Even though NXT TakeOver: Orlando was two weeks ago, it is only now that NXT starts getting started with its new chapter (The week in between is typically a recap show). With the return of Drew McIntyre and a slew of new Superstars, NXT is ready to reclaim its former glory.
Aleister Black vs. Corey Hollis
After defeating Andrade “Cien” Almas in his debut at TakeOver: Orlando, Aleister Black has arrived for his first match at Full Sail University. Unfortunately for Corey Hollis, this probably won’t go too well for him.
Black has an unusual poise to him, standing silently still while Corey Hollis bounces around like a normal fighter. Hollis goes for the first strike, but Black hits him with the Black Mass swinging back kick to pick up a very quick victory. Winner: Aleister Black
Announcement
NXT alumnus Tye Dillinger made waves by getting called up to SmackDown Live last week. Even though he has found main roster success, he has some unfinished business with SAnitY. The Perfect 10 got his wish granted by General Manager William Regal, who gives Dillinger a singles match with Eric Young next week. Young won’t be able to play the number game as usual, however, since it will be inside a steel cage.
#DIY vs. Dylan Miley & Michael Blaze
Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa failed to capture the NXT Tag Team Championships from the Authors of Pain in their Triple Threat Elimination Match at TakeOver: Orlando. Now, they are trying to get back on track against two new Superstars. Michael Blaze is about the same size as #DIY, while Dylan Miley towers the former champions at 6’3″, 300lbs.
Miley gives a dominant performance, but when he tags in Michael Blaze, #DIY takes control and wins the match. After the loss, Miley assaults his former partner and lays him out in the middle of the ring. Winners: #DIY
Ruby Riot vs. Kimberly Frankele
Ruby Riot made her debut in Orlando when she teamed up with Tye Dillinger, Roderick Strong, and Kassius Ohno in a losing effort to SAnitY. Tonight, she competes in her first NXT singles match against Kimberley Frankele, who became the first woman to win a major title in a male-dominated promotion when she won the Chikara Grand Championship. Both women are veterans of the independent scene, and now they are here in NXT. Perhaps they will compete in the women’s tournament that will take place this summer.
Nikki Cross comes down to ringside to scout Ruby Riot during the match, but she never interferes. Riot doesn’t let Cross get to her, and she finishes the match after hitting Frankele with a wind-up Pele kick. Winner: Ruby Riot
Backstage Segment
Billie Kay and Peyton Royce are roaming the Performance Center when they run into Liv Morgan and Aliyah, who is with the trainers to tend to a hurt arm. Kay and Royce approach them and make fun of them, but Morgan pushes Kay into a nearby tub, diffusing the situation.
Oney Lorcan vs. Drew McIntyre
It has been three years since Drew McIntyre has been in WWE, and the last time he was seen, he was a member of 3MB with Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal. Since then, he wrestled under the name Drew Galloway and competed all over the world to turn himself into a big star. Now that he is a reinvented competitor, McIntyre is back with a fresh start in WWE.
Oney Lorcan is the perfect opponent for McIntyre’s return since he tends to put on great matches with whoever he is in the ring with. Just last week, Lorcan tore the house down on back-to-back nights. He made a special appearance on 205 Live live against Rich Swann, and he defeated El Vagabundo/Elias Samson on NXT the following night.
After clocking Lorcan with an elbow near the ropes, McIntyre hits a vicious running kick to Lorcan’s face, turning him inside out for his debut win. Winner: Drew McIntyre
After the match, Drew McIntyre reveals that he came to NXT because he doesn’t want to be anywhere else.
Shinsuke Nakamura’s Farewell
One year ago, Shinsuke Nakamura made his NXT debut. Now, he is called up to SmackDown Live, and he returns one final time to say “farewell” to the NXT Universe. The King of Strong Style says that he came to challenge himself, and now he calls NXT his home. He thanks the fans and the locker room appears on the stage to applaud him.
