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Tonight’s show finds us at Full Sail, for the third episode from a taping (spoilers from which are here) which continues the build toward November’s TakeOver: War Games. Here's what to expect.
The Headliner(s)
It’s time to start determining the other three women who will battle with Mae Young Classic (MYC) winner Kairi Sane in Houston next month to become the next Women’s champion. It’s also probably a chance for the powers-that-be to figure out where the division’s roster stands.
Tonight’s first Triple Threat qualifier features two women who had high profile shots at Asuka during her reign, and one who got knocked out in under two minutes when she faced the Empress of Tomorrow back in August of 2016.
Peyton Royce and Nikki Cross are rarely off television for long, and coming out of a weeks long angle which saw creative embrace Cross’ role as a fan favorite (something they’ve been doing with her entire SAnitY stable). Royce and her Iconic Duo partner Billie Kay lost that feud with Nikki and her reluctant ally Ruby Riot, as they do most of their feuds, but both Australians are farther along than past call-ups Alexa Bliss and Carmella, and those ladies have done well for themselves on the main roster. Liv Morgan is the youngest of tonight’s competitors, but she’s also failed to move up the card despite having been signed the longest.
Who makes it through to the final will probably clarify these wrestlers roles over the next six months or so, and possibly their WWE future. In the case of Peyton and Nikki, a win here could be a sign they’re sticking around the NXT title scene. A loss will increase speculation a promotion is imminent. For Morgan, while it’s doubtful she goes over here, if she’s booked to look strong, her stock might be rising. If she’s just here to take a pin...
The Title Scene
Sportsmanship prevailed for Roderick Strong after a hard fought battle with NXT titleholder Drew McIntyre, but it didn’t keep him from listening to what The Undisputed Era had to say afterwards. McIntyre is understandably wary of Adam Cole’s motives, so he’ll be watching along with the rest of us to see what Roddy does now.
Speaking of Cole and his boys Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly, they’re also beefing with tag champs SAnitY, and hold the upperhand thanks to a singles win by AC over Eric Young. Of course, Young, Alexander Wolfe and Killian Dain also have to keep their eyes open for former champ’s Authors of Pain. Akam and Rezar have been missing in action since Brooklyn, but they do have a rematch coming.
Other stuff to keep an eye on:
- Johnny Gargano has been trying to rebuild his reputation, and his confidence, as a solo star. Toward the end, he asked General Manager William Regal for a chance to avenge his TakeOver loss to Andrade “Cien” Almas. Regal and Andrade’s associate Zelina Vega accepted, but Ms. Vega and Cien don’t need help with their confidence that the outcome tonight will be the same as it was in Barclays.
- Our cries have been (partially) heard. Lars Sullivan isn’t going two-on-one with the brawling dream team of Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch yet, but he the eloquent giant will face Burch tonight. Maybe we’ll get that handicap match later on down the road, If Danny survives.
- Poor Lio Rush’s debut ended up as collatoral damange in Velveteen Dream’s quest to get Aleister Black to acknowledge him. After the stoic wouldn’t even look at the man he still calls “Patrick”, what will Dream try next?
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!