Damian Priest batted Boa on this week’s episode of NXT. Boa started trash talking and Priest decked him with a forearm to the face. Damian stomped on Boa in the corner and connected with an Enziguri. Priest planted Boa with a Falcon Arrow and then the Reckoning for the quick pinfall victory.
Johnny Gargano came down to the ring to “Johnny Wrestling!” chants from the NXT crowd. Gargano enjoyed the chants for a bit before saying that he has heard all of the rumors about his future. The crowd chanted “please don’t go!” as Gargano pointed out the “thank you Johnny” chant he heard at the end of his match at NXT TakeOver: Toronto.
Gargano shouted that he absolutely loves everything about NXT and said that they put on the absolute best wrestling show that this world has to offer. Johnny added that he has been here a long time and that he has made his choice. Gargano was about to announce his choice but was interrupted by Shane Thorne.
Thorne strutted to the top of the entrance ramp as Johnny had a confused look on his face. Shane didn’t think any of this was necessary and claimed that Gargano is wasting everyone’s time. Thorne got into the ring and told Johnny that this place is going to be just fine without Gargano.
Shane claimed that it was his time to be in the spotlight and NXT is going to be better for it. Thorne told Johnny to take his bow and then take a walk. Gargano announced that he wasn’t going anywhere and Superkicked Thorne in the face.
Pete Dunne faced Angel Garza tonight on NXT. Dunne went after Garza’s fingers early and bent them back. Dunne followed it up with a Clothesline that sent Garza tumbling to the canvas.
Dunne went to stomp on Angel’s arm but Garza got out of the way. Garza threw Dunne out of the ring and followed him out there. Garza connected with a kick to the face and rolled back into the ring.
Garza hit Dunne in the face with a Dropkick but Dunne responded with a Powerbomb for a near fall. Dunne stomped away on Garza’s head but Angel battled back with a knee to the midsection. Garza went for a Moonsault but Dunne got out of the way and locked in a Triangle submission. Dunne bent back Garza’s digits once again and Angel tapped out.
Cameron Grimes Picked Up A Win
Cameron Grimes faced Raul Mendoza tonight on NXT. Mendoza controlled the action early and connected with a Hurricanrana. Mendoza hit Grimes with a couple of chops to the chest but Cameron connected with a Dropkick that put an end to Raul’s momentum. Grimes hit a Clothesline for a two count and then applied an Arm Bar.
Mendoza escaped and hit an Enziguri and then a Dropkick that sent Grimes to the corner. Raul climbed to the top rope and hit a Dropkick and followed it up with a Standing Shooting Star Press for a two count. Grimes hit a leaping Double Stomp for the pinfall victory.
Rhea Ripley faced NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler in the main event of this week’s show. Baszler went for a Waist Lock but Ripley broke free and planted Shayna with a Body Slam. Baszler applied the Kirifuda Clutch but Rhea escaped and Dropkicked Shayna out of the ring.
Ripley lifted Baszler up in the Electric Chair and dropped her on top of the steel steps. Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke came down to the ring for a distraction and Shayna capitalized with a punch to the face. Duke slid in a steel chair and Shayna grabbed it. Baszler tried to hit Rhea but Ripley blocked it and hit Shayna with the chair to end the match in DQ.
Baszler retreated up the entrance ramp and was announced as the winner of the match by DQ. Rhea took a seat on the chair in the ring and dared Baszler to come back down to the ring. Shayna raised the title in the air as the NXT crowd chanted “Rhea!” to close the show.
Candice LeRae Was Added To The #1 Contenders Match
During the show, Candice LeRae approached NXT GM William Regal and complained about Io Shirai being rewarded for her actions. Regal added LeRae to the #1 contenders match next week and made it a Fatal 4-Way. If Rhea had won tonight, Regal stated that he would consider adding her to the match as well.
Triple H stated in a recent interview that major changes are coming to how WWE handles their cruiserweight division. Speaking to Newsweek, Triple H said the WWE cruiserweight title is likely going to play more of a role in NXT and the 205 Live roster will be moving more under the NXT brand. Triple H was asked if 205 Live will begin to sit under the NXT umbrella and his response was as follows:
“You’ll start to see 205 begin to. I think it always existed as an island onto itself, a little bit, and it’s become lost in this limbo,” Triple H said. “You’ll begin to see it move more towards the NXT banner and the talent there. We have a lot of talent. For them to begin to compete either open against anyone or in the cruiserweight division, but have that title sit under the NXT brand is more meaningful. It creates more opportunities for more people.”
Triple H also spoke on how the NXT UK and 205 Live brands will sit under the NXT umbrella with the brand moving to the USA Network.
“NXT UK will sit under that NXT banner as well, probably 205 too breathing some life into it a little bit. That creates three distinct brands that talent, over the course of their career – which hopefully is long – where they can migrate from one to the other and be reinvigorated and have fresh starts and have longer, more meaningful and lucrative careers while staying within the same company.”
With news out that there will be no TakeOver event Royal Rumble weekend, Triple H also spoke about the future of his brand’s big events. He was asked if fans can expect more standalone Takeover shows presented independently of a main roster WWE show.
“I think you’ll see some changes there, but the other thing I don’t want to do, also, is flood the fanbase or overexpose the brand either. I want things to build organically and we have had success. We have the formula, the pacing, the timing and when the Takeovers take place that allows us to have more opportunities for a slower build. And when Takeover is done, we get a little bit of relief to promote the next thing. It allows you more chance to build and create epic stuff. To me that is the goal. I don’t see it changing dramatically.”
NXT will begin airing live weekly on the USA Network every Wednesday night beginning September 18th. The brand’s move to a major cable network and expansion to a 2-hour live show has wrestling fans excited for the beginning of what is being dubbed “the Wednesday Night Wars.”
Here is everything we know about NXT’s move to the USA Network.
NXT To Remain At Full Sail University
WWE and Full Sail University released a press release this week stating that the school will remain the venue for NXT’s weekly show.
“WWE (NYSE: WWE) and Full Sail University have expanded their partnership as NXT will now emanate weekly from Full Sail Live and air on Wednesday nights live on USA Network at 8/7c starting September 18,” the press release reads.
NXT and Full Sail’s relationship goes deeper than just hosting shows, however. Full Sail students actually participate in the production of the show. Here’s what the NXT and Full Sail press release had to say regarding the real-world experience and scholarships WWE has awarded students of the University with.
“In addition, the partnership has resulted in hundreds of hours of practical production experience for more than 1,200 students, multiple career networking opportunities for students and grads, and WWE has granted more than $400,000 in scholarships to Full Sail University students, which are applied toward the recipient’s areas of study within the university. The partnership will continue to deliver real-world experience to students in all facets of broadcasting and television.”
Full Sail University President, Garry Jones had the following to say regarding the expansion of their relationship.
“With the latest announcement of NXT emanating from Full Sail Live each week and airing on the USA Network, we look forward to the expanded learning opportunities this will provide to our students.”
One question many fans have is whether we could see big-name main roster WWE stars on NXT programming. Kevin Owens was recently fired in storyline from Smackdown by Shane McMahon, and then posted the following to Twitter.
N is the 14th letter in the alphabet, X is the 24th, and T is the 20th.
Emphasis on In-Ring Product
Triple H also emphasized during a recent interview with Yahoo Sports that the focus of NXT will be on the in-ring product.
“We will put more emphasis — like NXT has since Day One — on the in-ring product. If you are a fan of what we do, of the art form of sports entertainment and what happens in the ring, bell to bell, then this is going to be in your wheelhouse,” Levesque said. “Whereas Raw and Smackdown — this is very important, too — are more of an entertainment show and has something for everybody, this will be a bit more focused and a bit more intense.”
