4 Ups And 7 Downs From WWE NXT 2.0 (Dec 21)
1. Pete Sees Off Tony, But D'Angelo Isn't Dunne Yet
Rounding a majorly disappointing festive 2.0 out was a match that looked destined to be Tony D'Angelo's biggest test to date both in terms of his character's current arc and the actual performer's development as a worker. Your writer is pleased to announce that he passed with flying colours on both accounts, despite not coming away with all-important 'W' last night.
After weeks of squabbling, gumshield theft, and digit snapping, Tony and Pete Dunne collided in the main event and produced one of the finest displays containing a 2.0 prodigy yet. The Wiseguy not only exudes charm and charisma from every pore, but he also comes equipped with a level of clean suplex that would make Brock Lesnar a little envious. For every twisting lock and piece of painful manipulation, Tony had an explosive suplex-answer, a narrative that was brilliantly paid off in the moment Dunne finally landed on his feet and caught a boasting Tony D off-guard.
The closing stretch was a joy too as D'Angelo attempted to sneakily catch his rival with a crowbar, only to get armbarred into a precarious position. A (surely illegal?) fishhook seemingly swung the odds back in his favour, but not even those devious tactics couldn't save him from Dunne's technical prowess as he slicked out of a spinning neckbreaker attempt to hit a Bitter End for the win.
Even Tony's post-match beatdown was welcome here as it all but ensured we're getting a round two which can't come soon enough. These two are a match made in violent heaven, so hook this Petey Poppins retribution into our veins.