NXT Cliff Notes 8-12-20

Karrion Kross vs Danny Burch

Wasn’t their best match but the story was almost flawless. The real story is champion Keith Lee coming out to have Kross sign the contract for their match. Lee then has his face burned by a trick pen or something hidden within the contract. The spot was so long it turned into a segment that was just too long to be selling the spot. I liked it until it went into a commercial break and was still pretty much going. 

Escobar [c] vs Tyler Breeze

Escobar beat the hell out of Breeze. Escobar was in control from start to finish, he still used his minions as a distraction. Swerve saved Breeze from the post match beat down but Swerve getting beat up on RAW Underground is still fresh in my mind so this didn’t work for me.

Indi Hartwell vs Mia Yim

Hartwell needs a lot of work, Mia Yim is a good feud for her to get better and its what I suggest they do because Hartwell will be gone pretty soon at this rate. I don’t know what’s next for Yim but I would move her to SmackDown immediately, SmackDown’s women’s division is doing absolutely nothing right now.

Damian Priest vs Bronson Reed

Exactly what you need to do with two guys like this. Both rising to the top, have them clash now and later and all in between, create a rivalry that you can always go back to. Reed wins but barely, making a second match inevitable. I love what they are doing with these two talents right now. The kind of match NXT has been known for.

Carter & Catanzaro vs Aliyah & Mercedes Martinez

I like what they are doing with everyone involved. Carter and Catanzaro look good as a tag team, if they string together a few wins they could end up on a Takeover or maybe even get a decent push that can turn into some sort of title match down the line. Aliyah gets to work a match at a higher level and elevate her skill set along with her character. Mercedes Martinez wins impressively. A post match scrum with Ripley breaks out and Rhea is saved by Shotzi. 

Kushida vs Grimes vs ?

A mystery opponent kept Kushida and Grimes waiting only to reveal himself as the returning Velveteen Dream. Grimes wins and Kushida takes the blame when Velveteen Dream beats him up but Balor meets him in the ring and stares him down. The return of the Dream is much needed for the brand. A guy who is a top star and over with so many. I’m excited to see what the Dream can do for ratings.

When you come at the queen you best not miss

After a really nice Dakota Kai vignette, Io Shirai shreds Dakota in a vignette. Brought up how afraid Kai was of Baszler and that she should fear her. Shirai doesn’t need to speak English to get her point across which is raising her stock with each promo. Dakota is going to have to have the match of a lifetime.

Honorable mentions

1. Ridge Holland vignette.

2. Vick Joseph was a welcomed voice

3. Balor vignette. Love the mention of demos.

4. Gargano sitcom.

5. UE decimate Killian Dain, causing his match with Maverick to be a no contest. Cole calls out Part McAfee for next week.

Final take

I’m looking forward to Takeover 30 more than ever. The vignettes throughout the night were done really well and helped with all of the hype.

#VelveteenDream #IoShirai #FinnBalor #NXT #CameronGrimes #KarrionKross