Couldn't agree more. Rewatching both big matches today, Joe-Balor was absolutely incredibly and really stood out. Best Balor performance in NXT and entirely due to them working a more aggressive, brawling style. No question the blood added to things, but Joe's offense was so strong and effective both visually and audibly that even without it this would've been great. I know he's not super tall, but he's more than stocky enough to match up with Brock. Not happening, but man, that would be a collision my ears would literally love. Joe made this, but Balor did a lot of little things like his facials down the stretch and constantly trying to keep up with Joe's intensity that he more then held his end of the bargain. Really unlike anything other than a major Brock match you'll see from the company.
Don't get me wrong -- I loved Nakamura vs. Zayn but I'm curious how those raving about it would rate it versus a similar great match from New Japan? It felt like any of a number of great Nak matches from recent years, with the differences being a black ring, in America, with English announcers and a crowd beyond hyped to see his major US debut. Surprised no one has thrown shade at it for the forearm trading, as that seems to be a major contention when it pops up on every big New Japan show. Is it being overlooked here because its not a regular spot in WWE?
On par with Ibushi match. Better than most NJ. Great match.
Forearms worked here because of selling and being unique. In NJ you get that all the time.