6 Ups And 2 Downs From WWE NXT 2.0: Vengeance Day (Feb 15)

2. A New Name On The Trophy

Making the wise decision to give each tournament the full share of the spotlight it undoubtedly deserves, last night saw the Finals of the men's Dusty Cup go down before the women's iteration of the prestigious tourney gets underway in a week's time.

And what a conclusion was on its way as Diamond Mine's Creed Brothers reminded MSK precisely who the new kids on the block were... and Malcolm Bivens reminded us exactly why he's the most under-appreciated talent on the roster with his "Never Give Up - Na, You Should!" towel showing.

A sweet Dusty Rhodes "American Dream" callback in last year's winners' entrance set the tone for a nod to just how thrilling and respected NXT's tag division truly was and can be on its day. Clashing styles beautifully from minute-one, Nash Carter and Wes Lee's typically innovative offence, equipped with stunning sentons and delicious two-on-ones, was met with many a fierce and destructive slam and tackle from Brutus and Julius.

That latter name very nearly smashing Carter through the mats on the outside made for one of the most sickening visuals of a night that had already boasted a weaponised steel cage match and set the stage for an emphatic win via unnecessary clothesline. The right team came out on top and will no doubt take Imperium to their limit too, but MSK once again showed why they're not to be slept on and why this division could still have life in it yet.

Oh, and no Cody and Brandi Rhodes did not present the trophy. *Little sigh*