The Feb 28 edition of NXT was a solid show that continued to build towards NXT Takeover: New Orleans, and explored the aftermath of Johnny Gargano’s departure last week
Credit: WWE.Com
Opening Video Segment
This week’s NXT opened with a video package recap from last week’s event, which saw Johnny Gargano defeated by Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas, and forced to leave NXT as a result.
It’s a testament to NXT, that during the road to Wrestlemania, the best storyline in the WWE right now is taking place on the brand. Gargano is the company’s hottest babyface at the moment, and this video package was a great reminder of that. This storyline has genuine intrigue, and while it is obvious Gargano will compete for the brand one more time at Takeover: New Orleans, it will be interesting to see where they go with him afterwards.
A main roster call-up seems imminent, especially in the aftermath of his 5-star bout with Almas at Takeover: Philadelphia, and I, for one hope that the company don’t just put him on 205 Live.
Credit: WWE.Com
Velveteen Dream Vs Tyler Bate
Result: Velveteen Dream Defeats Tyler Bate with the Purple Rainmaker
Grade: C+
Velveteen Dream is one of the most unique and captivating performers in the WWE right now, and he has been a hot streak of matches since his match against Aleister Black back in November. Tyler Bate, on the other hand, seems to have stalled since his original UK Title belt reign and has now been lumbered with a losing streak gimmick. With the right superstar, losing streaks can turn out to be a stroke of genius, but more often than not, they are the kiss of death, and I fear that Bate may fall into the latter category.
The match here was solid, not spectacular, and was a nice way to kick off the show. There was some nice action here, and both performers have a unique ring-style that worked well together. There were some innovative exchanges, and Dream picking up the victory was definitely the right result. Though, this does little to stop my worries about Bate right now. I love Dream’s character work in the ring, the little hair pulls and his general mannerisms are a joy to watch, he’s a wrestler who, despite his young age, realises that it’s the small thing that often makes a performer memorable.
If ever there was a case to be made for NXT to introduce a mid-card title, then Velveteen Dream is it. He is currently just floating around between mid-card feuds, which is fine, except for the fact that he is probably quite low in the pecking order when it comes to an NXT title shot. The UK title is a great addition to NXT, but it limits certain wrestlers from ever winning it.
I’m interested to see what they do with Velveteen at Takeover. I’d really like to see him sink his teeth into an interesting feud again. These flavour of the week style matches are a nice way to keep him on television, but his character is deserving of something better.