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How was the go-home show of NXT TV before Takeover: WarGames this weekend? Before we list five salient points on the show, we have one central point to note about the yellow brand.
Why this point has not made it to the countdown is because this is not just a feature of one show, but every single episode of NXT TV. Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuiness may be the best commentary team in all of wrestling, at this moment.
Percy Watson has grown by leaps and bounds since he came on board, and is a worthy addition to the mix. NXT, as a result, is not just a brand that we enjoy watching, but one that we really enjoy listening to as well.
This was not the best episode of NXT TV that we have seen (there wasn't even a main event match), but it was certainly a notable episode, from the first bell to the very finish.
#5 Momentum before the big night
Mercedes Martinez was interviewed a few weeks ago, and she said that Ember Moon always choked on the big stage, and would not win the NXT Women's Championship at Takeover. As is usually the case whenever someone makes unflattering comments about someone else in NXT, the two women decided to settle their differences in the middle of the ring.
In many ways, this was the main event match, considering this was the final match in the show. Both women wrestled at a very fast pace, and as one would expect, Ember Moon picked up the big win, heading into her biggest match.
As is customary, all the women came to the ring, for a massive staredown before their Championship match. One of these women will become Asuka's worthy successor.
Will Ember Moon finally have her moment of glory or will she be eclipsed again?
#4 More than a manager
For weeks on end, NXT Champion Drew McIntyre has been asking Andrade 'Cien' Almas, his opponent at NXT Takeover: WarGames to come and face him like a man. However, Almas has either avoided the champion or blindsided him, going into the big fight!
This week, a few sarcastic remarks from the champion would finally draw Almas out into the middle of the ring, for a brawl. While McIntyre seemed to have the upper hand at first, Vega would involve herself in the fracas, and give her client a chance to seize the upper hand.
Both Ranallo and McGuinness made much of the fact that going into NXT Takeover: WarGames, Almas had the upper hand as he had injured McIntyre's leg in the melee. Will it play a factor when it's time for the two men to lock horns? Will McIntyre sell the injury? Only time will tell.
It's always a two on one affair when Almas comes to the ring, thanks to Zelina Vega.
#3 Huge match made for NXT Takeover: WarGames
Johnny Gargano was apologetic this week, as he made his way to William Regal's office, considering he has not fared well in the recent past. Regal showed the utmost faith in Johnny Wrestling, and even told him that he had a chance to prove himself at NXT Takeover: WarGames.
Gargano vs. Dunne could steal the show if both men are given enough time. Remember the classic between Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne from earlier this year? Gargano too can have an absolute classic with Dunne.
We're all impatiently waiting for the inevitable return of Tommaso Ciampa to NXT, very soon. That blood feud could be the rivalry of the year, if it were booked right.
For now, we'll just sit back and enjoy Dunne vs. Gargano!
#2 Swag reigned supreme this week
We'd seen various run-ins between The Street Profits and Moss and Sabbatelli leading into this big match. Obviously, it was the classic clash between those from the street and those from high-society.
This week, The Street Profits destroyed their blue-blooded opponents, and looked like they had a ball while laying the beat down. They're certainly over with the NXT Universe, and it looks like they'll be a big deal on the main roster too, in due time. Special marks to Nigel McGuinness for expressing utter contempt whenever this tag team comes out.
We wonder if these two men will be tag team champions someday. We certainly can see them with the gold!
#1 A laughing beast
Lars Sullivan did not just defeat Raul Mendoza. He obliterated him to win the match. Even after the bell rang, the beatdown did not stop from the monster. Kassius Ohno confronted Sullivan, as the two men stared each other down.
And then, Sullivan did a rather strange thing. He began to laugh out loud. The sight was unsettling to say the very least.
Sullivan is the kind of monster who could have a great run on the main roster. He could even be a believable opponent for Brock Lesnar, in due course of time.
It's almost upon us, readers. NXT Takeover: WarGames comes to us this weekend from Texas. We will bring you exclusive coverage, as it happens. See you, Saturday evening for WarGames!
