Since NXT lost a lot of its top stars last year (Bayley, Finn Balor, Samoa Joe, American Alpha, etc.), it has taken a while for the developmental brand to get back to the “golden age” fans saw in late 2015-early 2016. However, tonight could be the catalyst to bring NXT to its peak popularity in this new era. There are three matches advertised for tonight, and they are all exciting. First, Aleister Black returns to action, presumably for a squash match. We also have Drew McIntyre taking on Andrade “Cien” Almas, as well as Tyler Bate defending the WWE United Kingdom Championship in the main event against Jack Gallagher.
Opening Segment
Before Tom Philips can even finish introducing the WWE Universe to the show, Nikki Cross shows up in the ring out of nowhere. Cross then slides out of the ring to call out Ruby Riot. Cross and Riot have, well, crossed paths over the past few weeks starting when Riot helped Tye Dillinger, Kassius Ohno, and Roderick Strong take on SAnitY. As soon as Riot gets into the ring, a brawl starts as expected. referees and security staff just barely are able to get a hold of both women and separate them.
Interview w/Bobby Roode
Last week, Hideo Itami made his long-awaited return and attacked Bobby Roode, leaving the NXT Champion laid out. Roode doesn’t care for questions, but he does make a point to note that if Hideo Itami wants a shot at the NXT Championship, he is going to have to earn it.
Andrade “Cien” Almas vs. Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre made his WWE return a couple weeks ago, defeating Oney Lorcan in a hard-hitting bout. McIntyre was working out at the Performance Center last week when Andrade “Cien” Almas interrupted his workout to challenge him to tonight’s match. Almas picked up a win of his own last week when he faced former WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament competitor Danny Burch.
Almas tries to play mind games with McIntyre, but all it does is anger the former Intercontinental Champion. Almas fails to win the striking game, and McIntyre takes advantage to pick up the pinfall after hitting a running kick to Almas’ face. Winner: Drew McIntyre
Video Package
There is a video package for Roderick Strong, which is part of a bigger series titled “Who is Roderick Strong?” Strong debuted as Austin Aries’ tag team partner in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic last year, and while he has put on some great matches, there has been almost no character development. The video package sheds a light in his personal backstory and his childhood, and we should learn more about Strong in the coming weeks.
Aleister Black vs. Kona Reeves
After defeating Andrade “Cien” Almas at TakeOver: Orlando, Aleister Black squashed his opponent a couple weeks ago with just one swift kick (a spinning heel kick called “Black Mass”). Tonight, the strange, poised, Black takes on a slightly more experienced NXT Superstar in Kona Reeves.
Reeves gets some offense in early on after attacking Black’s eye, but after several strikes, Black lays in the Black Mass kick for the quick win. Winner: Aleister Black
Ruby Riot vs. Nikki Cross
While Ruby Riot is heading to the ring, Nikki Cross doesn’t wait for the match and attacks her from behind. Instead of regular competition, the two more “unstable” women of the roster brawl near the entrance ramp. Yet again, security officials and referees have to separate both women, physically carrying Cross away from Riot.
Tyler Bate (c) vs. Gentleman Jack Gallagher – WWE United Kingdom Championship
Jack Gallagher is a busy man. He competes on Monday Night Raw, again on 205 Live the following night against Neville, and now he faces Tyler Bate for the United Kingdom Championship on NXT. Tyler Bate has primarily been wrestling for Progress Wrestling, but he has successfully defended his UK title against Trent Seven on NXT, and he has won a couple other non-title matches as well.
A UK Championship show is still “coming soon” to the WWE Network, but no timeframe is given for when the show will start.
Gallagher seems to have Bate’s number for most of the match, but Bate is able to turn the tide with a frontflip heel kick. Bate continues his momentum to land the Tyler Driver ’97, successfully retaining the title for the second time. Winner, and STILL WWE United Kingdom Champion: Tyler Bate
