Lacey Evans Defeated Dakota Kai

Lacey Evans squared off against Dakota Kai to start off this week’s episode of NXT. Evans mocked Kai to begin the match and Dakota responded with a Dropkick to Lacey’s face. Kai rolled up Evans for a two count and then booted her in the face for another near fall.

Kai went for a running kick in the corner but Lacey dodged it and tied up Dakota on the turnbuckle. Evans then connected with a Bronco Buster and Kai fell to the canvas. Lacey continued to taunt Kai as she struggled to get back to her feet.

Evans knocked her back down and stomped on her a few times for a one count. Lacey caught Kai’s attempt at a kick and sent her back to the canvas. Evans dropped an elbow across Dakota’s back and then applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring.

The crowd got behind Dakota as she fought through the pain and reached for the ropes. Kai finally was able to get out of the hold but Evans quickly knocked her back down to the mat. Evans applied a submission hold targetting Kai’s lower back in the center of the ring.

Dakota refused to give up and Evans started to get pissed off. Lacey shouted “give up!” but Dakota wouldn’t submit. Evans broke the hold and brought Kai to the ring apron. Evans stood on Kai’s ribs on the apron and stomped on her a couple of times.

Kai rolled back into the middle of the ring and Evans greeted her with a Slingshot Elbow Drop for a two count. Dakota made her way to the top rope and went for a Moonsault but Dakota was somehow able to roll out of the way just in time.

Evans splatted on the canvas and Kai made her way back to her feet. Kai hit a flurry of kicks to Evans’ face and then geared up in the corner of the ring. The crowd clapped along as Kai connected with the Facewash Kick two times in a row. Dakota hit another Facewash Kick and went for the cover but Evans was able to power out at two.

Lacey planted Kai with a Powerslam and both Superstars fell to the mat. Evans was the first Superstar up and went for a Clothesline but Kai caught her with a boot to the face. Lacey dodged a kick and connected with the Woman’s Right for the pinfall victory. Evans taunted Kai after the match some more before finally exiting the ring.

That's one classy elbow. @LaceyEvansWWE #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/SYhAfeg0rz

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 19, 2018

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1019737106564952066

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX-BSO9V4Vw

Ricochet Wants To Be The Next North American Champion

Ricochet was interviewed backstage during tonight’s show. Ricochet said that he doesn’t like Undisputed Era but he knows they will defend the tag titles because they love to fight. He brought up Adam Cole and how he continuously finds ways to steal victories. Ricochet stated that he will not stop until he becomes North American Champion and takes the title from Adam Cole.

.@KingRicochet is DETERMINED to battle with @AdamColePro and become the next #NXT North American Champion! Boom. pic.twitter.com/Plx7ITyKO3

— WWE (@WWE) July 19, 2018

EC3 Challenged Kona Reeves

EC3 ran into Kona Reeves backstage. Reeves said EC3’s suit was nice but it is not the finest. Reeves aid the same thing about EC3’s watch and his spray tan. EC3 poked fun at Kona Reeves wearing sunglasses indoors to hide his dead and creepy eyes. EC3 then challenged Kona to a fight and Reeves told EC3 to give him space.

EC3 stated that he would give Reeves the beating of a lifetime and walked away. Reeves stated that they could of the finest of friends but vowed to fight EC3 in the near future.

.@therealec3 promises @KonaReevesWWE that if the two ever fight, he will give Reeves The Top One Percent BEATING of a lifetime…#NXT pic.twitter.com/KOTEwdJRvl

— WWE (@WWE) July 19, 2018

Kassius Ohno Won With Ease

Kassius Ohno battled Rick Ramirez tonight on NXT. Ohno connected with the Discus Elbow right away for the quick pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1019740642216472583

Kairi Sane Earned A Title Shot At NXT TakeOver

Nikki Cross, Candice LeRae, and Kairi Sane battled in a Triple Threat Match to determine the #1 Contender for the NXT Women’s Championship. Bianca Belair was scheduled to be in the match but was not medically cleared to compete.

The match started out with a bunch of Arm Drags and then Nikki hit Sane with a Crossbody. Sane knocked LeRae off the ring apron and then turned her attention to Cross. Sane knocked Cross to the corner of the ring and beat her down as NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler said she doesn’t care who wins on commentary.

Cross trapped Kairi in the ring apron and beat the hell out of her. Nikki got back into the ring and shoved Candice’s face into the canvas. Nikki applied a Crossface in the middle of the ring and then transitioned into a cover for a two count.

Sane got back into the ring and connected with the Interceptor Spear on Nikki Cross. Kairi followed it up with a Double Stomp on LeRae for a two count. Nikki jumped on Sane’s back and tried to lock in a Sleeper Hold. Candice got back up and took them both out with a Dropkick.

LeRae beat down Cross in the corner of the ring and then hit a Cannonball onto Sane off the ring apron as the crowd chanted “NXT!”. Nikki Cross connected with an Inverted DDT to LeRae on the entrance ramp and then turned around into a flying elbow from Sane off the ring apron.

The NXT Universe chanted “this is awesome!” as Baszler wasn’t too impressed on commentary. Back in the ring, LeRae planted Cross with a Powerbomb as Nikki connected with a Superplex to Kairi Sane at the same time. The crowd once again loudly chanted “NXT!” as all three Superstars were down on the mat.

LeRae and Nikki traded shots as the crowd chanted “mama mia!”. Sane joined the party and everyone took turns blasting each other in the face with haymakers. Cross hit a Clothesline on Sane and then got an Enziguri to the face courtesy of Candice.

Sane clocked LeRae in the head but Candice shrugged it off and connected with a double DDT onto Cross and Sane. LeRae followed it up with a Springboard Moonsault onto Sane and went for the cover but Cross dragged Candice to the apron. Nikki hit LeRae with a swinging Neckbreaker off the apron and then got back into the ring with Sane.

Cross tugged at her own hair like a psycho and grabbed Kairi and planted her with a Belly to Back Suplex. Nikki delivered two more Belly to Back Suplexes and then sat up with a giant smile on her face. Cross perched Sane up on the top turnbuckle as Candice rolled back into the ring.

LeRae rolled up Cross for a two count and then slammed her to the mat. LeRae connected with a Moonsault onto Cross but Kairi Sane came out of nowhere and hit Candice with the Insane Elbow Drop for the pinfall victory.

Kairi Sane will now battle Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women’s Championship at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn during SummerSlam weekend. NXT went off the air with Shayna Baszler raising the title on the entrance ramp as Sane looked on from the top turnbuckle.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1019747758725648386

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1019749314866941953

The following video package for Velveteen Dream aired during tonight’s episode of NXT:

Announced for next week’s episode of NXT:

Aleister Black will defend his NXT Championship against Tommaso Ciampa. The following promo aired during tonight’s broadcast to promote the match:

Adam Cole Outlasted Danny Burch

NXT North American Champion Adam Cole battled Danny Burch to start this week’s episode of NXT. The match started off back and forth as the two Superstars locked up in the middle of the ring. Burch got the upper-hand and planted Cole with a Northern Lights Suplex. Cole battled back with an elbow to the face and then applied a Headlock.

Cole taunted Burch while tightening up the hold. Burch escaped and dropped Adam Cole with a shoulder tackle. Burch then blasted Cole in the face and Cole tumbled out of the ring. Burch followed him out there but Cole was ready and caught Burch in a Neckbreaker outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Cole connected with another Neckbreaker for a two count. Cole stomped on Burch in the corner until the referee broke it up. Cole connected with a Suplex and followed it up with a knee to Danny’s back. Cole brought Burch back to the corner and hit him with a few jabs in the face.

Cole hit Burch with a Body Slam for a two count and then went back to the Headlock in the middle of the ring. Burch broke the hold but Cole knocked him back down with a boot to the face. Cole continued to taunt Burch while beating him back down to the canvas. Burch fought back with a Jawbreaker and couple of chops to Cole’s chest.

Burch hit a giant uppercut in the corner and followed it up with a Dropkick off the second rope. Burch hit a German Suplex and then a Clothesline to Cole for a two count. Danny applied the Crossface but Cole quickly escaped. Burch grabbed Cole by the face and delivered a headbutt.

Adam Cole stumbled to the corner and Burch perched him up on the top turnbuckle. Burch connected with the Tower of London off the top and went for the cover but Cole was somehow able to kick out at the last moment. Cole countered a Suplex attempt and connected with a Fireman’s Carry Neckbreaker for another near fall.

Cole couldn’t believe Burch kicked out and started talking to himself in the corner of the ring. Cole pointed at Burch and delivered a loud Superkick to Burch’s face. Cole hit another Neckbreaker and followed it up with the Last Shot for the pinfall victory.

Candice LeRae Brawled With Shayna Baszler 

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Candice LeRae confronted Shayna Baszler during this week’s episode of NXT. Baszler told her to stick to being the cute little sidekick and Candice responded by slapping the NXT Women’s Champion in the face. A brawl broke out for a moment but was quickly separated by WWE officials.

#WWENXT Women’s Champion @QoSBaszler messed with @CandiceLeRae on the WRONG day… pic.twitter.com/F99qcuE5zr

— WWE (@WWE) July 12, 2018

Kairi Sane Tapped Out Vanessa Borne & Called Out Shayna Baszler

Vanessa Borne squared off against Kairi Sane this week. Borne drove Sane to the corner to start off the match. Sane threw Borne to the corner and wound up for a punch. Kairi elected to not punch the scared Borne in the face, instead she simply poked her in the forehead. Borne got pissed off and charged at Kairi but Sane was ready and dropped her to the canvas. Borne battled back and connected with a Samoan Drop for a two count.

Gotta love the offense of the #PiratePrincess!#WWENXT @KairiSaneWWE pic.twitter.com/J19Jdwyu4E

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 12, 2018

Vanessa targeted Sane’s back for the next few minutes of the match. The crowd chanted for Kairi as Borne stomped on Sane’s back. Borne got up on the second rope and shouted at the crowd to cheer for her. The NXT crowd responded with boos and Sane used the time to regroup. Sane connected with a Neckbreaker to by herself some more time.

Kairi connected with the Interceptor Spear and fired herself up in the corner. Sane stomped around the ring and connected with a sliding forearm in the corner. Sane made her way up to the top rope but Vanessa got her with a punch to the face. Borne threw Sane off the turnbuckle and back down to the canvas. Borne rolled up Sane for a two count. Sane then locked in an awesome cross-legged Boston Crab for the submission victory.

After the match, Sane grabbed the microphone and stated that she has defeated Shayna Baszler before and that she is going to do it again. The crowd started chanting “again!” as Sane is coming for the treasure, the NXT Women’s Championship. Kairi then shouted “ahoy!” and posed in the ring.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1017204625555025921

Ciampa Attacked Aleister Black

Aleister Black was interviewed backstage and stumbled upon Johnny Gargano. Johnny told Black that Ciampa cannot be the NXT Champion. Black said “okay” and started to walk away. Johnny grabbed him and Black told him to let him handle it. Black walked away and was then attacked from behind by Ciampa. Tommaso waved goodbye to Aleister after the attack. Black will defend the NXT Championship against Ciampa in two weeks.

OH MY GOD. @ProjectCiampa just STRUCK AGAIN, and this time it's #WWENXT Champion @WWEAleister on the receiving end! pic.twitter.com/ecCMga1BQD

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) July 12, 2018

.@ProjectCiampa just unleashed a surprise attack on the #WWENXT Champion @WWEAleister backstage! pic.twitter.com/5bzUxX3z6q

— WWE (@WWE) July 12, 2018

Undisputed Era Recaptured The NXT Tag Titles

Mustache Mountain (Tyler Bate & Trent Seven) defended their NXT Tag Team Championships against Undisputed Era (Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong) in the main event of this week’s episode of NXT.

Their moustaches are glorious, and they are YOUR #WWENXT #TagTeamChampions!@Tyler_Bate @TrentSeven pic.twitter.com/jxgiHxsLOq

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) July 12, 2018

O’Reilly and Strong attacked Mustache Mountain right when the bell rang. Bate and Seven fought back with a couple of uppercuts. Bate Body Slammed Strong on top of O’Reilly. Seven then connected with a Senton on top of O’Reilly. Strong and O’Reilly were then tossed out of the ring.

Bate and Seven followed them out there and continued the beatdown as dueling “Undisputed!” and “Mustache Mountain!” chants broke out. O’Reilly and Strong battled back and slammed Seven’s knee into the steel steps. O’Reilly and Strong then isolated Seven in the corner of the ring and continued to target his knee.

O’Reilly and Strong took turns attacking Seven’s knee for the next several minutes of the match. Trent Seven was able to roll-up O’Reilly for a two count. Strong tagged in and dragged Seven to the apron. Seven used his good leg to boot Strong to the barricade. Seven then launched O’Reilly out of the ring and tried to crawl to the corner. Seven leaped across the ring to try and tag in Bate but O’Reilly dragged Bate off the apron to prevent the tag.

Seven connected with a DDT to Strong and then O’Reilly tagged himself in. Kyle sprinted across the ring and booted Bate off the ring apron. O’Reilly locked in the Heel Hook in the middle of the ring but Trent escaped with a few desperate kicks to the face. Seven finally was able to get to the corner and tag in Bate.

Tyler came into the ring and blasted Strong with an uppercut and followed it up with a standing Shooting Star Press for a two count. Bate lifted O’Reilly up for an Airplane Spin but O’Reilly countered into a Sleeper Hold. Bate broke the hold by slamming Kyle into the turnbuckle. Tyler then grabbed Strong and launched him into O’Reilly with an Exploder Suplex.

Bate lifted Strong onto his shoulders and then lifted O’Reilly up off the canvas at the same time and spun them both around. Seven was getting checked on by WWE officials on the apron as Bate tried to fight both O’Reilly and Strong by himself. Bate booted O’Reilly out of the ring but turned around into an Enziguri from Strong. Bate shrugged it off and planted Strong with the Tyler Driver.

Bate went for the cover but O’Reilly broke it up with a Dropkick for a two count. Bate launched Kyle out of the ring again as the crowd chanted “this is awesome!”. Seven got up on the apron and asked for a tag but Bate declined. Strong delivered a Backbreaker to Bate and tagged in O’Reilly.

O’Reilly connected with a boot to the face and then a Brainbuster for a near fall. Strong tagged in as Bate desperately tried to fight back. Roderick missed and accidentally struck O’Reilly. Trent Seven tagged himself in and started chopping O’Reilly and Strong in the chest. Trent connected with the Seven Stars Lariat on Strong for a two count.

Seven lifted Strong up in a Torture Rack but his knee gave out. Strong hit Seven with a chop block to the back of the knee and applied the Strong Clutch. Bate broke it up with a kick to Strong’s face. O’Reilly tagged in and leaped onto Seven’s knee from the second rope. O’Reilly once again locked in the Heel Hook in the middle of the ring and Seven screamed in pain.

Bate tried to fire up his partner and desperately reached his hand out for a tag. O’Reilly dragged Seven back into the middle of the ring and maintained the hold. Seven and O’Reilly traded slaps to the face but Kyle wouldn’t let go of the hold. Seven clubbed his way out of the hold and both Superstars slowly made their way back up to their feet.

O’Reilly then locked in a double Knee Bar in the middle of the ring as Bate grabbed a towel in the corner. Seven shouted at Bate to not throw in the towel but Bate had no choice. Bate threw in the towel and Undisputed Era recaptured the NXT Tag Team Championships in an excellent match.

.@Tyler_Bate could not stand to see @TrentSeven take any more punishment. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/uvHqpxwdwI

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) July 12, 2018

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1017211908317904896

THIS JUST IN: @Tyler_Bate isn't human. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/iBDy1UI9ir

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) July 12, 2018

Announced for next week’s episode of NXT:

• Dakota Kai vs. Lacey Evans

Kai was interviewed backstage during this week’s episode of NXT. Lacey Evans interrupted and insulted Kai, which led to Dakota challenging Evans to a match next week.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1017202258814087174

• #1 Contender Fatal 4-Way Match: Kairi Sane vs. Nikki Cross vs. Candice LeRae vs. Bianca Belair

The winner of next week’s Fatal 4-Way will battle Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women’s Championship at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn.

BREAKING: @KairiSaneWWE @NikkiCrossWWE @CandiceLeRae & @BiancaBelairWWE will do battle NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender to @QoSBaszler's #WWENXT #WomensChampionship! pic.twitter.com/wyfuLcwOCQ

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) July 12, 2018

Dakota Kai Picked Up A Win

Dakota Kai faced Santana Garrett to kick off this week’s episode of NXT. The two Superstars shook hands and then locked up to start off the match. Garrett targeted Dakota’s arm early but Kai countered into a Wrist Lock. Garrett broke free and decked Kai with a shoulder tackle. Kai responded with a Dropkick to the face that sent Santana tumbling to the canvas.

Garrett hopped back up and connected with two Arm Drags in a row and then went back to the arm. Garrett connected with a Russian Leg Sweep for a two count. Garrett applied a Muda Lock in the middle of the ring but Dakota battled through the pain and reached the bottom rope to break the hold.

Kai connected with an elbow to the face and followed it up with an Enziguri to the side of Garrett’s head. Dakota booted Garrett in the face and then sprinted to the corner. Kai connected with two running kicks in the corner and then an awesome Backstabber for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1014662570102476803

Baszler Doesn’t Fear Anyone

NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler came down to the ring for a promo. Baszler boasted about putting Nikki Cross to sleep at NXT TakeOver: Chicago. Shayna raised the title and claimed that she is the most dominant force this division has ever seen. Baszler brought up Bianca Belair, Kairi Sane, Candice LeRae and claimed that she is better than all of them.

Shayna added that she was the reason WWE has to have a second Mae Young Classic this year because they have to search the globe to find her some competition. Baszler concluded that it doesn’t matter who she faces next, everyone will hear “and still your NXT Women’s Champion” after the match.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1014663994500681728

TM61 Defeated Otis Dozovic In A Handicap Match

TM61 (Nick Miller & Shane Thorne) were scheduled to face Heavy Machinery (Tucker Knight & Otis Dozovic) on tonight’s episode of NXT. TM61 attacked Tucker Knight at the WWE Performance Center earlier in the day and Otis demanded a Handicap Match.

Otis beat the hell out of Miller and Thorne to start off the match. Otis knocked them both out of the ring and shouted: “nobody messes with my brother!”. Back in the ring, the numbers game caught up to Dozovic and TM61 took turns beating him down. Miller and Thorne tried to Suplex Otis but he reversed it and planted them both.

Dozovic hit a bunch of shoulder tackles and Clotheslines and then launched Miller onto Thorne in the corner of the ring. Otis connected with a giant Splash and then fired himself up. Otis did the worm across the ring and dropped an elbow on Thorne.

Otis made his way up to the second turnbuckle and went for the Vader Bomb but Miller dragged Thorne out of the ring. Thorne kneed Otis in the face and tagged in Miller. Thorne then blasted Otis in the back of the head and Miller covered him for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1014667374124036097

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1014668031044222977

Velveteen Dream Earned A Victory Over Chris Dijak

Chris Dijak faced Velveteen Dream tonight on NXT. Dijak shoved Dream to the corner and said “feast your..” but Dream interrupted with a pose of his own. Velveteen slapped Dijak in the chest and Dijak responded with a chop of his own. Dream hit a knee to the face but Dijak shrugged it off and launched Dream across the ring while shouting “time to fly”.

Dijak booted Dream in the chest and then threw him around the ring like he was nothing as the crowd chanted “feast your eyes”. Dream tripped up Dijak and then beat the hell out of him with strikes to the face and ribs. Velveteen connected with a Neckbreaker and followed it up with a Leg Drop for a one count.

Dream applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring but Dijak quickly battled to his feet. Dijak took Dream’s head off with a massive right hand and followed it up with a spin kick to the midsection for a two count. Dream rolled out of the ring and Dijak made his way to the ring apron. Dream capitalized and tripped Dijak and he went tumbling face-first into the steel steps.

Velveteen rolled back into the ring and Dijak slowly crawled his way back inside. Dijak was still feeling the effects of falling into the steps and Dream sensed an opportunity. Dream grabbed Dijak and planted him with a DDT for the pinfall victory.

How does one recover from THIS?!?!

@VelveteenWWE #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/MPV0BCaDAN

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 5, 2018

After the match, Velveteen Dream took his sweet time posing and twirling around in the ring. EC3 interrupted Dream’s celebration of himself and made his way down to the ring for the main event of tonight’s NXT.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1014672284488003584

Johnny Gargano Has Lost His Mind

EC3 squared off against Johnny Gargano in the main event of this week’s episode of NXT. Gargano went right after EC3 to start off the match and chased him around the ring. EC3 applied a Headlock and shouted at Gargano to settle down. Gargano broke free but EC3 dropped him with a shoulder tackle.

Johnny battled back with a chop to the chest and a forearm to EC3’s face. Gargano brought EC3 to the corner and hit a few more chops to the chest. EC3 caught Gargano and planted him with a DDT before delivering a few chops of his own in the corner. Dueling “Johnny Wrestling!” and “EC3!” chants broke out as EC3 connected with a Clothesline int he corner of the ring.

EC3 connected with a Neckbreaker and went for the cover but Gargano was able to kick out at the last moment. Johnny battled back with a forearm to the jaw but EC3 knocked Gargano back to the canvas with an elbow to the face. EC3 Body Slammed Johnny to the mat and demanded the crowd to chant his name. EC3 hit Gargano with an Elbow Drop and then brought Gargano back to his feet.

Gargano connected with a boot to the face from the apron and followed it up with a Spear through the ropes. Johnny fired himself up and hit EC3 with a Suicide Dive outside the ring. Back in the ring, EC3 hit Gargano with a massive Clothesline for a two count. Gargano and EC3 traded jabs in the middle of the ring. Gargano got the better of the exchange after connecting with an Enziguri to the back of EC3’s head.

Johnny went for a Crossbody off the top rope but EC3 caught him. Gargano escaped and went for the Gargano Escape but EC3 blocked it. EC3 showed off his strength and planted Johnny with a Powerbomb for another near fall. Johnny got pissed off and hit EC3 with two Superkicks in a row. Gargano took down his knee pad to expose his knee. Johnny charged at EC3 but EC3 was ready and lifted Johnny up in a Fireman’s Carry. Johnny rolled through and locked in the Gargano Escape.

EC3 reached the bottom rope but Johnny didn’t break the hold until the referee counted to four. Johnny locked in the hold once again and EC3 grabbed the ropes. Gargano didn’t let ago again until the last second and then kneed EC3 in the face. Gargano then hit a DDT on EC3 while he was caught up in the ropes (the same move that Ciampa defeated Gargano with at NXT TakeOver: Chicago) for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1014676329164345345

Announced for next week:

• • • Kairi Sane vs. Vanessa Borne
    • Adam Cole vs. Danny Burch
    • NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Mustache Mountain (c) vs Undisputed Era
    • NXT Champion Aleister Black will be on the show

NEXT WEEK: @KairiSaneWWE goes one-on-one with @VanessaBorneWWE on #WWENXT, only on the award-winning @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/zobcieNKWd

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) July 5, 2018

NXT #NorthAmericanChampion @AdamColePro… vs. @strongstylebrit… one-on-one… in a MATCH?!

