It has been a worrying state of affairs for NXT since Takeover: Brooklyn, as after being crowned NXT Champion, the mysterious Aleister Black has completely disappeared. What will become of NXT's top prize is anyone's guess, as to why Black has left and where he has gone. But the show must go on. This episode of NXT will feature the cruiserweight division, as new debutants Akira Tozawa and Gran Metalik will face each other in their first match, while Roderick Strong takes on TJP in NXT's main event. Plus, it's women's action, as the fiery Ruby Riot faces one half of the Iconic Duo, Peyton Royce.
Universe Mode
NXT
September 6th, 2017
Location: Full Sail University
Peyton Royce vs Ruby Riot
From the start, the energetic Ruby Riot understood that she would have the odds stacked against her with Billie Kay at ringisde, and went right on the attack. For much of the match, Royce would be on the back foot, until a distraction from Kay allowed her to connect with a beautiful Fisherman Suplex. But that move wouldn't be enough to end it, as Ruby got the shoulder up and would put it all on the line with a suicide dive. Her fearlessness would cost her in the end, as Peyton got out of the way and planted Ruby with a nasty DDT on the floor, re-entering the ring for a count-out victory.
Winner: Peyton Royce
Akira Tozawa vs Gran Metalik
These two men could well be the future of the cruiserweight division, and they both looked good in this match. Tozawa focused quite heavily on the power and ground game, while the luchador Metalik looked to fly whenever possible. The type of style Metalik posses is very much of the risk-reward variety, as while he scored with an impressive sunset flip powerbomb to the floor, he was less lucky on an attempted frankensteiner from the top rope. Tozawa shoved Metalik to the mat, before connecting with an elbow drop off the middle rope and quick as a fox, followed up with a snap german suplex for the win.
After the match, the two men shook hands in a sign of respect after a highly competitive affair.
Winner: Akira Tozawa
Chatting With The Boss
Before the main event, we went backstage to GM William Regal, who was in a state of panic. He had just been informed that his proteges, Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne, had been fired by the Board of Directors, thanks to Regal's constant interference in their matches. Into Regal's office walked Adam Cole. Cole wanted to know what Regal planned to do about the NXT Championship situation, but the GM shooed him away without addressing his question.
TJP vs Roderick Strong
You had to wonder what the mentality of Roderick Strong would be like tonight, coming off of a big loss to Neville at Takeover: Brooklyn. Early on, this was an even, back and forth match from two of the premier grapplers in the cruiserweight division. Strong's impressive power can beat almost anyone, and it wasn't long before the End of Heartache connected, but it didn't get the job done. This is where the judgment of Roddy had to be called into question, as he seemed to lose all sense of control. The Messiah of the Backbreaker was insulted by TJP's ability to survive, and even when he hit the Sick Kick, he chose not to go for the win. This nearly cost him, as the Detonation Kick would connect, and the TJP Clutch was sure to follow. In a stunning move, Strong countered the submission into a second End of Heartache, and made no mistakes in following up with the pinfall.
Winner: Roderick Strong
Want to follow the series, but missed a few posts? No problem! Check out my brand new Universe Mode Wiki, constantly updated to keep you up to speed with the latest Universe Mode happenings.
Universe Mode
NXT
September 6th, 2017
Location: Full Sail University
Peyton Royce vs Ruby Riot
From the start, the energetic Ruby Riot understood that she would have the odds stacked against her with Billie Kay at ringisde, and went right on the attack. For much of the match, Royce would be on the back foot, until a distraction from Kay allowed her to connect with a beautiful Fisherman Suplex. But that move wouldn't be enough to end it, as Ruby got the shoulder up and would put it all on the line with a suicide dive. Her fearlessness would cost her in the end, as Peyton got out of the way and planted Ruby with a nasty DDT on the floor, re-entering the ring for a count-out victory.
Winner: Peyton Royce
Akira Tozawa vs Gran Metalik
These two men could well be the future of the cruiserweight division, and they both looked good in this match. Tozawa focused quite heavily on the power and ground game, while the luchador Metalik looked to fly whenever possible. The type of style Metalik posses is very much of the risk-reward variety, as while he scored with an impressive sunset flip powerbomb to the floor, he was less lucky on an attempted frankensteiner from the top rope. Tozawa shoved Metalik to the mat, before connecting with an elbow drop off the middle rope and quick as a fox, followed up with a snap german suplex for the win.
After the match, the two men shook hands in a sign of respect after a highly competitive affair.
Winner: Akira Tozawa
Chatting With The Boss
Before the main event, we went backstage to GM William Regal, who was in a state of panic. He had just been informed that his proteges, Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne, had been fired by the Board of Directors, thanks to Regal's constant interference in their matches. Into Regal's office walked Adam Cole. Cole wanted to know what Regal planned to do about the NXT Championship situation, but the GM shooed him away without addressing his question.
TJP vs Roderick Strong
You had to wonder what the mentality of Roderick Strong would be like tonight, coming off of a big loss to Neville at Takeover: Brooklyn. Early on, this was an even, back and forth match from two of the premier grapplers in the cruiserweight division. Strong's impressive power can beat almost anyone, and it wasn't long before the End of Heartache connected, but it didn't get the job done. This is where the judgment of Roddy had to be called into question, as he seemed to lose all sense of control. The Messiah of the Backbreaker was insulted by TJP's ability to survive, and even when he hit the Sick Kick, he chose not to go for the win. This nearly cost him, as the Detonation Kick would connect, and the TJP Clutch was sure to follow. In a stunning move, Strong countered the submission into a second End of Heartache, and made no mistakes in following up with the pinfall.
Winner: Roderick Strong
Want to follow the series, but missed a few posts? No problem! Check out my brand new Universe Mode Wiki, constantly updated to keep you up to speed with the latest Universe Mode happenings.
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