WWE’s black-and-gold brand returns this week at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida tonight for this week’s episode of NXT On USA. Tonight will be another LIVE show from Full Sail, following weeks of taped editions of NXT amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Featured below are results of the April 22, 2020 episode of NXT On USA written by wrestling-edge.com’s Newest Female Reporter: Jamie Rush. Follow me on Twitter: @JamieRush312
WWE NXT RESULTS (4/22/20): WINTER PARK, FL.
NXT Show Opening
We are welcomed to NXT as a video package begins showing clips from last week. We begin our night with The Prince as highlights continue to be shown from last week’s NXT, the clip ending with Tommaso Ciampa being attacked, ending with “tick tock”…
NXT Moments Ago
We see an incident occurred in the locker room, as there is a mess that shows a struggle occurred. Several referees and staff rummage through the locker room, looking for some indication of what could have happened, and/or where Finn Balor is.
As it is stated that Finn Balor’s current status is unknown, we head to the broadcaster’s desk where Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton are seated and make an announcement, “…therefore William Regal has removed Finn Balor from the match-up with Velveteen Dream.” Dream’s entrance sounds at this point.
Velveteen Dream In-Ring Promo
Dream’s music begins as Tom Phillips notes Velveteen Dream is doing his best Finn Balor impersonation inside the ring. Dream holding a mic as he begins, “New levels… new devils…” Dream repeats it a few times then continues on to state sometimes, you deal with the same old demons. Dream clarifies that he is talking to Finn Balor.
Before Dream is able to elaborate, he is interrupted by the entrance music of Adam Cole, Dream rolls his eyes as Cole makes his way to the stage. Cole also with a microphone in hand demands that his music be cut. Dream removes his jacket inside the ring with a smile on his face, eagerly listening as Cole continues.
“A lot of people assume that the winner between Finn Balor and Velveteen Dream is the number one contender for my title.” Cole states it’s pretty convenient that Balor is nowhere to be found, adding he knows exactly what Dream is doing. Cole continues, “you can “dream” that you will be champion, but I am your reality.”
From behind, Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish attack Velveteen Dream inside the ring as Dream was looking up to Adam Cole on the stage. Adam Cole enters and it’s a three on one attack! North American Champion Keith Lee comes in for the save, clearing the ring! Velveteen Dream sitting in the corner, Lee helps him back to his feet.
“Where did he come from?” they shout as they point to Keith Lee and walk backwards up the ramp, making their exit.
Quick Announcement
Tom Phillips then gives a few quick announcements, stating three more Interim NXT Cruiserweight Matches are set to take place later tonight. El Hijo Fantasma vs. Jack Gallagher, Kushida vs. Tony Nese, and finally Drake Maverick vs. Jake Atlas. Also set for tonight’s NXT, Johnny Gargano and wife Candice LeRae will join us live on NXT! We head back to the ring.
Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox vs. Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai
Shotzi Blackheart makes her way to the ring as her entrance theme plays her in, Blackheart rolling in toward the ring in a mini panzer tank. Blackheart shouts as she enters the ring. Out next is Blackheart’s tag-team partner, Tegan Nox. Nox with a smile, skips down the ramp as her music plays her in. Nox enters the ring and removes her jacket as she and Blackheart await their tag-team opponents.
The tag-team of Raquel Gonzalez and Dakota Kai make their way to the stage as their music plays in the arena, Gonzalez with a serious look on her face. Gonzalez means business as the bell rings, running at Nox. Nox makes the tag to Blackheart. Raquel tags in Kai, Blackheart is definitely fired up for this match up! Blackheart launches herself at Dakota Kai in the corner of the ring, then tags in Nox who mimics the same Senton.
Shotzi immediately tags back in, Gonzalez tries to enter the ring to break up the action, to no avail as the referee stops her. Shotzi howls as we head to our first commercial break of the evening.
As we come back from commercial break, we return to the tag-team match up as Raquel Gonzalez has clearly taken over as she has Blackheart draped over her shoulder upside down. Phillips sends us into a video clip of what we missed during the commercial break. Kai tags in and Blackheart lands a Kick to the face. Gonzalez kicks in.
