Courtesy of WWE
NXT LIVE AT THE ECW ARENA REVIEW
- Rob Crowther, Editor In Chief
NXT pulled out all the stops heading into a marquee night at the legendary ECW Arena (2300 Arena) in Philly. The evening was full of surprise appearances, nostalgia, and epic matches from the next generation of main roster Superstars.
The night opened with a hardcore match between Lola Vice and Jada Parker with special guest referee Dawn Marie. Both women brought the aggression and the attitude. Lots of hard hitting action, and tons of work with steel chairs throughout. At one point Parker even hit Vice with a brick. Great sell by Vice who was somehow, someway able to kick out. However, Jada was able to get the win with her patented running hip attack. Solid match to start the show.
After an unexpected backstage attack on RVD, J'Von Evans took on Wes Lee in a singles match. I was bummed to see RVD out of the equation here, but this match was absolutely epic. J'Von is the real deal and Wes Lee is always next level amazing. I really enjoyed this match which ended with a 5 Star Frog Splash across the longest part of the ring by Evans for the win.
In ring, Ava makes a huge announcement as NXT Deadline will emanate from Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 7th. Robert Stone is in the ring during the announcement, and out of nowhere gets GORED by TNA Hall of Famer Rhyno!! This was such a fun surprise, and definitely served as the proverbial icing on the cake.
Up next, a fun match between Nunzio against Tony D'Angelo with the family. Let me tell you, Nunzio has still got it. (Catch him next week at Pro Wrestling Magic in New Jersey) D'Angelo got the win in this one defending his North American Championship, but a really fun embrace by the FBI and the Family to close this one out.
The sub-main event saw WWE Hof'er Bubba Ray Dudley tag with NXT Champion Trick Williams to take on Ridge Holland and Ethan Page. Bubba showing that Nunzio isn't the only one that still has it. Great showing by the babyfaces, but somehow Ridge was able to quickly roll up Trick and pin the NXT Champion!! This was very surprising to see but led to a "Trick! Get the Tables!" from Bubba, and a special appearance from WWE Hof'er D-Von Dudley. What a moment!!
The main event of the evening featured a stellar 10 Woman Tag Team Match between the team of NXT Women's Champion Roxanne Perez, Cora Jade, Jacy Jayne, Jazmyn Nyx, and NXT Women's North American Champion Fallon Henley against the team of Stephanie Vaquer, Zaria, Jordynne Grace, Giulia, and Kelani Jordan. This match was absolutely amazing and what a great way to end the night. My only complaint is that this match wasn't longer. Dominant performances by the babyfaces here who really clicked as a team. The narrative right now is that NXT has the BEST Women's Division in ALL of professional wrestling, and right now I am inclined to agree.
Hats off to everyone involved in this one of a kind show paying tribute to the ECW days of old, and also passing the proverbial torch to the Superstars of tomorrow.