Tegan Nox returned to NXT tonight at the Great American Bash, causing a distraction that helped crown new NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Towards the end of the title match between The Way (Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell) and the team of Zoey Stark and Io Shirai, the battery seen charging up in vignettes over the last several weeks hit 100%. Nox then appeared, causing a distraction for LeRae and Hartwell. Stark used the opportunity to lay out Hartwell and pin her to win the titles for her team.
LeRae and Hartwell had held the titles for 63 days, defeating Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart back on the May 4 edition of NXT.
Nox had been out of action since last August, when she injured her ACL. She underwent surgery the following month. It was the third time that she had injured her ACL since signing with WWE in 2017. On Monday, she wrestled Toni Storm in a dark match prior to Raw in her first match back since being injured.
Tegan Nox competed in a dark match prior to tonight’s Raw, returning from injury.
PWInsider reported this evening that Nox, who has been out of action since last August, faced Toni Storm in a dark match prior to tonight’s Raw. They also reported that Karrion Kross, who has worked dark matches for the company in recent weeks, wrestled Drew Gulak on Main Event.
Nox has been out of action since suffering an ACL injury last August. Throughout her run in WWE, Nox has torn her ACL in both legs, causing her to miss significant time. The injury that took place in August was the third time tearing her ACL since signing with the company in 2017.
Several NXT stars have competed in dark matches ahead of WWE’s return to the road starting with the Money in the Bank pay-per-view on July 18. Storm wrestled in a dark match against Shotzi Blackheart prior to the start of SmackDown last Friday. Others who have wrestled dark matches include Scarlett, Odyssey Jones, and Bronson Reed.
“I feel good,” Nox said. “I feel strong, which is nice — nice little change from being on crutches a few weeks ago. I feel good, I feel really good.”
Nox also said recovery is going very well and she’s way ahead of where she should be after undergoing surgery. WWE confirmed this past September that Nox had suffered a torn ACL, with Paul “Triple H” Levesque saying on a media conference call that Nox had already undergone surgery for the injury. Prior to having surgery, Nox was last in action in August.
In storyline, it was said that Nox suffered the injury when she was attacked by Candice LeRae backstage prior to a number one contender’s battle royal on the September 23 episode of NXT.
Nox said on Wednesday’s edition of The Bump that she thinks it helps with her recovery that she’s been through this three times now. This is the third torn ACL that Nox has suffered during her career.
It was noted on The Bump that Nox did a virtual workout with Captain Marvel’s Brie Larson that WWE and Larson will be uploading soon.
Tegan Nox is facing another road to recovery after suffering a significant knee injury.
WWE confirmed today that the injury Nox recently suffered is a torn ACL. The storyline explanation is that the injury was caused by an attack from Candice LeRae: “BREAKING NEWS: Following an attack from @CandiceLeRae before the #WWENXT #BattleRoyal last week, @TeganNoxWWE_ has suffered a torn ACL.”
Paul “Triple H” Levesque said on his pre-NXT TakeOver 31 conference call today that Nox has already undergone surgery for the injury. Levesque said the injury and the bad injury luck Nox has had are unfortunate, but Nox is an unbelievably strong person, an unbelievably strong athlete, and a phenomenal performer. Levesque said if anyone can return from this, it’s Nox. Levesque said he can’t wait for the day that happens.
This is the third torn ACL that Nox has suffered during her career. After a torn ACL in her right knee kept her out of the inaugural Mae Young Classic, she made it to the quarterfinals of the tournament in 2018 and was supposed to go further before injuring her left leg in a match against Rhea RIpley. Nox suffered a torn ACL during that match along with other injuries to her knee.
Nox was involved in a feud against LeRae leading into the number one contender’s battle royal on last week’s NXT. After the angle where LeRae attacked Nox before the match, LeRae went on to win the battle royal and will challenge Io Shirai for the NXT Women’s Championship at NXT TakeOver 31 this Sunday.
The opening match of tonight’s episode of NXT will feature Io Shirai in tag team action.
NXT general manager William Regal sent out a tweet today announcing that Shirai & Tegan Nox vs. Dakota Kai & Candice LeRae will open tonight’s show: “This evening’s episode of #WWENXT will feature action befitting the black and gold brand and I’m excited to announce the match that will kick off tonight’s show: @WWENXT Women’s Champion @shirai_io will team with @TeganNoxWWE_ against @CandiceLeRae and @DakotaKai_WWE!”
Shirai retained her NXT Women’s Championship against Nox in the main event of NXT two weeks ago. After that match, the show ended with an angle where Kai laid out Shirai with a kick to the face.
Video of a promo from Kai aired on NXT last week. Kai said it felt so good to kick Shirai off the perch she put herself on. Kai said she’ll be waiting for Shirai once she returns and told Shirai to bring the NXT Women’s Championship.