Nox not showing any fear as she throws strikes and heavy forearms at Gonzalez, unable to knock her off her feet. A headbutt by Nox that rocked both Nox and Gonzalez. Nox with an Uppercut to Gonzalez in the corner of the ring, taking her down to a knee. Nox off the top, caught by Gonzalez. Gonzalez with a massive Slam on Nox who hurries and tags in Blackheart.
Blackheart immediately heads up top, Shotzi covers Gonzalez, Dakota Kai enters the ring to break the count. Nox then throws Kai out of the ring as Gonzalez lands a One Armed Power Bomb on Shotzi Blackheart for the three count pin and win!
Winner: Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez
After the Match
Tom Phillips notes what a difference Raquel Gonzalez makes to a match up as we see highlights from the match. As the clip ends, we see Blackheart and Nox walking away with their arms around each other’s shoulders as they attempt to assist one another back up the ramp towards the locker room.
Quick Announcement
Tom Phillips announces that the match between Velveteen Dream and Keith Lee vs. Adam Cole and Roderick Strong has just been made official, we then go into a video clip from Drake Maverick.
Drake Maverick Video Clip
“My immediate thoughts” We see Drake Maverick sitting alone in an empty looking room as he verifies he has been released by the WWE on his social media page, confirming his WWE contract has ended. Maverick shares WWE is still allowing him to be in the Cruiserweight tournament, adding they may be the last matches he’ll ever have as he’s brought to tears.
The video changes to more of a professional video, where he states he’s not the only one effected, it’s also co-workers, friends, etc. Maverick states he doesn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him, as there are people going through way worse. Maverick states he’s not done with wrestling, he’s not done with this company, and he’s not done with this tournament… stating he’s going out as NXT Cruiserweight Champion.
On that note, we head to another commercial break.
The Game – 25 Year Anniversary Clip
As we return from commercial break, a video clip is shown highlighting this coming Friday’s Anniversary celebration of Triple H’s 25 years in the WWE company.
Jake Atlas vs. Drake Maverick
We re-enter the Performance Center where Tom Phillips states that he and everyone at NXT are “thrilled” and look forward to this Friday’s celebration of Triple H’s 25 year anniversary. Jake Atlas’s music sounds as Atlas makes his way to the stage, bowing as his name is announced, then heads down the ramp towards the ring.
A video clip is shown of Jake Atlas and his goals in the NXT, stating he has been fighting adversity, and breaking stereotypes, ending the clip stating he is ready for this tournament.
Out next is Drake Maverick as his music sounds in the arena. Maverick makes his way down the ramp slowly, a look of determination on his face as he stops at the bottom of the ramp, looking over at the title belt sitting perched at ringside. Phillips and Saxton make note that Maverick has committed his life to sports entertainment, 19 years since he started training.
Back in the ring, the referee signals for the bell. The bell rings and the match begins. Maverick heads in strong, Maverick goes for a quick cover, looking for an early victory, Atlas kicks out. Atlas states he needs this just as bad as Maverick does. Maverick mocks the bow that Atlas did at the top of the stage then quickly goes for a take down. We are reminded that later tonight we will see Tony Nese vs. Kushida.
Maverick with a Double Foot Drop Kick, Atlas stunned, but still standing as he hangs onto the rope. Maverick lands another strike, taking Atlas out of the ring, both men end up ringside. Tilt a Whirl Back Breaker by Atlas on Maverick as both men re-enter the ring. Atlas throws Maverick into the turnbuckle in the corner of the ring.
Atlas takes Maverick to the canvas as he states, “You need this? I need this!” Maverick assists Atlas into the turnbuckle face-first, following up with Atlas going shoulder first into the turnbuckle. Maverick still on the canvas, lands a strike to the back of the knee of Atlas. Both men back to their feet, Maverick picks up the speed, taking out the legs of Atlas landing Atlas into the turnbuckle.
Maverick goes for the Tequila Sunrise in the center of the ring, Atlas able to break free as he rolls to the outside. Maverick through the ropes onto Atlas immediately following his escape. Back in the ring, Maverick to the top rope, landing an Elbow to the face of Atlas for another pin attempt, Atlas kicks out at two.
Back and forth action between the two, Atlas eventually heads to the top, Maverick following close behind, slowing Atlas. Maverick goes for the Hurricanrana, Atlas blocks. Cartwheel DDT by Atlas from the top for the three count.
