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For all intents and purposes, this is the first NXT episode of the New Year. True, there was a recap episode last week, but several significant storylines were advanced on this week's episode of WWE NXT!
Let's set the stage before we begin our recap of the show. NXT was not in Full Sail Arena for this show, owing to a scheduling conflict. Instead, this time it aired from Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
WCW fans may remember this location as the site of several tapings during the company's existence. Now that we've set up the stage, let us list five salient points from the show we saw, enjoyed and relished!
Welcome to the first 'NXT- 5 Points to Note' recap of the New Year, folks!
#5 Scheduled main event called off
Heading into the New Year, we were all very excited to see The Undisputed ERA, the top heel faction in NXT, take on the oddball, unbalanced team known to us as SAnitY. This match had all the makings of a classic battle!
Instead, an ambush from The Undisputed ERA would result in SAnitY being taken out even before the match could begin! We saw SAnitY laid out in the back, following a brutal takedown from the ROH based stable. It was clear that the ERA likes to bend rules!
An unhinged Nikki Cross would show up to avenge her stablemates being taken out by The ERA. But the diligent officials of NXT would restrain her and take her to the back, where she did not pose any real threat.
Of course, this is professional wrestling after all and there was no way that the NXT Universe would not be rewarded with a main event match, in the first real show of the year 2018.
#4 An impromptu main event match
You know how it is in NXT. If they take away the planned main event, they give you a bigger one. William Regal came out to address the situation. And then two men would emerge, and take on O'Reilly and Fish for their prized possessions!
Roderick Strong and Aleister Black teamed up for a really hard hitting match against the reigning NXT Tag Team Champions. Roderick Strong's comeback after his hot tag was definitely a thing of beauty. That was perhaps the highlight of the whole match.
Of course, Adam Cole would interfere during the course of the match, and allow his stablemates to pick up the win. The three men would then lay Aleister Black, out in the middle of the ring, after Adam Cole dropped his body onto a chair.
However, this would lead to another very interesting development.
#3 Big stipulation added to match
Like we informed you in the previous page, Adam Cole was vicious and merciless towards Aleister Black this week on NXT. And this has been an ongoing rivalry.
Remember how Cole cost Black during the Fatal Four Way to determine the Number 1 Contender for the NXT Championship? Regal was not happy with what transpired on his show, and he would come out to make a huge announcement.
The match at NXT Takeover: Philadelphia is now an Extreme Rules Match....
What a way to kick off Royal Rumble weekend, baybay!
#2 Not worthy of the opportunity?
Let's face it. As much as we love Johnny Gargano, he seems like an underdog in a match also featuring Lars Sullivan, Killian Dain and Aleister Black. Yet, he emerged victorious through the rubble and ruin. And he will take on NXT Champion Andrade 'Cien' Almas for the title.
Many cast doubts this week over whether or not Johnny Gargano deserved to be in the spot he was in. The Velveteen Dream was one of them. Andrade 'Cien' Almas' business associate Zelina Vega, was the other!
We wonder if Tommaso Ciampa will show up during the big title match. It would kick the rivalry that could have been the feud of the year, if not for Ciampa's injury, into high gear again.
#1 Poor little Dakota Kai
Shayna Baszler has been on a rampage since she came to NXT. She took out her fellow Mae Young Classic finalist, Kairi Sane, not very long ago. Then she took out a rookie, Jessie Elban for no good reason. This week, she destroyed Dakota Kai.
Remember Dakota Kai from the Mae Young Classic tournament? She was the latest victim of Baszler's bullying tactics. The super adorable New Zealand native won't be seen in the ring for a while, or at least so it seems from her social media account.
As for Baszler, she has a new opponent in her sights, right now. And she's none other than the NXT Women's Champion, Ember Moon.
Find out how this feud pans out, by joining us again next week.
