[pop instrumental music playing]
[explosion sound]
[TV announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States.
[president] Hostilities exist.
[Mauro] What the hell?
[Nigel] It's Fish and O'Reilly!
[Mauro] Combining to take out Sanity.
They're attacking the Authors of Pain as well.
[president] Our people, our territory,
and our interests are in grave danger.
[Mauro] A seismic shift in the NXT landscape.
Strong attacking Adam Cole
and now he's on the receiving end of a beat down.
[president] This form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
I declare a state of war.
[orchestral music playing]
[Regal] There's only one match to contain this chaos.
At Takeover it will be Sanity
versus The Undisputed Era.
Versus the team of the Authors of Pain,
and Roderick Strong in two rings.
[crowd cheering]
In one cage.
In Wargames!
[Young] A violent and beautiful creation.
[Ellering] There are no laws, there are no rules.
It is survival of the fittest.
[Cole] We are Undisputed and nobody can touch us.
Wargames will be the culmination.
[narrator] So, the question is, in war, what do you fight for?
Honor.
[Sane] I will be the next NXT Women's Champion.
[narrator] Destiny.
[Moon] The stars will finally align for Ember moon.
[narrator] Prestige.
[Royce] I'm going to make the NXT Women's Championship iconic.
[narrator] Chaos.
Redemption.
Dominance.
Recognition.
Principle.
Pride.
[McIntyre] I have fought too damn hard, for too damn long,
to let this slip through my fingers.
At the end of the night,
Drew McIntyre will still stand proudly NXT Champion.
[narrator] Yourself.
[Vega] Instead about being the face of NXT,
Andrade "Cien" Almas is the only brand we're worried about.
[president] Only total war can result in total victory.
[menacing music playing]
[president] I declare a state of war.
[narrator] Welcome to Wargames.
[siren sounds]
[narrator] And now Mattel presents,
NXT Takeover: Wargames.
["Executioner's Tax" playing]
[Mauro] From the city that just won
its first world series, Houston, Texas.
We bring you a series of matches
guaranteed to rock your world.
Culminating with an NXT first.
Welcome to NXT Takeover: Wargames.
Hello there, I'm Mauro Ranallo,
along with Nigel McGuinness
and Percy Watson.
Guys, the sinister structure behind us tonight
will house a bone chilling,
bone rattling spectacle that will force
the nine brave souls involved
to be back to the bone
in order to simply survive.
[Nigel] It's three teams in two rings,
inside one steel cage.
All hell-bent on pain and destruction.
Hey, fellas. This is one of the most devastating matches
in the history of sports entertainment.
There's a reason why Wargames
hasn't been around for like, 20 years.
If you happen to make it out of that cage,
you will not be the same.
What are we waiting for?
Let's get this party of pain started.
["Hero's Welcome" playing]
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one-fall.
Introducing first, from Dayton, Ohio.
Weighing 260 pounds,
Kassius Ohno!
[Mauro] This matchup is brought to you by butter,
because it features two NXT superstars
on a roll, guys.
Kassius Ohno has had a big wave of momentum
since, well, ending his rivalry
with Hideo Itami.
[Percy] Well, Kassius Ohno is my boy
and I know how tough this dude is.
I know it's kind of hard to get,
but I can't help but ask myself,
is he biting off more than he can chew right now?
I dare say, you might be right, Percy.
But just last week on television,
Ohno ran in on Lars Sullivan's match.
That could have been the biggest mistake he ever made.
["Freak" playing]
[announcer] And his opponent,
from Denver, Colorado,
weighing 303 pounds.
Lars Sullivan!
[Mauro] A Jack Kirby illustration come to life.
You cannot help but marvel
at the physical tools
of the Leviathan logophile.
Lars Sullivan.
[Nigel] Sometimes you look at Sullivan,
you say he's got a tinge of Lenny
from Of Mice and Men.
But he's actually close to the book's author, John Steinbeck.
And how intelligent this man is.
[Percy] Man, Mark Sullivan laughed in the face of Kassius Ohno
when he came to the aid of Raul Mendoza last week,
that's how confident he is.
And that's how much respect he doesn't have for Kassius Ohno.
[Mauro] Most of Sullivan's matches last
about as long as Lil Pump's top ten hit,
Gucci gang, but he has proven to be
a one-man gang.
Just like the Mohawk sporting sports entertainer,
known by that moniker, who ran roughshod
in these parts in the 80's.
Lars Sullivan walking
in the shadows of so many giants.
He wants to be remembered
as a colossal giant in his own right.
[Percy] And he's down the right path, that's for sure.
This dude is like a human battering ram, look at him.
[Nigel] The one man who stands
in front of him on that path is Kassius Ohno.
[Mauro] And immediately Lars Sullivan
showcasing his strength.
Bull rushing Kassius Ohno into the corner.
[Nigel] Take that my man, 265 pounds, like it was nothing.
[Percy] He just shook off that elbow.
-[crowd] Oh! -[Percy] And look at this.
[Mauro] Kassius Ohno,
a preeminent striker in his own right,
just got bulldozed by Lars Sullivan.
[Percy laughing] Did you just see Lars,
run through that clothesline?
[Nigel] I don't know, he's known as the knockout artist
because he has some of the strongest strikes
on the brand.
The thing you've got to remember with Lars Sullivan.
Look at the size of his cranium.
Think how thick that skull is.
What are you gonna do to get inside it?
[Mauro] On paper, this was thought
to be Lars Sullivan's toughest test.
And thus far, Sullivan fly-- passing with fine colors.
And Sullivan diving off the apron.
This superhuman monster showcasing
some agility here tonight.
[Nigel] Sullivan's absolutely having his way with Ohno,
manhandling him. Oh!
[Percy] This is absolutely amazing.
Lars just wants to destroy, whatever,
whoever's in his path. Look at this right here.
[Nigel] Shoulder block off the apron,
driving Ohno down.
What is Ohno gotta do?
He tried to start fast, but there was just no way.
[Percy] I think that's the million dollar question.
How do you stop the unstoppable right here?
[Mauro] A walking wrecking ball.
Lars Sullivan. There's the big boot counter
from Kassius Ohno.
[crowd and announcers] Oh!
[Mauro] Enzuigiri by Ohno and wow!
Ohno showing us some agility
right before being turned inside out by Sullivan.
[Nigel] This is incredible,
I don't wanna say it's a decimation, but…
[Mauro] Hey, this is Kassius Ohno
we're talking about, guys.
The knockout artist.
[Percy] Hey, look, I'll say it, it's a decimation.
[Nigel] Take a look, at beautiful athleticism.
[crowd and announcer] Uh-oh!
Sullivan was there to cut him off.
[Mauro] Lars Sullivan is demolishing
NXT superstar, Kassius Ohno.
Clubbing forearm to the chest.
[crowd chanting]
[Percy] Lars said he's always in control.
I believe him right about now.
He's having his way with Kassius Ohno in there.
[crowd chanting]
[Mauro] Oh. Ohno lands on his feet on the apron.
[crowd and announcer] Oh!
And he meets Sullivan with a big boot to the head.
Oh, the pop-up powerslam!
Mamma mia, the strength of Lars Sullivan!
[Nigel] I am almost stunned,
lost for words. One second.
[Mauro] Cover!
And Ohno able to kick-out, a pop-up powerslam
on Kassius Ohno.
[crowd shouting, chanting]
Lars Sullivan has left this NXT universe stunned.
[Nigel] What we saw there-- He's dangerous.
He's impressive, but he's still a young competitor.
He's trying to do a lackadaisical cover.
This may be a mistake as well.
[indistinct shouting from announcers]
[Mauro] And the diving headbutt!
No water in the pool, as Kassius Ohno was able to avoid
another decimating blow.
[Percy] Repoint Nigel, this is Ohno's moment right here.
[Nigel] It absolutely is, and he has to take it.
He won't get another.
[crowd] Oh! Oh!
[Mauro] Vicious elbow and kicking.
Lars Sullivan is barely budging.
[Nigel] His jaw was open though, damage done.
[Mauro] Oh, rabid elbow.
[Percy] He's staggering. Look at him,
Ohno's trying to take control right here.
[Mauro] Another rabid elbow to the back of Sullivan's neck.
[Nigel] Somehow, Sullivan is still on his feet.
What is he gonna to take?
[crowd applauding]
[Mauro] Kassius Ohno. Oh, the cyclone kick!
And for the first time, Sullivan is down!
And a cover at Ohno with a two-count.
That's the first time we have seen Lars Sullivan down
in the center of the ring.
[Nigel] It has been an absolutely monumental task for Ohno.
[Percy] Look at Lars's face right here.
[Mauro] Oh, another big boot from Ohno.
[Percy] Pedal to the medal, Ohno. Turn it up.
[Nigel] He's just getting more and more mad.
[Mauro] It's like…
It's like the more Ohno punishes him,
the more Sullivan runs at him.
Watch him and now stomps by Ohno.
[Nigel] This is just brutal.
Sullivan, unable to protect himself.
[Mauro] Oh, a senton by Ohno.
Will Ohno be the first? No way!
Not at all. Wow! Kicked out at one.
[Nigel] How did Lars Sullivan kicked out of one?
Look at the face of Kassius Ohno.
[Mauro] Look at the face of Lars Sullivan.
[Nigel] Sullivan is apoplectic.
[crowd] Oh! [audience shouting and chanting]
[Mauro] What a hard-hitting affair
to kickoff NXT Takeover: Wargames.
And there's a discus elbow from Ohno!
And the ropes may have kept Sullivan
from going down to the canvas again.
Another discus elbow!
What? And there's the freak accident
by Lars Sullivan!
[crowd shouting] One, two, three.
-[bell ringing] -[Mauro] It wasn't easy,
but Sullivan vanquishes Kassius Ohno.
[announcer] Here's your winner, Lars Sullivan.
[Nigel] And Nigel, this is the kind of match
that's only gonna make Sullivan better,
because even if it was for a few freak moments,
he tasted adversity.
[Nigel] There was a couple of times
where you could look and say,
perhaps he made a mistake.
But, boy, did he follow-up and capitalized.
This man is impressive.
He is dangerous.
I don't know who can stop Lars Sullivan.
["Freak" playing]
Let's take a look at this impressive victory
from the leviathan.
That's just brute strength to drive Ohno down.
A look from a different angle.
That's 265 pounds, deadlift up and down.
-[crowd chanting] -[bell ringing]
[Percy] Lars Sullivan in his first Takeover appearance.
Wow.
[Mauro] Sullivan treating Ohno
like Apple software treated the letter I.
You can't spell impressive without the letter I.
-[Mauro] Lars Sullivan is impressive -[Sullivan] You asked for it.
-[Mauro] and so much more. -[Sullivan] Well, you got it.
["Freak" playing]
[suspense music playing]
[intense music playing]
["Executioner's Tax" playing] [Nigel] A special thanks to Power Trip
for "Executioner's Tax".
