NXT on USA Workrate Report 9/25/19

This is the last week of this half and half NXT, the official war starts next week and they are loading up three title matches and I imagine a big surprise or two. This was still sort of a soft opening, and I am hesitant to judge fully until I see next week

WHAT WORKED

-Keith Lee came off like a big star, Dijakovic is his touring partner, but this felt less like a showcase of both of them, and more like a showcase for Lee. This matchup is one of my least favorite Lee matchups, he has shockingly impressive athletic explosion, and it is less impressive when there is a tall guy doing shittier looking versions of the same sort of stuff. I was amused how Dijakovic's tale of the tape listed his striking as an advantage, because his stuff looked crappy, while Lee was throwing forearms right through him. Dijakovic is DOA, his haircut and gear look awful, as do his tough guy faces. Tall guys who can do a moonsault are a positional glut in wrestling, no need to see anymore. Lee should be moving on and up. Also as a 80s baby raised on reruns I appreciate how much Lee looks like Bookman from Good Times.

WHAT DIDN'T WORK

-I want to like Taynara Conti, but outside of her Judo throw, she looked green and off. Dakota Kai had some kicks that landed, and some kicks which did not. They probably should keep both of these ladies off TV for a bit. Feels like if NXT is going to be on USA, these type of matches should be on EVOLVE shows or NXT UK.

-I have watched a ton of Matt Riddle matches, and have loved some and hated some, this was one of the duller Riddle matches I can remember. He brought so little of what makes him a compelling guy to watch. This was a typical walk around the arena WWE brawl. I wanted Riddle to at least bring some spice to that, and outside of a cool Fujiwara finish, I didn't see much cool or interesting. Tough spot for Dain to be main eventing a show with a Keith Lee opener. Lee really exposes Dain's fat guy flying. Not sure why they switched Riddle's finisher from a twister to a Fujiwara, especially since Becky Lynch is using a shittier version main eventing shows.

-Adam Cole looks like Bagel Boss coming down and trying to intimidate Riddle. He should be celebrity boxing Lenny Dykstra not holding the main title on a cable wrestling show.