Full Sail TV Taping 5-21-15

Written by Wayne Mason
Photos by Maryann Mason

Tonight the rowdy and raucous NXT fans piled into Full Sail University for another action packed set of television tapings. The following recap contains spoilers for the next four episodes of NXT.

The dark match of the evening saw Dash Wilder with the daunting task of taking on Braun Stowman. Wilder attempts to take the fight right to the 6’8” 375lb Stowman, who is immovable. Stowman tosses Wilder around with ease and beats him to the mat with big clubbing blows. He continues torturing Wilder with a claw to the shoulder. Wilder attempts to mount a comeback anyway he can, first by pulling himself up by the big mans beard and eventually even biting him. Wilder’s rally would be short lived though as Stowman puts him down with a big boot, and follows by hoisting him on his shoulder for a big slam onto the mat followed by a pin. It was a lopsided contest which is to take nothing away from the underrated and underutilized Dash Wilder, however wrestling Braun Stowman is akin to grappling with a mountain.

Episode 1

The music of Sami Zayn hits and the crowd erupts, but instead of Zayn it is Kevin Owens who strolls out and down the ramp. In the ring he tells us that he could stand there and issue an NXT title open challenge, but he is not that insecure and has nothing to prove to anyone. The crowd breaks into a “John Cena Sucks” chant, but Owens shuts it down by telling them that Zayn sucks too but they don’t chant that at him. Owens continues by telling us that he is a good man and he did us a good deed by insuring we’d never have to hear Sami Zayn’s music again. He also says that at Takeover he let Samoa Joe have his moment. He assures us he could have easily dropped Samoa Joe. General Manager William Regal makes his way to the ring. Owens tells him that at Takeover he headbutted Regal only after he laid his hands on him. Regal tells him that that is the only reason Owens is still here. The two exchange more words before the two are interrupted by Solomon Crowe who immediately confronts Owens. Crowe tells Owens he is scared and is a piece of crap. William Regal sets up a main event between the two. Owens tells Regal to add Solomon Crowe to the list of wrestlers that has had stretchered out of the building.

Next is Bayley taking on Emma, accompanied to the ring by Dana Brooke. After an initial flurry of offense a very aggressive Emma takes over pummeling Bayley and following with a few snap mares by the ponytail. She stops to trash talk and Bayley fires back first with signature elbows in the corner and eventually a nice suplex. However, moments later Emma would come back and lock Bayley into an Emma lock for a submission victory. After the match Dana comes in and they begin to beat down Bayley. Charlotte runs down to make the save, but with Bayley out it is still two on one. They overpower Charlotte and Dana finishes her with a Samoan Driver.

Tag team action is next as Mike Rawlis and Elias Sampson compete against Blake and Murphy, accompanied to the ring by Alexa Bliss. Despite a size and strength advantage Blake and Murphy manage to easily take control over the rookie Rawlis. The usually explosive champs took to a slow pace as if simply toying with him until he eventually found an opening to make a hot tag to Elias Sampson. The pace quickens drastically as Sampson comes in with a series of chops and kicks until Murphy halts his momentum with a heel kick. He follows with a running vertical suplex and Blake finishes him off with a frogsplash for the win. After they put an explanation mark on their victory as Alexa Bliss executes a Sparkle Splash onto a still down Sampson. This match was about making the champs look strong, but I’m still happy to see Elias Sampson on television in any capacity. Sampson is one to look out for, as anyone who attends house shows will attest to.

Next out is Ty Dillinger who comes out with huge support from the crowd who are familiar with his house show “Perfect 10” gimmick. Unfortunately, that has not made its way to television yet and worse for him, his opponent is Finn Balor. Dillinger starts off with some strong chops but Balor comes back with a flurry of offense. Ty pummels Balor in the corner and puts locks him into a chickenwing. Eventually Balor breaks free and comes back with a series of chops and kicks. He follows with a slingblade and a dropkick into the corner. Balor finishes off Dillinger with a Coup De Grace for the victory. This was a good match and both men came out looking strong. Hopefully this is the beginning of a push for Ty Dillinger.

The main event is next as Solomon Crowe takes on Kevin Owens. As he often does, Owens immediately leaves the ring to dictate his own pace. Crowe follows him to the outside, but Owens gets the jump and the two begin brawling on the outside. Back on the inside Crowe begins mounting offense until Owens knocks him of the turnbuckle. Owens tosses Crowe to the outside and Crowe narrowly makes the count back in. Owens beats him down and throws him to the outside yet again. Crowe finally comes back with an explosive array of kicks and knee strikes, he follows with a running high knee into the corner. Owens fights back and flattens Crowe with a senton and a pop-up powerbomb for the win. After the match Owens attacks Crowe and yells to “Get the stretcher” as he prepares to powerbomb Crowe onto the apron. Samoa Joe comes out to make the save. Owens makes a hasty retreat as an angry Samoa Joe stands in the ring ready for a fight.

Episode 2

A scruffy looking and aggressive Adam Rose takes on Tyler Breeze in the opening match. From the opening bell a back and forth battle begins with both men getting a fair amount of offense. However, it’s a less playful and more focused Rose who shined. In the final moments of the match he delivers his trademark spinebuster and follows it with a Boston Crab which Breeze manages to escape. Moments later, Rose summons his best Cactus Jack by delivering an elbow off the apron onto Breeze on the outside. He tosses Breeze back into the ring and Tyler hits Rose with a Beauty Shot out of nowhere for the pin.

Next, announcer Greg Hamilton introduces Eva Marie. He asks her what brings her down here to NXT. She replies that NXT has the best women’s wrestling and she wants to be with the best. This was actually pretty painful to watch because of the audience, and I actually felt a little ashamed to be in a crowd that was eating her alive. Eva Marie has a lot of detractors and I have been one in the past, but I only wish for anyone to succeed and right now I just want to see her prove a lot of people wrong.

