Aleister Black is the 13th NXT Champion, but will this prove to be bad luck against the Blackheart Psycho Killer, Tommaso Ciampa?

All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Adam Cole VS Sean Maluta; Cole wins.
• Lacey Evans VS Tenilla Price; Lacey wins.
• NXT Championship: Aleister Black VS Tommaso Ciampa; Ciampa wins and becomes the new NXT Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s time for darkness to fight darkness.

TakeOver: Chicago tested the Embodiment of the End. But the Devil on His Back is still with him, because he still has the NXT Championship. However, there’s a devil knocking on his door. Tommaso Ciampa also survived Chicago and his truly brutal Street Fight with Johnny Gargano. Aleister has something Ciampa wants. Aleister says that Ciampa may see himself as a devil, but Ciampa knows nothing of the devil on Aleister’s back. Ciampa brushes that off as smoke and mirrors. He promises to snuff out the mystique like a candle. Aleister tells Ciampa he’s lost and confused, but Ciampa has his path to the title. Whose darkness will envelope the other to take the NXT Championship for their own?

Adam Cole VS Sean Maluta!

The inaugural NXT North American Champion takes on the Cruiserweight Classic competitor who is still looking to make big moves in his NXT career. Can Maluta get a non-title win to put himself in line for a title shot?

Fans are on Cole’s side as the bell rings. They tie up and Cole puts Maluta in a corner. Cole grinds in cocky forearms, but backs off at the ref’s count. Cole grins but Maluta shrugs it off. The two circle again, then tie up. Cole gets a waistlock and slam, then slaps Maluta around. The champ is having fun but Maluta is not amused. Maluta keeps his cool as he circles with Cole again. Maluta gets around to a roll up, ONE. Now he tries a backslide, ONE. Cole misses, gets a neckbreaker!

Cole gets to a corner, and Maluta comes in with a boot. Maluta hops up but Cole trips him up! Maluta hits the mat while Cole checks his chin. Cole takes his frustration out on Maluta with a ground ‘n’ pound. Cole drops angry ax handles, then kicks Maluta in the ribs. He drags Maluta up and into a corner, to throw heavy hands. He hoists Maluta up to the top rope, then climbs up to join him. Maluta headbutts Cole back! Maluta adjusts, but jumps into a SUPERKICK! Then, with knee pad down, Last Shot Shining Wizard! Cover, Cole wins!

Winner: Adam Cole, by pinfall

Another win for Adam Cole BAYBAY! Cole has been on a hot streak as of late, but he has yet to find a worthy contender. Cole takes up the mic to speak.

“Adam Cole is the most buzzworthy superstar on ANY brand!” That’s because of what Cole gets done in the ring. He defends his title all over the world and North America, even the UK! Example: Maluta, a “young hungry upstart” looking for his opportunity. Who gave him the opportunity? Adam Cole, Baybay. So if there’s anyone who wants a shot– Ricochet appears!

The One and Only responds to Cole’s claims by saying he owes Cole an apology. Cole didn’t run away from competition. Granted, it wasn’t for the title and against a guy Cole won’t even remember, but Ricochet respects Cole is doing his own thing. Ricochet also gives Cole credit that ever since joining NXT, he’s take the industry by storm. But since becoming champion, Cole has shockingly done nothing but be a coward. That’s just Ricochet’s opinion. Maybe COle can change his mind. Cole really is good, but to prove it, have a match. Fans like where this is going. Ricochet wants Cole to have a match with the North American Championship on the line, at TakeOver: Brooklyn IV… against Ricochet. “Unless I was right about you, baybay.”

Cole considers his options, and admits Ricochet is right. Cole is “so, so good”, which is why Cole won’t diminish himself in a match with Ricochet. The champ takes his leave, but fans boo and jeer. Ricochet says that’s fine by him. Leave, like the coward you are. Cole gets mad now, but fans chant “Coward~!” at him. He gets back in the ring but Ricochet scares him off with the handspring superhero landing! Cole shouts he doesn’t have to prove a thing to anyone. The Undisputed Era comes to back Cole up, and now Cole has courage. But to back Ricochet up, are the WAR RAIDERS!

Rowe & Hanson scare Undisputed Era down the ramp then out the side. The Undisputed Era says this is their NXT, but then MUSTACHE MOUNTAIN appears! And a fight begins! Tyler Bate & Trent Seven scare Undisputed Era all the way backstage. Those titles are now targets on their back, can the Undisputed Era survive the Summer?

NXT GM William Regal presides over the Women’s Championship contract signing.

