by JCH
Since last week I’ve been to an excellent RevPro show at York Hall. SuzukiGun vs Aussie Open and ELP vs David Starr and yet another emotional EVE show, as the ResGal said goodbye to Viper and Kay Lee Ray. Tonight, though its N-X-T. I can’t remember if anything has been announced, but let’s go.
Percy has left! Nigel and Mauro wish him the best in the future. Beth Phoenix is on comms. Maybe this is new tapings and last week wasn’t? Has my F.R.G viewing system failed me?
Anyway, here come the War Raiders, or the Viking Raiders. They are announced as the Viking Raiders, but Full Sail chants WAR at them.
They say that they still have the NXT tag titles and invite Mr. Regal to the ring. The Raiders say since no-one can take these titles from them, they’re out here to relinquish them and hand Regal the titles. Did not see that coming.
Before Regal can address the matter, out come the Street Profits. Full Sail is happy to see them. Montez says that they showed they could beat them and the Raiders know it, that’s why they’re relinquishing the title. Ford ’You know the Street Profits can beat the Viking Raiders’ Dawkins ‘If that’s your real name’
The Raiders get their belts back and tells Regal to make the match. He does. It’s the Main Event. Tag Titles match. Profits dance around the ring.
Really solid promo from the Profits, especially Ford who led it. They’ve shown good talking skills back stage, but I haven’t heard him much in front of a crowd. Good job.
Also, tonight. Keith Lee vs Cezar Banoni and Kushida vs Kona Reeves.
Recap of Riddle vs Cole and the Undisputed Era’s problems.
The Era arguing backstage. Cole calls Roddy a bitch numerous times as Kyle and Bobby hold him back. Then Roddy throws his shirt and Era armband at Cole and leaves. Bobby ushers Cole out as Kyle picks up the armband and looks at where Roddy walked off.
Interview with the rest of the era. Adam Cole says he’s always been the leader. Lots of people run past in the background. Strong comes out and says they’re stronger when they’re on the same page and the Matt Riddle problem has been taken care of and pulls out a Flip Flop covered in blood. Cole gives Roddy his armband and the Era are all smiles. O’Reilly says ‘Problem solved’ and lobs the flip flop over his head in a way only he can.
Out comes Cezar Banoni.
Followed by Keith Lee, back from injury.
Cezar Banoni vs Keith Lee
The crowd are basking in Lee’s glory for ages. Banoni is not impressed. I miss basking in Keith Lee’s glory.
Lee wins pretty easily. Maintaining wrist control and preventing Bononi from running to the ropes despite getting punched in the face. Then the spirit bomb finishes it off.
Recap on Io attacking Shayna. Announcement from Mr. Regal via Cathy Kelley that Shayna will defend against Io Shirai one-on-one at Takeover XXV. Here come the Forgotten Sons to speak to Regal. Cathy asks what they’re going to see him for? They want the title shot tonight, but Regal wants to forget them again. They say if there is not a suitable explanation there will be consequences. Or something to do with that but using forget and remember. I literally forgot what they said within 25 seconds.
Here comes Kona Reeves. The Finest.
Kona Reeves vs Kushida
Kushida consistently outwrestles Reeves on the mat. As Kushida continues to out wrestle Reeves, Drew Gulak comes to the top of the ramp. As Kushida watches him and gives a clean break, Reeves takes advantage with a cheap shot. After a bit of offence, Kushida’s ability sees him catch Reeves and is back on top.
He hits a number of impressive moves. The Handstand kick, cartwheel into basement dropkick and somersault plancha stand out. PK to the arm and the Hoverboard lock and it’s over.
Kushida wins. Gulak looks unimpressed. Kushida points at Gulak who responds with perhaps the best face since Gareth was taken off in the sidecar in the Office.
Bianca Belair is leading Cathy Kelley and a cameraman down a hallway. They run into Mia Yim. They talk some trash. Mia says she has a rematch with Bianca who doesn’t look pleased and heads into Regal’s office to talk about a title shot.
Backstage Riddle is getting taped up as he talks to Johnny Gargano. Johnny tells the reporter that the Bro is angry and the Era won’t like the Bro when he’s angry. Johnny has spoken to Riddle and Take-over will be Cole vs Gargano one more time.
Here comes Vanessa Bourne accompanied by Aliyah. Aliyah has a backpack. Why? I couldn’t tell you.
Her opponent is Jessie. Formerly known as Jessie Elaban I think? Get rid of the names early before you make the main roster.
Vanessa Bourne vs Jessie
Aggressive from Bourne. All over Jessie. Vanessa Bourne has a great combination of aggression and patronizing bitchiness. Aliyah gets involved from the outside as well. As Vanessa arrogantly takes her time, she nearly gets caught by a roll up. Then Jessie with a crucifix pin and a big kick, but Vanessa avoids her in the corner and hits her finish for the win. She comes off the ropes and hits a sort of one-armed Unprettier? Anyone has any ideas on the move name please let me know.
Up next Tag Team Titles
War Raiders vs Street Profits
I have a feeling Forgotten Sons may get involved here. Dom would say it has been foreshadowed. F.R.G has a solo cup and a Street Profits flag.
Raiders get booed. Crowd fully behind the Street Profits here.
Raiders come out flying, but nearly get caught by a roll up. Powerbomb, then the massive Frog Splash for a very near fall. The Sons come down and beat up the Raiders and the DQ is called. Big fight and here come the 1s and 2s. Profits and the 1s and 2s beating up the Sons. Raiders beating up everyone. I am seeing a Fatal 4 Way at Takeover. Avalanche electric Chair from the profits on Rowe. Dawkins counts the 3 and the Profits are adulated by the crowd as they leave.
The War Raiders then look furious and beat up the 1s and 2s.
Stars of the Week
1. Kushida - He’s just slick. Not much more than a showcase match for him, but on a weak show match wise for NXT, stood out.
2. Vanessa Bourne - Love the character work and loved the finish from Vanessa. Her moves suit her character as well.
3. Drew Gulak’s face. - I’ll Screengrab this. It was sensational.
Humberto Carrillo Award
Montez Ford - Great performance on the Mic and another good outing in the ring.
Matches this week were mainly storyline or showcase, lacking the usual banger from NXT. Still an easy 50 minutes of watching and enjoyable none the less.
Takeover Card Prediction
Johnny Gargano vs Adam Cole - Confirmed
Io Shirai vs Shayna Baszler - Confirmed
War Raiders vs Street Profits vs Forgotten Sons vs 1s and 2s - Tag Titles
Matt Riddle vs Roderick Strong
Velveteen Dream vs someone. Apparently Dijakovic had knee surgery. Maybe Keith Lee?
I still think Kushida will be on the show. Obviously setting something up with him and Gulak but that seems like an NXT main event to me.
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