[cheerful music]
[Kevin] I've waited 14 years for this moment.
I told you I'm the future.
Now it's time to prove it.
-Tonight… -[Neville] …is my night.
-[Charlotte] Tonight. -[Hideo] Tonight.
It's my evolution.
[Charlotte] My evolution.
[Sasha] Tonight, it's my time.
-[Finn] Tonight, it's our revolution. -[Sami] I will win the big one.
[Neville] I'll prove I'm the best.
[Finn] Tonight, we take over.
-[Sasha] I take over. -[Baron] It's my revolution.
-[Neville] Tonight. -[Sasha] Tonight.
[Sami] Tonight, is my redemption.
[Neville] Tonight, I end somebody's road to redemption.
[Kevin] Tonight, Kevin Owens takes over.
[announcer] And now, WWE Network presents:
NXT TakeOver: R Evolution.
-[rock music] -[crowd cheering]
[Alex Riley] You are looking live at the NXT Arena at Full Sail University
here in Orlando, Florida.
Tonight, NXT could be on the precipice of a major transformation,
a career versus title match,
a highly-anticipated debut,
and the opportunity for new superstars to illuminate the future of WWE.
[rock music] ♪ Oh, baby! Oh, yeah! ♪
[crowd cheering]
[female announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Marieville, Quebec, Canada,
weighing 262 pounds, Kevin Owens!
[Alex] Guys, what an incredible night for Kevin Owens.
I think I saw tears in his eyes headed to the ring.
I'm getting emotional.
An unbelievable night already.
Let's get this thing going.
And we welcome you once again here to the NXT Arena.
What a night it is. NXT TakeOver: R Evolution, guys.
Kevin Owens has been waiting 14 years for this opportunity.
It is his night to shine here at Full Sail University.
What a start to the show. I'm amped up.
I'm extra amped up tonight. Corey, what an incredible night already.
-I can't wait to see the rest. -I haven't been this excited in so long.
-Let's get ready to go, man. -[Alex] Yeah!
We'd like to welcome Corey Graves to the broadcast team,
Rich Brennan alongside Alex Riley. And what a night this is gonna be.
-[upbeat music] -[crowd booing]
[female announcer] And his opponent, from Joliet, Illinois,
weighing 227 pounds,
CJ Parker!
[upbeat music]
[Alex] Guys, Kevin Owens is burning a hole through CJ Parker here tonight.
[Corey] It's taken him 14 years to get here but make no mistake.
CJ Parker is a real threat to anyone that gets in that ring.
CJ Parker should be taken very, very seriously.
[Alex] But, Corey, can he battle the emotion of Kevin Owens
that he's already showed tonight.
He's already feeding off the NXT Universe.
What a response Kevin Owens got. It's incredible.
[Corey] Kevin Owens says he is here to fight.
He is here to change everything in NXT.
Did you see the sign that CJ Parker had?
"My fight matters."
Do you think that's a knock at Kevin Owens?
[Alex] I think it is. I think he's going directly at him with his--oh!
Maybe a little too late, though.
Oh! Kevin Owens out of the box.
[crowd cheering]
[Alex] Oh! Right into the turnbuckles.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] That might be the most intense few seconds
that I've ever seen of a WWE career.
[crowd chanting and cheering] Fight, Owens, fight!
[Alex] Look at this man. He's enraged.
Whoa!
My god!
Kevin Owens launching himself over the top rope,
clearing out CJ Parker.
[Corey] Looks can be deceiving.
[crowd cheering]
It's just the beginning!
[Corey] I don't think anyone,
unless they've watched Kevin Owens, expected to see a man of that size
-fly like that. -[Alex] Can be deceiving?
I saw a flying cow and it was pretty impressive to me.
[crowd chanting and cheering]
[Alex] Listen to the ovation for Kevin Owens making his WWE debut.
Take a look at this.
Kevin Owens launching himself out.
[Rich] And this is just putting your body on the line right out of the gate.
And actually, what a start for TakeOver: R Evolution.
[Corey] This is what I mean. You give CJ Parker an ounce of opening,
he's gonna take advantage of it. He's here to spoil Kevin Owens' debut.
[Rich] You're absolutely right, Corey. CJ Parker is a seasoned veteran
here in NXT,
very savvy inside the ring and this is not gonna be easy.
It's not gonna be a cakewalk for Kevin Owens by any means.
[Alex] CJ Parker says he stands for a cause bigger than himself
and someone like that could be very, very dangerous.
As you said, he would love nothing more than to ruin
the debut of Kevin Owens.
but Owens' able to roll himself out of the way.
[crowd chatter]
[Alex] Oh!
CJ Parker with the palm strike,
cover, hook of the leg, and--oh! Just barely kicking out.
[Rich] I'll tell you what, Corey, that's impressive
that Kevin Owens was able to kickout of that.
I've seen CJ Parker beat NXT superstars with that move.
[Corey] Could you imagine if he just beat Kevin Owens with that palm strike,
what that would've done to the rest of the night?
[Rich] You could hear a pin drop.
[Alex] CJ Parker lining up Kevin Owens.
[Rich] Whoa! What a huge lariat.
[crowd cheering]
[Alex] Look out.
-Whoa! -[Rich] Oh!
[Alex] What an impact.
Kevin Owens.
[Corey] No idea what you call that, it looked like it hurt.
[Alex] You'd call a doctor.
Kevin Owens again.
Pop-up powerbomb!
[crowd chanting] One, two, three!
-[bell ringing] -[Alex] Kevin Owens
with the victory here tonight at his debut.
[female announcer] Here is your winner, Kevin Owens!
-[crowd cheering] -[rock music]
[Rich] It took him 14 years to get here,
and what an impressive debut.
If that didn't show you that he belongs among the best in the world here in NXT,
Don't know what it'll take. Owens is for real.
[Alex] Look at what's trending already, "NXT TakeOver: R Evolution"
already a worldwide trend, thanks partly to that man right there.
What a debut for Kevin Owens.
[Rich] Owens wanted a chance.
He begged for an opportunity to come here tonight.
He got that chance and delivered.
Look at the start for Owens.
[Alex] I mean, right out of the gate, and honestly, feeding off the energy
the NXT Universe responded to him from the first second he walked out.
What an intensity this man brings to NXT.
And Kevin Owens launching himself, putting his body on the line.
[Corey] How could you not respect a man that's willing to do that
on his first night?
[Alex] CJ Parker coming back,
nearly ending the match right there.
[Corey] I thought that was all. I thought he was spoiling the night for everybody.
[Rich] It takes a lot more to put away Kevin Owens.
[Alex] A lot more. Look at this, what a clothesline.
That's an old-school JBL's clothesline there.
And this,
what an impact.
What a move, right on the spine of CJ Parker.
Kevin Owens, again, I cannot say it enough,
what an impressive debut.
[Rich] He waited years for this opportunity.
And guys, tonight, Kevin Owens delivered.
[Alex] He's not crying anymore. That's a happy man.
[Rich] Wow. What an impressive debut tonight.
And Alex Riley, I think you said it. The NXT Universe--
Kevin Owens feeding off the energy.
[Alex] You see the tears in his eyes when he came out?
I mean, that was incredible to me.
What a moment already.
What a way kick it off. A worldwide trend already, guys.
Congratulations to everybody.
And congratulations to Corey Graves as well,
joining the NXT broadcast team.
Corey, on the NXT TakeOver: R Evolution pre-show,
-you couldn't show up. What's going on? -Had some bad luck with some concussions,
doctors advised me it's time to hang up the boots.
But WWE allowed me to keep going,
try a new job in this business that I know and love.
I'm gonna be a part of NXT's announce team from now on
-and I could not be more fired up. -I promise you two things, Corey.
Tonight, we'll have some disagreements but we'll also have a lot of fun.
I'm glad you're here. I can't wait to start working with you.
-I can't wait. -Still lots to get to here tonight.
But right now, we wanna take you backstage.
Adrian Neville, getting ready for his matchup
later on tonight as he defends the NXT Championship against Sami Zayn.
[Alex] Well, Adrian Neville sat with Michael Cole last week
with a very special interview
with his thoughts about this Championship match.
Obviously, I wouldn't feel sorry for Sami
but this is a stipulation, or a scenario, or however you want to word it,
that Sami has put upon himself.
And I tried, actively tried to deter him from doing this.
I didn't want this.
But I refuse to carry the burden
of, you know, ending Sami's career
because this is also my career, this is also my life,
and that is my priority and always will be my priority.
[Alex] Adrian Neville defends the NXT Championship later tonight.
But, guys, right now,
from the NXT Champion to the NXT Tag Team Champions,
let's take a look at the Lucha Dragons.
And the NXT Tag Team Championships are on the line later tonight
as Kalisto and Sin Cara, the Lucha Dragons,
battle Aiden English and Simon Gotch, one of the most unique duos
-we have seen here in NXT. -[Rich] It's gonna be a big one!
[funky salsa music]
[man] We are the Lucha Dragons!
[crowd chanting] Lucha! Lucha!
[Rich] Two of the most dynamic, high-flying superstars we've ever seen.
What a treat it is to see the NXT Tag Team Champions.
Here comes the human pinball.
[Alex] Salida del sol.
[crowd cheering]
[Kalisto] We are a strong tag team.
We're skillful and we have determination.
[salsa music]
[Kalisto] We have a great challenge in front of us. We're popping it.
We can beat any tag team here in NXT.
[funky salsa music]
Woo! This feels incredible!
[crowd chanting] Lucha! Lucha!
[Sin Cara] The future starts now!
[crowd chanting] Lucha! Lucha!
[bell ringing]
The following contest is scheduled for one fall
and it is for the NXT Tag Team Championships.
-[crowd chanting] Lucha! Lucha! -[latin pop music]
[announcer] Introducing first, at a combined weight of 370 pounds,
they're the NXT Tag Team Champions:
Kalisto, Sin Cara, the Lucha Dragons!
[latin pop music]
[Rich] Guys, what more needs to be said about Kalisto and Sin Cara
other than the fact that they beat The Ascension
-to become the NXT Tag Team Champions. -[Alex] Absolutely nothing.
You're talking about the longest reigning Champions,
the most dominant force in NXT history.
And The Ascension--
There were so many questions
about who is gonna be the team to knock them off,
and you're looking at them on your screen, the Lucha Dragons,
a proven commodity here at NXT.
[crowd cheering]
-[stomping] -[door closing]
-[wings fluttering] -[chicken clucking]
Gather round everyone
and witness the debonair devastation of such exquisite sophistication.
Aiden English, Simon Gotch: the Vaudevillains!
[old-timey vaudeville music]
[Rich] Guys, the Vaudevillains call themselves
the most gentlemanly competitors here at NXT,
but I think, over the last few weeks,
-they've proven anything but. -[Corey] Manners do not win Championships.
They can be gentlemen all they want.
Between the ropes, they are two of the most skilled
and feared superstars in NXT.
[Alex] I completely agree with you there, Corey.
You can play all the mind games you want in the time leading up to the match.
