Following up on the jam-packed NXT Great American Bash, the July 15 edition of WWE NXT was ready to keep the action going, including an exciting title main event.
Tegan Nox hoped to show that she is beyond a comeback story by finally capturing gold. The Girl with the Shiniest Wizard challenged Io Shirai for the NXT Women's Championship.
Damian Priest was done playing with Cameron Grimes. He challenged The Technical Savage to a rematch, finally fighting healthy. The Archer of Infamy promised to shut up the talkative Grimes.
In an unforgettable moment, Keith Lee ended Adam Cole's record-breaking NXT Championship reign, becoming the first-ever dual champion in NXT, holding the NXT Championship and North American Championship. He would appear to address his victory.
Karrion Kross and Scarlett made a promise that time is running out. Doomsday is coming, and The Limitless One is now directly in the path of a seemingly unstoppable force.
This night might not have had the prestige of The Great American Bash, but with a likely showstopper in Shirai vs. Nox and the potential first face-off of Lee and Kross, it had a chance to be just as explosive.
Keith Lee Announces He Will Defend His Championships Against Dominik Dijakovic
1 OF 6
A video package was shown of many stars, including Finn Balor, Johnny Gargano and Damian Priest, congratulating Keith Lee but also making clear they would take his championships.
The Limitless One basked in his own glory as a dual champion before stating that he is ready for any challengers for his NXT Championship or NXT North American Championship.
He called out Dominik Dijakovic. The Limitless One told his biggest rival that he had talked to general manager William Regal and would put both his titles on the line against Dijakovic tonight.
Grade
B
Analysis
This was a nice moment for Lee and Dijakovic. While the two have wrestled many times, perhaps too many in a short period, it is difficult to say no when another opportunity arises. The two men wrestle in a different way together than any other pairing in WWE.
This sets up a huge match to solidify this week's NXT as a must-watch. Lee can be the ultimate fighting champion. He can put one or both of his titles on the line every couple of weeks, elevating both championships in the process. It truly is a new era in NXT.
Damian Priest vs. Cameron Grimes
2 OF 6
Cameron Grimes tried to escape this match early with the win, but Damian Priest would not allow it. He brutalized The Technical Savage with a series of dangerous kicks and a devastating Razor's Edge on the apron.
Grimes fought back, keeping the pace high. However, The Archer of Infamy was more than willing to match speed with his opponent. Priest ducked a diving Grimes, sending him into the ropes. This set up a cyclone kick and a second-rope Reckoning for the win.
Afterward, The Archer of Infamy promised that he was coming for the winner of Keith Lee vs. Dominik Dijakovic.
Result
Priest def. Grimes by pinfall.
Grade
C+
Analysis
This was not smooth, but it accomplished its intended goal. Grimes talked so much trash throughout. In the end, it did not matter. Priest continued to push toward a major opportunity soon.
Priest works well with the right opponents. He and Lee will eventually have a main event clash worthy of both men. Grimes is certainly talented, but he is still looking for the right competitor who can take him to the next level.
Shotzi Blackheart vs. Indi Hartwell
3 OF 6
Newcomer Indi Hartwell surprisingly challenged Shotzi Blackheart early. The young Superstar beat down the tank driver, but Blackheart got back up every time.
As the daring Superstar took over, hitting an impressive senton, Robert Stone arrived for the distraction while in a walking boot. Aliyah knocked Blackheart off the top rope to allow Hartwell to connect on a big boot that sealed the upset.
A video package was shown for Legado del Fantasma, who celebrated their NXT Great American Bash victory at home. They promised to change the perception of lucha libre forever.
Result
Hartwell def. Blackheart by pinfall.
Grade
B-
Analysis
While this was not a good match on its own, it helped quietly elevate Hartwell. She walked into this match in a similar position to other Performance Center talent, but she walked out with a memorable victory thanks to the usually disastrous Stone.