Here’s the full list of what’s been announced for tonight’s NXT:
Finn Balor vs. Timothy Thatcher vs. Dexter Lumis (winner qualifies for the ladder match for the vacant NXT North American Championship at TakeOver XXX)
NXT Champion Keith Lee responds to Karrion Kross
Johnny Gargano vs. Roderick Strong
Mercedes Martinez vs. Shotzi Blackheart
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott vs. Jake Atlas
NXT Tag Team Champions Imperium (Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner) in non-title action
NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai & Tegan Nox vs. Dakota Kai & Candice LeRae
Io Shirai’s first title defense as Women’s Champion will headline tonight’s episode of NXT.
Shirai vs. Tegan Nox for the NXT Women’s Championship is set for tonight’s show. Nox became the number one contender to Shirai’s title by defeating Dakota Kai, Mia Yim, and Candice LeRae in a fatal four-way elimination match at Great American Bash night one two weeks ago.
Shirai won the NXT Women’s Championship by defeating Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley in a triple threat match at TakeOver: In Your House last month. She defeated Sasha Banks in a non-title match at Great American Bash night one.
Great American Bash night two saw Keith Lee become a double champion, defeating Adam Cole to win the NXT Championship and retain the NXT North American Championship. As he was celebrating after the match, it was shown that Karrion Kross and Scarlett were watching on. Lee will make an appearance tonight and address his title win.
Damian Priest vs. Cameron Grimes is also set for tonight. Last month, Grimes defeated Priest after attacking him in the parking lot before the show.
Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
Keith Lee opened the show as the new double champion having won the title-for-title match over former NXT Champion Adam Cole. Lee now holds both the NXT Championship and the NXT North American title. He cut a great promo.
Lee loved the sound of his name being announced as a double champion so much that he had the ring announcer say it a second time. Lee then started talking about his journey to NXT, and he says there is something very special about what happens in the NXT ring. He feels it standing there holding the championship belts. He laid the belts on the mat. He is not is disbelief, and he was not fooled himself. He celebrated but it’s back to reality.
Lee went on to say he knows there is a locker room full of people that want the same opportunity. He understands the opportunity he was presented, and Lee acknowledged he did not do it alone. He mentioned “Killer” Tim Brooks, and called him more than a trainer. He was a father figure that believed in Lee when no one else did.
Lee looked into the camera to address the viewers as he acknowledged their role in helping him. They welcomed him with open arms. He talked about fans singing for him with all their love and passion, and they would tell the entire world to “bask in his glory.”
Lee is celebrating for Tim Brooks and the for the “WWE Universe”. Lee proceeded to call out Dominik Dijakovic, and he came to the ring. He was wearing a t-shirt in memory of Shad Gaspard.
Dijak was proud of him, and said this was Lee’s moment. Lee disagreed and said it was about them both and their feud. Dijakovic tested him limits like no one else. Lee wanted Dijakovic to be his first challenger, and he wanted the match tonight. Dijakovic was kind of balking, and Lee told him to “just say yes.” So Dijakovic said yes.
The title match is on for later tonight. Lee was tremendous in the this segment.
Damian Priest defeated Cameron Grimes
Priest pinned Grimes clean in this grudge match, and it was a pretty great.
Grimes tried jumping Priest at the bell, but Priest booted him in the face. Priest rocked Grimes with a flurry of strikes. Grimes ate some back elbows and a spinning back kick. The fight spilled to the floor, and Grimes caught him coming back into the ring. Grimes went to work on Priest as he gained an advantage.
The show abruptly cut to a picture-in-picture commercial, which was awkward. Priest made a comeback after the break as he fired up on Grimes. Priest mowed him down, until Grimes clotheslined Priest over the ropes. They fought on the floor, and Priest executed a Razor’s Edge that sent Grimes into the corner of the apron. Nevertheless, Grimes came right back with an O’Connor Roll for a two count. Priest answered in return with a flatliner for a near fall.
Grimes with more near falls like when he caught Priest in a small package for two. Grimes with a modified one-man Spanish Fly into a body press for another two count. Grimes got cocky, and that was his downfall. Priest hulked up and hit a cyclone kick followed by a draping version of The Reckoning. Priest then covered Grimes for the deciding pinfall.
Timothy Thatcher is back for another fun seminar. Today’s lesson is something he taught Oney Lorcan at The Great American Bash. That is that for very submission there is something to be learned. Thatcher then proceeded to torture a student with a Fujiwara armbar.
Indi Hartwell defeated Shotzi Blackheart
Hartwell pinned Blackheart in an upset after interference by Aliyah & Robert Stone. Blackheart was in control until Hartwell cut her off. Hartwell briefly got heat on her that netted her several two counts. Blackheart fired up into a comeback.
As she was running wild, Robert Stone limped out to ringside with a walking cast. Blackheart planted Hartwell with a DDT as Stone got on the apron to distract referee Aja Smith. When Blackheart climbed on the turnbuckles, Aliyah ran in to trip her up. Hartwell with a big boot, and then she covered Blackheart for the pinfall.