Yup, that's what #DannyBurch wants. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/XretL1rWXb

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) July 5, 2018

NEXT WEEK: @roderickstrong & @KORcombat get their rematch for the #WWENXT #TagTeamChampionship when they challenge #MoustacheMountain @Tyler_Bate & @trentseven on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/ExyiCv4hqD

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) July 5, 2018

With his upcoming #NXTChampionship defense against @ProjectCiampa made official, what will @WWEAleister have to say NEXT WEEK on #WWENXT?! pic.twitter.com/YSRwTgGWWL

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) July 5, 2018

Tommaso Ciampa Interrupted Aleister Black

NXT Champion Aleister Black kicked off this week’s episode of NXT. Black stated that how you deal with adversity defines you as a champion. Aleister said that his adversity was Lars Sullivan at NXT TakeOver and he made it fade to black.

Tommaso Ciampa interrupted and came down to the entrance ramp. Ciampa said that it was now time for Aleister to stand face to face with the devil. He claimed that he can see right through Aleister and just doesn’t buy it. Ciampa said that Black barely got by Lars Sullivan, but on the same night he beat Johnny Wrestling in the main event at TakeOver.

Ciampa boasted about defeating Gargano and claimed that was all in the past now. Tommaso added that when he gets in the ring with Black and takes his title, Aleister’s mystique goes away as well.

Ciampa then sat down like Aleister on the entrance ramp and vowed to make Aleister’s title reign fade to black. Ciampa then waved goodbye to Black as he was about to charge up the ramp towards him.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1012125767734611974

Kona Reeves Dominated

Photo Credit: @PrinceWatercres on Twitter

Kona Reeves faced Max Humberto tonight on NXT. Reeves started off the match in control and quickly launched Humberto out of the ring. Reeves followed him out there and bounced Humberto’s face off the ring apron. Back in the ring, Reeves connected with an Elbow Drop off the second rope and then a big boot to the face. Kona followed it up with the Hawaiian Drop for the quick victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1012128115974340608

Candice LeRae Picked Up A Big Victory

Candice LeRae battled Lacey Evans on tonight’s episode of NXT. LeRae connected with three Arm Drags and a Dropkick for a two count to start off the match. Evans quickly got back up and shoved LeRae into the turnbuckle. Evans then grabbed Candice’s arm and wrapped it around the steel ring post for a near fall.

Evans continued to target LeRae’s arm by slamming it into the canvas. Lacey locked in the Cobra Crutch in the middle of the ring. LeRae broke free and knocked Evans to the mat with a Dropkick. Candice connected with a few punches and chops that sent Evans to the corner.

Lerae leaped off the second rope and connected with a Bulldog. Candice then followed it up with a Neckbreaker and followed it up with a springboard Moonsault off the second rope for the pinfall victory.

Candice LeRae was then interviewed backstage after her victory. LeRae said that she is concerned for her husband, Johnny Gargano, mentally and physically, but it is time for her to focus on her career. Candice said that her goal is to become NXT Women’s Champion.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1012131921655226368

Gargano Wants To Fight Ciampa Again

After the victory by LeRae, Johnny Gargano was interviewed backstage. Gargano said that he watched his loss at NXT TakeOver: Chicago to Ciampa and that this is far from over. Gargano added that he has beaten Tommaso once and he has beaten him once. Gargano said that he was going to go talk to NXT GM William Regal to get another match with Ciampa. Gargano said that he doesn’t care when or where the match takes place.

NXT GM William announced in a tweet that Gargano will face EC3 next week and that he needs to move on from Ciampa:

.@JohnnyGargano needs to move on from @ProjectCiampa, so next week he’ll be facing someone who demands the main event spotlight, the top 1% @therealec3. #WWENXT

— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) June 28, 2018

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1012130983838146562

Sounds like @JohnnyGargano still has some unfinished business with @ProjectCiampa…#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/GMMNXZiGKx

— WWE (@WWE) June 28, 2018

Undisputed Era Defeated Mustache Mountain & Ricochet

New NXT Tag Team Champions Mustache Mountain (Tyler Bate & Trent Seven) made their way down to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. They were set to face Dave Dixon & Carl Axelrod in a match, but Undisputed Era attacked them from behind on the entrance ramp.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1012132637866119168

Strong and O’Reilly called Mustache Mountain phonies. They surrounded Bate and Seven on the ring apron but Ricochet sprinted down to the ring to even the odds. A 6-man tag match was then made official for the main event of this week’s episode of NXT.

Bate trapped O’Reilly in the corner of the ring and tagged in Trent Seven. O’Reilly quickly brought Seven to the corner and Adam Cole tagged in. Seven connected with a chop that echoed throughout the arena and followed it up with a DDT for a two count.

Ricochet tagged in and springboarded off of Bate and Moonsaulted onto Cole and O’Reilly. Bate and Strong then tagged in and Tyler punched him in the face. Bate did the same to O’Reilly and Strong before posing in the ring.

Cole hit Bate with a cheap shot and Strong planted Tyler with a Backbreaker. Cole tagged in and stomped on Bate in the corner. O’Reilly quickly tagged in and continued to beatdown Bate in the corner. Strong tagged in and delivered a loud chop to Bate’s chest and then applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring.

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Tyler broke free but Strong knocked him back to the mat with a Dropkick. Cole tagged in and connected with a Suplex for a near fall. Cole dragged Bate back to the corner and tagged O’Reilly back in. Kyle connected with a sliding knee to Bate’s midsection and then tugged on his mustache.

Roderick got back in and connected with a Shoulderbreaker for a two count. Tyler battled back with a headbutt and then an Exploder Suplex that sent Strong flying across the ring. Bate leaped across the ring to tag in Ricochet as O’Reilly tagged in at the same time.

Ricochet took out every member of Undisputed Era before launching O’Reilly into the turnbuckle. Ricochet then bounced off the second rope and connected with an uppercut for a two count. Ricochet hit a Northern Lights Suplex but O’Reilly was quickly able to lock in a Guillotine in the middle of the ring.

Ricochet was able to tag in Trent Seven who walked into a forearm from O’Reilly. Seven shrugged it off and connected with a Side Slam for a two count. Adam Cole pulled Bate off the ring apron as O’Reilly booted Seven in the leg.

Cole tagged in and took down his knee pad to expose right knee. Cole charged at Seven but Trent was ready and connected with a ridiculous Clothesline. Ricochet tagged back in and slammed Cole to the canvas for a two count. All hell broke loose and it ended with Cole and Ricochet trading kicks to the face as the rest of the Superstars were all taken out.

Everyone was trading punches now as Cole and Ricochet were the two legal men in the match. Ricochet connected with a Clothesline and then somehow avoided both Strong and O’Reilly’s high and low attempt by flipping over and under them at the same time. Ricochet then hit Cole with the 640 Splash and went for the cover but O’Reilly pulled Cole to the ring apron to break up the cover.

Ricochet got pissed off and hit O’Reilly with a Crossbody. Roderick Strong then grabbed Ricochet and connected with the End of Heartache on the ring apron. Strong threw Ricochet back into the ring and Cole pinned him for the victory.

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Announced for next week’s episode of NXT:

• Johnny Gargano vs. EC3

Per #WWENXT GM @RealKingRegal, @JohnnyGargano will face the Top 1% of @WWENXT when he battles @therealec3 NEXT WEEK! pic.twitter.com/TvYYbGSdXl

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) June 28, 2018

Vanessa Borne also called out Kairi Sane during tonight’s show.

The look you give when you’re sick and tired of @KairiSaneWWE … ? pic.twitter.com/YDywAVD1Ua

— Danielle Kamela (@danielle_kamela) June 28, 2018

Bianca Belair Defeated Dakota Kai

.@BiancaBelairWWE is in the building! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/uUnSTBLDXo

— WWE (@WWE) June 21, 2018

Dakota Kai faced Bianca Belair on this week’s episode of NXT. Kai connected with a boot to the face to start off the match and then went for a roll-up but Belair kicked out at one. Dakota followed it up with a running kick for a two count.

Bianca battled back and launched Kai into the top turnbuckle. Belair lifted Kai up, bounced her off the ropes and planted her with a Suplex. Belair followed it up with a Splash and then posed in the ring. Belair clubbed Kai in the midsection and locked in an Abdominal Stretch in the middle of the ring.

Belair broke the hold and connected with a Backbreaker. Bianca taunted Kai as she tried to get up and then clubbed her across the back. Belair showed off her incredible strength and took Kai on a tour around the ring while holding her up for a Vertical Suplex. Kai escaped the Suplex and then got her knees up when Belair went for a Splash.

Dakota hit an Enziguri that knocked Bianca to the canvas. Kai connected with a few more kicks to Belair’s face and followed it up with two running kicks in the corner for a near fall. Dakota dodged the hair whip but turned around into a forearm from Belair. Bianca then lifted Kai up in the Torture Rack and planted her face-first to the mat for the pinfall victory.

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War Raiders Dominated TM61

War Raiders (Hanson & Rowe) faced TM61 (Nick Miller & Shane Thorne) tonight on NXT. TM61 attacked War Raiders before the match started. The match started and Rowe leveled Thorne with a Dropkick. Rowe then connected with a Belly to Belly Suplex on Miller.

Hanson tagged in and launched Rowe into Thorne in the corner of the ring. Rowe got back in and Miller shoved Hanson off the ring apron. Thorne booted Rowe in the face and tagged in Nick Miller. Miller raked at Rowe’s eyes and shoulder tackled him out of the ring. Thorne booted Rowe in the chest while he was against the barricade and threw him back into the ring.

Thorne tagged in and planted Rowe with a Neckbreaker for a two count. Shane hit Rowe with a few uppercuts in the corner and followed it up with a Dropkick. Thorne went for a Cannonball but Rowe got out of the way and tagged in Hanson.

Hanson beatdown both Thorne and Miller. Hanson even cartwheeled across the ring and Clotheslined Thorne during the beatdown. Rowe tagged in and launched Thorne in the air. Hanson caught him and planted him for a two count. Rowe launched Miller out of the ring and then kneed Thorne in the face. Hanson sprinted across the ring and dropped Miller with a Suicide Dive. Rowe tagged Hanson in and lifted Thorne in the air. Hanson climbed to the top rope and connected with a Leg Drop for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1009598724589412352

The majority of this week’s episode of NXT was devoted to recapping what went down at NXT TakeOver: Chicago this past Saturday. NXT Champion Aleister Black will be on next week’s episode.

What will #NXTChampion @WWEAleister have to say NEXT WEEK on #WWENXT? pic.twitter.com/lVNNmtUW6R

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) June 21, 2018

The following interviews were shown during this week’s episode of NXT:

.@therealec3 wants the #WWENXT Universe to know one thing. When he calls a shot, he does NOT miss… pic.twitter.com/hvHdqsYaDY

— WWE (@WWE) June 21, 2018

.@KingRicochet wants everyone to know that the spotlight now belongs to HIM! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/M7nlYlG7CT

— WWE (@WWE) June 21, 2018

War Raiders Called Out TM61

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

War Raiders (Hanson and Rowe) battled Ricky Martinez and Justin Storm tonight on NXT. Storm and Hanson started off the match by locking up in the middle of the ring. Hanson launched Storm across the ring and then decked him with a Clothesline.

Rowe tagged in and sent Storm back to the canvas with a shoulder tackle. Rowe brought Storm to the corner and dared Martinez to tag in. Ricky tagged in and promptly got destroyed. Rowe connected with a knee to the face and then a Leg Drop off the top rope for the easy pinfall victory. After the match, War Raiders issued a warning to TM61.

#WarRaiders are all about adding an exclamation point to EVERYTHING they do! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/rsq2P6ykHC

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 14, 2018

#WarRaiders @RAYMONDxROWE & @WarBeardHanson showed the #NXTUniverse who is MIGHTY… #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/GHssGgSgW8

— WWE (@WWE) June 14, 2018

EC3 Defeated Kassius Ohno

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

EC3 faced Kassius Ohno on this week’s episode of NXT. Kassius shoved EC3 to start off the match and then the action quickly spilled to the outside. Ohno connected with a series of chops to EC3’s chest and then hurled EC3 back inside. Kassius continued to dominate and planted EC3 with a Body Slam.

Ohno went for a Senton but EC3 was able to get his knees up in time to counter the move. EC3 missed with a kick and Ohno capitalized with a knee to the face. Kassius followed it up with a Cyclone Kick and then connected with the Senton this time. Ohno hit another Senton on the floor outside the ring. EC3 snapped Ohno against the top rope and then planted him with the One Percenter for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1007055986434236416

Bianca Belair Dominated

Bianca Belair and Aliyah squared off on tonight’s episode of NXT. Belair immediately started out the match on the offensive and connected with a Spear. Bianca followed it up with a Suplex. Aliyah tried to battle back but Belair was too much for her. Belair deadlifted Aliyah, locked in the Torture Rack before hitting a Facebuster for the quick pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1007057459574386689

Bianca Belair then interrupted a backstage interview with Cathy Kelley and Dakota Kai. Dakota was in the middle of saying that she was proud of how she stood up to NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler and that she believed that the next time she faced her the outcome would be different. Belair told Kai to get to the back of the line and poked fun at her for being scared. Kai stated that mind games from Belair won’t work on her and challenged Bianca to a match next week. Bianca accepted the challenge and warned Dakota that she won’t like the result of the match.

The #ESTofNXT @BiancaBelairWWE has one question… why isn't @catherinekelley interviewing HER instead of @DakotaKai_WWE?! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/k9sORuH0mi

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) June 14, 2018

Pete Dunne Retained The United Kingdom Championship

Pete Dunne defended the United Kingdom Championship against Kyle O’Reilly in the main event of this week’s NXT. The crowd was into this match right from the start. O’Reilly went after Dunne’s injured leg to start off the match. Dunne fought him off and went to work on O’Reilly’s fingers.

Dunne connected with a massive Clothesline that sent O’Reilly out of the ring to try and regroup. Dunne didn’t give him any time at all and planted him with an awesome X-Plex on the floor outside the ring. The action returned to the ring with Dunne still in complete control of the match.

O’Reilly booted Dunne in his injured leg to slow him down. Dunne battled back to his feet and hit an Enziguri and followed it up with a Powerbomb. O’Reilly locked in a Triangle submission as Dunne went for the cover. O’Reilly then connected with a Brainbuster but Dunne wouldn’t stay down.

Dunne went for the Bitter End but O’Reilly was able to block it. Both Superstars traded shots but O’Reilly wound up getting the upper hand. O’Reilly clubbed away at Dunne’s face and pulled out his mouthguard. Dunne snapped O’Reilly’s finger back and then planted him with the Bitter End to retain the UK Championship.

Immediately following the match, Roderick Strong and Adam Cole rushed to the ring to attack Dunne. Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan joined the party and a brawl broke out. Cole and Dunne battled to the outside of the ring. Burch and Lorcan then beat the hell out of O’Reilly and Strong before tossing them out of the ring. O’Reilly and Strong then grabbed their NXT Tag Team Championships and retreated up the entrance ramp.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1007063677915291648

Is this a sign of things to come this Saturday at #NXTTakeOver: Chicago? #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/aJdByuxMQf

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) June 14, 2018

Lars Sullivan Got The Better Of Aleister Black Again

NXT Champion Aleister Black cut a promo and admitted that he was rattled when Lars Sullivan caught Black Mass. Black said that Sullivan will feel the full force of the Black Mass at NXT TakeOver: Chicago this Saturday night.

Lars Sullivan came down to the ring and went after Aleister. Black was able to get in a few kicks before getting leveled by a Clothesline from Sullivan. Lars then lifted up Black like he was nothing and planted him with the Freak Accident. Sullivan then hit Black with two more Freak Accidents before carrying him over to the announce table. Sullivan placed Black on the table and raised the title in the air. NXT went off the air with Sullivan shouting “this is your reality in Chicago!”.

Announced for next week’s episode of NXT:

• Dakota Kai vs. Bianca Belair
• War Raiders vs. TM61

NEXT WEEK: @BiancaBelairWWE looks to show @DakotaKai_WWE what it means to be the #ESTofNXT when they battle on #WWENXT, only on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/2TgwjCCjkL

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) June 14, 2018

#TheMighty @ShaneThorneWWE & @WWENickMiller aim to continue their winning ways against #WarRaiders @RAYMONDxROWE & @WarBeardHanson NEXT WEEK on #WWENXT, only on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/jbKB6E6vpM

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) June 14, 2018

The following video was shown during tonight’s show to promote the Street Fight between Gargano and Ciampa at NXT TakeOver: Chicago:

We will be covering NXT TakeOver: Chicago and WWE Money in the Bank over the weekend. Check back here on SEScoops for updates and live coverage of the events this weekend.

• Updated Card For NXT TakeOver: Chicago

Nikki Cross Got The Better Of Shayna Baszler Once Again

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler came down to the ring and said that she showed that she runs the locker room by defeating Dakota Kai last week. Baszler said that she is tougher and smarter than everyone.

Baszler then brought up Nikki Cross and stated that there is always one person in the group that thinks the laws don’t apply to them. Shayna added that if Cross ever got in her face again, it will be the last thing she ever does.

Nikki Cross interrupted and made her way down to the ring as Baszler waited for her. Cross had a grin on her face as she hopped on the ring apron and started bouncing around. Nikki got into the ring as the crowd cheered “Nikki is gonna kill you!”.

Shayna once again threatened Cross and poked fun at her for being crazy. Baszler stated that she could put Cross to sleep in a heartbeat and threw her microphone at her. Nikki picked it up and dared Shayna to do it. Nikki begged her to do it and started laughing wildly into the microphone.

Baszler raised the title in her face and then Nikki moved towards her. Shayna backed away in fear and Nikki laughed. Baszler then shoved Nikki and Cross bounced off the ropes and attacked Shayna. Cross beat the hell out of Baszler and stomped on her in the corner. Nikki went to grab the title but Baszler got up and punched Nikki in the face.

Cross battled back with a forearm to the face and connected with a Crossbody off the top rope that sent Baszler to the outside of the ring. Baszler was busted open as Cross slid the NXT Women’s Championship out of the ring. Baszler slowly backed up the entrance ramp and retreated backstage as Cross stared at her with a menacing look on her face in the ring. Baszler will defend the NXT Women’s Championship against Nikki Cross at NXT TakeOver: Chicago.

Did @NikkiCrossWWE cross the line last week? @QoSBaszler is NOT playing around right now… #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/Qz2cywpt02

— WWE (@WWE) June 7, 2018

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1004516093912895499

TM61 Dominated

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

TM61 faced a jobber team tonight on NXT. Miller and Thorne dominated the entire match and showed disrespect to their opponents while doing so. The crowd chanted “let’s go jobbers!” during the match but TM61 wound up winning the match with ease.

After the match, Miller and Thorne stated that they have proven that they are the best team in NXT. TM61 added that every team in NXT should kneel down and call them “The Mighty”.

Another victory ?#WWENXT @ShaneThorneWWE @WWENickMiller pic.twitter.com/MNtIjWtsbf

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) June 7, 2018

Roderick Strong Defeated Danny Burch

Roderick Strong battled Danny Burch on tonight’s episode of NXT. Burch and Strong locked up to start off the match. Strong took Burch down to the canvas and applied a side Headlock. Burch quickly broke free and locked in an Arm Bar. Strong escaped to the ropes and told Burch to back up.

The two locked up once again and Danny got the better of the exchange once again. Strong connected with a boot to the face as Burch was hung up between the ropes. Roderick locked in a Crossface and then raked at Burch’s face.

Roderick hit Burch with a couple of loud chops that echoed throughout the arena. Strong followed it up with a Backbreaker for a two count. Strong applied a front Facelock in the middle of the ring. Danny broke free but walked into a Dropkick to the face from Strong for a two count.

Strong got Burch in the Abdominal Stretch in the middle of the ring as the crowd got behind Burch. Danny broke free and threw Strong out of the ring. Roderick got right back in there and went for a knee in the corner but Burch got out of the way. Strong slammed knee-first into the turnbuckle but was able to deck Burch with a headbutt.

Burch shook it off and delivered an uppercut in the corner. Danny hit a Dropkick off the turnbuckle and followed it up with a German Suplex. Burch then leveled Strong with a Clothesline as Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly rushed the ring.

Pete Dunne and Oney Lorcan came down for the save and a brawl broke out. Back in the ring, Danny Burch applied the Crossface but Cole hopped back up on the ring apron. Burch was distracted and charged at Cole. Strong capitalized and planted Burch with a Backbreaker for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Pete Dunne attacked Strong in the ring. Dunne leveled him with a forearm to the face as the crowd chanted “Bruiserweight!”. Kyle O’Reilly hit Dunne in the back with a tag title, which allowed Strong to hit Dunne with a Backbreaker. Undisputed Era then exited in the ring and posed on the entrance ramp.

Looks like #UKChampion @PeteDunneYxB still has some unfinished business to settle tonight… #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/EB71MDA2Gy

— WWE (@WWE) June 7, 2018

Kairi Sane Defeated Lacey Evans

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

Lacey Evans once again faced Kairi Sane on this week’s episode of NXT. Evans had Kairi’s name written on her right hand and vowed to hit her with the Women’s Right. Evans and Sane locked up to start off the match. Sane planted Evans on the mat and stomped on Lacey’s right hand.

Lacey dragged Sane to the mat by her hair and followed it up with a springboard Elbow Drop for a two count. Evans then punched Sane in the stomach and started to taunt her. Evans applied the Cobra Clutch in the middle of the ring. Sane battled to her feet but Evans maintained the hold while spinning Sane around. Evans dropped her in the corner and connected with a Bronco Buster for a two count.

Sane ducked under a kick but wound up running into a knee to the midsection. Evans planted Sane with a Body Slam for another two count. Evans did a pushup on Sane while covering her. Lacey climbed to the second rope and missed with a springboard Moonsault.

Sane connected with three Interceptor Spears in a row. Kairi fired herself up and stomped her way to the corner. Sane connected with a sliding elbow and then hit a forearm to the face off the top rope for a two count. Kairi applied an Arm Bar but Evans quickly escaped.

Kairi planted Evans with an Alabama Slam and then made her way to the top rope. Kairi hit the Insane Elbow for the pinfall victory.

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Johnny Wrestling Is Now Johnny Badass

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Tommaso Ciampa made his way to the ring as the crowd chanted “you suck!”. Ciampa took his time getting into the ring as the crowd continued to chant “you suck!” in his face. Tommaso posed on the ring apron without a care in the world as the crowd booed as loud as they could.

Ciampa got in the ring and a “Johnny Wrestling!” chant broke out. Tommaso took a seat on the top turnbuckle as the crowd shouted “you tapped out!”. Ciampa shook his head and said that the crowd all gave up on him long before he gave up on them. Tommaso said that the crowd disgusted him and the “you suck!” chants started again.

The crowd transitioned into chants of “a**hole!” as Ciampa stated that he doesn’t care what they have to say. Tommaso hopped down back to the mat and started ranting about Gargano. Ciampa bitched about Gargano interrupting a match last week on NXT to announce their Street Fight and said that things always have to be about Johnny Gargano.

Ciampa joked that Johnny Wrestling has become Johnny Badass and the crowd chanted along. Tommaso called it adorable and then brought up Gargano almost crippling his wife two weeks ago. Ciampa blamed Gargano for bringing his wife to the ring and insisting for a fight.

Tommaso claimed that all he did two weeks ago was simply defend himself. He called Gargano “boy” and scolded him for not listening to his wife. Ciampa warned Gargano to not show up at NXT TakeOver: Chicago. Ciampa vowed to put the Gargano fairytale to an end. Gargano then shoved security away from him and sprinted to the ring. Johnny attacked Ciampa and then hit him with a Suicide Dive that sent Tommaso over the barricade.

