A “live negotiation” with Adam Cole and NXT general manager William Regal will be part of the lineup for next week’s NXT episode.
After last night’s NXT went off the air, Cole posted a video setting up the segment for next week. Cole said he wants to make sure Velveteen Dream disappears forever and stays out of the Undisputed Era’s business.
Regal then tweeted in response to Cole today: “You need not make any demands, @AdamColePro. If you would like my attention, you may have it… live next week on #WWENXT.”
Cole’s Undisputed Era stablemate Roderick Strong defeated Dexter Lumis on NXT last night. Lumis then put Strong in a choke after the match. Cole and Fish were about to attack Lumis, but Dream made the save and took them out.
Cole retained his NXT title against Dream on NXT two weeks ago. Dream got a visual pinfall on Cole when there was a ref bump in that match. He then woke the referee up and took out Strong and Fish on the outside, but Cole hit a superkick and the Last Shot to get the win when Dream came back in the ring.
Cole celebrating approaching one year as NXT Champion was originally set for next week. He became NXT Champion by defeating Johnny Gargano for the title at TakeOver: XXV last year.
TakeOver: In Your House is NXT’s next TakeOver special. It’s taking place on Sunday, June 7.
Next week’s NXT will also feature Matt Riddle vs. Timothy Thatcher in a “cage fight.” Plus, Kushida, Drake Maverick, and Jake Atlas will face off in a triple threat match to decide who advances to the interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship tournament finals from Group A.
Two titles will be on the line on tonight’s loaded up episode of NXT.
In a match that was originally being built to for TakeOver: Tampa, Adam Cole will defend his NXT Championship against Velveteen Dream. The NXT Women’s Championship will also be up for grabs as Charlotte Flair defends against Io Shirai.
Charlotte became the NXT Women’s Champion by defeating Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 36. Shirai was confirmed as her first challenger by winning a six-woman number one contender’s ladder match on NXT last month.
Karrion Kross and Scarlett are set to officially arrive on NXT tonight. WWE has confirmed that Kross will be making his NXT in-ring debut on the show, but his opponent has yet to be revealed.
After a challenge that was issued by Dominik Dijakovic last week, Johnny Gargano and Dijakovic will face off on tonight’s show. Plus, Finn Balor will make an appearance and call out the person who attacked him in the locker room two weeks ago.
Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Tom Phillips opened the show welcoming viewers to the show. He was in the arena while Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix were doing commentary remotely for the second week in a row. All three announcers were calling the show.
Johnny Gargano defeated Dominik Dijakovic
Gargano pinned Dijakovic with the help of an exposed turnbuckle. He played smarmy heel, and his wife came to ringside during the match to help cause a distraction.
Dijakovic overpowered Dijakovic at the outset. He was ragdolled Gargano throughout the match. Gargano at one point playe possum when he began selling his knee. It was a red herring as he then targeted the knee of Dijakovic.
Gargano’s wife — Candice LeRae — came to ringside. Her presence distracted Dijakobvic, allowing Gargano to shove him over the ropes to the floor. Gargano followed with a tope suicida before the first commercial break on the show.
Gargano was applying a sleeper when the show returned from the break. Dijakovic soon escaped to make a comeback. He mowed down Gargano with a cyclone kick for a two count.
LeRae interefed at one point, and her husband countered a slam into a schooboy. Gargano held the trunks, but Dijakovic still kicked out.
LeRae distracted the referee so Gargano could attempt to take a pad off of a turnbuckle. Gargano walked into a guzzle, and Dijakovic with a sit-out chokeslam for a near fall.
After a slight botch into a back flip, Dijakovic leveled Garganow with a superkick.
Gargano escaped Feast Your Eyes, and he used a hurricanrana to send Dijakvoic into the exposed turnbuckle. Gargano then executed his slingshot DDT — now called “One Final Beat” — and he covered Dijakovic for a three count.
Imperium stablemates Fabian Aichner & Marthel Barthel cut a promo explaining why last week they attacked Matt Riddle & Timothy Thatcher. Imperium then formally challenged the NXT Tag Team Champions to a title match.
Akira Tozawa defeated Jack Gallagher in an Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament match
Tozawa pinned Gallagher in a rather short match compared to other matches in the tournament so far. Tozawa improves to a 2-0 record in the tourney, and Gallagher drops to 0-2 in Group B.
The fight spilled outside the ring where Tozawa countered Gallagher to give him a DDT on the apron. Tozawa captialized with a senton bomb off the top to score the pinfall.
Tozawa in a post-match interview talked about El Hijo del Fantasma next in the tourney. He said he has never faced Fantasma in a match before, but Tozawa vowed to defeat him.
Chelsea Green (with Robert Stoane) defeated Xia Li
Green pinned Li in a short match after interference from Aliyah
Li was a house of fire at the start. Aliyah came to down to ringside and interfered by causing a distraction. Aliyah has history with Li stemming from an angle where Li in storyline broke Aliyah’s nose.
Li kicked Aliyah off the apron, but she fell victim to the I’m Prettier finisher. Green then covered her for the pinfall.
Veleveteen Dream cut a promo on Adam Cole ahead of their title match later in the show.
Karrion Kross (with Scarlett) defeated Leon Ruff
Kross won in a complete squash. He gave Ruff a couple Saito suplexes before locking in his submission — the Kross Jacket — and Ruff quickly tapped out.
Kross had a wickedly cool entrance that was in black-and-white before the picture turned to color. He and Scarlett look to be getting a monster push.
A video package hyped Io Shirai vs. Charlotte Flair in a title macth happening later in the show.
McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Matt Riddle & Timothy Thatcher. She asked them about Imperium wanting a title match. Riddle said it wasn’t up to him, it was up to Thatcher.
“I think you knock them out, I’ll tap them out,” Thatcher said to Riddle.
Io Shirai defeated NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair via disqualifaction
Flair hit Shirai with a kendo stick for the DQ. Considering the two involved, this was a disappointment — especially with the cheap DQ finish.
Although Shirai won, Flair retained her title on a technicality since the title cannot change hand via DQ. Rhea Ripley returned after the finish to make a save, but Shirai did not seem pleased by that action.
Shirai used her speed and agility to outwit Flair at the outset. Flair soon trapped Shirai in a headscissors to ground her. Flair then began to work over Shirai.
Shirai fought back, but Flair cut her off before a commercial break. Shirai with a missile dropkick as the show returned from commercial.
Flair took a Super Frankensteiner as Shirai got a near fall. Flair again cut off Shirai, and Flair then went for a moonsault press. Shirai moved as Flair crashed and burned.
Shirai with a Tiger Feint Kick, and she followed with a double knee strike in a corner. Flair kicked out at two. Shirai went for a moonsault press, but Flair got her knees up. Flair hit her with a big boot, but Shirai kicked out on a subsequent pinning attempt.
Shirai with a flying headscissors sent Flair crashing into a turnbuckle. Flair rolled outside, and Shirai went to the top rope. Shirai missed a moonsault off the top rope to the floor.
At ringside Flair retrieved a kendo stick and nailed Shirai with it. The referee called for the DQ, but Flair continued her attack.
Flair targeted a leg and posted Shirai. Suddenly Rhea Ripley rushed out to make a save.
Ripley attacked Flair, and Flair fled the scene.
Shirai screamed at Ripley, and Ripley told her to shut up. Shirai followed Ripley up the ramp as Ripley was leaving.
Ripley was being interviewed backstage when Shirai confronted her. They had a shoving match and a pull-apart. This will probably set up a match between the two.
Kushida defeated Jake Atlas in an Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament match
Kushida submitted Atlas with an armbar in a fast-paced — albeit rather short — match. Kusida improves to 2-0 in the tornmment, and Atlas is now even at 1-1 in Group A.
The action started quickly. Kushida began working an arm. He leapt off the top with a somersaullt senton to the floor.
Kushida with a palm strike that allowed the announcers to mention Jushin Liger.
Atlas created separation and then hit a shining wizard for a near fall. Atlas a moment later flew through the ropes with a tope.
Atlas went for a springboard off the top rope, but Kushida caught him in an armbar upon impact. Atlas tapped out.
Kushida in a post-match interview vowed to be the next champion. He pointed to the watch drawn on his wrist tape, and said “time will tell”.
Finn Balor is next with a promo segemt. Balor said he once thought the biggest snakes in this place were in the office, but now he is not sure. He alluded to a theory that you attack “the guy” and you get the push.
Balor went on to say after the smoke and lasers, you have to get in the ring with “The Prince” where there is nowhere to hide. Balor said he was patience man, but warned whoever attacked him. Instead of a push “it will be squash.”
Cameron Grimes defeated Denzel Dejournette
Grimes pinned Dejournette in a very short match.
Grimes went for double stomp at the start, but Dejournette sidestepped him. Dejournette — who wore a singlet and has an amateur wrestling background — threw around Grimes with overhead suplexes. Grimes cut him off with the Cave In double stomp, and he covered Dejournette for the pinfall.
Grimes cut a promo after the match where he brought up Finn Balor. He was cutting a promo on him when Balor came out to confront him.
Grimes was saying he would slap Balor, but he was unaware Balor was walking up behind him. Balor stared a hole through him, and dared Grimes to slap him in the face. Grimes was backpedaling at first before he tried to cheapshot Balor.
Balor ducked a punch and hit Grimes with a double stomp. Balor then gave him a slingblade, and Grimes fled.
Balor looked into the camera and said there is a “snake hiding in the long grass” in the locker room, but he vowed to find him and chop off his head.
A video package hyped the NXT Championship match that was next.
NXT Champion Adam Cole defeated Velveteen Dream to retain his title
Cole pinned Dream to win the match. Undisputed Era tried to interfere, but Dexter Lumis made a save.
Dream was in control early on, but fell for one of the oldest tricks in the book as Cole caught him trying to come back into the ring. Cole pulled down a kneepad and went for the Last Shot, but Dream countered with an Arn Anderson spinebuster.
Dream was back in control when Cole attempted a Panama Sunrise. Dream with a counter and a DDT for a near fall before the show went to its final commercial break.
Cole cut off Dream momentarily, but Dream fought back as Cole bumped and fed. Dream springboarded into an ax handle for a two count.
Dream with a superkick for another near fall. Dream went to the top rope and rolled through on a dive when Cole moved out of the way.
Cole turned the tide using a backstabber, but Dream kicked out at two. Cole with an enzuigiri and a ushigoroshi for another near fall.
They traded strikes until Cole sent Dream outside the ring. Dream went for a flying ax handle, but Cole countered with a superkick. Cole was down selling and Dream fell on him for a pinning attempt, but Cole kicked out.
Undisputed Era stablemates Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish came to ringside looking to interfere. Dexter Lumis crawled out from underneath the ring to block their path. He must have been hanging out with Hornswoggle I guess. Lumis was fighting out Fish and Strong when he sent Strong flying into the referee.
After the ref bump, Dream jumped off the top with flying elbow drop. However, there was no ref to count the fall. Dream counted to three, and then looked around as he hollered for the ref. That was dumb because the ref was down selling right there in front him.
