NXT has a #RRREEEALDream Match!

While the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament continues, Finn Balor vows to prove why HE is the greatest champion ever!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox VS Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez; Dakota & Raquel win.
• Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group A: Drake Maverick VS Jake Atlas; Atlas wins.
• Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group A: KUSHIDA VS Tony Nese; Kushida wins.
• Mia Yim VS Jessi Kamea; Mia wins.
• Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group B: El Hijo del Fantasma VS Jack Gallagher; Fantasma wins.
• Velveteen Dream VS Finn Balor; changed to…
• Velveteen Dream & Keith Lee VS The Undisputed Era; Dream and Dexter Lumis win.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT opens with chaos!

Finn Balor’s private dressing room has been wrecked! Someone, or perhaps multiple someones, left Balor’s bags and a torn up shirt but there’s no sign of The Prince himself. What happened to Balor? And what does that mean for the main event tonight?

Velveteen Dream is already in the ring!

And he’s parodying Balor’s entrance! Dream has a leather jacket and a mic as he says, “New levels, new devils.” And then he does a finger gun. Dream says that in his experience, sometimes you’re just dealing with the same old demons. None of that matters tonight, because Dream was stood up by The Demon. Yes, Finn Balor, he means you. But wait! The Undisputed Era’s Adam Cole returns! The NXT Champion says a lot of people assumed Balor VS Dream was going to determine a new #1 contender. But that’s rather convenient, isn’t it? Balor is suddenly nowhere to be found! Cole knows EXACTLY what’s going on here. Dream is trying to weasel his way into a guaranteed opportunity. Dream can dream all he wants but he will never be NXT Champion! Adam Cole is reality! And while we don’t know what happened to Balor, Cole knows what’s going to happen to Dream. The Undisputed Era jumps Dream from behind!

Bobby Fish and Roderick Strong stomp away and then Cole joins in! The 3v1 has Dream against the ropes! They drag him up but Dream keeps kicking. But here comes the NXT North American Champion, Keith Lee! He BLASTS the Undisputed Era and rallies with lariats! Lee swats the boot away to run and POUNCE Cole into Strong! The Undisputed Era regroups and retreats as Lee stands with Dream. Will the Limitless One help Dream stand against Cole and his cohorts? Will we learn what happened to The Prince tonight?

Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox VS Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez!

The Team Kick Civil War took a new turn when the wild child made sure the odds were even! But will she be able to help Tegan #TCB, take care o’ business? Or will #CobraKai and the Daughter of the Desperado kick them both to the curb?

The teams sort out and Tegan starts against Raquel. The bell rings and Raquel rushes right at Tegan with a boot! But Tegan side-steps it to go for a roll-up. Raquel stays up and stomps at Tegan. Tegan gets up but Raquel whips. Shotzi tags in and Tegan dropkicks a knee. Shotzi gives a knee, a spinning forearm and a question mark kick! Shotzi runs and springboards to huricanrana, but Raquel stays up! Raquel powers Shotzi up but Shotzi escapes the bomb attempt. Shotzi dropkicks Raquel back and Dakota tags in. Dakota rushes at Shotzi but Shotzi trips her up! Dakota shoves Shotzi back but Shotzi goes up and over in the corner. Shotzi comes back and arm-drags Dakota! She boots away the clothesline to hit a SLING-DOG! Dakota crawls to ropes and Shotzi shouts, “WELCOME TO THE BALL PIT!” What? Shotzi runs and CANNONBALLS into Dakota! Oh that’s what she meant.

Tag to Tegan, and she hits a CANNONBALL, too! Tag to Shotzi but Dakota bails out. Raquel runs in but gets dumped out! Tegan helps Shotzi go up and FLY for a crossbody! Down go Dakota and Raquel, and Shotzi howls to the moon while NXT goes to break!

NXT returns and Raquel has Shotzi in a Canadian torture rack! Shotzi endures but Raquel vows to break her.  Raquel RAMS Shotzi into the corner and Dakota tags in. Dakota BOOTS Shotzi down off the top, then drags her in for a cover. TWO, but Dakota keeps on Shotzi with a whip to the corner. Dakota glares at Tegan before going Around the World. The boot misses but Dakota hurries to grab Shotzi. Shotzi enziguris! Hot tags to Raquel and Tegan! Tegan dodges Raquel to hit Dakota down! Tegan rushes Raquel and throws hands, but Raquel clamps on a choke grip! But Tegan breaks free to CHOP away! She backs Raquel down with forearms and body shots! Tegan fires up but her clothesline doesn’t drop Raquel! Nor does the second one! Tegan stomps Raquel’s foot and uppercuts, then HEADBUTTS! Tegan whips but Raquel blocks and reverses.

