Tonight, it may well be judgment day for Tommaso Ciampa and his reign as NXT Champion, as he faces the seemingly unstoppable and damn near unbeatable Brian Cage in our main event. How can Ciampa possibly hope to defeat a man who took a steel chair shot to the head without even flinching? To add on to the woes for the champ, his protege, perhaps the only man in NXT who could stand toe to toe with Cage, Keith Lee, must wrestle a barbaric Last Man Standing match against former best friend Matt Riddle. Those two matches will go on back to back, likely making it impossible for Lee to offer any assistance to Ciampa in the main event. Is Phoenix the end of the line for the duo that has dominated this brand for almost half a year?
Universe Mode
NXT Takeover: Phoenix
January 25th, 2020
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Buddy Murphy(c) vs Pentagon Jr - Cruiserweight Championship Match
The Cruiserweight belt has seen plenty of controversy and tons of title changes over the past year and Buddy Murphy was determined to be the one who lasted. Early on, Murphy was able to out-wrestle his deadly challenger, showing his progress in the grappling game. But an attempted Murphy's Law was countered into a thrust kick from Pentagon, and now the champion was in serious danger. Pentagon got hold of Buddy's right arm, and smiled for the first time, ready to put this contest away. But with incredible power, Murphy was able to lift Pentagon high into the air, and bring him crashing down with a one-armed powerbomb! The challenger was dazed and the champion struck, hitting Murphy's Law to open the show and his title reign with a quality defense.
Winner and still Cruiserweight Champion: Buddy Murphy
Imperium vs Lucha House Party
No one can doubt the talent of Kalisto, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado, but perhaps this fun-loving, crowd-pleasing persona had taken them as far as it could. With methodical precision, WALTER led his troops through a complete squash, as Marcel Barthel and Alexander Wolfe worked effectively as a team to support their leader. There was no doubt about the outcome, though a late rally by Metalik gave the luchadores some hope, before WALTER ended it with a powerbomb.
Winners: Imperium
Rhea Ripley(c) vs Mandy Rose- NXT Women's Championship Match
For all her obvious talent, Rhea Ripley is still quite young, and this match exposed the fact that she still hasn't quite developed that veteran killer instinct yet. She took the opening exchanges a bit too easy, and Mandy Rose capitalized, able to use her feet to deliver a nice combination of kicks, before connecting with a running knee and the wheelbarrow facebuster. "The Golden Goddess" was certainly proving herself more than capable here, but Ripley managed to recover from the initial result. Now taking her opponent completely seriously, Rhea brutalized Rose with a big boot, before hitting Riptide to retain her title, a narrower win than she ever could've predicted.
Winner and still NXT Women's Champion: Rhea Ripley
Cedric Alexander vs Roderick Strong- Loser Leaves NXT
It was time for one of the most emotional contests of the evening, as Cedric Alexander battled Roderick Strong, with the loser leaving this brand for good. Though this was a straight wrestling match, it should be noted that the referee was allowed to be lenient in enforcing rules to make sure we got a winner. For twenty solid minutes, these two men battled, each hitting each other with the best of their repertoire. Alexander broke out the brainbuster and took to the skies several times, hitting a springboard clothesline and a frog splash. Strong was more methodical in his approach, as the "Messiah of the Backbreaker" lived up to his name, wearing down Cedric's back with inventive, precise offense. But for everything that both men had done, this match would hinge on just one moment. Unfortunately for Cedric, that moment was his mistake, as he got a bit too greedy on the top rope, attempting a Phoenix Splash that was appropriate to the setting and visually impressive, but took too long to set-up. Strong was able to roll out of the way, and connect with the End of Heartache.
But Cedric Alexander kicked out! Stunned, Strong slumped into the corner, totally spent and frustrated. Phoenix rallied behind Cedric, chanting for him to retake his feet. Alexander, though, was still down, and now Strong was going for the kill. He lined up the Sick Kick, lifted Cedric to his feet, and launched himself through the air. But Strong found nothing but canvas! Alexander got all of an enziguri, and connected with the Lumbar Check! Cedric Alexander protected his spot on NXT here in Phoenix, and surely has now vindicated himself in the eyes of GM Triple H.
