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NXT was absolutely fantastic this week. It's amazing how they set high expectations for themselves with fabulous shows and invariably deliver, week after week. I think the product feels fresh because every single character does not show up every week. I felt this week's episode was very interesting indeed.
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There weren't a lot of matches, so to speak. There were two women's matches and a squash match only. Instead, there were quite a few promo packages about the superstars that did a lot to establish them as top tier talent.
This was an eventful show and I've picked out 5 things that I found particularly interesting about it. I invite you to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.
Here are 5 points to note from this week's episode of NXT!
#5 This is awesome!
Many believed that the NXT Women's Division was doomed when Asuka got called up to the main roster. Nikki Cross, Candice LeRae and Kairi Sane proved that such was not the case at all with a fabulous match on this week's show. The crowd was red hot through the course of this contest, chanting for all three women and also for Mauro Ranallo!
Shayna Baszler joined the announcers at ringside and tried to be her usual heelish self, but one could see that even she was impressed by the main event. Candice LeRae, in particular, displayed supreme finesse and some unbelievable athleticism too. Ultimately, it was Kairi Sane that stood tall and victorious.
With Sane reigning supreme, it seems like we'll have a Mae Young Classic finals rematch in Brooklyn this year. Could we see a new champion being crowned at the event?
#4 Brand new feud gets under way
Adam Cole became the North American Champion on WrestleMania weekend. Since then, the title has become a little dormant, with NXT not really pushing for championship programs. From the looks of it, Ricochet vs. Adam Cole will be the program for the coveted championship, going forward. Ricochet had some strong words for Adam Cole on this week's show!
The Undisputed ERA would respond as only they can, as they dubbed Ricochet a joke during a backstage promo. Adam Cole and Ricochet are headed towards a clash for the ages somewhere down the line. Both men are exceptional workers and I'm sure we're in for a pretty interesting feud.
I also found it interesting that EC3 and Kona Reeves had a bit of an altercation as well. EC3 was clearly the superior of the two promos on the microphone, and will probably be the ring general when the men clash.
#3 In a matter of mere seconds...
Kassius Ohno is one of the most talented superstars in the history of NXT. He can go in the ring and move around like few athletes his size can! This week he knocked out an enhancement talent before his name could even be announced. It was all over in a matter of seconds.
Is NXT trying to rebuild Kassius Ohno as a legitimate performer in the division again? If so, he could certainly be a great asset.
#2 Evans shows her mean streak
Dakota Kai just has the unique personality that makes you want to root for her, doesn't she? If you thought what she experienced at the hands of Shayna Baszler was brutal, Lacey Evans just took the punishment to a whole new level. Following their match, she unleashed a beat down upon Kai that rivalled the beating that Jeff Hardy endured at the hands of Randy Orton.
Just like the three women in the main event, these two women proved that they belong in the conversation for the Women's Title. Has Lacey Evans moved up a rung? Only time will tell for sure!
#1 Two Vikings, one destiny
Anyone who follows independent wrestling knows Rowe and Hanson. It was great that WWE did a promo package for the members of the NXT Universe who may not be familiar with them. War Raiders appeared like a bunch of Vikings on a mission to raid and plunder the world.
I loved the fact that there was footage from their days in independent wrestling. I loved how real the package got when talking about real-life accidents and setbacks. At the end of the package, you couldn't help but feel supportive of and also sympathetic towards the raiders.
How exciting a time do we live in, folks? How fantastic is the wrestling industry now?
Did you like this episode as much as I did?
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