An Ultimate Opportunity | Coming Up NXT for 8/12/20 | Preview

The landscape of NXT is forever changing, but not more than it has over the past week. In a matter of a few days, we’ve had an impressive debut from an import from NXT UK, a parking lot confrontation that is sure to steal the show, idle threats from damn near all the champions in NXT, and the big news of the longest-reigning NXT Champion in history vs a 2-time NFL Pro Bowler. All eyes are now on the black and gold brand with national and international media coverage heading into two weeks until Takeover XXX. Let’s check out what’s Coming Up NXT for 8/12/20 – An Ultimate Opportunity.

Photo / @WWENXT Twitter

An Ultimate Opportunity | Coming Up NXT 8/12/20
Clash Of The Titans

Both Damian Priest and Bronson Reed have literally been on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to the pecking order in NXT. The ‘Thicc Boi’ has been relegated to fodder for some of the up and coming stars early in his career. But after an impressive showing against Karrion Kross, and a huge upset over two of NXT’s brightest stars, the Australian’s career seems to be on the rise. All the way to the big North American Championship Ladder Match at Takeover XXX.

For Damian Priest, he has remained synonymous with big money matches on the brand. With clashes against NXT Champion Keith Lee, Johnny Gargano, and Finn Balor, Priest continues to impress with his athleticism for a big man while all maintaining his focus of living forever. But that’s not enough as intimidation also happens to be his strong suit as he stepped up to Bronson Reed last week calling for the ‘Thicc Boi’ to bow out of the big title match at Takeover.

This week, the two men clash in a proverbial fight for momentum heading into the biggest event of NXT’s summer. Can Priest make a point on why he belongs in the epic ladder match? Or will Bronson Reed add the Damian to his list of upsets on his resume on his way to possibly becoming the next North American Champion?

An Ultimate Opportunity
Photo / @WWENXT Twitter

An Ultimate Opportunity | Coming Up NXT 8/12/20
Closing Time

And while there is a definitive fight over who stands tall in the men’s division, right now all eyes are on Karrion Kross as he continues on his unbridled path of destruction throughout NXT on his way to the NXT Championship. But if there’s a fight Kross wants, then its a fight he will get.

Danny Burch, who loves a good fight, is always ready for a clash between the ropes. But his tag team partner chases aspirations of titles and wars against Thatcher. Burch shows up just to use his fists, no matter who stands across from him.

On this week’s edition of NXT, we get an epic first time ever. Karrion Kross versus Danny Burch one-on-one. Will the British brawler slow down the momentum of the for certain #1 contender to Keith Lee’s title? Or will the Time Keeper of World’s End add Burch to an already extraordinary list of superstars who have fallen by his hands?

An Ultimate Opportunity
Photo / @WWENXT Twitter

Next Man Up

In the words of General Manager William Regal, the chase to the North American Championship Ladder match has been nothing short of epic over the past few weeks. We’ve had upsets, shockers, and amazing feats of wrestling on display. But there is always give and take. And unfortunately for the artist known as Dexter Lumis, his time was taken as he can no longer can compete in the ladder match due to injury.

But one man’s plight is another man’s opportunity. Regal announced last chance matches for the men eliminated from the qualifiers who were not pinned. They will compete in 2 weeks for the spot left vacant by Lumis. But that’s in two weeks. On this week’s episode of NXT, we get another qualifier with an interesting wrinkle. In one corner, you have the Japanese import, international superstar KUSHIDA. He’s been quiet as of late since his epic run in the NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament. The other, the sore spot of the NXT brand, the always braggadocios Cameron Grimes. And the other…a mystery.

In the surefire main event, who will become the next man in this already epic ladder match? Can KUSHIDA finally get one step closer to carrying his first title in WWE? Will Cameron Grimes, once again show why his confidence outshines everyone? Or will the mystery man be the next man up to add to an already stacked Takeover XXX match?

An Ultimate Opportunity
Photo / @WWEonFox Twitter

An Ultimate Opportunity | Coming Up NXT 8/12/20
What A Time To Be Alive

 

And while NXT Takeover: XXX is a few short weeks away, we are starting to see match cards of epic proportions start to form. One of which includes two men who have remained one of the most consistent on-screen/off-screen feuds in NXT history. Pat McAfee has been a strong critic of Adam Cole throughout his entire NXT title reign. From WWE Watch Along to social media, the former Colts punter has made it clear he’s a fan, to an extent, of Cole. But after a vicious punt of Adam Cole on last week’s NXT, and national television interviews on the situation by McAfee, Cole and even NXT head Triple H, the match has been signed. At Takeover XXX, it will be Adam Cole vs. Pat McAfee, one on one.

Also on this week’s show, we will likely hear from the Robert Stone Brand. They made their impact known last week. By interrupting the big #1 Contender’s Women’s Championship match. Costing Rhea Ripley her shot at the title. How will Ripley respond to the actions of Stone’s mercenary Mercedes Martinez?

After winning the tag team title clash versus the Undisputed Era, Imperium once again can rest on their laurels with no real contenders in sight for the NXT Tag Team Championships. Will that change on this week’s edition of NXT leading to a title match at Takeover?

After destroying Breezango in a savage public display by El Legado De Fantasma, will Santos Escobar’s action come back to haunt him? Or will his call out threat to rising cruiserweight division contender Isaiah Scott lead to a possible title match at Takeover?

And that was Coming Up NXT for 8/12/20. Tune in Wednesday as NXT is only on the USA Network!

John Caul is a longtime wrestling fan since the Attitude Era. A former color commentator for several independent companies and former owner of independent wrestling company Imperial World Wrestling, John currently spends his time interacting with wrestling fans on Twitter while enjoying podcasts such as Cheap Heat and Jobber Tears.