Will doomsday take over NXT?

NXT’s thirtieth TakeOver event could see the landscape change forever! Will the Limitless Keith Lee be made to Fall and Pray by Karrion Kross in their epic first-ever match for THE NXT Championship?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Preshow – NXT Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Triple Threat: Breezango VS El Legado del Fantasma VS Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch; Breezango win(s) and will challenge Imperium for the titles.
• Finn Balor VS Timothy Thatcher; Balor wins.
• Vacated NXT North American Championship Ladder Match: Bronson Reed VS Damian Priest VS Cameron Grimes VS Johnny Gargano VS Velveteen Dream; Priest wins and becomes the new NXT North American Champion.
• Adam Cole VS Pat McAfee; Cole wins.
• NXT Women’s Championship: Io Shirai VS Dakota Kai w/ Raquel Gonzalez; Shirai wins and retains the NXT Women’s Championship.
• NXT Championship: Keith Lee VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux; Kross wins and becomes the new NXT Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the TakeOver Preshow!

Join Scott Stanford and Sam Roberts in discussing, analyzing and predicting the action for tonight! Plus, special guest, the two-time WWE Hall of Famer, Booker T!

William Regal “greets” Pat McAfee and his crew.

Regal wants McAfee to remember that his match with Adam Cole is 1v1. McAfee tells Regal, “See this tan?” He’s not sweating it, and Regal doesn’t have to worry about a thing.

NXT Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Triple Threat: Breezango VS El Legado del Fantasma VS Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch!

The action starts already as these three incredibly talented teams battle to determine who moves on to face Imperium! Will it be the fun loving Prince Pretty and Lord of the Dance? The all business Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza? Or the BritAm Brawlers and their one two combination?

The teams sort out and in this Triple Threat, it’s one man each! Mendoza starts with Oney and Fandango, but Mendoza BOOTS Breeze off the apron! Fandango goes after Mendoza with fast hands and the two brawl. Oney waits as Mendoza enziguris Fandango to then throw Mendoza out. Oney hurries out but Mendoza bumps him off the apron. They end up on the apron while Wilde goes after Burch. Burch CHOPS Wilde away while Mendoza tries to suplex Oney. Oney holds the ropes, pushes back, but Mendoza enziguris! Mendoza gets in to CHOP Fandango in a corner then whip him. Fandango reverses, Mendoza slips out and hits Fandango back. Mendoza climbs up, Fandango shoves him down to the floor!

The crowd fires up as Wilde runs in, dodges one clothesline but not the LARIAT! Fandango drags Mendoza up, Crucifix BOMB to the outside! Down go El Legado and the One Two! Fandango paces as he waits for anyone to get in the ring. The crowd rallies as Oney is on the apron. Fandango brings Oney up but Oney hotshots! Oney lines things up and suplexes Fandango! Fandango holds the ropes to suplex Oney in. Oney slips out, O’Conner rolls, TWO! Fandango cradles, TWO! Fandango European Uppercuts but Oney gives it back! These two brawl, Fandango gets the edge but Oney fires up! Fandango swivels hips but Oney CHOPS and CHOPS! Oney runs, Fandango clotheslines himself and Oney out! They keep brawling!!

The crowd fires up as Fandango CHOPS again! Oney EuroUppers, Mendoza TRIANGLE TORNILLOS!! Mendoza takes Oney and Fandango out then puts Oney in. Mendoza tags in Wilde and Wilde stands on Oney’s hand. Breeze tags in and gets in, but Wilde sends him into Oney. Wilde neckbreakers Oney to DDT Breeze! Cover on Oney, TWO! Wilde covers Breeze, TWO! Wilde grows frustrated but takes it out on Oney and Breeze with stomps. Wilde shifts to clubbing forearms and dropkicks Oney! Burch tags in and rallies with big hands! Burch throws EuroUppers and a whip, but Wilde reverses. Burch boots back, hops up and missile dropkicks Wilde down! The crowd fires up as Burch hits Wilde with a corner clothesline and enziguri! GERMAN SUPLEX and a LARIAT!

The Govenah is fired up and he has Oney climb. Burch Electric Chairs Wilde but Wilde slips out. They standing switch, Wilde fights out and hits Oney. Wilde kicks and clubs Burch to fireman’s carry but Burch slips off to HEADBUTT! Tag to Oney, they combine, DRAPING DDT! Cover, Mendoza breaks it! Breeze tags Fandango as Mendoza snap suplexes Burch. Fandango CHOPS away on Oney, whips him corner to corner, but Oney goes up and over. Fandango SUPERKICKS Oney, then SUPERKICKS Mendoza out of the air! Breeze tags in, they combine for the Fashino Fopa! LEG DROP!! Cover but Wilde is right there to break it! Oney throws Wilde out, drags Breeze up but Breeze throws him out. Breeze goes after Mendoza but Mendoza fires off forearms!

Breeze kicks back, runs, but into the SPANISH FLY! Mendoza puts Breeze in the drop zone, Wilde tags in and climbs, 450 SPLASH! Cover, but Burch and Fandango both break it! The crowd is thunderous as all six men are down! Mendoza shouts to Wilde and Wilde is on Breeze. Breeze spins things around, Oney BLASTS Wilde with a EuroUpper! SUPER MODEL KICK!! Breeze covers, BREEZANGO WINS!

Winners: Breezango, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the NXT Tag Team Championships)

This match was going a mile a minute and is over in the blink of an eye! Fandango and Breeze will have a chance at redemption against Imperium, will they make good on their second chance?

WE! ARE! NXT!!

Chicago, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, WarGames and beyond, the black and gold has grown bigger, stronger, and wilder. Dakota Kai says she’s in Io Shirai’s head, but will it be what’s in Dakota’s corner that wins for her? Pat McAfee wants to embarrass Adam Cole but will he just embarrass himself? Karrion Kross and Scarlett added literal fire to this already dangerous encounter. Can Keith Lee cancel the apocalypse?

Finn Balor VS Timothy Thatcher!

