Tag: damian priest - Page 10

WWE NXT Halloween Havoc live results: Two title matches

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Chris Aiken

For the first time in 20 years, Halloween Havoc makes its return tonight.

Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal will decide the stipulations for tonight’s title matches. NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai is defending her title against Candice LeRae, while LeRae’s husband Johnny Gargano is challenging Damian Priest for the NXT North American Championship.

Shotzi Blackheart is the host of tonight’s show. Coal miner’s glove on a pole match, blindfold match, casket match, Chamber of Horrors, biker’s chain match, buried alive match, devil’s playground match, boiler room brawl, Shotzi’s choice, weapons wild match, trick or street fight, and TLS match are the stipulation options on the wheel.

Three other matches have also been announced for tonight. Rhea Ripley and Raquel Gonzalez will collide as they face off on tonight’s show, Dexter Lumis and Cameron Grimes will meet in a Haunted House of Terror match, and NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar will take on Jake Atlas in a non-title match.

Plus, Pat McAfee will make an appearance after returning to NXT last week and helping Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch win the NXT Tag Team titles.

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

The show opened with a look at the impressive Halloween set design, and Shotzi Blackheart was screaming on the stage. She made sparks fly with a metal grinder, and then a rock guitarist started shredding on a guitar.

The guitar solo became the entrance theme for NXT North American Champion Damian Priest. He was in the ring, which had orange ropes for this speical episode.

An inflatable jack-o-lantern was on the stage for Johnny Gargano’s entrance. He sliced it open, and it began to deflate. Not a fan of Halloween I guess.

Blackheart spun the giant wheel on the stage, and the wheel landed on a “Devil’s Playground Match”. The stipulation is essentially a no DQ falls count anywhere match

Johnny Gargano defeated Damian Priest in a Devil’s Playground Match to win the NXT North American Championship

Gargano pinned Priest to win the title after interference by someone in a Scream costume.

Priest began to pummel Gargano at the start, and he whipped Gargano into a corner. Priest followed with Stinger splashes, and he also was wearing Mechanix gloves like Sting used to wear as his Crow persona.

Gargano eventually managed to cut off Priest, and Gargano sent him crashing into the ring steps. Gargano pulled out a kendo stick from underneath the ring, and Priest grabbed a baton. They faced off with weapons before a commercial break.

The brawling continued through the break. Priest picked up the ring steps, and he hit Gargano with the steps. Gargano tried to crawling up the ramp to escape, but Priest wrapped him up in the deflated jack-o-lantern.

As the show returned from commercial, Gargano leapt off the stage into a senton on Priest. Gargano hit Priest with a kendo stick as the brawl moved back into the ring. Gargano went for a kick, and Priest clubbed him in the leg with a banton. Priest then gave Gargano a sit-out chokeslam for a near fall.

Gargano caught Priest with a kick, but Gargano sold his leg. He went for a tope, but Priest grabbed him by the throat. Gargano countered a chokeslam, and he sent Priest into the chainlink fencing around ringside.

Gargano with sliced bread on the ring steps for a near fall. Priest went on to counter Gargano, and Priest suplexed Gargano onto the announce desk. They brawled near the Halloween set. A mannequin scared Gargano, allowing Priest to gain an advantage. They brawled backstage, and Gargano rammed Priest into a roll-up door.

Gargano dumped trash on Priest, and the he put the trash can over Priest’s head. Gargano followed by sandwiching Priest with a cart. The show cut to commercial with Gargano in control. During the break, Gargano used a crowbar to apply the Gargano Escape. Priest teased tapping, so I guess submissions count anywhere along with falls counting anywhere.

After the break, Gargano climbed onto the stage that held the wheel gimmick. Priest connected when he flung a trash can at Gargano. Moments later, Gargano countered Priest to deliver a superkick. Gargano repeatedly hit Priest with a metal trash can. Priest came back with a kick, and then kicked the trash can into Gargano’s face like a Van Daminator.

Someone in a Scream costume from behind hit Priest with a metal pipe. Gargano with a DDT to Priest on the stage. The person in the Scream costume handed Gargano a tombstone, and Gargano hit Priest with it. The tombstone shattered, and Priest fell off the stage. Gargano then pinned Priest to win the title.

Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett were at ringside on commentary. Joseph was dressed as Waldo from Where’s Waldo. Barrett said he dressed as his favorite superstar, Bad News Barrett. He said he had some bad news for Joseph, and Barrett declared himself the winner of the costume contest.

Pete Dunne returns to join up with Pat McAfee

McAfee came to the ring to cut promo. He was flanked by new NXT Tag Team Champions — Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch. McAfee buried the fans before talking about Adam Cole. He was upset about losing to Cole.

McAfee claimed he was unable to come back and “handle” Cole because McAfee had other media projects. So McAfee said he gave Ridge Holland a Mercedes for attacking Cole. After Holland was injured, McAfee said he tried to recruit Burch & Lorcan. They turned him down until they lost to Undisputed Era, and then they came back to make a deal to align with McAfee.

Kyle O’Reilly interrupted them, and he marched towards the ring. Pete Dunne made a surprise return to presumably have O’Reilly’s back. Dunne had two chair. He gave one to O’Reilly. They squared off with McAfee’s squad. Dunne then turned on O’Reilly, and he hit him with a chair. Dunne is seemingly aligned with McAfee and company.

The heels beat down O’Reilly. Burch & Lorcan gave him a draping DDT on a chair, and the heels stood over O’Reilly.

Cameron Grimes was upset and scared to get in a van. The vechile was supposed to take him to the Haunted House of Terror. Grimes wanted to ride shotgun, but a zombie was in the seat. That scared Grimes. Michael Hayes popped out of the van as “Badstreet USA” played over the speakers. Grimes reluctantly got into the van, and it sped away.

NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Esobar defeated Jake Atlas in a non-title match

Esobar pinned Atlas with help from henchmen at ringside. Two matches so far, and both ended after outside interference. This cruiserweight match was also rushed, and it was very short. Just as it got going, it ended.

Esobar wore a Phantom costume, simialr to what Rey Mysterio wore in his classic match against Eddie Guerrero at Halloween Havoc in 1997. Escobar also had half of his face painted like a sugar mask to commemorate Dia de Muertos.

Atlas was in trouble at the outset, but he soon made a comeback. He got some near falls on Escobar, and Atlas executed a handstand DDT. He went to cover Escobar, but Escobar’s henchmen put his feet on the rope to break the count. Atlas responded by doing a running flip dive on to Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde.

