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We have a bit of advice for all our devoted readers. Every time you think that the good old days of professional wrestling are long behind you, just log in to the WWE Network and watch an episode of NXT. It is guaranteed to lift your mood significantly.
Didn't Bayley say that she watches NXT when she is down? We can sing praises of the yellow brand all day long, but we have a job to do. So, here is our recap of the events that transpired on the last episode of NXT.
As we move ever closer to NXT Takeover: WarGames, the participants in the big event are ever eager to prove that they belong on the grand stage. Their passion and enthusiasm translate into an exciting hour of weekly television.
Without further ado, we present our list of 5 points to note from this week of NXT.
#5 Yet another explosive main event match
Every single time that Roderick Strong and Andrade 'Cien' Almas enter the ring, the action is always fast and furious. This week, the two men stole the show yet again after what had been a pretty good show, until that point.
Of course, Andrade 'Cien' Almas would pick up the big win and move on to bigger things, presumably. He has been on quite the winning streak of late and has ascended the ranks by putting in the effort week after week. Every time he steps into the ring, the matches are simply delightful.
Roderick Strong lost yet another match this week, and he was consoled by some old friends of his, who had a pretty interesting offer.
#4 Deal with the devil?
The Undisputed Era confronted Roderick Strong at the conclusion of his match against Andrade 'Cien' Almas. Spurred by a distraction from his manager (more on her later), Almas picked up a pretty comprehensive win. The familiar sight of Roderick Strong losing after a hard-fought performance was before us.
Suddenly the strains of the song 'Shock the System' thundered across Full Sail Arena. Cole, Fish and O'Reilly made their way to the ring and they made a peace offering to Roderick Strong. The trio reminded Strong that he was not a loser and asked him to join their ranks.
After all, all three of the man hail from 'Ring of Honor' and have a shared history inside the squared circle. The heels asked Strong to think it over as the NXT Universe looked on, aghast.
Would a heel turn help Roderick Strong succeed in the long run? Let us know in the comments below.
#3 Best manager ever
We've seen managers in the past get involved in the matches of the clients they represent. Zelina Vega got involved in the main event in a big way, with a hurricanrana. A picture perfect one to Roderick Strong, allowing Almas to defeat him. It really made the match more memorable than it had any right to be.
Vega's contribution to the show was interspersed across its length. She confronted NXT Champion Drew McIntyre earlier about a title opportunity for Andrade Cien Almas. McIntyre said that Almas had to meet him face to face for him to entertain the thought of a title match.
Some of you may remember Vega as Rosita from her TNA run. The reason she performed such a flawless move is that she is a sports entertainer.
We wonder if she will become an in-ring performer again someday.
#2 A thorn by his side
As the enigmatic Aleister Black made his way to the ring for action, The Velveteen Dream followed him like a shadow and blindsided him. He tangled up the mysterious Black in the ropes, asking him to say his name, repeatedly.
Black had no intention of agreeing to The Velveteen Dream's terms as he untangled himself from the ropes. He tried to deliver a spinning heel kick, AKA The Black Mass, to The Velveteen Dream, but the elusive dream managed to escape from the Dutchman in time.
We're certain that the two men are destined to collide very soon. Considering how good both men are, their clash should be extremely explosive. Both men are destined for great things in NXT and on the main roster, too.
#1 The fourth woman
This week, the women of NXT competed in a Battle Royal to determine who would join Kairi Sane, Ember Moon and Peyton Royce at NXT Takeover: WarGames as the fourth woman to vie for the currently vacant NXT Women's Championship.
Nikki Cross overcame the odds and punched her ticket to Houston. There's a big chance that she may even go over in this match, considering that she is probably the most 'over' of all the women in this particular contest.
Things are heating up as the big day approaches. If you've read the spoilers, you know that things will only become better, on the road to Survivor Series weekend.
This was a hectic week of sports entertainment. It was a treat to cap it off with such a great hour of NXT television. We shall see you again for more NXT, one week from now. Until the next time... be good, folks!
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