One of the official themes of Takeover: Wargames.
It's off the album Nightmare Logic.
Available now on iTunes and Spotify.
["Executioner's Tax" playing]
[Mauro] Look who's joining the party
here at NXT Takeover: Wargames.
It's the British invasion of a good time, Nigel.
["Executioner's Tax" playing]
[Nigel] Well, there they are.
The Undisputed Era discussing strategy.
General Manager, William Regal.
What strategies, though, are they gonna need
in this most diabolical of matches?
["Executioner's Tax" playing]
[Mauro] Wargames still to come.
But you know, Aleister Black and the Velveteen Dream go together
about as well as alcohol and social media,
toothpaste and orange juice.
However, it is one of the more compelling rivalries in NXT.
Will Velveteen Dream be left in the dark
or will Aleister Black be blinded by the light?
["Executioner's Tax" playing]
[reflective music playing]
[Black] Is there a difference between the dark and the light?
[Mauro] Take a long, hard look into the dark side of NXT.
[Nigel] In everyone, there is darkness and light.
And somewhere in between
[crowd shouting] Oh!
[Nigel] lies Aleister Black.
Aleister black has arrived.
[Black] And I know now what I need to do.
[rock music playing]
[soft music playing]
[Dream] Everything that fades to black must come into the light.
Here we have Aleister Black.
The man who walked through darkness,
only to be blinded by the light,
that is your Velveteen Dream.
[crowd and announcer] Oh!
[Black] It's always one of the things that are special.
[Mauro] The man who's the polar opposite of Aleister Black.
[Dream] I'm out of the superstars,
I'm the Velveteen Dream.
[Mauro] Velveteen dream doing whatever it takes
to attract Aleister Black's attention.
[crowd shouting]
[Black] But the truth is, they all want recognition.
[intense music playing]
-[Black] Not again. -[Dream] That's a mistake.
[Black] I refuse to acknowledge a child
that throws a tantrum to get attention.
[Dream] Hey! Say my name!
Acknowledge me.
[Mauro] Aleister Black denying Velveteen Dream,
the acknowledgment that he so desperately wants.
[music fades]
[Dream] Aleister Black,
[suspense music playing]
got you.
[Mauro] What the…
[crowd cheering]
[Dream] At NXT Takeover: Wargames…
[Mauro] Dream has morphed
into Aleister Black's worst nightmare.
[Dream] When all that's dark comes to the light,
your lips-- say my name.
[crowd and Mauro] Oh!
[Dream] Say my name!
[Black] You want to make a name for yourself.
I will make sure that they never forget it.
[crowd and Mauro] Oh! Wow!
[Black] You wanted my attention.
[intense music playing]
You have it.
[crowd cheering] ["Root of All Evil" playing]
[Nigel] Arising from the shadows,
the ominous man from Amsterdam.
The striking sensation, indeed.
Mr. Aleister Black.
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Amsterdam, Holland.
Weighing 215 pounds, Aleister Black!
[Mauro] Well, there's no man.
The guy whose body of work gets
much better reviews than Strowman.
The laconic, but lethal Black.
And Percy, tonight, he attempts to put Velveteen Dream on ice.
And hopes to make him famous.
[Percy] Well, I think he might just do just that.
Aleister Black is the only person I've ever known in life
to find peace through destruction and chaos.
["Root of All Evil" playing]
[Nigel] He's taking his time, fellas.
He looks determined and very focus.
For weeks now, Velveteen Dream has been trying
to get his attention.
He tells him he has it now.
He hasn't said his name.
["Root of All Evil" playing]
[Mauro] Of course, Velveteen Dream working to make
a bigger name for himself
by being the first NXT superstar to knock Aleister Black
from the undefeated ranks.
["Root of All Evil" playing]
[Percy] Still having a hard time imagining
anybody wanting to be on the radar of Black.
["Root of All Evil" playing]
[Mauro] A product of the striking assembly line
that is the Netherlands.
["Velveteen" playing]
[Nigel] Well, this man isn't just anybody,
Percy, this is Velveteen Dream.
[announcer] And his opponent.
From Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
Weighing 227 pounds, the Velveteen Dream.
[Mauro] The vainglorious one.
Always making a sartorial statement.
But guys, don't judge the fashion magazine by its cover,
because, Percy, once the bell goes,
Velveteen Dream can showcase another sense of style.
The punishing variety.
[Percy] Oh, the dude can ride. That's for sure.
He's got a lot of talent, he can go.
["Velveteen" playing]
[Nigel] He has a great physical advantage as well.
Stands about 6'3", 6'4".
A good 240, 250 pounds.
That's an imposing individual.
[Mauro] Tonight, he's being tasked
with backing up his mind games, Nigel.
[Nigel] As I just said he has the ability to do that,
but he has to have a strategy against Black.
He's a great striker.
And that spinning heel kick,
the black mass is in my mind.
The most devastating finishing maneuver in NXT today.
["Velveteen" playing]
[Percy] I was talking to velveteen Dream earlier at backstage,
and he believes that Aleister Black is a fraud.
Everything down to his tattoos
is an intimidation technique.
Velveteen Dream just won't fall for it.
[Mauro] By the way, if you're joining us later here
at NXT Takeover: Wargames,
Your eyes do not deceive. There are two rings!
-[Mauro] That's because we're making… -[Percy] Look at this.
[Mauro] Whoa. What the… -[Percy] Look at this.
-[Percy] Wow. -[Nigel] Look at that.
Aleister Black on one leg,
Velveteen Dream on the other,
meeting in the middle.
[Percy] Mind games, baby.
[music fades]
[Mauro] And Velveteen Dream…
-[Percy] Hey, look, if Velveteen… -[Mauro] Remember Rude and Roberts?
[Nigel] Absolutely, Jake Robert's wife.
-[Percy] If Velveteen Dream can get
and stay inside the head of Aleister Black,
that's half the battle right there. [bell ringing]
[Mauro] And to button my point about the two rings.
It's for history that will be made tonight.
[crowd cheering Velveteen]
They know my name.
You're gonna say it too.
You can hear them.
You can do that easily.
[crowd cheering Velveteen]
[Mauro] Velveteen Drea's screaming at Aleister Black.
"They know my name."
Now, he'll try to get
the Dutch Destroyer to utter the name Velveteen Dream
by the end of the night.
[crowd shouting]
In terms of the tools that they bring
to the ring as… wow!
Velveteen Dream paint brushing Black.
A beautiful deep arm drag by Black.
And you have to give the striking advantage.
I mean, the experience edge,
it lies in Black's corner, Nigel.
[Nigel] Across Black ten, twelve years in the job now.
Just three for Velveteen Dream.
Steep learning curve in this match
from the man from Washington.
[Mauro] Speaking of the steep learning curve,
what would you suggest, what is the strategy
for Velveteen Dream in a match like this?
[Nigel] Well, take away the strength,
which is obviously the strikes trained by MMA trainer.
Oh, look at that.
[Mauro] What a reversal right into the hammer lock
by Aleister Black.
[Nigel] Needs a Johnny Saint now to get out of that rear chin lock.
But as I was saying,
really, Black strengths has always been his striking.
His kicking ability.
Trained by MMA trainer, Bob Schrijber.
He trained Stefan Struve as well.
[Percy] The beauty of the velveteen Dream is that he's a home grown talent.
Right there at the PC in Florida.
I mean, this dude is NXT through and through.
[Nigel] I didn't expect this start of the match, fellas.
I thought Black would come out striking,
but really, you see a technical master class
from the man from Amsterdam so far.
[Mauro] Black's own version of mind games,
being able to break down,
and just prove to Velveteen Dream
he's the better performer, but…
Snapmare by Black looking for a rear chinlock.
Now under the front facelock.
[Velveteen Dream struggling]
[Nigel] Dream's got to be frustrated here.
Time and time again,
he's been able to get out of the hold.
Only for Black to get him strike back in.
[person in the crowd] Come on, Dream!
[Nigel] Nice monkey grip there with the front facelock,
[referee] Hey!
[Nigel] Dream trying for the single leg.
Get the break here though.
[referee] One, two!
-[Nigel] Will it be clean? -[referee] Three!
[referee] Back it up, come on. [Nigel] Whoa. No.
[Mauro] Back under by Black into the waste lock.
Standing switch by the Velveteen Dream,
as they continue to jockey for position.
Black bars the left arm.
[Percy] Black's always able to counter.
[crowd] Oh!
[Mauro] Oh, crucifix here. Oh!
Modified octopus hold by Aleister Black.
[Percy] This is where that experience comes into play.
[Referee] Let's go!
[Nigel] Really like a human pretzel.
[Mauro] And while velveteen dream wants
Aleister Black to say his name.
Black may force Aleister-- Velveteen Dream to say uncle.
[person shouting]
[Nigel] Not if dream can get to the ropes,
or get out of this hold.
There is a way.
[Mauro] Roll up by Black, shoulders down.
[crowd cheering]
-[Mauro] Whoa. -[Percy] Look at this.
[Nigel] Oh, wow, look at that.
[Mauro] Black physically punking Velveteen Dream.
Barring the left arm again.
Dream rolls through, and escapes,
and nails Black with a forearm, but…
I don't know if this is an exchange--
Well, Velveteen Dream getting the better of the striking exchange.
Surprise, surprise.
[Nigel] It looked like Black had Dream all out of sorts,
but I'd never expect that Dream turning
into a striking match would be his advantage.
[Percy] Hey, he's got to compete, fight fire with fire.
[Mauro] Black just dunked Velveteen Dream to the floor.
[Percy] Uh-oh, what is this?
[crowd screaming and cheering]
-[Mauro] Wow. -[Percy] Oh, man.
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] Great presence of mind,
but now he's playing the mind games.
[Mauro] The athleticism, the guile, the cunning.
The craftiness of Aleister Black, and…
[Percy] Oh, take that Aleister.
[crowd cheering and shouting]
[Percy] You wanna play games?
Velveteen can play games too.
[Nigel] He looked away though.
[Mauro] I don't know if those were exactly mind moves,
but they're Velveteen Dream moves.
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] It's written across his trunks,
his tights there.
Oh, now, he's mirroring Black.
[Percy] Mocking Black.
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] Velveteen Dream nodded to-- Whoa!
[crowd applauding]
Aleister Black all up in the face,
now of Velveteen Dream.
[Nigel] Black mimicking Dream back and forth.
What we thought perhaps would be a striking match,
is now a match-- a battle of wits.
[Mauro] Stand up momentarily, Oklahoma roll.
The shoulders down for a count
for Aleister Black. Deep arm drag.
And Velveteen Dream has a presence of mind
to take it to the ropes,
and breaks Aleister Black's grip.
[Nigel] I think Dream was just trying to get to the outside.
