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

2. A Big Fight Feel

Strong Dillinger
WWE.com

The pre-match hype video was almost as fantastic as the match itself.

To the strains of Bring Me The Horizon’s Throne, a theme synonymous with NXT, highlights of last week’s qualifying matches were spliced with sit-down interviews, in order to convey the importance of the occasion. Tye Dillinger’s comments reinforced his babyface credentials. “The match with Eric Young ended in disqualification. I’m not a big fan of “winning” that way.”

“I simply care about myself,” Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas followed up. As the match confirmed, his dismissal of the field perfectly foreshadowed his downfall. Bobby Roode’s arrogant entitlement was a prophecy - and his eventual victory strengthened his character, arguably 2016’s best. Wrestling is all in the marketing - and that vignette was so good that fans were worked into receiving the match as a minor classic before the opening bell even rang.

A match on a weekly episode of WWE’s developmental programme was promoted with as much conviction as anything on main roster PPV events. That’s why NXT remains the most cherished wrestling show there is.

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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!