Henry's Universe Mode returns with a bang as NXT takes over Phoenix, the night before the Royal Rumble.
NXT Takeover: Phoenix Card
Buddy Murphy(c) vs Pentagon Jr.- Cruiserweight Championship Match
After making his return to NXT at the start of 2020, Pentagon Jr. was immediately challenged by the quite frankly insane Oney Lorcan. In a hard-hitting, physical bout, Pentagon took things to the next level, snapping Lorcan's arm in a sickening display. The following week, he was declared the number one contender, and seems like he may be destined to become the new champion. Does Buddy Murphy have what it takes to stand up to this psychotic new threat?
Imperium vs The Lucha House Party
All hail the newest faction of NXT, Imperium, a group comprised of former number one contender WALTER, his best friend Marcel Barthel, and in a surprise, the now ex-member of SAnitY, Alexander Wolfe. This traditionalist, hard-minded collection of wrestling machines made their debut, dismantling the fun-loving Lucha House Party, taking no joy in their antics. Kalisto, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado will get their chance at revenge, but could be in serious danger if they cannot remain focused.
Rhea Ripley(c) vs Mandy Rose- NXT Women's Championship Match
"The Golden Goddess" has floundered in NXT for the past year or so, but Rose began to turn her fortunes around with a big win over Dakota Kai during the first episode of NXT in 2020. With the help of Sonya Deville, Rose also defeated Candice LeRae, earning number one contendership. Mandy began to show even more confidence, declaring herself the uncrowned champion and working with Triple H to schedule a big photoshoot as the new champ. But it all came crashing down when the actual champion, Rhea Ripley, invaded, dismantling the set Rose has spent hours preparing, before hitting Deville with the Riptide. Mandy Rose is now on her own, facing the best this brand has to offer.
Cedric Alexander vs Roderick Strong- Loser Leaves NXT
After the shocking swerve from GM Triple H that won Strong the Cruiserweight title at Takeover: Seattle, former champion Cedric Alexander was patient in getting his revenge. He got it in Australia, helping Buddy Murphy dethrone Strong, kicking the feud between the two men into high gear. They've warred backstage and in the ring, leading to "The Game" making this grudge match where the loser would be forced to leave NXT for good. On the go-home show, Alexander confronted Triple H directly, intent on finally finding out why Hunter had gotten involved to begin with. Triple H explained that he had seen something of himself in Strong, a degenerate with the hunger to be the very best, and he was going to get Roderick there. Cedric, quite simply, wasn't interesting enough to be a champion on Hunter's brand. Alexander earned a massive pop from the Full Sail fans by slapping Triple H in the face, before promising himself to Triple H and everyone who doubted him by eradicating Strong from NXT for good.
Moustache Mountain(c) vs The Street Profits- NXT Tag Team Championship Match
Despite a clear abundance of talent, Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford haven't quite lived up to their potential on NXT, falling short of the finish line numerous times. But they've finally got a chance to change their fortunes in Phoenix, as they challenge Tyler Bate and Trent Seven for the belts. After being named number one contenders following a win over the Grizzled Young Veterans, Dawkins and Ford spent all week celebrating, showing up to their contract signing hung over. There, Bate and Seven criticized their challengers for lacking the respect and dignity in representing the tag teams of NXT. Ford responded by telling the challengers to "kiss my a**", shocking everyone in the building and adding fuel to the fire for this title match.
Keith Lee vs Matt Riddle- Last Man Standing Match
This rivalry began with a friendly showcase match in Philly, where Riddle won by tapping Lee out. It escalated when Keith unexpectedly became the protege of Tommaso Ciampa, helping "The Blackheart" retain his NXT title against Riddle in Seattle. Now, Matt Riddle is back, and sent a statement, hitting Keith Lee with a ridiculous german suplex to end NXT a few weeks back. Lee, at the instruction of Ciampa, once again escalated matters, putting Riddle through the announce desk with a Spirit Bomb. It's clear that the feud needs to be settled, and it will be in Phoenix, as both men meet in a barbaric bout, a Last Man Standing match. Lee has become a monster thanks to the teachings of Ciampa, but Riddle is brutal in his own right, a former MMA fighter who embraces the art of pain. One man will walk out Phoenix triumphant, and one may not walk out at all. Who will reign supreme in this ultimate grudge match?
Tommaso Ciampa(c) vs Brian Cage- NXT Championship Match
The main event of the evening is probably the most anticipated for many fans, as the reviled, despicable Tommaso Ciampa may finally meet his doomsday. This is "The Machine", Brian Cage, a force of nature in the independent scene and of the greatest athletes in the world today. Cage walked right into NXT and has laid waste to all who stood before him, leaving a path of destruction all the way to the doorstep of NXT's grandest stage. Ciampa and Cage met face to face two weeks before this show, and Ciampa wasted no time attempting to get the upper hand, smashing Cage with a chair. But Cage, in a show of defiance, didn't even flinch! Horrified, Ciampa tried to make a run for it, but couldn't escape, nearly getting his head taken right off with the Tornado Claw, before being completely laid out by Weapon X. Judgment day has finally come for Tommaso Ciampa, and there will be nowhere to run and nowhere to hide at Takeover: Phoenix.
