NXT #415 – July 29, 2020
Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida
"All Out War" by Slipknot
NXT UK #104: History Relived - July 30, 2020
- The Belfast Bruiser def. Lord Steven Regal (with Jeeves) by disqualification when Earl Robert Eaton and Squire Dave Taylor attacked the Bruiser. (17:33) [WCW UNCENSORED 1996 - MAR 24, 1996]
- Paige def. AJ Lee (c) to capture the WWE Divas Championship with the Ram-Paige (4:55). [SUMMERSLAM 2014 - AUG 17, 2014]
A video package aired, recapping last week on NXT. Coming off of the Undisputed Era assaulting the NXT Champion Finn Bálor and the NXT North American Champion Keith Lee the week prior, "the Limitless One" and "the Prince" took the fight to the UE. Lee was able to successfully retain the title against Bobby Fish; while Finn took the fight to Kyle O'Reilly in "Hollywood Kyle's" return to the ring. It was a technical masterclass, but in the end the Irishman came out victorious. Yet as Finn took his place as the established flagbearer of "the Black and Gold Brand", title in hand, Roderick Strong would once again ambush him. With another gang beating, Roddy would prove why they called him "the Master of the Backbreaker" with the End of Heartache - before stealing the NXT Championship!
The NXT Universe were abuzz inside Full Sail Arena, as Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix welcomed us to another rousing edition of NXT! Announcing remotely as Vic Joseph appeared in-person by the large "NXT" letters in the building, the broadcast team discussed what was coming up tonight - including the NXT Women's Championship being at stake, when Io Shirai made her title defense against Xia Li. Plus, Karrion Kross would take on Dijakovic; and Raquel González would battle Rhea Ripley!
- NXT Women's Championship - Io Shirai (c) vs Xia Li
- Dijakovic vs Karrion Kross
- Rhea Ripley vs Raquel González
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1) Legado del Fantasma def. Jake Atlas and Breezango (13:22) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]
- Since stealing the NXT Cruiserweight Championship from Kushida and aligning himself with the two men he once held captive, Santos Escobar and his men Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde stopped at nothing to ensure the entire world knew they ran the Cruiserweight Division. Jake Atlas had much to prove and started hot with the aid of Tyler Breeze and Fandango, forcing Legado del Fantasma to take a powder to the floor after a wild free-for-all. Stereo dives through the ropes from both members of Breezango would make way for "the Game Changer" to fly with a moonsault plancha from the second rope onto all three men! Atlas started out with Mendoza, who was able to score a snap suplex but would find a springboard moonsault from the bottom rope unsuccessful - once Atlas got the knees up! A release German suplex was thought to have him, when Wilde and Escobar charged the attack. "The Fashion Police" re-emerged for another six-man brawl, ending when "Prince Pretty" and 'Dango struck with the double Supermodel Kick for Mendoza!
- The tables had turned as Fandango continued to try and fight Joaquin Wilde with chops and a spinning wheel kick, before Raúl Mendoza came in illegally with a spinning brainbuster! 'Dango hoped to make it to Jake Atlas and Tyler Breeze, only to be dragged back into the center by Santos Escobar's men. Legado del Fantasma took it in turns dissecting Fandango, with an aided dropkick seeing Mendoza fly. Finally the NXT Cruiserweight Champion graced the ring with his presence, targeting the shoulder with a soccer kick! "The Dancer" tried to fight back with his good arm, only to be struck with a basement dropkick, an enzuigiri and a slingshot somersault senton! Escobar mocked Jake Atlas and Tyler Breeze bringing them into the ring, which enabled Mendoza and Wilde to come in and drag Fandango back to Legado's corner, out of sight from the official! Again Fandango tried to fight his way out of enemy territory with lariats for Raúl and Joaquin, but a corner dropkick saw the champ drop him!
- Joaquin Wilde held a Russian legsweep on Fandango as Raúl Mendoza looked for the enzuigiri - for 'Dango to move! Blocking Wilde's attempt at a hurricanrana, 'Dango dropkicked he and Santos Escobar as they rushed in! On the crawl, Jake Atlas came in with a springboard hurricanrana. A series of enzuigiris rocked Mendoza and Wilde, when Tyler Breeze shot in a big boot to Wilde, who found himself draped over the top rope! A catapult to Mendoza forced Mendoza to eat a forearm smash from "the Game Changer", when Santos Escobar returned with a spinebuster for Breeze. Atlas took the fight to the NXT Cruiserweight Champion with a headlock driver garnering a close fall. Raúl and Joaquin rushed in for another wild melee, ending with Breeze and Escobar legal. The Beauty Shot got a close fall, when "Prince Pretty" found himself outnumbered. A death valley driver from Mendoza to 'Dango saw Escobar vault with a diving splash onto Breeze - and Wilde would restrain Atlas allowing the three count!
