The second episode of NXT on USA Network was presented once again from a packed Full-Sail University and featured a flurry of matches showcasing the talent from the yellow brand. The show was not just filled with matches as several storylines progressed and seeds were sown for new rivalries.
Event: WWE NXT
Date: October 9, 2019
Location: Full Sail University, Orlando, FL
NXT Cruiserweight Championship: Lio Rush defeated Drew Gulak (c)– The Cruiserweight Championship, now referred to as an NXT title, was defended in the first match of the evening. A clash of two different styles took place and Rush came out on top, delivering a Frog Splash followed by Final Hour to win his first-ever title in WWE.
It is great to see WWE give Rush a second chance after his troubles earlier this year. The 205 roster lacks charismatic individuals and Rush is the perfect individual to fill the void.
The announcers hyped Finn Balor‘s return to NXT and displayed a video package of his initial run with the yellow brand.
Rhea Ripley defeated Aliyah: Former NXT UK Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley ripped into Aliyah for a fairly one-sided victory. After the match, Ripley laid down a challenge for NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler.
The Forgotten Sons defeated Breezango: Breezango tried to overcome the hard-hitting backwoods team but help from Jaxon Ryker helped Cutler and Blake to steal a victory.
Breezango seemed to have evolved into the veteran role and will continue to put over other teams in the division.
Cameron Grimes defeated Boa: Grimes continued his squash run by winning his third match in four weeks.
Former Sanity member Killian Dain appeared and delivered Vader Bombs to Boa after the match, teasing a feud with Grimes.
Roderick Strong defeated Isaiah Scott: Strong overcame Scott after an entertaining non-title match-up, as the rest of the Undisputed Era looked on from the ramp.
It is good to see NXT not giving non-title losses to its superstars, which is usually a major problem on the main roster.
Velveteen Dream appeared on the screen and laid down a challenge to Roderick Strong. Former NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa made his way down to the ring and stated his intentions to reclaim his ‘Goldie’.
Bianca Belair defeated Dakota Kai: Bianca won the match with the KOD and said that Ripley will have to go through her first in order to receive a shot at the Women’s Championship.
WALTER defeated KUSHIDA: The two brawlers went at it in the main event of the episode, in a match which went over the 10 PM limit. The NXT UK Champion won the match with a big lariat to continue his dominant run in WWE.
The rest of the Imperium appeared on the stage to end the show.
