Ups And 2 Downs From WWE NXT (Oct 14)

5. Theory Test

This was comfortably Austin Theory's best night in WWE and, depending on how much stock you put into a 'main roster debut' probably his best night in the company full stop. Setting a heel on a prolonged push whereby they lose in valiant circumstances is a bold strategy, Cotton, but it looks like it's paying off.

For his part, Gargano showed why it's imperative NXT don't get too comfortable with him purely as a rent-a-quite heel manager. He's been a revelation in that role alongside Candice, but he's still a fantastic pro-wrestler at heart and it's going to be very, very easy to forget that. Matches like this will stop that, though.

The two put on a contest here that comfortably qualified for this show's highest citation of "TakeOver-worthy", with teeth-shattering offence and even a wonderfully deft story told via Theory slowly learning his opponent's own moves. Nearly picking up the win after blocking a snap superkick before setting up his own and stealing Gargano's own suplex was a wonderful touch.

Not enough this time, but pretty soon Theory's going to pick up a major scalp.