What better way to begin this milestone for NXT than with a man who himself set a milestone? The Prince and the Professor of Pain both wanted to be fighting for the North American Championship, but Dexter Lumis was a monkey wrench in those plans. Balor attacked Thatcher as a way of passing blame, but Thatcher attacked back to screw Balor over. Will the score be settled here as NXT enters a new era?

The bell rings and Balor goes right at Thatcher with fast hands! Thatcher tries to get a leg but Balor keeps hitting him. Thatcher manages a takedown and ground clinch then shifts to slap away on Balor. Balor puts up a guard, Thatcher goes after the arm! Balor sits up to go after Thatcher’s leg then get an arm! Thatcher moves to cover, ONE, and Balor continues to go after the arm. Thatcher fights free, pushes Balor and waistlocks. Balor counters with a wristlock but Thatcher clubs him. Balor keeps cranking on the arm but Thatcher gets a leg. Thatcher brings Balor down, digs into the knee but Balor uses his free foot to kick back. They knuckle lock, Balor drop toeholds to facelock. Thatcher pops out, facelocks back, and keeps a wide base.

Balor endures as the crowd rallies up. Balor gets up, Thatcher puts him on ropes to CLUB him! Thatcher facelocks again, Balor endures but Thatcher CLUBS him at the ropes again! Thatcher keeps with that facelock, Balor endures the grind and the crank and the crowd continues to rally. They end up on ropes again, Balor dumps Thatcher up and out! Thatcher gets back in but Balor kicks him while he’s down! Balor stomps away on Thatcher’s head! Thatcher gets the other foot and trips Balor up. Balor resists the toehold but Thatcher uses his own knee as a point of leverage! Thatcher cranks on Balor’s leg but Balor tries to chinbar back. Thatcher just cranks harder! Balor kicks with his free leg but Thatcher pulls on the foot! Thatcher shifts to a heel hook but Balor ropebreaks!

Thatcher lets go fast, to CLUB Balor down. Thatcher knees Balor in the side, laces up the legs, and fish hooks Balor’s face! The ref reprimands but Thatcher pulls Balor into a Bow ‘n’ Arrow! Balor endures, pops free and covers! TWO, and Thatcher kicks the leg he’s been after. Thatcher has the foot, stands on the other leg, and pulls! Balor endures being stretched apart as the crowd rallies. Balor kicks with his free foot but Thatcher KNEES him in the side! Thatcher KICKS Balor while he’s down, then looms over him. Balor gets right up to fire off fast hands! Thatcher puts Balor in a corner, Balor boots back! Balor trips Thatcher up and jackknifes but Thatcher rolls through! Thatcher gets the KIMURA!

Balor endures as Thatcher cranks on the arm! Balor turns over so it’s just a hammerlock, but Thatcher wants the free arm now! Thatcher pulls and twists from elbow to wrist to fingers! Balor endures as Thatcher slips in for the crossface, and a KNEE! Thatcher digs the knee in while he chinlocks. The crowd rallies as Balor endures. Thatcher knees Balor again then clubs him down! Thatcher clamps onto the left arm again but Balor resists. Thatcher clubs and knees again! Thatcher keeps Balor close with a facelock, and he wants the butterfly underhooks. Balor powers Thatcher up and over for a suplex! Bridging cover, TWO! Thatcher still has the butterfly hold! But Balor back drops, Thatcher sunset flips, Balor rolls through to basement dropkick!

Both men are down and the crowd rallies back up. Balor stands first but Thatcher sits up in a daze. Balor throws haymakers but Thatcher forearms back. They brawl back and forth, Balor uses a run to add momentum to his forearm! Thatcher throws a EuroUpper, Balor hits back with haymakers and body shots! Thatcher grabs Balor’s jaw to SLAP! Balor PELES! Both men are down again and the crowd is fired up! Thatcher gets to a corner, Balor stands up and Balor runs in to CHOP! Balor whips corner to corner, and CHOPS again! Thatcher stays up as Balor runs in, no Sling Blade as Thatcher knees low! Thatcher underhooks, Balor trips Thatcher up for DOUBLE STOMPS! Balor grits his teeth as the crowd cheers.

Balor clamps onto Thatcher with a dragon sleeper and drags Thatcher up. Thatcher slips through to fireman’s carry and even pull on a hand. Balor slips off but Thatcher throws forearms. Thatcher waistlocks, Balor pops out but Thatcher wrenches free of the facelock. Balor rolls, drags Thatcher into a cobra twist! Thatcher endures, pries free, but Balor dragon sleepers for BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!! Thatcher survives but Balor keeps his cool. Balor aims, runs, shotgun dropkick sends Thatcher into buckles! Thatcher is in the drop zone and the crowd fires up! Balor climbs up top, takes aim, COUP DE G- NO! Thatcher moved and Balor’s bad leg gives out! Thatcher is like a shark with blood in the water as he goes after the leg!

Balor tries to fight but Thatcher gets him for a Half Crab! Thatcher pulls back with the heel hook but the crowd rallies as Balor endures! Balor powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! Thatcher pulls Balor away from the ropes to try again. Thatcher KICKS Balor over and over, Balor kicks back! Thatcher goes after an arm now, Balor gets free to KICK back! Thatcher clutches his ribs while Balor gets back up. Balor brings Thatcher up, Thatcher enziguris! And GERMAN SUPLEXES! Thatcher seethes as he grits his gnarly teeth. Balor stands up, they both go around wanting control, and Balor gets the twist back! GROUNDED COBRA, TWO! But Balor gets a seated cobra twist! Thatcher endures, pries at the fingers, and frees himself while bending Balor’s fingers! ANKLE LOCK!

Thatcher has a wild look in his eyes as he keeps Balor away, but Balor rolls forward! Thatcher’s down and Balor DOUBLE STOMPS him again! The crowd rallies up as both men slowly stand. Thatcher swings but Balor ducks it to hit the elbow drop DDT! Thatcher is down again, Balor heads up top again! COUP DE GRACE!! But Balor doesn’t cover, he wants Thatcher to pay! Balor drags Thatcher up for 1916!! Cover, Balor wins!

Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall

A historic TWELTH win at TakeOver! The Prince certainly learned that Thatch As Thatch Can is a strong school of wrestling, but he still came out on top. Will Balor look to take on whoever is champion after tonight?

