NXT Highlights 4-22-20

Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez vs Knox & Shotzi

Whoa what fast start, I felt like there was a time limit or something because Knox and Shotzi started off on absolute fire. The match was good, Gonzalez and Shotzi were the focal points, which made sense for the story they were telling in the match. Gonzalez pins Shotzi with a one armed powerbomb to pick up the win she should have gotten last week.i enjoyed every part of that match, Shotzi hit a different gear in this one.

Drake Maverick vs Jake Atlas

Apparently yelling about how much you need something is not going to help you win. Maverick told a hell of a story but it won’t have a storybook ending. That cartwheel DDT was sick by Atlas to put Drake away. Excellent stuff from Jake Atlas, he needed this victory as well. Great emotion after the match, he seemed more authentic then some of the top talent on all of the shows right now. With the vignette we got from Drake and the post match, backstage interview, I have a feeling Drake Maverick will make the comeback of a lifetime.

Kushida vs Tony Nese

Excellent Cruiserweight action! This match was exactly what NXT wrestling is about. I knew Kushida was gonna win but the match they had made me believe that anything was possible. I feel like Kushida will be in the finals but somehow won’t win. Kushida needs some sort of title though, he needs a long Pette Dunne-like reign.

NXT’s “IT” couple

Soooo happy Candace turned, she deserved better and now she’s gonna get better. Her acting is better I bet her timing in the ring is better, everything is better when you’re a heel. And yes I like Candace now that she is heel. There are quite a few heels in NXT at the moment but Gargano and LeRae HAD to turn. I think Gargano and LeRae may actually have something here with these new heel characters. I’m more interested in the both of them than I ever was before.

Mia Yim vs Jessi Kamea

Interesting ring gear from James, nice little story about rookie vs veteran. James can go, she’s got some good offense and is pretty tough to put down. Mia Yim wins and Charlotte comes out to congratulate her with condescending remarks. Shawn Spears can’t be happy about that comment Charlotte made about being a good hand.

Fantasma vs Gallagher

Fantasma wins an intense match that relaunched Gallagher as a serious competitor. Fantasma is oozing charisma and I can’t wait to see the great matches he’s going to have with this ultra talented roster.

Dream & Lee[c] vs UE

Balor has disappeared so the Velveteen Dream was all clear to make fun of Balor and call him out for his failure to appear. Adam Cole shows up to get the literal jump on the Dream. Keith Lee saves Dream leading to their match. Lee was taken out of the match early, leaving the Dream to fend for himself. There was a two on one advantage until creepy Dexter Lumis jumps onto the apron for the tag and is inserted into the match and the dream pins Adam Cole.

Honorable mentions

1. Damian Priest vignette.

2. The Karion Kross vignettes keep getting better and better.

3. Chelsea Green vignette.

Final take

Strong commentary tonight from both men, they put in some good work on this show. WWE has done some cool at home videos during these troubling times. I like what I’m seeing, I want to see them hit another gear, I think NXT has this potential to do so much more and I think it may be on the horizon.

#VelveteenDream #DrakeMaverick #FinnBalor #cruiserweight #WWE