Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
I just can't go on any longer reviewing a Raw where Drew McIntyre isn't Universal Champion. It's not fair to you all to make you deal with that depressing reality.
Change is inevitable, and we can only hope to adjust with time. Last week's Monday Night Raw Results and Review will be the last I ever write. Those looking for that content will find it biweekly on Bleacher Report alongside similar content on SmackDown Live.
To adjust to the new schedule, I want to take a different approach and still get my thoughts out on the WWE program each week. Therefore, I present a work in progress: WWE Week in Review, a general look over the major events and matches on Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and other WWE programming.
This new system will allow me to avoid reporting on the extraneous elements of WWE programming and branch out to all the different shows. I can talk more often about SmackDown and NXT, even focus on special tournaments.
To adjust to the new schedule, I want to take a different approach and still get my thoughts out on the WWE program each week. Therefore, I present a work in progress: WWE Week in Review, a general look over the major events and matches on Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and other WWE programming.
This new system will allow me to avoid reporting on the extraneous elements of WWE programming and branch out to all the different shows. I can talk more often about SmackDown and NXT, even focus on special tournaments.
This week, I will address the July 2 edition of Raw featuring Braun Strowman sending Kevin Owens off a stage in a port-o-potty, the July 3 edition of SmackDown that included Team Hell No's first night back together, the July 4 edition of NXT including Johnny Gargano vs. EC3, and last week's UK Championship Tournament.
Strowman doesn't always try to kill his opponents, but, when he does, he does not do it halfway.
Monday Night Raw
The Infamous Portable Toilet Incident
Overview: Kevin Owens spent the whole night trying to duck Braun Strowman until he was forced to face him in the main event. KO took a count-out loss to try and get away. However, he forgot his keys, ended up getting trapped in a port-o-potty, and was dragged back to the stage where he was sent crashing to the floor.
Analysis: I don't entirely understand why Strowman hates Owens this much, but it's WWE. Faces often bully heels because it's funny. To be fair, this was a really well done segment with Owens begging and pleading with Strowman just to let him go. It even came off like KO got legitimately hurt.
That said, I'm not sure this angle can be sustainable without killing Owens' meager credibility. He's coming off as a joke right now which works for a time, but he has to be able to get some wins out of this to survive. Right now, he's been in memorable moments that make him out to be small time.
Roman Reigns' Two Incomplete Tag Team Matches
Overview: Roman Reigns opened the show to insult Bobby Lashley before Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler interrupted to attack him. Seth Rollins made the save to set up a match between the teams that Reigns and Rollins won by disqualification when The Revival attacked.
On the same night, Reigns and Lashley fought Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder again with an injured Big Dog refusing to tag in his partner. The Revival decided to assault Reigns as Lashley walked out, causing them to get DQed. This led to the announcement of Reigns vs. Lashley at Extreme Rules.
Analysis: I still like Reigns, most days, but his booking is such a bore now. It's as if WWE wants to make fans hate him. He was wildly overused here for no reason, leading to all of his segments feeling like a waste. Neither tag team match mattered because of their finishes.
The McIntyre-Ziggler match was the best of the show. It was the kind of bout you give 5 more minutes on PPV, and it steals the show. The Revival match at least made the heels look great. If nothing else, Dawson and Wilder are starting to come off as dangerous technicians again.
Overview: Kevin Owens spent the whole night trying to duck Braun Strowman until he was forced to face him in the main event. KO took a count-out loss to try and get away. However, he forgot his keys, ended up getting trapped in a port-o-potty, and was dragged back to the stage where he was sent crashing to the floor.
Analysis: I don't entirely understand why Strowman hates Owens this much, but it's WWE. Faces often bully heels because it's funny. To be fair, this was a really well done segment with Owens begging and pleading with Strowman just to let him go. It even came off like KO got legitimately hurt.
That said, I'm not sure this angle can be sustainable without killing Owens' meager credibility. He's coming off as a joke right now which works for a time, but he has to be able to get some wins out of this to survive. Right now, he's been in memorable moments that make him out to be small time.
