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Last week, the NXT Universe turned topsy-turvy as a brand new champion was crowned. This week dealt with the aftermath of the same and was equally as exciting. NXT continues to remain one of the most consistent brands in wrestling. Every week that I tune in, I know that I'm in for a treat.
What did you think of this episode? Do you think that NXT has been consistently putting out better shows than the main roster, like the internet seems to? What do you think NXT does differently that the main roster doesn't?
Leave a comment in the section right below, folks. Do you think that TakeOver in Brooklyn will be able to outshine SummerSlam when the bell does ring?
Before I get carried away any further, here are 5 points I noted from this week's NXT episode!
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#5 Aleister Black delivered his vengeance
Tommaso Ciampa came out to gloat this week, after winning the NXT Championship from Aleister Black last week. The chorus of boos was deafening with some audience members getting in his face to tell him off. It is amazing how the beloved #DIY superstar has become such a dreaded heel in almost no time. And then he cut a promo.
Johnny Gargano would have none of it, really. As Aleister Black's music hit and he strode to the ring, Gargano outraced him and chased Tommaso Ciampa away through the crowd. As Gargano reminded Ciampa the only reason he was NXT Champion was because of him, Black dropped him with a massive Black Mass of his own.
And then, for a change, the entire NXT Universe turned their backs on Gargano as they said- 'You deserve it', quite vehemently. I wonder if this means a shift in character for Johnny Gargano.
#4 Invoking the rematch clause for NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn IV
Moustache Mountain became NXT Tag Team Champions not long ago in the UK. They would defend the titles in the US where they lost to the Undisputed ERA in a hard-hitting contest where Bate threw in the towel. This week, they took on the enhancement talent duo of Matt Knots and Brandon Taylor and made short work of them. And then they issued their challenge for TakeOver!
The War Raiders reminded them soon enough that they would be targetting whoever emerged victorious after the events at TakeOver transpired. Looks like the tag team division is perhaps the hottest that it has ever been. The tag team match at TakeOver has the potential to possibly steal the show.
I have a feeling that The Undisputed ERA have this match won. There is far more equity in keeping the titles on the heels from a long-term storyline perspective, in my honest opinion.
#3 Two more TakeOver matches confirmed
EC3 and Kona Reeves took each other on in a singles match that EC3 seemed to have well under control. And then, The Velveteen Dream would interfere and invite EC3 to The Dream's World. Despite the interference, Kona Reeves did not stand a chance, really. EC3 defeated him with One Percent!
And then the match was made official for Brooklyn. The Velveteen Dream and EC3 will take each other on at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 4 in a match for the ages!
#2 And more interference!
This week's action got off to a fabulous start with Heavy Machinery taking on The Mighty. While Heavy Machinery obviously had the size and strength advantage, The Mighty evened the odds with some fabulous technical wrestling of their own. And then we saw The Street Profits partying in the NXT Universe.
Remember how Tucker Knight had been attacked in the backstage area? All the evidence had pointed towards The Mighty as the attackers, back then. Knowing how NXT books feuds, the answer may not be as simple.
This is a pretty interesting development and I wonder how it will play out over the long haul now. I must say that I am certainly in for the ride.
#1 The match of the night
To the best of my knowledge, Candice LeRae and Shayna Baszler have only worked once together in the past. And yet, their chemistry was absolutely fabulous to see. I really did think that Baszler has grown into her character fantastically and LeRae went toe-to-toe with her, with her wealth of experience. The result was a fantastic contest.
There was a point when LeRae seemed to have the match won. She delivered an Unprettier on Shayna Baszler, leaving her prone on the mat. Instead of a pin, she went for a Quebrada.
But she missed with the move and got caught in the Kirifuda Clutch from Baszler. And that was the end of that story!
I'm sure Baszler and Sane will tear it up when TakeOver comes around on SummerSlam weekend this month.
