Jordan Devlin has received a new WWE name, and will soon debut on NXT 2.0.
IT was announced during this week’s NXT episode that Devlin will now be known as JD McDonagh, as the new character name was debuted during a video vignette.
McDonagh was portrayed as a wealthy person with a penthouse in Dublin, Ireland, who only leaves his home if it is worth his while. He was then shown driving a vintage automobile.
McDonagh was the loser in an NXT UK Championship match on the May 12 NXT UK show, which also had a loser leaves town stipulation.
McDonagh joins Pretty Deadly, Alba Fyre, and Nathan Frazer as talent that has been moved from the NXT UK brand to the NXT 2.0 brand.
As Devlin, McDonagh debuted in WWE in the NXT UK Championship Tournament in 2017. He had a stint in an earlier incarnation of NXT, holding the Cruiserweight Championship in 2020 and 2021. A pandemic-related travel ban kept Devlin out of the country and unable to defend the title on the main NXT brand for most of his run.
The show opened with a recap of the events leading to tonight’s Loser Leaves NXT UK title match between Ilja Dragunov and Jordan Devlin.
Tag Team title eliminator match: Ashton Smith & Oliver Carter defeated Gallus (Joe & Mark Coffey) (10:23)
The team that wins this match will advance to a future triple threat for Moustache Mountain’s NXT UK Tag Team titles.
Gallus briefly double-teamed Carter before he made a comeback, including hitting a backflip kick on Mark Coffey in the corner. Smith and Carter quickly tagged in and out, then hit stereo dropkicks on Gallus, sending them to ringside.
Joe Coffey and Smith were in and Joe favored his left knee, which he seemingly tweaked earlier. Smith and Carter capitalized and worked the injured knee over for a few minutes. Joe finally managed to tag out and Mark ran wild on both Smith and Carter.
Mark hit an enzuigiri on Smith for a near fall when Joe asked to be tagged back in. Joe went for the double-jump crossbody, but his knee gave out mid-jump. Carter then hit an assisted moonsault on Joe for the win.
– A-Kid came out of Sid Scala’s office and announced that his match against Charlie Dempsey in two weeks will be held under Heritage Cup rules.
– A great video package focused on NXT UK reaching its 200th episode, the past champions, and all the talent that graduated to the main roster over the years
– Emilia McKenzie was asked about Meiko Satomura’s successful title defense. McKenzie praised Satomura, calling her the standard bearer for the women’s division. Lash Legend interrupted and was annoying. I guess they’ll meet in the ring soon.
Ivy Nile defeated Nina Samuels (4:42)
Nile dominated early with headlocks and a headscissors on the mat. Samuels took over with some dirty tactics. Nile came back, caught Samuels on a body press, hit a Superman punch in the corner, and scored a two count.
Nile locked in a dragon sleeper on the turnbuckle, turned it into a blockbuster, then transitioned into a standing dragon sleeper for the submission victory.
– Damon Kemp cut a promo on Sha Samuels.
– Dave Mastiff & Jack Starz were in a segment where they ridiculed the kind of video that Die Familie usually puts out. They had a mop dressed up as Charlie Dempsey and did all the catchphrases that Teoman usually hits. This was quite funny.
– Joe Coffey walked out of the arena and was asked about his match earlier. He said he might take some time off. Joe said he disappointed his brother and himself.
– A segment previewed next week’s dog collar match between Eddie Dennis and Wild Boar.
– Kenny Williams was in a room trying to find out more about the masked man Tiger Turan.
NXT United Kingdom Championship Loser Leaves NXT UK match: Ilja Dragunov defeated Jordan Devlin to retain his title (16:16)
Dragunov and Devlin traded holds early until they ended up on the turnbuckles. Devlin hit a brainbuster onto the turnbuckle, which sent Dragunov crashing to the outside. Devlin then worked over Dragunov’s neck. Dragunov eventually collapsed as he hit the ropes.
Shorty after, Dragunov still managed to go for the Konstantin Special, but Devlin turned it into a Spanish Fly. Devlin locked in a single-leg Boston Crab that had Dragunov in trouble. Dragunov came back and hit some downward elbows on Devlin, then downed Devlin with three clotheslines.
Devlin headbutted Dragunov’s neck, but Dragunov still hit the Konstantin Special. Dragunov hit two German suplexes and then hit a Gotch Lift into a bridging suplex, but he further hurt his neck on impact. Devlin hit a rolling cutter over the ropes for a near fall.
Dragunov went for Torpedo Moscow, but Devlin evaded it and sent Dragunov into the corner. Devlin followed up with Devlin Side for what was seemingly a three count, but Dragunov had gotten his foot on the rope.
As Devlin’s music played and he posed with the title, NXT UK general manager Johnny Saint came out and alerted the referee to the fact Dragunov’s foot was on the rope. The referee then restarted the match.
Devlin went for another Devlin Side, but Dragunov decked him. Devlin countered Torpedo Moscow into a Destroyer, then hit a brainbuster for a close near fall.
Devlin missed a 450, then Dragunov hit Torpedo Moscow to the back of Devlin’s head. He further attacked Devlin, who hit a headbutt and went for Devlin Side once more. Dragunov turned the move into a German suplex, then hit Torpedo Moscow to retain the championship and remove Devlin from NXT UK.
Dragunov celebrated as Devlin sulked in the corner in shock, crying over his career in NXT UK being over.
Final Thoughts —
The main event was an excellent match with great storytelling. It will be interesting to see if Devlin “graduates” to NXT 2.0 or even the main roster soon.
The opening tag match was also good. Nile vs. Samuels was just there.
Next Week —
NXT UK Tag Team title eliminator match: Dave Mastiff & Jack Starz vs. Die Familie (Teoman & Rohan Raja)
Dog collar match: Wild Boar vs. Eddie Dennis (Symbiosis are banned from ringside)
In Two Weeks —
Heritage Cup rules match: A-Kid vs. Charlie Dempsey
In the main event of Thursday’s special 200th episode of NXT UK, Ilja Dragunov defeated Devlin to retain the NXT United Kingdom Championship. The match also came with the stipulation that the loser must leave NXT UK.
It appeared that Devlin had won the match at one point. Devlin hit the Devlin Side suplex on Dragunov — and the referee counted the pin despite Dragunov getting his foot on the bottom rope. NXT UK general manager Johnny Saint then made his way out and ordered that the match be restarted.
Dragunov was able to pin Devlin after hitting a German suplex and the Torpedo Moscow.
After the match, Nigel McGuinness said on commentary that NXT UK is proud of Devlin and he knows that — wherever Devlin goes — Devlin will make NXT UK proud.
