WWE NXT: Why WALTER vs. Kushida needs to happen

Last Wednesday’s USA Network debut of NXT hinted at a future match between WALTER and Kushida. It remains to be seen how frequently the NXT UK Austrian will be featured on Wednesday nights but at all costs, WALTER vs. Kushida needs to happen.

Imperium made an unannounced appearance on NXT last week, beating down Denzel Dejournette before his scheduled match against Kushida. WALTER came down to the ring to put the NXT locker room on notice before being interrupted by the “Time Splitter” himself.

Despite the tremendous numbers disadvantage, Kushida got the best of the group before getting out of harm’s way and challenging WALTER to a match. Fair to say it wasn’t a matchup that anybody could’ve anticipated happening anytime soon but nonetheless, sign us up.

WALTER has been utterly unstoppable since joining NXT UK at the beginning of the year. After besting Pete Dunne in a classic at NXT TakeOver: New York to become the WWE United Kingdom Champion, the Austrian somehow topped that with a match of the year candidate against Tyler Bate at NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff.

Kushida, like WALTER, has yet to suffer a televised loss and he’s quickly shown everyone unfamiliar with his stellar work in New Japan Pro Wrestling why he’s an internationally recognized commodity. The former New Japan junior ace possesses a thrilling combination of striking, high-flying and technical ability that has made him a delight to watch his entire career.

His recent 205 Live appearance – teaming with Gentleman Jack Gallagher in a winning effort against Brian Kendrick and Akira Tozawa – hinted at a future in the Cruiserweight division. While that move would make total sense given Kushida’s track record as well as publicly confirmed plans for 205 Live to be incorporated more with NXT to give the Cruiserweight Title more meaning, it appears that a feud with the “Ring General” will take precedence for right now.

Imperium showing up on NXT TV may be a sign that NXT UK talent will be regularly featured into the two-hour programming as well. In that case, it’s a logical decision to shine a bigger spotlight on NXT UK by having one of NXT’s most recognizable names challenge for the United Kingdom Championship.

WALTER also recently challenged Kushida to find two partners for a six man tag team match. NXT’s roster is certainly deep enough for the two-time Best of Super Juniors winner to join him but given the target Imperium has painted on their backs in NXT UK, Kushida could also find some friends from there to signal some of the newer lateral shifts that could be taking place with NXT’s new slot.

NXT has ran at two hours for only one week and has already opened up the door for a dream match that no one originally speculated would happen anytime soon but everyone instantly got excited for. Whether it’s the main event of an NXT episode or a featured match on a TakeOver card, the “Ring General” go up against the “Time Splitter” should produce some very exciting results.