The chaos of this six-man tag team match got NXT underway in energetic fashion, but when the dust settled Legado del Fantasma prevailed! The NXT Cruiserweight Champion posed on his knees in the ring, with Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde behind him, before Santos Escobar ordered his confidantes to continue the assault! Putting the boots to both Tyler Breeze and Fandango, Escobar would drill "Prince Pretty" with the Phantom Driver. Jake Atlas bravely re-entered with the LGB DDT for Wilde, before striking Mendoza with a bicycle kick. Alone with Santos, the champ grinned and provoked "the Game Changer" before departing on his own accord. Atlas re-assembled with Breezango behind him, staring down Legado del Fantasma.
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A graphic aired, showing an image of "Absolute" Ricky Starks. "The Center of Attention" had proven impressive thus far, and was scheduled for action - up next.
Not Interested
Raquel González skipped rope in the backstage dressing room, when into shot came Dakota Kai. In her insurance policy's ear, she tried to instruct "Big Mami Cool" on what she needed to do to defeat Rhea Ripley. To an annoying extent, Raquel finally revelled that she didn't want to hear it. While "King Kota" beat "the Brutalist", she was out to make a name for herself in NXT and wanted to do this by herself. Kai scoffed, claiming that wouldn't do - unless she wanted to fail, much like Rhea had done in every big match opportunity dating back to WrestleMania. Dakota told Raquel she wasn't even sure why she cared - she already beat Rhea, and that was what really mattered. As Dakota departed, Raquel remained focused.
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The Golden Tongue
Inside Full Sail Arena, Ricky Starks made his "Absolute" arrival to the NXT Universe's chagrin. Posing on his way down the aisle, "the Center of Attention" ran his mouth to the fans behind the plexiglass walls surrounding the ringside area, as he swaggered to the ring and posed on the apron. Ascending to the second rope, "Pretty Ricky" declared he had arrived and was here to make "the Black and Gold Brand" nothing but gold. Bigging himself up, the newcomer claimed they called him "the Saint Among Men", and "the Top of the Food Chain" because absolutely everything he did was nothing but net! Across the ring he saw tonight's victim, purposely mispronouncing the name of Denzel Dejournette. Insulting his wrestling singlet and questioning what he came dressed as, Ricky promised to get this over with quick so Denzel could go back to playfighting on the mat with his little dollies. Dejournette shook his head, fired up and ready to go.
2) Ricky Starks def. Denzel Dejournette (1:49)
- The sheer arrogance of the so-called "Saint Among Men" had rubbed Denzel Dejournette the wrong way, and the former NCAA heavyweight amateur wrestler from Winston-Salem worked to ground Ricky Starks from the getgo. Able to battle back, Dejournette took him down with a spinebuster, when a twisting enzuigiri allowed "the Center of Attention" to bounce back. A Rocket Kick knocked Dejournette through a loop, when "Absolute" began to pummel away at the upstart. Denzel fought a chinlock with a fireman's carry takedown, but after a series of clotheslines Starks cut him off with the Spear! The running dominator come to be known as the Roshambo followed, handing "Pretty Ricky" another sudden win.
"Absolute" picked up another decisive win against Denzel Dejournette, posing with the official raising his hand in slow motion. Ricky Starks swaggered around the ring after the quick win, posing on the top rope as though it were a hammock!
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McKenzie Mitchell was standing by in the interview area with Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink, ahead of their long-awaited tag team match with the unlikely duo of Bronson Reed and Dexter Lumis. The Australians discussed their appall with how this situation was still ongoing. It was ludicrous to consider the fact that their old mate "Aus-Zilla" had chosen some murderous goon over his pals! The two reminisced on the nightmares had since that traumatic night on Independence Day weekend. But despite all of it, now they had nothing to fear. They'd faced the worst, and tonight they were going to show "the Battleship" what they're all about now. As for "the Tortured Artist", they planned to make sure this was the last time they ever had to see his ugly mug. The two set off for the ring in foul moods - the match coming up next.