Mendoza put on what was seemingly a loaded mask, and he gave Atlas a headbutt. After Atlas was rolled back into the ring, and Escobar delivered his new finisher. Escobar then covered Atlas for a pinfall.

Cameron Grimes vs. Dexter Lumis in a Haunted House of Terroris “to be continued”

This was like a B-level horror movie, except with no finish. At least not yet.

The van from earlier arrived at a haunted house, and a frightened Grimes climbed out. Grimes tried to act tough, he kept getting scared. Lumis was seen lurking around as Grimes wandered around the house.

Grimes approached a referee to ask about the rules. The ref spooked him, and Lumis then appeared out of nowhere. Grimes was able to escspe his clutches, and Grimes ran away.

Lumis stalked Grimes like a horror movie villian. Grimes locked himself in a bathroom, and he saw the silhouette of a naked women taking a shower. Suddenly, Grimes felt very romantic. He took off his vest and went to get into the shower with the woman. She was a zombie that jumped out at him. He fled in fear.

Grimes ran around saying he was done. He wanted out of the house when Lumis grabbed him from behind. They brawled for a bit before Grimes was able to again escape the clutches of Lumis.

Grimes grabbed a weapon from the ktichen, but he was overtaken by more zombies. He ran to the van, and he got in. Lumis was in the van, which scared Grimes. A freaked out Grimes ran away into the darkness. To be continued…

Rhea Ripley defeated Raquel Gonzalez

Ripley pinned Gonzalez for the first clean finish on the show. Ripley looked strong, as did Gonzalez until she dropped the fall.

They exchanged strikes and slaps. Slugfest from the start, until Gonzalez began to stomp Ripley. Gonzalez would not leave her feet at first, even as Ripley hit her with some clotheslines. They mirrored each other several times.

Ripley eventually hit Gonzalez with a dropkick that sent her out of ther ring. Ripley followed with a wrecking ball dropkick, and then a somersault senton off the apron. Gonzalez soon countered Ripley, and she powerbombed Ripley into the chainlink fencing.

The show cut to a commercial break with Gonzalez in control. Gonzalez was applying a Gory Special as the show returned from break. Ripley fought back for a hope spot. Gonzalez cut her off for a two count.

Ripley created separation with a backdrop, and Ripley made a comeback. Ripley with a dropkick for a near fall as she fired up. She applied her inverted cloverleaf submission hold, but Ripley sold her back that was worked over earlier in the match. Ripley had to let go.

Gonzalez delivered a Tour of the Islands, and Ripley kicked out at two. They fought on the turnbuckles, and Gonzalez sent Ripley crashing to the mat with a avalanche overhead suplex. Ripley again kicked out for a near fall.

Ripley countered Gonzalez with a flying headscissors, and Ripley followed with the Rip Tide. She then covered Gonzalez for a pinfall.

Cameron Grimes was seen running down the road. He was apparently headed for the Capital Wrestling Center.

Drake Maverick was backstage dressed as Hollywood Hulk Hogan. He was flexing and such when McKenzie Mitchell approached him for an interview. Maverick began by saying “Let me tell you something Mean Gene.” Mitchell told him she was not Mean Gene. Maverick broke character, took off his sunglasses, and he asked her if she could just play along. It’s Halloween after all.

Someone entered the scene dressed as The Giant (Big Show) from WCW. He was joined by someone else dressed as The Yeti. They sandwiched Maverick to recreate the infamous finish of Halloween Havoc in 1995. Killian Dain entered through a curtain dressed as The Shockmaster. The Yeti and Giant fled.

Maverick was upset that Dain did not trip like The Shockmaster. Dain said he moved the cord. Maverick told him he was no fun, and Maverick put on the helmet Dain was wearing. Maverick then tripped and fell. That was the joke.

The Conclusion of the Haunted House of Terror

Grimes finally made his way back to the CWC. He got back into the arena, and he collapsed out of exhaustion. He fell into a makeshift graveyard. Grimes soon realized he was in a graveyard, and he freaked out. A zombie woman crawled out from a grave, and Grimes freaked out even more. Another zombie crawled out, and Grimes fled to the ring.

Lumis got into the ring to surprise Grimes, and Lumis began to pummel him. Lumis dropped Grimes with a running bulldog, and a spinebuster. The ring was surrounded in a fog of smoke.

Grimes begged off as several zombies crawled into the ring. Lumis press slammed a zombie on to Grimes, and Lumis choked out Grimes. Lumis left teh ring as the zombies crawled around a lifeless Grimes. A graphic reading “The End” flashed across the screen.

Tommaso Ciampa in a pre-tape promo said he did not recognize NXT anymore. He was upset with a culture where everyone acted as if they are owed something. People want “my turn”.

“This ain’t Monopoly,” Ciampa said. “We ain’t taking turns!”

Ciampa said everybody wants to blame someone else. Glass ceilings, brass rings, and such. Ciampa said he was never handed anything. He earned it, and for a time Ciampa was NXT. He wants to take it back, and it all begins with Velveteen Dream.

Ciampa called Dream a prodigy that keeps getting in his own way. Ciampa went on to call him a “dead man”.

Announced for next week on NXT is Ciampa vs. Dream. Also set for next Wednesday is Ember Moon vs. Dakota Kai.

Recording artist Poppy did a live version of Io Shirai’s entrance theme, and Poppy escorted Shirai to the ring.

Shotzi Blackheart was back for Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal. She spun the wheel, and it landed on a “Tables, Ladders, and Scares.”

NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai defeated Candice LeRae in a Tables, Ladders, and Scares Match to retain her title

Shirai retained in a wild match with some crazy bumps.

LeRae at the outset attacked Shirai, and LeRae then went to drag a table out from underneath the ring. There was a bag on the table. LeRae opened the bag, and she was frightened by its contents. Inside were mannequin parts that were made to look bloody. Shirai chased LeRae around ringside, and she hit her with a mannequin arm.

As Shirai was chasing her, LeRae sent Shirai crashing into a ladder with a drop toehold. Shirai reversed a whip to post LeRae. They fought on top of the announce desk, and LeRae hit Shirai with a laptop.

LeRae set up a ladder bridge between the ring and the announce desk. Shirai soon cut her off, and Shirai delivered running knees to sandwich LeRae into the ring steps. Shirai put several chairs into the ring. She created a pile of chairs, which is right out of EVIL’s playbook.

The show cut to a commercial break. Meanwhile, Shirai set up a table at ringside. That is out of Sabu’s playbook.

Shirai was getting another table when LeRae went to cut her off. Shirai fought back, and she delivered a missile dropkick in the ring. Shirai went back outside the ring to finish setting up a second table at ringside.

