Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly WWE NXT hits and misses series.
WWE officially kicked off the build to NXT No Mercy with last night’s episode. NXT’s next premium live event goes down at Ball Arena in Denver on September 1.
Here’s what went down on the August 13 episode of NXT.
Hit – Opening segment on WWE NXT
Ethan Page kicked off NXT on Tuesday. The NXT Champion said the era of All Ego is here to say. He didn’t say Joe Hendry’s name but the TNA star appeared. Hendry said he wanted a shot at the NXT Championship. Wes Lee then took out Hendry with a superkick as Page laughed his way to the backstage.
It looks like fans are finally getting a proper feud for Page post-Trick Williams. All Ego needs a popular star to challenge him for the title, but it remains to be seen if Hendry will make it to No Mercy as the number one contender.
Miss – Eddy Thorpe vs. Lexis King
Eddy Thorpe and Lexis King clashed in singles action. King picked up the win after a short match. King’s NXT run has been inconsistent so far, and Thorpe needs to get featured in lengthy matches in order to showcase his potential. Overall, this match wasn’t as beneficial as it could have been for either competitor.
Hit – New Heritage Cup Champion
Tony D’Angelo put his Heritage Cup on the line against Charlie Dempsey on WWE NXT. Both men exchanged falls until Wren Sinclair’s interference helped Dempsey with the win. Dempsey is now a two-time NXT Heritage Cup Champion.
This was a good back-and-forth match. The Don of NXT showed some mat wrestling skills, and Dempsey’s targeting of limbs was solid work as well. It appears Tony will go after the NXT North American Championship next.
Miss – Wes Lee segment on WWE NXT
Wes Lee came down to the ring and explained why he betrayed Zachary Wenrz and Trey Miguel. He promised to send the duo back to TNA. Lee also challenged Wentz to a match at NXT No Mercy. Pete Dunne interrupted before Joe Hendry attacked both men, setting up their three-way dance for WWE NXT next Tuesday.
This segment should have kicked off NXT. Lee isn’t winning next Tuesday, as he will take on his former MSK partner Wentz at No Mercy. As far as Dunne is concerned, he’ll likely run it back with Trick Williams, leaving Hendry as the likely contender for the NXT Championship.
Hit – Oba Femi vs. Otis
Oba Femi put his NXT North American Championship on the line in an open challenge, which was answered by Otis. The Alpha Academy powerhouse had some stiff exchanges against the Ruler of NXT. Otis caught Oba in the corner for a fury of strikes, but Oba reversed with a powerbomb for the win.
Oba’s title run continues at the expense of Otis. Both men had the crowd on their feet with a couple of powerful blows. Otis gave Oba Vader-like rights and lefts. Poor Akira Tozawa had to eat that slap to the chest from the champion. Is there anyone on NXT or the main roster who can stop the dominant NXT North American Champion?
Miss – Lola Vice vs. Tatum Paxley
Lola Vice took on Tatum Paxley in singles action on WWE NXT. Wendy Choo attacked Kelani Jordan, who was on commentary, during the match. Vice won the match following a back fist to Tatum Paxley.
This was a somewhat underwhelming match. Vice’s face character has yet to find its footing, and it seems they are trying to go for a Tatum Paxley face turn with the Wendy Choo angle. The situation could be leading to a fatal four-way for the Women’s North American Title at NXT No Mercy.
Hit – WWE NXT main event tag team title match
Axiom and Nathan Frazer defended their NXT Tag Team Championship against Ridge Holland and Andre Chase in the main event of WWE NXT. Holland and Chase shined as a duo. Both teams tried to take each other with plenty of offense. In the end, Holland and Chase managed to bring the tag team titles back to Chase U.
Props to Axiom and Frazer for carrying the tag team division on their backs for months. The pair also helped carry Holland and Chase to a great match. The ending came as a surprise but at least the title run didn’t end in some sort of betrayal like NXT had teased. Let’s see what’s next for Frazer and Axiom moving forward.
