Kassius Ohno has had abundant success outside of the WWE. He has more than 30 championships to his name from his various other promotions, but he's never reached that same level under the WWE umbrella.
Before NXT was born, Ohno challenged for Seth Rollins' FCW Championship to no avail and then made strides toward the NXT Tag Team Championships in early 2013, but he ultimately fell short.
He left NXT at the end of 2013 and once again found success on the independent scene, including winning the Evolve Championship just three months after his departure.
Fast-forward to two weeks ago, and Ohno made his NXT in-ring return following three-plus years away from the company. His first match back was another big one as he attempted to attain the glory missing from his initial NXT run. The match was for Bobby Roode's NXT Championship, but Ohno was once again unsuccessful despite a wonderful showing from a performance perspective.
As we headed into this week's action, one thing was certain: Ohno needed a win under his belt. In a backstage segment that aired on WWE.com following his loss to Roode, "The Drifter" Elias Samson poked fun at Ohno's failed pursuit of the championship by way of one of his depressing, but oddly entertaining, melodies.
Ohno challenged Samson but upped the ante. The loser of the bout would be forced to leave NXT.
Much like his match with Roode, Ohno proved his worth in an NXT ring, putting forth another quality effort, but this time with a different result.
Both men displayed their share of offensive flurries and cranked up the intensity level as the match forged ahead, as they realized the importance of the "loser leaves NXT" stipulation. Ohno gained a definitive advantage once the two started trading strikes, eventually leading to a win via his roaring elbow.
As security came to escort Samson from the ring, the crowd serenaded him with "Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye" and "drift away" chants. Ohno put the ultimate damper on Samson's night when he destroyed his guitar.
With the loss, it would appear that Samson has graduated. Perhaps we'll be hearing the dreary tunes of the Drifter on RAW or SmackDown Live in the near future. Despite limited success in NXT, Samson's gimmick has been a heat-generating machine. Time will tell if that will translate to the main roster.
Following this week's win, what road will Ohno travel heading into TakeOver: Orlando this weekend? He is not currently on the card and is far too talented to be omitted from the biggest NXT show of the year. It will be disappointing if he isn't involved in some fashion.
A taste of the triple threat Tag Team Championship match
Whenever the Revival are involved in a match, the psychological factor is always in their favor.
One member of each team participating in the NXT Tag Team Championship elimination match at TakeOver was scheduled to do battle just three days before the big show in Orlando. Dash Wilder of the Revival, Johnny Gargano of #DIY and Akam of Tag Team Champions, the Authors of Pain, were set to take part in a singles triple threat match.
Dash had other ideas.
As the bout progressed, Dash and Dawson decided they'd had enough -- or so we thought -- and left the ring to head to the back. This left us with Akam and Gargano, one-on-one.
Gargano did his best to overcome the immense size difference. He nailed three straight super kicks on the big man as well as his patented spear through the middle rope, but the power game was too much.
After Gargano was thoroughly beaten down, Dash and Dawson once again proved their psychological aptitude when they reemerged with Dash reinserting himself into the match.
Dash took advantage of the fallen Gargano, sneaking a pinfall victory as Dawson prevented the man who caused all the damage, Akam, from breaking up the three count.
While witnessing the Revival become the first-ever three-time NXT Tag Team Champions on Saturday would be gratifying, it's time for the duo to be promoted to the main roster. Regardless of what happens at TakeOver, The Revival have cemented themselves as the all-around greatest tag team in NXT history. They will greatly improve whichever roster they join.
Rounding out the show
-- A brief NXT Women's Championship contract signing segment took place as champion Asuka and challenger Ember Moon joined commissioner William Regal to cross the T's and dot the I's.
Moon let Asuka know that it was her fate to dethrone the champ. As Asuka arrogantly chuckled and signed the contract, she left the challenger with the following: "Ember Moon. I know who you are and I know you're not ready." We'll find out if she is on Saturday night.
-- The gargantuan yet energetic tag team of Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic, known as Heavy Machinery, were in action taking on Jonathan Ortagun and Mike Marshall. The one-sided match ended uniquely when Ortagun was sandwiched between the two behemoths. Dozovic proceeded to body slam his own partner, Knight, onto Ortagun followed by a pin and a win.
-- It's official. SAnitY will take on Tye Dillinger, Roderick Strong, No Way Jose and NXT newcomer Ruby Riot at TakeOver.