Gargano threw a security guard into the steel steps as Ciampa got back to his feet. The brawl continued through the crowd and Gargano leaped onto Ciampa and a bunch of security guards. Ciampa retreated to the ring but Gargano caught up to him again. A couple of security guards got in Johnny’s way and Tommaso capitalized. Ciampa leveled Johnny with a Clothesline and added insult to injury by applying the Gargano Lock to Johnny in the middle of the ring.

Ciampa finally let go of the hold and waved to Gargano with a smile on his face on the entrance ramp. Gargano got back up and ran after Ciampa on the entrance ramp. Johnny caught him once again and slammed him into the screens on the stage. Ciampa’s face was busted open but Gargano couldn’t resist attacking him once again. NXT went off the air as Johnny had Ciampa in the Gargano Lock on the stage. The final moments were Ciampa screaming in pain and tapping out as security tried to drag Gargano off of him.

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Announced for next week’s episode of NXT:

• EC3 vs. Kassius Ohno

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1004521651147608064

• NXT Champion Aleister Black will be on next week’s show

The following video package was shown during this week’s show to promote Velveteen Dream vs. Ricochet at NXT TakeOver: Chicago on June 16th:

Lars Sullivan Caught Black Mass & Sent A Message To Aleister Black

Photo Credit: @WWE on Twitter

NXT Champion Aleister Black came down to the ring and said that winning the title has been life changing. Black stated that he only needs one shot to make his opponents fade to black. Lars Sullivan interrupted and joined Black in the ring.

Lars announced that NXT GM William Regal has made him Black’s first challenger. Sullivan complimented Aleister for making his opponents fade to black for 16 years. Lars added that Black hasn’t faced anyone like him because there is nobody like him. Sullivan vowed to take everything Black has worked his entire life for and become the new NXT Champion.

Sullivan said that Black knows that he cannot do anything about it. Lars dropped the microphone and grabbed Black by the throat. Aleister escaped and tried to hit Sullivan with Black Mass. Lars caught him and Aleister was shocked. Sullivan then planted Black with the Freak Accident and posed with the NXT Championship over Aleister Black. Aleister Black will defend the NXT Championship against Lars Sullivan at NXT TakeOver: Chicago.

.@LarsSWWE lets #NXTChampion @WWEAleister know that he WON’T #FadeToBlack at #NXTTakeOver:Chicago! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/R52noNuFXz

— WWE (@WWE) May 31, 2018

War Raiders Dominated Once Again

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

War Raiders (Hanson & Rowe) faced George Hickson & Cody Vincent tonight on NXT. Hickson ran right at Rowe to start off the match and quickly got his ass kicked. Hanson tagged in and continued to beatdown Hickson in the corner. Hanson threw Hickson to the corner and Vincent tagged in.

Hanson leveled Vincent with a Clothesline and then Rowe tagged back in. Rowe hit a flurry of jabs in the corner and planted him with a Suplex. Hanson hit a Bronco Buster on Vincent in the corner and Rowe tagged in. Rowe kneed Hickson in the face and Hanson got back in the ring. Rowe lifted Hickson in the air and Hanson leveled him with a springboard Clothesline.

Rowe got back in as Hanson climbed up to the top rope. Rowe lifted up Hickson up and Hanson connected with a Leg Drop off the top rope for the pinfall victory.

Dominance: PERSONIFIED!@WarBeardHanson @RAYMONDxROWE #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/Cl6vx5kk2I

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 31, 2018

Johnny Gargano Pissed Off EC3

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

EC3 battled Fabian Aichner tonight on NXT. Aichner and EC3 locked up to start off the match. EC3 threw Fabian to the corner and clubbed him in the chest. Aichner battled back and hit a loud chop and then followed it up with an elbow to the face. Fabian planted EC3 with a Gutwrench Suplex for a one count. EC3 battled back and knocked Fabian out of the ring.

EC3 followed Aichner to the outside. Johnny Gargano showed up in the crowd and marched to the announce table. Gargano grabbed the microphone and shouted that he is holding a signed contract for a Street Fight against Ciampa at NXT TakeOver: Chicago. Gargano then marched back through the crowd as the crowd cheered.

EC3 was pissed off that Gargano just interrupted his match and took his eye of Aichner. Fabian capitalized with a Crossbody off the top rope. Aichner quickly brought EC3 back into the ring and went for the cover, but EC3 kicked out at two. EC3 shouted in anger and planted Aichner with the One Percenter Fireman’s Carry Neckbreaker for the pinfall victory.

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Ricochet Defeated Chris Dijak & Then Was Confronted By Velveteen Dream

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

Ricochet faced Chris Dijak tonight on NXT. Dijak missed with a big boot and Ricochet immediately went on the attack. Ricochet beatdown Dijak in the corner and followed it up with a Dropkick that sent Dijak tumbling out of the ring. Dijak caught Ricochet when he went for a Suicide Dive and Chokeslammed Ricochet onto the ring apron.

Dijak hit a springboard Elbow Drop for a two count. Dijak missed with a Moonsault off the top and Ricochet took advantage with an axe kick to the face. Ricochet showed off his strength with an impressive Suplex on the much larger Dijak. Ricochet climbed to the top rope and hit a 630 Splash for the pinfall victory. This match was short but it was very entertaining. Dijak made a great impression in his first match in NXT.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1001986265200373761

After the match, Ricochet cut a promo. Ricochet said that Velveteen Dream is one of the most entertaining Superstars that has ever walked through NXT and he can basically do it all. Ricochet stated that the spotlight shows who you really are and last week Dream revealed how much of a punk he really is.

Dream interrupted and said that last week was their spotlight and it showed that he can do anything better than Ricochet. Ricochet called Dream a coward for standing on the entrance ramp and asked him to come down to the ring. Dream came down to the ringside area and told Ricochet that he will see him in Chicago. Dream added that when the spotlight hits Ricochet’s beautiful face, he will know that anything he can do, the Dream can do better.

Ricochet then flipped out of the ring like a ninja and landed right in front of Velveteen Dream. Ricochet simply said “show me” as Velveteen retreated.

Anything @KingRicochet can do, @VelveteenWWE can do better?

The #VelveteenDreamExperience is all about stealing the spotlight tonight on #WWENXT… pic.twitter.com/3lp1Du0TqD

— WWE (@WWE) May 31, 2018

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1001988291284160520

Shayna Baszler Retained, Nikki Cross Stole Her Title

Photo Credit: WWE.com 

Shayna Baszler defended her NXT Women’s Championship against Dakota Kai in the main event of this week’s episode of NXT. Baszler backed Kai into the corner and taunted her while doing so. Shayna then stomped on Kai’s left leg a few times and continued to taunt her as the crowd chanted “Shayna is gonna kill you!”.

Kai cowered in the corner as Baszler continued to kick her. Baszler brought Kai into the middle of the ring and started twisting her leg. Kai finally battled back with a couple of kicks, but Baszler brutally stomped on Kai’s ankle.

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Baszler continued to taunt Kai and Dakota connected with a right hand. Shayna once again knocked Kai to the canvas and applied an Ankle Lock in the middle of the ring. Dakota crawled towards the bottom rope, but Shayna dragged her back to the middle of the ring. Kai battled through the pain and grabbed the rope. Baszler broke the hold, brought her back to the middle of the ring and applied the Ankle Lock again.

Kai escaped with a kick to the face and unloaded a series of punches to her face. Dakota booted Baszler in the face and connected with two running kicks to Shayna’s face in the corner. Baszler was able to quickly battle back and locked in the Kirifuda Clutch for the submission victory.

After the match, a very bizarre and entertaining encounter happened. Shayna locked in the Kirifuda Clutch once again in the middle of the ring. Nikki Cross sprinted to the ring and psychotically screamed in the ring for Baszler to fight her. Shayna looked shook in the corner as Cross challenged her. Shayna slowly walked across the ring and retreated up the ramp. Nikki Cross ran after her and stole the NXT Women’s Championship. Cross dared Baszler to come and get it and laid it at her feet.

Shayna got into the ring to grab the title and Cross grabbed the belt once more. Nikki Cross wanted a match against Shayna Baszler tonight and asked Dakota Kai to be the referee. Shayna went to grab her belt once again and Cross planted her with The Purge. Kai counted to three and Cross celebrated as if she won the title. Cross then celebrated in the crowd and hugged fans in the front row. Nikki then posed on the entrance ramp with a grin on her face as Bazler was pissed off in the ring.

.@NikkiCrossWWE has had ENOUGH of #WWENXT #WomensChampion @QoSBaszler… and she's officially taken matters into her own hands! pic.twitter.com/LDR7mtNdGD

— WWE (@WWE) May 31, 2018

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Announced for next week:

• Lacey Evans vs. Kairi Sane
• Roderick Strong vs. Danny Burch

The following video package was shown during the show for NXT Superstar Bianca Belair:

TM61 Picked Up A Cheap Victory Over Heavy Machinery

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

Heavy Machinery (Otis Dozovic & Tucker Knight) faced TM61 (Shane Thorne & Nick Miller) tonight on NXT. Jonathan Coachman was shown in the crowd and he was cheering on Heavy Machinery. Dozovic and Thorne started off the match. Otis caught Thorne’s arm and comically marched around the ring before throwing him to the mat.

Knight tagged in and leveled Thorne with a shoulder tackle for a two count. Knight lifted Thorne up and connected with an Atomic Drop. Nick Miller tagged in and was greeted with a Hip Toss from Tucker. Otis leveled Shane Thorne as he tried to get into the ring to help his partner. Otis and Knight used Thorne as a battering ram and slammed him into Nick Miller who was caught up in the ropes.

Tucker slammed Miller’s face into the turnbuckle and then did the same on the opposite side of the ring. Otis told him to do it again and Knight obliged. Thorne tagged in and leveled Knight with an uppercut that sent him crashing to the canvas. Thorne beatdown Knight in the corner and connected with another uppercut to the throat.

Miller got back in the match and delivered a few boots to the midsection in the corner of the ring. Miller bounced Knight’s face off the turnbuckle and Thorne tagged himself back in. Shane quickly tagged out after a couple of stomps and then Miller continued the beatdown as Knight was trapped in the corner.

Knight battled back with a few elbows, but Thorne tagged in and connected with an elbow to the back of the head. Nick Miller and Thorne tried to Suplex Knight but Tucker showed off his strength and Suplexed them both to the mat at the same time. Otis finally tagged in and cleaned house with a series of Clotheslines.

Dozovic planted Miller with a Body Slam and started firing up the crowd. Otis wormed his way across the ring and connected with an Elbow Drop. Dozovic went for the cover, but Thorne broke it up. Knight launched Thorne across the ring and charged at him. Thorne escaped out of the ring and Tucker fell through the ropes and to the floor. Otis slammed Miller to the mat and made his way up to the second rope. Thorne connected with a boot to the face that sent Otis to the canvas. Miller covered Dozovic as Thorne held Miller’s legs on the bottom rope for leverage.

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Lacey Evans Defeated Kairi Sane

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

Kairi Sane and Lacey Evans battled tonight on NXT. Sane attacked Evans to start off the match, but Lacey battled back with a loud chop that echoed through the arena. Sane delivered a chop of her own and then slammed her to the mat for a two count. Evans connected with a kick to the knee and then applied the Cobra Clutch in the middle of the ring.

Sane battled to her feet and broke the hold. Evans connected with a knee to the face and then dropped another knee on Sane’s arm. Lacey continued to target Kairi’s arm and then threw her to the corner. Evans stretched out Sane’s arm across the top rope until the referee broke it up. Evans stomped on Sane in the corner and followed it up with a Bronco Buster.

The crowd got behind Sane as she battled back and connected with a Blockbuster. Kairi followed it up with the Interceptor Spear that sent Evans flying across the ring. Sane marched around the ring and geared up in the corner. Sane connected with a sliding elbow and Evans rolled out of the ring.

Kairi follwowed her out there and leaped off the steel steps for another elbow. Sane threw Evans into the ring and made her way to the top rope. Sane screamed and then jumped towards Evans in the ring. Lacey was ready for her and connected with the Women’s Right for the pinfall victory.

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EXCLUSIVE: After a huge victory over #MaeYoungClassic winner @KairiSaneWWE, @LaceyEvansWWE is ready for ANYONE willing to step up to The #LadyOfNXT! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/4qwqi3JUL4

— WWE (@WWE) May 24, 2018

Velveteen Dream Screwed Over Ricochet

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

Velveteen Dream & Ricochet battled Lars Sullivan in a Handicap Match tonight on NXT. This match was made after Lars Sullivan attacked them both last week. Dream started off the match with Sullivan as Ricochet was on the ring apron. Lars threw Dream across the ring and Velveteen quickly tagged out.

Ricochet locked up with Sullivan in the middle of the ring. Lars dragged Ricochet to the canvas face-first. Ricochet and Dream then got into the ring at the same time and connected with a double Dropkick. Lars didn’t fall down, but finally did after Ricochet hit a Dropkick off the top rope.

Dream and Ricochet took turns jumping on Sullivan in the corner. Sullivan grabbed Ricochet by the neck and launched him to the corner. Ricochet booted Lars in the head and Dropkicked him to the corner. Dream tagged in connected with a double Superkick with onto Lars for a two count.

Dream and Ricochet continued to attack Sullivan, but Lars continued to fight them off. Sullivan hit a ridiculous Clothesline that turned Dream inside out. Lars launched dream across the ring for a two count. Sullivan beatdown on Dream and threw him into the turnbuckle for a two count.

Sullivan connected with a knee to the ribs and then clubbed Velveteen across the back. Dream tried to crawl to the corner but Sullivan grabbed his leg. Lars planted Dream with a Powerslam and went for the cover, but Dream was able to kick out at two. Lars made his way to the top rope and connected with a diving Headbutt to Dream’s ribs.

Lars went for the cover, but Ricochet leaped in the ring at the last second to break it up. Lars chased Ricochet around the ring and then back into the ring. As Sullivan was getting back into the ring, Dream connected with the Purple Rainmaker to Sullivan’s back. Ricochet tagged in and connected with a flurry of punches to Sullivan. Dream hit a Crossbody off the top and Ricochet followed it up with a standing Shooting Star Press for a two count.

Dream tagged back in and booted Sullivan in the face. Ricochet connected with a kick before he made his way to the ring apron. Dream connected with a Senton and then Ricochet hit a 450 Splash. Velveteen Dream then planted Ricochet with a Death Valley Driver and left the ring. Lars then grabbed Ricochet and connected with the Freak Accident for the pinfall victory.

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It was such an honor to beat the hell out of The Dream and The One and Only tonight.

— Old Millenial (@LarsSWWE) May 24, 2018

Tommaso Ciampa Provoked Johnny Gargano

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Cathy Kelley was outside Full Sail University to try and talk to Gargano and Candice LeRae. Gargano was in a neck brace and stated that he has seen better days. He said that he had a conversation with his wife about his future and that they made a decision together as a team. Gargano said that he will tell everyone that decision later tonight when he goes down to the ring.

#JohnnyWrestling is here.

What will @JohnnyGargano have to say to the #NXTUniverse tonight? #WWENXT @CandiceLeRae pic.twitter.com/Cc62a7LT6J

— WWE (@WWE) May 24, 2018

At the conclusion of this week’s episode, Gargano and Candice LeRae came down to the ring. Johnny Wrestling high-fived a kid in the front row as the crowd chanted his name. A fan shouted “I love you Johnny!” and Gargano responded “I love you too”. Gargano stated that the last time he walked out here was for an NXT Championship Match, but the bell never rang and he exited here on a stretcher. Gargano brought up the brutal attack by Tommaso Ciampa and said that he sat down with Candice and he realized it is time to start thinking about his future. It was time to start thinking about our future and that he needs to ask himself if this is all worth it.

The crowd chanted “yes!” as Johnny and Candice held hands in the ring. Gargano stated that the injuries have added up, it has taken a toll on his family. Johnny asked once again if it was worth it and the crowd chanted “yes!”. Gargano told his wife sorry and took off the neck brace. Johnny shouted “yes it is worth it!” and demanded that Ciampa come down to the ring so they can finish this right now. Ciampa came down to the entrance ramp and said that he is going to walk down to the ring and finish this. NXT officials got into the ring and seperated the two. LeRae grabbed Gargano’s arm and told him to think about his future.

Johnny and Candice started slowly walking up the entrance ramp. Ciampa grabbed the microphone and told Johnny to be a good little boy and listen to his wife. Gargano rushed the ring and hopped onto the ring apron. Ciampa hit Gargano off the apron and he fell onto Candice LeRae on the ramp. Ciampa then escaped through the crowd as Gargano and NXT officials checked on LeRae.

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Announced for next week:

• NXT Women’s Championship Match: Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Dakota Kai

Baszler confronted Kai backstage and got in Kai’s face. Shayna dared Kai to say something to her and Dakota remained silent. Baszler stated that Kai doesn’t stand a chance next week and Kai said “we will see about that” before walking away.

"You know you don't stand a chance, right?"#WWENXT #WomensChampion @QoSBaszler has ALL the confidence ahead of her title defense next week against @DakotaKai_WWE! pic.twitter.com/r6sjs5Eg2S

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) May 24, 2018

It's time for @DakotaKai_WWE to face her fears when she challenges #WWENXT #WomensChampion @QoSBaszler NEXT WEEK, only on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/sVGD0kDRCN

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) May 24, 2018

• NXT Champion Aleister Black will also be on next week’s episode

NEXT WEEK: The #NXTUniverse will hear from #NXTChampion @WWEAleister on #WWENXT, only on the award-winning @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/EUQQh0DUvQ

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) May 24, 2018

Candice LeRae Slapped Tommaso Ciampa

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Tommaso Ciampa came out to Johnny Gargano’s music to start off this week’s episode of NXT. The crowd booed in anger as Ciampa waved on the entrance ramp. Ciampa said that everyone keeps saying that Gargano won and he beat me. Ciampa claimed that Gargano may have won the battle, but he will always win the war. He added that is why he is here and Gargano is at home in a neck brace that he put him in.

The crowd chanted “you suck!” as Ciampa entered the ring. He stated that he has broken Gargano’s heart, mind, spirit and his body. Ciampa stated that Gargano is gone and that he wins. The crowd chanted “you tapped out!” and then Candice LeRae came down to the ring as the crowd chanted “Candice Wrestling!”.

LeRae said that just used to think she knew Tommaso, but doesn’t recognize what he has become. Candice stated that she couldn’t understand why Ciampa was so obsessed with ruining their lives and said that the only thing that was broken here was Ciampa. Candice added that she is done shedding tears for Ciampa and that he is a monster that she will never forgive.

Candice said that her husband’s future is uncertain, Ciampa will know that Johnny Gargano was better than him. The crowd then chanted “Johnny’s better!” as Ciampa shook his head out of anger in the ring. Ciampa said maybe that he was better than, but Candice knows that the boy she calls a husband isn’t half the man that he is. That is why he sent his cute blonde wife out here, instead of coming down to the ring himself and confronting him. Ciampa added that Candice has always been more of a man than Gargano.

The crowd chanted “mess him up Candice!” and Ciampa dared her to mess him up. Tommaso claimed that he was thinking at their wedding how on earth could this woman possibly be marrying such a big…

Ciampa was interrupted by a slap to the face by Candice. Ciampa smirked and waved at Candice before rolling out of the ring. LeRae exited the ring as Ciampa said “I win!” outside the ring. The crowd once again chanted “you suck!” as Ciampa made his way to the back.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/996904979528024064

Looks like @CandiceLeRae's words are really getting to @ProjectCiampa. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/JiIq7wS2u4

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 17, 2018

“The only thing that’s truly broken here is you.”@CandiceLeRae has some strong words for @ProjectCiampa… but he’s not exactly buying it. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/6UDjg1J1dq

— WWE (@WWE) May 17, 2018

Lacey Evans Dominated & Kairi Sane Got Some Revenge

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

Brandi Lauren faced Lacey Evans tonight on NXT. Evans quickly took control of the match and stomped on Lauren in the corner. Evans followed it up with a Bronco Buster and then stood on Lauren’s neck. Evans hopped to the ring apron and connected with a slingshot Elbow Drop. Lacey casually walked over Brandi and climbed up to the second rope. Evans then connected with a great Moonsault and hit the Women’s Right for the pinfall victory.

The #LadyOfNXT is in action, and she's showing NO MERCY! @LaceyEvansWWE #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/6RzlRUwzsx

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) May 17, 2018

After the match, Kairi Sane attacked Evans on the ring apron and hit a flying forearm to the face. Sane brought Evans down to the ring and scaled to the top turnbuckle. Kairi set up for the Insane Elbow, but Lacey rolled out of the ring and retreated up the entrance ramp.

The #PiratePrincess @KairiSaneWWE has made her presence felt… but is it only a matter of time before @LaceyEvansWWE meets an #InsaneElbow?! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/Ix2U01Ob6C

— WWE (@WWE) May 17, 2018

Nikki Cross Told Dakota Kai To Face Her Fear

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Dakota Kai was interviewed at the WWE Performance Center. Nikki Cross showed up with a cell phone and asked when Kai was going to face Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women’s Championship. Cross grabbed Kai by the hair and shouted “face your fear and fight!”. Cross then laughed in Kai’s face before walking away.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/996907823337562113

Lars Sullivan Attacked Ricochet & Velveteen Dream

Photo Credit: @WWE on Twitter

Ricochet battled Velveteen Dream tonight on NXT. The two Superstars locked up to start off the match. Dream dragged Ricochet to the canvas and danced while doing so. Ricochet hopped up and knocked Dream to the mat and danced as well. Dream applied a Headlock and brought Dream to the mat. Ricochet countered but Dream quickly got him back in the Headlock.

Ricochet escaped and elbowed Dream in the back of the head. Ricochet applied a Headlock of his own, but Dream threw Ricochet to the ropes. Dream and Ricochet had an awesome of exchange that ended with Dream throwing Ricochet out of the ring. Ricochet battled back and hit a Dropkick that sent Dream to the floor. Ricochoet backflipped to the center of the ring as Dream slithered into the ring at the same time.

The two Superstars had a brief stare down before Dream sent Ricochet to the corner. The two then ran into each other and both Superstars fell down. Ricochet threw Dream to the corner and started throwing some punches. Lars Sullivan attacked both Ricochet and Dream and the match ended in a DQ. Sullivan planted them both with the Freak Accident and then stood tall in the ring as the crowd booed. Sullivan shouted that he will be the new NXT Champion and raised his fists in the ring as his theme hit.

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Later on the show, Dream and Ricochet were shown by NXT GM William Regal’s office. They both said they wanted Lars Sullivan and entered Regal’s office. It was announced before the main event that Dream & Ricochet will face Lars Sullivan in a Handicap Match next week.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/996912716777390080

Kona Reeves Defeated Raul Mendoza

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

Kona Reeves faced Raul Mendoza tonight on NXT. Reeves handed his jacket off to an employee and told him to not scuff his jacket. The crowd chanted “Kona sucks!” as Reeves shouted that he is the finest. Reeves started off the match in control and worked on Raul’s right arm.

Mendoza battled back with an elbow to the face, but Reeves quickly applied a Headlock. Mendoza broke free but was knocked on his ass by a massive shoulder tackle by Reeves. Kona bounced Raul’s face off the turnbuckle and unloaded a few giant stomps on his midsection in the corner.

Reeves connected with a Suplex and then dropped a fist to the face. Kona followed it up with a reverse Elbow Drop off the second rope and then followed it up with another elbow to the face. Reeves dragged Raul’s face on the canvas and then locked in the Cobra Clutch in the middle of the ring. Mendoza countered into a Jawbreaker and then hit a boot to the face.

