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NXT TakeOver: Chicago is a thing of the past, and a new season of NXT is currently in progress. This week's show gave us a glimpse of what to expect before Brooklyn comes around. There were new feuds and programs. There was much of the same too!
So what were the highlights of this week's episode? I shall provide a rundown in this article. I invite you to leave your thoughts and comments below, as well!
NXT is the hottest brand in wrestling, it has often been said. It is clear to see why because they put on incredible shows, every single week.
Here is my take on the events that transpired this week.
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#5 A new beginning for Candice LeRae
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Anyone that's followed Candice LeRae's career in the independents knows just how good a performer she truly is. She's also Mrs. Johnny Gargano, and unfortunately for her, thus far, she's only been a side character in the hottest rivalry in sports entertainment. However, I think things are about to change soon.
LeRae took on Lacey Evans in a singles match where she clearly went in as the underdog. After all, Evans has been on a dominant streak lately and she was significantly larger than LeRae at the very first glance. And yet, LeRae scored pretty comprehensive victory with a gorgeous springboard moonsault.
Following the match, she made it clear that the Ciampa vs. Gargano rivalry was long behind her. She would focus on her own goals, dreams and aspirations and was now gunning for the top prize in the black and yellow women's division- the NXT Women's Championship currently held by Shayna Baszler. I am very keen to see just how she fares as a singles superstar.
#4 A brand new challenger for the NXT Champion
This week on NXT, Aleister Black came out and the crowd was hot for him, fresh off his victory after NXT TakeOver:Chicago. And then, this hot crowd booed Tommaso Ciampa just as soundly as they cheered for their champion. Ciampa then asked Black if he was ready to take on 'The Devil'. This could be a fantastic program.
The master of mind games, Ciampa then sat on the floor, cross legged, like Aleister Black has been known to do. An incensed black almost walked up the ramp to answer the challenge, but Ciampa retreated from him in the very nick of time. As good as Ciampa vs. Gargano was, this could be a fantastic follow-up rivalry, going forward.
One may argue that Ciampa does deserve a shot at the championship considering he did score an important victory in the main event of NXT TakeOver: Chicago. Can you imagine Ciampa as the new NXT Champion?
#3 Gargano is still upset
So, I just spoke about how Gargano's wife has moved on from the highly emotional feud with Ciampa. From the looks of it, so has Ciampa. However, Gargano is still upset that he suffered a defeat at Chicago and he spoke about how both men were at one win apiece. Gargano wanted his hands on Ciampa again.
William Regal would not hear of it and booked Gargano in a match against EC3 next week. This will be a fun match, but I have a feeling that Ciampa and Gargano are far from done.
#2 Far from the finest
Kona Reeves is a physical specimen and it is clear why he's getting a push. This week, he took on Max Humberto in a short squash match. Unfortunately for him, the crowd was heavily in Humbero's corner.
Reeves is a man who has a long way to go before he can actually do justice to his flamboyant gimmick. It is easy to see that it doesn't come naturally to him. Someone like The Velveteen Dream lives his gimmick, while Reeves is trying hard to even understand his.
It is easy to sometimes forget that NXT is also a developmental brand. I wonder if Reeves will grow into this gimmick or if NXT will choose another gimmick better suited to his ability.
#1 Yet another fabulous main event!
Moustache Mountain upset The Undisputed ERA to win the NXT Tag Team Championships in the UK. Needless to say, Cole, Strong and O'Reilly were not very pleased. The men attacked the enhancement talents scheduled to face Moustache Mountain this week. Ricochet came down to even the odds and set up a big match.
The 6-man match that ensued was a splendid affair at every level. Ricochet was the standout performer in the match. This man moved like he was performing in a video game!
Even as the 'one and only' chants sounded in the arena, The Undisputed ERA picked up the win. Does that mean they get a shot at the prestigious titles?
Only time will tell!
