WWE NXT results: Drew McIntyre vs. Roderick Strong
The Big News: Drew McIntyre made his first televised title defense as he beat Roderick Strong in the main event.
The Medium News: Nikki Cross again inserted herself as Ruby Riot’s partner as they defeated The Iconic Duo again.
The Little Beaver-sized News: Lio Rush tried to debut, but Velveteen Dream laid him out before he could face Aleister Black.
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The show started with a tribute to the victims of the senseless shooting in Las Vegas this past weekend.
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Ruby Riot & Nikki Cross defeated The Iconic Duo (Peyton Royce & Billie Kay)
This was a rematch of the tag team match from a few weeks ago where Cross named herself Riot’s tag team partner and scored the win over the Iconic Duo. As Riot came out, Mauro Ranallo got to pay tribute to Lance Russell briefly.
Like last time, this bout began as a two-on-one handicap match. If you recall, William Regal refused to sanction a handicap match and then Riot refused to actively pursue a tag team partner twice now. So, why isn’t Mr. Regal disallowing this match or assigning a partner? Who knows.
Anyway, Riot held her own for the longest time, but she was taken down by her two foes. As Kay and Royce continued to get the heat, Cross came in through the crowd to assume her self-appointed position as Riot’s partner.
Riot finally saw her “partner,” who reached her hand out for the tag. Riot reluctantly tagged out and allowed Cross to run wild on Royce and Kay.
Cross kicked out of the Iconic Duo’s finish, which is a bulldog onto the knee. No one seemed to recognize it was their finish because they rarely win. Anyway, Riot tagged herself back in and won after a Pele kick on Kay.
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Earlier today, Lars Sullivan cut a promo saying that he is unequivocally and categorically in control of everything he does. He said his opponents should be afraid and recommended Danny Burch, his opponent next week, get in control of his fear.
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Zelina Vega was trying to talk on the phone earlier today when she was stalked by camera people. She said Andrade “Cien” Almas beat Johnny Gargano fair and square last time, but she’ll allow the rematch because now Almas can beat Gargano over and over again and get closer to a title shot. Vega didn’t even consider the idea that Gargano could win.
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The Undisputed Era face SAnitY in a six-man tag in two weeks.
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The match between Aleister Black and Lio Rush never started
The crowd popped for Rush’s entrance. Unfortunately, anyone looking for a happy ending to this debut had their hopes dashed when Aleister Black’s music hit. It’s kind of funny that it’s become a running joke that Black faces almost every new ROH signee in their first match. He beat Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish previously.
Just as we got prepared for the match, Velveteen Dream ran in through the crowd and destroyed Lio Rush!
Dream dropped Rush and gave him the Purple Rainmaker before motioning Black into the ring. Black got in the ring ready to give Dream a beating, but Dream slithered out of the ring. Black sat cross-legged in the ring as Dream screamed at him to say his name.
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Kairi Sane defeated Aliyah
The winner of the Mae Young Classic got the biggest reaction of the night so far. Aliyah hasn’t been on TV in a few months and she picked the wrong week to make her return. She did get quite a bit more offense than people expected, but the expected finish happened.
Aliyah’s selling needs a lot of work, but she did succeed at one thing and that was to lay on the ground as Sane hit the Insane Elbow for the win.
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Next week:
- Nikki Cross vs. Liv Morgan vs. Billie Kay in a Women’s title qualifying match
- Johnny Gargano vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas
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NXT Champion Drew McIntyre defeated Roderick Strong to retain his title
This was a battle between the two top babyfaces on the brand as the reigning and defending champion McIntyre and his challenger spent the early part of the match kicking at one another. Both men got the advantage briefly with their kicks, but it was Strong using a backbreaker onto the ring steps that gave him a sustained advantage.
McIntyre got just enough offense to stay in this, but seemingly no matter what he did Strong would come back with something even more brutal. McIntyre went for a top rope Emerald Fusion, but Strong got out and went for a sunset flip powerbomb until McIntyre stopped that. McIntyre was perched for a maneuver, but Strong kicked him in the head and hit a superplex.
They did the Frye-Takayama spot (think a hockey fight with both men throwing punches repeatedly at the same time) before Strong laid out his foe with a Tiger Driver for a two count. McIntyre went for the Claymore Kick until Strong hit three knees and a Sick Kick, but McIntyre kicked out. They ended up outside the ring and McIntyre gave Strong a powerbomb into the ring post. Back in the ring, he then hit the Future Shock and the Claymore Kick for the win.
After the match, champion and challenger shook hands to the approval of the crowd. Strong backed up the ramp to give his opponent center stage. Suddenly, The Undisputed Era showed up — but they patted Strong on the back and walked away. What does this mean?
That was a very good main event to cap off a good show. We are on the road to NXT TakeOver: Houston — and until next week, remember to say your vitamins and take your prayers.