Tonight, NXT General Manager William Regal has set up a great night full of big matches. We kick off the show with a triple threat match to determine the new #1 Contender to Asuka’s NXT Championship. Then, in a special showcase match, Pete Dunne and Mark Andrews (who were both featured in the UK Championship Tournament) square off. Our main event features NXT Champion Bobby Roode taking on No Way Jose.
Ember Moon vs. Liv Morgan vs. Peyton Royce (w/Billie Kay) – #1 Contender’s Match (NXT Women’s Championship)
All three of the women involved in this match have been fairly successful as of late. Peyton Royce (along with Billie Kay) were in a championship Fatal Four Way match at TakeOver: San Antonio. Ember Moon has never been pinned or submitted, just like the current Women’s Champion, so her chances are high here. Liv Morgan is the long shot for this match. While Morgan has certainly been improving, she suffered a humbling loss to Asuka several weeks ago, and she lost to Ember Moon recently as well.
Since this is a triple threat match, Peyton Royce could be considered the favorite in this match. There are no count-outs and no disqualifications, meaning that Billie Kay could interfere in the match as much as she wants without consequence.
Kay interferes as expected, but she is immediately hit by the Eclipse from Ember Moon. Liv Morgan throws Moon out of the ring, then turns around right into a knee from Peyton Royce. Royce then finishes Morgan off with a fisherman suplex, bridging for the pinfall and the victory. Royce will have her championship match next week against the Empress of Tomorrow. Winner, and NEW #1 Contender: Peyton Royce
Video Package
We get another video package highlighting Kassius Ohno, who is known for his work on the independent scene as Chris Hero. Ohno has competed in NXT previously, and he will be returning soon with the NXT Championship in his sights.
Mark Andrews vs. Pete Dunne
Mark Andrews and Pete Dunne faced each other in the semifinals of the United Kingdom Championship Tournament in what was arguably the best match of the two-day tournament. Mark Andrews was the smallest competitor involved in the tournament, and his high flying ability is second to none (and should be featured on 205 Live). Pete Dunne, nicknamed “The Bruiserweight,” made a name for himself by attacking two of his opponents before facing them, which worked until the finals against Tyler Bate.
Like last week’s UK Championship match between Tyler Bate and Trent Seven, this match also has earned “This is awesome” chants. Hopefully this means we will see UK talent more regularly on WWE television.
Dunne and Andrews counter each other at every opportunity they get, but Dunne comes out on top. After getting his knees up for the Shooting Star Press, Dunne hits the Bitter End (pumphandle flatliner) to put Andrews away. Winner: Pete Dunne
Video Package
Surprisingly, we get another video package for a returning Superstar. This time, we get a brief video announcing that Patrick Clark will be in action next week. Clark was on the latest iteration of Tough Enough, and has been featured on TV on and off a little more flamboyant than expected.
Bobby Roode vs. No Way Jose
Just like he said he would do, Bobby Roode has taken NXT by storm. Roode has been impressive since he debuted in the middle of last year, and capturing the NXT Championship from Shinsuke Nakamura at TakeOver: San Antonio backed up his bold claims. No Way Jose could be a future championship contender, but he still trying to climb his way up the ladder. Jose is currently involved in a feud with SAnitY, but a win over Bobby Roode tonight could propel him to the front of the line.
Bobby Roode rolls out of the ring, suckering No Way Jose in for a sneak attack. The champion rolls Jose back into the ring, then finishes him off with the Glorious DDT. Winner: Bobby Roode
Following his victory, Bobby Roode attacks No Way Jose even further. Roode hits Jose with a chop block, then forces him to tap out with the single leg Boston crab. Stopping the assault is none other than Kassius Ohno, who was just being hyped earlier in the show. Ohno says he wants the NXT Championship, and Roode teases the idea of defending the belt tonight, but instead he attacks Ohno from behind. Ohno gets back on the offensive, then sends the champion retreating.