In storyline, Dragunov proposed the Loser Leaves NXT UK stipulation as a way to rid the brand of Devlin.
The two previously faced off in an empty arena match where Dragunov retained the NXT United Kingdom Championship this January. Despite being the one who wanted the empty arena stipulation, Devlin claimed that Dragunov wouldn’t have been able to beat him without the weapons that Dragunov was able to use in the match.
Pretty Deadly and Nathan Frazer have recently departed NXT UK for NXT 2.0.
Nigel McGuinness was back for live commentary, after having provided remote commentary since the post-pandemic restart of NXT UK in 2020. McGuinness and Andy Shepherd talked about tonight’s contract signing between NXT United Kingdom Champion Ilja Dragunov and Jordan Devlin.
Mark Andrews & Wild Boar defeated Symbiosis (T-Bone & Primate) w/ Eddie Dennis (7:28)
Andrews and Boar ran wild on Symbiosis before the bell and brawled with them around ringside. Eddie Dennis ran away right away. The match finally got underway in the ring and Andrews was in control.
Symbiosis took over once Wild Boar was tagged in, and Dennis reappeared at ringside as well as Andrews got worked over. Andrews finally made the hot tag and Boar ran wild on both members of Symbiosis, then crushed Primate with a seated senton. Boar took out T-Bone at ringside with a running clothesline from the apron before scoring a near fall on Primate.
Dennis got on the apron with his steel chain, allowing Primate to hit a spear on Boar. Boar managed to ram Symbiosis into one another, then hit a running senton into T-Bone in the corner. He tagged in Andrews, who hit a Shooting Star Press on T-Bone to get the win.
After the match, Boar hit a dive on Dennis through the ropes, then chased him through the arena with Dennis’ steel chain/dog collar.
– Robert Stone cut a taped promo about Von Wagner and why Wagner is like no other athlete. As highlights of Wagner from NXT 2.0 aired, Stone talked about how this was Wagner’s world and Saxon Huxley just lived in it.
– Moustache Mountain drove up to the arena and were asked about their match last week. Tyler Bate confirmed that, in his opinion, Trent Seven had been cheating — and Bate seemed not too thrilled about it. Seven blew it off, saying a win is a win and it’s only cheating if you get caught, to which Bate also took offense.
Seven said it was water under the bridge and he and Bate had talked about it. Seven said they want Johnny Saint and Sid Scala to find them some reputable opponents.
– Eddie Dennis was still running from Wild Boar backstage and encountered Sid Scala. He told Scala to do something about Boar. Scala said he would make a dog collar match between Boar and Dennis with Symbiosis banned from ringside. Dennis looked scared, then ran off as Boar came around the corner to give chase.
Xia Brookside (w/ Eliza Alexander) defeated Angel Hayze (5:06)
Hayze got some offense in and had Brookside in trouble in the first few minutes of the match. Brookside got the upper hand with some nefarious tactics, then locked in a Camel Clutch on Hayze, who eventually powered out.
Hayze came back with an elbow in the corner, then reversed a roll-up for a near fall. Eliza Alexander got on the apron and Hayze decked her with a forearm, allowing Brookside to roll up Hayze for the win.
Alexander and Brookside beat Hayze down after the match until Amale ran in for the save and sent Alexander and Brookside packing.
– Earlier in the week, A-Kid (who seems to still be a regular here) confronted Charlie Dempsey in the UK Performance Center. He told Dempsey that they had to set the record straight and that “there was something in his heritage” that makes A-Kid believe Dempsey will say yes. Dempsey nodded. I think Dempsey’s heritage is even more of a secret than Bron Breakker’s was.
– Sid Scala was in his office with Damon Kemp. He ran down all of Kamp’s amateur wrestling accomplishments (none of which come up if you Google “Damon Kemp” instead of his real name). Kemp, who is Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson’s brother, was excited to learn the “nitty gritty of the British style” and Scala was happy to introduce him to Johnny Saint, the master of the style.
Von Wagner defeated Saxon Huxley (4:05)
They showed the scene from last week where Wagner ripped up Huxley’s autograph.
Huxley was not impressed by Wagner and beat him up early, but Wagner came back with a knee and a suplex. Huxley eventually hit a Thesz Press, but Wagner caught him on a body press attempt, then hoisted him on his shoulders and hit a DVD for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Wagner cut a brief promo, saying this was just his first victory and we all just live in his world
– With Joe and Mark Coffey having argued last week, Gallus held a press conference. Wolfgang introduced them and asked “the press” to turn off their flashes. “The press” ignored his request and happily clicked and flashed away, so someone now has about 200 photos of Gallus sitting at a table. They basically said everything is fine, they’re all on the same page, and they’re hungry for competition.
– Tiger Turan, “a mysterious and sensational superstar emanating from the Himalayas,” will debut next week. This is the masked guy who stalked Kenny Williams last week and looks suspiciously like Williams’ old partner Amir Jordan under a mask.
– Isla Dawn cut an eerie promo on Meiko Satomura ahead of their NXT UK Women’s Championship match next week, which will be under “World of Darkness” rules.
– A Lash Legend highlight video aired. She will be the guest on Noam Dar’s Supernova Sessions next week.
Ilja Dragunov-Jordan Devlin contract signing
Johnny Saint and Sid Scala were in the ring, where a table and chairs were set up. Devlin entered first, wearing a ridiculous, douchey shirt. Dragunov entered in a nice black suit to his new music, which is even more ridiculous than Devlin’s shirt.
Devlin put his feet on the table and talked about the winds of change. Dragunov told Devlin to take his feet off the table.
Devlin said they were only in the ring with the GMs for a contract signing because their match is a big deal — and Dragunov didn’t have any of that for his previous matches. Devlin vowed to become champion, to which Dragunov said that seeing Devlin as champion is his biggest nightmare. Devlin said he will make Dragunov live his nightmare.
Dragunov suggested they raise the stakes for their match, and Devlin said he’s a gambling man and would listen. Dragunov said that he had a dream of an NXT UK without Jordan Devlin — and he wants their title match to be Loser Leaves NXT UK.
Devlin said that when he becomes champion, Dragunov won’t want to show his face around here anyway, so he accepts. Saint and Scala also agreed and both competitors signed the contract.
Dragunov got up and raised his championship belt in the air. Devlin went to headbutt him, but Dragunov evaded the shot and hit a headbutt of his own.
They brawled in the ring. Devlin looked to powerbomb Dragunov through the table, but Dragunov escaped and propped the table up in the corner instead. He went to hit Torpedo Moscow, but Devlin pulled Scala in front of him as a human shield, making Dragunov stop. Devlin then hit Devlin Side on Dragunov through the table, as Scala screamed at Devlin to leave. Devlin posed with the NXT United Kingdom Championship and went past a scolding Johnny Saint on his way to the back.
