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What's the story?
In two weeks, Philadelphia will host the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view. As is customary, this Big 4 pay-per-view will be preceded by a huge NXT Takeover.
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Two matches were made official for NXT Takeover: Philadelphia this week. They are Ember Moon vs Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women's Championship and The Undisputed ERA vs Authors of Pain for the NXT Tag Team Championship.
In case you didn't know...
NXT Takeovers usually set the pace for the weekend to follow. Some of the events are of such a high calibre that they eclipse the main roster event around which the weekend is planned.
Ember Moon, the current NXT Women's Champion has been rather disapproving of Shayna Baszler's methods where she bullies younger talent with her array of submissions. As for The Undisputed ERA, they've had a target on their back ever since they won the gold.
The heart of the matter
Lacey Evans picked up a victory over Aliyah this week and laid her out in the middle of the ring. Shayna Baszler stepped into the ring to choke her out. Poor Aliyah!
This incensed NXT Women's Champion Ember Moon, who challenged Baszler to a contest and even said she'll put her title on the line.
Shayna Baszler said she did not have her ring gear on, and therefore, William Regal made the match official for NXT Takeover: Philadelphia to kick off Royal Rumble weekend.
The Authors of Pain took on The Street Profits to determine who would go on to face The Undisputed ERA at NXT Takeover: Philadelphia.
It was, quite honestly, a one-sided affair and it will be the Authors of Pain heading out to the big stage.
What's next?
We cannot wait for the build up in the coming weeks, as the storylines for these two monumental matches will pan out on NXT TV.
Author's take
I'm always pumped for an NXT Takeover. While the Royal Rumble is one of my favourite pay-per-views to watch, I'm sure that NXT will pull out all the stops to make the Takeover a memorable affair indeed.
Add the fact that Aleister Black will take on Adam Cole and that Johnny Gargano will square off with Andrade 'Cien' Almas as well, and you've got a really solid card to go!
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