The May 6, 2020 episode of WWE NXT aired live on the USA Network from the Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University.
The show was headlined by The Velveteen Dream challenging Adam Cole for the NXT Title.
WWE NXT Results (5/6)
- Johnny Gargano def. Dominik Dijakovic
- Akira Tozawa def. Jack Gallagher – Interim Cruiserweight Title Tournament Match
- Chelsea Green def. Xia Li
- Karrion Kross (w/Scarlett) def. Leon Ruff
- Io Shirai def. NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair via DQ
- Cameron Grimes def. Denzel Dejournette
- KUSHIDA def. Jake Atlas
- NXT Champion Adam Cole def. The Velveteen Dream
Here are the 5 takeaways from this week’s show:
Finn Balor Speaks
So Finn Balor is back on NXT television after his short absence.
Balor was attacked two weeks ago that prevented him from taking on The Velveteen Dream in one of the top matches featured on the show.
During this week’s show, Balor cut a promo at a podium where he stated that he used to think that the snakes were in the office but he’s not sure anymore. He said that wrestling playbook 101 is that someone might get the push with the lights and lasers but once you get into the ring with the prince, there is nowhere to hide.
He said that he’s a patient man but whoever attacked him, they shouldn’t expect a push but rather a squash.
Moments later, Cameron Grimes defeated Denzel Dejournette in a quick match. After the match, Grimes cut a tough-talking promo about how he would slap Balor in the face. This led to Balor walking out and taking out Grimes. Balor talked into the camera and stated that the best way to take out a snake is to chop of its head.
Another great promo by Balor. The mic work that he has done in NXT in his second run has been the best of his career.
Karrion Kross Makes In-Ring Debut
Karrion Kross, the former Killer Kross, made his in-ring debut against Leon Ruff with his girlfriend, Scarlett Bordeaux, in his corner.
The real life couple was first seen on NXT television as they were shown in the background after Johnny Gargano was walking to his car with his wife, Candice LeRae, after his Empty Arena Match.
This comes after he made his television debut a few weeks ago by attacking Tommaso Ciampa. Before that, WWE had been airing vignettes hyping his debut.
Kross went over strong in this contest and rightfully so. When he first signed with the company, it was reported that he was being brought in as a top star and WWE is living up to that expectation.
Johnny Gargano vs. Dominik Dijakovic
In a more interesting match, Johnny Gargano vs. Dominik Dijakovic in a singles bout was booked.
In the end, it was Gargano going over. WWE gave them about 20 minutes to work and they did just that in a fun entertaining bout. It was actually the opening contest.
This only had a one week build, which made it more intriguing. Perhaps, WWE is going further with these two stars and creating a program out of it. The company has been pushing Dominik for the last few months most notably a feud against Keith Lee for the NXT North American Title.
With Gargano not portraying a heel character and seemingly getting a bigger push than normal, the company could go forward with such a feud.
It would make sense due to him not feuding with Tommaso Ciampa no longer and can’t go after the top title in the NXT Championship since Adam Cole is also a heel.
Charlotte Flair vs. Io Shirai
The first of two title matches on this show saw Charlotte Flair put the NXT Women’s Title on the line when she defended it against the #1 contender in Io Shirai.
As expected, Flair went over to successfully retained her title. The finish doesn’t take away from the performance that these two stars put on in this contest but it was a lackluster one.
Flair hit her with a kendo stick, which led to a post-match attack. Rhea Ripley returned to TV and made the save.
Clearly, Io is someone that Triple H sees as a big star and her work in the ring, especially with Flair, only backs up that belief. Many people believe that Io can be the next version of Asuka if not bigger depending on how WWE books her.
This came after Flair had just beaten Mia Yim on last week’s show. Obviously, WWE still has the Ripley card in play for Flair but it appears that WWE is waiting on booking that rematch for a bigger date, perhaps SummerSlam. In the meantime, a triple threat match appears to be in on the table.
The Velveteen Dream Challenges Adam Cole
WWE saved the biggest match for last as The Velveteen Dream challenged Adam Cole for the NXT Title in the main event.
It was a great back and forth match. In the end, it was Cole who went over to successfully retain the title.
Cole and Dream had been feuding for several weeks up until this point and rightfully so. Throughout Cole had been doing some of his best promo work from the poolside at his home.
It will be interesting to see where Cole and Dream go from here. While yes, it’s possible due to the pandemic that WWE continues this feud going forward.
At the same time, WWE had planned for this match to take place at NXT TakeOver: Tampa Bay but due to the event being postponed, the promotion pushed it back to this show.
Typically, WWE likes to have a new feud for each TakeOver specials, but with the next special not likely until August, things are up in the air.
