AEW may be winning the ratings, but they are struggling here as NXT leads 7-2 with three draws, would the introduction of WSBF award winning writer of the year Dom Van Dam make a difference to the scorecards?
Rd1: Keith Lee promo and beatdown vs Cody Promo
JCH: Keith Lee and the Limitless Leegion! They do love their alliterative nicknames don’t they. Anyway Keith delivers a nice promo here to kick off the show. He’s an absolute star at Full Sail. Ciampa to the rescue to save him from the Era Beatdown. It was fine. Keith was good, it was just a bit samey. NXT falling into the must start with a promo trope. On AEW, Cody continues to deliver at an exceptional level. Is there anyone better than him right now? Passionate superstar Cody or deluded dad Jericho are on a superior level to all on the mic I think. He continues here with another strong effort, taking the round for AEW
AEW 10-9 NXT
Brum: Another good promo from Cody. Not as good as some of his others but that’s no knock. What I like about Cody is there isn’t really a comparison to him the wrestling world. He’s so committed to who his character is and their motivations and I think that’s what gets him over so much.
Keith Lee kicked off NXT with a good promo too. This would have been hard to grade if it wasn’t for HEDGE POUNCE!!!!!! Keith Lee’s massive rager later on in the show was bags of fun and gets them a win for this round.
10-9 NXT.
DVD: Keith Lee certainly is on an exciting run and I am very impressed that he has been booked to go after the North American championship before the World Title. Not only is it patient booking but it’s also raising the prestige of both Roderick Strong and the belt which he is carrying. The segment was fairly uninspiring, as I’ve never really liked the idea a heel group beat down on one guy. It was cool to see DIY reform though and I’m probably looking forward to their match with Moustache Mountain as much as any this month.
Over on the other channel we have probably the best storyteller in wrestling in the ring on the microphone that he controls. It’s impossible not to empathise with Cody, he is so damn likeable. AEW takes the early lead for me. 10 - 9.
AEW 10-9 NXT
Rd 2: Broserweights vs SWSC. Vs. 4 way Tag match
JCH: That NXT Tag was exceptional. I bloody loved it. Riddle and Dunne incorporated quite a few double team manoeuvres into their explosive individual arsenals. The bitter end/final flash finish was ace. Webster and Andrews looked superb in this. Enjoyed them so much more than on Saturday. Andrews hot tag at about the mid portion of the match was brilliant. Absolute banger. There was a really good 4 way tag on AEW. The ongoing subtle dissension between Page and the Elite has turned Page from an afterthought for me into one of my favourite people to watch on Dynamite. Really like what they are doing with him. They also had a stupid ref bump to shoehorn an Orange Cassidy comedy spot into the match. The live crowd loves him…TV it’s not quite the same. Bro Derek on the floor and a win for NXT. Two strong matches, I just enjoyed that one more.
NXT 10-9 AEW. 19-19
Brum: Really good 4 Way Tag for the first match on AEW. I’m enjoying the Hangman-Elite storyline and they’re not rushing it which is great to see. However, they have no chance of winning this segment because NXT’s first match tonight was outrageous.
I’ve never been the biggest fan of Flash & Mandrews. They both seem like lovely chaps and know what they’re doing; they’re just not really my bag. However, this match was brilliant. All 4 men worked their booties off. Mandrews & Dunne are old mates and looked like they were having a blast in there. This would be a 10-8 against most stuff so the 10-9 is a complement to the AEW match
10-9 NXT. 20-18 NXT so far.
DVD: How in the World can you call this one? NXT had 4 of my favourites whom I have been following around the whole UK for years now. The match is fantastic and there are too many amazing spots to name. There are only a couple things about it that I don’t love. #1 Riddle does too many Sentons and there was a slight mis step on the break up of a pinfall towards the end. It’s definitely still 10 points for NXT.
AEW on the other hand have an, admittedly, ridiculous 4 team tag match. The match is fun but I really loved the story being told with Hangman Page and The Elite. His facial expressions on the apron when Kenny was working in tandem with The Bucks are fantastic. The finish is outstanding as well. It’s a tie; AEW 10.