[Mauro] Oh! Running lariat by the Velveteen Dream.
[Percy] The opening that Dream needed right here.
[crowd cheering Velveteen Dream]
[Mauro] One thing to be said about Velveteen Dream,
he does not get swallowed up by the moment, Nigel.
Despite the lack of experience,
he fully believes that he belongs on the stage.
In there with the likes of Aleister Black.
[Nigel] Yes, Mauro, because he believes he is the moment,
and this is certainly his moment, and his chance.
[Percy] I mean he's got Aleister Black on the ropes right now.
This dude, Velveteen Dream deserves to be here, bottom line.
[indistinct chatter from the crowd]
[Nigel] What's he thinking?
[Mauro] Aleister Black trying to recover on the floor.
[Percy] He needs to move quick.
[Mauro] Velveteen Dream!
[crowd gasps and cheers]
[Percy] That's what Black did earlier.
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] Not exactly Percy…
[Mauro] Who's winning the mind games here, Nigel?
[referee] Two!
[Percy] Oh, Velveteen is up, if you ask me.
[referee] Hey, come on, let's go.
[Mauro] Aleister Black trying to counter,
trying to find his way back into the ring.
[Nigel] Now this match is trying to break down. Hold on!
Looking for that death valley driver perhaps.
[Mauro] Well, scouted by Aleister Black's…
My god, a super kick!
Wow, taking a page out of Back's playbook,
and Black has to pop that right shoulder up,
just in a nick of time.
[Percy] He caught Black right on the jaw.
[Nigel] That was impressive.
-[Nigel] Right upside the jaw but… -[Mauro] Full mouth.
[Nigel] Scientifically landed on top for pinfall attempt.
[Mauro] A round and pound
from Velveteen Dream on Aleister Black.
And again Dream bringing the striking
to the striking machine.
[Dream] Ask him my name!
[crowd laughing]
[Nigel] There it is.
That super kick right underneath the jaw.
Landing on top straight afterwards.
It took him a while to get moving,
but Dream is really impressed now.
[Mauro] Dream-- speaking of Rick Rude,
the rude awakening.
And did you think as Dream goes for the cover,
shoulders down, and Velveteen Dream almost vanquishes Black.
Did you think that
it would be the Velveteen Dream
that would've scored the most effective kick
in this match, Percy?
-[Percy] Oh, man, that was amazing to see. -[Dream] What's my name!
[Percy] I'm impressed it's an understatement right now.
[Dream] What is it?
[Nigel] Rear chin lock there,
but all the weight 245 pounds on the lower back.
[Dream] Say it!
[Nigel] That's pain in the lower back,
but it also makes it very difficult to breathe,
Sapping the energy from you.
Look the way he's trying to cover his mouth as well.
That makes it even more difficult.
[Percy] Hey look, it's not just about Velveteen making
Black say his name.
It's about Velveteen Dream making a name for himself.
[crowd cheering and shouting]
[Nigel] He's certainly been doing that thus far, Percy.
[Dream] Say my name!
[crowd shouting]
[Dream] Why don't you just say it?
[Mauro] Velveteen Dream giving Aleister Black
one of the toughest matches of his NXT tenure.
And Black has been in there with some thoroughbred,
but Velveteen Dream now shot to the lower back area.
Drops black again.
[Percy] I'm telling you.
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] It looked like Velveteen Dream was gonna try
to roll the dice there and again here's a striking exchange.
[Nigel] Just grabbing hold of Black,
knowing that he can't compete in that regard.
Hold on for a clean break, doesn't get one.
[Mauro] Velveteen Dream smothering the offense of Black,
tying him up, not giving him the space.
Just like a good boxer would do.
And now we've seen this before,
Dream has Black tied up in the ropes again.
[crowd cheering]
[referee] Back it up! Back up!
[Dream] What's my name?
[referee] Hey, what are you doing, mate? Come on! He's in the ropes!
-[Dream] What's my name? -[referee] Back it up, come on!
[referee] Back it up, man.
[Mauro and crowd] Oh!
[Nigel] Not a word from Aleister Black.
[Mauro] Just a kick to the face and a forearm.
And now Black trying to fire back,
but again Velveteen Dream a step ahead.
Oh!
[Nigel] Nice deep kick from Black and follows it up.
[Mauro] Beautiful sweep by Aleister Black.
Oh, big knee to the head of Velveteen Dream,
and now Aleister Black has the momentum.
[Percy] That slap sent Black into a different atmosphere.
He's all fired up now.
[Nigel] This is the Aleister Black perhaps we expected to see.
[Mauro] First into the corner, springboard Quebrada
into a pinning predicament!
[crowd counting down]
[Mauro] Dream able to escape!
[Nigel] He says that's it.
Dream is down, he is prone.
[crowd cheering]
And slowly he picks the man up.
Let's take a look now, Quebrada,
landing right across the chest, got all of it.
And now this match is starting to slow.
-[Mauro] Oh! -[NIgel] Both men tired.
[Mauro] Black from the corner, frog roll so through.
Fireman's carry by the Velveteen Dream,
looking for that Death Valley driver.
Big kick. Oh, but the Velveteen Dream off the ropes
just ate that roundhouse.
-[Nigel] Was going… -[Mauro] Oh, Death Valley driver
with a cartwheel by the Velveteen Dream.
[Percy] That look tired to you, Nigel?
[Mauro] Huge. There's an upset in the making here,
the Dream's gonna win-- no!
[Percy laughing]
[Nigel] Oh, but that pinfall attempt did.
You can't blame him though, Percy.
He's given his all.
He's impressed me.
[Percy] Black's the dog fight right now.
[Mauro] Black, one of the few that has kicked out
of the Death Valley driver with a cartwheel.
[Nigel] Dream's gonna keep going on the attack.
Now look, his mouth's wide open, sucking wind.
He's tired, but he can't stop.
[Mauro] Incredibly competitive contest here
between "the flamboyant upstart," Velveteen Dream
and the laconic, yet lethal, Aleister Black.
[Percy] I don't know if Black expected to get
in this type of a battle tonight here with Velveteen Dream.
[Nigel] Black kicked out of that Death Valley driver.
What's he got to do to beat this man?
Well, perhaps we're gonna see it here.
[Mauro] Oh, no, he's got him in the fireman's carry,
about to send the turnbuckle.
-[Mauro] Is he gonna try a… -[Percy] No more.
[Mauro] Is he looking for an avalanche Death Valley driver?
No, instead Black with the counter.
[Nigel] Well, misses the punch.
[Mauro] Oh, but Black didn't miss that kick.
That sends Velveteen Dream crashing down hard to the canvas.
[Nigel] Watch out!
[crowd] Oh!
[Mauro] Knee strike by Black!
[crowd] One, two…
[Mauro] How did Velveteen Dream kick out of that?
[Nigel] But look how quickly Black follows up.
[crowd shouting] Oh!
[Nigel] What is that?
[Mauro] Rolling the dice and nailing Aleister Black
with that modified DDT.
[Percy] I mean, that was on a straight instinct,
but Dream has got to get the cover here.
[Mauro] And the Velveteen Dream has the NXT universe on its feet.
-[Mauro] Cover! Oh! -[crowd counting down]
[Mauro] Aleister Black and Velveteen Dream serving up
another instant Takeover classic here in Houston.
[Percy] Talking about two contestants in a ring going the distance.
[Nigel] I am so impressed with both of these competitors.
Listen to the NXT universe.
[crowd chanting]
[Mauro] Incredible pendulum momentum.
The ebbs and flows, and yet Velveteen Dream…
This again could be an experience, Nigel.
He has Aleister Black
ready, now looking for the
purple rainmaker!
-[Percy] He's going… -[Mauro] Oh!
[Mauro] Eats the foot of Aleister Black
and now gets himself tied up in the ropes.
[Percy] Sure, but what it cost you.
[Nigel] Well that, some would say is karma.
[Mauro] Referee desperately trying to extricate Velveteen Dream.
[Nigel] Now Black sees it.
[Mauro] Oh, and Black seizes the moment!
Oh, the superkick by Velveteen Dream!
But the momentum of Aleister Black
and he nailed Velveteen Dream with a knee.
What a striking smorgasbord
we are being treated to here tonight, Nigel.
[Nigel] What a match, Mauro. This is absolutely incredible.
Back and forth,
doesn't it speak volumes about how important this match is
for these two individuals.
What they're willing to give?
[Mauro] It's more, yeah.
It's about more than just having your name said.
It's about pride.
At the end of the day, they all, they…
[crowd and Mauro] Oh!
[crowd counting down] One, two, three!
[Mauro] And there it is, the Black mass!
And for Velveteen Dream the light fades to black.
[announcer] Aleister Black!
["Root of All Evil" playing]
[Nigel] And what a match!
What a, really a showing of fortitude
for both of these guys,
starting out, Black was the technical master,
but early would get down.
[Mauro] Hard to believe, this is the third year
in sports entertainment for the Velveteen Dream.
What a valiant battle!
He put up against one of the best in NXT, Aleister Black.
[Nigel] Strike knee.
Deep pinfall attempt.
Somehow, Dream kicked out, the match would continue.
Look at the impact and the angle on that DDT.
Absolutely incredible, slow to cover.
Still had to gyrate those hips,
it took too long though.
That was why he was able to get the foot up.
And then, in a turn of karma,
he would get caught on the ropes.
[crowd cheering]
[Percy] Listen to this.
[Nigel] Finally, Black mass,
upside the jaw was enough to end
the dream of Velveteen Dream.
["Root of All Evil" playing]
[Mauro] Black had refused to go down
Velveteen Dream's rabbit hole of mind games.
["Root of All Evil" playing]
[crowd chanting] Say his name!
[Black] Enjoy infamy, Velveteen Dream.
[crowd cheering]
["Root of All Evil" playing]
[Percy laughing] What?
[Percy laughing] He finally said it, huh?
-[Nigel] Well, in a way. -[Percy] He got what he wanted.
[Nigel] Both men won here.
Black got the victory,
but ultimately, Velveteen Dream did get Aleister Black to say his name.
[Mauro] Not quite what Velveteen Dream envisioned,
but one hell of a fight.
And in the end, Aleister Black remains undefeated,
vanquishing the double tough, Velveteen Dream.
["Root of All Evil playing]
[Nigel] Well, a big night for Aleister Black.
And he's got something to think about,
as he heads to the back.
["Root of All Evil" playing]
[Mauro] Both NXT superstars making
bigger names of themselves here tonight.
What a match between the Velveteen Dream and Aleister Black.
["Root of All Evil" playing]
[Mauro] Well, we are at the Toyota Center in Houston,
home to the high-octane offense of the NBA Rockets.
Well, there's plenty more high-octane offense still to come
here at NXT Takeover: Wargames.
["Play" playing]
[Nigel] One of those teams here in Houston, high-octane.
