On tonight’s show, it was confirmed that Santos Escobar would face Xyon Quinn next week on the post-WarGames episode of NXT. Elektra Lopez met Xyon Quinn in the WWE Performance Center parking lot as he was walking by and wished him luck next week, as he would need it.
Quinn and Escobar have been feuding in recent weeks. After he rejected an offer to join Legado Del Fantasma, Santos Escobar made his return to NXT and joined with the rest of the stable (Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza) in attacking Quinn following a match against Andre Chase. On this week’s NXT, Quinn appeared at ringside as he watched Wilde and Mendoza lose a number one contender’s match against the team of Kyle O’Reilly and Von Wagner.
NXT WarGames will take place this Sunday, with the top matches being the men’s and women’s WarGames matches, Roderick Strong vs. Joe Gacy for the NXT Cruiserweight title, Cameron Grimes vs. Duke Hudson in a hair vs. hair match, and Imperium vs. Kyle O’Reilly and Von Wagner for the NXT Tag Team titles.
WWE has set a new date for Kushida and Roderick Strong’s NXT Cruiserweight Championship match.
Kushida will defend his Cruiserweight title against Strong on NXT next Tuesday. The match was originally supposed to take place on the August 17 episode of NXT, but it was announced before that show that Kushida wasn’t cleared to compete.
Kushida revealed last week that him testing positive for COVID-19 was the reason that he wasn’t cleared to compete on that August 17 episode. Kushida wrote that he and his wife tested positive despite being fully vaccinated, but he and his family are feeling better now.
On tonight’s NXT, Kushida made his return and declared that he’s ready to face Strong. It was then announced that their Cruiserweight title match will be taking place next week.
Strong is part of Diamond Mine in NXT. Diamond Mine manager Malcolm Bivens has been calling Strong the uncrowned NXT Cruiserweight Champion since Kushida wasn’t able to compete last month.
Kushida has been NXT Cruiserweight Champion since winning the title from Santos Escobar this April.
Three matches have been added to the card for next week’s NXT episode.
– The NXT Cruiserweight Championship will be on the line as Kushida defends against Santos Escobar in a two-out-of-three falls match on NXT next Tuesday. Kushida became champion by answering Escobar’s open challenge three weeks ago and defeating him to win the title.
On last week’s NXT, Legado del Fantasma (Escobar, Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde) defeated Kushida & NXT Tag Team Champions MSK (Wes Lee & Nash Carter) in a six-man tag match. That match was set up when MSK saved Kushida from an attack by Legado del Fantasma the previous week. The attack happened after Kushida issued his own open challenge and defeated Oney Lorcan to retain the NXT Cruiserweight Championship.
– NXT Champion Karrion Kross vs. Austin Theory in a non-title match is also set for next Tuesday’s NXT. It will be the first time Kross has wrestled since winning the NXT Championship from Finn Balor at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver last month.
Theory and NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano laid out Kross on NXT tonight. Gargano and Theory tried to meet with NXT general manager William Regal earlier in the show, but they couldn’t because Scarlett was in Regal’s office when they got there. Gargano called himself the number one champion in NXT. After an interaction between Theory and Scarlett during the segment, Regal later informed Theory that Scarlett made sure that Theory will be facing Kross next week.
Kross cut a promo on tonight’s show but was interrupted by a line of potential challengers. Kyle O’Reilly first appeared, followed by Pete Dunne and Balor. After a brawl broke out, Gargano and Theory ambushed Kross when he was the only one left in the ring. Kross tried to fight them off, but Gargano and Theory gave Kross stereo superkicks. Gargano then laid out Kross by hitting him with the North American title belt.
Gargano and Theory were shown leaving the building immediately after laying out Kross.
– Plus, Killian Dain vs. Alexander Wolfe will take place on NXT next Tuesday. Wolfe’s Imperium stablemates Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner defeated Drake Maverick & Dain on NXT last week. Aichner & Barthel hit the Euro Bomb on Maverick to get the win after Barthel had sent Dain into the ring post.
