Regardless of my thoughts concerning what’s going on behind the curtain in WWE, NXT’s The Great American Bash Night 2 did bring about an evening of solid matches. While obviously going head to head with AEW’s Fyter Fest, the black and yellow brand did indeed come out the gate sprinting.
Candice LeRae made her way to the ring sans pixie wings, but she is rocking a FIRE new tee that sports the logo, “Le-SLAY.”
Before she can make her way to the ring Mia Yim attacks pre-match. The action is already fast and furious. Garbage cans, tables and chairs (oh my) come into play early and often. We knew this would be a good one and I’m just glad they these ladies are getting this spotlight. I’ve always felt that Candice has been criminally underutilized in NXT, so I’m hoping this heel turn is the start of something major for her. There were a lot of great spots in this match but the drama reached an all time high when both women were on top of a wobbly table on the top turnbuckle.
You weren’t sure if the table was gonna stay up there but The Posion Pixie was able to hit a picture perfect swinging neck-breaker off the top on the HBIC into a pile of chairs. OUCH. That sealed the deal for Lerae. I really enjoyed this match. I only wish it could’ve gone on a bit longer!!
Next up, the man with the most wrestling name ever, Bronson Reed dominates early in his matchup with former Cruiserweight Champion, Tony Nese.
Nese is able to turn the tide while trapping Reed in the ring apron. The burst of momentum doesn’t last as Reed is just too powerful. This is your classic strength vs. speed match. As expected Reed makes quick work of Nese and continues to ride his recent wave of momentum. I’m excited to see more.
Post-match we’re treated to a funny segment involving Robert Stone trying to recruit the “Ballsy Badass” Shotzi Blackheart. (Who is apparently working on fixing up her tank) She runs over Stone’s leg with a tank after a Killian Dain sighting.
I’ll spare everyone my rant on why Johnny Gargano being heel makes absolutely no sense and just say I’m happy to see this matchup between the former heart and soul of NXT and Isiah “Swerve” Scott. (I can’t deny that the turn does make for some great matchups).
Lots of mat wrestling and technique early. The pace picked up quickly with a lot of fun reversals. I have to say Swerve has some of the best matrix esque reversals you’ll ever ee. Swerve really impressed early until Johnny hit a picture perfect slingshot spear to slow his opponent’s momentum. Swerve rallies and hits a “House Call” kick for the near victory. I’ll tell you what. Gargano may be favorite wrestler currently but Swerve has some pretty unique offense. I’m a fan. I really enjoyed this match but after a ringpost shot, reverse-rana on the outside, and a One Final Beat DDT, that’s all she wrote for Swerve. Good showing by both competitors. More of this please.
Up next, Breezango and Drave Maverick had a great 6-man tag match with the new faction, Legado de Fantasma – Santos Escobar (Hijo del Fantasma), Raul Mendoza, and Joaquin “DJ Z” Wilde.
Fandango impressed with an awesome springboard flip to the outside but I definitely believe that he tweaked something in his leg. Heck of a fight by our face team, but not enough to stop the new faction after a Fantasma driver on Maverick.
Great to see Mercedes Martinez back in an NXT ring against Santana Garrett. As expected Garrett does the job here for the much more experienced Martinez. I really liked the clash in styles here as both ladies really impressed.
Just something I notice as the matches roll along here. For all the right reasons, you can completely tell that the commentary is being done from not one, but multiple remote locations. (Again, for all the right reasons) That being said, there were points in the night where I could really tell that the chemistry was just a little bit off. And that’s not a knock at all, as the NXT commentary team is always top notch. Mauro is a national treasure.
Just something I noticed.
It’s main event time in a (possibly spoiled?) Champion vs. Champion match in Keith Lee vs. Adam Cole. (BAY BAY!!)
As expected, the Limitless one overpowers the NXT Champion early. The tide turns after a missed pounce by Lee through the plexi-glass barrier.
Cole capitalizes with several kicks and ring apron spots. Cole also hit a pretty epic corner backstabber off the top turnbuckle onto the North American Champ. Not to be outdone, Lee hits a MONSTER superplex out of the opposite corner.
BONUS POINTS for Mauro mentioning my all time fave basketball player Vince Carter and passing his moniker of “Half Man, Half Amazing” onto Keith Lee. I digress. Lee hits a Spirit Bomb, but Cole get a finger on the rope! Lee hits an amazing moonsault after a pounce but it’s still not enough to seal the deal. Cole is finally able to hit a last shot but Lee kicks out. Somehow Cole hits a perfect Panama Sunrise on Lee, but the Limitless one still kicks out! Cole hit another Last shot and attempts a Panama Sunrise with no cover in between. Lee catches Cole and hit the big bang Catastrophe to become the first EVER man in NXT to hold two singles titles. YOUR NEW NXT CHAMPION, KEITH LEE!!
With memorable bouts with the likes of Roman Reigns, and Brock Lesnar, this was the right move. Great way to end the night. Congrats to Kieth Lee.
Standing Ovation from the couch right here. As always Mauro encompsalates the moment perfectly, “NXT has just become N – X – LEE!!” Hell of a call, and hell of a match!!
Was this a PPV caliber show by any means? No, not at all. However, I will say the Street Fight, Gargano/Swerve, and the title for title match were PPV worthy. NXT has been a very weird spot lately, but we may be beginning to see a major much needed course correction. The ending of the show was perfect and a much needed wrestling “MOMENT” that provided just a little bit of respite that we all need these days.
