Last night, we witnessed one of the best Smackdown Live episodes in a really long time. Little wonder then, that we were pumped up to watch a show that delivers more consistently than Smackdown- NXT! With two advertised title matches, the show was already a winner before it even began.
There were developments through the night that left us with questions about the following weeks and NXT Takeover: Orlando. We believe that shows that make you wonder are the best shows of all. So, here we go! It’s time for our weekly NXT recap and countdown.
#5 What does SAnitY have planned for Tye Dillinger?
With the dissolution of the Wyatts, SAnitY has taken on the mantle of ‘freaky, unkempt heel stable’. This week, we found them gathered around a flaming barrel (presumably, unless it was Sister Abigail's burning tomb), in a scary outdoor location (well, but naturally), saying scary things and making threats to Tye Dillinger. They called him a disease that must be eradicated!
Young went on to challenge Dillinger to a one-on-one contest and it is uncertain when the same will transpire. All we know for certain is that with Eric Young's minion Alexander Wolfe, the crafty Nikki Cross as well as the gigantic Killian Dain, it is never a one-on-one contest. Better get some friends to ringside, Mr Tye Dillinger.
#4 Will there be a title change on NXT Television?
William Regal made a huge announcement that left us all quite confused. Due to their altercation last week on NXT, Kassius Ohno will square off against the NXT Champion Bobby Roode in two weeks. Now, we wonder who will actually go over in this match. Truth be told, a loss for either man does not make sense.
This is Bobby Roode’s first title defence match after winning the NXT Championship from Shinsuke Nakamura in NXT Takeover: San Antonio. A loss in such a huge match may just make him look extremely weak indeed. As will a loss for the returning Kassius Ohno, who left the company on bad terms but is a much bigger name right now.
If that equation wasn't confusing enough, Shinsuke Nakamura returns next week from his kayfabe injury suffered at the hands of The Glorious Bobby Roode. Remember that he is owed a contractual rematch for the NXT Championship. When does he get this big rematch opportunity? More importantly, which superstar will he face off against?
The next few weeks of NXT should be really interesting.
#3 Did #DIY have the Tag Team Titles won?
Title changes hardly ever occur outside of NXT Takeovers. However, for a brief fleeting moment, we genuinely thought that #DIY would be reclaiming their titles from the Authors of Pain in this week’s episode. This was when both Gargano and Ciampa had their submission moves locked in, on Akam and Rezar. Ultimately, The Revival made the save.and would ensure that The Authors of Pain enjoyed at least some more weeks on top.
It's interesting to note that The Authors of Pain are not being booked as absolutely invincible anymore. While they are still physically dominant, they do look like they have their flaws that can be taken advantage of, by the more crafty opponents. Also, the Shatter Machine delivered by The Revival looked absolutely brutal. Where do The Revival fit in, in the context of the NXT tag team scenario? Will we see a three-way in Orlando?
#2 How different is Patrick Clark's new gimmick from his old one?
This is not the first time we’ve seen Patrick Clark. In his earlier incarnation, he played a flamboyant man with very strong LGBT undertones. This week, Clark returned in a brand new avatar called ‘The Patrick Clark Experience’.
It seems like a toned down version of what he used to be. Is WWE concerned about being more politically correct and not ruffling any feathers with this gimmick? We have to wait and watch what Mr Velveteen Dreams is all about, really.
#1 Will we finally get Asuka vs. Ember Moon in Orlando?
It is finally happening... the matchup that we’d been awaiting intently. Or is it?
Asuka and Ember Moon had a face off this week at the conclusion of a brilliant match between Peyton Royce and Asuka. When Kay and Royce teamed up to take the NXT Women’s Champion out, Ember Moon came to the rescue. Asuka had famously asked- ‘Does Ember Moon still work here?’ We’re certain that now she knows.
This babyface vs. babyface contest should be a treat for fans. We also expect Ember Moon to dethrone the Empress of Tomorrow, in their highly-awaited encounter. If Moon can't, we don't see anyone beating her for a long time.
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