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I can say without hesitation that NXT was the best hour of WWE television this week after the lackluster shows that were RAW and SmackDown Live. Both of the main roster shows seemed to heavily tone down the action around the 4th of July holiday. Such was not the case with NXT at all. What we got was pure, unbridled action!
There was much that I liked about the show. There was much that got me thinking about the future. And that's the best kind of television, is it not?
When a TV show makes you think, you know you've got a winner! I'm curious to know how all the existing threads will be stitched together in the garment we know as TakeOver.
Here are 5 points from the show I found worth noting for you!
#5 Two men took one out!
The advertised match for this week was The Mighty against Heavy Machinery in a tag team showcase. Only it had to turn into a handicap match owing to a backstage attack. Tucker Knight was taken out by unidentified attackers in the weight room prior to the contest. Otis Dozovic had no choice but to take on The Mighty, all on his own.
It must be said that Dozovic put up a great fight against the mighty odds (no pun intended). However, it was the heels who persevered in this contest, winning with a Northern Lariat. While all the odds point towards The Mighty as the attackers, that would be the easy answer, right?
Expect this storyline to play out over the coming weeks on NXT. It will be interesting to see who was behind this ghastly attack!
#4 A new giant has arrived!
The physical attributes of Chris Dijak already set him apart from the rest of the roster in NXT. This week, he proved that his in-ring ability is right up there with the best. Dijak took on the fabulously talented Velveteen Dream in a singles match. There were points during the match where he seemed like the favourite to win the contest, quite honestly.
Dijak also did a great amount of trash talking during the match. As a result, not only was he a physical match for The Velveteen Dream, but he proved he could also hang with the Dream from a mental standpoint during the said match. This week he earned his stripes and proved himself to be a competent and promising performer.
As for The Velveteen Dream, he had quite an altercation with EC3 following the match. While The Dream retreated from the ring, it is clear that both men are set to collide very soon indeed.
#3 Big title match set up!
Once upon a time, The Undisputed ERA held both the North American Championship as well as the Tag Team Championships. Only they lost their Tag Team Titles to the team we fondly call - 'Moustache Mountain'. The heels dubbed this win a fluke and invoked their rematch clause. They get another shot at the title next week.
Danny Burch will take on Adam Cole next week as well, ensuring that we'll get must-see TV for the second consecutive week.
#2 One crown, many contenders!
Shayna Baszler cut a promo this week to prove that nobody was in the conversation for a title shot. Except, through the course of this episode, we had glimpses of very many women who could potentially dethrone her and become NXT Women's Champions. Dakota Kai scored an impressive victory at the top of the show.
Bianca Belair reminded us that she's the 'EST of NXT' from her honeymoon. Kairi Sane too cut a promo ahead of her match next week. Shayna Baszler better watch out because the competition is heating up!
#1 Becoming everything he despised
EC3 portrayed a cocky, brash, heelish character when he first arrived to NXT. Yet, he was seen greeting fans at the top of the show this week. Johnny Gargano, on the other hand, seemed morose and somber when he arrived at the arena for the big main event. The main event, of course, was a unique affair.
This is because Johnny Gargano wrestled with an aggression one doesn't associate with him. I think an interesting parallel can be drawn between him and Eddie Edwards right now. Both men were lovable babyfaces who've been wrestling like Tweeners, of late.
Will this lead to a complete heel turn? Only time will tell for sure!
What did you guys think of this week's episode of NXT?
