It was another exciting night from Team Yellow as NXT came to us this week from the friendly confines of Full Sail University.
With just a little over one week remaining until NXT Takeover: Chicago, the centre of attention from tonight's show seemed to be making a strong build as we inch closer to the event. With all of the talent that has left NXT recently, to elevate their respective careers on RAW and Smackdown Live, some have questioned whether NXT had a deep enough talent pool to continue the exciting, exploding style of sports entertainment that fans have grown used to.
Well, the answer is very clear and that answer is a very bold YES! NXT is still just as exciting and captivating as it has been and with more talent constantly coming through the system, things will continue to be the way they are now for quite some time.
Here's a look at five takeaways from tonight's episode of NXT!
#5 Ember Moon heals while others step-up
The original plans for the NXT Women's Championship match at Takeover: Chicago was a fatal four-way contest, which would have featured Women's Champion Asuka taking on Ruby Riot, Nikki Cross, and Ember Moon. While this would have likely been a very good bout, there's no doubt the focus would have been on Moon and Asuka.
Unfortunately, Moon suffered a shoulder injury recently, which will keep her from competing at Takeover.
Despite one of the top names being out, NXT officials did an amazing job tonight to highlight the other two – Riot and Cross. As it stands now, this match can go in any of the three directions. On one hand, it may be time for Asuka to finally take that loss and head to the main roster, but on the other hand, her immortal persona may very well be extended beyond the show.
#4 Aleister Black stands alone
When “Tommy End” fans learned he was signing with the WWE, there was an immediate buzz about how long he may or may not spend in NXT. While it may have been necessary to bring Black to the yellow brand in order to acclimate him to the WWE way of life, with every passing week, it seems like Aleister Black will not be spending much time in Orlando.
Black has proven his worth in the short time that he has been in NXT and he has shown that his previous 15 plus years in the UK indie scene was no fluke at all. Black is the real deal and by all indications, ready for the big stage much sooner than later.
#3 Velveteen Nightmare
Patrick Clark was actually a very good wrestler prior to coming to NXT. Unfortunately for him, his time with the Tough Enough cast did not do him any justice. Patrick was perceived as a very egotistical, undisciplined wrestler, who thought he knew it all. This is likely why he didn't make it any farther than he did in the competition.
We are now seeing these Velveteen Dream vignettes, which is apparently going to be Clark’s new gimmick. From what we are seeing and hearing from fans at NXT live events, Patrick is portraying an overly feminine character, with a very flamboyant personality.
Could it work? Sure, it could, but that’s a tough road to travel for success in the WWE.
#2 UK Championship pads NXT Takeover: Chicago
The initial introduction of the UK Championship sent a lot of excitement through the WWE Universe. The only problem has been that there has yet to be a platform to showcase or defend the new title.
During tonight's episode of NXT, it was announced that United Kingdom Champion Tyler Bate will defend his title at NXT Takeover: Chicago against Pete Dunne. This will not only give fans an opportunity to check out the Championship but also get a glimpse of some of the young talent that the UK has.
#1 Hideo Itami is vindicated
No one has experienced as much setback and disappointment as Hideo Itami. When he arrived in NXT, fans were excited at the thought of one of the greatest WWE signees in quite a while was going to be on WWE programming.
Since his debut, Itami has been plagued with injury after injury, all at the most inopportune time as well. Well, it now appears that Hideo is back to 100% and doing just fine.
The true vindication came tonight when Itami defeated Roderick Strong in the main event of NXT on the WWE Network. Not only was this a huge win for Itami and a statement that he is back and better than ever, but the win also puts Itami in the main event at NXT Takeover: Chicago, where he will challenge NXT Champion Bobby Roode for his title.
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