Raul connected with an Enziguri that knocked Reeves to the corner. Mendoza hit a flying forearm and hopped to the ring apron. Mendoza leaped off the top rope but got a boot to the face for his troubles. Reeves shouted “that’s why I am the finest” and connected with the Hawaiian Drop for the pinfall victory.

This is not just a victory. It's #TheFinest victory! #WWENXT @KonaReevesWWE pic.twitter.com/uSwlI4MAeW

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) May 17, 2018

EXCLUSIVE: @KonaReevesWWE says that he deserves #TheFinest things in life… and that includes WINNING on #WWENXT! pic.twitter.com/WVc1q6Fe3G

— WWE (@WWE) May 17, 2018

Pete Dunne, Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch Defeated Undisputed Era

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on TwitterDanny Burch, Oney Lorcan & Pete Dunne faced Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong) in tonight’s main event.

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Dunne and Strong started off the match, but Strong immediately tagged Kyle O’Reilly and exited the ring. Danny Burch tagged in and locked up with O’Reilly. Kyle locked in a Knee Bar but Burch quickly grabbed the bottom rope to break the hold. The two Superstars locked up again and Burch applied a Headlock and dragged O’Reilly to the canvas.

O’Reilly escaped and Burch told him to bring it on. O’Reilly stayed on the mat and dared Burch to come down to him. O’Reilly booted Burch in the back of the leg and then Adam Cole tagged in. Cole knocked Burch to the canvas and called him a joke. Cole connected with an elbow to the face and followed it up with a knee to the midsection. Cole shouted “is that all you got?” as he stomped on Burch in the corner.

O’Reilly tagged back in and connected with a few knee strikes for a two count. Strong tagged in and hit a Backbreaker for another two count. Strong taunted Dunne and then stomped on Burch’s left arm. Strong once again taunted Dunne and then Burch backed into the corner and Dunne tagged in.

Pete Dunne unloaded with a few jabs to Strong and applied a Hammerlock and took Strong down to the mat. Dunne bent back Strong’s fingers as Roddy screamed in pain. Chaos broke out as everyone ran into the ring. Burch, Lorcan and Dunne then bent back Cole, O’Reilly and Strong’s fingers. Undisputed Era rolled out of the ring to regroup.

Strong capitalized on Cole and O’Reilly distracting Dunne by attacking him in the corner. Cole tagged in and stomped on Dunne before O’Reilly tagged back in. O’Reilly connected with a few boots to the ribs before Strong got back into the match. Strong applied the Coba Clutch in the middle of the ring.

Dunne battled back to his feet but Strong connected with a Neckbreaker for a two count. Strong hit a Dropkick to the back and then tagged Adam Cole back into the match. Cole kneed Dunne in the back a few times and then clubbed him across the face. Cole booted Dunne in the face and dragged him back to the corner.

O’Reilly tagged in and started working on Dunne’s arm. Kyle followed it up with a sliding knee to the ribs and tagged Strong back in. Strong applied an Arm Bar as Lorcan and Burch pleaded for a tag in the corner. Dunne battled out of the corner with a series of forearms. Dunne leaped across the ring to tag in Oney Lorcan.

Oney unloaded a bunch of chops to Undisputed Era. Lorcan blasted O’Reilly with an uppercut and then planted Strong with a Suplex. Lorcan hit Cole with a Blockbuster and tagged Burch back in. Lorcan flipped on Cole outside the ring as Burch leveled Strong with a Clothesline for a two count.

Dunne hit a massive right hand to Cole that knocked him back out of the ring. Strong threw Lorcan into Dunne that knocked him out of the ring. Strong then hit a Backbreaker to Burch and tagged O’Reilly in. Kyle hit a boot to the face for a two count. Burch connected with a right hand and then threw Cole and Strong out of the ring. Burch then locked in the Crossface in the middle of the ring. Lorcan applied the single-legged Crab to Strong. Dunne got Cole in a Wrist Lock, but Strong booted Lorcan into Dunne, who then fell onto Burch to break up the Crossface.

Dunne Suplexed Cole to the outside, but Adam somehow hit a Neckbreaker to Dunne onto the top rope and both Superstars fell out of the ring. Lorcan planted Strong and Lorcan with a double Blockbuster. Danny Burch then planted O’Reilly with a DDT as Lorcan held him up for the pinfall victory. Dunne, Burch and Lorcan then celebrated in the ring after their victory. This match was outstanding.

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Announced For Next Week:

• Heavy Machinery vs. TM61

#HeavyMachinery and #TM61 cross paths, and a CHALLENGE has been laid down by @WWEDozovic! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/ecV0QYTCI0

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) May 17, 2018

• Handicap Match: Ricochet & Velveteen Dream vs. Lars Sullivan

.@KingRicochet and @VelveteenWWE finally have something in common.

They BOTH want a piece of @LarsSWWE! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/DQ2wvZNRlq

— WWE (@WWE) May 17, 2018

Velveteen Dream Confronted Ricochet

Photo Credit: @WWEUniverse on Twitter

Ricochet came down to the ring to start off this week’s episode of NXT. Ricochet said that everywhere he has been around the world he always wanted to make sure that everyone remembered him. It was his mission to make sure that everyone was talking about him after WrestleMania weekend. Ricochet stated that he was determined to take over NXT. Ricochet said that the one thing on his mind, said that it wasn’t socks, it was the NXT Championship. Ricochet wasn’t wearing socks during the segment and the NXT crowd chanted “socks!” throughout the promo.

Velveteen Dream interrupted and came down to the entrance ramp. Dream asked Ricochet what gives him the authority to come down here and ask for NXT titles opportunities. Dream added “you are talking about taking over, babe, I need you to take a step back”. Velveteen said that there is one man, one experience and you are looking at him. Dream posed and twirled around in the ring as the crowd chanted his name.

Dream said that Ricochet can jump around in the ring to make a name for himself, but no matter how you flip or flop, you better land in the back of the line behind the Dream. Ricochet chuckled and said that he understands that he is the new guy around here but he knows all about Velveteen Dream. Ricochet added how Velveteen made the entire NXT Universe say your name. Ricochet then said that Dream even got the NXT Champion to say his name, granted it was after he kicked him in the head.

Ricochet stated that Dream was good, but he wasn’t as good as him. Ricochet claimed that he has come to NXT to steal Dream’s show and his spotlight. Dream said that he thought that was funny and added that Ricochet can try his best. Velveteen stated that anything Ricochet can do, the Dream can do better. Ricochet said “prove it!” and dropped the microphone.

Dream took off his necklace and pretended like he was going to attack Ricochet. Dream dropped on the canvas and smiled at Ricochet. Velveteen then slithered out of the ring and retreated up the entrance ramp with a smile on his face as Ricochet stood tall in the ring. Dream and Ricochet continued trash talking as Ricochet’s music hit.

An impromptu #VelveteenDreamExperience has taken @KingRicochet by surprise… and @VelveteenWWE has a few questions that he wants answered NOW! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/oUHCPhv7ET

— WWE (@WWE) May 10, 2018

Want to see @VelveteenWWE and @KingRicochet throw down?

Sorry… not going to happen right now. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/BTnhZNKkAN

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 10, 2018

EC3 Defeated Raul Mendoza

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

EC3 battled Raul Mendoza tonight on NXT. Mendoza locked in a side Headlock to start off the match. Mendoza followed it up with a Hurricanra, but EC3 shrugged it off and sent Raul to the corner. Raul connected with a springboard Dropkick for a one count. EC3 bounced Mendoza’s head off the turnbuckle and stomped him down in the corner.

EC3 leveled Mendoza with a Clothesline. Mendoza battled back with a kick to the side of the head and then charged at EC3 in the corner. EC3 was ready for it and launched Mendoza into the turnbuckle. EC3 followed it up with a knee to the face and then hit his One Percenter finisher for the pinfall victory.

After the win, EC3 was interviewed on the entrance ramp. EC3 said that the only thing that you will see out of him going forward is victory after victory until he rebrands NXT to NX3. He said that the he is the top one percent of this industry and posed on the ramp.

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After a big win tonight on #WWENXT, what can we continue to expect from @therealec3?

Victory…
…After victory…
…After victory…
…After victory…
…After victory…

You get the point. pic.twitter.com/VmO4P7Gwds

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) May 10, 2018

Shayna Baszler Sent A Message To Dakota Kai 

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Dakota Kai faced Vanessa Borne tonight on NXT. Kai hit a Dropkick to start off the match, but Borne battled back and beatdown Dakota in the corner. Borne clubbed Kai across the back and then shouted at the NXT crowd to cheer for her. They responded with a loud boo as Borne planted Kai with a Neckbreaker for a two count.

Kai connected with a few boots to the face and then hit a running knee to the face in the corner. Dakota then planted Borne for the pinfall victory. After the match, Shayna Bazler came down to the entrance ramp and Kai had a terrified look on her face. Baszler got into the ring and Kai backed to the corner. Shayna then locked in the Kirifuda Clutch on Vanessa Borne in the ring. Kai took the opportunity to run away as Baszler stared at her as she walked up the entrance ramp.

Dakota was then interviewed backstage and she was still terrified. Shayna Baszler then got in her face and demanded that Dakota do something about. Dakota cowered in fear and Baszler said “that is what I thought” and walked away. Nikki Cross was then shown laughing her ass off next to Kai.

This is definitely NOT the way @DakotaKai_WWE wanted to celebrate her victory tonight… #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/08KUSnPlqK

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) May 10, 2018

You never know when you’ll be caught in the crossfire of @QoSBaszler’s brutality… just ask @VanessaBorneWWE! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/mJbxrJA0YQ

— WWE (@WWE) May 10, 2018

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/994375513882886144

War Raiders Destroyed Heavy Machinery

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

Heavy Machinery (Tucker Knight & Otis Dozovic) battled War Raiders (Hanson & Rowe) tonight on NXT. Dozovic and Rowe started off trading punches to the face. Hanson and Knight then got into the ring and traded punches as well. Rowe knocked Knight to the mat and then kneed Otis in the face. Hanson tagged in and connected with a Splash in the corner. Rowe lifted Hanson up onto his shoulders and threw him onto Dozovic in the corner.

Hanson tagged back in and Otis planted him with in impressive overhead Suplex. Tucker and Rowe tagged in. Knight punched Rowe in the face a couple of times and decked him with a Dropkick and then a Hip Toss. Hanson ran into the ring and leaped through the ropes to take out Otis on the outside. Rowe tagged in as Hanson lifted Knight up in the air. Rowe leaped off the top rope and connected with Fallout on Knight for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/994376926277128192

Tommaso Ciampa Defeated Kassius Ohno

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

Tommaso Ciampa faced Kassius Ohno in the main event of this week’s NXT. Ciampa was greeted with chants of “a**hole!” and “you suck!” as he entered the ring. Ohno wasted no time coming down to the ring and delivered a beatdown to Ciampa to start off the match. Ohno dropped him with a Suplex and followed it up with a Senton and Ciampa rolled to the ring apron.

Ciampa tripped up Ohno on the apron and connected with a running knee to the face. Tommaso reigned down a bunch of stomps to Ohno’s head as Mauro Ranallo shouted that Ciampa was a sick individual. Ciampa hit a Dropkick and started raking at Kassius’ face. Ciampa applied a Chin Lock in the midde of the ring as the crowd chanted for Ohno.

Kassius battled to his feet and jabbed Ciampa in the jaw. Ohno then hit a massive boot the face and beatdown Ciampa in the corner. Ohno drove his elbow into Ciampa’s face and then dropped a knee on his midsection. Ohno took down his knee pad and dropped his exposed knee onto Ciampa’s face. Ohno perched Ciampa up on the top rope and slapped the taste out of his mouth.

Ohno locked in the Cravate in the middle of the ring and then planted him with a Powerbomb. Kassius shouted “is it worth it?” as he booted Ciampa in the face. Tommaso hid behind the referee and then hit Ohno with a cheap shot. Ciampa took off his wrist tape and went after Ohno. The referee took the tape from Tommaso, but Ciampa used the distraction to rake at Ohno’s eyes. Ciampa then hit a running knee to the back of Ohno’s head for a two count.

Ciampa shoved his boot in Ohno’s face, but Kassius grabbed and battled back to his feet. Ciampa connected with a Clothesline and then hit his finisher for the pinfall victory. Mauro Ranallo shouted “oh noooo!” and “damn it!” after Tommaso won the match. Ciampa raised his hands in the ring as the crowd chanted “you suck!”. After the match, Ciampa took off his knee brace and attacked Ohno with it. Ciampa shouted “I broke Johnny’s body, I broke Candice’s heart and Gargano’s fairy tale is over”. Ciampa then posed on the entrance ramp as NXT went off the air.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/994381668118159360

Pete Dunne, Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch vs Undisputed Era was announced for next week.

NEXT WEEK: #UKChampion @PeteDunneYxB teams up with @_StarDESTROYER & @strongstylebrit in an effort to silence #UndisputedERA once and for all! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/IqQvHHs1rU

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) May 10, 2018

NXT kicked off this week with Undisputed Era cutting a backstage promo. Cole boasted about defeating Oney Lorcan last week to retain his NXT North American Championship. Kyle O’Reilly added that Danny Burch got what he deserved for getting involved last week. Roderick Strong vowed to beatdown Pete Dunne tonight in their match. Strong betrayed Pete Dunne at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans and joined Undisputed Era.

No need to thank @AdamColePro, @_StarDESTROYER… he KNOWS you're grateful that he made you famous during his first NXT #NorthAmericanChampionship defense! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/wdi7XV7WGK

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) May 3, 2018

I figured Peter would be a little more understanding of why I did what I did but I guess not. So tonight I will break the brusierweight. #Messiahofthebackbreaker #UndisputedERA #Shockthesystem pic.twitter.com/hjcw05uo8N

— Roderick Strong (@roderickstrong) May 2, 2018

Lacey Evans Attacked Kairi Sane

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

Mae Young Classic winner Kairi Sane battled Shazza McKenzie tonight on NXT. The two Superstars shook hands before they locked up. Sane went for a roll-up but Shazza kicked out at two. Kairi connected with a Hurricanrana and followed it up with a couple of chops. Sane connected with a Spear and then a sliding forearm in the corner. Sane followed it up with a flying elbow off the top and then a Tokyo Slam. Kairi climbed up to the top and hit the Insane Elbow for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Lacey Evans marched down to the ring with a microphone in her hand. Evans said that a true lady with class always has the courage to admit that they were wrong. Lacey apologized to Sane and stated that she does belong here in NXT. Lacey extended her hand and asked Kairi to accept her apology. The crowd chanted “no!” as Lacey Evans struck Sane in the face with the microphone.

Like a true #LadyOfNXT, @LaceyEvansWWE apologizes to @KairiSaneWWE… but her definition of “ladylike” may differ from yours. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/RlLjw6Cm6V

— WWE (@WWE) May 3, 2018

TM61 Cheated To Defeated Street Profits

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) battled TM61 (Shane Thorne & Nick Miller) tonight on NXT. Ford and Nick Miller started off the match in the ring. Ford kicked Miller in the face and tagged in Angelo Dawkins. Angelo knocked Miller to the canvas with a shoulder tackle. Ford followed it up with a double Dropkick that knocked TM61 out of the ring.

Miller got back into the ring and was greeted with a Bulldog from Dawkins. Shane Thorne tagged in and connected with a Senton before tagging Miller back in. Thorne hit a standing Moonsault and Miller went for the cover, but Dawkins was able to kick out at the last second. Miller applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring as dueling chants of “lets go Dawkins!” and “TM61” broke out. Dawkins broke out of the hold and both Superstars connected with a Clothesline at the same time.

Thorne and Ford tagged in and Montez knocked Miller of the ring apron. Ford dropped Thorne with an elbow to the face and then booted Nick Miller in the face. Thorne rolled up Ford and put his feet on the ropes for leverage. Nick Miller also grabbed Thorne’s feet and the referee didn’t catch it and TM61 stole the victory.

EXCLUSIVE: As far as #TM61 @WWENickMiller and @ShaneThorneWWE are concerned, a WIN is a WIN no matter how you get it! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/jkgtiycbGa

— WWE (@WWE) May 3, 2018

Kona Reeves Was Victorious In His Return

Photo Credit: @PrinceWatercres on Twitter

Patrick Scott battled the returning Kona Reeves tonight on NXT. Reeves connected with a knee to the ribs and then beatdown Scott in the corner. Kona decked Scott with an elbow to the face and then beatdown Scott once again in the corner. Reeves hit a Gutwrench Suplex and then shouted that he was the finest while hitting an Elbow Drop off the second rope. Kona then hit a Hawaiian Drop for the pinfall victory.

He only wants #TheFinest things in life… but can @KonaReevesWWE have “the finest” in-ring return tonight on #WWENXT? pic.twitter.com/pxLFtVsgBC

— WWE (@WWE) May 3, 2018

Bianca Belair Picked Up An Impressive Victory Over Candice LeRae

Photo Credit: @WWENXT on Twitter

Candice LeRae was interviewed backstage during tonight’s episode of NXT in regards to Tommaso Ciampa attacking her husband, Jonny Gargano last week. Gargano was sent to the hospital after the attack and LeRae got emotional during the interview.

Preparing for tonight's match against @BiancaBelairWWE may be easier said than done for an emotional @CandiceLeRae… #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/XRLW32SKp5

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) May 3, 2018

LeRae and Bianca Belair had a match later on NXT. Belair threw LeRae to the canvas to start off the match and then applied a Headlock. Biance let go and decked Candice with a shoulder tackle. Candice battled back with a Hurranrana for a one count. LeRae went for a Crossbody off the second rope, but Belair caught her and planted her with a Body Slam for a two count.

Bianca showed off her strength and deadlifted Candice from the ground to above her head. Belair threw Candice into the turnbuckle and then lifted her up in the Torture Rack. LeRae battled back once again and connected with a Dropkick off the top rope. LeRae went for the Tornado DDT, but Belair blocked it and launched LeRae across the ring. Biance hit the Alley Oop for the pinfall victory.

For those who don’t believe @BiancaBelairWWE is the strongEST in #WWENXT… The #ESTofNXT is about to make you a believer, at @CandiceLeRae’s expense! pic.twitter.com/jAHxGPNAtS

— WWE (@WWE) May 3, 2018

Pete Dunne, Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch Got The Better Of The Undisputed Era

Pete Dunne battled Roderick Strong in the main event of this week’s episode of NXT. Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly of Undisputed Era accompanied Strong down to the ring. Pete Dunne attacked Strong right when the bell rang and beat him down in the corner. Dunne booted Strong in the arm and Roderick rolled out of the ring. Dunne connected with an elbow to the face off the ring apron and brought Strong back into the ring.

Strong planted Dunne with a Backbreaker, but Dunne battled back and connected with a forearm to the back of Roderick’s head. Strong rolled out of the ring once again and Dunne tried to leap onto him. Roderick was ready and connected with a Dropkick while Dunne was in midair. Strong lifted Dunne up and dropped him back-first on the ring apron. Strong hit Dunne with a chop that echoed throughout the arena.

Back in the ring, Strong punched Dunne in the face a couple of times and followed it up with a kick to the midsection for a two count. Strong stood over Dunne and taunted him for stomping on his knees a couple times. Strong hit another Backbreaker for a two count. Dunne planted Strong with a Suplex in the middle of the ring.

Strong and Dunne exchanged strikes, Dunne got the upper-hand and hit an Enziguri in the corner. Dunne dropped a boot on Strong’s arm off the second rope. Strong threw Dunne out of the ring and then kneed him in the face as he tried to get back into the ring. Strong connected with a third Backbreaker for another two count.

Dunne hit another Enziguri, but Strong battled back with a chop to the chest. Dunne dragged Roderick to the canvas and locked in a Sleeper Hold. Dunne transitioned into an Arm Bar, but Strong was able to get his boot on the bottom rope to break the hold. Dunne scaled the turnbuckle, but Strong got back up and booted Dunne in the face. Roderick connected with an Olympic Slam off the second rope for a two count. Strong shouted at Dunne to stay down as he made his way back to his feet.

Strong elbowed Dunne in the face a couple of times and went for another one, but Dunne caught him and bent his fingers back. Dunne planted Strong with a German Suplex and then kicked him in the face. Dunne followed it up with a Bitter End and went for the cover. Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly got into the ring and attacked Pete Dunne before the the referee counted to three. Pete Dunne won the match via DQ.

Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan sprinted down to the ring and fought Undisputed Era off. Dunne launched Strong out of the ring and stood tall with Burch and Lorcan. Undisupted Era retreated up the entrance ramp while Strong raised his NXT Tag Team Championship belt as NXT went off the air.

The numbers game usually favors The #UndisputedERA… but @_StarDESTROYER & @strongstylebrit are here to help @PeteDunneYxB test that theory! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/H1w7H0UWz7

— WWE (@WWE) May 3, 2018

Announced for NXT next week:

• Heavy Machinery vs. War Raiders
• Kassius Ohno vs. Tommaso Ciampa
• EC3 vs. Raul Mendoza

Undisputed Era kicked off this week’s show. Cole, Fish, O’Reilly and Roderick Strong came down to the ring. Roderick Strong and Kyle O’Reilly had the NXT Tag Team Championship belts around their waists as Adam Cole post with the NXT North American Championship on the ring apron.

Strong said that he is not the type of guy to pat himself on the back, which led to Cole, Fish and O’Reilly patting Strong on his back. Roderick said that he made the decision to join Undisputed Era because Pete Dunne only cares about his United Kingdom Championship. Kyle O’Reilly said times are changing and that they are leaving everyone in the dust.

Adam Cole grabbed the microphone and said that he is going to defent the NXT North American Championship against Oney Lorcan right now. Cole said that he wanted to do this on his own and then chuckled while saying “lets be real, I don’t really need any help beating Oney Lorcan”.

#RoddyVsTheWorld is officially in the past. Welcome to a new era of @roderickstrong… The #UndisputedERA, to be exact! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/Til3jxndaS

— WWE (@WWE) April 26, 2018

Roderick Strong Helped Adam Cole Retain The NXT North American Championship

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Adam Cole defended his NXT North American Championship against Oney Lorcan tonight. Lorcan controlled the match early and targeted Cole’s taped up ribs. Lorcan applied the Abdominal Stretch for a moment, but Cole was able to escape and roll out of the ring to regroup.

Cole blocked a Suplex attempt by Lorcan on the ring apron and then booted him in the side of the head. Cole brought Lorcan to the corner and stomped on him several times. Cole connected with a flurry of punches and then got up and held his injured ribs. Cole drove his knee into Lorcan’s back and applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring.

Lorcan broke free and connected with a couple of jabs to Cole’s midsection. Oney delivered a chop to Cole’s chest and then kneed him in the ribs. Oney followed it up with a running Blockbuster for a two count. Oney dropped Cole’s midsection across the top rope and Cole fell to the floor outside the ring.

Oney Lorcan climbed up the turnbuckle and Undisputed Era rushed the ring with a medical trainer. The referee was distracted as the trainer attended to Adam Cole. Roderick Strong connected with a Back Body Drop to Lorcan on the ring apron and then threw him in the ring. Adam Cole was then magically healed and got into the ring and hit the Last Shot on Lorcan for the victory.

After the match, Undisputed Era continued to beatdown Oney Lorcan. Danny Burch came down to the ring to save his tag partner, but Undisputed Era took him out as well.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/989298400486150145

Sabbatelli Turned His Back On Moss, Heavy Machinery Challenged War Raiders

Heavy Machinery battled Tino Sabbatelli and Riddick Moss tonight on NXT. Tucker Knight and Riddick Moss started off the match. Knight leveled Moss with a shoulder tackle. Sabbatelli ran into the ring, but he was greeted with a shoulder tackle from Otis Dozovic.

