WWE NXT Superstar Johnny Gargano challenged for the NXT Championship on this week’s episode of the show. Johnny Wrestling took on Karrion Kross with Samoa Joe in the role of special guest referee.
Gargano was unsuccessful in his attempt to regain the NXT Championship from Kross, following a great match that headlined the episode on USA Network. Kross and Samoa Joe went toe to toe multiple times in the match between Kross would choke Joe out after the match.
Johnny Gargano took a nasty bump into a table during the main event of the show, and Fightful Select have reported that despite this the leader of The Way is not suffering from any clear injuries.
It’s not clear what the future is for Johnny Gargano or The Way, with WWE looking at potentially moving more Superstars across the three main brands as fans begin to return to shows.
It’s very unlikely however that we will be seeing Gargano appear in the NXT title picture for quite some time, after Kross got a definitive win over the former EVOLVE star.
Karrion Kross was successful in his latest title defense as the NXT Champion when he put the title on the line in a match on Tuesday’s episode of NXT against Johnny Gargano.
This served as the main event of the show from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center on the USA Network. Samoa Joe was the special guest referee.
The match saw both stars work hard with Kross being booked as the monster. Near the end, Kross was going to use the steel steps, but Joe stopped him. Kross won with his running forearm strike. After the match, Kross choked out Joe to end the show.
The title match was announced during a face-to-face segment with Kross and Gargano last week after the two stars had been brawling over the past few weeks.
Kross’ previous title defense came in a fatal 5-way match against Gargano, Pete Dunne, Kyle O’Reilly, and Adam Cole in the main event of WWE NXT TakeOver: In Your House event.
Kross won the NXT Championship from Finn Balor at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver. Since that time, he’s made one title defense and that also came against Balor.
WWE has announced that the NXT champion Karrion Kross will come face-to-face with Johnny Gargano at the NXT Great American Bash this Tuesday.
Gargano expressed the desire to have a confrontation with the fellow NXT star on Twitter. He mentioned how his rival tried to hit him with a car last week and promised to ‘smack the taste outta’ of the NXT champion’s mouth.
Kross accepted this invitation with a tweet of his own. He told Johnny that it was time to cool off his mouth and compared the former champion to ‘ the bugs that crawl in and out of dog crap’:
Both the NXT GM William Regal and special enforcer Samoa Joe also reacted to this news on Twitter. You can check out the exchange among these four below:
Last week Kross tried to hit me with a car.. You think I was just going to let that go?
I'll be at the Great American Bash. No tricks, no games, no smoke and mirrors.
Meet me face to face. I'm going to smack the taste outta your mouth.
NXT Champion Karrion Kross coming face to face with Johnny Gargano
Championship Cypher hosted by North American Champion Isaiah “Swerve” Scott and Hit Row
NXT Tag Team Championship Match: MSK vs. Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher
NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae vs. Io Shirai and Zoey Stark
Singles Match: Adam Cole vs. Kyle O’Reilly
NXT’s Great American Bash is scheduled to take place from the Capitol Wrestling Center on this Tuesday, July 6. Below is the updated card for the show after the latest addition:
Just days after being backstage at Friday’s WWE SmackDown event, the company brought in NXT Champion Karrion Kross, Scarlett, and North American Champion Bronson Reed for Monday’s Raw.
PWinsider.com not only reported that the stars are backstage, but they will be working matches on this week’s episode of WWE Main Event that will air on Hulu and on the WWE Network for fans outside of the United States.
This appears to be the latest move for them transitioning from NXT to the main roster. It’s been reported that Kross and Reed worked matches at Friday’s SmackDown as a way for WWE officials to get a better look at them.
Although Kross wrestled Dolph Ziggler while Reed faced off with Bobby Roode at SmackDown, the matches were taped for future evaluation and WWE has no plans to air them for fans.
In Kross’ situation, the belief since he signed with WWE NXT was that he is being fast-tracked to the main roster because of his size and look.
It is interesting that WWE would have them appear on Main Event, a show that has a much lower fanbase and viewership numbers than Raw, NXT, or SmackDown, before making their actual main roster debuts.
It’s possible that WWE holds off on bringing them up to the main roster until late August or early September when the Draft takes place.
