Every Takeover event is a transition. A changeover of sorts. New storylines are written, new characters emerge as NXT prepares itself for the next big Takeover event. As we head into Takeover: Orlando, on Wrestlemania weekend, we are witnessing NXT like never before.
It is clear that SAnitY will play a major role in the months that follow and that Tye Dillinger will not move to the main roster right now at least. Let’s look at five highlights from this week’s show and take an in-depth look at what’s new with NXT this week.
#5 Dain made a monstrous impact
SAnitY was involved in three segments this week, including two matches. In both the matches, it was Killian Dain who eventually picked up the pin fall. Dain is to SAnitY what Braun Strowman was to the Wyatt family. He certainly looks the part, despite the fact that his selling needs a lot more work.
The way he was booked to completely demolish The Bollywood Boyz pretty much reminded us of Braun Strowman’s squash matches on Raw, ever since the brand split.
SAnitY looks poised to play an integral part in the months that follow on NXT. Be it the singles division (Eric Young), women’s division (Nikki Cross) or the tag-team division (Dain and Wolfe); SAnitY is bound to bring us insane times ahead.
The good news is the faction is also engaging the mid card of NXT and the many babyfaces who’ve not been in real story-driven programs for some time now. Roderick Strong and No Way Jose can definitely benefit from going toe-to-toe with such a heel unit. The six-man tag team match to end the show was very cool indeed.
#4 Liv Morgan upset Billie Kay
The women's division is becoming really interesting of late. Just when it seemed like we're heading into an Ember Moon vs. Asuka program for Takeover: Orlando, it seems like Cross still wants a piece of Asuka. That's not all.
It looks like Liv Morgan is, very slowly, being built into a Superstar as well. Hey, she's got the looks and while she's not exactly Asuka in the ring, she’s getting better continuously.
So as it stands, there’s a tag team contest happening next week between Peyton Royce and Billie Kay vs. Liv Morgan and a partner of her choice? Will it be Ember Moon then? Is it Asuka? NXT has definitely managed to keep us hooked.
#3 The Revival outsmarted The Authors of Pain
The Revival were booked in a squash match too.
Only in their case, the jobbers were far larger than they are. Using their amazing chemistry, Dash and Dawson made very short work of Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic who were wrestling under the gimmick- Heavy Machinery. Then, they would challenge The Authors of Pain.
Never ones to back out of a fight, The Authors of Pain appeared with their manager, Paul Ellering. It would seem like The Revival were leaving the arena but they blindsided Heavy Machinery from behind. This heel vs. heel encounter seems interesting because of how different it is. Doesn't #DIY have a rematch though?
#2 Nigel McGuinness is great
Despite our worries, Nigel McGuinness, Corey Graves’ replacement as color commentator wasn’t a total embarrassment on his first day at the job. To be fair, most of his jokes hit home, and we suppose Percy Watson has decided to don the cap of Byron Saxton, at this commentary desk (the guy who gets picked upon).
We suppose McGuinness won't be adapting the elitist persona that Corey Graves was renowned for, but he works just fine, we suppose.
However, it was such a dampener not to hear any New Jersey jokes through the duration of the Liv Morgan match. We suppose we’ll get used to McGuiness’ style, ways and mannerisms very soon, but NXT won’t be the same without Corey Graves. Here's the litmus test for Nigel. How does he react to The Drifter?
#1 Bobby Roode is NXT
Rarely has a wrestler's theme song been more popular than the man himself.
The ‘Glorious’ Bobby Roode, already a TNA legend, became a sensation of sorts on the basis of his catchy theme song. This week, he made his glorious appearance on NXT and told us that he told us so. He also nullified the notion that ‘We are NXT’ is a thing, by saying that he is NXT. That escalated quickly, didn’t it?
Going by past booking, it’s likely that Roode will hang on to the title for a very long time, as he takes on brand new babyface challengers. We assume that the Nakamura story isn't over either. Quite glorious!
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