With NXT Takeover: Orlando on the horizon, there doesn’t seem to be the same sense of excitement that one associates with NXT’s grand showcase on WrestleMania weekend. The card is exciting enough on the surface, and we’re sure that the superstars will give it their all in the ring and beyond. Sadly, because of the nature of NXT, which is just a pitstop on the way to the main roster, one gets attached to a superstar only to see them go.
This week, NXT brought us a power-packed episode of their final televised episode before NXT Takeover: Orlando. Let’s look at 5 points to note from this episode of NXT.
#5 The day the music died
We all know that Kassius Ohno AKA Chris Hero is one of the best wrestlers in the world. This week, in the main event, Elias Samson also brought his A-Game to his final appearance in NXT. Some of his transitions were seamless, and we realised that underneath the veneer of the unlikeable character he plays, Samson is a pretty solid worker. Just like we know that underneath his flab, Kassius Ohno is a future NXT Champion.
Perhaps the most entertaining part of the evening was after the match when The Drifter was being led away by security and asked to be let go, simply so that he could fetch his guitar from the ring. Before he could get to the ring, Ohno stomped on the guitar and broke it for good. Now, Samson has no job with NXT and no guitar either.
#4 A Grave reunion for The Drifter?
Nigel McGuinness is doing an absolutely stellar job on the commentary desk as ‘color commentator’. However, no Elias Samson match feels the same without Corey Graves losing his composure and his cool based on the musical ability (or lack thereof) of the Drifter (and to an extent, Liv Morgan). Theirs is a fate bound by destiny, and we hope that Samson ends up on Raw and not SmackDown.
We’re certain that he will go up after WrestleMania. Why else would he be part of a match with this stipulation all of a sudden? McGuinness was worried about The Drifter not having a job. On the contrary, he's been promoted up the ranks.
#3 No brawl, lots of laughter
The good news is that this is one contract signing that did not break into a brawl. Maybe it’s for the best because William Regal would have needed a new office space, in that case. Asuka giggled at the idea of facing Ember Moon at Takeover, while the fans salivated at the prospect of their epic clash.
Also read: Asuka’s main roster call-up put on hold
Asuka said she didn't think Ember Moon was ready. Moon replied by saying she has been ready for a long time now. Considering Asuka has held the title longer than most people usually do, we may support Moon’s claim that a title change is imminent. Will Asuka’s arrogance get the better of her?
#2 Boom boom shaka laka loom
They're big and nasty, and they say ‘boom shaka laka’, and different permutations of the phrase, a lot! They are Heavy Machinery, a tag team comprising of Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic. When they are not thumping chests into one another, they are pounding their opponents to a pulp. With their size and imposing girth, they seem almost like a babyface version of The Authors of Pain.
It is unclear which tag team will be called up after WrestleMania is done and dusted, but it would be interesting to see Heavy Machinery take on the Authors of Pain. The dynamic has always been dominant heels against underdog babyfaces, whenever Authors of Pain are involved. It would be a treat to see The Authors of Pain take on someone their own size.
#1 A brand new match for the grand stage
Just like WWE got every available woman in the SmackDown Live roster into the title match at WrestleMania, NXT made every available mid-carder involved in this match. The highlight, of course, is the debut of Ruby Riot, a woman who seems even crazier than Nikki Cross does. Will Dillinger finally stand triumphant at the end of an NXT Takeover or will he lose again and subsequently move to the main roster?
Will SAnitY stake their claim as the most dominant heel stable in WWE, with the dissolution of the Wyatt Family? We find out in just a few days, at Orlando. Stay tuned for updates from NXT Takeover: Orlando, guys!
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