Going into last week’s tag match, Maverick was worried that Dain was going to turn against him and join Imperium. There was a moment during the match where Barthel ordered Wolfe to hit Dain with a steel chair. Wolfe, who was formerly a member of SAnitY with Dain, went to hit Dain with the chair but ultimately couldn’t do it. But Wolfe stood in Dain’s way when Dain tried to send Barthel into the ring post. That gave Barthel time to reverse the move and lay out Dain instead.
Here’s the updated lineup for next Tuesday’s NXT:
NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez defends against Mercedes Martinez
NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida defends against Santos Escobar in a two-out-of-three falls match
Non-title match: NXT Champion Karrion Kross vs. Austin Theory
NXT’s Tuesday night debut will feature an open challenge from undisputed Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar.
On Twitter today, Escobar announced that he’ll be issuing an open challenge on this Tuesday’s episode of NXT. “UNDISPUTED… El Campeón!! Settled once and for all at #NXTTakeOver Stand And Deliver,” Escobar wrote. “Tomorrow night, OPEN CHALLENGE! Who wants to lose? Tomorrow’s your night! #WWENXT”
Escobar became the undisputed NXT Cruiserweight Champion by defeating Jordan Devlin in a ladder match at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night two last Thursday. Escobar and Devlin had both claimed to be the rightful NXT Cruiserweight Champion going into that match. Escobar won the match by retrieving both of their title belts that were hanging above the ring.
When Devlin was unable to travel and defend the NXT Cruiserweight Championship following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, WWE announced a tournament to crown an interim champion. The interim branding was later dropped from the tournament. Escobar defeated Drake Maverick in the tournament finals last June.
Here’s the updated lineup for Tuesday’s NXT:
We’ll hear from new NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez
Franky Monet debuts
Undisputed NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar will issue an open challenge
Franky Monet appears to be former Impact Knockouts Champion Taya Valkyrie’s WWE in-ring name.
An undisputed NXT Cruiserweight Champion was crowned at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night two tonight.
Santos Escobar defeated Jordan Devlin in a title unification ladder match to become the undisputed NXT Cruiserweight Champion. As they were fighting while on a ladder near the end of the match, Escobar headbutted Devlin and sent him crashing through a ladder that was set up in the corner. Escobar then retrieved both Cruiserweight title belts that were hanging above the ring.
Going into tonight’s unification match, Escobar and Devlin had both claimed to be the rightful NXT Cruiserweight Champion. Devlin won the NXT Cruiserweight Championship at Worlds Collide in January 2020. But with him unable to travel and defend the title due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a tournament was announced to crown an interim champion. The interim label was later dropped from the tournament. Escobar won his version of the NXT Cruiserweight Championship by defeating Drake Maverick in the tournament finals last June.
There was a point in tonight’s ladder match where Devlin looked like he was about to retrieve the title belts, but Escobar’s Legado Del Fantasma stablemates Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde ran down and attacked Devlin. After defeating Devlin, Escobar celebrated on the stage with his nine-year-old son, Mendoza, and Wilde.
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
An undisputed NXT Cruiserweight Champion will be crowned at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver.
WWE has confirmed that NXT Cruiserweight Champions Jordan Devlin and Santos Escobar will face off in a title unification match at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver. The announcement of the match was made on this week’s episode of 205 Live.
Devlin won the NXT Cruiserweight Championship at Worlds Collide in January of last year. But with Devlin unable to travel and defend his title due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a tournament to crown an interim champion was announced. WWE later dropped the interim branding from the tournament. Escobar won his version of the NXT Cruiserweight Championship by defeating Drake Maverick in the tournament finals.
On this week’s NXT, Devlin returned and confronted Escobar. Devlin told Escobar to take his “replica title” and throw it in the trash — because the real NXT Cruiserweight Champion is back. Escobar responded by saying he’s redefined what it means to be a cruiserweight and has made history as NXT Cruiserweight Champion. Escobar said Devlin only has his version of the title because everyone forgot about it. Escobar then challenged Devlin to face him at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver.
