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NXT 2.0 continued its trend of solid action and storyline progression this week, with yet another entertaining two hours of wrestling. It kicked off on the right note, as a cold open set up a tasty main event title match and a major twist at the end.
The rest of the show was pretty eventful, continuing the build to Halloween Havoc. We will see the return of 'Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal' - the popular concept from last year's edition.
Meanwhile, Bron Breakker could become NXT Champion at Tommaso Ciampa's expense. Also at Halloween Havoc, we will be seeing a debut or return based on a mysterious vignette. Who could it be?
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NXT has a lot going for it right now across the board. While not perfect, the recent character introductions have proven to be pretty successful so far. This week was no exception, as we will get to.
Let's take a look at the main positives and negatives of this week's episode of NXT 2.0. What did you think of the show? Give us your thoughts in the comments below.
#3 Best/Worst: An interesting start to Harland's NXT 2.0 career
NXT 2.0 started with everybody's favorite PC enthusiast in the ring, as Joe Gacy promised his snowflakes that he would defeat Tommaso Ciampa. However, the ring was not his "safe space" tonight. The NXT Champion defeated Gacy to keep him out of the title picture for Halloween Havoc.
However, the main talking point of this ordeal came after the match. Harland flattened Ciampa outside the ring. Joe Gacy survived the same fate by running his hand down the big man's cheek. Harland had a confused look on his face before simply running away.
As of right now, we are just as confused. It doesn't make sense for such a menacing figure to act like that but this could set up something interesting with Gacy, who is subtly turning more psychotic every week.
If the budding angle is booked well, NXT 2.0 has something great on its hands. This seems like a good way to further distance Harland from the Brock Lesnar comparisons that could have hampered him.
#2 Best: The women of NXT 2.0 impress
This was a strong week for the women of NXT 2.0. There was development all across the board, unlike on RAW and SmackDown.
We saw the in-ring debut of Ivy Nile, who showcased her unbelievable strength, submitting her opponent with an effortless Torture Rack. The female member of Diamond Mine is called The Pitbull for a reason. Big things are in her future, especially with the charismatic Malcolm Bivens by her side.
Meanwhile, Toxic Attraction cut another menacing promo. They will look to hold all the gold at Halloween Havoc. Mandy Rose challenged Raquel Gonzalez for the NXT Women's Championship, while Jacy Jayne and Gigi Dolin are going after the Women's Tag Team Titles.
#2 Worst: A forced Squid Game reference
Lashing Out with Lash Legend has done well to showcase the personality of NXT 2.0's newest female star, but the content of the mini-talk show hasn't always been the best. In an attempt to be as current as possible, a Squid Game reference was shoehorned in.
Legend compared the WWE Draft to the popular Netflix series, much like how she took "credit" for social media crashing a week ago. These forced references to trending topics aren't doing her any favors.
#1 Best: Carmelo Hayes swerves Scott on NXT 2.0 to become North American Champion
NXT 2.0 ended with a delightful twist that caught everybody off guard. When Legado del Fantasma attacked Hit Row and kidnapped them in the cold open to the show, it seemed inevitable that Santos Escobar would win the NXT North American Championship from the SmackDown-bound Isaiah 'Swerve' Scott.
However, Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams helped to even the odds and oversee Scott defeat Escobar to retain his title. This was not at all expected, nor was what came next. The NXT Breakout Tournament winner cashed in his contract for a title match immediately after the match.
This was essentially the first Money in the Bank cash-in in NXT 2.0 history, as Hayes put Isaiah 'Swerve' Scott away to become the new North American Champion. Following an unpredictable end to his title reign, Scott is free to move to SmackDown alongside Hit Row.
#1 Worst: Pete Dunne should have moved to SmackDown too
On the subject of NXT 2.0 stars moving to SmackDown in the WWE Draft, Ridge Holland is on his way to the blue brand too. He will leave Pete Dunne behind, which should not be the case. Instead of losing to Kyle O'Reilly and Von Wagner, the pair could have been gearing for a move to the main roster.
The Bruiserweight has nothing left to do on NXT 2.0 unless he defeats Tommaso Ciampa or Bron Breakker to win the title. He is ready to make the move up, with SmackDown calling out for an established name like Dunne to add some depth to the roster.
Several dream matches against the likes of Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura, among others, could have enticed him on the blue brand. Pete Dunne simply should have been drafted alongside Holland.
