WWE NXT Review - March 6, 2019

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Aleister Black and Ricochet def. Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel in a Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Quarterfinal Match

As seen on SmackDown Live and Raw over the past few weeks, Black and Ricochet work wonderfully as partners. I assume they were put together on the main roster because they knew they'd be competing in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, so fans were already aware of their chemistry and how their matches always promise to be must-see. This was no exception, as I loved the hell out of this from start to finish. Aichner and Barthel are a terrific tandem and bring the best out of everyone they're up against. Thus, it was hardly surprise that this was such an exceptional outing, kicking the night off on a stellar note in the process.

The Forgotten Sons def. Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch in a Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Quarterfinal MAtch

It's no secret that I'm not the biggest fan of The Forgotten Sons, but admittedly, they have impressed me in a handful of matches they have been a part of and this was one of them. Like Aichner and Barthel, Lorcan and Burch are always exciting no matter what and they were a major factor in this being as fun as it was. I had no desire to see The Forgotten Sons advance, but it makes sense considering they have been on a winning streak lately.

Matt Riddle Interrupted NXT North American Champion Velveteen Dream

We haven't seen much of Riddle on NXT TV since he wrapped up his rivalry with Kassius Ohno back at TakeOver: Phoenix, so I was happy he resurfaced here. I really like the idea of Dream and Riddle feuding over the NXT North American Championship going into TakeOver: New York as I enjoyed their interaction here. It'll be interesting to see if Adam Cole will end up getting involved as well, which was teased on last week's show.

Moustache Mountain def. Street Profits in a Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Quarterfinal Match

Although this match pitted two babyface teams against each other, the crowd was solidly behind them both. They made the most of the time they had by going all out and working a rapid pace. Moustache Mountain kicking out of Street Profits' finisher was an awesome nearfall, and that entire final stretch was a blast. I'm slightly disappointed Street Profits were eliminated so early from the tournament, if only because I wanted to see them win the whole thing. Every time they begin to build momentum, they come up short, but at least they lost a tremendous team in Moustache Mountain.

#DIY def. Undisputed Era in a Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Quarterfinal Match

Man, I didn't realize how much I missed #DIY until I saw this match. Yes, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa recently teamed up on Raw and SmackDown, but those matches were nothing compared to this classic. Undisputed Era is widely recognized as one of the most consistent teams in all of wrestling and rightfully so because they never cease to deliver the goods. This was simply outstanding thanks to there never being a dull moment, the crowd being hot for it throughout, and #DIY managing to rekindle that same magic they had years ago. Unfortunately, it has since been announced that Ciampa will go under the knife for neck surgery soon, so that news certainly puts his future in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic as well as at TakeOver in doubt.

Overall Show

This edition of NXT TV featured the finest form of tag team wrestling that can not currently be found on either Raw or SmackDown, and it was so refreshing to watch. As a result, this was among the strongest shows NXT has ever produced (not counting TakeOver specials). The focus was fully on the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, and all four matches were fantastic. This is already the greatest installment of the tourney to date and I can't wait for the remainder of it. Next week's semifinals are bound to be equally entertaining.