Reviews

The John Report: WWE NXT 10/10/23 Review

By John Canton • Published 10th October 2023
wwe nxt october 10

This week’s WWE NXT featured big stars like John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Paul Heyman, Asuka and more along with the regular NXT roster. It was Carmelo Hayes facing Bron Breakker in the main event.

It’s a loaded edition of NXT that I am reviewing live. The show is loaded more than usual because AEW Dynamite got moved to Tuesday this week due to the MLB Playoffs. That led to WWE bringing some big names in that don’t normally appear on NXT. I think in terms of matches, they have some good ones, but not necessarily huge title matches. Certainly, they could make some matches as the show goes on. I like the lineup and I like what AEW is presenting too. It’s a win for the fans, I say. I also don’t care that much about the TV ratings between the shows. I get that wrestling fans will argue about it, celebrate it, make excuses and so on, but it really never interests me that much. To get wrapped up in that stuff and argue about it is so silly to me.

On another note, I think it’s ridiculous when people call this a “Tuesday Night War” or something stupid like that. Turn on the news. This has been awful to see in the past few days. Calling anything in wrestling a “war” is always dumb and even worse at a time like this in our world. My heart breaks for all the people that lost their lives in Gaza and it’s not going to stop any time soon. This is just my way of saying to remember pro wrestling is just entertainment and escapism. I’m glad it’s a part of my life, but let’s not overdo it.

Earlier today on Twitter/X I asked what Tuesday night show I should review live and 79% voted for NXT, so that’s an overwhelming win. Here in Canada, NXT isn’t on TV live like most weeks. I’m watching on Sportsnet + due to the MLB Playoffs on Sportsnet 360. That’s how I roll, my friends. Find a way to get it done.

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

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

Cody Rhodes Has An Announcement

Cody Rhodes started the show wearing his suit and he was in the ring for a promo. The fans loved him and chanted “YEET” at him, so Cody said “YEET” back. That’s a Jey Uso word. Cody asked the NXT Universe what they wanted to talk about. Cody said that something feels right about standing in this particular ring. Cody talked about it’s the Rhodes, it’s Florida and they had so many memories with each and every one of you. Cody said he did have an announcement, but then he said he had announcements meaning more than one.

Cody said that after the NXT Women’s Breakout tournament is ending, there will be an NXT Men’s Breakout tournament. Cody spoke about something else in NXT and the fans chanted “Dusty” so Cody said that the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament is coming back as well.

Cody said that on perhaps the biggest night in NXT history, Cody has been given the privilege the right of being the special guest General Manager of NXT tonight.

Analysis: I don’t know if those announcements are that major, but they are big in the NXT world.

Ilja Dragunov, the NXT Champion, interrupted with a suit of his own. Fans chanted “Happy Birthday” for Dragunov. Ilja said that Cody’s announcements bring excitement to NXT. Ilja said that he wanted to meet this man who brings a will to suffer for the entire WWE Universe. Ilja said that Cody pushes everything he does to the next level and Ilja wants to do like Cody. Ilja talked about how he wants to push this brand to the next level.

Dominik Mysterio, the NXT North American Champion, arrived with Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley. Dominik was booed loudly as he called himself the greatest superstar this brand has to offer. The fans chanted “you suck” at Dirty Dom. Dominik trashed Cody by mentioning how The Judgment Day has left him laying. Dragunov said that he’s not surprised Dominik came out to talk when nobody wants to hear his voice. Dragunov said his father used to work in a prison so he knows how to turn a barking dog into a sweet little puppy. Ripley whispered something to Dominik.

Dominik challenged Dragunov to an NXT Title match tonight. Cody said that so Dominik isn’t willing to put his North American Championship on the line? Ripley said that Dominik has carried this company for the last year. Dragunov said today is actually a day of celebration (his birthday), so he can’t think of anything better than to eat a man alive. Dragunov told Ripley he will smash her boy.

