Even though WWE taped this episode of NXT one month ago today, it will still be a show worth watching. Two big title matches are planned and neither of them will disappoint. Shinsuke Nakamura is still recovering from his tweaked knee on the televised storyline even though he’s been showing up at NXT live events and received one of the coolest birthday celebrations we’ve ever seen at a live show.
So, don’t expect to see the King of Strong Style except for maybe in a clip showed during the broadcast, but the matches which are on the show are certainly can’t miss.
Patrick Clark was a standout in the last season (maybe ever) of Tough Enough, and when he was eliminated from the competition many fans thought it was a total wasted opportunity to sign such a talented young man. Clark showed his passion for the business every week he competed on the reality show, therefore it was no real surprise when he signed a developmental deal with WWE to train at the Performance Center full time.
Clark has showed worlds of improvement as well and even won a battle royal at an NXT house show to earn the chance to face Nakamura in the main event. Although he might have lost that match, he will win on NXT in a match against Sean Maluta.
Sean is the current World Xtreme Wrestling Heavyweight Champion and a member of the Anoaʻi family wrestling dynasty, so he’s no slouch. He competed in the Cruiserweight Classic last summer, and although he was unsuccessful in the opening round against Kota Ibushi, he certainly turned heads. Expect to see much more from Maluta in the months and years to come not only due to his family lineage, but also his supreme gift of professional wrestling ability which is ingrained in his DNA.
The Empress of Tomorrow, Asuka has been running roughshod through every woman on NXT she’s encountered so far. The Former Kana is a hair away from toppling Goldberg’s streak which is practically unheard of due to it’s length. But, if anyone can do it she can.
Peyton Royce won the chance to challenge Asuka for her NXT Women’s Championship, and while she is unsuccessful in this attempt her fellow countrywoman and confidant Billie Kay will assist her in beating down Asuka after the match.
Ember Moon runs in for the save which sets up a very interesting dichotomy seeing how Moon is seemingly being poised to challenge Asuka at Takeover: Orlando for her title.
The main event of the evening will see #DIY try to get their NXT Tag Team Titles back from The Authors of Pain. Although Gargano and Ciampa seem ready for a main roster jump any time now, another team who is also more than ready for the ‘big show” makes their presence known in the match.
Just as Team DIY looks as if they have things under control, The Revival run in and attack both teams leaving the main event a no-contest. We have previously reported the plan for the NXT Tag Team Championship match at Takeover: Orlando will see AOP facing both #DIY and The Revival in a tag team elimination match for the titles and this will set that up nicely.
Tune in tonight to NXT on the WWE Network at 8pm to catch all of this amazing action.
