After having his SummerSlam contract signing derailed tonight, Finn Balor is set to go one-on-one with Baron Corbin.
WWE has announced that Balor will face Corbin on next Friday’s episode of SmackDown. The show is taking place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
There was a contract signing on tonight’s SmackDown where WWE promoted that Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Balor would be made official for SummerSlam. But before Balor could sign the contract, Corbin took him out. Corbin then tried to sign the contract instead. But John Cena attacked Corbin and signed the contract.
Balor re-joined the main roster when he returned to SmackDown two weeks ago. He had been part of NXT since returning to the brand in October 2019.
Balor defeated Sami Zayn on SmackDown last week.
Corbin is currently involved in a storyline where he’s down on his luck after losing his King of the Ring crown and his money. Corbin lost his crown to Shinsuke Nakamura on SmackDown last month.
Cena is advertised to appear at next week’s SmackDown.
The build to SummerSlam continues on tonight’s SmackDown from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
At the start of last week’s episode, John Cena challenged Roman Reigns to a title match at SummerSlam. Reigns refused to come to the ring, but Paul Heyman promised that Reigns would respond by the end of the night.
Later that night, Reigns mocked Cena and turned down the SummerSlam match. Finn Balor interrupted and issued his own challenge to Reigns. Eventually, Reigns accepted Balor’s challenge.
Reigns and Balor will take part in a contract signing tonight. WWE is hyping that Reigns will defend his Universal Championship against Balor at SummerSlam.
Jimmy Uso vs. Rey Mysterio has also been announced for tonight’s show.
For the second week in a row, Bianca Belair retained her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Carmella last Friday. We’ll see what’s next for Belair heading into SummerSlam. We’ll also see if there will be any more developments in the Edge-Seth Rollins feud tonight.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
John Cena Segment
Cena was good in the segment, and the fans reacted big to everything, including Baron Corin’s part at the end.
John Cena came to the ring to start SmackDown. He got a massive reaction as he made his entrance. They recapped Reigns turning down Cena’s challenged and Finn Balor issuing his own last week. They highlighted Reigns’ missionary position comment.
Cena noted if you can find someone that can keep the missionary position entertaining for two decades, then keep them in your life. He pointed out that Reigns rejected him and took Balor’s challenge instead. He noted Reigns mocked him for wearing the same gear and doing the same entrance for years. Cena said that would be like changing The Rock or Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Cena said Reigns has to change every two years because fans don’t care about him. He claimed Reigns is just a stooge named Joe that’s used every gimmick there is. Cena added that Reigns is afraid to face him. The fans broke into a loud but brief “What?” chant.
Suddenly, Baron Corbin walked to the ring. The fans booed loudly and broke into a “You suck” chant. He told Cena he was sorry for interrupting. Cena didn’t recognize him at first. Corbin noted he’s having a tough time. He said he lost his crown, all of his money, and his identity. Plus, he can’t perform anymore because of his groin injury, so his wife left him.
Cena asked the fans if he should help him. The fans cheered, but there were a few boos. Cena only had a few dollars on him. Corbin needed more and asked for a role in the Suicide Squad. Cena noted Suicide Squad comes out this week. Corbin asked if Cena would really not help him, and the fans chanted “yes.” Corbin called Cena a selfish man and mocked him. Cena heard enough and gave him an Attitude Adjustment.
They recapped Jimmy Uso beating Dominik with Jey’s help. In the back, Dominik promised to watch Rey’s back in his match later. Rey pointed out that Dominik still makes rookie mistakes. He wants him to pay close attention tonight. Rey noted he’s still got one or two tricks Dominik can learn.
Rey Mysterio (w/Domink) defeated Jimmy Uso (w/Jey Uso) (7:38)
Rey and Jimmy had a good match with a finish that played into the storyline. The fans loved Rey and were into the match.
They recapped Rey and Dominik defeating Seth Rollins and Murphy last year.
Rey had the early advantage with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors and a bulldog off the ropes for a near fall. Jimmy dropped Rey into the corner to take over. Rey sent Jimmy to the floor and attempted the sliding splash. Jimmy moved and rocked Rey with a superkick.
Back from the break, Rey kicked Jimmy in the side of the head to regain control. Jimmy fought back and hit an enziguri. Jimmy then went for a superplex, but Rey knocked him off. He followed up with a senton and crossbody for a close near fall.
Jimmy attempted a Samoan drop, but Rey countered into the 619. The fans popped big for the 619 but booed when Jey pulled Jimmy out of the ring. Rey then hit a dive onto the Usos and looked over at Dominik.
Rey knocked down Jey and went for the 619 on Jimmy. Jimmy caught Rey, but Rey reversed into a crucifix pin. Dominik helped Rey pin Jimmy for the win. It was the same way Jimmy won last week.
They recapped Bianca Belair beating Carmella at Rolling Loud to retain her title. Belair made her way to the ring to discuss her future plans.
Bianca Belair Segment
This was a typical WWE segment where everyone interrupts each other, but the fans helped a lot. They reacted big to Belair and went crazy for Sasha Banks’ return.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Belair and noted Belair’s held the SmackDown Women’s Championship for 110 days. The fans went crazy for Belair and broke into a loud “EST” chant.
Carmella interrupted and demanded another title shot. The fans booed. Carmella claimed she lost at Rolling Loud because the lighting was bad. Zelina Vega interrupted and demanded a title shot. The fans booed Vega loudly.
Belair accepted Vega’s challenge. Carmella jumped Belair from behind, and the heels beat her down.
Suddenly, Sasha Banks’ music hit, and she ran down for the save. Banks got a massive pop. She ran wild on the heels and cleared the ring. Banks then helped up Belair. They hugged and danced to end the segment.
They recapped Nia Jax turning on Reginald and Reginald winning the 24/7 Championship. Reginald defends his title next.
They aired clips of fans entering the ring announcer contest for SummerSlam.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Reginald. He told Kayla to call him Reggie. He doesn’t know who his opponent is tonight and is just happy it’s in the ring. In a funny moment, a backstage worker walked into the shot and ran off.
24/7 Champion Reggie defeated Chad Gable (w/Otis) via DQ (1:33)
This match had its moments, but it only went a minute with a weak finish.
The fans popped for Reggie’s entrance and broke into a faint “Reggie” chant.
Otis took the mic and pointed out that Gable’s the challenger, not him. Otis then knocked down Reggie. The fans broke into a brief “Otis” chant.
Gable was briefly in control. Reggie avoided Gable with a series of flips. Gable regained control and used a tiger suplex for a near fall. Reggie went for a moonsault, but Gable cut him off. Gable gave Reggie a German suplex off the top, but Reggie tried landing on his feet.
Reggie hit the flip senton, but Otis broke up the pin attempt. Otis threw Reggie out of the ring, but he rolled through and ran off.
In the back, Sonya Deville informed Adam Pearce that the main event is official for tonight and announced Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair vs. Zelina Vega & Carmella.
Roman Reigns – Finn Balor Contract Signing
Reigns was great in the segment, and Balor played his role well. It got a little confusing at the end when John Cena signed the contract since it presumably had Balor’s name on it. They tried to explain this later.
Back from the break, Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce were in the ring. Pearce noted everyone knows how the contract signings usually go. He said emotions are high, and punches get thrown. But Pearce and Deville want to get this done in the most efficient manner possible.
Finn Balor made his way to the ring to a huge reaction. Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman then made their entrance to loud boos. Reigns laughed at two fans dressed up as Cena at ringside.