Winner: Cedric Alexander
Moustache Mountain(c) vs The Street Profits- NXT Tag Team Championship Match
Despite their cavalier, party-centric attitudes, Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford took this championship opportunity very seriously. They had a gameplan, and utilized it well, looking to overwhelm the challengers with pure pace. Dawkins used his natural explosiveness to send Seven flying with a big shoulder tackle, and Ford ran rings around Bate before planting him with a DDT. But the champions would adjust and rally, as Seven pulled Bate to safety after Ford attempted a frog splash, and the two slowed the match down, taking Montez apart with smart double team tactics. Bate and Seven had settled into their rhythm now, and though Ford was able to make the hot tag to Dawkins, Angelo would be put away with the Seven Stars Lariat.
Winners and still NXT Tag Team Champions: Moustache Mountain
Keith Lee vs Matt Riddle- Last Man Standing Match
The "King of Bros" was given permission to be as vicious as he pleased in this match, and he took full advantage of it. Keith Lee would be on the back foot all match after Riddle jumped him at the start with a kendo stick. Massive welts were opened up on the body of Lee, and Riddle enjoyed every second of this beatdown. Lee tried to get space by sending Riddle into the steps, but Matt just emerged with a steel chair and went right back on the attack. But through all the punishment he had received, Lee kept getting up to answer the referee's ten count, and Riddle knew he would need to do more. He cleared off the announcer's table, and managed to lift Lee up to the top rope. Phoenix could sense a big spot incoming, and the crowd began to buzz. Riddle grabbed hold of Lee's chest, intent on hitting a belly to belly suplex through the table, but Lee fought back. He delivered a sick headbutt to Riddle's jaw, and Matt was momentarily stunned. Lee stared at the table, then grabbed hold of Riddle, lifting him up into a powerbomb position, standing on the top rope. Then he leaped! Holy sh**! Both men went crashing through the table, as Phoenix lost their damn minds. The official began the count, and though Lee began to stir at 8, his body was just in too much pain, and he couldn't retake his feet. The pursuit for revenge had cost both men on this night, and neither would be walking out under their own power.
DRAW
Tommaso Ciampa(c) vs Brian Cage- NXT Championship Match
Knowing he was in trouble, the NXT Champion was extremely hesitant to enter the ring. He walked around ringside, clutching his title while arguing with fans. Finally, the official had had enough, and snatched the belt away from Ciampa, before holding it up high in the ring. Tommaso couldn't lose the title he affectionately referred to as "Goldie", so he cautiously entering the ring. Then he went on the attack! Cage was caught completely off guard, as Ciampa launched into a vicious assault, taking the challenger down and hammering away at him on the mat. The champ was intent on ending it quickly, while he still had the advantage, and looked to connect with his sliding knee strike. But Cage leaped back to his feet, and caught a charging Ciampa with the Tornado Claw! Quick as a whip, the challenger connected with Weapon X! Could we see a new champion crowned? Ciampa had just enough sense left to roll to the floor, a desperation move to prolong this match, but not one that was going to save him.
But from the back emerged Keith Lee! He stared down at Cage in the ring, and even "The Machine" was impressed and perhaps even a little fearful. Lee could barely walk, but his mere presence was enough. From behind, Ciampa struck with a steel chair! He caught Cage right in the back of the head, a clean shot that sent the challenger sprawling and the official called for the bell.
Winner: Brian Cage
Post-Match
But Cage didn't look like much of a winner here, as Ciampa continued to rain down chair shots while Lee slowly made his way to the ring. The NXT Champion fetched another chair, and looked to take Cage out for good. Con-chair-to to Brian Cage! Tommaso Ciampa had done everything possible to keep his "Goldie" safe tonight, and now, Cage may never be a threat on NXT again.
Lee was now in the ring, and Ciampa greeted him with a smile and a hug, as both men celebrated over the prone carcass of Brian Cage. The official wanted nothing to do with them, and helped the medical team get Cage onto a stretcher. The boos from Phoenix were deafening, but Ciampa held his title high in a proud salute And then Keith Lee hit Tommaso Ciampa with the Spirit Bomb! What in the world? Lee had eyes only for the NXT title, which he grabbed with both hands. He put one foot on the fallen Ciampa, and then he lifted the title into the air, to be greeted with a huge cheer from the crowd. Takeover: Phoenix came to an end with Keith Lee screaming those four famous words to the heavens-
BASK IN MY GLORY!!!
