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It's the last episode (we think?) from the April 29 Full Sail taping (spoilers for which are here) which starts the build to June's TakeOver in earnest. Here's what to expect from the show.
The Headliner
Last time they fought, Nia Jax pretty much beat Bayley pillar-to-post, but couldn't take the Women's championship off of the Hugster. The then-titleholder NEVER GAVE UP and found a way to lock in a choke hold to escape with her title.
Since then, Bayles met her match in current Women's champ Asuka. She's sitting on a rematch clause, but has seemed hesitant to use it. Nia's noticed that, and has proven she's not afraid to stare the Empress of Tomorrow right in the eye.
Nothing's official been mentioned regarding the stakes of tonight's showdown between the two, but with TakeOver only a few weeks away, you have to believe the winner positions themself for the next shot at Asuka's belt.
The Title Scene
It's all just jockeying for position between now and the as-yet-still-un-subtitled June 8 live special, since we now that not only will Samoa Joe be defending his NXT title against Finn Bálor, but thanks to their Portland brawl, it will be the first time Full Sail lowers a steel cage over its ring.
Judging by the fact that they face each other at almost every house show, you have to think we'll get another rematch in three weeks when it comes to the tag team championship, too. As long as that features reigning titleists American Alpha against former ones The Revival, not too many fans will complain, however. Dash & Dawson tried to distract Chad Gable & Jason Jordan into a loss last week, and declined an invitation to on-screen violence when their attempt failed. Still, it seems we're only awaiting the official announcement for their first match at Full Sail.
Other stuff to keep an eye on:
- His meeting with Regal looked like it might provide Austin Aries with some long-term direction, but he was interrupted by BAMF. At least he's getting something to do right now out of that interaction, since he and a partner of his choosing will battle Blake & Murphy tonight.
- Several guys who are headed to the Cruiserweight Classic have been missing from our screens for a while. Coincidence, or by design? If it's just the former, expect names like Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano & Rich Swann to show up tonight - or at Thursday night's taping.
- Speaking of wrestlers we haven't seen in a while, could Peyton Royce show up tonight? Maybe Billie Kay hasn't been abducted by aliens after all? Dare we hope for an Adrienne Reese debut?
NOTE: Spoilers are out there for these pre-taped broadcasts (including 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.