Stephan RachukWWE’s black-and-gold brand returns this week at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida tonight for this week’s episode of NXT On USA.
Tonight’s edition of NXT On USA has the NXT North American Championship Title on the line for a match where Keith Lee will defend his title against Damian Priest. Also advertised for tonight’s episode is the one-on-one showdown between Charlotte Flair and Mia Yim. Lastly, continued action from the ongoing Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament will continue. Stay tuned for these and much more on this action packed NXT on USA Network!
Show Opening
A promo begins highlighting the Interim Cruiserweight Championship, including Tozawa, Jake Atlas, Kushida, Tony Nese, Maverick, and other cruiserweight superstars.
We then see a clip of Charlotte Flair walking down the street in Winter Park, FL earlier today.
Finally we enter the arena at Full Sail University, as the music sounds for Isaiah “Swerve” Scott as we are set for the first match of the evening!
Interim Cruiserweight Championship Match – Isaiah “Swerve” Scott vs.
Out first for this Interim Cruiserweight Championship match, is Isaiah “Swerve” Scott as his music plays him to the stage. Swerve makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring as the announcers give details on the tournament giving us a rundown as follows:
Tournament Standings
Group A
(1-0) Jake Atlas
(1-0) Kushida
(0-1) Tony Nese
(0-1) Drake Maverick
Group B
(1-0) Akira Tozawa
(1-0) El Hijo Del Fantasma
(0-1) Jack Gallagher
(0-1) Isaiah “Swerve” Scott
Back in the arena, we see Swerve standing in the ring as music sounds for El Hijo Del Fantasma as he makes his way down the ramp, entering the ring with awaiting competitor, Swerve.
The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and the match begins. Quick roll up, Fantasma telling Swerve he could’ve already had him. Both men back to their feet. A second pinfall attempt by Fantasma. Quick action, a little frustration on the face of Swerve as they are back to their feet. Fantasma sweeps the legs of Swerve landing Swerve on the canvas. Swerve with Head Scissors on Fantasma.
The match makes it’s way to ringside, the referee begins the count. Fantasma rolls Swerve back into the ring, leading him into the corner. A Chop to the chest of Swerve. Fantasma to the second rope, Swerve joins him, delivering a “Frankensteiner” according to commentary from the second rope, a Hurricanrana by Swerve to switch the rolls in this match up.
Fantasma flies off the ropes, regaining control momentarily, a Baseball Slide out of the ring by Fantasma, Swerve quickly slides back in the ring, then slides and delivers a kick to the face of Fantasma as we head to our first commercial break.
We return from commercial break, Swerve has Fantasma in a submission move on the canvas, Fantasma making his way back to his knees, then to his feet, dragging Swerve to the ropes and throwing him over the ropes. Sunset Flip by Swerve countered by a Basement Drop Kick by Fantasma. Fantasma with a Double Knee to the midsection of Swerve in the corner of the ring.
Swerve sitting on the top turnbuckle, Fantasma lands a Frankensteiner on Swerve then heads up top for a Diving Splash for the cover, Swerve breaks the count getting his shoulder up before three count. Both men back to their feet, Knife Edge Chops delivered back and forth by both men. Swerve with a Closed Fist Hard Strike knocking Fantasma to the mat, followed by a German Suplex.
Swerve back to his feet, runs and dives over the ropes, Fantasma side steps and enters the ring, then attempts a high flying move of his own to no avail. Both men back in the ring. Fantasma looking for the Phantom Driver, no luck as Swerve counters with a quick roll up for the Crucifix Pinfall, landing the three count pin for the win!
Winner: Isaiah “Swerve” Scott
After the Match
Immediately following the match, Swerve is asked about how he feels following this victory over Fantasma, his first victory. Swerve claps for himself as he states, “I told you!” Swerve admits Fantasma has his respect, stating he knew him before NXT, but finishes stating he knew he wanted it more and in the end, this will always be “Swerve’s house”.
Quick Announcement
Adam Cole is here tonight to address the match up with Velveteen Dream last week on NXT.
Also, Candice LeRae is in action when we return from commercial break!
Video Clip
As we return from commercial break, we immediately go into a video clip from “Earlier Today” as Dijakovic begins, “Johnny Gargano wants to play the victim, of what I don’t know.” he begins. He continues on stating Johnny Gargano and his wife don’t respect anything, adding he rambles on and on and on. “Let’s see if he can back up his words with someone double his size, me.”
Video Clip – “During the Break”
We see a clip of the cameras running during the break at ringside where Fantasma is talking to himself when all of a sudden two men in masks come running up attempting to grab Fantasma, to no avail as he was able to fight them off. Commentary states, “Inquisitive minds want to know, who were those masked men?”