NXT Takeover: Phoenix Card
Buddy Murphy(c) vs Pentagon Jr.- Cruiserweight Championship Match
After making his return to NXT at the start of 2020, Pentagon Jr. was immediately challenged by the quite frankly insane Oney Lorcan. In a hard-hitting, physical bout, Pentagon took things to the next level, snapping Lorcan's arm in a sickening display. The following week, he was declared the number one contender, and seems like he may be destined to become the new champion. Does Buddy Murphy have what it takes to stand up to this psychotic new threat?
Imperium vs The Lucha House Party
All hail the newest faction of NXT, Imperium, a group comprised of former number one contender WALTER, his best friend Marcel Barthel, and in a surprise, the now ex-member of SAnitY, Alexander Wolfe. This traditionalist, hard-minded collection of wrestling machines made their debut, dismantling the fun-loving Lucha House Party, taking no joy in their antics. Kalisto, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado will get their chance at revenge, but could be in serious danger if they cannot remain focused.
Rhea Ripley(c) vs Mandy Rose- NXT Women's Championship Match
"The Golden Goddess" has floundered in NXT for the past year or so, but Rose began to turn her fortunes around with a big win over Dakota Kai during the first episode of NXT in 2020. With the help of Sonya Deville, Rose also defeated Candice LeRae, earning number one contendership. Mandy began to show even more confidence, declaring herself the uncrowned champion and working with Triple H to schedule a big photoshoot as the new champ. But it all came crashing down when the actual champion, Rhea Ripley, invaded, dismantling the set Rose has spent hours preparing, before hitting Deville with the Riptide. Mandy Rose is now on her own, facing the best this brand has to offer.
Cedric Alexander vs Roderick Strong- Loser Leaves NXT
After the shocking swerve from GM Triple H that won Strong the Cruiserweight title at Takeover: Seattle, former champion Cedric Alexander was patient in getting his revenge. He got it in Australia, helping Buddy Murphy dethrone Strong, kicking the feud between the two men into high gear. They've warred backstage and in the ring, leading to "The Game" making this grudge match where the loser would be forced to leave NXT for good. On the go-home show, Alexander confronted Triple H directly, intent on finally finding out why Hunter had gotten involved to begin with. Triple H explained that he had seen something of himself in Strong, a degenerate with the hunger to be the very best, and he was going to get Roderick there. Cedric, quite simply, wasn't interesting enough to be a champion on Hunter's brand. Alexander earned a massive pop from the Full Sail fans by slapping Triple H in the face, before promising himself to Triple H and everyone who doubted him by eradicating Strong from NXT for good.
Moustache Mountain(c) vs The Street Profits- NXT Tag Team Championship Match
Despite a clear abundance of talent, Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford haven't quite lived up to their potential on NXT, falling short of the finish line numerous times. But they've finally got a chance to change their fortunes in Phoenix, as they challenge Tyler Bate and Trent Seven for the belts. After being named number one contenders following a win over the Grizzled Young Veterans, Dawkins and Ford spent all week celebrating, showing up to their contract signing hung over. There, Bate and Seven criticized their challengers for lacking the respect and dignity in representing the tag teams of NXT. Ford responded by telling the challengers to "kiss my a**", shocking everyone in the building and adding fuel to the fire for this title match.
Keith Lee vs Matt Riddle- Last Man Standing Match
This rivalry began with a friendly showcase match in Philly, where Riddle won by tapping Lee out. It escalated when Keith unexpectedly became the protege of Tommaso Ciampa, helping "The Blackheart" retain his NXT title against Riddle in Seattle. Now, Matt Riddle is back, and sent a statement, hitting Keith Lee with a ridiculous german suplex to end NXT a few weeks back. Lee, at the instruction of Ciampa, once again escalated matters, putting Riddle through the announce desk with a Spirit Bomb. It's clear that the feud needs to be settled, and it will be in Phoenix, as both men meet in a barbaric bout, a Last Man Standing match. Lee has become a monster thanks to the teachings of Ciampa, but Riddle is brutal in his own right, a former MMA fighter who embraces the art of pain. One man will walk out Phoenix triumphant, and one may not walk out at all. Who will reign supreme in this ultimate grudge match?
Tommaso Ciampa(c) vs Brian Cage- NXT Championship Match
The main event of the evening is probably the most anticipated for many fans, as the reviled, despicable Tommaso Ciampa may finally meet his doomsday. This is "The Machine", Brian Cage, a force of nature in the independent scene and of the greatest athletes in the world today. Cage walked right into NXT and has laid waste to all who stood before him, leaving a path of destruction all the way to the doorstep of NXT's grandest stage. Ciampa and Cage met face to face two weeks before this show, and Ciampa wasted no time attempting to get the upper hand, smashing Cage with a chair. But Cage, in a show of defiance, didn't even flinch! Horrified, Ciampa tried to make a run for it, but couldn't escape, nearly getting his head taken right off with the Tornado Claw, before being completely laid out by Weapon X. Judgment day has finally come for Tommaso Ciampa, and there will be nowhere to run and nowhere to hide at Takeover: Phoenix.
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