Tonight’s show finds us at Full Sail, for the third episode from a taping (spoilers from which are here) that starts the jouney to May’s TakeOver: Chicago. Here's what to expect.
The Headliner(s)
It’s not a NXT title per se, but then the United Kingdom championship gets defended, it happens Wednesday nights on WWE Network.
There hasn’t been a whole lot of build for Tyler Bate’s latest defense, although he and Vince McMahon’s favorite utility man Jack Gallagher had an interesting exchange on last week’s show which established this as friendly bit of sport... but one with a titleholder who may be getting a little too cocky.
Not to be outdown, the Gentleman broke it to Kayla Braxton that he has some tricks up his sleeve for tonight...
Our OTHER main event caliber bout on this loaded episode will be the next phase in establishing Drew McIntyre as one of the faces of the brand. It’ll also further the storyline whereby Andrande “Cien” Almas’ party lifestyle may be stopping him from reaching his full potential in the ring.
This was set-up by a scene which aired last Wednesday. Here it is again in case you’re like me and were too busy giggling over everything Heavy Machinery’s Otis Dozovic was saying to really gauge the tension between Almas & McIntyre...
Whatever storyline goals NXT has for this one, it should be a slobberknocker. So we, dear Cagesiders, will be the real winners in the end.
The Title Scene
NXT champion Bobby Roode may have found his next challenge. His latest speech on his plans for NXT was cut off by Hideo Itami’s music - then the champ’s conciousness was cut off by Itami’s knee when he left the champ laying with a GTS.
We know who wants to end the reign of Women’s titleholder Asuka. After the Empress of Tomorrow resorted to a few dirty tricks to beat Ember Moon at TakeOver, Moon feels cheated out of her destiny. Will the undefeated champ give her another shot, though?
Still waiting on the next challengers for tag champs Authors of Pain, too. Their manager Paul Ellering has been telling everyone the dominant duo is unstoppable... maybe the rest of the division is listening. Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa of #DIY don’t seem like the kind of guys who scare easy, however.
Other stuff to keep an eye on:
- Aleister Black will be in action tonight. Probably only for a brief time, as he’s it looks like he’s following his Orlando win over Cien with a series of squashes.
- Eric Young still hasn’t been pinned or submitted on television since he showed up with SAnitY, but he did take a loss in Tye Dillinger’s farewell last week. How will he, or Killian Dain & Alexander Wolfe, or Nikki Cross, follow that up?
- SAnitY’s psycho isn’t the only name to pay attention to on the women’s scene, either. Her rival Ruby Riot is rapidly rising the ranks, and Liv Morgan & Aliyah earned a surprising win over the Iconic Duo of Peyton Royce & Billie Kay seven days back.
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!