Fish and Strong were double-teaming Lumis outside the ring as Dream tried to revive the ref. Dream then wiped out Strong and Fish with a double flying ax handle off the top rope to the floor.
Dream got back into the ring where he walked into a superkick. Cole then delivered The Last Shot, and he covered Dream for the pinfall to retain his title.
In my opinion this was this show was completely skippable aside from maybe the debut of Karrion Kross. Even that match was short as was most of the other matches. This was very lackluster episode.
After weeks of build, Velveteen Dream is getting his shot at Adam Cole’s NXT Championship.
It was announced tonight that Cole vs. Dream for the NXT Championship will air on next Wednesday’s NXT episode. WWE began building to Cole defending his title against Dream prior to NXT TakeOver: Tampa being canceled.
A promo from Cole aired on NXT tonight. Cole said he stands by the fact that Dream doesn’t deserve a shot at his title, but he’s going to show out as the greatest NXT Champion there has ever been and continue being the longest reigning NXT Champion of all time.
The title match comes after Dream pinned Cole in a tag team match in the main event of last week’s NXT. Dream & Dexter Lumis defeated Undisputed Era’s Cole & Roderick Strong in the match, with Lumis replacing Keith Lee as Dream’s partner while the match was going on. There was an angle where Damian Priest attacked Lee and took him out by hitting him in the throat with a nighstick.
Last Friday, Dream (real name Patrick Clark) issued a statement denying an allegation of inappropriate behavior that was made against him: “Be assured I did not communicate inappropriately with anyone. A private photo of mine was shared without my consent or knowledge and I am working with a third party to look into this matter.”
The allegation was made by a Reddit user who claimed that Dream was sending them and their friends messages of a sexual nature through Instagram direct messages. The Reddit user wrote that they were 17 years old and their friends were 15 and 16.
The NXT Women’s Championship will also be on the line next week. Charlotte Flair will defend her title against Io Shirai.
Velveteen Dream (real name Patrick Clark) issued a statement today denying an allegation of inappropriate behavior that was made against him.
“Be assured I did not communicate inappropriately with anyone,” Dream wrote in a statement that was posted on his social media accounts. “A private photo of mine was shared without my consent or knowledge and I am working with a third party to look into this matter.”
The allegation surfaced when a Reddit user claimed that Dream was sending them and their friends messages of a sexual nature through Instagram direct messages. The Reddit user posted a censored screenshot of a nude picture that Dream allegedly sent them and claimed that Dream blocked them after they wouldn’t send him a nude picture back.
The Reddit user wrote that they were 17 years old and their friends were 15 and 16.
WWE hasn’t commented on the situation. On NXT, the company has been building to Dream challenging Adam Cole for the NXT Championship. He pinned Cole in a tag team match in the main event of this week’s NXT episode.
After a couple of changes to last night’s main event, Velveteen Dream ended up pinning NXT Champion Adam Cole in tag team action.
Dream vs. Finn Balor was originally announced as headlining last night’s show, but NXT ran an angle where Balor was removed from the match due to being involved in an incident in the locker room before NXT went on the air. It was said that Balor’s status was unknown.
Dream & Keith Lee vs. Cole & Roderick Strong was then announced as the main event after Lee saved Dream from Undisputed Era in last night’s opening segment. Damian Priest took out Lee during the match, hitting him in the throat with a nightstick. Dexter Lumis then joined the main event as it was going on and helped Dream get the win.
Finn Balor vs. Velveteen Dream was supposed to headline tonight’s NXT episode, though it appears that whether or not the match will happen is in question.
NXT tweeted before tonight’s show went on the air: “Ahead of tonight’s episode of #WWENXT, officials have learned of a possible incident involving @FinnBalor inside the @WWENXT locker room. This is a developing story, more information will be provided when available.”
Last week’s show ended with Tommaso Ciampa being attacked backstage by Karrion Kross. Balor has been feuding with WALTER and Imperium.
NXT’s interim Cruiserweight Championship tournament will continue with three matches taking place tonight. In Group A, Kushida takes on Tony Nese and the recently-released Drake Maverick faces Jake Atlas. In Group B, El Hijo del Fantasma makes his NXT television debut against Jack Gallagher.
The interim title tournament began with Akira Tozawa defeating Isaiah “Swerve” Scott in a Group B match last week.
Plus, Tegan Nox teams up with Shotzi Blackheart against Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez. Nox defeated Gonzalez last Wednesday after Gonzalez was distracted when Blackheart helped fend off interference by Dakota Kai.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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The show opened with announcers confirming an “incident” in the locker room. Footage from “moments ago” showed referees inspecting the scene in the locker room where the alleged incident took place. Finn Balor himself was missing.
William Regal has removed Balor from the main event against Dream. Seems like Balor missing should be a bigger deal.
Velveteen Dream was in the arena sitting on the turnbuckles dressed like he is teaming with Deuce ‘n Domino. He was beginning to cut a promo on Balor.
NXT Champion Adam Cole interrupted the monologue. Cole accused Dream of scheming to get a title shot. Cole said he didn’t know what happened to Balor, but he knows what will happen to Dream.
Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish rushed into the ring to ambush Dream in a sneak attack. There was a triple-team beatdown on Dream when Keith Lee ran in to make a save. Lee cleaned house and hit Cole with a pounce that sent Cole through the ropes.
Undisputed Era retreated, and this would seem to set up a tag team match.
Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae will be on the show later on.
Gonzalez pinned Blackheart to win the match for her team.
Blackheart before the match drove a mini-tank to the ring.