Winner: Jake Atlas
Video Package
As we return from commercial break, a video for Keith Lee is aired (the same one from last week) in an echoing fashion… when suddenly it stops short and Damian Priest appears on the screen. Priest says by now we all know Lee’s story and about his family, Priest then states he doesn’t give a damn about Lee OR where he came from. Priest declares he’s coming for Keith Lee and the NXT North American Championship title.
Priest then calls out Lee for only defending his championship against opponents he knows he can beat, i.e. Cameron Grimes and Dijakovic. Priest states Lee has felt his power, then adds that he can put limits on Keith Lee, and he will defeat Lee to become the NXT North American Champion.
Kushida vs. Tony Nese
Out first is Kushida as his music sounds in the arena. Kushida makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring. Phillips announces that Kushida is a favorite for the Cruiserweight division as we head into a video promo of Kushida hyping the championship. As the video ends, we see Kushida in the ring.
Out next is Tony Nese as his music sounds and he makes his way towards the ring. Nese states as far as he’s concerned, he’s still Cruiserweight Champion as he has never been pinned in the triple threat match where he lost the title last year. Back in the ring, the referee signals for the bell. The bell rings and the match begins.
Both men go for take-downs early on in the match for a clean break. Nese gets a Calf Crusher as he brings Kushida down to the canvas, it’s noted normally Kushida works for the submission moves. Kushida reverses, seemingly attempting an Arm Bar. A shot to the face of Nese by Kushida. Several Forearms by Kushida, Nese with a chop to the throat, Kushida counters with a snap down on the top rope, Nese lands outside of the ring.
Off the top by Kushida, down goes Nese. Nese blocks the Hand Spring Back Elbow, dragging Kushida under the bottom rope and slamming him into the barricade as we head to commercial break.
As we return from the commercial break, we see that Nese is still in control of this match up, a Body Scissor locked in on Kushida who is struggling to break free as he punches his way out of the move. Both men head back to their feet and a back and forth slug-fest ensues. Nese attempts a Springboard Moonsault off the ropes, nobody home! Nese snaps Kushida off the ropes as Kushida attempts to throw Nese to the outside of the ring.
More back and forth action between the two superstars, Nese unintentionally runs into a Palm Strike by Kushida. Nese attempts to regain control, to no avail as Nese pulls Kushida onto his shoulders only to have Kushida lock in a Sakuraba Lock as Nese struggles to break free, eventually tapping as he hits the canvas.
Winner: Kushida
Backstage
As we head backstage, we see Broserweight Matt Riddle with his temporary tag-team partner, Timothy Thatcher. Riddle admits he misses his bro, Stallion Pete. McKenzie asks how the two are handling their partnership. Riddle states every time he looks at Thatcher’s blue eyes, he thinks of Stallion Pete. Thatcher looks to Riddle and states, “My eyes are brown…”
Riddle states he knows, then adds he has a plan to show the world next week what a beautiful man Timothy is. Thatcher questions Riddle, asking him to elaborate, Riddle tells Thatcher to just trust him.
With that, we head to commercial break!
Karrion Kross Video
As we return from commercial break, “We gave you fair warning…. and it’s coming!” Scarlett Bourdeax states as a video of the attack on Tommaso Ciampa is aired and Karrion Kross is officially announces as part of the NXT roster. Kross informing us “doomsday is upon NXT.”
Johnny Gargano Video Package
Gargano shares about his life with Candice LeRae and how his fairy-tale came true, adding he was proud to be the first Triple Crown Champion. Gargano adds to his list of NXT accomplishments, stating nobody believed he would or could beat Tommaso Ciampa. LeRae walks in at this point adding, “we did”. (LeRae sporting a new purple hair color)
Gargano continues on about basically being a “do boy” for NXT having to do signings and do this and that and smile through it all for NXT. Candace agrees stating she did too, adding she ate second, while NXT ate first, that’s the right way, right? LeRae state “insanity is when you do the same thing over and over and expect different results” Gargano tells LeRae she deserves to eat first, telling her to go ahead.
Gargano says the horrible people are rewarded and handed everything, while he and LeRae were stabbed in the back over and over again. LeRae and Gargano state they cannot trust anybody anymore, except each other. Gargano states they need to tear NXT down and rebuild it their way, adding the first ever married couple to reign as the NXT Women’s Champion and NXT Champion.
