NXT & Cruiserweight Classic Thread 07/13/16: Finn/Nakamura

[Steveweiser]

For the first time, I'm combining the NXT Thread with the debut of the Cruiserweight Classic, it's going to be a massive two hours of wrestling action on the WWE Network, here's what's on tap...

NXT
*Finn Bálor vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
*PLUS: NXT Champion Samoa Joe appears

The official WWE site is only promoting one match, but it's a mighty match, and one of the biggest NXT have presented on the regular TV show. For the first time since they crossed paths in New Japan, Finn Bálor and Shinsuke Nakamura will do battle, with Nakamura vowing to defeat the "Icon" Bálor in order to justify a challenge for the NXT Championship - will Nakamura score his biggest NXT win, or will Bálor somehow secure ANOTHER date with Samoa Joe, even after their feud was declared as over.

Speaking of Samoa Joe, he's set to appear on NXT for the first time since that feud-ending win over Bálor at Takeover: The End. What's Joe's next move going to be?

There were other matches taped, but I don't know in what order, since they taped Bálor/Nakamura right at the end. But after NXT at 8/7c, there's something new at 9/8c...

CRUISERWEIGHT CLASSIC
*Alejandro Saez (Chile) vs. Gran Metalik (Mexico)
*Ariya Daivari (Iran) vs. Ho Ho Lun (Hong Kong)
*Cedric Alexander (USA) vs. Clement Petiot (France)
*The Brian Kendrick (USA) vs. Raul Mendoza (Mexico)

Join Mauro Ranallo and Daniel Bryan as they bring you 32 of the best Cruiserweight wrestlers in the world, all vying to win the biggest tournament of their careers! The first 8 go tonight, with Gran Metalik, Cedric Alexander and former "Current WWE Champion" The Brian Kendrick among the highlights. Who will move on to the second round? Find out in the debut edition of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic!

[EoE: Well There's Your Problem]

Big night of pro graps right here.

[FAR5222]

I will watch both of these as soon as Mr.Robot and Suits finish.

["Gizzark" Mike Wronglevenay]

Can't wait to watch CWC, but I've never wanted to see a Nakamura match less than this one.

[Steveweiser]

I've seen the following listed for NXT tonight, but I can't be certain until it airs...

*Austin Aries vs. Patrick Clark
*Andrade "Cien" Almas vs. Angelo Dawkins
*NON-TITLE MATCH: Asuka vs. Eva Marie
*Finn Bálor vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

[The Kevstaaa]

Plan for tonight is, in order

NXT
Ultima Lucha
Cruiserweight Classic

["Gizzark" Mike Wronglevenay]

Jul 13, 2016 7:57:25 GMT -5 Steveweiser said:

*Austin Aries vs. Patrick Clark

Well holy shit.

[A Platypus Rave]

Balor vs. Nakamura should be damned awesome.

Also really excited for the CWC, should be a damned good night of wrestling

[corndog]

Jul 13, 2016 7:57:25 GMT -5 Steveweiser said:

I've seen the following listed for NXT tonight, but I can't be certain until it airs...

*Austin Aries vs. Patrick Clark
*Andrade "Cien" Almas vs. Angelo Dawkins
*NON-TITLE MATCH: Asuka vs. Eva Marie
*Finn Bálor vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

I was hoping Balor vs Nakamura would be the only match on the show. Either way, I am really excited about NXT and the CWC starting tonight.

[Crappler El 0 M]

Not sure about those CWC matches. WWE.com is saying Kota Ibushi vs. Sean Maluta is tonight.

[häšhtå.gdālėÿ]

I hope Patrick's character is a pretentious THIS BIZNESS loving a-hole who thinks he's above everyone else. Hell, let him be Aries' protege as the SRS BIZNESS guys because Aries sees a little of him inside of Patrick.

You know what they say... The best characters are the actual person turned up to 10.

[thetower52]

So are we not getting the whole first round tonight?

[Giul T.]

Jul 13, 2016 14:09:26 GMT -5 thetower52 said:

So are we not getting the whole first round tonight?

probably not since that's 16 matches and unedited would be a long night.

[Steveweiser]

Jul 13, 2016 12:20:21 GMT -5 Crappler El 0 M said:

Not sure about those CWC matches. WWE.com is saying Kota Ibushi vs. Sean Maluta is tonight.

I went based on the taping order, so they're doing this out of order which is unusual for them.

[Crappler El 0 M]

Jul 13, 2016 14:31:25 GMT -5 Steveweiser said:

Jul 13, 2016 12:20:21 GMT -5 Crappler El 0 M said:

Not sure about those CWC matches. WWE.com is saying Kota Ibushi vs. Sean Maluta is tonight.

I went based on the taping order, so they're doing this out of order which is unusual for them.

They may have decided to go with an Ibushi match for the first night so that they could start the series off with the biggest star.

[the2ndevil]

Jul 13, 2016 14:33:13 GMT -5 Crappler El 0 M said:

Jul 13, 2016 14:31:25 GMT -5 Steveweiser said:

I went based on the taping order, so they're doing this out of order which is unusual for them.

They may have decided to go with an Ibushi match for the first night so that they could start the series off with the biggest star.

He was the last person they highlighted on Bracketology, so it makes sense.

[EoE: Well There's Your Problem]

A Nakamura match followed by an Ibushi match... WWE turned into 2014 New Japan so gradually, I barely even noticed.

[Phil Parent]

Good wrestling night tonight!

What a time to live in!

[Alyce: Old Media Enthusiast]

[Alyce: Old Media Enthusiast]

Nice use of Scott Stanford to build up this match