The pace at which NXT is moving will begin to speed up in the next six weeks or so as we approach Takeover: Brooklyn, which was established as NXT’s biggest Takeover event started in 2015. It coincides with WWE’s build to its second-biggest pay-per-view, SummerSlam. It is great to see WWE working towards building the future of the business by introducing new people like Arturo Ruas, who has competed before in NXT under a different name. He also competed this past Saturday on Evolve’s 10thAnniversary Special. His match with Matt Riddle was contested similar to a UFC fight because both are well trained in MMA. The match ended with Riddle being attacked by Killian Dain, who is finally making his NXT return after failing to make a meaningful impact with Sanity on the main roster.
I can really appreciate the reference to the late Bam Bam Bigelow by Beth Phoenix. He was a very underrated performer who is remembered most for his match with the great linebacker Lawrence Taylor of the NFL’s New York Giants at WrestleMania 11 in 1995.
One last element that needs to be addressed is the Kushida – Apollo Crews match. Kushida is truly a one-of-a-kind talent who’s in-ring style is so adaptable that it can mesh with almost anyone. It is also extremely unselfish on the part of Apollo Crews to return to NXT to help put Kushida over. I know of plenty of superstars who were not willing to do that, so it speaks volumes about Apollo’s character and his attitude toward the company that he is willing to do that.