The fallout NXT episode of Takeover WarGames aired this week, with the build for New Year’s Evil special starting this week.
Who’s Next for Balor?
Finn Balor opened the show and wondered about his next challenger. Damian Priest, Kyle O’Reilly, and Pete Dunne interrupted the champion and staked their claim before Balor exited and said William Regal will decide the challenger for New Year’s Evil episode.
Scarlett came out and had a staredown with Balor, who said he is ready for Kross. Priest had some harsh words for Scarlett and Kross, but Scarlett left with a wicked smile to end the segment.
Jake Atlas def. Isaiah Swerve Scott
The two recent Cruiserweight challengers faced off in singles action, with Atlas coming out on top. Atlas sneaked in a pin out of nowhere to win the match. Post-match, a frustrated Scott refused to shake Atlas’ hand as the fans booed.
Tommaso Ciampa cut a promo, celebrating his win at Takeover against Timothy Thatcher. He has now set his eyes on the loud and cocky Grimes, and Ciampa would like to put him in his place.
The Grizzled Young Vets def. Ever-Rise and Imperium
After two weeks in a row of these three teams fighting it out, they faced off in a triple threat with a lot of chaos involving the six men. Grizzled Young Vets hit the Ticket to Mayhem on Scott Parker to win the match and possibly book a No.1 contenders spot in the Tag Division.
Backstage: Toni Storm felt that she made the right decision by turning on Ember Moon, and now wants to capture the NXT Women’s Title. Shirai appeared and the duo brawled throughout the arena. Moon also joined and beat up Storm, with Shirai delivering a trademark moonsault to end the segment.
Tommaso Ciampa def. Cameron Grimes
Timothy Thatcher brought a chair and sat at ringside, similar to how Ciampa did a week ago. The duo constantly exchanged looks while Grimes kept taking advantage of the distractions. New NXT star Tyler Rust attacked Ciampa and looked to be a new student of Thatcher. Grimes looked to take advantage and win the match, but Ciampa delivered a Willow’s Bell to reign supreme.
Post-match, Thatcher and Ciampa exchanged words before Thatcher locked Grimes in an ankle lock.
Backstage: Raquel Gonzalez celebrated her win, but didn’t appreciate Moon injuring her friend Dakota Kai. She vowed to take revenge in the main event
Another training video of Xia Li and Boa aired, with both of them taking deadly training sessions and bleeding profusely, under the guidance of the master.
Gargano Cuts a Promo, Karrion Kross Returns
Johnny Gargano brought out his stable with his wife Candice LeRae and protegees Indi Hartwell and Austin Theory. The group bragged about their win and did some comedy before Damian Priest interrupted.
Priest had some nasty words before he was blindsided by a returning Karrion Kross. Kross rushed back to the parking lot after the assault and left the arena with Scarlett.
Backstage: Tyler Rust was questioned about his attacks. Rust was interrupted by Malcolm Bivens, who wanted to speak about business opportunities with him.
Pete Dunne def. Killian Dain
The two Brits fought in a hard-hitting battle, before Dunne’s friends, the NXT Tag Champions Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch ran down to help. Drake Maverick tried to cut down the numbers but ended up getting beat up. Dain checked on Drake, but Dunne took advantage and hit the Bitter End for the win.
Backstage: Johhny Gargano and Austin Theory mocked Leon Ruff, as his partner for tag match next week, Damien Priest, is out injured. Kushida approached Ruff and said he’ll partner with him next week.
Raquel Gonzalez def. Ember Moon
Gonzalez used her immense strength to overpower Moon, who tried her best with her agility. Gonzalez ended up picking a clean victory over the former NXT Women’s Champion after delivering a modified powerbomb.
Post-match, Storm entered and looked to apply finishing touches on Moon, but Rhea Ripley made the save. Ripley and Gonzalez had a staredown before the heel retreated.