The NXT champion Karrion Kross alongside Scarlett and the NXT North American champion Bronson Reed were backstage for this week’s episode of SmackDown. The developmental stars were brought to the brand for evaluation from officials. They both competed in dark matches before the airing of the show.
In an update to this original story, PWInsider is reporting that Kross faced Dolph Ziggler in a match while Reed competed against Ziggler’s partner Robert Roode in singles competition. Both these matches were taped for evaluation, though they are not likely to be released to the public. The NXT champion and Scarlett are expected back at the tapings next week.
The duo will likely be tested for their promo skills after the dark match this week. Whether Reed will be brought back as well is not known. It’s been said multiple times in the past that WWE officials are interested in bringing Karrion Kross to the main roster and his call-up could be fast-tracked.
The company is expected to hold the next round of WWE drafts in August after SummerSlam. With the reports about the officials being interested in the former Impact wrestling star, it’s likely that they are trying to assess whether or not he is ready to make a jump to the main roster.
WWE had three interesting NXT stars backstage at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida for Friday Night SmackDown and that was NXT North American Champion Bronson Reed, WWE NXT Champion Karrion Kross, and Scarlett.
Originally, it wasn’t known as to why they were there, but Pwinsider.com later reported the reason they were backstage was so WWE could see them compete in a dark match.
It was added that there have been talks in the last week of Kross and Scarlett being moved from NXT to the main roster.
Reed became the North American Champion when he defeated Johnny Gargano in a steel cage match a month ago. At the WWE NXT TakeOver: In Your House event this past weekend, the NXT North American Championship and NXT Tag Team Titles were on the line in a winner-take-all six-man tag match when Reed and MSK successfully retained the titles against Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde).
At this same show, Kross successfully defended the NXT Championship in a Fatal Five-Way Match Kross successfully defended the NXT Championship in a Fatal Five-Way Match.
Kross won the NXT Championship from Finn Balor at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver.
Karrion Kross has always said that he welcomes all challengers and backed up what he says in his latest title defense as the NXT Champion.
He worked a fatal 5-way match against Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne, Kyle O’Reilly, and Adam Cole in the main event of WWE NXT TakeOver: In Your House event in Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center.
The match saw Kross be booked strong throughout it. Dunne and Gargano sent Kross through the front door of the stage. Kross even broke out an F5 to Gargano for a near fall. There was a double submission spot with Dunne and O’Reilly. Kross won with his sleeper hold on O’Reilly.
Originally, Kross was supposed to defend the title against one person until Cole screwed up NXT General Manager William Regal’s storyline plans. A triple threat match between O’Reilly, Dunne, and Gargano took place on the June 1st edition of NXT with the winner supposed to face Kross at TakeOver, but Cole attacked all three stars and it ended in a no contest. Later in the show, Kross told Regal that he wants to face everyone at TakeOver: In Your House and Regal agreed so he booked the match.
Kross won the NXT Championship from Finn Balor at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver. Since that time, he’s made one title defense and that also came against Balor.
WWE holds the fallout episode from this show of NXT on Tuesday.
WWE NXT Superstar and former PROGRESS Champion Pete Dunne recently spoke to Mike Johnson of PWInsider. The Bruiserweight discussed a number of topics, including a potential bout between himself and the NXT Champion, Karrion Kross.
“With my style being as physical as it is, and the way the Kross wrestles, I think it does mesh together quite well” Pete Dunne would begin, discussing the potential match. “He’s somebody that I had my eye on just before he got to the company, and then seeing the way he’s come in, and he’s breezing through so fast.”
“Obviously, he had the injury” Dunne added, alluding to the injury Kross suffered after winning the NXT Championship for the first time. “But to come back and do it all over again is impressive; and I definitely would like to work with him down the line.”
Pete Dunne on Karrion Kross
“And for me personally, it’s just a case of, I’ve been in NXT now for coming up to five years, I had that obviously long run in the UK with the UK title; I had a brief run with Matt Riddle as the tag champion” Dunne added.
The Bruiserweight finished by discussing how his current work compares to his time in NXT UK and the independents; saying that he is producing the best work of his career.
