2/7 NXT PRIMER (Spoiler-free): Gargano addresses his valiant effort at Takeover, Undisputed Era vs. Sanity for tag titles, Killian Dain vs. Adam Cole

NXT PREVIEW
FEBRUARY 7, 2018
TAPED IN ATLANTA, GA. AT CENTRE STAGE
AIRED ON WWE NETWORK
REPORT BY JOEY GALIZIA, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR

ANNOUNCED BY WWE…

• Johnny Gargano will be appearing on NXT T.V. tonight to address his valiant efforts at Takeover Philadelphia
• The Undisputed Era take on SANITY for the NXT Tag Team Championship
• Killain Dain battles the Undisputed’s leader, Adam Cole

“HEART OF A CHAMPION”

After 11 days of grueling anticipation from Takeover Philadelphia, NXT returns to its weekly program this evening at Center Stage in Atlanta. The big story going into tonight is Johnny Gargano; the purest babyface wrestling has had since Daniel Bryan, and the aftermath of his match of the year with NXT Champion Andrade Cien Almas. Johnny Wrestling came up just short in his quest to become top dog, though, it didn’t help that Cien’s fantastic valet/manager Zelina Vega assisted El Idolo every opportunity she could. Even when his wife (and newest NXT signee) Candice LeRae jumped in to even the odds Gargano couldn’t survive a dangerous double-knee spot off the post and Cien’s signature spike-DDT that would eventually seal the deal. The entire wrestle-verse let out a sigh of brokenness when the three-count was made, but only because they all really want to see Johnny win the big one. However, that wouldn’t be the end of the story.

As Johnny was thanking the astounding Philadelphia crowd, who should come make matters worse but Tommasso Ciampa, leveling Gargano with a crutch to the dismay of the fans and his wife Candice. This is the second time that the Psycho-Killer has left Johnny Wrestling in a puddle of pain and misery. Will this be addressed tonight? Will we finally see the former DIY best friends settle their issues once and for all, or is there something much bigger in store on the horizon? This is NXT… of course there is. As for the NXT Champion: He didn’t let his weekend in Philly just end after his classic. He showed up the next night in the Royal Rumble, and faired pretty well until he was RKO’d into oblivion. Knowing the cockiness of both Almas and Zelina, expect some gloating.

“STILL SHOCKING THE SYSTEM”

-Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly may have survived the monsters that are Akam and Rezar, but they still have unfinished business with those crazy bastards in SANITY. Tonight they defend the NXT Titles against Eric Young, and the man who was absent when the belts changed hands… Alexander Wolfe. Can the German be the difference maker for Eric Young and company? Or will the crisp-striking duo find a way to squeak out another victory?

-The aforementioned tag-match won’t be the only showdown between the two factions tonight. The Hairy Monster known as Killain Dain will be clashing with the other NXT man who entered the Rumble, Adam Cole. (BAY BAY!) Dain inserted himself into the war between Aleister Black and Cole from Takeover, and it seems that insertion is spilling onto weekly television now. With no new challenger yet in line for the NXT championship, a victory for either man could mean big things in the future.

-Speaking of Aleister Black, where does he go next? Takeover New Orleans will be the one year anniversary since the Voodoo ass-kicker entered the yellow and black brand and, if you recall, his debut included a victory over Andrade Cien Almas, albeit, an Andrade Cien Almas without Zelina Vega and without the confidence he carries now. Could the road to Takeover New Orleans be leading us to a rematch? GOD I hope so.

-In the Women’s Division, Ember Moon still reigns supreme as the NXT Women’s Champion, thanks to a veteran play that helped her defeat Shayna Baszler. However, post match the former MMA girl snapped, and choked Ember out. Their blood feud obviously isn’t done, but how long before Shayna realizes that she can’t just do what she wants? Will Kairi Sane exact revenge, or will the champion step up to knock Baszler down?

All this and more as we witness part one of a two night taping session. As always spoilers are out, but what fun are those? You watching?

NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S NXT TV REPORT: 1/31 NXT TV Report: Takeover aftermath, Strong vs. Bate for #1 contender to UK Championship, Cross vs. Evans, TM61 in-ring return