WWE unifies NXT North American and Cruiserweight titles at New Year’s Evil

A unified North American Champion was crowned on the first NXT episode of 2022.

At New Year’s Evil on Tuesday night, Carmelo Hayes defeated Roderick Strong to unify the NXT North American Championship and NXT Cruiserweight Championship. Hayes was North American Champion going into the match, while Strong held the Cruiserweight title.

With the titles being unified, Hayes will be recognized as the NXT North American Champion going forward.

Hayes pinned Strong after hitting his diving leg drop finishing move from the top rope. There was a spot leading into the finish where Strong hit an X-Plex from the top on Hayes. Hayes was able to put his arm on top of Strong and try to pin him after they both landed, but Strong kicked out.

The title unification match was set up by Hayes and Strong both calling themselves the true champion in NXT.

Hayes has been North American Champion since winning the title from Isaiah “Swerve” Scott last October. After winning last year’s NXT Breakout Tournament, Hayes cashed in his title shot contract on Scott to win the North American title.