It is Sanity and their MO of control chaos
has to make them favorites here tonight.
But in such-- wait a second.
There's the GM William regal talking.
What strategy could they have tonight?
We will find out in this infamous match.
["Play" playing]
[Mauro] And look who is joining us here in Houston.
The longest reigning NXT Women's Champion,
523 days, Asuka.
Smackdown's number one announcer Funaki,
and Finn Balor, a former NXT Champion.
He's getting ready for Survivor series.
["Play" playing]
[Mauro] And the NXT women's fantastic four
are getting set for the biggest match of their respective careers.
Who is ready to replace Asuka as NXT Women's Champion?
["Play" playing]
[announcer] I give you the undefeated
523-day reigning
NXT Women's Champion.
[Asuka] No one is ready for Asuka.
[man 2] Asuka and I had started negotiations
with Raw and Smackdown Live,
but Asuka will be stepping down as NXT Women's Champion.
[Nigel] The new NXT Women's Champion will be decided
in a fatal four way.
We already know one of those competitors.
And that is the lady that won the Mae Young Classic Kairi Sane.
[Mauro] And Kairi Sane comes up big
to win the first ever Mae Young Classic.
[Sane] NXT, Kairi Sane is here.
["Play" playing]
[Nigel] This woman in the ring now is our future World Champion.
[Sane] Bon Voyage.
[Mauro] NXT will crown a new Women's Champion.
Will it be the Pirate Princess, Kairi Sane?
[Royce] A pirate Princess?
There is nothing iconic about Kairi Sane.
["Play" playing]
[Nigel] The class, elegance,
and poise of Sophia Loren,
the athletic ability of a Judy Grable.
And with Billie Kay, they are the most iconic duo.
[Mauro] Peyton Royce has punched her ticket to Houston
in the fatal four way.
[Royce] This needs to be the face of the NXT Women's division.
[Moon] At Takeover: Wargames,
the stars will finally align for Ember Moon.
[Mauro] No stranger to the NXT Women's Championship picture,
Ember moon would love to finally become NXT Women's Champ.
[Nigel] I think she is ready and determined
to become the next Champion.
[Mauro] The opportunistic Moon with the eclipse!
Moon advances to a fatal four way.
[Moon] I will make my destiny come true in Houston.
[Cross] Kairi Sane,
Peyton Royce,
Ember moon.
I'm gonna take the next piece!
[Nigel] Nikki Cross, loose-wired,
chaotic and unhinged.
Something wicked this way comes.
[Percy] It's Nikki cross' moment here. Oh!
[Mauro] Nikki cross is headed to the fatal four way.
[Cross] Let's play.
[Nigel] One of these four women
will leave NXT Takeover: Wargames
as the new NXT Women's Champion.
[rock music fading]
[crowd cheering]
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following contest is a fatal four way match
to decide the new NXT Women's Champion.
[crowd cheering]
["Glasgow Cross" playing]
[announcer] Introducing first, representing Sanity, Nikki Cross.
[Mauro] Well, Nikki Cross puts the wild in wild card,
capable of creating more chaos than Thor's sister, Hela.
And guys, she is hella determined to become
the next NXT Women's Champion.
The last to qualify winning that battle royal.
[Nigel] Well, Mauro, who can forget
Nikki Cross' Falls Count Anywhere match with Asuka?
Now it's Cross' manic,
untempered soul that is gonna be a handful for anyone.
But can it secure a victory here tonight?
[Percy] Well, are you talking about wild?
Did you see Nikki Cross just running around,
bouncing off the wall in the locker room?
She's crazy. She's out of control.
[Mauro] That is why she puts the wild
[Mauro laughing] in wild card, my friend.
We have Asuka at ringside,
longest reigning NXT Women's Champion.
But Finn Balor was the longest reigning male NXT Champion.
So, two champions of their own right.
We're about to crown a new queen of the NXT division.
["Glasgow Cross" playing]
[Percy] Nikki Cross now took a long way around to get here.
Kept qualifying matches and that's what's paid to live.
And then, participate in the women's battle royal
for the final spot here in the fatal four way.
[Mauro] Man, she makes the battery rabbit tired.
I'll tell you, she is full of energy.
Always brings the fight to the ring.
Nikki Cross.
Willing to do whatever it takes to become
NXT Women's Champion.
["The Next Voyage" playing]
[announcer] And her opponent,
first from Yamaguchi, Japan. Kairi Sane!
["The Next Voyage" playing]
[Mauro] The inaugural winner of the Mae young classic,
victory in that tournament that featured 32 women,
was enough to garner her entry
into this fatal four way match.
Pirate Princess, Kairi Sane.
["The Next Voyage" playing]
[Mauro] NXT Takeover: Wargames is brought to you
by Mattel's Tough Talkers Championship take down ring,
available now at a retailer near you.
["The Next Voyage" playing]
[Nigel] Kairi Sane known as Onna Kaizoku, the female pirate.
Continues her odyssey here tonight,
towards the NXT Women's Championship.
[Percy] And she might be small in stature,
but big things comes in small packages.
She's gonna put on a show here tonight.
["The Next Voyage" playing]
[Nigel] Who's your pick here tonight, Percy?
[Percy] Ember moon, hands down.
-[Percy] It's her time, man. -[Nigel] Okay.
[Mauro] Says the unbiased analyst.
["Sultry" playing]
[Nigel] Well, this I think is gonna be my pick
and the pick of everybody on Twitter.
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] And accompanied to the ring by Billie Kay.
From Sydney, Australia, Peyton Royce!
[Mauro] Well, the haute couture loving iconic duo,
I'm sure Peyton Royce is also on vintage Chanel sunglasses,
aka club goggles.
And she would have plenty of clout,
if she were able to procure the NXT Women's Championship.
Receiving some words of encouragement
from her BFF, Billie Kay.
You have to admit, guys,
the title around Peyton Royce's waist
would be sure to put her on any best dress list.
[Percy] Hey man, Peyton Royce looked scared straight for one second.
She ain't got her partner in crime, Billie Kay,
to be at ringside with her.
[Nigel] Well, of course she's scared.
This the first time she's in the ring.
Billie Kay there had a word to her saying,
"listen, you're on your own here."
So, she took a deep breath,
and now the Venus Flytrap is out there on her own.
And I think you could be looking
at the next NXT Women's Champion.
["Sultry" playing]
[music fading]
[Mauro] Earlier this year, Peyton Royce had a chance
to challenge Asuka for the NXT Women's title,
fell short.
["Free the Flame" playing]
Another opportunity here.
["Free the Flame" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] And from Dallas, Texas.
Ember Moon!
[Mauro] Texas' own Ember Moon hoping
that the stars align here in space city.
She is primed to finally blast off as NXT Women's Champion.
In this, her third opportunity of the year.
[Nigel] That's right.
It's after failing to wrest The NXT Women's Championship
from Asuka, she made two big championship opportunities.
The breathtaking and athletic Ember Moon
has had to really refocus
and concentrate on making the most of this,
what could be her very last title opportunity for a while.
[Percy] Well, you're right, Nigel.
She took a loss to Asuka in Takeover Orlando.
She lost to Asuka in Takeover Chicago.
And she couldn't even compete due to a shoulder injury
in Takeover Chicago.
She lost to Asuka in Brooklyn as well.
This is her time. Believe it, she is ready.
[Mauro] The NXT Women's Championship up for grabs.
A fatal four way match.
No disqualification, no count outs.
The only way you can become NXT Women's Champion is
-via pinfall or submission. -[bell ringing]
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] An interesting strategy here.
[Mauro] A swivel on your head strategy.
[Nigel] I would say hang back
as a phrase in England, even in a hero's heart,
discretion is the better part.
But two girls,
two women ignoring that sentence.
[Mauro] Four incendiary ingredients equals
a compostable confrontation.
Ember Moon with the single leg dropkick on Nikki Cross.
And Peyton Royce looking
to take advantage of the situation.
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] I reached out on Twitter earlier in the day
to get fans' interest.
Who do they think was gonna be the Champion
at the end of this match?
Almost everybody said Peyton Royce.
[Mauro] And speaking of Twitter.
Look what's trending number one worldwide,
#NXTTakeover.
Who is going to take over the NXT Women's division?
Ember Moon crashing into Kairi Sane in the corner.
[Percy] Why wouldn't it be trending number one worldwide?
After what we've already seen.
We still got more Wargames to come.
[Mauro] Nikki Cross!
All the spinning back kick by Peyton Royce.
-[Mauro] Looks for the cover! -[crowd] Oh!
A rolling neck snap by Kairi Sane,
-[Mauro] as she leaps now for the cover. [referee] Two!
[Nigel] That's what makes this match so dangerous.
Like you said, you gotta swivel your head.
You gotta have eyes in the back of the head.
The second you try to pin someone
the second you try for submission.
Someone is gonna come in and stop you.
[Mauro] Chip up.
But there's only two in the ring right now,
Ember Moon and Kairi Sane.
Both of them wanting to take advantage,
but now Ember Moon turns her attention
to Peyton Royce, and Nikki Cross!
And the pescado wipes out Cross!
[Percy] Peyton wanting no part to that.
[Mauro] And Kairi Sane with the flying forearm smash
across the face, as she leaps off the apron.
Sane with clubbing forearms to the back of Peyton Royce.
And again, air Ember Moon clear for takeoff.
Tope suicida!
[Percy] That's like a two for one.
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] Look at the speed of Ember Moon,
as she came between the middle and bottom rope
with that low pave.
[Mauro] Houston, we have a lift off courtesy of Ember Moon,
but now Nikki Cross grabs her follicles.
[Percy] Oh, no.
[crowd] Oh!
[Mauro] Oh!
[Nigel] Clubbing forearms, back and run.
-[Nigel] Hold on. Oh! -[crowd] Oh!
-[Percy] Oh, man! -[Mauro] Powerbomb, Moon!
[Mauro] Did you hear the impact?
[crowd cheering]
Nikki Cross' body crashed to the floor
with a sickening thud!
[Nigel] Here it is, Ember Moon.
Two birds with one stone, quiet literally.
And here it was perhaps looking for a Hurricanrana,
instead a powerbomb for that psychotic Scot.
[Mauro] And that will have to eliminate
Nikki Cross for the time being,
as Kairi Sane renews hostilities with Ember Moon.
Double axe handle to the chest.
[crowd cheering Moon]
[Mauro] Moon trying her best to try to block
these shots from Kairi Sane,
but sane is chopping Moon down!
[Nigel] Some are getting through.
Everyone, those arms go down.
Could this be steps towards being the new Champion?
[Percy] Feeling it.
[Mauro] Kairi Sane.
[crowd and announcers] Oh!
[Mauro] The interceptor!
In the corner, the spear on Ember Moon!
Oh, Peyton Royce able to avoid Kairi Sane,
and now tying her up in the ropes.