Roman Reigns' Two Incomplete Tag Team Matches
Overview: Roman Reigns opened the show to insult Bobby Lashley before Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler interrupted to attack him. Seth Rollins made the save to set up a match between the teams that Reigns and Rollins won by disqualification when The Revival attacked.
On the same night, Reigns and Lashley fought Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder again with an injured Big Dog refusing to tag in his partner. The Revival decided to assault Reigns as Lashley walked out, causing them to get DQed. This led to the announcement of Reigns vs. Lashley at Extreme Rules.
Analysis: I still like Reigns, most days, but his booking is such a bore now. It's as if WWE wants to make fans hate him. He was wildly overused here for no reason, leading to all of his segments feeling like a waste. Neither tag team match mattered because of their finishes.
The McIntyre-Ziggler match was the best of the show. It was the kind of bout you give 5 more minutes on PPV, and it steals the show. The Revival match at least made the heels look great. If nothing else, Dawson and Wilder are starting to come off as dangerous technicians again.
Constable Corbin and Mojo Rawley's Character Evolution
Overview: Baron Corbin called out Finn Balor to offer him the chance to apologize for last week with Balor attacking him and running him off. No Way Jose again called out Mojo Rawley who refused to fight him, and the two got into a fight that Jose won this time.
Analysis: I mainly wanted to focus on these two segments because they showcase two underused stars finally coming into their own in the right role. The Constable clearly has put all his pride into his role even though his bullying and bad temper show him to be ill-fit for the task. It's subtle storytelling Corbin is pulling off well.
Mojo may be the best lower card star on the roster. His mic skills outshine many of the best right now, and he's not too bad in the ring. He just needs the right adversaries. He's fully embracing his confidence and aggression, and it may finally showcase why he's great.
The Long-Awaited Dr. Shelby Return
Overview: Bayley and Sasha went to mandatory counseling where they met the infamous Dr. Shelby who tried to help them see each other's point of view. Audiences were left on a cliffhanger as the doctor lost his temper with the two bickering.
Analysis: This whole angle has been oddly developed with no clear direction, but I kind of loved the return of Team Hell No's famous doctor to help another duo settle their differences. It gives the two a legitimate reason to begin working together again as WWE desperately delays either turning.
Conclusion
I enjoyed Raw. It was sloppy and didn't have a lot of great wrestling. However, it used it run time for some great character moments. The show felt like it had a new writer at the helm who wanted to bring out the personalities of the stars on screen. It was just a fun ride.
Overview: Baron Corbin called out Finn Balor to offer him the chance to apologize for last week with Balor attacking him and running him off. No Way Jose again called out Mojo Rawley who refused to fight him, and the two got into a fight that Jose won this time.
Analysis: I mainly wanted to focus on these two segments because they showcase two underused stars finally coming into their own in the right role. The Constable clearly has put all his pride into his role even though his bullying and bad temper show him to be ill-fit for the task. It's subtle storytelling Corbin is pulling off well.
Mojo may be the best lower card star on the roster. His mic skills outshine many of the best right now, and he's not too bad in the ring. He just needs the right adversaries. He's fully embracing his confidence and aggression, and it may finally showcase why he's great.
The Long-Awaited Dr. Shelby Return
Overview: Bayley and Sasha went to mandatory counseling where they met the infamous Dr. Shelby who tried to help them see each other's point of view. Audiences were left on a cliffhanger as the doctor lost his temper with the two bickering.
Analysis: This whole angle has been oddly developed with no clear direction, but I kind of loved the return of Team Hell No's famous doctor to help another duo settle their differences. It gives the two a legitimate reason to begin working together again as WWE desperately delays either turning.
Conclusion
I enjoyed Raw. It was sloppy and didn't have a lot of great wrestling. However, it used it run time for some great character moments. The show felt like it had a new writer at the helm who wanted to bring out the personalities of the stars on screen. It was just a fun ride.
What an exciting match for Extreme Rules: three exciting and driven wrestlers plus Kane.
SmackDown Live
It's Like Team Hell No Never Broke Up
Overview: The Usos interrupted the first Team Hell No interview in five years, asking why they were getting a title shot. Paige made a match between the teams where Jimmy and Jey Uso would be added to the Extreme Rule tag match if they won. However, a chokeslam from Kane gave Team Hell No the win.