The babyfaces were getting to shine when Gonzalez was began to cut off Blackheart. Kai tagged herself into the match, but she soon took a powder after the faces began to run wild. Gonzalez rushed into the ring, and she a low-bridge sent her outside to the floor.
Nox assisted Blackheart in doing a springboard plancha off the top to the floor. Blackheart let out a primal howl before the show went to a commercial break. Before cutting away some yelled “Who’s your daddy?!”
Gonzalez was working over Blackheart after the break. Kai missed a face wash, and then Blackheart delivered an enzuigiri to create separation. Nox and Gonzalez tagged in to square off.
Nox kept striking Gonzalez, but she couldn’t knock her down. Nox went for a flying crossbody, and Gonzalez caught her for a fallaway slam. Blackheart tagged in to catch Gonzalez with a seated senton for a two count.
Kai jumped in the ring and grabbed Blackheart by the hair like Bret and Shawn in ’97. Nox made a save, and she brawled with Kai on the floor. Meanwhile, Gonzalez executed a one arm powerbomb on Blackheart for the pinfall.
Adam Cole & Roderick Strong vs. Keith Lee & Velveteen Dream was announced for later in the show.
A heartbreaking vignette featured Drake Maverick opening up about his recent release from WWE. He was emotional when saying it could be his last WWE match. He isn’t done yet, and he still has a story to tell.
“This ain’t about a tournament anymore,” Maverick said. “This is my life.”
This situation — since WWE still for some reason cannot mention it being a pandemic — is affecting his co-workers, his friends and his family. He is but one person, yet he can be a beacon of light. He was three more matches in the cruiserweight tournament.
He doesn’t want any to feel sorry for him. Other peope are going through far more. His giving these matches everything he has got. He vowed to go out as the NXT Cruiserweight Champion.
This was a tremendous video package, but very sad at the same time.
A video package highlighted Jake Atlas wanting to be an inspiration to others as he continues to break stereotypes. This was good stuff.
Jake Atlas defeated Drake Maverick in a Group A match in the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship tournament
Atlas pinned Maverick with a cartwheel DDT. Atlas now has a 1-0 record in the tourney, and Maverick falls to 0-1.
Although this was a babyface match, Maverick maybe had a slight edge as the sentimental favorite. The announcers kept playing up Maverick being let go. What a strange business.
They got going and did a headscissors spot that sent Atlas over the ropes. Atlas fought back moments later with tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Atlas took control on offense.
Maverick looked to turn the tide after Atlas was posted shoulder first. A rally by Maverick led to him hitting a missile dropkick. He then applied a Tequila Sunrise, but Atlas escaped. Maverick followed with a tope suicida.
Maverick with a Randy Savage flying elbow drop or a near fall. Atlas soon cut him off with a superkick.
Atlas blocked a Super Frakensteiner, and then he did a cartwheel off the turnbuckles. He balanced on the top rope before dropping into a swinging DDT. Atlas then covered Maverick for the pinfall.
In something similar to an old school studio wrestling show, McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Atlas right after the match.
Atlas was remorseful about beating Maverick, but now Atlas stressed he was prepared.
“People are about to know my story, and I am going to become the next Cruiserweight Champion,” Atlas said.
A video package built towards Damian Priest challenging NXT North American Champion Keith Lee. Priest cut a good promo on Lee.
Vignettes profiled both Kushida and Tony Nese ahead of their first match in the cruiserweight tournament.
Kushida defeated Tony Nese in a Group A match in the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament
Kushida submitted Nese using the Sakuraba Lock. Kushida now has a 1-0 record and Nese drops to 0-1.
With these two involved, of course this was good.
They grappled at the start. The fight spilled outside where Nese threw Kushida into a barricade.
Kushida fought back with a flying ax handle. Nese broke up an attempted handspring, and he dragged Kushda out of the ring. Nese again sent Kushdia crashing into a barricade before the show cut to a commercial break.
Nese had Kushida locked in a body scissors when the show returned from break.
Kushida made a comeback that led into a handspring back elbow and cartwheel dropkick. Kushida with the wind up punch, and then he targeted Nese’s arm with kicks.
Nese went for a pump handle, but Kushida barred the arm he had just worked over. Kushida applied a Sakuraba Lock, and Nese used a suplex to counter for a two count.
Nese with a Phoenix Splash for a near fall. Kushida struck back with a palm strike. Nese soon cut off Kushida with a palm strike of his own.
They were fighting on the top turnbuckle when Kushida again applied the Sakuraba Lock. They both turned a flip and crashed to the mat with Kushdia maintaining the Lock. Nese would then tap out.
McKenzie Micthell interviewed Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher. This was great.
Thatcher said they have two different philosophies. Riddle like to knock people out, and Thatcher likes to lock in a hold and make people submit.
“You’re a beautiful man, Timothy,” Riddle said, “and everytime I look at your blue eyes you remind me of Stallion Pete.”
“My eyes are brown,” Thatcher corrected Riddle.
“I know bro,” Riddle said before going on to say next week they will show “just how beautiful a man you really are.”
“What do you have in mind?”
Trust me, bro,” Riddle said.
An apocalyptic hype video featured Karrion Kross and Scarlett.
Johnny Gargano in a pre-tape promo at his dinner table put himself over. Candice LeRae brought him dinner, and Gargano cut a promo on NXT. Gargano’s now infamous cup was sitting on the table. LeRae — with her hair now a darker shade — then cut a promo on NXT. This is kind of like them doing a serious version of Owen Hart’s “enough is enough” gimmick. They were great sinister heels in this.
Gargano proposed they rule NXT as the first married couple to reign as both NXT Champion and NXT Women’s Champion. Then they will get what they rightfully deserve.