As the show returned from the commercial break, they were fighting to climb a ladder set up in the ring. LeRae propped a ladder in a corner. Shirai dropped her with a palm strike, and Shirai with backbreaker that placed LeRae onto a pile of chairs.

Shirai missed a moonsault, and she smashed into the pile of chairs. LeRae peppered Shirai with chair shots. Shirai reversed LeRae, and she suplexed LeRae onto an unfolded chair. That looked like very painful.

LeRae moved out of the way when Shirai came charging towards her, and Shirai crashed into the ladder propped in the corner. When LeRae went to climb the turnbuckles, Shirai tripped her up. LeRae fell over the top rope, draped in a corner.

Shirai trapped LeRae’s leg in a chair, and then she used a dragon screw with the leg still caught in the chair. LeRae sold big as she clutched her leg, but she avoided a Tiger Feint Kick. LeRae then hit Shirai in the back with a chair. LeRae off the apron with Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride to sent her and Shirai crashing through the two tables set up at ringside.

The mystery person in the Scream costume came to ringside. The masked person carried LeRae up the ladder looking for her to retrieve the title belt. Shotzi Blackheart ran in to make a save. She got the person wearing the Scream costume into an electric chair (the move, not the one Abdullah the Butcher was placed in back in the day). Blackheart fell backwards, and the masked person took a bump onto the pile of chairs.

LeRae was still on top of the ladder. She finally woke up as Shirai set up another ladder next to the other. They were fighting on top of the ladder when LeRae raked Shirai’s eyes. Shirai took a bump off the ladder, but she recovered enough to tip over the other ladder. LeRae went over the ropes and crashed through the ladder bridge set up at ringside. Shirai then climbed a ladder to pull down the title belt, and Shirai won the match. That was a helluva stunt show.

Two title matches, Ripley-Gonzalez set for WWE NXT Halloween Havoc

Posted on October 15, 2020 by Joseph Currier

WWE has made their first match announcements for NXT Halloween Havoc.

Halloween Havoc is taking place on Wednesday, October 28. Candice LeRae will challenge for Io Shirai’s NXT Women’s Championship on the episode, while LeRae’s husband Johnny Gargano will challenge Damian Priest for the NXT North American Championship. Both of those are rematches from NXT TakeOver 31. This time, those two matches are going to have stipulations that will be determined by “Spin the Wheel, Make a Deal.”

Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Gonzalez has also been announced for the Halloween Havoc episode.

LeRae became the number one contender to the NXT Women’s Championship by defeating Shotzi Blackheart on NXT tonight. LeRae got the win after using brass knuckles to strike Blackheart. The brass knuckles were given to LeRae by Indi Hartwell. An alliance between LeRae and Hartwell first started to be revealed last week, with Hartwell sending LeRae and Gargano a new TV that came with a USB drive showing all of the times Hartwell helped LeRae during a number one contender’s battle royal last month.

NXT General Manager William Regal was interviewed on tonight’s show after the LeRae vs. Blackheart match. Regal said he wasn’t happy with the finish of the match, but the referee’s decision is final. Regal said he’s thinking of upping the stakes for Shirai vs. LeRae.

Priest retained his North American title against Dexter Lumis in the main event of tonight’s NXT. After the match, Gargano attacked Priest with a steel chair. Blackheart, who will be the host of Halloween Havoc, then announced the return of “Spin the Wheel, Make a Deal” to determine the stipulations for Shirai vs. LeRae and Priest vs. Gargano.

Coal miner’s glove on a pole match, blindfold match, casket match, Chamber of Horrors, biker’s chain match, buried alive match, devil’s playground match, boiler room brawl, Shotzi’s choice, weapons wild match, trick or street fight, and TLS match were the stipulation options listed on the wheel.

Ripley vs. Gonzalez was announced for Halloween Havoc after a challenge that was issued by Gonzalez tonight. Ripley accepted the challenge and tried to brawl with Gonzalez, but they were kept apart by officials. Ripley vs. Gonzalez is being billed as a matchup of the biggest and baddest women in NXT.

WWE announces North American title match for NXT

Posted on October 14, 2020 by Joseph Currier

The North American Championship will be on the line on NXT this Wednesday night.

In a tweet posted by William Regal tonight, WWE announced that Damian Priest will defend his North American Championship against Dexter Lumis on this week’s episode of NXT: “I have been extremely impressed with @ArcherOfInfamy as of late, and as a fighting champion, he should welcome all challengers. @DexterLumis was unfortunately injured before his last opportunity … but he’ll have it tomorrow night! Lumis vs Priest for the #NXTNATitle! #WWENXT”

Priest won the North American title in a five-way ladder match at NXT TakeOver XXX this August. Lumis had originally qualified for the ladder match but was removed after suffering an ankle injury.

Lumis returned to NXT two weeks ago during a backstage segment where he stared at Cameron Grimes as Grimes was looking for Regal. Grimes called Lumis a freak and told him to get out of his face. Last week, Lumis defeated Austin Theory after answering Theory’s open challenge. Grimes then laid out Lumis with a double stomp after the match.

Priest has had successful title defenses against Timothy Thatcher and Johnny Gargano since becoming North American Champion.

Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch vs. Undisputed Era’s Roderick Strong & Bobby Fish is also set for this week’s NXT. The winning team will become the number one contenders to Breezango’s NXT Tag Team titles.

WWE announces North American title match for NXT TakeOver

Posted on September 23, 2020 by Joseph Currier

NXT North American Champion Damian Priest is set to make his first TakeOver title defense.

WWE announced today that Johnny Gargano will challenge for Priest’s North American Championship at NXT TakeOver on Sunday, October 4. This is the first match officially confirmed for the event.

Priest became the North American Champion by winning the then-vacant title in a five-way ladder match at TakeOver XXX last month. Priest and Gargano were the two wrestlers reaching for the title at the end of the match. Priest kicked Gargano down and then retrieved the title.

Priest made his first defense of the North American title when he retained against Timothy Thatcher in the main event of last week’s NXT. In a video that aired on last week’s show, Gargano insulted Priest and Thatcher. Gargano and Candice LeRae said they’re both coming after championship gold.

Two more title matches will be made official for TakeOver on tonight’s episode of NXT. Kushida, Cameron Grimes, Kyle O’Reilly, Thatcher, and Bronson Reed will face off in a gauntlet eliminator match to determine NXT Champion Finn Balor’s challenger for the TakeOver special. There will also be a number one contender’s battle royal to decide Io Shirai’s challenger. Rhea Ripley, LeRae, Tegan Nox, Dakota Kai, Raquel Gonzalez, Shotzi Blackheart, Aliyah, Kayden Carter, Indi Hartwell, Xia Li, and Kacy Catanzaro have been announced as entrants for the battle royal.