Analysis: Daniel Bryan has not missed a step in his time off. While that was more or less clear in the ring, it's his mic skills or more directly his comedic chops that were on display this week. The backstage segment alone with Bryan and Kane was worth watching this show.
He even managed to carry a still disinterested Kane to a solid main-event performance against the energized Usos. It was a bit disappointing to see Jimmy and Jey treated like lesser talent to an uncoordinated team, but the focus right now is making Kane and Bryan look unstoppable.
The Miz Cannot Be Held Down
Overview: The best match for SmackDown this week was Jeff Hardy's Independence Day US Championship Open Challenge which The Miz answered. After a grueling fight, the referee stopped the count on a roll up by Miz due to having his feet on the ropes, and Jeff caught Miz with a Twist of Fate and Swanton Bomb for the win.
Analysis: Honestly, I'm not all that excited watching Hardy work these days. Sure, he's more exciting than his brother, but he's slowed down to the point where he's often just relying on the strong execution of his classic offense.
Miz though can bring the best out of everyone. He's just completely unstoppable. Each week, he puts on a show both on the mic and in the ring, and this was no different. He made this feel like the main event because he was so transfixed on winning at all costs.
Sanity's Main Roster Transition Has Been Shockingly Smooth
Overview: The New Day held a special pancake-eating celebration this week only for Sanity to ruin the fun. They attacked New Day and sent Xavier Woods through a table.
Analysis: I always thought Sanity was a more interesting idea than the group's execution in NXT showcased. This trio of destroyers should have been wrestling less and causing more mayhem.
It looks like that is exactly what is happening in their main roster run, and it is leading to great segment after great segment for the trio even without their ace Nikki Cross.
Becky Lynch is Actually Coming Off as a Challenger Now
Overview: With fourth straight singles win, Becky Lynch managed to make Peyton Royce tap out to the Dis-arm-her, building the most momentum she has had in years.
Analysis: Outside of her loss as Money in the Bank, Lynch has looked unstoppable over the past month, and it's telling just how much it is raising her image. The underdog actually picking up victories is a rare sight, but it is completely welcome. Hopefully, this is leading to Carmella vs. Lynch at SummerSlam.
Conclusion
SmackDown was packed to the brim with good wrestling and storytelling. It was a great show that made so many stars look better even if it was clear that this SmackDown needed to be longer. Multiple segments were rushed through especially Lynch vs. Royce which was a potential strong match wasted.
Overview: The Usos interrupted the first Team Hell No interview in five years, asking why they were getting a title shot. Paige made a match between the teams where Jimmy and Jey Uso would be added to the Extreme Rule tag match if they won. However, a chokeslam from Kane gave Team Hell No the win.
Analysis: Daniel Bryan has not missed a step in his time off. While that was more or less clear in the ring, it's his mic skills or more directly his comedic chops that were on display this week. The backstage segment alone with Bryan and Kane was worth watching this show.
He even managed to carry a still disinterested Kane to a solid main-event performance against the energized Usos. It was a bit disappointing to see Jimmy and Jey treated like lesser talent to an uncoordinated team, but the focus right now is making Kane and Bryan look unstoppable.
The Miz Cannot Be Held Down
Overview: The best match for SmackDown this week was Jeff Hardy's Independence Day US Championship Open Challenge which The Miz answered. After a grueling fight, the referee stopped the count on a roll up by Miz due to having his feet on the ropes, and Jeff caught Miz with a Twist of Fate and Swanton Bomb for the win.
Analysis: Honestly, I'm not all that excited watching Hardy work these days. Sure, he's more exciting than his brother, but he's slowed down to the point where he's often just relying on the strong execution of his classic offense.
Miz though can bring the best out of everyone. He's just completely unstoppable. Each week, he puts on a show both on the mic and in the ring, and this was no different. He made this feel like the main event because he was so transfixed on winning at all costs.
Sanity's Main Roster Transition Has Been Shockingly Smooth
Overview: The New Day held a special pancake-eating celebration this week only for Sanity to ruin the fun. They attacked New Day and sent Xavier Woods through a table.