Dozovic threw Tino out of the ring as Tucker Knight connected with a Back Body Drop to Moss in the ring. Otis tagged in and connected with the Compacter on Moss & Sabbatelli. Heavy Machinery then stood on Moss and Sabbatelli’s chests and posed as the crowd cheered.

Moss battled back and slammed Otis to the canvas. Moss connected with a punch to the face and Sabbatelli tagged in. Moss connected with a Splash in the corner before heading to the ring apron. Tinp connected with a couple of jabs in the corner and then Moss tagged back in.

Moss charged at Dozovic in the corner, but Otis got out of the way and Moss slammed into Tino on the apron. Tucker Knight tagged in and delivered a boot to Moss’ face in the corner. Riddick Moss tried to tag in Tino Sabbatelli, but Tino leaped off the apron and turned his back on his tag partner. Heavy Machinery then connected with the Compacter on Riddick Moss for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Heavy Machinery grabbed a couple microphones and challenged War Raiders to a match.

Oh, you want to tag in @TinoSabbatelli?

Better luck next time, @riddickMoss. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/RaGznCBzzI

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 26, 2018

Hey, #WarRaiders… #HeavyMachinery @TuckerKnightWWE & @WWEDozovic are ready to introduce you to the power of STEAKS and WEIGHTS! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/sFChkPRalh

— WWE (@WWE) April 26, 2018

EXCLUSIVE: Why did @TinoSabbatelli abandon @riddickMoss on #WWENXT? Two words: DEAD. WEIGHT. pic.twitter.com/8jYnLe7YsB

— WWE (@WWE) April 26, 2018

Dakota Kai Didn’t Want To Talk About Shayna Baszler

Dakota Kai was asked about the incident last week where Shayna Baszler bullied her backstage. Kai refused to answer and said that she would prefer to not talk about it. Baszler interrupted and shouted at Kai to look at her. Shayna said that a women’s division run by Baszler is Kai’s worst nightmare and walked away. Dakota Kai looked petrified as the segment ended.

The exact thing that @DakotaKai_WWE DIDN'T want to happen during this interview… #WWENXT @QoSBaszler pic.twitter.com/CHOGpMC8Mh

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 26, 2018

Tommaso Ciampa Attacked Gargano, Aleister Black Dismantled SAnitY

Johnny Gargano was set to face Aleister Black for the NXT Championship tonight. During Gargano’s entrance, Tommaso Ciampa attacked him from behind. Ciampa tried to slam Gargano through a table, but Gargano fought back and knocked him to the floor. Gargano leaped off the table and landed on Ciampa. Johnny slammed Ciampa’s face off the entrance ramp and the battle continued up the ramp. Ciampa hit Johnny with a low-blow as the crowd mocked Tommaso by chanting “you tapped out!”. Ciampa then hit a running knee to the face as Gargano was up against a screen on the ramp.

Tommaso refused to stop his attack and then slammed Gargano through a table next to the ramp. Ciampa sat next to Gargano for a moment before finally climbing back onto the stage. Candice LeRae showed up as referees shouted that Gargano needs medical help. Ciampa stood over Gargano on the entrance ramp as the crowd booed. Johnny was loaded onto a stretcher as the crowd chanted “Johnny Wrestling!”.

Once again, @ProjectCiampa has brought all-out chaos to #WWENXT! @JohnnyGargano pic.twitter.com/gJ8fW9fo0P

— WWE (@WWE) April 26, 2018

Gargano was loaded onto a stretcher and wheeled backstage. Johnny was shown being stretchered towards an ambulance. Aleister Black appeared and took a look at Gargano before walking away. Ciampa was then shown on top of a truck watching Gargano being taken away in an ambulance.

With @CandiceLeRae by his side, @JohnnyGargano leaves #WWENXT in an ambulance after being brutally attacked by @ProjectCiampa during tonight’s main event. pic.twitter.com/ditEALbIFC

— WWE (@WWE) April 26, 2018

Aleister Black came down to the ring and grabbed a microphone. Black said that Ciampa eliminated his competition… but was quickly interrupted by SAnitY.

Young, Dain and Wolfe came down the entrance ramp and joined Black in the ring. Young said that Gargano provided hope, but chaos took away that hope tonight. Young added that out of the chaos, they will find SAnitY. Black cut him off and asked Young if he was looking for the NXT Championship. Young shook his head and Black said “lets do this!”.

Eric Young elbowed Black in the face and applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring. Aleister battled back and knocked Young out of the ring. Eric got back into the ring and elbowed Black in the face. Black responded with a couple of knee strikes and then a boot to the side of the head. Wolfe hopped up on the ring apron and distracted Black. Young started choking Black by the turnbuckle and then slammed him to the canvas for a two count.

Young connected with a Back Body Drop for another two count. Young quickly applied a Chin Lock as the crowd clapped to get behind Aleister Black. Aleister powered to his feet and broke the hold. Black connected with a kick to the face and went for a roll-up for a two count. Aleister followed it up with a knee strike to the face and both Superstars fell to the mat.

Black connected with a springboard Moonsault for a two count. Young slung Black to the corner and charged at him. Black dodged him and locked in an Octopus Hold in the middle of the ring. Young countered and planted Black with a Death Valley Bomb for a two count. Young climbed up the turnbuckle but Black blasted him in the face. Both Superstars battled on the top rope. Young knocked Black to the canvas and then walked into a Black Mass for the victory.

After the amtch, Black connected with a Black Mass to Killian Dain and Alexander Wolfe. Black raised the title in the ring as SAnitY was on the mat. It was announced during WWE’s Superstar Shake-Up that SAnitY will be joining SmackDown’s roster.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/989308329980723200

Announced for next week’s episode of NXT:

• Bianca Belair vs. Candice LeRae
• Kona Reeves returns

Johnny Gargano Wants The NXT Championship

Johnny Gargano kicked off this week’s episode of NXT. Candice Lerae joined Gargano as he made his way to the ring. The NXT crowd chanted “Johnny Wrestling!” as Gargano jogged around the ring with a big smile on his face. The chants transitioned to “welcome back!” as Gargano grabbed a microphone.

Gargano said that he dreamt of this moment before NXT TakeOver: New Orleans. He added that it is really good to be home and for too long he was defined by two words, Tommaso Ciampa. Ciampa was his best friend and he betrayed him and cost him his career. However, after 37 minutes of the most intense minutes in the ring, he is proud to say that he has his life back and is back where he belongs.

"I have my life back; I am BACK where I belong!" – @JohnnyGargano #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/WkvlmlDYiD

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2018

Johnny stated that these past few months have been the toughest of his career, but thanked the crowd for shoving signs in Ciampa’s face and chanting his name. Gargano thanked the crowd for always having his back. He then thanked his wife and told her he loved her.

Gargano said that Johnny Wrestling and Candice Wrestling have one last piece of unfinished business. Candice grabbed the microphone and announced that she will be facing Zelina Vega tonight. Gargano warned Almas that if he got involved, he was going to drop him like his name was Tommaso Ciampa. Johnny noted that Aleister Black is the new NXT Champion and that he wants to be the first to challenge for the title.

NEW #WWENXT Champion @WWEAleister…@JohnnyGargano is looking at YOU! pic.twitter.com/TIGPCPir4x

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 19, 2018

Ricochet Defeated Fabian Aichner

Ricochet faced Fabian Aichner tonight on NXT. Aichner started off the match in control and planted Ricochet with a Gutbuster. Fabian stomped on Ricochet in the corner and stopped to taunt the crowd. Aichner connected with a tilt-a-whirl Backbreaker for a two count.

Aichner hit Ricochet with an uppercut in the corner, but Ricochet responded with a Dropkick and both Superstars fell to the canvas. Ricochet and Aichner got up and traded shots in the middle of the ring. Ricochet got the better of the exchange and connected with a springboard uppercut. Ricochet followed it up with a standing Shooting Star Press for a two count.

Ricochet climbed to the top, but Aichner got back up and crotched Ricochet on turnbuckle. Ricochet blasted Fabian with a right hand and Aichner crashed to the mat. Ricochet then connected with a ridiculous 630 Senton for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Ricochet said it feels great to pick up a win at Full Sail. He brought up Bayley, Sami Zayn and Seth Rollins and stated that he watched them make a name for themselves in NXT. Ricochet added that it was his turn now to make a name for himself and to prove to the NXT Universe that there is one and only Ricochet.

"It feels great to make my @FullSail debut…I came here to @WWENXT to take things up a notch and make a name for myself!" – @KingRicochet #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/gjx4p2b1Vh

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 19, 2018

War Raiders Dominated In Their In-Ring Debut

War Raiders made their in-ring debut in NXT tonight. Hanson and Rowe faced off against JC and Chris (jobbers). Rowe started off by connected with a running knee to the face to one of the jobbers. The other jobber tagged in and got launched across the ring via a Hip Toss. Hanson tagged in and dropped a knee on the jobbers midsection. A fan shouted “somebody stop the damn match!” as War Raiders connected with the Fallout for the easy victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/986762782866624512

Shayna Baszler Bossed Around The Women’s Locker Room

Shayna Baszler was shown in the women’s locker room. She claimed that the locker room was hers now and ripped Ember Moon’s name tag off. Dakota Kai got up to get some water and Baszler got in her face and started shouting at her. Kai exited the room and Baszler told the rest of the locker room to get in line behind her or they will get run over.

"Get in line behind me, or you're going to get run over."#WWENXT #WomensChampion @QoSBaszler is setting some new ground rules for the @WWENXT Women's locker room… pic.twitter.com/XXvdIXiTL4

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 19, 2018

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/986765230888939520

Lars Sullivan Defeated Killian Dain In A No DQ Match

Lars Sullivan and Killian Dain battled in a No DQ match tonight on NXT. Sullivan drove Dain to the corner, Dain battled out and Clotheslined Lars out of the ring. Sullivan dragged Dain to the outside and started trading shots with him. Dain whipped Lars into the steel steps and then made his way back into the ring. Killian bounced off the ropes and went for a Suicide Dive but Sullivan caught him and bashed him into the ring post.

Sullivan then planted Dain with a massive Suplex to the floor outside the ring. Lars brought Dain back into the ring and started clubbing him across the face. Sullivan showed off his power and planted Dain with a German Suplex. Killian rolled out of the ring as Lars climbed to the top rope. Sullivan hit a Flying Clothesline and landed hard on the entrance ramp on his way down.

The #NoDQ collision is ON between #SAnitY's @KillianDain and @LarsSWWE on #WWENXT! pic.twitter.com/IcdQ3MkT8g

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2018

Back in the ring, Lars connected with a diving headbutt off the second rope for a two count. Lars threw three chairs into the ring and then bashed him in the ribs with one of them. Dain exploded out of the corner with a Dropkick and both giants fell to the canvas. The crowd chanted “Killian” as Dain connected with an forearm to the face.

Dain and Sullivan traded shots for a moment, but Dain slammed Sullivan to the canvas and followed it up with a Senton. Killian then hit the Vader Bomb for a two count. Dain brought a table into the ring and set it up in the corner. Killian smashed Sullivan in the back with a chair and tried to throw Lars towards the table but Sullivan blocked it.

Lars slammed Dain to the mat and placed a chair across his chest. Sullivan scaled the ropes and went for a headbutt, but Dain got out of the way and Lars landed on the chair. Dain charged at Lars but Sullivan caught him with a Powerslam for a one count. Dain then connected with the Divide through the table in the corner as the crowd chanted “NXT!”.

Furthest thing from a ? by @LarsSWWE…

Can @KillianDain take advantage?! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/QdpLLKIS4m

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 19, 2018

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/986767396848496640

Dain put a chair on Sullivan and stomped on him in the corner. Blood dripped from Dain’s mouth as he made his way up the turnbuckle. Sullivan got up with the chair and Dain punched it into his face. Dain leaped off the top, but Sullivan was ready and blasted him with the chair in the ribs. Sullivan followed it up with the Freak Accident onto the steel chair for the pinfall victory.

The FREAK ACCIDENT on a pile of chairs spells the end as @LarsSWWE picks up the victory! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/VBuVceZiJv

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2018

LeRae Submitted Vega & Black Accepted Gargano’s Challenge

Candice LeRae faced Zelina Vega in the main event of this week’s episode of NXT. Vega started trash-talking and Candice quickly shoved her to the mat. LeRae connected with a Gutbuster and climbed to the top rope. Andrade “Cien” Almas hopped on the ring apron and Vega capitalized on the distraction and threw Lerae to the mat.

Johnny Gargano then showed up at ringside as Vega applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. LeRae broke the hold, but Vega connected with a kick to the face in the corner. Zelina followed it up with the Meteora for a two count. LeRae started screaming in anger and beat the hell out of Vega in the corner.

Candice climbed to the top rope and hit a Dropkick for a two count. LeRae locked in the Gargano Escape on Vega in the middle of the ring. Almas jumped into the ring and Johnny locked in the Gargano Escape on him as well. Vega tapped out and LeRae won the match.

After the match, Gargano said that was awesome and that Almas & Vega are in the past. Gargano then challenged Black for the NXT Championship and Aleister’s music hit. Black came down to the entrance ramp as the crowd chanted his name. Black said “you want it, then next week, you shall have it”.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/986771553479163904

"You want it? Then, next week, you shall HAVE it!"#WWENXT Champion @WWEAleister appears to have just ACCEPTED @JohnnyGargano's challenge! pic.twitter.com/OCtyk3O0Fj

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2018

Also announced during the show:

Adam Cole will defend the North American Championship against Oney Lorcan next week.

ALSO NEXT WEEK: @AdamColePro defends the #WWENXT #NorthAmericanChampionship against @_StarDESTROYER! pic.twitter.com/SUS2ZQKLtM

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 19, 2018

All four members of Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, Bobby Fish & Roderick Strong) will be on next week’s episode.

NEXT WEEK: All FOUR members of the newly-expanded #UndisputedERA will be on #WWENXT!@AdamColePro @KORcombat @TheBobbyFish @roderickstrong pic.twitter.com/LpcQ73N7dI

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 19, 2018

Kona Reeves will return to NXT in two weeks.

The first episode of WWE NXT following NXT TakeOver: New Orleans aired tonight on the WWE Network. Ember Moon, The Authors of Pain, Billy Kay, Peyton Royce and No Way Jose were all called up to the main roster this week. There still may be more NXT talent making their way up to RAW or SmackDown during next week’s Superstar Shake-Up. Lars Sullivan versus Killian Dain was announced for next week’s episode of NXT. Johnny Gargano will also appear on next week’s show.

After a life-changing victory over @ProjectCiampa in New Orleans, what will @JohnnyGargano have in store NEXT WEEK on #WWENXT?! pic.twitter.com/by9SahCoa8

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) April 12, 2018

Tonight’s episode of NXT featured two matches and several recaps from the matches that took place at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans.

Kairi Sane Defeated Lacey Evans

Kairi Sane battled Lacey Evans to start off this week’s episode of NXT. Lacey Evans trashed the entire NXT women’s division last week and called them social outcasts. Evans started off the match in control and drove Sane to the corner. The NXT crowd in New Orleans chanted “lets go Kairi” as Evans threw Sane towards the ropes.

Sane leaped onto the second rope and then casually hopped down and folded her arms as she looked at Evans. Kairi connected with a Dropkick to Evans and sent her to the ring apron. Evans grabbed Kairi and slammed her into the turnbuckle. Lacey followed it up with a slingshot Elbow Drop for a two count.

Evans connected with a roundhouse kick and then a Clothesline for another two count. Lacey applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring as the crowd got behind Sane. Evans broke the hold and thew Sane to the corner. Lacey blasted Sane in the face with a forearm and then jokingly asked if Kairi was okay. Evans delivered a chop across the chest and then stomped on Sane’s back. Evans went back to the Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Lacey went for the cover, but Sane was able to kick out at two as NXT went to a commercial break.

This is @LaceyEvansWWE's take on being "lady-like." #LadyOfNXT #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/EH0LeWgFJk

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 12, 2018

When NXT returned, Evans had Sane trapped in the corner and connected with a Bronco Buster for a two count. Sane connected with a couple of chops, but Evans hit a Shoulder Breaker for another two count. Evans hit a chop of her own and went for another one but it was blocked by Sane. Kairi connected with the Interceptor Spear and both Superstars fell to the mat.

INTERCEPTOR from @KairiSaneWWE! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/ZabWtoGzhh

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 12, 2018

Sane booted Evans in the back and followed it up with a running Blockbuster. Sane marched her way to the corner and geared herself up. Sane hit a sliding forearm and climbed to the top rope. Kairi connected with a flying elbow for a two count. Sane delivered a spinning back-fist and followed it up with the Insane Elbow Drop for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/984224115090436097

War Raiders Beatdown Heavy Machinery and Sabbatelli & Moss

Tino Sabbatelli & Riddick Moss faced Heavy Machinery tonight in the main event of NXT. Tucker Knight and Sabbatelli started off the match. The crowd chanted “Tino sucks!” as Knight dropped Tino to the canvas. Moss tagged in and got into the ring. Otis Dozovic joined the party and a brawl broke out between the two teams as NXT went to a commercial break.

When NXT returned, Moss connected with a Fallaway Slam to Tucker Knight for a two count. Sabbatelli tagged in and continued to beatdown Knight. The crowd once again chanted “Tino sucks!” as Sabbatelli launched Knight into the turnbuckle. Tino shouted “who sucks now?!” as he tagged Moss back in.

Tino leveled Knight with a Crossbody and Moss went for the cover, but Knight was able to kick out at the last second. Tino tagged in and Knight booted him in the face. Knight rolled across the ring and Dozovic finally was able to tag in. Otis hit Moss and Sabbatelli with a series of Splashes in opposite corners.

Otis hit a Back Body Drop to Moss that sent him out of the ring. Otis connected with a Stinger Splash on Sabbatelli and followed it up with an Elbow Drop. Tucker Knight and Moss got back into the ring and both connected with a Clothesline at the same time. War Raiders then showed up and started attacking everyone and the referee called for the bell. Hanson and Rowe, formerly known as War Machine, continued their beatdown as the crowd cheered them on to end the show.

Was #WWENXT's #TagTeamDivision just put on notice by The #WarRaiders @RAYMONDxROWE & @WarBeardHanson?! pic.twitter.com/5rKNbQzgQU

— WWE (@WWE) April 12, 2018

NXT TakeOver: New Orleans will air this Saturday night on the WWE Network. Tonight’s episode of NXT was the go-home show for the PPV during WrestleMania weekend. The Authors of Pain battled Pete Dunne & Roderick Strong in the final round of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament.

The team that wins the tournament will be granted a shot at the NXT Tag Team Championships at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans. Bobby Fish of Undisputed Era has not been medically cleared to compete at NXT TakeOver. Kyle O’Reilly will defend the NXT Tag Team Championships on Saturday night, with his partner most likely being Adam Cole of Undisputed Era. Adam Cole is also a part of the Ladder match for the new North American Championship at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans. This issue was brought up during tonight’s episode.

Tonight we will be the 2time #DustyClassic winners!!! #AOP #AuthorsOfPain #NXT pic.twitter.com/PkWzJPCHkh

— Gzim Selmani / Rezar (@AlbanianPsycho) April 4, 2018

Undisputed Era Will Defend The NXT Tag Team Championships In A Triple Threat Match At NXT TakeOver: New Orleans

The finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic kicked off this week’s episode of NXT. Paul Ellering accompanied The Authors of Pain down to the ring. The new team of Roderick Strong and U.K. Champion Pete Dunne came down to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. Dunne stopped at the top of the ramp to admire the Dusty Rhodes Cup that awaited the victors of the match.

Roderick Strong and Akam started off the match. Akam slammed Strong to the mat and quickly tagged in Rezar. Strong connected with a chop and retreated to the corner. Dunne didn’t back down from the challenge and tagged himself in. Dunne and Rezar locked up as NXT went to a commercial break.

When NXT returned, Akam tagged back in and beatdown Pete Dunne. Pete battled back with a couple of chops, but Akam shrugged them off and blasted Dunne with a few fists to the face. Akam applied a side Headlock but Dunne reached the ropes to break the hold. Akam kneed Dunne in the ribs a few times in the corner and tagged Rezar back into the match.

Rezar clubbed Dunne across the back and taunted Strong on the ring apron. Rezar kneed Dunne in the face and tagged in Akam. Akam went for the cover but Dunne kicked out at two. Rezar tagged in and stomped on Dunne’s face for another two count. Rezar bashed away at Dunne’s head for another two count.

#AOP @Akam_WWE & @Rezar_WWE are looking UNSTOPPABLE right about now… #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/XV0cZcczkK

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 5, 2018

Akam tagged in and lost focus for a moment and Dunne capitalized. Dunne snapped back one of his fingers and dove across the ring to tag in Strong. Roderick entered the ring fired up as Rezar tagged in at the same time. Strong knocked Akam out of the ring and sent Rezar to the turnbuckle.

Strong connected with a series of forearms to the face and then Dropkicked Rezar to the canvas. Strong hit a Dropkick through the ropes to Akam and followed it up with an Olympic Slam to Rezar for a two count. Strong kneed Rezar in the face and tagged in Dunne. Pete connected with an Enziguri and then climbed to the top rope. Dunne connected with a stomp to Rezar’s back for another two count.

Pete Dune went for the Triangle but Rezar lifted him up and Akam tagged in. AOP teamed up for a Neckbreaker on Dunne and went for the cover but Strong broke it up. Strong Clotheslined Rezar out of the ring and tagged back in the match. Dunne hit another Enziguri to Akam and followed it up with a Bitter End. Strong went for the cover but Rezar dove into the ring and broke it up at the last second.

Strong and Dunne knocked Rezar to the mat and then both booted Akam in the face. They then both ran into boots to the face by Akam and Rezar and all four Superstars crashed to the canvas as the crowd chanted “NXT!”.

When the #DustyCup is on the line… you leave it ALL in the ring! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/2TjlLT3gsS

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 5, 2018

Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly rushed the ring and attacked both teams. The referee called for the bell as Undisputed Era beatdown Strong & Dunne as AOP rolled out of the ring. It was then announced that the referee ruled this as a double disqualification as Undisputed Era retreated up the entrance ramp.

NXT GM William Regal came down to the entrance ramp and stated that Cole and O’Reilly were not smart enough. Regal then announced that Undisputed Era will now defend their NXT Tag Team Championships against Pete Dunne & Roderick Strong and The Authors of Pain in a Triple Threat match at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans. Regal added that the winner of the match at TakeOver will win the Dusty Cup and the NXT Tag Team Championships.

#WWENXT GM @RealKingRegal just raised the stakes in a BIG way for The #UndisputedERA, #AOP, and @PeteDunneYxB & @roderickstrong! #NXTTakeOver #DustyClassic pic.twitter.com/FWsV5kTcmZ

— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2018

Later on NXT, Cole and O’Reilly caught up with Regal outside Full Sail. Cole complained about being in a 6-man Ladder match at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans and thought it was ridiculous that Regal expected him to compete in both matches. Regal said that they had 3 options:

• Cole can compete in both matches
• Cole can back out of the Ladder match for the North American Championship
• Kyle O’Reilly can defend the NXT Tag Team Championships by himself

#WWENXT GM @RealKingRegal has spoken!