A vignette hyped an upcoming match with Io Shirai challenging NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair.
Maverick was on a stairwell convalescing when he was approached for a comment. He is fighting his opponents and his own self. OMG, this is such a sad storyline.
Mia Yim defeated Jessi Kamea
Kamea got some offense and was made to look strong at times. Yim dodged a missile dropkick, and then she fire up on Kamea. Yim executed a STO, and then she used Protect Ya Neck to score the pinfall.
Charlotte Flair came out to confront Yim after the match. She asked Yim if she wanted a title match, and Yim said she would be honored.
Flair said Yim helped make her a star, and she called Yim a “good hand”. Flair went on to say she now as the chance to make Yim a star too.
El Hijo del Fantasma defeated Jack Gallagher in a Group B match in the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament
Fantasma — with his new mask — pinned Gallagher while making his televised in-ring debut on NXT.
Gallagher was grounded at the outset until he cut off Fantasma with fireman’s carry slam. Gallagher on the outsite sent Fantasma into the barricade.
Fantasma was able to catch Gallagher in a crucifix while in the ropes, and he flipped Gallagher over the ropes onto the floor. Fantasma followed with a plancha out of the ring.
After a commercial break Gallageher was somehow back in control. Fantasma started a comeback, and he launched into a tope suicida.
They traded near falls when each rolled the other up. Gallagher with a headbutt for a two count.
Gallagher missed a charge into a corner. Fantasma with a fireman’s carry into a Michinoku Driver to score the pinfall.
Fantasma in a post-match interview cut a promo in Spanish.
During the commercial break, masked men drove up in an SUV and tried to kidnap Fantasma in the parking lot. Fantasma fought them off and they sped away.
Dexter Lumis & Velveteen Dream defeated Undisputed Era (NXT Champion Adam Cole & Roderick Strong with Bobby Fish)
The match started as Dream teaming with Keith Lee. Damian Priest ran in to injure Lee — taking him out of the match. Lumis in an odd surprise replaced Lee.
Dream scored a pinfall on the NXT Champion to win the match for his team.
Dream wore a shirt and gear spoofing the nWo logo except his read “oVa” with “dream over” written underneath.
The match began with a melee. Fish interfered and he was ejected from ringside by the referee.
Damian Priest suddenly appeared at ringside where he assaulted Lee. Priest hit Lee in the throat with a knightstick. Lee sold big and acted as if he couldn’t breath. Officials poured out to check on Lee as the show went to its last commercial break.
This had turned into basically a handicap match when the show returned from the break. Undisputed Era worked over Dream, and they dashed some hope spots.
Dexter Lumis appeared out of nowwhere on the ring apron in Dream’s corner. Dexter Lumis?! Okay, sure. He subbed for an injured Lee — who went to the back during the last commercial break selling his injury.
Lumis cleaned house after a hot tag. Fish ran back down to ringside. Lumis did a flip dive on to Fish and Srong.
Dream leapt off the top rope to deliver the Purple Rain Maker, and then he covered Cole for the pin.
Velveteen Dream and Finn Balor are facing off on NXT next Wednesday.
That match was announced for next week’s show after Balor confronted Dream on NXT tonight. When Dream called Adam Cole arguably the greatest NXT Champion of all time, Balor took exception to that and threatened Dream. Dream responded by setting next week as the date for a match between them.
WWE has been building to Dream challenging Cole for the NXT Championship. A face-to-face chat between Cole and Dream had been hyped for tonight, but the storyline ended up being that Cole sent in a video instead. Cole said no one in NXT deserves a shot at his title.
Tegan Nox & Shotzi Blackheart vs. Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez has been confirmed for next week’s NXT as well. That was set up by Blackheart helping Nox when Kai interfered in Nox’s match against Gonzalez tonight. Blackheart attacked Kai after she interfered, and Nox then got the win by rolling up Gonzalez while Gonzalez was trying to chokeslam Blackheart.
NXT’s interim Cruiserweight Championship tournament will also continue with three matches next Wednesday. Those are Kushida vs. Tony Nese, Drake Maverick vs. Jake Atlas, and El Hijo del Fantasma vs. Jack Gallagher.
The build to Velveteen Dream getting a shot at Adam Cole’s NXT Championship will continue this week.
Cole posted a tweet today challenging Dream to meet him for a face-to-face chat on tomorrow’s episode of NXT: “I have an idea. If he’s got the guts, I want a face to face chat w/ Velveteen this Wednesday on @WWENXT…just the two of us. The Champ & The Dream. It’s time to see if he’s really worthy of a championship opportunity. #AdamColeBayBay #UndisputedERA”
Dream responded by mocking Cole for being vanilla: “Only If U Wear That Scent [I] Like…. That Vanilla Scent COLE”
WWE began building to Cole defending his NXT Championship against Dream prior to TakeOver: Tampa being canceled. On NXT two weeks ago, Dream defeated Undisputed Era’s Bobby Fish after being challenged to the match by Cole.
Video of a promo from Cole aired on NXT last week. He said Dream got lucky against Fish and warned him that lightning doesn’t strike twice. Cole said that — if Dream continues to push things — maybe Cole will wake up one day and feel like ending an experience or shattering his spotlight.
Finn Balor vs. Fabian Aichner is also set for tomorrow’s NXT episode, WWE will follow up on Charlotte Flair’s NXT Women’s Championship win from WrestleMania 36 and Io Shirai winning last week’s ladder match to become the number one contender to her title, and the interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship tournament will begin.
Despite technically losing his steel cage match against Roderick Strong last night, Velveteen Dream looks to have emerged as a challenger for Adam Cole’s NXT Championship.
