8 Ups And 2 Downs From WWE NXT (Aug 31)

Downs...

2. Mandy Rose's Lacklustre NXT Re-Debut

After weeks talking up a big game to the likes of Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne, convincing those up-and-comers to join forces with the former Fire & Desire member, it was time for Mandy Rose to walk the walk on Tuesday nights.

Instead of feeding an unknown and highly squash-able developmental face to the returning performer, however, NXT opted to have the one-time Raw and SmackDown name throw down with another hot black and gold newcomer - Sarray.

What ensued was a fairly effective showcasing of Rose's newfound sinister attitude, relishing in grinding Sarray's face on the ropes and pummelling her into the mat; she also threw a few push-ups on top of a wounded Sarray in there for the bants. Yet, all this fine heelish work was pretty much undone by the time we got to the finish.

In the wake of being Sunray dropkicked into oblivion, Dolin and Jayne at ringside were quick to cover their leader's face and usher her into the back. Sarray won via count-out and the CWC was thoroughly deflated.

Why not just have Rose back up her attitude adjustment with a dominant display and victory over someone else? Heels can win matches too, you know? It simply felt like NXT couldn't bare to see either one of these ladies lose clean last night, so why bother booking the contest in the first place? Who did it actually help?

Dolin and Jayne's response later in the night, attacking Sarray backstage, felt like a last-ditched attempt to save face for the unit on their first real night together, but it's hard to escape the fact that it was not the best of starts for Team Rose.