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The build-up to NXT Takeover: War Games has officially begun and it appears that much of the build around the show is centered around Johnny Gargano and Aleister Black but this week on NXT, three matches were made official for the show as NXT looks to upstage WWE once again on Survivor Series weekend.
This week's NXT boasted matches between The Undisputed Era and War Raiders, Nikki Cross and Mercedes Martinez as well as the return of Danny Burch to NXT. With War Games right around the corner, every star is out to make an impression and William Regal has once again been given the headache of trying to put together a show when the developmental roster is overflowing with talent.
#5 Matt Riddle's debut delivers
Matt Riddle made his debut this week on NXT against Luke Menzies, but instead of this being a usual squash match that would put Riddle over, this was a fantastic match between the two men as Menzies was given a lot of offense and could have easily set up a feud between the two men.
Riddle picked up the win as he showed off his Bromission finisher but the fact that Menzies was always in the match and seen as a threat was quite impressive. Riddle definitely has a bright future ahead of him given his UFC background, but it appears that Menzies could have a decent run in NXT as well.
Given the match that these two men had this week on NXT, the WWE Universe would love to see this match again or at least see Menzies given a push on the developmental brand in the near future.
#4 Tag Team headache
This week on NXT, The Street Profits picked up a confidence-boosting win over The Mighty whilst Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan made their return to NXT and picked up a win of their own. The Undisputed Era already has their work cut out since The War Raiders are looking to dethrone them at the next available opportunity, but if they are unable to get the job done, there are many teams waiting in the wings to take their place.
The Street Profits have proven their worth a number of times in the past and would be worthy challengers, whilst Lorcan and Burch were given the chance at the Champions a few months ago and came close enough to taking the titles that Regal could easily opt to give them another shot if he's looking for more contenders in the future.
#3 Aleister Black vs Johnny Gargano
Aleister Black returned to NXT a few weeks ago and he has been looking for his attacker throughout. Johnny Gargano revealed himself as the attacker last week and has since had a target on his back.
This week Aleister Black was looking for Gargano but he wasn't in the building. Black approached William Regal backstage and asked about Rebel Heart but Regal informed him that he had told Gargano to stay at home this week.
Regal did tell Black that he would have his chance at revenge in a few weeks' time though when he is given the opportunity to step in the ring with Gargano. It has now been officially announced that the two men will go one-on-one in less than three weeks' time at War Games in one of the most anticipated matches of the night.
#2 NXT Championship triple threat
William Regal announced this week on NXT that Tommaso Ciampa will be defending his NXT Championship against Velveteen Dream at Takeover: War Games in less than three weeks' time after the duo have seemingly had a number of issues in recent weeks.
This is a huge match for Velveteen Dream, but it appears that Lars Sullivan could be added to the match in the coming weeks since he reacted badly to the news that the NXT Championship match would be a one-on-one.
Lars Sullivan was spotted backstage throwing around a number of objects before he stated that Velveteen Dream has taken his spot so he would be forced to destroy him before War Games. This has led many fans to believe that even though the match has been announced, there could be a late change and it could be turned into a triple threat match instead.
#1 War Games
War Games makes its return to WWE in less than three weeks' time, but instead of three separate teams stepping into the cage, it will be Undisputed Era up against War Raiders, Pete Dunne and Ricochet.
The issues between these stars have boiled over in recent weeks and this week on NXT it was quite a standoff situation as a brawl sprawled out all over the arena before William Regal was forced to make an announcement that all eight men would be forced to step inside the steel.
The Undisputed Era won the War Games match last year, but the odds will be stacked against them when they go up against four of their most bitter rivals. Adam Cole and his posse have the experience having stepped inside the cage last year, but much like Hell in a Cell that only means that they are aware of the brutality that awaits them at War Games.