Analysis: I always thought Sanity was a more interesting idea than the group's execution in NXT showcased. This trio of destroyers should have been wrestling less and causing more mayhem.
It looks like that is exactly what is happening in their main roster run, and it is leading to great segment after great segment for the trio even without their ace Nikki Cross.
Becky Lynch is Actually Coming Off as a Challenger Now
Overview: With fourth straight singles win, Becky Lynch managed to make Peyton Royce tap out to the Dis-arm-her, building the most momentum she has had in years.
Analysis: Outside of her loss as Money in the Bank, Lynch has looked unstoppable over the past month, and it's telling just how much it is raising her image. The underdog actually picking up victories is a rare sight, but it is completely welcome. Hopefully, this is leading to Carmella vs. Lynch at SummerSlam.
Conclusion
SmackDown was packed to the brim with good wrestling and storytelling. It was a great show that made so many stars look better even if it was clear that this SmackDown needed to be longer. Multiple segments were rushed through especially Lynch vs. Royce which was a potential strong match wasted.
The two winners of the UK Championship Tournament... Wait, Dunne didn't win the tournament??
UK Championship Tournament
Zack Gibson's Arrival
Overview: The first night of the UK Championship tournament was all about Zack Gibson who went through the three most interesting stars in the bracket to take the crown. He went on to fight Pete Dunne in the best match of the two days only to come up short but still prove his worth.
Analysis: I didn't expect a lot from this tournament, but I was blown away by Liverpool's Number 1. He's a fantastic mat wrestler and pure heel who can get anyone to hate him. His match with Jack Gallagher was the best match of the tournament right until the final against Travis Banks.
It's honestly a shame WWE didn't pull the trigger on him here. Dunne is being built as an unbeatable beast, and I don't know that I can see anyone taking him down. He's certainly still the cream of the crop, but it would have been interesting to show Gibson was just a little better for now.
Remember the Names of Travis Banks and Flash Morgan Webster
Overview: The road to glory for Gibson went through three men who each stood out in a big way. It was hard for anyone else to make an impact on the winner's night, but Travis Banks and Flash Morgan Webster gave their all to prove they deserve recognition.
Analysis: Other than Gallagher who was already a star, the two guys who stood out without winning this tournament were Banks and Webster. Both came off as driven and resilient babyfaces that the fans could easily get behind. Banks especially showed off an impressive moveset.
If the cruiserweight division has proven anything, it's that different stars will emerge on weekly television than in just one night, but you'd assume this new NXT UK division will revolve around Gibson, Banks, and Webster outside of the original UK guys.
Moustache Mountain Finally Stand Out
Overview: Opening the second night of the tournament, Tyler Bate and Trent Seven brought a strong fight to Roderick Strong and Kyle O'Reilly. With home country support behind them, Moustache Mountain used this opportunity to the fullest
Analysis: Injuries and booking have left Bate on the outside looking in for the past few months, and it's been disappointing. He's so good at all the subtle aspects of wrestling and is impressively strong and fast. Seven is also a solid performer, and the team of Moustache Mountain was a missing element in NXT.
Here they finally got recognition. Bate impressed. Seven impressed. They looked great against The Undisputed Era who had some phenomenal transitions in this battle. While this comes off as a bit of a one-off title reign that could end quickly, I am happy it happened when it did.
Sign Toni Storm to the Main Roster Now
Overview: After winning a triple threat on the first night against Killer Kelly and Isla Dawn, Toni Storm got a shot at the NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler. While Baszler showed off her dominant aspects here, she was unable to keep Storm down until the champion got frustrated and resorted to choking out Storm to set up a count out win.
Analysis: Not many women can lay claim to the title of best female wrestler in the world quite as conclusively as Storm. She gets the game in a way few others do regardless of gender. It looks like she will be involved in the women's division of the NXT UK division, but she should be on the main roster.
She and Baszler meshed extremely well together, and it would be a shame if they didn't get a rematch down the line. If she is stuck on the UK brand, she won't have anyone near her level to work with at least for a while. Even if it allows her to be the star, everyone needs rivals.