Final Thoughts —
Basically a fun show. The opening tag match set up the inevitable dog collar match with Eddie Dennis and Wild Boar, while the women’s match further established Eliza Alexander as an asset to Xia Brookside and set up a future match with Amale.
Von Wagner’s match was short and painless and he is decent, but I am not a huge fan of having the NXT 2.0 wrestlers come over here. I understand they need every in-ring experience in front of a crowd they can get, but I preferred NXT UK as the one brand mostly untouched by whatever the current “WWE direction” is. I also don’t like the NXT 2.0 wrestlers being portrayed as the “bigger stars” — when most of them really are not.
The show-closing angle was good and the added stipulation gives more intrigue to Dragunov and Devlin’s match in two weeks, which should be a slobberknocker.
Next Week —
World of Darkness match: NXT UK Women’s Champion Meiko Satomura defends against Isla Dawn
Supernova Sessions with Lash Legend
Tiger Turan debuts
In Two Weeks (NXT UK #200) —
Loser Leaves NXT UK match: NXT United Kingdom Champion Ilja Dragunov defends against Jordan Devlin
Either Ilja Dragunov or Jordan Devlin will soon be departing NXT UK.
WWE has announced that a “Loser Leaves NXT UK” stipulation has been added to the upcoming NXT United Kingdom Championship match between Dragunov and Devlin. The match will headline the NXT UK episode that airs in two weeks (Thursday, May 12).
The Loser Leaves NXT UK stipulation was proposed by Dragunov during a contract signing on NXT UK this week. He came up with the stipulation as a way to rid NXT UK of Devlin.
Devlin accepted the stipulation, saying that Dragunov won’t want to show his face around NXT UK anyway once he loses the title.
The contract signing segment ended with Devlin putting Dragunov through a table with the Devlin Side suplex.
Dragunov has held the NXT United Kingdom Championship since August 2021. He retained against Devlin in an empty arena match this January.
Despite being the one who wanted the empty arena stipulation, Devlin said that Dragunov wouldn’t have been able to beat him without the weapons that Dragunov was able to use in the match.
Pretty Deadly and Nathan Frazer have recently departed NXT UK for NXT 2.0.
The May 12 edition of NXT UK will be the 200th episode of the show.
Here are the updated lineups for the next two weeks of NXT UK episodes:
Thursday, May 5 —
World of Darkness match: NXT UK Women’s Champion Meiko Satomura defends against Isla Dawn
Supernova Sessions with NXT 2.0’s Lash Legend
Tiger Turan debuts
Thursday May 12 —
Loser Leaves NXT UK match: NXT United Kingdom Champion Ilja Dragunov defends against Jordan Devlin
WWE has revealed when Meiko Satomura and Ilja Dragunov’s next title defenses will be taking place.
On the NXT UK episode that airs in two weeks (Thursday, May 5), Satomura will put her NXT UK Women’s Championship on the line against Isla Dawn in the first-ever “World of Darkness” match.
Dawn challenged Satomura to the match after stealing possession of Satomura’s title belt. Dawn said the match will be held under her own “chaotic” rules.
WWE has also announced that Dragunov will defend his NXT United Kingdom Championship against Jordan Devlin on the Thursday, May 12 edition of NXT UK. That will be the 200th episode of NXT UK since the show launched in 2018.
A contract signing for Dragunov vs. Devlin will take place on NXT UK next Thursday.
Satomura vs. Dawn and Dragunov vs. Devlin are both rematches. Satomura retained against Dawn on NXT UK last month, but Dawn took the NXT UK Women’s title belt from the referee after the match and left through the crowd.
Satomura regained possession of the title belt last week when she agreed to give Dawn a rematch. Dawn spit black mist into Satomura’s face after she gave the belt back.
Dragunov defeated Devlin in an empty arena match this January to retain the NXT UK Championship. Devlin confronted Dragunov on NXT UK last week and said that Dragunov wouldn’t be able to beat him without the weapons that Dragunov was able to use in the empty arena match.
As per usual, this week’s show was taped from BT Sports Studios in London, England.
Sam Gradwell defeated Kenny Williams
After Gradwell made his entrance, Williams came out on crutches and announced he would be unable to compete. Sid Scala then appeared on the big screen and said the medical team had no record of his injury and the match would take place.
Gradwell attacked Williams on the outside before the bell. Williams was still only in his street clothes as he apparently assumed his ruse would get him out of the match. A grabbing of the mohawk and a rake of the eyes would then get Williams back into it after the early flurry from Gradwell.
Williams wasn’t on offense for long after Gradwell battled back with a series of clotheslines. Williams then attempted to get back into things by whiplashing Gradwell off the ropes. He then attempted a sunset flip pin, but Gradwell hooked his legs and pinned him for the win.
After the match, Williams grabbed a crutch and attacked Gradwell from behind. With his opponent down, Williams went to the outside and grabbed a pair of scissors from a toolbox under the ring. He then got back in the ring and snipped off Gradwell’s mohawk.
– Gallus was shown in the back watching footage from last week’s show when they took over an episode of Supernova Sessions. Wolfgang didn’t seem to be in a good mood, however, likely due to Devlin attacking him in the back last week. He told the Coffey boys to watch what he does tonight.
– Xia Brookside was interviewed in the back. She was very excited until she was asked if she’s a positive role model like Amale. The mention of Amale really upset Brookside who stormed off and said that her daddy would hear about this.
– Clips of Dave Mastiff showing Jack Starz what he needs to do in order to earn his respect and a vest were shown. Mastiff ran through three challenges Starz must meet in order to earn a cut. Challenge #1 was he had to be in peak physical condition. Clips were then shown of Mastiff running him through a series of exercises. Challenge #2 was labeled “Bomber Appetite.” He then forced Jack to eat a lot. Challenge #3 was labeled “Bomber Guts.” We then cut to a clip of Mastiff encouraging Jack to streak across a field, but Jack ran away before doing it.
– We cut to a clip of Sam Gradwell looking for Kenny Williams in the back. He kicked in some doors but never found him.
Emilia McKenzie defeated Angel Hayze
They exchanged pinning combinations early before Hayze locked McKenzie in a headlock and refused to let go. McKenzie eventually broke the hold and went on a sustained period of offense.
Hayze fought back and landed a series of clotheslines. She looked to go for a fisherman’s suplex but McKenzie countered. McKenzie then hit a neckbreaker and followed with a suplex. Hayze fought back with a superkick that got a two count. She then went for a cazadora but McKenzie countered and slammed her face first into the mat and got the pin.
