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Even before it started, NXT in Lakeland was notable, due to many of the top NXT Superstars having other engagements: Finn Balor and Bayley are on the WWE European tour, while Samoa Joe, Apollo Crews, Baron Corbin, Carmella, Asuka, Alexa Bliss, and others were performing at the Wrestlemania presale party in Dallas. Mark this one in the history books, because I believe it's the first time ever that NXT was running two separate shows on the same night.
Here's the complete line-up with results, notes to follow below:
Enzo Amore over Angelo Dawkins
Billie Kay over Gionna Daddio
Riddick Moss over Josh Woods
Solomon Crowe over Tino Sabbatelli
Jordan and Gable over Sawyer and Marcus
Bull Dempsey over Alexander Wolfe
Nia Jaxx over Aliyah
Dash and Dawson disqualified against Vaudevillains (with an Enzo cameo at the end)
Notes:
Izzy was in the house with her Dad.
Enzo did his intro, put his hand up before realizing that Cass was absent, then shrugged and cut to "bada boom!"
Angelo used a cloud of baby powder in his entrance. Someone in the audience shouted out that it's because "he's soft like a baby!" which got a great reaction from Enzo.
Gionna really impressed with her ring work (especially her leg locks and fancy reversals), but took a hard hit in the nose from Billie.
Leviz Valenzuela Jr came out and cut a
promo about his NXT aspirations and how the crowd was going to help him bring the fiesta to NXT. Emma came out to crush his dreams, saying that the love of the crowd didn't get her anywhere. He disagrees, she tries to slap him, he grabs her hand and calls for a conga line.
Conga line comes out from the back and features four faces from Tough Enough: Josh, Sara Lee, Patrick, and Mata. Noticeably absent are Amanda and ZZ.
Marcus took a cue from Sasha Banks and got in Izzy's face during his entrance, causing her to flinch in fear.
Energy was high and all of the performers did great, which is a testament to how pro they are. Clearly this was the lesser show (not even sold out), especially compared to the free Wrestlemania pre-sale party with Stone Cold, Lita, and Booker T.
For a Thursday night show, the crowd seemed to be Full Sail regulars and hardcore fans from the area.
Biggest pops from the crowd:
Enzo
Jordan and Gable
Gionna
Vaudevillains
Solomon Crowe
Josh Woods
Nia Jaxx
Bull Dempsey
Meet and Greet before was Billie plus Dash and Dawson (who were quite popular for photos and autographs, and still drew loud boos later).
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