Tonight’s NXT episode is the fallout from TakeOver: Portland. Adam Cole successfully retained his NXT Championship against Tommaso Ciampa after Johnny Gargano’s heinous betrayal; while Charlotte Flair also finally announced that she will be challenging Rhea Ripley for the NXT Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 36.
Tonight’s main event is The Velveteen Dream making his in-ring return against Roderick Strong after being taken out by The Undisputed Era five months ago. Undisputed Era opens the show with something to say, but let’s get to the action.
Jordan Devlin vs. Lio Rush (NXT Cruiserweight Championship)
For never competing one-on-one prior to this, Rush and Devlin have great in-ring chemistry.The callous UK superstar kept his challenger grounded utilizing his methodical and aggressive maneuvers. The former Cruiserweight Champion brought his quick speed and incredible high-octane offense that almost won him the match. Rush went for a second Final Hour but missed and the Champion hit the Devil Inside for the successful retention.
The Grizzled Young Veterans vs. Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza
There wasn’t a whole lot to this match, as the UK tandem was looking to gain an impressive victory after getting kicked out of the semifinals in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Wilde and Mendoza who have been just paired as a tag team, look great but it was a Ticket to Mayhem that silenced the young up-and-comers.
The Broserweights vs. Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan
The brand-new NXT Tag Team Champions entered Full Sail with all smiles after their impressive victory at TakeOver: Portland where they dethroned Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish. Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan were not here to make pleasantries as they brought the fight to The Broserweights.
I thoroughly enjoyed this match as Burch and Lorcan definitely proved why they belong in the hunt for the gold. While Dunne and Riddle are still new partners, they continue to improve throughout every match. The combo maneuver dubbed The Riddle End ensured their first non-title victory as champions.
Keith Lee vs. Kona Reeves
The North American Champion Keith Lee entered the squared circle full of smiles and confidence after his MOTY candidate with his long-time nemesis Dominic Dijakovic. Kona Reeves got squashed like a bug in a matter of seconds. After the match, Dijakovic issued another challenge to Lee for the title.
Chelsea Green (w/ Robert Stone) vs. Kayden Carter
It’s a shame that The Robert Stone Brand is not off to a great start. Chelsea Green was out to get her win back against Kayden Carter and thanks to Bianca Belair she did just that. Belair called out Charlotte Flair and challenged her to a match next week. Green took advantage of the interjection, and hit the Unprettier for the easy victory.
Main Event: Velveteen Dream vs. Roderick Strong
For five months, Velveteen Dream had been waiting for his time to seek retribution for UE’s attack that took him out of action. Dream and Strong went right after each other like bulls locking horns ready to do battle. Dream continued to get the better of his foe by using mind games and a calculated attack on Strong.
The UE member was able to find his hole and strike fast. After Dream’s attempt to go after his family, Strong was incensed and looking for payback. Dream took his shot and won the match with two Dream Valley Drivers but, paid for it in the end. All four members of UE beat him down to end the show.
