NXT Results and Recap: The WarGames Aftermath
The episode of NXT that immediately follows any TakeOver event may not have the “main event” stars you expect, but for a brand like NXT, that doesn’t even matter. This whole roster is so stacked that there are feuds boiling over everywhere and main event stars lurking around every corner. So, even though Tommaso Ciampa, Shayna Baszler, Aleister Black. and Velveteen Dream
After a stellar video recap of NXT TakeOver: WarGames II, we’re back in the Staples Center again, and this time around, the NXT Universe is basking in the glory of the “Limitless” Keith Lee. He’s taking on Fidel Bravo, a man who, shall we say, doesn’t exactly have the same stature as the former Texas A&M defensive lineman. Bravo is, quite simply, no match for Lee. He shoves Lee’s face to start the match, and that’s about all the “offense” he gets in. Lee hushes the crowd and then delivers a deafening double slap to Bravo’s chest, and follows it up with a running crossbody and a jackhammer slam to make quick work of his opponent. That kind of efficiency has defined Lee’s early days in NXT, and there’s no reason to think he’s going to slow down any time soon.
Much of this week’s episode recaps WarGames II, showing us footage from every match; a backstage video where Shayna Baszler feels confident her, Jessamyn Duke, and Marina Shafir run the women’s division; and a full replay of Matt Riddle’s TakeOver debut, where he beat Kassius Ohno in a split second. It’s a good reminder that TakeOver always delivers, and Saturday’s event was no different, but it’s hard to not be itching for more wrestling!
And on that note: If Keith Lee making quick work of his opponent didn’t satisfy your hunger for massive meat murder, Lars Sullivan’s match is here to fill you up. Sullivan, trying his best to work his way towards a shot at the NXT Championship, absolutely demolishes his opponent. To be fair, the opponent would easily qualify for the cruiserweight division, but still! Lars is an angry, hungry dude, and he makes his NXT Championship intentions known after the match. He attempts to underline that point by attacking his opponent after getting the easy win, but Keith Lee is having none of it. He runs out for the save, and lets Sullivan know that being a big man doesn’t mean you have to be a jerk. Next week, the two square off for the first time.
Our main event this week is one with personal stakes. Candice LeRae has been upset ever since Nikki Cross revealed that it was her husband Johnny Gargano that attacked Aleister Black. LeRae’s taken offense to the games Cross played with that knowledge, and after weeks of them getting in each other’s faces, they finally hit the ring in Los Angeles.
LeRae’s anger is evident right off the bat. She wastes no time going after Cross, backing her into a corner and pummelling her. Cross is only able to get back in it by drawing LeRae towards the ropes and then planting her on the apron. It’s a great back and forth
And that’s your show! Tune in next week when the Yellow and Black heads back to Full Sail.
You can watch this week’s NXT on the WWE Network.