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If the main roster fails to deliver, NXT has proven to be the complete opposite. With simple, straightforward storytelling, compelling characters, matches and television in general, NXT has kept the trust of fans for a number of years now. This is for good reason. The latest episode of NXT is just one of many examples why.
As we head into Royal Rumble weekend, the NXT roster has been getting ready for NXT Takeover: Philadelphia. As things begin to heat up, what were the main points to note from what was a great episode of NXT?
#5 Truly fantastic storytelling
Do you guys remember TM61? They were the finalists in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, mowing through their competition until they ran up against a brick wall in The Authors of Pain. Rumours were rife that they were due for a call-up. And then, Shane Thorne was injured, and the team was sidelined.
Thankfully, he's back in action. And the best part is, that NXT is refusing to rush things in order to get the tag-team back on television again. Instead, they ran a backstory on the team, in the form of a rather entertaining vignette, this week.
The piece on them chronicled their journey from the very start and went on to say how they benefited from the tutelage of the legendary Harley Race. It was very well done and gave a whole new dimension to the duo.
We're certain that when they eventually make their return, we'll care a lot more about the two talented Aussie superstars!
#4 Two matches made official for NXT Takeover: Philadelphia
We know how it goes, don't we? Every Big 4 pay-per-view begins with a huge, massive NXT Takeover event. And these Takeovers go on to eclipse the actual event at hand. This is almost always the case.
In addition to Johnny Gargano challenging Andrade 'Cien' Almas for the NXT Championship in what should be a show stealer, we also have Adam Cole taking on Aleister Black in an Extreme Rules match. And two more matches were added to the card, this week.
Based on Shayna Baszler bullying young women looking to make a mark in NXT, she will face NXT Women's Champion Ember Moon for the big prize, as the latter took exception to the MMA superstars despicable, heinous and cowardly actions.
And that's not all...Authors of Pain destroyed The Street Profits to become Number 1 contenders for the NXT Tag Team Championships as well.
#3 Challenge accepted
Johnny Gargano has always been the underdog. Nobody expected him to be in the main event of NXT Takeover: Philadelphia at all. And yet, he'll be challenging Andrade 'Cien' Almas for the big prize. That hasn't stopped his detractors.
The Velveteen Dream reminded Gargano that he wasn't even supposed to be in contention. This week, Zelina Vega also reminded William Regal that The Velveteen Dream had a valid claim for the big spot. She urged William Regal to take the necessary steps.
When Regal wouldn't do so, Johnny Wrestling came to the ring himself. He put up his 'Number 1 Contender' spot up against The Velveteen Dream, next week.
Will we see The Velveteen Dream cause an upset and move on to the main event of NXT Takeover: Philadelphia then?
#2 Challenge made
Much like Johnny Gargano, Roderick Strong has also been an underdog of sorts. While much of the NXT Universe is behind him, he always falls short on the big stage. This time, he has a target in his crosshair. And his next target is a beast.
Roderick Strong picked up a comprehensive win over Fabian Aichner from the Cruiserweight Classic tournament, this week on NXT. He would go on to make a challenge. And when he did, the whole world was shocked.
Roderick Strong made a challenge to Lars Sullivan, a beast of a man who's taken NXT by storm. When these two men do come to blows, we're certain the impact will be felt around the world.
#1 One shot for a pin
We saw Aliyah after a long time this week on NXT. Unfortunately, we did not see her for long. Lacey Evans, the lady of NXT took her out with an un-lady-like right hand to leave her sprawled in the middle of the ring. Evans picked up an easy victory.
We're certain that Lacey Evans will get a big push. She's got the look and the skills to go all the way to the top. We need to see if she can truly transition into a big star, in coming weeks.
That concludes our weekly NXT recap. Hope you enjoyed reading it just as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you.
Join us again next week, as the yellow brand, NXT, builds up to NXT Takeover: Philadelphia and beyond.
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