3/14 NXT PRIMER (Spoiler-free): Andrade and Aleister make their Takeover match official, Dunne vs. Adam Cole for UK Title, Chiampa tries to address NXT

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

ANNOUNCED BY WWE:

• Andrade Cien Almas and Aleister Black make their NXT Title match official
• Pete Dunne defends the United Kingdom Championship against Adam Cole
• Tommasso Ciampa attempts for the second time to address the NXT Universe
• Street Profits and Heavy Machinery fight to advance in the Dusty Classic

“REVIST THE ROAD ONCE VISITED”

As Aleister Black approaches his one-year anniversary in NXT, one could argue that his run in the yellow and black brand has been nothing short of dominant. Since his debut he has defeated the best that the developmental brand has to offer, which includes a massive triumph over the monstrous Killian Dain just seven days ago earning him his first shot at the NXT Championship at Takeover New Orleans. In a very strange turn of events, the champion just happens to be the man he first defeated back in Orlando, Andrade Cien Almas. However, that was a very different Cien: less confident, unfocused, and most importantly, lacking his aces valet/manager Zelina Vega who has proven that she can be the deciding factor when push come to shove. Tonight these two will go face to face for the first time in almost a year as the wrestle-verse eagerly awaits.

“THE GOLD STAYS WITH THE BRITS”

For a while it seemed as if United Kingdom champion Pete Dunne was fighting only for himself. His most recent clash with Tyler Bate was a fitting addition to their already historic rivalry, but it was his defenses against Johnny Gargano and Roderick Strong that made Dunne a champion that fights for his people. He said so himself just a week ago when he was asked in an interview who he thought would step up next to suffer a “bitter-end.” This brought out the Undisputed’s Adam Cole to interrupt Dunne, mocking the young stud for facing the scrubs of NXT and never having a real challenge. Dunne responded by saying that Cole has not won anything since he’s arrived. Now the Brusierweight will have another potential foreigner to worry about as the two will battle in singles action for Dunne’s prestigious gold. Will the rest of Undisputed try and intervene? Will Dunne’s fellow U.K. mates have his back if they do? This doesn’t just seem to be a blow off. It seems that there is something much bigger on the horizon.

“BLACKHEART”

-According to WWE.COM, we’ll also be seeing another appearance by the very unpopular Tommasso Ciampa, whose last attempt to address the NXT Universe ended with him destroying a fan’s Johnny Gargano sign. Ciampa somehow still feels as if he is the one who is wronged, and has gone to devastating lengths to ensure that he never has to see his former DIY brother again. Will the Sicilian Psychopath be able to speak his mind? NO $%$ YOU CIAMPA.

-The Dusty Classic wages on with another first round matchup. This week, Heavy Machinery will look to swallow up the much leaner Street Profits. Dawkins and Ford are pretty liked by the Full Sail and Center Stage audiences, but they have yet to really prove they can deliver when things matter. (They lost their only #1 contenders matchup so far.)

-Nothing slated for champion Ember Moon and the NXT women’s scene but last week Shayna Baszler gave an interview claiming that Ember’s silence to her challenge speaks volumes. Will Baszler continue to bully her way around the division until she gets what she wants?

-Still no television appearances for NXT’s most recent signings War Machine, EC III, or the supremely talented Ricochet. Hopefully they will grace our screens soon.

Four weeks until Takeover New Orleans and we haven’t even begun to breach what the eventual card will become. You watching?

NOW CATCH UP ON LAST WEEK’S NXT REPORT: 3/7 NXT TV Report: Aleister Black vs. Killian Dane, TM61 vs. Authors of Pain in Dusty Classic tourney match, Belair vs. Renee