But once it starts, you better be technically sound between those ropes,
and thy are. They better be ready for a fight tonight
because, again, like we talked about earlier,
that's the Lucha Dragons, the only team to ever knock off The Ascension.
[Rich] In the last few weeks, we've seen the Vaudevillains
sat in the movies with mini Luchas, mocking the NXT Tag Team Champions.
Not a whole lot of respect shown for Kalisto and Sin Cara.
[Alex] Corey, you were an NXT superstar at one time.
Do you think that's smart?
Preparing for your opponent by making videos?
By getting involved in extracurricular activities
outside of the ring? I certainly don't.
[Corey] The Vaudevillains function
on a whole other mental wavelength than I do. I don't necessarily know
what their plan is. I do know they have one.
[Rich] And that's a dangerous thought to focus,
to be on a level that you're not.
[crowd chatter]
[Rich] There they are, the NXT Tag Team Championships.
That is what it's all about.
The high-flying luchadors defending the titles
against the unorthodox duo of English and Gotch.
[bell ringing]
[Rich scatting]
[Rich] Sin Cara starting off against Simon Gotch.
What kind of a matchup do you expect here?
Do you expect a more aggressive side from the lucha dragons?
[Alex] You know, I think they need to do exactly what got them in the dance,
things like that. Maybe use their agility, speed, fly through the air.
They're very successful. Remember, they're the Champions.
[Rich] Sin Cara!
Trying to put away Gotch, just one count.
[Alex] If the Vaudevillains have any chance
of walking out here with the titles,
they need to ground the lucha dragons, period.
They need to use that grappling and brawling style they know well.
-[Rich] Oh! -[Alex] Good counter there.
Sending Aiden English to the outside.
[Rich] Tag made and here comes Kalisto.
One of the most dynamic stars
that we've seen here in quite some time in NXT.
And look at this teamwork.
Wheelbarrow senton! Kalisto for the win. And again, a kickout by Simon Gotch.
[Alex] Rich, you brought up an interesting point.
Does one team have to change their style? And I don't think so,
but this certainly is a clash of different styles.
-You have luchadors versus-- -[Rich] Ooh!
[Alex] …really, an old-school strong man wrestling team.
[crowd chanting and cheering]
[Rich] Sin Cara, powerbomb.
Hook of the leg here. Is that enough to put away Gotch? Again, a kickout.
These are definitely two teams that exemplify precision teamwork.
Who do you think has the edge?
[Alex] These are two fine, well-oiled machines.
It comes down to who can execute their gameplan first.
[Rich] Tag made, and here comes--oh, Aiden English, bumped to the outside.
[crowd chatter]
-[Alex] Whoop. -[Rich] Oh!
Sin Cara pulled right out of the ring by Aiden English.
[Alex] All legal. English made the tag. He got knocked off the apron.
[crowd chanting and clapping]
[Rich] English into the ring. Cover, hook of the leg,
and a kickout at one.
-[Rich] Guys, the lucha dragons… -This is our night!
[Rich] The only tag team to ever beat the Vaudevillains,
they said when I talked to them prior to this match.
They said they have their number, they have to focus tonight.
Cover, English for the titles, and again, a kickout.
[Alex] They got to really perform at their peak
if they're gonna hang in this match.
[crowd chanting and clapping]
[Rich] Tag made, Simon Gotch,
now the legal man.
The Vaudevillains using the five count.
Again, Gotch for the victory, for the titles.
And again, Sin Cara stays alive.
[Alex] This is what the Vaudevillains need to do.
See, Gotch has a submission maneuver locked in,
he's got Sin Cara grounded,
Sin Cara cannot do most of his fancy aerial offense here.
This is where the Vaudevillains need to be.
[Rich] Simon Gotch.
Interesting pin attempt there.
[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] The Vaudevillains have held the-- The Lucha Dragons, I should say,
have held the NXT Tag Team Championship for exactly three months.
The Vaudevillains, winners of a number one contender battle royal
and right now, in control of this matchup. Cover, and again, a kickout.
[Alex] And honestly, I thought that the Vaudevillains
are gonna come out tonight a little distracted, preoccupied,
not really have a straight-ahead gameplan
because of their approach with videos and mindgames.
But they look great. They're really focused, Corey.
[Corey] They have no reason not to be. They have the richest prize at stake now,
the NXT Tag Team titles. How can you not be focused?
[Rich] Big kick!
[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] English-- Oh! Now, grabbing the leg of Kalisto.
[Corey] Remember, Champion's advantage, cannot win titles
by count-out or disqualification.
[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Referee with his focus on Kalisto.
And now, Sin Cara backed into the wrong corner, tag made,
and Simon Gotch, the legal man.
[Alex] Corey, if you think you can match up with a team head-to-head
and you have confidence in your ability, do you think these tactics are necessary?
[Corey] It's only cheating when you get caught.
[Rich laughing] All right. Well said, guvnor.
Look at this reversal.
Sin Cara desperately trying to make a tag to Kalisto.
And Gotch, able to prevent him from getting across the ring.
Back suplex. Is that enough? New Champions? No.
[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Gotch there surprisingly strong, very good with leverage,
really understands how to break down his opponent, very impressive.
[Alex] They have done a great job of cutting the ring in half.
Sin Cara has been nowhere close to Kalisto to make the tag
that he needs so badly.
[Rich] Aiden English hooks the leg, and again, just a one count.
[Alex] Corey, you're a former NXT Tag Team Champion,
are you impressed with the way that the vaudevillians
have really jived for the-- I mean,
they've been a tag team for a while but not that long,
and they really do look so synced together.
[Corey] I'm impressed, but not surprised. These are two
of the most intelligent people I've encountered in my life.
Not surprising at all that they've had success.
[Rich] That Simon Gotch.
Sin Cara finally able to make the tag, and here comes Kalisto.
Springboard crossbody.
[Alex] This guy's a firecracker. Corkscrew!
Luchaaa!
[Alex] The Lucha Dragons.
[Rich] Whoa! Big kick.
Not only defending the Championships tonight, but--hang on,
crossbody by Sin Cara!
Defending their proud heritage of lucha libre, and look out here.
Roll through kick.
Kalisto.
[Alex] Two human pinballs.
[Rich] Kalisto and Sin Cara teaming up.
There goes Aiden English over the top rope.
[Alex] This is where the Lucha Dragons shine.
When they get momentum going, it's usually lights out for the others.
[Rich] Hang on. Look out!
-Here it comes. -[Alex] Time to fly!
[Rich] The Lucha Dragons taking out Aiden English.
And the look on Simon Gotch's face says it all.
[Alex] I think his mustache started curling.
-[crowd cheering and chanting] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Gotch, sending Kalisto into the ring.
-And look out! -[Alex] Oh.
-[Rich] SDS, Salida del Sol. -[crowd chanting] One, two, three!
-[bell ringing] -[Rich] And the Lucha Dragons retain.
[female announcer] Here are your winners,
and still the NXT Tag Team Champions,
the Lucha Dragons!
-[latin pop music] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Guys, we said it earlier, it would be all about teamwork.
Whoever could progress through this match is the most well-oiled machine tonight.
It was Kalisto and Sin Cara.
[Alex] It was the Lucha Dragons.
Look mom, no hands! I mean, this is just incredible.
It'll make Rey Mysterio jealous.
-[crowd cheering and chanting] -[latin pop music]
[Rich] And look at Kalisto and Sin Cara winding up for [unintelligible].
[Corey] It's two Lucha Dragons, one Vaudevillian,
it wasn't gonna end well for Aiden English.
-[Alex] It was just too much… -[Rich] Salida del sol.
-Two, three! -[bell ringing]
Lucha Dragons remain your NXT Tag Team Champions.
Come on.
[latin pop music]
[Alex] Guys, look what's trending
number one worldwide: NXT TakeOver: R Evolution.
[Rich] Absolutely, and what a thing to be a part of, right, Corey?
I mean, what a great start. What--what moments!
[latin pop music]
[Rich] What an amazing matchup here.
The Lucha Dragons successfully defending the NXT Tag Team Championships.
Guys, still lots more to come tonight.
And take a look, there she is:
the challenger, Sasha Banks,
preparing for later tonight when she faces Charlotte
for the NXT Women's Championship.
[Alex] She looks ready to go.
[Rich] Flanked by Becky Lynch as always.
Banks and Charlotte later tonight for the NXT Women's title.
[man 1] You are now looking at the future of the WWE.
[man 2] Who will be the next main eventer? The next hall of famer?
The next, next big thing?
Here's your spoiler.
[man 3] This is the gateway.
[man 1] This is where we change the world.
[announcer] Meet the superstars of the next generation.
[man 5] They are making history every single day.
[announcer] NXT. New episodes every Thursday,
9/8 central on WWE Network.
[mysterious music]
[crowd cheering]
-[bell ringing] -[female announcer] This following contest
is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first,
from Niagara Falls, Canada, weighing 225 pounds,
Tye Dillinger!
[Alex] NXT TakeOver: R Evolution continues here tonight.
Well, guys, we just got word: next week, the newest NXT superstar,
Kevin Owens, will sit down with Renee Young
to talk about his amazing debut tonight
and what lies ahead in his future. That is next week on NXT.
[Rich] And after what you saw tonight, that is a must-see.
-[mysterious music fades] -[engine rumbling]
[crowd cheering]
[heavy rock music]
[crowd cheering]
[heavy rock music]
[female announcer] And his opponent, from Kansas city,
weighing 275 pounds,
Baron Corbin!
[Rich] Guys, Baron Corbin has destroyed every opponent
in record time here in NXT.
This is a man who WWE legends say has a presence about him
that has only just begun to manifest itself.
Corey, you know him better than anyone.
[Corey] He and I run in a lot of the same circles.
We hang out with the same people. Let me tell you, he doesn't say much.
But when he does, you'd better listen.
He doesn't get paid by the hour. And guys, your watches working?
-[Alex] I don't wear one but yes. -[Rich] I'm not wearing one,
but the NXT Universe will mark the time for us.
They've been very helpful.
I don't think anyone's lasted longer than 22 seconds against Corbin.
[Alex] Good stat.
-You're doing your research. -[bell ringing]
[crowd chanting] One, two, three, four, five,
six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
-eleven, twelve. -[Rich] They are counting it down.
-[crowd] Thirteen, fourteen. -[Rich] Up to 15.
Guys, this may not last long for Tye Dillinger.
-[crowd counting] -[speaking Spanish]
[Alex] Oh!
-[Alex] Oh. Look out how… -[Rich] Oh! Snake eyes into a big kick.
-[crowd counting] -[speaking Spanish]
-[Alex] We got an audience for Corbin? -[Rich] Wait.
Guys, that's NXT superstar, Bull Dempsey.
What's he-- Oh!
[Corey] End of days.
[crowd chanting] One, two, three!
-[bell ringing] -[crowd cheering]
[Rich] Baron Corbin continues to destroy competitors in NXT.
[female announcer] Here is your winner, Baron Corbin!
-[Rich] Guys, Bull Dempsey looking on. What's his business out here?
