The final Thursday episode of NXT hit the WWE Network airwaves Thursday night and wasted little time getting down to business as Sami Zayn made his way to the ring for his first address of the NXT Universe since Takeover: R Evolution way back on December 11.Speaking of the last two-hour special, NXT Tag Team champions the Lucha Dragons defended against The Vaudevillains in the night's main event. After enduring a brutal attack by Aiden English and Simon Gotch, Sin Cara and Kalisto had the opportunity to pay them back by essentially eliminating them from title contention.Sasha Banks returned to the ring this week, battling Alexa Bliss in singles competition, while Tyler Breeze battled newcomer Chad Gable one-on-one.With the brand preparing to launch on Wednesday nights going forward, this week's broadcast felt much like a placeholder show. Still, it featured very definitive winners and losers.Who were they'Take a look for yourselves.Winner: Sami ZaynJust prior to Takeover: R Evolution, Sami Zayn began displaying increased comfort on the microphone. Thursday night, he delivered one of his finest performances on the mic to date, showing tremendous passion as he addressed the NXT Universe.Labeling his fans the "Zayniacs" may be something straight out of the 1980s, meaning the higher-ups in WWE probably had a hand in it, but comparing the audience to his band and delivering the line about making beautiful music together, just as the chants of "Ole" broke out, added heart to the segment.For Zayn to succeed at the next level, he will have to continue developing consistent mic skills. That he has delivered regularly in recent weeks indicates that he is making the necessary strides.Loser: Alexa BlissDespite showing great athleticism and tremendous promise in her handful of televised matches to date, NXT officials continue to do Alexa Bliss a great disservice by booking her in losses.A favorite punching bag of Sasha Banks, Bliss was again defeated by The Boss, enduring the Bank Statement and tapping out to end her Thursday night on a sour note.Considering the rather stale nature of the Divas division in NXT, Bliss should be one of the talents management turns to in an attempt to freshen things up. Instead, they continue to kill her credibility with loss after loss.Eventually, Bliss will get her opportunity. Whether fans can forgive the win-loss record and take her seriously remains to be seen.Loser: Curtis AxelThe second-generation star appeared to be en route to enjoying a push on NXT, the likes of which Tyson Kidd had received dating back to this past summer. After Thursday's show, that does not appear likely.In a very underwhelming match against Hideo Itami, Axel failed to really seize the opportunity before him. Was that his fault or was Itami still struggling to pick up WWE style' Regardless of the answer, it is Axel who is unlikely to enjoy the benefit of the doubt.Which is a shame. Anyone who watches an Axel match can tell just how immensely talented he is between the ropes. He is a sound technical wrestler but is lacking the natural charisma that every performer needs to take the next step.So when Axel performs in a disappointing match, it only heightens awareness regarding his inefficiencies.Further action on NXT, perhaps against the likes of Zayn and Adrian Neville, would allow Axel the opportunity to put his skills on display.
Click here to read full news..