“But I really do feel like now I’m here, I’m in the best shape of my life” Pete Dunne noted. “I’m doing the best work I’ve ever done, and it’s time to take that next step. And if Kross’ is who I’d do that against, then so be it. I can’t wait to get rolling” The Bruiserweight concluded.
A triple threat match on this week’s WWE NXT was supposed to determine Karrion Kross’ challenger for TakeOver: In Your House.
Last week, general manager William Regal announced that Kyle O’Reilly, Pete Dunne, and Johnny Gargano would face off in a triple threat number one contender’s match, which kicked off Tuesday’s show.
The match was about who could top who with everyone having their moments to shine. There were “this is awesome” chants early on and throughout the match. Adam Cole came out and laid out all three wrestlers before leaving on the demands of William Regal.
Later in the show after a promo segment with Kross and Cole, it was revealed that Kross will defend the title against Dunne, Cole, Gargano, and O’Reilly in a fatal 5-way match at TakeOver.
Up until this point, Kross had been in a feud with Finn Balor for the title as he dethroned “The Prince” at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver last month to win the NXT Championship. Kross also beat Balor in a rematch on last week’s episode of NXT when Balor passed out in the Kross Jacket.
WWE presents the NXT TakeOver: In Your House event on Sunday, June 13, 2021 in Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center..
The highly anticipated rematch between NXT Champion Karrion Kross and Finn Balor took place on Wednesday’s episode of WWE NXT.
Kross put the title on the line in the main event of the show against the former champion. Kross worked over the spine of Balor throughout while Balor targeted the ribs. After being beaten down for a few minutes, Balor tried to make a comeback. Kross locked in the rear-naked choke for the win.
Their first match took place at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver last month where Balor was dethroned by Kross as NXT Champion. Just three weeks ago, Kross was interrupted by Kyle O’Reilly, Pete Dunne, and Balor during a promo segment. Once a brawl broke out, Johnny Gargano and Austin Theory ambushed Kross and laid him out.
Two weeks ago, the match was made official as Kross defeated Theory in a non-title bout. Post-match, Balor confronted Kross in the ring and told Kross that he doesn’t wait in lines, but rather he wanted his rematch. Kross responded by telling him that he wanted the match just as much as Balor.
Many fans had thought WWE would’ve saved this match for the upcoming NXT TakeOver: In Your House show that goes down on Sunday, June 13, 2021. Next week on NXT, Kross’ opponent at this show will be decided with the winner of a triple threat match between Pete Dunne, Kyle O’Reilly and Johnny Gargano.
The rematch that fans have been waiting for has been booked as Karrion Kross will make his first defense of the NXT Title against Finn Balor.
It will happen on the May 26th edition of WWE NXT from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center on the USA Network. On this week’s episode, Kross beat Austin Theory in the opening contest and it was mostly a one-sided affair.
After the match, Balor appeared and told Kross that he doesn’t wait in line. He wanted the title match and Kross agreed to it. It was only until later in the show that WWE actually confirmed it.
Last week, WWE did a segment where Balor, Pete Dunne, and Kyle O’Reilly made their cases as to why they should get the next title shot.
Kross beat Balor last month on the second night of NXT TakeOver: Stand and Deliver special to become the champion for the second time.
WWE also confirmed that next week’s episode will see Johnny Gargano will defend his NXT North American Title against Bronson Reed, who became the new #1 contender by defeating Theory on the April 27th edition of NXT.
This is also a rematch from the latest TakeOver special as Gargano was able to retain after interference from Theory.
It was a big night on RAW for Karrion Kross. The NXT champion and his valet Scarlett appeared on the main roster show in a promo vignette for their upcoming NXT match with Austin Theory.
Karrion Kross is a formidable figure in the ring. He will no doubt be wrestling on the main roster in the future. However, his appearance in a vignette for an NXT show is indicative of how NXT has grown as a brand.
Raw has been the flagship WWE show for decades and NXT was the development territory. Yet the growth of the NXT brand has seen it become a highly watched brand each week. The position of WWE shows each week means that RAW could now be used more frequently as a platform to advertise upcoming NXT matches.
There is no doubt that Karrion Kross vs Austin Theory will be a good fight. However, it is really the statement that the vignette makes on a larger branding scale that makes it interesting.
