WWE NXT: Results, Grades, and Analysis for December 23rd, 2020

Who won this week on WWE NXT?

On the December 23rd edition of WWE NXT, tensions continue to rise with harsh rivalries while others gain some much-needed momentum before NXT New Year’s Evil. Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan defend the NXT Tag Team Championships, while Rhea Ripley takes on the returning Dakota Kai.

Killian Dain and Drake Maverick Vs. Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan

Grade: A

NXT kicks off with Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch defending the NXT Tag Team Championships in a street fight.

Maverick and Dain attacked the champions as they were making their entrance, applying punishment on the ramp and at ringside with chairs. Lorcan and Burch gained control with a sneak attack on Dain and looked to isolate him in the ring. Shortly after, Maverick would exchange tags with his partner until Burch overwhelmed Maverick with hard clotheslines.

Towards the conclusion, the champions utilized a double team DDT to reign supreme.

Drake Maverick and Killian Dain fought hard in this brutal encounter, taking it to their adversaries with big tag moves and solo offense. Oney and Danny would not once be deterred in their quest, withstanding the onslaught and continuing their path of destruction.

Isaiah “Swerve” Scott Vs. Jake Atlas

Grade: A

Feigning several lockups, Isaiah and Atlas continued to challenge each other with short maneuvers. Scott attacked his opponent in the corner and quickly implemented a ground-and-pound offense in the middle of the ring. Atlas found an opening and targeted the knee before knocking Scott to ringside with an enzuiguri.

In the climax of the contest, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott would hit a headbutt and the Storm Cradle Driver to gain a confidence boost and a significant statement over his enemy.

This highly competitive contest featured a highly arrogant Isaiah Scott utilizing kicks and hard strikes to take Atlas to his limit. Jake would maintain his speed in crucial moments, but could not prepare for one final hat trick from Scott.

Dakota Kai Vs. Rhea Ripley

Grade: B

Kai would attempt to gain the advantage with kicks, only for Ripley to use corner moves in a show of strength. The former assumed control by targeting the shoulder once the fight spilled to the outside and continued to exploit the weakness in-ring. Rhea mustered enough strength for a one-armed slam and used her footwork to dominate the duration.

Towards the conclusion, Rhea would hit two individual Riptides to put down Dakota and maintain her hot streak.

Rhea Ripley was a true soldier during this match, outlasting the speedy offense of Kai and the appearance of Raquel Gonzales on the entrance ramp. While her strength was significantly weakened by arm attacks, she would ultimately prevail as her quest for vengeance continues.

Bronson Reed Vs. Ashantee “Thee” Adonis

Grade: C

Bronson Reed makes his return with a match against Ashantee “Thee” Adonis. Adonis started the match with a headlock, only to be quickly overwhelmed by Reed’s takedowns. Reed would then the Tsunami to gain the win.

Reed was in full form in this brief contest, refusing to let Adonis secure an advantage with his massive frame. He would finally put the whole NXT roster on notice as he prepares for potential championship contention.

Timothy Thatcher Vs. Leon Ruff

Grade: B

Thatcher would begin the match with a crossface, heinously relishing in the attack. Ruff would assume control with headlocks. Timothy found another opening and utilized an uppercut, hitting several knee strikes and anticipating Tommaso Ciampa to arrive.

In the climax of the contest, Ruff managed a quick rollup to gain another unexpected victory.

Timothy Thatcher was on edge for most of the match, frequently anticipating Ciampa’s arrival and decimating his opponent with heavy hits. Leon’s never-say-die mentality would strike again in order for him to secure a crucial momentum boost.

Ariya Daivari Vs. Tyler Rust

Grade: B

Rust began the match with a full nelson transition, concluding in a headlock. He would then utilize two individual armlocks until Daivari went for the ropes. Daivari would once again find himself in a precarious situation as Rust applied pressure on his leg.

In the climax of the contest, Tyler hit one final armlock to secure a submission win over his resilient opponent.

Ariya Daivari opted for intelligence over punishment, repeatedly avoiding Rost’s brutal attacks. It would not last long, however, as Tyler’s brutality skyrocketed him to a swift win.

Adam Cole Vs. Velveteen Dream

Grade: A

Avoidance tactics from Dream resulted in Cole constricting him in headlocks. Adam maintained the advantage with several kicks until some confusion led to a double head collision. Pete Dunne appeared to attack Kyle O’Reilly and provided Dream a chance to wail on his opponent with punches.

Towards the conclusion, Adam Cole hit the Last Shot on a weakened Velveteen to pick up a hard-fought victory.

This back and forth contest fired on all cylinders. While Velveteen Dream looked to gain physical and psychological advantages with a destructive offense, Cole found a major weakness and gave his opponent the fight of a lifetime to stake his claim for the NXT Championship once again.

December 23rd NXT Results

• Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch defeated Drake Maverick and Killian Dain to retain the NXT Tag Team Championships via pinfall
• Isaiah “Swerve” Scott defeated Jake Atlas via pinfall
• Rhea Ripley defeated Dakota Kai via pinfall
• Leon Ruff defeated Timothy Thatcher via pinfall
• Tyler Rost defeated Ariya Daivari via submission
• Adam Cole defeated Velveteen Dream via pinfall