Best and Worst of WWE NXT - Samoa Joe cleared, Huge betrayal ends 18-month partnership

#1 Best: Samoa Joe vs. Karrion Kross is official for NXT TakeOver 36

TICK. TOCK. ⏰We're counting down the seconds until @SamoaJoe and @WWEKarrionKross throw down at #NXTTakeOver 36 on Sunday, August 22. #WWENXT @RealKingRegal pic.twitter.com/ZZBm73Qls1

— WWE (@WWE) July 28, 2021

The biggest positive from this week's episode of NXT was the confirmation of Samoa Joe's in-ring return. It has been 18 months since his last match, which is incredibly long for a man with such talent. Joe will challenge Karrion Kross at NXT TakeOver 36.

The two-time NXT Champion quit his position as William Regal's enforcer before being reactivated as a member of the roster. This development allows for a natural conclusion to this saga between Joe and Kross, which has been the perfect way to re-introduce him to the black and gold brand.

While Samoa Joe actively sought out a match against Karrion Kross, the NXT Champion was nowhere to be seen. His absence was understandable, considering this episode was taped along with the next. However, a short reaction to the announcement of the TakeOver match would have been nice.

#ThankYouRegal. #NXTTakeOver #WWENXT @SamoaJoe @RealKingRegal pic.twitter.com/btWY4ArYnp

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) July 28, 2021

Anyway, Kross and Joe look set to deliver a worthy conclusion to what has been one of the most intriguing angles in NXT in the past couple of years. The former's victory over Keith Lee on RAW was a positive step too, following last week's faux pas involving Kross and Jeff Hardy.