggressive offense, the psychotic Scot came unhinged. She clawed at her own face and pounded her chest in between knocking down Nova with hard clotheslines. As the NXT fans chanted her name, Cross took flight with a high cross body block and then pinned Nova after hitting the Purge. The classic car-loving Nova has surely seen a demolition derby or two, but after running afoul of Cross, now she knows what it feels like to be in one.
My Take: This was a quick fight that was in favor of the established, Nikki Cross. Nova looked pretty good here and could be an excellent name to add to the regular roster.
Match #2: Kassius Ohno def. Adrian Jaoude
The following is courtesy of WWE.com:
As he continues to search for grander opportunities, Kassius Ohno found himself squaring off against one of the WWE Performance Center’s brightest prospects, Adrian Jaoude. Ohno didn’t seem to take Jaoude, a former Pan American Games silver medalist, too seriously at first. And Jaoude made him pay for it, taking down Ohno with a waist lock and, later, a high-crotch lift. Perhaps frustrated by being shown up, Ohno leapt into high gear, pulverizing Jaoude with kicks that will leave the Brazilian Superstar tasting boot leather for the next few weeks. The Knockout Artist then nearly put his elbow through Jaoude’s neck with the Dream Crusher to score the emphatic win.
My Take: Jaoude looked fine in his match with Ohno, who looked as great as ever.
Match #3: Keith Lee def. Marcel Barthel
The following is courtesy WWE.com:
Keith Lee entered his NXT debut match with plenty of hype and big expectations, and the Limitless Superstar did not disappoint. Facing Germany’s Marcel Barthel, who was also making his NXT TV debut, Lee showed what all the buzz was about, moving around the ring like a Cruiserweight despite being built like a human tank. Lee immediately impressed the NXT Universe with his unbelievable agility, leapfrogging Barthel and hitting him with a dropkick. Lee displayed immense power, too, throwing Barthel across the ring out of a front facelock. To his credit, Barthel wouldn’t be defeated easily. A proud proponent of the classic European style of wrestling, Barthel whacked Lee with hard uppercuts and a double thrust to the throat, and he deftly dodged a big avalanche attempt by the 300-pounder. In the end, though, Lee would not be denied victory in his first outing on WWE Network. Lee bulldozed Barthel with a pounce before smashing him into the canvas with a modified Jackhammer for the pin. The NXT Universe, meanwhile, was all too happy to bask in the glory of NXT’s latest free agent signing, cheering Lee heartily.
My Take: This was a good debut for Keith Lee, who might do very well in NXT.
Match #4: Main Event – Taynara Conti def. Vanessa Borne in a Mae Young Classic 2018 Qualifying Match
The following is courtesy of WWE.com:
Taynara Conti and Vanessa Borne might be on friendly terms, but you’d never know it by watching them battle with a Mae Young Classic 2018 opportunity hanging in the balance. With each Superstar believing the final spot in this year’s tournament rightfully belonged to her, Borne and Conti trash-talked each other with fervor. “The Vision” Vanessa wore down the Brazilian black belt with a body scissor, but when she smacked her fellow Mae Young Classic 2017 alumna in the face late in the match, Conti became enraged, asking Borne if she was “crazy” before stomping and chopping Borne to smithereens. Conti’s judo prowess then took over. She tossed Borne with throws and a belly-to-belly suplex, and reversed Borne’s crucifix pin attempt into a rib-quaking slam to triumph. With the victory, Conti now looks ahead to this year’s Mae Young Classic, which kicks off on WWE Network on September 5th
My Take: The women had the best match of the night for the second week in a row. I enjoyed the action here and the stakes gave the bout a feeling of importance.
News Of The Night:
- The Undisputed Era attacked Ricochet.
- A triple threat match was announced for the NXT World Title between Aleister Black, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa.
- Aleister Black was attacked by a mystery person/people. Black will likely be removed from the triple threat match.
Final Verdict: This was a good card that had an excellent main event.