OPTION 1: @AdamColePro competes in the #LadderMatch AND The #TagTeamChampionship Match.
OPTION 2: @KORcombat defends the gold on his own.
OPTION 3: Cole withdraws from the NXT North American Title Match.

What lies ahead for #UndisputedERA? pic.twitter.com/AvhtpZ2Cy2

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 5, 2018

Kairi Sane Defeated Vanessa Borne

Kairi Sane faced Vanessa Borne on this week’s episode of NXT. Borne slammed Sane to the mat to start off the match. Vanessa shouted that Kairi wasn’t special and the two Superstars locked up.

Borne stomped on Sane’s foot and applied a Wrist Lock. Sane countered and threw Borne across the ring with an Arm Drag. Sane went for a roll-up for a one count. Borne responded with a Flap Jack and then elbowed Sane in the back of the head a few times for a two count.

Vanessa slammed Kairi’s head into the turnbuckle a couple of times and then bashed her head into the bottom turnbuckle for a two count. Sane ducked under a Clothesline and decked Borne with a Clothesline. Sane got fired up and connected with a sliding Clothesline in the corner. Sane climbed to the top rope and connected with a flying elbow for a two count. Sane quickly climbed back to the top but Borne tripped her up.

Borne went for a Superplex but Sane pushed her and Vanessa got caught up in the ropes. Sane delivered a Double Stomp and followed it up with the Insane Elbow Drop for the pinfall victory.

The #PiratePrincess prevails! What's next for @KairiSaneWWE? #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/jxkXMEcxzX

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 5, 2018

Lacey Evans Trashed The NXT Women’s Division

Lacey Evans made a statement and said that NXT GM William Regal needs to stop allowing “societal trash” in NXT. Evans brought up Nikki Cross and complained that she kept getting opportunities in NXT. Evans stated that NXT Women’s Champion Ember Moon has never made a difference in NXT and hasn’t shown the strength of a woman, other than jumping off the top rope.

A reporter brought up Dakota Kai and Evans dismissed her as if she was nothing. Lacey called Kairi Sane a “pathetic pirate princess” and said that she planned on taking Sane’s opportunity away from her.

It was later announced that Lacey Evans will face Kairi Sane next week on NXT.

Killain Dain & Lars Sullivan Were Interrupted By Dream, EC3, Cole And Ricochet

Lars Sullivan battled Killian Dain in the main event of this week’s episode of NXT. The two giant Superstars had a brief stare down before locking up in the ring. Dain connected with a right hand and Sullivan seemed to enjoy it. Sullivan clubbed Dain across the chest a coupe of forearms and Dain responded by booting Lars out of the ring. Sullivan slammed Dain into the ring apron as NXT went to a commercial break.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/981695464193056768

When NXT returned, the action had returned to the ring and Sullivan was still in control. Lars clubbed Dain with a flurry of forearms and then started bending Dain’s neck in the middle of the ring. Killian powered to his feet but Sullivan stopped his momentum with a knee to the midsection. Dain lifted Sullivan up in a Fireman’s Carry and dropped him to the mat.

Dain connected with a running Senton and went for a Vader Bomb, but Sullivan was able to get his knees up. Lars leveled Dain with a Clothesline and then made his way up to the top rope. Dain got up and punched Sullivan in the face. Killian joined Sullivan on the top rope and the two started trading punches. Dain and Sullivan connected with a headbutt at the same time and both Superstars crashed to the floor.

Velveteen Dream came down to the ring and climbed to the top rope. Adam Cole joined the party and got into the ring. Dream hopped down as Cole posed and shouted “Adam Cole baybay!”. EC3 came down to the ring and started barking at Dream and Cole. Sullivan and Dain got back into the ring as Ricochet’s music hit.

Ricochet sprinted down to the ring and flipped off the ropes and posed in the middle of the ring. The crowd chanted “Ricochet!” as NXT went off the air with the 6 Superstars staring at each other in the ring. Ricochet, EC3, Adam Cole, Velveteen Dream, Lars Sullivan and Killian Dain will compete in a Ladder match at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans this Saturday night to crown the first NXT North American Champion.

The #OneAndOnly @KingRicochet has ARRIVED! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/vtgfNuc0ex

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 5, 2018

The following video packages were aired during tonight’s episode of NXT to promote NXT TakeOver: New Orleans this Saturday night:

Here is the card for NXT TakeOver: New Orleans:

• NXT Championship: Andrade “Cien” Almas vs. Aleister Black
• NXT North American Championship Ladder Match: EC3 vs. Velveteen Dream vs. Adam Cole vs. Killian Dain vs. Lars Sullivan vs. Ricochet
• NXT Women’s Championship: Ember Moon (c) vs. Shayna Baszler
• Unsanctioned Match: Tommaso Ciampa vs. Johnny Gargano
• NXT Tag Team Championship Triple Threat: Undisputed Era (c) vs. Roderick Strong & Pete Dunne vs. The Authors of Pain

Join us on SEScoops for live coverage of NXT TakeOver: New Orleans on Saturday, April 7th.

Tommaso Ciampa vs. Johnny Gargano Was Made Official For NXT TakeOver: New Orleans

NXT opened up with Tommaso Ciampa arriving at the venue as fans booed him. Reporters asked Tommaso a couple of questions, but he ignored him. Ciampa approached NXT GM William Regal and blamed Regal for Gargano’s actions. Ciampa asked what he has to do get rid of him for good. Regal said that Ciampa will face Johnny Gargano in an unsanctioned match at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans.

Regal added that Gargano will get his job back if he wins, but will be banished from NXT forever if he loses. Regal stated that if Ciampa wants Gargano gone forever, he is going to have to do it himself this time.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/979147371190865921

IT'S OFFICIAL!@RealKingRegal has announced that, at #NXTTakeOver: New Orleans, it'll be @ProjectCiampa vs. @JohnnyGargano in an #UnsanctionedMatch!

And if Ciampa wins… #JohnnyWrestling will be BANNED from #WWENXT! pic.twitter.com/b6l4MyfMLh

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 29, 2018

EC3 Interrupted William Regal’s Announcement For The North American Championship

NXT GM William Regal made his way down to the ring for a special announcement. Regal welcomed the crowd to NXT and said that NXT is a brand that brings you the best competitors from around the world every week.

Regal announced that at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans they will be introducing the NXT North American Championship. EC3 interrupted and swaggered his way down the entrance ramp to join the NXT GM in the ring.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/979148297100234752

The crowd chanted “EC3!” and EC3 said that he was going to enjoy this moment because he deserves it and instructed the crowd to keep chanting. EC3 bragged about his theme song and the lucrative contract that Regal gave him to come to NXT. EC3 assumed that Regal was going to award him the new championship and said that he was the only man capable of representing North America.

Regal shook EC3’s hand and said that he was incredibly happy that EC3 was finally in NXT as a competitor. Regal noted that nobody gets handed anything in NXT. Regal then announced that EC3 will compete against five other competitors in a Ladder match. EC3 wasn’t too pleased with that decision as the crowd chanted “thank you Regal!”.

EC3 changed his tune and said that he could line up the entire locker room against him and it wouldn’t matter. EC3 vowed to show Regal and the NXT Universe why he is in the top 1% of this industry at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans.

Did NXT just become N-X-3?! @therealec3 has his eyes on the brand new North American Championship! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/MY4m6YGmYH

— WWE (@WWE) March 29, 2018

Later on the show, Cathy Kelley interviewed NXT GM William Regal backstage. Regal stated that Adam Cole will be the second competitor in the match. Velveteen Dream interrupted and said that if he was in that match, it will make it a memorable experience. Regal agreed and announced that he was the third competitor in the match.

The North American Championship Ladder Match at #NXTTakeOver: New Orleans will be a true EXPERIENCE… now, with @VelveteenWWE! @RealKingRegal #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/VXgELp6iwD

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 29, 2018

The Authors Of Pain Advanced To The Finals Of The Dusty Rhodes Classic

Street Profits faced Authors of Pain in the semi-finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Ford and Rezar started shouting at each other before the match. Montez heard enough and decided to tag Angelo Dawkins in. Rezar immediately beatdown Dawkins and then tagged in Akam. Dawkins battled back with a Dropkick and followed it up with a Spinebuster.

Montez Ford celebrated the news with his solo cup outside the ring. He danced around and bumped into Paul Ellering. Ford offered Ellering a drink and Paul slowly lifted his hand towards the cup. Ellering slapped the cup out of Ford’s hand and Montez started walking towards him. Back in the ring, the Authors of Pain connected with the Last Champter on Angelo Dawkins for the victory. The Authors of Pain are now in the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Classic.

They've done it! #AOP @Akam_WWE & @Rezar_WWE are one step closer to winning the #DustyClassic Cup… AGAIN! @PaulElleringWWE #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/HXdYKe7OWy

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 29, 2018

Lars Sullivan Dominated In His Return

Lars Sullivan walked down to the entrance ramp and his massive silhouette was shown in the ring.

The unmistakable silhouette of @LarsSWWE…

…yup. He's BACK! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/es6eMU4LPW

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 29, 2018

Sullivan faced John Silver and immediately beat the crap out of him. Lars launched him into the turnbuckle and then launched him into the turnbuckle into the opposite corner. Sullivan connected with a Splash and followed it up with a Powerslam. Sullivan climbed up to the top rope and hit a diving Headbutt. Lars picked Silver up and planted him with the Freak Accident for the easy pinfall victory.

After the match, Lars Sullivan spoke with NXT GM William Regal backstage. Regal announced that Lars Sullivan will compete in the North American Championship Ladder match at NXT TakeOVer: New Orleans. Sullivan vowed to bring destruction to NXT TakeOver: New Orleans. Lars demanded to to face Killian Dain and Regal announced that Sullivan will face Dain next week. Regal also noted that Dain will is in the Ladder match at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans as well.

Not only will @LarsSWWE compete in the Ladder Match for the North American Championship at #NXTTakeOver: New Orleans… he'll also face @KillianDain NEXT WEEK on #WWENXT! pic.twitter.com/ulGLleVRPV

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 29, 2018

Andrade “Cien” Almas Attacked Aleister Black

During Dakota Kai’s entrance, Andrade “Cien” Almas was shown attacking Aleister Black in the parking lot. Almas beat the hell out of Black and dunked his face in a cooler fool of ice water. Almas slammed Black into the door as the beatdown continued back into the arena. Andrade brought Black all the way down to the ring while Zelina Vega shouted “that is what you get!” at Black.

Almas grabbed a steel chair and bashed Black across the back with it. Andrade set up the chair over Aleister and taunted him. Almas connected with a couple of kicks and then raised the NXT Championship over his head as the crowd booed. Almas and Vega exited the ring as NXT officials checked on Aleister Black.

It appears that #NXTChampion @AndradeCienWWE has launched a savage attack against his #NXTTakeOver challenger, @WWEAleister! #WWENXT @Zelina_VegaWWE pic.twitter.com/7A9gQ5bE8G

— WWE (@WWE) March 29, 2018

Pete Dunne & Roderick Strong Advanced To The Finals Of The Dusty Rhodes Classic

Eric Young and Alexander Wolfe of SAnity faced Roderick Strong and Pete Dunne in the semi-finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament. Strong and Wolfe started off the match. Strong applied a Headlock but Wolfe quickly broke free. Wolfe connected with a Body Slam and Pete Dunne and Eric Young got into the ring. The referee backed them both up and told them to get back on the apron.

Young and Dunne tagged in and Pete wrestled him to the corner. Dunne went for a roll-up but Young kicked out at one. Dunne connected with a kick to Young’s left arm and then Strong and Wolfe got into the ring. Once again, the referee told them to get back onto the ring apron. Dunne connected with a shoulder tackle to Young for a two count. Young responded with a Clothesline and tagged in Wolfe.

Young held up Dunne in an Abdominal Stretch and Wolfe booted him in the midsection as NXT went to a break. When NXT returned, Dunne had taken control and Eric Young was back in the ring. Strong tagged in and connected with a chop that echoed in the arena. Dunne tagged in and delivered another loud chop. Strong held up Young in a Backbreaker and Dunne leaped off the second rope with a knee for a two count.

Dunne launched Young back to the corner and connected with another chop to the chest. Young tried to crawl for a tag but Dunne stomped on his arm again. Pete Dunne applied a Wrist Lock but Eric Young countered into a Suplex and both Superstars crashed to the canvas.

Strong and Wolfe tagged in and traded punches in the middle of the ring to the delight of the crowd. Wolfe connected with an uppercut and lifted Strong up onto his shoulders. Strong broke free and connected with a knee to the ribs. Wolfe responded with a German Suplex and followed it up with a Death Valley Driver for a two count.

Wolfe tagged Young back in and Eric planted Roderick with a Neckbreaker. Young went for the cover but Dunne broke it up. Wolfe climbed to the top rope and jumped into a punch from Dunne. Young connected with a running Neckbreaker to Dunne and quickly climbed up to the top rope.

Roderick met him up there and greeted him with a chop to the chest. Strong went for a Superplex, but Young blocked it and threw Strong to the mat. Eric Young connected with an awesome Elbow Drop and went for the cover but Strong somehow kicked out at two. Strong battled back and planted Young with a Backbreaker. Strong went for the cover but Wolfe broke it up.

Dunne booted Wolfe in the back of the head and Strong planted Alexander with the End of Heartache.Pete Dunne tagged in and teamed up with Strong to slam Eric Young to the canvas. Dunne then pinned Eric Young for the victory. Pete Dunne and Roderick Strong will face the Authors of Pain next week in the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.

Ricochet Will Battle For The North American Championship At NXT TakeOver: New Orleans

Cathy Kelley once again interviewed NXT GM William Regal backstage at the end of the show. Cathy asked if Regal had any updates on who the 6th competitor will be in the North American Championship Ladder match at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans.

Regal said that he did had an update on who the final competitor in the match is and that he was going to go get him now. Regal shut the door of his office and the door opened up a few seconds later. Ricochet appeared and said “I will see you at TakeOver” as NXT went off the air.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/979161920887578624

Ricochet, EC3, Killian Dain, Adam Cole, Lars Sullivan and Velveteen Dream are the six Superstars in the Ladder match for the North American Championship at NXT TakeOver:New Orleans.

Johnny Gargano Surprised Tommaso Ciampa

Tommaso Ciampa slowly made his way down to the ring to start off this week’s episode of NXT. The crowd greeted him with “you suck!” chants as they held up their Johnny Gargano emoji signs. Ciampa paused on the steel steps and looked at the crowd with disgust. Ciampa marched into the ring and demanded a microphone.

The crowd chanted “we want Johnny!” as Ciampa stood silent in the ring. Ciampa brought the microphone to his mouth and the crowd booed. Ciampa dropped the microphone down as a few stray “Ciampa” chants broke out. They were quickly drowned out by “Johnny Wrestling!” chants as Ciampa paced around the ring.

Ciampa finally shouted “He’s gone! Newsflash, he is not walking down that damn isle! He’s gone!”. This only angered the crowd some more and they reigned down “you suck!” chants upon Ciampa. The chant transitioned to “Ciampa sucks!” and Tommaso posed in the ring and soked it all in. Ciampa dropped the microphone and exited the ring. Tommaso slapped the ring apron and took a seat for a moment. Ciampa walked around the outside of the ring and stared at the fans as they mocked him. Ciampa grabbed one of the signs and wiped his arse with it before launching it back at the fan.

Ciampa grabbed a big Gargano sign and ripped it up in front of a young girl. Ciampa started barking at an older woman and she gave him a thumbs down right in his face.

I love #NXT pic.twitter.com/93kk2Ltt2i

— José? (@elJGY) March 22, 2018

Ciampa grabbed another sign, but he didn’t realize that it was Gargano holding the sign. Johnny jumped the barricade and beat the hell out of Ciampa for a moment. Security rushed the ring and dragged Gargano backstage as Ciampa was shocked in the ring.

An irate @JohnnyGargano has a surprise for @ProjectCiampa…

…and the #NXTUniverse just wants to “LET THEM FIGHT!” #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/dIdda8Wiaj

— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2018

Posterboard: $2.00
Ticket: $25.00
Finally punching atProjectCiampa in the face after 10 months: … PRICELESS.

This is only the beginning.. I promise. pic.twitter.com/YuVoCWhmDa

— Johnny Gargano (@JohnnyGargano) March 22, 2018

Mustache Mountain Withdrew From The Dusty Rhodes Classic 

Tyler Bate was interviewed backstage earlier in the day. Bate noted that he recently tweaked his knee and that WWE’s medical team advised him to sit out the next couple of weeks. Bate announced that Mustache Mountain unfortunately had to withdraw from the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Roderick Strong pleaded for NXT GM William Regal to allow him into the tournament to replace Mustache Mountain. Danny Burch & Oney Lorcan will face Roderick Strong and a mystery partner tonight on NXT.

EXCLUSIVE: @Tyler_Bate is devastated to learn that he is not medically cleared to compete in the #DustyClassic. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/4opd09DMvk

— WWE (@WWE) March 16, 2018

Roderick Strong & Pete Dunne Advanced To The Semifinals Of The Dusty Rhodes Classic

United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne was revealed to be Roderick Strong’s tag partner. Strong and Dunne have had issues with NXT Tag Team Champions Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly lately.

.@roderickstrong didn't just recruit any tag team partner for the #DustyClassic… he's teaming up with the #BruiserWeight, #UKChampion @PeteDunneYxB! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/2XH5EXwzl4

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 22, 2018

Strong and Oney Lorcan started off the match. Lorcan brought Strong to the mat and applied a Chin Lock. Strong battled to his feet and Lorcan tagged Burch in. Burch applied a Wrist Lock but Strong quickly reversed it and tagged in Pete Dunne. Dunne applied a Wrist Lock of his own and dragged Burch to the mat. Dunne bent back Danny’s fingers for a moment but Burch quickly escaped. Strong and Lorcan got into the ring and the two teams had a stare down as NXT went to a break.

.@roderickstrong & @PeteDunneYxB vs. @_StarDESTROYER & @strongstylebrit.

Tensions are high as the #DustyClassic continues NOW on @WWENetwork! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/uBhNBnwEY4

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 22, 2018

When NXT returned, Pete Dunne was back in control and once again bent back the fingers of Danny Burch. Dunne slapped Burch in the face and tagged Roderick back in. Strong connected with a couple of kicks and followed it up with a Backbreaker for two. Strong brought Burch back to the corner and tagged in Dunne. They then connected with dueling chops to Burch and Dunne went for the cover but Burch kicked out at two. Dunne connected with another chop, but Burch responded with a Dropkick off the second turnbuckle.

Lorcan and Strong tagged in and Oney blasted Strong with a running kick and followed it up with an uppercut. Lorcan hit a ridiculous Clothesline and then a Blockbuster for two. Burch tagged in and Strong drove Burch into Lorcan and Danny fell out of the ring. Dunne tagged back in and stomped on Burch’s arm off the second rope. Dunne hit a Suplex and went for the cover but Lorcan broke it up. Lorgan connected with an uppercut to Strong outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Burch and Dunne traded slaps to the face and Dunne fell to the mat. Burch hit a German Suplex and then launched Strong on top of Dunne. Burch went for the cover but Dunne kicked out. Burch locked in the Crossface on Dunne and Lorcan applied a Single Legged Crap to Strong. Roderick kicked Lorcan off of him and Oney fell on top of Burch to break up his Crossface on Dunne. Strong and Lorcan then rolled back to the ring apron.

Burch punched Dunne in the face and followed it up with an Exploder Suplex. Strong tagged in and connected with a Backbreaker to Burch. Strong then hit the End of Heartache on Burch for the pinfall victory. Strong and Dunne will battle SAnitY next week in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Tournament.

Can @roderickstrong & @PeteDunneYxB replicate tonight's outcome when they face #SAnitY's @TheEricYoung & @TheWWEWolfe NEXT WEEK in the #DustyClassic?! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/oOcpk3tmH9

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 22, 2018

Ember Moon Defeated Aliyah As Shayna Baszler Looked On

Aliyah battled NXT Women’s Champion Ember Moon tonight. Aliyah dropped Ember Moon to the mat, but Moon locked in the Head Scissors. Aliyah escaped and kipped back up to her feet. Aliyah trapped Moon in the corner and dragged her to the mat by her hair. Aliyah went for the cover as Shayna Baszler made her way to the commentary table. Baszler put her feet on the desk and casually announced that she was running the NXT women’s division.

Ember went for a roll-up but Aliyah kicked out. Moon slammed Aliyah face-first to the mat as Baszler continued to say that nobody can stop her. Ember planted Aliyah with a Samoan Drop and said “this is for you Shayna” before delivering the move. Moon followed it up with an Eclipse for the pinfall victory. Baszler shouted that Ember and everyone else in this division is completely helpless and they all know it. Basler hopped on top of the announce table and got in a shouting match with Ember Moon as she posed with the title on the turnbuckle.

Baszler laughed as Moon demanded that Baszler recognize her as the NXT Women’s Champion. Ember Moon will defend her NXT Women’s Championship against Shayna Baszler at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans during WrestleMania 34 weekend.

Always watching, & always pulling the puppet strings https://t.co/A8wInR9bsK

— Shayna Baszler (@QoSBaszler) March 22, 2018

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/976618622230630400

Andrade “Cien” Almas Called Out Aleister Black

Raul Mendoza was supposed to have a match, but that didn’t happen because NXT Champion Andrade “Cien” Almas attacked him during his entrance.

.@RaulMendozaWWE's match may need to be rescheduled… thanks to #NXTChampion @AndradeCienWWE! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/2xjp9NrE7S

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 22, 2018

Zelina Vega joined Almas as he angrily stomped his way down to the ring. Almas cut a promo that Aleister Black didn’t respect him. Almas called Black a piece of crap and demanded that Black face him next week and pay for his disrespect. Almas dropped the microphone and raised the NXT title in the middle of the ring.

Will @WWEAleister respond to #NXTChampion @AndradeCienWWE's actions? Find out NEXT WEEK on #WWENXT, only on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/BDu4Zc9EHB

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 22, 2018

William Regal Promised A Big Announcement Next Week

NXT GM William Regal was shown in his office. Regal addressed the camera and stated that tonight’s main event is up next. Regal added that next week he will be making an announcement that will change the landscape of NXT forever.