WWE NXT video highlights: Two title matches, Shirai vs. Blackheart

Posted on September 17, 2020 by Joseph Currier

In their first title defenses, Damian Priest and Breezango retained their respective championships on last night’s NXT.

Priest defeated Timothy Thatcher in the main event of last night’s show to retain the NXT North American Championship. Earlier in the episode, Breezango defeated former champions Imperium (Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner) to retain the NXT Tag Team titles.

Shotzi Blackheart impressed but lost to NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai in non-title action last night. It was announced that Shirai’s challenger for NXT’s next TakeOver special will be determined by a number one contender’s battle royal on next Wednesday’s NXT. Rhea Ripley, Candice LeRae, Tegan Nox, Dakota Kai, Raquel Gonzalez, Blackheart, Aliyah, Kayden Carter, Indi Hartwell, Xia Li, and Kacy Catanzaro were featured on the match graphic for the battle royal.

It was also announced that a five-man “gauntlet eliminator” match on next week’s NXT will determine Finn Balor’s challenger for TakeOver. The participants for the gauntlet eliminator haven’t been revealed. The rules are that two wrestlers will start in the ring, another will be added every four minutes, the only way to be eliminated is via pinfall or submission, and the last man standing will challenge for Balor’s NXT Championship at TakeOver on Sunday, October 4.

More coverage from last night —

WWE NXT video highlights —

Io Shirai vs. Shotzi Blackheart

Tommaso Ciampa vs. Desmond Troy, Jake Atlas confronts Ciampa

Finn Balor being NXT Champion makes it the most important title in WWE

Kushida vs. Austin Theory

Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano both have their sights set on championship gold

Breezango vs. Imperium for the NXT Tag Team titles

Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter vs. Xia Li & Jessi Kamea

Nox’s favorite part of winning next week’s battle royal will be the look on LeRae’s face

Drake Maverick vs. Roderick Strong & Bobby Fish

Tommaso Ciampa ambushes Jake Atlas

Damian Priest vs. Timothy Thatcher for the NXT North American Championship

NXT fallout: Shotzi Blackheart calls Io Shirai the best in the world

WWE NXT live results: Two title matches

Posted on September 16, 2020 by Chris Aiken

Two title matches will take place on tonight’s episode of NXT.

The North American Championship will be on the line as Damian Priest defends against Timothy Thatcher. After winning the title in a five-way ladder match at TakeOver XXX last month, this will be Priest’s first defense of the championship.

Imperium (Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner) will get their rematch for the NXT Tag Team titles against Breezango. Tyler Breeze & Fandango became the NXT Tag Team Champions by defeating Imperium three weeks ago.

NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai will be in non-title action against Shotzi Blackheart. Shirai and Blackheart worked together to lay out Robert Stone and Aliyah last week, but Blackheart then set her sights on Shirai’s title.

With WWE confirming that NXT’s next TakeOver special will be held on Sunday, October 4, the build to the event will kick off tonight. That may include finding out who will be the first challenger for Finn Balor’s NXT Championship. Balor won the title by defeating Adam Cole last week. Cole showed Balor respect and said the better man won, but Cole said the outcome will be a lot different if he gets another shot at the title.

Plus, NXT general manager William Regal will make two “major announcements” and Drake Maverick & Killian Dain will team against Undisputed Era’s Roderick Strong & Bobby Fish.

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

The show opens with a women’s match set up last week.

NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai defeated Shotzi Blackheart in a non-title match

Shirai pinned Blackheart after a moonsault press in a good match.

Blackheart offered to shake hands before the match, but Shirai slapped her hand away. Blackheart shined early on as she grounded Shirai on the mat. Shirai got a rope break, and she sidestepped when Blackheart went for a wrecking ball dropkick. Shirai then did an Asai moonsault to the floor before a picture-in-picture commercial break.

Heat on Blackheart during the commercials, but she began a comeback when the show returned from the break. Shirai cut her off and applied a crossface. Blackheart escaped, and then she dodged an attempted Tiger Feint Kick. Blackheart with a senton, followed by a Tiger Suplex. Blackheart then transitioned into a Cattle Mutilation. Shirai was able to escape.

Shirai delivered the Tiger Feint Kick and a missile dropkick for a near fall. Blackheart fought back to give Shirai a Super Frankensteiner off the ropes for a near fall. Blackheart went on to counter a superplex, but Shirai also countered to give Blackheart a scary back suplex on the apron. Blackheart still managed to kick out at two.

Shirai with running knee strikes, and she followed with a moonsault press to score the pinfall. They shook hands and embraced after the match.

Announced for next week on NXT is a women’s battle royal to determine a number one contender.

Tommaso Ciampa defeated Desmond Troy

Ciampa pinned Troy after a draping DDT in a squash.

Ciampa during his entrance wore a mask similar to something members of Los Ingobernables de Japon would wear to the ring.

Cimapa rocked Troy at the outset. He catapulted him throat first into the bottom rope, and then Ciampa executed the Widow’s Bell before scoring the pinfall.

Jake Atlas entered stage left after the match, and he cut a promo challenging Ciampa to a match next week. Ciampa sat in a folding chair in the middle of the ring to listen, and he smirked at the challenge.

Drake Maverick was interviewing while arriving to the building. Maverick says “everything is going to be fine” even though his tag partner for tonight seemingly wants nothing to do with him.

A great vignette had new NXT Champion Finn Balor cutting a promo talking up himself, and also putting over the title. He talked his previous reign as champion when he helping to build the brand. The future is a lot different he said. He doesn’t need the brand, he made the brand. Now the brand need him. Balor said him being champion makes the title the most imporant in the game. He fought for 20 years to be champion, and now people have to fight. He said for challengers to line up, but they “bettter look both ways before crossing ‘The Prince'”.

Kushida defeated Austin Theory

Kushida submitted Theory with the Hoverboard Lock. Once again Kushida was super aggressive, showing a mean streak.

Theory cut a promo before the match saying he is a future first ballot Hall of Famer. He made a open challenge. Enter Kushida to take him up on the offer.

Kushida struck as soon as he got in the ring, sending Theory scrambling outside. Kushida grounded Thoery when he got back in the ring. Thoery was soon able to cut him off.

Theory missed a standing moonsault, and Kushida fought back to make a comeback. Kushida did his signature cartwheel dropkick, and also a handspring kick. The fight spilled outside.