[Nigel] Oh, making use of that incredible flexibility.
[Mauro] Remember, all legal, no disqualification
here in this fatal four way match.
[Nigel] But look how prone Royce is now to attack.
If someone comes in now,
there's no way she can protect herself.
[Mauro] If Sane, on cue, Nigel.
Ember Moon able to save
her opportunity of becoming Champion,
because if Kairi Sane verbally capitulated,
we would've had a new NXT Women's Champion.
[Nigel] Somehow the Venus Flytrap was able to continue.
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] Moon now focusing her attack on Kairi Sane.
A quick roll-up by Sane for a two count.
[crowd chanting]
[Percy] Oh, man!
[Nigel] Slowing down a little bit now,
some damage being done.
[Percy] She's got to take advantage now,
while Nikki Cross is out of the picture.
[Mauro] Sane ducks under the clothesline.
Leapfrog and Sane spears Peyton Royce!
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro and crowd] Oh!
Spinning back fist by the Pirate Princess.
[Nigel] She's going to the top,
perhaps this is a little early. I don't know.
[Mauro] Looking for the insane elbow early. Oh!
Well scouted by Ember Moon.
[Nigel] Oh, it's Moon who from the top rope
is known for the eclipse corkscrew stunner.
Won't be able to hit it from this position.
-[crowd] Oh! -[indistinct chatter]
[Mauro] Both Sane and Moon in a precarious position
in the corner.
[crowd cheering]
Moon perhaps the stronger trying
to physically take over.
-[Percy] This is gonna be bad. -[Mauro] Tower of doom!
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] Peyton Royce!
[Nigel] But who can take advantage here?
All three women down.
Where's Nikki Cross?
[Mauro] Peyton Royce sliding the stick of dynamite
in that explosive corner maneuver.
And Royce almost became
the new NXT Women's Champion right there.
She immediately goes to Kairi Sane crossface cover.
[Royce] My hand!
[Nigel] Two covers with that forearm across the face.
Look at the angle and the impact on Sane.
[Percy] Look at this.
[Mauro] Superplex combination.
German suplex.
And that tower of doom now has
Peyton Royce, Ember Moon and Sane.
And look, Nikki cross!
Interjecting herself back in the fray!
Diving crossbody on all
three other competitors!
[Nigel] And cross has been lying in wait,
regaining energy, the Bannock Burn Banshee is on fire.
[Percy] That's how you make up a lost time right there.
[Mauro] Kairi Sane, Peyton Royce licking their wounds,
as Nikki Cross takes the fight to Ember Moon, momentarily.
Now on Kairi Sane, the resilient Nikki Cross.
Oh, and ties Kairi Sane to the tree of woe,
putting her boots now to her midsection.
Oh!
[Nigel] Strong forearms from the Scot.
[Mauro] Triumvirate of forearms
and there's a clothesline that sends Peyton Royce over the top rope
and to the floor.
Nikki Cross en fuego,
taking over this fatal four way!
-[Nigel] She's hit it. -[Mauro] Swinging fisherman's neckbreaker.
[Mauro] New NXT Women's Champion!
Oh! Ember Moon in!
To short circuit that cover!
[Nigel] And you got to think first.
Fatal four way rules really benefit
Nikki Cross' sort of unpredictable style.
But there, it was Moon who saved the match for herself.
[Mauro] Moon with the big kick to the face of Nikki Cross.
A picture of carnage.
[Nigel] But where she's going?
[Percy] No, what she's thinking?
[Mauro] Here in space city,
Ember Moon would love to hit
that eclipse but Nikki Cross cutting her off with the pass.
[crowd and Mauro] Oh!
[Mauro] Slingshot right into the forearm.
Nikki cross from that top rope.
[crowd and Mauro] Oh!
[Mauro] Swinging neckbreaker with impact
and Moon…
[Percy] Ember Moon trying to get out the ring.
[Mauro] Able to try to recover.
[Nigel] Beautiful fisherman suplex!
[Mauro] With a beautiful break
by Peyton Royce and Kairi Sane!
-[Mauro] to ensure -[Percy] That's explosive as her.
that this NXT Women's Championship match continues.
[Percy] Oh, my goodness.
[Nigel] I don't know. I think you're right, Percy,
as close as it could possibly come. Oh, wait a second.
[Mauro] Kairi Sane with an Alabama slam!
On Peyton Royce and Nikki Cross. Felt the brunt of that.
[Nigel] Look how quickly Sane going to top rope.
Could this be it?
[Mauro] Pirate Princess about to deliver.
Insane elbow, X marks the spot!
[Nigel] But it landed on Royce.
She's pinning the wrong woman!
[crowd counting down] One, two…
[Mauro] Oh, and Amber Moon in to knock Sane off,
as Sane was looking to become Champion.
[Nigel] Look at the height and the impact from Kairi Sane,
but look at who she lands on,
Peyton Royce.
And instead of pinning her,
unfortunately, it was only Nikki cross left in the ring.
[Mauro] High risk, high reward.
Who is going to fill the huge shoes
of Asuka's NXT Women's Champion?
Ember Moon has come close to the path!
But now Peyton Royce is now running rough!
On the rest of the field!
[Royce screaming]
[Royce] You're mine, baby!
[Nigel] This could be it.
The stunner from down under ready to poise.
Hold on! Oh.
[Mauro] Ember Moon with the eclipse!
-[Percy] Oh, my goodness. -[Mauro] Ember Moon with the eclipse!
[Percy] We have a new champ!
Ember moon has become
NXT Women's Champion!
[announcer] Here's your winner
and the new NXT Women's Champion,
Ember Moon!
[Mauro] Here in the lone star state,
her home, she has become
the north star of the NXT Women's division!
[Percy] It has been a long road for Ember Moon,
but she definitely deserves this!
Take a look at our newest NXT Women's Champion.
[Nigel] Oh, what a battle,
all these four women gave their all.
I have to say, every one of them could have won
at some point during the match.
Well, let's take a look at how that happened.
Here it is off the top.
I'm not sure if she got both women with it.
But she got more on Cross.
Here from a different angle.
[crowd cheering]
Yeah, I think she got both of them.
But it was Cross who took the brunt.
One last look.
[Percy] Spot on.
[Nigel] Wham! Right underneath the jaw
and Cross was down.
[crowd counting down[ Three! [bell ringing]
[Mauro] After coming up short
on two separate occasions this year to Asuka,
Ember Moon has--oh!
And speaking of the Empress of Tomorrow,
what a classic gesture this is!
[Nigel] And a great rivalry has come full circle, finally.
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] Incredible sign of sportsmanship and respect,
remember it was Ember Moon
who showed the same respect when Asuka vacated
the NXT Women's Championship.
You can see Asuka in action tomorrow night
at the survivor series.
But tonight it's all about Texas' own,
Ember moon!
She has finally become
NXT Women's Champion.
[Percy] Yes, sir.
["Free the Flame" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] Let's take one more look at the way
that Ember Moon was victorious
here in her home state.
Look at the torque and the angle
on that eclipse catching Cross underneath the jaw
and indeed came for a cover.
["Free the Flame" playing]
Impressive victory and it has to mean
the world for Ember Moon
to finally be on top of the mountain here,
as the NXT Women's Champion.
[Mauro] The sixth NXT Women's Champion in history.
["Free the Flame" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[intense music playing]
[crowd cheering] NXT!
["Resistance" playing]
[announcer] This is NXT Takeover.
["Resistance" music playing]
["Executioner's Tax" playing]
[Mauro] NXT Takeover: Wargames coming to you
from Clutch City, the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
The next NXT Takeover event will come to you
from the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia.
Royal rumble weekend.
But tonight it is all about NXT Takeover: Wargames.
And as you can see, an elaborate set
for tonight's NXT Takeover: Wargames.
Just like the new WWE Tough Talkers
Championship Takedown ring from Mattel.
With the cages and dressing.
Hey, you can recreate all the action
from tonight's Takeover at home.
And guess what?
It's available now.
So, pick one up for the holidays.
["Executioner's Tax" playing]
[Nigel] Well, they say, "no man is an island."
But tonight Roderick Strong has to feel like one.
He gave up the opportunity to join the Era.
But now he's got a real tough test ahead of him.
William Regal there, giving the rules.
This is gonna be a test for all three men.
[Mauro] Our NXT alum in attendance,
the maraville mouthpiece.
Fellow Canadian, Kevin Owens,
taking in Takeover: Wargames.
And another former NXT Champion,
Samoa Joe, he and Shinsuke Nakamura.
the only two time NXT Champions.
[Percy] Well, that is known to plenty right there.
[Mauro] And speaking of Champions…
["Play" playing]
[Nigel] Here it is tonight.
The Champion Drew McIntyre has
one of the biggest tests of his career.
It was just last week on NXT television
that Andrade "Cien" Almas left him lying.
Can he continue with that momentum
or will the Celtic Colossus remain
on top of his kingdom?
["Play" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] McIntyre with the claymore!
Do we have a new NXT Champion?
[referee and crowd] One, two, three!
[bell ringing]
[announcer] Here's your winner
and the new NXT Champion,
Drew McIntyre!
[McIntyre] All the work over the last 17 years
led to this moment.
I'm absolutely honored and privileged
to be the face of NXT.
[crowd cheering]
To believing the charge to be the Champion
there's no other feeling like it in the world,
and a dream come true.
[interviewer] Drew McIntyre,
it's been a long journey for you to this title.
So, congratulations to you.
[McIntyre] Oh, thank you very much.
[Vega] I'm gonna be taking the interview from here.
You and Andrade "Cien" Almas have a lot in common.
He too, was on a downward slope.
[Percy] He needs to transfer
his focus back into the ring
and not on women and party.
[Vega] And he got a second chance.
I was his second chance.
[Percy] Zelina Vega will do whatever it needs to be done
to ensure that Andrade gets to the promised land.
[Vega] Why is it that you've been avoiding Andrade?
Do you really think that that makes you a credible Champion?
Andrade "Cien" Almas and I still haven't gotten the contract
for the NXT Championship match.
[McIntyre] If Andrade seriously wants the match.
Tell him, instead of sending just his business partner,
maybe he comes with you next time
and he tells me he actually wants the match.
[Mauro] Andrade "Cien" Almas…
attacking the NXT Champion, Drew McIntyre.
[Nigel] Absolutely vicious.
[Mauro] Andrade "Cien" Almas signs the contract.
And uses Zelina Vega's gum
to stick it to the champ.
[intense music playing]
[McIntyre] When it comes to Takeover Andrade,
bring your A-game, and I assure you,
everything you've got will not be enough.
Drew McIntyre will still stand proudly
NXT Champion.
One last time "Cien,"
face me like a man.
Unless…
Zelina's not gonna let you off the leash for the night.
[crowd] Ooh!
[Mauro] Here comes Andrade "Cien" Almas.
