12 Live Observations From NXT Download Festival

1. ... But Heavy Narrative Isn't Really Right For This Sort Of Gig

Although Asuka did put her title on the line against Peyton Royce, there wasn't really much need for any existing narratives to be played out further at Donington. Sure, those more prestigious matches add a little more reward for the fans (even if the outcomes are obviously predestined by the unlikeliness of a title change here), but they didn't elicit any bigger reaction from the crowd.

All they wanted - as the bookers seemed to recognise - was shorter, more entertaining matches with some showy spots and lots of opportunities to interact with the wrestlers. They wanted spectacle in short bursts (though it was surprising how little aerial work was on show) and lapped up harder hitting spots. Storyline and mic work were mostly redundant - or at least just not necessary.

You also got the sense that some more hardcore elements would have gone down even better (hence Baron Corbin being invited vociferously to get a table in his Friday night match and put someone - ANYONE - through it). Maybe next time they should have an Extreme Rules day, or something, to cater to the Death Metal fans?

Were you at NXT Download? Share your own reactions to the action below in the comments thread.