Raquel runs in but only gets buckles. Tegan uppercuts again, then adds an enziguri! Raquel staggers and Tegan climbs up. Dakota runs over but Tegan boots her away. Tegan leaps, into Raquel’s arms! Raquel FALL AWAY SLAMS Tegan! Shotzi tags in and climbs up, to leap for a SEATED SENTON! Cover, TWO! Dakota runs in and grabs Shotzi, but Tegan throws Dakota out. Dakota drags Tegan out to BOOT down! Shotzi runs, wheelbarrows but Raquel blocks the bulldog, for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Raquel and Dakota win!

Winners: Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai, by pinfall

The difference maker makes all the difference. Will Raquel’s strength and Dakota’s speed be a combination the NXT Women’s Division is not ready for?

NXT announces a big new main event!

With Finn Balor nowhere to be found and the tension rising between Dream and Cole, a tag team match has been made! Dream and Lee team up to take on the Undisputed Era’s Adam Cole and Roderick Strong! What will happen in this #UndisputedLimitlessDream match?

NXT shares Drake Maverick’s emotional video message.

“I have been released from my WWE contract.” Maverick is very fortunate that the WWE is still allowing him to compete in the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament. It is very likely they will be the last matches Maverick will ever have. Maverick was in tears as he finished recording.

Since then, Maverick has reflected on what this opportunity means. He hasn’t been in the ring in some time, and he’s going up against some of the best in the world today. This tournament now means everything to him. He isn’t done yet, he still has a story to tell. This isn’t even about the title anymore, this is about his life. The global crisis is affecting everyone, from his coworkers, friends and family. Maverick is not special, but he has to give it his all in these next three matches. Just as he said when he poured his heart out, he doesn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him. There are those going through way worse. But Maverick will do everything he has to because he is not done yet. Maverick vows to become NXT Cruiserweight Champion. Will Maverick fight his way back into the WWE in this round robin?

Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group A: Drake Maverick VS Jake Atlas!

As we just heard, the former 205 Live General Manager is staking it all on this tournament! He is a man with nothing to lose and everything to gain! But will that motivation be enough to overpower Atlas?

Before the match, we learn about the newest signing from Evolve. Atlas sharpened his skills and honed his craft and now joins the top athletes in the world. Atlas wants to break barriers and pave the way for others, as well as make those who support him proud. This title symbolizes that whatever you aim for, you can obtain it. The odds are against him but he’s been breaking stereotypes and proving doubters wrong all along.

The bell rings and the two tie up. Atlas pushes Maverick away, showing the difference physically already. But Maverick comes back and gets a headlock. Atlas powers up and out but Maverick slides under to a waistlock. Maverick tries for a roll but Atlas bucks Maverick off, only to turn around into Maverick’s sunset flip. Atlas slips out but Maverick ducks the kick. Atlas standing moonsaults but Maverick gets clear! Maverick goes to sweep the legs but Atlas cartwheels out of the way! Atlas gives a bow but Maverick gets up in a huff. Maverick and Atlas circle again, and Maverick mocks the bow, to then lunge at the leg! Atlas blocks the initial takedown but Maverick brings him around for a trip. Maverick then shifts right to a headlock and grinds Atlas down.

Atlas powers up and the two stand. Maverick shifts to an armlock and traps an arm. Maverick wants La Magistrol or perhaps Tequila Sunrise but Atlas gets away. Atlas and Maverick stand off and reset. They tie up again, Maverick KICKS a leg! Atlas hobbles to a corner but Maverick is after him again. But Atlas powers up to Alabama Lift Maverick! Maverick kicks and gets to the apron for safety, then shoulders in! He slides under, goes around and dropkicks! Atlas wobbles but Maverick runs in. Atlas catches Maverick for a bomb, but Maverick fights for his life! Maverick drags Atlas over the ropes with a headscissors! Atlas hits the floor and Maverick catches his breath. Maverick drags Atlas up and into the ring, then runs, into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Both men grit their teeth as they slowly stand.