Cody said that the NXT World Title match is official. Cody said that this match needs a special guest referee is the hottest star in WWE today…LA Knight. Yeah.

Analysis: A simple way to set up a championship match later in the show. I figured one of those two male singles titles would be on the line on this show. Cody as the GM for the night is a good choice since he’s a popular babyface.

John Cena was shown arriving earlier in the day.

Roxanne Perez made her entrance. They showed Kelly Kincaid in the NXT locker room watching the matches back there. Asuka was up next as the opponent with the fans giving her a big reaction.

Shotzi arrived in her tank and made her way down to ringside. Shotzi joined commentary for this match.

Asuka vs. Roxanne Perez

They got into a shoving match early leading to Perez slapping Asuka in the face. Shotzi said she’ll host Halloween Havoc with Scarlett. Perez ran the ropes leading to a jumping shoulder tackle. Asuka left the ring, Perez went for a dive and Asuka stopped that with a forearm to the head. Asuka went up top and hit a missile dropkick off the top for two. Asuka hit a running splash in the corner. Asuka grabbed an armbar, then she let go and hit some light kicks. Perez delivered some forearms along with punches to the back and Perez hit a running dropkick. Asuka was on the floor, so Perez hit a suicide dive on the floor. Perez worked over Asuka with forearms by the turnbuckle, Asuka broke free and Perez hit a cross body block off the middle rope. Perez ran off the ropes leading to Asuka kicking her in the ribs. Perez got a couple of inside cradles and another pin attempt. Perez was sitting on top of Asuka, so Asuka grabbed the Asuka Lock submission. Perez got out of it, which led to Asuka hitting strikes to the body, a spinning back fist and a roundhouse kick to the head for the pinfall win after about eight minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Asuka

Analysis: *** That was pretty good for the time given. I thought they might have a longer match, but there’s a lot going on in this show, so I can understand wanting to keep it short. Perez tried to get the pinfall win throughout the match, but she couldn’t put Asuka away. Asuka winning with a kick instead of the submission is a bit of a surprise. It doesn’t matter that much in terms of how she won. I expected Asuka to win here.

After the match, Asuka bowed toward Perez as a sign of respect.

Kiana James went into the ring to talk trash to Perez, so Shotzi went into the ring and beat up James with some kicks. Shotzi hit a DDT on James to clear her from the ring. Shotzi helped Perez back up to her feet.

Paul Heyman was shown arriving earlier in the day.

Pub Rules Match: Gallus – Wolfgang, Mark Coffey & Joe Coffey vs. The Brawling Brutes – Ridge Holland, Butch & Tyler Bate

This is a match where weapons are legal. No tags needed since it’s tornado rules They had some fun spots early like Butch using a dart against Joe’s hand. Bate used a bowling ball that he used to roll into a trash can that was on somebody’s head. Butch was sent into the steel steps. Holland was tossed over a barricade and Bate thrown into the ring apron. The Gallus trio gave Butch a Powerbomb through a table that was on the floor. This was the first commercial of the show after going commercial-free for the first 30 minutes.

(Commercial)

It turned into a slugfest after the break. Butch hit a moonsault onto Joe on the floor. Bate and Holland did airplane spins to two opponents in the ring. The faces did ten forearms to the chest like Sheamus does along with some extra punches for the hell of it. Back in the ring, Butch hit a German Suplex on Mark for a two count. Wolfgang hit a somersault dive onto Butch & Holland on the floor. He did not get very far, but he hit them enough while also landing hard on his ass. Bate with a knee to Joe and then Joe came back with a German Suplex. Joe applied a submission on Bate’s back, so Ridge went into the ring and hit Joe with a pool cue to the back. Butch and Bate also had submissions, but Mark countered a submission with a Powerbomb onto two other guys. Holland was sent out of the ring by Joe. Butch went for a kick on Wolfgang, who moved and Butch kicked Bate by accident. Gallus hit a double team power slam for two as Bate jumped off the top and broke up the pin. Bate set up a table in the ring with the fans cheering loudly for that. Wolfgang hit a running powerslam on Bate. Holland dumped Wolfgang and Mark over the top to the floor. Joe hit a springboard cross body block on Holland. Butch saved Ridge with a kick to the head to Joe and Joe came back with a spinning clothesline. Joe grabbed a beer from ringside and poured it over Butch. Bate smashed the beer into Joe’s face. Butch snapped some of Joe’s fingers. The Brutes & Bate hit a Triple Powerbomb on Joe through the table. Bate covered Joe for the pinfall win. It went 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Brawling Brutes – Ridge Holland, Butch & Tyler Bate

