Results by Mike Hogan of Rajah.com
June 1, 2021
Orlando, FL – Capitol Wrestling Center
Commentary: Vic Joseph, Wade Barrett & Beth Phoenix
Quick Match Results
- #1 Contender Triple Threat Match: Kyle O’Reilly vs. Pete Dunne vs. Johnny Gargano was no contest when Adam Cole attacked all three men
- Jake Atlas defeated LA Knight via cartwheel DDT while Knight was distracted with Ted DiBiase
- NXT Cruiserweight Championship: Kushida (c) defeated Carmelo Hayes via Hoverboard Lock
- Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell defeated Zayda Ramier & Zoey Stark via Wicked Stepsister by LeRae followed by a flying elbow drop by Hartwell on Ramier
- NXT Tag Team Championship: MSK (c) defeated Legado del Fantasma via Hart Attack Blockbuster on Mendoza
#1 Contender Triple Threat Match
Kyle O’Reilly vs. Pete Dunne vs. Johnny Gargano
Pete Dunne is out first to loud boos, followed by Johnny Gargano with Austin Theory. Theory heads to the back and Gargano makes his way down alone. Out last is Kyle O’Reilly. The bell rings and our competitors waste no time getting to it. Gargano is sent from the ring and neutralized early. Dunne works the fingers and wrists as he and O’Reilly jockey, each showing off their submission skills. Both men go back and forth, with each attempting a submission. Gargano enters and all three men lock submissions on each other. KOR is sent out of the ring and Dunne squares off against Gargano. Gargano ends up in a rear shoulder pull until Kyle makes the save. KOR and Gargano struggle briefly until O’Reilly takes the lead. KOR hammers knee drops down into Gargano’s sides, swapping sides to pound the other side of Gargano’s ribs. Outside the ring, Dunne stalks O’Reilly and strikes when Kyle’s back is turned. Dunne puts Gargano and O’Reilly both in a form of an arm submission at the same time, but they escape. Quick sequence engages. Gargano streaks across with a back elbow to Dunne. All three clash. Gargano’s sent out. Dunne with an ankle lock on O’Reilly, who turns and flips Dunne off and out of the ring. Gargano clashes with Dunne. Final Flash DDT! Gargano back into the ring and wipes out Kyle as we go to picture-in-picture break.
During the break, Gargano continues to work over O’Reilly until Dunne sends Gargano out and takes over, brutalizing KOR with working holds and strong strikes. When Dunne notices Gargano rising outside the ring, he slips out and whips Gargano face-first into the barricade before heading back into the ring. KOR attempts to fight Dunne off but the Bruiserweight shuts him down. Dunne softens O’Reilly with a series of powerful knee strikes to the chest. Gargano up to the apron as we return from the break. Dunne chases and Gargano drops off to avoid. KOR fires off a combination of strikes to reel Dunne and drop Gargano. KOR grabs Dunne’s left arm, twists and connects with an armbreaker. KOR hooks Pete Dunne in a double-underhook and connects with a unique variant of a butterfly suplex, holds on and rolls through, performs the move again while still holding on, and rolls through to execute it a third time and slam Dunne down on top of Gargano in an impressive spot. The three-way battle continues with no single man taking the lead. Highlights here onward as the pace picks up. Gargano connects with a Suicide Dive on KOR outside the ring. Gargano with a springboard spear for a pin attempt. Gargano sets KOR up in the corner and looks for a Lawn Dart but O’Reilly counters and looks for a backslide. Dunne kicks them both in an acrobatic sequence, dropping both men on their butts with their arms still locked. Dunne with a kick to the face of one and a dropkick to the face of the other. Dunne with a DDT and a sit-out roll-up. Gargano superkicks Dunne to break the pin attempt, forcing Dunne to roll on his back and KOR to start pinning Dunne. Gargano superkicks KOR and flips them back the other way before Gargano breaks it. KOR starts to fight back. Dunne’s sent out the ring and Gargano rolls up KOR for a two. KOR with a kneebar submission but Dunne breaks it up with a jumping knee drop to both men. Bruiserweight goes for the Bitter End but Gargano counters mid-air into a Spike DDT! Gargano carries Dunne across the ring and Lawn Dart throws him at KOR, knocking KOR out of the ring! Gargano attempts a pin but only gets two! Impressive match so far! The crowd chants “fight forever” loudly.
