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As we approach WWE WrestleMania, bear in mind that New Orleans will also be host to the second NXT TakeOver event of the year. As NXT invariably does, they will look to up their game on the weekend that kicks WrestleMania season off. NXT will set the flavor for the rest of the weekend. And this week's episode was a prelude to the action.
Welcome to our 5 point NXT recap from the episode that aired this week. Let us know in the comments if you liked the show or not. Because this was an important show on the road to the next TakeOver event.
A show with massive implications on the NXT Title picture. A show with implications on the Women's Championship picture as well.
Here are 5 points to note from this week's show.
#5 No War Machine in the Dusty Rhodes Classic?
Somehow, except for TM61, this year's Dusty Rhodes Classic Tag Team Tournament does not seem as exciting as it usually is. At least from the bracket, that they've posted. We saw the Street Profits and Authors of Pain cut promos this week on NXT. They did little to get us kicked about the proceedings.
We wonder why War Machine isn't a part of this tournament. It would have been a great way, not only to introduce the duo to the NXT Universe, but also to add an element of surprise to the proceedings. Also, the two biggest teams TM61 and The Authors of Pain are set to clash in the very first round.
NXT always manages to leave us impressed, so we'll give them that. We'll reserve our judgement until the tournament actually kicks off on next week's episode of NXT.
#4 A losing streak?
Tyler Bate and The Velveteen Dream put on a great match this week. It was perhaps the best match of the entire show. What surprised us was the story that the announcers were telling. The story of Tyler Bate's losing streak.
After winning the United Kingdom Championship, Tyler Bate seemed like he was on top of the world. Since he lost it, he seems to have lost a step or two. This week, his bad luck continued as The Velveteen Dream picked up a massive win.
The match began with a dazzling display of technical mastery from Bate. It is clear that he's a man who can go in the ring, but somehow he's been cast to the background with other superstars stepping up their game and delivering.
As for the Velveteen Dream, there seems to be absolutely no stopping him or his incredible momentum and steam, at this point in time.
#3 Offer made and refused!
Ever get a job offer where it seems like the employers don't really want to hire you? If you have, let us know in the comments, because you certainly must have felt a lot like Cezar Bononi did. The man voted as the 'Future Star of NXT' had an invitation from The Undisputed Era. One he could not take up!
As the audience urged him to join the faction, Bononi contemplated. And in his moment of contemplation, he experienced an assault like none other from Adam Cole (BayBay). Cole managed to pick up a big win. We wonder if this story is done and dusted.
#2 A Mae Young Classic finals reboot
Both Kairi Sane and Shayna Baszler had put on a great match at the Mae Young Classic finals. They had a chance to renew hostilities on NXT as well, this week. The two women put on yet another great match. This time, the result was different.
Shayna Baszler forced Kairi Sane to tap out, this time around. It is clear that she still has Ember Moon and the NXT Women's Championship in her sights. We wonder if she's ready to hold the gold, at this point.
As for Kairi Sane, how does someone her size spear as convincingly as she does? She's definitely one of the better workers in the division.
#1 Two warriors battle for Andrade 'Cien' Almas' prize
We saw Andrade 'Cien' Almas and Zelina Vega come out to gloat over ending Johnny Gargano's NXT run. And then, a meditative presence came to the ring. He was joined by a beast from Belfast. The two men came to blows immediately.
There you have it! These two men are your top contenders for the NXT Championship on WrestleMania 34 weekend. Which of them do you think will stand tall, when the big clash takes place?
While NXT has not specified that the match next week is to determine who will face Andrade 'Cien' Almas, we're certain that the man who wins the match will be next in line for the big prize. Don't forget to join us next week, as we recap this big match.
See you wrestling fans soon!
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