Braun and NXT

            So I'm going to start today's post the way I usually end it - talking about Adam Scherr, aka Braun Strowman.

            Yesterday on Instagram, Adam posted some photos of him at Doc Antle's Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina. Many followers commented on the infamy associated with Antle because of Netflix's Tiger King. Adam responded "Don't believe everything you read." Should we not believe CNN when they report on him being indicted on wildlife trafficking charges as recently as October 2020? Two of Antle's daughters, Keith Wilson and Wilson's nephew were also named in the indictments. The trial date for Wilson and his nephew has been scheduled for June 21-25, 2021. 

            Other reputable outlets reporting on the current indictments include the state of Virginia's website, NBC12, MSN, National Geographic, Huffington Post and Vanity Fair. Since 1989, Doc Antle has been charged at least 35 times with crimes against animals from state attorneys, USDA and USDOJ. 

            It seems that as a result of the backlash, Adam has deleted his Instagram account. I could no longer find it. Others could not find it.

 Here are my two cents:

            I like Adam. I find him to be a great athlete and human being. And like all humans, sometimes he's not going to make the best decisions. This man was let go by WWE on June 2, 2021 to the shock of many. Since then, he has documented himself working out in the gym, enjoying dinner, working on cars and hanging with friends - not isolated in a dark room with a nearly empty bottle dangling from his hand. I'm still rooting for him.

            #BringBackBraun    

            Now onto this week's NXT. The night opened with Adam Cole. He states that he is not going to pick an opponent for tonight. Hit the music because here comes Carmelo Hayes. He challenges Cole with "Ruthless Aggression". It was a great match with each competitor going move for move and counter for counter. However, in the end, it would be a Panama Sunrise that secured the win for Adam Cole.

            Next the women are in the ring. It's Io Shirai teaming with Zoey Stark against Aliyah and Jessi Kamea. Decent match but the most exciting action happened after Io got the win over Jessi Kamea.

            The tag champs Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell watched the match from the ramp and then the other female tag teams joined the party. They all let the verbal bullets fly. Quicker than you can say NXT, chaos erupts in the ring. Raquel Gonzalez, Dakota Kai, Ember Moon, Shotzi Blackheart, Zoey Stark and Io Shirai are destroying each other when Samoa Joe comes down the ramp to "enforce" order with the help of security. As a result of the mayhem, there will be a triple threat match next week to determine the number one contenders to face the champs at NXT's Great American Bash.

            Before I get to the last two matches, I'm going to talk about Karrion Kross. Earlier this week, I shared the fact that both he and Bronson Reed would make their Main Event debut. Thursday night, everyone saw what I saw being taped on Monday night. 

            When Karrion made his debut, it was sans Scarlett and his usual NXT entrance. I was happy that Scarlett wasn't there. Not because I don't like her. She has a professional wrestling background. I would like to see her in action. I just never understood the need for a goth Federette. 

            As far as his entrance goes, it lacked the energy that Kross is known for. I'm sure creative will get things right when he moves up to the main roster by, if not at this year's draft. He and Scarlett did appear on NXT this week but it was to only talk to Samoa Joe.

            The second to last match of the evening had Pete Dunne and Oney Lorkin squaring up against Johnny Gargano and Austin Theory. If there was ever a night to feel bad for someone, tonight was Theory's night.

            Earlier in the evening, he suffered some joint manipulation at the hands of Pete Dunne. This injury was further amplified during the match. Austin had his joints bent and his chest mercilessly slapped by Dunne and Lorkin. Theory found redemption with the assistance of his tag partner. Johnny pins Oney for the win. The celebration was short lived however because Kross comes down the ramp and attacks Gargano from behind. Hmmm...dropping the belt to Johnny Gargano before the move up to the main roster....that works.

            The last match of the evening was the highly anticipated Kyle  O'Reily verses Kushida. I tend to cheer for Kushida but I decided to invest in the match with an open mind. My respect meter went off the charts. These athletes are equally matched and they brought the best out of each other. Superior match that had to have only one winner. That honor goes to Kyle O'Reily. 

            The celebration of respect ends when they are ambushed in the ring by the now unveiled Diamond Mine. 

            The teasing of the Diamond Mine for these past couple of weeks had me thinking it might be something akin to Raw Underground. Thank goodness it's not. The stable of  the Diamond Mine consists of Roderick Strong, Tyler Rust and Hideki Suzuki with Malcolm Bivens as their manager. Interested in seeing where this goes.