Maverick gets to a corner but Atlas whips him corner to corner hard! Atlas drags Maverick up but Maverick pushes him away. Maverick manages to stand in the corner, but Atlas reels him in for a SLAM! Atlas has the waistlock still, and makes it a bearhug. Maverick fights with elbows but can’t get free. He endures the squeeze and throws elbows. Atlas drags Maverick up but Maverick runs him into buckles! Maverick is free but Atlas comes back. Maverick POSTS Atlas! Atlas slowly gets out but Maverick KICKS the leg again! Maverick throws hands and European Uppercuts! Maverick whips corner to corner, Atlas reverses, but Maverick goes up and over! He baits Atlas into a drop toehold that sends him into buckles! Maverick adds on with another KICK! Atlas staggers and Maverick climbs up, for a missile dropkick! Maverick has the legs, TEQUILA SUNRISE! Atlas scrambles and gets the ropebreak!

Atlas bails out but Maverick DIVES!! Maverick is on fire as he puts Atlas back in! Maverick climbs up while Atlas is in the drop zone. MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!?! Atlas survives but Maverick has a wild look in his eyes. Maverick cravats, but no Sliced Bread! Atlas hits a SUPERKICK!! Atlas climbs up top now, but slowly. Maverick SHORYUKENS! Maverick climbs up to join Atlas, and jumps, but Atlas denies the Super Steiner! Atlas cartwheels on the ropes to DDT Maverick!! Cover, Atlas wins!!

Winner: Jake Atlas, by pinfall; (moves up to 1-0; Maverick drops to 0-1)

The grit and determination was off the charts! Atlas has his first win in both this round robin and in NXT period. Is he on course towards the title? As for Maverick, this is strike one. Will he be able to rebound in the next round?

On-stage interview with Jake Atlas.

Congratulations are in order for this big win. Atlas says he is on top of the world right now! He wants to say something to Maverick on his way out, but Maverick sulks and storms off. Atlas says Maverick gave him a hell of a fight, but that’s one down and tow to go. The world will know Atlas’ story when he becomes the new NXT Cruiserweight Champion.

Someone is replaying last week’s Keith Lee vignette.

The Limitless One’s story has been shared with the entire NXT Universe. But Damian Priest doesn’t give a damn about it. The only thing he cares about is that North American Champions. The same title he granted opportunities to, to the people he knew he could beat. Lee handpicked Cameron Grimes because he knew he could win. He did the same thing with Dominik Dijakovic. And that Triple Threat wasn’t Lee’s idea, it was William Regal’s. And Lee still didn’t beat Priest. Priest understands why Lee avoids him. Priest hits hard, and is the one man that can limit him. Lee thinks of himself as “The Moment Maker.” Priest has a moment for Lee: Priest’s first NXT main event when he beat Keith Lee. But now, he’s thinking of a bigger moment. No, the biggest moment. It’ll be when Priest beats Lee for the title, and solidifies his story, so that he will #LiveForever. When will this huge challenge happen?

Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group A: KUSHIDA VS Tony Nese!

The Time Splitter is no stranger to round robin tournaments, and is ready to conquer this one. The Premier Athlete is no stranger to title tournaments, and is ready to win another. But then who proves they can win a round robin that’s for the title? The first step starts here!

The bell rings and Kushida circles with Nese fast. Nese waistlocks and throws Kushida away! Nese flexes but Kushida keeps his cool. The two go again, go around, and Kushida gets the arm. Nese gets around to another waistlock and slams Kushida down! Nese floats to a facelock, but Kushida slips out and gets Nese in a facelock of his own. Kushida keeps hold as Nese rolls, and again. Kushida floats all over Nese and pats him on the back. Nese gets up in a huff as Kushida flexes back on him. Nese powers Kushida down and has the leg, but Kushida rolls around. Kushida resists but Nese still gets both legs in a modified deathlock. Kushida reaches back and gets Nese in a headlock! Nese rolls but Kushida holds on and shifts to a hammerlock. Kushida cranks but Nese powers him to ropes. The ref calls for the ropebreak, and Nese pie faces. So Kushida ROCKS him with rights!

