Before we get started, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say I was thankful for another episode of NXT tonight. Unfortunately, we may not have wrestling in the coming weeks (understandably so) but NXT 4/1 was a solid show tonight and some good wrestling.
The show opens with Velveteen Dream as he continues to make his way through members of the Undisputed Era. Tonight Dream takes out Bobby Fish in a long back and forth match. It was great to see Fish in a singles contest for a change as he targeted Dreams’ leg for most of the match. Dream was able to play his usual mind games and hit all his spots for Dream Valley Driver win. Post match, Dream tells Cole to put down his video games (referring to a recent social media post) and open his third eye … because he is going to be worked harder than ever before.
Backstage we have an interview with Malcom Bivens and his new faction, Bivens Enterprises (Rinco and Sarif). This is a powerhouse tag combination and they have their sights set on the Broserweights.
Next up is Dexter Lumis who looks kind of like an intense G.I. Joe guy, but his music and mystical mannerisms say otherwise (Editor’s Note: TNA and NWA fans will recognize him as Samuel Shaw). I don’t really think his look matches the persona they are trying to go for. His eyes are very intense and he is in fantastic shape but I think there’s too much going on here. Plus I keep waiting for the bass to drop in his entrance music. Anyway, Lumis makes short work of the debuting Jake Atlas.
We’re shown a look back at Gargano and Ciampa destroying the PC. Next week it will be the final chapter in the feud in a marquee match “Rebel Heart vs. Blackheart” Why? Because YOU KNOW WHY!!
Speaking of Blackheart, NXT gave “The Ballsy Badass” Shotzi Blackheart another big moment this week when she put on a CLINIC in the Five Woman Second Chance #1 Contender’s Ladder Match Qualifier. Remember when Kofi had that amazing gauntlet run on Smackdown last year? Of course you do! This was certainly reminiscent of that. Shotzi shined with switchblade kicks, technical prowess, and striking combos. She really got to display her in ring prowess putting away three other competitors (Deonna Purazzo, Xia Lee, Kayden Carter) with sentons and modified chicken wing bridged submissions. Shotzi has loads of charisma and those just getting familiar with her are already howling along with her. She is the real deal. Unfortunately, Dakota Kai comes to the ring with Raquel (fka Reina) Gonsalez and is able to use a distraction pin a fatigued Blackheart. I had a feeling this would be an outcome, but I’m super pumped Shotzi stole the show tonight. Her future is incredibly bright.
Kushida also got a shot to shine on this week’s episode as he defeated Joaquin Wilde (fka DJ Z) in a very athletic bout. Lots of back and forth in this one until the time traveling Kushida got the win with his patented arm bar. Post match a frustrated Wilde is seemingly kidnapped by a dark order – esque , lucha mask wearing group. To be continued??
Our main event was a TakeOver Caliber triple threat match for the North American Title amongst Dominic Dijakovic, Damian Priest, and Champ Keith Lee. It was, on paper anyway. I much rather preferred the Dijakovic v. Keith Lee matches “1 V 1” as the kids say. This match did have its moments though. Priest was able to hit a spinning heel kick off the top onto a Doomsday Device setup that was pretty innovative. Later Priest and Dijakovic teamed up on the champ and delivered a double chokeslam. Dijakovic even almost got the win after a pretty impressive big man corkscrew type moonsault off the top. Priest was able to take out Dijakovics’ knee and Lee was able to hit the Big Bang Catastrophe to retain his North American Championship.
Solid show highlighting a variety of talent tonight. Next week should be big time with a mega women’s ladder match and the FINAL chapter of Gargano vs. Ciampa.