Tegan Nox in a backstage interview cut a heckuva babyface promo vowing to win the title later tonight when she challenges Io Shirai. Nox was a star here.
A vignette with El Legado Del Fantasma had them setting around a fancy table plotting to build their empire. They too looked like stars.
A hype video putting over Keith Lee was the new double champion preceded his first title match that was next. Much like the first hour of the show, the second hour also opens with a segment featuring the new top star of NXT. Lee on the top of the hour looking like a true superstar.
NXT Champion and North Amercian Champion Keith Lee defeated Dominik Dijakovic in a winner-take-all match to retain his titles
Lee pinned Dijakovic clean in the middle after another good match in their series. This was much different than their previous bouts. They wowed with psychology more so than with their high spots that have wowed in the past. Solid match that further made Lee look like a star, and making him the undisputed top star on NXT was a theme of the show.
They were all smiles at first doing a babyface match as they worked a deliberate pace. Gorilla Monsoon might have called it the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object.
Dijakovic almost caught Lee with his finisher, but Lee escaped for a stalemate that led into a commercial break. Dijakovic was working over Lee when the show returned from the commercial break. Lee soon powered out only for Dijakovic to club him some more. Lee blocked a suplex, and started he started to pepper Dijakovic with punches. Lee hit him with a Monty Brown pounce.
Dijakovic cut Lee off with a side slam for two. Dijakovic measured Lee for a roaring elbow, but Lee countered with a swinging flatliner (similar to the move Damian Priest did earlier) with Dijakovic draped on the middle rope. Dijakovic still managed to get his shoulder up to break the count.
Dijakovic with headbutts knocked Lee off the turnbuckles, and Dijakovic followed with a blockbuster for a near fall. A cyclone boot netted Dijakovic another two count. Dijakovic went for an attempted a flying ax handle, but Lee struck him down with double chops. Lee raised Dijakovic to the heavens with a chokelsam before slamming him down the mat. Lee then delivered the Big Bang Catastrophe to score the pinfall and retain his titles.
Lee and Dijakovic embraced after the match when the lights dimmed. Scarlett walked through a cloud of fog with a satchel. She dumped out the broken pieces of the hour glass that Lee crushed a few weeks ago. Of course this was a message from Karrion Kross, who looks to be a challenger for Lee.
Dijakovic after a commercial break was doing a post-match interview when Kross confronted him. They got face-to-face, and a brawl erupted between the two. Kross laid out Dijakovic.
Timothy Thatcher defeated Denzel Dejournette
Thatcher submitted Dejournette in a grappling clinic.
Dejournette has an extensive amateur wrestling background so he matched well with Thatcher’s style. It made for the most realistic match on the show. Lots of chain wrestling until Thatcher locked in a half crab, and Dejournette tapped out for the submission.
Not done yet, Thatcher attacked Dejournette after the bell. Oney Lorcan ran in to make a save. Thatcher bailed out of the ring and had a staredown with Lorcan. Looks like they are set for a return match.
Robert Stone was pleading his case to Killian Dain about their coffee incident on the previous episode. Stone put all the heat on Shotzi Blackheart. Aliyah ran up to Stone to show him a picture drawn by Dexter Lumis. It depicted scenes from last week at The Bash, and one scene was Stone getting his leg run over by Blackheart’s mini-tank. Dain snatched the picture away, and looked at it. Dain grapped Stone by the lapels. and he sternly told Stone to get him a match with Lumis next week. Not sure what one had to do with the other, but it at least leads to a match.
Lumis vs. Kain was made official for next week, and also officially announced for next week is Kross vs. Dijakovic.
And now for the main event [he says in a Howard Finkel voice]…
NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai defeated Tegan Nox to retain her title
Shirai pinned Nox to retain the title. Nox fought valiantly, but she ultimately fell to the champion. Nox still looked strong despite losing the match, and they both worked really hard to put on a good match. Dakota Kai attacked Shirai after the match so she looks to be the next challenger.
Nox was ready to fight, and she wanted to skip the pre-match introductions. So they did just that as Nox wore a look of determination on her face. There was some chain wrestling at the outset, and they exchanged counters and reversals. That gave way to strikes as the action intensified, and they built to a highspot that saw Nox faceplant on the apron before a commercial break.
Shirai was in control when the show returned from the break. Nox soon fought back. Shirai went for a flying crossbody, but Nox caught her to counter with a fallaway slam. Nox then bridged into a cover, and Shriai kicked out.
They would trade more near falls. Shirai with a double knee strike, and it was Nox’s turn to kick out. Nox answered back with a roll-up on Shirai. An Oklahoma roll moments later by Nox for another two count.
Shirai got heat on Nox as Nox played babyface-in-peril. She fought from underneath as Shirai worked her over. They match went through another commercial break. Meanwhile, Shirai worked the leg. Shirai also applied a crossface that Nox escaped as the show was returning from the commercial break.
When the fight spilled outside the ring, Shirai sent Nox crashing into the ring steps. Shirai went to follow up with a double knee strike, but she took too much time to gloat. Nox moved, and Shirai hit the steps knees first.