Analysis: ***1/4 A fun match between six physical European wrestlers that have likely wrestled eachother a bunch of times in their careers. They came up with some creative spots for all of the weapons and using the table to end it was the right way to finish this match. I like seeing Bate working with Butch & Holland like that. Gallus are always very good too.

There was a plug for Becky Lynch’s book available for pre-order now and it comes out in March.

A video aired about Becky Lynch facing Lyra Valkyria at Halloween Havoc on October 24th. They are both from Ireland. A video aired from December 2018 when Lynch gave advice to Lyra during a training session at a wrestling school.

Analysis: That was cool. It makes the match feel like an even more of a bigger deal when Lynch faces Valkyria in two weeks.

Lyra Valkyria was interviewed by Mckenzie Mitchell. Tegan Nox interrupted saying she was seconds away from beating Becky Lynch. Nox claimed that Lyra’s title match has to wait because Nox knows she can beat her. Lyra said that Nox couldn’t get the job done and Lyra said she won’t let anybody get in the way.

Analysis: That was mean by Nox claiming she should get another title shot and just push Lyra away. Good job Lyra standing up for herself.

John Cena was shown walking backstage because he’s up next for a promo. That’s so weird writing that about an NXT show.

A commercial aired for Smackdown promoting the return of Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns after being away for two months. Plus, a special appearance from Triple H.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from John Cena

John Cena made his entrance to a huge ovation. This building is a lot smaller than most of the arenas that John Cena is used to appearing in, but they had a lot of energy. Cena spoke into the camera saying he was impressed that they were singing the song. The fans kept on singing the song.

John Cena said that was the most street cred he has gotten in the last 15 years, so he thanked the fans. Cena said that everybody talks about how NXT is the future. Cena said that they can’t see that they are making history tonight. Cena spoke about what’s happened so far and talked about the fans singing his theme song. Cena said that this is about the fans and what happens in the NXT ring every Tuesday night. Cena said there’s nothing like being here in this room and it’s long overdue. Cena said it’s his honor to be allowed to share space with you tonight. Cena said that he’s not unique in that case saying that’s why LA Knight and Cody Rhodes are here. The fans broke out into a “Thank You Cena” chant while one guy was chanting “Cena Sucks” too. Cena thanked the fans for creating an environment that WWE superstars want to visit. Cena said that we are Smackdown, we are Raw and we are all NXT. Cena spoke about how Carmelo Hayes is a man who is all about the hustle, loyalty and respect. Cena said that he was honored when Hayes asked Cena to be there to support him.

Bron Breakker made his entrance in a tank top showing off his muscles. The fans sang “Bron Breakker sucks” to the tune of Cena’s song and Cena said it was so much cooler when the lyrics change. Bron got in the ring with Cena.

Bron said that it was a big night for NXT and for WWE. Bron said that these people didn’t come here to see you. Cena: “They can’t.” Well played. Bron said that they came here to see him. Bron said that Cena is out here talking about how Carmelo Hayes thinks he can beat Bron Breakker just because Cena is there. Cena said that we all know that Bron has the business in his blood and he’s athletically gifted. Cena told Bron “young man” that he has a bad attitude and he lacks respect. Cena called this a teachable moment. (CHASE U!) Cena said he was excited for Bron’s match and he was there to respectfully wish him good luck. Cena extended his hand, but Bron punched Cena in the head instead. Bron set up for a Spear, he charged and Cena avoided it. Cena tried for the Attitude Adjustment, but Bron slipped out of it and Bron left the ring while Cena’s music played.