LeRae states, “The good guys will finally win, and they will get what they deserve. We. What WE deserve.” (The video continuously skipped and turned black and white throughout and looked a little manic)
Io Shirai Video Package
A video is shown of Io Shirai and her journey to the NXT Women’s Championship match with Charlotte Flair, stating she bows down to no one!
With that, we head to commercial.
Backstage Interview
As we return from commercial break, we are backstage with Drake Maverick, who is asked about his loss tonight to Jake Atlas. Maverick declares that every other athlete is fighting their opponent in this tournament, adding that he is fighting his opponent AND himself.
Maverick looks away stating, “maybe everyone was right about me…” Maverick tosses a towel over his head to end the interview.
Mia Yim vs. Jessi Kamea
Out first is Mia Yim as her music sounds in the Performance Center, Yim makes her way down the ramp and enters the ring as she awaits her opponent. Out next is Kamea, who is dressed in all black and fishnet tights, nerdy girl no-more, as she struts her way to the ring, her music more seductive as she enters the ring and waves at the camera. The referee signals for the bell. The bell rings and the match begins. Yim gets an early take-down on Kamea.
Yim takes Kamea to the canvas, Kamea flips off her back, back onto her feet in one swoop, looking to Yim with a taunting look. Yim states, “Ok, ok I see you.” Yim then is taken to the canvas, Yim flips back onto her feet the way Kamea did. Yim attempts to close out this match early on as she hooks the leg of Kamea, Kamea kicks out at two. Kamea dodges Yim.
Yim in control of this match, slamming Kamea off her feet with the STO, a Knee to the side of the face for the three count victory for Mia Yim!
Winner: Mia Yim
After the Match
Charlotte Flair’s music sounds! Mia Yim and Charlotte Flair stand face to face, Flair in street clothes with a mic and NXT Women’s Championship in hand. Flair states that Yim helped make her into what she is now with their match so many years ago, then asking if Yim would agree to a match up with Flair.
Yim states, “I’ve watched you grown into “The Queen” and I’ve grown into the “HBIC” and I would gladly get into the ring with you.” Flair then states out of the entire division, she wants Yim first. She hopes Yim wants it too. Flair finishes, as she holds Yim’s shoulder, saying Yim’s always been a good hand, and she looks forward to making her a star next week. Yim processes what Flair said as Flair exits up the ramp. Yim clearly doesn’t like the backhanded compliment as she looks up to Flair in disgust, wiping her shoulder where Flair’s hand had just been.
Robert Stone Brand Promo
Chelsea Green was inches away from winning the ladder match according to Stone, who is sitting by a pool directing a cameraman and Green as they take photos by the pool. Green sits in a lounge chair next to Stone stating she’s the next Women’s Champion and she will be the face of the division. Stone states, “Yes. You. Are.” The segment ends.
Gentleman Jack Gallagher vs. El Hijo del Fantasma
Out first is Gentleman Jack Gallagher as his music sounds in the Performance Center. Gallagher makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring where he awaits his opponent. A sly look on Gallagher’s face as the music sounds for El Hijo del Fantasma who makes his way quickly down the ramp and joins Gallagher inside the ring. The referee signals for the bell.
The bell rings and the match begins. Gallagher and Fantasma lock up, and Gallagher pins Fantasma into the corner until the ref forces him back. Fantasma hits a take down on Gallagher, but Gallagher locks in an Armbar on Fantasma. Gallagher attempts to rip the mask off of Fantasma with relentlessness, the referee finally putting a stop to Gallagher’s attempts.
Fantasma lands a Drop Kick on Gallagher, quickly following up with a pin attempt, Gallagher immediately kicks out as the referee makes it to “one”. Fantasma transitions immediately into a Chin-lock, to no avail as Gallagher makes his way back to his feet and hits a Fireman’s Carry Slam on Fantasma. Gallagher attempts the pin, Fantasma kicks out. Fantasma hits a dive over the top rope onto Gallagher and we go to commercial break.
