Tag Teams Announced For NXT's 2nd Dusty Rhodes Classic
The second installment of the tourney is already looking better than the first.
The inaugural version of The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament was a big hit for NXT and went a long way in establishing the division within the developmental brand, bringing together pairings from NXT and the main roster as well as the independent scene, culminating in a win for Finn Balor and Samoa Joe that gave birth to their red hot feud.
This year's tournament will again be a single elimination format featuring 16 teams; some of which are well-established units while others are duos that will be hooking up for the first time. The opening round kicks off on Wednesday, October 5th's episode of NXT with the finals going down seven weeks later on November 19th at TakeOver: Toronto.
The following six teams have been announced via WWE.com:
The Revival - Current NXT tag team champions and last year's finalists.
Hideo Itami & Kota Ibushi - Ibushi is hot off a string of awesome performances in the CWC and Itami is trying to get his groove back after a lengthy injury.
Bobby Roode & Tye Dillinger - Nothing to be said other than this combination is "perfectly glorious."
Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa - #DIY made a splash in last year's tourney and have to be considered one of the favorites.
Andrade Almas & Cedric Alexander - A surprising pairing considering Alexander has already teamed with Rich Swann on Raw, but this duo could be a sleeper.
Tino Sabbatelli & Riddick Moss - Easily the "greenest" team in the contest, the pair will be able to gain some much-needed seasoning and exposure.
Below are an additional four teams whose inclusion we've learned about from taping SPOILERS of future NXT episodes:
The Authors of Pain - The massive bruisers have to be a heavy favorite.
TM61 - A highly-touted group that has yet to connect as expected.
The Bollywood Boyz - One of NXT's newest teams will be looking to make an impression.
Sanity - The mysterious crew arrives after weeks of hype.
With ten teams announced, that leaves spots for another six. It'll be interesting to see which, if any main roster or independent teams are included in this year's contest. What other duos would you like to see make the cut? Let us know in the comments.
The first round begins next week with The Revival vs. Almas & Alexander. We'll have the bracket for you as soon as it's released.