Reigns made Heyman move his chair, so he’s sitting at the head of the table. The fans erupted in boos when Reigns sat down. Pearce told Reigns and Balor to review the contract one last time.
The fans broke into a loud “Cena” chant. On commentary, Pat McAfee was confused and noted Cena’s not in the ring.
Reigns pointed out that missionary man already made his appearance. He asked Balor if he heard Cena’s promo. He noted Cena thinks Reigns is ducking him by facing Balor instead. Reigns disagree. He thinks Balor deserves a title shot because he’s hungry.
Reigns noted that if Balor signs the contract, he will smash him and send him back to NXT. McAfee added NXT’s on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. That was a funny moment.
The fans broke into a loud “Roman sucks” chant. Balor noted Reigns thinks highly of himself. Balor added that he’d be honored to take the Universal Championship back to NXT.
Balor was about to sign when Baron Corbin ran out. Corbin beat down Balor before he could sign and tossed him out of the ring. Corbin was about to sign the contract when Cena ran out and threw out Corbin.
Cena then picked up the contract and signed it. Michael Cole and McAfee wondered if Cena could legally sign the contract.
In the back, Heyman approached Pearce and Deville. Heyman correctly pointed out that Balor’s name is on the contract, but Cena signed. Pearce claimed that he sees Reigns and Cena’s signature, and that’s good enough for him.
Deville confirmed that Reigns defends against Cena at SummerSlam. That’s an interesting way to get to the Cena vs. Reigns match.
Big E, Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura (w/Rick Boogs) defeated Dolph Ziggler, Robert Roode & Apollo Crews (w/Commander Azeez) (6:44)
This was a good match while it lasted. They didn’t get a lot of time, so it felt rushed at certain parts.
The fans sang Nakamura’s music as he entered. McAfee jumped on the announce table and started dancing.
Crews sent Big E to the floor to start the match. Ziggler and Roode hit the spinebuster/Zig Zag combo on Big E on the floor.
Back from the break, Cesaro got the hot tag and rocked Ziggler with an uppercut. He followed up with the giant swing and the sharpshooter, but Roode made the save. Nakamura got the tag and set up for the Kinshasa, but Ziggler avoided it.
Crews scored a near fall, but Cesaro made the save. Big E ran in and gave Roode the Big Ending to a huge pop.
Crews regained control and scored a near fall. Crews went for the frog splash, but Boogs distracted him by playing his guitar. Azeez went after Boogs, but Cesaro took him out with an uppercut. The fans popped big for that spot. Ziggler then took out Cesaro with a superkick.
Crews went for the frog splash, but Nakamura moved and hit the Kinshasa for the win.
They recapped the Edge and Seth Rollins feud.
Edge And Seth Rollins Segment
This was another confusing segment. The main part of the angle took place during the commercial break. They showed a long video recap and gave Rollins time to rant instead.
Edge made his way to the ring as they went to a commerial. Back from the break, Seth Rollins was standing in the ring. During the break, Rollins jumped Edge and gave him a vicious beat down. He beat Edge up the ramp and hit him with a camera. This entire angle aired during the break.
Rollins told Edge what goes around comes around. He claimed to be a revolutionary and demanded they air his footage. They recapped the Edge and Rollins feud in more detail now.
Rollins ranted about being the Universal Champion and said if he can’t be champion, neither can Edge. The fans broke into a loud “We Want Becky” chant.
They announced that Roman Reigns vs. John Cena is official for SummerSlam. There was no mention of Finn Balor after Baron Corbin beat him down, and Cena stole his SummerSlam title shot.
This was a fine match. The fans loved both Banks and Belair, which helped the match. The biggest news was Banks turning on Belair after they won.
The faces used a double shoulder tackle on Carmella for the early advantage. On commentary, Pat McAfee stressed that Belair shouldn’t trust Banks.
Carmella and Vega tried working together. The faces fought back with a pair of dropkicks. Belair then lifted Banks and dropped her onto Vega and Carmella.
Vega was firmly in control of Belair back from the break. The fans broke into a loud “EST” chant. The heels isolated Belair in their corner and cut her off from Banks.
Banks got the hot tag and ran wild to a massive reaction. She hit a Meteora on Vega and followed up with the Three Amigos suplexes. Banks then hit the frog splash, but Carmella broke up the pin attempt.
The finish came when Banks hit the backstabber on Carmella and locked on the Bank Statement for the win.
After the match, Banks and Belair celebrated their win. Suddenly, Banks hit the backstabber on Belair. The fans popped at first but then erupted in boos. Banks locked on the Bank Statement to loud boos.
Banks posed with the title and got a mixed reaction. The fans booed, but there were a few cheers. Banks locked on the Bank Statment again, and the fans erupted in boos to end SmackDown.
The build to SummerSlam will continue with a contract signing on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
WWE has announced that Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Finn Balor will take part in a contract signing on SmackDown tonight. WWE is alleging that the contract signing will be to make a Universal Championship match between Reigns and Balor official for SummerSlam.
The main event segment of last week’s SmackDown saw Reigns decline John Cena’s challenge for a title match at SummerSlam. Balor then came out to the ring and asked if Reigns was interested in a challenge from him. After the crowd chanted “Roman’s scared,” Reigns accepted Balor’s challenge.
Cena is advertised for tonight’s SmackDown. WWE has yet to announce if he’ll be appearing on television.
Jimmy Uso vs. Rey Mysterio is also set for tonight’s SmackDown. At Money in the Bank earlier this month, The Usos defeated Rey & Dominik Mysterio to win the SmackDown Tag Team titles. Jimmy defeated Dominik in a singles match on SmackDown last Friday.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns denied John Cena’s challenge last night and claimed that he won’t be seeing him in the main event of SummerSlam.
Last night’s SmackDown opened with Cena calling out Reigns. He instead got Paul Heyman, who promised that Reigns would give an answer by the end of the night.
Reigns responded to the challenge during last night’s main event segment. Reigns called Cena a nostalgia act and said that — “like missionary position” — it’s the same thing every single night.
After Reigns said that his answer to Cena’s challenge is no, Finn Balor came out to the ring and confronted Reigns. Balor asked if Reigns was interested in a challenge from him. After the crowd chanted “Roman’s scared,” Reigns accepted Balor’s challenge.
Reigns vs. Balor wasn’t officially announced and it wasn’t made clear when the match will be taking place.
Last night’s SmackDown took place from two different locations. In addition to the show being held at Cleveland, Ohio’s Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, there were two matches from the Rolling Loud music festival in Miami, Florida. Bianca Belair defended her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Carmella at Rolling Loud, while Angelo Dawkins faced Chad Gable.
Finn Balor is back in the Universal Championship picture.
Friday night’s episode of SmackDown ended with Universal Champion Roman Reigns accepting a challenge from Balor. The match wasn’t officially announced and it wasn’t made clear when it would be taking place.
The main event segment of Friday’s show was Reigns responding to John Cena’s challenge for a Universal Championship match at SummerSlam. Reigns called Cena a nostalgia act and denied his challenge. Reigns said he wouldn’t be seeing Cena in the main event of SummerSlam.
Balor then made his way out to the ring and asked if Reigns was interested in a challenge from him. After the crowd chanted “Roman’s scared,” Reigns told Balor that he accepts.
Cena had kicked off tonight’s SmackDown by calling out Reigns. Paul Heyman promised that Reigns would provide an answer by the end of the night.
Balor returned to SmackDown last Friday, appearing on the main roster for the first time since SummerSlam 2019. Balor had been in NXT since October 2019.
