WWE NXT’s June 9 edition was a night filled with a mix of excitement and disappointment. The show featured a blend of thrilling matches, intriguing storylines, and underwhelming moments that left fans divided. In this article, we’ll break down the highs and lows of the episode, examining the performances, the storylines, and what it means for the future of NXT.
3 Things We Hated
- The Treatment of Io Shirai: Io Shirai, a former NXT Women’s Champion, was featured in a short, uneventful segment on the show. The segment, which saw Shirai watching a video package highlighting her NXT career, felt like an afterthought. Shirai’s lack of involvement in the storyline, coupled with the lack of a clear direction for her character, left fans feeling frustrated. Shirai has been one of the top stars in NXT for years, and it’s puzzling to see her being given short shrift on the show.
Shirai, a 2-time NXT Women’s Champion, has a storied history in the WWE, having made her debut in 2014. She has been a key player in several high-profile storylines, including her infamous feud with Kay Lee Ray. Shirai’s unique blend of athleticism and charisma has made her a fan favorite, and it’s disheartening to see her being underutilized.
- The Lack of Resolution: The episode’s main event, a tag team match between Legado del Fantasma and Pretty Deadly, ended in a disqualification, with neither team earning a clear victory. While this can be an effective way to set up a future match, it felt like a wasted opportunity to provide closure on the storyline. The match itself was well-executed, with both teams showing their signature moves, but the lack of resolution left fans feeling unsatisfied.
Legado del Fantasma, a group of three wrestlers from Mexico, has been making waves in NXT with their high-flying moves and cohesive teamwork. Pretty Deadly, a tag team consisting of Elton Prince and Kit Wilson, has been a staple of the NXT tag team division, known for their unique blend of high-flying and hard-hitting moves. The rivalry between these two teams has been one of the most compelling in NXT, and a clear resolution would have added depth to the storyline.
- The Overemphasis on New Talent: While it’s essential to showcase new talent, the episode felt like it was prioritizing the introduction of fresh faces over established stars. The show’s opening match, a singles bout between newcomer Wes Lee and veteran Roderick Strong, was a showcase for Lee’s abilities, but it left fans wondering why Strong, one of the most experienced wrestlers in NXT, was given a relatively short match.
Roderick Strong, a 4-time NXT Champion, has been a mainstay of the NXT roster for years, known for his intense matches and innovative moves. Strong has been one of the most consistent performers in NXT, and it’s surprising to see him being relegated to a secondary role.
3 Things We Loved
- The Return of Carmelo Hayes: Carmelo Hayes, a fan favorite and 2-time NXT Champion, made a surprise return to NXT on the show. Hayes, who has been out of action due to injury, showed no signs of rust, delivering a high-energy promo that left fans buzzing.
Hayes, a former NXT Champion, has been one of the top stars in NXT, known for his charisma and in-ring ability. His return is a much-needed boost to the NXT roster, and it will be interesting to see how he fits into the current storyline.
- The Intense Match between Myles Borne and Cameron Grimes: The episode’s opening match, a singles bout between Myles Borne and Cameron Grimes, was an intense, hard-hitting affair that left fans on the edge of their seats. Both wrestlers showed their signature moves, with Borne delivering a devastating spear that sent Grimes crashing to the mat.
Myles Borne, a newcomer to NXT, has been making waves with his high-flying moves and intense matches. Borne’s in-ring ability is reminiscent of wrestlers like Tye Dillinger and Zack Gibson, and it’s exciting to see him develop as a performer.
- The Buildup to the NXT TakeOver Event: The episode’s final segment, a promo from NXT Champion Bron Breakker, set the stage for the upcoming NXT TakeOver event. Breakker, who has been dominating the NXT Championship picture, showed no signs of weakness, delivering a confident promo that left fans eager to see what’s next.
Bron Breakker, a 2-time NXT Champion, has been one of the top stars in NXT, known for his dominant in-ring performances and charismatic promo work. Breakker’s buildup to the TakeOver event will be a key storyline in the coming weeks, and it’s exciting to see how he’ll navigate the challenges ahead.
Fan Reaction Analysis
The episode’s fan reaction was mixed, with some fans praising the intense matches and others expressing frustration at the lack of resolution on the show. The social media reaction was similarly divided, with fans taking to Twitter to express their thoughts on the episode.
“I’m so frustrated with the treatment of Io Shirai,” tweeted @NXTFan4Life. “She’s one of the top stars in NXT, and it’s disheartening to see her being given short shrift on the show.”
On the other hand, @NXTNewFan praised the return of Carmelo Hayes, saying, “Carmelo Hayes is back, and he’s better than ever! His promo was electric, and I’m hyped to see what’s next for him in NXT.”
Future WWE Implications
The episode’s mixed bag of emotions has significant implications for the future of NXT. The show’s struggles to balance established stars and new talent will continue to be a challenge, and it’s essential that the NXT roster is given a clear direction.
The return of Carmelo Hayes is a much-needed boost to the NXT roster, and it will be interesting to see how he fits into the current storyline. The buildup to the NXT TakeOver event will be a key storyline in the coming weeks, and it’s essential that the NXT Championship picture is given a clear resolution.
Conclusion
WWE NXT’s June 9 edition was a night filled with a mix of excitement and disappointment. While the show had its moments, the lack of resolution and the underwhelming treatment of Io Shirai left fans feeling frustrated. The return of Carmelo Hayes and the buildup to the NXT TakeOver event are significant positives, and it will be interesting to see how these storylines unfold in the coming weeks.
As the NXT roster continues to evolve, it’s essential that the show strikes a balance between established stars and new talent. By giving fans a clear direction and providing closure on storylines, NXT can continue to be a must-watch show for wrestling fans.
FAQ Section
Q: Why was Io Shirai given a short segment on the show?
A: Io Shirai’s segment was likely a creative choice to build up to a future storyline, but it left fans feeling frustrated.
Q: What’s next for Carmelo Hayes in NXT?
A: Carmelo Hayes’ return is a significant development, and it will be interesting to see how he fits into the current storyline.
Q: Will the NXT TakeOver event be a major storyline in the coming weeks?
A: Yes, the buildup to the NXT TakeOver event will be a key storyline in the coming weeks, and it’s essential that the NXT Championship picture is given a clear resolution.
Q: What’s the current status of the NXT tag team division?
A: The NXT tag team division has been a staple of the show, with teams like Legado del Fantasma and Pretty Deadly delivering intense matches and captivating storylines.
Q: What’s the future of Myles Borne in NXT?
A: Myles Borne has been making waves with his high-flying moves and intense matches, and it will be interesting to see how he develops as a performer in the coming weeks.