Welcome to a bonus SLTD PPV Rewind, this time dedicated to revisiting the very first NXT Special, NXT ArRival!
The plan is to work through recap the (soon to be Takeover) specials each time a new one comes along. Let’s get to it.
Sami Zayn Vs. Cesaro
Great match, these two have such physical chemistry between them that I can only assume that with Zayn now on the main roster and when Cesaro is back from injury, we’ll see another meeting on PPV soon.
Fantastic psychology here with Cesaro consistently working over Sami’s leg thus making Zayn become the underdog, a role that he plays incredibly well.
Both men looked like they had something to prove and they did just that. Cesaro gets the win after hitting the neutralizer before hugging Zayn after the match.
4/5
Mojo Rawley Vs. CJ Parker
Essentially a squash, Rawley’s boundless energy and enthusiasm is what makes this one. Mojo wins after his hyperdrive finisher.
2/5
NXT Tag Team Championships – The Ascension Vs. Too Cool
At the time, The Ascension were proving their dominance across NXT’s Tag Team division which is ultimately what led to their decision to issue an open challenge, answered by Too Cool.
Extra point for nostalgia, this was fairly conventional fare with the champs retaining after a nice looking Fall Of Man.
3/5
NXT Women’s Championship – Paige Vs. Emma
A pure prerequisite to the Diva’s Revolution, both women are here to change the image of women’s wrestling, something that was shadowed in Stephanie McMahon’s promo before this match.
I get two things from this match, Paige was ready for the main roster long before she was brought up which is incredible considering her age at the time and Emma is much better suited to her current gimmick.
A lengthy, solid match between these two with a lot of aggression and a constant balance between who had the upper hand throughout. Paige retains after Emma taps out to a Scorpion Cross Lock, something that would be a welcome re-inclusion to her current arsenal.
3/5
Tyler Breeze Vs. Xavier Woods
No match as Alexander Rusev gets involved, throwing this one away. What a shame, Breeze and Woods would have given a decent match.
0/5
NXT Championship Ladder Match – Adrian Neville Vs. Bo Dallas
Shawn Michaels introduces this one and this match reminds me a lot of HBK’s ladder encounter with Chris Jericho from No Mercy 2008. A purposeful, standard wrestling match in the beginning before introducing the weapon(s) that need to be used in order for someone to win.
Neville’s athleticism makes Bo look like a star here, especially since Adrian puts a spin on most of Dallas’ offence. Neville’s strength is also showcased here, something which, when you consider it alongside his aforementioned athletic ability, surely makes him a full package and a huge main roster push be coming for the man that gravity forgot? See what happens after he returns from injury.
Lots of great spots in this including a Red Arrow from Neville onto Dallas who is positioned on top of a ladder. Neville wins the NXT Championship after hitting said move and retrieving the title.
4/5
Final Thoughts:
Bookended by two great matches, NXT ArRival was a good first special for the NXT brand and as we all know, it only gets better from here.
16/30 – C
NXT Special Ranking:
- NXT ArRival
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