‘WWE NXT’ Review (Apr 11th 2023)
Welcome to this week’s review of NXT, right here on Nerdly. Let’s get straight into the review and see what happened this week…
Match #1: NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship Match – Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn def. Fallon Henley & Kiana James
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Just when it seemed Fallon Henley & Kiana James would reclaim their NXT Women’s Tag Team Titles, the backstage drama between them and Brooks Jensen reared its ugly head and cost them the gold. Early struggles by Henley & James led to mid-match momentum as the former champions looked poised to win back their titles, but Jensen appeared and tried to get Henley to hit Dawn with James’s purse, but Henley refused. Jensen was ejected from ringside for his actions and in a momentum of frustration he shoved his tag team partner, Josh Briggs. Dawn would capitalize on the chaos by nailing Henley with a kick which led to a Swanton Bomb from Fyre, allowing the champions to retain.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #2: Eddy Thorpe def. Javier Bernal
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
A matchup of two up and coming Superstars went the way of “The Alpha Wolf” Eddy Thorpe as he stays undefeated in his NXT career. Damon Kemp looked on as both Superstars gave it their all, but it was all Thorpe by the end as he nailed a twisting butterfly neckbreaker to pick up the win.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #3: Tiffany Stratton def. Sol Ruca
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Sol Ruca and Tiffany Stratton both see themselves as not only the future of NXT, but also the present, and a win for either Superstar would’ve secured their spot at the top, but it was only Stratton that captured the moment. Both Superstars showcased their incredible athleticism in a game of one-upmanship, but a cheap shot from Stratton allowed her to take control.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #4: Ilja Dragunov def. Von Wagner
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
“The Mad Dragon” pulled off one of the biggest victories of his career by defeating Von Wagner and in doing so, causing Mr. Stone to terminate his services with the gigantic Wagner.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #5: Joe Coffey def. Tank Ledger
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The return of Joe Coffey has completed the dangerous team of Gallus, and he proved his worth by taking out the upstart and debuting Tank Ledger. Coffey’s savviness as a veteran was on full display as he managed to out-wrestle Ledger on the ground, despite Ledger getting in a few big moves thanks to his athleticism and fighting spirit. Despite Ledger’s fight, Coffey turned up the heat and ended the match after a thunderous discus lariat.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #6: No. 1 Contendership Fatal 4-Way – Grayson Waller def. Dragon Lee, Duke Hudson and JD McDonagh
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The arrogant Aussie Grayson Waller used his signature underhanded tactics to punch his ticket to NXT Spring Breakin’ where he’ll challenge Carmelo Hayes for the NXT Championship. The action was fast and frenetic as all four competitors put it all on the line for the coveted spot at Spring Breakin’. Dragon Lee and JD McDonagh both nailed scintillating splashes to the outside and when Duke Hudson went for one himself, Waller countered it into a picture-perfect stunner. As the incredible action waged on, Lee seemed destined to win the match, but after his powerbomb on Hudson, Waller snuck back into the ring and hit his stunner, sending him to Spring Breakin’ for a title opportunity.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 2.5/5
A very serviceable episode of NXT this week, one that spent a lot of time building storylines and new feuds and setting up number one contenders. The in-ring action wasn’t great for the most part, except for the great 4-man main event, which saw all four participants come out of the match looking stronger than when they went in IMHO.