Back in the ring, Shirai picked up Nox with a double underhook. Shirai turned it into a backbreaker across her knee, and Shirai went down too selling her knees from the earlier spot. That led to a double down.
They went back to trading near falls. Nox with a small package, and Shirai with a German suplex. Shirai springboarded to the top rope, but she was tripped up and tied in the tree-of-woe. Nox with a cannonball into the corner.
Nox with a series of clotheslines, followed by another cannonball. Nox flew off the top with a diving crossbody for a two count. Nox with the Lady Kane chokeslam, and Shirai again kicked out. Shirai cut her off with a German suplex.
Shirai with her finishing sequence as she delivered doubles knees in a corner, and then the Tiger Feint Kick. Shirai launched herself into the stratosphere to deliver a missile dropkick for a close near fall.
Nox targeted one of Shirai’s injured knees in a callback to earlier. Nox planted Shirai with a sit-out gourdbuster, and Nox climbed the turnbuckles. Nox off the top with the Molly Go Round for yet another near fall. That would her last chance in the match after Nox walked into a Shotei palm strike. Shirai with moonsault off the top to score the pinfall.
Dakota Kai in sneak attack jumped Shirai after the match. Kai was stood tall over Shirai as the show faded to black.
This was a strong show with a lot of great wrestling. The booking looked to establish new stars, and Keith Lee is looking like a true superstar. He is indeed limitless.
How COVID-19 has affected UFC and WWE this past week when it comes to show changes and decisions is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We talk about WWE recovering from its outbreak and UFC losing major fights, as well as the details of the Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal fight coming together, the Gilbert Burns positive test and nature of who else tested positive, Burns explanation of his test failure, PPV numbers, more on UFC’s testing and its business deal in Saudi Arabia, WWE & AEW reactions this past week, who still hasn’t returned to television and Ric Flair’s situation being a regular television performer. We also talk about Renee Young and Jon Moxley and WWE rules on masks.
The new issue also covers:
We go through all the details of Fyter Fest and the Great American Bash, positives and the negatives of the ratings, every demo looked at, every quarter hour and match looked at and what it says, Paul Levesque talks the competition, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings.
WWE schedule over the next two months, certain changes and key reason why and more.
The Rey Mysterio/WWE situation as far as contract, why he was still used while no longer on contract, the deal in place, lots more on the “eye for an eye” stip, plus updating Extreme Rules.
Update the start of wrestling with fans with New Japan, who isn’t there and why, the rules in place for fans plus coverage of the New Japan Cup.
A new documentary about a wrestling icon being worked on, wrestling TV shows listed to Emmy voters and what they say, more on the Saudi Arabia situation, Smackdown’s role on FOX and why it’s valuable, WWE announcement coming, Canadian, U.K. and Sports ratings for the past week, ex-WWE stars sign for major representation, current WWE market value and most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.
Update on Matt Riddle’s situation with a time line.
New Japan’s Lion’s Break show, the concept and the talent.
Why COVID has slowed down a process that all sports leagues were hoping would change regarding ratings and the problem with the new system that goes into place sometime next year.
Ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week
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The guests for the special PPV edition of The Bump on Sunday will include Seth Rollins, Hardcore Holly, D-Von Dudley and NBA star Kenny “The Jet” Smith. There will also be a watch along during that show that will feature Robert Roode, Mick & Noelle Foley, Drake Maverick, Keith Lee, JBL, and Sonya Deville.
Tegan Nox spoke to Newsweek about coming out as a lesbian on Instagram recently: “My life has always been a “don’t ask, don’t tell” situation, but I felt like it was the right time, especially when you’ve found the right one you’re in love with. It was the right time to do that. The reaction has been great. There are a few people who obviously don’t agree with that, but 99 percent of the reactions have been positive. I’ve got texts coming through from so many colleagues and friends. It was nice. It’s great to see that there are so many nice people in the world.”
Cody spoke to talkSPORT about ratings discussion, primarily that of NXT and AEW’s: “It’s really easy to get caught up in the weeds with like ‘for X amount of weeks we beat WWE in the ratings’ or get into this wild demo discussion – if you ever catch me tweeting about the demos, please just delete my account.”
PWInsider is reporting that the state of Pennsylvania is filing a motion to revoke the February 2020 parole of Tammy Sytch following her July 13 arrest.
Tokyo Joshi Pro and DDT will air events on FITE PPV this weekend, both with English and Japanese commentary. Sonny Onoo, Dan Madigan, and Rob Hochmann will be on English commentary.
EC3 spoke to WrestleZone, saying that he’ll go where he has the best opportunity.
Kyoko Kimura, mother of Hanna, has filed a complaint with the Broadcasting Ethics & Program Improvement Organization.
ROH has posted a preview of their tribute to Hana Kimura that will air on their television show.
Jeff Katz has uploaded WRP matches with his own audio commentary.