Vacated NXT North American Championship Ladder Match: Bronson Reed VS Damian Priest VS Cameron Grimes VS Johnny Gargano VS Velveteen Dream!

This title may have been vacated by the Limitless One, but the keyword here is “opportunity.” Many superstars were given an opportunity to get in on this furious five man match, but these were the five that rose above the rest. It was wild, it was incredible, and at times it was controversial. Will there be any question as to who is the NEW North American Champion after tonight?

The introductions are made, the belt is already high above the ring, and this Thicc Infamous Savage Heartless Experience begins!

The bell rings and Priest DECKS the Scott Steiner chain mail hood right off of Dream! Priest brawls with Gargano, Reed brawls with Grimes, and Gargano gets thrown out of the ring. Dream gets up but Priest hits him again while Reed stalks Grimes. Priest and Reed surround Grimes and start throwing haymakers, then Reed elbows Grimes down! Reed and Priest stare down and the crowd rallies up. But Dream shoves Reed into Priest! Garagano returns, school boy kick misses on Dream but the Famouser hits! Dream fireman’s carries Priest but Priest slips out. Priest lifts Dream but Dream lands on his feet to block that Complete Shot, into the Dream-DT!

Priest bails out and Dream SUPERKICKS Reed! Grimes returns, blocks the superkick and laughs, but he spins into Dream’s fireman’s carry. Grimes slips out, whips, Dream reverses to throw Grimes right out! Dream gazes up at the belt and hurries to fetch a ladder. But he looks for one under the ring and Grimes CLOBBERS him from behind! Dream crashes into steel steps and Grimes brings out… A step ladder? “Who put this here?!” Priest CLOBBERS Grimes and then brings out a big ladder. Grimes clubs Priest, runs but Priest moves, and Grimes runs up the ladder! Grimes is on the apron and he Penalty KICKS Priest away! Priest flounders as Grimes drags in the ladder. Gargano grabs the ladder and it’s tug-o-war. Gargano lets go and Grimes goes staggering away.

Grimes comes back into Gargano’s SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Gargano brings the ladder up but Priest is in and he ROCKS Gargano. Gargano hits back, runs, but into a BOOT! Priest brings Gargano up into the crucifix, but he has to BOOT Reed away first. Priest dumps Gargano and spins at Reed, but Reed catches Priest! Reed uses Priest to knock Gargano down! Then FALL AWAY SLAM for Priest! The crowd fires up for Auszilla as he intercepts Dream’s ladder. Reed pulls ladder and Dream in together! Dream wants Reed to calm down, but he baits Reed into dumping him out and over the ropes! Dream sets a ladder up, but so does Priest! They both climb, Grimes parts the ladders and sends them both flying!

Grimes resets the ladders and climbs them both, but Priest and Dream return. They split the Grimes as Reed walks under. Grimes hops down and Reed runs him over! But Dream and Priest ladder sandwich Reed! They both pick the ladders up, Reed gets away as they THROW the ladders! The ladders crash and almost hit Priest. Priest runs at Dream but Dream dodges to clothesline Priest out. Dream kicks Reed then kicks one ladder aside. Gargano and Dream grab the same ladder for another tug-o-war, Grimes runs in but gets run over by that ladder! Reed uses that ladder to knock both Gargano and Dream over! BACK SENTON!! Gargano and Dream are crushed but Reed isn’t exactly feeling the best. Reed drags the ladder up but Priest returns to throw haymakers!

Reed throws body shots and a rolling elbow! Grimes ROCKS Reed, whips but Reed reverses to LARIAT Grimes inside out! Reed picks the ladder up again and stands it up. Gargano climbs it but Reed pushes him away. Reed sets the ladder up, blocks Gargano’s huricanrana, but Gargano gets up and over to the ladder. Gargano kicks Reed away but Priest drags Gargano down. Priest choke grips, Gargano uses the lift to get up again. Reed clubs Gargano, brings him off, the two big men combine, but Gargano GERMAN SUPLEXES Priest and Dream chop blocks Reed! Gargano falls on Reed, but he takes a tumble. Grimes and Dream DOUBLE SUPERKICK Reed! Gargano gives them thumbs up, and they’ll get them together. Except Gargano tries to climb behind their backs!

Grimes and Dream stop that, so he folds that ladder up. Gargano and Dream use the ladders to RAM Priest and Reed over and over, then dig the ladders into the behemoths’ heads. Grimes brings in more ladders and he uses one on Priest. Dream sees Grimes’ betrayal coming and kicks first! Dream throws hands, goes to a corner and climbs up. But he doesn’t see Gargano throwing a ladder at him! Dream sits down, Priest RAMS into Gargano! Gargano is stuck between two ladders as Priest runs in to HIP ATTACK! Grimes smashes Priest with a ladder and now Priest, Gargano and Dream are stuck on that corner. Reed drags Grimes into an atomic drop! Grimes is the final layer as Reed runs, THICC BOI LADDER SANDWICH SPLASH!!

Grimes and Gargano are down, Priest spasms to a corner and the crowd cheers, “This is Awesome!” Reed has Dream on the top rope, climbs up and brawls with him. Priest clubs Reed and brings him down to then go after Dream himself. Dream wants mercy but Reed hits Priest. Dream hits back but Priest hits back. Grimes runs at Reed but Reed catches the Cave-In in bomb position! Grimes grabs at Priest fast, SUPER POWERBOMB GERMAN SUPERPLEX!! What an insane Tower of Doom!! The crowd is thunderous as those four are down! But Gargano sees he’s got an opening and gets a ladder back in. The crowd hopes they “Fight Forever!” but Gargano looks to end this. Gargano climbs but Reed stops him. They go around like cat ‘n’ mouse but Gargano kicks low.

Gargano hops on, Grimes gets around him but Reed uses Gargano as a weapon! Grimes falls and hotshots, then Reed FALL AWAY SLAMS Gargano! Priest takes the ladder now and climbs! Priest touches the belt but Dream clubs him! Dream brings Priest down to fire off big haymakers over and over! Dream hurries up the ladder, Priest springboards and kicks the legs out! Dream falls, Priest climbs! Grimes drags Priest away, but Priest kicks back. They brawl, Priest fires off kicks and kicks on Grimes and even Gargano. Priest springboards, Gargano SUPERKICKS him out of the air! Dream drags Gargano up to throw him out but Reed has the ladder! Reed RAMS Dream! And SMASHES Grimes! And swings on Gargano, but Gargano ducks. Gargano slingshots, ONE FINAL BEAT jams the ladder into Reed’s face!

