Reviews

The John Report: WWE NXT 03/07/23 (Roadblock) Review

By John Canton • Published 8th March 2023
wwe nxt march 8

This week’s WWE NXT was the Roadblock special with Grayson Waller talking to Shawn Michaels, Roxanne Perez defending her NXT Women’s Title against Meiko Satomura and more.

This will be a full review instead of summary style since it’s a Roadblock special.

This episode is taking place at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. My WWE NXT Review archive is here. Let’s get to it.

There was a video that aired with Tiffany Stratton narrating as she went over the card for Roadblock.

It was Vic Joseph and Booker T on commentary as usual.

Jailhouse Street Fight: Tony D’Angelo (w/Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo) vs. Dijak

It’s a Street Fight that only ends somebody gets tossed in a jailhouse cell/cage and the door is locked.

The action spilled to the floor with Tony hitting a belly-to-belly onto a nightstick. Tony put Dijak into the jail cell, but Dijak fought out of it. Dijak managed to fight back and sent Tony into the cell leading to Tony fighting back. Stacks was on the floor, so Dijak threw a chair at him. Dijak hit a High Justice sitout chokeslam onto the steel chair. Dijak beat on Tony D with steel chairs to the back. Dijak went up top, but Tony was back up with a chair to the back. Tony D hit a belly-to-back suplex leading to Dijak doing a flip bump onto his stomach leading to Dijak bumping onto the chairs. Ouch. They went to a picture-in-picture break.

(Commercial)

The match continued with a big spot off the top as Dijak hit springboard elbow drop onto Tony, who was on a table, so the table break. Great spot and move by a big man like Dijak. They went back to the cell with Dijak putting Tony inside of it, but Tony fought his way out of it. Tony hit a uranage slam on Dijak on the floor. Stacks opened the door for Tony, so Dijak grabbed Stacks and went into the cage. Dijak kicked the cage door into Tony. Dijak kicked Stacks over the barricade at ringside. Tony did a waist lock slam on the floor. Tony sent Dijak into the steel steps followed by Tony delivering some chair shots to Dijak’s back. When Tony tried to send Dijak into the cage, Dijak hit a low blow uppercut kick. Dijak hit the Feast Your Eyes knee to the face (his version of a GTS) and Dijak pulled Tony into the cell. Dijak tried slamming the door, but Stacks got in the way of the door getting shut. Dijak hit Feast Your Eyes on Stacks as well. Tony got a crowbar that he used to hit Dijak repeatedly and send Dijak into the cell. Tony slammed the door shut and locked it, so Dijak was in the jailhouse. Tony got the win after 12 minutes.

Winner: Tony D’Angelo

Analysis: ***1/4 That was a very entertaining brawl with plenty of big moves by both guys. Dijak had the match won, but Stacks was a major factor in helping Tony D get the win. Dijak is a tremendous wrestler that is so skilled in the ring and I want to see him get a push. Tony D winning is certainly fine with me too.

Roxanne Perez was interviewed by Mckenzie Mitchell in the locker room area. Perez said she’s done everything she can do to prepare saying this is her biggest title defense. Perez said she needs to walk into NXT Stand & Deliver as the NXT Women’s Champion and tonight she faces a living legend like Meiko, so it’s a huge match for her. Perez said she’s ready, so she’ll leave everything in the ring to keep the championship.

Gallus, the NXT Tag Team Champions, were shown walking backstage. Pretty Deadly were also walking backstage in another part of the building.

This Friday on Smackdown: A Fatal 5-Way match for a shot at the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania. Plus, after Jey Uso attacked Sami Zayn on Raw, is The Bloodline back for good? It would appear so.

(Commercial)

There was a video with Josh Briggs talking to Kiana James in her office. There were roses on the desk, Briggs wanted to read who the card was from and James didn’t let him look at it, so she put it in her planner. Kiana talked about how well she’s working with Fallon Henley now as the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions. Briggs talked about how Brooks Jensen was nervous about making the next move, Kiana thanked Josh for saying it and Kiana said she would call Brooks.

Analysis: The story is that James is probably using Brooks Jensen and is really dating somebody else, most likely.