-[Alex] He works here, Rich. You can't come out and scout the talent?
[Corey] This is what I mean. Baron Corbin doesn't say much,
but he doesn't have to. The look on his face speaks volumes.
-[Alex] With the look on Dempsey's face, I wanna see those two fight.
[heavy metal music]
[Rich] Dempsey and Corbin within closing distance.
-[Alex] Almost like Corbin is daring him to do something.
-[heavy metal music] -[crowd cheering]
[Rich] Baron Corbin continues to impress here at NXT.
And guys, we called it, it wasn't gonna take long.
-[Corey] I know. -[Rich] We knew
it was gonna be a great one. The question was how quick.
Look at this high boot from Baron Corbin.
An unbelievably intense, aggressive NXT superstar.
And then, end of days and end of the match.
Baron Corbin, unstoppable here at NXT.
There he is, one more look.
[heavy metal music]
[Rich] Continuing to stare down Bull Dempsey as he leaves the NXT arena.
[music fades]
[Rich] Guys, it's all or nothing for Sami Zayn later on tonight
as he told Michael Cole in a WWE.com exclusive yesterday.
I said I want to win the NXT Championship before I move on,
before I go to Raw, to SmackDown, before anything happens in my life.
I'm just at that point.
You know, everybody reaches a point where it's just sink or swim.
The truth is, my entire life, my entire career, whatever you call it,
it's pretty much the same thing anyway. It's been without a safety net.
So I've taken away that safety.
-[Rich] Sami Zayn saying he's operating without a safety net tonight,
-putting his career on the line. -[Alex] He looks nervous to me.
[Rich] Well, guys, still to come tonight, what a matchup this is going to be.
We've been waiting weeks,
The Ascension battling Finn Bálor and Hideo Itami.
You talk about two teams that have gone to war.
[Alex] This is gonna be a great matchup. We are gonna see the unexpected.
I can't wait.
[music]
The future is happening right here and now.
[announcer 1] Hideo Itami, one of the most highly anticipated debuts
in a long, long time has arrived.
[Hideo] I'm happy to be here in WWE.
My goal is to be NXT Champion.
[tense music]
[announcer 1] Oh, my.
Oh! Viktor tossing Hideo Itami outside the ring.
Yeah. We're in a bad mood.
[announcer 1] The Ascension, Konnor and Viktor, early tonight losing
the NXT Tag Team titles have to be stewing.
You're gonna give us a rematch
and you're gonna give it.
[tense music]
[announcer 1] Oh! And blasting Konnor outside the ring.
Look at the newest NXT superstar go.
[announcer 2] Hideo has arrived.
-[beat drops] -[tense music intensifies]
-[announcer 1] Oh! -[announcer 2] Oh, look out!
It's The Ascension. Oh!
It's all about intimidation, physical, mental. That's what Ascension does.
I'm tired of The Ascension two on one attack.
[announcer 1] Oh!
Fall of man.
Itami needs some help out here.
[Hideo] You wanna fight?
-[announcer 1] The numbers game again. -[announcer 2] How many times
-can they do this to Hideo? -[announcer 1] Another two on one assault.
[Hideo] I'm not leaving.
[announcer 1] There he is, Hideo Itami
ready to take on The Ascension.
[Hideo] I bring a friend.
[epic introduction music]
[heavy rock music]
[announcer 1] Wow! We have heard so much about Finn Bálor and he is here tonight.
[announcer 3] Guys, this is a world renowned superstar
and I can't wait for this.
[intense drumming]
[announcer 3] Look at this, Itami and Finn Bálor taking it to The Ascension.
[announcer 1] I don't think I've seen The Ascension like this before.
Ascension, you better bring all you've got
because I'm bringing something you've never seen before.
[announcer 3] The Ascension wiped out at the hands of Itami and Bálor.
[Viktor] We are not dead.
This is far from over.
The Ascension will rise again.
[announcer 3] It is absolute chaos between The Ascension,
Finn Bálor, and Hideo Itami.
At TakeOver, I'm bringing something you've never seen before.
-[crowd cheering] -[heavy rock music]
-[bell ringing] -[female announcer] The following contest
is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first at a combined weight of 501 pounds,
Konnor, Viktor, The Ascension!
-[crowd cheering] [Alex] Two of the most feared,
destructive forces we have ever seen at NXT.
[Rich] Guys, they are up for just one thing tonight
and that is total annihilation of Hideo Itami and Finn Bálor.
[Alex] Guys, call it their house, their yard, it doesn't matter.
These two gentlemen that you're looking at right now
own NXT and have for a very, very long time.
[Corey] I agree, Alex. These are the two biggest,
baddest dogs in the yard right now.
It's their house, they're eager to protect it.
-[crowd cheering] -[wind chimes]
-[heavy rock music] -[speaking Spanish]
[female announcer] And their opponents: first,
from Tokyo, Japan, weighing 180 pounds,
Hideo Itami!
[crowd cheering]
[Rich] Hideo Itami is as big a star as there is in Japan and--
Well, back in Japan, they are watching live on J SPORTS.
-[Corey] You-- -[Rich] Alr-- Sorry, Corey. You…
-[crowd chanting] Hideo! Hideo! -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] You can hear the NXT Universe.
But look, you're talking about Japan. What have these--
What has Hideo done for me lately at NXT? That's the question.
[Corey] He hasn't had a chance yet. Tonight is the night
for Hideo to solidify that they belong here
or they have to go home, period.
-[rock music] -[speaking Spanish]
-[music fades] -[crowd cheering]
[steady heartbeat in sync with red lights]
[suspense beats]
[guitar riff]
[crowd cheering]
[guitar riff]
[heartbeat accelerates]
[silence]
-[rock music resumes suddenly] -[crowd cheering]
-[speaking Spanish] -[rock music]
[crowd chanting] Holy shit! Holy shit!
[Alex] Holy--!
-[speaking Spanish] -[dramatic rock music]
[crowd cheering]
-[speaking Spanish] -[dramatic rock music]
[crowd chanting and cheering]
-[crowd cheering] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Guys, I talked about it on the pre show.
Whatever Bálor is planning,
it better be something intense, adrenaline based, and dark
-and he delivered. -[Corey] I have goosebumps right now.
I've heard stories. I've heard rumors.
Jason Albert told me tales of creativity.
[Rich] Guys, the bell hasn't even rung yet.
The bell has not rung and Itami and Bálor are taking it
right to Konnor and Viktor.
[Corey] He told me how creative Bálor can be,
but I never thought we'd see it to this level and right here in NXT.
[crowd chanting and clapping]
-[Alex] Did you see-- -[Rich] Look out!
Itami and Bálor in stereo!
Corner dropkicks!
-[crowd cheering] -[speaking Spanish]
[Corey] Regroup time for The Ascension. They were caught off guard.
This is how Hida-- Hideo and Bálor need to hit them.
[Alex] I was just--
I was just thinking the same exact thing, Corey.
-You saw the look on their faces. -[bell ringing]
We are officially underway. What a dropkick by Itami.
[Rich] I think they're shook. Cover here. Is that enough to put them away?
-A kickout. -[Corey] The Ascension has
a clear size advantage, but you can equalize anyone
when you get in their head. That's what Bálor is trying to do.
[Rich] I don't think I've ever seen the expression
that was just given on Viktor's and Konnor's face
when Bálor came out with whatever that he's on.
He's absolutely incredible.
[Alex] What is Bálor tapping into, Corey Graves?
[Corey] I've heard the stories. In every man's mind,
there's a little doorway down a dark hallway
where they never go. If you can figure out
how to tap into that creatively, that's what Bálor
is trying to do right now. -[Rich] Cover. Bálor, trying to put
The Ascension away and a kickout by Victor.
[Alex] Looks like war paint.
[Rich] Hideo and Bálor certainly have a lot riding on this.
Hideo Itami had Hulk Hogan at his press conference.
The international media has been ablaze
since Itami and Bálor have made it here to NXT.
Guys, can they live up to the hype tonight?
[Alex] That's the question, Rich.
All this talk about Bálor and Itami is great,
but we gotta remember, it's the most dominant force
-in NXT history in the ring right there. -[Rich] Oh, what a counter!
[Alex] Bálor with the cover, the kickout by Konnor.
[Rich] But that's also a 300-pounder in there.
[Corey] Let me ask you, Alex. What better way is there
to prove that you belong and live up to the hype,
than beating a team like The Ascension?
[crowd cheering]
[Rich] Listen to those chops by Hideo Itami. I mentioned earlier,
this guy is as big a star as there is in Japan.
[Corey] Absolutely, he's well respected. A huge star over there.
[crowd chatter in anticipation]
[Rich] Here comes Hideo-- Whoa! Flapjack! And that could be enough.
Konnor for the victory and a kickout.
-[crowd chatter] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Tag made to Viktor and Hideo Itami.
[Alex] This is what I was afraid of:
The Ascension weathering the emotional storm early
that Bálor came out, all that excitement.
And now again, they're trying to take their yard back.
[Rich] Uppercut, cover by Viktor and again, a kickout.
-[crowd chatter] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Let's take another look. This is Hideo Itami
charging at Konnor and what a flapjack!
[Alex] That's how a 300-pound athlete puts somebody down.
And The Ascension have taken control of this matchup.
[Rich] Konnor and Viktor feel like they still have a lot to prove here.
Cover and a kickout by Itami.
They want to show why they have ruled the roost for so long.
[Alex] Of course they do. That's like asking John Cena
if he still has more to prove. If you are dedicated
to being the best in the world, you always take a challenge.
You always wanna be at the top of your game at all times.
[Rich] Guys, Baron Corbin, trending worldwide on Twitter
as this matchup continues here.
The Ascension, going to battle
against Hideo Itami and Finn Bálor.
You just saw Viktor knocking Bálor off the ring apron.
[Corey] How much does tag team chemistry factor into this?
Hideo Itami, Finn Bálor, they're old friends.
They've competed in Japan, around the world.
But The Ascension are the Ascension.
They are a tag team in every sense. These guys live and travel together.
-[Alex] I completely agree, Corey. -[Rich] Viktor trying to put Itami away
-and again a kickout. -[Alex] Yeah, they've been
all over the world together, but I don't think Itami speaks English
and neither does Bálor. He's on the Gaelic alphabet.
I don't think those two can understand each other in there.
[Rich] Right now, it is Viktor stomping away at Hideo Itami.
He's not gonna take it lying down.
Itami fighting back.
[Corey] They have Hideo exactly where they want him.
The pace slowed down, this is where they're most effective
they've cut the ring in half.
[Alex] I honestly thought when I analyzed this match before
and the weeks leading up to it that Hideo Itami has bitten off
-more than he can chew. -[Rich] Cover.
Konnor trying to put Itami away and a kickout.
How do you beat these guys, Corey? How do you beat The Ascension?
[Corey] No idea. I lost my Tag Team titles to them.
[Alex] A humble, honorable man you are, Corey.
[Rich] You and Adrian Neville are former NXT Tag Team Champs.
Something you alluded to-- The Ascension, certainly
the more experienced team of the two.