The NXT UK Division May Stretch WWE Too Thin
Overview: Triple H announced that NXT was expanding its brand to the United Kingdom with a complete brand all its own. Not only would the brand have a heavyweight division but would also have a women's and tag team division. Johnny Saint also was named the general manager of the brand.
Analysis: I am all for WWE using all this extra talent they are accumulating lately, but I don't know that this company can make people excited about this division. How are they going to get enough women and tag teams to have completely separate divisions?
Killer Kelly, Isla Dawn, and Charlie Morgan did not come off as interesting talent to build a division around, and the tag teams are just Moustache Mountain and the Coffey brothers. Right now, the heavyweight division is overflowing with talent even potentially snatching Noam Dar and Jack Gallagher from 205, but the rest is stretching it.
Conclusion
This was easily the best wrestling of the past week (and a few days). It had the same old-school vibe that Triple H has relied on to make 205 Live and NXT standout. Almost every match was exciting, mainly held down by some rushed contests. It was almost a two-night TakeOver with fresh faces.
It was never going to quite match up to the original due to a lack of hype and a smaller collection of elite talent, but that's why NXT was included in the end, adding some more big names and bringing some variety to this year's event. I am looking forward to what comes next.
If nothing else, it should mean more Dunne, Bate, and Mark Andrews (please) alongside the new stars like Banks and Webster to round out the men's division, a division that should have been used more often over the past year. If it also gives us more Storm as well, it may just become must-watch TV.
Overview: The first night of the UK Championship tournament was all about Zack Gibson who went through the three most interesting stars in the bracket to take the crown. He went on to fight Pete Dunne in the best match of the two days only to come up short but still prove his worth.
Analysis: I didn't expect a lot from this tournament, but I was blown away by Liverpool's Number 1. He's a fantastic mat wrestler and pure heel who can get anyone to hate him. His match with Jack Gallagher was the best match of the tournament right until the final against Travis Banks.
It's honestly a shame WWE didn't pull the trigger on him here. Dunne is being built as an unbeatable beast, and I don't know that I can see anyone taking him down. He's certainly still the cream of the crop, but it would have been interesting to show Gibson was just a little better for now.
Remember the Names of Travis Banks and Flash Morgan Webster
Overview: The road to glory for Gibson went through three men who each stood out in a big way. It was hard for anyone else to make an impact on the winner's night, but Travis Banks and Flash Morgan Webster gave their all to prove they deserve recognition.
Analysis: Other than Gallagher who was already a star, the two guys who stood out without winning this tournament were Banks and Webster. Both came off as driven and resilient babyfaces that the fans could easily get behind. Banks especially showed off an impressive moveset.
If the cruiserweight division has proven anything, it's that different stars will emerge on weekly television than in just one night, but you'd assume this new NXT UK division will revolve around Gibson, Banks, and Webster outside of the original UK guys.
Moustache Mountain Finally Stand Out
Overview: Opening the second night of the tournament, Tyler Bate and Trent Seven brought a strong fight to Roderick Strong and Kyle O'Reilly. With home country support behind them, Moustache Mountain used this opportunity to the fullest
Analysis: Injuries and booking have left Bate on the outside looking in for the past few months, and it's been disappointing. He's so good at all the subtle aspects of wrestling and is impressively strong and fast. Seven is also a solid performer, and the team of Moustache Mountain was a missing element in NXT.
Here they finally got recognition. Bate impressed. Seven impressed. They looked great against The Undisputed Era who had some phenomenal transitions in this battle. While this comes off as a bit of a one-off title reign that could end quickly, I am happy it happened when it did.
Sign Toni Storm to the Main Roster Now
Overview: After winning a triple threat on the first night against Killer Kelly and Isla Dawn, Toni Storm got a shot at the NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler. While Baszler showed off her dominant aspects here, she was unable to keep Storm down until the champion got frustrated and resorted to choking out Storm to set up a count out win.
Analysis: Not many women can lay claim to the title of best female wrestler in the world quite as conclusively as Storm. She gets the game in a way few others do regardless of gender. It looks like she will be involved in the women's division of the NXT UK division, but she should be on the main roster.
She and Baszler meshed extremely well together, and it would be a shame if they didn't get a rematch down the line. If she is stuck on the UK brand, she won't have anyone near her level to work with at least for a while. Even if it allows her to be the star, everyone needs rivals.