Balor defeated Sami Zayn on SmackDown tonight.
Balor became the first-ever Universal Champion in 2016 but had to relinquish the title the day after winning it due to a shoulder injury.
On the same night that WWE returned to touring, Finn Balor made his return to the main roster.
Balor made a surprise return to SmackDown on tonight’s episode of the show at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Balor interrupted Sami Zayn during an in-ring promo where Zayn was complaining about the conspiracy against him that allegedly exists in WWE.
Zayn disingenuously welcomed Balor back to SmackDown but then went to attack him. After avoiding the attack, Balor gave Zayn a dropkick into the corner and then hit the Coup de Grace.
This was Balor’s first main roster appearance since losing to “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt at SummerSlam 2019. In October of that year, Balor joined the NXT roster following NXT’s move to the USA Network.
Balor won the NXT Championship in September 2020. He lost the title to Karrion Kross at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver this April. In his final match in NXT before returning to the main roster, Balor lost a rematch against Kross in May.
In the main event of last night’s NXT, Finn Balor fell short in his NXT Championship rematch against Karrion Kross.
Kross retained the NXT Championship by making Balor pass out in the Kross Jacket. It was Kross’ first title defense since winning the NXT Championship from Balor at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver next month.
Kross’ next title defense will be against either Kyle O’Reilly, Pete Dunne, or Johnny Gargano. It was announced last night that O’Reilly, Dunne, and Gargano will face off in a triple threat match on NXT next week, with the winner challenging for Kross’ NXT Championship at TakeOver: In Your House on Sunday, June 13.
Dunne was in action last night and defeated the returning Bobby Fish. Plus, Franky Monet made her NXT in-ring debut, Ted DiBiase and Cameron Grimes met for their “Million Dollar Face-Off,” Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai took on Ember Moon & Shotzi Blackheart, and more.
Karrion Kross vs. Finn Balor II headlines tonight’s episode of NXT.
The NXT Championship will be on the line as Kross and Balor face off in a rematch from TakeOver: Stand & Deliver. This will be Kross’ first title defense since defeating Balor to win the championship.
Tonight’s show will also feature the “world premiere” of Franky Monet as the former Taya Valkyrie makes her NXT in-ring debut. Monet first appeared on NXT five weeks ago. Her opponent for tonight hasn’t been announced.
With both teams wanting a shot at Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell’s NXT Women’s Tag Team titles, Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon will take on Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai tonight. Bobby Fish will also return to in-ring action for the first time since December as he looks to get revenge on Pete Dunne. Fish had to undergo triceps surgery after December’s NXT TakeOver: WarGames.
The feud between Cameron Grimes and Ted DiBiase will continue as they meet for the “Million Dollar Face-Off.”
Plus, we’ll hear from new NXT North American Champion Bronson Reed. Reed defeated Johnny Gargano in a steel cage match last week to win the North American title.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
The show opened with a canned intro hyping the main event championship match. The former champion meets the current champ in a return bout that headlines the show.
The announce team of Vic Joseph, Beth Phoenix and Wade Barrett welcome viewers to the show, and they offer a rundown of tonight’s card. They throw to the opening match, which is a women’s tag team bout.
Ember Moon & Shotzi Blackheart defeated NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai
Moon pinned Kai to win the match. Gonzalez defending against Moon looks like potential direction. Good opener for this show as well.
Gonzalez began the match with power moves on Moon, but Moon fought back to frustate the champ with counters and two counts. Cat-and-mouse until Kai tagged in, and the heels began to work over Moon. Blackheart tagged in, and she ran wild on Kai. The babyfaces were soon in control. Blackheart applied a Texas cloverleaf, and Gonzalez saved her partner.
The match went through some commercials, and Moon was cleaning house when the show returned from break. Kai caused a distraction that allowed Gonzalez to boot Moon in the face. The heels went back to working over Moon. Blackeart jumped in to make a save at one point, and then Moon made a hot tag.
Blackheart with a go to sleep facebuster for a near fall on Kai. Gonzalez saved Kai from a Doomsday Device, and Gonzalez jumped in again to save Kai by freeing her from a leglock/crossface combo applied by Moon. Gonzalez went for her signature chokeslam, but Moon countered into a stunner.
Moon & Blackheart then executed a double team combo where Moon suplexed Kai into a Dominator while Blackheart swooped in to deliver a cutter. Moon went on to cover Kai for a pinfall.
Gonzalez attacked Blackheart & Moon after the match, and she laid them both out. Upon ordering Kai to make Moon watch the attack, Gonzalez powerbombed Blackheart into the barricade and the ring post. Gonzalez then dropped Blackheart throat first on the barricade. Looks like Moon is a potential challenger for Gonzalez, and now there is an added layer of a grudge match.
Pete Dunne (with Oney Lorcan) defeated Bobby Fish
Dunne pinned Fish after delivering The Bitter End. Great match. Lorcan attacked Fish afterwards for a post-match beat down.
Fish showed a lot of fire at the start, yet Dunne baited him into taking a cheap shot. They grappled on the mat, and Dunne stomped Fish in the face. Dunne then began to target an arm. Fish reverses to work Dunne’s arm. Fish booted Dunne out of the ring just before the show cut to a commercial break.
Dunne was again targeting Fish’s arm when the show returned from the break. Fish fired up, and he caugth Dunne in a sleeper. Dunne with joint manipulation to break the sleeper. Dropping a knee on Fish’s previously injured arm, Dunne looked vicious. Dunne followed Fish when Fish rolled outside. At ringside, Fish smashed Dunne into the barricade.
Fish got back into the ring, only for him to walk into an enzuigiri. Fish answered back with an exploder into the ropes, which led to a near fall on Dunne. They traded knee strikes, and Dunne buckled over in a corner. Taking a page out of Bret Hart’s playbook, Dunne was playing possum. Dunne exploded into a flurry of offense, but Fish cut him off to get another two count.
Dunne snapped Fish’s fingers while attempting to apply an arm bar. Fish still managed to roll through apply his own joint lock. Dunne countered for The Bitter End, and Dunne covered Fish for a three count.
Lorcan jumped a prone Fish after the match. Lorcan beat him down, and then he tried to re-injury Fish’s weakened arm. Officials poured out to break up the beatdown. Lorcan got more for cheap shot in by kicking Fish, but Fish got back to his feet to glare at Lorcan as he and Dunne backed away.
Mercedes Martinez was cutting a promo about working her way back up the ladder, as she wants another title shot. Boa was spying on her like a creep, so maybe Martinez meets Xia Lee in a match soon.
Hit Row in a pre-tape vignette cut promos in a really cool segment. This could easily become a hot new act in WWE.
Mercedes Martinez defeated Zayda Ramier
Martinez pinned Ramier in an enhancement match. Afterwards came an angle setting up Xia Lee against Martinez.
Ramier got some offense, but not for long. Martinez pressed slammed Ramier off the top rope, hit her with a knee strike, and Martinez then dropped her with an Air Raid Crash. 1…2…3.
The arena lights turned red, and the ring filled with smoke. The lights then turned blue, and Martinez had a mark written on her hand. Spooky stuff similar to what Scooby Doo and the gang might investigate. Quick, to the Mystery Machine! Might even flash the Bat signal too. Couldn’t hurt.
Cameron Grimes and Ted DiBiase in a “Million Dollar Face-Off”
Grimes asked DiBiase “why?” Why has DiBiase been embarrassing him? Grimes told DiBiase he looked up to him, and Grimes learned people would like him if he had money. Grimes sadly said to never meet your idols.