Devlin and Escobar’s confrontation ended with Devlin laying out Escobar with a headbutt.
In the main event of this week’s NXT UK, Devlin retained his NXT Cruiserweight Championship by defeating Trent Seven. Devlin has defended his title against Amir Jordan, Oliver Carter, Ben Carter, and Seven since NXT UK returned with new episodes last September.
TakeOver: Stand & Deliver is a two-night event that’s 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.
Devlin vs. Escobar is the second match that’s been officially announced for TakeOver: Stand & Deliver. Finn Balor defending his NXT Championship against Karrion Kross is also set for the show.
A no disqualification match headlines tonight’s episode of NXT.
Karrion Kross and NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar will face off in a no DQ match tonight. Though Escobar’s NXT Cruiserweight Championship isn’t on the line, the match has a stipulation where Escobar will be stripped of the title and suspended indefinitely if he doesn’t show up tonight. Kross vs. Escobar was originally supposed to take place last week but was pulled from that show due to medical reasons.
A video aired last week where Escobar said the match would happen on his time. Kross and Scarlett later responded and said there’s no way for Escobar to escape his fate.
NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai and NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano are also set for non-title action tonight. Shirai will face Zoey Stark, while Gargano will take on Dexter Lumis. Plus, Xia Li will face Kacy Catanzaro and The Grizzled Young Veterans will face Drake Maverick & Killian Dain.
After turning against Kyle O’Reilly and attacking NXT Champion Finn Balor, Adam Cole has promised to explain his actions tonight. Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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After a canned intro, the show opened with Dexter Lumis crawling toward the camera. Next was the entrance of Johnny Gargano and The Way.
Dexter Lumis defeated NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano (with Candice LeRae, Austin Theory & Indi Hartwell) in a non-title match
Lumis submitted Gargano after interference backfired on The Way. The champion lost a non-title match, setting up a potential title match. Decent enough match.
The early portion had Lumis in control. Gargano begged off, but he also baited Lumis out of the ring. Lumis looked in trouble, but he countered Gargano to hot shot him on the apron. Candice LeRae jumped off the apron attempting a hurricanrana, but Lumis blocked the move and set her back on the apron.
A distracted Lumis was hit with a Gargano tope through the ropes on to outside. The show went to a picture-and-picture commercial break with Lumis down on the floor. Lumiis fought back during the commercial break, but Gargano cut him off.
Lumis came back after the break, and he hit Gargano with several haymakers. Lumis bulldogged Gargano, and he followed with several near falls. The pace quickened when Lumis missed a double stomp. They traded strikes, and Gargano got a near fall after a Lumis ate a superkick.
Austin Theory slid a folding chair into the ring when Gargano gave him marching orders. Lumis negated the chair, but Gargano rocked him with an enzuigiri. Theory grabbed the chair and acted as if he was going to hit Lumis.
Lumis glared at Theory, and Theory has second thoughts. LeRae was hollering at them, but Theory just stood there. Gargano charged at Lumis, but he moved out of the way. Gargano ran into Theory, knocking Theory off the apron.
Lumis locked in an Anaconda Vice. Gargano went to sleep, and Lumis defeated the champion in a non-title match.
Wade Barrett was on as remote correspondent. He joked to send help because he was in Lumis’ basement. Beth Phoenix and
A profile on MSK highlighted them being Dusty Classic winners. Great stuff with them talking about their journey on the way to the winning the Dusty Cup. Carter talking about his late father, and how it Very moving video package.
Grizzled Young Veterans a few minutes later would attack MSK when they were doing an interview segment. The Vets laid them out with chairs.
In an advertising tie-in, Shotzi Blackheart was featured in the Burger King Superstar Profile.