In our next match Carmella takes on Alexa Bliss. Immediately a fired up Carmella attacks and beats down Alexa. Soon Bliss comes back and the two battle back and forth. Later Bliss goes for a glitz flip but Carmella moves and mounts an attack. She charges the corner but Bliss moves and rolls her up for a pin with a handful of trunks. This was a short but fun match. These two ladies are evenly matched and have a good chemistry together. I think if this feud goes on long enough they could produce some very entertaining matches.

Next, The Vaudevillians take on the strange pairing of Jason Jordan and Marcus Louis. English and Gotch start off strong against the deranged Louis with some signature spots. Jordan gets tagged in and the complexion of the match changes. Jordan is amazingly strong and seems to manhandle his opponents with ease. He beats down English and follows with a chinlock before tagging Louis. Eventually, English finds an opening and makes the tag to a very fired up Gotch who uppercuts Louis to the back of the head and English follows with a running swinging neckbreaker for the win. This was a fun match and no doubt many will be happy to finally see The Vaudevillians back on their television.

Up next is Rhyno taking on Finn Balor. Early on Rhyno out-powers Balor with heavy clubbing blows. Balor attempts to comeback but Rhyno shuts him down. Balor mounts momentum and a back and forth battle ensues. Rhyno absolutely manhandles Balor with a powerslam and a spinebuster that practically puts Finn through the mat. Finn comes back with a pele kick and a slingblade. He dropkicks Rhyno into the turnbuckle and climbs up for a Coup De Grace but Rhyno rolls out of the way. Rhyno goes for a gore but Balor dodges it and rolls up Rhyno for the in. Balor celebrates as a visible irritated Rhyno makes his way to the back. Balor makes his way up the ramp and poses on the stage only for Rhyno to give him the most hellacious gore I’ve ever seen.

Episode 3

The episode begins with Mike Rawlis and Elias Sampson taking on the team of Zack Ryder and the returning Mojo Rawley. Mojo starts the match with some dancing and trash talking before he finally tags in his partner. Ryder comes in with a lot of momentum culminating in a Broski Boot. Eventually, Sampson takes over and slows down the pace of the match until Ryder makes a hot tag to Rawley. Mojo clears the ring and lays out anyone in his path with splashes and tackles. He tag Ryder and hoists Sampson onto his shoulders. Ryder comes off the top rope with a Rough Ryder for the win. Afterwards the two celebrate into the crowd. The fans seemed receptive to the returning Mojo Rawley, hopefully he can expand upon his character and his move-set before the crowds start turning on him. Zack Ryder was very over with the crowd and one can only wonder how a prolonged stay in NXT could affect his career.

Women’s action is next as Emma takes on Bluepants, who is very over with the NXT crowd. Bluepants begins with some Emma style dancing and Emma attacks, beating her down and tossing her around by her hair. Emma turns Bluepants around with a big clotheline and goes for an elbow but Bluepants moves and mounts a comeback with a series of kicks. Emma dodges the last kick and beats down Bluepants before locking in the Emma Lock for a submission victory. Afterwards, still in the ring Bluepants is given an impromptu Birthday party. It’s amazing how over Leva “Bluepants” Bates is with the NXT crowd, signing her full-time certainly seems to be a no brainer.

Next is a short but fun match between Tyler Breeze and Bull Dempsey. Early on Dempsey easily overpowers and takes charge of Prince Pretty. Eventually he runs him down and climbs the ropes for a flying headbutt, but Breeze rolls out of the ring. Bull follows and Breeze runs away. Bull gives chase as the two run circles around the ring. Dempsey stops to catch his breath while Breeze can’t contain his smile. The two repeat this again until Dempsey is completely winded at which time Breeze tosses him back into the ring and follows with a Beauty Shot for the victory. It’s no doubt that this was an entertaining match, but hopefully Bull Dempsey can catch a break soon.

Next up, Becky Lynch battles Jessie McKay. Coming off the heels of a sensational performance at Takeover, Lynch has practically the entire building behind her and she starts strong with beautiful arm drags and a text book dropkick. McKay equalizes the situation with a big boot and begins to work the arm of Lynch. Eventually Lynch fights back with a suplex and three signature leg drops. Moments later McKay is in an armbar with no choice but to tap. It seems Becky Lynch is riding a very strong wave of momentum after the live special, and deservedly so.

Out next is Angelo Dawkins to take on the alpha of NXT, Baron Corbin. Dawkin put forth a good effort but in the end he ended up like everyone else, in an End Of Days. I’m a fan of Baron Corbin, but that is because I have seen him put on great matches at house shows. They are not doing him any favors with matches like these. Personally, I’d like to see Corbin in an underdog role against someone like Braun Stowman.

Kevin Owens sits down at the announce table to watch Scott Dawson take on Samoa Joe. Dawson starts off strong before Joe runs him down and continues with a flurry of punches. Moments later he nails Dawson with an enzuigiri and a side slam. He finishes off Dawson with a muscle buster. Afterwards Joe calls out Owens angrily. Owens tells Joes he is sort of a rookie in NXT and gives him veteran advice. He tells him you can’t just walk into NXT and get a title match. Clearly the irony was not lost on the laughing crowd. William Regal comes out and agrees that Joe has not earned a title shot but he has earned a fight, and that fight will happen next week.

Episode 4

This episode opens up with an inter-gender six person tag with Enzo, Cass, and Carmella vs Blake, Murphy, and Alexa Bliss. It’s not long after the bell that chaos ensues with all six competitors in the ring, until Cass, Enzo, and Carmella send their opponents out to the floor. The referee gets the match back in control and Blake and Murphy work over the underdog Enzo Amore. Finally he makes a hot tag to Carmella who makes quick work of Bliss who quickly manages to make a tag to Blake. Big Cass comes in and cleans house sending Murphy to the floor and putting down Blake with a swinging side slam. He tosses Amore onto Blake in an assisted splash for the win. A fun match, but clearly this feud is just getting started.

