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WWE NXT proved once again why it is the best hour of television that WWE puts together every week. It is so puzzling that a company that can book such an exciting show fails when it comes to RAW and SmackDown Live.
Whether it was in terms of storytelling or in-ring action or just keeping the action fast-paced, NXT delivered and then some. It is indeed my honor and my pleasure to identify and pick out 5 points that I found particularly interesting from this week's show.
I invite you guys to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts, dear readers. If you caught the show this week, what do you guys think about it?
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And if you did not catch it yet, maybe this review will induce you to start watching NXT again!
#5. Beth Phoenix is the new voice of NXT
Percy Watson has decided to start a new chapter of his career meaning that he will no longer be the voice of NXT. What that essentially means is that Beth Phoenix has joined the desk full time alongside the dynamic duo of Mauro Ranallo and a fellow wrestling legend, Nigel McGuinness.
I've heard Phoenix call matches before and to be honest, I wasn't a big fan of hers during her previous outings. But she seemed much more at ease here with this pair, making jokes and just being herself, and should ease into this role in no time at all.
All of us in Sportskeeda wish Percy Watson all the best for this new chapter of his life and hope that it brings him much happiness. Similarly, let's hope that Beth Phoenix can add a much needed female perspective to the commentary desk, over the following weeks.
#4. A 205 Live star invades NXT
Drew Gulak is no stranger to NXT. Earlier this year, he took on Matt Riddle in an incredible contest that had many in the arena on the edge of their seats. He returned to the brand for an unscheduled (in kayfabe, at least) appearance, watching the Kushida vs. Kona Reeves match.
Is this an indication that Kushida may be headed to 205 Live shortly after his current NXT run concludes? Or is it an indication that Drew Gulak will be a part of NXT, making his transition from 205 Live to the black and yellow brand? Whatever the case may be, I'm guessing that we're in for some exciting times in the weeks to follow.
Kushida and Drew Gulak will also be able to put on some good matches together as their styles will mix up well. I love these crossover programs because of the possibilities!
#3. Shayna Baszler has a new challenger
The next edition of NXT TakeOver will be the 25th edition of the event and will feature some new and exciting matchups. One of the contests to look forward to pits Shayna Baszler against Io Shirai for the NXT Women's Championship.
Baszler had a long and outstanding rivalry with Kairi Sane whom she faced in the first ever Mae Young Classic. But now Kairi Sane is part of the Kabuki Warriors tag team unit on SmackDown Live with Asuka meaning that her best friend has to step up.
Io Shirai is incredible in the ring, maybe even better than Kairi Sane is, and I am totally geared up and pumped for this exciting encounter. Shayna Baszler never disappoints either and so the match is guaranteed to be a treat for fans.
Could this TakeOver event be even better than the last one was, quality-wise?
#2. Chaos in the tag team division
From the opening segment to the main event, the central crux of this week's show revolved around the Viking Raiders. Now the duo is no longer in NXT and has moved to RAW, where they are in line for the tag team championships. They were on the verge of relinquishing their NXT Tag Team Championships when they were challenged by the Street Profits.
And when the main event commenced, it did seem like there were multiple points where it seemed like there would be a title switch. Only the Forgotten Sons would interfere and so would Burch and Lorcan. Earlier during the course of the broadcast, we'd seen the Forgotten Sons enter William Regal's office for being 'forgotten'.
Are all four teams in the title picture in that case? If so, then the 25th edition of NXT TakeOver will be a very exciting show indeed.
#1. Adam Cole gets another massive title shot
Earlier in the night, we saw Adam Cole say that he was the undisputed leader of the Undisputed ERA and not Roderick Strong. Anyone who's followed the show and indeed my reviews over the last few weeks knows that there has been much trouble in paradise.
And then Roderick Strong would return with a flip flop and assure Cole that he had taken care of the Matt Riddle problem. One wonders what fallout the attack on Riddle will have and if indeed, it will spark a Strong vs. Riddle feud in the days that follow.
The good news for Cole is that he gets a rematch with Johnny Gargano at the next TakeOver event. Judging by their last outing, get ready for yet another classic.
Could we finally see Adam Cole become the NXT Champion and the brand new face of NXT?