Reed flops down, Gargano sets the ladder on the ropes. Gargano elbows Dream away then uses the ropes the sling it at Dream! Dream stays standing, picks the ladder up, but Gargano ducks as Dream CHUCKS the ladder!! The ladder hits Plexiglas and almost hits Priest!! Gargano dumps Dream out onto the ladders! Gargano DIVES and crashes Reed into the boards! The crowd fires up as Gargano runs around the way, but into Grimes’ COLLISION COURSE! Dream AX HANDLES Grimes outta nowhere! Dream has Gargano but Reed DIVES?!? Everyone is wiped out again and the crowd is loving it! Grimes is up first and he has the TALLEST ladder of them all! Grimes puts that in and stands it up but Priest returns.

Priest BOOTS the ladder into Grimes! Then Priest sees all those targets, and runs to go up the ladder and FLY!! Direct hit takes out Dream, Gargano and Reed but also Priest! The crowd loses their minds for that one, but all of this has been insane! Dream sits up in a daze but Reed gets to his feet. Candice LeRae comes out to check on Gargano, and then to stop Grimes’ climb!? There are no rules in a ladder match but this just isn’t fair. Candice pushes the ladder over and Grimes can only shout at her. Candice fires off on Grimes with fast hands! Candice runs, tilt-o-whirls but Grimes blocks! Gargano RAMS Grimes with the ladder!! Candice and Gargano coordinate, he helps her go up and up and tightrope HURICANRANA Grimes onto Dream and Priest!

Gargano has the ladder but he forgot about Reed! Reed is in as Gargano sets up a ladder, and Reed climbs up to join Gargano up top. Reed throws haymakers and knocks Gargano down, but Grimes returns. Gargano goes after Reed but Reed headbutts him down. Reed reaches for the ropes, but Candice returns to stop him! They’re both swatting at the belt, but Reed brings Candice with her for a MEGA TSUNAMI SPLASH!! The Wednesday Knight’s a crushed soda can at this point! Mr. & Mrs. Gargano flop out of the ring and Reed drags himself to the ladder. Reed does his best to climb, but Priest climbs on the other side. They fight, Grimes brings the taller ladder back. Grimes climbs his ladder but Reed chops him!

Priest bumps Reed off the ladder, Reed falls and topples Grimes’ ladder, but Grimes hops to join Priest! Grimes rocks Priest! Grimes climbs, Dream stops him! Dream yanks Grimes down, but Grimes dodges the boot! The boot gets stuck in the rungs, Grimes ROUNDHOUSES Dream! Dream and ladder fall, Grimes pulls the ladder off Dream to stand it back up. Grimes gets another ladder and he thrusts at Dream! Dreams dodges, the ladder gets stuck in the other ladder, and Dream ROCKS Grimes with a right! Dream keeps on Grimes with a BOOT, then goes back to complete a ladder bridge. Dream slithers under the bridge to ROCK Grimes again! Dream puts Grimes on that bridge and CHOPS him. Grimes is down, Dream stands up the tallest ladder.

Grimes stirs, Dream climbs, and Dream poses. But he smacks the ladder, and he just remembered what’s going on! Dream reaches for the belt, but now it’s swinging all around. Priest BELL CLAPS Dream! Dream is down but Reed brings Priest down. Priest bobs ‘n’ weaves, ROCKS Reed and CHOKE SLAMS him onto another ladder! Priest is all alone, but Grimes gets him with a CAVE-IN!! Grimes climbs up now but his legs are noodles! Grimes tries but Gargano returns!? Gargano disrupts the ladders, Grimes clubs him but kicks a ladder. Gargano gets up and SUNSET BOMBS Grimes onto the ladder bridge!!! OW!! Reed returns while the crowd is worried for Gargano and Grimes. It really does feel like these five will “Fight Forever!”

Priest moves ladders around while Gargano somehow stirs again. Priest has a new ladder bridge while Gargano sits up. Gargano grabs a ladder for himself. Gargano swings on Priest, Priest dodges but so does Gargano, and Gargano enziguris back! Gargano slingshots but Priest choke grips. Dream SUPERKICKS Priest but Gargano SUPERKICKS Dream! Gargano slingshots but Dream blocks! Dream has the fireman’s carry, Priest is on the ladder bridge, DREAM VALLEY DRIVER ONTO IT ALL!! The crowd continues to rally as Dream gets the tallest ladder back up. Dream climbs, Reed tips the ladder and sends Dream flying TO THE OUTSIDE! Dream crashes down on spare tables!!

The crowd loses their minds again and now Reed is all alone! Reed climbs, touches the belt, but Grimes THROWS the step ladder! That little ladder came in handy after all! Grimes climbs, grabs the belt, but Gargano is there! They brawl, Gargano swings the belt and Grimes dodges the first time, but it’s like a boomerang and smacks him in the back of the head! Gargano grabs the belt, but Priest grabs him! Gargano uses the belt again, the belt is loose! They’re both pulling on it and Priest kicks Gargano down! PRIEST WINS!

Winner: Damian Priest (NEW NXT North American Champion)

INCREDIBLE! Through all of the pain and punishment, it is the Archer of Infamy who wins! Does this mean Priest will truly, finally, #LiveForever?

Adam Cole VS Pat McAfee!

What started about two years ago as a jocular trash talking back and forth escalated rather quickly when The Panama City Playboy appeared on the NFL punter’s podcast. Then it escalated again as McAfee showed up on NXT to talk more trash and then kick a restrained Cole in the head! Now this finally becomes a fist fight, with no Undisputed Era or offensive line to back them up. Will McAfee embarrass “The King of NXT?” Or will Cole prove McAfee is out-kicking his coverage?