Let’s Hear from Gallus

The Gallus boys Mark Coffey & Wolfgang were in the ring talking about their issues with Pretty Deadly. That led to Pretty Deadly appearing on the platform in the back part of the building. Pretty Deadly complained about how Gallus won the titles that belong to Pretty Deadly. Coffey said if you can’t live with these titles, you should come and take them? Pretty Deadly said they are going to do it. Pretty Deadly went down to the ring as Wolfgang and Coffey easily cleared house. The Gallus music played to end it.

Analysis: That was quick. The crowd was dead for it since Gallus were heels and I guess they are faces now. Pretty Deadly are clearly the heels in the scenario. The lack of natural babyface teams in NXT has been a while and nothing was really done to turn Gallus into faces, so it feels forced. I think the creative team could have done a better job with this storyline and segment. It just wasn’t that interesting.

A video aired with Lyra Valkyria saying she was coming after the NXT Women’s Championship.

The NXT Champion Bron Breakker made his entrance with The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile for a six-man tag team match. Bron and The Creed Brothers were all wearing blue singlets, so they matched.

(Commercial)

A commercial aired promoting the WWE 2K23 video game that comes out next week.

Ilja Dragunov did a promo talking about how JD McDonagh has no soul and enjoyment for JD comes from snapping bones. Dragunov said that JD will never break his will.

They showed Dragon Lee sitting in the crowd in dress clothes along with a mask on his head.

Analysis: Good to see him there. Hopefully we get to see his in-ring debut soon. Dragon Lee is very talented in his late 20s with a bright future.

Bron Breakker, Julius Creed & Brutus Creed (w/Ivy Nile) vs. Indus Sher – Jinder Mahal, Veer Mahaan & Sanga

It started out as a wild brawl all around the ring. Veer drove his knee into Bron’s ribs. Bron ran the ropes leading to a running clothesline. Julius tagged in with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Brutus tagged in so Julius slammed his brother onto Veer for two. Mahal tagged in leading to Brutus hitting a suplex. Bron tagged in against Sanga, the biggest man in the match. Sanga sent Bron into the turnbuckle, elbow smash by Sanga and Bron jumped off the ropes with a shoulder tackle. Mahal and Veer went into the ring so the Creed Brothers each hit suplexes. Bron hit a running dive over the top onto an opponent on the floor while Julius and Brutus each hit somersault dives off the turnbuckles onto two guys on the floor. That was a great spot leading into a break. These are some big dudes hitting those dives too, so that’s impressive.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Carmelo Hayes joining the commentary team. Mahal hit a running knee on Julius, who was the face in peril. Mahal with a chinlock, Julius got out of it, Mahal with an eye gouge and Julius broke free to bring in Brutus. Veer was in for the heels leading to Brutus hitting a spinebuster. Brutus knocked down Mahal on the floor, which allowed Veer to hit a slam. Sanga tagged in, he threw Brutus into Breakker on the apron. Brutus hit a running cannonball and a lifting suplex. Bron tagged in with a moonsault off the middle rope and Julius tagged in with a 450 Splash on Sanga for a two count. Bron was on the turnbuckle, but he got knocked down while Sanga fought back against Julius. Sanga with a slam and Veer hit a leaping elbow drop/side slam combo move for two as Bron broke up the pin. Sanga hit a Chokeslam on Julius. Veer with a big lefty clothesline on Julius for a two count. All six guys were in the ring leading to punches. Bron hit a Spear on Mahal. Bron powered out of a move by Sanga and Bron hit a Spear. Veer kicked Bron, but Julius picked up Veer leading to a rolling slam. Julius picked up Veer, Brutus was legal and Brutus hit a Brutus Ball diving attack on Veer. Brutus pinned Veer for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Bron Breakker, Julius Creed & Brutus Creed

Analysis: ***1/4 That was a fun tag team match. Bron and The Creed Brothers showed off their athleticism throughout the match. Julius hitting that 450 Splash seamlessly looked fantastic while they hit some other dives throughout the match as well. It hurts Indus Sher a bit to lose, but I like Bron and The Creed Brothers together.

Grayson Waller was shown backstage for his talk show segment.

Shawn Michaels appeared in the Gorilla Position where he runs the show. Matt Bloom (aka Albert) asked Shawn if he wanted to do this. Shawn said he appreciated Matt asking him, but Shawn had to do this and he’s got this.

(Commercial)

They showed Meiko Satomura warming up backstage ahead of her match later in the show.