WWE has revealed when number one contender Tegan Nox is getting her shot at the NXT Women’s Championship.
NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai will defend her title against Nox on next Wednesday’s episode of NXT. It will be Shirai’s first title defense since she won the championship in a triple threat match against Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley at TakeOver: In Your House last month.
Nox became the number one contender to Shirai’s title by defeating Dakota Kai, Mia Yim, and Candice LeRae in a fatal four-way elimination match at night one of NXT’s Great American Bash last week. That show was headlined by Shirai defeating Sasha Banks in a non-title match.
A video hyping Shirai vs. Nox for next week aired on Great American Bash night two tonight. Nox said she’s done with the perception of just being the comeback kid and doesn’t need sympathy. She’s here to prove to everyone why she is where she is. Nox claimed she’s soon to be the NXT Women’s Champion.
Shirai said she and Nox are very similar, but Nox can’t do it on her own and needs support to lift her up. Shirai said the only one she relies on is herself and the only thing she needs is the NXT Women’s Championship.
Nox said having friends and a support system isn’t a weakness — and she pointed out that Shirai got help from Asuka last week to defeat Banks. Nox mentioned that she’s never trained harder for anything in her life and she’s faster, stronger, and shinier than she’s ever been. Shirai said she’s at the top of her game and will be waiting for Nox next week.
Damian Priest vs. Cameron Grimes is also set for next week’s NXT. It’s a rematch from the June 24 NXT episode, where Grimes defeated Priest after an angle where he apparently attacked Priest in the parking lot before the show.
Tegan Nox is first in line for a shot at Io Shirai’s NXT Women’s Championship.
Nox became the number one contender to Shirai’s title by defeating Dakota Kai, Mia Yim, and Candice LeRae in a fatal four-way elimination match at Great American Bash night one tonight. WWE hasn’t announced when Nox will be getting her title shot.
LeRae was first to be eliminated from tonight’s four-way match. The match then came down to Nox vs. Kai after Yim was eliminated. Nox got the win after hitting a Molly-Go-Round and the Shiniest Wizard.
Shirai was in action in this week’s main event, defeating Sasha Banks in a non-title match. After interference by Bayley, Asuka got involved and spit green mist in Banks’ eyes. Banks kicked out of a roll-up attempt by Shirai after that, but Shirai got the win after hitting a moonsault from the top rope.
Shirai became NXT Women’s Champion by defeating Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley in a triple threat match at TakeOver: In Your House last month.
The fatal four-way number one contender’s match at night one of NXT’s Great American Bash will now have an elimination format.
WWE announced today that Mia Yim vs. Tegan Nox vs. Candice LeRae vs. Dakota Kai on this Wednesday’s NXT will be an elimination match. The winner will become the number one contender to Io Shirai’s NXT Women’s Championship, but when they’ll be getting their title shot hasn’t been revealed.
Kai & Raquel Gonzalez defeated Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter on NXT last week. After the match, Kai said she has her sights set on Shirai and the NXT Women’s Championship.
Shirai is facing Sasha Banks in a non-title match on Wednesday’s episode of NXT. Bayley will be in Banks’ corner for the match.
Shirai became NXT Women’s Champion by defeating Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley in a triple threat match at TakeOver: In Your House earlier this month.
The Great American Bash is taking place over the next two weeks of NXT and is going up against both nights of AEW’s Fyter Fest.
Here are the updated lineups for both nights of the Great American Bash:
Night one (July 1) —
Non-title match: NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai vs. Sasha Banks
Number one contender’s fatal four-way elimination match: Mia Yim vs. Tegan Nox vs. Candice LeRae vs. Dakota Kai
Strap match: Dexter Lumis vs. Roderick Strong
Two-on-one handicap match: Aliyah & Robert Stone vs. Rhea Ripley (Ripley must join the Robert Stone Brand if she loses)
Timothy Thatcher vs. Oney Lorcan
Night two (July 8) —
Winner-take-all title vs. title match: NXT Champion Adam Cole vs. NXT North American Champion Keith Lee
For the second time since they were introduced, the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles are set to be defended in NXT.
WWE has announced that Tegan Nox & Shotzi Blackheart will challenge for the Women’s Tag Team titles on NXT next Wednesday. Bayley & Sasha Banks currently hold the titles and will defend them against Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross and The IIconics in a triple threat match at Sunday’s Backlash pay-per-view.
Bayley & Banks won the titles from Bliss & Cross on SmackDown last Friday.
The Women’s Tag Team titles can be defended across all three of WWE’s top brands. Nox was also part of the first Women’s Tag Team title match in NXT, which took place in October. Asuka & Kairi Sane were champions then and retained their titles against Nox & Dakota Kai.
Nox & Blackheart teamed with Mia Yim against Kai, Raquel Gonzalez & Candice LeRae at NXT TakeOver: In Your House this past Sunday. Nox pinned Kai to get the win.
This is the second Tag Team title match that’s been announced for next week’s NXT. Breezango will challenge Imperium for the NXT Tag Team titles on the episode.
