10 Problems Nobody Wants To Admit About NXT

10. The Most Basic Midcard Feuds Imaginable

That isn't hyperbole.

Seriously: can you imagine a more basic set-up for a programme than heel wrestler wears hat, babyface rival steals it? That is the premise of the ongoing KUSHIDA Vs. Cameron Grimes programme, which was catalysed and advanced through two dire main roster tropes, which we'll later cover in depth: an impromptu match and a distraction finish.

What about babyface wrestler punches disrespectful heel wrestler? That formed the basis of Cameron Grimes Vs. Tyler Bate a month or so back; Bate took issue with Grimes' lack of sportsmanship (he just happened to be watching at ringside) and punched him in the face. The most basic (and contrived) of physical interactions set up their match, and it was fire, but that isn't the point.

Killian Dain emerged on the ramp to confront Pete Dunne on October 16. Dunne snapped his fingers (this was sold for exponentially longer than is normal, but that's incidental). This most basic of physical interactions instigated their rivalry, which was furthered solely by post-match attacks and zero character work.

"I don't care about Killian Dain," was the extent of Dunne's input.

It's this bland formula that, weirdly, positions NXT as the sacred cow. There is no ambition nor verve to it, but it makes sense, and it therefore cannot be scrutinised without drawing accusations of pedantry. The whole physical attack/intense stare-down/eye-for-an-eye vengeance deal is rote, uncreative, and entirely reliant on the match itself to become interesting.

Where's the emotion? The personality? And, more to the point: that sense of can't miss anticipation?