The NXT UK Division May Stretch WWE Too Thin
Overview: Triple H announced that NXT was expanding its brand to the United Kingdom with a complete brand all its own. Not only would the brand have a heavyweight division but would also have a women's and tag team division. Johnny Saint also was named the general manager of the brand.
Analysis: I am all for WWE using all this extra talent they are accumulating lately, but I don't know that this company can make people excited about this division. How are they going to get enough women and tag teams to have completely separate divisions?
Killer Kelly, Isla Dawn, and Charlie Morgan did not come off as interesting talent to build a division around, and the tag teams are just Moustache Mountain and the Coffey brothers. Right now, the heavyweight division is overflowing with talent even potentially snatching Noam Dar and Jack Gallagher from 205, but the rest is stretching it.
Conclusion
This was easily the best wrestling of the past week (and a few days). It had the same old-school vibe that Triple H has relied on to make 205 Live and NXT standout. Almost every match was exciting, mainly held down by some rushed contests. It was almost a two-night TakeOver with fresh faces.
It was never going to quite match up to the original due to a lack of hype and a smaller collection of elite talent, but that's why NXT was included in the end, adding some more big names and bringing some variety to this year's event. I am looking forward to what comes next.
If nothing else, it should mean more Dunne, Bate, and Mark Andrews (please) alongside the new stars like Banks and Webster to round out the men's division, a division that should have been used more often over the past year. If it also gives us more Storm as well, it may just become must-watch TV.
Please, Johnny, not like this. Think of your wife. She's wasting her career away just to stop you becoming exactly this.
NXT
The Women's Division in NXT Feels More Sparse Than It Actually Is
Overview: Dakota Kai faced Santana Garrett in the opener and put her away with a running float-over backstabber. Shayna Baszler later made clear no one can beat her, not Bianca Belair, Kairi Sane, Candice LaRae, or the entire line-up in the coming Mae Young Classic.
Analysis: Frequent call ups have taken a significant portion of the women's division in NXT which had me certainly concerned the division could not recover. Luckily, the company is bringing in talent fast and keeping multiple stars rising.
Kai may have already faced Baszler, but she's building momentum again. Belair and Sane are clear threats to the title. It looks like the company is finally investing in LaRae. Plus more stars should come in after the MYC.
Probably the biggest boon to this division is Baszler's steady improvement. She's more confident on the mic. Her matches have a clear focus and psychology, unique to each opponent. She has gone from an overpushed attraction to a legitimate leading woman for the brand.
The Tag Team Division Though is a Mess
Overview: As mentioned earlier, Moustache Mountain took the titles off The Undisputed Era. The former champs announced they would invoke their rematch clause next week. Meanwhile, The Mighty attacked Tucker backstage, so they got to beat down and defeat Otis in a handicap match.
Analysis: What is the focus of the tag team division? It still seems like it's all on The Undisputed Era. Even without the titles, they come off as untouchable against this roster. The rest of the division is talented, but none are credible threats yet. The stories are too shallow.
Perhaps Moustache Mountain retain next week, and that opens up The Mighty or War Raiders to add some interesting new feuds to the center of the division. However, I am more than a little worried the plan is still all about NXT's big stable who are such bland characters.
Velveteen Dream Looks to Be Turning Face for a Feud with EC3
Overview: Velveteen Dream steadily grew more serious as Chris Dijak pushed him until Dream caught Dijak with the float-over DDT for the win. EC3 then interrupted Dream's celebration to set up his main event against Johnny Gargano, playing off their issues in the UK Championship Tournament as a team.
Analysis: It is about time NXT fully committed to its top stars with EC3 feeling like the odd man out for a few months. He and Dream should be fun to watch play off each other for a while even if the match won't be as good as Dream's other TakeOver classics. Dream as a face makes sense, but I hope it doesn't affect his act overall.
Gargano Has Snapped and It Should Be Glorious to Watch
Overview: EC3 gave Gargano a strong fight for a while until the popular underdog absolutely lost it. He fought like the man he hates while treated EC3 like he was Tommaso Ciampa before hitting the same elevated DDT that he lost to at the last TakeOver to take this win.
