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It's the second episode from the July 13 Full Sail taping (spoilers for which are here), where TakeOver: Back to Brooklyn’s card was really set-up. Here's what to expect from the show.
The Headliner
TOMORROW: The contract is written and ready for @WWEAsuka and @ItsBayleyWWE's signature on @WWENXT! #NXTTakeOver https://t.co/mnjD1W3KkA
— WWE (@WWE) August 9, 2016
WWE is only hyping one angle in their preview, and if you saw last week’s edition of NXT, it’s totally deserving of that focus.
After their first match in Dallas featured very little in the way of build (beyond the “dream match” booking which was a theme for that TakeOver), Women’s champion Asuka and the woman she beat for that belt, Bayley, have been kept away from one another. We got occassional interviews with the Hugster where she’d comment on her progress toward exercising her rematch clause, and her matches were clearly working toward the point where she’s challenge Asuka again, but that was it.
All that changed last week. Prompted by Bayley informing General Manager William Regal she’d was ready to fight for the belt, the Empress of Tomorrow interrupted one of those backstage talking segments. What followed was three minutes which included more build than the weeks leading up to their April 1 battle.
The champ proved that she’s willing to take things further than a traditional babyface as she stretched Aliyah while staring down Bayley. And our heroine stood up to her - albeit in a way which exposed there’s still a little nervousness when it comes to the woman who made her pass out four months ago.
Tonight, they’ll be back in the ring together to ink the deal for this long-awaited rematch.
The Title Scene
NXT champion Samoa Joe is handling being booked into a TakeOver: Back to Brooklyn defense by Regal in a similar manner. Neither the GM nor #1 contender Shinsuke Nakamura were around last week, but Joe made sure both of them got his message when he destroyed SmackDown’s own Mojo Rawley.
The only title bout for Aug. 20 which isn’t yet official if the one for the Tag Team Championship. Currently titleists Dash & Dawson keep making the case that no one is in their league, but now that Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano not only have a win over The Revival, but a show-stealing performance in the Cruiserweight Classic and a viral sensation on their résumés, expect Mr. Regal to step in here soon.
Other stuff to keep an eye on:
- Speaking of that viral sensation, Bobby Roode is a big part of the #GLORIOUSBOMB craze, and not just for his badass theme song. The It Factor nailed his introductory promo at Full Sail. Question is, how do they build on it, and will he actually be jeered - even after his expert takedown of wrestling fans - after a weekend where the internet wrestling community marked out for him with every other Tweet?
- The mystery of who attacked him in the parking lot last Spring remains, but Hideo Itami is back! Now, can he find his way onto the TakeOver card?
- Ember Moon will... although what she’ll be doing remains as mysterious as everything else about the former Athena’s character at this point.
- Last we saw Austin Aries, No Way Jose was chasing him through the seats. These two seem destined for a match in New York, as soon as the very busy General Manager gets around to it.
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.
See you tonight for NXT, Cagesiders!