NXT PREVIEW - November 7, 2020

Takeover: War Games is on the horizon, and three stellar matches are already set. We’re going to see Tommaso Ciampa take on Velveteen Dream for the NXT Championship. Aleister Black gets his shot at the man who injured him, Johnny Gargano. Finally, we get a traditional War Games match, as the Undisputed Era enter the match they won last year. This time, however, they face War Raiders, Pete Dunne & Ricochet.

Jesus, that card is insane.

Tonight, the build continues though for many others not (yet) on the card. NXT has a stellar episode lined up for tonight, so let’s get into it!

As always, a recap of last week to start:

• Nikki Cross def. Mercedes Martinez. Afterwards, Candace LeRae confronts Cross. Aleister Black comes out after a while and asks where Johnny Gargano is.
• Evolve Tag Team Champions The Street Profits def. The Mighty.
• Matt Riddle def. Luke Menzies
• Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch def. Raul Mendozza & Humberto Carillo. 
• A brawl between The Undisputed Era & War Raiders, Ricochet & Pete Dunne leads to William Regal announcing said competitors to compete inside War Games.

As always, I’m Parker Love – here with your weekly NXT Preview!

Note: Spoilers are available for NXT this evening – available on Win Column Sports!

The Main Event

The number one contender is in action tonight, as Velveteen Dream takes on Lars Sullivan in this evening’s main event. Lars is sure to want to take his pound of flesh, as Sullivan seems to think he should be the next to challenge Tommaso Ciampa for his NXT Championship in two weeks. William Regal had a better idea but gave Lars a chance to show what’s next.

I’m very curious to see how Velveteen acts as a face between the ropes. His character has certainly adjusted well to the character change. It’ll be interesting to see, especially against someone like Lars who is fairly green between the ropes. Regardless, Ciampa is bound to be happy to see Velveteen in such a physical match just a few days before their matchup.

Other Segments

.. next week.

I promise I will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know. Pinky swear!

— Johnny Gargano (@JohnnyGargano) November 1, 2020

One of the biggest questions in WWE, let alone NXT, is why did Johnny Gargano attack Aleister Black? That comes to a close tonight, as Johnny promises to answer any questions that the NXT universe has tonight. I’m enjoying Gargano’s character arc so, so much. I’m extremely curious to see what his explanation is: Did he want Ciampa one on one? Is he going to be a full blown heel? Only time will tell.

The Forgotten Sons make their return tonight to NXT TV, with Steve Cutler & Wesley Blake taking on…ugh… Heavy Machinery. Personally, I’m enjoying the Forgotten Sons, but it seems that NXT is fairly lukewarm on them. Maybe tonight is time to change that? Also, I still don’t like Heavy Machinery at all.

Dakota Kai takes on Mae Young Classic competitor Taynara Conti tonight in what should be a fairly standard match. I hope this leads to a bit more of a defined feud for one (or both) of these ladies.

Lacey Evans is in action this week too, as per a graphic on NXT last week against an unnamed competitor. I really do enjoy Evans, even though her character does create a bit of controversy. I don’t think she’s crossed any lines thus far, but she has gotten a lot of interest around her character. Plus, she’s someone who has used the developmental brand to do, just that. She’s refined her moveset, character work, and made it work. Big fan of Evans here.

Odds & Ends

Loved Nikki Cross‘ appearance on Smackdown last night. SAnitY has been missing the twisted sister for sure - she gives an undeniable energy & edge to the faction. Hopefully, it leads to a nice feud for both Cross & the faction.

Matt Riddle’s debut last week was perfect, in my opinion. He showed his unique style and charisma off in his short squash and again reiterated his desire to retire Brock Lesnar. I like Riddle, and I think he will get over huge in NXT & WWE.

The biggest question remaining for Takeover has to be the status of the NXT Women’s Championship. How injured is Shayna Baszler? Are 3/4’s of the Horsewomen officially working together? When will Kairi Sane get her rematch, and how will she even the odds? I hope we get an announcement in the next few days about what match we’ll get at War Games.

Where is the love for Keith Lee though? It’s been eerily quiet on his side of things.

That’s it for tonight! What do you think about tonight’s episode? Let us know by commenting, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter! Thanks for reading, and see you next week!

Last 5!

• Over the Top Rope Episode XXII: Evolution Review, PWI 100 & Alberta Women’s Talent 
• Is It OVER Yet: World of Trios #22 | Where Do We Go From Here?!
• Pro Wrestling YEG Announces First Event
• The Fry and the Guy Show | From a Historic Evolution to the Controversial Crown Jewel
• NXT Preview: October 31, 2020