A sixth match has been added to the card for NXT TakeOver: In Your House.
It was announced on NXT tonight that Mia Yim, Tegan Nox & Shotzi Blackheart will face Candice LeRae, Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez in a six-woman tag match at the TakeOver special. It’s taking place on Sunday (June 7).
The match was announced after those six wrestlers were involved in a brawl on tonight’s NXT. Yim vs. LeRae on tonight’s show ended in a double countout when they fought outside of the ring. They fought to the top of the stage, with LeRae reversing a powerbomb and giving Yim a hurricanrana into the video screen. Nox came out to stop LeRae from attacking Yim further, then Kai, Gonzalez, and Blackheart all got involved.
A mixed tag match between Yim & Keith Lee and LeRae & Johnny Gargano then took place on NXT tonight. LeRae rolled up Yim to get the win after Yim was distracted by Gargano stabbing Lee in the eye with his car keys.
Lee is defending his NXT North American Championship against Gargano at TakeOver: In Your House. Here’s the updated card for the show:
NXT Champion Adam Cole defending against Velveteen Dream in a Backlot Brawl (if Cole wins, Dream can’t challenge for the NXT Championship again as long as Cole is still champion)
NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defending against Rhea Ripley and Io Shirai in a triple threat match
NXT North American Champion Keith Lee defending against Johnny Gargano
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Karrion Kross (w/ Scarlett)
Finn Balor vs. Damian Priest
Mia Yim, Tegan Nox & Shotzi Blackheart vs. Candice LeRae, Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez
The full lineup is set for NXT’s number one contender’s ladder match.
By winning a second chance gauntlet match on NXT tonight, Dakota Kai became the final wrestler to qualify for the ladder match. The ladder match is airing on NXT next Wednesday and will feature Chelsea Green, Mia Yim, Tegan Nox, Io Shirai, Candice LeRae, and Kai.
Shotzi Blackheart defeated Deonna Purrazzo at the start of the gauntlet match tonight. Blackheart then eliminated Xia Li, Aliyah, and Kayden Carter before the match came down to her and Kai.
Blackheart avoided interference by Raquel Gonzalez, but the distraction allowed Kai to get the win.
The ladder match was originally supposed to take place at NXT TakeOver: Tampa. Tommaso Ciampa vs. Johnny Gargano will also air on NXT next week, with their match being billed as “Blackheart vs. Rebel Heart: One Final Beat.”
NXT Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley is defending her title against Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 36. The winner of that match will defend their title against the ladder match winner at some point in the future.
Two more participants have qualified for the number one contender’s ladder match at NXT TakeOver: Tampa.
Mia Yim and Tegan Nox both won qualifying matches on tonight’s episode of NXT. Yim defeated Dakota Kai, while Nox defeated Deonna Purrazzo.
Raquel Gonzalez’s interference ended up backfiring in Yim vs. Kai. Gonzalez attacked Yim in a post-match angle, but — after Gonzalez and Kai left — Yim got to her feet and the crowd chanted for her.
On last week’s NXT, Chelsea Green became the first wrestler to qualify for the number one contender’s ladder match by defeating Shotzi Blackheart.
The ladder match will feature six participants in total. Another qualifying match has been announced for next week’s NXT, with Candice LeRae set to face off with Mercedes Martinez. WWE hasn’t revealed who will be in the other two qualifiers.
The Amalie Arena is scheduled to host NXT TakeOver: Tampa on Saturday, April 4. With Rhea Ripley defending her NXT Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 36, the ladder match is taking place at TakeOver instead of a title match. The winner will be the number one contender to either Ripley or Charlotte after WrestleMania.
Two steel cage grudge matches are set for tonight’s episode of NXT.
Velveteen Dream vs. Roderick Strong and Tegan Nox vs. Dakota Kai will both take place inside of a steel cage tonight. Nox vs. Kai will kick off the show.
The steel cage match between Nox and Kai was announced after Raquel Gonzalez interfered in their street fight at NXT TakeOver: Portland and helped Kai win.
Velveteen Dream defeated Strong in the main event of NXT two weeks ago but was attacked by Undisputed Era after. Last week, Dream issued the steel cage match challenge and Strong accepted.
In non-steel cage action, Undisputed Era’s Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish will take on Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch. WWE also posted a video where Austin Theory accepted a challenge from Isaiah “Swerve” Scott for tonight.
Finn Balor was ambushed by Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner last week, with the Imperium duo sending their regards to Balor on behalf of NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER. WWE will follow up on that tonight.
WWE will also follow up on Johnny Gargano returning last week and laying out Tommaso Ciampa after his match with Theory.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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The show opened with one of two cage matches set for tonight.
Dakota Kai (w/ Raquel Gonzalez) defeated Tegan Nox in a steel cage match
Kai escaped the cage to win the match after interference by Raquel Gonzalez.