Before the match, McAfee fist bumps his boys before they leave, and McAfee hypes himself up. “I’ve kicked off Super Bowls! I’ve sold out buildings across this great country! But tonight is years in the making!” And wakey wakey, this will end with one kick from “the strongest leg in the history of humans, and the history of legs in general! Let’s do the damn thing. Hit my music.” McAfee makes his entrance and this grudge match a long time coming begins!

McAfee’s boys return to flank him to the ring. The ref has them stay off the apron, and McAfee fires himself up. The bell rings, McAfee and Cole tie up but break. McAfee flexes on Cole but they tie up again. Cole headlocks, grinds McAfree down, but McAfee powers up. McAfee can’t power out and Cole grinds him again. McAfee lifts Cole but Cole cranks on the hold. Cole talks trash to McAfee but McAfee pulls hair! The ref reprimands as they end up in a corner. McAfee lets up but whips Cole corner to corner. Cole reverses, McAfee goes up and over and hypes up again. McAfee starts to strut but Cole rushes him. McAfee goes to another corner and goes up, but Cole stays back. McAfee lands, turns around and Cole spooks him with a superkick tease!

McAfee backs away to a corner and calls for a time-out! Cole dares McAfee to get up, but McAfee gets water and a towel from his boys. McAfee comes back, ties up with Cole and headlocks. Cole tries but can’t power out of it as McAfee grinds tighter. Cole elbows free but McAfee runs Cole over with a shoulder! McAfee talks smack, things speed up and McAfee avoids the boot! McAfee regroups with his boys but Cole dares him to come back. The ref starts a ring count, McAfee waits it out, and says Cole better realize he’s a better human than Cole. McAfee and his boys mock the Undisputed Era hands, but here comes the rest of the Undisputed Era! Security rushes in to keep things from turning into a brawl, but McAfee slips into the ring. McAfee climbs up to LEAP!! McAfee bowls everyone over!!

McAfee is pumped up but realizes his boys are down and can’t high five. McAfee gets up and finds Cole to put him in the ring. Referees help security clear things up and McAfee throws hands on Cole! Cole shoves McAfee but McAfee throws hands back. McAfee stomps Cole over and over, but lets up at the ref’s count. Cole gets to ropes but McAfee pulls him back against them! McAfee lets up at the ref’s count and McAfee “apologizes.” McAfee brings Cole up, pulls Cole’s hair and DECKS him with a haymaker! McAfee mocks Cole and NXT as a whole, then runs to basement BOOT Cole down! Cole sits up and grits his teeth but McAfee stalks him. McAfee tells Cole he only had two weeks to prepare and he’s doing all this.

McAfee scoops Cole and does squats to show off before hitting the SLAM! Cover, TWO! McAfee is on Cole with a chinlock and grinds him down. Cole fights up as the crowd rallies, and Cole throws body shots. McAfee throws Cole by his hair! The ref reprimands McAfee and warns him. McAfee wraps Cole in a chinlock, grinds him down, but Cole fights his way back up. Cole elbows free, dodges McAfee’s clothesline but runs into a dropkick! McAfee hits the Heismann pose while Cole goes to a corner. Cole drags himself up and McAfee comes back to slap him. Cole SLAPS back! McAfee slaps, Cole SLAPS! Then they throw haymakers! It’s fast and furious and the crowd loves it! Cole DECKS McAfee, and turns things into a hockey scrum with the shirt over McAfee’s head!

Cole ROCKS McAfee then BOOTS him down! McAfee crawls, Cole drags him to a corner for a mudhole stomp! The ref counts, Cole lets up and is fired up! Cole waits for McAfee to get up to his feet, and fireman’s carries for the USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! McAfee survives but Cole nods some respect. Cole watches McAfee stir, and then takes aim. Cole runs but McAfee ducks the shining wizard, TWO! McAfee swings, Cole gets around him, BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO!! McAfee survives again and Cole feels a bit annoyed despite the smirk. Cole looms over McAfee who flounders in a daze. Cole goes to the corner, climbs up top, but McAfee trips him up! McAfee says he’s smarter than Cole, not because it was desperation.

McAfee taunts Cole, climbs up top, and brings Cole up. Cole resists, fights back and pushes McAfee away. McAfee back flips and lands on his feet?! And then springs right back to the top rope, for a SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! McAfee almost shocks the system and the crowd is fired up! “This is Awesome!” as Cole goes to a corner. McAfee slides out and sees Cole’s head sticking out! McAfee runs, but Cole evades! The kick hits the steps! McAfee goes down as he clutches his foot and Cole smirks. Cole goes out, drags McAfee up and puts him in the ring. Cole gets in but McAfee wants a timeout. No such thing, and Cole gives McAfee 52 Fake Out! Mule kick to the knee! FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK! McAfee fights but it’s still on!

McAfee’s shoulders are down and it’s a cover, ONE! McAfee has to stay up and endure the hold at the same time! Cole cranks as hard as he can, McAfee is down again, ONE! McAfee can’t sit up forever, ONE! McAfee tries to turn the hold, but Cole just turns it over again! McAfee manages a ropebreak, Cole holds on until the count of 4! Cole grows frustrated while McAfee hobbles to a corner. Cole glares at McAfee but McAfee says Cole is a punk. Cole BOOTS McAfee! Cole stomps away, the ref backs him off, but Cole jukes around, only to run into a LOW BLOW!! The ref missed it!! McAfee grins, runs and LARIATS Cole! McAfee lines up the shot, Cole stands just enough, TOUCHBACK KICK! Cover, TWO!! Cole survives the field goal attempt! McAfee can’t believe it!

The crowd rallies up for Cole but McAfee stands first. McAfee goes to a corner and climbs up top?! McAfee tears off the tank top and says, “McAfee, BAYBAY!” McAfee leaps, into a SUPERKICK! Cole glares at McAfee as he crawls over. Cole wants McAfee to get up so he can finish this! Cole brings the knee pad down, but gets a better idea. Cole goes to the corner, climbs up top, McAfee stands and… PANAMA SUNRISE!! Cover, Cole wins!

Winner: Adam Cole, by pinfall

BAYBAY! McAfee gave Cole a bigger fight than he expected, but in the end, the “King of NXT” still rules, and that is Undisputed!