This is just the third time that Itami and Bálor had been able
-to tag together here at NXT. -[Alex] Yeah,
let's think about The Ascension. If they can knock off
two of triple h's highest recruits here at NXT, I mean,
what would that mean for them? That would mean this is, without a doubt,
the standard bearer of NXT, it's The Ascension.
[crowd clapping rhythmically]
[Rich] I agree.
It is Viktor pummeling away.
And Hideo Itami…
Itami fighting back and it seems like every time
he's able to build some momentum--
Cover here. Is that enough? Again, a kickout.
[Alex] This is where size advantage comes into play.
Every cover, every time they put their body weight on Itami,
-it weighs on him, wears him down. -[Rich] Another cover. Is this enough?
Itami doesn't look like he knows where he is right now.
[Alex] Yeah. It's one thing to become a star in Europe or Japan,
but we have to remember: right here where we sit
every single Thursday is the best in the world, it's NXT.
And that's what you're seeing out of The Ascension.
[Rich] See the height on that fist drop by Viktor
connecting on the forehead of Hideo Itami?
[Alex] They're polished in every single way you need
to be polished to be a WWE superstar, they're tested everyday here.
[crowd clapping rhythmically]
[speaking Spanish]
[Alex] Hideo Itami with a well placed kick to the head
trying to find some room, desperately trying to get to his corner
and make a tag, but The Ascension, showing why they have been
so dominant in their time here, at NXT.
And the reason why, Rich, they've been so dominant
is because they're not just strong,
they're not-- They're strong and fast.
They have all the basics covered here. They have them in abundance.
-Not a weakness. -[Rich] Konnor for the victory,
hook of the leg and a kickout. Corey, what is it about them--
What do they do to you, why are they so dominant in the ring?
[Corey] Always on the same page. One knows
what the other's thinking at all times. As soon as you think you outsmarted,
out-quicked one of them, the other one's right there to take you back down.
[Alex] Such an extremely powerful team.
-[crowd chatter] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Finn Bálor eyeballing Viktor.
[Rich] Hook of the leg, center of the ring, and a kickout.
-Hideo's hanging in there. -[crowd chanting] Hideo! Hideo!
[Rich] Look at the control out of Viktor.
You know a veteran inside that ring.
When he has an opportunity to slow the match down to his pace,
he does it. He's calm, in complete control right now of Hideo Itami.
[Alex] He's grinding on him, wearing him down.
Not letting him anywhere near Bálor. Brilliant strategy by The Ascension.
[Corey] Cutting off the oxygen. Can't breathe, can't fight.
Itami able to create some sort of space there.
[Rich] Trying to reach out for the tag, Bálor wants in to this match so bad.
-[crowd cheering] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Oh!
And that could be the opening Hideo was looking for,
-he has got to get to Bálor right now. -[Corey] And there goes Konnor.
-[crowd cheering] -[speaking Spanish]
[Alex] Hideo's got to make this tag if he-- Oh, look at that.
[Rich] Is that an in-ring veteran or what?
[Corey] That is brilliant maneuvering by Konnor. Absolutely, I'm impressed.
[Alex] Look at Viktor just grinding away on the face of Itami.
[Corey] I'll tell you what. One ring general is dangerous.
When you got two of them in there, The Ascension, it could get scary.
[Rich] Tag made to Konnor.
Hideo Itami, I mean… He's been in there an awfully long time.
[Alex] Yeah, he may not even make this tag.
[Rich] Oh!
Did you hear that connect?
[Alex] A little bit of turnabout there.
[Rich] Itami still has some fight left in him,
crawling to his corner.
Itami…
There it is! He finally makes the tag and here comes Finn Bálor.
-[crowd cheering] -[speaking Spanish]
[Corey] The energy in this building is going through the roof.
Finn Bálor is on fire.
[Rich] Finn Bálor promised The Ascension they would see
something that they couldn't even imagine.
-[crowd chanting and cheering] -[Corey] Viktor's in a bad spot.
-He doesn't wanna be there. -[Rich] Oh, Viktor able to get the elbow--
Oh! Up at the last second. Big enzuigiri in the corner.
-[crowd cheering] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Finn Bálor over the top rope,
wiping out Konnor and Viktor on the outside.
[Corey] That was absolutely unbelievable athleticism
displayed by Finn Bálor. That's why he belongs in NXT.
-[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT! -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] It's almost as if Finn Bálor tonight has upped the ante
by trying to beat The Ascension at their own game. Look at them!
Trying to climb to the top rope,
sends Konnor down, and Viktor in a bad spot.
[Alex] We've seen this before.
[Rich] Diving double foot stomp, Viktor rolls out of the way.
What is this?
Whoa! Brain buster suplex.
Cover.
-Konnor in to break it up. -[Alex] Not gonna beat
The Ascension that easily.
-[Rich] Itami, Itami takes-- -[Corey] He sacrificed
his body to take out Konnor.
That's how much this means to him if they're gonna prove they belong.
-[crowd cheering] -[Rich] Finn Bálor.
Bálor trying to line up Viktor.
-Uppercut. Oh! -[Alex] Oh, STO! And that could be all.
Viktor hooks the leg of Bálor and here comes Itami to break up the pin.
-[speaking Spanish] -[crowd cheering]
-[Alex] No. -[Rich] No. You got to be kidding me.
[crowd booing]
[Rich] Konnor sending Hideo to the outside and now it's two on one.
-[Rich] Here it comes. -[Alex] It's two on one.
-[Alex] Here it comes, fall of man. -[Corey] If they hit this, it's all over.
[all] Oh!
Hang on… [unintelligible] kick.
[Corey] Hideo pulled Konnor out under the bottom rope.
He may have just saved this match for his team.
[Rich] Hideo Itami again, running dropkick.
-[crowd cheering] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] And guys, Finn Bálor and Hideo Itami have The Ascension
exactly where they want them.
Here, they're going to the top rope.
[crowd cheering]
[Rich] Double diving foot stomp!
-Enough to put away The Ascension? -[crowd] One, two, three!
-[Rich] Yes! -[bell ringing]
[Rich] Finn Bálor with the victory!
-Hideo Itami! -[female announcer] Here are your winners,
Hideo Itami and Finn Bálor!
[Rich] An epic battle between two dark forces,
Bálor and Itami victorious.
[Corey] Let me ask you now, Alex Riley, do you believe they belong?
Have they proven that they were worth every bit of hype?
[Alex] I'd sound stupid if I didn't say I believed in them.
So, yeah, I guess I do. I talked about it on the pre-show
that they were unproven here in NXT
and The Ascension were the proven commodity
but they certainly did, you're right, Corey, prove their worth
and what a future ahead for those two gentlemen right there.
And I can't even believe that. I don't know still how to describe that,
but it certainly was intense and emotional. Great victory.
[Rich] My goodness, guys, the entrance of Finn Bálor,
the atmosphere here tonight, and look at the teamwork.
Hideo Itami and Finn Bálor.
This time it's Bálor putting his body on the line.
[Alex] Fist and fire right through the air,
some war paint on top of it, that was a beautiful sight.
[Rich] Look at this reverse brain buster.
[Corey] Right down in the back of the skull, that was lights out,
I thought for sure. Then Konnor decided he had other plans.
[Rich] We thought that was it, but The Ascension had a last gasp tonight.
[Alex] They were able to turn it around, of course.
[Rich] Viktor connecting with a nasty STO
and we thought that was it until Itami came in to break it up.
And watch Hideo Itami
[unintelligible] Konnor in the corner of your screen,
pulled down and then the [unintelligible] kick by Bálor.
[Alex] And I was really impressed with Hideo hanging in this match late,
showing a lot of heart. But this isn't heart.
This is just pure aggression and athletic ability
out of both of those men.
[Rich] A well-deserved victory for Finn Bálor and Hideo Itami, wow.
[Corey] If you wanna make a statement, you go after the biggest dog.
That's exactly what these guys did and it's gonna pay off for them.
[Rich] What an impressive victory here tonight for Finn Bálor and Hideo Itami.
-Guys, that entrance alone… -[Alex] It was unreal.
[Rich] …by Finn Bálor, gave me chills.
[Alex] Get that entrance trending somehow.
The hair on my neck is still standing up.
I can't believe what we just witnessed. Like a movie come to life.
Only at NXT you see moments like that,
-moments that make you wanna live forever. -What a night it has been
here tonight and still so much more to come.
We have the NXT Championship on the line,
Sami Zayn against Adrian Neville.
The NXT Women's Championship is on the line
when Sasha Banks battles Charlotte.
And, guys, listen to the NXT Universe tonight, the response,
the reaction for Bálor and Itami.
[Alex] How could you not react to that man there.
I don't think a lot of people in this arena, Full Sail University,
have ever seen anything like that.
Ups to a man. What an impressive, impressive performance.
And I don't know-- What was that? Can we call it war paint?
-Can we call it game day? -Whatever it was, we call it effective.
Absolutely.
Well, guys, right now, Renee Young is standing by backstage
with a very special guest.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time,
Roman Reigns.
[crowd chatter]
Hey, Roman. So, first of all, I have to congratulate you.
This past Monday, you were voted in by the WWE Universe
at the Slammy Awards to be the superstar of the year.
-I mean, how did that feel for you? -Well, thank you. It felt phenomenal.
I've done a lot of cool things in the WWE, but being voted
WWE superstar of the year, hands down, takes the cake.
Well, what brings you here to NXT tonight?
Why wouldn't I be here? I'm here to watch an awesome show
and especially the main event. Adrian Neville and Sami Zayn,
they're gonna tear the house down.
They are gonna be a part of the future.
Speaking of future, let's talk about mine.
One goal:
to be the first NXT alumni ever
to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
-[crowd cheering] -Believe that.
-Thanks, Renee. -Thank you, Roman.
I wanna know who's gonna be the next Roman Reigns.
After tonight, it is certainly a lot of options, right?
-We've seen great stuff. -Oh, so much more to come tonight.
But right now, let's take a look backstage and-- Well, as we said,
the NXT Women's Championship is on the way.
-Hey, there he is. -[Alex] It's the nature boy, Ric Flair.
[Rich] The WWE Hall of Famer giving his daughter Charlotte
some last minute encouragement, Corey.
[Corey] This is a huge deal for Charlotte.
Of course her dad is gonna be here to support her.
[Alex] Coming up, these two former partners in crime
go one on one for the NXT Women's Championship.
The boss Sasha Banks against Charlotte. She calls herself
the most genetically superior diva here in NXT.
[Rich] She doesn't need to call herself that. It is obvious.
That is a whole different type of talent.
Charlotte here at NXT.
[epic music]
[announcer] She is the NXT Women's Champion,
Charlotte.
To be a woman, you have to beat the woman.
[announcer] Charlotte wins, it's in her pedigree,
it's how she was raised.
I was born genetically superior.
[announcer] That is a whole different type of talent.
[Charlotte] No one can beat me.
[announcer] Oh, natural selection from Charlotte.
The cover and that's gonna do it, the Women's Champ retains.
