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I wouldn't say that this was one of the better episodes of NXT that I've watched but I'll say this for sure. This was an episode that was shorter than usual, so the action did not feel boring at all.
I would dub this episode the calm before the storm, so to speak considering that NXT TakeOver XXV is coming our way this very weekend. There was an ominous feeling that a dam was about to break and engulf us from head to toe in breakneck action.
That did not happen on this episode until the very end but it was still a pretty good watch. In case you missed it, here's a recap of everything that happened and a short analysis of the highlights I've identified.
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#5 Mia Yim scores a massive upset over Bianca Belair
So, there is Shayna Baszler on top of the food chain in the NXT Women's Division. Then there is Io Shirai who will be taking her on for the Championship at NXT TakeOver: XXV in what should be a very thrilling match between two highly gifted ladies. I see this as the third tier of the women's division, where Bianca Belair is competing for one remaining spot, with Mia Yim nipping at her heels.
Not long ago, we saw Bianca Belair pick up a big win over Yim, using her hair to her advantage. Well, the scores were settled this week and it took two Eat Defeats to do so. Bianca Belair rolled out of dodge on the first occasion but couldn't do so on the second one.
One of these women should be in the title picture soon following this upset. I wonder which one will get the initial push for the NXT Women's Championship.
#4 Kushida's streak of victories continues
Former NJPW star Kushida has been on a roll ever since he came to NXT. It is clear that WWE sees him as their next big star and he could be in line to become a future Cruiserweight Champion. 205 Live needs a big name after losing Buddy Murphy, Cedric Alexander, and Ali, meaning Kushida would be the right person to fill the void.
Kushida would take on a 205 Live superstar in Drew Gulak on this episode of WWE NXT and wrestle a methodical mat contest. It isn't the kind of match that would have worked on any other brand but WWE NXT. But the crowd was into it from bell to bell as the two men displayed their immense talent.
Not surprisingly it was Kushida who picked up the win. I wonder what is next for the man, following this big victory.
#3 Beth Phoenix has a long way to go as an announcer
Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuinness have a very different approach when it comes to calling NXT matches. The two of them treat every match as a real, unscripted sport and not sports entertainment per se like the main roster announcers usually do.
Which is why it would be unfair to compare just about anyone to the two of them, quite honestly. Even Percy Watson struggled to keep pace with them in the beginning until he found his footing by honing his craft.
I regret to say that Beth Phoenix seems absolutely lost at the commentary desk next to these two gentlemen. This was very evident during the Gulak vs. Kushida match where she just seemed a step or two behind (sorry, Def Leppard).
Hopefully, she improves with time and can bring the energy to the table as Ranallo and McGuinness do!
#2 Io Shirai finds a new ally
Io Shirai gave the Horsewomen hell when she attacked them with a kendo stick not long ago. However, Shayna Baszler and her cohorts were not really bothered as they knew that she wouldn't be able to bring a weapon to the NXT Women's Championship match at TakeOver: XXV. Moreover, Baszler reminded Shirai that she has no friends left in the business.
Io Shirai was part of an interview with Cathy Kelley when she found an unlikely ally. Candice LeRae assured Shirai that she has the Japanese Superstar's back. Finally, at long last, it does seem like the numbers advantage of the Horsewomen may not be such a threat.
But then, will WWE go all the way and decide to make Io Shirai the face of the NXT Women's Division already? Many feel that a paradigm shift is needed and so, this could very well be the case.
#1 The Undisputed ERA is on the same page once again
So, for the last few weeks, everyone has been wondering if The Undisputed ERA can be a cohesive unit again. It did seem like there was a battle for the leadership of the faction between Adam Cole and Roderick Strong.
Thankfully, the group seems to have ironed out their differences as Jaxson Ryker from the Forgotten Sons would find out first-hand in the main event match, that ended with no result. The cameras went off the air with the Undisputed ERA standing tall, and as it stands, almost each of them has the chance to win gold at TakeOver.
AEW Double or Nothing was certainly a really good show but I wonder if TakeOver will be better. The storylines are all in place for a massive clash.
Happy 25th birthday to the brand that has kept our interest in sports entertainment alive even when the main roster hasn't- NXT.
