War Machine Make NXT Debut, Given New Name
Almost, but not quite, entirely unlike their old name.
Indy tag-team juggernaut War Machine made their long-awaited NXT TV debut during last night's TakeOver: New Orleans pre-show tapings, gatecrashing a match between Tino sabbatelli & Riddick Moss vs. Heavy Machinery, leaving the four men lying.
The latter ambushees' name is enough to hint that Hanson and Ray Rowe would need a new moniker of their own on the developmental brand, and sure enough, following the vicious beat-down the pair were re-christened the 'War Raiders'. There's a touch of the Road Warriors about the name with its post-apocalyptic connotations, which is sure to have Paul Ellering sniffing around. Otherwise, it's a bit, well, naff. And just try saying 'Ray of the War Raiders!' quickly. Has your tongue in knots.
Elsewhere on the tapings, Kairi Sane dispatched Lacey Evans courtesy of her Insane Elbow. All the relevant happenings are set to air on this Wednesday's episode of NXT TV - if fans still have the appetite for any more wrestling after this weekend's super-duper-serving.