Analysis: Good segment. That’s a great learning experience for Bron Breakker to be in the ring with John Cena in a segment like that. Bron has such a bright future, but he’s also so young in his mid-20s while Cena is over 20 years older than him and that experience that Cena has can help Bron a lot in the future. Cena tried to be respectful, but with Bron as a cocky heel, it made sense for him to punch Cena in that moment and get a lot of heat for it. I don’t know if there’s a possible match there, but it could certainly be a big match for Bron to face Cena if it ever happens. I loved the crowd reactions to Cena like when they sang his song and just how loud they were about the whole thing in general. The NXT crowd sometimes chants things too often, but in this case I thought they did great and made Cena’s appearance feel like an even bigger deal.

The Ilja Dragunov-Dominik Mysterio match was next.

(Commercial)

Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage. Tony D’Angelo and Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo walked up to Cody to shake his hand. Tony D and Stacks said they wanted to find out who the next challengers should be. Dijak was shown walking in the background. They suggested a battle royal between tag teams and then two teams face off at the end. Cody said he liked it as a crazy match similar to some matches his father Dusty used to come up with. Cody said they could call it the Bada Bing Bada Boom Battle Royal for next week since Cody is the GM tonight. Tony & Stacks liked that.

Analysis: That’s a unique way to find the next title challengers. Hopefully, the execution of the match is an entertaining matchup between NXT tag teams.

Baron Corbin was interviewed by Mckenzie Mitchell. Corbin said that Ilja Dragunov was ducking him. Corbin said that he beat Bron Breakker and other than Melo surviving, Corbin is the only man to put Ilja down. Corbin said that everybody around here is all the same…and LA Knight’s music hit to interrupt.

LA Knight walked out to the ring in a referee shirt with the fans popping for him. Knight did well in his NXT run. Dominik Mysterio, the NXT North American Champion, was up next with Rhea Ripley, who is the Women’s World Champion. Ilja Dragunov entered next as the NXT Champion with the fans popping for him as usual.

NXT Championship: Ilja Dragunov vs. Dominik Mysterio (w/Rhea Ripley)

LA Knight was the special guest referee. Knight was wearing a black vest over his referee shirt and wearing sunglasses as well.

Ilja grounded Dominik with a headlock, then he let go and Ilja hit a body slam. Ilja was in control with a hard chop along with a senton splash. Ilja hit two German Suplexes in a row. Ripley went on the apron, Knight told her to get down and Dominik did an eye gouge that Knight didn’t see. Dominik threw Ilja throat first into the middle rope leading to a break.

(Commercial)

Dominik was in control while the fans kept chanting “YEAH” during the match. Ilja hit a jumping kick to the head. Ilja swung around the ropes leading to a running clothesline. Ilja picked up Dominik from around the waist leading to a delayed overhead German Suplex. Ilja sent Dominik into the turnbuckle followed by hard chops. Dominik broke free leading to his own lefty chop to the chest. The fans chanted “you f**ked up” at Dominik as Ilja came back with forearms. Ilja delivered multiple chops to the chest. Ilja with a lift, Dominik broke free and hit a dropkick. Dominik went for a 619, but Ilja avoided it and hit a boot to the face. Dominik avoided a move leading to a move sending Ilja throat first across the middle rope. Dominik hit the 619 kick this time for a two count. Dominik went up top and Ilja met him there with a superplex while Ilja was standing on the middle rope. Dominik rolled to the apron. Dragunov was caught in the ropes, so Dominik kicked him and hit a DDT on the apron. Ilja came back with a Powerbomb. Ilja hit an H-Bomb forearm smash to the head. Finn Balor ran out to ringside, so Knight punched him and JD McDonagh went into the ring, so Ilja took care of him and Knight hit the BFT on JD and tossed him from the ring. Rhea Ripley was on the apron, so Trick Williams arrived, Trick tripped her and Rhea landed in his arms. Ilja hit the running Torpedo Moscow uppercut on Dominik for the pinfall win. It went about 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Ilja Dragunov

