In the main event of this week’s NXT 2.0, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott made his first NXT North American Championship defense against Santos Escobar. Their respective factions, Hit Row and Legado Del Fantasma, have been at war since this past summer. The various members of both groups faced off in multiple singles and tag team encounters alike. Tonight’s main event was arguably the most important, as gold was on the line. Scott successfully defended the title against Escobar, but his work wasn’t done yet. Cashing in his championship opportunity, to the surprise of viewers, was Carmelo Hayes, who ended the night as the new NXT North American Champion.
This night didn’t unfold without outside shenanigans. In the original NXT North American Championship match, the other members of Legado Del Fantasma attempted to interfere. They were soon intercepted by Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams, evening the odds. This allowed Scott to pick up the pinfall victory over Escobar. As Scott recovered, Hayes redeemed his championship opportunity, which he earned by winning the 2021 NXT Breakout Tournament.
IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?
2021 #NXTBreakout Winner @Carmelo_WWE has cashed in his contract and will challenge @swerveconfident to the #NXTNATitle RIGHT NOW! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/nCoCXpB9Za
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) October 13, 2021
Carmelo Hayes Wins the North American Championship
This NXT North American Championship victory marks the first time Carmelo Hayes has held gold in World Wrestling Entertainment. Formerly known as Christian Casanova on the independent wrestling scene, he signed with WWE this past February, making his official NXT debut later that June. Hayes began his career on a high note, taking on notable stars on the brand including Kushida and Adam Cole. Following the brand’s revamp as NXT 2.0, Hayes aligned himself with the debuting Trick Williams.
As stated earlier, this was Scott’s first – and only – NXT North American Championship defense. He won the title from Bronson Reed this past June but had yet to defend the title up until this week’s show. Scott, along with the members of Hit Row, was recently brought to SmackDown during the 2021 WWE Draft. This will go into effect following the company’s Crown Jewel event on October 21.
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