Drew McIntyre joins commentary!

The WWE World Champion returns to NXT, but he says this isn’t about him, it’s about TakeOver: 30! Of course, he knows he and Randy Orton have a match for SummerSlam, and says the “talented piece of crap” is going to get his arse kicked. And if he had to choose between Keith Lee and Karrion Kross tonight, McIntyre goes with the current NXT Champion.

NXT Women’s Championship: Io Shirai VS Dakota Kai w/ Raquel Gonzalez!

#CobraKai thinks she’s in the mind of the Evil Genius, but the NXT Women’s Champion says that’s far from the truth. But Shirai did fall for Dakota’s trap and get a boot from the Daughter of the Desperado! Will Raquel come in handy again with the title on the line? Or will this still be Io Shirai’s NXT?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the moment of truth is here!

Dakota and Shirai rush each other but Shirai tackles Dakota and fires off fists! Dakota gets away to a corner but Shirai is on her with stomps! Shirai throws forearms but lets up at the ref’s count. Shirai runs back in but Dakota sends her into buckles! Dakota stomps and hammers back, then drags Shirai out to throw kicks. Shirai blocks, clubs back then handsprings! Dakota side steps and Shirai lands a bit awkwardly. Dakota goes after her but Shirai trips her up for a grounded dragon screw! Shirai kicks Dakota to a corner, stomps her down, then digs both boots into her, then swings to knee her down! Dakota flops out of the ring and hurries to Raquel’s side. Raquel is in Shirai’s way and Dakota gets around to POST Shirai!

Shirai clutches her shoulder but Dakota keeps on her. Dakota puts Shirai in, Raquel applauds as Dakota covers, TWO! Dakota grabs Shirai’s arm, cranks on a double wristlock, but Shirai clubs back. Dakota clubs Shirai to ropes, then wraps the arm around them to pull! The ref counts, Dakota lets go at 4, but Dakota runs at Shirai, only for Shirai to drop toehold her onto ropes! Shirai runs, but Dakota slips out before the tiger feint! Dakota trips Shirai, spins her and BOOTS her! Dakota drags Shirai up to wrap the arm on the ropes again, and make it a hanging triangle hold! The ref counts, Dakota lets go at 4 then BOOTS Shirai down! Cover, TWO! Dakota grows frustrated but she clamps onto the bad arm. Dakota wristlocks, Shirai reaches for ropes but Dakota covers fast, TWO!

The crowd rallies up as Dakota scowls at Shirai. Dakota stomps Shirai to a corner, drags Shirai up and wraps the arm onto the ropes again! The ref counts, Dakota lets up again to snapmare Shirai down. Cover, TWO! Dakota is frustrated again but she goes after the bad arm. Dakota digs her knee into the shoulder and pulls on the rest while Raquel tells Shirai to give up. Shirai refuses so Dakota clubs her down and covers, TWO! The crowd rallies behind Shirai but Dakota stomps her down. Dakota looms over Shirai, wraps Shirai up in a seated twist, but the crowd rallies again. Shirai fights up, rolls Dakota, TWO! Dakota CLOBBERS Shirai! Cover, TWO! Dakota smirks now, feeling confident as she pushes Shirai around. Dakota gets the arm again for a short arm scissor.

Shirai endures, moves around, and pushes back for a cover. ONE and Dakota cranks harder on the scissors. Dakota forces Shirai down, brings her around but Shirai arm-drags! Dakota boots but Shirai dodges to SHOTEI! The crowd rallies behind Shirai as she rallies on Dakota with forearms and shoulders! Shirai shoves and flapjacks Dakota! Dakota flounders, Shirai tiger feint kicks! Shirai springboards to missile dropkick Dakota down! Cover, TWO! Shirai keeps her cool and the fans keep rallying. Shirai drags Dakota up in a waistlock, Dakota resists the lift and standing switches. Dakota lifts but Shirai wheelbarrows to DOUBLE STOMP! Raquel felt that one! Shirai and Dakota slowly stand up, Shirai gets her bad arm moving. Shirai brings Dakota up, whips, but Dakota reverses.

Shirai slips out, Dakota follows and waistlocks! Shirai holds ropes for dear life, Dakota hops down to try a bomb! Shirai still holds on, swats and STOMPS Dakota! Dakota gets in the ring and Shirai grits her teeth. Cover, TWO! Dakota gets the arm for the armlock, then drags Shirai around. Dakota kicks Shirai in the face but Shirai just gets mad. Dakota kicks Shirai again, and again, but Shirai eggs Dakota on! Dakota kicks more and more but Shirai fires off forearms! Shirai rocks Dakota, runs, but Dakota SCORPION KICKS! Shirai flounders to a corner, Dakota runs Around the World, but Shirai dodges! Shirai gets around Dakota, Dakota backs Shirai down to school boy into buckles! Side to side for the boot, but it gets ropes as Shirai moves!

Shirai hits double knees, then more double knees! Then SHINKANSEN!! Shirai steps on Dakota, climbs up, but Dakota CLUBS her! Dakota climbs up, clubs Shirai then brings her around. Shirai resists and they club each other. Shirai trips Dakota and clubs her into the Tree of Woe! Dakota sits up, to get WOE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Raquel is relieved but Dakota is still in bad shape. Shirai and Dakota head for each other, Shirai brings Dakota in. Shirai underhooks, but Dakota resists and spins out to HEADBUTT! Dakota hits a SIDE BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO!! ARMBAR!! Dakota is after the bad arm but Shirai manages to turn and pry at Dakota’s grip!

The crowd rallies up, Shirai endures, Dakota pulls, Shirai reaches with a leg for the ROPEBREAK! Dakota lets go at 4 but is frustrated as Shirai gets to the apron. The crowd rallies up again as Dakota heads over. Dakota brings Shirai up but Shirai ROCKS Dakota! Shirai springboards but Dakota ROUNDHOUSES her first! Shirai blocks the buckle bump to give the buckle bump! Dakota ROUNDHOUSES again! Dakota drags Shirai out to a fireman’s carry, DRAPING GO TO KICK!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Shirai survives and Dakota screams! Dakota can’t believe she was that close yet that far! Dakota drags Shirai up, whips her around at the ref! Dakota goes side to side, Shirai moves, the REF takes the boot!! Shirai GERMAN SUPLEXES!

