WWE NXT Results, Grades: Tommaso Ciampa makes his grand return

Here’s everything that took place on the Aug. 26 episode of WWE NXT

Coming off a thrilling WWE NXT TakeOver 30, one new champion celebrates his victory while the other is forced to relinquish his prize. Tommaso Ciampa resurfaces with a renewed mean streak and thirst for destruction.

Imperium Vs. Breezango

Grade: A

The first match of the evening saw Imperium defending the NXT Tag Team Championships against Breezango. Tyler and Fandango immediately assaulted their opponents until Barthel and Aichner gained a technical advantage. Breeze picked up the pace with a series of quick maneuvers as Fandango entered the fray.

In the climax of the match, a miscommunication led to Breeze getting a short burst of energy for the tag. Fandango then unleashed a series of double leg drops to secure the championships.

This match displayed amazing technical work from Imperium while Breezango utilized speedy tag moves. Both teams meshed well together despite their drastic in-ring differences.

Jake Atlas Vs. Tommaso Ciampa

Grade: C

Next up was Jake Atlas against a returning Tommaso Ciampa. After a brief confrontation, Ciampa viciously stomped his opponent into submission. He would conclude the match with a Project Ciampa in just a few minutes of action.

After the match, Ciampa savagely attacked Atlas on the outside. He continued to assault his opponent before he could be carried out by medical officials.

While the match was relatively brief, Ciampa showed no signs of ring rust against the young Atlas. He exhibited his trademark viciousness to decisively conclude the match.

Shotzi Blackheart Vs. Mia Yim

Grade: B 

Shotzi Blackheart abruptly arrived to take on the fiesty Mia Yim. The two opponents kept a rapid pace throughout the match while displaying a camaraderie of sorts. Yim was unable to answer for Shotzi’s rapid offense despite momentary bouts of offense.

In the climax of the match, Blackheart unleashed a huge top rope senton to pick up an astounding victory.

Shotzi was impressive as always in this match, surviving multiple power moves while keeping her opponent guessing. Her strong showings prove a determination for the gold.

Santos Escobar Vs. Isaiah “Swerve” Scott

Grade: A

Next up was Santos Escobar against Isaiah “Swerve” Scott. Scott began the match with a reeling arm drag maneuver as his opponent quickly retreated to regain his bearings. Swerve kept a brisk pace with fluid mat moves until Escobar used the plexiglass for added damage on the outside.

Towards the conclusion of the match, Escobar donned his luchador mask and clocked Scott with a vicious headbutt to retain the championship.

Isaiah Scott was the MVP of this contest, implementing his speed and size for exciting feats. His opponent attempted to maintain control before being forced to use dirty tactics.

Kyle O’Reilly Vs. Drake Maverick

Grade: B

Maverick commenced the match with big strikes and a jolt of energy, even taking out O’Reilly’s Undisputed Era bandmates with a top rope dive. He attempted to fight off a constricting calf crusher only to tap out.

After the match, the Undisputed Era assaulted Drake. Dain arrived immediately to fend the group off. He then assaulted his temporary ally before leaving the scene.

The two opponents met each other in the middle for this contest, using punches and kicks to wear each other out. Maverick fought valiantly to the end with his own brand of intensity.

Rhea Ripley and Io Shirai Vs. Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzales

Grade: B

Ripley destroyed Kai in pursuit of the imposing Gonzales, initiating a brief standoff. Gonzales kept the match in her favor with unforgiving strikes and quick tags. Io rallied upon being tagged by taking out both opponents in a quick exchange, although this wouldn’t last long.

In the climax of the match, Rhea suffered a brutal steel step attack from Mercedes Martinez. Raquel Gonzales then manhandled her opponent with a chokeslam for the victory.

Raquel Gonzales was a force to be reckoned with throughout the entire match, destroying her opponents with simple but effective power moves. Io’s speed made up for Rhea’s weakened intensity.

August 26th NXT Results

• Breezango defeated Imperium to become the new NXT Tag Team Champions via pinfall
• Tommaso Ciampa defeated Jake Atlas via pinfall
• Shotzi Blackheart defeated Mia Yim via pinfall
• Santos Escobar defeated Isaiah “Swerve” Scott to retain the NXT Cruiserweight Championship via pinfall
• Kyle O’Reilly defeated Drake Maverick via submission
• Raquel Gonzales and Dakota Kai defeated Rhea Ripley and Io Shirai via pinfall