WWE has been investing solidly in NXT. Under the careful guidance of HHH NXT has moved from strength to strength. This newest step forward shows what a good thing WWE have in their Florida-based brand. NXT figures dropped during the Wednesday Night Wars. Using Raw to promote NXT is a great way to pull viewers back to the new Tuesday night show.
Whatever the reasoning, it was great to see Karrion Kross on the main brand. Whether to moves up, or stays on NXT, he is bound to become a name the entire WWE universe is familiar with.
NXT Champion Karrion Kross recently stated that he hopes Jon Moxley returns to WWE so that they can face each other again. Kross was taking part in an interview with Barstool Sports when he made the comments.
“I have to say it, I hope (Jon Moxley) comes back one day,” Kross said during the interview. “I think he will, not that I would know or nothing has been said.”
“I hope he comes back one day. If he does, he’s going to have to go through me and I think he knows that. We have unfinished business.”
Moxley and Kross have faced each other once previously. Kross was defeated by Moxley at a show for Future Stars of Wrestling in Las Vegas on July 5th, 2019.
Kross also spoke about which wrestlers have influenced him throughout his career.
“Disco Inferno believe it or not has probably been the best mentor that I’ve had and the reason being is because he prepared me to understand what this business actually is before I was involved with it at the highest level. He prepared me to understand the business model of what this is at the highest level.”
WWE had fans wait to see what would happen when Karrion Kross would challenge Finn Balor for the NXT Title and it didn’t disappoint.
This title match served as the co-main event of WWE NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver event on Thursday night. A last-minute decision to put this in the co-headliner spot was made. The match had a slow build and increasingly picked up the action. Throughout it, Balor got small bursts of offense and when he did, he targeted the left shoulder of Kross.
There was a span of several minutes where Kross sold. In the end, it was Kross standing tall with the NXT Title after hitting his forearm strike finisher.
They had a confrontation that set up this contest. WWE later booked them as a tag team for a one-off as they challenged NXT Tag Team Champions Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch, but when Balor knocked Scarlett off the apron, things took a turn for the worse as Kross attacked Balor as a result.
This gave Kross the chance to reclaim the title that he never lost as he had beat Keith Lee to win the NXT Championship at TakeOver XXX last August. Unfortunately, Kross suffered a separated shoulder during the match and had to relinquish the title.
WWE needed to crown a new champion so there was a fatal 4-way match that resulted in Balor pinning Adam Cole last September to win the vacant NXT Championship.
The WWENXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver event is taking place over the course of two nights. Night 1 took place yesterday, Wednesday April 7th (airing on USA Network).
Tonight’s show, Thursday, April 8th will be available to watch via Peacock and WWE Network for International fans.
WWE had already announced the main events of both nights that take place in Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center. WWENXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai vs. Raquel Gonzalez headlined the first night, with Gonzalez winning the Championship for the first time in her career.
WWE NXT Champion Finn Balor vs. Karrion Kross will main event tonight, with Balor putting his Championship on the line.
This show marks the second special for the yellow brand in 2021, which features a stacked lineup. As a reminder, we will be providing ongoing coverage of tonight’s show throughout.
Here’s the full card for Night 2 of the event:
NXT Takeover Stand & Deliver: Night 2
Unsanctioned Match – Kyle O’Reilly vs Adam Cole
NXT Championship Match – Finn Balor (c) vs Karrion Kross
Undisputed NXT Cruiserweight Championship Ladder Match – Jordan Devlin vs Santos Escobar
NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship Match – Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon vs The Way
NXT North American Championship Match – Johnny Gargano (c) vs Bronson Reed
Here are Jake’s predictions for the second night of WWE NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver:
What would you like to see us produce for video content on YouTube going forward? Let us know in the comments
NXT Tag Team Champion Danny Burch was reportedly injured during last night’s episode of NXT. Burch and Oney Lorcan defended their tag titles against Karrion Kross and NXT Champion Finn Balor in the main event of the show.
Danny Burch was removed from the match just past the halfway point. Lorcan and Burch attempted a double suplex on Kross, but Kross reversed the move and it saw Burch take a bad landing on his neck/shoulder.