We also know that in addition to Triple H, Shawn Michaels plays a large role in NXT. In the same interview with Yahoo Sports, here is what Triple H had to say about HBK’s involvement with NXT.
“I think it was important for Shawn to put the business down for a little bit and walk away,” Levesque said. “As he started coming around the PC, it’s hard to come around there and not start to become invigorated by it. It’s like the fountain of youth. The excitement is contagious, and I could see him start to get that bug and his gears started to spin. I let him build at his own pace and now Shawn is probably one of the most engaged people in the product, talent and brand”
The First Episodes Will Air Hour 1 on USA and Hour 2 on the WWE Network
The episodes of NXT scheduled for 9/18 and 9/25 will air the first-hour on the USA Network but then the second hour on the WWE Network. Beginning on October 2nd, both hours of NXT will air on the USA Network, however.
There will be no TakeOver event Royal Rumble weekend. According to a report from Pro Wrestling Sheet, Takeover will be replaced by a Worlds Collide event. More information about the Takeover events in 2020 will likely be forthcoming in the next few weeks to months.
On Pat McAfee show recently, Triple H was hesitant to call NXT and AEW on Wednesday nights a war. He did tell AEW to bring their best, however. Here is what he said:
“They will choose what they want to watch. I’m confident in NXT, I’m confident in the talent, there’s not one person I would trade anybody for. I can look at that show and say bring your best, we will and good luck.”
We also know one of the matches we will see on September 18th when NXT starts going live. Matt Riddle and Killian Dain have been booked in a street fight for that show.
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston has named which NXT Superstars he would love to wrestle against. He also shared his belief that it’s only a matter of time until New Day stablemate, Big E, holds singles gold once again.
Speaking with WrestlingNews.co, Kingston listed notable NXT talents such as Velveteen Dream, former NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa, and current NXT Champion Adam Cole as Superstars he’d love to compete with.
“I get this question all the time, and it’s impossible to pick just one,” Kingston said. “I mean, Velveteen Dream, Tommaso Ciampa, Adam Cole…there’s so much talent down there. I think it’s a really special time. They’re so good that they are getting to be on national television now on USA…”
Regarding NXT’s move to USA Network, Kingston remarked that the change will only make everyone better:
“It’s gonna make them that much better because they’ve had a lot of time to grind and they are very comfortable being in front of TV,” he explained. “They’ve built their own brand, so I think it’s gonna be great for them. The more exposure the better…”
When it comes to his New Day stablemates, Big E and Xavier Woods, Kingston shared that he believes Big E will “eventually” win singles gold again, adding that “He deserves it.”
“[Big] E and Woods both,” Kingston said. “Honestly, all of us are already in the Hall Of Fame, not to toot my own horn or whatever. The New Day, we’ve already done so many significant things. E and Woods are incredibly talented individuals. I’m so blessed to have been grouped with these guys and to have met these guys … There’s big things always.”
Kofi Kingston will attempt to defend his WWE Championship against “The Viper” Randy Orton at this Sunday’s Clash of Champions pay-per-view.
WWE NXT Superstar, and former New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, KUSHIDA made his 205 Live debut during Tuesday night’s episode of the show. He would be revealed to be Jack Gallagher’s mystery partner.
The pair defeated the team of Akira Tozawa and The Brian Kendrick. The win came afer KUSHIDA locked in the Hoverboard Lock, forcing Kendrick to tap out.
At the time of writing, it is not known whether this is a permanent move for KUSHIDA, or if his appearance on 205 Live was merely a one-off with the brand. With more and more WWE Superstars jumping between brands in recent months, it’s not impossible that KUSHIDA may wrestle for both NXT and 205 Live.
If he does continue to compete for WWE’s purple brand, it may only be a matter of time before he finds himself rekindling his competitive rivalry with Cruiserweight Champion, Drew Gulak.
The two have faced each other multiple times across both NXT and EVOLVE. KUSHIDA holds numerous victories over Gulak, including in a submission match on NXT back in June. He went on to challenge for Gulak’s Cruiserweight Championship at EVOLVE 134 in August, where he ultimately lost to the defending champion.
WWE and Full Sail University sent out a press release yesterday stating they have expanded their partnership. The company previously announced that NXT would remain in Full Sail throughout 2019 and it now appears there are no plans to take the weekly show on the road beyond the end of the calendar year either.
“WWE (NYSE: WWE) and Full Sail University have expanded their partnership as NXT will now emanate weekly from Full Sail Live and air on Wednesday nights live on USA Network at 8/7c starting September 18,” the press release reads.
“With the latest announcement of NXT emanating from Full Sail Live each week and airing on the USA Network, we look forward to the expanded learning opportunities this will provide to our students,” said Full Sail University President, Garry Jones.
WWE’s relationship with the University goes beyond NXT, however. Yesterday’s press release also highlighted the scholarships and real-word experience WWE has awarded to students of the school:
“In addition, the partnership has resulted in hundreds of hours of practical production experience for more than 1,200 students, multiple career networking opportunities for students and grads, and WWE has granted more than $400,000 in scholarships to Full Sail University students, which are applied toward the recipient’s areas of study within the university. The partnership will continue to deliver real-world experience to students in all facets of broadcasting and television.”
The full press release can be read on Full Sail University’s website here.
Former WWE NXT UK Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley has named the Superstar she considers her WWE role model: The Miz.
In an interview with Revolver, Ripley confessed her adoration of The A-Lister, highlighting his snarky attitude as an inspiration.
“I love The Miz! I absolutely love him,” Ripley admitted. “He’s so snarky, and that’s who I want to be. I want to have cool comebacks and get people to listen to me and be invested in me. Even CM Punk — when he spoke, everyone listened.”
This attitude helps fuel her when it comes to facing criticism, especially if it’s about her physique. When it comes to how she deals with this kind of negativity, Ripley named Beth Phoenix as a key inspiration:
“My whole life I’ve had people telling me that I look like a man, I’m not feminine, I’m too masculine, all that stuff,” said Ripley. “Well, you know what? I could not give a shit. Just like I was inspired by [former WWE champion] Beth Phoenix, who also looks very masculine, I want to inspire other potential female athletes to go as hard as they want and feel comfortable in their own skin — that’s why I go out there day after day and do my thing.”
Rhea Ripley recently appeared on NXT, confronting Shayna Baszler, teasing a potential matchup between herself and the NXT Women’s Champion.
Charlotte Flair is scheduled to team up with RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch tonight at Monday Night RAW. They will face off against the team of SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley and Sasha Banks. The women, WWE’s Horsewomen, are known for being instrumental in WWE’s Women’s Evolution.
Speaking with Smacktalks, Charlotte discussed what might be next for the Women’s Evolution. She shared who she believes could be the next two break out female Superstars, and even named Stephanie McMahon as someone she’d like to tap out.
Women’s Evolution
Addressing the Women’s Evolution, Flair listed its next steps as “[…] continuing the momentum and headlining WrestleMania again and proving that it wasn’t a fluke. The women can continue to deliver like this at high levels. It’s gonna take a couple of years to show that. Maybe we’re not the main event this year, but it’ll happen again.”
When it comes to new rivals for her in the women’s division, Charlotte Flair named both Nikki Cross and NXT’s Bianca Belair as Superstars ready to breakthrough.
“I’m expecting big things from Nikki Cross. I’m a huge fan of hers,” Charlotte admitted. “I know she’s been on RAW and SmackDown for a few months now, maybe a year. It takes time, and I think she’s gonna have that breakout moment soon. I’m 100% behind her. From NXT, Bianca Belair just has it. She doesn’t have to try. She has that natural swag. She’s a star, and that’s one thing you can’t teach. You can teach someone how to wrestle and come up with a character, but whether you have it or not is on you, and she has it. I think she’s the next big thing.”