With Kairi Sane and Shayna Baszler seated at the table, Regal is excited at this rematch from the inaugural Mae Young Classic finals. The Queen of Spades has it stop there. This isn’t a simple rematch, because they had that rematch and Shayna won. Shayna’s changed in the last year in NXT. She has a killer instinct the Pirate Princess doesn’t, which is why Shayna’s at the top, and Kairi’s still living off her past glory. Kairi hasn’t done anything since! Kairi simply takes the contract and signs, with an icy stare at Shayna. Regal finalizes the contract while Kairi speaks up. “I know it. You know it. I can beat you.”

Shayna wants Kairi to listen: she doesn’t have what it takes, and is living in a fantasy world. Kairi and the entire locker room are just pretending to be tough. Dakota Kai pretends to have what it takes. Candice LeRae pretends to have what it takes when she should be home being a wife. Kairi pretends to be a pirate after treasure. But they’re all phonies, “and it’s pathetic.” Kairi sighs, as she vows, “In Brooklyn, I will beat you.” Shayna signs, and says that while Kairi isn’t listening now, she will be listening when they say “And still your NXT Women’s Champion.” Shayna storms out, and Kairi lets Regal knows Shayna still knows Kairi can win. Neither side is backing down from their argument, but who will win the fight come TakeOver?

Lacey Evans VS Tenilla Price!

The Lady of NXT has been on a roll as of late, armed with her Woman’s Right. She still needs to climb up towards the NXT Women’s Championship, can she do it against this debuting superstar?

The bell rings and Lacey dares Tenilla to approach. Tenilla does, and they tie up. Lacey powers Tenilla to a corner and grinds in her forearm. She backs off at 4 but comes back to throw Tenilla by her hair! Lacey then runs in for the headstand bronco buster! Tenilla is reeling but Lacey is on her with the draping armlock. Lacey lets up at 4, but then pulls on Tenilla’s hair more to tie it to the rope! The referee reprimands her but Lacey kicks Tenilla loos to then drive in elbow after elbow. Fans boo and jeer but Lacey simply salutes. Then she sweeps Tenilla’s legs and drops the slingshot elbow! Lacey brings Tenilla up for the swinging neckbreaker. She goes for the rolling cover but gets knees from Tenilla! Tenilla runs in at Lacey in the corner, handspring into a WOMAN’S RIGHT! Lacey covers, Lacey wins!

Winner: Lacey Evans, by pinfall

The Model Soldier wipes her brow, she actually worked up a little sweat. She dumps her handkerchief on Tenilla, treating her like the trash can. Will Lacey continue to #ActLikeaLady all the way to title contention?

Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.

The EST is back from her honeymoon, but she’s injured. Because of this, she missed out on the NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contenders match, but that’s not an excuse or anything to be ashamed of. She doesn’t need to work hard to prove herself, she’s undefeated. Everyone has time to catch up but they can’t. Bianca will work her hardest in physical rehab, and when she returns, she will get what she deserves as the undefeated woman of NXT! Bianca repeats this over and over as she takes her leave. Who will be the champion she aims for once she is back to 100%?

NXT Media catches up to Shayna Baszler backstage.

She just finished her contract signing, but her “strong words for a weak person” was no big deal. However, Candice gets up in Shayna’s face over the trash talk she keeps giving. Serena Deeb keeps Mrs. Wrestling from attacking the champ, despite Shayna egging her on. Candice knows now’s not her time, but she’ll find it soon enough. Shayna shrugs it off while taking her leave, but will #BullyBaszler even make it through Brooklyn?

NXT Championship: Aleister Black VS Tommaso Ciampa!

The Dutch Destroyer has made all his opponents in 1v1 action #FadetoBlack, even the lethal Leviathan, Lars Sullivan. However, he’s never gone against someone as sinister as the Sicilian Psycho. Can Aleister keep the number 13 from being bad luck? Or will Ciampa finally have his golden moment?

Both men get in each other’s face as Aleister makes his entrance, but the referee keeps the peace. Fans are clearly on Aleister’s side as the two back off. The introductions are made, the title is raised, and we begin!

The two stare down while fans fire up. Ciampa lets Aleister know it’ll be a simple “one, two, three”, but that only angers the champ. They tie up and go around the ring along the ropes and into a corner. Ciampa has control but the ref counts. He brings Aleister out with an arm wrench and arm lock. Aleister works against the hold for a takedown, going for the leg. Ciampa gets a chinlock but Aleister slides out the back. Ciampa gets a facelock but Aleister reverses to his own. Fans applaud the grappling while Ciampa works to stand up. Ciampa reverses to his own wrench, then a headlock. Aleister powers out but Ciampa runs him over. Ciampa runs while fans boo and things speed up. he fakes out the arm-drag to Oklahoma Roll, TWO! That was close, and CIampa grins because he knows it.