Strong got help from his Undisputed Era stablemates and his wife Marina Shafir in last night’s main event. After Undisputed Era interfered, Dream was left in the cage with Strong and Cole. He pushed Strong out of the door and locked himself inside of the cage with Cole.
Dream laid out Cole and the rest of Undisputed Era as they tried to help him, then left with Cole’s NXT title belt.
Dream vs. Strong was one of two steel cage matches that took place last night. Tegan Nox and Dakota Kai’s cage match also saw interference, with Raquel Gonzalez again helping Kai defeat Nox.
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.
A second steel cage match has been added to next week’s episode of NXT.
On tonight’s NXT, it was announced that Velveteen Dream and Roderick Strong will face off inside of a steel cage next Wednesday. That joins the already confirmed Tegan Nox vs. Dakota Kai steel cage match on next week’s card.
There was a video that aired on NXT tonight where Velveteen Dream said he wants the steel cage left up so he can make Strong experience it next week. Strong later accepted Dream’s challenge and said he’s going to end him for good.
The storyline between Velveteen Dream and Strong resumed when Dream returned to NXT television three weeks ago after nearly four months out of action due to a back injury. Dream taunted Strong’s family, leading to them facing off in last week’s main event. Dream defeated Strong but was immediately laid out by all four members of Undisputed Era after the match.
The steel cage match between Nox and Kai was announced after their street fight at NXT TakeOver: Portland ended with Raquel Gonzalez interfering, aligning with Kai, and helping her win.
Dijakovic won with Feast Your Eyes. The crowd was really into Priest’s entrance.
– Bianca Belair defeated Kayden Carter
Belair got a nice pop from the crowd.
– Dexter Lumis defeated Rik Bugez
Lumis was cool and mostly dominated the match. He won with a roll-up while hooking the tights.
After the match, Bugez did his air guitar routine with the referee and ring announcer.
– Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez defeated Mia Yim & Tegan Nox
The heels got the win with a roll-up while having their feet on the ropes. Nothing special in this one.
– Finn Balor defeated NXT North American Champion Keith Lee by DQ
The crowd exploded when Balor’s music hit. The fans were pretty split during the match, but I thought Balor was more over.
There was a cool spot in this match where Balor countered the Spirit Bomb into a double stomp. The fans turned on Balor when he hit a low blow after a ref bump. He grabbed the North American title belt, but Dijakovic came down, took the belt away, and superkicked Balor. The ref saw Dijakovic with the belt and disqualified Lee.
Lee and Dijakovic had a staredown and the crowd was booing Dijakovic as he walked away.
– Kushida defeated Cameron Grimes
Kushida won by submission. The match was okay but not great.
– NXT Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley defeated Chelsea Green to retain her title
Green had a bit of offense, but this felt like a longer squash match. Ripley got a big pop.
– Tommaso Ciampa, Velveteen Dream & NXT Tag Team Champions Matt Riddle & Pete Dunne defeated The Undisputed Era (NXT Champion Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish)
There were some fun spots in this one, including all four members of Undisputed Era taking a superkick at the same time. Everyone got time to shine. Ciampa hit the Fairytale Ending on Fish for the win. As he usually is in Minnesota, Velveteen Dream was very over.
After the match, Ciampa thanked the fans, roster, and Triple H on NXT’s 10th birthday. He then led the crowd in a happy birthday song.
The fallout from TakeOver: Portland will take place on tonight’s episode of NXT.
Sunday’s TakeOver special ended with Adam Cole retaining his NXT Championship against Tommaso Ciampa. Johnny Gargano turned heel on Ciampa at the end of the match, and WWE will follow up on that tonight.
We’ll also see the fallout of Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair’s NXT Women’s Championship match becoming official for WrestleMania 36. Charlotte attacked Ripley and accepted her WrestleMania challenge after Ripley retained her title against Bianca Belair at TakeOver. On her way to the back, Charlotte also threw Belair into the steel steps.
Three matches have been announced for tonight. After returning two weeks ago, Velveteen Dream will face off with Roderick Strong. Dream has taunted Strong’s family over each of the past two weeks.
NXT Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin will defend his title against Lio Rush. Rush got the title shot by defeating Angel Garza in a number one contender’s match last Wednesday.
Plus, the Robert Stone Brand will “relaunch” with Chelsea Green facing Kayden Carter in a rematch after Carter defeated her three weeks ago.
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The Undisputed Era came out to kick off the show. Adam Cole said he’d told everyone so, he told everyone that he’d beat Ciampa and walk out of TakeOver: Portland still NXT champion. He then passed the mic to Roderick Strong who was going to talk about his match with Velveteen Dream later that night, but the lights went out and Dream did a voiceover promo as his logo appeared on the titantron. Strong said Dream would regret ever coming back to NXT.
Jordan Devlin defeated Lio Rush to retain the NXT Cruiserweight Championship
Crisp lockup between the two early on. They had a quick exchange, less than a minute, before NXT had to cut to a commercial break, though the match continued in the inset screen. It looked Rush took much of the offense during the break, wearing Devlin down in the corner with strikes, and later tried grounding Devlin with submission holds.
Devlin turned the tables on Rush when we were back from commercials, sticking a turnaround Arabian press onto Rush back inside the ring. Devlin took much of the next part of this match, at one point launching Lio Rush across the ring with a half-and-half suplex, and later landed a brutal-looking kitchen sink knee that earned a replay.
Tonight’s Full Sail crowd was loud in their support for Rush, so Devlin leaned into his heel role hard, torturing Rush with stiff strikes and getting heat with mean-looking submissions. Devlin continued working over Rush as NXT cut to their next commercial break.
