In just three days, NXT takes over Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It will feature the return of Mickie James, the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Finals, perhaps the last NXT match for Samoa Joe, and a 2 out of 3 falls Tag Team Championship match. Tonight’s episode of NXT, however, features the portion of the roster that will not be competing on Saturday. This episode features the return of Elias Samson, Liv Morgan vs. Billie Kay, and Andrade “Cien” Almas taking on Cedric Alexander.
Liv Morgan vs. Peyton Royce (w/Billie Kay)
Ever since Liv Morgan challenged Asuka to a non-title match several weeks ago, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce have been mocking, teasing, and attacking her. The most recent incident in their feud was in a match between Aliyah and Billie Kay. After the match, the four women would brawl, but Royce and Kay still ended up on the winning side.
Liv Morgan seems to have Peyton Royce put away with a guillotine choke, but Billie Kay interferes before Royce can tap. They beatdown Morgan after the match, and Aliyah comes down this time to even the odds. Royce and Kay still take it to their two rivals, but Ember Moon comes out of nowhere to singlehandedly take out the two attackers. Winner (via disqualification): Liv Morgan
Elias Samson vs. Nathan Cruz (Local Talent)
Elias Samson has been out for months due to injury, and in the words of Bobby Roode, it has been glorious. Before his return match, Samson sat on the stage and sung a song while playing the guitar. He has not been missed.
After a spinning neckbreaker (a more impactful Cross Rhodes) to Nathan Cruz, Elias Samson gets the pinfall and heads to the back not a moment too soon. Winner: Elias Samson
Backstage Segment
Aliyah, Liv Morgan, and Ember Moon lay down a challenge to Peyton Royce and Billie Kay. They want Kay and Royce to find a third partner and come find them. This could be an opportunity for NXT to debut a new woman to their seemingly empty division. It would not be surprsing if NXT General Manager William Regal decided to make this 3 on 3 women’s tag team match another part of the NXT TakeOver: Toronto card.
Video Packages
In order to get the fans hyped for NXT TakeOver: Toronto on Saturday (as everyone should be), we see video packages for the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Tournament Finals (The Authors of Pain vs. TM61), The Revival vs. DIY, Bobby Roode vs. Tye Dillinger, and the main event, Shinsuke Nakamura defending the NXT Championship against Samoa Joe.
Andrade “Cien” Almas vs. Cedric Alexander
A couple months ago, Cedric Alexander made his NXT debut and had a great match against Andrade “Cien” Almas. After the match, Almas would show Alexander in a sign of respect, then the two would end up teaming in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Unfortunately, the makeshift team would end up losing in the first round, and Almas was not happy. After their loss, Almas would end up attacking Alexander from behind and assaulting him outside the ring. Weeks since the attack, Alexander finally has a chance for revenge.
Cedric Alexander manages to hit the Lumbar Check on Almas, but the former luchador rolls to the ropes. Almas takes advantage when Alexander comes over to him at the apron, and finishes the former Cruiserweight Classic competitor with a hammerlock DDT to pick up the win. Winner: Andrade “Cien” Almas
With tonight’s quality show featuring the “undercard” of WWE’s developmental brand, it goes to show how great the talent competing in Toronto actually is. While names like Asuka, Shinsuke Nakamura, and The Revival are headlining this weekend, the NXT Superstars competing tonight definitely have potential to find a spot on an NXT TakeOver special soon enough. Throughout the week, we will have a preview (along with predictions) and a recap for NXT’s show that has a big chance to outdo Survivor Series the following night.
