6 Ups & 3 Downs From NXT Great American Bash 2023
New champs crowned, a classic title match, a debut gone awry...this had it all!
Call it formulaic, but it looks like NXT has rediscovered the recipe it used to great success in the 2010s with its TakeOver specials, putting on another good PLE Sunday night with the Great American Bash.
As with much of WWE programming these days, the TV shows might be roller coasters of highs and lows, but the actual events built up typically deliver on the night. Even the developmental brand has a level of talent that is capable of producing at least passable matches, and most of the time can give fans highly entertaining action.
Sunday was no different with Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov putting on a clinic to close the Bash. Fans got a much-welcomed title switch, a surprising finish to the women’s title submission bout, and a pretty decent plunder brawl.
But all was not great. The hyped debut of Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson fell flat, with fans turning on the former collegiate champion and openly cheering Baron Corbin. The match itself, the finish and aftermath did little to dispel the jeers, digging an early hole for the rookie.
Overall though, the Bash was a success and shows that there are positives in WWE’s developmental brand. It doesn’t mean all is well, but let’s celebrate the successes and enjoy the show that was put on.
Let’s get to it…