NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia Aleister Black vs. Adam Cole

Cole’s aforementioned big loss was a clean one to Black, in a qualifier to determine which of them would head to the #1 contender Fatal 4Way eventually won by Gargano. He got revenge for that by leading Fish and O’Reilly in a charge which eventually cost the Stoic Satanist his title shot, and this match was made.

Not content to wait for Philly, Aleister answered an open call for tag title challengers after Undisputed ERA took out SAnitY before their contractual rematch. More interference by AC managed to rattle his balanced outlook, and his losing his temper to chase Cole cost his partner Roderick Strong the match. That lefted Black fuming even more, and it was at that point Regal added an Extreme Rules stipulation to their bout.

Fitting both for the city where their match will take place, and the personal nature of their rivalry. Before their match, Cole set out to prove the then-undefeated Superstar wasn’t deserving of the praise he was getting. But when he challenged the Dutchman to show him what he had, he got a Black Mass. What’s followed has been a petty man’s quest for revenge... and it’s been pretty great.

This could be seen as a de facto #1 contender’s match, so there’s a lot on the line. Like his stablemates, Cole’s been presented as a big deal even though his win/loss record, and critical reviews of his performances, don’t necessarily back that. A strong showing here would increase his standing with fans. A win would be even better, and probably get him in the title hunt.

Black seemed ready for the championship scene back before he started his Autumn-long rivalry with Velveteen Dream. No one regrets the greatness which followed, but he still seems overdue for a main event program. A win here and shot in New Orleans might be the last chance he gets if rumors about plans to use him at the next level sooner rather than later are correct.

And then there’s the plunder, which should be fun. Get your “We Want Tables” chants ready now.