– Andy Shepherd interviewed Nathan Frazer in the back. Frazer said he wants to face Ilja Dragunov for the NXT UK Championship.
– Die Familie was shown in either a high rise apartment or hotel room. Teoman talked about having lost last week in the main event and promised that nobody will stop them moving forward.
Stevie Turner defeated Myla Grace
Tuner hit the first big move with a Lou Thesz press, followed by punches from the full mount position. She then got a two count after a big knee lift shortly after.
Grace made a comeback after fighting out of a chinlock. She hit a feint kick and a tornado DDT, but Turner put things away shortly after. Turner hit a big pump kick, followed by a side slam and got the pin.
– Sid Scala announced that he will present NXT UK Women’s Champion Meiko Satomura with a special gift next week to thank her for all she’s done for the brand.
– A video previewing the Tag Team title match between Moustache Mountain against Ashton Smith & Oliver Carter was shown. Trent Seven and Tyler Bate said being champions gives them more motivation than they’ve ever had. Smith and Carter said that while the champions have beaten them before, they haven’t beaten them when they are this close to achieving their dream. It was announced that this match will take place next week.
– It was also announced that Xia Brookside will face Amale next week.
Jordan Devlin defeated Wolfgang
They noted on commentary that Devlin is likely still feeling the impact of his recent empty arena match with Dragunov. Wolfgang then started to work the arm early in the match.
Devlin tried to fight back, but Wolfgang hit a series of shoulderblocks and knocked his opponent to the outside. It was all Wolfgang early. He got a two count from a vertical suplex and went back to working the arm.
Devlin only got back into things after ramming his opponent into the steel post after the match had spilled to the floor. He sold his arm for a bit before going on his first sustained period of offense. Devlin had Wolfgang locked in an armbar for a bit. Shortly after, Wolfgang picked up Devlin in a gorilla press but couldn’t hold him up due to his injured arm.
Devlin then continued to work on Wolfgang’s arm after it was the focus of Wolfgang’s attacks earlier.
Wolfgang eventually fought back by slingshotting Devlin over the top rope and to the floor. He went for a double axe handle but could only use his one good arm for the move. Wolfgang then got a two count off a senton shortly after.
Devlin dodged a charge in the corner and hit a headbutt to get back into it. He then got a two count after a springboard cutter. Wolfgang then hit a big spear, but the pain from his injured arm prevented him from making a timely cover. He went to the top rope but was caught by Devlin who hit him with a spanish fly. He followed that up with a 450 splash to get the pin.
Devlin celebrated his victory as the show came to a close.
Final Thoughts:
This was a fun show. The main event was a very solid match. The other matches were all pretty quick but McKenzie and Turner both came off well. The opening angle with Gradwell and Williams was also pretty good. The cutting off of the mohawk I would imagine will lead to some type of stipulation match down the line. The Mastiff and Starz comedy stuff could turn out to be funny, but also might not. Overall, this was a good show.
Die Familie (Teoman, Rohan Raja & Charlie Dempsey) defeated Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey & Wolfgang) (11:19)
Teoman and Joe Coffey started with Coffey getting the better of things. Subsequently, all three members of Gallus worked Teoman over before he tagged out to Raja, who didn’t fare much better. Eventually, Dempsey distracted Mark Coffey, allowing Die Familie to take over.
Teoman hit a missile dropkick to the back of Mark’s head to score the first near fall of the bout. Mark Coffey got further worked over by the opposing team before finally making the hot tag to Wolfgang, who ran wild for a bit.
His momentum was eventually stopped by Rohan Raja He still managed to tag in Joe Coffey, who immediately attacked.
Things ended up with Wolfgang and Charlie Dempsey in the ring, while the rest of Die Familie took out Gallus. Dempsey locked in a modified STF, and Wolfgang tapped out.
**********
Ashton Smith & Oliver Carter and Dave Mastiff & Jack Starz cut promos on each other before their NXT UK Tag Team Championship #1 contenders tournament final next week.
**********
Jinny defeated Amale (06:31)
Jinny attacked, but Amale took her down with a headlock takeover. Jinny came back and worked over Amale’s arm, but the French Hope quickly was back on offense. They went back and forth, with Amale scoring a two count off a sunset flip.
Jinny locked in an octopus hold but Amale escaped. She rammed Jinny’s head into the bottom turnbuckle, then followed up with a running kick in the corner. She hit a Northern Lights suplex for a two count and went for the Hopebreaker, but Jinny escaped by grabbing Amale’s hair.
Jinny took Amale down in the corner, went for a pin and put her legs on the ropes for leverage to secure the win.
**********
A graphic announced a Japanese Street Fight for the NXT UK Women’s championship between Meiko Satomura and Blair Davenport. A video then recapped their previous encounter with Davenport attacking Satomura post-match. They cut promos on each other and Satomura said last time was competition, but this time it would be a fight. Last time she beat her but this time, she would destroy her.
Nathan Frazer was asked about losing to WALTER a few weeks ago when Die Familie entered the room, asking what he was doing in “their locker room”. Frazer told Dempsey that Teoman just kept him around so he would not be a loser. Teoman got in his face and called him a dog in German, then told him to leave. Die Familie celebrated with drinks.
**********
Empty arena match for the NXT UK Championship Ilja Dragunov (c) defeated Jordan Devlin to retain the title (21:45)
Devlin headbutted Dragunov during introductions, sending the Russian to the mat hard. After the bell rang, Dragunov immediately came back with two high-angle German suplexes.
Devlin retaliated, then trapped Dragunov’s arms in the ropes and grabbed a chair from the outside. Dragunov managed to kick the chair from his hands, but Devlin rained down blows. Devlin then grabbed a screwdriver from the outside. Ilja managed to kick that away as well and freed himself.
He sent Devlin to the outside with a clothesline and went over the top with him. They fought at ringside with Dragunov mostly in control. Devlin eventually came back and rammed Dragunov into the steel steps hard. He slid one segment into the ring before Dragunov suddenly flew into frame and tackled Devlin through the ringside barricade.
The champ threw Devlin into some chairs, then threw a bunch of them into the ring. He also laid out a few on the arena floor, then suplexed Devlin into them for a near-fall. Ilja threw Devlin into a table set up with computer equipment. He went for a Gotch lift, but Devlin raked his eyes. Dragunov went for Torpedo Moscow, but Devlin evaded him and Dragunov crashed through the table. Devlin covered for another two count.
