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Here's what to expect with the second show from the Friday, Jan. 22 taping at University of Central Florida's CFE Arena in Orlando (spoilers for which are here).
The Headliner
A new No. 1 Contender for the #NXTTitle will be decided TOMORROW as @SamoaJoe & @iLikeSamiZayn do battle on #WWENXT!https://t.co/SnkhW2Icdw
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 16, 2016
When Samoa Joe, Sami Zayn & Baron Corbin each had legitimate claims to #1 contender status, General Manager William Regal put them in a Triple Threat match.
Corbin tapped out while in a Sharpshooter from Sami and a crossface from Joe. Regal reviewed the tape, listened to the cases made by the wrestlers and rendered a decision - Zayn will face former the former TNA & Ring of Honor World champ one-on-one for the first time in their careers, and whoever emerges from that bout on tonight's show gets the next crack at Finn Bálor.
Neither man is happy about the decision (and the Lone Wolf is REALLY not pleased), but they're ready to do battle... and we're in for a treat.
The Title Scene
NXT champ Finn Bálor is nursing an ankle sprain, but it doesn't look like it will effect any storylines. Not only does the brand have episodes in the bank all the way to April's TakeOver: Dallas, but the Irishman was on social media earlier this week talking about working this weekend's house shows.
Fresh off another great performance against her bestie Carmella, Women's titleist Bayley needs to keep her head on a swivel. Though she's beaten each of them during her reign, Eva Marie & Nia Jax came looking for trouble while the Hugster celebrated. But more importantly and anxiety-inducing for Bayles, was the possessive look Asuka gave the strap when she came to run off Eva & Nia - a duo she has beef with as well stemming from January's battle royal.
Dash & Dawson will wear the tag belts to the ring in the other featured contest on this episode, but not to defend them. They'll be climbing into the ring with six other competitors who'd like to claim their titles. Former champs Blake & Murphy will team with the Mechanics in an eight-man against their old rivals Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady and the hottest team in NXT, Chad Gable & Jason Jordan of American Alpha.
Other stuff to keep an eye on:
- Honestly not sure how many shows they're chopping the Rumble weekend event up into, but Austin Aries debut is coming up soon. I know because there's a shirt I can buy that says so.
- While we await an official announcement of what was teased at the end of the last episode, there are numerous females in need of a feud or angle... including BAMF leader Alexa Bliss, the Aussie newcomers Peyton Royce & Billie Kay, Aussie veteran Emma and, soon, her partner in crime Dana Brooke.
- Maybe we can get some more info on, or at least a cool teaser for, Global Cruiserweight Series? It's NXT adjace, right?
NOTE: Spoilers are out there for these pre-taped broadcast (like here), but many Cagesiders don't partake. If you are going to post or discuss spoilers for this show before they happen, or results of future shows, please use the spoiler bar in your comment.