8 Ups And 2 Downs From WWE NXT (Aug 10)

Ups...

8. Undefeated No More, Gonzalez Promises Carnage At TakeOver

NXT unfortunately kicked off with the double-whammy gut-punch of not only Beth Phoenix taking a well-earned vacation away from Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett, but the fact that Ember Moon had not been medically cleared to compete against Sarray on the night.

Have no fear, though, because with this last-minute alteration came the opportunity for newly confirmed NXT Women's Championship Number #1 Contender Dakota Kai to keep herself sharp as we head into the closing stretch to TakeOver 36. Sure, it's an all-round bummer that Moon is on the sidelines - for reasons that still haven't been made known - but the resulting showdown between Kai and Sarray to kick off last night's episode was a delicious clash of styles. And something few would turn down the chance to watch once again down the road.

Sarray tapped into a level of aggression and ruthlessness that we hadn't seen from her on Tuesday nights to date, whilst Kai typically bent the rules to her advantage before nearly taking her opponents head off with a running pump kick to the face in the corner - seemingly out of thin air.

It wasn't long before Big Mami Cool was on the scene on the back of her one-time pal's victory and attempts to send a vicious message shortly after, with Raquel Gonzalez making it known that she plans on tearing Kai apart at TakeOver.

The drama is simmering and building nicely as each week passes, Kai has picked up an impressive victory en-route to her big chance, and, despite coming up short, Sarray still looks every bit like future NXT Women's Champion material.

A strong night's work all around.