By Nicholas Jason Lopez

“Notes In Observance” features random thoughts and analysis on recent television shows. Quick results can be found at the bottom of the post. 

(Aired 7/8/15)

Beautiful Fierce Females

– The opening video, as you’d expect, highlighted the happenings from the recent “Beast In The East” WWE Network live special, inexplicably leaving out the results of the NXT Championship match though as we came to realize, the match was later aired in its semi-entirety on the show. There was a good balance of recap and progress on this episode. Nothing truly “must-see” but it was better than average. Don’t forget, this is NXT we’re talking about here, so we’re judging by the high standards that the show has been known to reach sometimes.

– The Emma/Dana Brooke-Sasha Banks match already had the intrigue of who Banks was going to choose as her partner to fight the emerging heels. Banks made it appear as if she’d take both on alone because of not being able to find a partner. Charlotte coming out of nowhere to say she’d team but that Banks owed her one was a nice nod to nostalgia for the old BFF duo and made us wonder just what she wanted. The action saw the heels mostly dominate until Banks got the hot tag. The double submission finish was well-done. Charlotte calling for a Title shot with Banks accepting makes next week sound fun already. This looks to be more of a respectful bout this time around, but that doesn’t change the dynamic of their chemistry.

– Bayley’s backstage promo from the weekend had her mention having her hand broken by Emma and reemphasizing her goal to be Champion. She said Emma was the first person she was gunning for. Another feud born. Well… reborn.

– Kevin Owens’ reaction to losing the title was perfect. We can only hope that Reporter guy is okay. There was probably a Pop-Up Powerbomb thrown in somewhere for him.

– Chad Gable’s backstage promo had him address that Jason Jordan wanted to stay low on the totem pole. Jordan came up to him, said they’d tag and hesitantly shook his hand. Gable said he knew he’d come around. About time.

– Solomon Crowe cut a promo saying he was back, better and meaner than ever before. Also nice to see him back after being unceremoniously beat by Owens.

– The Marcus Louis-Crowe match was an appropriate Crowe return occasion. Louis looked like an angry baby and worked on some odd maneuvers that helped him get familiarized by the NXT Universe, but it was all about Crowe in the finishing stretch. This match wasn’t as good as it could’ve been though. There are elements of hit and miss with Crowe in NXT.

– The Vaudevillains backstage promo was good last-second hype for the upcoming main event match. If they won this match, it wouldn’t had been unheard of, so it was good to hear from them headed in. Also seemed to be a giveaway that they’d get the nod here with the recent push.

– Good to see John Cena congratulating Finn Balor on the victory with Neville and Cesaro. Balor’s promo was short and quite effective on his accomplishment. Also, another good hook for next week with Sami Zayn’s injury update.

– The Number One Contender’s Tag match between The Vaudevillains and Enzo Amore/Colin Cassady was an okay match that went with what we thought would happen with the newly pushed Vaudevillains getting the clean victory. Cass made the most of the hot tag and carried the momentum until the end, when Vaudevillains took advantage of Amore’s Crossbody maneuver. This was a tricky spot for the new faces since they beat fan favorites. Perhaps a better route would’ve been for Wesley Blake/Buddy Murphy to interference and cause a three-team title match. At any rate, it gives Blake/Murphy new blood to work with. Also makes you think just when Enzo/Cass will get their run with the belt. They’re as over as can be and it sucks to see them held down for so long. They need at least one run before they reach the main roster.

Quick Results

– Sasha Banks/Charlotte def. Emma/Dana Brooke via submission

– Solomon Crowe def. Marcus Louis via pinfall

– NXT Tag Team Championships Number One Contender’s Match – The Vaudevillains def. Enzo Amore/Colin Cassady (w/Carmella) via pinfall