Hola NXT fans! I’m going to be filling in for Stephanie on NXT duty for the time being. Unfortunately, in the shuffle, we missed out on two highly praised episodes of NXT. We know, something like this shouldn’t have happened when we are just days away from NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III, where Asuka will defend her NXT Women’s Title against Ember Moon but here’s to trying to be more attentive going forward!
Sadly no women’s match takes place this week but we are treated to a handful of appearances from some of the ladies of NXT all throughout the show including one from Zelina Vega formally known as Thea Trinidad. Let’s watch!
We kick off the show with Nikki Cross inside the ring and calling out the NXT Tag Team Champions The Authors of Pain. She is joined by her SAnitY team mates Alexander Wolfe and Killian Dain. The Authors of Pain and Paul Ellering come out to confront SAnitY but its all a trap! A returning Eric Young blindsides the AoP as they make their way down the ramp. EY leads his group to a violent attack on their TakeOver: Brooklyn opponents, going as far as zip tying Rezar to a guardrail while Akam suffers a three on one beatdown. The segment ends with Nikki Cross fetching the NXT Tag Team Titles and SAnitY standing tall.
#WWENXT #WomensChampion @WWEAsuka and her #NXTTakeOver: Brooklyn III challenger @WWEEmberMoon make their match official, NEXT WEEK! pic.twitter.com/qifRKgamNX
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) August 10, 2017
On the final NXT show before TakeOver: Brooklyn, we’ll be treated to a contract signing between the NXT Champion Asuka and the challenger Ember Moon. Will Asuka’s arrogance come to play again? Is Ember ready for Asuka? Will the historic title reign come to an end?
The Iconic Duo Billie Kay and Peyton Royce are feeling generous this week. They’re backstage, camera in hand and all set to give us an ‘Iconic Makeup Tutorial’ until they spotted Ruby Riot in the background. They pause their video to poke fun of Ruby’s tattoos and piercing and decide to halt the tutorial session all together, claiming that Ruby ruined their mood and video.
After defeating @WWENoWayJose, #ZelinaVega DEMANDS the spotlight to shine on @AndradeCienWWE at #NXTTakeOver: Brooklyn III! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/hBiVFH707o
— WWE (@WWE) August 10, 2017
Finally in the main event scene, we see the kind of influence Zelina Vega has over her associate Andrade “Cien” Almas in his match against No Way Jose. While Andrade was looking to sneak in some fun throughout his match, Zelina was close by to direct him on a more serious path. Case in point: Andrade seemingly having the win over No Way Jose with a running double knees but Zelina ordering him to finish off with a Hammerlock DDT instead.
Post match, Zelina speaks to the NXT Universe from the commentary table. She calls out “NXT’s Golden Boy “ Johnny Gargano and says if he is looking for an opponent for TakeOver: Brooklyn, he’s got one now in Andrade. Steal that spotlight guys!
Thoughts: So not exactly the most memorable episode of NXT as far as the women go.
The Iconic Duo are holding on to their mean girls streak, which is great as I find that they really play up to their characters. I love their little backstage antics and this week’s comments towards Ruby, who paid no mind to the pair mind you, is pretty much setting up for a match-up later on. All three of these women are great workers and I only wish that they were featured more on a weekly basis to help maybe add more depth to any potential feud but I guess there’s only so much you can fit on an hour long program. Billie and Peyton have always had each other but I can certainly see Ruby recruiting any of the newer NXT Superstars to help even up the playing field down the line.
I’m beyond happy for Zelina in getting this opportunity in NXT and while I’d rather see her as more of a competitor, I’m interested in seeing how things play out for her in this role. In the weeks prior, we’ve only caught glimpses of her but here, there was more of a story of her really guiding Andrade to a more ‘appropriate’ win and even a spot on the TakeOver: Brooklyn card! She’s already doing wonders for Andrade and I’m already hooked in finding out more of their history.
What did you think of this week’s episode of NXT? Where would you like to Zelina Vega’s character go? Excited for next week’s NXT Women’s Title contract signing? Let us know in the comments below!
