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The final episode of NXT before TakeOver in Chicago aired this week. While only one match across the hour was absolutely extraordinary, the atmosphere was truly palpable. There is an air of excitement before TakeOver comes around. Of course, it is for a very good reason.
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In this article, I shall examine 5 points from this week's episode of NXT. In my estimation, they stood out and could have long-term consequences. NXT also did a great job in building the anticipation for TakeOver in Chicago.
I'm sure this edition of TakeOver will be just as good as every other edition that preceded it. Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts about the show.
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Here are 5 aspects of this week's show that I thought were noteworthy.
#5 Match of the week
The featured main event for this week's show was a showdown between Kyle O'Reilly and Pete Dunne. The prestigious United Kingdom Championship was on the line. As one would expect, the two men were absolutely incredible and took each other to the absolute limit. It helped that the crowd was hot for the contest as well.
One of the highlights of the match saw Kyle O'Reilly reaching into Dunne's mouth and pulling away his mouth guard. At this point, Dunne grabbed a hold of O'Reilly hand and simply would not let go. This would continue right up to the 'Bitter End' with Pete Dunne picking up a very impressive win.
Yet again the contest erupted into a full-fledged brawl as The Undisputed ERA and Lorcan/Burch entered the fray throwing punches. This time, it was the babyfaces who stood tall going into Chicago, where they have the momentum in the Tag Team Championship match.
#4 EC3 scores an impressive win
I have a feeling that great things are in store for EC3 in WWE. He certainly has a look and a physique that should work in his favour when he goes up to the main roster. EC3 took on the very talented Kassius Ohno this week in a match that he quite comprehensively won. I'm certain that this is the first in a string of victories.
EC3's theme song has the entire audience singing along and it is clear that they are familiar with this talented superstar's work in Impact. I wonder if he will get a shot at the title in due course of time. Everything depends on the outcome of the Black vs. Sullivan encounter.
As for Ohno, as talented as the man is, he's been on a losing streak for a while now. I wonder if there are even plans for bringing the man up considering he's been little more than enhancement talent in recent times.
#3 Victory and a challenge
Ricky Martinez and Justin Storm did not stand a chance. The two men were steamrolled by the War Raiders who made very short work of them, flattening the two men into an absolute pulp. The War Raiders now have a different target that they are aiming for. Their target is known as The Mighty (formerly TM61)
This was in response to a bold statement made by The Mighty who had claimed that they could knock out just about any team in the NXT locker room. Well, The War Raiders do seem to disagree with that assessment.
#2 A future NXT Women's Champion?
It is incredible to see how much NXT is pushing Bianca Belair. Close on the heels of the special they made on her, they booked a match between her and Aliyah. This was almost a squash match that Bianca Belair easily won. And she's moving on to bigger and better things now.
Belair's power is just uncanny. I'm glad to see that she picked up a win without having to lash out with her hair like she usually does. That can be a weapon for special occasions like TakeOvers.
It seems like Dakota Kai is next in line. I expect Belair to comprehensively defeat Kai as well!
#1 Message sent from challenger to Champion!
It is very difficult to play mind games with Aleister Black. After all, he seems to have otherworldly powers that stem from a darker place. However, Lars Sullivan too seems like he doesn't belong to this world. Going into TakeOver: Chicago, he had the last laugh.
NXT went off the air with Lars Sullivan delivering three of his finishers- The Freak Accident, to the Champion. Sullivan then lay Black atop the announce table! He gazed upon his opponent like a being from hell.
I don't remember the last time I've seen Black appear so vulnerable. This may be the toughest test of his career, thus far.
How excited are you about TakeOver, this Saturday?
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