Summer is officially underway, so let’s kick things off with a look back at TakeOver 25.
The “original bro” Matt Riddle kept his momentum moving forward with a victory over Roderick Strong. Velveteen Dream retain the North American Title in a hard fought and highly entertaining match against the returning Tyler Breeze. After years of seeing him used as primarily comic relief it was wonderful to see “prince pretty” fired up and treated as a legitimate threat to a title. I originally thought that this was a one off appearance for Breeze, but he’s since made comments suggesting he’s back for a more than just one show.
Four of the top tag teams in NXT put it all on the line in a chaotic ladder match to crown new champions. With the titles recently vacated by the Viking Raiders, this was an opportunity for any team to make a huge statement, and they all did. It seemed that the Forgotten Sons were destined to walk away with the belts multiple times. In the end though, it was the popular Street Profits who finally got their moment to shine as champions.
The truly dominant 2-time Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler once again maintained her iron grip on that title. Her issues with Io Shirai are far from over though as the “genius of the sky” seemed to snap after her defeat, attacking the champ with a kendo stick and a steel chair. With every match thus far being worthy of an A rating, the only thing left for Gargano and Cole was to give us an A+ NXT Title match. Adam Cole (Bay Bay) walked away with his 1st NXT Title reign and a couple of options for where to go next. Between the last two TakeOvers Cole and Gargano have 2 falls each. Do they go for the deciding 5th fall in one last defining match or does Cole move on to someone like the quickly rising Matt Riddle for his 1st challenger?
At the end of the night, I correctly predicted 3 out the 5 outcomes.
NXT News
While we’re on the topic of NXT, a number of newer signees debuted new names while appearing at live events this week. Shane Strickland, who is probably best known as Lucha Underground’s Killshot, is now going by the name Isaiah Scott. Former TNA X-Division champion DJZ is now going by the name Joaquin Wilde. Both men could likely be big stars for the company.
Brazilian martial artist Adrian Jaoude has now been given the name Arturo Ruas. I’ve been watching his work at house shows for a couple of years now and he has a lot to offer. I think the best option for success would be to lean into his heritage and have him lead a Brazilian faction where he’d be joined by Cezar Bononi and Taynara Conti.
Speaking of NXT women, the only woman on the list of new names this week is former volleyball player Jessie Elaban. The Mae Young Classic participant is now dubbed Jessi Kamea for an island flair. Former rugby star Luke Menzies will now be called Ridge Holland. Perhaps that’s an effort to differentiate his two careers, or perhaps enough people like me we mocking the the name “Menzies” that they knew he’d never be taken seriously by an American audience.
Indie stand out Trevor Lee has taken on the moniker Cameron Grimes. It’s possible the the name Cameron is a nod to the hometown of the Hardy brothers who trained him. The last name change for the week is one that will take some time for me to get used to. One of my favorite rising performers lately has been the crazy air guitar playing Erik Bugenhagen. Live audiences are 100% on board for his 80s rocker vibe. Not content to stick with the rather distinct Bugenhagen name, NXT will now refer to him as Rik Bugez. I’m hoping that means the “Bugez Cruise” shirts he wears to the ring will soon become available in the WWE Shop.
Mickie James
It has been confirmed that veteran superstar Mickie James will be out indefinitely for ACL surgery. James hadn’t really been featured prominently in any recent storylines, but she was always a quality hand that could credibly challenge for a title any time they needed her to do so. Hopefully she’ll recover quickly and be back to offer depth to the women’s roster.
The larger problem at play right now is something I’ve hinted at quite a bit recently. With James, Nia Jax, and Ruby Riott all recovering from surgery, not to mention whatever is going on with people like Alicia Fox and Sasha Banks, the roster is feeling a bit thin at the moment. Add in the fact that Alexa Bliss seems to be out of ring action nearly every other week, and now would be a great time for a dominant performer like Shayna Baszler to move up and make an impact.
Summer PPV Plans
WWE Stomping Grounds June 23
-Smackdown Women’s Champion Bayley will defend her title against Raw Superstar Alexa Bliss.
WWE Extreme Rules July 14
NXT TakeOver Toronto August 10
WWE Summerslam August 11
NXT UK TakeOver Cardiff August 31
-For those who may have missed it during TakeOver 25, the next NXT UK branded TakeOver event was announced for August 31 in Cardiff, Wales.