Leon Ruff vs. Tyler Rust (Malcolm Bivens) went to a no contest (I think)
The matched ended before it really began when Ruff was attacked at the start by Isaiah “Swerve” Scott. Bivens still raised Rust’s hand.
In a pre-tape skit, Biven was hiding the training room waiting to hear Ruff was cleared to wrestle. When the trainer told Ruff he was cleared to compete, Bivens popped up to challenge Ruff to match against Rust.
Bivens in a pre-match promo in the ring called Ruff the son he never had that he didn’t want. He said Ruff was getting the “opportunity of a lifetime” in facing the “Diamond in the Rust.”
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott before the match could start ran in to attack Ruff. He dragged Ruff to the announce desk, and Scott said he wanted some opportunities. Scott with a Death Valley Driver sent Ruff spine first into the side the ring apron.
There was a prodcution snafu during a Zoey Stark promo.
PSA honoring Black History Month aired after a commercial break.
Cameron Grimes on a tablet was watching classic footage of the Million Dollar Man. Ted DiBiase was doing the famous skit with the little kid dripping a basketball. Grimes had his own basketball. He found a guy backstage, and Grimes challenged the guy to dribble the basketball ten times.
The joke was on Grimes. He had not watched the whole video where DiBiase kicks the ball away. The guy backstage just dribbled the ball ten times, and then he took Grimes money. Grimes looked like a complete goof. This was the worst thing they have done with him since his gimmick makeover.
NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai defeated Zoey Stark in a non-title match
Shirai pinned Stark. The match started off rocky, but it was pretty good by the end.
Some hiccups between them until Shirai tied her up in a cobra twist. Zoey blocked a Tiger Feint Kick, and she kicked Shirai off the apron. Shirai countered a dive to deliver a kick of her own. Stark knocked Shirai off the top rope, and Shirai fell to the floor before a commercial break.
Shirai was firing up as the show returned from the break. They traded strikes, and Stark got a near fall. Stark had to roll through on an attempted splash, and then the two collided with each other when both went for a crossbody.
Stark with a release Dragon suplex for a close two count. Shirai came back with a flurry of offense. Tiger Feint Kick and Shirai went to the top rope. Missile dropkick and a near fall for Shirai. Stark was able to kick out.
Super Frankensteiner by Shirai sent Stark to the mat. Stark still came back a moment later with a suplex for a two count. Shirai eventually countered Stark. Double running knee strike and a moonsault press by Shirai. 1…2…3.
Tony Storm after the match came out on stage to cut a promo on Shirai. Storm claimed Shirai was scared of her, and she said Shirai could not beat her. Shirai begged to differ. Looks to be a title match in the works.
Johnny Gargano was yelling at Austin Theory about what happened earlier.
Cameron Grimes had now watched the whole video. He found what he thought were marks. He challenged someone to dribble the basketball ten times. Grimes was going to kick the ball, but the person dribbled around him. They got game. Grimes lost another $1,000. What a geek. He somehow blamed DiBiase, and he cut a promo on him. What was this? It did Grimes no favors.
Xia Li defeated Kacy Catanzaro (with Kayden Carter)
Li won via ref stoppage after Li inujured Catanzaro’s knee.
Catanzaro was babyface-in-peril much of the match. She was beginning to fire up when Li threw her into the barricade, and then she smashed her into the ring steps. Li stomped on Catanzaro’s knee. Catanzaro screamed in pain selling her knee.
Li dragged Catanzaro into the ring by her hair, but Catanzaro could not fight back. The referee called for the bell. Officials poured into the ring to break them up. Carter was mad. She tried to confront the mystical figure on the stage, but Boa blocked her path. Meanwhile, Catanzaro was being helped to her feet by officials. Li then dropped Catanzaro with a roundhouse kick.
A great vignette hyped the title match next week for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax defend against Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez
The Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson & James Drake) defeated Drake Maverick & Killian Dain
Drake pinned Maverick to win the match.
Maverick worked over until Dain made a save. Dain hiptossed Maverick over the ropes into a flip dive on the heels. The show then cut a commercial. Dain cleaned house after the break. Vieweres missed all the heat, and basically just saw Dain making a hot tag.