Ciampa and Aleister circle again, then tie up. Fans actually duel as Ciampa gets a hand for the wristlock. Aleister rolls through then reverses to a headlock. Aleister brings Ciampa to the mat, but Ciampa stands back up. Ciampa powers out but Aleister rolls off the back to small package. TWO, so he tries a school boy. TWO, so Aleister uses the arm-drag to armlock. Ciampa sits up while Alesiter wrenches the shoulder. Ciampa stands and breaks free to pie-face Aleister. Aleister swings a kick but Ciampa narrowly evades. Aleister chases Ciampa around but gets caught in a facelock! He gets away, and Ciampa is furious he didn’t get the draping DDT. Ciampa storms back over, but Aleister trips him to drag him out of the ring! Aleister ducks the punch to give a SWIFT roundhouse!

Aleister keeps kicking and hitting Ciampa as the go around the ring. Ciampa gets in and pounces with ax handles and stomps. Ciampa drags Aleister up for body shots in a corner. He whips Aleister corner to corner but Aleister goes up and over to then roundhouse Ciampa again! Ciampa crawls around, uses the ref as a shield, but still gets another kick! He goes to the apron but Aleister in on him with a boot. Aleister runs, but he fakes Ciampa out to springboard back and sit down. He even waves good-bye at Ciampa, the same way Ciampa waves at all his victims. Fans fire up for Aleister while Ciampa refocuses himself. Ciampa takes his time returning, but the ring count climbs. Ciampa gets in at 8, but then goes back out to troll Aleister.

Aleister waits for Ciampa, gets him at the ropes, but Ciampa puts him against them. Ciampa gets a cheap body shot, but Aleister comes back with a waistlock. Ciampa elbows out, but gets a swift kick! Aleister tries a German Suplex, but Ciampa runs at the ropes to hotshot Aleister off. Ciampa runs but into a boot! Aleister runs, but his springboard is dumped outside! Ciampa throws Aleister into barriers, the apron, and then steel steps! Aleister writhes while Ciampa copies the cross-leg sit. Ciampa waves at Aleister before refreshing the count. Ciampa puts Aleister in the ring, then stalks the champ. He dropkicks an arm out, then covers, TWO. Ciampa rams knees into Aleister’s ribs, then pulls back with the half camel clutch.

Fans rally up while Aleister endures. Aleister powers his way up and out, but Ciampa gets him with a pendulum backbreaker! Fans boo and jeer and even chant “You Suck!” at Ciampa as he stalks Aleister. Ciampa drops springboard knees into Aleister’s ribs, then drags Aleister up. He shoves and brings Aleister into an abdominal stretch on the rebound. Aleister endures the bending and pulling, but doesn’t quit. Fans rally up but CIampa reaches back to use the ropes. The referee sees this, so Ciampa lets go at 4. Ciampa brings Aleister back up but Aleister hits back. Ciampa knees low, then suplexes Aleister up. Aleister slips out, but his back gives out as he attempts a German suplex. Ciampa trips him up to then get the Cloverleaf! Aleister resists but Ciampa gets the turn-over.

Aleister endures all that back pain, and drags himself towards ropes. He gets the ropebreak! Ciampa has to let go, and grows frustrated. He and Aleister go to the apron, and Ciampa drags Aleister up by his hair. Ciampa throws a big forearm, but Aleister comes back with one. They brawl on the apron back and forth. Aleister kicks and kicks, and Ciampa goes back inside. Fans rally up while Aleister slowly climbs. Ciampa intercepts, then climbs up to join him. Ciampa has a fireman’s carry, that he shifts around, but Aleister slips out. Aleister wants a powerbomb but Ciampa denies it, so Aleister ditches that to kick out Ciampa’s legs! Ciampa tumbles to the mat, clutching his bad leg.

Fans rally up for Aleister as he aims at Ciampa. Aleister runs into a kick, and Ciampa wants a powerbomb. Aleister resists and back drops Ciampa. Ciampa tries a sunset flip but Aleister sits on it! TWO to Ciampa’s cover, TWO. They get up but collide heads! Both men are down but the fans are rallying up again. Ciampa sits up first and brings Aleister up. Ciampa throws hands but Aleister hits kicks. Aleister dodges the boot to rally with elbows. Ciampa kicks but gets a kick instead. Aleister sweeps the legs to hit the basement dropkick! Aleister handsprings up and is fired up as he glares at Ciampa. He waits for Ciampa to stand to give the strike fest. Aleister runs, QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO!

Ciampa gets to a corner, Aleister runs in, but Ciampa puts him on the corner. Aleister hits Ciampa away but then gets caught in the facelock. He fights his way out to kick Ciampa down again. Aleister stalks Ciampa, but Ciampa swings on him. Aleister blocks to give another strike fest! Cover, TWO! Aleister grows a little frustrated, but he dares Ciampa to get up. Ciampa slowly crawls over, but then asks for mercy. Aleister shows no mercy, “Tweet about this!” He gives stiffer roundhouses to Ciampa’s chest! He even stomps Ciampa out of the ring. Aleister drags Ciampa back up and in through the ropes. Ciampa senses what Aleister wants and scrambles away. Aleister pursues but Ciampa trips him up on the apron! Ciampa climbs up, and hits a FLYING DDT!! Cover, TWO!!

