NXT finishes the 2019 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic! Will The Forgotten Sons shock us all? Or will they simply #FadeToBlack and #StayForgotten?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kacy Catanzaro & Lacey Lane VS Aliyah & Vanessa Borne; Catanzaro & Lane win.
• Matt Riddle VS Kona Reeves; Riddle wins.
• Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Finals: The Forgotten Sons VS Aleister Black & Ricochet; win the 2019 DRTTC, and will challenge The War Raiders for the NXT Tag Team Championships at TakeOver: New York.

PLAY BY PLAY

Adam Cole heads to the ring!

The Undisputed Era’s charismatic leader has a match for the vacant NXT Championship in New York after winning last week’s massive Fatal 5 Way! The title itself sits in the ring as Cole picks up a mic. “Last week, I outlasted four of NXT’s very best” to earn this championship shot against Johnny Gargano. Now Cole could give us a million reasons why he’ll leave New York with the title, but he wants Gargano in person to found out exactly what he’s in for. Gargano accepts being called out and makes his way to the ring! Johnny Wrestling stands with Cole in the ring and fans duel with their chants. Gargano sits on the top rope with his mic while the fans keep going. And going, and going.

Gargano seems content to let them go forever, but Cole tells them all that he doesn’t need their support! But Gargano says he loves the chants. And the chants begin again. Gargano says Cole has a million reasons, so he dares Cole to go ahead and list them. One million, huh? The fans should get their cameras out because history is being made: Cole is actually at a loss for words! Or is it that Cole knows that man to man, he’s in the fight for his life against Gargano. Gargano has said his path ends with the NXT Championship. With Ciampa out, his path goes through Cole. So in New York, Gargano will show Cole exactly why he’s Johnny TAKEOVER, baybay!

Cole asks if that’s supposed to scare him. Because Gargano might not remember, but he hasn’t been in the winner’s circle of TakeOver much. In fact, that nickname should instead be “Johnny Participation”. And Johnny Participation cannot beat Adam Cole 2-outta-3-falls. Gargano can’t even win one fall and here’s why! Cole was the inaugural NXT North American Champion, at a TakeOver. The Undisputed Era won the first NXT WarGames match, at a TakeOver. Cole debuted to beat down Drew McIntyre and hold the title up, at a TakeOver! So how fitting that Cole returns where it all began to reach the pinnacle of his career, while beating Gargano at the same time? Cole has earned everything he’s won, but what has Gargano done?

Does Cole think Gargano hasn’t earned anything? Gargano didn’t have the red carpet like Cole. He didn’t get a huge debut to a top spot. Gargano started at a try out where he was told he wasn’t good enough. He was undersized, didn’t have “It”, but he didn’t let that stop him! Gargano fought for one chance, and that was at the inaugural Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. He was put in a makeshift team with a guy he barely knew. They were two unsigned indie guys told to prove themselves, and they fought for their “freaking lives”! Fans chant “DIY!” as Gargano continues listing the history. They won, but with no contracts. Only for them to be invited back again and again and again. Why? Because every time Gargano shows up, he pours his heart out! That’s why fans chant “Johnny Wrestling”! And fans chant it now.

Gargano says the louder fans chanted, the harder he worked! Because he wasn’t alone, the fans fight for him like he fights for them! Gargano fights for those who are told their dreams won’t ever come true. Gargano earned his contract on NXT, at every TakeOver, and every title he’s had! “Because this place is my LIFE!” Fans cheer for Gargano’s passion. Gargano says he wasn’t handed a top spot and a crew of cronies. But he wouldn’t change a thing about how these last 4 years hav egone, because it’s all taking him to TakeOver: New York. He vows to fight to fulfill his destiny, and then he’ll finally become NXT Champion! Gargano throws down the mic just like he threw down the gauntlet!

Cole leaves, but he decides to speak. “What an inspirational story.” This is like a living Lifetime movie! But the deal is, Gragano can scratch and claw all he wants, when they leave the Barclays Center, Adam Cole will be champion! “And here’s why.” The Undisputed Era appears on stage! Triple H said it would be a definitive 2-outta-3-falls, but it’s not gonna be definitive. It’ll be Undisputed. Gargano sees Cole plans to stack the deck, but can he again defy the odds and truly be Johnny TakeOver?

NXT shares post-show footage from last week.

After the Fatal 5, fans gave an ovation to the tired and defeated Aleister Black and Ricochet. But the Forgotten Sons gave them a blindside beat down! Steve Cutler, Wesley Black and Jaxson Ryker picked the bones and clobbered Ricochet and Aleister! Fans taunted, “We Forgot You!” but clearly the Forgotten Sons refuse to let anyone forget them for long. Will they regret reminding Aleister and Ricochet who they are in tonight’s Dusty Rhodes Classic finals?

