It should just be expected at this point, but NXT this week continues the trend of featuring high-profile action and exciting television. Tonight’s episode features Andrade “Cien” Almas’ first match since winning the NXT Championship, Ember Moon defending the NXT Women’s Championship against Peyton Royce, and Aleister Black vs. Adam Cole in the main event.
Andrade “Cien” Almas (w/Zelina Vega) vs. Fabian Aichner
This is a tough task for Fabian Aichner. Of course, Andrade “Cien” Almas is on top of the world right now since he just captured the NXT Championship from Drew McIntyre at TakeOver: War Games. This is Almas’ first match since capturing the gold and he needs to prove that he can score victories without the help of Zelina Vega. This is not to say that Aichner can’t get the job done. He has gone the limit with Johnny Gargano, as well as making a great first impression in the Cruiserweight Classic.
Aichner seems to have an easy time taking care of Almas until he goes to the top rope. Vega distracts him from the ring apron and Almas pushes him to the floor. The NXT Champion then hits his signature Hammerlock DDT to pick up the win. Winner: Andrade “Cien” Almas
Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch vs. The Authors of Pain (w/Paul Ellering)
This is a match between two very different tag teams. The Authors of Pain dominated NXT undefeated until they lost the NXT Tag Team Championships to SAnitY
Lorcan and Burch his Akam and Rezar with incredibly hard strikes, but the former NXT Tag Team Champions recover in time to hit the Super Collider. After disposing of Burch, they finish off Lorcan with the Last Chapter, showing everyone why they were so dominant. Winners: The Authors of Pain
Ember Moon (c) vs. Peyton Royce (w/Billie Kay) – NXT Women’s Championship
At NXT TakeOver: War Games, Ember Moon and Peyton Royce competed against Nikki Cross and Kairi Sane in a Fatal Four-Way match for the vacated NXT Women’s Championship. Moon would end up winning the match after failing to dethrone Asuka for months, but there is a case to be had for Royce. There was a 15-second long period in the match where Royce had Cross inadvertently covered while Sane climbed to the top rope. She should have won the match right there, but the referee was focused on Sane. Regardless, she has another chance tonight for the title in Moon’s first championship defense.
One misstep from Royce is the only opportunity that Moon needs to capitalize. After stomping Royce in the corner, Moon heads to the top rope to hit the Eclipse stunner, picking up her first win since capturing the gold. Winner, and STILL NXT Women’s Champion: Ember Moon
As soon as the match ends, Billie Kay hits Ember Moon with a running boot known as the Shades of Kay. The Iconic Duo stars dobule-teaming the champion before Nikki Cross shows up to fight them off. Cross stares at the NXT Women’s Championship before running like crazy all around the ring. Cross then runs through the crowd and out of the arena.
Announcement
After a teaser promo from last week, NXT confirms that the women’s division will be getting a new member in the form of Shayna Baszler. Baszler made herself known to the WWE Universe by winning dominant matches in the Mae Young Classic before losing in the finale to Kairi Sane.
Adam Cole vs. Aleister Black – #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match
Last week, General Manager William Regal announced a series of qualifying matches that will lead to a #1 Contender’s Fatal Four-Way match to determine who will face Andrade “Cien” Almas for the NXT Championship at TakeOver: Philadelphia next month. Two of those matches took place last week, seeing Killian Dain defeat Trent Seven and Johnny Gargano overcoming Kassius Ohno.
This dream match between Aleister Black and Adam Cole will fill the third slot in the Fatal Four-Way match, with the fourth slot being filled by either Lars Sullivan or Roderick Strong. Both men had great success at TakeOver: War Games, with Cole winning the actual War Games match and Black winning one of the best matches of the year against the Velveteen Dream.
Cole trash-talks Black straight to his face, and Black’s response is the Black Mass spinning heel kick to secure the victory, toppling the leader of the Undisputed ERA. Winner: Aleister Black
