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 6/29/16)

Exclusive Comments 

– Carried off last week’s word-exchanging segment, the ring was a blank page ready to be filled with the art of wrestling from the likes of Alexa Bliss and Carmella. We liked how both ladies went into this match nearly at each other’s heads and left it elevated. Bliss was put over by Corey Graves as the only person not pinned in the triple-threat #1 contender’s match a few weeks back against Nia Jax and Carmella. On the other hand, Carmella had the crowd’s full support. Bliss’ enraged facial expressions were a big plus to this match’s start and helped things get off to a nice start. Basically, the match’s story saw nice in-ring work from both ladies. Carmella had a more submission-based offense, while Bliss bent the rules wherever possible and targeted Carmella’s left arm from the mid-way point of the match on. This actually became really good towards the end with a swift trade of close near-falls and we were actually pleasantly shocked to see Bliss go over with the Twisted Bliss (once known as the Sparkle Splash) for the one-two-three.

– With Shinsuke Nakamura and Finn Balor set for an epic in-ring encounter in two weeks time from this show, NXT played it up cleverly by showing separate “exclusive comments” from both men during the show a la sit-down promos. Nakamura’s promo put over how long him and Balor had been friends and how he was inspired by Balor’s NXT run and felt he needed to do something big like beat “an icon” before he could be considered a true Champion. Pretty extensive for an English promo, but he surprisingly held his own and flashed that signature grin after calling this match “something sensational for the fans.” You damn right, Nakamura.

– There was a nice set-up for next week’s match between Bayley and Bliss with their backstage segment. Basically, Bayley declared herself officially ready for her contractual rematch against NXT Women’s Champion Asuka since she was one-hundred percent and back in the ring and Bliss crashed her party and put herself over as unpinned in the top picture and that Bayley needed to go through her first to get her shot. This was all good, but we fear that was the only reason Bliss went over Carmella earlier; to be the one to lose to Bayley.

– Andrade “Cien” Almas features a unique name, diverse moveset and good look. Yet, he’s not getting over with the NXT faithful the way you’d think. A part of that could be being paired with the more popular Tye Dillinger (who the fans actually chanted for during Almas’ match against Noah Potjes), but there could be more than that. Nevertheless, this Almas squash was ultimately forgettable as he won with that dreaded double knees finisher. He’s going to need something more than just that. If anything, he’s garnering polite applause. On the other hand, Potjes held his own well to be more than your usual jobber, more like an unhinged monster of sorts. Think Waylon Mercy.

– Full heel Austin Aries is a spectacle in of itself and this feud with No Way Jose has been a platform for him to let loose. His backstage promo backed his reasons for attacking NWJ last week and it was because of the people and how they cheered a guy who did nothing yet booed somebody like him, who was a world-class athlete. His swarmy attitude was brilliant here and he displayed heel logic in clearing himself of any blame going forward and put it on the people. Nice.

– Balor’s “exclusive comments” more or less mirrored Nakamura’s, but went more in-depth about their friendship, as he mentioned that Nakamura was one of the first people he met over there and was put under his wing, so to speak, to the Japanese style of pro wrestling. He also put Nakamura over as someone who was more than a casual work friend and that their families even knew each other. It was acknowledged that they had faced each other in the ring before, but never to the level of NXT and sold the bout as a “treat the fans were in store for.” Also liked how his own motivation was to return the favor to Nakamura for what he did for him back in Japan.

– The Tommaso Ciampa/Johnny Gargano-Hype Bros. match didn’t feel like a main event per se, but that’s what ended up happening. In terms of the action, it was very good from both teams. The crowd was fully behind Gargano particularly and Ryder too. Mojo Rawley even looked better than usual, as his linebacker-esque power was emphasized several times throughout the match. Gargano/Ciampa pulled off some impressive double-team maneuvers and Hype Bros. came close to victory, but couldn’t quite pull it all together. Very competitively fast-paced towards the end, but it was the fierce double-team head kick from Gargano/Ciampa that was the match’s definitive closer. It also provided some light hype for the Cruiserweight Classic, which was set to start Jul. 13, as Gargano/Ciampa would both be separate competitors. The post-match angle was well-done, as Gargano claimed that their victory over NXT Tag Team Champions The Revival two weeks earlier put them in line for a Title shot. This of course drew out American Alpha, who said the shot belonged to them because they lost their Titles to Revival. Revival’s promo towards both team was well-delivered as they claimed neither team was fit to compete against them. This in turn drew out General Manager William Regal, who said that he called the shots and booked AA to fight Revival for the Tag Titles next week in a Two-Out-Of-Three Falls match. Holy crap. He also mentioned that Gargano/Ciampa would get a shot down the road and were in fact, in line. What was set to be the show’s finish got extended when after a show of sportsmanship between the babyfaces, AA were attacked by The Authors Of Pain. Essentially, they put down AA (even though Jordan/Gable nobly fought back) and Gargano/Ciampa when they tried to save them. This show closed out as Paul Ellering motioned for his boys to come to the stage and they walked away. This was great since in all, we got advancement in the AA-AOP feud, an announcement for a killer Tag Title match, buildup for Balor-Nakamura and Bliss got to look good as she takes on Bayley next week.

Quick Results

• Alexa Bliss def. Carmella via pinfall
• Andrades “Cien” Almas def. Noah Potjes via pinfall
• Tommaso Ciampa/Johnny Gargano def. The Hype Bros. via pinfall