WWE NXT- 5 Points to Note before NXT TakeOver: New York- Former TNA star impresses

I will make an admission to you folks before I begin writing. If you've been reading my post-episode NXT recaps, you know that I'm a big advocate of the brand. But this episode of NXT, right before TakeOver: New York, was very disappointing. I'd say the same for RAW and SmackDown Live, to be honest.

Not much happened in this episode to get me excited for the TakeOver event on Friday night. Thankfully, I'm already pumped up about it because of the amazing track record that TakeOver has. The same cannot, unfortunately, be said for the main roster and WrestleMania.

That said, this weekend will be one for the history books, will it not? Which match do you think will be the best one from New York?

I'm pretty kicked about Black and Ricochet vs. The War Raiders for the NXT Tag Team Championships myself.

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#5 Godzilla vs. King Kong

Neither Keith Lee nor Dominic Dijakovic is a small man. And yet, these two men move at a speed that belies their size and have been at each other's throats for a while now. The last time these two behemoths collided, it ended in a no-contest.

In two weeks, these two men will finally get to prove who the resident monster of NXT really is, when they clash in a heated contest. The fact of the matter is that call-ups will happen soon after WrestleMania is done, in the RAW and SmackDown Live that follow. And because of this very reason, there needs to be a fresh crop of talent to stay anchored in the NXT brand.

With Lars Sullivan seemingly gone from the black and yellow brand, the spot for 'monster' is wide open. Which of these men will take the coveted place?

#4 A backstage confrontation and a match confirmed

Cameras caught up with Candice LeRae as she was arriving at the arena and she was asked her thoughts about TakeOver: New York. She mentioned that while she was excited about her husband, Johnny Gargano's match against Adam Cole, she was also focussed on the NXT Women's Championship. And then she was accosted by Aliyah and Vanessa Borne.

Candice LeRae told Aliyah that she wanted to take her on, and the match was subsequently confirmed as well. The two women are scheduled to clash on next week's show. Aliyah has been in developmental for so long that one wonders if this will be her big breakout moment at last.

Candice LeRae, too, has been a prominent player in NXT, but she needs a breakout moment to truly become a top star. This match could have serious long-term consequences over the long haul in NXT.

#3 Jaxson Ryker obliterated his NXT opponent

You may know Jaxson Ryker as Gunner from his time in TNA. The powerhouse man is currently a part of the stable, the Forgotten Sons, which came up just a little short in the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament.

The fact of the matter is that Ryker made very short work of his opponent Oney Lorcan, who sold like a pro for him, making Ryker look like a million bucks. The announcers also did a commendable job of building up Oney Lorcan as a tough man from the streets, making Ryker's win a lot more meaningful.

How far will the Forgotten Sons go with their current gimmick I wonder. I mean while they're being given a decent enough push on NXT TV right now, the crowd keeps chanting 'stay forgotten' when they are on screen.

Isn't that 'go away' heat?

#2 The War Raiders defeat two successive teams

We never even got to learn the names of the first two local competitors who braved the hallowed halls of Full Sail Live to compete with The War Raiders. The NXT Tag Team Champions defeated the two in almost no time at all. And then, just to send a message to Aleister Black and Ricochet, they called upon yet another team and defeated them.

This team comprised of Cezar Bononi and Adrian Jaoude, and they were destroyed by the War Raiders in no time at all, really. The Viking Warriors raised their hands to Odin in triumph, bellowing their battle cry and sending fear into the hearts of their opponents. One wonders if Black and Ricochet will be up to the task at TakeOver.

Black and Ricochet will also be competing for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 35 right? Could they become double champions?

#1 The women go wild

So Kairi Sane took on Bianca Belair in the main event match of the night, and the action was exhilarating. But as luck would have it, Ronda Rousey's best friends, the Horsewomen would come and spoil the party, like they always do. And then, the women's locker room would clear out. A melee would ensue as NXT drew to a close.

But then Io Shirai hit a picture perfect Moonsault on the women, laying them all out outside the ring at a go. And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. The final sight before NXT TakeOver: New York comes around.

I will bring you a 'Best and Worst' feature shortly after the event is done, and my colleague Rohit Nath will be providing constant updates on the Live Card. Be sure to tune in and watch the action live with us.

It's going to be great!