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Christmas came early for fans of sports entertainment this Wednesday night. Only three matches happened in this very special episode of WWE NXT television, however, those three matches were absolutely incredible. They were definitely on par with NXT Takeover matches.
What made this such a special episode is that it went well beyond the 45 minute-1 hour mark that we're traditionally used to. Moreover, each of the matches had stakes, and well, we even saw a title change hands this week.
Before rushing into the thick of things, let us welcome you to this week's post-show recap article. Feel free to comment below, and let us know what you thought of the show.
Here are five points we noted that we felt like sharing with all of you.
#5 And your new NXT Tag Team Champions are...
This week, SAnitY defended their prized NXT Tag Team Championships against The Undisputed ERA, without Alexander Wolfe by their side. Adam Cole wasn't at ringside either at the start of the match. So, the Undisputed ERA would play fair, we thought. How wrong were we?
With the assistance of Adam Cole, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly are your new NXT Tag Team Champions. Nikki Cross rushed in to even the odds, but she was led away, kicking and screaming, by two referees. This is a much-needed win for the heels who now have the gold, in addition to a few notable wins.
Despite the loss, Killian Dain looked absolutely indestructible in the ring. It's clear to see that he will be one of the major players in the company, going forward.
Let's see how long Fish and O'Reilly can hang on to their titles!
#4 A masterpiece in storytelling
Every time the two men have come to blows, the results have been completely off the charts. This time was no different, quite honestly. Dunne and Bate continued their legacy with an extremely thrilling match. While Dunne managed to pin Bate, we can safely say both men won.
Perhaps my favourite sequence was the one where Dunne stretched Bate's fingers in such a manner that it seemed like he had completely dislocated it. Soon after, Dunne was hit with one of Bate's knockout punches, but Bate sold his hand and didn't go for the pin. This was masterful storytelling, by both men in the match.
We wonder what the future of the United Kingdom Championship is. We're certain that plans are afoot for the title to be showcased to the WWE Universe in a bigger manner.
All said and done, the 'UK' chants from the NXT Universe this week were certainly very well deserved.
#3 Seeds for a new feud?
Moss and Sabbatelli parked their ride in a place where they shouldn't have. It was clear to see, to the NXT Universe, that Heavy Machinery did not like it at all. And from all indications, their differences will be resolved with a flurry of fists.
This contest is interesting because both these teams represent the next generation of NXT Tag Team contenders. This feud could help both teams reach the next level, if the matches deliver. There's certainly no reason why they will not.
#2 The final Fatal Four Way contender...
NXT Champion Andrade 'Cien' Almas has a target on his back. Three men were already gunning for his championship, and now a fourth man has been added to the mix. Actually, that's not true. The fourth man is not merely a man, but a real monster.
Lars Sullivan defeated Roderick Strong, the man who never manages to reach the finish line, in a short but sweet contest, this week on NXT. Strong tried his best, but as we've seen time and again, he failed quite miserably. Sullivan is one step closer to the NXT Championship.
Sullivan is one of those beasts who should do well on the main roster too. He's a big, brutish heel... just the kind that WWE seems to love.
#1 Could next week top this one?
And so you have it. Aleister Black, Killian Dain, Johnny Gargano and Lars Sullivan will lock horns to determine who goes on to face Andrade 'Cien' Almas for the NXT Championship next. Can you imagine the chaos and carnage that will ensue? Who's your pick for the big match?
And that's not the only big match, next week. Ember Moon will defend her Championship for the very first time against Sonya Deville from Absolution. Be prepared for an intense contest.
We will join you again next week, with more points to note. We're certain it will be just as thrilling as this one was.
WE. ARE. NXT.
