Welcome to a special edition of our wrestling retrospective! Today, we're diving into the world of WWE NXT's Vengeance Day, an event that bridges the gap between the old and new eras of NXT. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as we explore the highs and lows of this unique show.
The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classics: A Tournament to Remember
One of the main attractions of NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day was the return of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. This annual tournament is a fan favorite, and the 2021 edition did not disappoint. With both men's and women's tournaments, the action was doubled, and the energy was electric.
The women's final showcased Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart against the established duo of Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez. It was a battle of styles, with Kai and Gonzalez's chemistry and power versus Moon and Blackheart's insane, high-flying antics. The match was a showcase of natural talent and a great opener for the show.
On the men's side, the Grizzled Young Veterans sought redemption after their loss in the previous year's final. They faced the debutants, MSK (Wes Lee and Nash Carter), in a classic clash of toughness and high-flying maneuvers. The chemistry between these four wrestlers was exceptional, and their match could have sparked a lengthy rivalry. Tag team wrestling at its finest!
Johnny Gargano: A Balanced Performance
Johnny Gargano, or 'Johnny Wrestling', has had his fair share of epic NXT TakeOver matches. However, his bout with Kushida for the NXT North American Championship at Vengeance Day was a refreshing change. With a runtime of just under 25 minutes, this match was a far cry from his usual lengthy affairs.
The story was simple yet effective: Gargano, with his new faction The Way, aimed for a long title reign, while Kushida, the NJPW star, wanted to become the first Japanese-born NXT North American Champion. The focus on Gargano's damaged arm added a unique dynamic, forcing him to adapt his style and make every move count. It was a departure from his usual high-spot-filled matches, and a welcome change for fans.
Finn Balor vs. Pete Dunne: A Technical Masterclass
Finn Balor's second run in NXT was an opportunity for him to reinvent himself after a rocky main roster stint. His return to NXT, tapping into his Prince Devitt character from NJPW, added an extra layer of intensity to his presentation. Heading into Vengeance Day, Balor had held the NXT Championship for five months, but Pete Dunne was a rising force, especially during the pandemic.
This match was a technical showcase, with both wrestlers targeting specific body parts to gain an advantage. Dunne's aggressive ground work and Balor's injured jaw and knee made for a gripping contest. The lack of a crowd added to the intensity, creating a unique atmosphere reminiscent of the Ilja Dragunov vs. WALTER match. Balor and Dunne delivered a match that stood out as one of the best on the card.
The Underrated Triple Threat: Io Shirai, Toni Storm, and Mercedes Martinez
While the Triple Threat match for the NXT Women's Championship between Io Shirai, Toni Storm, and Mercedes Martinez was 'fine', it could have been so much more. With three incredibly talented women in the ring, the match lacked the spark and intensity we've come to expect from these performers.
The 'death spot' on the card, sandwiched between great matches, didn't do it any favors. A straight singles match between Shirai and Storm, with their rich history, would have been a better choice. Mercedes Martinez, while not bad, could have been left out to create a more focused and intense contest.
The Piped-In Crowd Noise: A Distracting Dilemma
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Capitol Wrestling Center wasn't packed for Vengeance Day. WWE's solution? Piped-in crowd noise. And boy, was it a bad idea. The audio track, likely from a WWE Raw or SmackDown episode, clashed horribly with the actual, minimal crowd in attendance.
The 'boos' and 'cheers' sounded like ghosts in pain, and the 'This is awesome' chants were hilariously off-beat and inaudible. It was a constant wave of drab noise that took away from the in-ring action. A simple solution would have been to boost the volume of the actual crowd's reactions - after all, they were there and making their voices heard!
The Pandemic's Impact: A Show Deserving of a Full Crowd
NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day is an underrated gem in the NXT 'Black and Gold' era. Every match delivered, and the minimal crowd in attendance did their best to create an atmosphere. But the lack of a full, rabid TakeOver audience was sorely felt.
Matches like Kushida vs. Johnny Gargano and the Dusty Rhodes Classic victory by MSK would have been electric with a capacity crowd. The Adam Cole heel turn, too, would have had a more significant impact. 'NXT' thrived on its vocal and passionate crowd, and their absence was a noticeable blow to the brand's energy.
The pandemic forced 'NXT' behind closed doors, and while the show was still great, it lacked the magic that a full crowd brings. It's a reminder that professional wrestling, at its core, is a live, in-person experience, and nothing can replace the energy of a packed arena.
So, there you have it, folks! A retrospective look at WWE NXT's Vengeance Day, a show that, despite the challenges of its time, delivered great wrestling and memorable moments. Until next time, keep wrestling and stay tuned for more retro reviews!
