The June 9 episode of WWE NXT was a mixed bag of action, drama, and surprises. While the show had its share of enjoyable moments, it also had some elements that left fans scratching their heads. In this article, we’ll break down three things we hated and three things we loved about the episode.
Background on the Main Event
The main event of the evening saw Cameron Grimes defending his NXT Championship against Roderick Strong. Cameron Grimes, a 25-year-old wrestler from Georgia, has been on a tear lately, winning the NXT Championship just a few weeks ago. This match was a highly anticipated showdown between two of the best in the division. Roderick Strong, a veteran wrestler with over a decade of experience, has been one of the top contenders for the title.
Three Things We Hated
- Lack of Progression in the Women’s Division
The women’s division has been a highlight of WWE NXT in recent months, with talented wrestlers like Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade consistently delivering high-quality matches. However, the episode’s main women’s match, featuring Roxanne Perez against Elektra Lopez, felt like a step back. The match was marred by a series of awkward spots and a lack of clear storytelling. It’s clear that the women’s division is still working through some kinks, and it’s disappointing to see a lack of progression in recent weeks.
- Overuse of the Authority Figure
The episode saw a return by NXT General Manager William Regal, who has been absent from the show for several weeks. While it’s always great to see Regal, his appearance felt like a crutch to slow down the momentum of the match between Cameron Grimes and Roderick Strong. It’s clear that Regal is still trying to establish himself as a strong authority figure, but it’s starting to feel like a tired trope.
- Poor Use of the NXT Tag Team Champions
The NXT Tag Team Champions, The Diamond Mine’s Roderick Strong and Pete Dunne, were barely involved in the episode. While they were part of a backstage segment with Cameron Grimes, their presence felt like an afterthought. It’s clear that the team is still working through some internal issues, but it’s disappointing to see them being underutilized in recent weeks.
Three Things We Loved
- Cameron Grimes and Roderick Strong’s Epic Match
The main event match between Cameron Grimes and Roderick Strong was a true standout. The two wrestlers delivered a high-quality match that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. The action was intense, the storytelling was clear, and the finish was both surprising and satisfying. It’s clear that Grimes and Strong have a deep respect for each other, and it shows in their work.
- The Return of Tony D’Angelo
The episode saw the return of Tony D’Angelo, who has been absent from the show for several weeks. D’Angelo’s character has been a highlight of WWE NXT in recent months, and his return was warmly received by fans. His segment with Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo was a highlight of the episode, and it’s clear that D’Angelo is still one of the most compelling characters in the division.
- The Continued Rise of Brooks Jensen
Brooks Jensen, a newcomer to WWE NXT, continued to make waves on the show. His match against Dijak was a solid effort, and his character continues to grow in popularity. Jensen’s underdog story is a compelling one, and it’s clear that he’s got the potential to be a top contender in the division.
Fan Reaction Analysis
The episode was met with a mixed response from fans. While some praised the action-packed main event and the return of Tony D’Angelo, others were disappointed by the lack of progression in the women’s division and the poor use of the NXT Tag Team Champions. The episode’s pacing was also criticized, with some feeling that it was too slow in some areas.
Future WWE Implications
The episode has significant implications for the future of WWE NXT. The continued rise of Brooks Jensen means that he’ll likely be a top contender in the division soon. The women’s division, on the other hand, needs to pick up the pace and deliver more high-quality matches. The return of Tony D’Angelo also raises questions about his role in the division moving forward.
Conclusion
The June 9 episode of WWE NXT was a mixed bag of action and drama. While it had its share of enjoyable moments, it also had some elements that left fans scratching their heads. The lack of progression in the women’s division and the poor use of the NXT Tag Team Champions were major disappointments. However, the epic match between Cameron Grimes and Roderick Strong, the return of Tony D’Angelo, and the continued rise of Brooks Jensen made for some truly compelling moments.
FAQ
Q: What’s the current status of the women’s division in WWE NXT?
A: The women’s division is still working through some kinks, but it’s clear that they’re making progress. The episode’s main women’s match, featuring Roxanne Perez against Elektra Lopez, was marred by a series of awkward spots and a lack of clear storytelling.
Q: What’s the current status of the NXT Tag Team Champions, The Diamond Mine?
A: The Diamond Mine, consisting of Roderick Strong and Pete Dunne, are still working through some internal issues. They were barely involved in the episode, and it’s clear that they’re underutilized in recent weeks.
Q: What’s the current status of Brooks Jensen?
A: Brooks Jensen is on the rise in WWE NXT. His character continues to grow in popularity, and he’s likely to be a top contender in the division soon.
Q: What’s the current status of Tony D’Angelo?
A: Tony D’Angelo has returned to WWE NXT after a brief absence. His character continues to be a highlight of the show, and his return was warmly received by fans.
Q: What’s the current status of Cameron Grimes and Roderick Strong’s feud?
A: Cameron Grimes and Roderick Strong’s feud is heating up. The two wrestlers delivered a high-quality match on the episode, and it’s clear that they have a deep respect for each other.