-[crowd cheering] -[suspense music]
[Sasha] Sasha Banks is out here.
[announcer] Former BFF of Charlotte.
[suspense music]
[announcer] Oh, Sasha Banks attacking Bayley after the fact.
Look at Charlotte.
[announcer] Whoa!
[announcer] I never saw that one coming.
Well, certainly, some drama unfolding here after the fact.
[Sasha] I'm mad. Charlotte has my NXT Women's Championship.
Mine, it belongs to me.
[hip hop music]
I'm the meanest, I'm the prettiest, I'm the baddest diva in NXT.
[announcer] That's why they call her the boss of NXT.
[Sasha] Charlotte, you have what I want,
so how about we finally make it official?
I'm gonna take the NXT Women's Championship
by any means necessary because if you're gonna do it, do it like a boss.
[hip hop music turns into rock]
[announcer] Here's the NXT Women's Champion, Charlotte.
[Charlotte] Sasha got a little big for her britches.
[Sasha] I mean, I taught her everything she knows,
but not everything I know.
She can say until she's blue on the face that she taught me
everything that I know, but I'm genetically Champion.
More like generically basic in my books and that's what Charlotte is, she's basic.
[Charlotte] I am the complete package and nothing's gonna stop me.
And that's what bothers every female in the WWE.
[Sasha] The NXT Women's Champion will be perfect around my waist.
It's just gonna complete the package.
[rock music]
[Charlotte] I am the toughest diva in the game.
I will retain the NXT Women's title.
She didn't work for what she has. I work for everything I have.
I'm gonna show her that at NXT TakeOver.
[rock music]
-[hip hop music] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Guys, here we go, the NXT Women's Championship
is on the line. There is Sasha Banks.
Slinging mud at Charlotte [unintelligible]
Last week, she took it up another notch, calling Ric Flair a "pathetic old man."
She dragged the Flair name through the mud.
[Corey] She works harder than possibly any other diva
-on the rooster, Sasha Banks. -[Rich] Come on!
[Corey] She deserves to say whatever she wants to say.
[Rich] Earlier tonight, Corey Graves, you made a huge announcement
about your career here at NXT, that you're joining
the broadcast team here at NXT. We would like to invite you
to head on over to WWE.com/NXT.
Not only can you read all about Cory Graves and his decision,
but you can get caught up with all the superstars here at NXT.
[Corey] Lots of great stuff on there, great companion of the WWE Network.
[speaking Spanish]
-[rock music] -[crowd cheering]
[rock music turns electronic]
[Rich] Listen to the music and look at the Champion, Charlotte,
NXT Women's Champ, what a week it has been for her,
on Monday night making her raw debut.
I'll tell you what. She probably carries the Flair name
but ever since becoming the Champion, she's proven she belongs here
-on her own right. -[Corey] Did you see when she walked out,
the first thing she said is she pointed to the arena
and said "This is all mine." She was letting Banks know.
[Rich] It's absolutely right, it is all hers. She is the queen in NXT.
-[electronic music] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Sasha Banks has been claiming for months that Charlotte's condition
that she is in because-- Well, Sasha got her there.
Guys, this is what it is all about.
The NXT Women's Championship. What a matchup this is gonna be.
The following contest is scheduled for one fall
and it is for the NXT Women's Championship.
-[crowd cheering] -Introducing first the challenger
from Boston, Massachusetts, Sasha Banks!
-[crowd cheering] -[speaking Spanish]
And her opponent from the Queen City,
she's the NXT Women's Champion, Charlotte!
[crowd cheering and booing]
[Rich] Guys, not only has Sasha Banks been slinging mud verbally
but did you see the t-shirt she's taking off right there?
That's Charlotte's t-shirt that says "If you're gonna do it, do it with Flair."
And Sasha made a parody. It's a little customization.
"If you're gonna do it, do it like a boss." I prefer that.
[Alex] Had she lost her mind? Does she really think
the name Banks matches up with Flair?
[Corey] The name Banks doesn't match up with Flair but it could.
-[bell ringing] -[Corey] Someday. How do you know
15 years from now, Banks will be the greatest diva of all time?
-[crowd chatter] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Sasha backing away from Charlotte, that could've been the story
of this rivalry the past months.
Sasha's been trying to do it on her own terms
[Alex] Look, you cannot go head-to-head with Charlotte.
She is just too genetically superior.
[Corey] Yeah, but Sasha Banks has experience advantage.
She's, I like to say, cagey. She knows her way around the ring
-better than anybody. -[Alex] I tell you what, she's crafty.
She reminds me of AJ Lee. She's very smart, she's very crafty
and that's how she wins, putting herself in the right position.
-That's what she gotta do tonight. -[Corey] Did you see that?
Did you see Sasha Banks just chopped the daughter of the Nature Boy?
[all] Oh!
-[Corey] She received one back. -[Alex] Another really smart move.
[Corey] I'd say it was smart and it was gutsy.
[Rich] Charlotte taking control.
Shades of her father, the 16-time world Champion.
Oh!
-[crowd chatter] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Again, Sasha rolling out of the ring
and far from the course trying to dictate the pace.
Trying to dictate how this is all gonna down. Sasha is having none of it.
Or Charlotte's having none of it, I should say.
[Corey] Great move by Sasha Banks
getting Charlotte to come outside after hitting her
-right in the side of the head. -[Rich] Oh, wow.
[crowd cheering]
[Rich] Back first into the stairs,
you think that Sasha is luring Charlotte on the ring court?
[Corey] It's possible that could be her strategy
but she can't win The NXT Women's Championship
outside of the ring.
She got to get her inside the ring and make her pin or submit.
-[crowd chatter] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Take another look at the impact. Charlotte going-- Oh!
-Right into the steel steps. -[Corey] And that's just really
blatantly vicious. I mean, that's what you have to have.
[Rich] Cover Sasha Banks. [Alex] A mean streak like that
to have success here at NXT. So, good for her.
[Rich] Sasha nearly putting the Champion away moments ago
and Charlotte able to kickout.
The issue between these two stems from the fact
that Charlotte decided to strike out on her own and didn't want
to be affiliated with Sasha anymore when she won the title?
[Alex] I think this has to do with jealousy. Plain and simple.
Sasha is jealous of Charlotte, the Champion.
And honestly I think she's jealous of her heritage.
[Rich] I spoke to Banks,
she said Charlotte may have been born into this business
but Sasha Banks was born to do it.
[Corey] She has to prove it. I don't think jealousy has anything to do.
[Rich] Sasha calls herself the boss, built on self-success.
She had to scratch and claw her way here in NXT.
[Corey] That was nasty right there. Double knees to the abdomen.
She needs to make a cover right now.
[Rich] It almost seems like Sasha is out to hurt the Champion.
[crowd chanting] Sasha! Sasha!
[Rich] Into the cover, hook to the leg and a kickout by Charlotte.
[Alex] Honestly, I'm very impressed with Sasha Banks.
[Corey] Let's take another look.
Double knees across the midsection of the Champion.
What a move by Sasha Banks.
[Rich] She's come out, not afraid of the Champion
which you've seen in the past weeks running.
She's pretty much gone right at Charlotte and it's working.
-[crowd chanting] -[speaking Spanish]
-[Alex] Oh, look at this. -[Rich] Look at that!
Mocking Charlotte and the Nature Boy. Reversal!
-[Alex] That's what you get. -[Rich] Trying to put her away,
-kickout. -[Alex] There's no room for that,
just disrespectful to the Naitch.
I'm a huge fan of him. I was talking to him earlier.
-[crowd chatter] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Uh-oh.
[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Oh!
-Look at Sasha-- -[all] Oh!
[Rich] Backdrop and that could be enough!
[Alex] And she held on. Look at the torque.
The pressure she's applying to Charlotte. I can't believe she is still in this.
I can't believe her body can bend that way.
[Rich] Submission maneuver applied, Charlotte maybe forced
to submit with the Championship on the line.
Look at that strength. I don't know
if another one that would have been able to get out of that submission.
[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Oh! Charlotte grabbing a fist full of hair.
Sasha, yeah. Sasha for the victory and a kickout.
Or whatever it takes, right?
[Corey] Yeah, very heady, very crafty out of Sasha Banks
-and sticking to the game plan. -[Rich] Take another look.
[Corey] Exactly how crafty I mean right there.
[Alex] Beautiful, all legal
and keeps the advantage over Charlotte.
[Rich] Hair pulling is legal, Alex?
[Alex] I'll quote Corey, saying if you don't get caught, it's all legal.
[Corey] As the daughter of the dirtiest player,
should Charlotte be falling for things like that? Banks
has Charlotte's own submission hold locked in, in the center of the ring.
[Rich] Figure-four headlock,
rolling her over, face first into the mat and back into the submission move.
[Alex] This has got to wear on your mind when you know
your opponent is using your own moves against you.
I mean, it's really a taunting play. It's not taking the champ serious.
-[crowd chanting] -[speaking Spanish]
[Alex] Listen to the NXT Universe.
Corey, you said earlier that the Banks' name may end up
living up to the Flair name years from now
and it's starting to tonight with a split crowd here at NXT.
[Rich] Look at the strength by Charlotte.
Oh! Electric chair!
[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Sasha Banks may be out, Charlotte may be out.
Who could get to their feet first?
[referee and crowd] Two! Three!
[Rich] Champions' advantage here, guys.
[Corey] Right, Banks has to beat Charlotte.
Charlotte could be counted out and retain her title.
[referee and crowd] Six!
[Rich] Referee up to the seventh count.
-[referee and crowd] Eight! -[Rich] I don't want it to end like this!
[Alex] Sasha up first.
[Rich] Oh!
Charlotte blocking forearm smash.
Oh! There's that Flair chop.
[Alex] You don't wanna give the champ any momentum.
[Rich] Suplex, reversal.
Oh! Neckbreaker!
-[Alex] What a counter! -[Rich] Is that enough?
Charlotte hook to the leg, center of the ring and a kickout by the boss.
[Alex] Corey, Sasha Banks is hanging tough tonight.
-I'm really impressed. -[Corey] Action like that
is why we are trending worldwide right now, NXT TakeOver: R Evolution.
[Alex] Third number one trend of the night on Twitter for TakeOver: R Evolution.
[Rich] This what it's all about.
Here comes Sasha Banks diving through the ropes! Oh, my god!
[Corey] That's how much the Women's Championship
means to Sasha Banks. She's risking it all, leaving it all on the line.
[Rich] And the NXT Universe is on their feet.
[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT!
[Rich] How much did that take out of the champ?
-How much did it take out of Sasha? -[Alex] Yes, I'm gonna sit corrected here,
I didn't think Sasha Banks had this side to her.
We saw in past weeks her running from Charlotte
-but she's putting everything-- -[Rich] Sasha Banks rolling
the Champion to the ring, cover and a kickout.
[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] The title is on the line. Let's take another look.
Whatever it takes, the boss is willing to go there, Corey.
[Corey] She had to sacrifice her own body, put it on the line to take out the champ.