Theory posted himself, and Kushida targeted the arm with a shoulder breaker on the floor. Back in the ring, Kushida stomped on Theory. Kushida then applied the Hoverboard Lock, and Theory tapped out. Kushida acting slighty heelish did not break the hold immediately. The referee had to pry him off Theory.

At home with Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae where LeRae cut a promo on Tegan Nox. Gargano was mad they were having to spent their fourth wedding anniversary watching television in the guest room, all because Nox broke their TV in the living room. LeRae brought up the battle royal, but Gargano interrupted her because he found a new TV online. When they both win titles and have a new TV, the good times will start.

NXT Tag Team Champions Breezango (Tyler Breeze & Fandango) defeated Imperium (Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner) to retain their titles

Breeze pinned Aichner to win the match. This was pretty good.

Imperium rushed the ring to attack Breezango before the bell. Early on Imperium worked over Fandango. Barthel & Aichner proverbially cut the ring in half. The heat continiued through a commercial break.

Fandango was finally able to make a hot tag, and Breeze ran wild. Aichner bumped and fed. Breeze applied a single leg, and Barthel tried to make a save to no avail. Aichner countered Breeze, but Aichner still ate a superkick for a near fall broken up by Barthel.

Aichner fougth back to execute a brainbuster. Fandango broke up a pinning attempt. They all began fighting on the floor. Aichner went for a second brainbuster, but Fandango made a save. Fandango then superkicked both Aichner & Barthel.

Fandango missed a Bobby Eaton flying legdrop, and Barthel hit him with a superkick. Aichner with a gutwrench German suplex for a two count.

Another hot tag led to Breeze again looking to run wild. He was cut off and suplexed. Breeze was then hit with a PK. Imperium went for the European Bomb, but it was broken up. Breeze with a hurricanrana on Aichner, and he hooked the legs to score the pinfall.

Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter defeated Xia Li & Jessi Kamea

Catanzaro pinned Li to win the match for her team.

Carter and Li started with the match with chain wrestling. Catanzaro & Carter with a sequence of double team moves and quick tags. Kamea cut off Catanzaro and briefly got a heat on her.

Carter came in off a hot tag, and she cleaned house. Catanzaro tagged back in for the finish. Catanzaro had a crucifix on Li, and Carter hit Li with a big boot. Catanzaro then flipped over into a cradle to score the pinfall. Great teamwork by Catanzaro & Carter.

Kamea shook hand with them after the match, but Li refused to do so. She stormed off instead.

Drake Maverick approached Killian Dain backstage before their match. Dain said they were not partner, and Maverick was on his own. Maverick said “see you out there.”

Tegan Nox cut a promo on Candice LeRae.

Drake Maverick & Killian Dain defeated Undisputed Era (Roderick Strong & Bobby Fish) via disqualification

Fish used to chair to cause the DQ. The story here was focused on Dain & Maverick

Maverick started the match without Dain, who at first did not come out to team with Maverick.

Outnumbered, Maverick was pummeled from the start. Maverick fought back, only for Undisputed Era to pummel him some more. Dain was shown backstage watching the match on a monitor, and he was chuckling at Maverick’s predicament.

The match went through a commercial break, and Maverick was still in peril. William Regal confronted Dain backstage, and Regal laid a guilt trip on Dain like Granny would on Bryan Alvarez. It worked as Dain came out to help Maverick.

Dain told Maverick to “take it like a man”, Dain went to leave. Undisputed Era began talking trash, so Dain turned around to confront them. Dain began to wreck shop on Undisputed Era.

Fish hit Dain with a chair for the DQ. Maverick took the chair away from Fish, and Fish walked into a pump kick from Dain. Undisputed Era fled the scene.

Maverick shoved Dain and screamed at him they were a team. Dain knocked him out with a punch, and Dain left.

Jake Atlas was outside leaving the building when he was approached for an interview. He asked about challenging Ciampa, and it being a “bold move”. Atlas began to explain why it was bold when, out of nowhere, he was attacked by Ciampa. Kyle O’Reilly ran in to confront Ciampa and break up the fight. Ciampa said he would see Atlas next week, and he also told O’Reilly he would see him soon too.

William Regal announced a new gimmick match called the “Gaunlet Eliminator Match”, which will determine a new number one contender for the NXT Championship. Two wrestlers start in the ring. Every four minutes another wrestler enters the match. Eliminations are via pinfall or submission. The winner goes on to face Balor for the title at TakeOver in October. The gauntlet match takes place on the next episode of NXT.

Cimapa vs. Atlas was officailly announced for next week on NXT. A women’s battle royal is also official for next Wednesday.

NXT North American Champion Damian Priest defeated Timothy Thatcher to reatin his title

Priest pinned Thatcher in a really good match. This was Priest’s first defense of the North American Championship.

Plenty of grappling at the outset, and it was good stuff. They traded shoulder blocks and strikes. Priest went outside to regroup. They fought on the floor where Thatcher sent Priest into the steps. Thatcher then gave Priest a double underhook suplex on the floor before the show cut a picture-in-picture commercial break.

Thatcher during the break grounded Priest, and he began working an arm he had previously targeted earlier in the match. Priest has about to begin a comeback, but Thatcher cut him off. When the returned from break, Priest then fired up in a comeaback.

Priest with his flying back elbow, and a Falcon Arrow for a near fall. Thatcher went for an armbar, but he got kicked in the head instead. Priest missed a springboard senton. Thatcher caught Priest a Fujiwara armbar. Priest escaped, and he was able to escape an attempted half crab.

A moment later and Thatcher applied the half crab. Priest fought free, only to get caught in Fujiwara armbar. Priest got a rope break. Thatcher went for a double underhook, and Priest countered to goozle Thatcher. Priest was still selling his arm, though, and was unable to lift Thatcher.

Priest hoisted up Thatcher and dropped him into a uranage or something like that. The announcers called it a jumping flatliner. Priest used that move in the past, so maybe that is what they were going for here. Anyway, Priest followed with a South of Heaven chokeslam for a two count.

Thatcher again went for the armbar, and Priest countered into a spin kick. Priest leapt off the top rope with a spinning heel kick. Priest then executed The Reckoning, and he covered Thatcher for the pinfall to retain the title.

North American title match, Shirai-Blackheart set for next week’s NXT

Posted on September 9, 2020 by Joseph Currier

Two more matches involving champions have been announced for next week’s episode of NXT.

In his first defense of the title, Damian Priest will put his NXT North American Championship on the line against Timothy Thatcher next week (Wednesday, September 16). NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai will face Shotzi Blackheart in non-title action on the episode.