Devlin rolled an equipment case into Dragunov, crushing him between the crate and another box. Devlin ended up on top of the box, stuck his thumb into Dragunov’s eye and hit a moonsault off the box.
Devlin got a table from under the ring, but Dragunov attacked him as he was about to set it up and slid it into the ring himself. Devlin hit him with a chair, then propped the table up in the corner. Devlin went for Devlin Side through the table, but Dragunov countered the move. He hit a Gotch lift into a suplex onto a chair for another close two count.
Dragunov went to the top rope but Devlin smashed a chair into his knee, then hit a twisting Samoan drop for a 2.9.
Dragunov countered another Devlin Side into a fireman’s carry. Devlin hit elbows to the head and even raked the eyes, but Dragunov still gave him a Death Valley Bomb into the table in the corner.
Ilja went for Torpedo Moscow, but broke down due to pain in his eye. Devlin mocked him, then hit a headbutt and brainbuster for another super-close near-fall. Devlin rolled to ringside and grabbed a bunch of cable ties. He tied Ilja’s hands behind his back. He rained down blows, then smashed him with a chair. He placed Ilja’s head on the steel steps, then went to hit him with a chair but Ilja moved out of the way.
Ilja hit a pump kick, then hit Torpedo Moscow, with his hands tied behind his back, springboarding off the steel steps in the process to score the pin and defend his championship.
Final Thoughts:
The main event was a crazy, brutal brawl and a fantastic match between the two. Devlin did everything in his power and every devious thing he could come up with and Dragunov took it and still prevailed.
The tag and the women’s matches felt more like another chapter in the respective stories and may lead to more matches down the line.
Next week —
Japanese Street Fight for the NXT UK Women’s Championship: Meiko Satomura (c) vs. Blair Davenport
NXT UK Tag Team Championship #1 contenders finals: Ashton Smith & Oliver Carter vs. Dave Mastiff & Jack Starz
There will be no fans in attendance for Ilja Dragunov and Jordan Devlin’s NXT United Kingdom Championship match.
During a video package that aired on NXT UK today, it was announced that Dragunov vs. Devlin will be an empty arena match. The title match will headline next Thursday’s episode of NXT UK.
In storyline, Devlin proposed the stipulation to take away the advantage that Dragunov gets from the support of the crowd. Devlin said he’s risen to the top in spite of the fans in the building, but Dragunov depends on the crowd cheering him on. Devlin said there could never be an even playing field for a match between him and Dragunov — unless it was an empty arena match. Devlin challenged Dragunov to face him in an environment where it’s truly one-on-one.
Dragunov accepted the challenge, saying that he doesn’t have to rely on external factors to be champion.
Dragunov won the NXT UK Championship from WALTER at NXT TakeOver 36 last August. He’s defended the title twice since then, retaining against A-Kid and Rampage Brown.
Dragunov and Devlin’s feud began with a confrontation on NXT UK last month. Devlin called out Dragunov and wanted a shot at his title. After Devlin mentioned Dragunov’s wife and son, Dragunov attacked him and they had to be separated by officials.
Next Thursday’s NXT UK will also feature a six-man tag match with Die Familie (Teoman, Rohan Raja & Charlie Dempsey) facing Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey & Wolfgang).
Ilja Dragunov’s next NXT United Kingdom Championship defense has been made official.
Dragunov will put his title on the line against Jordan Devlin on the Thursday, January 27 episode of NXT UK. It will be Dragunov’s third defense since becoming NXT UK Champion.
At NXT TakeOver 36 last August, Dragunov defeated WALTER to win the NXT UK title. He’s retained against A-Kid and Rampage Brown since then.
The feud between Dragunov and Devlin began when Devlin called Dragunov out on an episode of NXT UK last month. After Devlin mentioned Dragunov’s family, Dragunov attacked him and the two had to be separated by officials.
Devlin said he hopes Dragunov knows what he’s getting into by facing him. Devlin said he hopes Dragunov’s wife forgives Dragunov for it — and he hopes Dragunov can explain to his son Constantin why he’s had to grow up taking care of his daddy.
Devlin has called Dragunov pathetic for fighting for his fans and family. Devlin said Dragunov needs their approval, but all Devlin needs is himself.
Dragunov responded by explaining that his family isn’t a weakness, it’s what gives him strength.
WWE has also set a date for NXT UK’s next Heritage Cup Championship match. Noam Dar will defend the Heritage Cup trophy against A-Kid on NXT UK next Thursday.
James cut a split-screen promo on her way to the ring where she was working out backstage.
They shook hands as the match started and Aleah showed some athletic prowess to counter some wrist locks. Aleah locked in head scissors which took Xia some effort to escape from.
After some back and forth, Brookside hit the double knees to the back of Aleah’s head, then put her on the top rope. Aleah kicked her off and hit a sunset flip off the turnbuckles for the surprise win.
Aleah was both happy and surprised, then offered her hand to Xia, who angrily slapped it away and then took out her frustration on the ring steps.
**********
Meiko Satomura was working out with Emilia McKenzie. She was asked about her upcoming match with Jinny and said it was good timing for a title match.
Kenny Williams walked through the night. He said he never claimed he was unbeatable. He said people would be surprised about what he had planned next and would see how low the scum of the earth can go.
**********
Dave Mastiff & Jack Starz defeated Symbiosis (Primate & T-Bone) (w/Eddie Dennis) by DQ (08:19)
Pretty Deadly were on commentary for this match.
Starz and T-Bone started, and Starz outwrestled and outran his bigger opponent, but eventually got overpowered.
Primate was in next, but quickly got thrown from the ring. Mastiff tagged in, hot a senton, then tagged Starz who hit a slingshot splash.
Starz eventually got overpowered and was attacked at ringside as the referee was distracted. T-Bone hit a huge sit-down powerbomb for a near fall. Later, T-Bone hit a vertical suplex on Starz and walked around the ring with him.
Starz eventually outsmarted Symbiosis and tagged in Mastiff, who ran wild on T-Bone. He hit a rolling fireman’s carry, German suplex and Into the Void. As he was about to finish T-Bone, Eddie Dennis attacked Starz with a steel chair on the outside for the DQ.
Symbiosis attacked Mastiff and Starz further, until Oliver Carter & Ashton Smith made the save.
**********
A video on Amale aired. She talked about how a loss like she had recently may never happen again. She will be in action next week.
Charlie Dempsey was interviewed at the NXT UK Performance Center. He talked about wanting to build a legacy. Mark Coffey and Wolfgang interrupted and told him not to get in their way with his legacy, but encouraged him to build one. Dempsey then said he wanted to get back to training. A commotion broke out and Galleu got into it with Teoman and Rohan Raja as Dempsey looked on and officials separated the four men.
