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(s)
It’s been over a year since Hideo Itami underwent shoulder surgery. The Japanese Superstar was riding high, having just debuted on the WrestleMania pre-show in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and looking to become a fixture of the NXT title scene.
In kayfabe, he was written off with a parking lot attack. That prompted a lot of fantasy booking (the main theory being it would be the means by which Finn Bálor either turned heel or discovered he’d lost control of “The Demon”), but no official resolution.
Reports from house shows say Itami hasn’t missed a beat, so we should expect him to get right back into the swing of things. Will that include solving the mystery of who attacked him? After the brand split draft, there aren’t a lot of guys left at the PC from that time, but there a few interesting prospects... or Hideo could chase some suspects all the way to Raw.
The other name we know is showing up tonight isn’t a return, even though he too has been getting rave reviews on the house show circuit. No, NXT decided to debut Bobby Roode off television first, but that changes tonight. What will the Glorious One get up to when he finally hits WWE screens?
Is there time for either or both to make it onto the TakeOver: Back to Brooklyn card?
The Title Scene
He felt Shinsuke Nakamura was beneath him, but General Manager William Regal didn’t give him much of a choice. Now Samoa Joe’s knows he’s defending his NXT championship against the King of Strong Style on Aug. 20.
Bayley has finally informed Mr. Regal she’s ready for her rematch from Dallas. Unlike with Joe, the GM wants to check with Women’s titleholder Asuka first. How can the Empress of Tomorrow say no?
Since beating new SmackDown Live stars American Alpha, The Revival have been busy with #TopGuy things. But Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano were quick to remind Dash & Dawson of the times they’ve beaten the tag champs - and look to be angling for another opportunity, this time with the belts on the line.
Other stuff to keep an eye on:
- There will still be dancing, but No Way Jose is done playing games with Austin Aries. The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived hasn’t responded to being chased from the arena, but that should be forthcoming.
- A win last week seems to signal Billie Kay’s time as enhancement talent is over, and a teaser video for Ember Moon means a babyface rival is on the way for the Femme Fatale.
- The Authors of Pain took pleasure in dismantling Chad Gable & Jason Jordan, but we still don’t know what Paul Ellering’s plans for his newest hosses are.
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!