WWE NXT returns to USA Network with what appears to be a stacked card. In recent weeks, the black and yellow brand has promoted events with just two matches. This week, there appears to be much more and it looks like a fun night of wrestling is in store. Though the empty arena drains energy from these shows, there is no denying the quality of matches on display. Without further ado, let’s dive right into NXT.
Jack Gallagher vs El Hijo Del Fantasma
The tournament to crown an interim NXT Cruiserweight Champion kicked off last week. Current Champion, Jordan Devlin, is stranded in the United Kingdom as a result of the lockdown. Therefore, an interim champion is necessary to see the title defended during his absence. Last week’s opener saw cruiserweight division ever-present, Akira Tozawa, ascend to the next round. This week’s bout should prove to be interesting. Jack Gallagher has adopted a meaner, nastier approach in the ring. Looking more like MMA fighter Conor McGregor than the umbrella wiedling gentleman, Gallagher has new-found focus. Meanwhile, his opponent is the debuting El Hijo Del Fantasma. An excellent luchador down in Mexico, and with Lucha Underground as King Cuerno, Fantasma is no slouch in the ring. Despite his new look, Fantasma must get a debut victory here.
KUSHIDA vs Tony Nese
The next match in the cruiserweight tournament sees KUSHIDA facing Tony Nese. Both men are exceptionally talented in the ring and this could very well prove to be match of the night. Nese is fresh off two wins over Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan on 205 Live. Meanwhile, former six-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and NJPW veteran, KUSHIDA, is on a five match winning-run. There have been shouts that KUSHIDA has not quite been booked like the star he is in NXT. However, this could all change in this tournament. A bonified favorite to win the whole thing, expect him to grab a win here.
Drake Maverick vs Jake Atlas
A week ago, Drake Maverick‘s WWE dream came to a crushing end. A part of the list of releases on “Black Wednesday”, Maverick – along with the likes of Rusev and Zack Ryder – was let go. Therefore, Maverick will see this tournament as one last opportunity to prove his worth to the WWE brass. In Jake Atlas, he has an opponent on a two match losing streak. Atlas’ most recent defeat came at the hands of Dexter Lumis, on April 1. However, there is no denying the talent of the young smiler. This is going to be an emotional match – expect Atlas’ smile to be erased, one way or another.
Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez vs Tegan Nox & Shotzi Blackheart
Last week, Shotzi Blackheart came to the aid of Tegan Nox after her victory over Raquel Gonzalez. This week, Blackheart and “The Girl with the Shiniest Wizard” face off against Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez in tag team action. Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox have been embroiled in this heated feud for months now. Since November, the former friends have been involved in high-level matches – including an excellent street fight at NXT TakeOver: Portland back in February. Whilst this is yet another chapter in their distinguished feud, Blackheart and Gonzalez must not be ignored. Blackheart has established herself as a star on NXT in recent months. Gonzalez is only going to get better with time – especially working with these three women. This should be another fun match in this chapter of the Nox versus Kai story.
Finn Balor vs Velveteen Dream
Last week, The Velveteen Dream referred to Adam Cole as the greatest NXT Champion in history. This, of course, offended Finn Balor. The Prince held the title for 292 days and his run as champion is often cited as a sort of NXT “Golden Age”. That era of NXT featured the likes of Neville (now PAC), Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Sasha Banks, Bayley and so on. Dream’s era of NXT is certainly close to that level, featuring the likes of himself, Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Matt Riddle, Rhea Ripley and Io Shirai, to name a few. Therefore, Dream’s words have perhaps unintentionally created an inter-generation war. With Charlotte – another from Balor’s era – reigning supreme as NXT Women’s Champion once more, perhaps The Prince sees this as an opportunity to cement his own claim to his former throne. This should be an excellent main event to cap off a must-see NXT show. Make sure not to miss it!
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. WWE fan? You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE and NXT content on the WWE Network.
