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With a "new" NXT coming next Tuesday, this week's episode represents the end of an era. A very successful era at that, too.
The show was pretty great from start to finish, featuring some excellent in-ring action and intriguing storyline developments. Things continue to build well for the future, as we will see.
With multiple title matches and an entertaining bachelor party, the 'Black and Gold' era of NXT has gone out with a bang. If the show continues in a similar vein, things will be alright. But that is a big if. For now, we can look back and enjoy the happy memories this version of NXT has given us from 2014 right till the very end.
For the final time as the Black and Gold brand, let's take a look at the main positives and negatives from this week's episode of NXT. Comment down with your thoughts on the show.
#3 Best/Worst: A new era of NXT begins next week
For better or for worse, the brand will undergo some wholesale changes next week. The new logo isn't the most inspiring one, which has sparked a lot of dread among fans that the show will become unrecognizable. But that might not be the case - at least not yet.
Several things have been announced for next week's episode, which seemingly guarantees enough quality on the show. For starters, Franky Monet will challenge Raquel Gonzalez for the NXT Women's Championship.
The future of the men's title will also be determined next week as Pete Dunne, Tommaso Ciampa, LA Knight, and Kyle O'Reilly will face each other in a number one contender's match for Samoa Joe's NXT Championship.
Meanwhile, Indi Hartwell and Dexter Lumis are getting married next week. Based on the past few months of the story, the wedding will certainly be an absolute riot. So, despite the uncertainty in terms of presentation, next week's episode is guaranteed to be good. This does fill one with hope for the future of the product.
#2 Best: Kay Lee Ray and Ember Moon both gain from their match
One of NXT's most consistent points over the years has been its strong women's division. The latest major star in the division is Kay Lee Ray, whose momentum remains sky-high since her transition from NXT UK.
She and Ember Moon put on an excellent back-and-forth contest this week. Ray won, but Moon gained a lot in defeat. After a stellar performance, she showed visible frustration during an interview.
The former WWE SmackDown star even teased a heel turn. Things could get interesting for Ember Moon, while Kay Lee Ray herself moves closer towards an NXT Women's Championship match.
#2 Worst: Carmelo Hayes shouldn't have lost before his title match on NXT
As a result of winning the NXT Breakout Tournament, Carmelo Hayes has a title shot lined up soon. He can challenge for any belt and should ideally be kept as strong as possible heading into it.
However, Hayes has already lost. He took on Santos Escobar in an admittedly good match, but it was unnecessary. This kind of booking belongs on WWE RAW, where it is difficult to gain any real momentum.
Carmelo Hayes may have been protected as his loss came following a bodyslam from Elektra Lopez, but he should not have lost until after his title match on the brand. The chances of him winning have also drastically reduced as a result.
#1 Best: Dexter Lumis and friends have a blast
This was by far the highlight of NXT. When Indi Hartwell and Dexter Lumis posted about their respective pre-wedding gatherings over the weekend, hopes were high for the segments. They delivered perfectly. While Hartwell's bachelorette party was pretty fun, the main course was Lumis' bachelor party.
It was hilarious and endearing at the same time. Cameron Grimes paid for everything, despite Lumis inviting the zombie referee from their match at Halloween Havoc. Odyssey Jones and Drake Maverick showcased their fun personalities too.
However, the main story focused on the groom trying to win Johnny Gargano over. Following a bunch of activities, the NXT crew won a game of Lazer Tag after Dexter Lumis attacked members of the other team. This was what got Gargano onside. It was heartwarming to see the two unite before next week's wedding.
#1 Worst: Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch fall from grace on NXT
NXT was headlined by a solid Tag Team Championship match pitting MSK against Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch. However, much like in the Women's Tag Title match earlier on, there was no title change.
MSK retained their belts and after the match, Pete Dunne and Ridge Holland betrayed their stablemates. The two of them systematically and brutally decimated Lorcan and Burch. One could see this moment coming from a mile away
This does not bode well for the former NXT Tag Team Champions at all, who look set to drop down the card. Hopefully, there is a plan for Dunne and Holland to add another tag team to their ranks.
