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The McMahons promised a fresh start to both RAW and SmackDown Live, this week. As a result, there was an air of newness in those shows, all throughout. NXT promised us nothing that they otherwise wouldn't have, but still served up a pretty fantastic episode. If you haven't checked it out yet, you should do so immediately.
The main event steel cage match wasn't the only noteworthy thing about the said episode. Many pieces fell into place that should play out in weeks to come. There was very little that I disliked about this week's episode.
Thankfully, this is not a 'Best and worst' countdown or I would struggle with the 'worst' part of my article. I have identified 5 points to note from this article, and I would like to hear your views on what I've listed.
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So, be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
#5 Inside the dreaded, solid steel structure
This was a long match. If you'd put two other opponents inside the cage, who do not possess the in-ring IQ or the history that Aleister Black and Johnny Gargano do, it could have been a pretty dull match. But these two men made it work, telling a story with high spots thrown in at just the right moments.
Aleister Black had the match won at a point, but he decided to return and inflict more punishment upon Johnny Gargano, during the course of the contest. This was a fantastic little touch, which proves how well NXT understands its characters. Compare this to Ambrose and Rollins, who decided to blow off a personal rivalry with a technical showcase.
The finish of the match deserves a page of its own. And it will!
#4 #DIY reunited?
Ciampa and Gargano used to be the best of friends. And then, Ciampa turned on Gargano in what would eventually become the hottest angle in NXT history. They waged brutal wars in NXT, in matches that received massive critical praise. But are they back on the same page again?
There came a point during the match, where it seemed as if both Black and Gargano could win. Enter Ciampa, who launched an attack on Black, the man who'll challenge him for the NXT Championship soon. Johnny Gargano would return, and then unleash the trademark #DIY offense on Black for the big win.
And then Ciampa would put up this Tweet, making us wonder whether or not the two men were back on the same page again. If so, it will significantly alter the landscape of NXT in the coming weeks.
#3 Unfinished business in NXT
We all know that Heavy Machinery has been called up to the main roster, as part of the McMahon family's plans to shake the product up significantly. But they had an impressive showing in NXT, ahead of the call-up. Danny D'Accardo and Blake Howell did not stand a chance at all. They were crushed by Heavy Machinery.
And then we saw Undisputed ERA on the ramp, eyeing the men who were potential threats to their NXT Tag Team Titles. This is a match I want to see before the two men get called up to the main roster. As indicated by this Tweet, this contest will go down next week on NXT.
The Christmas edition of NXT should be very special indeed. Could Heavy Machinery boast steaks, weights and gold soon?
They are certainly worthy of the titles.
#2 The two other Horsewomen make their debut
Ronda Rousey has gone on to become the face of the RAW Women's Division. Shayna Baszler is clearly the MVP of the NXT Women's DIvision, right now. The two other Horsewomen, Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir, entered the ring on this week's show, making a strong impression.
Unfortunately, they came up short against Dakota Kai and Io Shirai. The two veteran sports entertainers showcased their lightning flurry of moves and made short work of their opponents. But we're one step closer to the dream Horsewomen vs. Horsewomen match, that has been rumoured for many months now.
As this Tweet proves, Io Shirai seems to be in line for a big push in NXT. Could she take Kairi Sane's spot when Sane gets called up to the main roster, presumably after WrestleMania 35?
#1 Dominik Dijakovic has a great showing
We had seen the vignettes for many weeks. Dominik Dijakovic made this official debut this week, taking on Aaron Mackey. As one would expect, it was little more than a squash match, but it allowed the big man to show off his impressive array of power moves to the NXT Universe. This is a man to watch out for, especially after the five call-ups that were recently announced.
Dijakovic is 6 feet and 7 inches tall. He has the look and physique of an absolute monster, and can work as well. It will be hard to stop the man's momentum once he gets going in NXT and later, in the main roster too.
NXT proves week after week, why it is the best wrestling show on television. Let's hope that all of the call-ups get their due in the main roster.
It will be a shame indeed, if they don't.