Kacy Catanzaro & Lacey Lane VS Aliyah & Vanessa Borne!

With the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships bringing about a tag team division, NXT has already developed quite the women’s tag division of its own! Leading the charge are the Visions, Aliyah & Vanessa, but will their little win streak make it through this pair of American kunoichi?

The teams sort out and Aliyah starts against Lacey. Aliyah knees and forearms then tags Vanessa. They throw Lacey down by her hair then Vanessa covers. TWO, but Vanessa keeps on Lacey by her hair. Lacey spins through and kicks to then acrobatically arm-drag Vanessa right out of the ring! Fans fire up behind Lethal Lacey Lane, but Vanessa leads her on a cat ‘n’ mouse game. Aliyah tags in and boots Lacey down! Vanessa taunts Lacey while Aliyah puts her in the ring. Aliyah throws forearms in the corner with fury, then clubs Lacey down. Tag to Vanessa, and Aliyah pulls Lacey back against the ropes! Aliyah lets go at 4 and Vanessa takes over by hanging Lacey upside down and kicking away on Lacey’s back! Vanessa puts Lacey in for big headbutts and a tag to Aliyah.

The Visions work together to choke and pull Lacey into the ropes. Vanessa goes to the ropes and hits Lacey with a straddle attack! But here come Shayna Baszler and the Horsewomen again… Aliyah and Vanessa clear out before Shayna, Jessamyn and Marina fully arrive. The Horsewomen are fine with those two running away because it means they’re afraid. Jessamyn shoves Kacy down and Shayna knees Lacey in the face and out of the ring!

Winners: Kacy Catanzaro & Lacey Lane, by disqualification

Kacy & Lacey may get the win, but the Horsewomen aren’t done! Shayna drags Kacy up and into the ring, and puts her in the Kirafuda Klutch! But Kacy goes American Ninja Warrior with the turnbuckle! She dropkicks Shayna, then dropkicks both Marina and Jessamyn! Fans cheer Kacy on as she wheelbarrows Shayna, but gets caught into the Kirafuda anyway! Kacy fades out but Shayna refuses to let go until she’s satisfied. Shayna holds her title over her head while standing over Kacy, making a statement towards her coming Fatal 4 Way championship defense. Then she comes over to the commentary to tell them and the NXT Universe that this is still HER Division! She stands on the table and holds the title up high again, but will she really leave New York with that title?

Matt Riddle VS Kona Reeves!

The Original Bro wants to be the North American Champion in New York, but will this be The Finest Tune-Up or the Finest Upset?

The bell rings and Riddle circles with Kona as fans chant “BRO! BRO!” Kona and Riddle approach and Kona slaps Riddle! Riddle rushes Kona and they end up in the corner. Kona uses the ropes as a defense as Riddle goes after his legs, and the ref backs Riddle off. Kona SLAPS him again! Riddle staggers and Kona’s on him with a headlock punch. Kona goes to whip but Riddle holds the ropes, so Kona knees low. Kona drags Riddle but Riddle reels him in to push away. Riddle stands but Kona fireman’s carries. Riddle sunset flips and rolls Kona to then sweep the leg! Kona ducks the Penalty Kick and dodges the moonsault, but not the back senton! Riddle fires up as he gut wrenches Kona!

But then Velveteen Dream appears? He has two dreamy assistants help move his Velveteen Couch onto stage while he lounges on it. Kona jumps on Riddle in the distraction but Riddle standing switches! Kona pulls Riddle into ropes, and hits a single leg saido suplex! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives and The Finest is furious! Dream is impressed while Kona goes after Riddle with elbows. Kona drags Riddle into a “Kona Clutch” but Riddle fights his way up. Dream “cheers” Riddle on as he pries Kona out for a Bro Clutch! Cover, TWO! Riddle counter punches and CHOPS Kona! Riddle fires off palm strikes and a boot to a PELE! Kona staggers but Riddle tilt-o-whirls for a ripcord Bro Trigger! Riddle fumes as he looks at Dream before drilling elbows into Kona’s head and shoulders! Then the Bromission! Kona taps, Riddle wins!

Winner: Matt Riddle, by submission

But Dream speaks up before any celebration can begin. Dream officially announces the winner as “the man who gets to journey to TakeOver: New York to face Your Velveteen Dream, Matthew Riddle!” Riddle appreciates the announcement, but he also walks right up to Dream and takes a sip from his Velveteen Grail. Then tosses it aside! Riddle also takes the mic from Dream to tell him, “See you in New York, bro.” Will Dream’s ego be made to submit at TakeOver? Or will it be #DreamOver once again?

