Before we even commence with our 5-point countdown this week, we begin with an overall observation about the brand in yellow. NXT already feels very different from the past year, with a different theme song, newer faces and a much fresher presentation across the board.
It feels like a re-energized show with men and women who’re looking to transform NXT into a brand new entity. So, without any further ado, let’s revisit this week’s episode and pick out 5 points that we found to be fascinating.
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#5 The party never stops for Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas
Drew McIntrye took on Andrade ‘Cien' Almas in singles competition this week. To no one’s surprise, Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas lost the match, in almost no time at all.
It is clear that the company wants McIntyre to be the next top face and possibly get a championship opportunity in the near future. Almas’ path is a lot more uncertain and hence, far more interesting. It seems like he’s come into his own as the heel playboy, who is distracted in the ring and parties through the night, even after a loss. This is a story that began after Andrade’s loss to Aleister Black at NXT Takeover: Orlando, after Tom Phillips insinuated that Andrade’s partying ways were distracting him from his actual in-ring pursuits.
It is clear that this angle will culminate in some storyline development for Andrade over the months that follow. We are curious to find out where he heads next (in his career, and not with the ladies in the limo).
#4 The party never even began for Kona Reeves
Aleister Black is probably the most enigmatic man in professional wrestling. His meditative stance coupled with his lightning quick fists and feet make him a deadly warrior in NXT’s ranks. While this week's match lasted a little longer than the one last week, with Kona Reeves taking the offence to Black straight away, the conclusion was very much the same.
The Dutch native is a trained kickboxer, and as a consequence, his flamboyant strikes seem like poetry in motion. We wonder if Black will be NXT Champion some day.
#3 Roderick Strong shared a dark secret
Everyone knows that Roderick Strong is one of the best workers in the whole world. So far, that’s all we knew about the ‘Messiah of the Backbreaker’. This week, we took a look into his past and found out that his youth wasn't all fun and games. He had a troubled childhood with parents who had serious drug and alcohol issues. Like so many other sports entertainment superstars, professional wrestling eventually saved his life.
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This was the first glimpse of the rugged exterior behind the man called Roderick Strong. We commend NXT for finally showcasing another aspect of the man’s life and trying to do something different. This is a welcome change, and we look forward to Part II next week. Character development for the other superstars on the roster can help them too!
#2 William Regal made a huge announcement
The landscape of the women’s division is very interesting at this very moment. As we evidenced in this week's episode, Nikki Cross and Ruby Riot hate each other's guts. Peyton Royce and Billie Kay are feuding with Aliyah and Liv Morgan right now. And at the top are Asuka and Ember Moon. Now that Asuka has surpassed Goldberg's winning streak (the end of a 17-year-old record), it's time to find out who will finally bring her down.
William Regal solved the problem for us, with a very special announcement this week. Twenty women will compete in a Battle Royal, and the winner gets a title shot against The Empress of Tomorrow. We think it will also be a prelude for the Women's Wrestling Tournament that WWE has planned. Watch out, Asuka.
#1 The battle of the Englishmen
The main event this week was a solid match at best, but it wasn’t your typical all out crazy NXT main event that the brand is known for. Tyler Bate still retained his title and made us wonder if Jack Gallagher will compete for the United Kingdom Championship in the weekly show that will air on the WWE Network. Will it fare better than 205 Live in terms of viewership?
Pete Dunne seems like the most compelling character in the entire division. We are confident he’ll be the top heel in the brand, once the show airs.
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