WWE NXT In Lowell - 10 Live Observations
4. Manny Andrade Outshined Austin Aries
Unless you closely follow WWE developmental (meaning beyond what we see weekly on NXT TV), the name Manny Andrade likely won't ring any bells. The name La Sombra might, however, as he was a breakout star on the Mexican wrestling scene before he was signed to NXT late last year. When he did battle with Austin Aries on Thursday night, he came out to crickets, but by the end of the match, he had the entire arena on their feet for a standing ovation.
Yeah, the guy is good. Like with Tomasso Ciampa and Christopher Girard, I foolishly thought we were in for a squash match with these two, but once again, I was wrong and it was actually anything but. Andrade pulled a number of innovative maneuvers out of his arsenal, surprising not only Aries but the entire audience as well.
Despite not getting his hand raised by the referee, he won over the crowd with his awe-inspiring offense and managed outshine The Greatest Man That Ever Lived. Aries had a strong showing himself, but even I could admit that (sporting my recently-purchased Aries shirt and all) Andrade was the one who had everyone talking afterward.
He has yet to surface on NXT TV, but it's only a matter of time.