Quitters Never Prosper
Returning to the sinister school of Timothy Thatcher, the head trainer of 'Thatch As Thatch Can' was explaining in elaborate detail the method in which he applied his signature Fujiwara armbar, to his disturbed students. Groans, screams and sobs came out of his victim - the test dummy for a seminar that would never end. Thatcher demanded the recipient quit yelling, that he was paying his dues. Refusing to release the hold, finally the student began to tap out bringing great delight to the toothless grin of "the Journeyman". As Tim ordered the gathered crew of students to complete their homework in time for next week's session, the student victimized from last week showed up with his arm in a sling. Surprised to see him, he was initially gleeful to see the prospect suck up his injuries and make a return - when the student informed him that he wanted to call the quits. Voicing how this class was not what was advertised, the unknown had the gall to demand a refund!
As the class of students remained present at the scene, Timothy Thatcher smiled at the young man and invited him into the ring to shake his hand. Though hesitant, the injured was assured that he would receive a full refund - so long as he offered him the respect he deserved. The students watched nervously around the ring, as "the Journeyman" wished the kid all the best in mediocrity - taking his hand, before delivering an arm ringer! Immediately ripping up the sling, the aggressive and deranged head trainer of this "training school" slapped on a cross-armbreaker, bringing the ex-student to scream in pain! Demented, Thatch frothed at the mouth as he lectured his students on letting it be a lesson to them: quitter never prosper in this game of life.
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3) Bronson Reed and Dexter Lumis def. Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink (4:22)
- The relationship between Bronson Reed and Dexter Lumis had brought the two polar opposites together in their issues with Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink. "The Tortured Artist" immediately slid across the ring towards them, though Thorne and Vink responded with a series of stomps. Reed charged with a double clothesline when a biel throw hurled Vink into Thorne! Lumis tagged himself in for a slingshot suplex and a series of throat thrusts in the corner - when a distraction from Vink saw Thorne connect with a ripcord kneestrike! A double back suplex brought the Aussies some success, until Dexter backflipped out of a sidewalk slam and connected with the Lou Thesz press! "The Thicc Boi" made the tag and chokeslammed Thorne through Vink, but the King Kong Lariat saw Vink save his buddy. Targeting the ankle they injured weeks back, Dex reinserted himself with Silence applied on Brendan! As he went night-night, Bronson drove Thorne into the mat with the Jagged Edge for the win!
In a bizarre scene, Bronson Reed and Dexter Lumis shared the ring, as "the Tortured Artist" sat wide-eyed with the unconscious Brendan Vink in his lap, laying motionless. "The Battleship" raised his fists to the saluting NXT Universe, as Shane Thorne rolled out to the canvas. Dexter came to his feet and approached Bronson for a staredown - as perhaps another battle was due between the two. But instead, Dex gave Reed a thumbs up! Soon departing and returning to the backstage area, it left "the Thicc Boi" of NXT to ponder what came next.
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The Undisputed Era had arrived backstage at Full Sail University, though still without any sign of their leader, the former NXT Champion Adam Cole. Instead, Roderick Strong led the pack of "Hollywood" Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish! All sporting sunglasses, "the Master of the Backbreaker" strutted down the hall with the NXT Championship around his waist. Belonging to Finn Bálor, it having been stolen last week, Roddy had a lot of explaining to do for his actions - as the UE were scheduled to join us in the ring, next!
An advertisement aired, promoting all of the merchandise available on WWEShop.com.
Lost and Found
One week after the system was shocked once again, the Undisputed Era came wandering out to the Full Sail Arena audience to a largely mixed response. Led by Roderick Strong, adorned with the NXT Championship belonging to champion Finn Bálor around his waist, "the Master of the Backbreaker" was pleased with his continued habit of stealing championship titles not belonging to him, as he rode the middle rope and leaned on the apron facing the NXT Universe, with Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly posing alongside him. With Adam Cole still AWOL, Roderick issued a shout-out to "the Panama City Playboy", saying he wished they could be with them - but right now he had to take care of his own business. Strong remarked how it had been a while since they were joined by a certain individual, demanding the people give a rousing ovation to the returning Kyle O'Reilly - the same man who had taken Finn Bálor to the limit last week, until he was robbed!
