5 Ups And 5 Downs From Last Night's WWE NXT (May 6)

3. Alex Riley Gone

The rage is over. Nestled in amongst the hype footage was a promo by Alex Riley, seemingly delivered over Skype or otherwise recorded from his house. He addressed the NXT Universe citing that he has to take time out to have surgery after the most recent attack by Kevin Owens. Whether or not this is true, or simply a kayfabe injury to write Riley off TV for a few months, if represents a somewhat flat end to A-Ry's journey back to in-ring competition. A kayfabe surgery would make sense, seeing as how NXT want to sell Kevin Owens as a remorseless monster, leaving carnage in his wake. Also, now that Unstoppable's dance card is full, there's nothing at all for Riley to do. Most interesting about the promo however, was the newfound attitude Riley seemed to have on departure. He was quietly furious, citing how the last thing he heard after being brutalised by the champ's ring apron power bomb, was "Thank You Kevin". Bitter and resentful over the fans' rejection of him, expect Riley to return as a heel out for vengeance. But for now, he is gone.