The Black and Gold brand has had some notable moments inside and outside the ring over the past several days. As we head into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the week that was. This is NXT Weekly for 06/12/20.
Triple H Speaks To Takeover Talent
Per NXT wrestler AJ Francis, Triple H held a meeting prior to Takeover where he addressed those in attendance; letting everyone know that he was very proud of talent using their voices and platform to speak about “Black Lives Matter”. The Father of NXT then went on to inform talent that his door was open to anyone who wanted to discuss what they were feeling and how they had been doing throughout the week.
https://twitter.com/AJFrancis410/status/1269750782150270981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1269750782150270981&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Frajah.com%2F
Tributes at Takeover
Speaking of Takeover, several performers used their gear and appearance to convey non-verbal messages of support and sympathy.
NXT North American Champion Keith Lee came to the ring for his match against Johnny Gargano adorned in a sleeveless hoodie with “Black Lives Matter” printed on the back.
In addition Mia Yim, who ran interference for Lee against Candice LeRae during the match, was wearing a top that included the names of several victims of racial attacks and police brutality. Several days prior to In Your House, Yim took to Twitter to proudly display the apparel.
https://twitter.com/MiaYim/status/1268568524122980355
Shedding light on a different cause was Dakota Kai, who confirmed via Social Media that her recently dyed locks were in honour of late Japanese wrestler Hana Kimura. Kimura tragically died of suicide at the age of 22 last May; in large part due to cyber bullying.
https://twitter.com/DakotaKai_WWE/status/1270074165446533121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1270074165446533121&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Frajah.com%2F
NXT Weekly for 06/12/20
HBK Has Words With NXT Producer
Another Takeover story making the rounds online this past week was an alleged altercation between Shawn Michaels and an un-named producer concerning the current social climate worldwide.
According to who you ask, Michaels either completely flipped out at the individual, or calmly corrected the backstage worker when they made a comment in the vein of ALL Lives Matter. The situation was talked about by Talent the next day, but apparently the WWE Legend and the producer were able to continue working amicably once the situation was resolved.
Pro Wrestling Post was able to obtain exclusive backstage footage of the dispute:
Who Will Challenge Next for the NXT Title?
On this past Wednesday’s broadcast, two potential contenders for Adam Cole’s Championship emerged; each delivering a message to the leader of The Undisputed Era in their own unique way.
First up was a man who already holds Championship Gold: NXT North American Champion Keith Lee!
However, going in a much more ominous route was Karrion Kross, whom through Scarlett put Adam Cole on notice that his time was quite literally running out.
Fantasma No More
On the subject of Champions, El Hijo del Fantasma revealed both his face and his true colours on Wednesday evening when it was discovered that the parking lot bandits were in cahoots with the Interim Cruiserweight Champion all along!
After delivering a brutal beat-down on newly hired Drake Maverick (because clearly he hasn’t suffered enough humiliation over the past few weeks), Fantasma threw away his mask and re-christened himself as Santos Escobar.
Finn Balor Wants the North American Championship
After defeating Cameron Grimes on Wednesday, The Prince declared his intentions to challenge for Keith Lee’s North American Title. Whether Lee answers the challenge remains to be seen
NXT Weekly for 06/12/20
Tag Team Turmoil
Next week’s edition of NXT already has two huge matches announced, with Championship Gold on the line.
On the men’s side of things, Number One Contenders Breezango will face off against Imperium for the NXT Tag Team Championships.
In the Women’s Divison, Tegan Nox and Shotzi Blackheart will face whomever is victorious in the Triple Threat Title match at this Sunday’s Backlash for the Women’s Tag Team Belts.
https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/1270894257809866754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1270894257809866754&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Frajah.com%2F
https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/1270881935385124864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1270881935385124864&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Frajah.com%2F
With an exciting week of action in the books after Takeover, next week for NXT is sure to be explosive; as Champions are challenged and Title Holders have questions they need to answer.
See you next week!