And now, for the first time since completion of shooting his new Hollywood hit feature, Roderick Strong bestowed the microphone to "Hollywood" Kyle O'Reilly. The NXT Universe booed and chanted for Finn Bálor, to which Kyle laughed. He spoke of having "the Prince's" number, and he proved that to everybody who watched "the Black and Gold Brand" last week. Yet as true as that fact was, Kyle made a point of suggesting he had some help along the way! Bobby Fish bit the bullet, joking that there was a slight possibility that he and Roddy may have had some part in ensuring Keith Lee not try and stick his nose where it didn't belong! Kyle believed the NXT North American Champion would have surely poked around in his business, and that simply couldn't be done. Roddy wrapped his arms around Bobby and Kyle, claiming that while Adam Cole might not be around, that didn't mean the Undisputed Era didn't still run this place. Sort of like how Finn Bálor might be NXT Champion - but he didn't have the gold!
As Roderick Strong goaded the NXT Champion, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly laughed at "the Prince's" expense. "The Master of the Backbreaker" dared the champion to come collect what was his. Instead, Keith Lee came bounding to the ring! The NXT North American Champion took down both members of the Undisputed Era with a massive crossbody! "The Limitless One" nailed Fish with the Spirit Bomb, before Kyle O'Reilly dove on his back with a sleeper hold! It bought Roddy time to strike him with the NXT Championship, and quickly the UE put the boots to the big man. That is, until Finn Bálor made his arrival - and with him saw a steel chair in hand! Finn hit the ring and nailed Kyle O'Reilly in the ribcage, before following with a shot across the spine! Roderick Strong narrowly escaped, as the trio regrouped on the aisle. With the NXT Championship back where it belonged, Finn shared the ring with Keith Lee and dared the pranksters to come back and fight. The champ did not appreciate having his things stolen!
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Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph discussed all of the anticipation and speculation surrounding tonight's NXT Women's Championship defense. Never before had a woman of Chinese origin fought a woman of Japanese origin with such a prestigious title at stake. Screenshots from Twitter flashed on the screen, with users tweeting their predictions for tonight's between Io Shirai and Xia Li - still to come.
The Beauty and the Beast
Killian Dain stomped the backstage corridors, when around the corner crept Cameron Grimes in a full suit! Once again pestering "the Beast of Belfast", the Southerner hoped to put Dain at ease by tempting him with Poppy's latest CD. Killian simply glared at the copy, as the fast-talking "Carolina Caveman" brought up the proposition he had to offer the Irishman last week. Wanting to know whether Dain had thought about it at all, Killain remained silent before trying to turn away. Not knowing when to quit, Grimes followed suit and told romanticized the possibility of them teaming up! No more losing streaks - just sweet victory. As Grimes compared he and Dain as a combination to 'the Beauty and the Beast', Dain finally turned around and snatched him by the throat! Forcing him against the brick wall, the bitter metalhead told Grimes no meant no! Sick and tired of him buzzing around him, he demanded Cameron meet him one-on-one in the ring next week. Grimes was left wondering what effect his pitching had.
- Next week - Killian Dain vs Cameron Grimes
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4) Karrion Kross (with Scarlett) def. Dijakovic (7:04) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- Karrion Kross's fireball assault on Damian Priest two weeks ago was thought to lead to "the Herald of Doomsday" declaring his intent to challenge for the NXT Championship, when out of nowhere came Dijakovic - sporting a brand new attitude. "The Demolition Man" in aviators and leather was not going to have any of Kross's mind games, taking him out with a Cyclone Kick as soon as the bell sounded! Scarlett watched with concern as Dijakovic pummelled him with a lariat, before cornering him with rapidfire back elbow strikes! To a positive reaction, the agile big man followed suit with a remarkable Fosbury Flop onto Kross at ringside. "The Siren of Destruction" was startled by Dijakovic, as he looked her in the eyes - the first man to truly take her man to the limit!
- "The Demolition Man" continued to keep the heat on Karrion Kross with a superkick and a discus lariat, but as he looked for a fireman's carry, "the Herald of Doomsday" muscled the big man up with a running powerslam of his own! With a spinebuster driving Dijakovic into the corner, Kross proceeded to chop him down to size bit by bit, starting with a charging big boot in the corner! A release German suplex saw "the Siren of Destruction" give Kross the signal to bring this match to a close, grounding Dijakovic with a series of knee lifts to the upper anatomy of his grounded opponent. Dijakovic continued to rally back, delivering Time to Fly launching Kross across the ring! Karrion was in trouble as a springboard elbow drop was attempted, but Kross delivered a catching exploder suplex! A devastating Doomsday Saito followed, but Dijakovic refused to stay down. Kneeling in a semi-conscious state, the Kross Jacket was locked in, and "the Demolition Man" was forced to go to sleep!
