Just in case my last article didn’t make it clear, I am really excited about the live special NXT ArRIVAL, airing Thursday night, February 27th on WWE Network. How excited? Well, after writing an entire article about the history altering ramifications of this show, I realized that I could still pontificate about why people should take notice of this show. I have decided to do just that. Be warned, this is going to sound like a commercial but rest assured, I have not been compensated for this article. This is a work of passion. I really want to see this show be a success, and I honestly believe if people give it a try they’ll like it. Not convinced? Then here’s five reasons you should watch NXT ArRIVAL.
5 Reasons You Should Watch NXT ArRIVAL
Superstars and Legends. Maybe you have no idea who Sami Zayn is, and perhaps you would stare blankly at me if I started talking about Bo Dallas, and as such, your interest in this show is waning. Well, before you decide to skip this one, you should know that plenty of WWE Superstars, Legends and Hall of Famers will not only be at the show but part of it.
Looking for a little “attitude” from NXT ArRIVAL? They’ve got you covered. Three members of DX will be in the house as Shawn Michaels and The New Age Outlaws have been confirmed for appearances. Not enough? Much like their WWE counterparts, NXT will have it’s very own expert’s panel for the pre-show consisting of WWE Legend Kevin Nash, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart and the Mad Scientist of Extreme Paul Heyman. That’s a combination of wit, experience, and creativity that could be a show all on it’s own!
However, maybe you’re not interested in the past or the future. You want the stars of today. Well, they don’t get any bigger than John Cena, who is scheduled for the event as well as current WWE commentator (and NXT General Manager) John Bradshaw Layfield. If you’d rather be guaranteed to see some of today’s best in action, let’s move onto the next reason you should watch.
Sami Zayn vs Cesaro. Last year Sami Zayn and Cesaro had what many considered a match of the year candidate and what some even considered the match of the year. Watch it yourself and you can see why. WWE was smart enough to know that a rematch of the most buzz-worthy battle in NXT history was a no brainer for their first foray into pay per view territory. That alone is enough reason to see this contest, but there is much more to the story. WWE has done a great job of using simple storytelling to build anticipation for this contest using both print and video (head to the 24:30 mark, the sit down interview between these two tells you all you need to know and is as compelling a sit down interview as the one between The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin heading into Wrestlemania X7). If you’ve dove into those items and still haven’t been sold on this epic encounter, then let’s dig a little deeper below the surface. Cesaro and Zayne have crossed paths before in various independent promotions around the country and have always given match of the night performances. Their history is storied, their rivalry is intense and this match is well worth the price of admission.
The NXT Divas. If you are a fan of women’s professional wrestling, there are lots of promotions you can seek out that will give you your fill. For many, the last place you would look for high quality in-ring women’s action would be a WWE ring. But before you write them off completely, let the ladies of NXT show you what they can do and I promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised. You might even walk away with hope for the WWE Divas division. Although only one women’s match has been announced for the show, it’s guaranteed to showcase the best the division has to offer as Paige, one of the best overall prospects in NXT (including the men), defends her NXT Women’s Championship in a rematch of the tournament finals that saw her capture the gold when she faces WWE newest Diva, Emma. Although these two would be a great representation of the division as a whole, I have a feeling you’ll get the chance to see many of the larger than life personalities that make up the NXT Divas.
Adrian Neville in a Ladder Match. Watch this video. Now add a ladder. That’s what you can expect from the main event of NXT ArRival as Adrian Neville competes against current NXT Champion Bo Dallas in a ladder match with the title on the line.If you didn’t watch the video, all you have to know is that Neville’s nickname is “The Man That Gravity Forgot” and you can fill in the blanks. If you’ve never seen Adrian Neville before, order this show and prepare to see high flying of the highest caliber. Despite all my gushing over Adrian, this is a two man match. And while Adrian Neville’s high flying skills have the potential to steal the show, his opponent is one of the brightest shining stars in NXT. Bo Dallas isn’t exactly well liked among internet wrestling fans, but in my opinion he’s a great example of the classic obnoxious heel champion. He has all the tools to become a WWE Superstar including a pro wrestling lineage, charisma and in-ring prowess. Sure he’s annoying, but that’s what will make it all the more satisfying if and when he’s banged up in new and creative ways come Thursday.
History will be made. In case you missed it, my latest article goes into much greater detail about the importance of NXT ArRIVAL to NXT, WWE, and it’s fans, but regardless of how NXT ArRIVAL is remembered, it IS sailing into uncharted waters and making history. For the first time ever, NXT will be showcased for a live network audience and for the first time ever, a ladder match will be featured on an NXT broadcast. Those are three reasons that this event has already written itself into the history books, who knows what else will happen? Many of these men and women won’t be performing at Wrestlemania XXX. This Thursday is their night. ArRIVAL is their Wrestlemania. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for everyone in NXT, it would be foolish of them to let it pass them by.
There are other reasons to watch the show, but for my money, those are the five most compelling. That being said, if everything I’ve written here today hasn’t yet swayed you, then I have one more reason for you to watch on Thursday. Consider it a bonus reason. The men and women of NXT work extremely hard, and they’re just looking for the chance to wow you, to entertain you, to make you a fan. All that they (and I) am asking is that you give them that chance. Just try watching. I’m confident that all the hours they have put in at the gym, in front of the camera, and in the ring will pay off. The stars of NXT have arrived. All you have to do is open the door.
I always welcome feedback, so feel free to give some, and use #LWOS and #NXTarrival when you do.
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