Want to follow the series, but missed a few posts? No problem! Check out my Universe Mode Wiki, constantly updated to keep you up to speed with the latest Universe Mode happenings.
Universe Mode
NXT Takeover: Phoenix
January 25th, 2020
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Buddy Murphy(c) vs Pentagon Jr - Cruiserweight Championship Match
The Cruiserweight belt has seen plenty of controversy and tons of title changes over the past year and Buddy Murphy was determined to be the one who lasted. Early on, Murphy was able to out-wrestle his deadly challenger, showing his progress in the grappling game. But an attempted Murphy's Law was countered into a thrust kick from Pentagon, and now the champion was in serious danger. Pentagon got hold of Buddy's right arm, and smiled for the first time, ready to put this contest away. But with incredible power, Murphy was able to lift Pentagon high into the air, and bring him crashing down with a one-armed powerbomb! The challenger was dazed and the champion struck, hitting Murphy's Law to open the show and his title reign with a quality defense.
Winner and still Cruiserweight Champion: Buddy Murphy
Imperium vs Lucha House Party
No one can doubt the talent of Kalisto, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado, but perhaps this fun-loving, crowd-pleasing persona had taken them as far as it could. With methodical precision, WALTER led his troops through a complete squash, as Marcel Barthel and Alexander Wolfe worked effectively as a team to support their leader. There was no doubt about the outcome, though a late rally by Metalik gave the luchadores some hope, before WALTER ended it with a powerbomb.
Winners: Imperium
Rhea Ripley(c) vs Mandy Rose- NXT Women's Championship Match
For all her obvious talent, Rhea Ripley is still quite young, and this match exposed the fact that she still hasn't quite developed that veteran killer instinct yet. She took the opening exchanges a bit too easy, and Mandy Rose capitalized, able to use her feet to deliver a nice combination of kicks, before connecting with a running knee and the wheelbarrow facebuster. "The Golden Goddess" was certainly proving herself more than capable here, but Ripley managed to recover from the initial result. Now taking her opponent completely seriously, Rhea brutalized Rose with a big boot, before hitting Riptide to retain her title, a narrower win than she ever could've predicted.
Winner and still NXT Women's Champion: Rhea Ripley
Cedric Alexander vs Roderick Strong- Loser Leaves NXT
It was time for one of the most emotional contests of the evening, as Cedric Alexander battled Roderick Strong, with the loser leaving this brand for good. Though this was a straight wrestling match, it should be noted that the referee was allowed to be lenient in enforcing rules to make sure we got a winner. For twenty solid minutes, these two men battled, each hitting each other with the best of their repertoire. Alexander broke out the brainbuster and took to the skies several times, hitting a springboard clothesline and a frog splash. Strong was more methodical in his approach, as the "Messiah of the Backbreaker" lived up to his name, wearing down Cedric's back with inventive, precise offense. But for everything that both men had done, this match would hinge on just one moment. Unfortunately for Cedric, that moment was his mistake, as he got a bit too greedy on the top rope, attempting a Phoenix Splash that was appropriate to the setting and visually impressive, but took too long to set-up. Strong was able to roll out of the way, and connect with the End of Heartache.
But Cedric Alexander kicked out! Stunned, Strong slumped into the corner, totally spent and frustrated. Phoenix rallied behind Cedric, chanting for him to retake his feet. Alexander, though, was still down, and now Strong was going for the kill. He lined up the Sick Kick, lifted Cedric to his feet, and launched himself through the air. But Strong found nothing but canvas! Alexander got all of an enziguri, and connected with the Lumbar Check! Cedric Alexander protected his spot on NXT here in Phoenix, and surely has now vindicated himself in the eyes of GM Triple H.
