NXT TakeOver: The End took place a week ago, and with the latest WWE Network special in the books, there are some new feuds to be had. NXT Champion Samoa Joe and NXT Women’s Champions Asuka need challengers, Bobby Roode just joined NXT, and the Authors of Pain debuted last week. There are so many directions that NXT can go this week, so let’s see where they decide to go.
Authors of Pain (w/Paul Ellering) vs. Two un-named wrestlers
Last week after American Alpha lost the NXT Tag Team Championships to The Revival, Jason Jordan and Chad Gable were viciously attacked by the Authors of Pain. It is unclear why they attacked American Alpha, and it was revealed that they are managed by the former manager of the Legion of Doom, Paul Ellering.
After a Russian Leg Sweep/Clothesline double team, The Authors of Pain pick up a very fast victory. Winner: Authors of Pain
Carmella vs. Tessa Blanchard
The last time we saw Carmella, she lost a triple threat #1 Contender’s match against Nia Jax and Alexa Bliss. Since Jax lost to Asuka at TakeOver: The End, The Princess of Staten Island can position herself as the next #1 Contender for the Women’s Championship. Tessa Blanchard, on the other hand, has lost every match she has been in on NXT television. A win over Carmella could be the start of something big for the second-generation Superstar.
After a Bronco Buster, Carmella locks in the Cone of Silence (reverse triangle choke) for the victory. Winner (via submission): Carmella
Backstage Segment
Blake and Murphy are being interviewed before their match against TM61. A few weeks ago, Alexa Bliss had enough of Blake and Murphy losing week after week, and left them to focus on her solo career. Blake and Murphy say that there are no problems between them, and that Alexa Bliss was dragging them down.
TM61 vs. Blake & Murphy
TM61, a world renown tag team from Australia, made their NXT debut against Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa. Gargano and Ciampa would end up defeated TM61, so a win here could get Nick Miller and Shane Thorne back on the right track.
After a vicious double team to Blake, TM61 get the pinfall and pick up their first victory since debuting in NXT. Winners: TM61
Backstage Segment
About a month ago, Bayley took a surprising loss to Nia Jax, and has been out of action ever since. Bayley says in an interview that next week there will be an update on her condition, which will determine how soon she can get back into the ring.
Andrade “Cien” Almas vs. Tye Dillinger
Last week, Tye Dillinger was given the task of facing Andrade “Cien” Almas in his debut, and Almas picked up the victory. Tye Dillinger called that loss a fluke, and hopes to win in his rematch tonight. The self-professed “Perfect 10” was on a winning streak before facing the former luchador last week. Now that Dillinger has an idea of what Almas brings to the table, he is better equipped to pick up the victory tonight.
After knocking Dillinger into the corner, Almas hits running double knees to pick up a second consecutive victory since debuting. Winner: Andrade “Cien” Almas
In-ring Segment
The former NXT Champion, Finn Balor, comes down to the ring to address the NXT audience. Last week, Balor lost an NXT Championship steel cage against Samoa Joe, and there have been plenty rumors of him getting called up to the main roster, so at any point, it could be the last we see of Balor in NXT. The Full Sail University crowd clearly has heard these rumors, chanting “Thank you Finn,” and “Please don’t go.” After Balor wonders what is next, Shinsuke Nakamura makes his way down to the ring.
Nakamura sets his sights on the NXT Championship, but in order to prepare himself for the title shot, he has to fight the “icon of NXT.” The King of Strong Style has answered the question of “What’s next for Finn Balor?”