Candice LeRae vs. Kacy Catanzaro
“From Pixie to Poison” Johnny Gargano comes out and announces LeRae as the smartest, the greatest, also the most deserving, his favorite wrestler, “Candice LeRae”. LeRae makes her way down the ramp and enters the ring with a serious look on her face, smiling only at her husband, Gargano when he kisses her hand.
Out next is Kacy Catanzaro as her music sounds in the Full Sail University arena. LeRae watches as Kacy skips down the ramp and around the ring, climbing into the ring finally as the referee signals for the bell. The bell rings, the match begins. LeRae stretching a little as she paces around her opponent to start. LeRae shoves Kacy into the corner as the referee tells LeRae to let her out of the corner.
LeRae asks Kacy, “Why are you scared?” Kacy responds, “I’m not scared, I don’t want to be in the corner.” A match of strength as the two women lock fingers, LeRae takes Kacy down to the canvas. LeRae snaps the neck of Kacy as she flips LeRae. Kacy lands on LeRae, getting a two count cover. LeRae gets her knees up as Kacy goes for a Crossbody Dive on LeRae. LeRae with a Face Lock on Kacy.
Kacy makes her way back to her feet, LeRae throws Kacy back to the canvas by her hair, stating she’s ok to Gargano at ringside. Le Rae throws Kacy off the ropes, following up with the Wheel Barrow Slam on Kacy. LeRae lands multiple Chops with fury, milking the five count of the referee, close to getting disqualified.
LeRae lands the Wicked Stepsister on Kacy for the three count pin and win.
Winner: Candice LeRae
After the Match
Johnny Gargano walks back up to the ring, to accompany LeRae back out of the ring and up the ramp. LeRae stops Gargano and re-enters the ring. LeRae locks in a Face Lock on Kacy who taps repetitively. Gargano leans in the ring with his hands on his fists as he kicks his legs up and down with a smile on his face.
Backstage
Damian Priest begins, “It’s almost time, my moment has arrived.” He continues on talking to Keith Lee, telling Lee he knows he’s hurting. Priest adds that the running is over, he finally gets to finish what he started months ago. Priest ends his bragging rant stating Keith Lee will be “basking in the glory, of the new North American Champion, Damian Priest” as he laughs and we head to commercial break.
The Newly Bros Show
As we return from commercial break, Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher are announced to the stage. Riddle begins, “People say NXT just throws people together as tag-team partners” Riddle continues on stating he and Pete Dunne know each other well. Riddle adds he knows Thatcher like the back of his hand… if he had known the back of his hand for two weeks.
The “Newly Bros Show” hosted by Byron Saxton. Saxton begins, saying he’s introducing us to the two guests. Saxton continues by saying Timothy Thatcher once pulled someone’s eye right out of it’s socket. Saxton moves on to Riddle, stating Riddle likes to listen to the sounds of the ocean by putting a seashell to his ear, also liking Pina Coladas in the rain.
Saxton moves on to explain the game and rules. Saxton asks questions Riddle says he doesn’t even know what he had, he wakes, his wife bakes… then he looks confused. Saxton asks what Thatcher’s favorite tv show was, Thatcher states he doesn’t own one. Byron continues asking if Thatcher has ever “Netflixed and Chilled”. More joking and questions continue as Saxton continues the game show.
Imperium Interrupt “The Newly Bros Show”
They move on to the Speed Round… before the game can continue, Imperium comes out attacking Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher from behind. Riddle dropped on the concrete as Thatcher seeks revenge, attacking Imperium members inside the ring. Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner get the upper hand on Thatcher, slamming Thatcher to the canvas with a European Bomb. Barthel and Aichner sending a message to the NXT Tag Team Champions as we are sent to the replay.
Backstage
We see Mia Yim making her way to the stage for her match with Charlotte Flair as we head to commercial break.
Adam Cole Statement
Adam Cole begins, stating that Velveteen Dream doesn’t deserve a shot at the title. Cole says that’s Undisputed.
Adam Cole vs. Velveteen Dream is set for next week for the NXT Championship.
Mia Yim vs. Charlotte Flair
Out first is Mia Yim as her music sounds in the arena. Yim heads down the ramp and enters the ring with a bandana wrapped around her face. Yim enters the ring awaiting her opponent. Out next is Charlotte Flair as her music sounds. Flair makes her way down the ramp and enters the ring with her title belt around her waist and her long robe decorated with feathers and sequence covering her from head to toe. Flair removes the robe as the referee signals for the bell.