We continue with more tag team action as The Vaudevillians take on the team of Jason Jordan and Mikaze. Gotch and English start off strong until Mikaze makes a blind tag to Jordan. Jordan comes in and manhandles Gotch with ease. Later after much punishment things turn around when Gotch dodges a running kick from Mikaze allowing Jordan to get clobbered instead. The Vaudevillians were set to finish it when Mikaze sort of crumbled and the ref quickly ended the bout awarding it to The Vaudevillians. It is unclear what happened, there were no spots that went visibly wrong. Some fans in attendance said he seemed to just pass out. However, I won’t speculate as to what happened. The important part is that managed to leave the ring without the stretcher and on his own two feet. Later that evening, he was seen leaving Full Sail and seemed okay.

We continue with women’s action as Charlotte takes on KC Cassidy. Charlotte starts off strong but Cassidy thwarts her momentum and slows her with a side headlock and later a headscissors, anything to keep Charlotte down. It’s not long though before Charlotte fights her way out and becomes unstoppable hitting Cassidy with a neckbreaker and following with a spear. Charlotte then locks in the figure-4 leg lock for a submission victory. This was a good match with Charlotte looking strong as always, but also allowing newcomer KC Cassidy to come out looking good as well.

It is time for the main event with Samoa Joe taking on Kevin Owens. The bell rings and Owens evades the ring, but Joe quickly follows and the two face off nose to nose on the outside. Back in the ring and Joe immediately takes over with a flurry of punches in the corner, but the champ fires back with some strikes of his own. It becomes clear quickly that this one is going to be a brawl. The fight eventually spills to the floor and Owens attempts to escape but Joe follows and the two brawl up and down the ramp and eventually back into the ring. The champ finally manages to get an upper hand and squashes Joes with a cannonball in the corner and follows with a senton before settling into a side headlock. Samoa Joe gets free and back to his feet and lays out Owens with a kick. Joe follows with a senton of his own. Later, he gets Owens up on the turnbuckle attempting to set him up with a muscle buster, but Owens counters with a thunderous side slam. The action spills to the outside again, except this time the referee loses total control and calls the match. The two continue to brawl until more referees come out to separate them. They finally do and Joe goes to the back. Kevin Owens rolls back into the ring taunting Joe and telling him “C’mon Bitch!” Joe comes running back out and the fighting continues in and around the ring. Soon it takes all the referees and much of the talent out of the back to eventually break them up. It was a hell of a collision and an emphatic way to end a great set of tapings. I can’t wait until these two meet again.

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NXT Orlando 5-9-15

The athletes of NXT made their final Florida stop before NXT Takeover: Unstoppable in front of a hometown crowd in Orlando, Fl. Feuds were furthered, momentum was gained, and the crowd of faithful fans jammed into the National Guard Armory were wowed.

The night starts off with a six woman tag match as the team of Bayley, Alexa Bliss, and Carmella take on Dana Brooke, Devin Taylor, and Lina. The good girls start strong against their opponents and seemed to be controlling them with ease, with Bayley hitting a flurry of her signature spots. Brooke tags in the debuting Lina and things quickly turn around. Lina is a strong and imposing woman who could quite easily be made into a monster heel of the division. She slams a helpless Bayley to the mat with ease, and follows by squeezing the life of the self-proclaimed hugger with a bearhug. Eventually though, Bayley manages to escape their corner and make a hot tag to Carmella. Moments later, all the girls are involved in a melee as Carmella gives an STO to Lina and Bliss follows with a Sparkle Splash. Moments later, Carmella traps Brooke in her headscissor submission for a tap out. This was a fun match and a great way to start the evening. Carmella is quickly becoming a standout of the division, while Dana is making great strides of her own in the ring. However it may have been Lina that made the greatest impression tonight as the most intimidating addition to the women’s division. Ty Dillinger was not quite as impressed though, he gave the match a 2.

Next Steve Cutler takes on the drifter Elias Sampson. The two men shake hands and the action begins as they lock up. Grappling follows with the more powerful Cutler taking over. The two men go back and forth with headlocks and armlocks before the pace quickens. The agile Sampson counters a monkey flip by landing on his feet and taking Cutler off his feet with a series of strikes and kicks. It becomes a slugfest before both men run the ropes and take out each other out as they both go for a crossbody. At this point Kevin Owens storms the ring, tosses out Sampson and follows by powerbombing Cutler practically through the mat. The crowd chants “Thank you Owens”, but the champ is not impressed. He takes the mic and points out that he doesn’t need any of the idiots and hypocrites in the crowd. He also assures us he is not done tonight. Solomon Crowe emerges from the back challenging the champion to a match. Owens accepts and tells him he is in for a long night. Crowe replies by letting Owens know that he is in for the fight of his life. It seems we now have a hell of a main event ahead.

Next up, Mike Rawlis takes on the Olympian Chad Gable. In the opening moments Gable easily out-grapples Rawlis, like he does with just about anyone he steps in the ring with. Eventually though, the size and strength advantage of Rawlis comes into play as he overpowers his opponent. Gable attempts to come back with a crossbody but Rawlis catches him and tosses him overhead with a fallaway slam. Gable mounts a comeback and throws on an armbar over the ropes and begins working the arm afterward. Rawlis eventually mounts a comeback of his own and finishes Gable off with a crucifix powerbomb. Gable has been on a bit of a losing streak lately, which is a shame because the guy is an amazing athlete and becoming quite good at playing the arrogant heel. Ty Dillinger gives this match a 4.

Next is a Takeover preview as Cass and Enzo take on the tag champs Blake and Murphy in a non-title match. Cass and Enzo start off strong against the champs with the crowd squarely behind them. However a distraction allows Blake and Murphy to take over and begin taking apart Enzo Amore. After much punishment Amore makes the hot tag to Cass who comes in takes charge against the champs with several splashes followed by a big boot and swinging side slam to Blake. He follows by tossing Amore onto him with a splash for the pin. Cass and Enzo are probably the most over tag team in NXT, no one can deny they are full of charisma and awesome to their fans. However heir tag matches very formulaic to me, I’d like to see more offense from Amore and hopefully we will, as they are a very likeable team.

Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks clash one more time before there big title match at Takeover. Becky starts off strong sending the champ reeling with a series of beautiful arm drags. Banks regroups and comes back targeting the arm of Lynch. The two brawl outside the ring before making their way back in, and Banks sends Lynch to the mat with a double knee smash in the turnbuckles. Becky fires back tossing Banks over head with a pumphandle suplex. Later Becky throws on an armbar but Banks grabs the ropes. Sasha pulls Becky into the corner and smashing into the turnbuckle. Banks rolls up Lynch but she kicks out. Lynch traps Banks with an armar giving her no choice but to tap. This was another excellent encounter between these two ladies who are sure to steal the show at Takeover.

Next Finn Balor collides with the lone wolf Baron Corbin. Undeterred Finn takes the fight right to the big man first targeting the legs and then clotheslining Corbin out of the ring. He dives over the top rope on Corbin to the excitement of the crowd. The two make it back in and equalizes things with a massive punch that squashes Balors momentum. Corbin begins taking apart Balor with a controlled brutality. He then slows the pace with a shoulder claw before Balor starts firing back. On their feet again Balor hits Corbin with a slingblade. He charges Corbin for a dropkick but Corbin answers with a big boot. Later Balor thwarts an attempt at End Of Days and dropkicks Corbin into the corner, laying him out and finishing with the Coup De Grace for the win. This was an exciting match with Balor looking as great as always. Baron Corbin has always had the strength and presence, but lately he just looks so much more brutal and mean which is exactly the element he needed. Once he gets a few performances on television like I have seen the last few days he will quiet many naysayers.

Tag action continues as Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder take on The Vaudevillians. In the opening moments Wilder taunts Gotch by performing some manly squats of his own. Gotch responds by stretching his leg to his head. Wilder tries to do the same and hilariously fails, even with Dawson trying to help him. Soon after the wrestling begins and The Vaudevillians are on fire keeping one step ahead of their opponents. Gotch and English go on to perform a lot of their signature antics much to the delight of the crowd, including the addition of an old school Airplane spin from English. Eventually the crafty team of Dawson and Wilder take charge and begin to dismantle English and this is where they are so dangerous and so fun to watch. The two are proclaimed roughnecks but are just as comfortable grappling as they are brawling. However, English eventually makes the hot tag to Gotch who comes in and begins to clear the ring. With Wilder on his back he performs a rolling senton onto a prone Dawson. Aiden English follows with a senton bomb onto both men and picking up the pin. This was a great tag match from two excellent teams. Unfortunately, Ty only gave it a 4.

Our main event is next as Kevin Owens answers the challenge of Solomon Crowe. The two immediately stare each other down and Owens throws a cheap punch knocking Crowe to the mat. Crowe answers the referees count and gets back to his feet before the champ knocks him down again. Crowe once again makes it to his feet this time fighting back and sending the champ reeling to the outside. He flies through the ropes like a bullet into the champ on the outside. They make it to their feet and Crowe continues with multiple chops before the champ fires back and sends him into the ring steps. Owens fires back with chops of his own and the two make it back to the ring. Owens begins a methodical beat-down of his opponent. Crowe jumps onto Owens throwing on a sleeper but the champ falls back flattening Crowe. He follows with a signature senton before continuing the beatdown. Crowe fires back with strikes and then a high knee followed by a tornado DDT. Owens catches Crowe in a crossbody attempt and slams Crowe to the mat. He attempts to follow with a senton but Crowe puts up his knees. With Owens grounded Crowe attempts a boing splash but this time Owens throws up his knees. He picks up Crowe and follow with a pumphandle kneckbreaker. He then finishes off Crowe with a pop-up powerbomb. Once again the champ is victorious, but not without enduring a strong effort from his challenger. Crowe proved one thing I’ve known for a long time, he belongs in the main event picture.

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NXT Largo 5-8-15

Written by Wayne Mason

Photos by Maryann Mason

NXT Wrestling returned to The Minnreg Hall in Largo for another night of action as only they can deliver. Boisterous fans piled in to see their favorite athletes gain valuable momentum as they head closer to NXT Takeover: Unstoppable.

Big Cass comes to the ring to a huge pop accompanied by Enzo Amore. His opponent for the evening is the drifter Elias Sampson. The match begins evenly as control of the match goes back and forth until Sampson takes the big man down with an explosive knee strike to the face. At this point Sampson keeps Cass grounded, wearing him down and working the arm. Further into the match Cass dodges an elbow drop and mounts a comeback. He lands a big splash onto Sampson in the corner and follows with a big boot. He then finishes off Sampson with a swinging side slam for the victory. We’re used to seeing Cass in tag team action usually coming in off a hot tag, so it was great to see him playing a different role. Elias Sampson certainly continues to impress, win or lose.

Next out is Steve Cutler to take on his opponent Marcus Louis. Sadly it seems we’ve seen the last of the tortured and crazy Marcus, as he was decked out in black pants, black shirt, black gloves and sunglasses. He looked like a hitman, though I am not really sure what they are going for. Cutler starts off strong, but soon the arm locks and headlocks evolve into brawling and that is where Louis takes over. Marcus slows down the pace and appears to be as methodical and sadistic as ever as he enjoys taking apart Cutler. At one point he seemingly Rock Bottoms Cutler through the mat but somehow Cutler kicks out and fights back. His comeback is short lived though and Louis finishes him off with a pumphandle slam for the win. Marcus Louis has a lot of untapped potential, hopefully he can find a gimmick that connects with the fans.