Grayson Waller Effect with Shawn Michaels

Grayson Waller was in the ring with a table along with some fake plants as part of his Grayson Waller Effect set. Shawn Michaels was announced as the guest as NXT’s boss. Shawn was wearing a cowboy hat as usual. The fans popped big for Shawn and they even sang Shawn’s song after it stopped playing.

Grayson said that 10-year-old Waller would be going crazy like the fans are, but now he would say to that kid “one day you’re going to be so disappointed.” Waller said that you shouldn’t be a Shawn guy, be a Bret (Hart) guy. Shawn was seated with Waller as they spoke face to face. Shawn said they used to be cool, but now Waller hates him, so why is that? Waller said that he told Shawn he was going to take over this brand, he’s the best on the microphone, the best in the ring and he wants to be the number one guy. Waller said that Shawn is treating Waller the same way that Vince McMahon treated Shawn because Shawn wasn’t big enough or a draw. Waller said Shawn proved Vince wrong and now Shawn is in Vince’s spot. Waller complained about how Shawn was holding him back.

Michaels said he cut the reigns loose on Waller a long time ago. Shawn said that Waller lost at Vengeance Day and what happened at New Year’s Evil was not Waller’s fault. Shawn said at Vengeance Day, Waller took his shot at Bron Breakker and he missed. Shawn said that the guy that Waller has to blame is the guy in the mirror. Waller told Michaels that the only reason he’s in that position at Gorilla (running the show) is because Shawn’s best friend Hunter (Triple H) had a heart attack. Waller said that is fact, not an opinion. Shawn said he wasn’t in charge there, he stepped in because his friend needed him and it was the least he can do after everything Hunter did for him in his life. Shawn said that Hunter was in charge, but Shawn Michaels is “directing the ship” now.

Waller said that the ship is going right into an iceberg. Waller talked about how he wouldn’t be surprised post-WrestleMania that he ended up on a cut list. Waller said he is NXT and without him, it’s nothing. Michaels said Waller thinks he is bigger than a brand, but NXT isn’t about one person – it’s the brand. Michaels talked about how NXT was built on the shoulders of Finn Balor, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, DIY, Undisputed Era, Io, Asuka, Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair and so on. Shawn mentioned Bron and Roxanne are the champions now while mentioning Wes Lee, The Creed Brothers and Waller is a part of it, but Waller is just a part of it. Waller said that Shawn is really good and no one is better at hyping up a crowd like Shawn. Waller talked about all the nicknames that Shawn had for himself in his career. Since when did Shawn become a team player talking about “we” so much? Shawn said in his career it was all about himself, but that all changed when he came to NXT. Shawn said you could feel the vibe here, it’s different and he knew this place was special. The lights came back on in the building.

Waller wondered who is actually getting to Raw or Smackdown – Bron, Melo or Zoey? Waller said he’s sick of this place, he’s sick of NXT and he’s sick of these people backstage saying they want to be a superstar but doing nothing about it. Waller trashed the crowd saying “We Are NXT” because it’s the same people every week in the same clothes because they’re too poor to afford anything different. Waller said he’s sick of a boss that has the biggest superstar in front of him and he has no idea…Shawn shouted “Enough!”

Michaels got up out of his chair to stand face to face with Waller. Michaels said people have been running him down for 40 years, but do not ever run this brand into the ground. The fans chanted “NXT” on cue. Waller dared Michaels to do something about it. Waller wanted Michaels to face him at Stand & Deliver. Waller wanted Shawn to tune up the band one last time. Michaels took his jacket off, which drew cheers. Michaels said that for over a decade, he’s had the greatest in the world want to challenge him to a WrestleMania dream match. Michaels said that people have been challenging him to dream matches for so long and they have been backing up the Brinks truck (meaning lots of money) to his front door for a decade, year after year. Shawn said the drivers know his address by heart. Michaels told Waller he’s just a guy doing it in 2023. Michaels said it will happen year after year. Michaels said nothing would thrill him more than to whip his ass at Stand & Deliver. Michaels told Waller there was somebody that wants to whip Waller’s ass even more. Michaels said he bleeds NXT even more than Shawn. Michaels told Waller he’ll get his wish to have a match at Stand & Deliver where his opponent will be…Johnny Gargano!

The crowd popped big as Johnny Gargano made his entrance to a big ovation. Gargano went into the ring, Vic shouted “get his ass, Johnny” and Gargano punched Waller a few times. Gargano wanted a superkick, but Waller bailed to the floor. Loud “Johnny Wrestling” chants.

