I really loved Tatum Paxley’s work in “WWE NXT,” and I’m thrilled that she was called up and is actually being used in a really interesting position on the blue brand. Tonight, she defeated Michin in her debut match on “SmackDown,” and after everything we’re seeing, or, really not seeing at all, with Blake Monroe on the brand, it’s refreshing to see a brand new “NXT” call-up kick some butt.
I thought Michin was a good first opponent for her. Paxley sold really well throughout the match, without looking weak at any point herself. Paxley hit some cool moves of her own throughout the match, including a wicked Matrix-like counter, then a moonsault off the apron, and she finished the match with a Cemetery Drive to Michin.
It wasn’t the best looking Cemetery Drive I’ve seen Paxley do, which is possibly partially due to Michin not being familiar with working with Paxley and taking the move, but it’s one of my favorite finishers in WWE right now. There’s plenty of time for Paxley to get it down as beautifully as she did in “NXT.” This wasn’t Paxley’s most interesting bout I’ve ever seen, but it was a solid introduction to the main roster fan base, and I’m just so happy she scored the victory here.
It was also revealed that she’ll be teaming up with her maybe-stablemates, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, to take on Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab at Saturday Night’s Main Event, which is so cool for Paxley and a good match for that card, possibly as the opener. I also think that’s where she officially wins over Flair.
The duo of Flair and Bliss were getting close to needing a bit of a refresh, and the addition of Paxley is a breath of fresh air. She looked great being flanked by the women as she made her entrance to the ring tonight, and having Bliss and Flair behind her, without interfering on her behalf, made Paxley look like a big deal. I think Paxley’s going to do well on the main roster, and tonight’s victory over Michin was only the beginning for her, with both what she can do in the ring, and how interesting she is as a character.
Written by Daisy Ruth
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