After Ember Moon’s challenge earlier in the evening, Asuka heads to the ring to answer her presumed Takeover opponent. The NXT Women’s Champion reminds us that she’s beaten Ember before (which I guess implies that she can do it again) and, once again, states that Ember is not ready for her. Ember pops on down, because ohnoshedidn’t, and basically says “nuh uh! I am ready” and the next thing you know, they’re fighting.
Heavy Machinery defeated Riddick Moss and Tino Sabbatelli
Sonya Deville defeated... Jenna Van Muscles? We’re not sure.
Hideo Itami is out in the ring again, speaking to the crowd in Japanese. He then, in English, to show him some respect, because he deserves respect, and to, therefore, not disrespect him. I’m paraphrasing. Itami then informs us the he doesn’t care who is next.
Well, it looks like Aleister Black is next. At least, he’s in the next match, anyway. Itami heads to the back but then tries to attack Black and Black is all like “nah” and nails Itami with a roundhouse kick.
Aleister Black vs Kyle O’Reilly
First, we get Bobby Fish and now, it’s his Ring of Honor buddy, Kyle O’Reilly! Debuts are awesome! Now, apparently, O’Reilly got a weird crowd reaction before and during the match. According to Reddit user /u/kenjimurasame:
“For the conflicting reports on O'Reilly: place got real loud when he came out but then the match was silence. Crowd kept doing weird "shhhh" 'chants' and barely made noise at all. The "O'Reilly Autoparts" jingle was about the loudest thing. To he honest crowd didn't even seem into Allistair either so idk. Its by far the best match at this taping all night and the crowd really sh*t on it.“
Result: Black defeats O’Reilly after 15 minutes with Black Mass
The Authors of Pain aren’t happy with Sanity, and they’re in the ring to let them know it. The NXT Tag Team champs call out the faction, but end up getting attacked sneakily by Eric Young, and Sanity overwhelms them and beats them down.
By the way, here’s the Authors of Pain getting lunch:
Yum.
Following The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) of The Metro Brothers (Chris & CJ), we get a face-to-face confrontation between NXT Champion Bobby Roode and his Takeover challenger, Drew McIntyre. NXT General Manager William Regal is there to keep the peace. Roode tells McIntyre that unlike Drew, he didn’t need to be “chosen” – he just went out and did everything he said he was going to do. McIntrye essentially responds with “Oh yeah?!”
Roderick Strong then comes out to let the NXT Champion know that why he’s out there isn’t about the NXT Championship – it’s personal! I’m guessing he’d probably also like the NXT title, too, while he’s at it. Fortunately, he’s got an opportunity to do both! If he can beat McIntrye tonight, he’ll be in the main event at Takeover!
Danny Burch vs Oney Lorcan
In this rematch between the two, Burch and Lorcan essentially spend ten minutes trying to murder each other. So, of course, the match ends with a roll-up pin. A nice handshake between the two afterwards. Sportsmanship! *lights fireworks*
Result: Danny Burch defeats Oney Lorcan
No Way Jose vs Andrade Cien Almas
Andrade comes to the ring with Thea Trinidad, although we’re not quite sure if she’s using that name in NXT or not. Whatever name she’s using, she’s clearly good luck for Almas, as he picked up a win against Jose after a five minute match. Almas then challenges Johnny Gargano to a match at Takeover.
Regal’s back in the ring, because we have a contract signing! Ember Moon and Asuka are in the ring to make their Takeover match official. Ember tells the champ that the only opponent Asuka had to take shortcuts against was her, which only makes Ember stronger. After they both sign the contract, Asuka screams at Ember in Japanese, before declaring that she’ll put her Takeover opponent in the hospital. Which, you know, isn’t the same as saying she’s going to win. Just thought I’d point that out.
A couple more quick matches before our main event. We get another visit from The Street Profits, who take on and defeat the team of Lars Sullivan and Chris Silvio. After the match, Sullivan (no relation) picks up Silvio and carries him to the back. Peyton Royce takes on Ruby Riot, but doesn’t win, so of course she calls Ruby a mean name.
Main event: Drew McIntyre vs Rodderick Strong: Winner faces NXT Champion Bobby Roode at Takeover
Drew and Roddy put on a show for 13 minutes, until Roode comes out to the ring. He first attacks Strong, then McIntyre, causing a disqualification. The report doesn’t really give the official result, but if it’s a DQ, one would have to assume Roddy won since he was the first attacked. I dunno. Wrestling’s weird. Anyway, Roode lets everyone know that “this is [my] NXT!” and that he intends to be champion forever and ever.
Well, that was fun. I’m looking forward to seeing these actual episodes air. Especially that Aleister Black/Kyle O’Reilley match. What do you guys think? Is Ember Moon the one to finally dethrone Asuka? Can Johnny Gargano make as much of an impression as a singles star as he did in the tag scene? Will Heavy Machinery keep belly bumping? Let us know!
If you find yourself at any of these NXT tapings in the future and you end up taking any photos or video, feel free to Tweet them at me to @HeyImKevinSully.