Dain lifted both the heels for a double fallaway slam. Maverick ran wild for a moment, but he was soon double-teamed. Dain broke up a pinning attempt, but he was taken out by a tope.
Maverick took a Ric Flair press slam off the top rope, and then Maverick took a Ticket To Mayhem. Drake covered Maverick to score the pinfall.
Karrion Kross (with Scarlett) defeated NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar in a non-title no DQ match
Kross won after pinning Escobar clean. This was similar to an AAA street fight without all the blood and graphic violence, and then it settled into a WWE-style no hold barred match.
Escobar arrived in a SUV. He was waitng in the vechile for his entrance. I guess he was going straight from the vechile into the ring. Kross attacked Escobar attacked before they could even get to the ring. The fight then began in the parking lot. Both were dressed in street clothes like a bunkhouse match.
They fought outside like they were on the corner of Swanson and Ritner in front of The Arena. A cargo truck was used as a prop for them to fight in and around. Escobar looked himself in the cab of the truck. Kross found a pick ax to strike the door. Escobar fled the truck. Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde tried to interfere, but they took bumps on the truck instead. However, their distraction allowed for Escobar to hit Kross with a trash can.
Legado del Fantasma ganged up on Kross three-on-one. They were pummeling him and Kross was rammed into the side of the truck. Mendoza and Wilde carried Kross into the building, and the three rudos assaulted Kross again.
Kross hulked up on Mendoza and Wilde. Kross threw them through the barricade like Hulk Hogan did to those henchmen on an old episode of the A-Team. Finally in the ring, Escobar ate a high kick. They did not stay in the ring long. After one bump, the fight spilled outside again. Legado del Fantasma again caused a distraction. This time Escobar hit Kross with a chair.
Kross was rammed into the ring steps before the show cut to a picture-in-picture commercial break. Heat on Kross during the break. Kross after the break took the EVIL chair spot into the post, and Kross sold his arm. Escobar worked on the arm, but he also DDT’d Kross on the floor.
Escobar continued to work the arm. Kross was attempting a comeback when he was posted by Escobar. Kross still managed to counter Escobar. Kross suplexed Mendoza and Wilde on the floor. Kross then gave Escobar a Saito suplex on the announce desk.
One more Saito suplex in the ring. Kross measured Escobar, and he clubbed him in the back of the head. Kross then pinned Escobar.
LA Knight in a cellphone promo said he was debuting when he was ready.
Adam Cole explains his actions
Cole addressed his attack last week on Kyle O’Reilly. Cole said he had very intention of explaining himself. After watching the footage, Cole claimed he was sick to his stomach. He was mad in recent weeks, but that does not excuse his actions. Cole said he was ashamed of himself.
Cole told O’Reilly he wished they could talk man-to-man, but they cannot because of Cole. He injured O’Reilly. Cole was sad about what he had done. Cole said he made a stupid mistake, and he hates himeslf for it. Cole said he was sorry. He is going to fix this, and if he cannot then Cole said “damn it I am going to try.”
Roderick Strong interrupted Cole. Strong was not buying it. Strong was seething as he cut a promo on Cole. The Undisputed Era was built on trust and brotherhood according to Strong. They had each other’s backs. Strong basically said Cole betrayed them. Strong told Cole that O’Reilly, but Strong said he could not save Cole from O’Reilly.
NXT Champion Finn Balor interrupted the confrontation. Balor pushed Strong aside as he rushed the ring. Balor began brawling with Cole. Strong went after Balor, allowing Cole a chance to hit Balor with a superkick.
Cole tried to tell Strong he was sorry, but Strong hit him with a colthesline. Strong was upset with himself for doing what he did. Cole kept saying he was sorry while on bended knee. Strong knelt down to console Cole. Strong said he was sorry. He called Cole his brother, and Strong said he loved him.