There is currently no official update on what injury Burch sustained. PWInsider have reported that the Englishman sustained a separated shoulder. Burch was reportedly still being evaluated as of late last night.
With no official statement coming from WWE, it’s unknown what will happen with the NXT Tag Team Championships. Burch and Lorcan are currently in an alliance with former WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne; WWE may opt to run with the ‘Freebird’ rule for the Tag Team Championships until Danny Burch is fit to return.
Karrion Kross says he wants to fight WWE NXT Champion Finn Balor at WrestleMania 37 for the title. This was in response to Balor saying in an interview that Kross deserves a title shot.
Finn Balor proposed the idea of defending the NXT Championship against Karrion Kross while appearing on After The Bell. He said that a dream scenario for him would be to defend the title one night on TakeOver and the next night at WrestleMania.
“The Prince” empathized with Kross and said that he really feels for him, in regards to Kross having to relinquish his title. Balor said that Kross deserves a title shot, whether it’s at TakeOver or at WrestleMania. Karrion Kross was asked about Finn Balor’s comments and if he would be down to have this hypothetical match.
“100 percent. Yes, I would,” Karrion Kross told FOX Sports. “I don’t know where that began — whether it was online or if it was Finn’s suggestion through another interview — but people have been creating these pictures where they post the both of us with the WrestleMania background for weeks now. I hope the company is listening to that because there seems to be an interest and a demand for that.”
Karrion Kross added that he hoped fans get what they’re looking for as he would be more than happy to step up on “The Grandest Stage of Them All.”
Returning from injury in December, Karrion Kross would then go on to feud with Damian Priest and Santos Escobar. Meanwhile, the NXT Championship has been wrapped around Finn Balor’s waist who has defended the title against the likes of Kyle O’Reilly and Pete Dunne. When Kross was asked if Balor has been a worthy champion, he vehemently agreed.
“Absolutely. Yes, he has. He’s gone through virtually every single major name in NXT. He’s had killer matches. And that’s what this company is all about. When someone is not able to carry the ball for one reason or another, we’ve got the best guys in the world ready to step up, and he did that. If the situation were reversed, I would have done it as well, and I’m looking forward to eventually stepping into the ring to compete with him,” Karrion Kross said of Finn Balor.
Earlier this month, Randy Orton expressed his interest in working with Karrion Kross.
Since Kross signed with WWE and joined NXT last year, he’s been positioned as a top star. He was fast-tracked to the top of the card and the only reason he’s not the NXT Champion right now is due to him suffering a shoulder injury that resulted in him being put on the sidelines.
He noted that he laughed about it at first as he was done doing his morning cardio and saw it on his phone.
“My first, immediate reaction, because I saw what time it was tweeted, I was like, ‘What?!? What is this?’ It was very late in the morning. I was like, ‘I clearly missed a very good time last night.’ But, yeah, it was very flattering and I thought it was awesome, and I think the world of him.”
He noted that he thinks people should have more fun with social media instead of being serious while using it. Kross doesn’t know him, but has heard that Orton has a sense of humor.
“I’ve been aware of that for a time and as flattering as it was, I know he’s only kidding around. But, I can’t wait to work with him in the future. I’m definitely interested in doing that. In order for him to hit the RKO, he’s going to have to give me his back, and a lot of bad things can happen. Just thought I’d throw that out there for peace of mind.”
Orton is currently in a feud with Bray Wyatt while Kross took on NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar on Wednesday’s episode of NXT.
WWE legend Randy Orton sees dollar signs in former NXT Champion Karrion Kross.
The Viper competed against Edge on Monday’s WWE Raw (Results). The longtime rivals wrestled in the main event. 24 hours after winning the Royal Rumble, Edge defeated Orton thanks to a distraction by Alexa Bliss.
Orton stayed up late Monday night and shared some thoughts on social media. Orton came across a video posted by NXT star Karrion Kross. As seen below, Kross is depicted in Manhattan’s financial district. He narrates the video and speaks about one of his favorite subjects: time.
“Time tells all,” said Kross. “You know, I’ve always had an obsession with time. Or perhaps, time has had an obsession with me. I’ve never really known the difference.”
Randy Orton responded to the video with a message to Karrion Kross. He told Kross, “Get yo ass up here,” a reference to WWE’s main roster. Orton then laid out a challenge, sharing his opinion that the two grapplers could do big business together.