Adam Cole Defeated Kassius Ohno

Kassius Ohno faced Adam Cole in the main event of this week’s episode of NXT. Cole and Ohno locked up to start off the match. Ohno lifted Cole in the air and then dropped him to the mat. Cole got back up and connected with a knee to the midsection. Cole hit a forearm to the face and knocked Ohno to the canvas with a shoulder tackle. Cole tried to leapfrog Ohno but got a big boot to his chest for his troubles. Ohno followed it up with a Senton.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/976621385421328384

Cole charged at Ohno in the corner but Kassius was ready and flipped him to the ring apron. Cole tweaked his knee on the apron and fell to the floor outside the ring. Cole banged on the ring apron out of frustration and the referee checked on him. Cole lumbed back to the ring apron to lure Ohno in. Adam hit an Enziguri and then got back in the ring and stomped on Ohno. Cole smirked and posed in the ring as NXT went to a break.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/976621783582375936

When NXT returned, Cole was still in control of the match. Cole connected with a big boot and went for the cover but Ohno kicked out at two. Cole said that this was too easy and hit a Neckbreaker for another two count. Cole stomped on Ohno’s back a few times and then applied a Chin Lock. Cole dragged Ohno down and drove his knee into Kassius’ back while maintaining the hold. Ohno got back up to his feet and Cole planted him with a Backstabber for a two count. Cole shouted that Ohno is a loser and Kassius responded with a ridiculous right hand that dropped Cole to the mat.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/976622854530912256

Ohno leveled Cole with a Clothesline and followed it up with a kick to the face. Ohno Body Slammed Cole to the man and hit a running Leg Drop for a two count. Ohno punched Cole in the face again and then booted Cole in the face from the apron. Ohno followed it up with the Cyclone Kick and went for the cover but Cole kicked out at the last moment. Ohno connected with a forearm and Cole sprung back to his feet and shouted “is that all you’ve got?”. Cole lifted Ohno up for a Suplex and transitioned into a Neckbreaker into the back of his knee for another two count.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/976623611594371074

Cole went for the Shining Wizard but Ohno caught him and dropped him across the top rope. Ohno hit a running elbow that knocked Cole out of the ring. Ohno brought Cole back into the ring and went for the cover but Cole reversed it into a roll-up for two. Cole hit three Superkicks in a row and hit another Suplex/Neckbreaker. Cole followed it up with the Last Shot for the pinfall victory in an awesome match.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/976624446151823360

Dusty Rhodes Classic First Round Match: SAnitY vs. Riddick Moss & Tino Sabbatelli

Riddick Moss beatdown Wolfe to start off the match. Sabbatelli wanted to be tagged in and Moss obliged. Tino unloaded a couple of right hands and connected with a Dropkick as the NXT crowd chanted “Tino sucks!”. Tino taunted the crowd and posed in the ring before aggressively tagging Moss back in.

Moss drove his shoulder into Wolfe’s midsection and followed it up with a Neckbreaker for a two count. Sabbatelli tagged back in but held up Wolfe in the corner. Moss went to punch Wolfe but Alexander ducked and Moss accidentally hit Sabbatelli. Moss and Sabbatelli argued for a moment and that allowed Wolfe to regroup and tag in Eric Young.

Young tagged in and immediately blasted Moss off the ring apron before turning his attention to Sabbatelli. Young connected with a boot to the face, followed by a Clothesline that decked Tino. Young got fired up and planted Sabbatelli with a Body Slam. Eric climbed to the top and hit an Elbow Drop. Young went for the cover but Moss dragged him out of the ring.

Nikki Cross hopped up on the ring apron and connected with a Crossbody on Moss. Back in the ring, Wolfe tagged in as Sabbatelli was still in the ring. Eric Young and Wolfe teamed up for a Belly to Back Suplex/ Neckbreaker combo. Young rolled to the ring apron and Wolfe pinned Tino Sabbatelli for the victory. SAnitY advanced to the semifinals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. After the match, Killian Dain and Nikki Cross celebrated with Young & Wolfe in the ring.

Winners: SAnitY

NEVER turn your back on @NikkiCrossWWE! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/7CKarHArfy

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 15, 2018

Tommaso Ciampa came down to the ring to the same chorus of boos he recieved from the NXT crowd last week. Everyone in the crowd held up pieces of paper with Johnny Gargano’s logo on it. Ciampa stood silent in the ring as the crowd chanted “Johnny!”. Ciampa lifted the microphone towards his mouth but the entire crowd started to boo again. The crowd then transitioned into a “Johnny Wrestling!” chant as Ciampa paced around the ring. Tommaso shouted “he is gone!” as the crowd kept chanting. A few folks started to chant “Johnny lost!”.

Ciampa lifted the microphone again and the crowd booed. Ciampa dropped the microphone and the crowd cheered. The audience started to chant “yes!” as Ciampa rolled out of the ring. Ciampa stopped near the commentary table for a moment and looked into the crowd as they booed him. Ciampa slowly walked around the ring as the crowd began to chant “Ciampa sucks!”. Ciampa held his head in anger as the crowd began to chant “we want Johnny!”. Ciampa walked back up the entrance ramp and stopped to look back at the crowd as they sang “na-na-na-hey-hey-hey-goodbye”. Ciampa shook his head and walked backstage as the crowd continued to sing.

The #NXTUniverse will NOT let @ProjectCiampa get a word in edgewise! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/mSffPX8pKx

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 15, 2018

Lacey Evans vs. Dakota Kai

Lacey dodged a kick from Dakota Kai and then grabbed Kai’s arm and slammed her to the canvas. Lacey stretched out Kai’s arm and went for an Arm Bar but Kai reversed into a roll-up for the quick pinfall victory.

After the match, Shayna Baszler’s music hit and Shayna marched down to the ring as Dakota looked concerned in the ring. Baszler cornered Dakota in the ring as the referee stood in between them. Ember Moon’s music hit and Moon stormed down to the ring. Moon slid into the ring and had a stare down with Baszler as Kai got the hell out of there. Moon grabbed a microphone and said that it doesn’t matter if she has one arm or two, Baszler started this but she is going to end it at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans. Ember Moon tackled Baszler to the canvas and punched her in the face a few times. A couple of referees tried to break it up but Baszler and Moon kept fighting in the ring.

Shayna connected with a big punch that knocked Moon to the mat. Shayna waited for Ember to get back up and went for another punch but Moon was ready and booted her in the face. Ember climbed to the top rope but Baszler caught her with a kick. Shayna went to apply a Wrist Lock but Dakota Kai hopped up on the ring apron and booted Baszler in the face. Ember then leaped off the top and connected with the Eclipse. Ember Moon stood over Baszler in the ring as the segment concluded. NXT GM William Regal then made the NXT Women’s Championship match official between Ember Moon and Shayna Baszler at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans.

Winner: Dakota Kai

For now, @QoSBaszler can consider herself… ECLIPSED! #WWENXT @WWEEmberMoon pic.twitter.com/P9lJRXWaHV

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 15, 2018

Dusty Rhodes Classic First Round Match: Street Profits vs. Heavy Machinery

Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford danced their way down to the ring to face off against Heavy Machinery. Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic chest-bumped on the entrance ramp and made their way to to the ring. Montez Ford and Dozovic started off the match. Dozovic leveled Ford with a shoulder tackle and Montez crawled to corner and took a sip from his solo cup. Otis asked for a sip and Ford slowly slid towards him. Dozovic took a sip from the cup as the crowd chanted “drink!”. Otis got pumped up after taking a drink and then planted Ford with a Body Slam.

Tucker Knight tagged in and Heavy Machinery hung up Dawkins in the corner. Heavy Machinery then used Montez Ford as a battering ram and slammed him into Dawkins. Knight tried to cover Ford but Montez kicked out at two. Knight locked Ford in a Bear Hug. Ford hit a couple of right hands to escape and tagged in Dawkins. Angelo planted Knight with a Dropkick and followed it up with a 360 Splash. Knight shrugged it off and slammed Dawkins to the canvas. Knight hit a Splash on Dawkins in the corner and tagged in Dozovic.

Heavy Machinery went for the Compactor but Ford pulled down the top rope and Knight tumbled to the floor outside the ring. Back in the ring, Dawkins connected with a DDT to Otis and then tagged Montez Ford back in. Ford scaled to the top rope and hit an awesome Frog Splash for the pinfall victory. Street Profits advanced to the semifinals of the Dusty Rhodes Classic. Nigel McGuinness danced at the commentary table to the Street Profits theme after their victory.

Winners: Street Profits

United Kingdom Championship Match: Pete Dunne (c) vs Adam Cole

NXT Tag Team Champions Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly accompanied Adam Cole to the ring and the Undisputed Era posed on the ring apron. United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne came down to the ring with the title belt hanging from his mouth. The crowd chanted “Bruiserweight!” as he entered the ring. Adam Cole casually leaned against the turnbuckle and watched on as Dunne posed for the crowd. Dunne raised the title and got right in Cole’s face in the corner.

Cole drove Dunne to the corner to start off the match and the referee broke it up. Dunne rolled out of the ring and stared down Fish and O’Reilly. Dunne slid back into the ring and Cole greeted him with some stomps. Dunne connected with a spinning elbow to the face and Cole crashed to the mat. Dunne placed his foot on the side of Cole’s head and started bending back Cole’s fingers. Dunne leaped in the air and stomped on Cole’s back.

Dunne booted Cole’s extended elbow and Adam rolled to the apron. Dunne leaped off the second turnbuckle and booted Cole in the left arm. Dunne Suplexed Cole on the ring apron and smirked at Fish and O’Reilly outside the ring. Fish and O’Reilly hopped up on the ring apron and distracted Dunne, which allowed Cole to boot him to the floor as NXT went to a commercial break.

When NXT returned, the action had returned to the ring and Cole was in control. That didn’t last long as Dunne lifted him up for a Suplex, but elected to just drop Cole on his back. Dunne chopped Cole and unloaded a flurry of punches. Dunne connected with an Enziguri in the corner and followed it up with another stomp to the arm off the second rope. Dunne planted Cole with a Powerbomb for a two count.

Pete Dunne kicked Cole in the side of the face and went for the Bitter End but Cole countered it into a Backstabber. Cole was the first Superstar up and went for a Suplex but Dunne countered into a body scissors and applied a Wrist Lock. Cole escaped and hit a Neckbreaker for two. Cole called Dunne a chump and started smacking him in the face. Dunne responded with a forearm to the face that sent Cole flying to the corner.

Fish and O’Reilly checked on Cole in the corner. Cole went for a Superkick but Dunne blocked it. Cole connected with a Superkick but Dunne shrugged it off and hit Cole with an Enziguri. Dunne charged at Cole in the corner but Adam got out of the way. Dunne scaled the turnbuckles and went tried to flip on Cole but Cole booted Dunne in the back of the head while he was in midair. Cole went for the cover but Dunne kicked out at two.

The crowd chanted “this is awesome!” as Cole went for a Shining Wizard but Dunne dodged it. Dunne hit a German Suplex and went for a Bitter End but Fish and O’Reilly hopped up on the ring apron. Dunne got out of the ring and took out Fish and O’Reilly. As Dunne got back into the ring, Cole connected with a Superkick and followed it up with the Last Shot. Cole went for the cover but the U.K. Champion was somehow able to kick out.

Cole draped across Dunne and was completely shocked that Dunne kicked out. The crowd chanted “fight forever” as Dunne snapped back one of Cole’s fingers. Cole missed with a kick and Dunne got him in position for the Bitter End. Fish and O’Reilly rushed into the ring and beatdown Dunne and the referee called for the bell. Fish and O’Reilly held up Dunne and Cole booted him in the face. Roderick Strong sprinted to the ring but Undisputed Era beat him down. Fish and O’Reilly held up Strong but Pete Dunne blasted Cole in the face before Cole could attempt a kick. Undisputed Era rolled out of the ring and retreated as Dunne and Strong stood tall in the ring. Strong tried to shake Dunne’s hand but Dunne decided to pat Roderick on the shoulder before heading backstage.

Winner via DQ & Still United Kingdom Champion: Pete Dunne

NXT GM William Regal came down to the ring for the NXT Championship match contract signing for NXT TakeOver: New Orleans. Regal introduced Aleister Black first and he came down to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. Black was decked out in an all black suit as he circled the table where the contract was. Regal introduced NXT Champion Andrade “Cien” Almas but Zelina Vega came down to the ring alone.

Zelina picked up a microphone and informed the crowd that Andrade “Cien” Almas was not here tonight. Vega said that if Almas was here, he would destroy Black so that there was nothing left. Black ignored Vega and Zelina got pissed off. Vega told Black to listen to her but Black put his hand in her face. Black moved the table to see if Almas was hiding under there and took a seat in the ring. Black said to Vega “at least now we are on the same level” and asked Vega to continue.

Vega shouted at Almas before signing the contract. The crowd chanted “too short!” at Vega as she tossed the contract at Black. Aleister signed the contract and joked that Almas was afraid that NXT TakeOver, much like Zelina Vega, he was coming to come up a little short. Black added that maybe was afraid to show up because he doesn’t measure up to him. Vega slapped Black in the face and demanded that he sign the contract. Aleister signed the contract as Vega shouted that he just made the biggest mistake of his life. Black got out of the ring with the microphone as Vega continued to shout at him.

Black said that he didn’t come here alone tonight and Candice LeRae rushed the ring. Candice knocked Vega out of the ring and connected with a few punches. Vega tried to run away but LeRae trapped her on the commentary table and hit her with a few more punches. LeRae brought Vega back into the ring and planted her with a Bulldog before taunting her. LeRae joined Black on the entrance ramp with a smile on her face as NXT went off the air.

https://twitter.com/Zelina_VegaWWE/status/974089470399139840

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Match: TM61 vs. The Authors of Pain

TM61 started off the match in control of Akam and Rezar. Nick Miller flipped onto both members of the Authors of Pain outside the ring. Back in the ring, Miller connected with a couple of chops onto Akam but he shrugged them off and whipped Miller to the corner. Rezar tagged in and beat the hell out of Miller as NXT went to a break.

When NXT returned, Authors of Pain were still dominating and Akam was back in the ring. Akam connected with a Leg Drop off the second rope and went for the cover but Miller kicked out at two. Miller was finally able to battle back and hit a DDT. Miller made his way to the corner to tag in Shane Thorne.

Thorne and Rezar were now battling in the ring. Thorne went for a Suplex but Rezar blocked it. Thorne remained persistent and blasted Rezar with a few forearms before connecting with the Suplex. Rezar booted Thorne in the face and tagged Akam back in. Akam and Rezar connected with a Powerbomb/Neckbreaker and went for the cover but Nick Miller leaped into the ring to break up the cover at the last second.

Miller tagged in and climbed to the top rope and hit a Moonsault. He then went for the cover but Rezar broke it up. Rezar grabbed Thorne and hit him with a massive Powerbomb on the ring apron. AOP then hit the Last Chapter for the pinfall victory.

Winners: The Authors of Pain

A chapter has closed for #TM61… but this year's #DustyClassic appears to have just begun for #AOP @Akam_WWE & @Rezar_WWE! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/VeBruNUirH

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 8, 2018

Pete Dunne was shown backstage with NXT GM William Regal. Roderick Strong and Undisputed Era interrupted. Strong wanted another shot at the U.K. Championship and Undisputed Era thought that was ridiculous. Dunne stated that Adam Cole hasn’t won anything important since arriving in NXT. Dunne and Cole got in each other’s faces before NXT GM William Regal broke it up. It was announced later on the show that Pete Dunne will defend the U.K. Championship next week.

#UKChampion @PeteDunneYxB defends his title against @AdamColePro NEXT WEEK on #WWENXT, only on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/lPUPG7MyA9

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 8, 2018

Bianca Belair vs. Miss Drew Renee

This was a squash match. Belair hit three Suplexes in a row and then connected with a Powerbomb for the easy win.

Winner: Bianca Belair

Oh, that victory? LIGHT WORK for @BiancaBelairWWE! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/T5a1iEXGz7

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 8, 2018

Lacey Evans was interviewed backstage and she said that she was going to teach Dakota Kai some class next week in the ring. Shayna Baszler interrupted and Lacey Evans quickly got the hell out of there. Baszler was pissed off that Ember Moon has not responded to her challenge for another match yet and poked fun at Moon being called a fighting champion.

.@QoSBaszler wants to know: Why so silent, @WWEEmberMoon? #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/SOMF4Nm38K

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 8, 2018

Tommaso Ciampa came down to the ring and was greeted with “you suck!” chants from the crowd. Fans were holding pieces of paper with Gargano’s logo on it.

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Ciampa tried to talk a couple of times but the crowd booed when he brought the microphone to his mouth. Ciampa got pissed off and threw the microphone and started to storm up the entrance ramp. He came across a fan with a Gargano sign and grabbed it from him. Ciampa ripped the sign in half and then brought the pieces into the ring. Ciampa grabbed his crutch and started hitting the sign with it like a psychopath before finally leaving the ring.

Aleister Black vs. Killian Dain

The match started off with an absolutely ridiculous running Dropkick from Dain that knocked Black on his ass. Dain went for the cover but Aleister kicked out at two. Dain charged at Black again but this time Aleister was able to get out of the way. Aleister connected with a few kicks that sent Dain tumbling to the floor outside the ring.

Killian got right back into the ring and manhandled Black. Dain launched Aleister to the corner and then connected with a Crossbody for another two count. Dain zeroed in on Aleister’s ribs and started kicking the hell out of them. Killain hit back-to-back-to-back Splashes and went for the cover but Black kicked out.

Black battled back and hit a series of kicks. Aleister delivered an awesome springboard Moonsault to Dain for a two count. Dain got back up and leveled Black with a Clothesline for two. Killian Dain remained on the attack and planted Black with a Spinebuster. Killian followed it up with a Vader Bomb and went for the cover but Aleister kicked out. Dain went for the Ulster Plantation but Black reversed it into a roll-up for two. Aleister connected with the Black Mass out of nowhere for the pinfall victory.

Winner: Aleister Black

Another victory in the books. Can ANYONE stop @WWEAleister? #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/hhH09x0J2A

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 8, 2018

Confirmed matches for next week’s episode of NXT:

• Lacey Evans vs. Dakota Kai
• Street Profits vs. Heavy Machinery (Dusty Rhodes Classic)
• SAnitY vs. Sabbatelli & Moss (Dusty Rhodes Classic)
• Pete Dunne (c) vs. Adam Cole (United Kingdom Championship)

NXT opened this week with a recap of the last week’s bout between Johnny Gargano and Andrade “Cien” Almas. Gargano lost the match due to Tommaso Ciampa hitting him with a crutch from behind. After losing the match, Gargano was forced to leave NXT.

Yep… it still hurts.#ThankYouJohnny @JohnnyGargano #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/ifQ5W07GIC

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 1, 2018

Velveteen Dream vs. Tyler Bate

Can The #VelveteenDreamExperience withstand former #UKChampion @Tyler_Bate? We're about to find out! @VelveteenWWE #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/HLq9ldoUJt

— WWE (@WWE) March 1, 2018

Bate applied a Wrist Lock to start off the match and followed it up with a Dropkick that knocked Dream out of the ring. Dream flipped out on the outside of the ring as NXT went to a commercial break.

When NXT returned, Dream went for a Suplex but Bate escaped. Dream slid under the ropes and out of the ring as Bate approached him. Dream got back in the ring and leveled Tyler with a shoulder tackle.

Dream booted Tyler in the back and then dropped a few knees on his midsection. Dream connected with a Backbreaker for a two count. Velveteen Dream took a break to grind in the ring and then slapped Bate across the face. Dream planted Bate with a Body Slam and dropped an elbow for a two count.

Velveteen Dream applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring as the crowd cheered for Bate to get back in the match. Dream broke the hold and dropped three elbows to Bate’s back. Dream climbed to the second rope and delivered a double axehandle to Bate’s back for another two count. Dream locked in a Camel Clutch in the middle of the ring as the crowd continued to pump Bate up.

Tyler fed off their energy and broke the hold. Bate headbutted Dream in the ribs and then booted him in the face. Bate hit an uppercut in the corner and followed it up with a Fisherman’s Suplex for two. Bate lifted Dream up onto his shoulders and spun around a few times before Dream clocked him in the face to break it up.

Dream kicked Bate in the head and launched him towards the ropes but Bate bounced off the top rope with his head and connected with a Clothesline to Dream for a two count. Bate went for the Tyler Driver 97 but Velveteen countered into a Back Body Drop. Bate hit an uppercut but Dream responded with a Spinebuster for another two count.

Bate and Dream traded shots while battling on their knees in the ring. Both Superstars got back to their feet and Bate hit a flurry of uppercuts. Both Superstars connected with a headbutt at the same time and they both crashed to the canvas. Dream made his way to the top rope but Bate hit him with a Dropkick. Bate joined Dream on the top rope but Dream shoved him and Bate fell crotch-first to the top rope. Dream then hit the Purple Rainmaker Elbow Drop for the pinfall victory.

Winner: Velveteen Dream

Take it in, #NXTUniverse. @VelveteenWWE reigned supreme with a huge win over @Tyler_Bate on #WWENXT! pic.twitter.com/Opri8BWSgw

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 1, 2018

Paul Ellering cut a promo on a staircase about the upcoming Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Ellering stated that the tournament represented the road back to the NXT Tag Team Championships. Akam and Rezar showed up next to Ellering and said that all the other teams will suffer and war is their peace.

Cezar Bononi vs. Adam Cole

NXT Tag Team Champions Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly accompanied Adam Cole to the ring.

You voted him #NXTFutureStar in the #NXTYearEndAwards, and now @cezarbononi_wwe squares off against @AdamColePro NEXT on #WWENXT, only on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/DiCAi9CIj8

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 1, 2018

The crowd chanted “Adam Cole!” as the match started. Cole backed into the corner and grabbed a microphone. Cole told Cezar to relax for a minute and noted that Bononi was the 2017 NXT Future Star of the year and asked the crowd to give him an applause. Cole stated that there is only one place that the Future Star of the Year belongs and that is in the Undisputed Era. Fish and O’Reilly hopped up on the ring apron and tossed him an Undisputed shirt. Cole used the distraction to his advantage and punched Bononi in the face.

Cole posed in the ring and Bononi got back up and decked him. Bononi knocked Fish and O’Reilly off the apron and connected with a Michinoku Driver to Cole. Fish and O’Reaily got back on the apron and Cezar became distracted. Cole hit Bononi with a Superkick and followed it up with a knee to the back of his head for the pinfall victory. After the match, Cole beat Cezar down some more and the Undisputed Era stood over Bononi and taunted him.

Winner: Adam Cole

The #UndisputedERA's @AdamColePro STANDS TALL with #WWENXT #TagTeamChampions @KORcombat & @TheBobbyFish by his side! pic.twitter.com/7lHNjq1FYc

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 1, 2018

Street Profits interviewed each other about who they thought were going to win the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. They both picked the Street Profits to win the tournament. The Dusty Rhodes Classic will kick off next week with Authors of Pain versus TM61.

BEHOLD: The 2018 #DustyClassic bracket! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/v676Jwxlp1

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 1, 2018

Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler

#MaeYoungClassic winner @KairiSaneWWE is out to silence @QoSBaszler once and for all TONIGHT on #WWENXT, only on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/l6ZCRcDmph

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 1, 2018

Baszler shoved Sane in the face to start off the match. Sane got pissed off and hit a couple of jabs before Shayna knocked her to the mat with a shoulder tackle. The crowd chanted “Kairi!” as Baszler applied a Headlock.

Sane battled free and threw Shayna into the corner. Sane climbed to the top and leaped over Baszler. Sane rolled up Shanya for two and then Baszler beat the hell out of Sane with a series of kicks. Baszler went for the cover but Sane kicked out at two as NXT went to a commercial break.

When NXT returned, Baszler was still in control and was focusing her attack on Sane’s left arm. Baszler connected with a running knee and then booted her in the back for a two count. Baszler locked in a Wrist Lock as Sane screamed in pain. Kairi countered into a roll-up for a two count.

Shayna missed with a knee and Sane unloaded a couple of chops in the corner. Sane connected with a Spear and both Superstars fell to the canvas. Sane geared herself up in the corner and hit a sliding forearm. Sane quickly climbed to the top and delivered an elbow to Shayna’s face for two.

Baszler clubbed Sane across the back and went for a Suplex but Sane broke free and dropped Shayna with a spinning punch. Sane climbed to the top but Baszler caught her and locked in the Kirifuda Clutch for the submission victory. After the match, Baszler approached the announce table and called Ember Moon out. Baszler stated that she is either leaving their next match with Ember’s title or a limb.

Winner: Shayna Baszler

THIS is the scene after a victory for @QoSBaszler over @KairiSaneWWE! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/cytbxDnWX7

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 1, 2018

NXT Champion Andrade “Cien” Almas and his business associate Zelina Vega came down to the ring. Vega introduced Almas as “the greatest champion in NXT history”. Vega poked fun at Gargano bringing his family to TakeOver only to watch him lose. Vega boasted about Almas being 4-0 against Gargano.