Tap Out
Having recently faced off against WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, earning a submission victory in the process, Flair was then asked about who she would like to face from WWE 2K20’s roster of legends. She explained that having already tapped out Trish Stratus, “it would probably be tapping out Stephanie McMahon.”
Past tonight’s tag match on RAW, Charlotte Flair will be facing Bayley in a match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Clash of Champions on September 15th.
Several WWE Superstars have recently been jumping between different brands including Kassius Ohno, Cesaro, Pete Dunne, and Rhea Ripley. Turns out that ‘The Scottish Psychopath’ Drew McIntyre would like to do the same.
In an interview with SPORTBible, McIntyre spoke once more about in his interest competing for NXT UK. In particular, he would love to have a matchup against the current NXT UK Champion, WALTER.
“There’s a bunch of people I want to work with,” McIntyre said, “but if we want to give people a show they won’t forget, then I guess me and WALTER would be quite the spectacle.”
In the run-up to NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff, WALTER addressed the idea of Drew appearing for NXT UK, saying:
“[…] somebody like him joining here would up the level of competition here, and I think you need competition to grow. So, for sure, [I would want him here].”
It appears that Triple H is well aware of Drew McIntyre’s interest in NXT UK. He commented on how McIntyre can see something special happening and wants to be a part of it.
“I think that the opportunity when you see guys like Drew McIntyre talking about a brand, it’s because that brand is hot. They see something that is on fire, and we all live for the adrenaline rush of fans being wild and passionate about things,” Triple H told SPORTBible.
He added, “When a guy like Drew McIntyre says ‘I see UK and I see it on fire and I want to step in a ring with WALTER,’ it’s because he sees something special happening and he wants to be part of it.”
Current RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch has spoken about her history with Sasha Banks. She also offered advice for NXT Superstars ahead of the show’s move to USA Network later this month.
In an interview with Newsweek, Lynch looked back at her time in NXT with Sasha Banks.
“When we were in NXT, she was seen as the top dog, and I was lucky to even get a look,” Lynch recalled. “And now it’s funny because the tides have changed. I think that it’s a different animal up here on the main roster. Things have changed, match times have changed, and everything is cutthroat, and I took that and ran with it and became ‘The Man’ I am today.”
Lynch commented on how Banks “took her ball and went home” for a few months. She added that Banks believes she can just return to WWE and take Lynch’s spot—a spot the RAW Women’s Champion has no interest in giving up.
When it comes to NXT’s move to USA Network, Lynch offered her advice to the black-and-gold brands Superstars.
“Work hard,” she said. “Work harder than anyone else, and don’t be afraid to fail. You fail, you fail. You can always come back, you can come back from anything. Keep working hard. Take those risks, they are so important.”
WWE has announced that they have signed former Lucha Underground competitor King Cuerno.
King Cuerno is also known as El Hijo del Fantasma. His real name is Jorge Bolly, son of legendary luchador El Fantasma.
The promotion made the news official on their website, stating that the second-generation luchador had arrived at the WWE Performance Center in Florida.
Bolly has an impressive list of accolades to his name. He has held both singes and trios titles in AAA and CMLL during his career and won AAA’s Antonio Peña Cup in 2017. With his background in lucha libre and extensive experience in pro wrestling, it may only be a matter of time until we see him on NXT.
Another New NXT Rookie
Alongside the announcement that they have signed Bolly, WWE revealed they have also secured former football player Edgar Lopez.
The 6’4”, 250 pound Lopez used to play football on the Monterrey Institute of Technology’s Borregos Salvajez squad. He was an offensive captain. WWE write that their scouts discovered him during last December’s tryouts in Santiago, Chile.
The two newest NXT rookies join a number of other signees to the Performance Center including EVOLVE Champion Austin Theory and Mae Young Classic competitor Santana Garrett.
Current NXT UK Champion WALTER still has no interest in travelling to the United States.
In an interview with talkSPORT, WALTER admitted that, although he would accept a spot on WWE’s main roster, he would have zero interest in actually travelling to or touring America. He didn’t specify whether he would prefer to join RAW or SmackDown if the opportunity presented itself.
“I would go on the main roster at some point but I wouldn’t move to America. Moving to America is not for me. American lifestyle is not for me. No, I couldn’t imagine that. When it comes to that, I stay where I am.”
WALTER has become a key component to WWE’s NXT UK brand after making a name for himself on the independent scene both across Europe and in the United States.
Many WWE Superstars have been jumping between brands in recent months. Fandango and Tyler Breeze returned to NXT after their run on the main roster; Cesaro recently appeared on NXT UK, where Kassius Ohno has become a regular member. Conversely, Pete Dunne featured on NXT, wrestling a triple threat match for The Velveteen Dream’s North American Championship.
Unfortunately, given his open disinterest, WALTER may not be one of the talents to utilize this freedom of movement if it continues.
WALTER recently defended his NXT UK Championship against Tyler Bate at NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff this past Saturday.
Breezango faced Chase Parker and Matt Martel tonight on NXT. Tyler Breeze and Fandango dominated early and isolated Parker in the ring. Martel tagged in and walked into a Dropkick from Breeze.
Fandango tagged in and hit Parker with a couple of Clotheslines. Fandango connected with a Powerslam and followed it up with a Falcon Arrow. Breezango then hit the Fashion Faux Pas for the pinfall victory.
Roderick Strong Set Velveteen Dream’s Couch On Fire
Photo Credit: WWE.com
NXT North American Champion battled Kona Reeves on this week’s show. Dream connected with a Dropkick and followed it up with an elbow to the face. Reeves battled back with a big boot that knocked Velveteen to the canvas. Velveteen quickly hit the Dream Valley Driver for the pinfall victory.
Roderick Strong appeared on the jumbotron and said that he wanted a shot at the NXT North American Championship. The camera then panned back to reveal that Strong had Velveteen Dream’s couch on fire. Strong asked if he had his attention now as Velveteen was shown pissed off in the ring.
Bianca Belair Picked Up A Win
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Taynara Conti battled Bianca Belair tonight. Bianca drove Taynara to the corner of the ring to start the match off. Conti went for an Arm Bar but Belair blocked it. Taynara rolled up Belair for a two count and then Bianca leveled her with a shoulder tackle.
Conti slammed Belair’s head into the middle turnbuckle and dragged her face across the bottom rope. Conti sent Belair to the outside and went for a Crossbody but Bianca caught her. Belair planted Conti with a Fallaway Slam and followed it up with a Moonsault in the ring. Bianca then connected with the KOD for the pinfall victory.
Regal Announced A Big Match For NXT’s Debut Episode On USA Network
NXT GM William Regal announced a Triple Threat Match to determine the #1 contender for the NXT Women’s Championship. Bianca Belair, Mia Yim, and Io Shirai will compete in the match in two weeks.
On September 18th on USA Network a triple threat match for a number 1 contender spot for the NXT Women’s Championship will take place between Mia Yim, Io Shirai, and Bianca Belair!#WWE#NXTpic.twitter.com/suPO537ioS
Adam Cole defended the NXT Championship against NXT Breakout Tournament winner Jordan Myles in the main event of this week’s episode. Cole controlled the match early and applied a Headlock.
Myles escaped and connected with a Hip Toss. Cole rolled out of the ring to regroup and Myles followed him out there. Cole launched Myles into the ring post and brought him back into the ring.
Dueling “Jordan Myles!” and “Adam Cole!” chants broke out as Cole continued to dominate. Cole taunted Jordan and told him that he doesn’t deserve to be in the right with him.
