This weekend, we will witness the first ever Network Special from NXT’s new era- NXT Takeover: Chicago. Based on how NXT has transformed itself from the lethargy that seemed to have engulfed the brand last year to the awesomeness we see on a weekly basis since Wrestlemania, we are confident that Takeover: Chicago will even overshadow Backlash.
All of the professional wrestling world is buzzing with the news that Adam Cole might arrive in NXT and become a top star. However, there was one pit stop before Takeover: Chicago, and we bring you 5 points to note from the go-home show of NXT.
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#5 Bobby Roode went to sleep; yet again
At Money in The Bank 2011, CM Punk defeated WWE Champion John Cena to take his crown, by making him ‘go to sleep’. Why is this relevant? Because at the same venue, the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, crowd favourite Hideo Itami emerges to challenge the devious NXT Champion Bobby Roode. And yes, he does have a familiar finishing move as well.
Roode was cutting a promo on Hideo Itami in the middle of the ring when he got a tad too personal, attacking Itami's family back in his homeland, Japan. Itami came to the ring, sidestepping General Manager William Regal, battling security and ultimately delivering the ‘GTS’, one more time, to the NXT Champion.
Traditionally, whoever has the upper hand on the go-home show loses at the pay-per-view. However, considering it is Chicago, it would be a travesty to see Itami not win with a GTS. For once, we have no idea who will be victorious in the match at hand, and we could not be any more excited.
#4 Yet another sensational main event match
Ever since Wrestlemania, almost every episode of NXT has had an explosive main event. This week was no different, with Kassius Ohno and Andrade ‘Cien' Almas putting on a show for the ages. Ohno’s new gear is a lot more flattering to his not-so-chiselled physique, and we are quite grateful.
Ohno moves very fluently for a man of his size, and as Almas has proved time and again, he’s one of the best workers in the world. It’s a tragedy that neither man is on the Takeover: Chicago card, but we’re certain that they are destined for great things in WWE.
#3 Big match set for next week
Drew McIntyre, bloody and bruised, defeated Sean Maluta from the Cruiserweight Classic but showcased just how athletic he is for a man his size in the process. He also had his eye busted open, which was a hideous sight. However, the big news at hand is that McIntyre will be kept away from the NXT title picture for the time being and will compete with Wesley Blake in a grudge match next week. Aleister Black will be in action too, so we’re certain that next week may just be as good as this week was, if not better.
Also read: 10 Superstars that will lead NXT into a new era
#2 Fresh faces took center-stage
NXT’s Women’s Division was in a shambles, not so long ago. Thankfully Asuka, Ember Moon, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce rehabilitated it before it became a complete washout, building the division from scratch.
Sonya Deville and Lacey Evans are two promising names in the women’s division, the former playing an MMA trained combat specialist (she was earlier known as Daria Beranato) and the latter playing a ‘lady’, with a military background. These girls are certain to spruce up the women’s division and take it to new heights in the coming months.
#1 Big match added to NXT Takeover: Chicago
People familiar with Roderick Strong know what an asset he can be to any roster, in any promotion across the wrestling fraternity. The same is true for Eric Young, a veteran who's been part of several memorable storylines and matches. The two men take on one another, in the only non-title match at NXT Takeover: Chicago.
This match is a direct consequence of an unprovoked attack by SAnitY on Strong after the hard-hitting main event match last week. To be fair, this match has the potential to be the show stealer if one were to look at the entire card and analyse it. Will Roderick Strong finally get his moment of fame?
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