“Let’s fight, make some money and crack a beer. Wtf you waiting for??? Time? F*ck time.”
You can see the video and Orton’s reply in the tweet below:
Get yo ass up here and let’s fight make some $ and crack a beer. Wtf you waiting for??? Time? Fuck time. Haha I’ll set my alarm https://t.co/dC7zI2gjLf
Randy Orton also reached out to WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold Steve Austin.” Orton lamented that Austin has not invited him to be a guest on his Broken Skull Sessions. In a tweet deep into the night, Orton said it’s “f*cked up” that he’s yet to be interviewed on Austin’s WWE Network show.
He complimented Austin as the “Baddest MFer to lace a pair of boots” and praised him as one of the greatest of all time. Randy Orton wants to know, “Where you at Steven?”
I think it’s fucked up @steveaustinBSR hasn’t had me on yet. Baddest mfer to lace a pair of boots and prob one of the top GOATS of all time. Real talk. Where you at Steven?
Randy Orton has had an incredible 20-year career thus far. He’s certainly got plenty to talk about. Steve Austin gets some killer interviews out of his guests. This is a pairing we’d love to see in the months ahead.
Karrion Kross has made his return from being sidelined with an injury and is now back on WWE NXT.
Wednesday’s episode saw Scarlett have a staredown with Finn Balor after he did a promo segment to open the show to tease his possible opponent on January 6th. Balor told her that Kross can fight him anywhere, any time.
Later in the show during a segment that featured Damian Priest interrupting Candice LeRae, Johnny Gargano, Indie Heartwell, and Austin Theory, Kross made his return by attacking Priest and sending him off the stage through a table. Kross then drove off with Scarlett.
Karrion Kross’ return comes shortly after WWE aired a promo video depicting a vulture and his signature phrase “Tick Tock” at Takeover: WarGames. To add fuel to the fire, Kross acknowledged the video on Twitter right after it had aired. This was the first mention of Kross on television since he vacated the NXT Title back in August.
Kross defeated Keith Lee to win the NXT Title in the headliner of TakeOver: XXX. He suffered a separated shoulder during this match.
It appears that Karrion Kross is very close to making a return to WWE NXT.
Following a strap match between Cameron Grimes and Dexter Lumis at Sunday’s NXT TakeOver: WarGames show, a short vignette aired showing a vulture, a clear indication for Kross and his return.
The video ended with the signature “Tick, Tock,” his trademark phrase. Following the segment, Kross acknowledged the vignette on Twitter when he wrote “Think about the future.”
Triple H was asked about Kross’ return this week in an interview with Fox Sports’ Ryan Satin.
“He’s one of those guys that, again, you want to run through a brick wall for,” he told Satin. “But, he’ll run through the brick wall for himself. That’s the other thing. He’s not here to sit back and go, ‘Man, I hope this heals well.’ He’s going to. If it doesn’t heal well, it’s not on him. It’s not on lack of effort. He did everything conceivable to get there and he’s ready to rock and roll. It’s just a timing thing now.”
The former NXT Champion has been out of action since he suffered a separated shoulder during a match at TakeOver XXX on August 22.
He won the title that night but had to vacate the title on the next episode of NXT due to the injury.
Karrion Kross was WWE NXT Champion for just a few days.
During Wednesday’s episode of NXT, Kross kicked off the show by walking out to the ring with his arm in a sling. This is where he announced that he has relinquished the NXT Title due to him separating his shoulder. Kross didn’t provide an update as to when he’ll be back.
He did however send a warning to the person who would be champion when he returns and vowed to make that person suffer for taking what is his. He said that when you go to war, you should expect casualties on all sides.
The injury happened when Kross defeated Keith Lee to win the WWE NXT Title in the headliner of NXT TakeOver: XXX on the WWE Network this past Saturday night.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported before the show aired on the USA Network that he’s heard from multiple people within NXT that ideas have already been thrown around about crowning a new champion with one of the more popular ideas being a 4-way to crown a new champion.
He’s not heard any participants or firm plans, but several wrestlers backstage have heard of the aforementioned ideas floated.