NXT Tag Team Champions Breezango defending their titles against Imperium (Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner) is also set for next week.

Priest became NXT North American Champion by winning a five-way ladder match for the title at TakeOver XXX last month. Thatcher then confronted Priest two weeks ago, said the way Priest acts is embarrassing, and declared that he wants the first shot at Priest’s title. Last week, Thatcher defeated Bronson Reed.

Thatcher broke down film of Priest during his Thatch-as-Thatch-can seminar on NXT tonight. Later in the episode, Priest was interviewed about next week’s match. Priest said there’s no chance he’s losing the North American title in his first defense.

Robert Stone went to destroy Blackheart’s tank on NXT tonight but got caught by Blackheart. Aliyah attacked Blackheart and accidentally knocked her into Shirai. Blackheart and Shirai teamed up to lay out Aliyah and Stone. Blackheart then picked up Shirai’s title belt. She went to give it to Shirai but pulled it away. Shirai took the title belt and told Blackheart she likes her — so don’t make Shirai hurt her.

After airing on Tuesday for two straight weeks amid the NHL playoffs, NXT will be back on Wednesdays starting next week.

Kross vs. Burch, Priest vs. Reed announced for next week’s NXT

Posted on August 6, 2020 by Josh Nason

Next week’s NXT will feature a pair of grudge matches in addition to the final three-way qualifier for a shot at the vacant North American title at TakeOver XXX.

Karrion Kross will face Danny Burch after Kross laid out Burch and other wrestlers backstage on Wednesday’s show in trying to make a point to NXT Champion Keith Lee. This will be Kross’ first match since a July 15th win over Dominik Dijakovic while this will be a rare singles match for Burch.

Also announced for the show was a battle of qualifiers for the North American title ladder match in Damian Priest and Bronson Reed. As Priest was being interviewed Wednesday after his win, Reed wished him good luck and the two got into a heated confrontation that led to the match being made.

The other match set for the show is a three-way qualifier for the vacant North American title with Kushida vs. Cameron Grimes vs. a mystery opponent.

Damian Priest qualifies for NXT North American title ladder match

Posted on August 6, 2020 by Josh Nason

The third entrant for the vacant North American Championship ladder match at NXT TakeOver XXX is official.

Damian Priest defeated Ridge Holland and Oney Lorcan Wednesday in a three way to advance, joining Bronson Reed and Dexter Lumis with two more spots yet to be filled.

The end of the physical bout came when Priest dropped Holland with a sit-down chokeslam and followed up with the Reckoning on Lorcan to get the pin. This will be his third televised opportunity at the title after losing efforts to then-champion Keith Lee in a three way with Dominik Dijakovic and then to Lee, both in April.

This was Holland’s televised NXT in-ring debut as he has been primarily seen on NXT UK.

Next week’s NXT will feature Kushida vs. Cameron Grimes vs. a mystery man in the fourth qualifying match.

As of now, the August 22nd event has just the ladder match and Women’s Champion Io Shirai vs. Dakota Kai as official. Kai earned the shot earlier Wednesday with a win over Rhea Ripley.

Three matches announced for next week’s NXT

Posted on June 18, 2020 by Joseph Currier

Three matches have been announced for next Wednesday’s episode of NXT:

– NXT North American Champion Keith Lee puts his title on the line against Johnny Gargano and Finn Balor in a triple threat match

The winner will advance to face NXT Champion Adam Cole in a winner-take-all title vs. title match on the July 8 episode of NXT.

– Karrion Kross vs. Bronson Reed

Reed quickly defeated Leon Ruff on NXT tonight and then issued a challenge to Kross. It will be Kross’ first match since his dominant win against Tommaso Ciampa at NXT TakeOver: In Your House.

On last week’s NXT, Scarlett sent a warning to Cole on behalf of Kross. She placed an hourglass in the ring and turned it over, signifying that Cole’s time as NXT Champion is coming to an end.

– Damian Priest vs. Cameron Grimes

Priest defeated Killian Dain on NXT tonight. Later in the show, Priest found his tires slashed in the parking lot. Grimes then drove by and mocked Priest.

Priest punched Grimes last week after Grimes did an interview where he called Priest a loser for not defeating Balor at TakeOver: In Your House. Grimes tried to get out of his match against Balor later in the show by faking that he may have broken his jaw, but NXT general manager William Regal made Grimes still wrestle. Balor defeated Grimes in the match.

Finn Balor vs. Damian Priest set for NXT TakeOver: In Your House

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Joseph Currier

After a challenge that was issued last week, a new match has been officially confirmed for NXT TakeOver: In Your House.

Finn Balor vs. Damian Priest has been made official for the Sunday, June 7 TakeOver special. The announcement was made during Priest’s appearance on The Pat McAfee show this morning.

On NXT two weeks ago, there was an angle where Priest attacked Balor and cost Balor his match against Cameron Grimes. Priest gave Balor The Reckoning on a steel chair and then revealed that he was the person who attacked Balor in the NXT locker room last month. Priest said he wants his name to live forever and attacking Balor was part of that.

A promo from Priest then aired on NXT last week. He said Balor put NXT on the map, and that’s why he’s coming for Balor. Priest challenged Balor to a match at TakeOver.

Three matches have been confirmed for TakeOver: In Your House thus far. NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair will defend her title against Rhea Ripley and Io Shirai in a triple threat match at the show, and Karrion Kross (w/ Scarlett) will make his TakeOver debut against Tommaso Ciampa.

WWE NXT video highlights: Lee vs. Priest North American title match

Posted on April 30, 2020 by Joseph Currier

The North American Championship was on the line in the main event of last night’s NXT.

Keith Lee overcame Damian Priest’s attack from last week and successfully defended his North American title against Priest last night. After the angle where he hit Lee in the throat with a nightstick last week, Priest again tried to use the weapon. But Lee blocked a nightstick shot, gave the weapon to the referee, and hit two Spirit Bombs to win the match.

NXT also set the stage for a loaded episode next Wednesday. Adam Cole will defend his NXT Championship against Velveteen Dream, Io Shirai will challenge for Charlotte Flair’s NXT Women’s Championship, Johnny Gargano will take on Dominik Dijakovic, Karrion Kross and Scarlett are set to officially arrive, and Finn Balor will call out the person who attacked him last week.

