This week on NXT, there is no marquee match that is heavily advertised before the show, but it is still one worth watching. Asuka makes her return, Johnny Gargano competes for the first time since TakeOver: Chicago, and Aleister Black faces another surprise debuting opponent.
Johnny Gargano vs. Raul Mendoza
At NXT TakeOver: Chicago, Johnny Gargano was betrayed and assaulted by his former tag team partner and best friend, Tommaso Ciampa. Gargano was not seen in NXT for weeks since the attack until recently where he cut a promo looking towards the future. Tonight, however, is the first match for Gargano since the NXT Tag Team Championship Ladder Match in Chicago.
Johnny Wrestling’s opponent tonight is Raul Mendoza, who like Gargano, competed in the inaugural Cruiserweight Classic last year. The Mexican luchador had a great showing of his technical and aerial abilities, but he would end up losing to The Brian Kendrick. Since then, Mendoza has occasionally appeared on NXT as an opponent for developing stars.
After gaining the advantage over Mendoza, Gargano locks in his version of a crossface in the center of the ring, giving Mendoza no choice but to tap out. In a bit of a side note, it is cool that Gargano’s entrance is sung by a woman. Winner (via submission): Johnny Gargano
Announcements
At NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III, The Authors of Pain will defend the NXT Tag Team Championship against Killian Dain and Alexander Wolfe of SAnitY.
In an interview with Bobby Roode, Roode announces that next week, he will have a “sit down conversation” with Drew McIntyre, who will challenge him for the NXT Championship at TakeOver: Brooklyn III. Also next week, the Street Profits will finally make their in-ring debut. Also ALSO next week, Andrade “Cien” Almas takes on No Way Jose.
Asuka Makes Her Return
Several weeks ago, Asuka [barely] successfully defended her NXT Women’s Championship in a Last Woman Standing match against Nikki Cross. Since that victory, she decided to take a little vacation until she found a “worthy opponent.” Last week, General Manager William Regal chose Ember Moon to face Asuka in Brooklyn, so the Empress of Tomorrow is back to respond.
The champion says that just like their last clash, she will defeat Ember Moon for the second time, saying that Moon “is not ready for Asuka.” Moon comes to the ring and responds, saying that the WWE Universe knows she is ready. Asuka slaps Moon after faking her out with a handshake, then after they brawl, Asuka throws Moon out of the ring. While Asuka is celebrating, Moon climbs on the turnbuckle and hits the unaware champion with the Eclipse.
Sonya Deville vs. Jenna Van Bemmel
Over the past few months, there has been a slow build developing Sonya Deville. Deville has an MMA background and she is known for her strikes. This week, she faces Jenna Van Bemmel, who has never been in NXT before, but she has a size advantage over Deville.
Van Bemmel gets a running attack in the corner, and when she tries to capitalize, Deville counters into a triangle choke/armbar and forces Bemmel to tap. Winner (via submission): Sonya Deville
In-ring Segment
Hideo Itami takes a microphone to the ring and demands respect from the WWE Universe. However, he is taking away time from the upcoming match, so Aleister Black makes his way to the ring. Itami tries to sucker punch him before leaving, but he immediately eats the Black Mass spinning heel kick.
Aleister Black vs. Kyle O’Reilly
A few weeks ago, Aleister Black defeated Bobby Fish, who made his surprising debut that night. Fish is most notable for his work as a tag team wrestler in the team reDRagon. Fish’s partner through all of his success, Kyle O’Reilly, also makes a surprising debut against Aleister Black. Along with his tag team accolades, O’Reilly has held the Ring of Honor World Championship and the PWG World Championship.
Black and O’Reilly exchange brutal strikes back and forth until Black has a just enough of an opportunity to spin for the Black Mass kick, picking up the victory and ruining the debut of the other half of reDRagon. Winner: Aleister Black