DiBiase responded by saying he really like Grimes. They have a lot more in common than they might think, according to DiBiase. He put Grimes through hell because he saw a little bit of himself in Grimes. DiBiase said he was here because he was looking for that one individual to basically embodies The Million Dollar Man.
DiBiase went on to say Grimes has lost his focus since becoming rich. LA Knight interrupted them for one of those LA Knight promos, if you like that sort of thing. Knight wanted to DiBiase to pick him as a protege.
Grimes finally had enough of Knight. Grimes ordered Knight out of the ring, or Grimes threatened to kick his ass to … the … moon. Knight responded by laying out Grimes, and he left the ring.
Dibiase stood over a fallen Grimes and said, “Kid, you’re just never going to get it.” DiBiase cackled with his signature over-the-top laugh.
Indi Hartwell was backstage looking for Dexster Lumis. She interrupted Ever-Rise, and one of them wanted to fight her. This was supposed to be comedy I think. Drake Maverick told Hartwell he saw Lumis last in a room, and Maverick pointed to the room. Hartwell went into the room, and there were a bunch of drawings supposedly drawn by Lumis. He was heartbroken apparently. Hartwell was in turn upset. This courtship was cut at first, but it has become kind of weird. Regardless, to each their own.
Franky Monet defeated Cora Jade
Monet (formerly Taya Valkyrie) in her WWE in-ring debut pinned Jade in an enhancement match. Monet was able to get in her “Wera Loca” catchphrase during the match. She ran through most of her signature moves, and Monet looked dominate.
Jade got some offense, but Monet soon cut her off. Monet won with a version of the Glam Slam, which is basically a chicken wing into a sit-out facebuster.
Grizzled Young Veterans cut a promo on Timothy Thatcher & Tommaso Ciampa, after Ciampa & Thatcher cut a promo on them earlier in the show. Ciampa & Thatcher cut the better promo on this night. The two teams meet soon in a rubber match.
NXT UK Champion WALTER addressed the remaining members of Imperium as if WALTER was the evil Emperor from Star Wars. WALTER looked more sinister than the Emperor as he dressed down Imperium.
Legado del Fantasma confronts NXT North American Champion Bronson Reed
Bronson Reed is the new North American champ, and he came down to the ring for his first promo as the new title holder.
Reed began by saying it took him 14 years to get to this moment. Not just a climb up the mountain, but falling down just to get back up. Falling yet again, but keep getting up. It was not an easy road to the North American title. Now that he has the title, good luck to anyone trying to take it. Reed had a mountain, but he says his challengers have a “colossal mountain to climb.”
Out comes Santos Escobar and Legado del Fantasma to interrupt Reed. Escobar said he cannot relate to Reed because Escobar himself was born a champion. Escobar went on to say the North American title caught his eye.
Escobar wants a title match against Reed. There was a joke about Canada, which seemed rather missplaced in an otherwise serious segment. Escobar got on the ring apron to further berate Reed. Legado del Fantasma was seemingly about to jump Reed when NXT Tag Team Champions MSK ran down to even the odds. Escobar and his charges fled. This segment needed Teddy Long to make it a tag team match. Luckily we still have William Regal.
NXT GM William Regal announced a thriple threat number one contender’s match for next Tueday on NXT. Kyle O’Reilly vs. Pete Dunne vs. Johnny Gargano is set for next week. The winner faces the NXT Champion.
Also announced for next week is a tag team title bout with MSK defending against Ledado del Fantasma.
NXT Champion Karrion Kross (with Scarlett) defeated Finn Balor to reatin his title
Kross put Balor to sleep to end a pretty great match.
Balor started strong, and Kross powdered just before the show cut to a picture-in-picture commercial break. Kross gained control after the break. Balor countered Kross, and Balor targeted Kross’ back. Kross fought back and turned the tables.
Kross bieled Balor across the ring, and then Kross began to suplex him. Balor countered a second suplex to apply a crossface. Balor exploded into a double stomp, yet Kross struck back with a cheap shot.
Balor trapped Kross in the ring skirt, and then Balor landed a PK before the show cut to another picture-in-picture commercial break. Kross was mounting a comeback after the show came back from the break. They traded strikes. Balor with a sling blade, but Kross kicked out at one. Kross then hopped to his feet like a man possessed by something or other.
Balor leapt into a double stomp, but Kross was able to counter Balor. Fighting the Kross Jacket, Balor found himself trapped in Kross’s sleeper hold. Balor was able to escape, and he rolled outside. Kross sent Balor crashing into the barricade, and Kross gave Balor a Razor’s Edge into the barricade.
Upon a sudden burst of fire, Balor made a comeback. Balor flew over the ropes with a tope con giro. Kross no sold the dive, and he powerbombed Balor onto the announce desk. That further damaged the back Kross targeted earlier on in the match. Balor would not go down without a fight. He fought back to deliver another double stomp. Balor then went for the Coup de Grace, but Kross rolled out of the way.
Kross with a German suplex followed by a Saito suplex. Kross signaled for his finisher, but Balor countered for a two count. Balor applied a cobra twist, but Kross freed himself. Balor in turn countered Kross. Balor applied a sleeper. Kross tried to escape, yet Balor transitioned to catch Kross in a triangle. Kross with a deadlift powerbombed Balor.
Balor displayed fighting spirit as Kross struck with his signature forearm smash. Kross then stomped on Balor, and Kross locked in the sleeper. The referee checked Balor before stopped the match, and the champion retains his title.
This week’s NXT will feature a Prime Target segment building up an upcoming title match.
During Raw tonight, a commercial aired announcing that Prime Target: Kross vs. Balor II will air on NXT this Tuesday. The segment will be the final build for Karrion Kross’ NXT Championship defense against Finn Balor.
Kross is defending the NXT Championship against Balor on NXT next week (Tuesday, May 25). NXT’s Prime Target special features preview a big match by focusing on both competitors in it. The Kross-Balor segment will include interviews with them about next week’s title match.
Kross defeated Balor at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver last month to win the NXT Championship.
On NXT two weeks ago, Kross was interrupted by Kyle O’Reilly, Pete Dunne, and Balor. After a brawl broke out, Johnny Gargano and Austin Theory ambushed Kross and laid him out.
Kross defeated Theory in a non-title match on NXT last week. Balor confronted Kross in the ring after the match and told Kross that he doesn’t wait in lines. Balor told Kross that he wanted his rematch — and Kross said he wanted the match just as much as Balor.
Here’s the updated lineup for this Tuesday’s NXT:
Steel cage match: NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano defends against Bronson Reed
Zoey Stark vs. Toni Storm
“Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase appears live at the Capitol Wrestling Center
Two title matches took place on last night’s episode of NXT.
Both of those matches saw champions retain their titles. In the main event of the episode, Kushida defeated Santos Escobar in a two-out-of-three falls match to retain the NXT Cruiserweight Championship. Raquel Gonzalez also made her first NXT Women’s Championship defense, defeating Mercedes Martinez.
Escobar scored the first fall in last night’s Cruiserweight title match, but Kushida won the next two to retain. Kushida tweeted after the show: “Has this title ever been in the limelight so much before? This is the moment when this title is shining the most in history. Title match in the main event. I feel very confident tonight @WWE @WWENXT”
WWE uploaded a post-show video where Gonzalez showed respect to Martinez backstage following their match. Dakota Kai wasn’t happy with Gonzalez doing that.
