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The new season of WWE NXT is in full swing, and the big story right now is that there's a grand tournament underway to determine who gets a shot at the Championship that Andrade 'Cien' Almas now holds. Aleister Black vs. Adam Cole was the featured match for this week.
Another big development this week was that NXT was showcased not just on the WWE Network, but on the USA Network as well. We're certain that a lot of casual fans got a glimpse into just why so many hardcore fans like us dig NXT.
There were certainly more than 5 points to note, across the hour long special. However, tradition must be maintained and we've cherry picked the 5 most salient points for this particular countdown.
Let's begin by disclosing who's coming to NXT very soon.
#5 The Queen of Spades is on her way
Last week, NXT showcased a silhouette on their official Twitter account, suggesting that a brand new competitor would be coming to the yellow brand, very soon indeed. We'd speculated back then, that it could be one of the Four Horsewomen of MMA- The Queen of Spades, Shayna Baszler.
We are glad to report that it is indeed her who'll be making her way to the world of sports entertainment, seemingly for a full fledged run. Baszler impressed us during the Mae Young Classic by playing the monster heel to perfection, and we know she has a great future.
Of course, Baszler's arrival has two highly significant benefits. He can take Asuka's place as the unbeatable force of NXT, acting as the perfect antagonist for a babyface like Ember Moon. More importantly, she can draw eyeballs to the product.
After all, Baszler is a big star in MMA and commands a huge crossover audience.
#4 A near upset
NXT on the USA Network kicked off with a showcase match between Fabian Aichner and the NXT Champion, Andrade 'Cien' Almas, the lovely Zelina Vega by his side. The match did not last long, and as expected, the Champion picked up quite an easy win.
What was noteworthy however, is just how much Aichner impressed in the short time that he was given. The announcers alluded to the fact that Aichner was a part of the Cruiserweight Classic, for which he had shed weight. Now the pounds were back, but the agility remained!
There were moments, where we almost wondered if Aichner would cause a massive upset and pin the champion on television. While that was not the case, this week at least, we're certain that the higher ups have taken note of what Aichner can do in the ring.
The future is bright for this incredibly talented Italian star.
#3 An unlikely ally
Last week, we saw Peyton Royce and Billie Kay bickering over who gets to face Ember Moon next. Peyton Royce seemingly won the argument, but in no time at all, lost the match. She was Eclipsed by Moon, who looks simply unstoppable.
As one would expect, the other half of the Iconic Duo, Billie Kay joined Peyton Royce and initiated a beatdown on Ember Moon. Things looked dire for the NXT Women's Champion, until she found an unlikely ally in Nikki Cross. Cross then chased the Iconic Duo away.
It's near impossible to read into what Nikki Cross' motivations are. It was quite evident this week, however, that she has her insane designs on the NXT Women's Championship.
And who wouldn't want to see these two insanely talented women slug it out for the top prize in the NXT women's division?
#2 A super main event
Let's face it. Aleister Black vs. Adam Cole is a match that wouldn't look out of place at a Takeover. This qualifying match was exactly what we expected it to be, with a lot of showboating from Adam Cole, and a lot of stiff strikes from Black.
Black picked up a comprehensive win and he goes on to the next stage- a Fatal Four Way match to determine who will face Andrade 'Cien' Almas for the NXT Championship, next. Here are the other contenders for the massive match.
It was great to see the NXT Universe sing along to Black's addictive theme song. He's destined to be a huge star, when he gets called up to the main roster, we believe.
#1 Two big title matches next week
NXT always leaves us with a big hook for the following week's show. There are not one, but two big title matches planned for the show.
The Undisputed ERA takes on SAnitY for the NXT Tag Team Championships. Pete Dunne puts his title on the line against Tyler Bate, once again. Expect the action to be absolutely intense indeed.
We look forward to joining you next week, for all the action. We are also curious to hear your thoughts about this week's episode.
Until the next time, dearest readers, let us all scream at the top of our lungs, as one- Adam Cole Bay Bay!