Back from the break and we caught both Rush and Devlin crash mid-ring when they both attempted cross-body blocks.
Devlin returned quickly with a cutter which sent Rush out to the floor. Devlin went for an Orihara moonsault to the floor but missed; Devlin rolled through and landed on his feet. Rush responded with a springboard corkscrew moonsault.
Rush caught Devlin a Koji Clutch submission and the crowd started chanting “TAP!” at Devlin, who got his ankle on the bottom rope for the break.
Rush landed an avalance poisonrana, then the Come Up for a very close nearfall. Devlin again got hs foot on the ropes for the break. Rush then for a frog splash but missed, and moments later, Devlin was able to land his Devlin Side back suplex for the win. Excellent match.
-Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez were interviewed backstage next. Gonzalez said explained that she knew how Kai felt while Gonzalez herself was at the Performance Center, constantly being looked over, which was why she decided to help Kai out this past weekend during Kai’s street fight with Tegan Nox. Kai said that since Gonzalez proved she had her back on Sunday, that now Kai would have hers, and together they’d be unstoppable. NXT commissioner William Regal appeared in the shot next and explained how Kai would be facing Tegan Nox in a rematch, only this time, the match would be inside a steel cage.
-Tomasso Ciampa was shown outside the venue before the next commercial break.
-Back from break and we caught a post-match interview with Rhea Ripley after her match last Sunday. With regard to Charlotte’s attack on her ahead of their match at Wrestlemania, she said that the joke is on Charlotte because Ripley is the one who got what she wanted.
-Austin Theory came out next, presumably for a match, but Tomasso Ciampa followed him out during Theory’s entrance. Ciampa grabed the mic and started talking about Portland: TakeOver, but when Theory came up to him to ask what was going on, Ciampa responded with “Not tonight.”
As Ciampa tried explaining how he knew why Johnny Gargano did what he did at TakeOver on Sunday, Theory went to turn Ciampa around, but Ciampa laid him out with a right hand. Ciampa then said that Gargano needed to be gone from NXT.
When Ciampa began walking to the back, Theory again went after him. Ciampa beat then proceeded to beat tar out of this kid. He had to have whipped him into the ringside barricades at least five or six times before walking to the back.
-Chelsea Green was at a photo shoot with manager Robert Stone before the next break. Their “brand relaunch” is later tonight, whatever that means.
-Finn Balor said NXT is his chessboard. After defeating Gargano this past Sunday, he said to keep an eye out for his next move.
Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake) defeated Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde
Wilde was formerly known as Zema Ion in Impact. He wore a funky hat/helmet thing to the ring, something that sort of looked like Invader Zim. Mendoza has been on 205 Live more than NXT lately and looks like he’s in the shape of his life right now.
Wilde and Drake were off to the races when the match got underway. Grizzled Young Vets went out of their way to ground the more aerial team of Wilde and Mendoza and more or less did early on. Lots of creative double team work from GYV.
Mendoza made a hot tag midway through and cleaned house, wrapping one sequence with a nice springboard missile dropkick to Gibson, but it was short-lived: GYV took Mendoza out only moments later after Gibson landed codebreaker with an assist from Drake for the win. Solid match.
Gibson got on the mic and said that they weren’t in the “land of the free” but the “land of the neckbeards” and yanks. They said they’d be taking over NXT before heading backstage.
-The Broserweights, Pete Dunne and Matt Riddle, celebrated with fans in the crowd as they made their way to the ring. Dunne said that Riddle got their golf cart impounded at TakeOver. Riddle said they both partied hard in Portland, but the Dusty Cup didn’t partied too hard with them and passed the company’s Wellness Policy. The Cup will be out for 30 days. “It’s a thing here, it’s a thing here,” Riddle explained.
The Broserweights (Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne) defeated Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan
Dunne and Burch were in first a few minutes, followed by Riddle and Lorcan next. Everyone looked natural together and just as things were warming up, production had to cut to another commercial break. It’s not the fault of WWE/NXT, and the same thing has been happening during AEW’s Dynamite, but there’s almost no way around it: Commercial breaks during live matches will almost degrade the quality of said matches.
We saw Lorcan with a half-Crab locked on Riddle when we returned from break. The crowd was quiet. Things heated up when Riddle tagged out to Dunne, who used a diving stomp onto Burch’s fingers, then locked him into a cross armlock. Burch reached the bottom rope for a break.
Riddle and Dunne hit an assisted power bomb/high kick combo for two; Lorcan ran in and saved his partner, Burch, from the pin attempt.
Burch rallied back and leveled Riddle with a lariat, then locked on a cross facelock submission. Dunne then cracked both Lorcan and Burch with hard low kicks, the latter kick breaking Burch’s submission attempt on Riddle.
The Broserweights scored the win soon after they landed the Riddle End combo finish on Lorcan. They went back into the crowd and celebrated with fans afterwards.
-Roderick Strong was with the rest of Undisputed Era backstage and insisted that tonight in his match that he didn’t need their help. He explained that his match with Dream needed to be taken care of himself, without any help from his friends.
-The Forgotten Sons cut a selfie promo next. They were backstage saying that they were offended by what the Grizzled Young Veterans said about neckbeards and yanks, implying the teams will be in a match together sometime soon.
-Clips of Keith Lee on WWE Backstage aired. He came to the ring and was about to cut a promo until Kona Reeves came out. Before Reeves could take him out, Lee knocked him into the corner.
Keith Lee defeated Kona Reeves
Lee pinned Reeves after Ground Zero.
