Watching NXT this week, we realised just how stacked the roster is. Every division has top talent from across the globe, each skilled enough to lead the massive NXT brand by the horns in the future. The episode in itself, was great, like every NXT episode usually is.
Most of the matches are set for NXT Takeover: San Antonio, and we can only count down the days until the juggernaut hits!
What good is a mega event without the build? We bring you five points to note, from a show that built brilliantly to the next Takeover on Royal Rumble weekend. Let’s travel to Full Sail and enjoy the proceedings.
#5 An epic contract signing
Bobby Roode and Shinsuke Nakamura signed the contract for their big ticket match at NXT Takeover: Dallas this week, inside Full Sail University. Right from the time their music played, the arena exploded and the crowd sang along to the themes of their favourite NXT Superstars, quite deafeningly.
Multiply this hundredfold, and you have a preview of what will happen at the Takeover next Sunday night. However, let's not get too ahead of ourselves.
We noted that Bobby Roode was absolutely brilliant on the microphone, building up the contest masterfully. Nakamura’s limited grasp of English was eclipsed by his charisma and Roode carried the promo on the microphone for both of them.
When Nakamura interjected by calling Roode ‘Shiba Inu’ or dog, the crowd played its part beautifully by dousing the heel in ‘Shiba Inu’ chants. The match really does have a big fight feel, and we cannot wait until the two men square off next Sunday.
#4 Is Nikki Cross Takeover ready?
Let's preface this by saying that Cross is the lunatic that Dean Ambrose could never really be, despite his gimmick. That's the good news. Maybe because of her gimmick, she wrestles in a sloppy style that is fantastic, but one wonders how the Takeover crowd will take it.
Especially considering that Mickie James and Asuka tore the house down at the last Takeover in Toronto. Ember Moon, a far better competitor, would have been better suited to face Asuka on such a big stage.
That being said, Cross played her part to perfection and pinned Kennadi Lewis in almost no time.
#3 Roddy wants to be NXT Champion someday
Steve Cutler is a traditionalist whose wrestling style is old school, and it was a stark contrast to the fast-paced indie wrestling style of Strong. Roddy was over with the Full Sail universe and entranced them with his excellent in-ring skills taking the attack to Steve Cutler.
While Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas cut a promo on him last week, following his win over Oney Lorcan, it seemed that Strong had bigger things he was aspiring towards. He wants to be NXT Champion some day. Almas and Strong will square off in San Antonio, and we're sure it will be a pretty epic match indeed.
#2 Dillinger was invited to join ‘SAnitY’
SAnitY has always been a four-piece stable but has been a member short ever since Sawyer Fulton had to take time off because of an injury. As the eternal underdog Tye Dillinger pondered his future after letting down everyone who’s believed in him, SAnitY made their way to the ring and offered Dillinger a spot in the stable by symbolically offering him the jacket that belonged to Sawyer Fulton.
Dillinger refused the first time and refused again after Eric Young, the cult leader, cut a very impressive promo tempting Dillinger to join the fold.
Dillinger refused the proposal and then went on to take the fight to SAnitY. At this point, Big Damo would interject himself and take out Dillinger. It looks like SAnitY has finally found their missing member and he's a big one! Will he step into Fulton’s role as Wolfe's tag team partner? Only time will tell!
#1 A massive upset
It's always a treat to watch The Revival wrestle. It's always a delight to watch TM-61 wrestle too. So imagine our delight when the two talented teams wrestle one another!
The Revival kept retirerating the fact that they are the best tag team in the world, and this was repeatedly echoed on commentary by Corey Graves. This arrogance went to their head, and TM-61 scored a roll up pinfall even when it seemed that the ‘Top Guys’ had the match well in control.
An incensed Revival took out Thorne and Miller thereafter, giving Thorne a major ‘kayfabe' knee injury. What does this constant string of losses mean for The Revival? Are they being called up finally?
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