**********
Supernova Sessions with Tyler Bate
The show took place in the ring, as there were some fans back at the studio
Bate came out with Trent Seven, who Dar said wasn’t invited. He kept insulting Seven, saying he rode Tyler’s coat tails. Dar gave Bate the opportunity to relinquish the Heritage Cup before their match next week, which Bate teased, but of course didn’t do. Bate said every time they fought, the outcome was the same and Bate beat Dar.
Dar then shoved Tyler and ran from the ring, Bate wanted to go after him, but Seven held him back.
**********
Jordan Devlin was working out backstage with his headphones on. Gallus snuck into the room and stole his ring jacket.
Jordan Devlin defeated Joe Coffey (14:08)
Coffey came out wearing Devlin’s ring jacket. Devlin flew in and attacked him from behind before the bell even rung. They brawled back and forth around ringside. Devlin rolled Coffey into the ring, took out his leg and hit a twisting slingshot senton. The referee finally started the match.
Coffey took back over and hit two side slams. He had Devlin in an arm bar for a long time with Devlin not being able to escape. Eventually he did and rammed Coffey into the ring post. Devlin dominated, including hitting a hard knee into Coffey’s gut. Devlin locked in an abdominal stretch to further work over Coffey’s ribs.
Eventually Coffey got out, but quickly found himself in some body scissors. Devlin came off the top, but Coffey hit him with a forearm in mid-air.
Coffey hit a flying shoulder block for a near-fall, then hit a power slam for another one. Devlin came back with the uranage/standing moonsault combo. Coffey powered up and hit the double-jump reverse crossbody for another two-count, but fell victim to a slingshot twisting cutter seconds later.
Coffey was at ringside and got hit with a soccer kick to the sternum, followed by a beautiful Asai moonsault to the outside. Devlin went to the top rope once more, but Coffey jumped up and hit an overhead belly-to-belly superplex.
Coffey hit a few strikes, which sent Devlin to the mat for another near fall. He followed with the Glasgow Sendoff, but Devlin head-butted him as he went for All the Best for the Bells.
Devlin followed with a 450 off the top for a very, very close near fall. He then hit Devlin Side for the pinfall victory.
Next week —
NXT UK Heritage Cup: Tyler Bate defends against Noam Dar
Moustache Mountain (Trent Seven & Tyler Bate) defeated Ashton Smith & Oliver Carter (09:57)
Carter and Bate started out. Carter surprisingly got the better of an early exchange, before Bate schooled him on the finer aspects of the British style. Both men utilized quick tags, which eventually led to Trent Seven getting worked over for a bit. Seven eventually tagged out, but Smith and Carter also held Bate at bay with some innovative double team action.
Bate came back with an airplane spin on Carter, culminating with a splash by Seven onto his dazed opponent. Carter evaded both the snap DDT and the Seven Star Lariat, but fell victim to a one-handed power bomb shortly after. He also got out of the way of a springboard lariat by Bate, who almost nailed Seven. In return, Bate escaped a Doomsday back elbow and almost scored a victory over Smith with a victory roll.
As Smith and Bate were down, Symbiosis walked down the aisle. Smith countered a Tyler Driver 97 with a back body drop to the outside, were Bate landed right at Symbiosis’ feet. They were about to attack, when Jack Starz and Dave Mastiff made the save. A huge brawl ensued, with a lot of referees trying to break up the melee.
Seven hit a snapdragon suplex on Carter on the outside, while Bate hit an impressive German suplex off the middle rope on Smith who was on the apron.
Moustache Mountain then hit a springboard lariat/snapdragon combo on Smith for the pinfall victory.
*****
Jinny and Joseph Conners were asked about their future. They insulted the interview lady and walked off, but encountered Meiko Satomura working out with Emilia McKenzie. Jinny told Emilia that she was pathetic and McKenzie told her she didn’t care about her opinion in return. Jinny said she’d make her care. So looks like they’ll have a match down the line.
Jack Starz and Dave mastiff walked in and were asked about why they got into it with Symbiosis. As Mastiff was answering, Nina Samuels rushed in with her own microphone and welcomed us to the Nina Samuels Show.
Mastiff asked what channel that was on, but played along and said Symbiosis stuck their noses were they didn’t belong, which Samuels took to segue into talking about how Amale did the same to her. Mastiff said they didn’t care about Amale. Samuels then talked about how Blair Davenport had attacked her. Mastiff and Starz walked off and Samuels concluded her show.
*****
Dani Luna defeated Xia Brookside (05:36)
Luna showed off her power early, while Brookside used some of her speed to counter and evade. Luna eventually hit an extended vertical suplex, then worked over her arm. Xia countered a second suplex into a small package for a two count.
Brookside came back with a series of dropkicks and some double knees to Luna’s head. Luna came back with a power slam, then deadlifted Brookside into a fall away slam. then hit a sit-down powerbomb off a fireman’s carry for the pin and the win.
After the match, Luna extended her hand to her and Brookside angrily slapped it.
*****
A video aired, recapping Blair Davenport’s attacks on fellow wrestlers and even Sid Scala in recent weeks. Scala then was interviewed about the situation, but Stevie Turner stormed in and demanded that Davenport be reinstated, so she could take care of her. Scala said he’d discuss the request with Johnny Saint.
Sam Gradwell was asked about his problems with Subculture. He said he was there since the beginning, just as Andrews, and he was sick of Subculture getting more attention. He said he was a better singer than Andrews and probably even a better skateboarder. An angry Mark Andrews then ran in and whacked him with a skateboard and a brawl broke out, with officials separating both men. Looks like another match soon.
*****
Charlie Dempsey defeated Josh Morrell (06:14)
Dempsey (Bailey Matthews, the son of William Regal) had his first featured match here (he appeared once before on NXT UK in February, losing to Tyler Bate).
Dempsey immediately showed off his submission wrestling and grappling background, attacking Morrell from all angles. They traded roll-ups before Dempsey hit a beautiful bridging pin off a backslide. He transitioned from a Fujiwara armbar into a kneebar. He then used a bridge as an offensive maneuver to drive Morrell into the turnbuckles.
He hit a textbook bridging German suplex, nose on the mat and all, for a near fall. He then applied another submission, where he hooked Morrel’s leg and neck, then locked his arms behind Morrell’s back for the submission victory.
Ilja Dragunov and A-Kid sit-down segment
They sat alone in a darkened room, with the championship on a table between them. A-Kid congratulated Ilja and said no one thought WALTER could be beaten. He said they were not just enemies and that he was the only one who could understand Ilja, to which the champion raised an eyebrow.
