If we saw a Superstar shake-up on the main roster this week, we saw the entire brand shake up on NXT. With new music, new graphics and brand new Superstars, this was a reincarnation of sorts, for the brand in yellow.
It was a promising start for what is certain to be a power-packed year. Those of you who believed that NXT was losing momentum, fear no more.
There were definitely more than five points to note from this week’s episode of NXT. However, we pick out the five most important ones. The ones that stood out from what was quite a memorable show. Like every week, our countdown begins.
#5 WWE’s next monster heel made a big impact
Hardcore fans may already know of Dylan Miley, a man that has been described as the next Brock Lesnar. He’s the best-kept secret of the WWE Performance Center and he’s a big man who can move like lightning.
This week, officially, #DIY took on the team of Miley and Michael Blais and won the match. Unofficially, it gave the monster a chance to shine and make an impression in front of the NXT Universe.
Also read: Dylan Miley- 5 things you need to know about WWE's next Brock Lesnar
While it initially looked like Miley had the match well under control, his team lost control after he tagged his partner in and Blais could not overcome the onslaught that was #DIY. Following the defeat, Miley took out his ire on his partner and beat him to an absolute pulp.
It is clear that Miley has a big role to play in the new era of NXT and possibly the main roster too. Who knows? The massive leviathan may even be a future NXT Champion someday.
#4 Meditative massacre
We first saw him at NXT Takeover: Orlando in an impressive showcase match against Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas. However, Aleister Black made his Full Sail debut this week and took off his opponent’s head with one spinning kick. A finisher he simply calls Black Mass. The Dutch native is dangerous and his strikes are absolutely devastating.
It is amazing how NXT has adopted Black's real life kickboxing background into his arsenal and made him appear like a reserved monk, with deadly powers. While he seems to be a mid-card player, for now, we won't be surprised to see him in the title picture.
He has the character and the talent as well! That’s two possible future NXT champions. Following in the footsteps of a departing legend...
#3 Saying farewell to the past
We've seen Shinsuke Nakamura on SmackDown Live recently and it’s quite clear that he’s a man destined to rise the ranks and become a top player. This week on NXT, he bade goodbye to the NXT Universe, and yes, there were a few tears shed in the crowd.
The entire arena came out to celebrate his reign, with a special surprise too. The Demon King, Finn Balor was in attendance, bidding Nakamura farewell.
Speaking of names from NXT’s past who've moved on to SmackDown, Tye Dillinger has unfinished business with SAnitY. He takes on the leader of the heel stable, presumably in next week’s main event.
Eric Young seems to be a major player for the next era of NXT as well. The amazing thing about SANitY is that they will be embroiled in more than one story, moving forward. One of them is the subject we discuss in the very next page.
#2 The battle of the crazy women
Ruby Riot had aligned herself with the babyfaces at NXT Takeover: Orlando, in a losing effort against SAnitY. However, it seems like their battle is far from over. The demented Ruby Riot was confronted by the even crazier Nikki Cross, during her match with Kimberly Frankele.
With the women’s tournament on the WWE Network fast approaching, we wonder if these two women will have a part of play in the proceedings. We also wonder if they’ll be able to spear head the division with a dominant Asuka standing in their way. Of course, for the men, it’s very easy to see who’ll be the top babyface of NXT, moving forward.
#1 A Scottish legend comes home
Drew McIntyre was spotted at NXT Takeover: Orlando, where he confirmed that he had indeed signed with NXT. This week he had an absolute battle with Oney Lorcan, as the men took each other to the limit.
The former Intercontinental and Tag Team Champion wrestled better than we've ever seen him perform, and persevered in the battle with a massive kick. If McIntyre gives us matches of this nature, week after week...we’re certainly going to get the glory days of NXT back soon.
Watch out, Bobby Roode. This man is gunning for your coveted NXT Championship.
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