Welcome to NXT Future Five on Last Word On Sports, where each week we analyze the latest episode of World Wrestling Entertainment Network’s hottest program, NXT and rank the five performers who made the biggest impact.
NXT Future Five: Week of October 14
Highlights of the Night
- Opening Video Package: The recap of NXT Takeover: Respect was an epic one that really captured the feel of the event itself. Most of the clips were shown in slow motion, giving it a more movie trailer like feel. I actually think this might have backfired in some cases as I know there are fans who must have watched it and immediately decided to go back and watch that special instead of this week’s episode. It certainly made me want to go back and watch it. When a video package gives me goosebumps, it definitely qualifies as a highlight. Whichever students from Full Sail University are working for NXT, they deserve a grade of “A” this semester.
- Bayley/Alexa Bliss Opening Segment: After having one of the most memorable matches of the year, and possibly in NXT history against Sasha Banks a week prior, it was smart to open the show with the crowd pleasing NXT Women’s Champion. She comes off as maybe a little too shy or nervous as champion, but maybe that’s what works for her character as the relatable dreamer. Everyone was set to enjoy a victory speech when she was interrupted by Alexa Bliss, along with the former NXT Tag Team Champions Blake & Murphy. Although she wasn’t fooling anybody with her phony sincerity, she did put on a good performance when she first came out, offering congratulations to Bayley before snatching her belt away and having her tag team act as muscle. It made her come off as even more of a bully, which is the opponent that seems to have worked best against Bayley when it comes to capturing the imagination of the viewing audience. By the end of the segment, I was excited to see this next chapter in Bayley’s story written.
- #1 Contender Battle Royal: Most Battle Royal matches are duds, and to be fair, this one wasn’t far off. At least when it comes to the first half of this match. Once it was whittled down to the superstars that people actually cared about, then business picked up. I was surprised to see so many tag teams in this match. I certainly don’t object to having one or two, but I was left scratching my head as to why Steve Cutler made the cut, but Solomon Crowe didn’t. Why did Danny Burch get a shot, but not Marcus Louis? Tiny gripes aside, once we got down to the nitty gritty, we were treated to some interesting twists at the end, which made it an enjoyable experience for me.
The Future Five
- The Vaudevillians: Since winning the NXT Tag Team Championships in Brooklyn, the Vaudevillians have been somewhat luck luster in their appearances with NXT. They lost in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic to a lesser known duo in Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder, and have seemingly been lost in the shuffle. This week didn’timproe that image too much when they defeated the team of Angelo Dawkins and Sawyer Fulton, but at least they picked up another win, and got some television time.
- Nia Jax: For weeks on end we have been seeing promo videos for this mysterious Nia Jax. Finally we were able to get a look at her that wasn’t a close up of her hands, lips, or eyes. So, was she worth the wait? Yes and no. While she didn’t exactly come out and attack Bayley or destroy 3 or 4 women, she did make a statement with her win over New Zealand’s latest contribution to NXT, Evie. One thing you can say honestly about Nia is that she certainly is different from the other women on the NXT roster, and I think that’s a good thing. Watching her in the ring immediately brought back flashes of Bull Nakano, or Awesome Kong, and that’s a compliment.
- Tyler Breeze: For a guy who took a beating during the entire Battle Royal and only had one elimination, you would think Prince Pretty wouldn’t even get a sniff of the top five, but here we are. By taking out the odds on favorite to win the main event, Breeze put all of the attention exactly where he likes it, on him. When the King of Cuteville yanked Samoa Joe’s leg out from underneath him, causing him to hit the floor and eliminating him from the match, he pulled off the biggest shocker of the night. This week Tyler proved once again what he is willing to do in order to be the talk of the town.
- Alexa Bliss: With Sasha Banks being defeated a second time by Bayley, many were left wondering who would step up to the plate as her next challenger. If I were a betting man, my money would have been on Dana Brooke or even Emma. It was a pleasant surprise to see Alexa step out from behind Blake & Murphy, and into the ring with the NXT Women’s Champion. Bliss can deliver the goods in the ring, and with the departure of Charlotte, Becky Lynch, and the aforementioned Banks, the divas left in NXT have got some big shoes to fill. Some have got a way to go, and some, like Alexa Bliss, are ready for those spots now. Her heel work this week was on point and got me excited for her upcoming battles with Bayley.
- Apollo Crews: Although I feel like Alexa Bliss stood out more for me this week, it’s kind of hard not to give the top spot to Crews, who outlasted over 20 other men to become the #1 contender to the NXT Championship. His rise to the top has been so lightning fast that only Kevin Owens and his rocket fueled push is comparable. Crews has been nothing but impressive since debuting in NXT and there is no doubt in my mind that he will hold his own against NXT Champion Finn Balor one they finally do meet one on one. The only question is if he will continue to be all smiles when push comes to shove and he is in the fight of his life against the Irish Demon.
Final Thoughts
This show felt like somebody decided to hit the reset button on NXT, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. With performers like Owens, Charlotte, Becky Lynch, and Sasha Banks getting called up, and talent like Sami Zayn and Hideo Itami still on the shelf, new talent needs to be brought to the forefront. That was done in a simple, somewhat lazy way this week, but not in such a way that I was bored or unentertained. I’m felt feeling intrigued by what will happen next and to see what these fresh faces do with their new opportunity.