The crowd chanted “clean sweep!” as Vega said that Andrade doesn’t care about their respect. Vega stated that she doesn’t feed off of her man’s success, she creates it. Almas grabbed the mic and laughed at Gargano losing to him again last week. Almas joked about making Johnny Wrestling become Johnny Jobless. Almas raised the title and circled the ring as the crowd booed.

Aleister Black’s music hit as Vega and Almas were at the top of the entrance ramp. Black walked up the stairs in the crowd through a cloud of smoke and entered the ring. Aleister got in the ring with a microphone and stared at Almas for a moment. The crowd chanted “Aleister!” and Killian Dain’s music hit. Dain got into the ring with Black and stared him down. Dain shouted “you’re in my path!” at Black and a brawl broke out. Aleister missed with Black Mass and Dain leveled him with a Crossbody. Almas and Vega left the entrance ramp with smiles on their faces as Dain posed over Black as NXT went off the air.

Just when @AndradeCienWWE and @Zelina_VegaWWE are getting comfortable… @WWEAleister shows up! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/UGvWRBfEIO

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 1, 2018

It was then announced on social media that Aleister Black will face Killian Dain next week on NXT.

BREAKING: @WWEAleister and @KillianDain are set to go one-on-one NEXT WEEK on #WWENXT, only on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/aMGkqbe2Uo

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) March 1, 2018

Velveteen Dream vs. No Way Jose

Dream and Jose had a little dance-off before the bell rang. Dream started out in control and beatdown Jose in the corner. Dream took a break to dance in the middle of the ring and it cost him because Jose leveled him with a Clothesline.

Jose connected with a series of chops and then sent him to the mat with a Back Body Drop. Dream charged at Jose but he got out of the way and sent Dream out of the ring. No Way Jose connected with a Crossbody outside the ring as NXT went to a break.

When NXT returned, Dream booted Jose in the face and then draped him across the top rope. Dream connected with a swinging Neckbreaker and then made his way to the top rope. Dream leaped but Jose got his legs up and went for a roll-up but Velveteen Dream kicked out at to.

No Way Jose hit an Arm Drag and a few chops to Dream in the corner. Dream connected with a Dropkick and followed it up with a Death Valley Driver. Dream climbed to the top and hit the Purple Rainmaker Elbow Drop for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Dream grabbed a mic and addressed the crowd. Dream stated that he should sweep the NXT Year End Awards and added that his name was on the tip of everyone’s tongues in the crowd tonight.

Winner: Velveteen Dream

Is @VelveteenWWE destined to sweep the #NXTYearEndAwards? #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/DjRaVCNoSv

— WWE (@WWE) February 22, 2018

NXT GM William Regal announced that the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic will be returning in two weeks. The winners of the tournament will win the Dusty Cup and also be rewarded a shot at the NXT Tag Team Championships at NXT TakeOver.

#WWENXT GM @RealKingRegal has announced the return of The #DustyClassic… and a huge opportunity awaits the winning team! pic.twitter.com/sDpktiwXMv

— WWE (@WWE) February 22, 2018

Nikki Cross vs. Vanessa Borne

The Atlanta crowd greeted Nikki by chanting her name as Cross beat the hell out of Borne in the corner. Borne battled back and slammed Cross to the mat for a two count. Borne stomped on Cross against the ropes several times but Nikki had a smile on her face the whole time. Brorne connected with a snap Suplex for another two count.

Cross connected with a Crossbody and followed it up with a few forearms. Nikki launched Borne into the corner and connected with a Splash. Nikki climbed to the top and hit another Crossbody. Cross hit The Purge (swinging Neckbreaker) for the pinfall victory.

Winner: Nikki Cross

Statement: MADE in the form of a victory for @NikkiCrossWWE! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/tEeZH3bgg8

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 22, 2018

NXT Championship: Andrade “Cien” Almas (c) vs. Johnny Gargano

Johnny Gargano came down to the ring with Candice LaRae. If Gargano loses this match, his NXT career is over.

Is this the last time that we will see @JohnnyGargano make his way to the #WWENXT ring? @CandiceLeRae pic.twitter.com/42NvDyma2U

— WWE (@WWE) February 22, 2018

Almas went for a a couple of roll-ups right away and Gargano rolled out of the ring as NXT went to a break. When NXT returned, Almas connected with an awesome elbow to Gargano’s face. Johnny battled back and Clotheslined Andrade out of the ring. Gargano was going to go for a Suicide Dive but Vega got in the way. Candice sprinted into the ring and leaped the ropes and took her out with a Suicide Dive.

Gargano connected with a Cannonball to Almas outside the ring. Candice and Zelina battled all the way up the entrance ramp and backstage. Back in the ring, Almas had taken control and slammed Johnny on the ring apron for a two count. Gargano hit a chop and sent Andrade to the ring apron. Almas grabbed Gargano’s arm and locked in an Arm Bar while tangled up in the ropes. Almas broke the hold before the referee counted to five.

Almas drove Gargano’s shoulder into the turnbuckle and stomped on his chest a few times as the crowd booed. A “Johnny Wrestling!” chant broke out as Almas thew Gargano to the corner as NXT went to a commercial break.

#NXTChampion @AndradeCienWWE is looking to systematically wear down @JohnnyGargano! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/9Ii1lJY3M6

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 22, 2018

When NXT returned, Andrade had an Arm Bar applied in the center of the ring. Gargano battled to his feet and connected with a boot to the side of the face. Johnny hit a chop and then hopped up to the second rope and connected with a Headscissors. Gargano followed it up with a slingshot Spear.

Andrade and Johnny traded punches in the middle of the ring. Gargano missed with a kick and Almas showed off his strength and hit a Buckle Bomb. Almas followed it up with a running knee in the corner for a two count.

Almas went for the Hammerlock DDT but Gargano blocked it. Almas threw Gargano through the ropes and Johnny hit the ring post shoulder first. Gargano kicked Almas in the face as the two Superstars battled on the ring apron. Almas escaped to the ring and Gargano went for another slingshot Spear but Almas countered into an Arm Bar in the middle of the ring.

Gargano broke the hold by reversing into a roll-up for two. Almas connected with another running knee to the back of Gargano’s head as he was against the turnbuckle. Andrade went for the cover but Gargano kicked out at two.

Almas perched Gargano up on the top rope and went for the Hammerlock DDT but Gargano fought him off. Johnny escaped through the ropes and shoved Almas to the floor. Johnny leaped through the ropes and hit a ridiculous Tornado DDT. Johnny brought Almas back into the ring and hit a Slingshot DDT for two.

Gargano and Almas traded punches while on their knees in the middle of the ring. They both got up while continuing to trade shots. Almas hit a chop but Gargano responded with a Superkick. Andrade went for the elbow but Gargano ducked and Almas hit the referee. Johnny locked in the Gargano Escape but the referee was down. Tommaso Ciampa got in the ring and cracked Gargano in the back with his crutch. Almas then hit the Hammerlock DDT for the pinfall victory. Johnny Gargano’s NXT career is now over.

The crowd chanted “thank you Johnny!” as Gargano and LaRae made their way backstage. Ciampa was then shown and he sarcastically waved goodbye to Gargano as NXT went off the air.

Winner & Still NXT Champion: Andrade “Cien” Almas

No referee…
The re-emergence of @ProjectCiampa…

Luck is NOT in @JohnnyGargano's corner tonight. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/a8uW5HZnBS

— WWE (@WWE) February 22, 2018

THANK YOU JOHNNY! ?????
THANK YOU JOHNNY! ?????
THANK YOU JOHNNY! ?????@JohnnyGargano #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/jkUpbN4BSu

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 22, 2018

#NXTChampion @AndradeCienWWE has defeated @JohnnyGargano once again…

…and #JohnnyWrestling must now LEAVE #WWENXT. pic.twitter.com/XtvDslZbCc

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 22, 2018

WWE United Kingdom Championship: Pete Dunne (c) vs. Roderick Strong

The action quickly went outside the ring. Dunne took control and stomped on Strong’s hand on the steel steps. Dunne tried to do it again but Strong was ready and dropped him onto the steps. Back in the ring, Strong connected with a Backbreaker for a two count. Stong quickly connected with another Backbreaker. Both Superstars battled on the top turnbuckle. Dunne won and knocked Strong down to the canvas. Strong battled back and NXT went to a commercial break with both Superstars on the ground.

When NXT returned, Pete Dunne connected with an Enziguri. Dunne followed it up with an Arm Bar. Dunne twisted Strong’s joints during the hold and taunted him by kicking him in the head. Strong battled back and hit Dunne with a Dropkick. Both Superstars tried to roll each other up but both were able to kick out. Strong connected with another Backbreaker and then went for another but his injured hand prevented him from doing so.

Dunne hit a Suplex for a two count and became frustrated that he couldn’t put Strong away. Strong showed up his strength and launched Dunne head-first into the top rope. Strong followed it up with a Slam for a two count. Dunne responded with an Exploder Suplex. Strong then hit a Powerbomb for a two count. Roderick went for the Boston Crab but Dunne hit Strong’s injured hand and break up the hold. Dunne then hit the Bitter End for the pinfall victory.

Winner & Still WWE United Kingdom Champion: Pete Dunne

Aleister Black came down to the ring in a suit. Black grabbed a microphone and stated that he has a devil on back that has become his driving force and that devil is the NXT Championship. Killian Dain interrupted and made his way down to the ring. Dain claimed that he was on Black’s back and not the title. Dain claimed that he will not stop until he captures the NXT Championship. Black stopped Dain as he was going to walk away by calling him out by name. Black warned Dain that he had crossed him and that he must fade to black.

#SAnitY's @KillianDain promises @WWEAleister that he will endure CHAOS… but will The #BeastOfBelfast #FadeToBlxck? #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/CRNM3hrlVw

— WWE (@WWE) February 15, 2018

TM61 vs. Jon Skyler & Andrew Duckworth

This was a quick match in which TM61 got the easy victory. TM61 hit Thunder Valley on Jon Skyler for the win. Miller and Thorne continue to impress since making their NXT return.

Winners: TM61

NXT Women’s Championship: Ember Moon vs. Shayna Baszler

Ember Moon came down to the ring still selling her shoulder injury. Moon started off the match by leveling Basler and connecting with a flurry of punches. Ember connected with an Enziguri and climbed up to the top turnbuckle but Shayna Baszler wisely got out of the ring before the NXT Women’s Champion could hit the Eclipse.

Moon connected with a Suicide Dive but bashed her injured arm into the announce table. The action returned to the ring and Shayna applied a Wrist Lock. Baszler let go of the hold simply to stomp on the injured arm of Ember Moon and then went right back to the Wrist Lock. Moon broke free but Shayna quickly locked in the Arm Bar.

Ember was able to fight through the pain and made her way to the bottom rope to break the hold. Baszler launched Moon into the steel ring post and Ember fell to the floor outside the ring. Baszler trapped Moon’s arm in the steel barricade and would not release it. The referees finally broke the hold but the Mae Young Classic winner had seen enough.  Kairi Sane came down and attacked Baszler and the match ended in a DQ. Baszler won the match via disqualification, but Ember Moon remains NXT Women’s Champion. Sane connected with the Sick Spear that forced Shayna to retreat. Baszler was shown pissed off on the entrance ramp as Sane pointed at her as NXT went off the air. .

Winner via DQ: Shayna Baszler

.@KairiSaneWWE WILL NOT back down from @QoSBaszler! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/FCrTSgn3NN

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 15, 2018

Matches confirmed for next week’s show:

Velveteen Dream vs. No Way Jose

NXT Championship: Andrade “Cien” Almas vs Johnny Gargano (If Gargano loses, he leaves NXT)

SAnitY attacked Undisputed Era to kick off the show. The locker room and security had to break it up. SAnitY will face Undisputed Era later tonight.

Heavy Machinery vs. Moss & Sabbatelli

Heavy Machinery took turns beating down Moss to start off the match. Moss eventually fought back and tagged in Tino. Sabbatelli connected with a Dropkick and tagged Moss back in. Sabbatelli then aggressively tagged Moss. Moss didn’t like that and returned the favor. Dozier was then tagged in and he cleaned house. Tino desperately tried to use the ropes for leverage during a roll-up, but the referee caught him. Heavy Machinery then hit the Compacter for the pinfall victory.

Winners: Heavy Machinery

Johnny Gargano came down to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. Gargano stated that it sucks losing at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia, but the reaction he received from the crowd put things in perspective for him. Johnny added that what he earned that night was even more valuable than a title because it showed that he really is “Johnny Freaking Wrestling”. Gargano added that he was now going after Ciampa.

NXT Champion Andrade “Cien” Almas interrupted alongside Zelina Vega. Zelina stated that Gargano didn’t earn anything during their match and it was Almas who should be receiving a championship parade. Vega noted that Almas has defeated Gargano multiple times now and called him “Johnny Loser”.

Vega poked Gargano in the chest and that led Candice to attack her. Zelina and Almas rolled out of the ring as Gargano shouted that he wanted another title shot. Vega agreed, but only if Gargano leaves NXT if he comes up short again. Gargano accepted the offer right away.

https://twitter.com/Zelina_VegaWWE/status/961417816271290368

Shayna Baszler was interviewed backstage. Baszler stated that she is the most dangerous woman in NXT. Shayna added that there are only three options when you are in the ring with her “tap, nap or snap”. Baszler added that Ember Moon only survived their match at TakeOver and that she is not a real champion.

Is #WWENXT #WomensChampion @WWEEmberMoon scared of @QoSBaszler? The #QueenOfSpades is sure of it. pic.twitter.com/X6dNvY2CEs

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 8, 2018

Bianca Belair vs Jobber

Belair won this match after a minute bny connecting with the Alley Oop for the pinfall victory.

Winner: Bianca Belair

The #ESTofNXT was out in full force tonight! @BiancaBelairWWE pic.twitter.com/dGxhd3gI8m

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 8, 2018

A tweet from Ember Moon was shown where the NXT Women’s Champion called out Shayna Baszler.

Hey @QoSBaszler…I'll name the time and place: Next Week. Title on the line. Your world gets Eclipsed. #MythRises #WarGoddess #Shenom #BadMoonRising

— Athena is ROH and All Elite! (@AthenaPalmer_FG) February 8, 2018

SAnitY vs Undisputed Era

Alexander Wolfe, Eric Young and Killian Dain battled Adam Cole, Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly in a 6-man Tornado Tag match in the main event of this week’s NXT.

The match opened up in chaos as all Superstars battled each other in the corners as NXT went to a break. When NXT returned, SAnitY got some weapons from under the ring. Dain and Fish battled in the ring. Fish connected with a punch but it just pissed Dain off. Dain lifted Fish above his shoulders and launched him onto the other Superstars outside the ring.

NXT went to another break and returned with Dain in control of Adam Cole in the ring. Dain started to taunt Cole and got an Enziguri to his face for his troubles. Wolfe tagged in and planted Cole with a Powerbomb for a two count. Dain got back in the ring and fought off O’Reilly and Fish. Dain connected with a Senton and a Michunoku Driver. Cole dropped Dain with a Superkick and all 6 Superstars were on the mat. An “NXT!” chant broke out in the crowd.

Dain threw Cole out of the ring. Dain went for another Senton but Cole dodged it and Killian crashed through a table. Undisputed Era teamed up on Wolfe. O’Reilly tried to boot him in the face but Wolfe ducked and O’Reilly accidentally booted Fish instead. Killian Dain crawls his way back to the ring as Cole, Fish and O’Reilly looked on in disbelief. Dain knocked all three of them down with Clotheslines and connected with a Crossbody to everyone. Dain then slammed Fish to the mat with the Ulster Plantation for the pinfall victory.

Winners: SAnitY

WHAT. A. MATCH!#SAnitY persevered and stood tall over The #UndisputedERA tonight! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/z4RKMARzfE

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 8, 2018

This week’s episode of WWE NXT kicked off with a brief recap from NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia that aired this past Sunday on the WWE Network.

Just days after all of THIS happened at #NXTTakeOver: Philadelphia… we're back for #WWENXT starting RIGHT NOW, only on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/RBDMRLdnlU

— WWE (@WWE) February 1, 2018

Nikki Cross vs. Lacey Evans

#SAnitY's @NikkiCrossWWE has been UNLEASHED, and she's out to make @LaceyEvansWWE eat her words! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/5YaHZP6Xb3

— WWE (@WWE) February 1, 2018

Cross came down to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd in the Wells Fargo Center. The match started off with Cross connecting with a Crossbody. Lacey Evans then hit a roundhouse kick and knocked Nikki out of the ring. Cross grabbed Evans on the ring apron and trapped her there. Cross hit a bunch of right hands and then let out a scream as the crowd chanted for her.

Back in the ring, Cross grabbed Evans by the hair in the corner. Evans countered and whipped Cross to the canvas for a one count. Cross had a smile on her face after kicking out. Evans got angry and jumped on her and connected with a flurry of punches. Evans climbed to the top rope and went for a Moonsault but Cross got out of the way and Lacey crashed to the canvas. Percy Watson accidentally called Mauro Ranallo “Nigel” in a funny moment.

Cross fired up and beat the hell out of Lacey with a barrage of punches. Cross followed it up with a Swinging Neckbreaker for the easy pinfall victory. After the match, Cross tried to attack Evans but the referee prevented it as Lacey crawled out of the ring. Evans shouted that Cross was crazy from the entrance ramp.

Winner: Nikki Cross

The purge went just as she planned: @NikkiCrossWWE is victorious tonight on #WWENXT! pic.twitter.com/NjCYQWjAGW

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 1, 2018

An interview with Shayna Baszler was shown after he loss to Ember Moon at NXT TakeOver. Baszler stated that Moon didn’t beat her, she barely survived. Baszler was proud of her actions at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia. After she lost the match, she attacked Ember Moon on the entrance ramp and choked her out.

A defeated @QoSBaszler will NOT leave Philadelphia quietly… at @WWEEmberMoon's expense! #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/qf2aQbRMlP

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 28, 2018

It was announced that Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly will defend their NXT Tag Team Championships against Alexander Wolfe and Eric Young of SAnitY next week on NXT.

#SAnitY is NOT backing down… They get their rematch for the #WWENXT #TagTeamChampionship when they challenge #UndisputedERA NEXT WEEK on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/R8kNbYsX6E

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) February 1, 2018

TM61 vs The Ealy Brothers 

Shane Thorne and Nick Miller (TM61) made their return to the ring after a year tonight on NXT. There return had been hyped up on the two previous episodes of NXT. They faced Gabriel and Uriel Ealy tonight in their return.

After being sidelined for most of 2017, #TM61 @ShaneThorneWWE and @WWENickMiller are BACK and ready to take hold of the #WWENXT Tag Team division! pic.twitter.com/OixqFfno3E

— WWE (@WWE) February 1, 2018

Nick Miller and Uriel Ealy started off the match. Miller took control early and tagged in Shane Thorne. Shane connected with a standing Moonsault. Thorne then Moonsaulted onto both Ealy Brothers outside the ring. Back in the ring, Nick Miller was tagged back in. Miller connected with a couple of forearms to Uriel.

Excited for #TM61's in-ring return yet? #WWENXT @ShaneThorneWWE @WWENickMiller pic.twitter.com/zxjNhHwUqu

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 1, 2018

Gabriel snuck into the match and the referee didn’t notice because they are twins. Uriel tagged back in and slammed Nick Miller to the canvas. Miller hit a Clothesline and tagged Thorne back in. Thorne knocked both Ealy Brothers to the mat in the corner. Shane connected with a Cannonball and then a Suplex. Miller connected with a Moonsault and went for the cover but it was broken up. TM61 connected with Thunder Valley for the pinfall victory.

Winners: TM61

As if no time has passed at all, #TM61 @ShaneThorneWWE and @WWENickMiller are back in a BIG way! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/5MonSfpFo2

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 1, 2018

After the match, TM61 was interviewed by Christy St. Cloud. TM61 said that they were the mighty and the mighty don’t kneel.

#TM61 @ShaneThorneWWE and @WWENickMiller are here to remind you that THE MIGHTY DON'T KNEEL! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/s718p5UXem

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 1, 2018

Exclusive footage of the NXT Championship match between Andrade “Cien” Almas & Johnny Gargano was shown. Tommaso Ciampa made his return following Gargano’s loss and struck him in the back with a crutch. Ciampa was shown limping backstage dragging the crutch behind him. He completely ignored reporters as they questioned his actions.

It was announced that Adam Cole will face Killian Dain next week.

The #BeastOfBelfast @KillianDain will square off with @AdamColePro NEXT WEEK on #WWENXT, only on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/jUwygWAIWH

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) February 1, 2018

#1 Contender’s Match: Tyler Bate vs Roderick Strong

Tyler and Roderick locked up to start off the match. Bate knocked Strong to the canvas but Roderick quickly got back up to his feet. Bate connected with a Dropkick as dueling “lets go Roddy!” and “Tyler Bate!” echoed throughout the Wells Fargo Center. Strong caught Bate in between the ropes and hit a Backbreaker for a two count.

Strong connected with a knife edge chop in the corner and followed it up with a couple more. Roderick hit another Backbreaker and went for the cover but Bate kicked out at two. Strong hit another chop and then kneed Bate in the face. Roderick connected with another boot to Tyler’s face but Bate battled back with a couple of jabs to the chest. Strong hit yet another Backbreaker and then lifted Tyler over his shoulders and launched him into the turnbuckle for a two count as NXT went to a break.

.@Tyler_Bate, meet @roderickstrong. #MessiahOfTheBackbreaker #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/yWHcjYDQH4

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 1, 2018

When NXT returned, Strong was still in control of the match. Bate hit a Jawbreaker but Strong responded with a chop. Bate connected with a punch and both Superstars fell to the canvas. Bate hit a few uppercuts and followed it up with a boot to the face. Bate hit a running uppercut and followed it up with a knee to the back of Strong’s head off the second rope. Bate hit a German Suplex and went for the cover but Roderick powered out at two.

Bate connected with an Exploder Suplex and followed it up with a standing Shooting Star Press for another two count. Bate started scaling the ropes but Strong grabbed his leg and then joined him on the top rope. Bate knocked Strong to the mat but Roderick pulled him off the turnbuckle and hit another Backbreaker for a two count.

Strong went for a Powerbomb but Bate reversed into a Hurricanrana. Strong missed with a knee and Bate bounched off the top rope headfirst and turned around and leveled Bate with a ridiculous Clothesline. An “NXT” chant broke out in the Wells Fargo Center as the two Superstars were on the mat. The chant transitioned into “this is awesome!” as Bate and Strong got back to their feet.

Bate tried to lift Strong up but his back gave out due to the Backbreakers in the match. Strong kneed Bate in the face and then did it again in the corner. Strong slammed Bate to the mat face-first and then lifted him up and connected with End of Heartache for the pinfall victory. Strong is now the #1 contender for Pete Dunne’s UK Championship.

Winner: Roderick Strong

This is what it looks like when you take down the first-ever #UKChampion to become the NEXT challenger for the title! @roderickstrong #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/uUTR46I8KE

— WWE (@WWE) February 1, 2018

WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne briefly confronted Strong backstage after his victory.

EXCLUSIVE: @roderickstrong has hardly any time to celebrate before coming face-to-face with the man he hopes to dethrone, #UKChampion @PeteDunneYxB! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/QLAKCX8aWX

— WWE (@WWE) February 1, 2018