The 24th episode of WWE NXT Season 5 marked the return of yet another NXT alumnus. This time, it was a diva from NXT season – Maxine. Besides the return of Maxine, this week’s show was good if not better. Three good matches which were instrumental in developing the storylines which have been built over the past few weeks. Here’s an analysis of those matches.
NXT Opener:
At the start, we had Hornswoggle proposing to AJ via Titus O’Neil, who was translating Hornswoggle’s shrieks and screams. Funny. It was good to see Derrick Bateman come out and use his mic skills to thrash the soap – opera segment that was going on. Alongside Derrick, there was a familiar face from NXT Season 3 – Maxine. Derrick told that he had brought his girlfriend Maxine to negate the presence of AJ and Hornswoggle in their rematch tonight. When Titus and Hornswoggle chased Derrick to the back, Maxine came out and attacked AJ who was alone in the ring. Nice segment. Maxine looked hotter than before. Her mic skills were also better than earlier seasons.
Segment Rating: 4/5
Match 1: JTG vs Tyson Kidd
Singles Match
Tyson Kidd has been having a match per week on WWE NXT over the past few months. This week it was against a pro – JTG. I thought that this match was strange since both men involved were heels. There would be less no involvement among people who watch a heel vs heel match. Hence this was a very short match which was won by Tyson Kidd who used his submission move to effect the loss on JTG. At the end of this match, some japanese letters where shown on the titantron. This might actually be Yoshi Tatsu who may be returning to revenge Tyson Kidd.
Winner: Tyson Kidd
Match Rating: 3/5
Match 2: Darren Young vs Matt Striker
Singles Match
Matt Striker got his rematch against Darren Young. Seeing Striker’s agility and athleticism in this match, I’ve got a feeling that he might return to full time in-ring action soon. Both men used submission moves which kept them grounded throughout the match. With Darren Young winning again this week, I am interested in knowing the way this feud will shape up next week.
Winner: Darren Young
Match Rating: 4/5
Match 3: Derrick Bateman vs Titus O’Neil
Singles Match
This match was a continuation of the feud between these two which has been going on for several weeks. Maxine came out with Derrick Bateman which was a shrewd move by Bateman to negate the impact of AJ and Hornswoggle in the match. As expected, Maxine would cause a distraction to Titus and eventually, Derrick Bateman got the victory. Maxine’s interruption will most likely lead to a tag team match between AJ & Titus and Maxine & Bateman in the coming weeks. Good job on keeping the feud moving.
Winner: Derrick Bateman
Match Rating: 3/5
The BottomLine:
The NEVER ENDING SEASON 5 of WWE NXT seems to be interesting for a while. The feuds are being given more importance than foolish challenges. The rookie’s are being given more time to showcase their talent and the pro’s are involved in matches which adds value to the show. Maxine’s arrival this week has added more flavor to the show