Another week, another episode to look forward to of NXT. We finally get the triple threat match for the NXT Women’s Championship. Additionally, more story development as we currently build towards the next big takeover. How does it hold up? Let’s take a look.

MATCH 1: DREW MCINTYRE vs ROB RYZIN

What summarised this match perfectly was the moment when Rob spouted off at Drew, saying he isn’t afraid of some big dude. This was then immediately followed up with McIntyre’s boot to Rob’s face, flooring him. From then on out, Rob probably regretted ever saying anything as he got tossed and tumbled. McIntyre is being consistently fed easy opponents at this point and there’s a question looming over all of this. What is the plan for him? So far nothing of note has really happened for him. If this is killing time until they can get him into the title picture? I hope it doesn’t last too much longer.

MATCH 2: AUTHORS OF PAIN VS ANTHONY DOMINGUEZ & WILMER FREYDAY

We got another squash match as Akem single handily took out the jobbers. But then continued to decimate them after the match had ended. There wasn’t really anything much to this match except to confirm that Heavy Machinery are the next contenders for the Tag Titles. Paul Ellering rattled off the names of teams they have taken out, stating that Heavy Machinery will be nothing but a footnote.

Whilst a fight didn’t break out when Otis and Tucker came out to stare down the AOP, We pretty much know that these will be in a match at the next big takeover for the titles. Do I think they stand a chance? Unlikely. But, crazier stuff has happened.

RECAPS!

After last week’s appearance, Rodrick Strong decided to finally get the nerve to stand up to Bobby Roode and give him a piece of his mind… Over Twitter. Nothing says bravery like being salty over Twitter, Roddy.

MATCH 3: RAUL MENDOZA VS VELVETEEN DREAM

Once again we got another one-sided match with Velveteen picking up the win. Although this one had a lot more on offer in terms of athletic ability. We haven’t seen Mendoza since the CWC but at least he was able to show off a little during this fight. Plus, this is all just to build up Velveteen. Overall, pretty harmless.

VIDEO PACKAGES

– Sonya Deville may be getting a decent push if the response to her video is well received. I know I’m definitely interested in what she has to offer. She has this bad ass persona which works for her.

– Ember Moon is set to return next week and has set her sights on taking down Peyton Royce. This’ll just ease her back into NXT, then we can go back to the Ember vs Asuka plot line.

INTERVIEWS!

After last week’s incident where Itami relentlessly attacked Oney Lorcan, Kassius Ohno regretted going down to Itami’s level and knows he’s frustrated. Ohno then announced that spoke to Regal and will have a match next week with Aleister Black.

MATCH 4: NXT WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP [TRIPLE THREAT ELIMINATION MATCH] ASUKA vs RUBY RIOT vs NIKKI CROSS

Fortunately, this match was given a good amount if time to do entertain the audience and put on a good performance. Asuka, Nikki and Ruby all managed to get an advantage throughout and we had some smart continuity. Nikki and Ruby are aware of Asuka’s overconfidence and even managed to defend themselves against her predictable moves. If Asuka continued to assert herself as the best but didn’t adapt, then she would surely lose her place atop the women’s division. But, as we’ve seen before, Asuka is intelligent and knew to roll out the ring if someone managed to get a finisher on her.

Riot was the first to be eliminated and now we finally had Asuka and Nikki one on one. Two aggressive forces collided with furious strikes and hard-hitting kicks. Even as the match poured onto the outside, the intensity continued. But strangely, the match ended in a no contest as both Nikki & Asuka brought there fighting backstage. After multiple bashes, a close drowning, and throwing themselves through a table. Both women finally stopped and couldn’t fight anymore.

We all knew really that Asuka wasn’t going to lose her belt, and this way we can still protect her reign, her streak, and avoid making Nikki Cross look weak. This was an entertaining main event and now I’m really really wanting Nikki vs Asuka one on one in a no DQ match. This has 5-star written all over it.