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What's the story?
NXT TakeOver featured an incredible array of matches that didn't even make it to television, at least not yet anyway, as they taped next week's episode of NXT before the Royal Rumble weekend TakeOver: Philadelphia PPV.
In case you didn't know...
The WWE announced that the exciting match-up of Tyler Bate Vs. Roderick Strong would take place on the NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia pre-show to determine a new #1 contender for Pete Dunne's WWE United Kingdom Title.
Also announced for the pre-show was Nikki Cross to take on Lacey Evans, and popular tag-team TM-61 making their return after an absence stemming from injury.
The heart of the matter
The TakeOver: Philadelphia main card may be one of NXT's best ever with Gargano Vs. Almas, AOP vs The Undisputed ERA, Moon Vs. Baszler, Black Vs. Cole and Ohno Vs. Dream but the crowd in attendance at the show were treated to three more excellent matches before the live cameras started rolling.
PWInsider have the inside scoop for the three matches taped before TakeOver that are set to air on next week's NXT episode, featuring the Roderick Strong Vs. Tyler Bate match.
Nikki Cross pinned Lacey Evans with a neckbreaker. She attacked her at the bell. Evans cut her off and looked good as a heel. She missed a moonsault setting up Cross' comeback. Cross' offence looked great.
TM-61 defeated The Ealy Brothers with the T Gimmick. Good spotlight for 61 with nice aerial moves and teamwork.
Roderick Strong pinned Tyler Bate in an excellent, physical match to become the top contender for the UK championship. The last five minutes were incredible.
What's next?
I don't think there's a wrestling fan in the world who won't be excited at the prospect of seeing the Roderick Strong and Tyler Bate match, and even more excited at the prospect of Strong taking on current UK Champion Pete Dunne. For those who want to see Bate and Dunne wrestle each-other forever, I'm sure it'll happen again.
Author's take
It's looking like next week's NXT episode is going to be must-see.
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