Kushida backs Nese down but Nese throat chops! Nese brings Kushida around for the bulldog hotshot! It wasn’t the best landing for Nese, but he drags Kushida out to throw him into railing! Nese keeps on Kushida by throwing him hard into more barriers! He puts Kushida back in the ring and covers, ONE! Nese keeps on Kushida as he brings him up. Kushida throws forearms again, but Nese throws him to the apron. Kushida stays on and climbs up, to leap for flying ax handles! Nese flounders but Kushida whips. Nese reverses, and trips up the handspring! He drags Kushida out again and back into barriers! Nese is fired up as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Kushida endures the Nese squeeze. Nese pulls on Kushida’s hair while he has the body scissors on tight. Kushida CHOPS so Nese CHOPS back! It’s a CHOP fight inside the body scissors! Kushida gets an edge as he CHOPS again and again! He gets free but keeps on with a ground ‘n’ pound! Nese powers Kushida away and both men stagger to their feet. He CHOPS Kushida back but Kushida CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Nese whips but Kushida reverses to throw Nese out. Kushida walks into another hotshot! Nese PREMIER TRIANGLES, but he FLOPS! Kushida fires up to throw forearm after forearm! He whips but Nese reverses, but Kushida hits the handspring back elbow! He whips Nese to hip toss, cartwheel and dropkick! Nese flounders into the FAST BALL! Kushida Penalty Kicks the arm!

Kushida whips but Nese holds ropes to fake the hip toss out. Nese ROCKS Kushida, but Kushida KICKS away on the arm! Kushida whips, Nese reverses, slides and pump handles! He lifts but Kushida has the bad arm! HOVERBOARD LOCK! Nese endures, stays standing, and powers through to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Both men are down but Nese drags himself to the corner. Nese climbs up but Kushida handspring heel kicks! Kushida hurries up top, but Nese pushes him down! Nese 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!?! Nese can’t believe it! Both men are down but Kushida goes to a corner. Nese has a target, brings down the knee pad, and runs, into a SHOTEI! Kushida runs in to SHOTEI again! Nese is down and Kushida heads up top! But Nese SHORYUKENS!

Nese climbs up and drags Kushida into the fireman’s carry. Kushida fights with elbows, and then shifts around, for the SUPER HOVERBOARD, and TAKEDOWN! SAKURABO LOCK!! Nese taps, Kushida wins!!

Winner: KUSHIDA, by submission (moves up to 1-0; Nese drops to 0-1)

And the Super Junior takes the crucial first win! Will this lead Kushida to another championship in his career? Or can Nese make a recovery to catch back up?

Backstage interview with Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher.

Last week, everyone got a big surprise when the Bro’s mystery partner was the debuting Thatcher in an NXT Tag Team Championship defense. Both belts are on Riddle’s shoulders because obviously he and Thatcher won against Indus Sher. But Riddle makes it clear, Thatcher is his new tag partner for the time being. Riddle loves “T Time” here, but he still misses Stallion Pete. But a big win is a big win, so how are they gelling as a team? Thatcher says that even with that big win, there’s a long way to go. Clearly both men have different philosophies. Riddle likes the knockout, Thatcher prefers to lock on and make an opponent submit. Thatcher is a beautiful man, and every time Riddle looks into those blue eyes, he is reminded of Stallion Pete. Um, Thatcher’s eyes are brown. They sure are, bro. And next week, the NXT Universe will see how beautiful Thatcher really is. What does Riddle have in mind? Just trust him, bro.

NXT, “we gave you fair warning.”

He’s coming~! He already struck down Tommaso Ciampa. And soon, everyone will know that “you can’t stop it.” Scarlet and Karrion Kross are here, and doomsday is upon NXT. Who will be left standing when the clock strikes midnight?

NXT hears from Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae.

“September 16th, 2016.” That is a day Gargano will never forget. The most beautiful woman said, “I do,” and became Mrs. Wrestling. Gargano’s fairy tale came true. Most people only get one fairy tale ending, if even that. But Gargano’s entire career has been a fairy tale. The first ever NXT Triple Crown winner! Who would’ve thought? No one but Gargano. During a time when NXT had superstars like Finn Balor, Samoa Joe, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kevin Owens, and Ricochet, who would’ve thought Johnny Gargano would become the heart and soul of the brand? No one but Gargano. “And who thought that Johnny Gargano was always the better man over Tommaso Ciampa?” No one, but them. Dinner is served and both Mr. & Mrs. Wrestling feel great. Because they are not living in a fairy tale, they are living in reality. The true fairy tale was NXT.

“You can play by the rules as much as you want, but let’s be honest.” The NXT Gargano loves has become a toxic wasteland where the good people, like Johnny and Candice, are taken advantage of! The horrible people thrive and are rewarded! The real fairy tale was thinking being a good person and being nice to everyone was going to lead to success. Media appearances! Can Gargano do those? Yeah, no problem! Merchandise! Can Gargano sign these? Yeah, no problem! Happy birthday messages “for some stupid kid”! Can Gargano film these? Yeah, no problem! But it’s a cookie cutter world where they take advantage of kindness. Gargano is sick and tired of saying yes all the time while “a dirt bag like Tommaso Ciampa gets what he doesn’t deserve.” You know who does deserve everything? Gargano does! He is sick and tired of waving the NXT banner on top of a mountain of under appreciation.