Analysis: ***1/4 That was a good match as usual any time Dragunov is in a match. It was lacking that little bit extra to make it feel great because it was predictable that Dragunov would win. Dominik isn’t the kind of heel that gets a lot of offense in his matches, so when Dominik is in there he’s all about the cheap shots and getting help from others. I liked how the run-ins were booked with Knight taking care of them while Trick Williams also played a factor in taking Ripley out of the match. It was booked well.

After the match, Baron Corbin walked out from the backstage area. While Dragunov looked at Corbin, Dijak went into the ring behind Dragunov and dropped him with a boot to the face. Dijak told Corbin he beat him to it and Dijak said that Dragunov is his. Corbin didn’t say anything.

Analysis: I’m all for a Dijak push. I don’t mind Corbin in this spot either. I doubt Dragunov will lose to either of them. They are just taller heels for Dragunov to beat.

Carmelo Hayes was shown in the locker room with John Cena exchanging pleasantries and thanking Cena for being there. Trick Williams walked up to him with Cena saying they are both going to be champions again. Cena did his “you can’t see me” cheesy joke again. Carmelo said he’ll take out Bron and get his NXT Title back, so then Williams will get his NXT North American Title back as well. Melo left to get ready. Cena asked Trick if everything was okay, so Trick asked Cena when did he know it was his time? Cena left with Trick to talk about it.

Analysis: It was a small tease of potential issues with Trick and Melo down the road with Trick thinking he’s better than Melo.

A car was shown arriving at the building. It was Jade Cargill wearing an extravagant outfit. Shawn Michaels was there to greet her. The fans popped big for Jade being there.

Lola Vice entered with Elektra Lopez for Lola’s match up next.

(Commercial)

Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage with Baron Corbin walking up to him. Corbin told Cody to make his match. Cody said that Corbin was the last guy to beat Ilja. Corbin wanted a NXT Title match against Ilja Dragunov at Halloween Havoc. Cody said that Dijak proved he deserved a shot. Cody booked a match for next week’s NXT with Corbin facing Dijak and the winner of the Hayes-Breakker match. The winner of that match gets an NXT Title match.

There was an NXT Anonymous video showing Paul Heyman talking to Ava, who obviously has Bloodline ties due to her father The Rock. That’s interesting.

Nathan Frazer talked to Dominik Mysterio backstage. Frazer spoke about how Dominik thinks he can treat people like dirt. Rhea Ripley said that Frazer was a nobody, so they left.

NXT Breakout Tournament Quarterfinals: Lola Vice (w/Elektra Lopez) vs. Dani Palmer

Vice hit a shoulder tackle for two. Palmer got a sunset flip pin attempt for a two count. Vice with another shoulder tackle. Palmer tried a leapfrog, but Vice kicked her during the leap. Vice delivered some kicks and a hard kick to the back for two. Vice hit a spinning kick on Palmer to send her into the turnbuckle. Vice did a hip attack on Palmer for two. Palmer drove Vice into the turnbuckle followed by Palmer hitting a cross body block off the top. Palmer hit two leaping clotheslines and a dropkick. Palmer hit a running kick. Palmer went up top, she went for a twisting splash and Vice avoided it. Palmer went for a standing moonsault, but Vice caught her and did a submission move. Palmer countered it into a pin attempt. Vice hit a spin kick to the head for the pinfall win after four minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Lola Vice

Analysis: *1/2 They are both pretty green at this point in their careers, so it’s not a surprise that it was kept short at under five minutes. Palmer is a very talented athlete with a bright future. Vice has an MMA background and her strikes look great. It’s easy to get excited about Vice’s future in WWE.

Lola Vice moves on to the semifinals of the NXT Breakout Tournament. Lola is my pick to win it.