They embraced, but Cole then suddenly gave Strong a low blow. Cole ripped off the Undisputed Era pendant necklace from around Strong’s neck like it was Andre ripping off the Hulkster’s crucifix. Cole called Strong stupid, and then he superkicked Strong.
A new stipulation has been added to Karrion Kross and Santos Escobar’s match for Wednesday’s episode of NXT.
In a tweet posted by NXT general manager William Regal today, it was announced that Kross vs. Escobar will now be a no disqualification match. The match also has a stipulation where — even though Escobar’s title isn’t on the line — Escobar will be stripped of his NXT Cruiserweight Championship and suspended indefinitely if he doesn’t show up for the match.
“In consideration of the difference in each competitors ‘interest’ in their match I’ve decided to raise the stakes,” Regal wrote. “@WWEKarrionKross vs @EscobarWWE will now be a #NoDQMatch & if our Cruiserweight Champion does not participate, he will be stripped of his title & suspended. #WWENXT”
Kross vs. Escobar had originally been announced for this past Wednesday’s episode of NXT, but the match was pulled from the show due to medical reasons. A video from Escobar instead aired, with him telling Kross that no one threatens him. Escobar said the match wouldn’t be taking place on Regal’s time. Escobar said it would happen on his time. Regal then announced the stipulation where Escobar will be stripped of his NXT Cruiserweight Championship and suspended if he doesn’t show up on Wednesday.
Kross and Scarlett later responded to Escobar on NXT this week and said there’s no way for him to escape his fate.
The feud between Kross and Escobar began after Escobar mentioned Kross’ name in a promo last month. Escobar then received a tarot card as a warning from Kross and Scarlett.
Escobar retained his NXT Cruiserweight Championship against Curt Stallion on the February 3 episode of NXT. Following the match, Kross attacked Legado Del Fantasma’s Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde and then confronted Escobar. The following week, Mendoza and Wilde were laid out backstage by Kross after Escobar had ordered them to make sure Kross didn’t make it to their match.
After turning against Kyle O’Reilly, Adam Cole will explain his actions on Wednesday’s NXT. Xia Li has also promised to “purge” Kacy Catanzaro on the episode.
Karrion Kross vs. Santos Escobar will take place on NXT next week — or else there will be consequences for Escobar.
It had originally been announced that Kross vs. Escobar would be taking place on NXT tonight, but WWE stopped promoting the match prior to tonight’s show. A video instead aired with NXT general manager William Regal addressing a message that had been sent to him by Escobar. Escobar told Kross that no one threatens him. Escobar said the match wouldn’t be taking place on Regal’s time. Escobar said it will happen on his time.
Regal responded by announcing that Kross vs. Escobar will happen next week. Regal said that — even though the match isn’t for Escobar’s NXT Cruiserweight Championship — Escobar will be suspended indefinitely and stripped of the title if he doesn’t show up next Wednesday.
A video from Kross and Scarlett also aired later on tonight’s show, with them warning Escobar that there’s no way to escape his fate.
After mentioning Kross’ name in a promo, Escobar received a tarot card as a warning from Kross and Scarlett on NXT three weeks ago. Kross attacked Legado Del Fantasma’s Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde the following week after Escobar’s title defense against Curt Stallion. Kross then confronted Escobar.
Last week, Escobar ordered Mendoza and Wilde to make sure Kross didn’t make it to their match. It was shown later in last week’s episode that Mendoza and Wilde had been laid out by Kross backstage. Kross warned Escobar that he was going to do the same thing to him.
Also for next Wednesday’s NXT, Xia Li has promised to “purge” Kacy Catanzaro. WWE hasn’t announced if they’ll be facing each other in a match.
Though TakeOver: Vengeance Day is taking place on Sunday, WWE has already made their first match announcement for next week’s episode of NXT.
Karrion Kross vs. Santos Escobar is set for NXT next Wednesday (February 17). The match was announced by NXT general manager William Regal after Scarlett appeared in his office on tonight’s NXT and proposed the match for next week. Scarlett told Regal that she was there because it wouldn’t be good if Kross was there instead.
