3 Ups And 2 Downs From NXT (December 14)

1. Orlando, We Have A Babyface Problem

No Way Jose
WWE.com

The qualifying matches for next week’s Fatal Four-Way number one contendership bout, though successful in and of themselves, did highlight the dearth of babyface options at NXT’s disposal.

No Way Jose has a deceptively lucrative career as a comedic opening act ahead of him - but he’s nowhere near main event level, and Tye Dillinger has made the affable loser role his own. Elias Samson is nothing special - and his horrendous entrance is as forced as it is poorly performed. Oney Lorcan, meanwhile, is more talented - but fairly anonymous.

Tye Dillinger is a sentimental crowd favourite - but sentiment rarely draws, and NXT is a legitimate international touring brand. WWE were perhaps a little too hasty in creating 205 Live - several name international talents have debuted in too rapid a succession to make an impact. The Cruiserweight division has indirectly removed the gratifying NXT debut enjoyed by the likes of Finn Balor et al. Overexposure diminishes the value of every asset. Pro wrestlers, no matter how talented, are no exception to the rule.

The solution is to turn one or more of the loaded heel roster face - but Eric Young, Andrade “Cien” Almas and Bobby Roode are either too new to or too glorious in the heel role.

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!