While not stacked with title matches, this Christmas special is still full of surprises. Anticipated debuts and a fun main event are the real stories of the night, with that said let’s dive in to NXT!
RODERICK STRONG RETAINS AGAINST DEBUTING AUSTIN THEORY
Today MUST be #Christmas because Santa Claus gave us the BIGGEST gift of all…
The #WWENXT debut of @austintheory1!!! 🎁☝️ pic.twitter.com/Qxfx8hMUWK
— WWE (@WWE) December 26, 2019
Roderick Strong opened this episode promising a seasons beatings to whoever answered his open challenge. To the shock of many, his challenge was answered by debuting top prospect Austin Theory. For anyone that had not seen Theory before, they had to be a fan after this match.
These two put on an entertaining back and forth match, it felt like either man could walk out with the title. The North American Champion would retain his title after targeting Theory’s lower back, before delivering End of Heartache and applying the Strong Hold. In spite of the defeat, Theory very much looked like a star on the rise.
CANDICE LERAE CLOSES 2019 WITH WIN OVER TAYNARA CONTI
Candice LeRae and Taynara Conti faced off, battling to close 2019 with a win. LeRae was excellent as always, this was a great showcase for her daredevil style. Taynara was able to showcase her improved striking game and excellent heel work.
LeRae picked up the win, nailing Conti with her springboard moonsault for the win. This was a good showcase for both women and seemed to help elevate Conti.
DOMINIK DIJAKOVIC CHOKEBOMBS BRONSON REED FOR THE WIN
Dominik Dijakovic looked to carry his momentum into the New Year. Bronson Reed looked to take it for himself and score a major upset at the same time. This was the best Reed has looked since he debuted. His Australian strong style rocking the monstrous Dijakovic on more than one occasion.
Several times it looked like Bronson Reed would pick up the victory, but Dijakovic scored the three count with a choke bomb from the top rope.
BIANCA BELAIR BARELY DEFEATS THE DEBUTING SHOTZI BLACKHEART
Color us ALL impressed by the FIERY @Shotziblack in her #WWENXT debut against @BiancaBelairWWE! 💚😈 pic.twitter.com/Xf9oxO33Kd
— WWE (@WWE) December 26, 2019
Former NXT Women’s title challenger Bianca Belair welcomed yet another top prospect in SHotzi Blackheart. This match was largely a showcase for Blackheart. The newcomer was able to highlight a unique mat game mixed with a heavy high flying offense.
Blackheart had Belair on the ropes throughout much of the match, but Belair was able to nail Shotzi with the KOD to pick up the pinfall.
KEITH LEE AND LIO RUSH GET A WIN FOR CHRISTMAS
Tonight’s main event saw Keith Lee and Lio Rush square off with Damian Priest and Tony Nese. This match was all about just having a fun match to watch. That doesn’t mean it was without its highlights. The opening highlighted by a striking exchange between Lee and Priest followed by a pounce from Lee that sent Nese over the announce table.
Sorry @TomPhillipsWWE. 😬
It happens to the best of us… just ask @ReneeYoungWWE. #WWENXT @RealKeithLee @itsLioRush @TonyNese @ArcherOfInfamy pic.twitter.com/XrsNuUdYZk
— WWE (@WWE) December 26, 2019
The last half of the match was all about Lee. The surging superstar manhandled his opposition, impressively catching Priest on an outside dive. Lee slammed the air-born Priest into Nese, before power-bombing Priest into the apron. From there the faces each hit their finisher on Nese to score the win and send the crowd home happy.
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. Be sure to catch all of the NXT action via the WWE Network.
