WWE NXT Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for August 2
By Rob Furness
NXT, WWE.com
The August 2 episode of NXT is broadcasting from Full Sail University.
With NXT Takeover: Brooklyn III a little over 2 weeks away, feuds are beginning to heat up. Last week we saw the No. 1 contender for both NXT singles titles called out by the challenger. As well as a few matches, as unexciting as they were, progress feuds and story lines.
This week’s episode was a marked improvement over the July 26 episode. In fact, July 26 had very little wrestling with 2 of the 3 matches acting as “enhancement matches” and one ending with a DQ finish. Sure it kept some storylines alive, but I certainly don’t watch NXT for squash matches and non-finishes.
As we head into this week’s episode, WWE finds a better balance with an exciting main event and at least one other entertaining contest, and a surprise debut from a decorated champion in the main event. So let’s get to it.
WWE.com
Johnny Gargano vs. Raul Mendoza
Result: Gargano def. Mendoza via Gargano Escape
Rating: 2.0 out of 5 stars
In his first match since the being betrayed by his best friend and former tag-team partner, Gargano goes 1 on 1 with the former Luchador, Raul Mendoza. The match was scheduled last week, without much build, but was meant to serve as a re-entry point for Gargano.
The match-up highlighted both competitor’s strength, including plenty of mat wrestling and high spots. Ultimately Gargano forced Mendoza to tap to the Gargano Escape.
The real story is the inevitable collision between he and the Psycho Killer Tommaso Ciampa. Together, #DIY became NXT Tag Team Champions, before losing them to the Authors of Pain. After their final match to try and reclaim the titles at Takeover: Chicago, Ciampa attacked Gargano. This rivalry seemed like it was destined for culmination at Takeover: existsBrooklyn, but Ciampa suffered a legitimate injury.
Recap of SAnitY vs Authors of Pain Last Week
After preventing The Authors Pain’s match last week, SAnitY has been granted a NXT Tag Team Championship match at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn. After the announcement, we are shown a vignette of Authors of Pain and Paul Ellering. Ellering warns SAnitY that monsteexistand that AOP will write the next chapter.
Honestly, I don’t really like AOP. I don’t really get what they are. They’re dressed like mercenaries, yet go on about some metaphorical (?) book. I also dislike that they have a mouthpiece, especially in a developmental brand like NXT. Let them make mistakes and work on their mic skills. Theirs nothing about them that excites me.