Tatum Paxley's Time to Shine!
In an exhilarating turn of events, Tatum Paxley emerged victorious from the women's battle royal, securing her spot as the top contender for Jacy Jayne's NXT Women's Championship. This triumph may signal the end of Tatum's association with The Culling, as her true friend, Lyra Valkyria, made a surprise appearance, seeking Tatum's attention.
Lyra's presence seemed to ignite a spark, as Tatum removed her mask, a bold move that ignited a fiery exchange with Izzi Dame. Izzi, known for her unfriendly demeanor, scoffed at the idea of Tatum's success, but Tatum proved her wrong. In a clever display of strategy, Tatum used Jordynne Grace as a decoy, allowing Izzi's momentum to carry her over the ropes. Tatum's fox-like cunning prevailed, and she celebrated her win with Lyra, leaving Izzi on the outside, clueless and clapping-less.
As we ponder the future, a Tatum championship reign seems like a refreshing change. Her story, intertwined with Izzi and Lyra, offers a unique narrative. Tatum, the ultimate underdog, deserves her moment with the prestigious belt. The women's division craves variety, and Tatum's rise could infuse new life into the top card. While Fatal Influence may evolve, they still resemble Toxic Attraction, leaving little room for innovation. Let's embrace the 'weirdo' champion and witness the impact she brings to the NXT landscape.
B-Sides: Sol Ruca and Zaria's Complex Dynamics
The relationship between Sol Ruca and Zaria has taken an intriguing turn. Initially, we anticipated a jealous Zaria, but now, it's Sol who seems to be holding back her best friend, raising questions about her motives. Blake Monroe's concerns about Sol taking advantage of Zaria's love have added a layer of complexity. During Zaria's match against The Glamor, Sol's absence from ringside support sparked further doubts. Zaria's valid point about Sol's dual championships and her focus on the battle royal left many wondering about her priorities.
In a surprising twist, Sol appeared during Zaria's match to stop Blake from using a chair, but her brief distraction allowed Blake to pull off a sneaky move, securing the win. Post-match, Sol admitted to being selfish, sacrificing her battle royal spot for her partner. This mature resolution is a rare occurrence in wrestling. However, during the battle royal, Zaria's dilemma between helping Sol and continuing the match led to her elimination. This choice may sow seeds of dissension, as Zaria's perception of Sol could change, especially after witnessing her emotional vulnerability.
This relationship, with its layers of complexity, is a captivating storyline that keeps us engaged.
Album Cuts: NXT's Favorite Punching Bag
Lexis King has become NXT's go-to target, and his recent match against El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. was a showcase of old-school heel tactics. Lexis, despite being detestable, excels at his role, going as far as offering fake handshakes. His future in WWE remains uncertain, but his heel behavior is spot-on. The match served as a preview for El Hijo's upcoming North American Championship challenge against Ethan Page at Halloween Havoc. Dr. Wagner's victory over Lexis sets the stage for a compelling contest against the crowd's least favorite champion.
In other news, Ricky Saints, tired of talk, challenged Trick Williams to a match at Halloween Havoc. The challenge was accepted, but Trick's attack on Ricky later in the episode left a sour taste. Expect fireworks at the contract signing next week, as Ricky's frustration boils over.
The Hardys found themselves in the crosshairs of DarkState, who vowed to reclaim their property. This feud, stemming from their interference at Bound for Glory, lacks appeal, despite NXT's efforts to make them a compelling act.
As for tag teams, a triple threat match between Hank & Tank, Chase U, and The Culling almost crowned new NXT Tag Team Championship contenders. However, OTM's interference disrupted the match, leaving fans wondering about the outcome. The men's division, in contrast to the vibrant women's side, feels stagnant, highlighting the need for fresh narratives.
NXT delivered a compact and meaningful show this week, laying the groundwork for Halloween Havoc. Despite some inconsistencies, the show showcased its potential, leaving us eager for more.
