NXT Recap: March 16, 2017

With NXT TakeOver: Orlando looming, we check out what went down on the latest edition of NXT.

Brothers of Destruction

The Ealy Brothers are becoming synonymous with being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and that wrong place seems to always be at the bottom of The Authors of Pain’s shoes. I’d like to see these twins actually get some work done in the ring soon; with the emergence of up-and-coming tag teams like Heavy Machinery and TM-61 (who should be back competing together once Shane Thorn recovers from knee surgery), there’s going to need to be some talent exhibited if these are the teams who will carry us into the Takeover before WrestleMania 34.

Once the battle scars of Gabriel and Uriel Ealy were swept from the ring, Paul Ellering had bad news for The Revival, saying they are the next chapter in the Authors’ Book of Destruction. Naturally, this upset #DIY, who also has a claim to a rematch for the NXT Tag Team Championship. While tension between the three teams was high, William Regal figured this as good a chance as any to make a Triple Threat Tag Team Elimination Match at Takeover: Orlando for the championship belts.

Just when it seemed WrestleMania was all Triple-Threat’d out, they go and make a third Triple Threat Match. That’s right ladies and gentlemen — we are in for the first-ever Triple Threat of Triple Threat Matches in history. Not only that, but it’s a Double Threat of Triple Threat Tag Team Matches. As if The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar and an appearance by Kurt Angle aren’t enough for you to watch WrestleMania, surely the prospect of Triple Double Tag Team Triple Threat history should help change your mind.

Cross’ stock keeps rising

Macey Astrella, you poor, poor girl. When Astrella agreed to fight Nikki Cross, did she realize how crazy she is? Or that she’d walk to the ring with dudes dressed like they’re villains out of a Mad Max movie? Or that she loves seems to love pain more than dishing it out (and she loves dishing it out)?

While I wish this match was used to help propel Nikki Cross into the conversation of one of NXT’s top female performers, it was merely used as a prop for a different feud. After Cross dismantled Astrella, No Way Jose and Tye Dillinger thought this would be a good time to avenge their friend, Roderick Strong, from the backstage beating he took last week at the hands of the group called SAnitY. Didn’t work. SAnitY once again stood tall over the randomly thrown together team of Jose and Dillinger. They, along with Strong, will get yet another chance to put their hands on SAnitY next week in a Six-Man Tag Team Match.

The problem with having stables is that it forces other singles competitors to team together. Lost is all the momentum Tye Dillinger built up during his feud with Bobby Roode, and his surprise entrance at this past year’s Royal Rumble Match.T he opposite could be said for No Way Jose and Roderick Strong, who could both use a spotlight to shine against legitimate competitors.

Roode’s first title defense

At first, it was a cute idea to give Kassius Ohno a shot at Bobby Roode’s recently acquired NXT Championship, but did you really think he had a chance to win it? Even if Ohno was in great shape (he’s not), him defeating the glorious one would be almost as big of a surprise than Undertaker losing to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30. I’ll admit I did not expect this match to be as good as it was, which is intriguing when considering what’s next for Ohno. Despite not fighting for the NXT Championship at Takeover: Orlando, Ohno showed why he should be on the card. Before this match began, it was announced that the winner will face Shinsuke Nakamura at Takeover for the NXT Championship.

Takeover is starting to look like a legitimately fun PPV, showing off all of NXT’s best talent across the roster.

Next: Roman Reigns is definitely maybe turning heel at WrestleMania

As mentioned, the next thing that needs to happen is a match for Kassius Ohno, and I’ve figured out the perfect foil to round out this whole show, but I can’t tell you who until you put those lighters in the air. That’s right: Elias Samson. Make it happen, Mr. Regal.