NXT this week is the last episode before Saturday’s TakeOver: New Orleans event. Along with previewing the big matches, this episode features the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic as well as Lars Sullivan vs. Killian Dain in the main event.
Roderick Strong & Pete Dunne vs. The Authors of Pain (w/Paul Ellering) – Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic (Finals)
This match is the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, pitting the makeshift team of Roderick Strong and Pete Dunne against last year’s winners of the Authors of Pain. The winners will challenge the Undisputed Era for the NXT Tag Team Championships at TakeOver: New Orleans.
The match begins to reach its climax when Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly attack both teams and ruin the match. The referee calls for a double disqualification and NXT General Manager William Regal appears to announce a solution. At NXT TakeOver: New Orleans, The Undisputed ERA will defend their Tag Team Championships against both The Authors of Pain and the team of Roderick Strong and Pete Dunne. The winning team will take home the Dusty Cup and the titles. Result: No Contest
Kairi Sane vs. Vanessa Borne
Naturally, a match between Kairi Sane and Vanessa Borne sparks memories of the Mae Young Classic. Borne made her debut in the tournament, not getting far but showing some potential. Sane was the favorite to win and she did so, defeating Shayne Baszler in the finals.
Sane somewhat easily puts Borne away, following a double-stomp with the Insane Elbow Drop to secure a win. Sane hopes that this can help get her into the NXT Women’s Championship picture after TakeOver: New Orleans. Winner: Kairi Sane
Lacey Evans Promo
In an interview segment with the press, Lacey Evans is asked about her future in NXT. She talks trash about Ember Moon and completely ignores questions about Dakota Kai before moving onto Kairi Sane. Evans plans to take Sane’s opportunity
Adam Cole Has to Choose His TakeOver Fate
Since Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly got involved in the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, William Regal has given Cole a choice. He has to choose one of the following three options:
- Cole still competes in the NXT North American Championship Ladder Match and also defends the NXT Tag Team Championships alongside O’Reilly.
- Cole withdraws from the Ladder Match and defends the Tag Team Championships with O’Reilly.
- Cole only competes in the North American Championship match and leaves O’Reilly to defend the belts by himself.
Match Announcement
Because of the comments Lacey Evans made earlier, she will have to face Kairi Sane next week when NXT hails from New Orleans.
Lars Sullivan vs. Killian Dain
Last week, Lars Sullivan returned to the ring and dominated his opponent. Before entering the NXT North American Championship Ladder Match this Saturday, Sullivan challenges his toughest test yet: Killian Dain. Dain represents SAnitY and is also part of the same ladder match.
Both men are fighting on the turnbuckle when a headbutt sends them both crashing to ringside. Velveteen Dream uses this opportunity to rush to the ring and steal the spotlight, but then Adam Cole comes to the ring as well. Cole is followed by EC3 and finally, Ricochet makes his first NXT appearance. All men are competing in the North American title match and they close the show with a staredown. Result: No Contest
