WWE NXT Review - July 31, 2019

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Tyler Breeze def. Jaxson Ryker

Like many people, I don't find Ryker or his matches terribly exciting, but Breeze managed to make this passable by selling well for Ryker's offense and making him look dominant for a majority of the match. I don't think Ryker has ever been beaten one-on-one before in NXT, so Breeze barely beating him was a pleasant surprise. As if that wasn't enough, Fandango returned for the first time in over a year afterward to save Breeze from Forgotten Sons. They'll be a great addition to NXT's tag team division if they can stay serious this time.

Cameron Grimes def. Jonah Reed in an NXT Breakout Tournament Semifinal Match

This was a significant improvement than Reed's last match in the tournament with Dexter Lumis, while Grimes continued to shine. I enjoyed the dynamic they had and it was simply a nicely paced bout. I don't think Grimes winning was ever in much doubt, but he was the right person to advance to the finals to face Jordan Myles. It'd be very cool if that matchup was held either at TakeOver: Toronto II or at the NXT TV tapings preceding the event.

Mia Yim Interrupted NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler

Yim staked her claim at the NXT Women's Championship weeks ago and has been systematically eliminating Baszler's sidekicks one by one. Baszler took exception to Yim's recent antics, though this wasn't one of her better promos in recent memory. Yim played her role well and they effectively set the stage for their likely championship match at TakeOver with this segment. I realize I say this before every TakeOver, but I feel Yim might be the one to finally dethrone Baszler as champion.

Pete Dunne def. Roderick Strong

These two have strong chemistry together from their days as allies and as rivals in 2018, so it was hardly a surprise that this was as great as it was. They were given plenty of time to work with, the action was entertaining, and the crowd was electric the entire time. It's the small things that make Dunne's matches such a treat to watch, like how he targeted Strong's hand throughout the bout and how that ultimately factored into the finish. Dunne also laid out Velveteen Dream post-match, so he clearly has momentum on his side heading into the Triple Threat.

Overall Show

The return of Fandango and above-average main event made this a notable edition of NXT TV in my book, but even everything else was enjoyable as well. Grimes advanced in the NXT Breakout Tournament in a fun little match, Baszler and Yim furthered their feud, Candice LeRae vs. Io Shirai was added to the TakeOver card, and Matt Riddle vs. Killian Dain was announced for next week's show. Needless to say, I'm very excited for TakeOver next weekend now that the card is virtually complete.