WWE NXT Results, Grades: An Amazing Main Event Gauntlet

Damian Priest is blindsided by the treacherous Johnny Gargano.

On the September 23rd edition of WWE NXT, champions seek vengeance while others achieve significant momentum boosts. Damian Priest faces Austin Theory to finally settle their newfound animosity.

NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal

Grade: B

The first match of the evening featured a battle royal to determine the next challenger for the NXT Women’s Championship. The competitors, both old and new alike, went after each other as Rhea Ripley and Raquel Gonzales notched the most eliminations in the contest.

Towards the conclusion, the match went down to Dakota Kai, Candice LeRae, Shotzi Blackheart, and Kacy Catanzaro. A failed maneuver on the steel steps allowed LeRae to finally eliminate Blackheart and move on to TakeOver.

This contest was largely dominated by Rhea Ripley and Raquel Gonzales’ strength and will, with the two easily dismantling their opponents for the duration. In the end, Candice LeRae took advantage of Shotzi’s rapid offense to secure her spot.

Tommaso Ciampa Vs. Jake Atlas

Grade: B

Brutal rivals Jake Atlas and Tommaso Ciampa settled their differences in a hard-hitting contest. Atlas kept Ciampa in the corner with vicious strikes before continuing to wail on him on the outside. Tommaso eventually used the ropes to distract Atlas and gain the advantage, although this would not last long. Atlas eventually managed a massive Blockbuster to further target the neck.

Towards the conclusion, Ciampa would hit the Willow’s Bell and feign a pinfall. He would then unleash the Fairytale Ending for the ultimate victory.

Jake Atlas put on a spectacular show, using a fast-paced offense both in and out of the ring to keep Ciampa on edge. Alas, his stunning performance was cut short by his opponent’s trademark viciousness.

Roderick Strong and Danny Burch Vs. Fabian Aichner and Raul Mendoza

Grade: B

Unlikely allies Roderick Strong and Danny Burch teamed to face Fabian Aichner and Raul Mendoza. Burch kept Mendoza locked with holds and slams until the latter managed a heavy kick to alter the momentum. The Legado Del Phantasma member applied a constricting hold to keep his opponent on edge until Strong finally entered the fray with his own rally.

In the climax of the match, Burch utilized a rope hung cutter to secure the pinfall for his team.

Despite their significant differences, Roderick Strong and Danny Burch would exhibit astounding chemistry throughout the duration. Fabian Aichner and Raul Mendoza’s methodical pace proved to be all for naught as they failed to reign victorious.

Damien Priest Vs. Austin Theory

Grade: A

The North American Champion Damian Priest participated in a one on one match against Austin Theory. Priest began the contest by targeting the arm before taking a methodical approach to wearing his opponent down. Austin’s burst of control was halted by a sudden Flatliner by the champion to even the odds.

As the match concluded, Priest utilized a ferocious powerbomb on the ring apron. Once in the ring, he would finally hit another Flatliner to secure the victory.

Damien Priest showed no mercy to his opponent in this contest, implementing a full-on assault to Theory’s limbs while laying on destructive moves. Following a surprise superkick from Johnny Gargano, he will have to keep his guard up in the coming weeks.

Ridge Holland Vs. Antonio De Luca

Grade: C

Ridge Holland easily destroyed his opponent with major slams and heavy strikes, continuing the punishment with headbutts in the corner. DeLuca continued to have no answer for Holland’s attacks as he used the Northern Grit to achieve a decisive victory.

This match was relatively brief, mainly attributed to Ridge Holland’s merciless offense. His determination and strength prepares him for larger challenges in the near future.

Bronson Reed Vs. Kyle O’Reilly Vs. Cameron Grimes Vs. Kushida Vs. Timothy Thatcher

Grade: A

Some of NXT’s brightest talents took part in the first-ever Gauntlet Elimination match to earn a shot at Finn Balor’s NXT Championship. Kushida and Kyle O’Reilly began the match with a test of grapples and submissions, only to be on the receiving end of slams from the incoming Bronson Reed. A sudden attack from Velveteen Dream allowed Reed to eliminate Kushida from the contest.

Towards the conclusion, the contest came down to Timothy Thatcher, Cameron Grimes, and Kyle O’Reilly. Following Thatcher’s elimination, a leglock allowed Kyle O’Reilly to defeat Grimes and win the championship opportunity.

This match was amazing from start to finish, especially during the technical standoff between Timothy Thatcher and Kyle O’Reilly. Cameron Grimes’ arrogance proved to be his downfall as O’Reilly utilized constricting submissions to ultimately prevail.

September 23rd NXT Results

• Candice LeRae won the NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal
• Tommaso Ciampa defeated Jake Atlas via pinfall
• Roderick Strong and Danny Burch defeated Fabian Aichner and Raul Mendoza via pinfall
• Damian Priest defeated Austin Theory via pinfall
• Ridge Holland defeated Antonio De Luca via pinfall
• Kyle O’Reilly won the Gauntlet Elimination match by last eliminating Cameron Grimes