Candice agrees. But sadly, that’s just the NXT way. She’s been underappreciated since she stepped foot in the place. She played the big sister role to the entire women’s locker room. Tegan, Dakota, and countless others. Candice sacrificed for those women. She put them before herself. Candice ate second so they could all eat first. It’s what was right. But when she needed help, where were they? Any of them! Nowhere to be found! And Candice kept telling herself, “They’ll change, Candice. It’s okay, they’ll change.” But isn’t that what some people call, “insanity?” Doing the same thing over and over and over, expecting a different result. Insanity is quite enlightening. But in celebration, Gargano lets Candice eat first. Take what you deserve, because that is what they’ll both do from now on.

They both know how NXT has worked for a long, long time. Too long. All these random people walked all over them, and all the horrible people got things handed to them. Yet these two were given table scraps! They wanted to keep the personal and professional lives separate, but where did that get them? Gargano got hurt. Friends betrayed them both time and again! But who does Gargano trust? Candice. And Candice can trust Gargano. They tried to fix NXT separately. But now, they are going to tear NXT down and rebuild it in their image. It isn’t just the Johnny Gargano way. It’s their way. The Johnny & Candice way. And they’ll make history as the first ever married couple to reign together! NXT Women’s and NXT Champion. They will rule together. And then everyone else will get what they deserve, when the happy couple gets what they deserve.

NXT hears from Io Shirai.

“I’ve been waiting a long time to face Charlotte Flair.” But why is that? Because the Evil Genius wants to show Charlotte just how great Shirai really is. “She will find out everything when she sees my eyes in the ring.” The #1 contender is coming for the title. “The castle where the beautiful, beautiful queen lives… I’m destroying it!” Oi, Charlotte! Shirai bows down to NO ONE.

Backstage interview with Drake Maverick.

Maverick is alone, sulking on the stairs, as he is asked about his defeat. “Jake Atlas is great.” Every other athlete in this tournament is fighting their opponent. Maverick is fighting his opponent, and himself. Maverick thinks that maybe everyone was right about him. Is Maverick throwing in the towel when there’s still two rounds to go?

Mia Yim VS Jessi Kamea!

The Head Baddie In Charge got a lot of praise from Charlotte Flair, and wants to stay sharp before that “lesson in humility” the Queen promises. Will Mia sharpen that edge at the expense of the nerdy-turned-naughty Jessi?

The bell rings and Mia circles with Jessi. They tie up, Jessi gets the wristlock and wrenches, but Mia powers Jessi to a corner! Mia grinds forearms but Jessi pushes her away. Jessi runs into Mia’s drop toehold, and Mia headlocks. Jessi throws body shots then whips, but Mia runs her over. But Jessi kips right up! Mia is impressed, and they speed up. Jessi runs Mia over but Mia shows she can kip, too. Jessi runs, Mia side steps then follows to redirect her. Mia comes back to run Jessi over! Jessie is up but Mia fakes her out and kicks her in the back! Cover, TWO! Mia drags Jessi up and throws big knees. She whips Jessi to a corner but Jessi dodges. Jessi waistlocks but Mia standing switches. Jessi bucks Mia off and wipes her out with a windmill kick! Cover, TWO!

Jessi keeps on Mia with a ground ‘n’ pound! Mia powers out but Jessi pushes her around. Mia throws body shots but Jessi CLUBS her down! Jessi snapmares Mia but Mia kicks back. Jessi throws Mia down by her hair then springboards, for an elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Mia gets to a corner and dodges Jessi running in. Jessi hops up and jumps but her dropkick misses! Mia rallies with clotheslines and boots! Jumping neckbreaker! Mia fires up as she taunts Jessi. She brings Jessi up, hits an STO and then flips Jessi for PROTECT YA NECK! Cover, Mia wins!

Winner: Mia Yim, by pinfall

The HBIC gets the W! But wait! Charlotte Flair returns to NXT already! The two stand face to face and surely Mia heard. “Out of the deepest division, I wanted a match with you first.” Mia has had time to think about it, does she still want this match, too? The last five years, Mia has watched Charlotte grow into The Queen she is now. But Mia has grown into the Head Baddie. She would be honored to be in the ring with her. Good! Because Charlotte never got to thank Mia for that match five years ago. Mia helped Charlotte become a star. Mia has always been “a good hand,” so now Charlotte will finally make Mia into a star, too. A back handed compliment, but Flairs know about back hands. Will Mia give it back in kind?