All three men are up and in the ring, exhausted. Kyle O’Reilly makes a case to be the moistest wrestler in WWE (sorry, Morrison). Each man with slow, hard shots to each other. Kicks are exchanged and we end with all three men down as the crowd chants loudly “this is awesome.” Gargano’s up and looks for another slingshot but O’Reilly catches him into a side sleeper! Dunne comes behind O’Reilly and locks in a Piper Sleeper. O’Reilly drops Gargano and seems to be fading. Gargano whips O’Reilly out of the ring and locks the Gargano Escape on Dunne! Dunne pries Gargano’s fingers to break the move. KOR starts to climb the turnbuckle. Dunne connects with the Bitter End in the ring and gets a close two before O’Reilly dives and crashes into them, breaking up the count and eliciting another chant from the crowd! All three men are down after another clash. Dunne and O’Reilly are down outside the ramp-side ring.
Without warning, Adam Cole strikes! Cole takes out O’Reilly. Dunne attacks the interloper but the fresh Cole easily dispatches Dunne and O’Reilly before heading into the ring to take out Gargano, too. GM William Regal and Security come out. Cole tells them to back up so he can get out the ring. He exits, then hits another superkick on Gargano! Regal is furious and they escort Cole up the ramp as we go to break! Afterwards we discover the match is simply over.
Your Result, No Contest?
In-Ring: Ember Moon, Raquel Gonzalez, Dakota Kai
Back from the break. GM Regal is still escorting Cole out with security. Ember Moon passes them by and heads to the ring. She calls out NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez, who comes out to the top of the ramp. Regal stands watching them as both exchange heated words. Dakota Kai attacks Ember Moon from behind, much to Regal’s chagrin, then holds her hands up as she leaves the room and heads up the ramp with Gonzalez as Regal looks severely pissed.
Backstage: Legado del Fantasma
We see all three members of Legado backstage. Santos Escobar tells his capos that he’ll be out there to watch them reclaim whats theirs, and they promise to follow his example and be leaders among men.
Earlier Today: Hit Row, Ever-Rise, Drake Maverick & Killian Dain
When we return from break, we see clips from NXT on YouTube earlier today in which an arriving Hit Row verbally mock Ever Rise. Drake Maverick, nearby, chuckles. Swerve confronts Drake, but Drake refuses to show fear. Dain bursts in and tells Swerve that if he’s got a problem with Drake, he’s got a problem with Dain.
LA Knight vs. Jake Atlas
LA Knight makes his way out on the mic, showcasing his improving, impressive form and his God-tier heel mic skills, working the crowd into a booing frenzy. Jake Atlas is already in the ring and during the match, our commentary team talk about the possibility of LA Knight taking over the Million-Dollar Legacy instead of Cameron Grimes. Barrett supports Knight; Phoenix points out that Grimes is a “self-made millionaire.” In the ring, Atlas starts off in control. Atlas uses working holds to keep the pace slow. Atlas uses a hip toss and, later, an arm drag to keep Knight on the mat. Knight attempts to fight out but Atlas displays some excellent core strength and plans Knight. Both men begin to exchange fists and strikes and for several moments, neither man takes control, until LA Knight plans Atlas. Knight notices Ted DiBiase as he makes his way out and down the ramp. Knight yells to DiBiase, telling him not to worry as Knight’s got the “kid” who proceeds to attack Knight from behind and nearly steals the win. Knight escapes and drops Atlas with a DiBiase-tribute fist (per the announce team). Knight takes his time now, dismantling Atlas with a kick to the ribs and punishing stomps and elbow drops to the midsection as he shows off for DiBiase’s viewing pleasure. The crowd chants for Atlas as Knight chokes Atlas on the middle rope. Atlas is left draped over the middle. Knight runs along the apron and kicks Atlas, then drops him with a flying shoulder tackle. DiBiase nods his head, seemingly impressed with things as we head to break.
