A night to determine the superior brand, we see NXT face off against NXT UK and what a night it was.
Preshow match: Kay Lee Ray defeated Mia Yim via Rollup
Win by any means necessary right? Kay Lee Ray is the embodiment of that statement. While some may call it cheating, KLR used the ropes to her advantage to secure the victory. The revenge Mia Yim was searching for will have to wait for another day.
Finn Balor defeated Ilja Dragonov via Pinfall (1916)
In what some may have called the most anticipated of the night, fans were certainly treated to a hard hitting affair. Dragonov definitely made a name for himself in front of the Houston crowd but unfortunately he came for the Prince and missed.
Before the next match up, Cathy Kelley informs us that the winner of the Dusty Classic will go on to NXT Takeover Portland and receive a NXT Tag Team Title opportunity. The Grizzled Young Vets and Broserweights happened to be ringside for the announcement. Zack Gibson tried to make his case for being the best tag team in the world, but the WWE Universe weren’t having it. Pete Dunne kept it blunt and said the Broserweights would smoke them.
Jordan Devlin defeated Isaiah ‘Swerve’ Scott, Travis Banks, and Angel Garza via Pinfall (Devil Inside)
AND NEW! What a match this one was, these four crusierweights gave it everything they had and really put a match of the ages on. I’m not sure anyone was prepared for a title change, but as he says…don’t ever bet against an ace.
#DIY defeated Moustache Mountain via Pinfall (Meeting in the Middle)
Tag team wrestling is really great. These four competitors put on a match of the year caliber match. The Big Strong Bois brought it to the men of #DIY, even in defeat they cemented their legacy. The dream match lived up to the hype.
We see Mercedes Martinez in the crowd and then the cameras pan over to Dakota Kai. Seemingly out of nowhere, Tegan Knox attacks her. The two brawl for a bit before being separated.
Rhea Ripley defeated Toni Storm via Pinfall (Riptide) to retain the NXT Championship
This was definitely a battle, but different from previous encounters Rhea Ripley had Toni’s number. Rhea’s confidence just seems to continue growing.
Bianca Belair happened to be at ringside for the match. Ripley and Belair exchange a war of words, keeping their story going towards Portland.
Backstage Johnny Gargano was attacked during an interview by Finn Balor. Breaking up the fight happened to be Tyler Bate to which Finn yelled at him that it wasn’t his fight.
Imperium defeated Undisputed Era via Pinfall (Powerbomb)
I’ve said it a lot, but it holds true, this was a night of amazing battles. UE came out very focused and confident, and this stayed with them most of the match. Early on Wolfe suffered an injury, so the match became more of a handicap match. Being down a man did not stop Imperium as they came back to secure a victory for NXT UK. A quality matchup.