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NXT's new logo has been subject to a lot of talk online, but the change is yet to be made. This is still the black and gold brand which delivers a lot of cool matches and moments.
This week saw the continuation of the fallout of NXT TakeOver 36 while setting up an exciting immediate future. A couple of title matches have been made for next week's episode, while several others could take place in the coming month.
Quite a few former Champions could return to their glory days in NXT as it heads into a tunnel of uncertainty. A lot of things worked out this week, but there were a few issues largely subject to the storytelling.
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Here are the main positives and negatives of this week's episode of NXT. Be sure to give your thoughts on the show in the comments.
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#3 Best/Worst: Johnny Gargano and Dexter Lumis have an interesting dynamic on NXT
As the wedding between Indi Hartwell and Dexter Lumis approaches, Johnny Gargano has tried to accept the couple. The two of them accompanied him to the ring for his match against LA Knight on NXT.
This led to some comedic shenanigans involving Gargano and Lumis, who tried to get in sync multiple times. The latter and Hartwell continued to steal the show with their love story, distracting Johnny Wrestling quite a few times during the match.
The former NXT Champion shared a great contest with Knight, with the two going back and forth in the ring. That was until the finish, which saw Dexter Lumis save Johnny Gargano from a fall before inadvertently distracting him long enough for LA Knight to pick up the win.
While the distraction finish was poor, the circumstances surrounding it were interesting.
NXT can do a lot more with Gargano and Lumis. Hopefully, we get to see some more comedy from the two of them before InDex officially ties the knot in two weeks.
#2 Best: Kay Lee Ray sets up multiple matches for herself
Former NXT UK Women's Champion Kay Lee Ray is now a part of the black and gold brand, and is already making an impact on the show.
She had a confrontation with Raquel Gonzalez after the Women's Champion's win over Dakota Kai at NXT TakeOver 36 and was impressive in the ring two nights later. The Scottish Superstar is a great addition to a stacked women's division.
This week, Kay Lee Ray showcased her personality in an interview and had some strong words for the NXT women's locker room. She essentially set up matches with the likes of Ember Moon and Io Shirai. In fact, Ray will face Moon next week. It will be a solid contest between two great wrestlers.
#2 Worst: Mandy Rose's NXT return match has an odd finish
Mandy Rose wrestled her first match back in NXT, taking on Sarray. The match was pretty solid, but it ended abruptly. The Joshi star sent Rose out of the ring with a devastating dropkick, after which Gigi Dolin and Jacey Jane covered the former WWE RAW star's face with a towel.
The two carried Mandy Rose to the back, gifting Sarray a countout win. While both women were protected, this finish was weird. It came out of nowhere and continues the confusion surrounding Rose's NXT return. She might even get a new gimmick immediately, based on the supposed damage done to her face.
#1 Best: Tommaso Ciampa moves a step closer to "goldie"
Tommaso Ciampa teased a return to the NXT Championship scene last week as he stood tall alongside Samoa Joe after chaos broke out. He may want the belt once again in a bid to re-establish himself as the top dog on the brand. Ciampa was phenomenal as NXT Champion in 2018 and 2019.
The Blackheart may have taken a major step towards "goldie" with a big win over Ridge Holland in the main event of NXT. While Joe did not come out during the show, he would have noticed that statement performance. Tommaso Ciampa's intensity here was off the charts.
#1 Worst: Did Ridge Holland have to lose so soon after returning to NXT?
The downside to Ciampa's win in the main event of NXT was the surprising loss of momentum for Ridge Holland. The big man only recently returned from a long-term injury and looked to make a huge impact alongside Pete Dunne, Oney Lorcan, and Danny Burch. But he's already been beaten.
Ciampa could have looked strong without beating Holland, who has been presented as an absolute star on NXT. He should have been hyped up to the point where a victory over him is a major deal. We will see how Ridge Holland bounces back from this latest setback.
The group could get back on track next week, as Lorcan and Burch take on MSK for the NXT Tag Team Championships.
