This is a can’t miss episode for any fan of professional wrestling. Tonight features “Limitless” Keith Lee as he looks to end the prophecy by dethroning NXT North American Champion Roderick Strong. Before we get there, let’s start with the semi-final of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic…
GRIZZLED YOUNG VETS SCORES ANOTHER UPSET OVER UNDISPUTED ERA
The semi-final round of the Dusty Rhodes Classic got a proper kickoff, as The undisputed Era faced the Grizzled Young Veterans. The NXT UK tandem controlled a large portion of the match with an excellent mat game. What was even more surprising was that the Vets beat the Era at their own game, with some opportune interference at the key points in the match.
A late rally by Bobby Fish gave The Undisputed Era hope but was swiftly put away when Imperium’s music hit. The dominant UK stable did not directly interfere, but the distraction was enough for the Vets to hit “Ticket to Mayhem” for the win.
TONI STORM VS IO SHIRAI…ENDS IN INTERFERENCE
Will it be #ToniTime THIS SATURDAY at #WorldsCollide???
CHAOS has erupted on #WWENXT! @shirai_io @BiancaBelairWWE @tonistorm_ @RheaRipley_WWE pic.twitter.com/aVfOhk0XHU
— WWE (@WWE) January 23, 2020
Toni Storm made her NXT singles in-ring debut against “Joshi Judas” Io Shirai. These two women put on a great match, each playing their role to perfection. Shirai’s offense was brutal, while Storm looked resilient battling back no matter what Io hit her with.
Unfortunately, as this match was finding its stride Bianca Belair interfered. The self-proclaimed “EST of NXT” ran in spearing Storm, following up by assaulting both competitors. Bianca taunted her rivals, drawing NXT Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley to the ring. A brief brawl broke out that ended with Toni Storm standing tall with the belt, to a surprisingly negative reaction.
BROSERWEIGHTS MARCH ON TO THE FINALS
The last semi-final matchup saw Imperium’s Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel face-off with the newest tandem in the tournament Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne. Imperiums cohesion played a major factor in the early going, using quick tags and tandem offense to control the early portion.
The Broserweights showed undeniable chemistry as they fought back, in spite of Dunne tweaking his knee. It looked like Imperium would move onto the finals, but a timely encounter by Riddle saved the babyface duo. Riddle and Dunne nailed a “Bro to Sleep/Enzuguri” combination to move on to the finals.
KEITH LEE BECOMES NXT NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPION…IMPERIUM AND UNDISPUTED ERA BRAWL
In tonight’s main event, Roderick Strong looked to defend not just his North American Championship but also the prophecy of The Undisputed Era. He would be doing that against the surging “Limitless” Keith Lee. Strong was in control for the majority of the match, capitalizing on the injured ankle of Lee. Anytime Lee was able to get some momentum, the rest of the Era was there to cut him off.
Lee found his groove later in the match, following a “Grizzly Magnum” to Strong that sent him out the ring. Strong halted Lee’s momentum with a “Rocket Kick” for a two count. Lee then nailed “The Limit Breaker” for the win. After Lee finished celebrating his win, NXT UK’s Imperium made their way to the ring. The two factions brawled to close out the show.
Those @WalterAUT chops…
…yep. Still lethal.#WWENXT #WorldsCollide pic.twitter.com/gVTNDkNEyD
— NXT UK (@NXTUK) January 23, 2020
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.
