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Tonight’s show finds us at Full Sail, for the third and final episode from a taping (spoilers from which are here) which will take us all the way to May 20’s TakeOver: Chicago. Here's what to expect.
The Headliner(s)
We’ve been wondering what exactly is up with Kassius Ohno ever since he returned to WWE.
It looked like he was being set-up for at least one big match with Shinsuke Nakamura, but that never materialized. Then he got a shot at Bobby Roode’s title on a regular episode of NXT - and lost clean. His TakeOver debut was as a “mystery partner” replacement on the Tye Dillinger team that lost to SAnitY.
But, hey, he ran that Elias Samson character out of town.
Andrade “Cien” Almas’ recent history looks just as puzzling on paper, but at least they’ve put a story behind it. The handsome luchador loves partying more than he cares about wins and losses. But that doesn’t stop him from talking trash... which is what he brought up Ohno’s recent track record to that not-so-young Knockout Kid last week.
So, General Manager William Regal made this match for tonight, and WWE.com’s official preview says he’ll be watching it closely to see if either man is deserving of moving up the card.
It probably won’t get either of them on the card for this Saturday’s TakeOver: Chicago, but it’s better than nothing.
The Title Scene
When he delivered a Go 2 Sleep to Roderick Strong in last week’s main event, Hideo Itami earned a shot at Bobby Roode’s NXT championship. That will happen on May 20, and the Glorious One probably isn’t thrilled about it, seeing as he was knocked loopy by the Itami’s finisher the last time they were in the ring together.
Undefeated Women’s titleholder Asuka doesn’t seem to concerned with anything, especially after she injured Ember Moon and took her out of a planned Fatal 4Way for Chicago. Her remaining two opponents are no laughing matter, but Ruby Riot and Nikki Cross might be too focused on one another to dethrone the Empress.
Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano stated their case for a “clean” rematch against tag champs Authors of Pain, and they got their wish. Even better, Regal didn’t really like Paul Ellering’s threatening tone, so he added a stipulation which seems to favor #DIY over the monstrous Akam & Rezar and made it a ladder match for this Saturday.
Other stuff to keep an eye on:
- After last week’s show went off the air, Eric Young brought out his group SAnitY and took out some frustration on Strong. Roddy demanded the GM give him a chance for revenge. Tonight we should find out what form that chance will take, and when it will go down.
- The UK title will be defended at TakeOver, and last week we got some promo videos focused on champ Tyler Bate & challenger Pete Dunne. Ahead of Friday’s airing of the show where the Bruiserweight earns his shot, expect some more hype tonight.
- Former tag champ Wesley Blake has some issues with Drew McIntyre, a man who’s working his way toward a singles title shot on NXT.
- During the women’s battle royal a couple weeks back, the newly re-named Lacey Evans (Macey Estrella) and Sonya Deville (Daria Berenato) did not seem thrilled with each other when they were sent to the floor by Peyton Royce.
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!