Chase U’s class was shown with Thea Hail there along with Jacy Jayne joining her. Andre Chase spoke about Halloween Havoc history. Jacy and Thea were not paying attention to Chase teaching his class. Chase yelled at some guy student looking at his phone. Chase threw the phone at the wall. Jacy spoke about Duke & Chase being in the Battle Royal next week. Jayne wanted a round of applause for the future number one contenders for the Tag Team Titles. Jayne said that they will have so much fun in class.

Bron Breakker was shown working out in his dressing room. Paul Heyman spoke about how he worked closely with Bron’s father and uncle. Heyman said that he sees Bron’s bright future as a future WrestleMania main eventer. Bron said he didn’t care if it was Carmelo Hayes or John Cena because he was going to break them all. Heyman smiled. Heyman told his phone to “call Roman Reigns.” The fans popped for that.

Analysis: I agree with Heyman’s prediction about Bron’s future. Bron is going to be a huge star in WWE over the next 15-20 years.

Carmelo Hayes made his entrance with John Cena by his side. The main event is next.

(Commercial)

A video package was shown of Brian Pillman Jr. watching videos of second-generation stars and then he watched some Pillman clips. He spoke about how everybody has fond memories of his father. He said he doesn’t have memories of his fathers because he lost him at four years old. He said he had no choice but to be in this business. He said he wanted to be his own man. Brian said that he is taking on the name of the man who raised him and said that his name is King, so that will be his name too.

Analysis: Good promo from Brian Pillman Jr., who will have the name of Lexis King in WWE. Based on that promo, King will be a heel. Brian’s sister Alexis Pillman passed away in a car accident in 2009. Brian’s mother Melanie Pillman-King passed away in June 2022 so that’s where Lexis King as a name came from. I know fans want him to be Brian Pillman Jr., but I don’t mind him trying something different and being a heel.

Asuka was shown backstage with a number of different women going up to her to speak to her like Kiana James, Blair Davenport and Kelani Jordan. They didn’t really do much. Tiffany Stratton told Asuka if she needed anything to let Tiffany know. Fallon Henley bickered with Stratton a bit.

Next week on WWE NXT:

* Baron Corbin vs. Dijak vs. Winner of Bron Breakker-Carmelo Hayes match

* Bada Big Bada Boom Tag Team Battle Royal

* Lyra Valkyria vs. Tegan Nox

Paul Heyman introduced us to himself as if we don’t know him. Heyman mentioned he serves the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns. Heyman said on behalf of Roman Reigns, he gives to you, “Badass” Bron Breakker. That led to Breakker’s entrance.

Bron Breakker (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Carmelo Hayes (w/John Cena)

It started out at a fast pace with Melo going up top with a leap, but Bron caught him and hit a powerslam. Bron went for a slam off the shoulders and Melo broke free. They both ran the ropes leading to Melo hitting a springboard clothesline. They went to a break there.

(Commercial)

Bron was in control with a knee to the ribs. Melo went to the apron and to the turnbuckle, but Bron hit him with a strike to stun him there. Melo and Bron battled on the middle turnbuckle outside the ring leading to Melo hitting face first onto the turnbuckle while Bron was smiling. Bron hit an overhead suplex across the ring. Melo delivered some slaps to the face, so Bron tackled him followed by punches. Bron hit jumping shoulder tackles similar to what Cena does. Bron hit a spinning suplex like Cena, who was not impressed by it. Bron did the “you can’t see me” hand gesture, but Melo was back up and hit a superkick. Melo with two clotheslines and a running forearm in both corners. Melo lifted up Bron leading to a Cutter for two. They were battling on the top rope leading to Bron hitting some kind of unique facebuster. It was almost like a top rope DDT. Bron charged, Hayes moved and Bron hit the ring post. Melo jumped off the top, Bron avoided it and Bron hit a powerslam for a two count. Bron grabbed the steel steps from ringside and Cean took the steps from him. Cena hit Bron with the steel steps. Solo Sikoa showed, so Cena got into a brawl with Solo and they went to the back. The referee didn’t see Cena using the steps. Melo hit a jumping lung blower with double knees on Bron. Back in the ring, Melo went up top and hit the Nothing But Net leg drop for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Carmelo Hayes

