7 Ups And 2 Downs From WWE NXT (Aug 17)

1. The Monsters Are Finally Let Loose

Your writer hasn't been shy of noting how quickly the game of cat-and-mouse between Karrion Kross and Samoa Joe grew stale in the early stages of this NXT Championship feud. However, last week's scintillating promo package helped pump some much needed anticipation into this rivalry, but the black and gold brand still needed to deliver a fitting send-off for the programme coming into TakeOver 36.

Luckily, they did just that. Sensing that the time for talking was over, Joe set his sights on simply hurting his opponent a few days out from the PPV, only for The Bringer of Doomsday to draft in some security to "protect Joe". Sure enough, carnage ensued. Joe went right after the champ and even performed a stunning dive through the ropes onto the field, proving that ring rust simply isn't for everyone.

The Kaijus would then battle around the CWC, pulverising any barricades, steps, or people who stood in their way. To close out the chaos, the NXT Champion would then break free of the guards and tackle his challenger through one last barricade, hopefully destroying the CWC beyond repair (crosses fingers!).

It's the sort of segment this feud has been crying out for and it left fans genuinely wondering who will walk out of the evening with the top strap. The brand's future is on the line, and both men look ready for the fight of their lives. Bring on Sunday night.