NXT SEPTEMBER 13TH 2017
Iconic vs. Ruby Riot and ??
This stemmed from Billie costing Ruby a match with Peyton two weeks ago. Ruby was supposed to find a partner, but the match started as the handicap match she asked for. When the numbers quickly caught up with her, Nikki Storm ended up creeping in through the crowd and tagging herself in. Nikki ran through Iconic and hit Billie with a swinging fisherman’s neckbreaker, then tagged Ruby back in and left. Ruby capitalised with a senton to get the pin. I don’t know this is a part of a Sanity face turn, but it would make sense if they’re being positioned against Fish and O’Reilly.
Footage was shown from the Performance Center the previous week, with Riddick Moss and Tino Sabbatelli interrupting a Gargano interview. They took credit for breaking up DIY and Tino advised Gargano to find another partner, because he didn’t think he was going to cut it as a singles based on Brooklyn. Gargano instead suggested one of them face him this week.
Christie interviewed No Way Jose about Lars Sullivan attacking him. Jose said Sullivan was a freak and clarified that Sullivan won his match last week and attacked the three opponents afterwards as well, which somehow didn’t air, unless they went back and edited it. Jose said somebody had to teach Sullivan a lesson, so he was challenging him to a match next week.
Johnny Gargano vs. Riddick Moss w/Tino Sabbatelli
Solid big man, little man match, with Gargano bumping around a bunch for Moss for the first part of the match. Gargano ended up fighting back right when Moss taunted Gargano about DIY, hitting a cannonball off the apron. Sabbatelli tried to get involved, but Gargano still managed to get Moss in the Gargano Escape. Moss made it to the ropes though and Gargano sold like he was shocked Moss didn’t tap. His hesitation led to Moss getting back on top, but Gargano avoided more Sabbatelli interference and won with the slingshot spear from the apron. I like the idea of Gargano doubting himself without Ciampa and Gargano’s absolutely suited to telling these kind of bigger stories through matches, but I don’t know as the Gargano Escape is so protected that the big Ultimate Warrior Wrestlemania VII sell felt fully warranted when Moss made the ropes. Marks for effort though.
Street Profits vs. The Ealy Brothers
Street Profits got a good reaction coming out, the crowd have taken to them quickly, which is good to see. The Ealy Brothers were playing heel here. Last time they were on NXT, about three months ago, I thought they came off even more like rookies during their entrance, as they were trying a little too hard with the poses and the mannerisms. Just walking to the ring and looking serious suits them way better at this point. Working heel seemed to work better for them too. Some twin magic allowed the Ealys to take over briefly, but Street Profits won fairly comfortably in the end, with the sky high/frog splash combo. The key takeaway here though was how much Full Sail were into Street Profits. I’d said recently, Full Sail doesn’t get behind people and make them stars anymore. Maybe they might do with Street Profits. Here’s hoping. They partied in the crowd after the match.
Really good recap video of Asuka’s run on NXT. Christie then interviewed Regal in his office about the Women’s Championship and Regal said he’d let people know in a few weeks.
Christie interviewed Wolfgang before going out for the main event, who said he’d never been more ready for a match. He pointed out that he pinned the former champion in Tyler Bate and he’d walk out as champion tonight. Christie also tried to interview Dunne before his entrance, but Dunne said nothing.
WWE UNITED KINGDOM CHAMPIONSHIP
Pete Dunne (c) vs. Wolfgang
Pretty even match. Wolfgang matched Dunne technically early on. Dunne got the advantage with some finger manipulation and a slingshot DDT on the apron, but Wolfgang was back in the match after the break and hit a big flip dive and a second rope moonsault for two. He went for the swanton after a big superplex, but Dunne caught him in an armbar on the way down, which looked good. Wolfgang stayed in things though, until Dunne finally managed to hit the Bitter End for the pin. Another good TV main event, continuing a decent streak of them recently.
Cole, Fish and O’Reilly ran out post match and surrounded Dunne, who teased leaving, but then forearmed O’Reilly instead. The three quickly piled on Dunne, with Wolfgang trying to make the save. Dunne took the opportunity to leave and in a great moment, they teased that he was going to save Wolfgang, but instead he just ran back to get his belt. Cole hit Wolfgang with a running knee with Fish and O’Reilly holding him and the three of them left through the crowd. Bate and Seven came out to check on Wolfgang after they were gone. I expected them to be the ones who made the save for Dunne and that would have gotten an amazing reaction I’m sure, but clearly they want Dunne as a heel and that’s understandable.
RECOMMENDED VIEWING: This was one of those weeks where the show as a whole is better than the sum of it’s parts, which happens from time to time. None of the four matches stood out as must watch, besides maybe the main event, but as a one hour show it delivered. All four matches were solid and they all either progressed story, or elevated people’s stock. This was the kind of show that made you feel more positive about where NXT and the roster currently stands.
NXT WEEK: Aleister Black speaks and No Way Jose versus Lars Sullivan.