Like any grudge match should, they started by throwing hands. Nox with a flurry at the outset, but Kai soon cut her off. Nox battled back, but Kai ended the rally before throwing Nox into the cage. The show cut to commercial with picture-in-picture.
Nox countered Kai to sent her crashing into the cage as the show returned from the commercial break. Nox threw Kai into the cage a few more times as she fired up on her.
Kai executed the Kai-Ropractor for a near fall. Nox countered with an a small package for a two count. Nox went to climb the cage and Kai followed her. Nox then chokeslammed Kai off the top rope.
Nox paused after the high spot, and Kai recovered to pull her back into the ring. They traded strikes before Nox began to climb the cage again. Gonzalez at ringside was daring her to jump. Nox instead turned back to the ring, and then she leapt into a flying crossbody the top off the cage.
Nox was crawling towards the open door when Gonzalez shut the door and blocked Nox from exiting the cage. A referee stationed at the door was sandwiched between Gonzalez as she held the door closed. Kai charged towards Nox, and Nox sidestepped her. Kai crashed into the door, and Gonzalez went flying at ringside.
Nox with the Shinniest Wizard for a close near fall. Gonzalez entered through the door and got on the apron. Nox rocked her with a kick, and went to climb out. Kai gave chase, only for her to take a Nestea Plunge off the cage.
Nox was on trying to climb out near the door. Gonzalez was dragging Kai out the door by her feet when Nox kicked the door — and it slammed into Kai previously injured knee. Gonzalez retaliated by slamming the door on Nox and wedging her between it and the cage.
Kai then crawled out of the door to win the match.
Finn Balor in a great vignette cut a promo on WALTER. Balor said WALTER forced his hand, and he is not going to like Balor’s reaction. Balor warned WALTER that he would see him sooner than he thinks.
A video package showed NXT Champion Rhea Ripley touring Raymond James Stadium ahead of her title defense at the venue against Charlotte Flair. Ripley talked about her journey to NXT, and Ripley said she was often compared to Charlotte upon Ripley’s arrival at NXT. Ripley then put over Charlotte, before saying to be the best you have to beat the best. She vowed to do that at WrestleMania.
Chelsea Green (w/ Robert Stone) defeated Shotzi Blackheart
Green in winning qualified for the number one contender’s ladder match at TakeOver in Tampa.
The match was fairly competitive until Green hit a missile dropkick off the top rope. She then delivered the I’m Prettier for the pinfall.
A mysterious and ominous vignette presumably hyped the arrival of someone.
NXT North American Champion Keith Lee in street clothes came to the ring for a promo. The crowd chanted for Lee before he began to address the audience. The crowd then shushed each other so they could listen to Lee.
Lee was talking about the challengers he has faced so far as champion when Cameron Grimes interrupted him. Grimes got in the ring to confront Lee.
Grimes bragged about beating Dijakovic last week. Lee told Grimes he made the gravest mistake of his career. The crowd showered Grimes in boos whenever he began to speak.
Grimes said William Regal granted him a title match against Lee next week. Lee shoved Grimes out of the ring, and he told Grimes if wanted an opportunity then Lee would give him an “equal opportunity ass whipping” in their match next week.
Austin Theory on a YouTube promo was boasting about being the greatest in NXT. Isaiah “Swerve” Scott got in his face to scoff at Theory saying he was the greatest. Swerve challenged Theory to a match later in the show.
Backstage in a dressing room, Undisputed Era was pumping up Roderick Strong ahead of his cage match later on against Velveteen Dream.
Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly) defeated Brit-Am Bruisers (Danny Burch & Oney Lorcan)
O’Reilly pinned Lorcan after a double team high/low combo out of nowhere.
Fish and Lorcan started the match, but it soon broke down into a melee. Lorcan jumped off the apron with double blockbuster on the floor as the show cut to commercial. No picture-in-picture this time.
Lorcan was hulking up on Fish as the show returned from the break. Burch tagged in to run wild. Undisputed Era would use tandem moves to cut him off. They began working over Burch while proverbially cutting the ring in half.
Lorcan cleaned house after a hot tag, and then he did a flip dive over the top rope. Undisputed Era in a flash caught Lorcan with a high/low combo, and O’Reilly covered Lorcan for the pinfall.
O’Reilly & Fish cut a promo after the match. They are back to their winning ways, but they are missing something — their tag team titles. They warned the Bro-serweights they were coming for the NXT Tag Team Championship.
Matt Riddle & Pete Dunne interrupted the promo. Riddle was about to book a match when the Grizzled Young Veterans in a sneak attack jumped the Bro-serweights. Zack Gibson cut a promo positioning themeselves as the next challengers.
Velveteen Dream was shown taping his fists ahead of his cage match later on.
Austin Theory defeated Isaiah “Swerve” Scott
Theory pinned Scott after using his ATL finisher.
Swerve got to shine early on as he rocked Theory with kicks. He looked strong as he delivered a jumping back kick before the show went to a commercial break.
