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Tonight’s show finds us at Full Sail, for the fourth episode from a taping (spoilers from which are here) which takes us all the way to TakeOver: WarGames. Here's what to expect.
The Headliner(s)
There was a really nice storyline going for what would eventually be the NXT championship match on Saturday, Nov. 18 in Houston. Titleholder Drew McIntyre will fight anyone who asks him for a shot. He acknowledged the impressive win streak of Andrade “Cien” Almas as being worthy of an opportunity, but he wanted El Idolo - and not his associate Zelina Vega, to make the request.
For some reason, an announced segment where Almas would do just that was pre-empted by General Manager William Regal booking a TakeOver match before they came face-to-face. That segment became a contract signing which worked around that development by taking the unusual step of having McIntyre sign first backstage. Andrade then attacked Drew as he was carrying the paperwork to the ring, signed and bounced.
Which brings us to tonight’s top angle for the ‘go home’ show... a face-to-face between champ and challenger. Better late than never, I suppose. And this has been a compelling angle - mostly for the great build of Almas since the arrival of Zelina - regardless, so whatever they give us here will just be icing on the cake.
The Title Scene
It is curious they chose to not send it home for TakeOver with last week’s ending, which was saw a grudge match between Undisputed ERA’s Adam Cole and Roderick Strong devolve into a melee between all three squads that will enter the cage on Saturday night - tag team champs SAnitY, Strong’s partners The Authors of Pain and Cole’s ERA mates Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish.
With WarGames’ Women’s title Fatal 4Way set, the contenders have been getting warm-up matches. After Nikki Cross made quick work for Taynara Conti and Mae Young Classic (MYC) winner Kairi Sane put the elbow to Billie Kay as her Iconic partner Peyton Royce looked on, Ember Moon will try to prove to Mercedes Martinez - and the ladies she’ll battle at TakeOver - that she has what it takes to win the big one.
It’s not going to make the WWE Network broadcast on Sat., Nov. 18, but fingers crossed we get to see it on one of the Wednesdays after. UK titleholder Pete Dunne is defending his belt against Johnny Gargano in Houston. This seems like a tough way for Johnny to get his groove back, but it should be a heck of a match.
Other stuff to keep an eye on:
- Tino Sabatelli and Riddick Moss apparently also share a very nice suit, but Street Profits are tired of being dismissed when they’re only trying to admire some quality merchandise. We finally get a match between these two up-and-coming tag teams tonight. Doesn’t seem we’re getting a Dusty Rhodes tag classic in 2017, so glances at the next wave like this and last week’s Heavy Machinery squash will have to do for now.
- Velveteen Dream has Aleister Black’s attention, now can he get him to say his name? Dream got a chance to strut his stuff in advance of this weekend’s live special when he took care of Cezar Bononi last Wednesday. Black may get his chance here... or the laconic bad ass may just roll into WarGames. Probably best to let him do whatever he wants.
- A match which does need some kind of build for Saturday is the last one announced. Lars Sullivan is a hulk with a temper who’s been wrecking tag partners and opponents alike. Kassius Ohno is a veteran on a roll looking to prove he’s still got it by taking out the monster. The backstory is good, but some heat-creating interaction between the two would be nice.
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See you tonight for NXT, Cagesiders!