NXT hears from Jack Gallagher.

“Gentleman Jack” has been with the WWE Cruiserweight Division for the last four years. In that time, he has yet to be Cruiserweight Champion. It was fun and games, but now he’s here to be a champion, “not a bloody joke for you people.” Outside of the ring, he remains a gentleman. But inside, when you see those tattoos, that is warpaint. Those are proof of the live he has lived etched into his skin. In this tournament, we will see things from Gallagher that you never expected.

“Another day in the life of the Robert Stone Brand.”

Robert Stone himself lounges poolside while the Hot Commodity, Chelsea Green, poses for a swimsuit photo shoot. Chelsea was mere inches from becoming #1 contender. But now, they will reload, move forward and prove why she is the face of the NXT Women’s Division. She is beautiful, brilliant and tough. Name another woman who has that? Shotzi Blackheart? No. Tegan Nox? No way! Not even Rhea Ripley! Chelsea says that she put the world on notice in that ladder match. She proved she’s not just a pretty face. She is the total package! Yes, she is. And she’s a future NXT Women’s Champion. Yes, she is.

Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group B: El Hijo del Fantasma VS Jack Gallagher!

The Son of the Phantom makes his NXT in-ring debut in the biggest way possible! He is therefore also the newest member of the Cruiserweight Division. But his first match will be quite the challenge against one of the pillars of 205 Live. Will the gentleman turned jackal ruin the debut? Or will his road to the title continue to be treacherous?

The bell rings and the two rush each other! They tie up and ago around, and Fantasma puts Gallagher on the ropes. Gallagher puts him in the corner and the two scrap. Gallagher wants after the mask but the ref reprimands. He backs Gallagher off and Gallagher smirks. Fantasma glares as he and Gallagher circle again. They approach, tie up and Fantasma waistlocks. He slams Gallagher down and facelocks. He holds on as Gallagher rolls, but Gallagher slips out to hammerlock. Gallagher again pulls the mask but shifts to a chinbar. Fantasma sits up and reaches back to use him for leverage. Fantasma stands, powers out and speeds things up to dropkick Gallagher down! Cover, ONE, but Fantasma has Gallagher in a chinlock now.

Gallagher endures as Fantasma cranks the neck. Gallagher stands up, headlocks back, but Fantasma powers out. Fantasma leaps into a fireman’s carry, and wasteland slam! Cover, ONE! Gallagher tries again, ONE! Another cover, TWO! Gallagher keeps his cool as he simply works to tire Fantasma out. He brings Fantasma up but Fantasma throws forearms! Fantasma ROCKS Gallagher with a right then builds speed. Gallagher tosses Fantasma to the apron and ROCKS him back! Gallagher baseball slides but Fantasma ducks under, only for Gallagher to throw him into railing! The second generation luchador is down and Gallagher refreshes the count. Gallagher drags Fantasma up by his mask, and throws EuroUppers. He knocks Fantasma against railing again, then refreshes the count a second time. The ref reprimands so Gallagher goes back in to stay. He reaches for Fantasma, only to get a PELE!

Fantasma counter punches Gallagher from the apron. Fantasma traps on arm, then hops up to get the other, for a crucifix toss! Gallagher crashes down but Fantasma builds speed. Fantasma fakes Gallagher out with that somersault, to then PESCADO! Direct hit and Fantasma fires up! Gallagher is crawling away as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Gallagher spins Fantasma on the apron to KICK in the back! Gallagher keeps toying with the mask, then gives another KICK! Gallagher drags Fantasma in for a cover, TWO! The fighting gentleman grows frustrated and he stomps Fantasma’s arm! He cranks on it from wrist to shoulder but Fantasma endures. Fantasma works up to his feet and powers Gallagher back. Fantasma tries but can’t power out of the hold. Gallagher cranks harder on the arm, but Fantasma gets up again. Fantasma whips then breaks Gallagher’s grip to run him over with elbows and clotheslines! Fantasma fires up as he puts Gallagher in a corner. He throws forearm after forearm but Gallagher throws body shots back. Gallagher backs Fantasma up to ram his shoulder into the ribs! Gallagher throws a punch but Fantasma dodges to SUPERKICK! That sends Gallagher tumbling out of the ring!