Back from the break. LA Knight looks for a suplex but Atlas floats over and attempts one of his own. Knight floats over, countering it and dropping Atlas to DiBiase’s approval. LA Knight looks for the Million Dollar Dream! Atlas escapes and hits the cross-body for a close two. Atlas fires off a series of rights and looks for the whip, but Knight counters the whip and sends Atlas out, over the top, crashing the youngster’s body into the steel before the Million Dollar Man. Knight poses on the top turnbuckle as the ref counts. Knight points at himself, talking to DiBiase, telling him this is why he (Knight) deserves the legacy. The ref continues to count. Atlas battles to his feet, slowly, getting into the ring. Knight beats Atlas down into the canvas. A fan very loudly chants “you suck” and Knight yells something back as he climbs the ropes. Knight dives but Atlas moves! DiBiase seems disappointed. Atlas with a lariat and rights. Atlas ducks under a fist and continues to work Knight with fists and drops him with a kick. Cameron Grimes makes his way out and talks to DiBiase on the ramp, trying to make a case for himself. Knight and Atlas continue to fight. Atlas with a beautiful Death Valley Driver followed with a Standing Moonsault for a close two! Atlas climbs up top as Knight uses the ropes to pull himself up. Knight is quicker and slaps Atlas, dropping him to a seated position.
Knight looks at Grimes and DiBiase and gestures to them, and Atlas shoves him off. Knight runs to the corner and up the ropes, hooking up Atlas. Again he gestures to DiBiase and again Atlas makes him pay for it, knocking himself free. Atlas with a cartwheel DDT and picks up the shocking win!
Your Winner, Jake Atlas!
Cameron Grimes laughs, pointing at Knight who just lost. DiBiase shakes his head in disappointment and walks up the ramp as Knight yells “Ted, don’t do it! It’s me! Ted! Ted…” as he yells and begs from the ring for DiBiase to come back.
Backstage: Oney Lorcan, Austin Theory
Oney Lorcan catches a camera looking into the medical room and demands the cameraperson turn the camera off. He claims if it weren’t for Adam Cole, Pete Dunne would be facing Kross at TakeOver. Austin Theory comes out and shoves Oney Lorcan, claiming Gargano was in the lead and a brief rumble breaks out.
Backstage: “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase
What’s HE doing back here?! π @AdamColePro @MDMTedDiBiase @mckenzienmitch pic.twitter.com/TfEAppfmtp
β WWE (@WWE) June 2, 2021
DiBiase is asked about the previous match. He starts to tell us how Grimes impressed him by proving…–whatever it is, we’ll never know as Adam Cole walks past and heads out to the ring as we head to break.
Next Week
ππ π‘π π‘π‘πͺ. π @poppy returns to #WWENXT next week on @USA_Network pic.twitter.com/6gttSURxCm
β WWE NXT (@WWENXT) June 2, 2021
Grammy Award-nominated artist Poppy returns next week. Also, due to the events below, Karrion Kross will now defend his title in a Fatal Five-way against Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne, Kyle O’Reilly, and Adam Cole at the upcoming TakeOver event one week from this Sunday.
In-Ring: Adam Cole, Karrion Kross, Scarlett
Cole points out that it’s nearly the two year anniversary of his NXT reign. He’s been shelved for two months but in one night, he just took out three of the top stars in NXT. He states that means that Adam Cole bay-bay wants his gold back. He then addresses Kross via the camera, calling him a “big overrated muscle-head who doesn’t even deserve to be in the same ring as me.” He asks if Kross thinks it was a mistake that Cole held the title for 403 days or if he thinks it happened by accident when Kross and Scarlett make their way out! They waste no time with pageantry and head straight to the ring, where Kross gets on the mic.
