If You Like(d) Pro Wrestling, Watch Bayley Vs. Sasha Banks Tonight

The NXT feud between Bayley and Sasha Banks is more compelling than anything happening on WWE’s main roster these days. That is both a function of several things. WWE always slides into a seasonal funk between SummerSlam and the Royal Rumble. The in-match storytelling intensity in NXT, particularly with its women, has been simmering for awhile now. Bayley and Banks are both entering their athletic primes. They’re driven by the desperation of being on the cusp of making it to the top of the mountain, but need a final push to entrench themselves.

(Unfortunately, in this case, “making it” in the future likely entails more mainstream exposure, but less interesting roles.)

While these WWE hype videos for the match are at least a little reliant on kitschy 1980’s movie archetypes, they also convey the raw emotion and athleticism from the performers that have carried the feud. I’m not going to do the whole thing where I rehash the ins and the outs. But, if you’re at home tonight and already have a WWE Network subscription, watch NXT Takeover on a second screen — while you’ve got Cubs-Pirates on TV — and enjoy what is an absolute lock to be a thoroughly entertaining 30-minute pro wrestling match.