WWE NXT Results, Grades: Adam Cole, Finn Balor clash for the gold

Finn Balor faces Adam Cole for the vacant WWE NXT Championship.

On the second edition of WWE NXT Super Tuesday, a new NXT Champion is crowned while newer rivalries take shape. Rhea Ripley looks to settle the score with the intimidating Mercedes Martinez.

Adam Cole Vs. Finn Balor

Grade: A

The first match of the evening featured Finn Balor and Adam Cole for the NXT Championship. The duo would attempt to fight in the corner until Balor established a series of constricting headlocks. Cole later picked up the pace by targeting the arm and head in his own technical yet rapid approach.

In the climax of the match, Balor hit an astounding top rope 1916 manuever to capture the NXT Championship for the second time.

This match was absolutely astounding, with the adversaries utilizing various tactics to come out the victor. The new champion displayed a resilient mentality throughout the contest despite his momentary weaknesses.

Velveteen Dream Vs. Ashanti Adonis

Grade: C

Velveteen attempted to utilize mind games before Adonis rallied in a fast exchange. Dream would hit a Dream Valley Driver after a shot to the eyes for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Kushida assaulted Dream in revenge for his previous attacks. He would unleash a brutal hold on the ring post before being forced away by WWE officials.

This match was brief, yet Adonis managed to hold his own with his own quick offense. Dream continues to display his treacherous tactics in pursuit of glory.

Austin Theory Vs. Bronson Reed

Grade: B

Next up was Austin Theory against Bronson Reed.  Theory seemingly feigned solidarity until Reed caught him in a brutal headlock. The latter maintained a dominant performance throughout the contest with short submissions and brutal slams.

In the climax of the match, Reed would take advantage of a sudden misstep by Theory to unleash a killer splash for the win.

Bronson was a force to be reckoned with in this contest, taking full advantage of his size to keep the contest in his favor. His stunning performances prepare him for bigger and better contests in the near future.

Killian Dain Vs. Roderick Strong

Grade: C

Strong attempted to play mind games with Killian Dain in the opening moments, only to receive a massive beat down. He continued to dominate the contest while warding off any potential defense from his opponent.

In the climax of the match, interference from Bobby Fish allowed Roderick to hit a running knee for the win.

Dain was on a tear for the duration, throwing his opponent all around the ring in pursuit of an easy victory. Strong later exploited his ally’s assistance for a swift victory of his own.

Mercedes Martinez Vs. Rhea Ripley

Grade: A

Ripley assaulted Martinez as she made her entrance, losing the advantage once the match began. She would reassume control by using the cage for added damage. Martinez displayed brief but effective bursts of momentum, including a brutal german suplex from the top rope.

In the climax of the match, Rhea would hit a huge Riptide on a table to secure the victory.

Mercedes Martinez used her strength and the environment to hit a wide range of moves, though her efforts would be all for naught towards the match’s conclusion. Rhea’s resilience allowed her to gain the victory and put an end to her war with the Robert Stone brand.

September 8th NXT Results

• Finn Balor defeated Adam Cole to become the new NXT Champion via pinfall
• Velveteen Dream defeated Ashanti Adonis via pinfall
• Bronson Reed defeated Austin Theory via pinfall
• Roderick Strong defeated Killian Dain via pinfall
• Rhea Ripley defeated Mercedes Martinez via pinfall