A-Kid elaborated that when he created the NXT UK Heritage Cup, every time he defended it, he felt the pressure, he felt the need to create a legacy, and the only way he could do that, was taking the title off Ilja. Ilja said A-Kid always seems very motivated but he just beat the most dominant champion of the modern era, who destroyed him once. He said A-Kid can’t compare himself to him.
Ilja said it was very, very easy and it wouldn’t matter which trick A-Kid pulled, he didn’t win the title with technical ability. The title needs pain, struggle, the will. You needed to be more than a human to hold this. In two weeks, Ilja said he really was sorry, but we would need to put A-Kid into his place because he was “the czar” and “you are just a kid.”
Ilja then got up, stared A-Kid down and they shook hands. This was tremendous.
*****
A very good video aired on Noam Dar and Wolfgang’s match in the finals of the Heritage Cup number one contender tournament aired. Wolfgang said he wanted to be an inspiration to young talent, such as William Regal, Fit Finlay or Johnny Saint had been to him. Dar said he was a wolf in sheep’s clothes, would eat Wolfgang alive and Tyler Bate was next on the menu.
*****
Joe Coffey (w/ Mark Coffey & Wolfgang) defeated Jordan Devlin (11:40)
They traded offense back and forth early. Devlin took over and got cocky, doing the cross-armed pose into the face of Gallus at ringside, then ran into a clothesline by Coffey. He also ate a tackle and got clotheslined over the top. He got up to find Gallus in his way before Joe hit him and rolled him back into the ring.
Joe looked for the double-jump crossbody, but Devlin pulled his legs out and hit a rope-assisted backstabber. Devlin took over with strikes and submissions, grinding down Coffey. He hit the uranage/standing moonsault combo, then once again did the cross-armed pose. Coffey rose behind him like a great white shark, then hit a forearm into the corner and a release German suplex.
Coffey hit the double-jump reverse crossbody off the top for a near fall, Coffey went for All the Best for the Bells, but Devlin countered it into a Spanish Fly for a close near fall. Mark Coffey then got on the apron, wearing Devlin’s sunglasses. Devlin was distracted, but still turned around and went for Devlinside on Coffey, who was by the ropes. Wolfgang held onto Joe’s arm from the outside though, so Devlin fell down off the attempt.
Coffey then hit the Glasgow Sendoff, followed by All the Best for the Bells for the pinfall victory.
Final Thoughts —
If you only got time to watch one thing from this show, watch the Ilja Dragunov and A-Kid sit-down segment. They do such a great job building up to their big matches with stuff that they don’t do on any other show on WWE television. It is effective storytelling without stupid gimmicks and makes you care about the match so much more than somebody just going through a table in a contract signing.
The tag team opener was fun and showed off Oliver Carter very well, who may be one of the most underrated guys in a major promotion right now.
The main event also was really good and Devlin is such a great and crisp worker.
The women’s match was short and mainly just there, but nothing wrong with it.
Next week —
Heritage Cup number one contender tournament finals: Noam Dar vs. Wolfgang
The show opened with a great video narrated by Triple H and Shawn Michaels talking about the challenges of an Iron Man match. They had clips from all the great Iron Man matches in WWE history, along with voiceovers by A-Kid and Jordan Devlin, with clips of their previous match.
**********
Blair Davenport defeated Xia Brookside (4:21)
Brookside aggressively worked over Davenport’s arm early. She followed with a hurricanrana and a rollup for a two-count.
Davenport then countered a monkey flip attempt, lifted Xia over the top and sent her to ringside with a dropkick.
They went back and forth a bit, before Davenport hit a head kick, missile dropkick off the top and a V-Trigger for the win.
After the match, Davenport hit a falcon arrow on Brookside and posed over her.
**********
Scenes from after the tag team main event last week aired. Moustache Mountain had beaten Symbiosis when Pretty Deadly came out and applauded them. Moustache Mountain were elated about their win backstage and were confronted once more by the tag team champions, who said they wanted to embarrass the fans’ favorite tag teams. Bate was reluctant, since he is the Heritage Cup champion, but Seven asked him to give it a go and he agreed. He also called Pretty Deadly the Godwinns 2K21, because they wore overalls.
Sid Scala then announced while the match will take place, Bate is also the Heritage Cup champion and as he is a fighting champion, an eight-man tournament will take place to determine the number one contender. The first round matches are:
Mark Andrews vs. Noam Dar
Kenny Williams vs. Oliver Carter
Nathan Frazer vs. Teoman
Sam Gradwell vs. Wolfgang
**********
Video aired of Isla Dawn in the ruins of some castle or building in the woods. She uncovered a wooden box with some witch markings, put a watch into it and left it there. While this was going on, images of Emilia McKenzie flashed on the screen. All creepier than Alexa Bliss and her doll.
**********
Subculture were asked what was next for them as they encountered Wolfgang backstage. Webster told him he was a genius for getting a match with Tyler Bate by slapping him. Wolfgang said that’s all you had to do, when Webster slapped him and ran away. Wolfgang smiled, then went after them.
**********
Dave Mastiff & Jack Starz defeated Josh Morrell & Danny Jones (5:27)
Starz and Jones started out and Starz showed off his great fundamentals. Morrell and Mastiff were in next and Mastiff quickly pounced him to ringside. Starz briefly was in trouble after an enzuigiri by Jones and got worked over by both opponents. Morrell missed a flashy split-legged corkscrew senton, allowing Starz to make the hot tag.
Mastiff hit a rolling German, Starz added running, diving headbutt in the corner and Mastiff pinned Morrell after hitting Into the Void.
**********
Amale was in a chair getting makeup done. Nina Samuels stormed in and screamed at her for hogging the camera crew. They got into it, got separated and I guess we will get a heel vs. heel women’s match soon.
**********
Aoife Valkyrie talked about her match with Jinny last week, which she lost because of Joseph Conners. She had a big cage with her and said Conners would not be able to help her next time and that at some point, everyone feeds the birds. Looks like they will have a rematch with Conners suspended in a cage above the ring.
**********
Stevie Turner interrupted Meiko Satomura training at the UK Performance Center. She said she was wired differently. Meiko was not impressed and caught her arm, then threatened going after her.
**********
30-minute Iron Man match: A-Kid defeated Jordan Devlin two falls to one (30:00)
They traded holds and counters early on. A-Kid went for a crossface but Devlin quickly got to the ropes. Devlin got on a Stretch Plum, then transitioned it into a backslide. A-Kid impressively escaped, then got on an armbar but Devlin made the ropes once more. They traded more submission attempts with A-Kid locking in a neck crank. Devlin backed him into the ropes and slapped him, but A-Kid stayed calm.
