NXT Quick Takes 12/9/20

Line em up

Pete Dunne, Kyle O’ Reilly and Damian Priest all want a piece of Finn Balor and they believe they’ve earned it with their past performances. Balor is not impressed and leaves the ring while they amongst themselves. Balor wasn’t done addressing all challengers though. There was still one more challenger to make his presence known, Karrion Kross. Scarlett met Finn at the ramp in all of her glory as Kross’s music began to play, Finn didn’t back down.

Jake Atlas vs Swerve Scott

Atlas wins a close one and Swerve looks as if he’s turning heel. That’s a shame, Swerve was my pick to take the North American title from Gargano, can’t do that if he’s also a heel. Atlas should be the one to turn because he needs the extra personality attribute.

Imperium vs Grizzled Young Veterans vs Ever-Rise

I would have liked to see a bit more from Ever-Rise but it is what it is. The match flowed beautifully because the NXT tag team division is the best in the world regardless of its depth. GYV win, gaining even more momentum that will lead to a title opportunity.

Ciampa vs Grimes

Nothing but quality, surprised to see Grimes look like so much of a chump though. Ciampa isn’t really doing anything but burying people and gaining no traction at all. How can Ciampa be ice cold right now? I’m not saying they are doing something wrong with HIM, it’s just that the opponents should be from a lower tier. Ciampa won but he could be running through guys like Leon Ruff or beating Legado Del Fantasma and coming up short in the title match. See, that’s a good way to book him. Maybe that’ll be next, who knows.

Dunne vs Dain

Killian Dain attacks Pete Dunne in the back; Killian hasn’t forgotten about Dunne slamming his head into a car using the car door and he wants all the revenge. If you want to know how to book a match between two people of different sizes and make them both badasses, this is the blueprint. Dunne was undersized but tough; every bit as tough as the much bigger Dain. Dunne has even cut some weight, looking far more lean. The match couldn’t end clean, interference from the tag team champs and Drake Maverick gives us a nice dirty finish. Dunne wins by hoisting Dain up for the Bitter End. Glorious stuff.

Raquel Gonzalez vs Ember Moon

This match went a lot like Dunne vs Dain earlier, a bruising wrestler verses a tough opponent that doesn’t see weight as a hurdle. Moon and Gonzalez had a great match, much like Dain and Dunne, there was much interference. Moon lost and the vultures were about to pick the bones when Rhea Ripley saved the day. Toni Storm backed down but Raquel Gonzalez stood right in Rhea’s face. I wanted it to go down right then and there.

Honorable mentions

1. War Games recap.

2. Gargano and his camp address the NXT Universe.

3. Tony Storm interview

4. Gargano and friends talk shit.

5. Karrion Kross beats Damian Priest’s ass after Priest called him out during the show’s first segment.

Final take

The return of talent like Dunne and Kross are exactly what NXT needs to boost the quality of the show back to where it normally is. I’m looking forward to seeing what new feuds are going to transpire after WarGames.

#FinnBalor #NXT #newyearsevil #KarrionKross #Scarlett