In the aftermath of WWE NXT TakeOver 36, the black and gold brand is gearing up for a major shake-up, including a new logo, color scheme, set design, and platform. Until then, however, NXT is moving forward with some of the best wrestling in the WWE Universe. Mandy Rose returned to the ring, but it didn’t work out as planned. LA Knight pulled off an upset over Johnny Gargano despite the efforts of Index. In the main event, Tommaso Ciampa attempted to get revenge against Ridge Holland.
“I needed to win the #NXTChampionship, because the precedent 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙙 to be set.” – @SamoaJoe #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/axtKaQDyZj
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) September 1, 2021
WWE NXT: 5 Must-See Moments
Mandy Rose injured?
Mandy Rose recently returned to WWE NXT and has linked up with Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne who have struggled to get on the right track. Rose laced up her boots to kick off NXT against Sarray, but her return didn’t go according to plan. After getting the upper hand earlier in the match, Rose was knocked to the outside of the ring where she appeared to fall on her face. Dolin and Jayne rushed to Rose’s side, covering her face with a towel in the process. With Rose walking to the back, the referee made the 10-count and Sarray got the win.
Kyle O’Reilly wins, Duke Hudson shines
Earlier this month, Kyle O’Reilly finally ended his feud with Adam Cole with a win at TakeOver 36. Since then, O’Reilly has been shaking off the battle scars with Duke Hudson looking to take advantage. After confronting each other on last week’s show, a match was made between the two men. Hudson held his own, taking it to O’Reilly from start to finish until he was forced to tap with a stretch submission.
A Champion’s Promise
Ilja Dragunov sends a message
For over two years, WALTER was the most dominating champion across the WWE Universe. The top wrestler on NXT UK dominated everyone in his path, with his match against Ilja Dragunov being listed as one of the best of 2020. In a rematch at TakeOver 36, WALTER defended his title once again but this time the outcome was different. Dragunov made WALTER tap out and a new champion was crowned on the black and gold’s UK brand. In his first appearance since his title win, Dragunov appeared on WWE NXT and warned the roster that he will be at the top for a very long time, promising he’ll be on American soil “soon.”
Knight gets one over Johnny Gargano
LA Knight was riding high earlier this summer after winning the Million Dollar Championship and gloating in the face of Cameron Grimes. Knight’s momentum hit a brick wall at TakeOver 36 as he lost the title to Grimes and taking a step back in the process. For Johnny Gargano, he’s been left stunned as Indy Hartwell and Dexter Lumis have made their romance public. In a match that exceeded expectations, Knight and Gargano pulled out all the stops. In the end, Knight was able to capitalize on a Lumis distraction to get the win.
Ciampa stands tall
Over the last few weeks, Ridge Holland, Pete Dunne, and company have left their mark on WWE NXT. On last week’s NXT, Holland took out Timothy Thatcher who was put on the shelf indefinitely. As expected, Ciampa and Holland went toe to toe, as the veteran took it to the younger every step of the way, including taking the action to the outside. Ciampa connected with stiff chops and closelines, and eventually Willow’s Bell for the win. After the match, Dunne and the crew beat down Ciampa before MSK made the save.
WWE NXT: Full Results
Sarray d. Mandy Rose, Take a Pass, *1/2
Kyle O’Reilly d. Duke Hudson, Worth a Watch, ***
Imperium d. Drake Maverick and Gabriel Walker, Skim It, **
LA Knight d. Johnny Gargano, Worth a Watch, ***1/2
Raquel Gonzalez d. Jessi Kamea, Take a Pass, SQUASH
Roderick Strong d. Ikemen Jiro, Skim It, **1/2
Tommaso Ciampa d. Ridge Holland, Must Watch, ***3/4