Plus, NXT Champion Karrion Kross and NXT Tag Team Champions MSK were in action in non-title matches, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott introduced his new Hit Row group, Bobby Fish made his return, and more.
– Finn Balor is getting his rematch against NXT Champion Karrion Kross — but the match won’t be taking place at NXT’s next TakeOver event.
WWE has announced that Kross will defend his NXT Championship against Balor on the Tuesday, May 25 episode of NXT. Kross defeated Balor to win the title at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver last month.
After Kross defeated Austin Theory in a non-title match on tonight’s NXT, Balor confronted Kross in the ring. Balor told Kross that he doesn’t wait in lines. Balor said he wants his rematch — and Kross said he wants the match just as much as Balor.
Balor, Kyle O’Reilly, and Pete Dunne had all interrupted Kross on last week’s NXT, leading to a brawl breaking out. When Kross was the only person left in the ring, Theory and NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano ambushed Kross and laid him out.
The Kross vs. Balor title rematch is taking place in advance of this year’s NXT TakeOver: In Your House event. It was announced earlier today that TakeOver: In Your House will be held on Sunday, June 13.
– The Tuesday, May 25 episode of NXT will also feature Franky Monet’s WWE in-ring debut. Monet (formerly known as Taya Valkyrie) made her first appearance for NXT four weeks ago. She’s had interactions with NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez, Io Shirai, Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon, and Kayden Carter & Kacy Catanzaro.
Finn Balor returns to NXT tonight for the first time since losing the NXT Championship at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver.
At last month’s TakeOver event: Karrion Kross defeated Balor to become NXT Champion. Tonight, Balor will speak on NXT TV for the first time since that loss.
Two stipulation matches are also set for tonight’s show. The NXT Women’s Tag Team titles will be on the line in a street fight as champions Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon defend against The Way’s Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, while Leon Ruff and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott will look to settle their rivalry in a falls count anywhere match.
Plus, Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher will face off with The Grizzled Young Veterans. Both teams are looking to be next in line for a shot at MSK’s NXT Tag Team titles. Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde will also likely be in the mix after Legado del Fantasma defeated MSK & NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida in a six-man tag match last week.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott defeated Leon Ruff in a falls count anywhere match
Scott pinned Ruff after interference by AJ Francis, who made a surprise debut during the finish. This appears to be the blow-off to the feud, but the finish was far from clean.
Ruff charged towards Scott when the ball sounded to start the match, but Ruff ate a knee strike. Ruff still fought back, but Scott dropped him again. Ruff eventually countered Scott to set up a tope. Scott caught Ruff on the attempted dive, and Scott sent Ruff crashing into the apron with a Death Valley Driver. Scott whipped Ruff into the barricades, and he slammed Ruff on the metal entrance ramp for a near fall.
A mighty superlex by Scott, and Ruff sold big before another two count. Scott looked to be in complete control as Ruff rolled outside. Ruff with a counter that tied Scott upside down in the ropes, and Scott fell to the floor after taking a dropkick. Ruff looked to make a comeback, but Scott dropped him in mid-air. The brawling on the floor continued, and Scott hurled a toolbox in Ruff’s direction. Ruff dodged the toolbox just before the show went to a picture-in-picture commercial break.
During the break, the fighting spilled into the locker room area. They were fighting on the stage as the show returned from the commercial break. Scott was blinded by a spotlight, and he went flying off the stage. They fought back into the ring. Scott went for another superplex, but Ruff countered into a crucifix bomb. Scott managed to kick out for a near fall. Ruff moments later with a crazy poison rana off the apron, and Scott flipped into a bump on the floor.
Scott with a modified Michinoku Driver to Ruff on the floor. Somehow, Ruff managed to kick out at two. Ruff moved when Scott charged at him, and Scott crashed his knee into the ring steps. Ruff took the toolbox that was hurled at him earlier in the match, and Ruff used the toolbox as weapon to hit Scott in the knee. Ruff then executed a frog splash for a close near fall. Ruff then applied a heel hook, but Scott was able to escape.
Ruff delivered two cutters. The first was in the ring. Scott rolled outside where he took the other cutter on the floor. Ruff climbed a ladder behind some production equipment. He went to leap off the ladder on to Scott, but football player-turned-wrestler AJ Francis stepped in to interfere. Francis caught Ruff on the attempted high cross, and Francis gave Ruff an ushigoroshi using the barricade. Scott followed up with his signature package driver, and he covered Ruff for a three count.
NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano, with Austin Theory in tow, barged into William Regal’s office. Regal was meeting with Scarlett at the time. Regal told Gargano he would met with him later. There was some comedy between Theory and Scarlett.
Cameron Grimes defeated Asher Hale
Grimes pinned Hale in a short competitive match. Grimes won convincingly, but Hale got plenty of offense.
Hale with missile dropkick for a near fall at one point. Grimes answered back with counters. Grimes then delivered the Cave In, and he Grimes covered Hale for a pinfall.
Kayden Carter and Kacy Catanzaro were being interviewed backstage when they were interrupted by Franky Monet, who carrying her dog Presley. Monet in a condescending manner she was cheering for Carter and Catanzaro.
Cameron Grimes was celebrating his him when he was met by the tag team of Ever-Rise. Grimes wanted to celebrate, but he told the other two that there was only room for three. Those three were “me, myself and CAMERON GRIMES!” Grimes then cackled befoe saying he was headed to the VIP room.
Thatcher submitted Gibson to win the match. Thatcher hit Gibson with a shoe in the process of winning the bout. Really good match.
Grizzled Young Veterans before the match cut a promo on their opponents and the audience. The entrance of Thatcher & Ciampa interrupted the heel’s speech.
Thatcher & Ciampa were in control when the show went to a commercial break. Drake cut off Thatcher after the break, and the heels began to work over Thatcher. Hot tag to Ciampa, and Ciampa was a house of fire.
Thatcher was left alone with the heels after Ciampa took a bump into the announce desk. Drake also flew threw the ropes with a tope that knocked Ciampa over the desk. Thatcher was being double teamed, but Ciampa was able to make a save. Ciampa also had a shoe that belonged to Wade Barrett, who was the desk doing commentary.
Ciampa with the JJ Dillion assist, he tossed the shoe in the ring. Thatcher waffled Gibson with the shoe, and Thatcher followed up by applying an arm bar. Gibson soon tapped out.
Johnny Gargano was backstage pestering William Regal again. Regal was having none of it. They did some comedy.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott left the building with his new stable that was only referred to as his “crew.”
Challengers, the champ, and a sneak attack
NXT Champion Karrion Kross and Scarlett entered the CWC for a in-ring promo. He went on to challenge Austin Theory to a match next week on NXT. Kross’ promo was interrupted Kyle O’Reilly, who is still doing the Kool Kyle thing. He was wearing an Easy E t-shirt, which is pretty cool in my book. O’Reilly confronted Kross, and O’Reilly was about to challenge Kross when they were interrupted by Pete Dunne.
Dunne cut a promo on both O’Reilly and Kross. Dunne claimed to be the baddest man in NXT, and he dared them to prove him wromg. Cue Finn Balor, who entered the scene. Balor stormed to the ring, and he went to hit Kross. A brawl between erupted between all four. Kross was left standing in the ring as security poured out. One security dude took a Saito suplex from Kross. Just when the segment seemed over, Johnny Gargano and Austin Theory jump into the ring for a sneak attack.