NXT announcer Greg Hamilton is out next to introduce Uhaa Nation who comes to the ring with a nice pop from the crowd. Hamilton asks him why was he here in NXT, and Uhaa lets us know bluntly to be champ. He continues that everyone knows the toughest talent in the world is right here. He concludes the interview by saying that when he is done everyone will realize that the future isn’t now, but rather “The future is me!”

We continue with tag team action as Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder take on The Vaudevillians. In the opening moments Wilder taunts Gotch by performing some manly squats of his own. Gotch responds by stretching his leg to his head. Wilder tries to do the same and hilariously fails, even with Dawson trying to help him. Soon after the wrestling begins and The Vaudevillians are on fire keeping one step ahead of their opponents. Gotch and English go on to perform a lot of their signature antics much to the delight of the crowd, including the addition of an old school Airplane spin from English. Eventually the crafty team of Dawson and Wilder take charge and begin to dismantle English and this is where they are so dangerous and so fun to watch. The two are proclaimed roughnecks but are just as comfortable grappling as they are brawling. However, English eventually makes the hot tag to Gotch who comes in and begins to clear the ring. Gotch appears be about to finish it when in the melee Dawson makes a blind tag to Wilder. Dawson flapjacks Gotch into a waiting gutbuster from Wilder for the win. This was a really entertaining tag match that all men came out of looking great. Fans of the house show circuit have long been aware of how good of a tag team Dawson and Wilder really are, but soon television fans will see as well. Ty Dillinger comes out and scores the match a 4.

Next is women’s action as Becky Lynch once again collides with the champion Sasha Banks. In the opening moments Lynch tries to end it quickly by attempting to lock on an arm bar but Banks wisely evades. Lynch leads the match tossing the champ around with a series of beautiful arm drags. Banks turns things around and slows the pace as she begins targeting the arm of Lynch. Lynch dodges out of the corner avoiding Banks and firing back first targeting the champs arm and eventually locking on her armbar submission, but Banks grabs the ropes. Moments later Banks draws Becky into the corner slamming her into the turnbuckle. Banks capitalizes propping her feet on the ropes for a leverage pin. I’ve seen these ladies in the ring now several times over the past few weeks and they not only put on an excellent performance every time, but they switch up a lot of offense as well giving us different matches every time. I’ve already made the prediction before but I’ll say it again, they will steal the show at Takeover. One could even make the argument (and I have) that they should be main eventing Takeover.

Solomon Crowe is next taking on Baron Corbin. Unintimidated Crowe takes the fight right to Corbin but Corbin swats him off. Tenaciously Crowe is right back on him again but Corbin counters with a punch that turns Crowe inside out and makes the crowd cringe. He slams Crowe first onto the mat and then into the turnbuckle with velocity. Crowe makes a comeback and contorts Corbin into an octopus hold, but Corbin powers out. Later, Crowe mounts a final comeback laying out Corbin with a swinging tornado DDT. He follows diving off the ropes but Corbin catches him in an End Of Days for the win. Ty Dillinger comes out and only gives the match a 2. I’d give it higher though, this was a great smashmouth match. Solomon Crowe has long been one of the most exciting guys on the roster, but Baron Corbin came out tonight looking absolutely brutal and mean, and probably the best I’ve seen him.

Two of NXT’s newest additions KC Cassidy and Jessie McKay introduce themselves and inform us that not only are they the best divas in the world, but they are also best friends. Bayley and Carmella, or “Baymella” come out taking exception with the statements of the new girls. A referee is called out and a tag match is set. Bayley and Carmella start off strong, with Bayley hitting a lot of her signature spots, but eventually Cassidy and McKay take over making frequent tags and methodically taking apart Bayley. Eventually Bayley makes a hot tag to Carmella, and moments later she executes an STO transitioned into her headscissors submission giving Cassidy no choice but to tap. This was a really fun match. Bayley and Carmella always have a great chemistry together whether teaming or facing off. McKay and Cassidy both comes to NXT ring ready and with plenty of experience, the two are a welcome addition to the NXT women’s roster.

Tag team action continues with Angelo Dawkins and Sawyer Fulton taking on the team of Bull Dempsey and Tucker Knight. Both teams start out strong with plenty of back and forth action. Slowly the advantage shifts to Dawkins and Fulton who look impressive manhandling a team as immense as Knight and Dempsey, including an impressive deadlift suplex from Fulton to Knight. Eventually Dempsey and Knight took over dominating Fulton until he makes a hot tag to Dawkins who comes in a clears the ring. In the final moments Fulton gives Dempsey a backbreaker and Dawkins follows with a spear for the victory. Apparently, even with the Shoot Nation concept gone, the teaming of Dawkins and Fulton is the best thing that could have happened to their career and they have gelled well as a team. Dempsey and Knight actually make a pretty imposing team that I wouldn’t mind going forward. Unfortunately though whether it is in singles or tag action it seems as if Bull Dempsey can’t catch a break. I still think he has a lot of potential as a face.

Ty Dillinger is out next for our main event and lets us know that simply he by himself is a perfect 10 main event, but he would fight while he’s out here if someone answered his open challenge. He was about to leave when music hit and NXT champion Kevin Owens emerged. In the opening moments after each successful maneuver Dillinger would cartwheel to the corner and score himself a perfect 10. After Dillinger does this a second time Owens answers by knocking Dillinger out of his boots with a picture perfect dropkick. Dillinger retreats to the outside but Owens follows him out pummeling him with multiple chops to the chest. Dillinger manages to launch Owens into the steps and escapes back to the ring. Owens beats the count back in and Ty attacks. Later, Owens comes back squashing Dillinger with a senton and attempts to follow with a cannonball, but Dillinger evades it and answers with a superkick. Moments later Owens climbs the ropes but Dillinger follows him and attempts a superplex but Owens counters sending Dillinger to the mat. He follows with a beautiful senton bomb. The two make it back to their feet and Dillinger delivers another jaw shattering superkick followed by a knee smash to the face. Owens kicks out of another pin attempt and a disgruntled Dillinger begins to expose the turnbuckle. The ref stops him, but as the ref puts the turnbuckle back on Ty simply begins exposing the next one. It backfires as Owens sends Dillinger into the exposed turnbuckle and follows with a cannonball. He then finishes off Dillinger with a pop-up powerbomb for the victory. It was a good match made notable by a well- deserved main event role for Ty Dillinger, perhaps I won’t be able to call him underrated for much longer? After the match maybe feeling overly cheered Owens made sure to roll out of the ring and let a large group of fans in Finn Balor shirts know that “Finn Balor is nothing compared to me!”

