6 Ups And 2 Downs For WWE NXT (Feb 10)

1. Gargano Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

Before The Way's Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell could begin their semi final contest against frequent sparring partners Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart, the unit's leader Johnny Gargano had some unfortunate news. Clearly not trying to take the spotlight away from the rest of the squad, Gargano announced that the known power walker would not be competing at TakeOver due to last week's vicious attack at the hands of KUSHIDA.

William Regal was having none of it, however, seeing through Gargano's fake X-Ray and giving the North American Champion two options; Have Austin Theory battle KUSHIDA as his surrogate in a NA title match against KUSHIDA tonight, or forfeit the belt.

After taking a deviation to confirm the women's finalists in the Dusty Cup, KUSHIDA found himself going one-on-one with Theory, with Gargano miraculously healing on the outside of the ring. This sudden return to health eventually led to Johnny Wheelchair superkicking KUSHIDA in the chops for the DQ victory, opening the door for a dastardly beatdown at the hands of The Way.

Just before Gargano had the chance to break KUSHIDA's arm as an act of revenge, though, Dexter Lumis dragged his protege to hell before appearing in front of the NA Champion and staring a hole through his head. The segment then ended with Lumis and KUSHIDA crippling The Way in submission holds. Having Lumis go after Theory could be an interesting way of utilising both characters at this moment in time (in theory). Yet, right now, you can't help but feel as though KUSHIDA is being overshadowed in his own title pursuit, with the steely-eyed creep often stealing the thunder from the hard-hitting babyface each and every week.

For now, though, let's just celebrate the fact that KUSHIDA will finally get his shot at the NA title on Sunday...hopefully.