NXT 145

November 28, 2012 – Winter Park, Florida

Leo Kruger def. Trent Barreta
This wasn’t a squash, so I’ll give it credit for that, but from a storytelling perspective this was completely baffling. Kruger supposedly attacked Barreta last week and took him out of action, and then he beats Barreta no issue this week? And that’s just the end of it? **

Xavier Woods def. Memo Montenegro
Woods still has a few indy habits he should probably shed (calling out “It’s morphin’ time,” is pretty bush league), but he’s got charisma and you can’t beat that. *½

Audrey Marie def. Emma
Decent enough by all accounts, but at just a few minutes it wasn’t able to showcase either woman significantly. There was also this weird moment where it looked like Marie was faking an injury but it didn’t go anywhere. *

Seth Rollins & Jinder Mahal meet in the ring to have a discussion moderated by Michael Cole. Rollins isn’t acknowledging that he’s in the Shield. Rollins didn’t appreciate Mahal attacking him from behind, but he does appreciate Mahal lumping him in as the same as the NXT fans. They both strip down to their undies and resolve to fight now, but Cole wants to ask questions. Mahal goes after Cole, which is enough to distract Rollins and finally allow Mahal to catch him in the Camel Clutch. I’m ready for this angle to be over.

Daniel Bryan & Kane def. Michael McGillicutty & Johnny Curtis [WWE Tag Team Championship Match]
Sure, why not? I’ve basically had enough of this crew of goofs failing to carry a show on their own without help from the main roster anyway. Kane and Bryan aren’t really on the same page, each claiming to be the tag team champions on their own. Their shtick is more over than anything else in NXT (except maybe Langston), which is a pretty strong indictment against everyone on this roster. The match was pretty fun, and told a better story than anything since the U.S. Title match a few weeks ago. Too bad Bryan isn’t on NXT anymore. ***