Tonight is the last episode of NXT before the second TakeOver special in Brooklyn. From top to bottom, the card is stacked and has a good chance at being a better show than SummerSlam. Instead of building momentum for some of the Superstars competing at the big show, the powers at be give them time to rest and spend tonight’s in-ring action focusing on the new wave of talent.
Hideo Itami vs. Mustafa Ali
Mustafa Ali was one of the 32 competitors in the Cruiserweight Classic, but he unfortunately lost in the opening round. Representing Pakistan, Ali had an impressive showing in the groundbreaking tournament and hopes to get a second wind through NXT. Sean Maluta and Kota Ibushi are two other Cruiserweight Classic competitors that have recently competed in NXT.
Hideo Itami returned two weeks ago after recovering from a rotator cuff injury, and has not missed a beat since returning. Itami has been victorious two weeks in a row and looks to make it a third tonight.
After a couple of running dropkicks in the corner, Hideo Itami hits Mustafa Ali with a running knee to put him away. Winner: Hideo Itami
Hideo Itami could find a spot on the NXT TakeOver: Back to Brooklyn card and somehow make that show even better. He could face someone like Tye Dillinger, who does not get a lot of television time, but when he does he delivers every time. It is interesting to see what direction Itami goes in after TakeOver. Could he have a high-profile NXT program, or will he be sent straight to the Monday Night Raw cruiserweight division?
Speaking of the cruiserweight division, it is nice to see Cruiserweight Classic competitors on NXT television. With the brand split, WWE needs more talent to fill the gaps throughout the entire company, from NXT to the main event of the main roster. Everyone in the Cruiserweight Classic has proven that they can hold their own in a WWE ring, and could be great additions to biggest wrestling company in the world.
Backstage Segment
NXT General Manager William Regal addresses the NXT Universe regarding Brooklyn’s TakeOver special on Saturday when he is interrupted by Billie Kay. Kay has had a streak of victories over the past few weeks, and thinks that she deserves a spot on the card to have the card be truly called the greatest ever. William Regal decides to give into Kay’s demands and gives her a spot on the card against the debuting Ember Moon.
Nikki Glenncross, Liv Morgan, & Carmella vs. Alexa Bliss, Daria Berenato, & Mandy Rose
Carmella and Alexa Bliss are NXT veterans who recently both got drafted to SmackDown Live, and they both lead teams of their own tonight. Nikki Glenncross, Liv Morgan, Daria Berenato, and Mandy Rose all are relatively new to NXT and could help fill out a women’s division in need. We have seen a little bit of in-ring action from Morgan and Mandy Rose has been featured on Total Divas, but we know nothing about Glenncross and Berenato.
Carmella counters a pinning attempt from Mandy Rose into the Code of Silence, tapping out the Total Divas star. Winners (via submission): Nikki Glenncross, Liv Morgan, & Carmella
Carmella and Alexa Bliss did a good job of being the leaders of their teams, and they helped give the newer talent some spotlight. Liv Morgan showed that she could be trusted with a long match by taking the brunt of the action. There were some good moments from Glenncross and Berenato, and Mandy Rose needs more in-ring time to prove herself.
Backstage Segment
Byron Saxton sits down for an exclusive interview with NXT Champion Samoa Joe and his challenger, Shinsuke Nakamura. Joe makes a good point about William Regal making this match without him. Regal just offered the opportunity to Nakamura, while Joe had to scratch and crawl his way to getting the championship.
The interview seems pretty civil, then once Shinsuke Nakamura starts baiting the champion, Joe gets ready to fight. Officials have to separate the two to keep them from fighting, and the show ends there.
