I have to admit that in the very beginning of this episode, I worried. Okay, not the very beginning. The Glee-esque opening, “And that’s what you missed on NXT,” was hilarious. But then they opened with Watson versus Curtis. No story, just throwing them back in the ring together. But the show went up, up, and away from there!
I have to admit that in the very beginning of this episode, I worried. Okay, not the very beginning. The Glee-esque opening, “And that’s what you missed on NXT,” was hilarious. But then they opened with Watson versus Curtis. No story, just throwing them back in the ring together. But the show went up, up, and away from there!
4. Percy Watson vs. Johnny Curtis
Besides just having complained about the match opening the show it was a great match. Just, predictable. In the determination to be different and not give us very long feuds, which I like, NXT does tend to go one to one and then need a tie-breaker. Great for storyline, but sometimes you need a shakeup. Still, sound match that shows off Curtis’s skill and Watson’s moves.
3. The One-Liners
Okay, they weren’t all one-liners. Some played off of one another, but the writing for this show is spectacular. Or whoever is coming up with what everyone decides to say.
Maxine: “Matt Striker is fine. There is nothing wrong with Matt Striker.” Josh: “HE WAS KIDNAPPED FOR 3 WEEKS!”
Regal: “Please let it be Derrick Bateman, I’d like to fire him.” Derrick: “No one is, no one’s a fan of me. I’m a fan of you though Regal! I used to like playing as you on WCW/nWo Revenge!”
Curtis: “Single, ready to mingle.”
Regal: “You don’t have to sign it, and you don’t have to work here.”
Kaitlyn: “Maxine, aren’t you used to these by now?”
Hawkins: ““What are you going to do, you little midget?”
2. Maxine vs. Kaitlyn
These women just work wonderfully together. It’s a far cry from their first match ever together, which I think is part of what makes the two such a joy now. When they are in the ring you can see how far they have truly come. Beautiful match that ends with Maxine wrapping herself around Kaitlyn and putting on an expertly executed Dragon Sleeper. My only complaint: NXT needs more divas. More Natalya would be great!
1. Curt Hawkins vs. Tyler Reks
I am going to try to keep this as short as possible while describing how fantastically horrible and wonderful this was. Hawkins and Reks are ousted as the kidnappers. Reks and Hawkins confront Regal claiming the film was doctored, they weren’t really the kidnappers. Striker comes out, says he wasn’t beaten by fists, but with a blunt object, much like a walking stick. In his hands, Hawkins’ cane. Oh yes, quite nice. Regal, tired of the two slackers, tells them they must fight one another. Whoever loses is fired. Reks begins to refuse, but Hawkins panics and punches him, turning this into a brawl.
These two men do not just wrestle. This is a knock-down drag out (without blood, kudos!) They fight through a desperation to stay employed, not thinking about who they are fighting on the other side. Reks ultimately wins (didn’t see that coming) but both are still ultimately fired.
Solace has a heart attack.
Will she survive? Guess we’ll find out next week, on NXT
HELLIONS TEAM 
Percy vs. Dirty Curty: I don’t know how you could tell how good the match was. They interrupted it so often for extended times to show the commentators with Maxine that I couldn’t follow the match at all! You’re a better woman than I, for sure…
The one-liners WERE spectacular. I think the best one was Kaitlyn grabbing the cuffs and asking Maxine “aren’t you used to these yet?” LOL
I LOVED Maxine Vs. Kaitlyn and I think it was easily the match of the night, in spite of Reks and Hawkins’ best effort to steal the show. I LOVED Maxine submission finisher!
Reks vs. Hawkins: WOW. Definitely a massive upset!! And Regal pulling the fast one at the end! A wonderful ending to a crazy and fun show.
Also, I want to point out that Regal has two incredible stories on today’s episode. Between the Tasmanian acrobats doing a human pyramid in the Himalayas and his grandfather’s ferret, I was left in stitches. I know it was supposed to be Striker’s show once he came back, but Regal deftly stole it from him — in fact, it was HIS from the first moment he spoke until the last frame. Regal is a legend for a reason and I for one welcome our villainous British overlord. 😉
I hope the intro thing carries on, may get the crowd (majority probably don’t watch NXT) more bought into the action.
I’m hoping the Reks/Hawkins firing is the sign of bigger things for the pair of them. Perhaps thanks for their great work on NXT and Curt’s supporting the Rock prior to WM.
Agree there does need to be more Divas involved on the show. They get to actually show what they can do and matches don’t necessarily end due to the “roll-up of doom”.
I selfishly hope that Reks/Hawkins remain on NXT. This isn’t because I don’t think they should be bigger, but because NXT is the ONLY show that I actually trust to properly utilize talent. Raw and Smackdown are in shambles. If anything, I’d like to see more of the currently forgotten/abused talent on NXT. Hunico, Tamina, and Natalya have all been used recently. Their good examples.
I’d like to see a championship of some sort. It doesn’t need to be a title belt, or even be “official,” but having someone running around with shiny bauble and claiming to be the top guy could be brilliant.
I agree with three of your top four. I’d have bumped Percy/Curtis, because I’ve pretty much given up on Percy. The last spot could have gone to the epic opening instead.