NXT News
That’s right, NXT gets its own column for news this week, after another successful Takeover two-hour event on the WWE Network that had everyone talking, yet again.
Where to start…?
Let’s start with Samoa Joe, who officially made his WWE debut after the match between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn broke down in chaos. Joe backed down the NXT Champion and, the following night at the Full Sail University television tapings, he made his in-ring WWE debut. Joe retained his name, his look, and his moveset, and already has his own merch on the company website; something almost completely unheard of.
The latest on Joe is that he’s not on your standard developmental deal. He did appear and work the TV tapings, but he will also be working indie shows this summer, and doesn’t appear to be bound to the company at this point. You would have to assume he’ll be asked not to do anything with PPV, IPPV or television until they come to a more permanent decision on his future.
–We have a new #1 contender to the NXT Championship (also, use the same link to watch Finn Balor’s latest Takeover entrance).
-Sasha Banks was backstage at the Thursday night TV taping following Takeover, but she didn’t work any of the shows. She was also not in action at any of the live events this weekend. No word yet on if she’s actually injured, or just banged up after a great match and needed a few days off.
–You can officially add Hideo Itami and Sami Zayn to the injured list.
–Masked wrestler Mikaze, the real-life boyfriend of Sasha Banks, worked the TV tapings and was injured during a match.
–Matt Bloom (Albert) and Sara del Rey were promoted.