As we return from commercial break, Gallagher has taken control of this match up, slamming Fantasma’s knee off the ring post as Gallagher stands ringside, Fantasma injured inside the ring. Gallagher slamming his shoulder into the midsection of Fantasma in the corner of the ring. Fantasma finally retaliates with a Super-Kick. Fantasma runs full force through the ropes and inialates Gallagher on the outside of the ring.
The referee begins the count as both men struggle to their feet and try to make it back to the ring. The referee gets to the count of seven as both men roll back into the ring. Gallagher rips at the mask of Fantasma, Several two counts by Gallagher on Fantasma, Gallagher sits up in shock, pointing to Fantasma. Gallagher runs full throttle at Fantasma who side steps, Gallagher lands into the ring post!
Fantasma uses this as a quick opportunity to come up so Fantasma hits the Samoan Driver on Gallagher, followed by the cover for the three count and win!
Winner: El Hijo del Fantasma
Quick Announcement
Up next, Velveteen Dream and NXT North American Champion Keith Lee will take on Undisputed Era’s Roderick Strong and NXT Champion Adam Cole in a tag team match after this commercial break.
Quick Announcement
Back from commercial and next week Mia Yim will go one on one with Charlotte Flair and NXT North American Champion Keith lee will defend his championship against Damian Priest.
We see that, during the commercial break, the same people who abducted Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza tried to abduct El Hijo del Fantasma, but Fantasma fought back and they drove off.
Velveteen Dream & NXT North American Champion Keith Lee vs. NXT Champion Adam Cole & Roderick Strong
Out first is Velveteen Dream as his music sounds in the arena. Dream makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring as he awaits his opponent for tonight’s match up. Phillips and Saxton remind us of the events from earlier tonight where Dream was supposed to go head to head with Finn Balor,
Balor who couldn’t be found and the locker room had been torn up. Oh! Bask in his glory! 😉 Dream’s partner, Keith Lee, the NXT North American Champion makes his way to the stage, then heads down to the ramp. Lee and Dream stand inside the ring as they await their opponents for tonight’s tag-team match-up.
Out next is NXT Champion Adam Cole and Roderick Strong who are accompanied by Undisputed Era member, Bobby Fish. The three make their way down the ramp towards the ring. Strong and Cole enter the ring, standing in their corner. The referee looks to signal for the bell, before the bell even sounds, they attempt to jump Dream and Lee.
An all out brawl starts up. Damian Priest runs in as the referee is kicking Bobby Fish out of ringside. Priest comes in and attacks Lee with a nightstick, jamming the nightstick into the throat of Keith Lee. The referee and Dream make their way over to Lee who has both hands clasped on his neck, trying to figure out what happened. Lee unable to speak, Dream shouts for help, the referee signals for medics as we head to commercial break.
As we return from the commercial break, Phillips and Saxton announce that Keith Lee is back in the locker room and the medical staff did not clear Lee to continue on in tonight’s match. Dream insisted on continuing the match, so it is now a two on one handicapped match. Dream is whipped into the corner by Strong to start things off. Strong tags Cole in. Cole goes for a pump kick and Dream blocks the first one, but Cole gets the second pump kick. Strong hits an Olympic Slam on Dream for a two count.
Strong tags back in and Strong hits a Pendulum Back Breaker on Dream. Strong hits another Back Breaker on Dream and covers him for two. Dream is put into the Abdominal Stretch by Strong. Suddenly we see a new superstar standing in Dream’s corner. Dexter Lumis has made his way to the ring and is standing in Velveteen Dream’s corner, seemingly as Dream’s stand-in partner as original partner Keith Lee was injured before the break at the hands of Damian Priest.
As Strong goes for the Back Breaker once again, Dream counters with a Dream Valley Driver. Strong quickly tags in Cole, and Velveteen Dream tags in Dexter Lumis. Lumis takes down Roderick Strong and hits a Thesz Press on Cole. Bobby Fish makes his way back down to the ring as Lumis tags in Dream. Lumis hits a dive onto Fish on the outside. With that, Dream hits a Purple Rainmaker from the top rope, covering Cole for the three count pin and win!
Winners: Velveteen Dream and Dexter Lumis
After the Match
On the outside of the ring, Lumis stares at Velveteen Dream as Velveteen Dream poses and Undisputed Era retreat up the ramp. NXT goes off the air with Dream still celebrating in the ring.
That’s all folks!!