Devlin trapped A-Kid’s legs in the ropes, then aggressively attacked A-Kid’s previously injured knee and locked in a Boston Crab, forcing A-Kid to tap close to the 10 minute mark. Devlin 1-0
Devlin further targeted A-Kid’s knee, A-Kid locked in a rear-naked choke but Devlin got to the ropes. He rolled to ringside and slammed A-Kid’s knee into the apron and the post, then locked in the Figure Four around the post. Devlin locked in another Boston Crab but A-Kid reached the ropes this time. They traded German suplexes, then Devlin suplexed A-Kid over the top and both men tumbled to the floor at the 15-minute mark. Devlin narrowly made it back into the ring at 9 as A-Kid immediately locked in a omoplata, but once more, Devlin made the ropes.
Devlin vaulted into the ring over the top but A-Kid caught him in a rear-naked choke but released the hold to hit a running soccer kick but Devlin kicked out at 2.9. Devlin hit some strikes but A-Kid countered, then locked in the armbar and Devlin quickly tapped at around 18 minutes. A-Kid 1-1
Devlin got some rest at ringside, but A-Kid quickly sent him to the outside again, then hit a running enzuigiri as Devlin was on the apron. A-Kid sent him to the outside once more and Devlin grabbed a chair. A-Kid kicked the chair into his face. Back in the ring, A-Kid hit a cross body off the top for another near-fall. Devlin recovered and went for the Clover Leaf, then went for a power bomb but A-Kid hit a hurricanrana, then scored a number of near-falls.
They traded strikes, including Devlin hitting a falling headbutt after bouncing off the ropes from a superman bunch by A-Kid. They fought on the apron and Devlin wet for Devlin Inside, but got dropkicked. He then hit the move on the outside after which both men were down. A-Kid made it back at 9.99, probably the closest I ever saw anyone make it in this spot.
A-Kid countered Devlin Inside into a Destroyer, then hit a running dropkick for a very close near-fall. A-Kid got the arm bar of the kickout, then ground and fought his way into an omoplata. Devlin eventually submitted with only about 90 seconds left. A-Kid 2-1
Devlin fought like crazy during the final minute. Devlin hit A-Kid square in the jaw with three seconds left but the time ran out at the two count, without A-Kid kicking out. So A-Kid won but the story was that Devlin would have take the match to overtime if he had been one second quicker.
**********
Devin glared at A-Kid as he celebrated and the show went off the air.
**********
Final Thoughts:
The main event was a fantastic match with a lot of drama and both men looked really good.
Blair Davenport continues to win, probably leading to a match with Meiko Satomura down the line.
Jack Starz and Dave Mastiff was an okay tag match and it will be interesting where they will go with them.
The rest was mostly evolving angles and storylines for the coming weeks.
Next week:
Heritage Cup number one contender’s tournament first-round match: Mark Andrews vs. Noam Dar
NXT UK’s first-ever Iron Man match is set for next week.
WWE has announced that A-Kid and Jordan Devlin will face off in a 30-minute Iron Man match on next Thursday’s episode of NXT UK. WWE has been building to the match since Devlin defeated A-Kid on NXT UK four weeks ago.
The finish of that A-Kid vs. Devlin match was A-Kid tapping out as Devlin bent his knee back. Devlin didn’t let go of the hold until being forced to by the referee. A-Kid’s knee had been injured in storyline earlier in the match. Officials and medical personnel came out to the ring to check on A-Kid after the match.
There was a backstage segment two weeks ago where A-Kid told NXT UK management that he wanted an Iron Man match against Devlin. The following week, it was announced that the match had been made official. Devlin called A-Kid the dumbest man on the planet for requesting an Iron Man match with “a torn ACL.” Devlin said there’s no way A-Kid’s knee is 100 percent.
Devlin defeated Tristan Archer on today’s NXT UK episode. A-Kid then hobbled out to the ring on crutches and confronted Devlin. Devlin kicked the crutches away, but A-Kid then revealed that he’s fully recovered. A-Kid attacked Devlin and sent him out of the ring.
Blair Davenport (Bea Priestley) will also be in action on NXT UK next Thursday. Her opponent hasn’t been announced. Davenport made her NXT UK in-ring debut three weeks ago, defeating Laura Di Matteo.
A stipulation has been added to Jordan Devlin and Santos Escobar’s title unification match at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver.
Devlin vs. Escobar at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver will now be a ladder match to determine the undisputed NXT Cruiserweight Champion. The match will be part of the card for TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night two on Thursday, April 8.
Shawn Michaels made an appearance on NXT tonight to reveal that Devlin vs. Escobar will now be a ladder match. While Devlin and Escobar were going face-to-face, Michaels came down to the ring, got a ladder out, and slid it into the ring. Michaels then left without saying a word.
At WrestleMania X in 1994, Razor Ramon defeated Michaels in a ladder match to determine an undisputed WWF Intercontinental Champion.
Devlin and Escobar are both considered NXT Cruiserweight Champions by WWE. Devlin won the NXT Cruiserweight Championship at Worlds Collide in January of last year. But with Devlin unable to defend the title due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a tournament was announced to crown an interim champion. The interim branding was then dropped from the tournament as it was going on. Escobar won his version of the NXT Cruiserweight Championship by defeating Drake Maverick in the tournament finals.
A confrontation between Devlin and Escobar on last week’s NXT ended with Devlin laying out Escobar with a headbutt and the Devlin Side suplex. Devlin was then in action on tonight’s NXT and defeated Kushida. Devlin got the win despite Legado Del Fantasma trying to cost him the match.
Here’s a look at the cards for both nights of TakeOver: Stand & Deliver:
TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night one (airing live on the USA Network on Wednesday, April 7) —
NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai defends against Raquel Gonzalez
NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER defends against Tommaso Ciampa
Triple threat match for the vacant NXT Tag Team titles: MSK (Wes Lee & Nash Carter) vs, The Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson & James Drake) vs. Legado Del Fantasma (Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde)
Gauntlet Eliminator match to determine NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano’s challenger for TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night two (a 12-man battle royal on next week’s NXT will determine the six participants for the Gauntlet Eliminator match)
TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night two (airing live on Peacock in the United States/WWE Network everywhere else on Thursday, April 8) —
NXT Champion Finn Balor defends against Karrion Kross
Unsanctioned match: Adam Cole vs. Kyle O’Reilly
Ladder match to determine undisputed NXT Cruiserweight Champion: Jordan Devlin vs. Santos Escobar
NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano defends against the winner of the Gauntlet Eliminator match from night one
