Matchcard / Timing / Channels / Infos
Video Highlights been removed as new show uploaded
WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from December 30
- Sana Ejaz Khan
- Credit: WWE.com
It is that time of year again. For the final show of 2020, WWE NXT presented the NXT Year-End Awards. This was the time to celebrate the greatest competitors for the black-and-gold brand over the year of 2020.
Nine categories were to be named on this show including Overall Competitor of the Year, Match of the Year and Breakout Star of the Year. Some of the NXT greats had an impressive year, and it was time to recognize stars like Adam Cole, Tommaso Ciampa, Keith Lee, Io Shirai, Rhea Ripley and more.
Pete Dunne still had a score to settle with Rodrick Strong The long-time rivals were set for another huge technical showdown in the continued clash of Undisputed Era against The Kings of NXT.
Johnny Gargano looked to exorcise his biggest demon in his title career by fighting and hopefully defeating Leon Ruff. The Rebel Heart has lost repeatedly as champion. The Curse had yet to be broken, but he had a chance to prove he is a true legendary NXT North American champion with a win.
Two likely future top stars on the black-and-gold brand, Bronson Reed and Isaiah "Swerve" Scott were set to open the show. Mercedes Martinez was also announced to return to the ring.
This show was massively booked from the Year-End Awards to the variety of big matches promised. This looked to be a fantastic show to close out the year.
"The Colossal" Bronson Reed vs. Isaiah "Swerve" Scott
Credit: WWE.com
To open the show, WWE showed a tribute picture for a former NXT star, the late Luke Harper.
Isaiah "Swerve" Scott walked into this match far too confident, fighting a man nearly twice his size. While he managed to injure Bronson Reed's knee, The Colossal refused to lose in his return to action.
He fought through the pain and blasted Swerve with a standing senton followed by The Avalanche to pick up another impressive victory.
Result
Reed def. Swerve by pinfall.
Grade
C-
Analysis
While both Reed and Swerve are immensely talented, this never truly worked. The dynamic was awkward as Reed sold too much for Swerve despite their massive size difference. Scott needed to do more to sell that he could truly injure and potentially defeat The Colossal.
The short run-time for the match coupled with a lack of drama and psychology felt off for NXT's typical quality. This may have been a last-minute addition to the show because there is no doubt these two can work a fantastic match with time to prepare.
Mercedes Martinez vs. Valentina Feroz
Credit: WWE.com
Xia Li and Boa completed their torturous training, and the mystery woman led them into the light. NXT promised the group would arrived in NXT at New Year's Evil.
Mercedes Martinez barely gave Valentina Feroz room to breathe in this physical squash. The veteran dominated her opponent and hit the Air Raid Crash for the three. Afterward, she called out every woman in NXT.
Result
Martinez def. Valentina by pinfall.
Grade
C+
Analysis
This was a straightforward re-introduction for Martinez. She has been gone long enough that a squash match had some merit. She was able to show her physical and technical style in dissecting her opponent.
That said, the squashes should not last long. She took out Io Shirai last week, and that should be the next goal for the dangerous wrestler. She is a veteran who deserves opportunities to treated like the best in the business finally.
Roderick Strong vs. Pete Dunne
Credit: WWE.com
Pete Dunne's joint manipulation of Roderick Strong was too much for The Messiah of the Backbreaker early, but few have the resilience and endurance of the Undisputed Era stalwart. Strong fought back until The Bruiserweight blasted him into the steel barricade.
The two men went back and forth as The Messiah of the Backbreaker pulled out his signature move in a few key situations while Dunne gladly punished Strong for the smallest mistakes. The Bruiserweight broke the fingers of Strong with a vicious catch, followed by an emphatic Bitter End for the win.
Result
Dunne def. Strong by pinfall.
Grade
A-
Analysis
This technical showcase was everything one would expect of two of the best wrestlers in NXT. Strong got a chance to show that he is still a fantastic singles wrestler, even if he has transitioned to tag team wrestling primarily.
In the end, this was about building up Dunne. The Bruiserweight is clearly on the precipice of title contention, and a match with Finn Balor would remind the world how great he is. This was a great start as Dunne pulled out the classics in this battle of smart technicians.
NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano vs. Leon Ruff
Credit: WWE.com
Johnny Gargano found a black cat backstage and freaked out, sure someone was mocking him. After Austin Theory won Future Star of the Year, The Rebel Heart accidentally broke a mirror with Theory's protein powder then ran under a ladder.
Even with The Way on the outside, Ruff dominated early while Gargano was clearly off his game. However, the NXT North American champion managed to trip his challenger off the apron then throw him into the barricade repeatedly to turn the tide.
Early confusion turned to overconfidence as Gargano beat down and mocked Ruff. The underdog battled through with an enzuigiri into a hanging neckbreaker and German suplex before a cannonball. This was only enough for a nearfall though.
The NXT North American champion refused to get caught by anything more, battling through and connected on a powerbomb. He locked in the Gargano Escape, but Ruff made it to the ropes.
The challenger planted the champion with a flatliner outside then a huge frog splash for a close nearfall that worried The Way. However, he ducked Ruff in the corner, bashing him face-first into the top turnbuckle then hit the One Final Beat for three.
Result
Gargano def. Ruff by pinfall to retain the NXT North American Championship.
Grade
A-
Analysis
While the build was mostly comedic, the in-ring action was worth of an NXT main event. Both men brought their all. Even with a few sloppy counters, Ruff had his best singles performance to date on the black-and-gold brand thanks to the giving work of Gargano throughout.
In the end, it was the right time to end the Curse. The joke was fun for a moment, but The Rebel Heart deserves a big title reign. He proved he can make a star of anyone, and he has plenty more challengers on the horizon.
0 comments :
Post a Comment