The December 25, 2019 episode of WWE NXT aired from Brooklyn, NY at the Barclays Center. Here are 4 takeaways from this week’s show:
Roderick Strong Retains
NXT North American Champion Roderick Strong retained his title over Austin Theory in one of the bigger matches featured on this card.
The match was fine and both stars worked hard. Theory is a talented guy but to me, he doesn’t stand out as someone that could be a breakout star. Strong is clearly the guy that they want to push and especially in this match, that makes sense as Theory accepted an open challenge, which is an easy way to get a title match.
Strong appears to be someone just waiting for what’s next for him by WWE management. I expect to see in early January that WWE will start his next feud as they will need to do so as the upcoming NXT TakeOver: Portland special is quickly approaching.
NXT TakeOver: Portland will take place on February 16, 2020 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Strong is expected to defend his title at this show.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott vs. Jack Gallagher
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott beat Jack Gallagher in a singles match. As expected, this was a fun match that I personally was looking forward to watching once I saw the match listed.
These guys put on an exciting match that you should go out of your way of seeing.
Scott is someone that appears to be a diamond in the rough as his charisma is just off the charts, which is key not only in pro wrestling but also in WWE. Add in the fact that he’s extremely talented inside of the ropes as a worker is only a plus.
Gallagher has always come across as someone who should be better used by WWE management due to his dynamic of a work style.
Add in these combinations, it makes for such a match that was presented.
Dominik Dijakovic Stands Tall
In a match that felt like a time killer, Dominik Dijakovic defeated Bronson Reed in a singles match.
The match was fine as it was designed to get over Dijakovic, who has a lot of upside and it’s clear that WWE officials see that potential. Thus, the reason that WWE continues to push him on television as a main staple of the product that they give out each and every week.
I am interested in seeing where he goes in the future as he was featured in the WarGames Match last month at NXT TakeOver: WarGames III. This contest saw Tommaso Ciampa, Donovan Dijak, Keith Lee and Owens beat The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly) in the headliner.
Since that time, he has just been floating around and no apparent direction in regards to storyline plans for him. Hopefully, that will change in the near future.
Keith Lee & Lio Rush Victorious
In one of the higher-profile matches on this interesting show was a tag team match that saw Keith Lee and Lio Rush defeat Tony Nese and Damian Priest.
The match was fine but it was such an odd dynamic due to the stars that were featured in the contest. Obviously, with the show falling on Christmas, WWE wanted to put the babyfaces over in Lee and Rush, which is fine.
Nese hasn’t done much in NXT up to this point outside of a few bright moments. On the flip side, Priest seems to still be a player in NXT but his stock has dropped in just a few weeks as he continues to suffer defeats in matches.
The star of this match and really the show was Lee, who is someone that many people think should be in line for a title shot.
The dude has continued to get more over on television since his breakout run in October up to this point.
One could make the argument that he should be in line for a title shot. In fact, it could be said that he should be the NXT Champion due to the overwhelming support from fans.