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NXT was a great watch this week, much like it invariably is. With TakeOver: Chicago only days away now, things fell into place and we finally got a glimpse of some of the matches that will take place at the massive event. Money in the Bank weekend just hotter. Do you guys think TakeOver will overshadow Money in the Bank?
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The new crop of NXT talent is just as impressive as ever. How cool is it that we had a great episode despite the fact that The Undisputed ERA, Pete Dunne, and Kairi Sane were not on the show. The NXT roster is stacked and everyone is hungry for their moment.
Let's enjoy them while they are afforded the NXT treatment before they get called up to the main roster and their characters change. Here's my takeaway from the episode.
Please let me know your thoughts and views in the comments below.
#5 Aleister Black's next opponent revealed
While it was never mentioned, Lars Sullivan has a great claim to the NXT Championship. He did beat two world-class athletes recently in a big handicap match. Yes, it is true that his two challengers did come to blows midway through their match against NXT's resident freak. Whatever the case may be, Sullivan will face off with Black at TakeOver.
Has Black's reign come to an end? Is it time for Sullivan to become the new NXT Champion? I wouldn't be surprised if the title is put on the Freak because his look and physique are exactly what the main roster needs.
Metallica fans can rejoice in the knowledge that Lars could 'fade to black' at TakeOver. Oh yes, he certainly could and nothing else matters.
#4 Match interrupted
You guys remember Fabian Aichner, don't you? The man made his WWE debut at the Cruiserweight Classic and since then, he has been a mainstay on NXT, never quite getting his break. This week, he was in the biggest match of his career against EC3. And yes, he almost scored an upset too!
The upset came when EC3 became distracted during an interruption, midway through his match, from Johnny Gargano. Johnny Gargano showed up to let the world know that he will be in a street fight against Ciampa at NXT TakeOver: Chicago to settle their rivalry for good.
EC3 did eventually pick up the win and one assumes he's headed for a title shot down the line as well. It's only a matter of time, in my opinion.
#3 So, who is Bianca Belair?
Remember how NXT did something similar with Roderick Strong not long ago? This week, they gave us an insight into Bianca Belair's life, her goals and her history. Unlike Roderick Strong, she did not come from anything and was instead, born into a family of winners. She was an exemplary track and field athlete, who's always known success
Belair came off as a driven, focused and motivated an individual, who believes herself to be better than the rest of the locker room. I hope NXT does something similar with someone like Kona Reeves to understand where he's coming from!
#2 Defying gravity
You may know Chris Dijak as Donovan Dijak from Ring of Honor. Standing in at 6 feet, 9 inches according to Wikipedia, he was one of NXT's biggest signings. The man finally made his NXT television debut on this week's show. Unfortunately, it was in a losing effort against Ricochet.
As for Ricochet, what can one even say about him? Following the match, he indulged in a war of words with The Velveteen Dream, a man who would not walk up the ramp to face him. So Ricochet did what he does best, flew up the ramp to face The Dream.
This was certainly one of the most 'boss' moments in NXT history. Also, it seems pretty evident right now that Ricochet will take on The Velveteen Dream at NXT TakeOver: Chicago.
#1 A crazy new NXT Women's Champion?
Dakota Kai finally faced her fears when she faced the NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler in singles combat. It was an easy win for Shayna Baszler. It was a painful loss for Dakota Kai. The punishment didn't stop even when the match finally ended.
And then, Nikki Cross would show up, allying herself with Kai. Cross dropped Baszler with The Purge and then Kai counted down to three. Cross raised her Championship in the air like she was the brand new NXT Women's Champion.
Only she's not. Championships don't change hands this way.
I have a feeling it'll take some explaining to do with regard to Nikki Cross.
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