Fantasma builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit with that powerful tope suicida! The ring count climbs as both men are down, but Fantasma puts Gallagher in at 7. Fantasma stalks Gallagher to a corner and stomps him. He throws some elbows then goes corner to corner. Fantasma hits a corner uppercut! And then a sudden wheelbarrow victory roll! TWO, but Fantasma keeps his cool. Gallagher stands but Fantasma fireman’s carries. Gallagher claws the mask then O’Conner rolls, TWO! Fantasma gets up, to get a HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!! Fantasma survives and Gallagher can’t believe it! Gallagher grits his teeth as he gets back up. He goes corner to corner now, but the Gentleman’s Dropkick misses! Fantasma fireman’s carries but again the mask is a target. But Fantasma knees away on Gallagher’s head, before hitting the SAMOAN DRIVER! Cover, Fantasma wins!!

Winner: El Hijo del Fantasma, by pinfall (moves up to 1-0; Gallagher drops to 0-1)

The debut is successful! Fantasma joins Akira Tozawa in the top half of the block while Gallagher joins Isaiah “Swerve” in the bottom.

On-stage interview with El Hijo del Fantasma!

A big win for his debut, and he politely takes the mic from Mackenzie. “Muchos gracias” to everyone around the world at home watching. Fantasma vows that this tournament will be his, as will that NXT Cruiserweight Championship. Is tonight’s win just the first of many?

NXT gets set for a big night next week!

Charlotte Flair and Mia Yim have their rematch from the match that started it all! Will the Queen make the Head Baddie in Charge bow down? Plus, Priest’s challenge was heard, and accepted! It will be Keith Lee VS Damian Priest for the NXT North American Championship!!

NXT shares footage from the commercial.

El Hijo del Fantasma was on his way out, speaking with NXT Media about his tournament win, when another mystery van pulled up! And they came for Fantasma! He fought them off and they ran away! What is with those mysterious luchadors and their abducting NXT superstars?!

Velveteen Dream & Keith Lee VS The Undisputed Era!

Dream no longer minds that The Prince is no longer his opponent tonight, because he has the opponent he’s wanted after for weeks. Will the experience be limitless tonight? Or will the winners be undisputed?

The bell rings and the Undisputed Era attack immediately! Strong goes after Lee while Cole goes after Dream! Lee bumps Lee back and Dream turns things around to TACKLE Cole into a corner! Fish swipes at Dream but Dream kicks him away. Dream DECKS Cole while the ref reprimands Fish. Dream wants after Fish but the ref takes care of it. The ref says Fish is EJECTED! Meanwhile, Strong and Lee spill out of the ring. Lee knocks Strong down, but Priest appears! Priest JAMS the baton into Lee’s chest and throat!! Lee is gasping for air as Dream returns to the ring. Dream sees Lee is down and has the ref check on him. They call for help and additional refs appear. Cole and Strong aren’t sure what happened but they like that it’s in their favor. And while everyone’s busy with Lee, the Undisputed Era RAM Dream into railing! Things are chaotic again as NXT goes to break!

NXT returns and Dream is without Lee as Strong ROCKS him with a right! Cover, TWO! Strong mocks Dream by going to the corner and offering a tag. Dream flounders up but Strong clamps on with a facelock. Dream powers Strong to the corner and rams him into buckles! He throws body shot after body shot, then whips Strong. Strong reverses and sends Dream hard into the Undisputed corner! Tag to Cole, and Strong brings Dream up. Dream fights back, blocks a boot and throws hands. But Cole BOOTS Dream into the OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO! Dream still lives and Cole grows frustrated. Cole tells Dream that he is a nobody and will never be champion. Cole drops ax handles and knees on Dream then drags him to the corner. Tag to Strong and the UE mug Dream in their corner. Strong drags Dream up and scoops for a backbreaker! Cover, ONE, so Strong drags Dream up for an atomic BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Strong keeps close to Dream and has him for a grounded cobra twist. Dream endures being bent, but wait. Is that Dexter Lumis on the apron!? Lumis is in Dream’s corner! Why!? What is his obsession with the Undisputed Era about? Dream powers up and pries free of the hold! Strong staggers but Dream elbows him down! Dream crawls towards the corner, but Strong brings him around. Strong suplexes but Dream slips out! Dream fireman’s carries, for a DREAM VALLEY DRIVER! Strong and Dream crawl, and Lumis reaches out his hand! The ref says Lumis needs the tag rope so Lumis grabs it. Cole rushes at Dream but Dream slips under and then leaps over! HOT TAG TO LUMIS! Lumis rallies on Cole with uppercuts! Strong runs in but gets uppercuts and a dropkick! Lumis stomps Strong to the corner then rains down right hands! Cole turns Lumis around and kicks low to whip. But Lumis reverses, Cole ducks a haymaker, but not the Thesz Press!

