The episode of NXT that is aired on the heels of a Takeover is usually not eventful at all. This episode, while in the same vein, signalled some changes that will transpire in the long run, on WWE’s third brand.
On the surface, this episode just had three matches, recaps of the action from Takeover, and interviews with the winners from the mega event. At the same time, there was an underlying theme that ran through the episode- seeds of events that would bloom over the next few months, as full-fledged storylines and feuds. Let’s analyse the happenings from the Allstate Arena in Chicago and identify 5 vital points.
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#5 WWE’s next big breakthrough star?
We could be wrong, but we genuinely think that WWE believes in the enigmatic Aleister Black. Not only do his strikes look absolutely vicious, but the way he goes from meditative state to dangerous mode is also almost artistic. Black has had a match on the main roster already where he defeated Curt Hawkins on Main Event. This week, Hawkins returned to NXT to seek his revenge on this dark and mysterious Dutch character.
Hawkins’ gimmick right now is that whoever takes him on, eventually becomes a big time star. Black has the makings of a breakthrough superstar on both brands. Of course, he can contend for the NXT Championship in the coming months, but we can imagine an alternative scenario as well. Since he’s already made his main roster debut, we won't be surprised if he’s called up very soon indeed. He’s got a great gimmick, some great looking moves and a load of natural charisma.
#4 Ember Moon was rooting for Asuka
At this point, we wonder if Ember Moon would have been your NXT Women's Champion had she been healthy at Takeover. In this week's episode, she made a confession. While Ember Moon was aware that Nikki Cross and Ruby Riot could have taken Asuka's championship, she was pulling for Asuka because Moon wanted to take the championship from the undefeated superstar. As Asuka grows more confident by the week, Moon grows ever so determined to end her streak.
Asuka sent out a tweet citing Goldberg as an inspiration, and Goldberg replied saying that his streak was in good hands. Is it only until the next Takeover event, when Moon presumably gets her hands on the NXT Women's Champion yet again? Or will Asuka go to the main roster undefeated?
#3 NXT’s version of Punjabi Celebrations?
This week on SmackDown Live, we saw WWE Champion Jinder Mahal celebrate his title win, with ethnic Indian pomp and splendour. Bobby Roode has his own celebrations happening next week when NXT returns to Full Sail. While Roode has said that he will name his new contender as and when he chooses to, we are certain that this angle will be the catalyst for his next title match program.
The main issue for Roode is that there are several challengers for his crown in NXT as of this moment. With Roderick Strong mentioning the NXT Championship in the promo he cut this week as well, we wonder who will rise to the challenge after Itami? Speaking of Jinder Mahal, maybe it will be his best friend who takes Bobby Roode’s championship from him.
#2 An underwhelming main event
For a man who was a former tag team specialist to get so much offence over Drew McIntyre, the man we think will challenge Bobby Roode next for the NXT Championship, was criminal. Wesley Blake is a decent wrestler at best, and while every episode of NXT has had a fantastic main event since the ‘new era' began...this one was quite underwhelming.
McIntyre has a great look, he is a fabulous worker inside the squared circle and could very well be your next NXT champion. Blake has a long way to go before he can even cement his place as a legitimate NXT mid-carder.
#1 The Goldust of the modern era?
We all know Patrick Clark. We saw him first on Tough Enough where he did not fare well at all. He had a brief run in NXT where he teased the ‘Velveteen Dream’ gimmick, but the company did not run all the way with him.
After weeks of vignettes, The Velveteen Dream made his debut and impressed us against Robert Anthony, showing a natural fluidity in the ring that is surprising for someone so young. If he grabs the brass ring, he could certainly be the Goldust of the new era, with his rather flamboyant gimmick.
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