10-10. AEW 20 - NXT 19
Rd 3: Ciampa promo and Beatdown. Moxley/Guevara plus beatdown
JCH: OK, last week I criticised AEW for repeating segments with slightly different angles. I know I’m the NXT fan, but I will be fair. NXT did it this week, with 5/6th of the same people. Come on guys. You’re better than this. Guevara is good, I just didn’t buy him beating Moxley and the match gave him a lot. I spoke last week about liking the showcase squashes where you know who will win, but they both get a bit in. NXT’s versions went 3 minutes. This went over 9. 6 would have done. However the post match beat down was brutal and ace. I would have gone 10-8 with a shorter match, or if we hadn’t gotten DIY vs Moustache Mountain out of the repeat segment, but as it is its a 10-9.
AEW 10-9 NXT. 29-28 NXT
Brum: Lots to like about this AEW segment. Guevara is such a promising talent & it was nice to see him tussle with Mox. I also like how Mox has a new move to finish matches with. All talent (especially the main eventers) should do this but unfortunately, it’s not too common. The post-match beatdown was good too – that eye stab got the reaction it deserved.
Good stuff on NXT too. Ciampa’s promo delivered & the UE give us another pack attack without it feeling stale. Happy with the DIY reunion as it looks like a one off. The fact we’re getting Moustache Mountain vs DIY at Worlds Collide makes me want to give this a 10-10 but I thought the AEW segment had more going on so will go with that.
10-9 AEW. 29-28 NXT so far.
DVD: I seriously can’t remember the Ciampa beatdown. Maybe I’ve accidentally merged it in my mind with the Keith Lee segment.
Moxley gets a hell of a reaction, I like that there’s more emphasis on contenders having to earn their title matches on both shows lately. But surely Moxley has already done enough to get a shot at Jericho? I’m not really conplaining though because this is a fun match. Guevara looked great. And the post match angle, I really enjoyed. Let’s see if they actually sell this eye injury for a while.
AEW 10 - NXT 9 (I think) AEW 30-28 NXT
Rd 4: GYV vs Time Splitters. Vs Shidlander/Nightmare Collective
JCH: Speaking of too long, good grief. This was a mismatch. I bloody love Shida and Statlander is really good. This was like watching a WWE Main roster tag match though. Chinlock city on Shida, when the faces were on offence it picked up, and I get that’s supposed to be the point, but this was too much. It may have been better with Kong not Brandi, which did not help. Also who is this Luthor bloke??? The match on NXT was great. The return of the TimeSplitters and GYV out to spoil the party. I loved how the comms dropped in their history with Fish and O’Reilly, making everyone think that we were leading to that, only for GYV to pick up a clean victory. Usual top promo from Gibson afterwards. ‘These Full Sail Hipsters pretend to know who you are’ Great line. Easy victory for NXT
NXT 10-9 AEW. 38-38
Brum: GYV JUST BEAT A RETURNING TIME SPLITTERS. OMG. SO LUSH. Zack Gibson is on the main NXT putting a whooping on the best junior NJPW has had for a decade & Alex bloody Shelley. These mad Northern bastards are going to win the Dusty; win the NXT tag titles; and beat Cena & Hogan at Mania. 80,000 racist Hulkamaniacs will be chanting “Choo Choo Choo, James Drake is a wanker” as Big Match John gets hit by a Ticket to Mayhem. You heard it here first.
A soulless match over in AEW means that I’m going to give this a 10-7 to NXT. JCH may fire me but the man can’t keep my love for Zack Gibson down.
10-7 NXT. 39-35 so far.
DVD: I can’t believe I’m watching Alex Shelley on the WWE network. The match itself is, unsurprisingly, technically sound but not memorable enough from an in ring perspective for me to name any spots 5 days later. The best part though is the GYV using “allez allez allez” in their post-match promo. Gibson is a tournament specialist.
