NXT looks to continue to try to assert itself as the number one wrestling show on Wednesday night, and with this lineup tonight it’d be hard to argue that. Two number one contender’s matches, Matt Riddle in action, a North American Championship match, and a shocking conclusion no one saw coming as Finn Bálor turned heel! Let’s kick it off with a match featuring the first NXT UK Women’s Champion.
NXT Recap: Finn Bálor Turns Heel (10/23/19)
RHEA RIPLEY CONTINUES MARCH TOWARDS THE TITLE…CANDICE LERAE AND IO SHIRAI FEUD CONTINUES
Rhea Ripley faced a stiff test this week in the form of Bianca Belair. Each woman tried to assert a strength advantage early, but they were practically dead even. Largely controlled by Belair keeping a relatively slow pace, it was a pretty uneventful match-up.
That was until Ripley gained some control with a cannonball senton, and Io Shirai interfered attacking Ripley. Belair landed a spear but still couldn’t get the three count. Candice LeRae attacked the interfering Shirai, just before Rhea landed the Riptide for the win.
MATT RIDDLE HALTS CAMERON GRIMES MOMENTUM
The surging Cameron Grimes looked to continue his climb against top contender Matt Riddle. Riddle dominated early on with a strike heavy approach, but Grimes battled back with an impressive back-flip German suplex. From there it was an incredible back and forth sprint.
Riddle nailing his flurry of knees and kicks, Grimes showing off his innovative strength-based offense. It felt like either man could pull off the win at any second, but “The Original Bro” picked up the win with the Bro Derek. Riddle tried to show respect to the impressive Grimes but was shunned by the egotistical competitor. Riddle instead gave a fist bump to the ringside Tyler Bate, who Grimes proceeded to shove. Bate retaliated laying out Grimes with one punch.
ANGEL GARZA BECOMES NUMBER ONE CONTENDER WITH A WIN OVER JACK GALLAGHER
Gentleman Jack Gallagher faced off with the always confident Angel Garza for the right to challenge NXT Cruiserweight Champion Lio Rush. Garza was phenomenal with his heelwork as usual, particularly taunting his foe feigning a suicide dive only to slap him on the back. Gallagher definitely showed why he is a favorite with all, as his technical acumen and stiff striking were on full display.
Garza earned the title opportunity with a springboard moonsault for the three count. The new number one contender taunted the champion, who was sitting at the commentary table for the bout.
TEGAN NOX AND DAKOTA KAI SET FOR TAG TITLE SHOWDOWN WITH KABUKI WARRIORS
Tegan Nox and Dakota Kai looked to ride the momentum of Nox’s return into a Women’s Tag Team Championship match, but they would have to get through Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir. Duke scored an early advantage by blindsiding Kai with a big boot. The Horsewomen isolated Kai from her partner for the majority of the contest, but everything changed when Nox got the tag.
Tegan exploded into the contest landing strikes to both Duke and Shafir before nailing Shafir with The Shiniest Wizard for the win. Asuka and Kairi Sane appeared on the screen to taunt their foes before their match next week.
RODERICK STRONG RETAINS CHAMPIONSHIP IN BATTLE WITH GOLIATHS…FINN BALOR TURNS HEEL
What does this mean? Could this be a glimpse into @FinnBalor's future? #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/LzJ9jpDGLs
— WWE (@WWE) October 24, 2019
Roderick Strong faced his toughest challenge to date as champion, as he looked to defend against Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic. Strong tried to let his foes duke it out early, but the challengers went right after the champion. While Strong was able to take advantage of a few opportunities, he was largely overpowered.
All three men shined, particularly with a scary tower of doom spot. Lee was excellent as the powerhouse tossing around either foe with ease. Ever the opportunist, Strong retained his title with a rocket kick to Lee for the win. The rest of the Undisputed Era made their way to the ring to celebrate, only to be interrupted by a crutch wielding Tommaso Ciampa.
Ciampa looked more than happy to face the Era on his own but received back up in Johnny Gargano. As the former tag team partners looked to lay into the dominant stable, Finn Bálor decided to join the face-off. The former NXT champions prepared to attack as Ciampa threw his crutch to the side, and Balor started to take off his jacket only to nail Gargano with a Pele kick.
The Undisputed Era unloaded on Ciampa as Fish and O’Reilly nailed him with “The High Low”, and Cole blasted him with ‘The Last Shot”. Balor landed a brutal shotgun dropkick to Johnny wrestling, slamming him into the rail barrier knocking it down. He followed up with a “Bloody Sunday” on the entrance ramp to close the show.
So ends this week’s NXT recap stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. And make sure to watch NXT every week on the WWE Network or check out NXT on USA Network.
