Well, it’s been a while for me!
With NXT Takeover: Phoenix on the horizon, NXT tries to continue to build upon the success of their across-the-pond sister brand’s Takeover: Blackpool.
Man, this company is stacked.
With each title feud seemingly set for Phoenix, what other matches will we see take place before the Rumble? What stars will continue to be built up, or will we see more of with more impending competition in the wrestling industry?
Let’s find out, shall we? I’m Parker Love, here with your weekly NXT Preview!
As always, a recap of last weeks episode:
- Johnny Gargano cuts a promo on Tommaso Ciampa and says he eventually wants his championship. However, he does want a shot at Ricochet‘s North American Championship. Ricochet responds, saying he just has to ask. Ciampa comes out to stir the pot. Aleister Black comes out and attacks Ciampa after a titantron appearance. Gargano also blindsides Ricochet.
- Bianca Belair defeats Nikki Cross.
- Marcel Barthel & Fabien Aichner defeat jobbers.
- Adam Cole defeats EC3. The War Raiders make the safe after a post-match beat-down looks like it’ll happen.
The Main Event
Hey @RealKeithLee-
I’ve already KO’d your br… Excuse me. I’ve already KO’d your BFF. You wanna know how that feels too? I got you.
Next week I’ll give you ALL the Boots & Elbows you could EVER wanna ‘Bask’ in. The Glory will be mine. @WWENXT
— KASSIUS (KASH-US) (@KassiusOhno) January 10, 2021
Keith Lee returns to our screens tonight, as the limitless one takes on Kassius Ohno. While Ohno has been quite busy losing to Matt Riddle, it seems that they’ll have a match in Phoenix to complete the card. However, the former Chris Hero has taken a break to take on Keith Lee, Matt Riddles friend or bro or something.
While I’m always happy to see Keith Lee on NXT TV, it seems he’s kind of spinning his wheels a bit. The man is too charismatic and too talented to be on the sidelines. While it’s not the first time he takes on Ohno in their long careers, it’s extremely difficult to see them having a bad match together.
Other Segments
After finally besting Nikki Cross last week, Bianca Belair is still undefeated heading into her NXT Women’s Championship match with Shanya Baszler. While collecting a few huge wins in her young career, will the brass of NXT decide to put the strap on her? I think she could handle it, but my opinion means jack shit to NXT (unless you’re reading this, Trips. Also, please give me a contract if so). However, a simple promo segment is what we get tonight. I expect about as much bragging and no interruptions from the Horsewomen.
Johnny Gargano is in action tonight against an unnamed competitor. Call me crazy, but Johnny might take this one. Unnamed Competitor is closely related to “Local Talent” - and that name alone is a legend in the industry.
As well, Dominik Dijakovic is in action tonight, against another unnamed competitor. Expect an easy win here and some feasting of the eyes. Apparently, Dijak and Keith Lee have been having some fantastic matches on the NXT circuit - I wouldn’t complain about that feud at all.
EVOLVE Tag Team Champions The Street Profits are in action tonight, as they begin their 2019 conquest. Man, this specific section really does feature what’s sure to be a ton of squash matches tonight. While I’m not the biggest fan of the Profits, these two are clearly over with the crowd and should have a lengthy feud in the future. Does that mean tag team gold in 2019? Perhaps!
Odds & Ends
- How good was NXT UK: Blackpool?! That show had everything. Definitely going to be tuning in on a weekly basis now. Also - WALTER. Poor Pete Dunne’s chest.
- With rumours of KUSHIDA heading to NXT, what do you think his ceiling is? Asking for a friend - I’m not the most aware of his. Match recommendations can also be sent to me, please.
- While Nikki Cross will likely be completely fine, I worry about EC3 on the main roster. Even his weird “debut” on RAW this Monday just felt…. strange. Fingers crossed for the One Percenter.
- Who do you think we’ll see in the crowd in Phoenix? Trevor Lee, Chelsea Green and Kushida come to mind - but will we see more? Let me know in the comments!
- Only 11 days till Phoenix!
That’s it for this week’s episode! What are your thoughts? Make sure to stay tuned to Win Column Sports by following us on Facebook and Twitter! Thanks for reading, and see you next week!
Latest Wrestling Content:
- Alberta Independent Wrestling: Where Do We Go From Here?
- Conversations with Love IV: Chatting with the #ChampChamp, Pride
- Opening the Door: The Argument for Talent Sharing in Edmonton
- The Top 10 Professional Wrestlers of 2018
- Win Column Sports, Backbreaker Media to Merge