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NXT never disappoints, does it? Sometimes it seems like there are far too many squash matches during the show, but the main event more than makes up for it. Sometimes the events seem a tad too slow and then, inevitably, the action picks up rather excitingly. This is a brand that has few off nights.
The first point to note this week is that Nigel McGuinness is back at the commentary desk. He certainly brought his own flavour to commentary and things picked up as a result. When the main event was done, I had to rate this a definite thumbs up episode.
What did you think of it? Do not hesitate to share your thoughts about the third WWE brand in the comments.
This is what I thought of this week's show!
#5 Dream match interrupted, new match stipulated
This wasn't just a dream match, it was a Velveteen Dream match. Now that the awful pun is out of the way, let's just say that the crowd was hot for an encounter between Ricochet and The Velveteen Dream. The two men locked horns and the action was beginning to pick up. And then, Lars Sullivan interrupted.
Sullivan would take out his ire on The Velveteen Dream and Ricochet. This did not sit too well with the two men, who would both head to NXT General Manager William Regal's office. Both had revenge on their minds.
Based on their meeting, it was stipulated that the two men will team up to take on Lars Sullivan in a handicap match on next week's show. Can the two men coexist after going to war this week?
#4 A new avatar, another big win!
Kona Reeves has been repackaged and is being pushed to the moon! This week, he took on Raul Mendoza and I thought the announcers did a commendable job of talking about Mendoza's pedigree. They made it seem like much more than a mere squash match. However, a squash match is what it was, all said and done!
Reeves is not as agile or adept in the ring as some of the independent talents in NXT. However, he has the size and the look to make an instant impression. He is definitely main roster material or at least, getting there.
What's next for this young man? I guess we'll just have to wait and see!
#3 Too personal!
When Ciampa came out to Gargano's music, the crowd began vehemently booing him. Candice LeRae, Johnny Gargano's wife, came out to confront him and address the fact that Ciampa had now become a real monster. Ciampa would say a few things no woman should have to hear about those she loves dearly. So, she would slap Ciampa, right on his face.
Has there been any other feud in recent wrestling that gets the kind of heat that this one does? This is definitely a feud that is personal to the bone and one that is far from over!
#2 Not your friendly neighborhood Pirate Princess
Speaking of squash matches, Lacey Evans made very short work of Brandi Lauren. The ex-marine would impress this week, with a second rope moonsault that nobody really saw coming. And then, Lacey Evans would deck her opponent with a stiff punch she likes to call the 'The Women's Right'. 'The Lady of NXT' defeated her opponent in pure ladylike fashion, this week.
And then, Kairi Sane would attack Lacey Evans! Remember that Evans took Sane out with the same move not long ago. She even set Evans up for the InSane Elbow, but Evans would scamper and retreat.
It is clear that this is the secondary women's feud in the division away from the title picture. I wonder if the winner of this feud becomes the Number 1 contender for the NXT Women's Championship, following the next TakeOver event.
#1 Another breathtaking main event
A double turn happened and none of us even realized it. Not long ago, Roderick Strong, the babyface was facing Pete Dunne, the heel, in a series of matches. And now, Roderick Strong is part of the Undisputed ERA whereas The Bruiserweight has the crowd egging him on to victory. Just another deft NXT touch, all of us missed!
The main event saw Dunne find unlikely allies in Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan. The match was just as good as one believes it would be if you put these three men against The Undisputed ERA. This was awesome!
The babyfaces stood tall at the end of the night. The heels will live to fight another day.
And we will catch you in exactly 7 days, for more points to note from NXT!
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