The AEW women’s division hasn’t captured my attention yet. It’s great, as is this match but The Nightmare Collective doesn’t do much for me. Statlander’s finish is ridiculous. Makes me cringe every time. This round was only ever going one way though.
NXT 10 - AEW 9. AEW 39-38 NXT
Rd 5: Swerve vs Rush vs Breeze. Vs MJF and Co vs DDP
JCH: Two matches, one with a bit of build, one with a bit more in-ring talent. Only one winner for me. I love Swerve and I loved this match. Garza added just enough on comms and the guys gave a really strong performance in the ring. Nothing wrong with AEW here and MJF continues to entertain but again NXT wins with the in ring.
NXT 10-9 AEW. 48-47
Brum: NXT’s third match is the worst of their night so far and yet still a banger. These guys meshed well together and the right guy won. Whoop. The AEW 6 man was fun too but the DDP nostalgia wasn’t enough to stop another NXT victory.
10-9 NXT. 49-44 NXT so far.
DVD: Swerve vs. Rush vs. Breeze was probably my favourite TV match of the week. Lio Rush is incredibly innovative. Just when I feel like I’ve seen every move, I watch one of his matches and there is something new. Plus, one of my all time favourite moves is Swerve’s finisher now. STORM! CRADLE! DRIVER!
I always like DDP back in my Nitro Years, I’m interested to see how he goes here in 2020, but I’m not holding out too much hope. The crowd are mad for this and it’s actually really good fun. But it’s only good enough for 9.
NXT 10-9 AEW. AEW 48 - NXT 48
Rd 6: Battle Royale. Vs. Pac/Allin
JCH: Another segment where the length played a factor in the winner. The problem with a Battle Royal, especially a Battle Royal where you don’t want to job anyone out is the beginning part is pretty dull. However when you got into the meat of this Battle Royal there is so many little nuggets and storylines they started or built upon. Shotzi and Deanna. Shotzi and Shayna. Mercedes and Shayna. Dakota and Tegan. Rhea and Bianca. I’m sure there were probably more that they will be able to call back on as well. Worryingly Io could be the odd one out here. Pac and Allin was great fun. It was the same length as the MJF 6-man and the Women’s Tag. But like GYV/Splitters you wouldn’t think it. IT flew by and unlike Guevara and MOX, Allin has that bit more credibility to take a top star to the limit, having done it with Cody. I had this down as the winner and almost changed my mind due to the amount of set-up in the NXT match, however that opening 10 minutes still was there so Pac and Darby take the win.
AEW 10-9 NXT. 57 -57
Brum: Good main event from AEW. Darby grows on me more every week & who doesn’t love the mad Geordie bastard PAC? I also loved the post-match with Mox looking like an absolute badass.
I’m not usually into non-Rumble battle royals, but I really enjoyed the NXT one tonight. It started off a bit too plodding but got more interesting as it went on. In terms of story beats it managed to:
• Re-introduce Martinez as a legit threat
• Make us all remember Shayna is an absolute boss
• Re-introduce Kacey (great news as I love her mad spots)
• Keep Candace’s downward spiral going
• Kick off a Shotzi Deonna feud
• Kick off a Shotzi Shayna feud (really smart doing something fresh with this elimination)
• Re-enforce Io Shirai is still right at the top of the NXT women’s pecking order
• Remind us how deep their women’s roster is
• Re-introduce Tegan
• Ramp up the already red-hot Kai Tegan feud
• Give Rhea a challenger for Portland. Right pick too as Io should be later in Ripley’s reign
I watched AEW first and was sure it would win this but I think I preferred the battle royal. I think most people will disagree with me on this one but I’ve got to go with my gut.
10-9 NXT. 59-53 so far.
DVD: So I’ve got to be honest here dear reader. I know this is my first appearance on Wednesday head to head but I’ve actually let the team down a little bit as the first time around, during NXT, I fell asleep during the main event. Luckily, I saw the finish on Instagram. So, yeah, the criteria here will be if I can stay awake during PAC vs Allin.