-[crowd chatter] -[unintelligible taunting]
[Rich] Sasha continuing to mock Charlotte.
-Right now, a battle of will. -[Corey] You don't wanna trade blows
with Charlotte. Not very smart.
-[crowd groaning] -[wrestlers groaning]
[speaking Spanish]
-[crowd in anticipation] Ooh! -[Rich] Oh!
[Corey] Sasha Banks did a complete back flip off of that spear.
[Rich] Is that a spear? Absolutely incredible.
Charlotte nearly turned the boss inside out.
[Corey] Charlotte calls herself genetically superior
and she is not lying. That's perfect evidence right there.
[Rich] Oh!
And the boss…
getting the leg up.
[Corey] Caging, as I said. She knows where she is in the ring.
Using the actual ring as a weapon against Charlotte.
[Rich] Oh! Sasha Banks trying to go for the bank statement.
And now, Charlotte, look at this!
-[Alex] Here we go. -[Rich] Oh, man, for the Championship!
And a kickout by Charlotte.
[speaking Spanish]
What an incredible match. Neckbreaker!
Cover for the title, new Champion-- No.
Right back into the cover,
Sasha Banks trying to put Charlotte away and Charlotte kicking out another cover.
-[Sasha yells] -[Corey] Banks is getting frustrated.
She can't let it get to her. If she wants to win
-she's gotta do it with a clear head. -[Alex] I was gonna say that, Corey.
One of her weaknesses is that she gets emotional.
She's got to keep her head in the game.
[Rich] Guys, the NXT Universe speaking on Twitter.
-Sasha Banks is trending worldwide. -[Alex] Another worldwide trend!
[speaking Spanish]
-[Rich] Whether either of-- -[Corey] Over-the-top left.
What a throw by the champ!
[Alex] Are we making superstars tonight or what?
[Rich] That is what it is all about.
-[crowd chanting] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] There you go. And Charlotte to the top rope.
Charlotte!
Here she comes!
-[Rich] Oh! -[Alex] Oh, wow.
[Rich] My god, Charlotte pulling everything out.
Cover for the title and the foot is on the rope.
The foot is on the rope and, my god,
where is Charlotte coming up with this tonight?
[Alex] Corey, I've been rattled at times, so have you.
Ever seen anything like that out of a female competitor?
-Incredible! -[Corey] Not out of any competitor.
Unbelievable agility!
Let's take another look. Charlotte going from a moonsault,
landing on her feet and turning it into a swanton.
Absolutely phenomenal, that's why she's the Women's Champion here in NXT.
[Rich] Hold on, what's Charlotte have in mind?
-Oh! -[crowd cheering]
-[Rich] Sasha-- Oh! -[Corey] Wow, what a move.
[Rich] Forcing the champ face first into the turnbuckle.
[Alex] That's an educated play right there out of Ms. Banks.
[Corey] Banks is digging deep into her arsenal.
I saw stuff tonight I'd never seen of her before
and that's what she got to be. -[unintelligible]
[Rich] NXT Women's Championship is on the line here.
The challenger, Sasha Banks. The Champion, Charlotte.
Sasha's setting up the champ, going for a superplex.
[Corey] The strength advantage of Charlotte comes into play.
[Alex] It's all leverage.
[Rich] Charlotte trying to fight back!
[Corey] Banks is in a bad spot right now, but what's Charlotte gonna do?
[Rich] Charlotte sizing Sasha up from the top rope.
-[Alex] Uh-oh, what is this? -[Rich] No way.
No way, natural selection from the top rope!
-That's gonna be all. -[crowd] One, two, three!
-[bell ringing] -[Rich] And Charlotte retains!
[female announcer] Here is your winner
and still NXT Women's Champion, Charlotte!
[Rich] I tell you what, what a performance out of Charlotte Flair.
I know her father's watching. He's extremely proud
she retains the NXT Women's Championship
tonight because she simply did things in there, Corey, that were impossible.
[Corey] Let's not gloss over the performance by Banks.
Even in defeat, she showed things that we never knew she was capable of.
She is a star in the making. She's a star already.
-[Alex] Yeah. -[Corey] This is why
the NXT Women's Division [unintelligible]. Let's take a look at the boss.
[Rich] Sasha Banks thought she had it.
[Alex] With a spear out of Charlotte, intense, aggressive, just like her daddy.
And then Sasha Banks, just like I said before, an educated play.
Using her brain, hanging into this match until the very, very end,
and misses just the strength advantage from the Champion.
[Rich] Sasha trying to keep it rolling but Charlotte with a reversal
-leading to natural selection force. -[Corey] She was strong, too powerful,
Charlotte with natural selection from the top rope.
That's all she wrote for Sasha Banks. What a contest.
[bell ringing]
[Rich] Charlotte retaining the NXT Women's Championship.
What a matchup here tonight
and this is what TakeOver: R Evolution is all about.
-[rock music] -Whoo!
[Rich] This tremendous night of action continues here
in Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida.
Guys, we are just moments away from the biggest match of the night.
We've been waiting. The whole world has been waiting for this matchup, Alex.
Sami Zayn and Adrian Neville
ready to go one-on-one for the NXT Championship.
These two former friends ready to put it all on the line.
[man] We all know you can't win the big one.
[announcer] Zayn-- Oh, he got caught by Cesaro.
Sami, I'm better than you.
[announcer] The turnbuckle exposed. Sami Zayn is staggered.
-Oh, no, Bo Dallas for the win. -[bell ringing]
Sami, you lost, friend.
I know I'm better than that.
[announcer] This is why Zayn is the everlasting underdog of NXT.
This is Zayn's moment, the cover on Tyson.
Can Tyson keep-- What the hell?
[Zayn] You might wanna hold on to that while you can
because you're not gonna have it for much longer.
I'm not too worried with this, we all know you can't win the big one.
[announcer] Sami Zayn, he wants to prove not only to the naysayers
but to himself that he can win the big match.
Neville setting up for the red arrow.
Whoa!
Guys, Neville's hurt.
Look at that, he's clutching the left knee.
Whoa, you've got to be kidding me!
Neville retains!
[epic music]
To see just how close it was before slipping through--
Just slipping through your fingers just like that,
obviously it hurts.
[Neville] What we stumbled upon is the fundamental difference
between Adrian Neville and Sami Zayn.
Adrian Neville is prepared to do what it takes for the victory
whereas Sami Zayn lacks a certain killer instinct.
Well, you can't deny his talent. You cannot deny his ability.
What you can deny is that extra little something
that will go to the extra yard.
If I can't win the big one, as you said, if I can't beat you
for that NXT Championship, then I don't know what I'm doing here.
It's hard to sit back and watch your friend fail.
[Zayn] If our friendship or whatever's left of it at this point
means anything to you, you'll give me one more chance
of that NXT Championship. And if I can't beat you
for that NXT Championship, then I am done.
[Neville] We have a rematch, but one thing I'm not prepared to do
is let you put your career on the line.
Sami, I will not be held responsible for ending your dream.
And what you do for this match is your prerogative,
that will not be my burden to bear.
This is where I go wrong every single time.
Sami's gonna be the good guy and show the respect.
It's not about respect between you and me, you understand that?
-[announcer] Oh! -[yelling] Do you understand that?
You don't get to end me! I don't need you and your sorry as NXT Champion.
I'm taking that title!
[epic music fades]
[Alex] And take a look, there is Sami Zayn,
moments away from the biggest match of his career, guys.
[Corey] I can assure you this is the longest walk
Sami Zayn has ever made to the ring.
[Alex] We can assure you-- Well, he's nervous as a cat right now.
[lively pop rock music]
Let's go!
[crowd cheering]
-[lively pop rock music] -[speaking Spanish]
-[lively pop rock music] -[crowd cheering]
[music fades]
-[suspense music] -[crowd booing]
[Rich] And here is the NXT Champion, Adrian Neville.
You think he's conflicted going into this matchup tonight?
[Corey] Absolutely not. He's very focused.
[whirring electronic music]
[crowd cheering]
[electronic music]
[speaking Spanish]
[electronic music fades]
[crowd singing] Ole, ole, ole!
-[bell ringing] -[female announcer] The following contest
scheduled for one fall and it is for the NXT Championship.
Introducing first the challenger, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada,
weighing 212 pounds, Sami Zayn!
-[crowd cheering] -[speaking Spanish]
[crowd chanting] Sami! Sami!
[female announcer] And his opponent from Newcastle, England,
weighing 197 pounds, he is the NXT Champion,
-Adrian Neville! -[crowd booing]
[crowd chanting] Sami! Sami!
[Rich] Listen to the NXT Universe. Guys, this is what it is all about.
The NXT Championship.
You can join in on the conversation as well if you'd like to get involved,
use the #NevilleVSZayn on Twitter.
[Alex] Guys, I love when the big X is up in the air.
[bell ringing]
[Alex] You know it's a big fight feel, get ready for a war.
[Rich] There is the Champion, Adrian Neville.
He's held the Championship for nearly 300 days.
[unintelligible] Sami Zayn,
who has put his career on the line.
Guys, is this is the last time that Sami Zayn answers
the opening bell in NXT?
[Corey] It could be and to be honest with you,
I'm surprised with the look on Sami Zayn's face.
He looks surprisingly calm.
With all these stakes on the line right now, I would be on nervous wreck.
Zayn looks ready to go.
-[crowd chanting and cheering] -[speaking Spanish]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd singing] Ole, ole, ole!
[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Guys, just listen to the NXT Universe,
the excitement, the anticipation cascading through the arena.
This place is pulsating, it is electric
and this is what the entire world has been waiting for.
[Alex] And I don't think I've ever heard the NXT Universe
turned on Adrian Neville that way.
You wonder if that's gonna play into this match later
and it's gonna get into the Champion's head.
[Corey] He's a Champion for a reason. He can't let it play into his head.
He's gotta treat it like a football match in his country,
he's in Newcastle and he's playing Sunderland at theirs.
He's got to figure a way to zone out the crowd.
[Rich] Corey Graves, these guys are two former best friends.
I mean, they split car rides, hotel rooms.
Now, they can't stand to be in the same room together.
You spend time with these guys everyday at the WWE performance center,
what is the atmosphere been like?
[Corey] You're so right. They were inseparable.
Best friends, training partners. It got to the point where Neville
had his training schedule with his strength coach changed
because he refuses to be in the same gym at the same time with Zayn.
These guys don't look at each other. It's a bad scene.
[crowd cheering] Sami! Sami! [unintelligible yelling]
[Rich] Corey, you know Adrian Neville very, very well,
former NXT tag team partner of his, former Tag Team Champions here.
How tough is this man?
What do you think is going through his mind?
[Corey] Neville is a planner. If he can execute his gameplan,
he is almost unbeatable. He's very durable. The guy, the way--
He's a ball of muscle, I don't-- You can't hurt him.
[Rich] What do you think the gameplan is for each guy tonight?
[Alex] I think Neville obviously wants to do what he does best.
And that's why he has to protect his legs and his head in this match.
He needs his legs to climb to the top and his head to stay balanced
to hit the right arrow so that's gonna be his strategy.