Escobar ordered his Legado Del Fantasma stablemates Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde to make sure Kross doesn’t make it to next week’s match. Mendoza and Wilde were later shown laid out backstage, with Kross warning Escobar that he’ll do the same thing to him next week.
Escobar is the NXT Cruiserweight Champion. After mentioning Kross’ name in a promo, he received a tarot card as a warning from Kross and Scarlett on NXT two weeks ago. Scarlett then watched on during Escobar’s title defense against Curt Stallion last week. Kross attacked Mendoza and Wilde after the match and then confronted Escobar.
Kross also confronted men’s Royal Rumble winner Edge on NXT last week. Kross warned Edge that if he challenges for the NXT Championship at WrestleMania 37, it won’t be Finn Balor or Pete Dunne that he’s facing. Kross said he’s going to defeat Balor or Dunne and win back the title that he never lost.
Kross had to relinquish the NXT Championship in August of last year due to suffering a separated shoulder during the match where he won the title from Keith Lee. Kross returned to action in December.
We’ve got a double issue of the Observer out this week with notes on how President Biden’s new policies on international travel will affect wrestlers and fighters from different countries.
Also in this issue:
The new WrestleMania plans, including how the Super Bowl plays into it, the time frame for the shows for both nights, the inside hopes for attendance and how the dynamic is different this year as to what gets announced. We also look at the decision making in regards to Dallas and Los Angeles, update the Royal Rumble and also have notes on match plans.
Coverage of Impact Hard to Kill, with notes on the key angles, the departure of Madison Rayne, Taya Valkyrie and Ethan Page, Page’s scathing words after his departure, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
Dwayne Johnson’s new TV show about his life, new WWE signees, Dusty Rhodes men’s and women’s tournament, Kofi Kingston talks his injury, WWE television personality gets an ESPN TV show, A.J. Styles talks retirement, lawsuit update, where wrestling shows ranked with network sports, who is looking for new entrance music, what aspect of WWE’s major events are they trying to sell, why Raw will have two very tough dates for competition soon, as well as the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.
Coverage of both UFC shows over the past week and the story behind Max Holloway’s setting records.
A story on the life of Paul Varelans, an early star of UFC and MMA around the world, as well as his different forays with four different pro wrestling companies as well as his infamous angle with Taz in ECW. For the first time, Missy Hyatt talks publicly about the situation plus comments from all involved. We look at the tournament days of UFC, crazy street fights, and much more.
A story on the life of Guy Hauray, the voice of WWF in France for a generation.
A story on famous carnival shooter and pro wrestler Dick Cardinal, who was the oldest living pro wrestler at the time of his death.
History of the biggest draws in pro wrestling each year from 1916 to 2020, including what wrestlers were No. 1 for the most years.
Win-loss record of every WWE talent in 2020 including who wrestled the most dates, who never lost, who never won and more.
Television ratings of the past week, segment-by-segment numbers for the past two weeks on Wednesday, who was watching in different age groups, how different segments did on Raw & Smackdown.
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Sports Illustrated talked to Santos Escobar on his current run in NXT as Cruiserweight champion. He told them that his ultimate goal is to meet Vince McMahon. “There is one thing I haven’t been able to do, and that is meet Vince McMahon,” he said. I’m committed to this industry, and that is a lifetime commitment. I was born and raised to do this. I think Vince McMahon is a genius, and I want to meet him. That, to me, is an immediate goal. He will either like me or hate me, but I will discuss my background with him and what I bring to the table. I need to discuss that with Vince McMahon, and that is one of my most immediate goals.”
A member of the Raw roster is set to challenge for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship.
WWE has announced that Gran Metalik will challenge for Santos Escobar’s Cruiserweight Championship at NXT New Year’s Evil next Wednesday (January 6). The special edition of NXT is the show’s first episode of 2021.
