It’s been a good week for NXT so far. Not only has the entire wrestling world found out about this little feeder promotion, but yesterday it all culminated in a hell of a show!

The NXT part of SWA is basically the first step on the ladder for the young stars coming out of Area 52. So sometimes it may feel like a testing ground, or a step down from SWA’s primary events, but in a lot of ways it’s way better as you have guys fighting t prove themselves and putting every last breath of energy they have into the match.

And to be perfectly honest, it was a great release. After the past few days it was just great to get on with the show.

This show also heavily reflected the NOW format. It was in a small town hall surrounded by houses in a small area which is exactly my cup of raktajino. It may seem odd to prefer the smaller venues, but for me it’s all about atmosphere. This venue was a fraction of the size of Govan, but that show in the Peirce Institute was pretty quiet. This one… it was loud, rowdy, the fans went nuts for everything… and often that crowd comes with that venue unless it’s the Gathering.

I’ve mentioned it here before, but the morning of the Govan show I got a call asking if I wanted to get in a title match and one of the ideas discussed was that the ten man that I eventually became a part of in Govan wouldn’t be for the title, but to determine a challenger for me in February. Just for the crowd last night, I wish I’d chosen that route.

There were problems. It wouldn’t be an NXT without some panic. When one of the major problems you face is running out of room and fans having to stand as there are no chairs left, and even the entrance way is packed with people standing cheering and making a lot of noise… thats not as much a problem as a promotional awesomeness.

The only problem I saw as a genuine problem was hosting the show. I found out at last minute and for some reason, whenever I’m handed a mic to talk without having to do a promo… I get nervous as hell.

Seriously, I don’t know what it is. Wrestling? I’m fine. Promo time? Fine. Managing? Better than fine. MC? That’s when I panic. I always start out saying as little as possible, I think I introduced the show with something like “Welcome to NXT, we’ve kept you waiting long enough so lets get started!” and ended up really enjoying myself and far more comfortable as the night went on.

The guys on the card were great too. It’s possily one of the most solid shows the NXT part of SWA has had in a while. From the rookies to the more experienced, everyone was on top form and after only debuting last year, Mark Sweeney took his moment to headline the event and ran with it. He’s done an excellent job and it was an absolute pleasure to see him shine in that moment.

Though I have to say, that is in large part to the crowd who were absolutely tremendous. I know a few of our regulars are following this blog and the twitter, facebook and all that good stuff – not only from me, but from NXT’s head booker DB Mackle, SWA’s promoter PJ Murphy and all the staff and talent on hand, a huge thank you to all of you for making the night a great one.

Suffice it to say, the show went well. So well Mackle disappeared half way through the show to book the hall again in April. So we’ll be back in Rutherglen on April 17th and I’ve already taken names to reserve tickets for the show. We’ve got another coming up in February 19th in Erskine. Full details can be found at NXTWrestling.com.

As for the previously discussed matter here – I’ve said it already but NXT’s first priority is the guys. Last night was one of he best examples of why NXT does what it does. This is a chance for the young guys to shine who wouldn’t have an opportunity without that showcase. Whatever happens with NXT… I don’t care. As long as the shows are consistently great, as long as the boys in the ring keep fighting as hard as they do… that’s all that matters to me.

I’d like to also clarify as I did here and on twitter, the official statement by PJ Murphy is official. I can’t stress enough.. I’m not NXT management, my blog is mostly my own little world that’s filled with my thoughts and views on my other geeky habits. Unofficial blog is unofficial.

I can’t and won’t comment on anything official. If you want an official statement, make contact through the NXT or SWA websites or ask fanaccess@scottishwrestling.co.uk for further contact info.

Let’s just hope our talent continues to have a great year.

Related posts:

1. I want it NOW!
2. The Archie Mitchel Update; A birthday, a show, a new site and the best t-shirt in the world.

Tags: nxt, wrestling