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NXT Tampa 5-1-15

 Written by Wayne Mason
Photos by Maryann Mason

Friday night at the UADC Gymnasium in Tampa saw another large and lively crowd line in to witness the wrestling stars of NXT battle it out on the road to NXT Takeover: Unstoppable. There was electricity in the air, as there always is when NXT returns home to the city where it all began.

A special moment occurred before the first bell even rang. Like always NXT announcer Greg Hamilton came out moments before the show to hype the crowd, and tonight he took the time to wish a happy birthday to a little girl named Izzy who was turning 8. Izzy is known locally as “Bayley’s Biggest Fan” and the look on her face would merit that moniker when Bayley came out next to give her a hug and wish her a happy birthday as well. Bayley then continued by leading the entire gymnasium in singing Izzy the happy birthday song. Other wrestlers acknowledged Izzy over the course of night as well, but this was the pinnacle of her night and it showed all over her face. It was a feel good moment that infected the entire building. You see NXT can hit the road and travel to Albany, Philly, etc. and people will witness some of the best wrestling in the world. However, they won’t have moments like these, or that special connection that crowds have with the brand here. No offense to any other city or town, it’s just about us being lucky enough to here at this point in history watching NXT grow organically from a little developmental brand and into a phenomenon, forging a relationship with NXT and its fans. I’ll miss moments like this as much as the wrestling when it’s gone one day. So I already told her last night but I’ll say it again here, happy birthday Izzy!

Now onto the wrestling action.

The crowd erupts for the super over team of Enzo Amore and Big Cass as they come to the ring to take on Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder. The match starts off with a little silliness and trash talking which somehow turns into an impromptu boxing match between Zo and Dawson complete with the stools in the corner and spit buckets. The two circle each other with Enzo showing off some fancy footwork before Dawson lays him out with one punch. Amore barely answers the 9 count and comes back with a flurry of punches before it evolves into chaos and back into a wrestling match. A fired up Amore starts of strong but it is not long before Dawson and Wilder have the upper hand. The tag team technicians take their time picking apart Amore accentuated by a few picture perfect suplexes from Dawson and a Tree Of Woe. Finally, Dawson misses a dive into the corner and Amore makes the hot tag to Big Cass who comes in and cleans house, first ejecting Dawson and then finishing Wilder with a big boot and a side slam. Cass tags in Amore and tosses him off the turnbuckle onto Wilder for the pin.

Afterward, the two are celebrating in the ring when Kevin Owens bursts into the ring to beat them down, throw out Cass and then practically pop-up powerbomb Enzo through the mat. He picks Amore up to go for a second but Finn Balor makes the save. The two begin to brawl until Tyler Breeze runs in to help beat down Balor. However Balor slides out of the ring to grab a chair. At this point Corey Graves comes out and tells them that William Regal has given him authority tonightand tells us that the main event will be Tyler Breeze and Kevin Owens vs Finn Balor and a partner of his choosing, if he can find one.

Next up is the drifter Elias Sampson vs Aiden English of The Vaudevillians accompanied to the ring by Simon Gotch. The two begin with a gentlemanly handshake and the match is underway. English gets the first advantage with a series of perfect arm drags into a hammerlock, followed by a set of manly squats to the delight of the crowd. However the two are evenly matched and it is not long before the speedy Sampson mounts a comeback first countering a monkey flip by landing on his feet, then a picture perfect dropkick into an armbar of his own. English tries to mount a comeback but Sampson shuts him down with a series of strikes and kicks. English perseveres fighting back and ending it with a Take A Bow for the win. This was a pretty good match with English reminding us that he is also a solid singles wrestler. Elias Sampson is super athletic and fun to watch. I can’t wait to see Sampson move up the ranks and fight in higher profile matches. It’s a guarantee he is going to make a lot of fans along the way.

Mike Rawlis is out next to take on the explosive Solomon Crowe. In the opening moments Rawlis easily out-muscles Crowe in a series of lock-ups. Crowe evens things up though with a punch square to the mouth followed by a series of strikes before contorting Rawlis into a Black Widow. Eventually Rawlis makes his way out and catches Crowe amid crossbody attempt and tosses him over his head with a fallaway slam. The size advantage comes into play again with Rawlis tossing Crowe around the ring with ease before throwing him into an abdominal stretch. Eventually Crowe manages to mount a comeback with a series of chops and kicks. He whips Rawlis into the corner and follows with a running high knee. He then drops Rawlis with a dropkick to the leg before locking him into the Stretch Muffler for a submission victory. This was another good contest between the two. Crowe is always exciting to watch and is still main event bound in my book. Rawlis is showing improvement and more confidence, his Ray Lewis dance before dropping an elbow still drives me crazy but I suppose that is the point. After the match Ty Dillinger comes out and rates the match a 2.

Next is tag action as the odd team of Alexa Bliss and Dana Brooke take on Bayley and Carmella. It’s apparent from the beginning that there is dissension between Brooke and Bliss as they bicker about who should start the match. Alexa starts off for her team with some back and forth action between first Carmella, then Bayley. In a sign of friendship Bayley and Bliss hug before competing much to the chagrin of Brooke who complained at ringside. Bliss mounts offense but every time she gets on a roll Brooke tags herself in. Later after much punishment Bayley makes a hot tag to Carmella. Dana looks for a tag from Bliss but she has had enough and refuses to tag. Moments later Carmella drops Dana with a drop toe hold and transitions into her leg scissor submission for a submission victory. Bayley, Carmella, and Bliss all celebrate in the ring afterward. This was a fun match with a great showing from all participants. Dana Brooke has much potential, but right now tag matches are where she needs to be.