“Little man! Your motives tonight make sense.” He says it makes sense what he did tonight. He then pivots and tells Kross that when Kross signed on at NXT, Cole no longer became special and knows it. Kross tells Cole “we can talk about it out here, we don’t have to go back there. But Humor me. Tell me a story, Mr. Cole, explain to me–” Cole jumps in, calling him “Mister Overrated” and tells Kross that while he’s got a cool theme, hot girl, fog machine, cool lights…but he’s not Adam Cole and it’s all just to make Kross feel special. Cole looks up (literally) to Kross and tells him that Kross can’t even lace his boots and lays into Kross, insisting Kross is just “a guy who has my property” and calls himself special. Scarlett’s got “Tick Tock” face paint, very cool. General Manager William Regal comes out, telling Cole on the mic that he knows Cole’s trying to weasel his way into a title shot. Kross yells for Regal to shut up and tells Regal that he does what he wants, and this is about what he wants. He demands Regal give him everyone, telling Regal he wants to take on Cole, and Dunne, O’Reilly and Gargano. They get face-to-face and Cole and Kross jaw to each other off the mic. Regal watches as Cole says “it’s done” and Vic Joseph announces–or starts to–a fatal five-way. Cole clears the table off and stands on it, yelling at Kross. Kross makes the “blah blah blah” hand gesture as Cole talks smack. Cole throws a bottle of water at Kross but it looks like it misses and hits Scarlett in the face despite Kross’ quick attempt to shield her. Kross is livid and Cole leaves.
Backstage: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell
LeRae is asked about her match coming up, and when it’s mentioned that Poppy will be there next week, Candice snaps at her. Indi stands there, looking like a zombie while listening to music. Candice basically calls Kross a chump of a champ, then asks Hartwell what she’s listening to. Hartwell confesses it’s 80’s power ballads because she misses Dexter. LeRae snatches the headphones off and they head off.
Video Promo: Carmelo Hayes
We get a video package of the former Christian Casanova, now known as Carmelo Hayes. He says we’re looking at the next Cruiserweight champion.
Video: Tian Sha, Xia Li and Mercedes Martinez
We get a unique video promo showing a recent battle with Martinez, in which Mercedes proved victorious. Xia Li promises at TakeOver to avenge her honor.
Backstage: Dexter Lumis
Dexter is shown listening to Indi’s headset, the power ballad bring apparently a tear to his eye.
NXT Cruiserweight Championship
Kushida (c) vs. Carmelo Hayes
Kushida makes his way out first and this match is next! After a bunch of malarkey, we get Carmelo Hayes’ introduction and this match is under way! The bell rings and Kushida crosses the ring, closing in on Carmelo. They lock up and Carmelo takes the champ down, looking for a quick pin. Kushida pops out and Carmelo tells Kushida “I’m taking that” as he points to the belt outside the ring. Both men lock up. Hayes overpowers Kushida and converts their lock into an up-and-over. Hayes drops Kushida to the mat and locks in a side headlock. Back to their feet, Kushida whips Hayes into the ropes. Kushida drops down as Hayes goes over. Kushida leap frogs as Hayes comes off the opposite ropes. They clash and Hayes drops the champ with a series of arm drags and a dropkick. Kushida with a strike to the gut. Kushida takes the challenger into the champ and chops him once as the ref warns him. Kushida looks to whip, but Hayes counters and whips Kushida into the opposite corner. Hayes looks to charge in but eats a foot. Kushida comes out the corner but Hayes shows off some innovative offense, countering Kushida’s momentum into a form of a Pele and a pin attempt. Hayes pulls Kushida up. Kushida looks for an armbar but settles for a side headlock, dragging the chalenger down to the mat. Kushida arches his back, looking to push his weight down on the neck. Hayes forces the break and Kushida drops Hayes with a back flip elbow. Kushida charges the corner but Hayes avoids it and hits a double-stomp. Hayes attempts a cover for two as we go to break. It’s announced that Grimes vs Knight will take place at NXT TakeOver: In Your House ’21.