Talking about Zayn, he's got to feed off the emotion
of this crowd, ride it as long as he can
and try to ignore the pressure at all cost.
[Corey] Neville needs to ignore the crowd, he needs silence.
He needs to get Zayn off his feet
and get the crowd out of this match.
[Rich] You were a former tag team partner with him, with Neville.
How would you defeat Adrian Neville? What would be your strategy, Corey?
[Corey] You get him off his gameplan. He's like a machine.
If he can hit all the points he wants to make in his plan, he's unstoppable.
But you got to wait for a hitch and then execute something.
[Rich] Neville just trying to slow the pace down here in this matchup.
Listen to the NXT Universe, they're unflappable.
-[crowd singing] Ole, ole, ole! -[speaking Spanish]
-[Alex] Wow. -[Rich] Whoa.
[crowd cheering]
[Rich] Taking a look there, a bit of one-upmanship like seen in the past.
Is that gonna be effective in this kind of match?
[Alex] Absolutely. Any small detail, Rich, in this match is gonna be effective.
Remember, this is gonna be a match of who wins the inches.
-[crowd cheering] -[wrestlers groaning]
[Corey] If Sami wants any chance of winning this title
tonight, he can't get frustrated. Neville knows,
he's seen it, he's pushed Sami to that brink before.
Sami cannot get back to that point.
[Rich] And will Zayn's emotions be as undoing tonight, Corey?
[Corey] Listen, as much as this match tonight
is Sami Zayn vs Adrian Neville, it's just as much Sami Zayn vs himself.
He's got to figure out something and be able to overcome
for Sami Zayn to win.
[Alex] And you make a great point, Corey. He has got to stay focused
because if he doesn't, his entire career is on the line tonight.
-He has got to keep that out of his head. -[Rich] Whoa!
[Alex] Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker!
-[Rich] And Adrian Neville rolling out.
[Alex] Smart move, Rich, by the Champion, by rolling out.
[Rich] Hold on, what Zayn thinking? Whoa!
[crowd cheering]
[Rich] Guys, Sami Zayn has to get Adrian Neville in the ring
-to win the Championship. -[Corey] He has to leave
everything on the table. There could be no more for Zayn,
he's got to leave it all out there.
[crowd cheering] Ole, ole, ole!
[Rich] Take another look at this backbreaker
and how smart of the Champion.
[Alex] Very smart but even smarter by Sami Zayn to follow it up
with this moonsault, there's no-- Really, there's no defense for.
There's really no defense for the emotion that Sami Zayn has created.
[Rich] Guys, referee into the seventh count.
Neville's got to get back to the ring.
[Corey] He doesn't, he could walk away. Zayn needs to him back in the ring.
[Rich] Got to get him in the ring. What's Zayn waiting for?
Oh!
Huge kick by Sami Zayn, cover for the title
and a kickout by Neville.
What questions that we had earlier on, would there be any hesitation tonight
on the part of the NXT Champion, Adrian Neville, knowing
that a former close friend's career is on the line?
Covers! And a power-out by Neville.
[Alex] I don't think he's a friend anymore. Corey told us a story
about the performance earlier, whether or not they won't even enter
the same room together. I think the champ knows
what's on the line tonight. Not his career but the NXT Championship,
something that is just as important, if not more.
-He doesn't wanna move back. -[Corey] You'd seen before,
Neville will do whatever it takes to keep that title.
-If that means losing a friend-- -[Rich] Cover, Neville,
trying to end the career of Zayn and a kickout.
[Corey] If it means losing a friend, so be it.
[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Sami Zayn said he's chosen his own fate.
[Alex] You think that decision is wearing on him a bit?
[Rich] I don't think yet, but I certainly think late in this match
-it's gonna pop into his head. -[Corey] I think that dropkick
in the back-- -[Rich] Cover,
Neville for the victory and a kickout.
[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Zayn has been struggling with an internal conflict,
go to limits he hasn't been able to,
operated by his own ideals.
Potentially see his career come to an end tonight.
You can't express how enormous this match is.
-[crowd chatter] -[speaking Spanish]
[Corey] It doesn't matter what Zayn's ideals are.
He's in a rear chin lock. He can't breathe.
I don't care what your morals are or what you feel is the right thing to do.
-If you can't breathe, you know… -[Rich] You can't fight.
[Alex] Can't breathe, can't fight, it's a great point.
That's a very basic hold but maybe the most effective hold in wrestling,
-cutting off your oxygen. -[Rich] Neville with a huge uppercut
on Sami Zayn. Cover. Hook to the leg, and Zayn able to say alive.
-[crowd chatter] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Got to keep your head in the game, champ, at all times.
Neville driving the knee in the chin of Sami Zayn.
Neville's certainly slowed the pace and he's tempted
to take the NXT Universe on this. Cover, is that enough to put Zayn away?
And every time Neville goes for a cover,
Sami Zayn has to see his career flash before his eyes.
[Alex] It's very smart by Adrian Neville. Not only is he slowing the pace down.
He's taking the crowd out of this match and taking the emotional roller coaster
-away from Sami Zayn. -[Corey] That's what he needs to do.
First hand, I've been in the ring with Zayn
and I've never seen anyone that feeds off the crowd like he does.
This is a smart strategy by Neville.
-[crowd cheering] Ole, ole, ole! -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] There's absolutely no question who the NXT Universe is behind.
It hasn't seemed to affect Neville one bit.
[Corey] Absolutely not. Neville's laser-focused as always.
[Rich] Dropkick.
Cover. Hook to the leg, is that enough to put Zayn away?
-Kickout. -[Corey] We said from the outset,
he'd need to neutralize the crowd and he's done that.
-Now he just needs to focus on Sami Zayn. -[Alex] Just take a look at that.
Maybe now Neville's getting a little frustrated there.
Neville is a pretty smart, pretty heavy competitor here in NXT,
and he might be getting a little rattled.
[Rich] It seemed like he hesitated going into that cover.
[crowd chanting]
[Rich] Again, he's trying to slow the pace down
and is he mocking Sami Zayn right here?
[Corey] You don't want to do this.
You fire Zayn up, he becomes even more dangerous.
[Rich] His quick strikes.
-[crowd chatter] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Whoa! What a clothesline by Zayn.
[Alex] Out of nowhere.
Rocking the Champion.
[Rich] Another huge lariat by Zayn.
-[Corey] Now Sami is starting to feel it. -[Rich] Big dropkick.
And again, and again, Neville rolling out to the ring.
[Alex] Another great move by Adrian Neville.
That's why he's the Champion.
[Rich] Hold on, here comes Sami Zayn. Neville back in the ring. Whoa!
Headscissor takedown and there goes Zayn to the outside.
And now Neville winding up. Zayn back into the ring.
Here goes Neville to the outside.
-And now Sami Zayn over to the top. -[Alex] Whoa!
[Rich] What a dive by Sami Zayn. It is all or nothing for Zayn tonight
with the NXT title on the line.
[crowd cheering] Sami! Sami!
[Corey] Zayn doing the right thing, following him to the floor
-but he's got to get him in the ring. -[Alex] Look at this.
[Rich] Oh, all that was is a counter, but perfectly placed by [unintelligible].
Unbelievable, putting his body on the line. This place is explosive.
Fireworks everywhere tonight.
[Corey] He cannot win the title outside the ring, though.
He needs to get Neville in and soon.
[Rich] Sami Zayn sending Neville back into the ring,
and Zayn feeding off the energy of the NXT Universe.
[Corey] You've seen what he can do from up there.
[Rich] Here comes Sami Zayn, crossbody for the Championship.
Sami Zayn! And a kickout by the champ.
[Alex] Could have been it right there!
[Corey] Neville's got to feel that title slipping through his fingers.
[Rich] Sami has to take advantage
of every single one of these opportunities.
[Alex] He's got to stay on Neville. Do not let him breathe. Stay focused.
Keep the pressure of this match out of your head, Sami.
-[crowd chatter] -[speaking Spanish]
[Alex] Pin and needles here in the NXT arena.
[wrestlers groaning]
[Rich] Sami Zayn going for the suplex reversal, another reversal.
[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Whoa!
[crowd cheering]
-[Alex] Uh-oh. -[Rich] Whoa!
Cover. Sami Zayn for the title.
And again, a kickout.
How did Neville find the way with all the power on that move,
-Corey Graves? -[Corey] When you're the Champion,
you do things that normal people couldn't do.
Neville had no choice. That was pure instinct.
[Rich] Guys, Corey, there he is. He's cracking right in the half.
-Zayn starting to feel the pressure. -[Corey] He needs to stay on Neville.
[crowd chanting and cheering]
[Rich] Guys, whose favor the longer this match goes?
[Alex] It's Adrian Neville, Rich, he has 5 and 0 in matches
lasting longer than ten minutes.
There's a stat from the analyst right there, 5 and 0.
[Rich] Oh, running uppercut.
[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] This is taking a toll for both competitors, another big kick!
Whoa! German suplex. Cover!
Neville for the victory, and again,
Zayn keeping his career alive by mere inches.
[Alex] Guys, Sami Zayn just might have seen his career
flash right before his eyes at that German suplex.
[Corey] What's going through Neville's head?
Neville is throwing everything he's got at Zayn
and Sami kicks out over and over again.
[Rich] Is the Champ getting frustrated?
-[crowd cheering] Ole, ole, ole! -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Again the NXT Universe
-trying to will Sami Zayn. -[Corey] And with a single forearm,
Neville shut them all up.
[Rich] Oh!
Sami Zayn off the ropes.
Adrian Neville sent him a powerbomb.
Cover! Trying to end the career of Zayn again.
-And a kickout. -[Alex] You see the back of the neck
of Sami Zayn hit the mat, and look at Neville's face!
[Rich] He is frustrated.
[Alex] He's frustrated. He's confused. He's in shock.
[Rich] Asking the referee, how is that not three?
-Take another look. -[Alex] Look at this.
And just watch the back of the neck right there, of Sami Zayn
get caught under his back.
What a kickout.
[Corey] When Zayn kicked out of that powerbomb,
the Full Sail University, the NXT Universe came back to life.
Right back in this where they were before.
[Alex] They're responding to the heart, they responding to the desire in Zayn.
-[wrestlers groaning] -[speaking Spanish]
-[crowd chatter] -[Neville yells]
[Corey] But is-- Where's Sami Zayn's…
[crowd cheering]
[Rich] Look at Sami Zayn. Look at that.
[crowd cheering]
[Rich] Both competitors trading blows in the center of the ring.
Adrian Neville trying to take command.
[crowd cheering]
[Rich] Zayn with a neck clothesline!
The champ did a 180.
[Corey] The place's come to life.
This building's rocking right now.
[Rich] Sami Zayn trying to set up Adrian Neville.
Neville in the wrong place again.
The momentum shifting back and forth like a pendulum in this match.
[crowd chanting and cheering]
[Rich] Adrian Neville may have Sami Zayn exactly where he wants him,
guys, this could be it for Sami Zayn.
Neville to the top rope.