Later in the show, William Regal announced that there will be a 60 Minute Iron Man Fatal 4-Way Match to determine the new NXT Champion on next week’s show. Adam Cole vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Finn Balor vs. Tommaso Ciampa is booked.
WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has shared his thoughts on Renee Young’s decision to leave WWE. During his Hall of Famepodcast, Booker T also discussed last weekend’s NXT Championship matchup between Keith Lee and Karrion Kross.
Booker T thanked Renee Young before highlighting how special she is. He stressed she won’t have to “worry about a check coming in the mail” before highlighting how she’s been “working on her game” for years. Booker T added she is finally at a point where she knows her own worth and what she can provide a company.
“Anybody that snatches Renee Young up, they are going to be very lucky to have her on that team because that is who she is. She is a team player.”
Booker T On Keith Lee Vs. Karrion Kross
Booker T then turned his attention to NXT TakeOver: XXX’s main event clash. He praised how “Two guys, two big guys, two bonafide heavyweights went out and had a heavyweight match up.”
He spoke highly of Kross, who he believed “showed his toughness” after separating his shoulder during the match. Booker T highlighted how Kross was hyper-aware of “what was on the line,” which helped motivate him throughout the bout despite the injury. He also gave props to Keith Lee, sharing how he is a fan of the “throwback wrestler” and that 2020 could be his year.
“I loved it when there were two big guys fighting going back and forth and then wrestling came into play. A big suplex or a big side slam or powerslam, whatever. That part of wrestling always drew me in.”
Booker T continued, sharing what he hates about modern-day wrestling:
“Wrestling today man, one of the things that kills me with wrestling today, and I’m going to say it. I’m going to spit some lyrics right now. I know they may not want me to talk about it. That damn leg pop is the damn vain of my existence. It really is. I’m sick of these wrestlers that go out and misuse the art. I’m going to leave it at that. I’m not going to go past that but that damn leg pop and you all know what I’m talking about.”
Karrion Kross defeated Keith Lee for the NXT Championship at NXT TakeOver: XXX. Lee subsequently made his Raw debut this past Monday night.
It was a bittersweet moment at NXT TakeOver: XXX for Karrion Kross.
On Saturday night at this event, Kross defeated Keith Lee to win the WWE NXT Title in the headliner on the WWE Network. However, it was shortly revealed after the event had gone off the air that Kross had suffered a shoulder injury.
Kross spoke with ESPN on Sunday afternoon where he commented on the separated shoulder.
“I will get the professional, educated opinion on what the severity of it is,” Kross said. “But it’s definitely separated. I won’t beat around the bush about that. As the saying goes, it’s not ballet.”
When asked if he thinks he’ll be out for a significant period of time, “From my point of view, no,” Kross said. “[Due to] how I feel and what I’ve heard, I don’t know. I’m very intuitive with my body. And the range of emotion that I have right now, while it’s not what I would like it to be, for me personally it would indicate to me that I’m going to get be able to get through this without any sort of extreme measures, so to speak. In my opinion, today.”
Kross continued by noting that whatever is going on with the shoulder is not as important to him as proving right now to every single person that he works with that he is worth a “sh*”.
He stated that he is going to finish this strong no matter how severe the injury is.
Karrion Kross continued to impress with his performance at tonight’s NXT Takeover: XXX event and he managed to defeat Keith Lee to win the NXT Title in the main event of the show.
However, not all the news coming out of the PPV was positive for the former TNA star and latest news has revealed that the new champion suffered an injury during his bout at the event.
Triple H hosted a media call after the event went off air and the Game revealed that Kross appears to have suffered a separated shoulder during his match.
While the exact spot where he suffered the injury wasn’t revealed, the former World Champion praised Karrion Kross for finishing the bout despite the injury.
There is no word yet on how long the NXT Champion will have to stay out of action due to the damage but reports have revealed that he is set to undergo MRI to get a better idea of his condition.
Triple H mentioned that they will try to figure out what’s up and how to work around it once the results of Kross’ MRI are in and they have a better idea of the situation.
It would be interesting to see what this injury means for the future of the NXT title and if the newly crowned champion will have to relinquish the title because of it. We will keep you updated on his status.
Check out the complete NXT TakeOver: XXX results here