It is not clear if she will choose to join The Robert Stone Brand. Established NXT talent wrestling under Stone doesn't make sense, but the newcomer Hartwell could benefit and potentially take a place over Aliyah with time.
NXT and North American Champion Keith Lee vs. Dominik Dijakovic
4 OF 6
Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic showed just how well they matched up. Power was the main focus as they chopped and body-blocked each other. The friendly atmosphere evolved as the challenger began trying to find openings to overcome the pure endurance of The Limitless One.
The motivated champion began hitting his stride, connecting on a rolling senton off the second rope. However, The Limitless One was not ready for Dijakovic's second level, as the challenger pulled out a big blockbuster for a near-fall.
Dijakovic jumped right into the waiting hands of Lee, who slammed the challenger down with the Big Bang Catastrophe for the victory. The two men hugged afterward.
The lights went out, and Scarlett walked down the ramp. She set on the mat the shattered remains of the hourglass once left for Adam Cole as a promise of Karrion Kross' coming.
Backstage, Dijakovic confronted Kross, and the monstrous heel laid out the big man.
Result
Lee def. Dijakovic by pinfall to retain both the NXT and North American Championships.
Grade
A
Analysis
This was a fantastic match, though less competitive than their previous encounters. This worked because Lee is now working on another level to Dijakovic. The big men may still push each other, but The Limitless One has moved past his ultimate rival.
Lee vs. Kross is the money match to make soon, but it was smart to set up Dijakovic as the first obstacle for Scarlett's monster. Those two can have a good match while also making Kross' rivalry with Lee more personal.
Timothy Thatcher vs. Denzel Dejournette
5 OF 6
In the latest edition of "Thatch-as-Thatch-can," Timothy Thatcher tortured a student by holding on to a Fujiwara armbar after the tapout, mocking Oney Lorcan along the way.
Denzel Dejournette surprisingly looked good early against Thatcher, but the master of technical wrestling was not impressed. He locked Dejournette in a devastating half-crab for a quick tapout.
Thatcher wanted to do more damage after the match, but Lorcan sent him running.
Result
Thatcher def. Dejournette by submission.
Grade
C+
Analysis
The main problem here was simply that Thatcher gave Dejournette more than most. While the young Performance Center star could grow into something with time, he should not be out-grappling NXT's premier grappler.
The focus here was strong, though. Thatcher vs. Lorcan is not done, and now the two have heat. This should lead to an even better second fight where the brawling has extra weight.
NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai vs. Tegan Nox
6 OF 6
Tegan Nox could not often sustain the advantage against Io Shirai, but she made her moments on top count with plenty of strong forearms. The Joshi Judas focused on blows to the chest of The Girl with the Shiniest Wizard to slow down Nox.
The challenger finally turned the match around by dodging the running knees of the champion, sending Shirai into the steel steps. This allowed Nox to trap Shirai in the Tree of Woe for the CannonBOAR.
A big crossbody from Nox set her up for a chokeslam, only giving the challenger a near-fall. Shirai pushed through her knee pain to hit a tiger feint kick into a diving dropkick, but she could not capitalize.
Nox got close after a facebuster and Molly-Go-Round, but it was not quite enough. The Joshi Judas blocked the Shiniest Wizard with a palm strike and then connected on the moonsault for the win.
As Shirai celebrated on the stage, Dakota Kai laid out the champion.
Result
Shirai def. Nox by pinfall to retain the NXT Women's Championship.
Grade
A
Analysis
This was a fantastic main event, as expected. Shirai and Nox got plenty of time and delivered despite some early sloppy sequences. They found their rhythm and chemistry. They never looked back after that.
Shirai continues to be one of the best performers in WWE. She always delivers. While Nox had a great story coming into the match, it is far too soon for The Joshi Judas to be dethroned. She needs to spend most of 2020 as champion at the least.
Kai is a great second challenger to Shirai. She has been built as a threat but not an indomitable heel. She should give The Joshi Judas what she needs to shine as champion.
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