NXT often throws a bunch of things against a wall. It started in earnest during the 2.0 days but they eventually found their voice, which was Attitude Era lite. That worked well with the talent they had. Now, several months into this latest iteration and the voice still isn’t there.
NXT is the most satisfying wrestling show nor does it have the most effective storytelling. It doesn’t help that it lacks the star power to make any of the things they do try actually work.
Of course, no one benefits when dropped in this week’s final segment. This week’s last 10 minutes epitomized NXT’s desire to cram as much into the show as possible when we got a closing angle that involved both the men and women’s matches. At least the major ones. Kendal Grey hit the ring first, followed by Kelani Jordan, followed by Zaria. Then those women found themselves insulted and upstaged when Grayson Waller showed up. Grant it, NXT billed this as a “summit” but it came off as lazy booking. Grayson is the heel, yes, but it’s wild no woman tagged his jaw for saying they’re great to look at but not memorable.
Tony D’Angelo and Cruz Montana showed up, sounded very generic, and then a fight ensued. Kendal and Wren Sinclair stood tall for the women, while Zilla Fatu stood tall for the men after he surprised the men and got the drop on all of them.
I’m all about chaos at the end of my wrestling programs. I just prefer it if it didn’t feel rushed and mashed together like this. If it’s a summit, why did everyone interrupt everyone else? And, again, my biggest issue, is why do both of these divisions together? Give the women their shine, give the men their shine. Give the separate matches their due because if I didn’t know better, I’d say Zaria and Kali have the same beef with Kelani that they do with Wren.
NXT isn’t in a position where it can throw a bunch of darts at the wall. A more methodical and thoughtful show would benefit everyone. Especially the wrestlers who are too often asked to make chicken salad out of the other stuff.
NXT provided two very satisfying matches this week at the opening and and semi-closing. It was the drama around it that didn’t quite work as the brand still suffers from discombobulated storytelling situational logic. The summit was a big mess that typified the worst things about NXT. Heatwave has a ton of potential despite the rocky road to get there. Here’s hoping it fulfills its promise and that these two hours aren’t an indication of what’s to come.
What say you, Cagesiders? Does Tony D walk remain champion or is it Zilla’s for the taking?