More coverage from last night —

WWE NXT video highlights —

Interim Cruiserweight title tournament match: El Hijo del Fantasma vs. Isaiah Scott

Dominik Dijakovic challenges Johnny Gargano to face him next week

Kacy Catanzaro vs. Candice LeRae

The Newly-Bros Show, Imperium attack Matt Riddle & Timothy Thatcher

Adam Cole says it will be dream over for Velveteen Dream next week

Charlotte Flair vs. Mia Yim, Charlotte will defend her title against Io Shirai next week

Karrion Kross and Scarlett will officially arrive next week

Candice LeRae says it’s going to be a new NXT from now on

Dexter Lumis vs. Shane Thorne

Interim Cruiserweight title tournament match: Drake Maverick vs. Tony Nese

Keith Lee vs. Damian Priest for the NXT North American Championship

NXT fallout: Tony Nese plans on playing spoiler and ruining things for Jake Atlas

WWE NXT live results: North American title match, Charlotte-Yim

Posted on April 29, 2020 by Chris Aiken

Preview by Joseph Currier

The North American Championship will be up for grabs on tonight’s episode of NXT.

NXT North American Champion Keith Lee is defending his title against Damian Priest on tonight’s show. Priest attacked Lee while he was teaming with Velveteen Dream against the Undisputed Era on NXT last week, hitting Lee in the throat with a nightstick and taking him out of the match.

A video also aired on last week’s NXT where Priest accused Lee of avoiding him. Priest got a title shot on NXT four weeks ago, but that was in a triple threat match with Dominik Dijakovic. Lee pounced Priest out of the ring at the end of the match and then pinned Dijakovic to retain his title.

NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair is set for non-title action tonight. In her first match on NXT since defeating Rhea Ripley for the NXT Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 36, Charlotte will face off with Mia Yim.

Last week, Charlotte said Yim helped make her a star when they faced each other five years ago. She then gave Yim a backhanded compliment by saying Yim has always been “a good hand.”

The interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship tournament will also continue with a Group A match between Drake Maverick (0-1) and Tony Nese (0-1).

Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

Tom Phillips from inside Full Sail welcomed viewers to the show. Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix were also on commentary. Unlike with Phillips there was no live shot of Ranallo and Phoenix, so they could possibly be doing the show remotely.

The Make-A-Wish logo was prominently displayed on LED screens as part of the set.

The show is opening with a Group B match in the ongoing cruiserweight round robin tournament.

Isaiah “Swerve” Scott defeated El Hijo del Fantasma in an Interim NXT Cruiserweight Champiobship tournament match

Scott pinned Fantasma with a cradle to get his first win in the tourney. Both Scott and Fantasma are now 1-1.

Things were fairly even at the start until Fantasma hit Swerve with a enzuigiri on the floor. Fantasma looked to take advantage, but Swerve springboarded into a Super Frankensteiner.

Fantasma with a hurricanrana sent Swerve outside the ring, and Fantasma rolled out after him. Swerve leapt on the apron and hit Fantasma with a running kick before the show cut to commercial.

Swerve had control as the show returned from break. Fantasma reversed a sunset flip and nailed a dropkick to create separation. Fantasma with a Super Frankensteiner of his own, and he followed with a frog splash for a two count.

A chop fest led into Swerve missing a Fosbury Flop, and Fantasma flew through the ropes with a tope. Fantasma went for a his finisher, but Swerve countered with a lucha move as he used la casita to cradle Fantsama for the pinfall.

In a post-interview with McKenzie Mitchell, Swerve cut a promo where he first put over Fantasma. He then said he needed this win. He said when the game is on the line, give him the ball and he will score. He noted he was 1-1 and had one more match to go and it will be “Swerve’s house”.

During the commercial break, two masked men again tried to kidnap Fantasma and he again fought them off.

Dominik Dijakovic cut a promo on Johnny Gargano ahead of their match next week on NXT.

Candice LeRae (with Johnny Gargano) defeated Kacy Catanzaro

LeRae pinned Catanzaro in a showcase match for LeRae to display her new heel character. She wrestled a more aggressive style.

“Pint Sized Poison” appears to be her new nickname. Gargano acted as ring announcer introduced his wife like Jim Cornette used to do for the Midnight Express.

Catanzaro got to shine at points during the match, but LeRae would cut her off.

LeRae at one point arrogantly went for the Gargano Escape and Catanzaro cradled her for a near fall. That was a good spot with the previous match on the show ending that way.

LeRae executed her new curb stomping finisher — the Wicked Stepsister — and covered Catanzaro for the pinfall.

After the match LeRae was leaving when she turned around to go back into the ring. She applied the Gargano Escape as Gargano beamed with pride.

Damian Priest cut a promo on Keith Lee building up their match later in the show.

NXT Tag Team Champions — Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher — were out next for the “Newly-Bros Show”. This was something that would fit before on Tuesday Night Titans. It was a game show segment patterened after The Newlywed Game.

Byron Saxton played the role of a wacky game show host. He asked them a series of questions, and a laugh track played when there were supposed to be a joke.

WTH was this crap? Pure gaga. This isn’t Tuesday Night Titans. I could have done without it, but it led to an angle to set up a tag match.

Thatcher played straight man, and Riddel acted like a stoner. Byron asked Thatcher what Riddle had for breakfast. He scoffed saying he had no idea. He was correct because Riddle wrote his answer as “no idea bro”.

Saxton asked Thatcher what was his favorite TV show. Thatcher said he didn’t own a television. Saxton asked a follow-up question about whether Thatcher would consider buying a TV. Thatcher said if the price was right. Riddle wrote down “The Price Is Right” as that was correct.

Next question was where is the craziest place you’ve done it as a wrestler. He said he had a triple threat in a laundry mat. Riddle wrote down his answer as “3 sum on a washer” so that was also correct.

Next was the speed round. Riddle said speed was not his thing. Fabian Aichner & Marcel Barthel suddenly rushed on stage to jump Riddle & Thatcher in a sneak attack. They put a beatdown on the tag champions, which would seem to set up a match between the teams.

There was a video package and plug urging viewers to donate to Make-A-Wish.

NXT Champion Adam Cole cut a promo on Velveteen Dream plugging a title match between them, so they are finally doing that one.

NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defeated Mia Yim in a non-title match

Flair submitted Yim in a good match.

After some back-and-forth, Yim fired up with a series of kicks and a cannonball into a corner. Yim was tranquilo when she hung in the ropes at one point. She went for a dive, but Flair cut her off with a elbow smash before a commmercial break.

Flair was working over Yim as the show returned from break. Yim fought back to lock in a tarantula, but Flair again cut her off.

Flair taunted Yim, which only served to fire up Yim. She struck with Sole Food, and Flair cut her off again.

Yim with a Code Red for a two count. Yim went for her finisher, but Flair countered to apply a Liontamer.

