7 Ups And 2 Downs For WWE NXT (Jun 29)

Downs...

2. Gargano And Kross Brawl, Joe Steals The Spotlight

A star stealing the spotlight away from another pair of talents, in theory, isn't the worst problem in the world. After all, if someone is finding a way to get over and making the people lose their marbles just by showing up on the scene, that is usually seen as an understandable success.

However, in the case of NXT Champion Karrion Kross and Johnny Gargano's confrontation on this week's black and gold show, a certain enforcer massively overshadowing the two supposed main eventers only proved to highlight just how much work still needs to be done to make the top end of the card feel compelling at this moment in time.

In short, Kross being ticked off about Gargano sneak attacking him a week removed from the Bringer of Doomsday performing the very same action made little sense. Gargano then calling out Kross' apparent lack of talent feels like a tired trope at this stage, and one that holds little water as he's hardly the worst big man to ply his trade on the show. And lastly, having Gargano, the now de facto babyface, take part in a two on one assault on the champ felt like the wrong move as it took away from the genuine fire that was being emitted from the star as he initially arrived on the scene.

The sight of Joe soon breaking up the second brawl of the evening - he still has a lot of work to do - and being serenaded with deafening "Joe!" chants only served as a reminder that the people are more invested in a Samoan Submission Machine making a comeback than Johnny Wrestling taking it to the main roster's newest pet project.

And the fact the later car park showdown between the two resulted in a series of boos being rained down on both men at various points only added to the messy madness.