-Dominik Dijakovic got into the ring and told Lee he wanted another shot at Lee. He said that it he had Lee beat at TakeOver: Portland until his lower back gave out. Lee responded with saying that if Dijakovic can get it approved by William Regal then Lee would gladly “fight forever” against Dijakovic.
Chelsea Green (w/ Robert Stone) defeated Kayden Carter
Stone introduced Green before she came out. On commentary, Stone was described as a “marketing genius.”
Carter went for a couple of pin attempts early on. The crowd disappeared in this. Green made a comeback midway through and stretched Carter with a camel clutch.
When Green started stomping on Carter’s hair, Bianca Belair appeared in the ring from out of nowhere. Belair grabbed the mic and said she was going to whoop Charlotte’s ass, then left.
All right then. The match restarted and Green went for a pin off the bat. When the match went to the floor, Robert Stone interfered by tripping Carter, which created an opening for Green to land her version of the Unprettier for the win.
This was much better from their match from a few weeks ago, though I’m not sure how necessary the Belair run-in was. I’m still unsure of how much a role Robert Stone will play in the future, either as Stone’s manager or as a wrestler eventually.
-Two announcements for next week’s NXT TV: Austin Theory vs. Tomasso Ciampa, plus Finn Balor will make an appearance. Additionally, Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox will have another rematch in a steel cage two weeks from today.
Velveteen Dream defeated Roderick Strong
Dream and Strong began scrapping early on. The match would modulate between fisticuffs in the ring followed by either Strong or Dream rolling to the floor to disrupt the floor, psychological tactics. Dream tried whipping Strong with his belt before the ref ordered it removed from the ring.
In the early middle of this, Strong ripped Dream across the chest with a sharp chop, then used a pendulum backbreaker that had Dream retreating to the floor. He sold it loudly. Dream returned some of Strong’s offense on the floor and whipped him into the barricade before the show went to their final commercial break.
The match went on in the inset screen during the break. Dream choked Strong with a fan’s green sign. Strong rallied back with another backbreaker outside the ring, and a lateral suplex from the apron into the ring.
Strong had Dream locked in a chinlock when the show returned. Dream fired up and threw a flurry of punches and was able to brawl his way back into the match.
The crowd dipped in and out of this towards the end, but started clapping minutes later when Dream went to the top rope and landed a double ax handle. When Dream went back to the top for something, Strong shoved him off, where Dream landed chest-first onto the ringpost. Strong was then able to land a top-rope backbreaker onto Dream next, dropping Dream back-first onto the top turnbuckle.
Dream knocked Strong out of the ring at close to 10:03 EST. There wasn’t much urgency or drama until Dream ripped off his bodysuit to reveal tights with Marina Shaffir on the back of them. Undisputed Era came to the ring and Dream dove onto them. Back in the ring, Dream did a springboard but Strong caught him with a knee for a two-count. In these final moments Dream was able to steal a pin away from Strong to win the match, but there wasn’t a celebration because the Undisputed Era came into the ring and took Dream out. They posed over him as the show went off the air.
Final thoughts:
Good show despite a burnt out crowd. Devlin vs. Rush, was terrific and is something readers should probably go out of their way to watch if they havent already.
There wasn’t anything that bad on this, if bad at all. The Bianca Belair’s run-in was a headscratcher in terms of placement, but it seemed to work, and even give a bit of life to Green and Carter’s match. Ciampa’s segment with Austin Theory left me with similar feelings, though those were fleeting as NXT announced the payoff to that segment in their match for next week.
Again, it was a good show, though it didn’t feel like must-see television, for what that’s worth. Does it have to be after such a well-received TakeOver? Maybe not. Tonight was a steady show that featured a few longer-term plans that will pay off at the next big NXT show, and, importantly, a few hours of quality action.
Charlotte Flair’s appearance wasn’t the only return on last night’s NXT.
Last night’s show closed with Velveteen Dream making his return and fighting off Undisputed Era. He continued his feud with Roderick Strong and mocked Strong’s family by wearing tights that said “Call me up Marina” on them.
Strong had caused Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish’s six-man tag match against Tommaso Ciampa, Matt Riddle & Pete Dunne to end in a disqualification. Riddle and Dunne were taken out, then Undisputed Era ganged up on Ciampa and spray painted a yellow “X” on his back before Dream made the save.
Charlotte was back at Full Sail for the night to respond to Rhea Ripley’s WrestleMania challenge, but she ended up getting dropped by Ripley and Ripley’s TakeOver: Portland challenger Bianca Belair.
After nearly four months away due to a back injury, Velveteen Dream returned to NXT television tonight.
Tonight’s NXT episode closed with Velveteen Dream making his return and saving Tommaso Ciampa from all four members of Undisputed Era. Velveteen Dream continued his storyline with Roderick Strong, including wearing tights that said “Call me up Marina” and had Dream, Marina Shafir, and Strong and Shafir’s son airbrushed on them.
Ciampa, Matt Riddle & Pete Dunne faced off with Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish) in the main event of tonight’s NXT. The match ended in a disqualification when Strong interfered and attacked Ciampa. O’Reilly and Fish laid out Riddle and Dunne, and Undisputed Era spray painted a yellow “X” on Ciampa’s back.
The lights then went out and “2-5-20” appeared on the video screen. The date had been teased in two videos that aired last week. Velveteen Dream appeared on the top rope, fought off Undisputed Era, and hit punches on Strong before Strong fled.
Strong defeated Velveteen Dream for the North American Championship on NXT’s USA Network premiere in September. Velveteen Dream was supposed to get a rematch in October, but the match didn’t happen due to Dream’s injury.
On NXT two weeks ago, Keith Lee defeated Strong to win the North American title.