Jordan hit Cole with a Crossbody off the top rope and went for the cover but Cole was able to kick out at the last moment. Myles deadlifted Cole and planted him with a German Suplex for another near fall.
Cole leveled Myles with a running kick to the face for a two count. Adam Cole locked in the Figure Four in the middle of the ring. Myles was able to fight through the pain and reach the bottom rope to break the hold.
Myles went for another Crossbody but Cole countered with a boot to the face and then a Ushigoroshi for a two count. Jordan connected with a Penalty Kick on the apron and followed it up with a Suicide Dive. Myles hit Cole with a Splash off the top rope and went for the cover but Cole kicked out at two.
Jordan hit Cole with a Superkick and made his way to the top rope. Myles went for a 450 Splash but Cole got his knees up. Adam took down his knee pad and went for the Last Shot but Myles avoided it. Cole hit two Superkicks in a row and the Last Shot for the pinfall victory.
It was also tweeted out after the show that Velveteen Dream will defend the NXT North American Championship against Roderick Strong in two weeks when NXT debuts on USA.
Edge and Christian discussed the forthcoming Wednesday Night Wars between NXT and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on an episode of their podcast, E&C’s Pod of Awesomeness. The two expressed their excitement, stating that everyone will be performing to the best of their ability to help their promotion pull ahead in the ratings.
“I really do think it ups everyone’s game. I think right now if you’re a [professional] wrestling fan, if you’re a performer, what an exciting time to be involved in the industry. So, you have RAW and SmackDown sure, but man, Wednesday nights are going to be the night now. I just think it’s fun,” Edge said.
“I think back to the Nitro and RAW stuff and everything. I’m not saying AEW is WCW. I don’t even know if AEW looks at this thing like a competition. I just think they want people to have a different option or another option, but now it’s coming to this because hey it’s Vince [McMahon] and WWE and if you start a promotion we are going to try to run you out of town. But I think that does up everyone’s game.”
Christian agreed, adding that competition is healthy as it keeps everybody on their toes. Ultimately, he believes the winners are fans of pro wrestling.
“It keeps everybody sharp. And the people that are going to win – I’ve said it in the past – the people that are going to win in all of this are the fans because they are going to get some really, really great content, as far as [professional] wrestling goes, going forward.
Two Hour NXT
Edge discussed that NXT’s move to USA Network makes it WWE’s third brand, rather than ‘developmental.’ He expressed that there will no longer be conversations about moving to the main roster. Instead, if Superstars were to move between brands, it could be considered a “lateral shift.”
They spoke about NXT extending to two hours, with Edge voicing concern over fans being able to concentrate for that amount of time.
“[…] to me, one of the things I loved about NXT was that it was an hour because if you’ve got that ADD, you can probably focus through that hour and it’s just enough time to not overexpose anything. You expose enough, and that to me is kind of the biggest question mark. My hope is that if there’s talent that’s spinning their wheels and can do so much more like an Apollo Crews, like a Cesaro, so many people, let them go to NXT, man. Let them shine there. That, to me, is how you can fill up those two hours. That, to me, is how you can use those guys to teach the younger folks, ‘okay, this is live TV – this is how this works.’ And I think that that’s the key.”
WWE NXT debuts on USA Network on September 18th. AEW’s first show on TNT airs two weeks later on October 2nd.
Current NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER had high praise for Brock Lesnar in an interview with SPORTbible, stating that he believes there is no smarter wrestler in the business right now.
He claimed that “right now there’s no smarter professional wrestler than Brock Lesnar at the moment. I’m aware of the — I don’t know — the negative reactions he gets by the fans, but if I ever end up in that position in my career, I would be very thankful [laughs]. For sure, 100 percent. I think Brock is amazing and I would love to do that.”
Turning his attention to other main roster Superstars, WALTER admitted that he admires a number of the promotions top Superstars on both RAW and SmackDown.
“There are a bunch of people I really look up to and I like what they do in the ring. Daniel Bryan is one of them, for sure,” he said. “And then I’m a big fan of The Revival, too. Drew McIntyre is someone I think we could have a good contest. And personally for my own amusement, I’ve always felt the idea of having a contest with Braun Strowman could be very interesting [laughs].”
WALTER successfully defended his WWE UK Championship against Tyler Bate during this past Saturday’s WWE NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff event.
Elias is one step closer to becoming the King of the Ring. He defeated Ali last night on SmackDown Live to advance into the semi-finals of the tournament.
In an interview with Chuck Carroll of CBS Sports, Elias spoke about the King of the Ring tournament, his time in NXT, and the importance of evolving his character.
Reflecting on this history of the King of the Ring tournament, Elias admitted that the first one he watched was the tournament won by King Mabel. He’s glad they brought it back, calling it a “very prestigious tournament within the WWE.”
When asked over his goals in WWE, Elias responded that his ultimate goal is the main event at WrestleMania.
“If that means winning the Universal Championship, if that means winning the WWE Championship, that’s a part of it,” he added. “But really staking my claim as the number-one guy in the WWE, in the business as a whole, that everybody can say, WWE is cool and Elias is the guy making it cool.”
NXT Preperation
Elias spoke about his time in NXT before becoming a part of WWE’s main roster. He highlighted that, even though NXT shows were pre-recorded, everything about the production and performances was live. He explained that this process helped prepare him for his RAW debut.
“I felt fully prepared to take on live television because that was essentially how we treated it in NXT anyways,” he said. “The fact is now more eyes are going to be on NXT. I just think more people are going to see how good the talent really is across the board.”
When asked if he would make a cameo on NXT after it moves to USA Network, Elias said, “If an opportunity shows up, I’m always ready to take it. If the story was right then yeah, absolutely, I can see that happening. I mean why not? It’s a ratings-driven business. There are certain stars on RAW and SmackDown that draw ratings. NXT is going to do great, but it wouldn’t hurt to add some help in the mix. I could see a crossover happening absolutely. All on the same network as well.”
Evolution Of Elias
Formerly known as ‘The Drifter’ in NXT, Elias has implemented tweaks and changes to his character since becoming a part of the main roster, admitting that “there comes a time in every wrestler’s career, if you really want to take those next steps, you’re going to have to evolve.”
He continued, “You can’t constantly be doing the same thing. While I really do enjoy performing in the ring and all that, there’s going to come a time where I can’t be doing that every single week. Now, as far as that being my farewell performance, I don’t know if I want to say that is my last one, because it was ruined. R-Truth went at me, he messed up all the audio, he messed with my guitar. He tried to win the 24/7 Championship. Is that my farewell? I have to say no. But would there come a time where I have to do that? Quite possibly.”
With his victory over Ali, Elias is set to face off against Chad Gable next week on the 9/10 episode of SmackDown Live. The winner will go on to face the winner of Samoa Joe, Ricochet, and Baron Corbin at Clash of Champions.
The former American Ninja Warrior who signed with WWE in January of 2018 has reportedly handed in her notice to the promotion. According to a report from Squared Circle Sirens, sources within NXT say Catanzaro suffered a back injury recently and has decided to stop wrestling.
“Sources tell us that Kacy suffered a back injury and decided to stop wrestling afterward,” the report reads. She had wrestled 55 matches in WWE dating back to April of 2018, with most of her matches coming on the NXT live event tour. Catanzaro also competed in the 2019 Royal Rumble match.
Kacy Catanzaro Leaving WWE
On an episode of Lillian Garcia’s podcast form this April, Ricochet spoke about how he met Catanzaro and how quickly she had been picking up pro-wrestling over the last year.
“She was always so nice and kind, and helpful to everybody in any way that she could be, and that was something that I had always admired about her,” he said.
