Welcome to another review of NXT. Now that we’ve got that mediocre post TakeOver episode out of the way, we can now move on to actual story progression. With an added bonus of a new theme for NXT. Resistance by the band Powerflo is more appropriate for the show, definitely gets you more pumped for the episode. So with that out of the way, let’s take a look at what happened this week on NXT.

Tommaso Ciampa limped his way down to the ring. He seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders as he addressed the NXT crowd. But this slowly turned into delight as he stated Johnny Gargano wasn’t going to be there. He addressed the NXT crowd for thinking that they could leave Ciampa as an afterthought and think of a new partner for Johnny. Even going as far as to know Johnny would replace him after their loss. I’ve not heard about any of this so this was news to me, and if makes Ciampa come across as deluded.

The delusion of a conflict within the team is interesting, that this inner rage never presented only just now bubbles up to the surface was really well done by Ciampa. Although, I don’t know if this was intentional or I’m giving the writers too much credit… Oh, and Both Ciampa and Gargano are injured so we probably won’t see them fight until the next takeover.

VIDEO PACKAGES (With a hint of British Style)

Paul Ellering in a spot light telling us of the authors of pain. The book of dominance has opened. I for once actually enjoyed this segment focusing on the AOP, they’ve been set up as these monsters that are not going to let go of the top spot they currently reside on. Which means when we finally see them toppled by an up and coming team, they’ll get to be known as the people that took out the top guys.

MATCH 1: PETE DUNNE VS DANNY BURCH

Burch proved to be a difficult opponent as he used Dunne’s joint manipulation to his own gain. Dunne, on the other hand, lived up to his British Strong Style slogan and viscously battered Burch. In all fairness, while Dunne did get a fair amount of offence. Burch seemed to be fairly even as he managed to scrape himself back up and use just the amount of momentum he needed to get ahead.

But it was not to be for Burch as Dunne hit the Bitter End and won the fight. It’s great to see more of Burch and he’s allowed more room to breathe and work. Plus this was followed up by Pete Dunne grabbing the mic and saying;

“History will remember that the WWE UK brand officially started when (the championship) and everything that comes along with it was owned by Pete Dunne”.

I love him as champion, he’s saying all the right things and he’s able to carry himself so well. All hail Pete Dunne.

INTERVIEWS

– Bobby Roode announced that he’s going to have a championship celebration. But you’re not invited. (Nah nah nahnah nah)

– The Velveteen Dream was going to be interviewed but he wasn’t happy with the ambience so he’ll maybe comeback when it’s to his liking. Not really much to say about his character so far, but he’s slowly getting across that pretentious attitude well.

MATCH 2: ANDRADE ‘CIEN’ ALMAS vs CEZAR BONONI

Andrade spiced stuff up very early on as he relentlessly attacked Bononi. He used a lot more kicks in his move set than usual. It may be that those constant losses due to Almas’s antics at night clubs and lack of seriousness started to get to him. What may have been the final nail in the coffin for Almas’s lifestyle was when Bonini actually got the pinfall thanks to a roll up.

Would an upset win get to Almas? It didn’t seem to after he left the ring so we may see the trigger for him to unleash his aggression very soon.

BACKSTAGE SEGMENTS!

While Billie Kay & Peyton Royce were filming themselves picking out the best spot in the gym. (We really need them back in the ring, I miss their antics). Ember moon walks on by and it’s revealed that she is medically cleared to fight again. Take a guess who’s going to be first on her list.

We found out during NXT TakeOver Chicago, Itami didn’t take his loss too well and wrecked the locker room akin to Tommy Wiseau in The Room.

MATCH 3: ERIC YOUNG & ALEXANDER WOLFE vs RODRICK STRONG & KASSIUS OHNO

Well technically this should be a three on two as before you know it, Killian Dane interfered and have SAnitY the advantage after Strong & Ohno had been dominating. Momentum was on the side of SAnitY as they always managed to keep Ohno away from the tag.After what felt for a lifetime, Roderick Strong finally got into the match and started going all offence, taking everyone down. The match started to get pick up the pace and soon it all seemed even surprise No Way Jose came down to take out Killian Dane.

I mean has SAnitY become less threatening? Maybe, it doesn’t look good for them to eat two losses one after the other. Especially after the storyline they just had with Tye Dillinger. It’s still early to say, I just hope we don’t get a 50/50 booking situation where both opponents look strong but ultimately takes away any tension due to either side being weak in one way or another.