They're not gonna wait
-[Mauro] for Takeover: Wargames. -[Percy] Oh, here we go.
[Nigel] What?
[McIntyre] What the hell are you doing?
[Vega] Andrade "Cien" Almas will do anything
to be the Champion.
This is what you came here for!
Let's go! This right here!
You are looking
at the next NXT Champion.
[Nigel] This is gonna be a championship match
for the ages.
[Mauro] The NXT Championship reign
of Drew McIntyre could be in peril
at Takeover: Wargames!
["Making a Difference" playing]
[Mauro] Well, Andrade "Cien" Almas,
guys, was the toast of the town.
A third generation luchador
in his native Mexico, where he conquered
the oldest sports entertainment promotion
still in existence.
But here in NXT, Almas went
from Livin' La Vida Loca,
which led to taking L's in the ring,
to bouncing back and earning an opportunity
at the NXT Championship.
Guys, thanks to that enterprising spitfire,
Zelina Vega,
who has helped Almas renew his focus.
[Percy] I have to completely agree.
Andrade "Cien" Almas has all the talent
and all the tools in the world.
But Vega has given him purpose,
given him drive,
and that's what I believe he's been missing.
Now, he's ready to take his game to the next level.
[Nigel] It certainly has seen that with Vega by his side,
he's always had the advantage.
He's always been one step ahead
of Drew McIntyre.
As we've seen, Vega will do whatever it takes
to get a victory for her man.
[Percy] What do you mean one step ahead?
Like attacking Drew during a contract signing?
-[Percy] Is that what you mean? -[Nigel] That's one thing, Percy.
[Percy] That's cowardice, man.
Drew says step to him like a man.
-[Percy] That's not real man… -[Nigel] That's exactly what he did,
[Nigel] "step to me like a man," that's what he did.
You can't blame Almas that McIntyre wasn't ready.
[Mauro] Agree or disagree,
was an emphatic statement made
by the tandem of El Idolo
and Zelina Vega.
["Making a Difference" playing]
[Mauro] And he has more than earned
the opportunity of becoming NXT Champion.
Hard-fought victory over the likes
of Roderick Strong.
And what about the two matches
with Johnny Gargano
including a Takeover: Brooklyn III.
And then, recently on NXT TV.
[Nigel] This man is incredible.
He's gone from strength to strength.
But he couldn't pick a better time
to challenge for the NXT Championship.
[bagpipes playing]
["Gallantry" playing]
[Mauro] It was at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn III in August
that Drew McIntyre dethroned Bobby Roode
and began his reign as NXT Champion.
Paying tribute to his Scottish roots.
And, Nigel, McIntyre more king
than Super Mario Odyssey.
And what an odyssey it has been for the great Scot.
[Nigel] He certainly has a three year hiatus away,
developing his style, developing his brand
to be one of the very best sports entertainers
in the world today.
And now, as he enters his fourth month
as Champion, just ninety-one days.
How does that compare to other reigns?
Well, Seth Rollins was the inaugural NXT Champion
for a hundred and thirty-four days.
[Mauro] And McIntyre actually faced Seth Rollins
in that gold rush tournament to determine
the inaugural NXT Champion.
[Nigel] We saw him here earlier tonight.
Finn Balor was the longest-reigning Champion.
293 days and of course,
also who we saw here tonight.
Samoa Joe had a somewhat ignominious stat
of the shortest reign, for his second reign,
at just fourteen days.
[Mauro] But to be fair to the Samoan Submission Machine.
My friend, as we mentioned, he and Nakamura are
the only two-time NXT Champions.
But tonight, it's about Drew McIntyre
and his legacy.
[Percy] Oh, without a doubt.
I have one word to describe Drew McIntyre,
and that's rededication.
["Gallantry" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following contest scheduled
for one fall is for the NXT Championship!
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Introducing the challenger.
Accompanied to the ring by Zelina Vega.
From Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico.
Weighing 215 pounds.
Andrade "Cien" Almas!
[crowd cheering and booing]
[announcer] And his opponent from Ayr, Scotland.
Weighing 265 pounds.
He is the NXT Champion,
Drew McIntyre!
[crowd cheering]
[crowd] Drew!
[indistinct conversation]
[person whooing]
[announcers and crowd] Whoa.
[Nigel] There you go, Percy. He stepped up to him like a man.
[Mauro] Andrade "Cien" Almas pie facing
the NXT Champion and…
[Percy] If the dude is a man, he would have stayed there.
[Mauro] Talk about the size disparity
between Zelina Vega
and the NXT Champion.
Yet, she is fearless.
Willing to put herself in harm's way
for the greater good.
[Percy] She does it time, and time again.
-She believed… -[bell ringing]
[Mauro] So, the bell,
and this NXT Championship match underway.
The Champion Drew McIntyre.
The challenger Andrade "Cien" Almas.
[McIntyre] Come on!
[Mauro] Hashtag, if you wanna get in on the conversation
and if you're part of the NXT universe,
we know you love your social media.
#NXTchampionship.
Just don't be a Twitter troglodyte, okay?
As Almas.
[referee] Hey!
-[Percy] Come on. -[Mauro] Found you.
Physically intimidate Drew McIntyre.
That's not gonna happen right, Nigel?
[crowd and announcers] Oh!
[Mauro] That's gonna hurt, though.
[Nigel] I think to be honest with you, he's just more trying
to take McIntyre out of his game.
He know he can't compete in terms of physical attributes.
The man's three to four inches.
30 to 40 pounds heavier as well.
Got to do something different.
[Mauro] Almas, also won a fight, heavyweight,
showing off his athleticism and his agility.
Really a hybrid.
As competed in Japan, puroresu.
In Mexico, the lucha libre.
And now, here on NXT.
Where he hopes to become NXT Champion.
[Nigel] There's the power I talked about.
That weight advantage.
[Mauro] Quick counter strike by Almas.
[Vega] Push it up, come on!
[Nigel] Simple side headlock,
but look how easily McIntyre is able to stand up.
-[Mauro] Tip of-- oh! -[Percy] Oh, yeah.
[Mauro] Nice counter by McIntyre.
Midair, catching Andrade "Cien" Almas
And then, delivering a big boot
to the side of his forehead.
Oh, Jawbreaker by Almas.
[person shouting in Spanish]
Hard-hitting affair already,
no feeling, no process.
[Percy] Can't do that.
Don't go back to being that overconfident, cocky.
You can't get cute and toy with Drew McIntyre like that.
[Mauro] Because McIntyre will make you pay
with a boot.
[Nigel] Well, for once, I hate to say it,
but I have to agree with Percy.
You won't hear me say that often.
[crowd] Oh!
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] I'm surprised Vega didn't get on his case, as well.
[referee] Hey!
[Mauro] Almas delivering a boot of his own on McIntyre.
And there now Zelina Vega!
-[Nigel] Watch out. -[Percy] Come on.
-[Mauro] Whoa! -[Percy laughing] Come on.
-[Nigel] Wow. -[Mauro] Look at-- Oh!
And McIntyre able to deliver a forearm
to the side of Almas' head.
So, that plan went awry for Zelina Vega.
She has to pick her battles, right, Percy?
[Percy] Of course, she does.
[Nigel] Let's be honest, though.
That's just an example of what she brings to the table.
McIntyre has got to be careful.
[Mauro] She has definitely rejuvenated, resurrected,
call it what you will, the career
of Andrade "Cien" Almas.
And the big reason why he's here now
vying for the NXT Championship.
Oh, and McIntyre shoulder first
into that unforgiving ring post.
[crowd cheering McIntyre]
But it is the Champion's advantage, guys,
because there's only one way
Almas can walk out NXT Champion.
It's via pinfall or submission in the ring.
[Vega] Show him what you can do. Let's go!
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] And still a numero uno
worldwide #NXTTakeover.
We thank you, and we hope you're enjoying
wherever you may be watching.
[crowd and Mauro] Oh!
Almas with a lateral press,
but McIntyre able to kick out immediately.
[Nigel] Just at a one count and that's important to see.
A lot of energy left in this, though.
[referee] Hey, come on, man. Break up.
[Nigel and crowd] Whoa!
[Mauro] There's Almas using
the real estate to his advantage.
The hanging…
But he has to be careful,
he cannot be disqualified for taking advantage.
Now, with the lateral press!
[Nigel] Well, as you know,
it only takes two seconds
with an armbar to pop someone's elbow.
[Mauro] Right.
He was looking for the Fujiwara armbar.
Just has the left armbar.
Andrade "Cien" Almas.
Talk about adjustments, Percy.
That Drew McIntyre has
to make against a guy like Almas,
who has the, you know, the X factor there
with Zelina Vega.
[Percy] He's got to play his own game.
He can't be worried about Zelina Vega
and Andrade "Cien" Almas.
Don't let it get inside your head.
Just keep doing what you do.
[Nigel] Percy, if he's not worried about Vega
on the outside, he's gonna get caught.
[Mauro] That almost happened earlier
in the match, but he did have the presence of mind,
and now, you see the character,
the fortitude of Drew McIntyre looking
to will himself back up to his feet.
But then, Andrade "Cien" Almas
stops him with a knee to the sternum.
-[Nigel] Look at that, great innovation. -[Percy] Here we go.
[Mauro] Power of McIntyre.
Inverted facelock.
[Percy] Is that the power you were talking about, Nigel?
[Mauro] Suplex by Drew McIntyre,
throwing Almas across the ring.
[Nigel] What great show of power,
but more importantly, buys McIntyre some time,
some well-needed time.
How slow he is to get to his feet.
[Mauro] Oh, McIntyre runs right into the back elbow of Almas,
and then, McIntyre corks a right hand.
And now, a ferocious striking exchange.
Almas sent for the ride,
and he's dropping that clothesline.
Now, Drew McIntyre picking up momentum.
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] Oh, beautiful!
Overhead released belly-to-belly throw by McIntyre.
[Percy] Drew ain't messing around.
[Mauro] And the way he is physically manhandling Almas,
gives you an idea of just how strong Drew McIntyre really is.
Off the top Turnbuckle!
Drives Almas to the mat.
[Nigel] And a nip-up from a man,
6'5", 265 pounds.
[Percy] Hey, you see the concern on Vega's face?
[Vega] Let's go! Come on!
[Nigel] Up he goes.
[Mauro] Almost carried by McIntyre,
but Almas with a couple of back elbows.
Pop-up.
[announcers and crowd] Oh!
[Mauro] And Drew McIntyre with the Celtic Cross.
[crowd cheering]
-[Nigel] Came close. -[Vega] Come on. get up!
[Nigel] Two and a half.
Look at the way he's grabbing his arm now,
that was damaged done earlier in the match.
When he was rammed into that ring post.
[Mauro] And remember, Almas worked on it with the armbar.
[crowd cheering]
Two students of the game.
[Percy] Strike it up.
