WWE NXT Results, Grades: Kushida gains the edge in a thrilling encounter

What happened on this week’s episode of WWE NXT?

On the October 21st edition of WWE NXT, rivals finally get a chance to settle their long-standing differences while others seek to maintain their dominant runs. Breezango competes against an unexpected team to continue their dominance heading into Halloween Havoc.

Tommaso Ciampa Vs. Kushida Vs. Velveteen Dream

Grade: A

The first match of the evening featured three of NXT’s biggest rivals in a battle for supremacy. Ciampa attacked Dream as he was making his entrance, later applying punishment on his opponents with the plexiglass on the outside. He continued to dominate most of the contest with corner attacks and quick strikes despite major bouts of offense from Kushida.

Towards the conclusion, an armcast-enhanced strike disoriented Ciampa and allowed Kushida to hit a german suplex for the pinfall victory.

Kushida proved to be the MVP of this contest, utilizing amazing dives and heavy hits to constantly keep his opponents on edge. We may see him in the North American Championship hunt sooner rather than later if he maintains his outstanding momentum.

Ember Moon Vs. Jessi Kamea

Grade: B

Ember Moon continues her comeback with a bout against Jessi Kamea. The two started with a lockup, with Kamea quickly changing the pace with an elbow strike. Moon gained control shortly thereafter in a brief exchange, applying a crossface and later a modified Boston crab.

Towards the conclusion, Moon hit a stunner and implemented a second crossface in the middle of the ring to gain the victory. After the match, Dakota Kai appeared in a sneak attack to gain a psychological edge over Ember.

Despite over a year away, Ember Moon continues to show no signs of ring rust. She would keep the pace of the contest in her favor by halting Kamea’s frequent attempts at a rally. A newer moveset allows her to remain unpredictable and dangerous heading into the coming weeks.

Bronson Reed Vs. Austin Theory

Grade: C

Bronson Reed began the match with slams and devastating corner moves, refusing to let Theory get an edge. Theory quickly assumed control with a sudden dropkick and by targeting the knee, keeping Reed locked in chokeholds. Reed regained the edge in a quick burst and later halted a major top rope move.

In the climax of the contest, Reed unleashed a huge dive to pick up the first win. Theory would later demand a rematch, only to suffer a Samoan drop and replicate the humiliation.

Bronson Reed completely manhandled Austin Theory in both contests, using his size and speed to its full potential with a number of unforgiving maneuvers. Theory may have to reconsider his options or find some powerful allies if he wants to gain a substantial place on the NXT roster.

Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, Jake Atlas, and Ashante “Thee” Adonis Vs. Legado Del Phantasma

Grade: B

Isaiah “Swerve” Scott continues his war with Legado Del Phantasma, but with new allies in Jake Atlas and Ashante “Thee” Adonis in a 6 man tag match. Escobar and his allies attempted to gain an edge on the outside, only for their opponents to forcibly bring the action in the ring. Following Swerve’s attacks in the corner, Atlas dominated the contest with fluid takedowns.

As the match came to a close, a quick tag and a stunning combination allowed Legado Del Phantasma to secure the victory.

This match was a test of speed and endurance, with the heroic group utilizing every trick in the book to slow their opponents down. In the end, quick and methodical attacks from Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza brought the win to their corner.

Killian Dain and Drake Maverick Vs. EverRise

Grade: B

Drake Maverick attempted to gain some substantial offense, only for Chase Parker and Matt Martel to constantly decimate him with quick tags and big moves. An incidental tag brought Killian Dain into the fold and gave Parker and Owens an opening to target the knees.

Towards the conclusion, a reckless attempt at gaining the edge led Drake Maverick to hit Parker with a chair and submit the disqualification victory to EverRise.

EverRise looked to impress the whole world in this match. They began by mauling Maverick with unique and effective tag moves and easily adjusted to Dain’s introduction by limiting his movements. Drake would get ahead of himself in the end and cost his team the match; but the bond between them may survive even the strangest outcomes.

Kacy Catanzaro Vs. Xia Li

Grade: C

Following a quick exchange of tosses, Xia gained the advantage with a vicious combination of hits. Kacy would assume control shortly thereafter with corner kicks and a powerbomb. A failed second powerbomb gave Li an opportunity to unleash a quick yet effective combination of her own, although this would hardly help her case.

Towards the conclusion, Kacy used a small package to steal the win. Li would blindside her in a frustrated attack until Kayden Carter immediately cleared the ring.

This short contest presented the stellar speed of Kacy Catanzaro and the unforgiving combat of Xia Li as they frequently attempted to secure a proper advantage over the other. Li’s frustrations continue to mount as she fails to reach new heights within the division.

Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch Vs. Breezango

Grade: B

Following a surprise attack on Roderick Strong by an unknown assailant, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch challenged for the NXT Tag Team Championships in their place. Lorcan and Fandango began the match by locking up in the middle, only to reach a stalemate with equal offense. Once Breeze and Burch entered the fray, the former would isolate his opponent with headlocks until Burch took the attack to the outside.

In the climax of the match, the returning Pat McAfee attacked Fandango on the top rope, causing a distraction.  Not too long after, a low blow to Tyler Breeze and a DDT combination secured the titles for Burch and Lorcan.

Burch and Lorcan were fully prepared for this match despite the immediate implications. Fandango and Breeze may have dominated most of the duration with their exciting tactics, but the villainous team leaned on a guardian angel in McAfee to achieve championship glory for the first time.

October 21st NXT Results

• Kushida defeated Tommaso Ciampa and Velveteen Dream via pinfall
• Ember Moon defeated Jessi Kamea
• Bronson Reed defeated Austin Theory via pinfall
• Legado Del Phantasma defeated Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, Jake Atlas, and Ashante “Thee” Adonis via pinfall
• EverRise defeated Drake Maverick and Killian Dain via disqualification
• Kacy Catanzaro defeated Xia Li via pinfall
• Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan defeated Breezango to become the new NXT Tag Team Champions via pinfall