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After a lot of criticism surrounding the brand recently, WWE NXT came out swinging with a great episode. The in-ring action was particularly impressive, with several stars being put over this week.
Besides WALTER's glaring name change to GUNTHER, the brand has generally done well. New stars are constantly being created, keeping the show strong even if multiple established names move to RAW or SmackDown.
The next special show has been announced too. Vengeance Day will take place in three weeks, and quite a few matches already seem set in stone. Also, the news of WWE NXT Stand & Deliver taking place in Dallas comes as massive encouragement for the brand.
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Anyway, here are the main positives and negatives from this week's episode of WWE NXT. Leave your thoughts on the show in the comments section below.
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#3 Best: Solo Sikoa has a breakout showing on WWE NXT
One of the high points on WWE NXT this week saw Solo Sikoa enjoy a breakout performance against Boa. The two concluded their intense rivalry with an entertaining Falls Count Anywhere Match.
The action traveled across the arena and backstage. Boa and Sikoa flung each other from pillar to post, eventually making their way back to ringside. The Anoa'i family member paid tribute to his late uncle as well.
Sporting Umaga's face paint on the left side of his face, Sikoa truly felt like the former Intercontinental Champion. He showcased his brutal side, eventually winning with a splash from the top rope through a table outside the ring.
Jimmy and Jey Uso will surely be proud of their baby brother after that. Solo Sikoa's stock continues to rise as he becomes a major player. Big things are in his future, both on this brand and beyond.
Expect a North American Championship win in the short-term, while the long-term could see him join Roman Reigns and The Bloodline on SmackDown. The future is bright for Solo!
#2 Best: MSK advanced in the Dusty Classic on WWE NXT
WWE NXT opened with a brilliant tag team match as MSK began their journey towards a second straight victory in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Wes Lee and Nash Carter shared the ring with Kushida and Ikemen Jiro, who promptly reminded everyone how good they were in the ring.
Despite their questionable team name, Jacket Time had a great showing. They pushed MSK to their limits and nearly upset them as well. But the right team won. The former Tag Team Champions should reach the final, following a great start to the tournament.
#2 Worst: Cora Jade's attempts to team with Raquel Gonzalez
We've already seen enough female tag teams where one partner isn't interested in teaming with the other. Io Shirai and Zoey Stark are still carrying that in vein, but now, Cora Jade is trying to get Raquel Gonzalez on her side for the Women's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Aside from being repetitive, this seems like a waste of both performers' potential. Jade doesn't benefit from begging Gonzalez to team with her, even if it will likely end well for her.
However, at this point, the former WWE NXT Women's Champion would be better off leaving the brand for good and debuting in the Women's Royal Rumble Match. She could make a major impact on Saturday.
#1 Best: Tommaso Ciampa joins Bron Breakker's side against Legado del Fantasma
Bron Breakker is set to have a long and strong WWE NXT Championship reign. The start couldn't be much better, as Santos Escobar is a great name to put against the second-generation star.
The two had a promo battle this week, which kicked off with the mention that both stars come from wrestling families. Escobar eventually challenged Breakker to a tag team match next week, pointing out his lack of friends. Tommaso Ciampa joined forces with Bron at the end of the show.
He saved his ex-rival from a beatdown at the hands of the trio, and they seem to be on the same page. It's a good move for The Blackheart, whose chances on the main roster seem uncertain as of now.
#1 Worst: GUNTHER explains his name change on WWE NXT
Fans did not take kindly to WALTER's sudden transition into GUNTHER, as it seemed like WWE was shunning The Ring General's previous accomplishments. He already has an established legacy in NXT UK, which makes this move frustrating.
This week saw an attempt to explain it, with GUNTHER saying he and Imperium are closing the door on the past. It remains to be seen how the future pans out for them. Hopefully, the European trio is booked well beyond their time on the WWE NXT.