[Mauro] Drew McIntyre may be-- Oh!
I thought he was looking for the Claymore.
Instead, he eats the dropkick from Almas.
[Nigel] He's in the corner.
Watch out.
[Mauro] Oh, and Almas looking
for the drive thru double knees,
but it was McIntyre able to sidestep that attack.
[Nigel] I think he hit the back elbow
on the way through though, Mauro.
[Nigel] Now, Tornado! [crowd cheering and Mauro] Oh!
[Mauro] Tornado inverted DDT.
Almas with the back press.
Oh, and one count away
from a new NXT Champion
-[Mauro] being crowned in Houston. -[Percy] Oh, my goodness.
[Vega] Listen to me! [Nigel] You can just feel the energy
[Nigel] picking up the anticipation.
[Percy] I am just beyond impressed
with the aggression of Andrade "Cien" Almas right now.
[Vega] Get him!
[referee] Not the hair, "Cien". One!
[Nigel] Well, a lot of that has gonna be credited
to Vega on the outside.
Barking orders.
Oh, hold on a second.
[Mauro] Oh, Almas was looking for that Hammerlock DDT.
Drew McIntyre drives him into the corner,
but then, eats a big boot to the face.
-[Mauro] Oh, it's the chair. -[Percy] Oh.
-[Mauro] Oh! -[Percy] Nope, nope.
[Nigel] Trying for the reverse Hurricanrana.
He's got through it now, though.
Instead of that, it is…
[Mauro] Oh! Inverted Alabama Slam
by Drew McIntyre. Will this be enough?
-[referee] Two! -[Mauro] McIntyre almost retained
the NXT title right there and again,
innovation, adjusting on the fly, adaptability.
Talk about those characteristics, Nigel.
[Nigel] Well, and is also pulling out all the stops.
He knows what's on the title though.
He knows the title is on the line.
He knows the importance of this match.
[crowd cheering]
He's going to the top rope.
For a man 6'5", you don't see this often,
-[Nigel] and that is the reason why. -[Mauro] And maybe that's why!
[Percy] Oh, man.
[Mauro] Springboard dropkick by Andrade "Cien" Almas,
and Drew McIntyre falls hard
to the floor on the outside.
And Almas not going to give him any time to recover.
-[Percy] Oh. -[Nigel] He's got caught.
[Mauro] McIntyre catches him!
[Nigel] Where is he going?
-[crowd and announcers] Oh! [Percy] Oh, man!
[Mauro] Headscissors, and that sends
Drew McIntyre face first into the post.
[Nigel] Well, McIntyre, big mistake. Watch out!
[Mauro] Mama Mia! What a moonsault by Almas!
[Percy] Andrade going for it.
He has to take advantage of any opportunity given to him.
[Nigel] Hold on.
-[crowd ] One, two! -[Mauro] Cover by Almas!
[Mauro] Oh, after the Monster Moonsault.
Almas gets a two-count!
[Nigel] And all of this is down
to the interference from Zelina Vega.
But look at this. Look at the height.
20 feet through the air.
[Mauro] What does the NXT Championship mean
to Andrade "Cien" Almas?
Well, we just caught a glimpse.
Willing to put his entire body at risk,
as he gets popped with a right hand from McIntyre,
and he's now precariously perched on the top turnbuckle.
[Nigel] Looking for that big Superplex if he can get it.
-[Nigel] Oh, no! -[Mauro and crowd] Oh!
But Almas turns the tables, crotches McIntyre.
Grapevining the leg.
And now, McIntyre is tied to the tree of woe.
-[Percy] Oh, no. -[Mauro] Double stomp, Almas!
[Mauro] Drive thru double knees!
[Nigel] McIntyre is in trouble.
-[referee] One, two! -[Mauro] Back press!
[Mauro] Hooks the leg back!
McIntyre just barely hangs on to the NXT title!
[Percy] It will take more than that.
[Nigel] What if there was a mistake,
at all that Almas made there?
He took his weight off of the shoulders of McIntyre
to try to grab that leg,
and that enabled McIntyre to kick out.
[Mauro] What does it say about Drew McIntyre
that Andrade "Cien" Almas is emptying
everything in his impressive arsenal
and still failing to conquer the Champion?
[Percy] Drew knows what he's fighting for.
That's to retain NXT title.
He is resilient as they come.
[Nigel] You can't blame Almas.
He's excited, but he's making mistakes,
because he's excited by not hooking legs.
[Mauro] Looking for that step up Enzuigiri.
McIntyre picking him up, deadlift.
[Mauro] Sitout Powerbomb by McIntyre! -[crowd] Oh!
Shoulders down! Almas escapes!
[Nigel] Well, that's what McIntyre was
looking for early on the outside.
He hit it in the middle of the ring this time,
which, let's be honest,
is the best place to hit it.
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] Look at the impact.
Oh, my word.
Just the impact and the reverberation.
Feet across the shoulders as well.
McIntyre dotting his I's,
crossing his T's.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd and announcers] Oh!
-[Mauro] Drew McIntyre. -[Nigel] Glaswegian kiss.
[Mauro] Glaswegian kiss.
Rollup by Almas,
surprising the Champion for a two count.
Duck under by McIntyre!
-[Mauro] Future Shock! Future Shock DDT! [Percy] Let's go!
[Mauro] Will the NXT Champion retain?
Unbelievable!
[crowd applauding]
There have been so many
memorable NXT Championship matches at Takeover.
We have Kevin Owens, Finn Balor,
Samoa Joe in attendance.
They've all been involved
in memorable confrontations.
This one will be added to the annals.
What a match it's been thus far.
[Nigel] Absolutely no different than any of those matches,
but look at the impact, Future Shock DDT.
And he still follows up.
[Mauro] And really here, Drew McIntyre looking to solidify
his reign as Champion.
After a hard-fought title defense
against Roderick Strong.
Now, looking for the Avalanche.
Celtic Cross, but the counter by Almas!
[crowd cheering]
[crowd and Mauro] Oh!
[Mauro] Face first, across the turnbuckle goes McIntyre.
-[Mauro] Almas again! -[crowd] Oh!
[Mauro] To the back this time!
with a drive thru double knee strike!
Will it lead to victory? Will it lead to…?
-[Nigel] McIntyre, I thought was out. -[Vega] Honey, get out of that!
[Mauro] Oh, and now the aggression from Almas.
Full mount, ground and pound,
wild punches on McIntyre.
[Nigel] Almas has got to be careful.
He does not wanna get disqualified.
He's frustrated, I understand it.
But he's got McIntyre prone now.
[Mauro] Andrade "Cien" Almas,
he was a Champion in his native Mexico.
Symbolically thinks he is
the NXT Champion now.
-[Mauro] But there's a great distraction! -[crowd] Oh!
[Mauro] The spike rana by Zelina Vega!
What just happened?
[Nigel] Hold on!
[Mauro] Hammerlock DDT by Almas!
[Crowd counting down] One, two!
[Mauro] Oh, McIntyre kicks out!
Much to the chagrin of Zelina Vega.
[Percy] Vega can't believe it.
They thought they just had a golden opportunity to capitalize
[Percy] and get the Championship. -[Mauro] They thought
they just outsmarted the NXT Champion.
[Nigel] Vega's Hurricanrana landed all of it!
Almas quick to follow up with the Hammerlock DDT.
Everyone in attendance thought that was it,
including Andrade "Cien" Almas.
-[Mauro] And… -[Nigel] But he still can do it.
-[Percy] Yeah, I bet that was it, too. -[Mauro] An incredible struggle
[Mauro] for the NXT championship.
-[Mauro] Drew with a pass! -[Percy] Claymore!
[Mauro] Wow, Claymore! -[Percy] Wow!
[Mauro] Just turned Almas inside out!
-[referee] Two! -[Mauro] And that should be it!
[Percy] But what the…?
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] Well, Vega was instrumental
in getting Almas to this Championship match!
And boy, does she wanna play
a big part in the outcome?
[Percy] And what won't she do?
[Nigel] It doesn't matter,
because the referee's view was distracted.
He did not see Vega's help.
Oh, she's worth her weight in gold.
[Mauro] But right now, it's all about the weight
of that NXT Championship.
The gold currently belongs to Drew McIntyre.
He is psyching himself up.
He wants to put Andrade "Cien" Almas away
with another Claymore.
[crowd] Oh!
[Mauro] And he got hung up on that top rope.
[Nigel] Missed it by a while, mate.
May have torn his groin perhaps.
I don't know, there's damage done.
But both men spent, and understandably so.
[Nigel] But Almas has got to get together.
[Mauro] Exactly. These are the moments
that Andrade "Cien" Almas has to see.
Percy, he has the Champion compromised.
[Percy] He's got to dig deep. He's got to find a way.
[Nigel] These are the moments that make a career.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd and Mauro] Oh! -[Percy] Oh man.
[Mauro] Almas with the one, the two!
-[crowd screaming] Oh! -[bell ringing]
Madre mia!
-[Mauro] Madre mia! -[announcer] Here's your winner,
and the new NXT Champion!
Andrade "Cien" Almas!
[Mauro] Andrade "Cien" Almas [speaking Spanish]
I can't believe what we just witnessed, Nigel!
[Nigel] Nobody can!
Everybody on their feet!
An absolutely incredible victory
and turn of events!
["Making a Difference" playing]
-[Percy] Man. -[Nigel] Almas is the new Champion!
[Mauro] Here at NXT Takeover: Wargames.
Andrade "Cien" Almas
is the new NXT Champion!
[Mauro] I don't know if he can believe it yet.
[Percy] Ay, dios mio.
["Making a Difference" playing]
[Nigel] Well, let's take you back
to the closing moments of this match.
It was McIntyre who would try
for the Claymore a second time.
And get hung up on the top rope.
But then, look at the impact
and the angle of this DDT.
Over 265 pounds landing
on top of the head and the pinfall attempt.
Absolutely incredible.
[Mauro] You talk about Future Shock.
Well, the future is now.
And Andrade "Cien" Almas had shocked
Drew McIntyre.
[Percy] Give credit to where it's due.
Zelina Vega brought Andrade from where he was
to where he is now,
the Champion of NXT.
[Nigel] There's just no way
that you can overstate
the effect of Zelina Vega.
What a game changer in this man's career.
[Percy] My goodness.
[Mauro] The luchador becomes
the 12th man in history
to mine NXT gold
here at Takeover: Wargames in Houston.
We have a new NXT Champion.
[Nigel] But your heart has got
to go out to Drew McIntyre.
Really had the match stacked against him
with Vega on the outside.
I'll give him that.
And all's fair in love and sports entertainment.
[Mauro] Wow.
Nigel, you mentioned earlier
that left arm has been injured
by Andrade "Cien" Almas early
-[Mauro] and look. -[Percy] what?
Living la vida loca,
but now, he's earned the right
[Mauro] to do so in NXT, right? [Percy] Oh yeah.