Red arrow all the way.
-[Alex] Oh, what a counter! -[Rich] Zayn got the legs up!
Got the legs up!
Sami set the Koji clutch.
Neville may have to tap!
Championship on the line.
[Alex] We may have a new Champion, Rich.
[Rich] Sami Zayn's got him locked him.
Nowhere for Neville to go.
[crowd cheering]
[Rich] And Adrian Neville outstretching the leg.
[Corey] The heart of a Champion, Neville able to withstand
that submission hold and make it to the ropes,
that's why he's the NXT Champion.
[Alex] What great presence out of Adrian Neville.
[crowd cheering] Ole, ole, ole!
[Corey] Neville was in that submission for a long time. It took a lot out of him.
-[Alex] Great point. -[Rich] Hold on,
Zayn trying to set up Neville.
Tried to set him up for a reversal. Championship on the line.
Oh, my goodness.
The referee!
[Corey] Neville's skull bounced off the referee's head.
-[Rich] Their heads collided. -[Alex] Dangerous place to be hit.
-[crowd chatter] -[speaking Spanish]
[Corey] Not now, Sami. Now is not the time, Sami.
This is not the time to show sympathy. Oh!
[Rich] Neville with a big kick!
And cost Sami Zayn-- My god!
That's all. Adrian Neville gonna retain the title.
-Oh! -[Alex] How did he get his shoulder up?
[crowd cheering]
[Rich] Zayn's compassion nearly cost him right there, guys.
[Alex] We talked about him having a killer instinct
and he lacked one right there.
Corey, he has got to stay on Neville [unintelligible].
-[crowd cheering] Ole, ole, ole! -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Guys, how is Sami Zayn still going?
Neville with a well-played superkick, and look at this.
Sami Zayn somehow getting the shoulder up,
extending his career.
[crowd chanting and clapping rhythmically]
[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] The entire NXT Universe here at Full Sail University
on their feet, not a single person sitting down.
-[crowd cheering and groaning] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Sami Zayn!
-[crowd chatter] -[speaking Spanish]
-[Corey] Going for another. -[Rich] Another German suplex by Zayn.
His career hangs in the balance of this match.
[crowd chanting] One more time!
[Rich] At this point, he's running on fumes,
all heart right now into Sami Zayn.
[Alex] Look at this!
[Rich] Oh! My god, what a throw by Zayn!
He's lighting up Adrian Neville.
Here comes Zayn and Neville again,
another great move rolling out of the ring.
[Corey] Unbelievable ring awareness by Neville.
-He knew what was coming. -[Rich] Oh, look out, hang on!
Whoa, my goodness!
[crowd cheering]
[Rich] That is the killer instinct of Sami Zayn.
A diving DDT through the ropes.
[Corey] Unbelievable. I didn't think Zayn had it in him.
He needs to get Adrian Neville in the ring.
Diving through the ropes like that was unbelievable.
[Rich] Stay on him.
[Alex] He proved something to me right there.
You're seeing Sami Zayn mature right in front of your very eyes tonight.
[Rich] Sami Zayn lighting up Adrian Neville.
You know what's on the way.
helluva kick! helluva kick but the referee--
The referee took it out onto the back of the head.
[Corey] Guys, did Neville pull the referee in there?
-Did Neville pull him in? -[Alex] Yes, he did.
He absolutely did. I just saw it.
-[crowd chanting and cheering] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Neville did exactly what he has to at this point
to save the Championship. We said whatever it takes
and that's what he did.
[Corey] He's done it before, but Sami Zayn is wasting valuable time.
He needs to capitalize, he needs to get back on Neville.
[Rich] What's Neville doing? He grabbed the Championship.
Sami Zayn… We're seeing Neville's true colors.
Oh, big kick!
-[crowd chatter] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Moment of truth here for Sami Zayn, can he do it?
Can he pull the trigger?
[Corey] You've got a clean shot, you've got to take it.
Not the time for morals.
[Rich] He can't risk disqualification, Sami, not like this.
[Corey] The referee can't see it. Do it, Sami.
[Rich] Come on, Sami. Not like this.
[crowd chatter]
[Corey] This is your career, Sami Zayn.
You've got to do what you've got to do.
[Alex] Told you the pressure was gonna get to him,
and you're seeing it mighty thick right now.
[crowd chatter]
-[Rich] Oh, come on. Not again! -[Corey] You get what you deserve, Sami.
And Sami with a kickout!
-[crowd chatter] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Whoa! What a suplex.
What a suplex, into the corner!
Sami Zayn lighting up Adrian Neville,
and here it comes.
Helluva kick!
Helluva kick! Connects.
[crowd chanting] One, two, three!
-[bell ringing] -[Rich] Sami Zayn has done it!
Sami Zayn has done it!
-He is the new NXT Champion! -[female announcer] Here is your winner
and new NXT Champion,
Sami Zayn!
-[crowd cheering] -[speaking Spanish]
[lively rock music]
[crowd singing] Ole, ole, ole!
-[crowd cheering] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] True redemption has been realized tonight
by Sami Zayn, an outpouring of emotion.
[lively rock music]
[Corey] I said it before, Sami Zayn is a changed man.
We saw tonight he could deliver when he had to.
I had my doubts. He proved to everybody
that he belongs on top of NXT.
[Rich] I had major doubts about that man as well, but he proved me wrong.
What a night for Sami Zayn.
He materialized, he matured, he transformed
tonight on NXT R Evolution.
Guys, let's not take away the performance by Adrian Neville here tonight.
He held the Championship for nearly 300 days,
and it took everything for Sami Zayn to defeat Neville for the title.
[Corey] What a back and forth match-up we saw tonight.
[Alex] There's the counter.
These two superstars knew each other maybe better than anybody else
in the company, and you saw it tonight.
[unintelligible] out of Sami Zayn, but look at the heart of the Champion
hanging in the light.
[Corey] We thought this might be it for him,
and Sami Zayn with the will to get the knees up,
blocked the red arrow into the Koji clutch.
We thought Neville's gonna tap out here.
-[lively rock music] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] Guys, this nearly cost Sami Zayn.
Keep an eye on the referee. Look at that collision!
[Corey] This is the first time Sami Zayn left everything in jeopardy.
He could have capitalized, he had an attack of emotion.
His compassion nearly cost him.
Look at that boot by Adrian Neville. Reverse hurricanrana.
Neville pulling out all the tricks. We thought this was it.
Sami Zayn wanted it too bad.
[Rich] It's taking much more than that to put away Sami Zayn.
Look at this, diving through the ropes.
[Alex] What a maneuver! [unintelligible] I mean, absolutely incredible.
This is where Sami Zayn matured, this is where he grew up.
[Corey] You got Neville trying to save his Championship,
he pulled the referee in front.
And again, Sami Zayn with the internal conflict
and it nearly cost him again. We saw this happen before.
[Corey] I was sure that that was Sami Zayn's last chance right there.
-I was sure that was it. -[Rich] That was almost
the end of his career. The end of his life for Sami Zayn.
But able to hang in there, helluva kick, and let's go and give it a call!
Connecting with the helluva kick
and we have a brand new NXT Champion, well-deserved.
And guys, take a look. The NXT locker room coming out
to congratulate Sami Zayn and his best friend, Kevin Owens.
[Corey] What a night for these friends. This has got to be surreal
for those two guys. Top of their game.
[Rich] Owens making his debut tonight.
Sami Zayn winning the Championship.
[Alex] A lot of emotion, a lot of tears. Kevin Owens was crying before.
-Wow. What a thing to see. -[Corey] Look at the respect
from the locker room men. Sami Zayn worked so hard,
he deserves this adulation from everybody. This is awesome.
[Rich] Guys, what is before us tonight is the definition of perseverance,
sticking to one's ideas and laying it all on the line.
Sami Zayn, your new NXT Champion.
-[lively rock music] -[speaking Spanish]
[crowd chatter]
[Rich] That's a Hall of Famer, Pat Patterson in there,
-congratulating Sami Zayn. -[Corey] First Intercontinental Champion,
one of the greatest of all time. He respects Sami Zayn.
[Alex] Pat Patterson has been a huge supporter
of Sami Zayn from the beginning. Always believed he had this night in him.
[Rich] What an incredible night. What an incredible moment for Sami Zayn.
[Alex] Where else can you see moments like this,
but NXT at Full Sail University?
[Rich] Take a look, there are the Lucha Dragons,
there is Charlotte, the NXT Tag Team Champs,
the Women's Champion out here to congratulate Sami Zayn
-as he takes his victory lap. -[Alex] That's the whole damn locker room.
It's every single person in the NXT locker room out there,
congratulating their new champ.
[Corey] Everybody in this locker room respects Zayn for what he's done.
The path he's taken to get here, how hard he's worked to become Champion,
-this is all well-deserved by Sami Zayn. -[Alex] Absolutely.
-[speaking Spanish] -[music fades]
-[crowd chanting] -[speaking Spanish]
[crowd quiets down]
[Alex] Well.
[crowd erupts in cheering]
[Rich] Look at that, how awesome. Look at that respect.
[Alex] You think they're gonna be walking in the performance center tomorrow
-in the same class? -[Rich] One hundred percent.
[crowd cheering] NXT! NXT!
[Rich] What a night this has been.
TakeOver: R Evolution.
[Corey] Take a look at our new NXT Champion, Sami Zayn.
How cool is this? Way to go, Sami.
[Alex] NXT: R Evolution has become the evolution of Sami Zayn.
What a night for Sami.
-[lively rock music] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] The entire NXT Universe still on their feet.
-[lively rock music] -[speaking Spanish]
[crowd cheering]
[Rich] Still, Sami Zayn saluting the NXT Universe.
Guys, I'd be willing to bet
that there are a good number
of people in attendance tonight that can barely hold back their emotions.
[Alex] Guys, the NXT Universe enjoyed this just as much as Sami Zayn,
we were behind him the whole time because of emotion,
because of heart, because of desire, like you saw tonight
out of your new, your new NXT Champion!
It's Sami Zayn.
-[lively rock music] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] What a night it has been as NXT continues to evolve.
This is the future of WWE.
And Sami Zayn,
so proud to represent the entire roster of NXT
by holding that Championship.
-[crowd cheering] -[speaking Spanish]
[Rich] What an unbelievable evening.
Corey, heck of a start to your new broadcasting career.
You picked a hell of a night to start, a pleasure working with both of you.
I still got geesebumps, I'll have them for a very long time.
[Corey] I'm excited about the future,
it's been an honor to share this with you. What a night.
-[lively rock music] -[speaking Spanish]
[crowd cheering]
-[crowd shouting] -[music stops]
[speaking Spanish]
[crowd yelling]
[man] Sami!
Got to get someone out. Hey, get somebody to help, will you?
-You're okay, Sami. -[speaking Spanish]
[man] Come on. Come on!
-Get the doctor. -Get the doctor. Come on, let's go.
Let's get the doctor out here.
[unintelligible chatter]
[man] Sami.
Sami, can you hear us?
[whoosh]
Subtitles: Rocio Sileo ]