Winner: Cedric Alexander
Moustache Mountain(c) vs The Street Profits- NXT Tag Team Championship Match
Despite their cavalier, party-centric attitudes, Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford took this championship opportunity very seriously. They had a gameplan, and utilized it well, looking to overwhelm the challengers with pure pace. Dawkins used his natural explosiveness to send Seven flying with a big shoulder tackle, and Ford ran rings around Bate before planting him with a DDT. But the champions would adjust and rally, as Seven pulled Bate to safety after Ford attempted a frog splash, and the two slowed the match down, taking Montez apart with smart double team tactics. Bate and Seven had settled into their rhythm now, and though Ford was able to make the hot tag to Dawkins, Angelo would be put away with the Seven Stars Lariat.
Winners and still NXT Tag Team Champions: Moustache Mountain
Keith Lee vs Matt Riddle- Last Man Standing Match
The "King of Bros" was given permission to be as vicious as he pleased in this match, and he took full advantage of it. Keith Lee would be on the back foot all match after Riddle jumped him at the start with a kendo stick. Massive welts were opened up on the body of Lee, and Riddle enjoyed every second of this beatdown. Lee tried to get space by sending Riddle into the steps, but Matt just emerged with a steel chair and went right back on the attack. But through all the punishment he had received, Lee kept getting up to answer the referee's ten count, and Riddle knew he would need to do more. He cleared off the announcer's table, and managed to lift Lee up to the top rope. Phoenix could sense a big spot incoming, and the crowd began to buzz. Riddle grabbed hold of Lee's chest, intent on hitting a belly to belly suplex through the table, but Lee fought back. He delivered a sick headbutt to Riddle's jaw, and Matt was momentarily stunned. Lee stared at the table, then grabbed hold of Riddle, lifting him up into a powerbomb position, standing on the top rope. Then he leaped! Holy sh**! Both men went crashing through the table, as Phoenix lost their damn minds. The official began the count, and though Lee began to stir at 8, his body was just in too much pain, and he couldn't retake his feet. The pursuit for revenge had cost both men on this night, and neither would be walking out under their own power.
DRAW
Tommaso Ciampa(c) vs Brian Cage- NXT Championship Match
Knowing he was in trouble, the NXT Champion was extremely hesitant to enter the ring. He walked around ringside, clutching his title while arguing with fans. Finally, the official had had enough, and snatched the belt away from Ciampa, before holding it up high in the ring. Tommaso couldn't lose the title he affectionately referred to as "Goldie", so he cautiously entering the ring. Then he went on the attack! Cage was caught completely off guard, as Ciampa launched into a vicious assault, taking the challenger down and hammering away at him on the mat. The champ was intent on ending it quickly, while he still had the advantage, and looked to connect with his sliding knee strike. But Cage leaped back to his feet, and caught a charging Ciampa with the Tornado Claw! Quick as a whip, the challenger connected with Weapon X! Could we see a new champion crowned? Ciampa had just enough sense left to roll to the floor, a desperation move to prolong this match, but not one that was going to save him.
But from the back emerged Keith Lee! He stared down at Cage in the ring, and even "The Machine" was impressed and perhaps even a little fearful. Lee could barely walk, but his mere presence was enough. From behind, Ciampa struck with a steel chair! He caught Cage right in the back of the head, a clean shot that sent the challenger sprawling and the official called for the bell.
Winner: Brian Cage
Post-Match
But Cage didn't look like much of a winner here, as Ciampa continued to rain down chair shots while Lee slowly made his way to the ring. The NXT Champion fetched another chair, and looked to take Cage out for good. Con-chair-to to Brian Cage! Tommaso Ciampa had done everything possible to keep his "Goldie" safe tonight, and now, Cage may never be a threat on NXT again.
Lee was now in the ring, and Ciampa greeted him with a smile and a hug, as both men celebrated over the prone carcass of Brian Cage. The official wanted nothing to do with them, and helped the medical team get Cage onto a stretcher. The boos from Phoenix were deafening, but Ciampa held his title high in a proud salute And then Keith Lee hit Tommaso Ciampa with the Spirit Bomb! What in the world? Lee had eyes only for the NXT title, which he grabbed with both hands. He put one foot on the fallen Ciampa, and then he lifted the title into the air, to be greeted with a huge cheer from the crowd. Takeover: Phoenix came to an end with Keith Lee screaming those four famous words to the heavens-
BASK IN MY GLORY!!!
Want to follow the series, but missed a few posts? No problem! Check out my Universe Mode Wiki, constantly updated to keep you up to speed with the latest Universe Mode happenings.
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