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Hey - we're back in Full Sail! It's the first episode from the January 27 taping (spoilers for which are here) which should take us all the way to TakeOver: Dallas. Here's what to expect from the show
The Headliner
Last Spring, Samoa Joe debuted in NXT by rushing in to protect an injured Sami Zayn from destruction at the hands of NXT champion Kevin Owens. From there, he tried to play the good soldier, earning a shot at the prize for which he signed with the brand. But when a title opportunity he felt he'd earned by winning the Dusty Rhodes tag classic with Finn Bálor was put up for grabs, Joe snapped. He hasn't ripped the belt away from his former tag partner yet, but he has ripped his way through the roster trying to get another shot.
Zayn spent most of 2015 recovering from the shoulder injury he was suffering from when Joe made his first appearance at Full Sail. Since returning, he's been working toward his goal of becoming the first two-time NXT champ, and he hasn't allowed the frequent reminders from the Samoan Submission Machine about his debt to dissuade him.
They tried to determine who should get the next match against Bálor in a Triple Threat, and ended up both making Baron Corbin tap. They went one-on-one, only for it to end with both sets of shoulders on the mat for a three count. Tonight, one of them will need two victories. But whoever does that will earn a championship match in Dallas.
Having shown up on Raw this past Monday, Sami looks to be headed for the call-up. But rumors of promotion have followed Joe since his arrival as well. Don't look to outside factors for answers. This will have to be settled in the ring.
The Title Scene
After a hard fought win over Neville last week, NXT champion Finn Bálor will have the night off, but will be watching the main event intently - and may even be up for a staring contest with the winner.
The next phase in the Women's title program looks like it will be next week, as General Manager William Regal has paired Bayley with her presumptive next challenger Asuka for a tag showdown with their mutual rivals Eva Marie & Nia Jax.
Business will pick up in the men's pairs division on Saturday, when the increasingly personal feud between tag champs The Revival and Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady heads to Roadblock.
Other stuff to keep an eye on:
Can't say you weren't warned, @RealKingRegal! #WWENXT #EyeForAnEye @BaronCorbinWWE pic.twitter.com/s7RCNK3Xis
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 3, 2016
- Regal is pissed about Corbin's actions last week, but not more than Austin Aries. Look for the Greatest Man Who Ever Lived to kick off his first program in NXT on his way to getting revenge against the Lone Wolf.
- He keeps drifting to increasingly more sadistic wins over enhancement talent. When will Elias Sampson's first feud begin?
- There's a lot of jockeying for position in the tag ranks for the right to face whichever team leaves Toronto with the straps. Hype Bros are looking to get their win back from the increasingly unhinged former champs Aiden English & Simon Gotch, and everybody's watching out for the hottest team in NXT, American Alpha.
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.