Shirai heads up top, DESCENT INTO DARKNESS! Cover, but the ref can’t count! Shirai would’ve won twice over! Shirai didn’t even realize what happened to the ref! Raquel ATTACKS! Raquel clubs, and hits the GIANT CHOKE SLAM! Raquel gets the ref up as Dakota covers, TWO!?!? Shirai survives and no one can believe it! Dakota composes herself, drags Shirai back up, fireman’s carries and GO- NO! Shirai gets a CROSSFACE!! Even with her bad arm, Shirai cranks back on Dakota! Dakota reaches with her leg but can’t get to ropes. They go around, Dakota rolls free but Shirai KAMI-GOYES! Raquel gets Dakota out but Shirai ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Raquel and Dakota! Shirai puts Dakota in, Shirai heads back up top, another DESCENT INTO DARKNESS! Cover, Shirai wins!!

Winner: Io Shirai, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)

The Over The Moonsault finally seals the deal and the Evil Genius is still on top! But Raquel CLOBBERS her for it! Raquel drags Shirai up, but here comes Rhea Ripley! The Mosh Pit Kid stands toe to toe with Raquel and the crowd loves this already! Raquel backs down but Rhea won’t let her leave so easy. The stare down lingers, but Dakota and Raquel still leave. Will Rhea be the Nightmare standing in Raquel’s way to Shirai? Who challenges the Evil Genius next?

NXT UK is ready for their return!

September 17, 2020. Are you ready?

Backstage interview with Damian Priest.

Firstly, congratulations to the new North American Champion. But if they want a comment, they need to stick around for the party! Priest celebrates with champagne, a hot tub, and two young ladies who are ready to party with him! Cheers!

NXT Championship: Keith Lee VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux!

The Limitless One rose to the top to top off the Great American Bash, and was NXT’s first and only DOUBLE CHAMPION for just a short time. Keith let the North American Championship go to focus on this title, but Mr. Doomsday decided to focus on him. After doing things “the hard way,” is there only one way this ends? Will we #BaskInHisGlory or #FallAndPray?

The introductions are made, THE belt is raised, and the limits will be tested in TakeOver: XXX’s instant classic main event!

Keith runs Kross right over at the bell! Kross seems surprised as he gets up and Keith dares him to come back for more. The crowd is fired up for Keith, Kross runs and knees low but Keith throws big haymakers from all sides! Kross shoves but Keith counter punches him! Keith throws big body shots over and over! Keith digs his forearm into Kross to egg him on, and Kross hits back! Kross boots but Keith blocks it! Keith ROCKS Kross with that left! Keith keeps on Kross with shots from all sides! Kross staggers around the ring, comes back to clinch and put Keith on the ropes. Kross whips, Keith reverses and then follows to CROSSBODY! Kross bails out and to Scarlett’s side, but Keith smirks.

Keith goes out to grab Kross and bump him off the apron. Kross staggers, Keith follows but Kross kicks low. Kross throws haymakers and forearms but the ring count climbs. Kross brings Keith around the way to punch him against the boards. Kross refreshes the ring count to keep on Keith with more forearms! Keith moves, Kross punches the board, but neither man is phased. Keith SMACKS Kross off the boards, Kross ducks the back hand! The Plexiglas comes loose! Keith smirks again and Kross even grins. The brawl continues, but Kross baits Keith into the post! Kross sees Keith’s hand trapped between railing and boards and kicks the railing! Keith’s hand is crushed! The ref reprimands as Keith gets in the ring.

Kross stalks after Keith, stomps the bad arm over and over, then goes after it with a high keylock. Keith endures as Kross pulls back harder. The crowd rallies but Scarlett says it isn’t helping Keith. Keith fights up, even pulling on Kross’ ear. Kross CLUBS the bad arm over and over, but Keith keeps trying. Keith pries an arm off and fights to his feet, but Kross uses the one arm to pull harder. Keith whips free and the two collide! Keith stays standing but that was his bad arm. Kross wrenches and WRINGS the arm out! Kross covers, ONE!! Kross is surprised again but he stomps Keith’s bad arm more and more. Kross twists the wrist around and leans on the bad arm. Keith endures, fights up and reels Kross in for a scoop! Kross slips out, hammerlocks the bad arm and rams Keith into buckles!

Keith grits his teeth and swings a punch, but Kross gets around to hammerlock the bad arm again. Kross sends Keith back into buckles! Keith just swings a back hand, only for Kross to duck and POST Keith! Keith flops down, clutching the bad arm. Kross covers, TWO! Kross grows a bit annoyed but he uses the bad arm in the cover, ONE! Keith endures as Kross cranks on the arm. Another cover, ONE! Kross turns Keith over, pulls the bad arm again, but the crowd rallies up. Keith endures, even as Kross bends fingers and Scarlett calls Keith weak. Kross keeps cranking, Keith keeps enduring. Keith fights up, Kross is again surprised but Kross elbows Keith down. Kross throws haymakers but Keith throws body shots. Kross gets the arm for an armbar DDT!

Keith gets to ropes, Kross drags him away and grabs the arm again. Kross cranks on the hammerlock all over again but Keith still endures. Keith doesn’t give up so the crowd doesn’t give up on him. Kross pulls harder but Keith fights up to his feet. Keith shoulders Kross away then throws body shots with the good arm. Kross throws forearms, Keith staggers, but then he grabs Kross to shove him. Kross gets the bad arm for a rolling armbar takedown! Keith clasps hands, Kross pulls, but it’s a deadlock! Kross shifts position, pushes against the other arm, but Keith rolls it to a cover! TWO, and Kross still has the arm! But Keith gets his footing for a deadlift! POWERBOMB! Scarlett is worried as both men are down. The crowd rallies up, Keith grits his teeth as he and Kross slowly stand.