Back from the break. We’re informed that Hayes has maintained control throughout the break. Kushida looks for a comeback when we return but Carmelo catches Kushida and drops his face across Hayes’ knees. Hayes with a big driver and a pin attempt. Both men are down and Kushida starts his comeback sequence with palm strikes. Hayes shuts it down impressively, flying off the ropes and countering a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker into a face plant for a close two! Hayes yells for Kushida to get up, looks at the Cruiserweight title and yells “I need this!” Kushida uses the distraction to counter Hayes’ grapple and drops Hayes with a series of kicks. Big right hand that stuns Hayes but Carmelo blocks a Hoverboard Lock attempt. Hayes springboards off the top rope, looking for a flying right but Kushida catches him with a kick to the face. Kushida with a Hoverboard Lock and Hayes taps.
Kushida is late in breaking the lock and the ref gets him off Hayes. After the match Kushida offers a hand to help up Hayes. Hayes shakes his hand and Kushida gives props to the challenger before leaving up the ramp.
Your Winner and STILL Cruiserweight Champion, Kushida!
Backstage: Franky Monet
Generic heel, arrogant promo from Franky backstage.
Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell vs. Zayda Ramier & Zoey Stark
We return to the ring where Zayda and Zoey are prepared to fight as a tag team. Out come the women’s tag team champions for this non-title match. Phoenix props for InDex and Vic Joseph calls it a great love story–he’s right, still a better love story than Twilight. Hartwell and LeRae take control early on, using quick tags as they keep Zayda isolated to their side of the ring. Candice works over the neck as our commentary team are more focused on the whole InDex situation. Seriously, they spend the first two minutes mostly ignoring the match. Zayda attempts to gain some separation and drops LeRae but before she can make the tag to Stark, Indi comes in. Hartwell does enough to contain Zayda and tags Candice back in. Candice with a cheap shot to Stark to knock her off the apron, briefly. Zayda uses the distraction to fight back, gaining separation and making a hot tag to Stark. Stark comes in and cleans house with a series of kicks. Stark with a superkick to LeRae and a pin attempt. Stark tags in Zayda then slams her partner down on top of LeRae for a close two. Hartwell makes the save. Ramier is run down by LeRae, who tags in Hartwell. LeRae hits the Wicked Stepsister followed by Hartwell’s springboard elbow drop, called both “Pretty Savage” and “Wicked Savage” by Vic Joseph as Hartwell picks up the win after the double-team.
Your Winners, NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions the Way!
Backstage: Mercedes Martinez
Mercedes Martinez addresses Tian Sha (faction)/Xia Li (superstar) and promises to run through Xia Li just like she did in the Mae Young Classic a few years back. She accepts the challenge.
Video: Diamond Mine
“Diamond Mine” is “opening soon.”
NXT TakeOver: In Your House 2021 Card Rundown
Officially announced tonight: a Fatal Five-way for the NXT Championship, Xia Li vs Mercedes Martinez, and Cameron Grimes vs LA Knight. More matches to be announced before the event a week from this Sunday.
Backstage: Ember Moon
Mackenzie asks Moon, who holds her neck, about the attack earlier tonight. Moon is livid and claims that Raquel Gonzalez uses Dakota Kai as a lackey to do her dirty work. Moon promises to take out Dakota Kai next week and work her way to becoming a two-time NXT champion. It’s official, Kai vs Moon next week.
NXT Tag Team Championship
MSK (c) vs. Legado del Fantasma (Joaquin Wilde & Raul Mendoza)
Legado come out first, with Wilde & Mendoza wearing masks while Escobar wears a wicked cool gold-and-black smoking jacket. I want one. Mendoza & Wilde wave up the ramp, beckoning out their opponents. NXT Tag Team Champions MSK come out, happy to oblige, full of energy. We start with Wes Lee and Joaquin Wilde. Both men with a quick series of counters. Wes with a kneeling side headlock as we see Escobar’s joined commentary, albeit off mic. Lee continues to work the neck. Wilde back-flips Lee off of him and Lee immediately locks onto the neck again. Wilde flings Lee back, down to the mat, and Lee mule kicks Wilde into the MSK corner. Lee tags in Nash Carter. Carter looks for a Bronco Buster but Wilde moves. Wilde tags in Raul Mendoza. Mendoza stomps away at Carter in the Legado corner and hits a huge chop. Tag from Legado to execute a double-team back elbow before Mendoza suplexes Wilde onto Carter! Wilde with a kick to the lower back followed by a sliding clothesline. Vic Joseph continues to call Joaquin Wilde “Wilde Mendoza”. Yes, I googled to make sure I wasn’t wrong/having an aneurysm. All four men clash and take each other out.