Next up is Chad Gable taking on the returning Mojo Rawley. Like he does with most of his opponents Gable easily out-grapples Mojo in the early going. The super hyped Mojo wasn’t fazed though, dancing around the ring talking trash. Gable still took over working the arm of Rawley with a series of armbars including one over the ring ropes. Eventually though Mojo comes back with his series of tackles and lays out Gable for the win. I’ve been critical of Rawley on the blog before, but I’ll give it to him that the crowd was hyped for his return. However, it won’t be long before the crowds begin to turn on him again if his repertoire simply doesn’t expand. His enthusiasm is contagious and he is simply one of the nicest guys in entire locker room, but that will only carry him so far.

Ty Dillinger is out next and tells us that thus far the show has only been a 3, but not to fear because he is about to give us a perfect 10 performance. It wouldn’t be easy though, because his opponent for the night is Baron Corbin. In the opening moments after every successful maneuver Dillinger would cartwheel into the corner and score himself a 10. Finally after Corbin outdoes Ty he does a cartwheel of his own and scores himself a 10 much to the delight of the crowd. A nice back and forth contest follows. Eventually, a frustrated Dillinger hikes down his kneepad and gives Corbin a kneesmash to the skull but he narrowly kicks out. A few moments later Corbin mounts a comeback and snatches Dillinger up for an End Of Days for the win. This was a good showing by both men, even better than the previous night. I’m very happy to see the very talented Dillinger getting over with the crowds. Corbin seemingly gets better with every match moving around with a great deal of speed and adding a little more to his matches every time.

The mountainous Braun Stowman is out next for a promo. He tells us that all of the stars in the back are just normal people like us, and that he is far from normal. He continues by stating that he is a 6’8’ 375lb monster among men and everything we wish we could be. Stowman is pretty good at promos and unfazed by the crowd.

Next up is a Takeover preview as womens champ Sasha Banks takes on her number one contender Becky Lynch in a non-title match. In the opening moments the “delty diva” is simply on fire out-grappling Banks and accentuating it with a series of beautiful armdrags. The ring-wise Banks feigns injury drawing Lynch into the corner right into the turnbuckle and taking over. This is where the Boss slows down the pace, relishing taking apart her opponent. She ties Becky up in a straightjacket crossface but eventually Lynch gets free. Later, Lynch mounts offense launching herself into Banks with a Lou Thez Press pummeling Banks. She follows with a trifecta of her trademark legdrops. Moments later seemingly out of nowhere she snatches Banks into her armbar submission for a submission victory. This was another top-notch performance by two of the best on either roster. On May 20th the wrestling world is going to be in for a show-stealing performance, but with the title on the line.

It’s main event time and Tyler Breeze is out first followed by Kevin Owens who emulates Prince Pretty by lounging atop the turnbuckle as well. Finn Balor is out next to a huge pop, he may be the most over guy on the roster by this point. However, even his pop would be eclipsed when his mystery partner was revealed. The familiar music of DX hit and Billy Gunn emerged to the roar of the surprised fans. They extended the intro quite a bit but no one minded because every bit of it was awesome. Even Balor couldn’t hide his huge smile, jumping up and down giving his opponents crotch chops galore. The bell rings and Breeze and Finn are set to start. Breeze wants no part of Balor, telling him that he wants Gunn instead. Balor tags in Gunn and the action begins. Breeze fails to even budge Gunn and is met with huge “Suck it, Tyler!” chants from the crowd. Gunn mocks Breeze, who angrily tags in Kevin Owens and then things get down to business as the two begin to brawl. Back and forth action ensues with a lot of memorable spots. Finn emulates the Road Dogg firing a couple of punches at Owens, followed by some “juking and jiving” a crotch chop and another punch that sent Owens to the mat. Later, Owens takes over giving a “suck it” of his own. He gives Finn the X-Factor, taunting Gunn on the apron telling him X-Pac was better. Later, Finn makes the hot tag to Gunn who comes in and clears the ring. Breeze dodges a Famasser, and counters with a superkick. All four men are in a melee now and Gunn gives Owens a Famasser, followed by a second one for Tyler Breeze. Finn Balor caps it off with a Coups De Grace for the victory. The two celebrate and pose for a bit while the crowd absolutely loves it. It was one of those nights that make you happy to be a wrestling fan. It also proves that absolutely anything can happen at an NXT house show.

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NXT Lakeland 4-30-15

Written by Wayne Mason
Photos by Maryann Mason

Once again the stars of NXT invaded the National Guard Armory in Lakeland, Fl for another intense night of wrestling action. The wrestlers left it all in the ring in an effort to gain momentum heading into the next live special less than three weeks away.

In our opening contest Big Cass and Enzo Amore took on Angelo Dawkins and Sawyer Fulton of Shoot Nation. Enzo and Cass start off strong in the early going but it wouldn’t be long until Amore was isolated in the ring and dominated by the size and power of Dawkins and Fulton. Shoot Nation have gelled well and are showing it with some great tandem wrestling. However, the always durable Amore finally manages to make the hot tag to Cass who comes in and clears the ring. After a series of corner splashes and a big boot Cass sends Fulton to the outside. He lays out Dawkins with a side slam and tags Amore for an assisted splash for the win. Enzo and Cass are super over with crowds no matter where they go and are always a wise choice for firing up a crowd. I don’t quite know what’s going on with the Shoot Nation concept, the only real constant seems to be Fulton and Dawkins. Fulton finally seems to be developing a bit of a mean streak in the ring, it’s fitting for a man of his size and stature.