DTA
Relinquishing his grip of the Kross Jacket, Karrion Kross sat in the center of the ring with a sickening grin on his face. A man possessed, "the Herald of Doomsday" was joined by his "Siren of Destruction" Scarlett - when the lights went out. Damian Priest unexpectedly came stomping down to the ring, his face covered in bruising from the second-degree burns! A reminder of the fireball assault two weeks ago, "the Archer of Infamy" showed no fear in targeting Kross and delivering a melee of right hands! Kross scratched the burned face of "the Nocturnal Rockstar" to gain the upper hand, but his attempt at a Doomsday Saito saw Dijakovic interrupt with a big boot to Kross! Running him from the ring, suddenly "the Demolition Man" laid waste to Priest - planting him with Feast Your Eyes! A devastated NXT Universe watched on, as Dijakovic left the ring alone, refusing to trust anybody.
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Face of the Brand
A video package aired, taking a look at the physicality of Mercedes Martinez. "The Latina Machine" had been a force to be reckoned with since her arrival in January. Participating in the 2020 Royal Rumble match got her off to an astounding impression, as Martinez conscrued an impressive string of victories in short order. Robert Stone narrated the montage, talking about how he realized long ago that the likes of Aliyah and Chelsea Green were not long for the Robert Stone Brand. What he needed was something more ferocious, something more vicious, and something willing to lay waste to Shotzi at all costs! As far as "the Hipster" was concerned, Martinez was the face of the Brand, and for that he could only love her very much. Martinez revealed an intimidating grill shielding her teeth, speaking in Spanish that Martinez was going to the top.
McKenzie Mitchell was standing by backstage with Shotzi, having just watched the video package with Mercedes Martinez and Robert Stone. "The Ballsy Badass" bore her helmet and spoke with great excitement, despite having been left laying by "the Latina Machine" last week. As much as she wants nothing more than to crush "the Hipster's" apples with the wheels of her T.C.B. Tank, she smelled an opportunity to do one better: and crush the new face of the Robert Stone Brand. Shotzi screeched that she wanted a piece of Mercedes, and if nobody thought she had a chance - so be it! She had proven many people wrong before.
A vignette aired, promoting the arrival of a new Cruiserweight. There was nobody younger, nobody hotter, and nobody who possessed the pizzazz and the finesse he did. Driving a convertible through the streets of the Bay Area in San Francisco, he took the time to stop, pause and lower his sunglasses. With an eager smile, the young man in a cropped leather jacket welcomed the NXT Universe to "Ya Girl's Favorite Superstar;" "the Ultimate Finesser" Chris Bey - coming soon to NXT.
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Deluded by Roderick
Roderick Strong was spotted after the attack on the Undisputed Era, courtesy of the NXT Champion Finn Bálor and the NXT North American Champion Keith Lee. "The Master of the Backbreaker" caught his breath as Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly had gone off to the trainer's office. Speaking candidly to the camera, Roddy talked about beating Finn Bálor weeks ago, and that he wanted his shot at the NXT Championship. Once upon a time, he was the real deal. He was the heart of the NXT Brand, and the NXT Universe - they couldn't wait to see him capture the title. Who stopped him? Drew McIntyre, the current WWE World Champion! "The Scottish Terminator" knew how good he was, and they'd had wars too. Staring deep into the lens, Strong refused to fail again. He wasn't going to let another opportunity slip away, because he was Undisputed - and the Undisputed Era still ran NXT. Roddy warned Finn Bálor his days were numbered, and dared him to accept his challenge - and put the NXT Championship at stake.
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5) Rhea Ripley def. Raquel González (9:18) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]
- Rhea Ripley was still hopeful of rebounding off of WrestleMania's loss of the NXT Women's Championship to Charlotte Flair, so much so that she absorbed a loss to Dakota Kai at the Great American Bash - caused by "Big Mami Cool" herself. Raquel González was up for the task, wanting to put down the other goliath of the NXT Women's Division, when a face off at the match's beginning led to both women slugging it out! Neither wanted to budge, and "the Brutalist" would shoulder block Raquel just for her to absorb it. The two ensued with a back and forth series of running strikes, when two short-arm clotheslines led to a ripcord dropkick from Ripley! González would be the brunt of the stalling suplex, when a grabbing headbutt saw "the Insurance Policy" knock her silly! A big boot led to a spinning powerslam, and a fallaway slam sent the former champ across the ring. Posing with her back muscles on display, González possessed immense power!
