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A new season of NXT storylines and feuds should have commenced on this week's show. Instead, the episode simply consisted of three matches from The Aztec Theater in San Antonio, Texas.
This episode was almost like a pit stop between the season of NXT that just concluded at NXT Takeover: WarGames and the season that should hopefully commence from next week on. It showed us an impressive showcase of wrestling, but no plots were really advanced further.
For what it was, we give it due credit. There was enough exciting wrestling action during the show, to keep our attention hooked through the course of the hour-long show.
Here are five points that we noted from this week's NXT episode.
#5 No Full Sail; No Nigel McGuinness
NXT's weekly television programming and Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida have been inseparable, for a long time. However, we hear that the action will not return to Full Sail University for a while now, owing to scheduling conflicts.
Therefore it was a strange departure to see the action coming from The Aztec Theatre in San Antonio, Texas. This is not going to be the permanent venue for NXT, as most of the action for the next round of tapings will take place from the Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
The ramp was considerably smaller in this show, and the crowd seemed much hotter than usual for the action that ensued at this particular event, even though from the looks of it, the turnout was considerably smaller.
We also have to point out that colour commentator Nigel McGuinness did not call any of the matches on this week's show. His histrionics during the arrival of the Iconic Duo, were greatly missed. Fear not, for he should be back in action again, next week.
#4 Unfinished business
Before we get down to this week's show, let's get next week's show out of the way. We found out that Ruby Riott would take on Sonya Deville next week in a No Holds Barred Match, continuing their rivalry from even before NXT Takeover: WarGames.
This is quite an interesting development in light of what has happened on the main roster. Deville is part of a trio on RAW called Absolution, whereas Ruby Riott (who now has an extra T in her name) leads a trio of her own on SmackDown Live, known as the Riott Squad.
We wonder if this aspect will be addressed when the two women square off on NXT next week. We still don't know if there's a link between the five women who were called up on two different brands, as heels.
Another thing to look out for is the 'Championship Celebration' segment consisting of Zelina Vega and the brand new NXT Champion, Andrade 'Cien' Almas too.
#3 Different motivations for the match
It was strange indeed to see a babyface like Mark Andrews team up with a despicable heel like the United Kingdom Champion, Pete Dunne, for the main event of the evening. Andrews made his intentions quite clear... he was only doing it to get a shot at the Championship that Pete Dunne now holds.
On the other hand, Tyler Bate and Trent Seven, otherwise known as Moustache Mountain wanted to get their hands on Dunne for abandoning Team British Strong Style, when the United Kingdom competitors were under attack from The Undisputed ERA, only a few weeks ago.
We liked how logical the motivations were. We also liked how they would play out during the course of the night.
Which brings us to the main event match itself.
#2 An explosive main event
Every time the participants of the United Kingdom Tournament are in the main event, it is always a splendid affair. Each one of them, without exception, is an absolutely fabulous worker.
We liked how there was dissent between Dunne and Andrews throughout the match, but The Bruiserweight and the high flyer still managed to coexist through the match. We loved the spot where the Frankensteiner was converted into a powerbomb.
Of course, we loved the betrayal from Dunne, at the conclusion of their match too!
We cannot wait for the show with the UK Tournament participants to air on the WWE Universe. Imagine action like this, on a weekly basis. Now, this is awesome!
#1 The Pirate Princess rules the sky
Kairi Sane picked up a comprehensive win over Peyton Royce this week, with her flawless elbow drop. It is great to see her protected in such a manner, because she still exudes the aura of someone special.
Considering that Asuka was the most protected Superstar, maybe in WWE history, we wonder just how far NXT will go to protect Kairi Sane. Kairi hasn't been positioned as a beast like Asuka was, but is still seen as a top contender.
We love her spear, considering she's probably the smallest superstar in NXT history to deliver that move. She does a fine job of it, as well.
That concludes our recap of this week's action. What did you think of this episode? Let us know in the comments below. We will catch you soon, for more news and features!
