3 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE NXT (Dec 21)

Ups...

3. A Tantalising Tease

Asuka wwe
WWE.com

The Billie Kay Vs. Daria Berenato match was dismal filler, barely worth promoting in advance - and the angle is set to continue into the new year. There was a faint glimmer of hope in the post-match, though, when Asuka’s post-match comments were interrupted by Nikki Cross.

Promos in modern wrestling are often interminable, given the extent to which TV time needs to be filled. Asuka’s limited grasp of English - and her credibility - is a welcome departure from the stale norm. The scarcity of her words - “they need to be careful” - was as powerful as her chilling, stoic delivery was believable. The camera then panned to Cross, dangling from the staging with a demented sway. The subtlety of her body language, again, was astute; she reinforced her insane character within a matter of seconds. So, too was Asuka’s; she literally smacked her lips in anticipation of the unspoken challenge.

The prospect of an Asuka Vs. Nikki Cross match at TakeOver: San Antonio is one to cherish. Two hugely believable lunatics who seem to relish incurring pain as they do inflicting it? There is massive intrigue in that match. Perhaps the Women’s division is in a healthier state the opening ten minutes indicated.

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!