The match was announced after The Lucha House Party (Metalik & Lince Dorado) appeared on NXT tonight. They interrupted a promo by Escobar and then defeated Legado Del Fantasma’s Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde in a tag team match.
Metalik pinned Mendoza in the tag match after hitting a rope-walk elbow drop. After the match, Metalik motioned that he wants Escobar’s title.
During his promo tonight, Escobar said NXT general manager William Regal can’t find any challengers who belong in the ring with him. Metalik and Dorado interrupted Escobar after he called Legado Del Fantasma the leaders of lucha libre.
Metalik was also in action on Raw this Monday and defeated The Miz.
It was also announced on NXT tonight that Xia Li and Boa will return at New Year’s Evil. There have been videos on NXT over the last several weeks where Li and Boa were taken to a building and tortured as a form of training while a mysterious woman watched on. With their training complete, Li, Boa, the man who took them there, and the woman walked out of the building at the end of tonight’s video.
Dexter Lumis will be the host of New Year’s Evil. Here’s the updated card for the show:
NXT Champion Finn Balor defends against Kyle O’Reilly
Karrion Kross vs. Damian Priest
Last Woman Standing match: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Gonzalez
Fight Pit match: Tommaso Ciampa vs. Timothy Thatcher
NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar defends against Gran Metalik
Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari defeated The Bollywood Boyz (Sunil & Samir Singh)
Nese started the match by driving Sunil Singh into his corner. Daivari tagged in, but the momentum soon shifted in favor of the Singhs as Samir joined the fray. A Bollywood Boyz double suplex punctuated the Singh lead; Nese then provided a distraction, allowing for a Daivari-favored shift.
Daivari reigned in fists from the mount to further his advantage. Nese looked to further this lead after a tag, but instead planted Daivari with an accidental dropkick. Sunil tagged in and was free to land a ton of offense on the now distraught Nese. A double superkick sent Nese to the outside as Daivari re-entered as the legal man. Both Singhs then set Daivari up for and connected with the Bollywood Blast. Nese broke up the pin.
Nese dragged Sunil to the outside both to gain Samir’s attention while also buying time for Daivari. Davarii then caught a distracted Samir with an uranage. Daivari climbed to the top rope and hit the Persian splash for the win.
This match was quick, opting for a tried and true formula while not overstaying its welcome.
Curt Stallion, Ashante “Thee” Adonis & August Grey defeated Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde
A lockup ultimately favoring Ashante Adonis started the match. Raul Mendoza, the other legal starter, was hit with two arm drags, inciting Legado interference. Adonis single-handedly dispatched both Joaquin Wilde and Santos Escobar before they could touch a hair on Adonis.
A passionate Curt Stallion tagged into the match. With his sights set on flying, Stallion hit the ropes; a kick from Mendoza stopped Stallion mid flight. Legado Del Fantasma was now in complete control. Knees and chops left Stallion in a heap of his own person.
The cocksure nature of the Legado beatdown allowed Stallion to steal a quick tag, allowing August Grey to make up some previously lost ground. A powerbomb left Grey with a near fall on Wilde. Grey tried to maintain his control over Mendoza, but Escobar pulled the ropes causing Grey to crash to the mat.
Legado utterly dismantled their opponents for a significant amount of time before a devastated Grey eventually landed the hot tag, allowing Stallion to re-enter the fold. Stallion then took on both Mendoza and Wilde in a great show of heroics. After every move he landed, Stallion made eye contact with Escobar. Stallion even locked eyes with the Cruiserweight champion during a near fall.
Mendoza broke up a Stallion pin attempt causing all six men to hit the ring. Legado emerged from the exchange with a man advantage, but Grey from the outside tripped Mendoza, allowing Stallion to roll up Wilde for a surprise pin.
Following the match, Legado Del Fantasma attacked Stallion. Adonis and Grey ran them onto the apron, and a forearm from Stallion cemented the Legado retreat.
This match was great. Every second felt as if its inclusion was necessary, and everyone made their presence felt.