The bell rings and the match begins. The two women immediate lock up, Flair bulldogging Yim into the corner of the ring. The referee forces Flair to release. Flair grabs Yim in a Head Lock as she states, “Come on Mia, is that all you got? Come on Mia.” Flair Chops Yim to the canvas. Yim shoves Flair into the corner, Flair flips over the top turnbuckle as Yim runs towards Flair, Flair counters with a Shoulder Shove through the ropes from the apron. Yim lands a Tae Kwon Do Kick Punch Combo on Flair. Then a Tornado DDT by Yim for the cover on Flair, Flair kicks out at two.
Flair lands a few hard strikes on Yim, slowing the match down. Yim is able to block a Whip by Flair as she counters on Flair. Yim heads for a Suicide Dive, Flair blocks and counters with a Forearm blow on Yim as we head to commercial break.
As we return from commercial break, Flair uses the ropes to her advantage as she dominates Yim in this match up. Flair gets Yim into the corner, shoving her boot into the throat of Yim before dropping Yim to the mat. Flair lifts Yim, flipping her over her shoulder. Yim lands a few good Kicks as she looks to get Flair locked into the Tarantula, stretching Flair. Flair grabs a handful of Yim’s hair, then landing multiple Elbow Strikes on Yim.
Once again Flair trash talks Yim. Flair says, “Let’s get this beautiful hair out of your face” as she drags Yim to her feet. Soul Food for Flair by Yim. Flair bashes the HBIC into the turnbuckle. Flair looking for the Moonsault, Yim, gets a cover on Flair for the two count, Flair kicks out. Yim states, “Welcome back to NXT” as she lands a hard kick on Flair. Flair states, “I made this place!” as she grabs Yim and stretches her thin.
Back and forth pin attempts by the two superstars. Flair sets up for the Figure Four, Yim counters with a cover, Flair kicks out. Yim takes control once again, Flair then locks in the Figure Four, bridging into a Figure Eight forcing Yim to tap.
Winner: Charlotte Flair
After the Match
Flair stands tall, holding her championship belt over her shoulder. As Flair exits the ring, her celebration is cut short as Io Shirai’s music sounds in the arena. Shirai comes out shouting in Japanese, then states in English, “Charlotte, next week, you are mine!” Io Shirai’s music sounds once again as we head to commercial break.
Karrion Kross Video Klip
We are told by Scarlett Bordeaux to “Fall and Pray” as time is up, and Next Week we will finally know what this is all about, Bourdeax and Kross will be on NXT in person, finally.
Backstage
We head backstage as we return from commercial where Kacy is still being medically examined, Kacy stating LeRae really hurt her neck. LeRae walks by stating, “From now on, this is a new NXT, get used to it.”
Quick Announcement
Finn Balor will call out the attacker that kept him from his match last week (we see a video clip showing the torn up locker room from last week), we will hear from Balor live on next week’s NXT.
Dexter Lumis vs. Shane Thorne
Dexter Lumis makes his way to the stage as his eerie music sounds in the Full Sail University arena. Lumis makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring, Lumis staring into the camera with a creepy look on his face as the music sounds for Lumis’s opponent, Shane Thorne. Thorne makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring with Lumis. The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and the match begins.
Back and forth action between the two superstars, Lumis in control early in the match. Thorne finally countering and attempting to gain control in the match. Thorne rakes the eyes of Lumis, following up with a strike. A Standing Drop Kick by Thorne as he leads into an attack on Lumis. Lumis drags himself across the canvas on his knuckles. Lumis lands a Spine Buster on Thorne, then walks around Thorne with an unnerving expression on his face.
Thorne slammed to the mat with a Urinagi. Thorne begins to fade as his eyes roll back into his head. Thorne is out!
Winner: Dexter Lumis
After the Match
The creepy music of Dexter Lumis plays once again as we head into a replay showing highlights from the match.
We head to commercial break.
Backstage With Keith Lee
As we return from commercial break, we see Keith Lee standing backstage, looking down at his championship title. Lee is whispering as his larynx is bruised. Lee admits he’s not at 100%. He continues on to say Priest likes to say that he will live on forever… Lee states, “So will the beating I’m going to give you.”
Tony Nese vs. Drake Maverick
Out first for this Interim Cruiserweight Championship tournament match up, is Tony Nese. Nese makes his way down the ramp, stopping to point at the title and stating he will be the two-time Cruiserweight Champion, adding he isn’t worried about a “Drake Maverick”. Out next is Drake Maverick as his music sounds in the arena. Maverick heads down the ramp and enters the ring with awaiting opponent Nese.
The referee signals for the bell. The bell rings and the match begins. Nese taunts Maverick early on in the match, Maverick lands several attempts on Nese to take him down. Nese responding, “You’re going to have to do better than that.” Nese finally goes at Maverick landing several left hands on Maverick. Maverick left crying in the corner of the ring. Nese continues to beat down Maverick, adding, “I thought you were fighting for your life.”