Analysis: I honestly was expecting the TakeOver plan would be to slow build Gargano's road to redemption, perhaps facing EC3 on a bigger stage. This wasn't all that involved a main event, but Gargano losing it on EC3 made this a fun match throughout. It would have been better with more build-up, but the two are on different paths right now.
What are they doing with Gargano? I honestly don't know. His aggression here showed a man out of control. Is it possible he ends up costing Ciampa his coming title match? Could he actually help Ciampa win the title? Anything Gargano does right now is gold, so count me in.
Conclusion
Many NXT episodes can be low on story development, but this was overloaded with stories even if only a few were with top stars in any division. The main event was the expected strong capper, and the forward momentum was all welcome, setting up interesting contests over the next few weeks.
Overview: Dakota Kai faced Santana Garrett in the opener and put her away with a running float-over backstabber. Shayna Baszler later made clear no one can beat her, not Bianca Belair, Kairi Sane, Candice LaRae, or the entire line-up in the coming Mae Young Classic.
Analysis: Frequent call ups have taken a significant portion of the women's division in NXT which had me certainly concerned the division could not recover. Luckily, the company is bringing in talent fast and keeping multiple stars rising.
Kai may have already faced Baszler, but she's building momentum again. Belair and Sane are clear threats to the title. It looks like the company is finally investing in LaRae. Plus more stars should come in after the MYC.
Probably the biggest boon to this division is Baszler's steady improvement. She's more confident on the mic. Her matches have a clear focus and psychology, unique to each opponent. She has gone from an overpushed attraction to a legitimate leading woman for the brand.
The Tag Team Division Though is a Mess
Overview: As mentioned earlier, Moustache Mountain took the titles off The Undisputed Era. The former champs announced they would invoke their rematch clause next week. Meanwhile, The Mighty attacked Tucker backstage, so they got to beat down and defeat Otis in a handicap match.
Analysis: What is the focus of the tag team division? It still seems like it's all on The Undisputed Era. Even without the titles, they come off as untouchable against this roster. The rest of the division is talented, but none are credible threats yet. The stories are too shallow.
Perhaps Moustache Mountain retain next week, and that opens up The Mighty or War Raiders to add some interesting new feuds to the center of the division. However, I am more than a little worried the plan is still all about NXT's big stable who are such bland characters.
Velveteen Dream Looks to Be Turning Face for a Feud with EC3
Overview: Velveteen Dream steadily grew more serious as Chris Dijak pushed him until Dream caught Dijak with the float-over DDT for the win. EC3 then interrupted Dream's celebration to set up his main event against Johnny Gargano, playing off their issues in the UK Championship Tournament as a team.
Analysis: It is about time NXT fully committed to its top stars with EC3 feeling like the odd man out for a few months. He and Dream should be fun to watch play off each other for a while even if the match won't be as good as Dream's other TakeOver classics. Dream as a face makes sense, but I hope it doesn't affect his act overall.
Gargano Has Snapped and It Should Be Glorious to Watch
Overview: EC3 gave Gargano a strong fight for a while until the popular underdog absolutely lost it. He fought like the man he hates while treated EC3 like he was Tommaso Ciampa before hitting the same elevated DDT that he lost to at the last TakeOver to take this win.
Analysis: I honestly was expecting the TakeOver plan would be to slow build Gargano's road to redemption, perhaps facing EC3 on a bigger stage. This wasn't all that involved a main event, but Gargano losing it on EC3 made this a fun match throughout. It would have been better with more build-up, but the two are on different paths right now.
What are they doing with Gargano? I honestly don't know. His aggression here showed a man out of control. Is it possible he ends up costing Ciampa his coming title match? Could he actually help Ciampa win the title? Anything Gargano does right now is gold, so count me in.
Conclusion
Many NXT episodes can be low on story development, but this was overloaded with stories even if only a few were with top stars in any division. The main event was the expected strong capper, and the forward momentum was all welcome, setting up interesting contests over the next few weeks.
Buddy Murphy may still have the terrible name of an NXT tag team act, but he's no longer known as the guy who started Alexa Bliss's rise to stardom. Well, he still kind of is, but at least now he's putting on great matches on all on his own.
