One of the great NXT mysteries over the past few years has been Hideo Itami's inability to catch fire as a babyface within the brand. Granted, multiple injuries have played a major role in inhibiting his overall progress, but soon after his most recent return, it became clear that a change in direction would be beneficial not just to Itami, but for NXT as a whole.
The transformation began after Itami's unsuccessful attempt to claim the NXT championship from Bobby Roode at TakeOver: Chicago back in May. Following the loss, Itami's elevated temper was shown as he took his frustration out by rearranging the furniture in the dressing-room area.
It was during that moment of disgruntlement that his friend Kassius Ohno unsuccessfully attempted to calm him down.
The friction between these two compatriots continued in the weeks that followed and reached a boiling point a few weeks ago when they attempted to team up to take on Killian Dain and Alexander Wolfe of SAnitY. Itami ended up taking the loss for the team after he refused to tag Ohno in on multiple occasions, following a perceived slight caused by some outside chicanery from Wolfe.
As a result, Ohno asked for a match against Itami this week in an attempt to settle the score once and for all in the middle of the ring.
For the majority of the match, both Ohno and Itami were doing just that, trading stiff strikes, kicks, chops and clotheslines like they would in any other match either man was in.
However, just as it Ohno looked poised to hit his roaring elbow, Itami delivered a blatant low blow causing a disqualification. He proceeded to beat down Ohno, hitting two straight Go-2-Sleep knee strikes.
But he wasn't done.
EXCLUSIVE: "It's about RESPECT and @KassiusOhno doesn't understand that." - @HideoItami #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/bxvZO1QpPJ
- WWE (@WWE) July 27, 2017
As he was about to walk out of the arena, he turned back down the ramp, pulled Ohno out of the ring and lifted him up one more time for a Go-2-sleep -- but instead of using his knee, he used the steel ring steps.
This rivalry is scorching hot and though unconfirmed, it seems likely to culminate at TakeOver: Brooklyn III, depending how long Ohno is on the "shelf". Another round of the action we got a glimpse of tonight, with the added tension of such a betrayal, would be a welcome addition to that card.
Drew McIntyre makes a statement
One week after his thrilling victory over Killian Dain to become the No. 1 contender to Bobby Roode's NXT championship, Drew McIntyre had a message for the fans.
"For everyone that has been with me on this ride, I want to say thank you." He went on to reflect on his previous WWE run, which ended before he could really take his career to the next level, "I felt entitled. When I wasn't the hardest work in the room, that's when I failed."
During his time away from the WWE, he grew and realized that he could take nothing for granted.
His message to Roode? McIntyre proclaimed, "You're not entitled to a damn thing!"
McIntyre then asked that all audience members stand on their feet and announced, "Bobby we have a message for you. You are not NXT! We are NXT!"
The Authors of Pain and SAnitY collide
It appeared as though the dominant NXT tag team champions, the Authors of Pain, had met their most imposing challenge when they went head to head with Heavy Machinery two weeks ago. However, following that win, SAnitY, a team just as intimidating (and long champing at the bit) revealed themselves as potential challengers.
This week, Rezar and Akam were ready to make another statement against David Ramos and Timothy Bumpers, but as they made their way down the entrance ramp towards the ring, they were halted by Nikki Cross. As that happened, Dain and Wolfe stormed the ring and decimated the team who was scheduled to take on the champs.
That prompted AOP to make their way into the ring and a brawl ensued, with the champs getting the slight edge on SAnitY on this night.
Could SAnitY be the team that finally takes the titles from the seemingly unbeatable champions? The threat is certainly there (especially with the timing of Brooklyn and the propensity for a big call-up), and that's all that you can really ask for heading into a championship feud.
Ember Moon in action
Coming off a big win against Ruby Riot last week, Ember Moon was back at it this week when she faced off with former TNA superstar and niece of former WWE superstar The Barbarian, Lei'D Tapa.
The much larger Tapa came through with a clothesline to begin the match, but in a matter of seconds, Moon took control, finishing things off with the Eclipse. Following the match, she had a message for the Women's Champion.
"I want Asuka at TakeOver: Brooklyn. Asuka says she wants a worthy challenge. Asuka wants competition. But Asuka, I am standing right here and I will give you all that you desire..."
General Manager William Regal heard the message loud and clear and made the match official. Ember Moon will battle Asuka at TakeOver: Brooklyn III for the title.
Velveteen Dream continues to improve
The transformation of former Tough Enough contestant Patrick Clark into the charismatic and showy superstar that is the Velveteen Dream has been one of NXT's bright spots as of late. Clark's impressive in-ring attributes were evident ever since he stepped foot in an NXT ring, and the integration and evolution of this alluring character has really put him on the map.
His direction continued to trend upward this week in a match with Cezar Bononi.
After a couple minutes of back-and-forth action, Dream incapacitated Bononi enough to climb to the top rope and nail his Macho Man Randy Savage-esque flying elbow drop for the win.
When Kayla Braxton attempted to interview Dream after the match he claimed that her Velveteen Dream experience would once again have to wait.
Zelina Vega confronts No Way Jose
.@AndradeCienWWE's new friend warns @WWENoWayJose that he has ignited a fire that he CANNOT dance around! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/sjAN1Id6ut
- WWE (@WWE) July 27, 2017
The No Way Jose/Andrade "Cien" Almas conflict that began last week advanced this week when the mystery woman who had been accompanying Almas -- now being referred to as Zelina Vega -- approached Jose in the parking lot.
She claimed that Jose, "lit a fire under Andrade 'Cien' Almas that you cannot dance around."
What's next:
-- Both Asuka and Bobby Roode will return to address their upcoming championship matches in Brooklyn.
-- Johnny Gargano will wrestle his first match since the split of #DIY at TakeOver: Chicago when he goes one-on-one with Raul Mendoza.