3 Ups And 4 Downs From WWE NXT 402
What worked and what sucked from last night's NXT.
NXT 402 gave the WWE universe four matches, a couple of returns, and an important part of the forthcoming Takeover: Brooklyn III card as well as more action in the women's division and an attempt to build up a new rivalry between some previous bit players.
NXT is lacking star power at the moment, perhaps an odd thing to say about the WWE's developmental roster, but one that is hurting what has been built up as a brand in its own right over the last several years. Bobby Roode is untouched in star stakes, as his Glorious character has been established so well he seems like a big deal even if you never heard of him before his NXT debut.
He doesn't currently have a Nakamura, Samoa Joe or Sami Zayne to match him in audience reaction, especially when it comes to building a title match for Takeover.
This episode saw NXT trying to address the title picture as well as establish a rivalry for Asuka's women's title, which will presumably be defended at Takeover. It also showed the brand is trying to bring out new stars and rebuild previous ones, but not always with the same levels of success...