NXT Quick Takes 1/20/21

The Way vs Ruff & Kushida

Exactly how an NXT episode should start off, solid in ring action with a title holder and a contender. This was a tag match but that makes things even better, elevating 2 other wrestlers besides the champ amd the #1 contender. Cool pin from Kushida, pinning the champ will no doubt earn him a title shot. Kushida needs the win, Gargano should be on his way out in NXT because hes done just about all he can do.

Karrion Kross

Kross beats a glorified jobbers and apparently has a new finisher. Kross needs a tremendous amount of work but I believe he can get to where he needs ro be eventually. This will be a big year for Kross, if he improves then he’ll have a bright future, if not he may end up being a journeyman.

Imperium vs Lucha House Party

A clean loss by Imperium, ready to do the job, cashing in their built up credibility. I like that Imperium is strong enough to take losses and taking them to put other teams over for the greater good of the product. Alexander Wolfe appears at the top of the ramp and Imperium greet him. I don’t know where that’s going but I’m intrigued. Perhaps Walter vs Balor after Balor drops the title.

Womens Dusty classic

Beth Phoenix appeared on stage with the tag teams involved and the first match kicks off after Beth’s speech about women’s wrestling.

Mercedes Martinez & Toni Storm vs Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter

Hell of a first match to make history. Kayden and Kacy really took it to the bigger team, proving they have what it takes to stand with heavy hitters.

Io attacks Martinez, taking her out of the match. I don’t even know what Catanzaro did but it was one hell of a flip, it was like an Olympic dive. Carter and Catanzaro advance, they have all of the momentum in the world right now and are my favorites to win it all.

Bronson Reed vs Tyler Rust

Good showing from Rust but Reed was just too strong. Not anything to write home about but by no means was it bad. Reed needs to feud that will give him a push, hopefully his inevitable feud with Swerve is that feud that will do that

Fight Pit

It’s the pit, no way to win but KO or Submission so it will never disappoint you. I knew Thatcher would win clean because the Fight Pit is his domain. Thatcher is undefeated in the pit, let’s hope he can build on this win over Ciampa and go after Finn Balor if Balor keeps his NXT Championship.

Honorable mentions

1. Beth Phoenix returns to the CWC.

2. Pete Dunne vignette.

3. MSK vignette .

4. Legado Del Fantasma, interrupted by Lucha House Party and Kurt Stallion.

5. Dain and Maverick interview.

Final take

The show delivered on all levels. The tag division is alive and well. The women’s division is still stacked. The main event picture has a star and a Bruiserweight ready to do battle. Everything is in place to build an epic takeover on February 14th.

#petedunne #dustycup #FinnBalor #NXT #KarrionKross