Lumis rains down fast hands on Cole, then catches Strong for a SPINE BUSTER! Cole flounders into the URENAGE! But Fish returns! He isn’t allowed out here! Lumis tags Dream then FLIES onto Fish and Strong!! Dream is up top, for the PURPLE RAIN MAKER!! Cover, Dream and LUMIS win!

Winners: Velveteen Dream & Dexter Lumis, by pinfall

The Experience pins the NXT Champion!! He has a path to the title! But what is Lumis’ part in all this? And what happened to Finn Balor?!

My Thoughts:

What a wild episode! So much great stuff, stuff I didn’t even expect them to have tonight. But also, an elephant in the room that needs to be addressed. I’m glad Drake Maverick isn’t gone, but it really brings into question what’s really going on. As linked to and reported, Maverick was among the many names on the released talent list last week on #BlackWednesday. I assumed NXT was going to bring back a repackaged Mendoza or Wilde to take his place and use it for story. Instead, Maverick had a vignette to somehow turn the release into its own story. Was Maverick’s release real? If so, was his emotional video somehow the thing that convinced WWE to secretly keep him? Or was it all a badly timed work? In a vacuum, Maverick fighting for his job on top of a title is really powerful stuff, because it was. But given the situation, it just seems a little disappointing that NXT has been dragged into Vince territory.

I won’t knock his match for it, though. Maverick and Atlas really did put it all on the line because of the stories they both came in with. Though Atlas didn’t say any words relating to it, it was clear he is fighting to openly represent the LGBT community within the WWE Universe. That is not solely why he won, because he is a great athlete, and it also just works better in Maverick’s story if he has to struggle even more. I’m not sure Maverick gets even a single win, but I could see Atlas being in the middle of the block with a 2-1 record. Nese VS Kushida was also an incredible Group A match, and naturally Kushida wins to lead off. Kushida is still the favorite to take the group, while Nese VS Atlas will be a big match to determine second and third place in the group. Gallagher VS Fantasma was a great match to wrap Group B’s opening round, and again, it’s natural for Fantasma to win here. I’m intrigued by them tying Fantasma to that luchador abductors story, though. Is it a group trying to stop luchadors or consolidate them?

The Women’s Division gets another strong showing tonight. The opening tag match was really good, and it makes sense for the Heels to win in order to extend the story. Can NXT please lead the way in extending the WWE Women’s Tag Team Division? Though, I suppose that would mean Fox gets over themselves and lets Bliss-Cross be on NXT at some point. Robert Stone and Chelsea Green have a decent promo, mostly about the aesthetics of the Hot Commodity. Jessie Eleban returns as Jessi Kamea and has a decent showing against Mia Yim. I’m very excited to see Charlotte VS Mia next week with the story of both women improving over the last 5 years. Pretty sure Charlotte wins but I’m sure Mia will look strong. Shirai had a great little promo, I wonder if her match with Charlotte is part of Money in the Bank given how A) NXT is slowly becoming on par with Raw and SmackDown, and B) the MITB matches are changed up this year.

Scarlet and “Karrion Kross” are officially named on air so that’s a nice development. Candice and Gargano gave an amazing cinematic promo. It was like a horror movie or something, and that’s a great development for their characters. I would love if they got to accomplish that goal of being the super couple of NXT. Then there’s the Finn Balor mystery and the great overlapping of stories. Lee VS Priest is going to be great next week but wow did Priest do a number on Lee (in kayfabe). And as I sensed last week, Lumis is apparently targeting the Undisputed Era as the most bizarre Face I’ve seen in some time. But at the same time, could Lumis have been the one to go after Balor because he “knew” things would go this way? Did he create the opening for himself to join Dream against the UE? Or was it just Imperium because of what Balor said last week? I’m actually hoping it’s Lumis. Dream getting the win is great, and Cole VS Dream is going to be great, too. It’s hard to say if Dream wins or not, but if WWE pulled the trigger on McIntyre with an empty arena, I would think HHH could do the same for Dream.

My Score: 9.2/10