Gargano and Theory jumped Kross, but he fought them off. Yet, Kross was outnumbered, and the numnbers soon caught up with him. Gargano and Theory with stereo superkicks on Kross, and he was laid out. The heels left him laying in the ring. Kross meets Theory in a singles match next Tuesday.
The Way then fled the scene, and they jumped in a waiting car like they were Earl Hebner in Montreal. Away they sped.
Sarray defeated Zayda Raimer
Sarray pinned Raimer in a short competitive match.
Sarray fought from underneath, dropped Raimer on her head with suplex, and then Sarray covered her for a pinfall.
WALTER via Zoom was giving Imperium a pep talk. WALTER is even intimidating in video form.
A teaser hyped the Diamond Mine.
Zoey Stark was having a staredown with Toni Storm in the backstage area. Stark won the staredown I guess, becuase Storm walked away. Dang, Storm can’t even win a staring context, much less a match these days. What gives? She at least gets a promo later in the show.
LA Knight defeated Jake Atlas
Knight pinned Atlas in what was a showcase match for Knight. Atlas is so much better than the nonexistent push he is getting at the moment. Then there’s LA Knight. Bless his heart.
Knight cut a promo on his way to the ring. Atlas rallied after being pummeled early on in the match. Knight soon cut him off again. Atlas with a few counters, but Knight struck with a headlock DDT. Knight then covered Atlas for a pinfall.
Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell were in their locker room preparing for their title challenge later tonight. Dexter Lumis appeared in a window holding flowers. Hartwell did not see him, but LeRae did. She closed the blinds on the window, keeping Hartwell from seeing Lumis.
Toni Storm cut a heel promo on Zoey Stark. Storm said he brought Stark into the business, and she will take her right out.
El Legado del Fantasma was in the ring ring for a promo. Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde want a title match against NXT Tag Team Champions MSK. NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida appeared on the video screen to challenge Santos Escobar to the title match.
NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez and Mercedes Martinez on a split-screen debated ahead of their title match next week.
Franky Monet’s dog, Presley, apparently pooped in Shotzi Blackheart’s tank.
Cameron Grimes arrived at a night club, but a very tall bouncer would not let Grimes into the club. Grimes insisted he was headed to the VIP room. The bouncer said the club was booked for a private party. Grimes continued to pester the bouncer when a limousine arrived at the club. The limo was adorned with golden dollar sign on the hood. Out of the limo stepped Ted DiBiase. The Million Dollar Man remarked not to rent a booth when you can buy the whole club. DiBiase concluded by saying everybody has a price for the Million Dollar Man. Grimes was angry that remark wasn’t even funny.
Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell defeated NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions Ember Moon & Shotzi Blackheart in a street fight to win the titles
LeRae pinned Blackheart to win the straps. There were some wild and crazy bumps in this match. They beat the heck out of each other.
During their entrance, the champs were cosplaying as Freddie Krueger from Nightmare On Elm Street and Jason from Friday the 13th.
The match began with brawling, and weapons were soon in play. Tables, chairs and trash cans were littered around ringside. The champs began to double team Hartwell. LeRae was eventually able to make a save. LeRae went for a baseball slide, but she was instead sandwiched between two trash can lids.
Hartwell’s turn to make a save, and she cleaned house. Hartwell then four chairs at ringside, which ironically were used on her. Moon smashed Hartwell into the chairs. Blackheart added another chair, placing it on top of the other four. The heels sat Blackheart in the fifth chair, and the champs were going for a dive. LeRae saved Hartwell by shooting the champs with a fire extinguisher.
During a picture-in-picture commercial break, Hartwell set up a ladder bridge at ringside. Meanwhille, LeRae propped table in the corner of the ring. LeRae also wedged a chair between the top and middle rope, but LeRae ate the chair when the show returned from the break. The champs with a comeback after the break.
Blackheart jumped off the top rope to deliver a senton with LeRae on the ladder bridge. They both crashed to the floor. In the ring, Moon gave Hartwell an Alabama slam into the table propped in the corner. The table barely break, and Hartwell took a hard bump into the table. Moments later, Hartwell had enought fight to kick a ladder into Moon & Blackheart.
A ladder was propped on the ropes, and Blackheart was placed on it. LeRae then did a moonsault quebrada onto the ladder with an assist from Hartwell. Moon took a spinebuster on a ladder. Blackheart and Hartwell were brawling near the announce desk, and Blackheart shattered a coffee mug on Hartwell. Blackheart then climbed a truss that was part of the set, and Blacheart leapt off with a splash to put Hartwell through the announce desk.
Hartwell with a springboard flying elbow drop to the outside, and in doing so she put Moon through a table. Meanwhile, LeRae gave Blacheart the Wicked Stepsister on a chair. LeRae then pinned Blackheart to win the titles.
Next week’s episode of NXT will feature Finn Balor’s first appearance since losing the NXT Championship.
WWE has announced that Balor will make his return to NXT next Tuesday. Balor will speak on the show for the first time since Karrion Kross defeated him to win the NXT Championship at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night two earlier this month.
“Viva Mexico! Recharged, refreshed & refocused. Next Tuesday, Finn is back,” Balor wrote on social media.
Prior to losing the title to Kross, Balor had been NXT Champion since September of last year. Balor defeated Adam Cole to win the then-vacant title after Kross had to relinquish the championship due to injury. Kross won the NXT Championship from Keith Lee at TakeOver XXX last August but suffered a separated shoulder during the match.
Two stipulation matches have also been announced for next Tuesday’s NXT. The NXT Women’s Tag Team titles will be on the line as champions Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon face Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell in a street fight. Rivals Leon Ruff and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott will also face off in a falls count anywhere match.
NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver concludes tonight with a double main event.
NXT Champion Finn Balor will put his title on the line against Karrion Kross. Kross, who had to vacate the NXT Championship due to injury just days after winning it last year, is getting the chance to reclaim the title that he never lost.
Former Undisputed Era stablemates Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly will look to settle their issues in an unsanctioned match. In storyline, NXT can’t be held liable for anything Cole and O’Reilly do to each other.
An undisputed NXT Cruiserweight Champion will also be determined as Jordan Devlin and Santos Escobar face off in a ladder match, Johnny Gargano will defend his NXT North American Championship against Bronson Reed, and NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon will put their titles on the line against Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell.
Tonight’s main card will air live on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network everywhere else starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time. There will also be a pre-show starting at 7 p.m. Eastern. On the pre-show, Breezango and Drake Maverick & Killian Dain will face off in a tag team number one contender’s match.
**********
The pre-show featured the standard mix of promos, video packages, and talking head segments. The hosts were Sam Roberts and Jimmy Smith. Smith was excellent, adding a ton of legitimacy and excitement to the broadcast.
Mickie James joined commentary for the pre-show match.
Killian Dain & Drake Maverick defeated Breezango (Tyler Breeze & Fandango) to become the #1 contenders to the NXT Tag Team Championships
Breezango came to the ring dressed like pirates, matching the theme of this week’s Wrestlemania. Maverick frustrated Fandango by imitating his dancing gimmick, so Dain forcefully tagged himself in, downing Fandango before tagging Maverick back in by tossing him into his opponent. Fandango then took control with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, leading to a long beatdown where Breezango isolated Maverick in their corner.
Maverick flipped out of a suplex and used evasive maneuvers to reach Dain for the hot tag. Dain ran wild on both opponents, taking down Fandango with a running crossbody and a uranage. He followed it up with a slingshot senton before performing a Samoan drop / fallaway slam combination in a cool power spot.