“On top of that, as far as the physical part of the wrestling, she got that part so quick and is just so fun to see in the ring. I feel like, not only me, but everyone is drawn to her because she has this personality that you can’t ignore. It’s awesome.”
NXT TakeOver: Cardiff aired today on the WWE Network. Here are 6 takeaways from the event:
Noam Dar Picked Up The Win
Noam Dar faced Travis Banks in the first match of the show. Banks dominated early and focused his attack on Dar’s knee. Noam retreated out of the ring and hobbled around. Travis hopped to the ring apron and booted Dar in the face before bringing him back into the ring.
Dar battled back with a Clothesline off the second rope for a two count. Banks connected with a German Suplex and went for the cover but Dar kicked out at two. Banks went for a Crossface but Dar was able to escape before the hold was applied.
Banks went for an Enziguri but Dar countered into a Knee Bar in the middle of the ring. Travis and Dar then traded punches and both fell to the canvas as the crowd chanted “NXT”.
Noam Dropkicked Banks to the outside and then launched him into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Dar connected with a Clothesline for another near fall. Banks hit a Double Stomp off the second rope for a two count.
Travis leveled Dar with a Suicide Dive and then Slice of Heaven off the barricade. Banks followed that up with another Double Stomp off the top rope for a two count. Noam tripped up Banks as he was going for Slice of Heaven and hit him with the Nova Roller for the pinfall victory.
Ilja Dragunov accepted Cesaro’s open challenge at TakeOver: Cardiff. Dragunov started off in control and hit a boot to the face. Cesaro turned the tables and hit Ilja with a few chops to the chest.
Dragunov went for a Crossbody but Cesaro caught him. Ilja escaped and got an uppercut to the face instead. Ilja battled back with a Senton for a one count. Dragunov went for a Splash but Cesaro caught him and threw him to the floor outside the ring.
Cesaro bounced Dragunov off the barricade and brought him back into the ring. Cesaro hit the Swing for 40 rotations as the crowd chanted along. Dragunov sent Cesaro the outside and hit him with a Suicide Dive.
Back in the ring, Ilja hit a Dropkick off the top rope for a two count. Cesaro hit a Gutbuster and then an uppercut for another near fall. The crowd sang “are you watching Vince McMahon” as Dragunov hit a Death Valley Driver in the corner of the ring.
Ilja hit a Senton off the top rope but Cesaro was able to power out at the last moment. Cesaro hit another uppercut and then planted Ilja with the Neutralizer for the pinfall victory. After the match, Cesaro shook Dragunov’s hand before exiting the ring.
Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster Captured The Tag Titles
NXT UK Tag Team Champions Zack Gibson & James Drake defended their titles tonight against Mark Coffey & Wolfgang vs. Flash Morgan Webster & Mark Andrews in a Triple Threat Match.
Mark Andrews and Zack Gibson started the match off. Drake tagged in an Andrews leveled him with a Dropkick. Flash then battled with Wolfgang for a bit before all six superstars got in the ring.
Andrews and Morgan took everyone out as the crowd got behind them. Back in the ring, Flash connected with a Moonsault on Gibson but Wolfgang broke up the cover at two.
Mark Andrews tagged in and hit Gibson with an Enziguri. Andrews planted Drake with a DDT but Wolfgang and Coffey attacked him from behind. Andrews hit them both with kicks to the face and then flipped onto them with Morgan.
Mark Coffey slammed Andrews to the canvas for a two count. Flash hit Coffey with a Crossbody and knocked him out of the ring. Andrews then took out everyone with a Shooting Star Press of the top rope.
Back in the ring, Gibson hit Flash with a Clothesline. Flash battled back with a Stunner and went for the cover but Gibson kicked out at two. James Drake hit Andrews with the 450 Splash but somehow he was able to kick out at two.
Wolfgang got into the ring and leveled Andrews with a Spear. All six superstars once again got in the ring and a brawl broke out as the crowd chanted “this is awesome”. Andrews hit a double Stunner on Drake and Webster followed it up with a Splash. Flash went for the cover but Gibson dragged the referee out of the ring.
Gibson and Drake hit Ticket to Mayhem and Gibson went for the cover. Mark Andrews hit Gibson with Fall to Pieces and Flash made the cover for the win. Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan are the new NXT UK Tag Team Champions.
Dave Mastiff faced Joe Coffey in a Last Man Standing Match tonight. Mastiff launched Coffey to the corner and broke the turnbuckle. Coffey planted Mastiff with a Belly to Back Suplex but Dave got right up.
Mastiff sent Coffey out of the ring with a massive German Suplex. Coffey grabbed a pool cue and hit Mastiff with it a few times. Mastiff hit Coffey over the back with a cricket bat and the sound from the impact echoed throughout the arena. Coffey battled back and Speared Mastiff through a table.
Dave grabbed a steel chain and starting beat the hell out of Coffey with it. Mastiff then hit Coffey with a Cannonball through a table as the crowd chanted “holy sh*t!”. Coffey wrapped the chain around his hand and punched Mastiff in the face.
Mastiff picked up two chairs and tossed one to Coffey. The two superstars then sprinted into each other and fell to the floor in the crowd. They then battled to the announce table and Mastiff cleared if off. Mastiff lifted Coffey onto his shoulders and slammed him on top of the table.
They then battled to the Kickoff Show set above the crowd as they chanted “please don’t die!”. Mastiff connected with a headbutt and both superstars fell through a table below. Coffey made it to his feet first and booted a travel case out from underneath Mastiff at the last second. Mastiff fell to the floor as the referee counted to 10.
Toni Storm defended the NXT UK Women’s Championship against Kay Lee Ray. Storm dominated the match early and stomped on Kay Lee Ray on the apron. Kay Lee Ray battled back and hit a Suplex for a two count.
Storm hit a Clothesline of her own and followed it up with a German Suplex. Kay Lee Ray rolled up Storm for a two count. Toni connected with Storm Zero and went for the cover but Kay Lee Ray was able to kick out at two.
Toni hit a German Suplex off the middle turnbuckle but Kay Lee Ray got her foot on the bottom rope to break up the cover. Kay Lee Ray hit a flip off the top rope and almost landed on her head. Back in the ring, Kay Lee Ray hit the Gory Bomb for the pinfall victory. Kay Lee Ray is the new NXT UK Women’s Champion.
Walter Retained In An Instant Classic With Tyler Bate
Walter defended the UK Championship against Tyler Bate in the main event of TakeOver: Cardiff. Bate hit a flurry of kicks but Walter quickly put a stop to it and applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring. Bate somehow Body Slammed Walter and then hit him with a shoulder tackle.
Tyler went for a Suicide Dive but Walter caught him and Powerbombed Bate onto the ring apron. Walter sent Bate into the barricade and followed it up with a big boot. Walter then Powerbombed Bate into the ring post and got back into the ring. Walter demanded that the referee get in the ring and start counting.
Bate got back into the ring at the count of seven and Walter greeted him with a stomp. Walter applied a Sleeper Hold but Bate was able to reach the ropes to break it up. Tyler tried to lift Walter up onto his shoulders but his legs gave out. Walter fell on top of him and then locked in a Crossface in the middle of the ring.
Tyler reached the bottom rope but Walter knocked him out of the ring with a couple of clubs across the chest. Back in the ring, Walter hit another chop that sent Bate to the canvas. Walter hit Bate with a couple of forearms on the ring apron. Bate ducked under one and planted Walter with an Exploder Suplex to the floor outside the ring.
Back in the ring, Walter chopped Bate to the canvas and applied the Boston Crab in the center of the ring. Walter transitioned into a Crossface as Bate desperately reached for the ropes. Bate was finally able to get there to break the hold.
