Usually I’m not a fan of rah rah, Blue vs. Red Survivor Series build up we see every year. But with the addition of the Black and Gold brand, things have really picked up exponentially. As my fellow Pop Break writer Matthew Widdis recently stated, “Never Let a Crisis go to waste.” The unexpected travel issue resulting in an impromptu NXT invasion of Smackown on Fox has really given the WWE something fresh and exciting to work with, all the while shining the spotlight brightest on the WWE’s now official third brand.
Enough recap, because things are starting out hot and heavy for the NXT November 6 episode.
The NXT November 6 episode show opens Styles, Anderson, and Gallows beat down the Undisputed Era outside of Full Sail before taking the ring. Okay, NXT. You have my attention.
Chants of “AJ Styles” “Too Sweet” and “NXT” echo through the arena. Styles says with the Undisputed Era out of commition the OC is bringing the WAR to them and taking over NXT.
Cue “The Blackheart of NXT” Tomasso Ciampa. Fantastic Promo by Ciampa here where he welcomes the OC to the “Main Roster.” This is already absolutely Brilliant. Ciampa naturally challenges the OC with “The King of Bros” Matt Riddle and Keith Lee (aka The Limitless Bros) at his side. Styles accepts the challenge and I believe we have a main event. Sign me up. Stellar start to the show and fantastic job by the Full Sail Crowd throughout.
Rematch: Pete Dunne vs. Damien Priest
Hoping to see Dunne get the win to even the series with both men taking very few losses in recent months. Priest goes for the quick finish but Pete is far from Dunne. He targets the arms and hands of the Archer of Infamy. Dunne performs most of the early offense before Priest rallies with kicks and a flipping plancha to the outside. The superstars trade strikes until simultaneously knocking each other down. Dunn performs several impressive reversals before he is met with a crucifix bomb for the near fall. Priest goes for another low blow (his key to victory last time) but Dunn reverses again. The former UK Champ kicks Priest where the sun don’t shine and snaps the fingers to make Priest tap. The series is tied.
Post-match Killian Dain attacks Dunne. Priest tries to get in on the beatdown but Dain throws him aside and lays out Pete Dunne. Dain makes his presence felt and sends Priest into the ring steps. Triple threat?
Some time ago, our own Editor-in-chief Mr. Bill Bodkin proposed the idea of the first ever Women’s War Games Match in NXT, and I am very excited to say that it’s happening. The team of Io Shirai, Shayna Bazler, Bianca Belair, and TBD will take on Rhea Ripley, Tegan Knox, Candice Lerae, and the other TBD. I cannot wait to find out who the two remaining competitors are. NXT’s Women’s division is overflowing with talent!
Taynara vs. Santana Garrett
Very happy to see Santana Garrett make her NXT Television Debut. Taynara comes out of the gate with more holds than a customer service line. Garrett showcases several impressive reversals as she is very fluid in the ring. Taynara follows up with several strikes and arm drags as she wears her opponent down. She locks in a rings of Saturn type submission but Garrett is able to escape. Garrett gains momentum with an impressive back handspring in the corner. She attempts another impressive rebound back handspring moonsault but her opponent dodges. Taynara quickly hits a big kick and that’s all she wrote for Garrett. Super bummed to see Garrett lose this one in her NXT television debut.
Shayna Baszler Vs. Dakota Kai
Kai comes out very strong with heavy offense and a few mind games. Baszler finally takes control by flinging Kai into the ring post. The NXT women’s champion works Kai’s formerly injured knee and keeps her on the mat. Kai finally starts to recover and show that she can hold her own against the Queen of Spades. The women trade strikes which isn’t a good idea by Kai. Baszler finally catches Kai and locks in the Kirifuda Clutch for the submission victory.
Post-match the women’s division unloads for a massive brawl. Mia Yim takes out everyone with a Kendo Stick. Very safe to say she gets the remaining good guy spot.
