5 Ups And 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE NXT (Nov 11)

3. The Squashes Continue

Nia Jax's impressive run of squash matches claimed another victim last night, with colourful freelancer Deonna being crushed by her massive displays of power. Fans may be growing concerned that Jax is about to turn boring on us, a la Baron Corbin, but if that is the case, rest assured it won't be because of the squash matches. Perfecting the art of the squash match (or at least attempting to) is another example of NXT drawing on old-school influences in its booking. There is something distinctive about Nia Jax, she has a different power threshold than most, and the squashes are exemplifying that. Outside of Ryback's debut a few years back, out-and-out squashes are rarely seen on the main roster, for no good reason. A hulking monster crushing a local competitor is as tried-and-true as wrestling got in the golden era, and although their repetitive natures may seem boring in design, they really do work to build up a subconscious perception of a superstar as unstoppable. NXT's big book of doomed freelancers is a welcome addition to the format. All that's left is to hope that fans don't bore of the matches and cut Jax's momentum short. Corbin was boring because he had disengaged eyes, and little connection with the fans. Jax has charisma is spades and her run of squashes will (hopefully) build her into the utter monster she has the potential to be.