I felt let down last night, largely because I woke up in the middle of the night and chose watching the show over more sleep. The show just wasn't good enough to justify that poor decision. It was more of a show that I could've watched in the daytime and been fairly satisfied with.
Things started well: Breeze and Balor's entrances were both spectacular. Special event entrances and attires are always welcome - they give shows a unique feel - and this was no exception. Unfortunately, the match that followed was rather dull in comparison, occupying the same decent-not-great bracket that most of Balor's matches seem to.
The tag match had the wrong outcome, assuming Carmella will continue working as a face. Enzo getting in offence, and decent-looking offence at that, was a very pleasant surprise. Otherwise, Enzo & Cass winning the titles was probably the feel good moment the show needed.
Rhyno and Corbin was a well-timed admission that Corbin wasn't going to remain popular as a face.
In terms of expectations versus reality, the main event was pretty poor. It was good to see Zayn dominating Owens and getting some measure of revenge but the finish left a bad taste in my mouth. First off, it was confusing. If referees and doctors are having to stop one participant from touching the other, ring the bell, it's over. It was implied that Sami would carry on fighting, but he didn't. I wasn't sure if he was supposed to concussed or selling a shoulder injury or dead. It really made him look like a chump when, at the very first sign of trouble, the locker room emptied to protect him against an opponent who wasn't really doing anything underhand or illegal. I genuinely felt angry with Sami for notting even attempting to fight back.
Seeing a full-fledged TNA guy - and Samoa Joe, former TNA world champion with ten years at the company is nothing if not that - in WWE with the same name, being trumpeted as a big deal is a unique novelty. I'm a big fan of Joe. It's a pity Wreddit spoiled it, though it's my fault for reading spoilers.
The women saved the show.
The Boss, as per usual, was absolutely spectacular. Becky Lynch, despite an odd new look, earned the standing ovation she got at the end of the match. There were some blown spots but it was the only match on the card that was as good as I expect from NXT (i.e. excellent).
Mark out moment of the night: Charlotte and Bayley hugging.
