WWE moves its NXT show from The USA Network to The CW Network on Tuesday. Personally, I enjoyed the WWE/USA relationship because I use Hulu's live TV service and part of the offering was a digestible, sixty minute cut of NXT where they removed most of the nonsensical segments and the lesser matches (and commercials as well). I don't think there will be any special Hulu cuts with the show moving to the CW.
We use the term loaded up show way too often in wrestling. If AEW loads up a show, it probably means that there are many expected great matches on paper. If WWE loads up a show, it more than likely means they load it up with star power. But a lot of time, it's just hype. And a lot of the time, that's exactly what wrestling is; creating excitement to make you tune in. Sometimes the show is well worth your time. Sometimes it's not. And sometimes, because you did spend the time, you overrate the shows because no one wants to waste time.
We won't know how loaded NXT's CW debut really is until Tuesday night when it's all said and done, but on paper, this is as big as a NXT TV show gets.
When Trick Williams lost his NXT title, most of us expected his chase to begin with the payoff being the very first CW show, which may happen. Ethan Page has been solid as the heel, and in many cases, chicken excrement heel, and fits the WWE model for heels better than he did in AEW. With CM Punk as the special guest referee, there are guaranteed shenanigans, and the match probably doesn't really start until he gets involved.
The match I have my eye on the most is Roxanne Perez vs. Giulia with the shadow of Stephanie Vaquer standing over the match. With Perez, WWE has the total package, and we're not talking Lex Luger, in that she can do everything. Her promos are much improved and she can work with anyone. Giulia and Vaquer aren't going to be able to be produced like normal NXT talent when it comes to the goofy skits, goofy promos, and overall overproduced character work. They are standouts because of their in-ring presence. I think Perez and Giulia will have a really good match, but it's the what's next that I have my eye on. How can you put Giulia and Vaquer in the right places to succeed in an environment that isn't built to take advantage of what they're good at, or hide what they aren't quite good at yet? We'll see what Shawn Michaels has up his sleeve.
Here's the scheduled card:
- NXT Championship Match: Ethan Page (c) vs. Trick Williams
- NXT Women’s Championship Match: Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Giulia
- Street Fight: Wes Lee vs. Zachary Wentz
- Tag Team Match: Lola Vice & Jaida Parker vs. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Jazmyn Nyx, or Fallon Henley)
- MizTV featuring Oba Femi and Tony D’Angelo
- Special appearances by Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair
After the show on Tuesday night, join Keila Cash and Salty Scott Young as they break down the debut show on the CW and talk about the week that was in WWE altogether.
