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Days before we went into one of the most anticipated TakeOvers ever, Aleister Black suffered a real life injury. He was written off the show in an interesting manner, on the last episode of NXT before TakeOver 4 in Brooklyn. Which brings us to this particular episode. While NXT did not put its best foot forward this week, it was still an exciting show.
As always, I shall list 5 points that I found noteworthy from the show. I invite you folks to leave a comment and let me know your assessment of this week's action. Do you think that TakeOver can kick SummerSlam off on the right note?
More importantly, whom do you think we will see in the stands? I hear that a certain Matt Riddle may be coming to NXT, very soon indeed.
But that's for the future, and here's a summary of this week's blistering action.
#5 Displaying her truly vicious side
We saw Shayna Baszler in conversation with Aliyah, shortly before their match. She then arrived at the ringside area, joining the announcers on commentary. Baszler mentioned that Kairi Sane lacks the killer instinct required to topple the NXT Women's Champion, while on commentary.
And then, Kairi Sane would prove Shayna Baszler wrong and showcase her killer instinct. It was the perfectly told story, showing Sane landing not 1, not 2, but 3 InSane elbows on a hapless Aliyah. Whatever advice Baszler gave to Aliyah did not bear fruit as she lay in a heap, at the hands of the Pirate Princess.
And no, this is not where the punishment ended for Aliyah, as Sane locked her in the Anchor Leglock, her patented submission move, right before Shayna Baszler. I can't wait for their confrontation at NXT TakeOver, this very weekend.
#4 Who could have attacked Aleister Black?
We now know that Aleister Black will not be in the main event of TakeOver, this weekend. This is unfortunate news for the Dutch Destroyer and for NXT fans in attendance. However, it gives us a chance to see two men battle it out again. Ciampa and Gargano will lay it all on the line, in what should be a thrilling 'Last Man Standing' match.
And from the injury has emerged a rather compelling storyline for fans of Aleister Black. Who could have attacked him, right before this big match, and laid him out in the parking lot (this was the storyline they told, to write him off the show)? A whole lot of names were mentioned and Black could start a storyline with one or more of these men, upon his big return.
Johnny Gargano, The Undisputed ERA and Lars Sullivan seem to be the likeliest suspects. But a whole lot of superstars, both men and women, were in the vicinity when the attack took place.
#3 Cheating to win
The Street Profits always bring the party when they compete in the ring, don't they? They took on The Mighty in the opening contest, in what was a solid match. And yes, they won the match by pulling the tights, which is essentially a very heel move. And then, they partied in the NXT Universe!
Judging by the fabulous response they got, the NXT Universe will not be opposed to seeing them win the gold in due time.
#2 A fight inside the ring!
Not long ago, these two men met by the poolside and judging by their body language, all was not 'cools pools' between the two. Each was determined to throw the other into the pool. EC3 got the upper hand over The Velveteen Dream, on that occasion.
The mind games continued as The Velveteen Dream made his way to the ring, and called EC3 out ahead of their TakeOver match. EC3 is never one to back down from a fight and made his way to the ring confidently. While The Velveteen Dream pretended to be injured, it was actually all a ruse.
And then, EC3 felled The Velveteen Dream with the One Percent, seizing the advantage ahead of their big match at NXT TakeOver. The outcome of that contest should be interesting to see.
#1 Gaining much momentum before NXT TakeOver
Which brings us to the main event of the evening. Some of the action that transpired within the ring was actually way too fast to see. Tyler Bate and Roderick Strong took each other to the limit during the contest. And the first ever United Kingdom Champion then won the match with a Tyler Driver 97.
This gives Bate some much needed momentum heading into the Tag Team Title match at Takeover. Moustache Mountain and The Undisputed ERA could steal the show, if given the chance to show their wares. They are supremely gifted individuals.
What are your predictions for this TakeOver? Let me know in the comments section.
Also join us live for in-depth NXT TakeOver coverage, as it happens!