Walter hit another massive chop and Bate once again fell to the canvas. Bate battled back and showed off his incredible strength by Suplexing Walter. Tyler followed that up with an Exploder Suplex and both superstars fell to the mat. Bate hopped up and hit a Standing Shooting Star Press for a near fall.
Bate went for the Tyler Driver 97 but Walter blocked it with a Back Body Drop. Walter hit a massive Dropkick and went for a Powerbomb but Bate countered into a Sunset Flip Bomb for a two count.
Tyler made his way to the top rope as Walter rolled to the apron. Walter hit Bate with a couple of jabs and joined him on the turnbuckle. Walter hit another chop and Bate fell to the canvas. Walter climbed to the top rope but Bate connected with a jumping headbutt.
Bate joined Walter on the top rope bent back Walter’s fingers. Tyler connected with an Exploder Suplex off the top rope for another near fall. Walter kept leveling Bate with chops to the chest but Tyler wouldn’t stay down. Walter went for another chop but Bate countered with a punch to the face and Walter fell on top of him.
Walter hit an Overhead Suplex and went for the cover but Tyler was able to kick out at the last moment. Bate unbelievably lifted Walter up onto his shoulders and spun around but Walter grabbed the ropes.
The two superstars once again battled on the top rope. Bate lifted Walter onto his shoulders again and hit Burning Hammer. Walter rolled out of the ring and Bate hit him with a Suicide Dive as the crowd shouted: “fight forever!”. Tyler hit a second Suicide Dive and rolled Walter back into the ring.
Bate planted Walter with a German Suplex for a two count and followed it up with the Tiger Driver 97 for another near fall. Bate hit a Corkscrew off the top rope but somehow Walter kicked out at two. Bate unloaded a bunch of punches in the corner until the referee separated the two superstars. Walter capitalized with a chop and applied a Sleeper Hold.
Tyler once again showed off his insane power and lifted Walter up and dropped him to break the hold. Walter popped right back up and locked in the Sleeper Hold once again. Walter brutally Suplexed Bate on the apron and rolled him back in the ring. Walter hit a Splash off the top rope and went for the cover but Tyler somehow kicked out at two. Walter hit another Suplex but Bate once again kicked out at two.
Walter Powerbombed Tyler and went for the cover but Bate kicked out at one! Tyler slowly made his way back to his feet as the crowd went insane. Walter bounced off the ropes and turned Bate inside out with a massive Clothesline for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Pete Dunne and Trent Seven got in the ring with Tyler Bate and helped him up to a great reaction from the crowd.
NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff was a great event but the match that Walter and Bate had tonight is something people will be talking about for a while. It was one of the best matches I’ve seen in a long time and will definitely revisit it in the future. If you missed this event, make sure to at the very least check out the UK Championship Match. It was absolutely incredible.
Toni Storm has opened up about what it’s like being the face of NXT UK’s women’s division in an interview with Pro Wrestling Sheet. She also spoke about her TakeOver: Cardiff matchup against former friend, Kay Lee Ray.
“It’s kind of a lot of pressure,” the NXT UK Women’s Champion admitted. “But it is honestly a dream come true. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’m proud of it, I’m happy with it, and obviously all work has gotta go into it to maintain it and just push it to its next level.”
Turning her thoughts to her opponent at tonight’s NXT TakeOver: Cardiff, Storm admitted that she and Kay Lee Ray are very familiar with one another. She explained how they have wrestled all over the world at least 100 times. She believes this familiarity is what will help her get the upper hand as Ray has “taught me too much.”
“I’ve known her for a very long time,” she admitted. “Unfortunately things aren’t the way they were anymore, a lot of personal aspects have been brought into it, but at the same time… I know we’re gonna steal the show because we always have in the past. I don’t think I’ve ever had a better opponent. And we go back so long, I know it’s gonna be war. I know it’s gonna be a complete battle, but it’s gonna be fire.”
Storm takes on Kay Lee Ray at tonight’s NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff event. They will be competing for the NXT UK Women’s Championship.
WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative Triple H did an interview with The Irish Mirror and talked about one of the hottest NXT UK stars, Jordan Devlin. He heaped praises at the 29-year-old and complimented his growth on the brand.
Speaking about Devlin’s contributions to NXT UK, Triple H said, “His transformation and what he has done in the NXT UK brand with the guidance of the people around him has taken him to a whole new level. He is a different performer from the guy that I saw when we first started this was very good and had a lot of potential.”
Triple H said that he sees Devlin as a global star and it’s just the beginning: “The guy I see now is a global star on every level and he is really just getting started.”
Devlin, known as The “Ace” of Over The Top Wrestling, had a memorable feud with WALTER in the promotion, and put on some great matches that are considered one of the best matches in OTT’s history. Triple H said that he wants to bring that rivalry for WWE television.
“I want to see the best face the best. I believe styles make fights, it’s what makes them great.”
Triple H expanded on the fact that Devlin is now on a higher level and if the rivalry comes to fruition on WWE television, then it would be even better than before.
“The thing people also need to keep in mind is that as hot as that has been locally, Jordan is at a much higher standard to where he was a year ago and a year before that. When you see that rivalry on NXT UK, it’s going to be nothing like what you’ve seen before because we will take it to another level, as good as it was before, you’ve seen nothing yet!”
While Devlin is not scheduled for a match at NXT UK Takeover: Cardiff event which is streaming today, he will be paying attention on the WWE UK Championship Match between Tyler Bate and WALTER. Make sure to check back SEScoops.com for coverage of the event.
WWE returns to the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales on Saturday, August 31st, as they present their NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff live special event on the WWE Network.
Saturday’s show marks the second event promoted under the NXT UK TakeOver chronology, after their inaugural event — NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool — back on January 12th. It will stream live via the WWE digital subscription service starting at 2pm Eastern Time / 11am Pacific Time.
Heading into the event this weekend, WWE is advertising a five-match card for the NXT UK special event, three of which will feature World Championships on-the-line.
Closer Look At NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff Card
Scheduled in the headline spot for NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff on Saturday is a one-on-one showdown pitting WWE United Kingdom Champion against Tyler Bate with the title up-for-grabs.
In other title matches advertised for the show, Toni Storm will put her NXT UK Women’s Championship on-the-line against Kay Lee Ray, while The Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson & James Drake) will defend their NXT UK Tag-Team Championships in a three-way match that includes the teams of Gallus (Mark Coffey & Wolfgang) and Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster.
Rounding out the lineup will be two additional matches, as Travis Banks meets Noam Dar in the opener, and Dave Mastiff vs. Joe Coffey is scheduled in a Last Man Standing Match.
SEScoops.com NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff Round-Table Team
As is the case before every major pay-per-view event, SEScoops.com compiles a handful of pro wrestling journalists to provide their in-depth insight and analysis into each match scheduled on the card in our SEScoops.com Predictions Roundtable feature.
Joining us for this NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff installment will be veteran staff writers Matt Boone, Ian Carey and Andrew Ravens.
Without further adieu, let’s take a look at the SEScoops.com predictions for NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff.