Maverick lands a few good strikes to the midsection of Nese. Nese in full control of Maverick as he bounces Maverick off the top rope from the outside. With arms extended out far, Nese states, “It’s mine!” as we head to commercial break.
Back from commercial break, Maverick attacks Nese into the corner, landing several blows on Nese, the referee warning him to back up. Maverick lands a Missile Drop Kick on Nese. Nese lands a Back Elbow on Maverick for the counter. A German Suplex by Nese causing Maverick’s neck to slam into the bottom turnbuckle. Nese pulls down his knee pad and goes for the Running Nese, Maverick slides to the side, Nese slamming his exposed knee into the turnbuckle.
Maverick lands Nese on the canvas, and goes for the cover. Nese kicks out at two and Maverick looks shocked. Maverick botches an Elbow Drop, Nese looks for the 450, Maverick counters, crushing Nese. Maverick with a Creative Diving Bulldog, despite the elbow injury, followed by a cover while still holding his elbow for the three count and the win!
Winner: Drake Maverick
After the Match
Immediately following the match, an injured Maverick is asked, “How sweet is this victory?” Maverick is over the stars with excitement as he states he did it, it hurt, but he did. “I’m not frickin’ leaving yet! I live for this! I love this and I’m not leaving until I’m the NXT Champion!” as Maverick heads out, he shouts, “I believe I can do this!”
Quick Announcement
Keith Lee vs. Damian Priest coming up next after the commercial break!
Video Package
We see the same video package of highlights and interviews with Priest and Lee separately, leading up to tonight’s match up.
We head to commercial break!
North American Championship Title Match – Keith Lee (c) vs. Damian Priest
“Live Forever” in flames as music sounds for Damian Priest as Priest’s entrance theme music plays Priest to the stage. Priest makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring where he awaits his opponent for the North American Championship Title, Keith Lee. Out next, Keith Lee makes his way out, heading down the ramp and entering the ring, his signature smile nowhere to be seen as Lee steps to the center of the ring. The referee signals for the bell. The match is announced. Priest and Lee stare one another down, Lee adjusting the belt over his shoulder. The referee takes the belt and holds it high above his head. The bell rings and the match begins.
Keith Lee attempts to run over Damian Priest to start the match off. Lee is no games with a Hard Right to the face of Priest. Lee knocks Priest over the top rope with the Crushing Clothesline. Priest attempts to create space from Lee as both men are now on the outside of the ring. Lee slams Priest into the barricade at ringside. Lee picks up Priest and launches Priest hard onto the apron.
Commentators remind that the only way Priest can win is if he pins Lee inside the ring. Priest counters Lee on the outside of the ring, slamming Lee through the barricade as we head to our final commercial break.
As we return from the final commercial break, we get a replay of Priest slamming Lee through the barricade before the break. Back in the ring, Lee Dead Lifts Priest directly above his head. Priest is able to kick out of the move and land the cover on Lee. Lee kicks out at two. Priest attempts to lift Lee now, Lee counters and strikes Priest. Lee pounces at Priest, Priest’s body hits the turnbuckle. A back and forth of strikes between both superstars.
Lee with a Monster Slam on Priest. A high flying Tornado by Lee over the top ropes, sending both Lee and Priest to ringside, Lee throws Priest back into the ring, going for the cover, Priest kicks out. A Lariat by Lee onto Priest, Priest looks spent. Priest wraps his hand around the throat of Lee, Lee counters grabbing the throat of Priest. Both men throw clubbing strikes and kicks back and forth.
Broken Arrow by Damian Priest out of nowhere, Lee landing hard as he bounces off the mat. Lee exits the ring to catch a breath as the referee begins the count. Priest flies over the top rope taking out the North American Champion, landing into the steel barricades. Priest climbs tall on the top turnbuckle, a Syclone Kick off the top by Priest for the pin, Lee kicks out.
Priest tells Lee to get up. Priest holding his hand behind him, ready for a Choke Slam, Lee stands, knocking Priest down with a Headbutt. Lee and Priest throw strikes as Priest looks to go to the top once again, Lee climbs the turnbuckle instead, Mama Mia! Lee hoists Priest from the outside, over the ropes with a DDT off the turnbuckle for the cover. Priest kicks out.
Priest finally lands a Choke Slam, going for the pin, Lee kicks out at two. The referee distracted, Priest goes for a strike with the night stick, Lee says, “No, I. Am. Limitless.” Lee with a Spirit Bomb for the three count and the win!
Winner and STILL North American Champion: Keith Lee