Dain and Maverick set up for a big tag team move, but Breeze ran in to save his partner and dispatch Maverick. Dain fought off the attack and tagged in Maverick, who hit a top-rope hurricanrana on Breeze. Dain then came in and powerbombed his partner onto Breeze for the win.
**********
Rock artist Poppy performed to open the show.
Santos Escobar (c) defeated Jordan Devlin (c) in a ladder match to become the undisputed NXT Cruiserweight Champion
This was a fun stunt show with some cool stuff, although the story was odd. The fact that both men are heels made it difficult to get into, and Devlin isn’t the type of person who should be working as a scrappy underdog at this point.
Both men were billed as the “NXT Cruiserweight Champion.” They performed a choreographed chain wrestling sequence to start until Devlin planted Escobar with a uranage and a standing moonsault. An Asai moonsault followed, with Devlin inadvertently banging his head on the announce desk on the landing. Devlin pulled out a ladder and smacked Escobar with it.
An early attempt at climbing the ladder from Devlin was foiled by Escobar. Escobar whipped Devlin into a propped-up ladder in the corner, sending Devlin crashing to the floor. He followed it up with a running knee on the outside. Escobar produced another ladder and propped it up against the fencing around the barricade. After re-entering the ring and dispatching Devlin by dropkicking a ladder into him, Escobar kept up the attack with repeated ladder shots.
Escobar climbed for the titles, but Devlin tried to stop him, so Escobar beat him down with repeated stomps. He set up a ladder over the turnbuckle, but Devlin reversed a whip into it with a whip of his own. Escobar popped up and downed his opponent with a dropkick. He tried to launch Devlin into the ladder, but Devling hopped up and almost reached the titles. Escobar pulled Devlin down, which Devlin turned into a DDT.
The propped-up ladder on the floor came into play when a dive from Escobar thrust Devlin into it. Escobar taunted Devlin until Devlin countered a suplex by dropping Escobar onto a ladder. They had a strike exchange, where Escobar temporarily gained the advantage after a rising knee. Devlin countered the follow-up into a Spanish Fly and a slingshot cutter.
Devlin set up a ladder near the corner, which both men climbed. They traded strikes, with a right hand from Devlin sending Escobar to the mat. Devlin climbed to the top of the ladder and landed a high moonsault on Escobar in a great spot. Devlin nearly reached the championships, but Legado del Fantasma ran out and pushed Devlin off the ladder to the floor before tossing him into the steel steps.
Escobar sent Mendoza and Wilde to the back before climbing to the titles. Devlin stopped the climb by just tossing a ladder into his opponent before setting up the ladder right next to Escobar’s. After a struggle, Devlin hit a Spanish Fly from halfway up the ladder. Devlin nearly reached the titles, but Escobar climbed up and sent Devlin crashing through a ladder to the canvas with a headbutt, which allowed Escobar enough time to grab the titles and retain.
– After the match, Escobar celebrated with his son and Legado del Fantasma.
**********
MSK were interviewed backstage about their tag title victory from night one. They were excited about the championships and said they were ready for Killian Dain and Drake Maverick, who will be their first challengers. They then disagreed on who would win tonight’s two main event matches.
**********
Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon (c) defeated The Way (Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell) to retain the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships
This was a nice, compact match that didn’t overstay its welcome. Hartwell looked strong in there with some really good workers.
Hartwell & LeRae attacked before the bell, and a step-up senton from LeRae got a quick two count. The challengers worked over Blackheart with frequent tags and double team moves. Occasionally Blackheart would get a hope spot, but she’d get cut off every time by The Way.
An enziguiri finally bought Blackheart enough time to reach Moon for her first tag of the match, five minutes in. She laid in strikes on LeRae, downing her with a strong right hand. Moon set up for the Eclipse, but a distraction from Hartwell allowed LeRae to push Moon down. The Way tried to hit a double team superplex, but that was foiled by Blackheart, leading to a tower of doom spot that got Hartwell a two count on Moon.
The Way continued to work over Moon until she fought off a double team to tag in Blackheart, who entered the match with a crossbody on both opponents. A tiger suplex sent LeRae rolling to the floor, where Blackheart attempted a suicide dive. Blackheart wasn’t caught at all — looked like she went face first into the barricade and the floor. Scary moment.
Moon took out The Way with a dive before tagging in Blackheart for a tandem maneuver for two. LeRae rolled up Blackheart for two and sent Moon to the floor, tagging in Hartwell for a tandem maneuver of their own for two. Blackheart fought out with an enziguiri and hit a double Eclipse on both opponents. The diving senton from Blackheart followed to win and retain.
**********
NCAA champion and Olympic amateur wrestler Gable Steveson was shown in the crowd.
*********
Johnny Gargano (c) (w/ Austin Theory) defeated Bronson Reed to retain the NXT North American Championship
This was a perfect midcard match for TakeOver, stuffed with great in-ring work, a compelling babyface vs. heel dynamic, and some close near falls.
Reed surprised Gargano early on by matching his athleticism before overpowering him with an overhead press into a fallaway slam. Gargano stretched Reed’s arm over the rope and went for a slingshot spear, but it wasn’t enough to take Reed down. Reed chopped Gargano down to the mat before Gargano came back with a chop block and a running forearm.
Gargano sent Reed to the floor and tried to follow it up with a plancha, but Reed caught him out of midair. Gargano escaped the grip of the challenger and thrust him into the corner of the announce desk. In the ring, Reed went for his seated splash, but Gargano rolled out of the way and landed a diving crossbody, which only got a one count.
The ribs of Reed were the target of Gargano during his beatdown. Reed started his comeback by turning a Gargano dive into a powerslam. He hit repeated forearms and a corner splash before planting Gargano with a chokeslam. Reed had a nice power spot where he went for a vertical suplex, Gargano tried to knee his way out of it, but Reed maintained control to turn it into a Death Valley driver.
Gargano managed to tie Reed up in the corner, taking control with an enziguiri and a backstabber. He landed a thrust kick on Reed’s midsection, but Reed countered the follow-up into a vertical suplex. Reed hoisted Gargano up into the electric chair, which Gargano turned into a reverse hurricanrana. Gargano then applied the Garga-No Escape.
Eventually, Reed reached the ropes to break the hold. Gargano attempted the One Final Beat, but Reed caught him and tossed Gargano back into the ring with a huge Splash Mountain. Gargano rolled out of the way of the Bullfrog Splash and landed his half of #DIY for two. He tried it again, but Reed caught the kick and fought back with a headbutt and a short-arm lariat.
Reed climbed the ropes for the Bullfrog Splash, but Theory distracted him, giving Gargano the chance to stop the dive. Gargano then attempted a top-rope hurricanrana, which didn’t come together correctly — it looked like Reed was supposed to catch Gargano, but he slipped. Reed hit a powerbomb, but when he went for the cover, Theory put Gargano’s foot on the ropes.
Out on the floor, Reed got in Theory’s face before catching a Gargano dive and sending him into Theory. Theory then took a bullet for Gargano as Reed hit a suicide dive. Back in the ring, Reed countered the One Final Beat into a slam for two. He tried to follow it up with a powerbomb, but Gargano rolled out of it and landed repeated thrust kicks. Reed came back with a kick of his own, but missed a top-rope moonsault.
Gargano hit a One Final Beat and then a second to retain the championship.
**********
Karrion Kross (w/ Scarlett) defeated Finn Bálor (c) to win the NXT Championship
Despite starting a bit slow, this built to a nice finish and was Kross’s best performance yet in NXT.