- "Big Mami Cool" held Rhea Ripley in position for a Canadian backbreaker rack, keeping the former NXT Women's Champion hanging in the balance. Finally the NXT Universe were able to rally Rhea into breaking out, and striking with a headbutt of her own! Ripley fired with a series of clotheslines looking to take Raquel González from her feet - only to be hit with an evasion lariat! "The Insurance Policy" delivered a rotating slingshot senton out of the corner for a near fall, when González attempted the powerbomb. "The Brutalist" landed on her feet, when the Freefall knocked Raquel through a loop! Knee lifts led to a snapmare and a basement dropkick - finally overpowering Raquel! The bodyguard was in trouble as Rhea looked to attempt the Prism Trap. Suddenly Dakota Kai made her way out to ringside. It enabled González to strike down with an Alley Oop dropping Ripley throat-first on the top rope! All the while, Raquel questioned why "King Kota" had defied her order to come to ringside.
- Raquel Gonzalez continued to call Dakota Kai out on ignoring her request to remain backstage, when Rhea Ripley delivered a belly-to-back facebuster! Showing strength of her own, "the Brutalist" took "the Insurance Policy" to the corner and looked for the superplex, when "King Kota" climbed onto the apron! As Rhea and Kota exchanged words, González sent Ripley launching from the second rope. Following her to the canvas, a powerbomb connected - but Rhea popped the shoulder up. Infuriated, Raquel tried to ignore Kota's backseat strategizing, attempting the powerbomb again - but Ripley landed out on her feet. The Rip Tide connected, handing the former NXT Women's Champion victory!
Dakota Kai was forced to watch her "Insurance Policy" in ruin, as Rhea Ripley grinned towards her in victory. "The Brutalist" knew that she had been in a battle against Raquel González, but the second the former NXT Women's Champion turned her back to continue the celebration, "King Kota" attacked from behind. Ripley overpowered her with a big boot, when "Big Mami Cool" came to her partner-in-crime's aid with a military press slam - into Kai's Go To Kick! Silently, González recovered as Kai hit the ropes and dropped Ripley with the Kairopractor. Standing tall over Rhea's body, Kai celebrated as though she had beaten Rhea all alone!
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Accepted
McKenzie Mitchell was at the interview area with Jake Atlas and Breezango, wishing to ask the trio about their shortcoming against Legado del Fantasma - when the trio showed up. With the NXT Cruiserweight Championship around his waist, Santos Escobar bragged about the beating his hyenas handed Tyler Breeze and Fandango in the six-man tag team match earlier tonight - but wished he had given "the Game Changer" something to remember them by. The cunning leader of la adquisición hostil of the Cruiserweight Division smiled towards Atlas, as Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza insulted "the Fashion Police's" integrity. "Prince Pretty" and "Dirty Dango" responded mocking the clothing tastes of "Legado del Uggos!" The two teams were about to go at it, when Jake spoke up. He squared up against Santos and told him he and his goons could big league the Cruiserweight Division like they were the nWo - but after all of the fighting throughout his life, for the first time he felt ready for anything.
Jake Atlas said all of his life he had been held back and held down by naysayers and deniers - but for the first time he felt free. As an NXT Cruiserweight, he felt accepted - and just because it was the first time in a long time, he wasn't stopping now for a second. Jake claimed he might not have had the exposure Santos had had through competing in Mexico and navigating the United States en route to the WWE - but that wasn't going to stop his fighting spirit. Atlas challenged Santos Escobar for his NXT Cruiserweight Championship next week, because he wasn't going to let Legado del Fantasma just swallow the Cruiserweight Division whole. Raúl Mendoza, Joaquin Wilde, Tyler Breeze and Fandango listened, as Escobar chuckled. Accepting the challenge in his native language, Legado del Fantasma departed the confrontation.
