Continuing the trend of the past few weeks, NXT continues to slowly build to its next big event, NXT TakeOver: War Games. This week’s episode features another triple threat match in the women’s division, Kassius Ohno and Aleister Black in action, SAnitY vs. The Undisputed Era, and the return of the Authors of Pain.
Sonya Deville vs. Ember Moon vs. Ruby Riot – Qualifying Match
After winning the Mae Young Classic, Kairi Sane was the first woman qualified for an NXT Women’s Championship Fatal Four-Way match at NXT TakeOver: War Games in November. Last week, Peyton Royce defeated Nikki Cross and Liv Morgan to become the second woman to qualify for the title match. This match’s winner will also qualify for the Fatal Four-Way match, with only one more spot remaining.
Sonya Deville notices that Ruby Riot hurt her ankle, so she sinks in the Ankle Lock in the center of the ring. While Riot is trying to escape, Ember Moon climbs to the top rope and hits Deville with the Eclipse out of nowhere. This sends Deville out of the ring, but Moon is still able to get the victory by pinning Riot. Winner: Ember Moon
Announcement
Next week, the final NXT Women’s Championship Match competitor will be determined in a battle royal, featuring the rest of the women’s division. The competitors (according to the preview graphic) include Rhea Ripley, Candice LeRae, Taynara Conti, Lacey Evans, Sarah Logan, Dakota Kai, Bianca Belair, Billie Kay, Sage Beckett, Zeda, Mercedes Martinez, Abbey Laith, Vanessa Borne, Santana Garrett, Aliya, and Reina Gonzalez.
Raul Mendoza vs. Aleister Black
Over the past few weeks, Aleister Black has been trying to ignore the Velveteen Dream, who has made it his purpose to antagonize Black. Velveteen Dream ruined Lio Rush’s debut when Rush was supposed to face Black, but he ended up debuting against the former Patrick Clark last week. Raul Mendoza is still trying to find his place in NXT, but he has had some sporadic appearances since appearing in the Cruiserweight Classic.
As soon as the match starts, the Velveteen Dream appears at ringside and puts on Black’s jacket. This distraction gives Mendoza the early advantage, including an incredible corkscrew plancha to the outside. Once they get back in the ring, however, Black hits several strikes and finishes Mendoza off with the Black Mass spinning kick. Winner: Aleister Black
Kassius Ohno vs. Cezar Bononi
It is hard to remember that Kassius Ohno is still on the NXT roster, considering that he is rarely used. His last appearance saw him compete in a great match against Fabian Aichner, where he picked up an expected victory. He is expected to win here too, but Bononi is known for getting an upset when he defeated Andrade “Cien” Almas several weeks ago.
After his signature Rolling Elbow, Kassius Ohno picks up a win and continues to build momentum towards another big match down the line. Winner: Kassius Ohno
Announcement
In two weeks, Johnny Gargano will take on Fabian Aichner.
SAnitY (w/Nikki Cross) vs. The Undisputed Era
Since NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III, there has been a feud between SAnitY and the Undisputed Era. After weeks of unsanctioned assaults on each other, both three-man teams collide for the first time. Even though SAnitY are the NXT Tag Team Champions, the titles are not on the line. Adam Cole competed in his debut a few weeks ago, where he defeated Eric Young.
SAnitY have a three-on-one advantage over Adam Cole when the Authors of Pain return out of nowhere to attack the champions. This is the first time since TakeOver: Brooklyn III that the Authors of Pain have been seen in NXT and the last time, they lost for the first time in their careers. The Undisputed Era manages to escape relatively unharmed, but it seems like there is a three-way feud over the NXT Tag Team Championships. The Authors of Pain stand tall with the titles to end the show. Result: No Contest