Analysis: I thought the segment was great. A nice surprise there at the end. I assume Gargano is just there to work the match at Stand & Deliver, but he’ll remain a Raw guy. Waller had a feud with Gargano in late 2021 when Gargano’s WWE deal expired, so there is a history there that NXT will probably mention in the weeks ahead. This was all about getting more heat on Waller for being against NXT while making the NXT brand a big babyface with Michaels putting over the brand heavily and bringing back one of the most popular NXT superstars ever, Johnny Gargano. Michaels was outstanding in the segment while Waller did a terrific job of being a jerk the entire time. I predicted for a few weeks that I thought Dragon Lee would be in that spot opposite Waller, but putting Gargano certainly works fine. Michaels is close with Gargano, who is one of the most popular NXT stars ever, so it makes a lot of sense as a storyline.

Gargano tweeted about the history with Waller.

The Jayne-Dolin grudge match was next.

(Commercial)

Jacy Jayne vs. Gigi Dolin

They didn’t give Gigi a televised entrance, but Jacy got one. They started fighting right away, Jayne did a slap and Dolin tackled Jayne out of the ring. Dolin sent Jayne back into the ring with a clothesline. Jayne ran away to the floor, Dolin followed her out there and Jayne hit Dolin with a forearm. Jayne grabbed a chair that would have been a DQ, but Dolin kicked her to knock the chair down.

(Commercial)

Jayne was in control with a chinlock while making angry faces. Jayne with a knee to the ribs, a snapmare and a kick for a two count. Jayne with a running hip attack in the corner and another clothesline for two. Dolin got an inside cradle for two. Dolin worked over Jayne with some kicks. Dolin was jogging into a spot as Jayne hit a neckbreaker followed by a senton splash. Jayne did some angry screaming. Dolin hooked the arms, then slammed down Jayne for a move like a crucifix pin and Jayne’s shoulders were barely down, but it was enough for a three count. It went about eight minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Gigi Dolin

Analysis: ** This was okay with a weak finish. It certainly didn’t feel like the end of a grudge feud. I would have liked to see some more pin attempts and more action instead of grabbing chinlocks for minutes a time in a match that was only eight minutes long. I like Jayne as a heel, but she sure screams a lot while making angry faces. It’s too gimmicky and over the top.

Post match, Jayne attacked Dolin from behind with a forearm. Jayne punched Dolin and kicked Dolin in the face. Jayne grabbed the chair, let out a scream and Jayne wanted to do a chair attack while the chair was on Dolin’s neck, but three referees stopped it. The fans booed.

Analysis: I’m not surprised by the post match attack. This felt like the first match in a series between them. Gigi gets this win here, Jacy wins the second match next time and then they will do a third match with a stipulation.

Brooks Jensen was shown talking to Fallon Henley in the locker room and they apologized to eachother for getting things wrong in the past. Josh Briggs mentioned the roses on Kiana’s desk thinking they were from Brooks and Brooks asked what they said. Briggs said Kiana will call Brooks tonight and Brooks was excited. Right on cue, Kiana called Brooks, who said “hey girl.” Brooks said tonight is good and he was excited. Henley realized that Brooks wasn’t the one that sent the roses and Briggs told Fallon she was right. They wondered what they would do. Henley said she had an idea.

Analysis: The ongoing love storyline continues. It’s not that exciting, really, but at least it gives four characters something to do.

Let’s Hear from Bron Breakker

The NXT Champion Bron Breakker walked out with the NXT Title on his right shoulder. Bron said he was supposed to come out next week, but it’s time now. Bron said that it’s time for the biggest match on the biggest stage – he called out Carmelo Hayes while the fans chanted “Melo” for Hayes.

Carmelo Hayes made his entrance alone without Trick Williams. Melo said it is time. Melo said it is time for their paths to finally cross. Melo mentioned that the fans want, Bron wants it and Melo wants it too. Melo got into the ring.

Bron said he couldn’t agree more. Bron said that week after week, he would have to deal with somebody else and it was disappointing because he wanted it to be Melo’s music. Bron said he kept tabs on Melo. That led to Melo saying he kept tabs on Bron and always made it a point to watch him. Bron said there was a meeting with Shawn and Hunter telling them about how NXT was going to change. Melo said in August 2021 they picked Bron and Melo while adding that this brand was theirs for the taking. Melo said that over the last 18 months they have proved themselves. Bron said there is nowhere else for them to go except Melo and Bron. Melo said his catchphrase just doesn’t feel right. Melo told Bron to put that NXT Championship on the line and he’ll see Bron at Stand & Deliver. They shook on it. Melo said that he has never been secondary to nobody. Bron said: “April 1st, we’ll see.” Bron held up the title for a staredown.

