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NXT produced yet another solid episode this week. Several stories continued to build, while some culminated in explosive fashion.
Despite being the second of two taped episodes of the Black and Gold brand on SyFy, quite a few significant moments took place. From InDex finally becoming a reality to Samoa Joe feeling like himself once more, a lot happened.
This continued the smooth build towards NXT TakeOver 36, which promises to be one of the greatest events of its kind in recent memory. Several title matches were established, with some happening at the SummerSlam weekend event and others set to grace the surrounding episodes of NXT.
The pace is set to quicken in the coming weeks, but tonight's edition did not slouch in any way. Let's take a look at the main positives and negatives of the show. Tell us your thoughts on the episode in the comments below.
#3 Best/Worst: InDex explodes into life on NXT, but is this the end for The Way?
The main event of NXT saw Johnny Gargano take on Dexter Lumis in a 'Love Her or Lose Her' Match, with the latter's budding romance with Indi Hartwell on the line. The two of them have teased a full-blown relationship for around five months, with the angle progressing very slowly through the weeks.
However, Lumis lost to Gargano, which seemed to indicate that he was done going after Hartwell. The stipulation said so. But the former NXT Women's Tag Team Champion did not care and ran to the ring, where she met Lumis for a passionate kiss.
And so it happened. InDex has finally come to fruition after months of build. It may have come at the expense of the stakes of the match, with the result ultimately being meaningless, but the Black and Gold brand usually does well with plot points like this. It remains to be seen what Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae do next week.
The "parents" of The Way have been completely against Indi Hartwell's love story with Dexter Lumis. Hopefully, this does not lead to a complete break-up for the faction, as they are usually one of the highlights of NXT. Also, where is Austin Theory? Someone, please get him back.
#2 Best: Cameron Grimes is incredibly sympathetic on NXT
The "strange bedfellows" concept remains one of WWE's most common cliches, but it was effective on NXT. Taking a break from his duties as LA Knight's butler, Cameron Grimes teamed up with the Million Dollar Champion to take on The Grizzled Young Veterans.
Grimes showed some fight, even after Knight walked out on him. He came off as incredibly sympathetic, which will only make his eventual victory all the sweeter. After the match, Ted DiBiase came out to console a defeated Grimes. A payoff to this story could be on its way soon.
#2 Worst: Roderick Strong vs. Bobby Fish lacks a little bit of fire
Former Undisputed Era members Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish faced each other on NXT. The match was solid. It was quite a physical contest, but lacked a certain urgency to it. This did not feel like a grudge match between two former teammates and could have been better.
The one encouraging thing about this match was Strong's growing aggression, so Diamond Mine's prospects remain intact. But until he wins the Cruiserweight Championship from KUSHIDA, it feels like the faction will be going through the motions.
#1 Best: Samoa Joe is once again a badass on NXT
Samoa Joe returned to NXT as William Regal's enforcer and made sure there was order at the Capitol Wrestling Center. He worked with security to maintain a relatively calm environment. But now that he is once again an active performer, Joe had the same security guards surrounding him.
The two-time NXT Champion was held back from going after Karrion Kross. So, what did he do? Samoa Joe went berserk on the security guards and laid them out with his trademark offense, including the Uranage Slam and the Coquina Clutch.
This has further added excitement to his feud with Kross, despite the current NXT Champion's failings on RAW.
#1 Worst: Finish your food, Zoey!
Following a month as NXT Women's Tag Team Champions, Io Shirai and Zoey Stark have finally decided to try and get along with each other. With that being said, the potential skits between them could have some comic value. However, the first one was not great, which saw the two of them dining at a sushi house.
Stark turned out not to be a fan of sushi and squid, throwing her food on the floor when Shirai was not looking. It was outdated and cringeworthy, painting Asian food as "disgusting" when it clearly isn't. The skit did not feel all that natural and hopefully, the subsequent installments of this series are much better.