Next up is Steve Cutler vs Elias Sampson. The match opens with the two men trading side headlocks until the bigger, stronger Cutler takes over. Cutler begins wearing down Sampson until he began to mount a comeback accentuated by an explosive knee strike which usually spells victory for Sampson. At this point Kevin Owens hits the ring and hits a pop-up powerbomb on Sampson who hit the mat with a sickening thud. Owens takes a microphone and states he came out here and did this because he can, because he is Kevin Owens and he is NXT champ. He continues that he will be champ as long as he wants to be. He exits the ring and beats down Cutler before heading into the back.

Next Solomon Crowe takes on Mike Rawlis. Things always get a little more intense when Solomon Crowe hits the ring, and he wouldn’t be intimidated by his obvious size disadvantage. The two men collided several times with Crowe hitting the mat every time. Crowe finally punches Rawlis in the jaw and takes over eventually contorting Rawlis into an octopus hold. Rawlis freed himself and mounted a comeback using his power advantage to whip Crowe around the ring with ease and launching him over his head with a fallaway slam and following with an abdominal stretch. The always explosive Crowe came back with a series of strikes including a running knee in the corner followed by a dropkick to the leg of Rawlis which toppled him. Crowe followed by locking on the stretch muffler for a submission victory. Following the match “Perfect 10” Ty Dillinger comes out and gives the match a 4. Mike Rawlis is showing improvement in the ring while Crowe is a guaranteed main eventer one day.

Next up we get a Takeover preview as Becky Lynch takes on womens champ Sasha Banks. These two women know each other so well and it shows in a beautiful opening sequence with several counters as they parlayed for control. Lynch takes over with a frenetic fast paced energy that left the champ struggling. Ring savvy Banks draws Lynch into the corner and sends her into the turnbuckle. Sasha dictates the pace wisely slowing things down and locking Becky into a straightjacket. Eventually Lynch breaks free and begins firing back, laying out the champ and following with a trifecta of perfect leg drops. Lynch grabs Banks arm in an attempt to take her down for an armbar, but Banks counters with a backstabber into a Bank Statement giving Lynch no choice but to tap. Afterwards a cocky Banks begins to leave but  returns to the ring to humiliate Lynch who surprises her with an armbar. This was a show-stealing performance by both ladies and I cannot wait for these two to meet on May 20^th.

Next the team of Bull Dempsey and Tucker Knight take on Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder. The larger, imposing team of Dempsey and Knight absolutely dominated their opponents in the early goings of the match. It’s never long before the wily team of Dawson and Wilder find and advantage to be found somewhere and take control. The two make frequent tags while working on the leg of Tucker Knight accentuated by a half crab from Dawson. Eventually Knight makes the tag to Bull he comes in running over any one in his way, but Dawson makes a blind tag and moments later flapjacks Dempsey onto Wilders knees giving them a pinfall victory. Dawson and Wilder (who were introduced without “The Mechanics” name) continue to be the most underrated tag team in NXT, but I have a feeling that may be changing really soon. Dempsey and Knight made an intimidating team and worked well together. I wouldn’t mind seeing them tag again at some point, especially considering Dempsey seems to be in limbo of late and Knight appears to be out of the Shoot Nation equation completely.

Ty Dillinger is out next and states that so far the night has only been a 3, but not to worry because we are about to see a perfect 10 match (even though Lakeland is a 0). Unfortunately for Dillinger, his opponent is Baron Corbin. The bell rings and the two men circle each other, and after each successful maneuver Dillinger would cartwheel over to his corner and score himself a 10. Finally after a takedown that sent Dillinger tumbling, Corbin did his own cartwheel and scored himself a 10. Dillinger was not amused and demanded his card back, Corbin relented and laid the card down in the center of the ring. Dillinger reached over to grab the card and found himself on the receiving end of a fameasser, followed by a flurry of signature Corbin moves. Eventually Dillinger manages to turn things around slowing the pace and keeping Corbin trapped in an armlock. Corbin breaks free and manages to block a superkick from Dillinger. A persistent Ty goes for a second superkick and nails it for a very close count. Frustrated Dillinger pulls down his kneepad to go for his knee smash, but takes too much time. Baron Corbin gets to his feet and snatches up Dillinger for an End Of Days and the victory. Afterwards Corbin takes a microphone to state that he relishes taking away the hopes and dreams of all the superstars in the back, and that at Takeover he will be the only thing truly unstoppable. Both guys looked great tonight and put on a highlight match of the evening.

We continue with more womens action as Bayley and Alexa Bliss take on Carmella and Devin Taylor. The good girls start out really strong with Bayley hitting a lot of her signature spots early on. Eventually things turn around and the team of Carmella and Devin Taylor take over on an isolated Bayley. After taking much punishment Bayley makes the hot tag to Bliss who comes in and takes charge, ejecting Carmella from the ring and takes it to Taylor, first with a glitz flip and ultimately a sparkle splash for the win. This was a fun match that Carmella came out of looking particularly strong. Carmella who seems to excel as a heel, has come so far so fast. Tonight she handled the bulk of the load for her team protecting the less experienced Devin Taylor.

Our main event of the evening is Tyler Breeze vs Hideo Itami vs Finn Balor. Early on it is evident that Breeze is the odd man out and he quickly evades the ring stating that he doesn’t need this. Balor and Itami surround the ring and chase Breeze back in, only for him to evade a few moments later. Finn and Hideo finally lock up then and begin several minutes of awesome grappling with Breeze trying to sneak back in to take advantage only to get tossed back out. Finally all three men are in the ring and as it goes with these types of matches, the action was fast, furious and impossible to do justice with words. All men looked amazing with Breeze looking especially dominant. Later in the match after not one, but two GTS teases Hideo walks into a beauty shot from Breeze who appears to have it won, but Finn makes the save. A few moments later, Finn goes for his coups de grace but Breeze rolls out of the way. Hideo then goes for a shotgun kick but Breeze ducks and it nails Balor. Itami goes for another this time nailing Breeze for the pin. The night ends on an excellent note, and it appears come May 20^th these three men just may steal the show.

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