Analysis: There’s the official setup for the match. It has been brewing for a long time and now we get to be excited about it. I think Bron and Melo are both ready for a WrestleMania call up to Raw or Smackdown after WrestleMania, so whoever loses that match may be on Raw or Smackdown in April. I think Melo might beat Bron to win the NXT Title, but it could go either way. They were right saying that for the last 18 months they were the top two guys on the brand. That’s for sure.

Tyler Bate was shown with Thea Hail helping her with some meditation to help her feel better. Andrew Chase and Duke Hudson walked up with Bate saying she’s been through hard times, but hopefully this helps. Bate told Thea that nobody is beyond fear. Bate wished Chase good luck with his match. After Chase & Hail left, Hudson told Bate he can’t believe anybody would buy that snake oil he was selling.

Joe Gacy and Schism entered for his match.

(Commercial)

Andre Chase (w/Duke Hudson & Thea Hail) vs. Joe Gacy (w/Ava, Rip Fowler & Jagger Reid)

It started during the picture-in-picture break. Chase hit a running clothesline, Gacy came back with a knee and Gacy hit a brainbuster for two. Chase came back with a legsweep followed by the C-H-A-S-E U stomp routine. Chase hit a Side Effect slam for two. Gacy with a pump kick, Gacy with a side kick and Gacy hit a uranage slam which is similar to the slam that Chase did. They exchanged forearms, then Gacy set up Chase on the top turnbuckle and Chase fought back leading to a sunset flip Powerbomb for two. Hail was making crazy faces, then she went over to Ava and yelled at her saying she wasn’t afraid. Chase gave Thea high five leading to Gacy hitting a handspring clothesline for the pinfall win after five minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Joe Gacy

Analysis: **1/4 A clean win for Gacy because Chase was distracted by Hail celebrating that she no longer fears Ava, but Chase was celebrating that and it allowed Gacy to hit his handspring clothesline to win. The finish fit the story, but I wouldn’t call it a great ending.

A video aired with Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre trashing some of the other women’s tag teams in NXT.

There are two confirmed matches for Stand & Deliver on Saturday, April 1st at 1pm ET/10 am local time.

* NXT Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Carmelo Hayes

* Johnny Gargano vs. Grayson Waller

Analysis: That show starts at 10 am LA time since it’s on in the afternoon before WrestleMania 39 night one. I feel like they should do it instead on Thursday (if they could have the venue), but it’s a Saturday morning show locally. That’s such a weird time to start a show.

(Commercial)

Chase U was shown walking backstage with Thea Hail celebrating because she faced her fears. Andre Chase was celebrating that. Duke Hudson pointed out that they lost again. Hudson said they are an institution of losers and they even celebrate it. Hudson said they are pathetic, they’re not a university – they are a bloody joke.

Analysis: I wouldn’t mind seeing Chase and Duke winning the tag team titles at some point in the next few months. The fans would love it.

Wes Lee, the NXT North American Champion, was interviewed by Mckenzie Mitchell. Wes talked about his great open challenge match against Nathan Frazer. Axiom interrupted it saying he was held back from challenging Lee next week. Lee said if you get to the ring first then you can be the one to face Lee next week.

Next week on NXT:

* Johnny Gargano live

* Gallus defends the NXT Tag Team Titles against Pretty Deadly

* Apollo Crews vs. Dabba-Kato

NXT Women’s Championship: Roxanne Perez vs. Meiko Satomura

Perez is 21 years old and has been the champion for about three months. Meiko is 43 with a lot of experience. Ring announcer did the introductions after both women were in the ring. The bell rang, they shook hands and went to a picture-in-picture break.