I did stay awake. Darby Allin was my breakout star of last year. He’s going to draw AEW some coin I reckon.
AEW 10 - NXT 9. AEW 58-57 NXT
Rd 7: Out of Ring
Nox, Balor on Dragunov, Ripley. ,DIY/Keith Lee, Chelsea Green and Rob Stone vs Janela, Dark Order, Inner Circle, Page/Omega/SCU
JCH: Some good things backstage today. Dragunov getting a spotlight before Worlds Collide was smart, hopefully should stop him getting the Gallus reaction. The reintroduction to Nox and Candace’s relationship was fine. Stone and Chelsea continue to establish themselves. The highlight however was Keith Lee pouncing someone through a hedge. Bloody excellent. AEW returned to form here though. The Dark Order video was their best one in a while. Specifying their targets and why they thought they may join. Jericho got mic time, which was always good, but my highlight was Page. Drunk, dichead Hangman Page. Growing dissension with Omega, I hope they win the titles and continue to grow apart before feuding, rather than just having him turn in/after the match next week. Loving this Hangman Page.
AEW 10-9 NXT
Brum: A lot of backstage segments tonight. I’m enjoying the presentation of Green & Stone. Janela’s promo was good. However, the only thing I can talk about is THE LEADER OF THE DARK ORDER IS MY FUCKING BOY, RAVEN.
I’ve been watching Raven promos for 25 years and even with a voicebox, I can identify Raven’s cadence. There is a chance I’m wrong & I’ll probably end up looking like a goon but I’m dying on this hill.
The downside is that I’ve been hoping for weeks that the 3 AEW spooky tribes will unite under a returning Marty. His new ROH contract looks to have kiboshed that, and Raven would reduce the chances more, but I’m still holding onto the slim chance because I’m a naïve mark.
Sorry NXT but Raven is a win.
10-9 AEW.
DVD: This is the one area where I really think AEW have been consistently stronger than NXT; the out of ring promos. This week was no different. Great to see Janela getting some time on screen, he can only become more popular. Also, the Dark Order stuff outside of the ring is consistently great.
AEW 10 - NXT 9
JCH: It’s an upset. A win for AEW. NXT won 3 straight up wrestling matches here, but AEW’s combination of matches with stories going on as well was enough to take the win. I thought this was two upgrades on last week, with at least 5 matches I would recommend checking out - all 3 tags, the NXT triple threat and Pac/Allin. As well as the second half of the Batlle Royal.
Good week
AEW 67-66 NXT
Brum: On paper it looks like AEW was massacred but I did enjoy their show. 3 good matches and some storyline developments and POSSIBLY/PROBABLY/DEFINITELY RAVEN! But NXT was a fantastic show. 4 great matches (including 1 incredible match + GYV bossing it in another) and Keith Lee looking like the biggest star on the planet, not to mention a reuniting DIY, equals an easy NXT win.
68-63 NXT.
DVD: AEW has been my favourite, weekly, TV show across 2 decades now. This week could have gone either way for me and I have no problem with anyone swaying towards the Black and Gold. But for me, AEW is still leading the way as far as promos and out of ring presentation. Drink lots of water; Look after your mates. DVD
AEW 68 - NXT 66
Winner by split decision - AEW
AEW pick up a win here, nicking the win for me and a 2 point victor for Dom. This is enough to seal the victory despite the savage beating Brum gave them after our first ever 10-7 segment! Unheard of!!!
OVERALL SCORECARDS
NXT - 7 (by split decision - 3, by majority decision - 2, by unanimous decision - 2)
Draw -3 (2 majority draws, 1 split draw)
AEW - 3 (by majority decision - 1, by unanimous decision -1, by split decision - 1)
INDIVIDUAL SCORECARDS:
JCH: NXT - 8; Draw - 2 AEW - 3
Brum: NXT - 5; Draw - 4; AEW - 4
Matt C: NXT - 4; Draw - 1; AEW – 4
Ross : NXT - 3; Draw - 0; AEW - 0
DVD: NXR -0; Draw - 0; AEW - 1
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