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Finals: The Forgotten Sons VS Aleister Black & Ricochet!

The Dusty Rhodes Classic is almost over, and we have the most unexpected match-up imaginable! Will Cutler & Blake shock the world? Or will they simply #FadetoBlack while the Dutch Destroyer and the King of Flight take on the War Raiders for the NXT Tag Team Championships?

The introductions are made and the teams sort out. Blake starts against Aleister with the bell, but then both teams rush each other! Ricochet and Aleister send the Forgotten Sons out and they regroup with Ryker. Cutler and Blake slowly return and Blake circles with Aleister. Blake kicks and headlocks but Aleister tries to power out. Blake holds on but Aleister gets out on the second try, only for Blake to run him over. Aleister ends up back in the headlock and Cutler tags in. Cutler takes the hand-off and throws hands on Aleister. Cutler whips but Aleister dodges and boots back. Ricochet tags in but Blake rushes back in.

Ricochet catches him with a kick, and both he and Aleister whip the Forgotten Sons. The Forgotten Sons reverses but Aleister and Ricochet both dodge to roll of their backs, and hit their signature poses. Ryker creeps up behind but Aleister and Ricochet see him coming. The Forgotten Sons try to attack in the distraction, but Ricochet dodges to handspring and headscissor Cutler while Aleister counter strikes Blake out of the ring! Ricochet dropkicks Cutler out, and then builds speed to slide out. The Forgotten Sons get clear and grab Ricochet but Aleister kicks Blake off. Cutler throws Ricochet but Ricochet tiger feints back! Aleister holds the ropes for Ricochet to FLY on Cutler & Blake both! Fans fire up with the Unexpected Duo as they take control of the ring.

Ricochet fetches Cutler but Cutler rolls all the way out. Aleister is there to cut him off, and Ricochet comes around to punch and CHOP Cutler. Ricochet puts Cutler back in again, but Blake also comes in. Ricochet fights off both Forgotten Sons with haymakers and chops, but he handsprings into Ryker’s cheap shot! The ref missed it dealing with Blake, so the Forgotten Sons get away with it! Ricochet writhes while Aleister protests but Blake tags in to stomp away. Blake drops springboard knees on Ricochet’s back then whips for a side backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Cutler tags back in and the Forgotten Sons whip and combine for a double backbreaker. Cover, TWO! Ricochet lives but Cutler drags Ricochet up for knees to that back.

Cutler whips Ricochet to a corner hard! He stomps Ricochet and drags him back up for forearms to the spine. Cover, TWO! Cutler drags Ricochet around to pull him back in a camel clutch. Fans rally up as Ricochet endures, and Ricochet fights his way up and out. Cutler holds on to Ricochet as he reaches for Blake. Ricochet throws hands and reaches for Aleister, but Cutler pulls him away! Cutler reels Ricochet in for a rebound backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Tag to Blake and the Forgotten Sons give Ricochet a double urenage backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Tag to Cutler and they continue on that back. Cutler pulls Ricochet back in another camel clutch but fans rally up. Ricochet reaches for ropes but he’s fading. He gets a second wind and fights his way back up.

Ricochet elbows out but Cutler shoves, only to get a back elbow! Cutler still puts Ricochet in a corner, but Ricochet pushes him away, somersault shotgun dropkick! Ricochet stands but Blake runs in. He sends Blake out but Cutler back suplexes. Ricochet lands on his feet but Blake trips Aleister! Aleister stays on his feet and chases Blake, but Cutler’s already dragged Ricochet away. Cutler and Blake give Ricochet another urenage, but he slips out to boot them both away! Ricochet’s somersault is caught, and Blake catapults, but Ricochet uses that to hot tag Aleister! Aleister rallies on the Forgotten Sons with forearms! Aleister spins Cutler’s back hand into Blake! Then he fires off a strike fest, leg sweep to sliding knee! Blake returns but both Forgotten Sons get a quebrada! Cover, TWO!

Aleister fires up and grits his teeth as he aims at Cutler. Aleister drags Cutler up with a foot under his chin, but he has to elbow Blake away first. Cutler pushes Aleister to a corner but gets pushed away. Aleister leaps but Cutler gets under. Cutler kicks and double underhooks to a backbreaker! Cover, TWO!! Aleister still lives but Cutler keeps his focus. Cutler drags Aleister up and tags Blake. Cutler fireman’s carry while Blake climbs, but Ricochet shoves Blake down! Ricochet then climbs and leaps for a flying huricanrana! Aleister slips out but Cutler elbows him off. Aleister runs but Cutler dodges, and Aleister has to stop his boot from hitting Ricochet.

