The MVP of NXT – 4/22/15
Written by Mark Adam Haggerty
Welcome one and all, to another quick column covering some of the finest performers of the modern era. My name is Mark Adam Haggerty, here as always to name the number one wrestler for this week’s edition of NXT on the WWE Network. This is the “MVP of NXT” for April 22nd, 2015.
It should come as no surprise that tonight’s "MVP of NXT" is none other than the NXT Champion Kevin Owens. The maniac from Marieville is undoubtedly the most intense Superstar in the current developmental system, and could be just months away from a main roster debut. Since showing up down at Full Sail University towards the tail end of 2014, Kevin Owens has skyrocketed to the top of the charts faster than any other individual in the short history of NXT. Anyone familiar with the Kevin Steen of Pro Wrestling Guerrilla or Ring of Honor, knows full well what this ring general is capable of, especially when he’s standing across the squared-circle from an adequate opponent. Lucky for him, NXT is in no way short on viable competition for a world-class athlete such as himself. But what made me choose Kevin Owens as tonight’s MVP, above somebody like Finn Balor or Hideo Itami? Or even Alex Riley—the man who attempted to take Owens to the limit during tonight’s main event?
Kevin Owens did in fact face Alex Riley for the second time on television, after their initial meeting at the Arnold classic last month in Ohio. Owens was in control from the start, showing the preshow host and color commentator what it means to be a world-renowned champion. Riley is an impressive athlete, but can't compete with Kevin Owens in terms of wrestling acumen or ring presence. Despite various offensive attempts from A-Ry, Owens was able to defeat the semi-retired Riley with moderate ease following a Cannonball and a Pop-Up Powerbomb.
Owens was in a daze following the contest—as he circled the ring with his championship belt—before deciding to continue the carnage against the righteous Riley. He threw the Second Season NXT contestant out of the ring and onto his head, and attempted to power bomb him on the concrete floor. That’s when Sami Zayn appeared to make the save by attacking the man who stole his NXT Championship. The mayhem continued until referees and wrestlers alike exited the locker room in an attempt to hold these two combatants apart. Sami Zayn ran into the ring and hit a HUGE senton on Owens as well as the dozens of officials at ringside.
Owens responded in perfect heel fashion however, and scurried away from ringside—back toward the locker room with his precious championship title still in his possession. Kevin Owens gave us a chilling promo earlier in the show, a sadistic squash match for the main event, and ended the night at odds with his nemesis, the former El Generico. I think it’s safe to say Kevin Owens is most certainly the “MVP of NXT.”
But where does the champ go from here, if the next step on the road to the main roster is blocked by the former NXT Champion, Sami Zayn? I think most wrestling fans feel a sort of bittersweet sadness when it comes to Superstars being called up. Of course becoming a WWE Superstar and main eventing Wrestlemania is the goal for most—if not all—professional wrestlers. But what will become of Kevin Owens when his number is called and it’s time to follow in the footsteps of Bo Dallas, and Adam Rose? Those are extreme examples, certainly, and perhaps the current NXT Champion might better compare to Bray Wyatt or even Rusev? All I know is that with Owens, Finn Balor, and Sami Zayn—waiting in the wings—the future of the WWE is bright, and its face could be an ensemble effort, rather than a one-man show.
What do you think? Was Kevin Owens the “MVP of NXT,” or was I missing something in Becky Lynch, or perhaps even Sami Zayn? Feel free to Tweet me your comments @TapeTraderz or Facebook me at “The B+ Players.”
Thank you for stopping by and remember to check out my continuous coverage of the wrestling industry here at Cheap-Heat and at DailyWrestlingNews.com.