Theory was in control when the show returned from break. Swerve fought back with strikes and more kicks. A flying uppercut by Swerve led into a flurry of kicks and a flatliner for a two count.
After blocking a hurricanrana, Theory sent Swerve into the corner with buckle bomb, and followed with the RP1 for a near fall.
Theory rolled through for a pop-up move when Swerve caught him in an armbar. Swerve did a modified version of the arm break spot similar to Pentagon Jr.
Still selling the arm, Theory was able to trip up Swerve and execute the ATL (Austin Theory Launch) to score the pinfall.
Johnny Gargano in sit-down interview conducted by Mauro Ranallo at the PC was supposed to explain why he turned heel. Ranallo got right to the point asking why he attacked Tommaso Ciampa. Gargano started to answer by mentioning to Mauro that he was “the only guy” to attend the red carpet premiere of the documentary on Mauro’s life (Bipolar Rock ‘N’ Roller — which is a must watch if haven’t seen it).
Gargano brought that up to say Mauro was the person telling their stories. Gargano asked Mauro who he was, and the reply was “Johnny Wrestling”.
Gargano was deflecting from the initial question so far, but Mauro pressed him some more about the ambush on Ciampa. Gargano said he saw in Ciampa’s eyes what he needed to see, and he did what he had to do. He scoffed at the ambush last week being a sneak attack. Gargano yelled he was wearing a powder blue sports coat — insinuating he stood out.
Gargano grew increasingly more angry with Mauro as he continued to yell. He almost got out of his chair. Mauro again asked why, and Gargano jumped out of his seat to get in Mauro’s face. He screamed at Mauro that he knew why.
Mauro had called him “Johnny Turncoat”, and Gargano was angry. Mauro stammered in saying he said that in the moment. Gargano continued to scream at him, and he demanded an apology. Mauro said he was uncomfortable and he rushed off set.
Gargano warned Ciampa next week that they are doing things the Johnny Gargano way.
Announced for next week on NXT were two titles matches. Keith Lee defends the NXT North American Championship against Cameron Grimes stemming from an angle earlier in the show. Also announced for the next episode is Bro-serweights (Riddle & Dunne) defending the NXT Tag Team Championship against Unisputed Era (Fish & O’Reilly). NXT next week airs live from the PC.
Roderick Strong defeated Velveteen Dream in a steel cage match
Strong won when Dream sacrificed the match in a ploy to lock himself in the cage with NXT Champion Adam Cole. Dream shoved Strong out of the door, and then he trapped Cole in the cage. This clearly sets up Cole vs. Dream in a title match.
Dream was wearing gear while Strong came to fight in street clothes made up of jeans and a cut-off t-shirt. The announcers sold this as more of a street fight than a wrestling match.
It began with a slugfest and brawl inside the cage. Strong took control and started to pummel Dream. Strong took a back drop into the cage as the momentum looked to shift. Marina Shafir ran down to ringside to give Strong a kendo stick.
The show went to commercial as Strong looked to use the kendo stick. There was picture-in-picture during the break so viewers saw Dream take the kendo stick away from Strong and use it on him. Moments later Dream became tied in the tree-of-woe.
Dream with a low blow blocked Strong from escaping the cage. Dream then applied Strong’s own submission hold — The Stronghold (Boston crab). Strong soon escaped to apply The Stronghold on Dream.
Strong countered an attempted DVD, but he found himself trapped against the cage as Dream kept hitting him with kicks. Strong broke free and retrieved the kendo stick. They fought over it until Strong used it to help with a pump handle backbreaker.
They did the Ultimate Warrior-Rick Rude full moon spot from their cage match at SummerSlam in 1990. Although Dream has channeled Rude during this program, Strong was in the Rude role here as Dream blocked him from climbing out of the cage by grabbing him by his pants. Strong’s pants were pulled down and his butt was exposed for a full moon over Full Sail.
Strong with an Olympic Slam off the top rope sent Dream crashing to the mat. That turned into a double down that led into the finish.
They were both jumping over each other trying to get out the cage door. Dream executed two DVDs and went to climb the cage. He got to the top when Strong’s Undisputed Era stablemates rushed to ringside. Fish brought with him another kendo stick.
The heel faction were trying to climb the cage tried to fight them off. Adam Cole was able to inside the cage, and Dream sent him flying with a Ric Flair press slam off the top turnbuckle.
Strong headed out the door when Dream blocked him. Dream then turned to look back at Cole, and Dream proceeded to shove Strong out of the door. Strong landed on the floor to win the match.
Dream immediately slammed the door shut and locked himself inside the cage with Cole. Dream pummeled Cole as Undisputed Era tried to climb in to help their stablemate. Dream swatted them down and continued to assault Cole.
Dream used a kendo stick, and then he gave Cole a DVD on a chair. Strong tried to make a save, but he was crotched and fell into the tree-of-woe.
Dream picked up the NXT Championship belt and held it high. He hit Cole with a belt shot. Dream climned atop the cage and posed with the title belt as the show closed.
