Match Point is an ongoing series at Last Word on Pro Wrestling, where we look at intriguing matchups in indie wrestling and beyond. They may be dream matches, first-time matchups, or hotly anticipated rematches. This edition will focus on the upcoming number one contenders match for the NXT Championship when Wes Lee and Dijak will steal the show for a shot at Carmelo Hayes at Heatwave.
With NXT at arguably its hottest point in a long time, it is fitting that the next time Carmelo Hayes defends his title, it will be at the special edition Heatwave show. His opponent for that show is yet to be determined, but NXT standouts Wes Lee and Dijak will steal the show on the August 15th episode of NXT to sort that out and determine who the number one contender is.
In an excellent power and speed mismatch, both superstars look to continue a stellar run. The winner gets to take a shot at the recently solo Carmelo Hayes. The stakes are high, and these men have a history. That combination means it is instantly one of the hottest matches within NXT this year. Even better, both guys have shown they can deliver.
The Road to Heatwave
Dijak and Lee have been on a roll, featuring prominently on television for the last year. Dijak returned to NXT around that time and attacked then-North American Champion Wes Lee before feuding and losing to Lee. He went on to have entertaining feuds with Tony De’Angelo and Ilja Dragunov while taking in wins whenever possible.
Meanwhile, Lee was defending that title as the longest reigning NXT North American Champion, building a reputation as the brand’s workhorse until Dominick Mysterio and The Judgment Day stole the title a few weeks before this match.
In 2022 their rivalry was built to perfection. Wes Lee was an unproven champion, and Dijak was coming off what may have been the worst creative decision in WWE history. The feud was do or die for a young champion and a superstar on his second chance, and they delivered. The only thing they never got was a finale.
Running it back a year later with new stakes is a great way to finally conclude since the two never quite got to finish. Both men The in-ring action has always been phenomenal between the two of them, and their next match is unlikely to be an exception.
Lee and Hayes wrestle a similar style which can make for some exciting spots. Dijak, on the other hand, is an explosive and powerful heel for the smaller NXT champion to face, which also usually works out well. The story so far is set that either could have a strong case to be the next on the champion’s growing list of obstacles to overcome.
Tale of the Tape
Wes Lee and Dijak will steal the show because both guys can keep an exciting pace even with their differences. Dijak is one of the physically larger performers on the NXT roster, but few are as athletic as he is. In his first run on NXT, he and Keith Lee showed the WWE Universe what a big-man match could be in a modern context.
The power and explosiveness in Dijak’s arsenal mean he has no problem keeping up with faster opponents, and his size allows him to throw those smaller opponents around, to the delight or despair of the fans. However, Dijak will likely be pressed to his limits because nobody exemplifies speed and technique like Wes Lee.
Wes Lee’s been a fighting North American Champion for over a year since defeating several men, including former champion Carmelo Hayes himself. He keeps a breakneck pace in every one of his matches and doesn’t let up from bell to bell. He has a solid in-ring persona and psychology, along with Lee’s speed and penchant for high spots. Every match feels like a fight, and he sells the audience on the action in a special way.
A wrestler, particularly a more diminutive performer like Wes Lee, can do many things to dazzle audiences. Creating a compelling match from start to finish and selling the action is much more challenging to teach, though. Wes Lee has displayed it in spades over the past year. When he locks up with the larger, more explosive Dijak, it will be that talent that gets the audience invested.
Prediction: Wes Lee and Dijak Will Steal The Show, Dijak Takes The Win
Wes Lee has seemed destined to be one of Carmelo Hayes’s chief rivals. They have feuded at various points since 2021 and have recently been working more closely together. Although Trick Williams will likely have the distinction of being Hayes’ top feud, Lee is already up there.
Now with the roles reverse and Lee on the run of his career, there is no doubt that he and Hayes will feud throughout the fall. It could possibly go into WrestleMania season. It is for that exact reason that Dijak will win this match. With both guys putting on phenomenal work, Dijak has more than earned a one-off shot with Hayes. He will put on a stellar bout with the champion, who will overcome the size differential and retain.
A loss to Dijak leads to an attack on Melo. That should solidify Lee’s turn and signal the next main story. It can also move Hayes away from feuding with the main roster folks and racking up losses. The expressive nature of Lee that makes him stand out will shine through in that scenario.
Turning heel live will showcase him in the best way possible before we get to another match between the two. Likewise, attacking Hayes to get what he wants, even at the cost of losing his moral high ground, will be an instant hook and gives him that bit of sympathy and logic that makes for the best heels. Lee and Hayes is the money match, but the NXT creative team still needs to earn it.
So Wes Lee and Dijak will steal the show en route to a Dijak win in a superb match. It gives Melo a big man to beat at Heatwave. It also gives Lee his chance to kick off a feud that feels like years in the making.
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