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Welcome to the new weekly feature of "5 Points to note from NXT", where I'll be presenting to you the things that I found interesting on this week's episode of the black and gold brand of WWE. As has been the case every week, NXT rarely disappoints and I'm happy to report that this week's show was yet another action-packed thrilling one, that you certainly won't regret watching.
With NXT winning the ratings war against AEW Dynamite for the last three weeks, it is to be seen whether they can continue their winning streak or not. Tonight's NXT episode saw some amazing matches and massive new challenges for the champions of the brand.
Without further ado, I present to you five things to note from NXT. Be sure to comment down and let me know your thoughts about tonight's show and whether or not you like the direction towards which the overall product is heading. Here we go!
#5 Karrion Kross starts his mind games with the NXT Double Champ
Last week, NXT Great American Bash ended with Keith Lee holding both the NXT and North American titles high in the ring. Interestingly, as Lee was celebrating, we saw Karrion Kross and Scarlett watch him from up high - a clear indication of Kross having his eyes on the NXT double champion.
This week on NXT, after Keith Lee defeated Dominik Dijakovic (more on that later), the lights went out and Scarlett entered the arena and placed a broken hourglass in the ring, indicating that Keith Lee's time as the NXT double champion might have run out. We are clearly heading towards a feud between Keith Lee and Karrion Kross. Considering the momentum that Kross has, will this mean Lee's dream run may come to an abrupt end?
Backstage, we saw Dominic Dijakovic mention that Keith Lee is way better than Karrion Kross which led to Kross confronting him and taking him out. As announced, Kross will take on Dijakovic next week on NXT. As for Keith Lee, it is to be seen how does he respond to the mind games from Karrion Kross and Scarlett. Will we see Mia Yim get involved in the feud?
#4 The next contender to the NXT Women's Championship possibly revealed
The main event on tonight's episode of NXT saw Lady Kane, Tegan Nox, take on the NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai with the title on the line. Throughout the show, NXT built-up to this match with Nox also cutting a promo backstage.
In what was an amazing main-event, Tegan Nox and Io Shirai tore the house down with an incredible match. While there were a couple of moments where it looked like Nox might end up dethroning Shirai, the Genius of the Sky managed to retain her title in the end.
Just when the NXT Women's Champion was heading to the back after the match, Dakota Kai blindsided her and laid out the champion. Kai surely wants that title Io holds, and we'll have to see how does The Joshi Judas responds to this attack next week on NXT. While we expect Kai to be the next one to challenge Shirai, a former NXT Women's Champion also made her intentions clear.
Rhea Ripley tweeted the above, mentioning how she was very closely watching the NXT Women's title match tonight. When you are the champion, you have a target behind your back, and that's what Io Shirai realized tonight!
#3 Keith Lee - the fighting champion
As mentioned by the NXT commentators, Keith Lee won the biggest match in NXT history last week when he defeated Adam Cole at Night 2 of the NXT Great American Bash to become the first NXT Superstar to hold both the NXT and the North American Championships at the same time.
The NXT Double Champion opened the show, to a thunderous ovation from the audience who were all "basking in his glory". Lee went on to mention how Tim Brooks, his trainer who sadly past away last month, and the NXT Universe were responsible for him being where he is today. He then called out his "frenemy" Dominik Dijakovic.
Interestingly, The Limitless One put both his NXT and North American Championship on the line against one of his top rivals on NXT. While that was the case, I expect him to have two separate feuds for both the titles. It is common to see double champions perform double duty and Keith Lee may do the same given how he was ready to defend both his titles against a formidable opponent.
Keith Lee vs Dominik Dijakovic took place on NXT tonight, and the NXT Double Champion came out victorious after an entertaining match. Even though he may have a huge target on his back, expect the Limitless One to accept challenges from all corners.
#2 Robert Stone and Aliyah give it back to Shotzi Blackheart on NXT
Last week on Night 2 of NXT Great American Bash, Robert Stone continued his attempts to convince more NXT Superstars to join him, with this time him and Aliyah trying to persuade one of the more impressive young ladies on the NXT roster to join them, Shotzi Blackheart. Well, Killian Dain appeared and took out Stone after he accidently threw coffee on the Beast From Belfast and the segment ended with Blackheart running Stone over with her tank.
This week on NXT, Robert Stone and Aliyah interfered in Shotzi's match against Indi Hartwell and provided enough distraction to cost her the bout. From the looks of it, the Robert Stone brand will be getting into a feud with the "Tank Girl" of WWE. While Robert Stone and Aliyah competed and lost to Rhea Ripley in a handicap match on night 1 of NXT Great American Bash, it might not be the case this time.
Dexter Lumis portrayed last week's incidents in another masterpiece and it took a dig at Stone's plight last week.
We might see The Tortured Artist join hands with Shotzi Blackheart to take on the heel duo.
Whatever be the case, the feud will provide a great opportunity to Shotzi Blackheart to showcase her talent to the NXT Universe.
#1 The NXT Cruiserweight Champion has huge plans in mind
The NXT Cruiserweight Champion, Santos Escobar (formerly known as El Hijo del Fantasma) has been highly impressive alongside his stable (or should I say cartel?) with Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde - Legado Del Fantasma. These three have been so different from the typical Luchadors in WWE and it allows NXT to do something different, which is working out pretty well if you ask me.
On tonight's episode of NXT, we got a really "cinematic style" video package from the NXT Cruiserweight Champion and his team as they mentioned that they are ready to build their empire on the Black & Gold brand.
In his promo, Santos Escobar mentioned how Raul Mendoza is the "technical assassin" while Joaquin Wilde is the high flyer of the group, putting them both over.
The trio was upset with the way Breezango made fun of their Lucha culture and we might see them continue their feud with Breeze and Fandango. As for the NXT Cruiserweight Champion, he has huge plans in mind and it is to be seen who steps up to stop him from doing that.
