NXT: 5 Points to note (19 July 2017)

RAW gave us an angle with long-term repercussions. SmackDown Live did not whet our appetite heading into the next pay-per-view event. How did NXT fare during this tumultuous week of wrestling? We are glad to report that it was a 'thumbs up' show.

Almost every match on this card was absolutely stellar, and the one match which was practically a squash seems like it will have long term consequences for the brand.

This was a winner all the way through, and we bring you 5 points that stood out from the course of the show.

---

#5 An explosive match happens next week

Has Hideo Itami finally gone full heel?

We had assumed that NXT would save this contest for Takeover in Brooklyn. However, we get this match much sooner than we had assumed.

Next week, the man with the vicious knees, Hideo Itami squares off against the Knockout Artist, Kassius Ohno. Considering how talented both men are, we are certain this will be an explosive affair indeed.

We cannot wait for next week to come around!

What makes this contest interesting is that both men need a win to carve their name in the NXT men's division. Both are credible future contenders for the title that Bobby Roode now holds, but each of them needs a win to be catapulted to the very top.

Kudos to NXT for building the tension between the two babyfaces over many weeks and actually telling a story, instead of just putting two men in just another match.

This continues NXT's string of big ticket main events, after three title matches over the past three weeks, followed by a Number 1 contender's match this week. Speaking of that match...

#4 Protecting the Beast

Despite McIntyre's victory, Dain looked like a certified monster for sure

If you thought that last week's main event with The Authors of Pain vs. Heavy Machinery was as 'big' as it got, NXT just made this week's main event even bigger.

The undefeated Killian Dain squared off against the undefeated Drew McIntyre and the result was an absolute slugfest. McIntyre emerged victorious at the end, but it took him three finishers to do so.

Dain kicked out of a Future Shock DDT as well as two Claymore sick kicks. Even in victory, McIntyre established Dain as a monster and ensured that he has a good run in NXT and even on the main roster.

Is the glorious era coming to an end?

As for McIntyre, he moves on to Bobby Roode now. This is a big match (certainly bigger than the Itami vs. Roode match from the previous NXT Takeover) and considering how long he's held the belt, we wonder if it's time for him to drop it to McIntyre.

The battle of the DDTs - the Future Shock vs. the Glorious DDT should be a treat to watch at the following Takeover.

#3 New tag team, coming soon to NXT

The Street Profits could really bolster the entire division

The current tag team scenario on NXT is so lacking in depth, that there is literally no babyface team to take on The Authors of Pain.

Therefore, NXT has seemingly commenced on a heel vs. heel program in SAnitY versus The Authors of Pain, judging by the fact that the former were feasting on pages of the latter's 'book', only last week. Yes, literally eating pages from a book.

The Street Profits are a unit comprising of two men who are NXT regulars - Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford. This is a golden opportunity for both men to seize the spotlight and make their mark upon the NXT universe.

Let's hope they manage to grab the metaphorical brass ring.

#2 Behind every successful man is a woman

An absolutely gorgeous one in the case of Almas

Having come into the NXT Universe with much momentum, Andrade 'Cien' Almas consistently slipped down the ranks. Not only did his character not connect with the audience, he became just another guy on the roster.

NXT resuscitated his career with a very interesting storyline. Andrade kept losing but shrugging off his losses as a result of indulging in his wine and women. Until a few weeks ago when a mysterious woman appeared and got Almas back on track.

This woman is Thea Trinidad, Austin Aries' girlfriend in real life, but in NXT, she is known as Zolita Vega. We look forward to seeing how Almas fares, with a valet by his side.

#1 Can the moon eclipse the rising sun?

Has Asuka finally met her match?

Ruby Riot and Ember Moon kicked off a show already packed with great matches, with a match that pretty much stole the show.

The two babyfaces worked beautifully together, and while Riot tried her best, Moon would deliver the 'Eclipse' and pick up the win.

While it has not been made official, we see this being Moon's final pit stop before she challenges Asuka yet again. Will she finally achieve her destiny and become NXT Women's Champion at Brooklyn? Will Asuka's record breaking reign finally come to an end very soon?

We don't know the answer yet but do stay tuned to Sportskeeda Wrestling for all the latest news, reviews, rumours and updates from NXT.