2/14 NXT PRIMER (Spoiler-free): Ember Moon vs. Shayna Baszler in Takeover rematch, Pete Dunne vs. Strong, Black returns to TV for first time since triumph in Philly

NXT PREVIEW
FEBRUARY 14, 2018
TAPED IN ATLANTA, GA. AT CENTRE STAGE
AIRED ON WWE NETWORK
REPORT BY JOEY GALIZIA, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR

ANNOUNCED BY WWE…

• Ember Moon puts the NXT Women’s title on the line against Shayna Baszler in a Takeover rematch
• United Kingdom Championship match between Pete Dunne and Roderick Strong
• Aleister Black returns to T.V. for the first time since his triumph in Philadelphia

“FIGHTING CHAMPIONS”

-After a successful title defense at Takeover Philadelphia Ember Moon added prestige to her name by entering the first ever women’s Royal Rumble, and while she didn’t win the matchup she did display quite a showing. However, the reality is that Ember barely survived her title bout with challenger Shayna Baszler and if not for a slick (albeit very smart) transition out of an armbar her reign may have already ended. Post match Shayna lost her cool, and locked in a rear naked choke on Ember until the champion was unconscious.

Cut to tonight, where the former MMA prodigy will get another chance at ending Moon’s reign when they square off one-on-one for the NXT women’s championship. Will this be the end of Ember? Would seem strange for her to lose it on a television taping, especially with so many other challengers on the horizon. (Looking at you Kairi.)

-That’s not the only gold that will be up for grabs this evening. United Kingdom champion Pete Dunne will clash with the messiah of the backbreaker Roderick Strong. Strong earned this opportunity when he defeated the former U.K. Champ Tyler Bate on the pre-show card in Philly. He’s also into the second round of the cruiserweight championship tournament, upsetting Hideo Itami with his “End of Heartache” finisher. The Bruiserweight’s stiff striking and joint manipulation submissions could prove difficult for Strong, but someone does need to beat Dunne eventually.

-Aleister Black returns for the first time on NXT television since his brutal affair with Adam Cole. The voodoo ass-kicker is slowly approaching his one-year anniversary with the yellow and black brand and still has nothing significant to show for it. He’s had tremendous conflicts with the likes of Velveteen Dream, SANITY, and the Undisputed, but eventually they all want one thing: A shot at the NXT Championship. Will tonight be the first step towards Black capping off his year run on the highest note? Oh we can only hope.

Two massive title matches as well as updates on the road to Takeover New Orleans. As always spoilers are out for these tapings. You watching?

NOW CATCH UP ON LAST WEEK’S NXT TV REPORT: 2/7 NXT TV Report: Big segment with Gargano and Almas, Undisputed Era vs. Sanity, Heavy Machinery vs. Moss & Sabbatelli

OR LISTEN TO OUR LATEST “PWT TALKS NXT” PODCAST HERE.