Travis Banks vs. Noam Dar
Matt Boone: In what could be, if positioned as such, an excellent show-opener to set the tone for the evening inside the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales this Saturday, Travis Banks and Noam Dar will collide. Banks is a talent the company has appeared to have their eye on since launching the United Kingdom title and brand. Meanwhile, Dar doesn’t exactly appear to be soaring through the ranks. That should be your indicator right there if you’re going to the betting window. (Prediction: Travis Banks)
Ian Carey: I want Noam Dar to win this but it feels as though he’s in NXT UK mainly to put over talent they see as bigger stars. Travis Banks is one of those stars. Dar is a fun wrestler to follow but it just doesn’t seem to be his role to in NXT UK to win matches on a Takeover show. Putting over other talent? That seems more what Dar is about on the brand. Expect Banks to get the win and move on to a top storyline. (Prediction: Travis Banks)
Andrew Ravens: In theory Banks should come out on top here considering the spot that Dar is in during this storyline. In the eyes of the casuals, I can see why people would think Dar would go over here but Banks is someone to keep an eye on. Banks should go over to finish this program. (Prediction: Travis Banks)
CONSENSUS: 3-0, Travis Banks
Joe Coffey vs. Dave Mastiff (Last Man Standing)
Matt: A Last Man Standing Match always makes for compelling storytelling from bell-to-bell. With the players involved in this one, Dave Mastiff and Joe Coffey, this one has the opportunity to be pretty unique. There is a lot they can do in terms of bells and whistles, but when the time comes for someone to stay down for the count of ten, I’m having a tough time envisioning which one it will be. In a coin-flip pick, I’ll go with … (Prediction: Dave Mastiff)
Ian: This should be fun as two big tough brutes clash in a Last Man Standing match. They have the opportunity here to have their match stand-out and I think they are going to do just that. At the end of this match, I’m expecting Mastiff to stand tall (unless Gallus gets involved) but this is basically a toss up. I think Mastiff could win because I could see them putting him up against WALTER shortly after. (Prediction: Dave Mastiff)
Andrew: Another Last Man Standing match on a TakeOver special and this will actually fit well on the card. Coffey and Mastiff have bright futures in the company. This one should deliver and I expect to see more of a hardcore style in this one. While I don’t think this feud needs this type of stipulation, it brings a different dynamic. (Prediction: Joe Coffey)
CONSENSUS: 2-1, Dave Mastiff
Grizzled Young Vets (C) vs. Gallus vs. Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster (NXT U.K. Tag Titles)
Matt: The Grizzled Young Veterans just captured the tag-team titles from Moustache Mountain and still appear to be on their ascension. With that said, I can’t see a title change happening here. If WALTER doesn’t lose his title, and I don’t expect Toni Storm to drop hers this weekend either, you would think at least one title would change hands on this card. If so, this would seem the most likely candidate, unless they go the upset-route in the main event. From a logical standpoint, I think the champs retain. (Prediction: The Grizzled Young Veterans)
Ian: I’m almost wondering if a title change could happen here purely on the fact that I don’t think we’ll see new champions in either of the other two title matches. With that being said, the last NXT Takeover in Toronto had no title changes either, so it’s not like that doesn’t happen. Still, I sort of feel like the belts could go on Gallus here. It doesn’t seem right to have the Young Vets beat Moustache Mountain only to lose the titles here but maybe that is what they have planned. (Prediction: Gallus)
Andrew: Well, this one is a hard one to pick. I can see Gibson and Drake retaining the titles but at the same time, I can see Andrews and Webster winning if WWE wants to do a title change. This should be a really fun match with high paced tag team action. In the end, I see this being the only title change on the card with Andrews and Webster winning. (Prediction: Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster)
CONSENSUS: 1-1-1, PICK’M
Toni Storm (C) vs. Kay Lee Ray (NXT U.K. Women’s Title)
Matt: Toni Storm should get the “W” here. This should be a good match, but is most likely a showcase bout for what is one of the more promising talents on the current NXT U.K. roster. She’s already been called out by “The Man,” as Becky Lynch named her when asked about talent she’d like to fight that isn’t already on the main roster. With that in mind, the only questions are how good does she look and how much does she impress en route to victory on Saturday night? (Prediction: Toni Storm)
Ian: I’m expecting Toni Storm to retain here. She’s one of the top athletes in the company not on the main roster, it doesn’t seem like they would want to take the title off her anytime soon. As for Kay Lee Ray, she could get her time with the belt at some point but it feels like Storm might hold it for a while to really establish the NXT UK Women’s title as a tough one to win. (Prediction: Toni Storm)
Andrew: I’m a big Toni Storm fan and while I think it’s likely a lock for her to hold onto the title, I can’t rule out Ray getting an upset win if WWE wants to move Storm to NXT with the show moving to the USA Network soon. In the end, I think it’s best for Storm to stay in NXT UK and she will retain. (Prediction: Toni Storm)
CONSENSUS: 3-0, Toni Storm
WALTER (C) vs. Tyler Bate (WWE U.K. Title)
Matt: With the NXT U.K. brand still very much resting on the broad shoulders of their current champion and his faction, WALTER appears to be one of the locks of the card. While the match itself should be interesting, and could get you to bite on a potential title change due to how it is laid out (particularly if there are any run-ins and/or distractions), in the end, Imperium’s leader should retain with a victory. By the way, does Cesaro get inserted here, or somewhere else? WWE might want to do something newsworthy so they don’t overwhelmingly lose, at least in terms of fan interest coming out of each show, their final AEW vs. NXT (UK) same-day-showdown before the “Wednesday Night Wars” kick off. Nah. I’m over-thinking things! (Prediction: WALTER)
Ian: Watching WALTER chop down Tyler Bate could be the highlight of this show. We will get a real David and Goliath type battle. With Bate’s strength and WALTER’s size this could turn into a really interesting match. Don’t miss this one. In terms of who wins, WALTER has to be the heavy favourite as Imperium continues to make NXT UK their “yard.” (Prediction: WALTER)
Andrew: I like Bate a ton but does anyone actually give him a real chance of winning this match? WALTER has been an unstoppable force since making his way to NXT UK and with only holding the title for months, WWE should keep the title on him. The company likes for their champions in NXT UK to hold the strap for long periods of time and I don’t see that changing here. (Prediction: WALTER)
CONSENSUS: 3-0, WALTER
NXT U.K. TakeOver: Cardiff Outro
What do you think about Matt, Ian and Andrew’s picks for Saturday’s matches? How do their above picks compare to yours? Let us know by sharing your own NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff predictions in the “Comments” section below.
Join us here at SEScoops.com throughout the weekend for the best coverage of NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff news, rumors and spoilers. Make sure to stop by on Saturday afternoon for the absolute fastest and most-detailed live NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff results coverage on the web.
With NXT moving to USA Network and extending to a new two-hour time slot, WWE’s black-and-gold ‘development brand’ are on the precipice of something fresh as they prepare to go head-to-head with All Elite Wrestling.
Speaking with Newsweek, NXT Champion Adam Cole openly discussed his brands extra hour, the move to USA Network, and whether the show can really be viewed as development any longer.
“It’s Something Our Team Is Ready For”
“It’s awesome, Cold state about the move. “I’ve said countless times that if more people got to see and experience NXT, they would be fans for life. And now we have this whole new avenue and outlet. So many new people get to check out NXT, and I’m convinced that a lot of people will watch this show on USA and go ‘I have to watch this every week’ just for the shows that we do deliver and put on. Going live on television is a lot more of a high-pressure situation, but it’s something our team is ready for.
He explained how the talent is used to big events thanks to their experience with NXT TakeOver shows, reiterating that, more than anything, he is excited. He also doesn’t believe NXT will change dramatically, despite its extension to two hours.
“I think we’re going to continue to do what we’ve done,” he stated. “I think it’s important for what we built with this brand, delivering exciting match after exciting match, week after week and that’s the game plan. Our crew is very passionate, we know the style of wrestling that we like, and we love the energy the NXT fans bring to the table. I can tell you this: we will bring the most exciting show we can every single week. That’s most certainly is the game plan.”
Switching Brands
So with a move to USA Network, an extension to two hours, and the intention of competing with AEW’s TNT television show is NXT really a development brand, or is it just WWE’s third brand alongside RAW and SmackDown?