Tony Nese vs. Angel Garza
Great athletic match by both men on NXT’s 205 Live segment. The winner of this one will go on to face Cruiserweight Champion Lio Rush. Garza has a strategically placed wardrobe malfunction to take control of the match. Lots of high flying maneuvers including one of the best 450s I’ve seen in a while by Nese. Garza finally hits the “Wing Clipper” to become the new number one contender for the cruiserweight title. Another surprising result tonight, but happy to see the fresh blood get the title shot.
Post match offers the post match handshake but is met with a slap to the face by Garza.
Well, it’s official, Mia Yim gets the tap on the shoulder from Rhea to join the team, as a disappointed Kai walks away. Well deserved opportunity by Yim.
EXCLUSIVE: How do you THINK @DakotaKai_WWE is feeling after being left off of @RheaRipley_WWE's #WarGames team??? #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/bm8mxkCURT
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) November 7, 2019
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott vs. Dijakovic
Lots of speed vs. power in this one. Dijakovic hit a powerful knee for what I was sure would be the win but Swerve hits a quick rollup for a nearfall. Dijakovic hit a massive powerbomb and Swerve still kicks out. I’m absolutely impressed by the “intestinal fortitude” of the smaller competitor. Swerve hits a double stomp on the apron followed by a massive clothesline. Dijakovic finally catches his faster opponent and hits the “Feast your Eyes” for the win. This was a surprisingly very good match!
The OC vs. Tomasso Ciampa, Matt Riddle, and Keith Lee
It’s main event time for the NXT November 6 episode and you already know it’s going to be fantastic. We don’t have to wait long to find out as the six superstars brawl around the ring. The ref finally gets order and it looks like Ciampa will square off with Styles!! Love it. Styles misses a Phenomenal Forearm on the outside on Ciampa, but connects with Riddle instead. Next the big men, Anderson and Lee try to take the other off of their respective feet. After the power game Ciampa is worn down but the frequently tagging OC.
I wish this match was a little longer because after this most of the match was signatures and finishers. Riddle finally comes in fresh after Ciampa gets the tag. Riddle takes it to Styles for a nearfall after a Bro To Sleep Combination. Lee deadlifts Luke Gallows but is DDT’d by the Phenomenal One. AJ hits a massive brainbuster on Riddle. I’m not gonna lie I am absolutely LOVING Styles and RIddle working together. The chemistry is already there.
The next spot is pretty crazy when Lee knocks an airborne Styles into the ref. This was timed perfectly. Next, Ciampa goes for the Fairytale Ending on Styles but none other Finn Balor makes his way to the ring. Styles takes advantage of the distraction. Balor hits the 1916 on Riddle. Great Moment as Styles puts up the too sweet hand gesture and Finn responds. This is a phenomenal tease of Finn joining the OC, taking us back to some of the Japanese Bullet Club stuff.
Anyway, Styles go for the Clash but Adam Cole of all people comes in for the save! Cole hits an amazing superkick on AJ WHILE he has Tomasso Ciampa upside down. Another great spot. And because NXT doesn’t just throw storylines out the window for Survivor Series, Cole hits the last shot on Ciampa for good measure.
The the NXT November 6 episode with a staredown between Cole and Balor right here. This is good booking and even better storytelling. So many ways this can go and I’m excited to see this all play out.
Note: Has anyone else noticed the lack of Johnny Gargano matches the past six months, let alone his absence during many consecutive episodes of NXT? You would think that he is the obvious choice for the fourth member of the Men’s War Games Face Team. I like to think that the heart and soul of NXT is the ace up the sleeve for the brand, but I think there is something more here. I’ve addressed this situation before, but I will now factor in that as of this writing, Gargano has been removed from the Evolve events this weekend in the New York City area. I would’ve loved to see Gargano challenge the likes of an AJ Styles for the US Title at Survivor Series, but I don’t think it’s happening. Not trying to start any speculation, just hoping everything is good with the man I like to call, “Johnny Match of the Year.”
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