Tonight’s show finds us at Full Sail, for the second episode from a taping (spoilers from which are here) which starts the build out from TakeOver: Brooklyn III in earnest. Here's what to expect.
The Headliner(s)
We already know the big news about the NXT Women’s championship. The announce team is playing it straight so we can experience it as unfolds like in the arena, but word that Asuka was vacating the title she’s held for more than 500 days was spread by WWE itself on the night the scene was filmed.
So we can look forward to General Manager William Regal and Triple H being on hand to honor the Empress. But what we really want to know is, will more be revealed about how the next champ will be determined?
Word is they’re considering giving it to the winner of next Tuesday’s Mae Young Classic (MYC) finals showdown. If they go that route, how will wrestlers who’ve been toiling in NXT like Ember Moon and Nikki Cross react? Or does the current roster have no claim to the belts, since they’ve all lost to Asuka during her historic reign?
One things for sure. With this news and an influx of talent coming from the MYC, the women’s division is about to get really interesting...
The Title Scene
When NXT titleholder Drew McIntyre went out to lock eyes with Roderick Strong after Roddy defeated Bobby Roode last week, the fighting champ thought he was just playing mind games with his first challenger. Instead, he found himself taking a beating from Adam Cole, Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly. Mr. Regal chased the invading trio off, and he definitely wants answers. But probably not as much as The Celtic Colossus does.
At least Drew made it through last week’s show. Tag team champions SAnitY were laid out before they even made it into the arena. Eric Young didn’t seem to mind - he might have even liked it - and something tells us EY, Alexander Wolfe and Killian Dain are going to enjoy paying Cole and company back.
Until further notice, Pete Dunne’s UK championship seems to be a NXT title, so we’re tracking it here. Wolfgang believes he’s owed a shot, but the Bruiserweight hasn’t agreed to anything (that we know of).
Other stuff to keep an eye on:
- Hideo Itami is still licking his wounds after being beaten by Aleister Black in Brooklyn, but before that, he put Kassius Ohno on the shelf. Ohno petitioned the GM for a chance at revenge in a No Disqualification bout, and he’s getting his wish tonight.
- The new attitude of Andrade “Cien” Almas resulted in a big win over Johnny Gargano at TakeOver, though his associate Zelina Vega deserves an assist. The duo will try to clean up a blemish on Cien’s record from before they renewed their partnership when he faces Cezar Bononi.
- Since he hasn’t figured out any other way to control Lars Sullivan, Regal booked him in a 3-on-1 handicap match. That should go well...
- After Billie Kay helped Peyton Royce defeat Ruby Riot, will the Punk Rock Ragdoll seek back-up, or continue to go it alone against The Iconic Duo’s numbers?
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See you tonight for NXT, Cagesiders!