“We’ve called it this for a while, but we look at NXT as the third brand. And now I feel this move to USA just solidifies it. Instead of calling it “moved up” it’ll just be “moving.” Some guys may move to RAW or SmackDown. Some guys on RAW or SmackDown can move to NXT. To me, this move to the USA totally solidifies NXT as the third brand. I’m sure you’ll see lots of guys moving to different brands as time goes on.”
NXT debuts on USA Network on September 18th, starting at 8/7 C.
Io Shirai faced Cami Fields tonight on NXT. Io dominated early and sent Cami into the corner of the ring. Shirai hit an elbow to the face and then Double Knees in the corner. Shirai made her way to the top rope and connected with a Moonsault.
Shirai went for the cover but got up before the referee counted to three. Io then locked in a submission hold and Cami quickly tapped out. Shirai applied the hold for a few extra seconds before finally letting go.
After the match, Shirai grabbed a kendo stick from under the ring but Candice LeRae rushed the ring. LeRae hit Io a couple of times with the kendo stick and Shirai retreated up the ramp.
Dominik Dijakovic Defeated Keith Lee In An Incredible Match
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Keith Lee squared off against Dominik Dijakovic on this week’s show. The NXT crowd chanted “bask in his glory!” as the two superstars locked up in the middle of the ring. Dijakovic controlled the match early and started taunting Lee.
Lee knocked Dijakovic to the canvas with a shoulder tackle and followed it up with a chop to the chest. Dominik battled back with a Cyclone Kick that sent Lee to the mat. Dominik stomped away on Lee in the corner and returned the favor with a chop to Lee’s chest.
Dominik went for a Suplex but Lee was able to block it. Keith bounced Dijakovic’s face off the top turnbuckle and followed it up with a Crossbody for a two count. Lee connected with a massive Clothesline and went for the cover but Dijakovic powered out at the last moment.
Lee slammed Dijakovic onto the apron and Dominik tumbled to the floor outside the ring. Dijakovic battled back with a Superkick and followed it up with a Fosbury Flop. Back in the ring. Dominik climbed to the top rope and tried to flip onto Lee but Keith somehow caught him.
Dijakovic connected with a Suplex and made his way back to the top rope. Dominik hit a Moonsault and went for the cover but Lee was able to kick out at two. Dijakovic once again climbed to the top but Lee met him up there. Keith unloaded a couple of punches and hit an unbelievable Spanish Fly for a two count as the crowd went insane.
Keith Lee made his way up to the top rope but this time Dominik caught up to him. Lee hit an elbow that sent Dominik to the canvas. Dijakovic booted Lee in the knee and crotched him on the top rope. Dominik lifted Lee up in the Torture Rack and hit the Feast Your Eyes for the pinfall victory as the crowd gave the two superstars a standing ovation.
NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler came down to the ring with Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir. Baszler was about to speak but was quickly interrupted by former NXT UK Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley.
The crowd chanted “Rhea” as she got in the ring and had a staredown with Baszler. Rhea ripped the microphone out of Shayna’s hand and said: “I know what you are going to say. You have beaten everyone here but you haven’t beaten me, bitch”.
Street Profits defended their NXT Tag Team Championships against Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish of Undisputed Era in the main event of this week’s episode of NXT. Bobby Fish and Montez Ford started the match off.
Fish took control and tagged in O’Reilly as dueling “Undisputed!” and “Street Profits!” chants broke out. O’Reilly applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring as Dawkins tried to fire his teammate up.
Montez battled to his feet and Dawkins tagged himself in. Angelo connected with a Spinebuster and Fish tagged in. Dawkins greeted Bobby with a Spinebuster and Ford tagged in.
Ford connected with a Dropkick on Fish for a two count. Montez followed that up with a Crossbody for another near fall. O’Reilly hit Ford with a cheap shot as the referee was distracted and then tagged back into the match.
O’Reilly unloaded a few knee strikes to Ford in the corner and Fish tagged right back in. Bobby targetted his attack on Ford’s right leg for a few minutes as Dawkins pleaded for a tag.
Dawkins was finally able to tag in and leveled Fish and O’Reilly with a Clothesline. Angelo followed that up with a couple of Splashes and then a Spear to Fish for a two count.
Fish went for a Sleeper Hold but Dawkins was able to escape. Kyle O’Reilly tagged in and hit Angelo with a chop block. Undisputed Era hit Chase the Dragon but Dawkins was able to kick out.
Bobby hit Ford with a Dragon Screw and turned around into a Spinebuster from Dawkins. O’Reilly locked Dawkins in the Triangle in the middle of the ring. Angelo broke the hold with a Buckle Bomb and Ford tagged back in.
Montez planted O’Reilly with a Uranage as Dawkins climbed to the top rope. Angelo hit a Frog Splash and Ford went for the cover but Fish dragged O’Reilly out of the ring. Back in the ring, Dawkins hit O’Reilly with a Spear as Montez Ford climbed to the top rope.
Ford went for a Frog Splash but got nothing but canvas. O’Reilly and Fish hit the High/Low on Ford for the pinfall victory. Undisputed Era are the new NXT Tag Team Champions.
Cesaro will be stopping over in Wales this weekend just in time for NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff.
He revealed the news during a short interview backstage after Monday Night RAW. Cesaro corrected the interviewer, informing them he wasn’t just heading to China for a WWE promotional tour—he was also planning on visiting Cardiff to check out NXT UK.
“Not just China,” Cesaro stated. “I’ll also be paying a visit to Wales. Cardiff, Wales to be more specific. See, I’ve heard a lot of things about NXT UK, so I’m going to go to NXT UK Takeover: Cardiff to find out first-hand what it’s all about, and maybe take a little more of a hands-on approach.”
At the time of writing, there is no indication as to if Cesaro will be performing during the event or simply appearing.
Other Superstars have jumped between brands. Kassius Ohno, who has been missing from NXT, for example, has been competing for NXT UK, so Cesaro would be in good company.
Brand jumping like this ties into Triple H’s thoughts on levelling out WWE’s brand hierarchy. This would allow Superstars to freely move between shows, providing opportunities for different storylines and rivalries to take place.
WWE NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff takes place this Saturday, August 31st from the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales.
NXT UK Superstar Tyler Bate recently sat down with The Sun ahead of this Saturday’s NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff event. He will be competing against Walter for the promotion’s WWE United Kingdom Championship.
During the interview, Bate discussed the possibility of jumping from NXT UK to NXT. He also addressed the idea of a brand versus brand show that would pit NXT UK Superstars against their U.S. counterparts.
He admitted that, despite Pete Dunne’s current run in NXT, as long as there are new experiences for Bate in NXT UK, he doesn’t see himself jumping brands any time soon.
“Pete seems to be enjoying himself, and it’s something new for him to experience in his career. He’s enjoying it,” Bate said. “As far as I’m aware, there are no plans for me to be going anywhere any time soon. I’m quite enjoying my time here in NXT UK, and my goal is to keep things fresh and interesting. I like to try new things and go to new places, and if I can do that in NXT UK then I’m fine staying here – but there’ nothing planned as far as I’m aware for me to go anywhere soon.”
Bate admitted to being intrigued by the idea of an NXT super show, saying he would be “super up for that” if the opportunity arose. “It sounds like it would be a hell of a show for the fans to watch,” he added. “You never know.”
TakeOver: Cardiff
Addressing his opponent on Saturday, Bate is fully aware of the monumental challenge ahead of him:
“All I can do is try my very best. I’m a big believer in fate, and if it’s not supposed to be me that stops him, then I’m sure there’s somebody else down the line who could do it. […] But I will be putting on the very best performance that I can.”
WWE NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff takes place this Saturday, August 31st from the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales.
