This week’s episode of NXT appropriately looks towards the future of the bran while building the card for NXT TakeOver: War Games. Peyton Royce faces Liv Morgan and Nikki Cross for a chance to compete for the vacated NXT Women’s Championship, Lio Rush finally debuts against Velveteen Dream, Lars Sullivan and Street Profits are also in action, and Johnny Gargano gets a rematch against Andrade “Cien” Almas in the main event.
Peyton Royce (w/Billie Kay) vs. Liv Morgan vs. Nikki Cross – Qualifying Match
A few weeks ago, it was announced that the undefeated Asuka would be moving up to the main roster, forcing her to relinquish the NXT Women’s Championship after holding it for over 500 days. NXT General Manager William Regal announced that at NXT TakeOver: War Games, Mae Young Classic winner Kairi Sane will be competing against three women for the vacated title. Those three women are still unconfirmed and the winner of this match will take the first empty spot.
Towards the end of the match, The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, and Kyle O’Reilly) bring out Mae Young Classic competitor Taynara Conti to distract Nikki Cross and it works. After Cross chases Conti around the ring, Peyton Royce nails the SAnitY member with her signature Fisherman Suplex to score the win. Winner: Peyton Royce
Lio Rush vs. Velveteen Dream
Last week, Lio Rush was looking to make his NXT debut against Aleister Black, but he was attacked by the Velveteen Dream. The former CZW World Heavyweight Champion wants revenge on someone he calls a former friend while also making an impact in front of a worldwide audience. Rush is known for his incredible agility and acrobatic wrestling style, akin to the Cruiserweight Champion, Kalisto. Rush has probably yet to reach his full potential, being only 22 years old.
Rush shows a ton of ability, but he unable to end his debut victorious. After hitting the Death Valley Driver, he springboards off of the top turnbuckle to land the Purple Rainmaker elbow drop for the win. Winner: Velveteen Dream
Lars Sullivan vs. Danny Burch
Last week, Lars Sullivan soundly defeated Oney Lorcan. Sullivan would then look to further the assault after the match, but Danny Burch, Lorcan’s competitive rival over the few weeks, save him before Sullivan could take things too far. To further take action, Burch challenged Sullivan to this match.
Burch hits Sullivan as hard as he can, but it isn’t enough to stop the big man. Sullivan hits his signature side slam to put away Burch and to continue his quickly growing win streak. Winner: Lars Sullivan
Announcements
Next week, there will be an “exclusive interview” with NXT Champion Drew McIntyre next week. Also, two matches have been confirmed for the same episode. Ember Moon will face Ruby Riot and Sonya Deville in another triple threat match with the winner facing Peyton Royce, Kairi Sane, and an unconfirmed Superstar for the vacant NXT Women’s Championship. The main event for next week will have the Undisputed Era facing SAnitY.
Street Profits vs. Irrelevant Tag Team
Over the past few months, the Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) have been building momentum in the NXT Tag Team Division with good showings of athleticism and a lot of personality.
Unsurprisingly, Ford and Dawkins pick up the easy victory. The whole point of this match is to keep them in the minds of the WWE Universe. Winners: Street Profits
Johnny Gargano vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas (w/Salina Vega)
At NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III, Johnny Gargano faced Andrade “Cien” Almas in his first big match as a singles competitor.Gargano seemed to have the match won, but Salina Vega (Almas’ business consultant/manager) distracted him with a #DIY towel, getting in his head with reminders of his old tag team. Almas has been finding more success as of late with Vega keeping Almas focused on winning matches instead of being arrogant.
Vega distracts Gargano on the apron, buying Almas just enough time to take advantage. After hitting the back of Johnny Wrestling’s head with the running double knees twice, El Idolo puts Gargano away with the Hammerlock DDT. Winner: Andrade “Cien” Almas