(Commercial)

Meiko was in control with a jumping shoulder tackle. Meiko applied a wrist lock, Perez got out of it and Perez did a headscissors. When Perez charged, Meiko hit her with a forearm to the head. Meiko with a knee drop to the chest. Meiko with a forearm, Perez came back with a sunset flip and got a two count. Meiko worked over the right knee by wrenching it. Normally in wrestling they work on the left knee, but Meiko was working on the right here. Perez grabbed a headlock, then they got back up and Perez was unsuccessful with shoulder tackles. Meiko with punches, then a running forearm and Perez fought back with forearms. Meiko with hard kicks to the chest. Perez came back with a dragon screw leg whip. Perez hit three running uppercuts, but Meiko blocked a legsweep attempt. Perez hit a running dropkick that knocked Meiko out of the ring. Perez hit a suicide dive onto Meiko on the floor. Back in the ring, Perez went up top, Meiko went after her and Meiko hit a forearm smash to knock Perez down. Meiko tried a splash off the top, but Perez got her knees up to block. They battled over some holds, Perez got a legsweep and Meiko did a rollup for two. Meiko with a spinning suplex and a Pele Kick to the head. Meiko with a belly to back high angle suplex for two. Meiko hit a slam off the shoulders followed by the cartwheel into a kick to the head for a two count. They battled on the apron with Perez sending Meiko into the turnbuckle. Perez tried the Pop Rox on the floor, but Meiko jumped up to the head leading to a kick to the head. Back in the ring, Meiko covered for two because Perez got her right foot on the bottom rope. Meiko with a kick to the chest. Meiko went for the step up kick to the head, Roxy moved out of the way and Roxy got a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! while using her bottom for more leverage for the pinfall win after 14 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Roxanne Perez

Analysis: ***1/2 That was a great match. I’m not that surprised because they were given a lot of time and Meiko is so talented while Perez continues to impress me every time she’s out there. They worked well together with a lot of creative spots. Perez winning was the obvious result since I didn’t expect Meiko to win the match. It was not a dominant win by Perez since she won with a rollup instead of using her finishing move. Meiko was on offense for most of the match with a lot of slams and shots to the head, which would set up what happened after the match.

Post match, Meiko presented the NXT Women’s Title to Perez, who kissed the title. Meiko helped Perez back up, but then Perez collapsed and went face first onto the mat.

The referee called for help as more referees ran out to try to get Perez to wake up. The medical team ran out to the ring and they were the actual medical team instead of indy wrestlers. Booker was saying we have to get some help out here. The EMT’s went out to the ring with a stretcher. Booker T took his headset off and went into the ring since he was Roxanne’s trainer, so he cares a lot about her. Vic Joseph went silent on commentary. Shawn Michaels went out to ringside while Meiko looked devastated about what was happening. They wheeled Perez out on a stretcher while some people were shouting “we love you Roxanne” in the backstage area. Perez was loaded into the ambulance as the show signed off.

Analysis: It’s just an injury angle. That gave me flashbacks to Shawn Michaels doing the same thing in 1995 after taking an Owen Hart enziguri kick to the head. Since Meiko kicked Roxanne in the head a lot during the match and the announcers mentioned it a few times, they were trying to push that in the story.

Here’s the storyline update on Roxanne.

I guess we will get an update next week on NXT.

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Shawn Michaels-Grayson Waller
  2. Roxanne Perez-Meiko Satomura
  3. Bron Breakker, Julius Creed & Brutus Creed

The Scoreboard

This week: 7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2023 Average: 6.95

Final Thoughts

A good show overall that had a great main event with Roxanne Perez beating Meiko Satomura in a competitive NXT Women’s Title match. The match result wasn’t a surprise. They did a dramatic post match angle with Perez looking like she was knocked out and she was taken on a stretcher. It was like Shawn Michaels in 1995. Shawn runs NXT, so obviously they felt like doing something like that with Roxanne to make her a sympathetic figure for when she wrestles again. The first two matches on the show were really good too.

Speaking of Shawn Michaels, I really liked his promo segment with Grayson Waller. I thought it was the best part of the show. Lots of great lines by Waller throughout their chat while Shawn talked about people wanting him to have one more match, but he didn’t accept the challenge and instead brought out Johnny Gargano face Waller at Stand & Deliver. That’s certainly fine with me.

I also liked the Bron Breakker-Carmelo promo to set up their Stand & Deliver match for the NXT Title. It has been building for 18 months and now we get to see it during WrestleMania weekend, so that’s cool. I’m looking forward to it.

The lineup for NXT Stand & Deliver on Saturday, April 1 looks like this so far:

* NXT Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Carmelo Hayes

* Johnny Gargano vs. Grayson Waller

===

Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter @johnreport