Who walked out of NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III as NXT Champion?
The main event of NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III between champion Bobby Roode and challenger Drew McIntyre, is clearly a clash between two men who’s best days are still ahead of them. Roode, after becoming one of TNA’s greatest stars of all time, has parlayed that success into an NXT run that has seen him dethrone 2-time NXT champ Shinsuke Nakamura and rule NXT ever since.
McIntyre, on the other hand, just 8 years ago looked like he next great WWE superstar. With Vince McMahon’s stamp of approval, “The Chosen One” looked primed to be a future world champion. But 5 years later, McIntyre would be out of the company after an unsuccessful run in 3MB, the low card stable. A TNA World Championship later and McIntyre returned to the WWE back in April looking to make good on that massive potential once seen in him. Saturday was his first chance to walk down that road again.
McIntyre, clearly the bigger man, started strong but Roode’s head games had an effect on the Brit. But McIntyre’s size and strength told the early story.
The squared circle can hardly contain this #NXTChampionship bout! @DMcIntyreWWE @REALBobbyRoode #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/KLAoUSiXlm
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) August 20, 2017
After the initial surge from McIntyre, Roode’s ring generalship took over as the next several minutes were all for the NXT champ. McIntyre’s come back was inspired. He landed an air raid crash and future shock DDT that still wouldn’t put the champ away. Roode battled back with a powerbomb which got a close two count.
After a slugfest in the middle of the ring led to a standstill, McIntyre landed his Claymore kick but Roode managed to get to the ropes. McIntyre landed a top rope plancha to the outside and after rolling Roode back in, he went for Claymore again but Roode landed a spinebuster and then his lifting DDT for another two count. Roode attempted his finisher again, but Drew battled out and delivered his Claymore kick again for the win.
The #ChosenOne is now THE one... to hold the #NXTChampionship! @DMcIntyreWWE #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/cLz1YzOLMH
— WWE (@WWE) August 20, 2017
Winner and new champion: Drew McIntyre
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What do you think of this new NXT Champion?