NXT Minus 6: In the year 2021

Before we look back on the year that was, let’s look ahead to 6 things that need to happen in 2021 for WWE NXT.

6. An infusion of talent to NXT UK: It’s admirable that they want to develop new talent, but a double dose of experience could reshape the whole brand. The obvious move is to send Killian Dain & Nikki Cross back home. Both would be instant title contenders, and the women’s division is in desperate need of someone as talented as the Twisted Sister. The big move, the one that would get the entire wrestling world talking, deserves its own spot…

5. WALTER versus CESARO: This isn’t a mainstream dream match like Hogan versus Andre or Cena versus Rock, but I’m guessing there isn’t a wrestling fan or wrestler who doesn’t want to see this. WALTER is on the short list for best in the world and his two straight MOTYs prove it. Cesaro is this generation’s Mr. Perfect: brilliant in-ring, loved by the fans, but never given the chance at the top that he deserves. Here’s his chance. And yes, for this one match, CESARO is stealing WALTER’s caps lock.  

4. Tommaso Ciampa needs an overhaul: Before losing to Karrion Kross, he was angry guy. After losing to Kross, he’s…angry guy with a mask?!?! He needs to recapture the joy he once had. He was happy in DIY. He should start a months-long journey for right tag team partner to help him recapture his smile. He boils it down to his top two, and they have to fight for the privilege of becoming his new partner.  

3. More talent returns to NXT: Since Finn Balor came home, it’s no longer seen as a demotion. Let’s save more wrestlers from dying on the RawDown vine. First up, bring back Ricochet and Aleister Black for a tag team run and the inevitable break up feud. I can hardly type because the thought of this makes me shake with gleepiosejporipmdreoi. 

2. A secondary title for the women: The women’s division is universally loved & respected. Some fans even call it the best division in any wrestling federation anywhere. After carrying NXT in 2020, they deserve a secondary title. Instead of creating a new one, let them have the United States Championship.   

1. Candace gets her moment: She tells Johnny she’s tired of the Gargano Way. She hasn’t won anything and people hate her. From now on, she’s doing things the LeRae Way. Johnny says it’s the Gargano Way or the highway. For months she climbs the ladder, all along hoping Johnny changes his mind. She gets her Takeover title shot and wins. The crowd goes wild, she’s clearly happy for what she has done but she’s also sad that her husband isn’t there to celebrate with her. As she leaves the ring, Johnny meets her at the top of the ramp. They stare down. They embrace. They kiss. The wrestling world cries like they haven’t cried since Shawn told Ric he loves him.

Postscript: The following Wednesday, Johnny and Candace make their way to the ring. Johnny says he knew all along Candace would have her moment. He always knew she was a champion. In is heart, he knew she never needed him. The fact is he needed her. They embrace and we all cry again. Aaaaaand NXT sells about a billion “LeRae Way” t-shirts.