The ref checks on them and out comes the Grizzled Young Veterans! The GYV start to disrobe before they’re attacked from behind by the team of Timothy Thatcher & Tommaso Ciampa! All four brawl to the back. MSK recover and take out Legado at ringside with aerial moves as we go to picture-in-picture break!
Back from the break. During it, Carter fought against both members of Legado as they executed quick tags in an effort to keep the youngster cornered in. Carter makes a tag to Lee, who begins to work over Wilde in the corner until Wilde sends Lee face-first into the middle turnbuckle. Wilde takes Lee to the Legado corner and makes a tag. Mendoza throws shoulders into Lee’s gut before working the neck and shoulders with a seated hold in the middle of the ring. When we return, Lee gains some separation and heads up top. Mendoza cartwheels over and leaps up, kicking Lee in the face. Mendoza attempts a pin and Carter prepares to come in, but Wes Lee kicks out. Mendoza takes Lee to the Legado corner and tags in Wilde. Both men with a double-team leg-pick and double dropkick to cover for a close two. Wilde punishes Lee with a flurry of fists. Wilde talks smack to Wes Lee before pulling him up and using a snapmare to drop him to a seated position. Wilde drops a knee to Lee’s back and cranks the neck while restraining the left arm. Beth Phoenix praises Legado for successfully keeping Lee in, and controlled, for such a lengthy period. Wilde easily drops Lee again and attempts a cover. Tag’s made and Mendoza with a springboard stomp. Tag immediately to Wilde who springboard splashes in, flips to the ropes and springboards back in, crashing onto Lee for another close two. Tag to Mendoza, who uses a high foot choke in the corner as the ref warns him. Mendoza stomps Lee, turns back to mock Carter, then sets Lee up in a Powerbomb position. Mendoza goes for the Powerbomb but Lee floats through, countering it into a DDT and both men are down!
We’re officially in overrun territory. Lee makes the hot tag to Nash Carter. Carter comes in and takes out both Wilde and Mendoza. Carter with a running big boot to Mendoza and a punt kick to Wilde. Tag to Lee. Carter with a standing Moonsault double-team that they do, in which Lee shoves Carter midair onto their opponent. Chaos breaks out. Mendoza makes a blind tag and Lee doesn’t see it. Lee focuses on Wilde and hits a beautiful reverse back Urinage. Mendoza strikes and drops Lee, covering for a very close two as Carter attempts to make the save. The crowd gets alive in this. Mendoza and Wilde begin a series of tag-and-strikes, keeping Lee in their corner. Each man hits a strike and tags their partner. Wilde sets Lee up on the top rope and uses a Hurricanrana to toss Lee straight into a Powerbomb from Mendoza in a beautifully executed, unique move! Carter begins to recover at ringside. Mendoza sends Wes Lee outside then distracts the ref, allowing Santos Escobar to attack Lee outside! Lee’s sent back inside and Legado double team Lee! Carter dives in, just breaking the pin at three to make the save!
Bronson Reed attacks Escobar at ringside, neutralizing the interference! MSK rally in the ring, using the distraction to take out Mendoza with their Hart Attack blockbuster finisher and pick up the win in an excellent match!
Your Winners and STILL NXT Tag Team Champions, MSK!
We get replays of a few of the big moments from the end of the match, including Bronson Reed’s neutralizing of Escobar setting up the double-team from MSK to steal back the momentum and pickup the win in a big, entertaining match. Reed and MSK stand in the ring, all three men holding their belts up as they stare down Legado who remain up the ramp. We end our program with all three champs posing in the ring on corners, with Reed doing his claw-gesture mid-ring.