- Next week - NXT Cruiserweight Championship - Santos Escobar (c) vs Jake Atlas
In the Interest of Fairness
Conducted over Zoom, Ever-Rise greeted and welcomed us to another exciting edition of 'Ever-Rise Live'. Remarking how it had been a while, the NXT Tag Team Champions commented on how it had been too darn long since the NXT Universe had been frazzled by the entertainment factor "the Show" had to offer them. Joined by a very special guest, they welcomed the bemused NXT General Manager William Regal, who tried to play it amicably with his British wit. Matt Martel and Chase Parker did not beat around the bush, questioning the gall of the GM to not only forget all about them - but forget about two of the NXT Universe's favorite champs. Martel joked nobody cared about Finn Bálor or Keith Lee - they were the NXT Tag Team Champions! Regal could barely get a word in, constantly interrupted as Parker and Martel slapped their gums and complimented their own assets. Ever-Rise claimed they thought it was bad the people barely ever saw their champions.
The NXT General Manager decided to barter with Ever-Rise, apologizing for such an atrocity. William Regal refused to allow it to happen ever again, believing truthfully that not a week should go by where the NXT Tag Team Champions weren't present for NXT! The GM asked how Matt Martel and Chase Parker would like that, which prompted the two to exclaim how elated they would be. Everybody always wanted a taste of the titles - but they weren't good enough! Martel and Parker put their own feet in their mouths, name-dropping Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch after last week's title defense. Regal found it peculiar and believed the French-Canadians deserved a fairer playing field - booking a rematch with Lorcan and Burch next week. And if Ever-Rise befell a disqualification or count-out again - they would lose the titles! Regal asked how that sounded, infuriating the champs! Questioning what good it was having a GM who barely ever showed up to TV, Regal promptly ended the Zoom call with the duo!
- Next week - NXT Tag Team Championship - Ever-Rise (c) vs Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch - if Ever-Rise get disqualified or counted out, they will loses the titles.
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6) Imperium def. Antonio De Luca and Ariel Dominguez (0:57)
- Since returning at the Great American Bash, Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner had been unstoppable in the NXT Tag Team Division. Wishing to keep the mat sacred overseas for their infamous leader, the NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER, the two wasted no time dominating the pairing of fellow Europeans Antonio De Luca and Ariel Dominguez. A rope-hung dropkick from Barthel struck De Luca in unison with Aichner's drive-by kick on the apron, when a spinning sit-out powerbomb dropped Dominguez like a ton of a bricks! In no time, Imperium put Ariel away with the Imperial Bomb to take another win.
Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel assumed their positions in the ring, towering over the broken Ariel Dominguez and Antonio De Luca. Imperium posed with their arms behind their back, continuing their rampage of the NXT Tag Team Division. Thus far they had kept the mat sacred for the NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER, who was residing back home in his country of Germany - but what else did Aichner and Barthel wish to achieve this side of the pond?
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Tramp Tegan and Dork Deonna
Deonna Purrazzo was spotted at the gym earlier today, when up walked Tegan Nox. Greeting "the Virtuosa" with a smile, the wholesome "Welsh Valley Wonder" maintained her positivity to the chagrin of Deonna, who asked her how her week was going! Deonna mocked Tegan, noting how last week got underway when she beat some tramp called Tegan. With a knowing smile, Nox asked Purrazzo how she got the job done, questioning if she had a little help along the way. Deonna refuted the idea claiming that the result was always going to happen. It was simple mathematics - she was superior to that tramp Tegan. Nox mused the idea of that tramp Tegan getting a rematch with dorky Deonna; though "the Virtuosa" instead scoffed. Taking her bottle of water and a towel with her, Purrazzo declined the notion of a rematch and left Nox amused.
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Graphics aired, as Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph flashed forward to next week on NXT where three championships would be up for grabs! Finn Bálor had accepted the challenge of Roderick Strong for an NXT Championship opportunity; plus, Santos Escobar would put the NXT Cruiserweight Championship at stake against Jake Atlas. As ruled by NXT General Manager William Regal, Ever-Rise would defend the NXT Tag Team Championships against Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch in a rematch from last week - and this time, if the champs got disqualified or counted out, they would lose the titles!
