NXT LVL Up – May 12, 2023: They (Still) Have A Future

NXT LVL Up
Date: May 12, 2023
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Blake Howard, Byron Saxton

It’s time for the latest offering from LVL Up and as usual, there is almost no guessing what weird combinations you might get. At the same time, there is not going to be much of a difference no matter who is involved, but it could make for an entertaining 20 minutes of content. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Dante Chen vs. Tavion Heights

Heights headlocks him down to start but Chen fights up for a quickly broken sleeper. An armdrag into an armbar has Chen in more trouble but he’s right back with a crossbody. Back up and Heights snaps off some suplexes for two before we hit the chinlock, as Chen still can’t do anything with him. Chen manages to counter a suplex into another crossbody and the comeback is on. The double chop finishes Heights fast at 4:44.

Rating: C. Well of course. Someone gets going against Chen but they always fall short in the end. It’s the same thing every time no matter who it is and I really don’t get it. There’s nothing overly special about Chen and that was on display again here. Heights looks to have potential, but woe unto anyone who runs up against the force that is DANTE CHEN.

Kelani Jordan is ready to prove that she can hang here against someone as talented as Wendy Choo. She was a successful gymnast at Michigan State and even has a motto about being silent and showing your abilities. Who am I to argue with someone whose slogan belongs in any page-a-day calendar in the clearance section?

Wendy Choo vs. Kelani Jordan

They fight over a lockup to start with Jordan’s early wristlock not getting him very far. A headlock takeover has a bit more success but Choo reverses into a headscissors. Choo grabs a quick takedown for two, followed by doing it again for the same, which leaves Choo looking a bit surprised. A kick to the face and a running elbow drop gets two but Jordan fights up and elbows her down as well. Jordan’s springboard spinning crossbody connects for another near fall but Choo is back with the Snooze Button (full nelson slam) for the pin at 5:17.

Rating: C. Jordan didn’t do anything overly flashy here but she looked solid enough with the basics. You can see the athleticism and athletic background, which will be more than enough of a foundation to go somewhere. Choo still feels like she is finding her feet after returning, which is what a show like this can help her do.

Respect is shown post match.

Bronco Nima/Lucien Price vs. Malik Blade/Edris Enofe

Enofe hammers away on Nima to start but Blade has to pull him out of what looked like a powerslam. Price comes in and gets headlocked, which doesn’t last long as the power takes Enofe into the corner. One heck of a clothesline gives Price two and we hit a bit harder chinlock. Snake Eyes sets up a standing stomp to the chest to give Nima two. Enofe gets away and brings in Blade to clean house. The big slingshot dive to the floor drops Price and Nima, followed by a top rope elbow to finish Nima at 7:01.

Rating: C+. Nima and Price continue to look like a team who could go somewhere with more polish and seasoning, which is something they could get around here. The exact same thing is true with Enofe and Blade, but on a much higher level. They still seem to be able to move on to a much higher level, but I’m starting to wonder if it is ever going to happen.

Overall Rating: C. This felt a lot like what LVL Up has been for a long time now, as it had a lot of familiar faces running on a treadmill. At the same time, Jones had a nice debut, Heights looked good and the tag match did rather well too. There is a future here, but LVL Up has to actually do something different for a change if this show is going to benefit most of them in the long term.

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