Keith throws haymakers before Kross can try! Keith uses his left elbow to ROCK Kross! The bad arm still has fight in it and Keith throws another left! Keith drags Kross up, whips him to a corner, then runs in for a splash! Kross staggers but Keith runs and ROCKS him with a left! Keith runs, dodges Kross’ clothesline and scoops for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Kross grits his teeth as he survives and Scarlett is relieved. Keith gets up as the crowd sings, “Oh~ Bask in His Glory~!” Keith drags Kross up, Kross slips out and ROCKS Keith! Kross dodges Keith in a corner and sends him into buckles! Kross elbows Keith back, but Keith blocks the Doomsday Saido! Kross boots the punch away, BOOTS Keith then ROUNDHOUSES, to a DDT! Cover, TWO!!

Kross grows frustrated but the crowd is thunderous as Keith stirs. Kross drags Keith up, waistlocks, but Keith fights the saido off again! Kross keeps trying but Keith elbows him away. Keith HEADBUTTS Kross! Keith suplexes Kross up and over! Cover, TWO! Scarlett is relieved again but Kross is still in an unfamiliar position as he and Keith stand. Kross throws body shots over and over, then an uppercut! Keith KNEES Kross point blank! Kross grits his teeth through the pain but Keith drags him back up. Keith prepares to lift Kross but Kross fights free. Kross runs and builds up speed to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Kross can’t believe Keith survives! Kross looms over Keith as the fans sing again. Keith shakes his head as he sits up, and he throws body shots.

Kross clubs Keith, Keith fights up and throws haymakers. They brawl back and forth, neither backing down! They go forearm for forearm, Keith swings but Kross dodges to fire off forearm after forearm! Kross brings Keith to a knee, then runs, only for Keith to run and LARIAT back! Both men are down and Scarlett is beside herself! The crowd hasn’t stopped rallying as the two men stir. A standing count begins, Kross sits up at 4. Keith crawls at 5 and heads for a corner. They’re both up at 7 in opposite corners. Kross and Keith run at each other, Keith dodges the boot to throw a left! Kross boots anyway but Keith glares. Keith goes for the Grizzly Magnum but Kross dodge! DOOMSDAY SAIDO! Cover, TWO!?! Kross’ best didn’t work and Scarlett is in denial right now.

Kross gets back up to his feet and paces about. Kross calls for the end as Keith staggers up. KROSSJACKET! Keith flails but Kross drags him down! Kross just barely gets the body scissors and Keith starts to fade! The ref checks on Keith, Keith’s arm pops up! Kross can’t believe it as Keith comes back to life! Keith and Kross turn over, Kross rear mounts to put his full weight on Keith. Keith crawls and reaches, to get the ropebreak! Kross lets go, but Keith is still sputtering. Kross waits for Keith to get up, then turns him around, to get a GRIZZLY MAGNUM! And a HEADBUTT! Keith drags Kross back up, pops him right up, for the SPIRIT BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Keith is in shock now as Kross survives!

Keith drags Kross over to a drop zone and climbs up top. But Kross anchors Keith’s feet on the second rope! Keith choke grips Kross, Kross breaks free and kicks the legs. Keith choke grips again, Kross climbs up to join Keith and the two start brawling. Kross back hands, Keith CLUBS, and Keith adjusts his position. Kross gets under to SUPER DOOMSDAY SAIDO!! Cover, Kross wins!!!

Winner: Karrion Kross, by pinfall (NEW NXT Champion)

The Limitless One has fallen! Scarlett celebrates with Kross by both caressing him and slapping him. The end is here, and Kross just took over NXT! If not even Keith Lee could stop Karrion Kross, who can hope to ever dethrone him?!

My Thoughts:

A very strong TakeOver, but that’s practically a given since this was the 30th and NXT really wanted it to be worthy of the hype. Having a kickoff show match at all was an interesting choice, but the Triple Threat Tag was really good, really fast stuff. I felt like the story of El Legado and Breezango was going to continue and that meant Oney and Burch would get their second chance. Instead, NXT might be trying to revive the feud between the fashionable masters of disguise and the very serious Imperium. With the news of NXT UK coming back with new material in just under a month, I wonder if this is mostly just to get an NXT USA team to be champions so Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner can go back to UK and regroup with Walter and Alexander Wolfe.

Turns out Balor VS Thatcher did make it onto the TakeOver card and it was a really great opener. There was technical prowess, strong strikes and just a great back and forth. Balor is on a TakeOver win streak, but it is curious that he hasn’t “won the big one” again. Maybe we’re taking a long route back to Balor as champion. This year’s North American Championship Ladder match was perhaps even better than the original. There was a lot of great creativity, both with and without the ladders, and I don’t know why I didn’t expect Candice to show up and get involved. I almost thought she’d help Gargano win, but nope. Reed got the high spot of the splash with Candice as a backpack and Gargano as the target, but Priest got the win, and that’s pretty big for him, but also well deserved.

I think Cole VS McAfee blew just about everyone’s expectations out of the water, except for maybe these two themselves. McAfee really impressed with both the wrestling moves he pulled off, the moves he took, and just the athletic ability to leap up to the top rope! But of course Cole wins, he’s the wrestler here. But I also feel like McAfee sticks around for more. I don’t know if he doubles down on being Heel towards Cole or “humbles” himself to be Face. Either way, I bet he only gets better from here. The NXT Women’s Championship was a great match, though having Raquel get involved moderately takes away from Dakota. I feel like Dakota should’ve been given this chance to see if she can do it on her own, but at least we got a great stare down from Raquel and Rhea. Rhea and Raquel in a contender’s match would be pretty wild, too, and I’d love to see it in time for the Survivor Series TakeOver.

THE NXT Championship was a really good match, even though it wasn’t a fireworks show like we’ve gotten out of Keith VS Dijakovic or even Keith VS Cole. This match was heavy on the slugging and the story, both which were really well done. I liked the parts with the Plexiglas punching, how it showed both men are extra tough and basically on par with each other. The false finishes also worked to add to that, and it actually works to still keep Keith strong to say that a second rope version of Kross’ finisher is what it took to finally finish him. You’d get that out of any “big match” from the Raw-SmackDown PPV’s, so it really helps place Keith and Kross on a comparable level to an AJ Styles for this finish to be THE finish.

My Score: 9.4/10