- NXT Championship - Finn Bálor (c) vs Roderick Strong
- NXT Cruiserweight Championship - Santos Escobar (c) vs Jake Atlas
- NXT Tag Team Championship - Ever-Rise (c) vs Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch - if Ever-Rise get disqualified or counted out, they lose the titles
- Mercedes Martinez vs Shotzi
- Cameron Grimes vs Killian Dain
Dinner with Candice
In an eerie video from the home of the Garganos, Candice LeRae toyed with vegetables alone at a dining table, abruptly driving the fork without relent into her steak. Agitated, "the Poison Pixie's" inner monologue handled the talking, as she spoke about having to do things throughout her life alone - but without her husband alongside her in NXT, thanks to a bald-headed jackass named Tommaso Ciampa, it was a struggle. Her husband was down, out and low for the longest time, trying to find new ways to pass the time. Now he was fulfilled again, but she knew it wasn't the same - much like NXT was not the same without him. Meanwhile, what about her? Candice thought it was unfair and unreasonable of management to deny her opportunities at every single turn! She was a strong, independent woman - and she proved just that last week when she gave Mia Yim the fight of her life. But if that's what she had to do - consider it done. If NXT didn't want to give her more, she would simply take more. If you couldn't beat 'em, you had to join 'em.
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Inside Full Sail Arena, the voice of 205 Live Vic Joseph was seen situated before the giant "NXT" letters among socially distanced members of the NXT Universe. As he briefly ran down what we had seen tonight on NXT, he shifted gears to talk about what was coming up this Friday night. The ever-impressive Mansoor would be in action with Tehuti Miles; Tegan Nox would take on former MMA fighter Marina Shafir; and in the main event, Isaiah "Swerve" Scott looked for revenge on behalf of his friend Leon Ruff, against the Brian Kendrick. Plus - a 'Prime Target' exclusive look at the story behind Santos Escobar and Jake Atlas, ahead of their NXT Cruiserweight Championship match next week on NXT!
- 'Prime Target' - an exclusive look at Santos Escobar vs Jake Atlas ahead of their NXT Cruiserweight Championship match
- The Brian Kendrick vs Isaiah Scott
- Tehuti Miles vs Mansoor
- Tegan Nox vs Marina Shafir
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7) Io Shirai (c) def. Xia Li to retain the NXT Women's Championship (10:05) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- "The Joshi Judas" called for competition two weeks ago, and it was "the Wushu Crusader" who answered. Feeling as though she could do what no other Chinese Superstar had done before, she had vowed to make history by becoming the new NXT Women's Champion in what had potential to be a breakout opportunity. A show of respect was attempted by the generous champion, though rejected by a determined Xia Li. From the opening lock-up, Xia tried to go a hundred miles per hour with a striking combination. Chest kicks lit "the Genius of the Sky" up in the corner, when Shirai caught her by surprise with a Spanish Fly from the ropes! Shirai would miss an early attempt at the 619, when the challenger responded with a roundhouse kick and an exploder suplex! A near fall was accomplished, when the two engaged in a fast series of hold attempts, culminating in a martial arts-esque standoff between the two women - which brought the NXT Universe to their feet!
- Xia Li had Io Shirai where she wanted her after a rapid combination of knee strikes during the break. "The Wushu Crusader" was the most determined she had been in her NXT career, and when "the Genius of the Sky" plotted a comeback with the air raid crash, the challenger landed on her feet and drilled her with a spinning heel kick. The NXT Women's Champion received the Tornado Kick, but the fighting spirit continued to shine through. Missing the Wushu Buzzsaw Kick, Shirai responded with a flapjack! With double knees charging the corner, a victory roll transitioned into the double footstomp! Xia prevented an attempt at the Moonsault, but as both women battled precariously on the top rope, Io delivered a leaping hurricanrana from the top rope! Both women crashed to the mat, but Xia refused to give in! Io and Xia went blow for blow in a Strong Style display, when Xia's roundhouse kick was averted - and Shirai planted with the German suplex! Heading straight to the top, "the Joshi Judas" scored the Moonsault to get the win!
The NXT Women's Championship remained in the possession of Io Shirai, who clutched her chest and ribcage after a physical title defense against a game Xia Li. "The Genius of the Sky" had been unsuccessful during the match, but after having her hand raised again approached "the Wushu Crusader". On their knees, Io spoke to Xia, who refused to make eye contact - before the two held hands and nodded to one another in the ultimate display of respect! As the two hugged and Li departed, "the Joshi Judas" stood on the second rope with her prize - but another challenger had her sights set on it, in Dakota Kai! Standing at the top of the stage, "King Kota" folded her arms in dismissal of Io - and Io raised the title in her direction. Could Kai be next in line for a title opportunity?
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