Cutler rocks Aleister with a right, but Ricochet boots Cutler. Blake returns and dodges a boot to give a BIG clothesline! Aleister hits a springboard meteora on Blake! All four men are down but Full Sail fires up! Aleister crawls and tags in Ricochet. Ricochet brawls with Blake, giving forearm after forearm and even an uppercut. Blake gives one back! Blake suplexes but Ricochet fights out. Ricochet tries to suplex but Blake counters. They go back and forth, each getting higher and higher on the suplex. In the end, it’s Ricochet with a twisting suplex of his own! Fans are thunderous as Ricochet drags himself to a corner. Ricochet climbs but Blake gets clear of the Phoenix Splash. Blake runs in but is tossed out hard!

Ricochet climbs again but has to fight off Cutler. Blake returns to rock Ricochet and climb up behind him. Blake hits a SUPER REVERSE RANA, but Ricochet lands on his feet!! Ricochet says “No no no”, and Blake gets mad. Ricochet uppercuts and haymakers, then fireman’s carry. Blake fights out, then fights out of the waistlock. Aleister tags in, and he roundhouses Blake into Ricochet’s fireman’s carry! GTS to BOOT! Cover, but Cutler pushes Ricochet onto the pile! Cutler goes after Ricochet but Ricochet throws him out. Cutler drags Ricochet out to throw him into steel steps! Blake rolls Aleister, TWO, tag to Cutler! Aleister runs into Blake’s backstabber! Cutler climbs and leaps, elbow drop on Aleister across Blake’s knees! Cover, but Ricochet breaks it!! Full Sail loves this, even as Cutler throws Ricochet back out. Cutler drags Aleister over and Blake tags in.

The Forgotten Sons coordinate, buckle bomb to knees! Then Blake holds Aleister in the inverted DDT, but Aleister slips out! He shoves Blake to the corner and catches Cutler with a knee! Roundhouse for Blake! Aleister is furious, but the spinning knee hits Cutler! Blake kicks Aleister, powerbomb lift to gutbuster drop!! Cover, Aleister gets a ropebreak! Ryker pushes the foot off but the ref catches him! The ref EJECTS Ryker!! The third Forgotten Son is furious, but his brothers in arms keep on Aleister. Blake lifts but Aleister slips out. Ricochet tags in, BLACK MASS TO BLAKE! Aleister MOONSAULTS onto Cutler! Ricochet 630 for Blake!! Cover, Ricochet & Aleister win!!

Winners: Aleister Black & Ricochet, Ricochet pinning; 2019 DRTTC Winners; NEW #1 Contenders to the NXT Tag Team Championships

The One and Only Unexpected Duo is headed to Wrestlemania Weekend! Aleister and Ricochet overcame numbers and will challenge the War Raiders! They celebrate with the silver cup and boots, but will they soon be celebrating with gold belts in New York?

Speaking of, the War Raiders appear on stage! Rowe & Hanson march down and join their challengers in the ring. The four men stare down before the champions raise their belts high. But will Hanson & Rowe still have those belts after Wrestlemania Weekend?

My Thoughts:

An incredible night for NXT! The face-to-face for Adam Cole and Johnny Gargano was great, given Gargano’s passion and Cole’s perfectly Heel reminder that he has friends. It’s a good tease as to how Shayna had the Horsewomen help her against Kairi Sane in their 2-outta-3 Falls, but I wonder if something happens to keep it from ending up exactly the same. The best thing would be if Candice LeRae helped her husband by fighting off Roderick Strong & reDRagon. Either way, I can’t be sure which is more likely, but it would be great for Gargano to become NXT’s first Triple Crown Champion.

I really should’ve seen the Horsewomen coming out to ruin the women’s tag match going on. It was pretty great for Kacy to stand up like she did, but naturally Shayna stands tall in place of a match. Kairi VS Bianca next week is going to be a great go-home match, so hopefully it finishes. Riddle VS Kona was about the squash I figured, but it was great to see Dream distract with an entire couch. Their match will be great, but I wonder if Riddle wins to be the first undefeated men’s champion in NXT. The Dusty Rhodes Classic finals was amazing! The Forgotten Sons still have so much heat on them, but they did great in this match. And it is great for Aleister & Ricochet to challenge for the titles. I just can’t imagine them getting those and still a shot at main roster titles.

My Score: 8.7/10