NXT takes over Universe Mode for the first time in Season 6, as the black and yellow brand presents a titanic collision over the NXT Championship, plus the first women's main event in Takeover history.
NXT Takeover: Rival Card
Tyler Bate vs WALTER
Though he may never show it, WALTER was thrilled with what he and Alexander Wolfe accomplished in Brooklyn, and along with Marcel Barthel, they have continued to run over everyone since becoming tag team champions. On the flip side, Tyler Bate and Trent Seven took a little while to recover from the end of their long title reign, with Tyler especially taking the loss hard, since he was the one who was pinned. After Wolfe and Barthel defended the titles against High Voltage, the team of Akira Tozawa and The Brian Kendrick, Bate and Seven returned for a brawl. On the go-home show, Tyler made a challenge, much to Trent's chagrin, as the "Big Strong Boi" wanted WALTER, one on one, to avenge his failure. Seven fervently tried to get Bate to stand down, but WALTER accepted the challenge, and this match is on.
Mercedes Martinez vs Mia Yim
Two of the most intense women in NXT meet in this next match, in what is sure to be an uncomfortable and painful match to witness. Martinez is undefeated since debuting on NXT in May, earning wins in tough battles against the likes of Natalya, Dakota Kai and fellow recent signee, Tegan Nox. She was looking to deliver some extra punishment against Nox, applying her Cattle Mutilation after the bell had rung, when she was interrupted by Mia Yim. Not one to stand down from a fight, Yim dropped Martinez with Eat Defeat, and I'm sure we'll see some serious fire from the "Latina Sensation" in response.
Drew Gulak vs KUSHIDA
While the previous match is sure to be more of a brawl, this one promises to be a mat clinic between two of the finest submission specialists in the world. Drew Gulak, following his big win over Matt Riddle, came up just short in an NXT Championship challenge, coming very close to securing checkmate over Keith Lee. Gulak, frustrated, attempted to work his way into the Cruiserweight title picture instead, but lost there as well. It just hasn't all come together quite yet for Gulak, and he finally snapped, going after KUSHIDA on the night when "The Time Splitter" officially announced he was signing with NXT full-time. Gulak forced the Japanese junior to tap to the Dragon Sleeper, and Triple H booked the match the following week. We'll see if Gulak can do the same again at Takeover, this time in actual competition.
Buddy Murphy(c) vs Isaiah "Swerve" Scott- NXT Cruiserweight Championship Match
The recently debuted Isaiah Scott is already picking up a ton of buzz, due to his unmatched confidence and array of beautiful aerial maneuvers. Scott defeated Gulak with his Swerve Stomp, becoming number one contender as a result. He'll challenge Buddy Murphy, who felt disrespected by Scott during their contract signing, and floored his challenger with a leaping knee strike.
Damian Priest vs Triple H
"The Archer of Infamy" has signed to NXT for one explicit reason: to punish those who deserve it, and he's starting right at the top. Priest condemned Hunter for first screwing with Cedric Alexander, then for getting involved in a vendetta with the departing Matt Riddle, assisting Drew Gulak to make sure Riddle was punished for signing elsewhere. Priest spent weeks demanding a match, finally getting an answer from NXT's GM, finally getting an answer on the go-home show. "The Game" accepted the match, stating that he had meddled more than he should, and he would be ready to face the consequences. But if Hunter wins, then Priest must as well. Damian Priest will be honor bound to accept any request from the GM should he lose this match, under threat of being fired.
Keith Lee(c) vs Apollo Crews- NXT Championship Match
For a little while, Apollo Crews was the lord of NXT, on the run of his career as he took down Bobby/Robert Roode, the current WWE Champion, to claim the brand's top prize. But after a defeat to EC3 in 2018, Crews slowly slid down the pecking order without gold around his waist. It's been almost two years of mediocrity for Apollo, but after sitting ringside to witness Keith Lee's championship win in Brooklyn, he was inspired to hit the gym harder than ever and get back to the top. That's exactly what Crews has done, with his regained championship drive seeing him through wins over Shelton Benjamin, Humberto Carrillo and the recently debuted Dominik Dijakovic. Crews has his chance to become champion once again, but standing in his way is an even more dominant champ than himself. In many ways, this is a clash between two very similar competitors, but after what Keith Lee did to Tommaso Ciampa, you'd be a fool not to put your money on "The Limitless One".
Rhea Ripley(c) vs Bianca Belair- Last Woman Standing Match for the NXT Women's Championship
Thanks to a distraction by Io Shirai, Bianca Belair picked up a win over Rhea Ripley just before the last Takeover event, which would prove to be essential after Ripley retained her gold against Shirai. Bianca was declared the number one contender as a result. These two women met once more, this time with the title on the line, on the June 3rd episode of NXT. After a competitive match, a stunning high spot saw both women perched on the top rope, before they fell to the outside, crashing through a panel on the exterior mat, which resulted a massive crater. Both women were counted out, but somehow, the fight resumed, as they both managed to find their feet, and kept trying to swing at each other while the Full Sail faithful roared in approval. Triple H booked them in one more match, where this time, one woman will be forced to stay down.
- Henry
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