The July 15, 2020 episode of WWE NXT aired live on the USA Network from the Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University.
WWE NXT Results (7/15)
- Damian Priest def. Cameron Grimes.
- Indi Hartwell def. Shotzi Blackheart
- Keith Lee def. Dominik Dijakovic to Retain NXT & North American Titles
- Timothy Thatcher def. Denzel DeJournette.
- NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai def. Tegan Nox to Retain Title
Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:
Keith Lee Speaks
WWE had newly crowned NXT Champion Keith Lee address fans following his big title win.
Of course, Lee beat Adam Cole to snap his historic title reign as NXT Champion last week on NXT in a Winner Takes All Match.
Lee came out for an in-ring promo to open the show. He said the last few months have been trying for all of us and he understands that pain because losses hurt. He said that there’s something special about being in the ring and he stands before the fans as a double champion.
Lee knows that he has a target on his back and everyone wants a championship shot. He knows that chances created him to get to this point and thanked various people like Tim Brooks and the fans.
Lee would like to talk with Dominik Dijakovic, who came out to the ring. Lee thinks this moment is about both of them because Dijakovic pushed him to get him to this point and tested him to limits like no one else.
Lee suggested to William Regal that the first challenger for the titles should be Dijakovic. Dijakovic asked when and Lee said tonight and Dijakovic said yes.
Cameron Grimes vs. Damian Priest
WWE booked another match between Cameron Grimes and Damian Priest. In a match that no one really asked for, it happened and it was different from their first encounter.
Unlike their previous outing, Priest scored the pinfall after avoiding a clothesline and connecting with a kick to the back of the head of Grimes.
Their first match came a few weeks ago and saw Grimes pull out all of the stops as only a heel can do by attacking Priest prior to the match, which ultimately gave Priest an out in order to take the loss.
Priest continues to float on television and WWE hasn’t really done anything to make you want to see him in a big-time feud. On the flip side, the same can be said for Grimes, who is good in his role and someone that fans just want to see be attacked. That’s good for a heel, but it seems that is as far as his upside can go. Pure heat, no drawing ability.
NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai Defends
NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai made her latest title defense against Tegan Nox.
The match was good as both girls worked hard although Nox wasn’t built up as a serious title contender, but rather the underdog in the way of the champion who is still trying to build up her credibility as a champion and thus pumping up her credit.
Nox put up a good fight and even had some dominating moments, but it wasn’t enough. The finish saw Io hit her finisher. After the match, Dakota Kai came out and laid out Io to close the show.
Knox had previously won a #1 contender’s bout to earn this title match, but now she’s headed back to the drawing board and the back of the line.
Keith Lee Reignites Feud
Just when you thought the feud was over, WWE goes back to it. Of course, following the opening segment, WWE saved Keith Lee making his first defense as double champion – North American Champion and NXT Champion – against Dominik Dijakovic.
As expected and like their previous outings, the two big men put on a show and told a good story in the ring. The finish came when Lee hit his finisher to retain the titles.
This booking decision was fine as the two have history and was a good way to have decent star power on the show against a strong AEW Dynamite episode. The funny thing is that Dijakovic was reportedly called up to the main roster and placed on RAW. He even tweeted various teases. Never made his debut though.
As with most things with WWE’s creative, things can change at any time and it appears that this was just that. Thus, apparently, WWE is keeping the big man in NXT for now.
Post-match, Scarlett came out to the ring and put the hourglass into the ring to let Lee know that Karrion Kross was still watching him.