Neither man established an advantage for the first few minutes. Kross fired up with power moves until Bálor moved out of the way of a corner attack, forcing Kross shoulder-first into the ring post. Bálor then made Kross’s injured shoulder and arm the target of his attack.
Kross tried to power his way out of an armbar, but Bálor turned it into almost an arm-trap flatliner. Forcing Kross into the corner, the champion nailed Kross with a heel kick. Kross collapsed from the pain, in a clear callback to Bálor’s match with Kyle O’Reilly.
After that, Bálor altered his strategy, instead opting to target Kross’s midsection. Kross fired up and called for his finisher, but Bálor countered it with repeated shotgun dropkicks. Bálor went to the top rope and hit the Coup de Grace, but Kross kicked out at two, Kross then immediately applied a rear naked choke, which Bálor rolled out of with a stomp for good measure.
The champion applied a grounded abdominal stretch. Scarlett implored Kross to reach the ropes, and he finally did, crushing Bálor with a second Doomsday Saito. Two running forearm smashes were enough for Kross to pin Bálor and win the championship.
**********
Santos Escobar, flanked by Legado del Fantasma, was interviewed about his title win. He said LDF are family and called himself the emperor of lucha libre.
**********
The ring was filled with security ahead of the main event, trying to keep the two apart.
Kyle O’Reilly defeated Adam Cole in an Unsanctioned Match
This match went 40 minutes. Some will say that’s too long or that it jumped the shark, but I loved the wacky melodrama. These two absolutely killed each other in one of the most brutal WWE matches in history.
Right off the bat they traded strikes. O’Reilly sent Cole to the floor then immediately followed it up with a plancha. He applied an armbar at ringside, which Cole fought out of. O’Reilly downed Cole with a double-leg and sent him face-first into the barricade. He propped Cole up on a chair and laid in kicks, but Cole went for a piledriver, which O’Reilly fought out of.
Back in the ring, O’Reilly used the ropes to assist on a guillotine, but Cole shoved O’Reilly onto the apron and back to the floor. Cole produced a half-dozen chairs and attacked O’Reilly with one. He targeted O’Reilly’s back, hitting a neckbreaker onto a chair. O’Reilly eventually fought back, going for a kimura, but Cole countered with a ushigoroshi for two.
Cole continued his beatdown until a knee lift from O’Reilly bought him some time. O’Reilly went for a knee bar, but Cole was able to roll to the floor. As Cole regrouped on a chair, O’Reilly landed a diving dropkick. O’Reilly chucked a chair into Cole’s face for two before grabbing a chain. Cole stopped whatever O’Reilly was planning to use the chain for with a draping neckbreaker for two.
The chain that O’Reilly brought into the match was tied around the top rope by Cole. The two fought over the chain, with O’Reilly winning the battle with a forearm. O’Reilly landed chain-assisted Kawada kicks, but Cole countered with a chain-assisted figure four leglock. O’Reilly reversed the pressure, then they landed simultaneous knockout strikes for the double down.
They exchanged more strikes, but Cole countered running offense with a clothesline using the chain. Cole then hit a chain-assisted backstabber for two before propping up two chairs. They each tried to send each other into the chairs, with Cole attacking with a German suplex and a shining wizard for two.
Cole moved to the floor and tried to suplex O’Reilly onto the steel steps. O’Reilly countered and applied a guillotine before crushing Cole with a knee strike. It looked as if O’Reilly was about to suplex Cole into the steps, but he hesitated as the announcers discussed his inner turmoil. Cole tried to take advantage of the hesitation, but O’Reilly had it scouted.
They exchanged forearms on the announce table until O’Reilly crushed Cole with a brainbuster. The table did not even buckle. Cole retreated to the broadcast area and smashed a monitor over O’Reilly’s head. He searched under the ring and found a toolbox, removing a wrench from the box. Cole appeared to try to stab O’Reilly with it, but O’Reilly fought him off. Cole then grabbed a tire iron, but O’Reilly took him out and hit a rebound lariat.
O’Reilly used the chain to apply an armbar and then a triangle choke. Cole rapidly faded, but grabbed the tire iron and struck O’Reilly across the ribs with it to break the hold. The two then set up chairs in the middle of the ring and exchanged strikes. O’Reilly looked to gain the advantage until a low blow sent him to the mat. Cole followed it up with a great superkick for two.
Cole grabbed a chair and wrapped it around O’Reilly’s head. He was about to Pillmanize O’Reilly until a referee implored him to stop. Cole crushed the official with a right hand and then hit Panama Sunrise, but the official couldn’t make the count. Cole berated the unconscious official as O’Reilly rolled to the ramp, where Cole threw another chair into his face.
O’Reilly rolled to the floor, where Cole repeatedly sent him into the ringside fencing. It looked like Cole was setting up for something dastardly, but O’Reilly locked on a jumping guillotine. Cole drove O’Reilly into the stage, sending them crashing through it. He then kicked out the side of the stage, pulling O’Reilly through it.
Both men were bloodied from the bump through the stage, Cole on his hand and O’Reilly on his back. Cole crushed O’Reilly with a brainbuster onto the steel steps. He rolled O’Reilly into the ring and covered, but O’Reilly barely got his shoulder up at two.
Cole pulled down the knee pad and went for the Last Shot, but O’Reilly collapsed to the mat before he could hit it. O’Reilly avoided another try and locked on a kneebar on both legs, but Cole fought out of it with a right hand using a chain. Cole went for Panama Sunrise, but O’Reilly countered into a Death Valley driver and a soccer kick. O’Reilly then hit a Last Shot of his own for a fantastic near fall.
O’Reilly wrapped a chair around Cole’s ankle and set up for a diving stomp, but Cole popped up and smacked him with the chair. Cole propped O’Reilly in the corner and berated him by saying he was always better than him, so O’Reilly sent him to the mat with a low blow. O’Reilly then wrapped a chain around his knee and hit a diving knee drop to finally pick up the win.
WWE has now confirmed the main events for both nights of NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver.
It was announced today that Finn Balor vs. Karrion Kross for the NXT Championship will headline night two of TakeOver: Stand & Deliver. Night one is being headlined by Io Shirai defending the NXT Women’s Championship against Raquel Gonzalez.
Balor defending his NXT Championship against Kross at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver was made official last week. They had a confrontation on NXT but were interrupted by NXT Tag Team Champions Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch. That set up Balor & Kross challenging for Lorcan & Burch’s Tag Team titles later in the night. Kross attacked Balor during the match after Balor gave Lorcan a dropkick that knocked Lorcan into Scarlett.
Lorcan pinned Balor to win the Tag Team title match. Balor was then laid out by Kross in a post-match angle.
At TakeOver: Stand & Deliver, Kross is getting a shot to reclaim the title that he never lost. Kross defeated Keith Lee to win the NXT Championship at TakeOver XXX last August, but Kross suffered a separated shoulder during the match and had to relinquish the title. Balor defeated Adam Cole last September to win the vacant NXT Championship.
TakeOver: Stand & Deliver is taking place on Wednesday, April 7 and Thursday, April 8. Night one will air live on the USA Network. Night two will be live on Peacock in the United States and live on the WWE Network everywhere else. NXT Cruiserweight Champions Jordan Devlin and Santos Escobar facing off in a title unification match has also been confirmed for the event, but WWE hasn’t announced which night Devlin vs. Escobar will be taking place on.