Match of the Week
Mustafa Ali vs. Buddy Murphy - 205 Live 7/3 (Rating: 9.75/10)
This may just be the 205 Live spot every week because the main events on WWE's underseen program are always top notch. However, it doesn't matter what week it is in WWE. Even including the UK Championship Tournament, no one could match up to Mustafa Ali and Buddy Murphy this week.
Ali and Murphy are just about the best in WWE for weekly content, putting on 4-star-plus performances every time they compete. Together, they had already produced one of my favorite matches of 2018 with their clash on May 8, but this was on another level.
This was intense, aggressive, and packed with storytelling goodness. Ali came out on fire before Murphy showed himself to be the stronger competitor. No match though has better showcase Ali's refusal to give in than this bout. While the Best Kept Secret pulled out his best, the Heart of 205 Live kept coming back, winning with a DDT off the steps.
The pacing was not absolutely perfect, but enough of it was for me to confidently say this was a masterpiece. The storytelling was beautiful with spots galore that would get anyone excited. It was brutal and dangerous, but it was well-earned in this culmination of the best cruiserweight rivalry to date in the revitalized division.
Cedric Alexander is a really good wrestler who is limited in his character work. All together, he is a fine champion, but it is a wonder that neither of these two are holding that title over him after their performances over the past year.
Honorable Mention: Pete Dunne vs. Zack Gibson - UK Championship Tournament Day 2 (Rating: 9.5/10)
Dunne is a more interesting heel than face, but it was interesting to see a villain play Dunne's game better than he does. After a strong early showing from Dunne, looking like the true veteran, Gibson took cheap shots to injure Dunne's left arm and take over.
Both played a technical game for a while until Dunne had to trust in his explosiveness to stay in the battle. This match had so many great moments of storytelling from Dunne losing his mouthpiece and using that as a fuel to go off to the two turning a battle fo joint manipulation into a headbutt war.
It was a bit sloppy at times, but it only added to the contest, showing how both were struggling to use their arms after the manipulation of both men on the limbs. The home stretch of finishers including the long Shankle Gates spot was awesome and well worth all the build up to get to that moment.
This may just be the 205 Live spot every week because the main events on WWE's underseen program are always top notch. However, it doesn't matter what week it is in WWE. Even including the UK Championship Tournament, no one could match up to Mustafa Ali and Buddy Murphy this week.
Ali and Murphy are just about the best in WWE for weekly content, putting on 4-star-plus performances every time they compete. Together, they had already produced one of my favorite matches of 2018 with their clash on May 8, but this was on another level.
This was intense, aggressive, and packed with storytelling goodness. Ali came out on fire before Murphy showed himself to be the stronger competitor. No match though has better showcase Ali's refusal to give in than this bout. While the Best Kept Secret pulled out his best, the Heart of 205 Live kept coming back, winning with a DDT off the steps.
The pacing was not absolutely perfect, but enough of it was for me to confidently say this was a masterpiece. The storytelling was beautiful with spots galore that would get anyone excited. It was brutal and dangerous, but it was well-earned in this culmination of the best cruiserweight rivalry to date in the revitalized division.
Cedric Alexander is a really good wrestler who is limited in his character work. All together, he is a fine champion, but it is a wonder that neither of these two are holding that title over him after their performances over the past year.
Honorable Mention: Pete Dunne vs. Zack Gibson - UK Championship Tournament Day 2 (Rating: 9.5/10)
Dunne is a more interesting heel than face, but it was interesting to see a villain play Dunne's game better than he does. After a strong early showing from Dunne, looking like the true veteran, Gibson took cheap shots to injure Dunne's left arm and take over.
Both played a technical game for a while until Dunne had to trust in his explosiveness to stay in the battle. This match had so many great moments of storytelling from Dunne losing his mouthpiece and using that as a fuel to go off to the two turning a battle fo joint manipulation into a headbutt war.
It was a bit sloppy at times, but it only added to the contest, showing how both were struggling to use their arms after the manipulation of both men on the limbs. The home stretch of finishers including the long Shankle Gates spot was awesome and well worth all the build up to get to that moment.