Analysis: ***1/2 It was the usual Melo-Bron match that we have seen a few times this year. Very good exchanges in the match as usual with a well-booked finish. Melo beat Bron twice in PLE matches and this time Melo won again in a TV match. Having Cena hit Bron with the steel steps ended up costing Bron because it weakened him and Melo capitalized right after to get the pinfall win. These guys always work well together. I would have liked to see a few more moments for Bron looking like he might win, but that didn’t hurt the match or anything like that. It was an even kind of match most of the way. That finisher by Melo always looks great.

After the match, Carmelo Hayes had his arms up in the air to celebrate. Bron Breakker got back up and hit a Spear on Melo.

Bron did a promo saying that win or lose there’s only one badass in all of WWE. GONG!

The Undertaker’s music hit as The Deadman arrived on a motorcycle. The fans were losing their mind screaming about how The Undertaker was there. The Undertaker went all around ringside on the motorcycle. The Undertaker went into the ring with the fans popping huge for him. It was the American Badass version of The Undertaker.

Bron Breakker got right in The Undertaker’s face while the fans chanted “holy shit” at Taker being there. Bron told the old timer there was only one badass around here.

The Undertaker said that he had been watching Bron for a long time. Taker said that one day you’re going to be a very special talent. Taker told Bron it ain’t today and Undertaker punched Bron in the jaw! Bron stagged back toward him and The Undertaker grabbed him by the throat. The Undertaker gave Bron a Chokeslam. That looked awesome. The fans chanted “holy shit” for that moment. The fans chanted “Undertaker” for the legend.

The Undertaker told Bron he’ll give him a little bit of advice. The Undertaker said there’s always a bigger badass waiting around the corner. The Undertaker said you just met the biggest badass of them all. Undertaker picked up Melo and they celebrated while Bron was down selling. The Undertaker and Melo posed. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: It was a cool moment to end the show. The crowd was going crazy for The Undertaker, who did just fine with his speech and the moves that he did. The Undertaker showing up on NXT is enough to get people talking. The idea is that just being in the ring with The Undertaker is a good thing for Bron. I don’t know if I believe it that much, but I get why it’s done too. It was an interesting way to end it.

===

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Carmelo Hayes/Bron Breakker/Ilja Dragunov
  2. John Cena
  3. The Undertaker

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The Scoreboard

This week: 8.5 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2023 Average: 7.08

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Final Thoughts

I thought it was an excellent show. It was really a lot of fun watching the main roster talent interacting with the NXT wrestlers. Cody Rhodes had a role as the GM of the night, LA Knight was a referee, John Cena did a promo along with being ringside during the main event and even The Undertaker showed up at the end of the night too. Plenty of NXT people were on the show whether in matches or backstage segments. The whole thing was booked very well.

The match quality was pretty strong most of the night. There have been some NXT episodes with better matches for sure, but most of what we got here were very entertaining matches. The women’s NXT Breakout match was kept short, which is smart. I liked Dragunov/Dominik a lot with a great finish that utilized LA Knight, the Asuka match with Roxanne Perez was solid and Pub Rules was a fight that was a lot of fun to watch.

Even though Bron Breakker lost to Carmelo Hayes again in the main event, it was a big night for Bron. They put him in the ring with John Cena and The Undertaker in different segments. Obviously, WWE is very high on Bron with Paul Heyman calling him a future WrestleMania main eventer as well. Having a retried Undertaker beat up Bron fairly easily doesn’t make Bron look great, but I’m sure Bron will be fine long term and will have plenty of great moments in his future.

It felt like the best episode of NXT this year.

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Thanks for reading. Go Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X @johnreport