NXT THE GREAT AMERICAN BASH NIGHT 1

WWE NXT: THE GREAT AMERICAN BASH - NIGHT 1

Candice LeRae vs. Dakota Kai vs. Mia Yim vs. Tegan Nox

Solid match. I do think that the final segment of it with Tegan vs. Dakota dragged a bit by the end, but all in all, the action was pretty good throughout. Nothing very memorable, but a nice opener with good energy. **

Oney Lorcan vs. Timothy Thatcher

Unsurprisingly awesome. The lads just did their thing & it was a good time -- I gotta say though that this was maybe even more strike heavy than I expected, but then again, it's still not surprising considering the two involved. Good match. Not as good as Thatcher's recent bouts vs. Riddle, but a very enjoyable one nonetheless, and NXT keeps on getting him right, which I'm a big fan of. ***1/4

Dexter Lumis vs. Roderick Strong

Long as hell, and also boring as hell. The highlight of the entire thing was in the early minutes with Roddy throwing himself into that apron hard a couple of times when Lumis controlled him via the strap from inside the ring -- he sure put in an EFFORT to say the least to make this somewhat entertaining, and bless him for that, but goddamn this was a complete bore. *

Io Shirai vs. Sasha Banks

This is a pretty legit dream match on paper, and it ended up being the best match of the night (including AEW as well) by a pretty fair margin. It ended up being & feeling like kind of a sprint, and that suits both of the women involved, so of course it ruled. Great swagger shown throughout with a solid feeling of danger & urgency in their work -- loved it all the way through, but a special shout-out is in order for that plexiglass spot, which was just SO awesome. ***3/4