This episode of NXT (in my humble opinion) went down a bit just a few weeks before Takeover: War Games. The aspect of the show that stuck out most was the fact two young superstars: Taynara and Angel Garza, proved their worth in NXT by picking up victories which typically are signs of good things to come on the black and gold brand. Garza even earned a title opportunity against Lio Rush. Never mind the obvious fact that he won’t win – it just means a lot at this point that his push is starting even a little.
Garza is reminiscent of an Eddie Guerrero type (Sasha Banks has to be a fan of that). On the other hand, while I have never personally been a big fan of Taynara, I can’t deny that she is improving in the ring in a major way. She doesn’t do a whole lot to “wow” the NXT universe; rather, she is just there.
I must say that this was the first week where even I have to admit that the episode of AEW on TNT was clearly better than NXT. Particularly the main event of AEW stuck out, with two major matches for AEW Full Gear on November 9 in Baltimore, Maryland being promoted. Chris Jericho and Cody built up their title match as well as Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley brawling a little.
The three judges being present at ringside for the AEW World Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Chris Jericho will take fans back to the match back in the 80s between Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat and “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair in WCW.
Side Note: Triple H may want to recruit someone like Tyler Bate or Velveteen Dream, who may return somewhat soon after dealing with a lumbar injury, to put over Damian Priest in the coming weeks/ months.