They traded near falls. Flair went for the figure-four, and Yim countered with an inside cradle for two.

Flair escaped Protect Ya Neck to apply the Figure-Eight, and Yim tapped out.

Io Shirai came out to confront Flair after the match. She screamed at her in Japanese before saying to Flair in English that “next week you are mine!” There appears to be a title match between them on the next episode. Shirai previously won a ladder match to win a title shot.

A vignette hyped Karrion Kross.

Finn Balor was announced for next week on NXT. This is coming off the angle last week where he went missing following a supposed attack.

Dexter Lumis defeated Shane Thorne

Lumix won after a referee stoppage. Thorne passed out in an arm triangle and referee Aja Smith stopped the match. This seemed to be a match aimed at getting Lumis over for what it’s worth. The tried but to me this seemed like a channel-changer.

NXT North American Champion Keith Lee cut a promo on Damian Priest ahead of their title match later on. Lee was selling his throat and said he had a bruised larynx stemming from the attack last week by Priest.

Drake Maverick defeated Tony Nese in an Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship tournament match

Maverick founght from underneath to pin Nese with a super bulldog. Maveruck improved to 1-1 in Group A block of the tourney. Nese falls to a 0-2 record.

Nese beat down and put the boots to Maverick at the outset. Maverick’s selling was really good. Nese bullied him.

Maverick was a babyface in peril as the show cut to a commercial break. Nese was still in control after the break as he coninued to taunt him.

Maverick suddenly came alive and was a house of fire. He delivered a missile dropkick.

Nese gave Maverick a German suplex into a corner as he looked to regain control. Nese pulled down his knee pad and went charging into the corner. Maverick sidestepped him and used a cutter to get a near fall.

Maverick missed a flying elbow drop, but he was still able to trip up and crotch Nese on the top turnbuckle. Maverick then used a super bulldog off the top to score the pinfall.

In a post-match interview Maverick cut an impassioned promo saying he was ready to face Kushida in his next tourney match.

Announced for next week on NXT:

Io Shirai vs. Charlotte Flair for the NXT Women’s Championship
Johnny Gargano vs. Dominik Dijakovic
Velveteen Dream vs. Adam Cole for the NXT Championship

NXT North American Champion Keith Lee defeated Damian Priest to retain his title

Lee gained revenge after pinning Priest in this grudge match.

Lee kept cutting off Priest at the outset. He clotheslined Priest over the ropes, and the fight spilled outside. Priest tried to hop the guardrails, and Lee kelped him out by knocking him over the barricade.

Lee with a press slam tossed Priest over the guardrails onto the apron. Priest was reeling when he moved out of harm’s way as Lee crashed through the guardrails. Lee was down selling as the show went to its final commercial break.

Priest was in control after the break. Lee tried to reverse a suplex, but Priest escaped to deliver a hangman’s neckbreaker.

A pounce by Lee led into a double down. Lee dived over the ropes with a torneo splash. Back in the ring Priest kicked out at two.

Lee with a Western Lariat for another two count. Priest fought back and grapped Lee with a goozle, and Lee gozzled him in return.

Priest with a series of kicks, and he then exectued the Broken Arrow (Falcon Arrow). Lee rolled out of the ring, and Priest leapt over the ropes with a swan dive dive on Lee.

Priest with flying spin kick off the top for a near fall. They built to Lee doing a deadlift superplex for another near fall. Priest with a chokeslam, and Lee kicked out again.

After grabbing the title belt, Priest also retrieved an expandable baton that he used on Lee in the angle from last week. The title belt was a red herring. When the referee confiscated the belt and turned his back, Priest went to hit Lee with the baton.

Lee blocked the baton strike, and Lee defiantly declared to Priest that he was “limitless”. Lee chopped down Priest and twice delivered the Spirit Bomb to score the pinfall.

North American title match, Charlotte vs. Mia Yim set for NXT next week

Posted on April 23, 2020 by Joseph Currier

One title match has been announced for next week’s NXT, while another champion is set for non-title action.

NXT North American Champion Keith Lee will defend his title against Damian Priest next Wednesday. NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair will also face Mia Yim in a non-title match on next week’s episode.

Lee saved Velveteen Dream from the Undisputed Era at the start of tonight’s NXT, setting up Dream & Lee vs. Adam Cole & Roderick Strong for the main event. But Lee was taken out during the match when Priest attacked him and hit him in the throat with a nightstick. Dexter Lumis joined the match and teamed with Dream to defeat Undisputed Era.

A video also aired earlier in the show where Priest said Lee is avoiding him.

Yim defeated Jessi Kamea on NXT tonight. After saying she wanted a match with Yim last week, Charlotte then appeared and wanted an answer. Yim accepted the challenge.

Charlotte said Yim helped make her a star when they faced each other five years ago. She then gave Yim a backhanded compliment by saying Yim has always been “a good hand.” Charlotte said she gets to help finally make Yim a star next week.

In an interview with CBS Sports after WrestleMania 36, Charlotte spoke about why she wants a match against Yim: “My very first dark match at NXT, they brought in Mia Yim to have with me. I was the girl who had no experience and didn’t know what I was doing, and Mia Yim obviously did. To see where our careers have gone, with her going to NXT, our paths can cross now four-and-a-half or five years later with myself a completely different person. I’m excited for that. I’ve been rooting for her this whole time, I just had to catch up.”

This will be Charlotte’s first match on NXT since she won the NXT Women’s Championship from Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania. Io Shirai is the number one contender to Charlotte’s title.

WWE NXT video highlights: Lee vs. Dijakovic vs. Priest

Posted on April 2, 2020 by Joseph Currier

A triple threat North American Championship match was the first TakeOver: Tampa bout to take place on NXT television.

Keith Lee retained his North American title against Dominik Dijakovic and Damian Priest in last night’s main event. Priest tried to use a nightstick in the match, and Dijakovic hit his knee on it when hitting Feast Your Eyes on Priest. Lee then sent Priest over the top rope and pinned Dijakovic after giving him the Big Bang Catastrophe.

The show also featured Dakota Kai winning a second chance gauntlet match to determine the final participant for next week’s number one contender’s ladder match. Shotzi Blackheart eliminated the first four wrestlers, but Kai defeated Blackheart after she was distracted by having to fend off interference by Raquel Gonzalez.

Chelsea Green, Mia Yim, Tegan Nox, Io Shirai, Candice LeRae, and Kai will be the wrestlers in the number one contender’s ladder match. Tommaso Ciampa vs. Johnny Gargano is also airing on NXT next week.