While Payback was a relatively decent pay-per-view, Raw and SmackDown were disappointing follow-up shows, which were packed to the brim with filler content. Thankfully, NXT saved the week from being a dull one for WWE with a fairly interesting show from top to bottom. The new era is in full effect, and the characters and storylines do feel fresher. A few weeks removed from what should be an entertaining Takeover show in Chicago, the pieces are falling into place for the yellow brand.
We have picked 5 critical components from the show that should have a bearing on the following weeks. Presenting our weekly countdown once again:
#5 Nobody is ready for Asuka except these three
Last week, NXT General Manager William Regal announced that NXT Women's Champion Asuka’s challenger for NXT Takeover: Chicago would be determined in an over-the-top-rope Battle Royal. Many of NXT's in-house talents as well as big indie names were a part of the match, and the action continued until only three women were left in the ring- SAnitY's Nikki Cross, Ruby Riot, and Ember Moon. At that point, Asuka interfered in the match and completely obliterated all three women.
While Asuka proclaimed proudly that nobody was ready for her, William Regal did not agree with her assessment and said that all three of the women- Moon, Cross and Riot would take her on in a Fatal Four-Way contest. This is not really a bad decision, as we've already seen Moon vs. Asuka, and neither Riot nor Cross seems ready for her in a singles contest on such a massive stage for the NXT Championship. While the outcome was hunky-dory, we did have one major issue with the Battle Royal.
#4 Candice LeRae was just another participant...
Candice LeRae is one of the best-known women’s wrestlers in the world, and not surprisingly, she was the most ‘over’ woman in the entire Battle Royal. The fans were chanting for her during the match and even booed when Billie Kay eliminated her. While she is a veteran in the independents, who is known for her extremely brutal inter-gender matches, she did not even get an entrance on NXT television.
She was just another ‘body’ that eventually got eliminated. We wonder if she will be part of the upcoming NXT Women's Tournament and whether she will be booked strongly. Thankfully, her husband Johnny Gargano is a prominent figure in NXT, and we hope that makes a difference. WWE needs to realise that it has a gold mine in its grasp.
#3 The Beast has been unleashed
WWE is pushing the bigger men to the moon and back these days. Think Braun Strowman or even, to an extent, Baron Corbin. They may have another certified monster in Killian Dain who took on Danny Burch this week on NXT.
Not only does Dain have the look and the presence, but he also has a move set that is surprising for a man of his immense size. This week, he was in a singles environment and held his own, even though it was a squash match. The former Big Damo is a very talented bloke, and we are confident that if pushed, he could even be a good opponent for Brock Lesnar in the future.
Also read: 10 Superstars that will lead NXT into a new era
#2 Battle of the Big Men soon?
Speaking of big men who can work, week after week, Heavy Machinery have definitely impressed us. They are entertaining, they are strong and they know how to have a blast. They also seem like credible challengers for the seemingly indestructible Authors of Pain.
After their match, they cut a promo based on food (not surprisingly) and said they were ready for the main course- an NXT Tag Team Championship match. Of course, Ciampa and Gargano have another title shot pending before these men do. The developments in this division over the next few weeks should be fascinating indeed.
#1 Huge match set for next week's show
Two divergent storylines from this episode seamlessly culminated in a grand finale towards the end of this week’s show. We saw the in-ring return of Hideo Itami who took apart his opponent Kona Reeves in almost no time despite the fact that the latter received expert advice from NXT Champion- ‘Glorious’ Bobby Roode.
We took an in-depth look into the life of former ROH mainstay Roderick Strong, chronicling his journey to NXT and how he was living out his childhood dream. Finally, we saw a segment where William Regal announced that Itami would be facing Strong to determine the next Number 1 contender for the coveted NXT Championship.
Both men are incredible workers, and we're certain next week will be absolutely mental. NXT has been producing strong shows, week after week these days, and we hope this trend continues. Of course, we’ll be absolutely delighted to bring you live coverage, results and an in-depth ‘5 points to note’ countdown. Stay tuned.
Also read: 5 up-and-coming WWE NXT Superstars
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