Ciampa is frustrated, but he’s not done yet. He calls back to DIY, but that killer knee is caught! Aleister swings a kick, misses, and gets a lariat! Cover, TWO! Ciampa pulls the knee pads down, runs, but into a knee of Aleister’s! Cover, TWO!! Fans chant “NXT! NXT!” and “This is Awesome!” for this amazing main event. Aleister gets up first, and still has one card to play. He lifts Ciampa with a foot, and waves bye. But Ciampa ducks to roll him up! TWO!!! Ciampa runs into a boot, then Aleister hits Meteora! Then a roundhouse, to German Suplex! Bridging cover, TWO!? Ciampa survives, and manages to slip out of the ring.

Fans are thunderous with their standing ovation, but Aleister keeps going. He runs to the apron and corner for a SUPER ASAI but he lands on his feet as Ciampa gets clear. Ciampa shoves Aleister into a cameraman! Ciampa puts Aleister in the ring, and while the ref is distracted, he grabs a CRUTCH! He jams it into Aleister’s neck! Cover, TWO!!! Ciampa is furiously shocked. He drags Aleister up, puts him through the ropes and drapes him out. But Aleister gets in and dumps Ciampa all the way out. Aleister runs, to FLY! Direct hit with the tope conjilo. Aleister hurries to put Ciampa in the ring, but on reentry, DRAPING DDT!! Ciampa covers, TWO!?!? This is unheard of!

Ciampa refuses to accept this, and has one more classic move to use. He exposes bare concrete! The referee reprimands Ciampa, but Ciampa doesn’t care. He still brings Aleister over on the apron. Aleister clutches rope to resist, and Ciampa argues with the ref. Ciampa still tries, but Aleister shoves him, into the ref! The referee hits concrete while Aleister hits BLACK MASS!! Cover, but there’s no one to count! The fans get to 10 but it doesn’t matter. Aleister is furious, where is another ref? He goes out to check but the referee’s in no shape. Aleister returns to Ciampa, and Ciampa digs his fingers into Aleister’s eye!!

Fans boo and jeer but Ciampa gets away with it. Ciampa also gets the belt, and brings it into the ring. He aims at Aleister, but here’s Johnny! SUPERKICK! Johnny Gargano grabs the belt, but he and Ciampa tug-o-war with it. Ciampa lets go, and the belt hits Aleister! Then Ciampa throws Gargano out. The referee returns in time for Project Ciampa!! Cover, Ciampa wins!!

Winner: Tommaso Ciampa, by pinfall; NEW NXT Champion

This is truly a tragedy! CIampa reigns over NXT, and Full Sail is in dismay. The fans boo, jeer, chant and even give thumbs down, but Ciampa is still the new champion. The Scourge makes good on his promise to make it one-and-down, and makes sure we all know it. Will this dark day in NXT history mark the beginning of a new era?

My Thoughts:

Wow! What a great night for NXT! Most of it comes from the main event, but everything before it was still really good. Cole VS Maluta went as expected, but Ricochet daring Cole to a match is great. War Raiders AND Mustache Mountain going after O’Reilly & Strong is also great. I sense all of Undisputed Era will be in action at TakeOver: Brooklyn, and chances are will lose all those belts of there. But that’s fine, because then Cole can go up to NXT Championship while Bobby Fish returns to team with O’Reilly and Strong moves over to the North American Championship. That way, Undisputed Era can be even more decorated in their second reigns together.

Lacey Evans looked good again in that squash of the new girl. Again, she has to wait her turn, but she’ll be fine. Bianca Belair will also be fine, because as she said again and again, she’s undefeated. Candice LeRae is also still primed for at least a feud with Shayna Baszler without the title, that’ll be fun. Shayna VS Kairi Round 3 will be great regardless of who wins, but I’m personally hoping it’s Kairi. Kairi freshens things up enough so that Heels like Lacey and Bianca can step up on the road to WWE Evolution, which will have its own NXT Women’s Championship match. Plus, with Jessamyn Duke & Maria Shafir on the way, Shayna can join her fellow MMA Four Horsewomen to face the NXT/WWE Four Horsewomen.

Then came the NXT Championship main event, HOLY CRAP this was worthy of a TakeOver too. Such great story elements with Ciampa’s game plan, and wow I didn’t think Gargano would cost Aleister like that. This better not be a weird DIY conspiracy thing. Instead, I hope this turns into a triple threat for the title at Brooklyn, and possibly Gargano’s own crowning moment via taking it from his former friend.

My Score: 8.8/10