[Nigel] One hundred percent,
he is on top of the mountain.
["Making a Difference" playing]
[Mauro] Meanwhile, dejected and injured Drew McIntyre,
wondering what just hit him.
-[Mauro] That's the second title defense -[Vega] That's all you!
[Mauro] successfully defended against Roderick Strong.
But a dejected Drew McIntyre.
[Vega] It's all you! That's what I've been talking about.
[crowd cheering] ["Making a Difference" playing]
[Nigel] But what a contrast between these two.
Dejected McIntyre in the middle of the ring.
And El Idolo,
successful, the new Champion.
[Percy] Talking about a little push in the right direction.
Look at that, man!
[Mauro] A Champion…
[Nigel] He's coming over.
[Mauro] Through and through, and here he is.
-[Almas] Champion! -[Mauro] He's bringing the fiesta.
[Mauro] The NXT campeon.
[Percy] Congratulations.
[Mauro] Zelina Vega sending him back here,
and wow. Well, why not?
He can take over any piece
of real estate he wants tonight.
[Percy] Well, he sure does, brother.
[Mauro] Andrade "Cien" Almas
now sits atop the NXT mountain.
[crowd cheering]
[Percy] Hey man, you deserve it.
["Making a Difference" playing]
[Mauro] Wow.
[crowd cheering]
[Vega] I knew it.
I always knew that you're the Champion.
[Vega speaking Spanish]
[Vega] This is you.
[suspense music playing]
[intense music playing]
["Play" playing]
[Nigel] A special thanks to Marmozets for playing
one of the official themes of Takeover: Wargames.
Available now on iTunes and Spotify.
And well, we all have interesting takes
on the matches so far.
But one man whose opinion I wanna know,
is the man who largely created NXT.
Triple H, following Takeover: Wargames tonight.
The game will be on Facebook live,
giving his take on the winners and losers,
the triumphs and tragedies,
and the future of the brand.
["Play" playing]
-[siren sounds] -[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] NXT, the brainchild, the triple H.
But right now we're about to bear witness
to the barbaric brainchild
of the late legendary "American Dream," Dusty Rhodes.
[Nigel] Fellas, I've got goosebumps.
We're just moments away
from the most dangerous match
in sports entertainment history,
being born again, the destruction returns.
It's Wargames.
[Percy] Yeah, Nigel. It's been a very unsettling feeling
seeing this monstrosity come down over the ring, man.
[Mauro] A sea of scores about to be settled
in highly unsettling fashion.
But what do they say, the "kings of chaos."
Sanity are ready to get it
on with the "agents of anarchy",
Undisputed Era.
And the enemy of my enemy is my friend alliance
of the Authors of Pain and Roderick Strong.
Nine NXT superstars will enter the cage.
Nine souls could be stolen by the Callous Steel.
["Executioner's Tax" playing]
[suspense music]
[Cole] The Undisputed Era lives by a saying,
"do not start a war
that you cannot finish."
[bell ringing]
[Mauro] We have new NXT Tag Team Champions.
[Mauro] Oh, wait a minute.
That's Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly.
[Cole] This place, this world,
this universe belongs to us.
[Nigel] Good god!
[Mauro] They're not just here for Sanity,
they're attacking The Authors of Pain as well.
An all out assault here
on the NXT Tag Team division.
[Cole] We're just getting started.
[Mauro] Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, and Bobby Fish!
[Cole] We are untouchable.
[Mauro] Another ambush here on NXT!
[Cole] We are unstoppable!
[Nigel] These men are here
to change the landscape.
-[Cole] And we… -[Mauro] Not again.
[Cole] are Undisputed.
[intense music playing]
[Strong] Yo, O'Reilly.
O'Reilly, hey.
[Mauro] Roderick Strong has come so close
to breathing the rarefied air
as NXT Champion falling just short.
Strong realizes that in many ways
he's at a career crossroad.
[Cole] You need to join us.
You need be a part of our era.
[Nigel] What does Roderick Strong need to do to get
to that next level?
I think join The Undisputed Era.
[Young] You guys wanna come in here?
You wanna make your Mark?
[Nigel] What?
[Young] Well, you're looking at the
group that wrote the book
on making a Mark.
[Mauro] Sanity looking for a little revenge.
[Young] You're gonna find out
that in this universe,
what matters is the chaos.
["Pain" playing]
[Mauro] Oh, my god, it's The Authors of Pain!
Rezar and Akam!
We haven't seen them since they lost
the NXT Tag Team titles at Takeover: Brooklyn!
[Ellering] The Authors of Pain have chosen
to take our little setback.
[Mauro] Here comes Roderick Strong.
[Ellering] And make it into our setup.
[Mauro] Roderick Strong joining The Undisputed Era.
[Nigel] Yes!
[The Undisputed Era] Do it, Roderick. Get him, Roderick. You got him.
[Mauro] Whoa! -[Nigel] What?
[Mauro] The Authors of Pain now helping out Roderick Strong.
It's bedlam.
[Regal] Now this situation has become utter madness.
At Takeover: Houston, these three teams
will be in a triple threat match
in Wargames!
[Nigel] What?
[Mauro] Three teams,
two rings,
and one unforgiving cage.
-[Young] Wargames. -[Sanity laughing]
[Ellering] I was in the first Wargames,
and you know what I remember?
It is survival of the fittest.
[Mauro] For the first time in nearly 20 years.
[Nigel] A powder keg of fury and desire.
[Sanity member] Takeover…
[Cole] When the dust settles…
[Regal] United.
[Cole] When the war is over…
[Young] We purge.
[O'Reilly] We will prove what we already know
and shock this system.
[Mauro] What will happen
in one of the most brutal matches
in sports entertainment history?
[Nigel] Two rings, unforgiving steel cage
no disqualifications.
[Mauro] Houston, we have a Wargames.
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] There it is, the sinister structure
that will house Wargames.
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] And of course Dustin Rhodes,
the prodigal son, his father, Dusty Rhodes created this match.
And Arn Anderson was involved
in 18 Wargames matches.
[bell ringing]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,
welcome to Wargames!
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] The rules of the match are as follows.
The match begins with all three teams
inside separate shark cages,
with one member from each team
starting the match.
After five minutes,
the remaining two members from one team
will be released to enter the match.
After a three minute period,
the remaining two members
from a second team enter the match.
Following another three minute period
the final team's members are released
to enter the match.
A victory via pinfall or submission
can only be attained
once all three teams have entered Wargames!
Escape the cage,
and your team forfeits the match.
And now,
let the Wargames begin!
[crowd cheering]
["Controlled Chaos" playing]
[Nigel] They are the masters of anarchy,
the only thing they care about is chaos.
[announcer] Introducing first,
they are the NXT Tag Team Champions,
Sanity!
[Mauro] And the NXT Tag Team Champions
the kings of the NXT jungle.
But in this matchup,
it's the law of the jungle.
And the steel cage Wargames is
all about survival, period.
And now, they will enter the shark cage.
[Nigel] This will be interesting,
it's Wolfe and Dain in the shark cage,
which means that man, Eric Young heads
to the ominous huge steel cage.
[Percy] We all know Eric Young to be the master manipulator.
But how in the world do you prepare and plan
for Wargames?
[Mauro] And that's what NXT General Manager,
William Regal was discussing with the team,
who was going to start?
Well, it's the crafty veteran,
the merchant of mayhem,
the leader of Sanity, Eric Young.
[Nigel] Young has 20 years in sports entertainment.
So, if you want anybody
in the beginning of this match, it is for him.
[Mauro] Yeah, he has seen and done it all,
but he has never been a part
of something like Wargames.
[Percy laughing] Surprisingly enough,
he looks at home in that cage.
[crowd cheering]
["Undisputed" playing]
[announcer] And their opponents,
The Undisputed Era!
[Mauro] A trio of technical wizards,
who are equally truculent and arrogant.
[Nigel] Well, yeah, since bursting on in the scene here,
Cole, Fish, and O'Reilly really have raged
against the machine and raised the ire
of almost every other competitor on the brand.
Tonight, they face six of them.
But starting things off,
the captain of the team.
[Mauro] And Percy, now we know why Adam Cole looked
a little concerned after he was talking
to the WWE NXT General Manager,
William Regal.
He's entering the fray first.
[Percy] I guess so. He's starting this thing off.
You know, Adam Cole says,
they're untouchable and unstoppable, and undisputed.
But that's when all gonna be put
to the test here tonight, that's for sure.
[Mauro] Oh, Adam Cole wants nothing to do
with the ring that Eric Young is in.
And in the second ring,
is Adam Cole.
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] Well, he wants the ring to himself,
much like The Undisputed Era,
want NXT to themselves.
And this is a good start to get it.
["Undisputed" playing]
[Mauro] Trash talking at an all-time high
between Cole and young,
and every single NXT superstars,
that is willing to put his career on the line tonight,
in this NXT historic matchup.
["Pain" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] The erudite, Paul Ellering leads the way.
Bringing those behemoths,
The Authors of Pain.
[Mauro] He was involved in the very first…
-[Percy] Whoa. -[Mauro] Wargames match
[Mauro] back in 1987, and wow,
Roderick Strong has gone all in.
["Pain" playing]
[indistinct conversation]
[announcer] Making their way to the ring,
accompanied by Paul Ellering.
The team of Akam, Rezar,
The Authors of Pain, and Roderick Strong!
[Mauro] And The Authors of Pain,
as menacing as a mind of flair.
And that much more dangerous
with Roderick Strong
in the fold for this matchup anyway.
[Nigel] That's one way of looking at it,
but you got to be honest,
they're really only team members
by way of mutual enemies.
[Mauro] Again, when it comes to Wargames,
Paul Ellering has been there, done that.
First matchup, July 4th, 1987.
The Great American Bash.
Superpowers versus The Four Horsemen.
And it's gonna be Roddy.
Well, not necessarily versus the world,
but versus Eric Young and Adam Cole.
[Nigel] This really is a huge moment
because with Roderick Strong starting this match,
who does that leave in the shark cage?
Both members of Authors of Pain jumping at the bit.
[Mauro] And again, the match does not officially begin
until all nine superstars are in the ring.
This is all about trying to get
the best of your opponent,
trying to simply beat each other up.
[Percy] I mean, what happens here?
You expect to see
some sort of temporary alliance here?
-[bell ringing] -[Nigel] But for these three guys,
ff course, this is all about endurance.
[Mauro] You wanna talk about history,
you wanna talk about this NXT first?
You talk #Wargames on social media,
and social media has been buzzing
since Wargames was first announced.
Well, here we are.
Roderick Strong,
Eric Young, and Adam Cole.
Five minutes
before another team will enter
the two rings surrounded by the unforgiving steel cage,
And Percy, you've talked about an alliance.
Well, Roderick Strong fires off the first salvo
on Adam Cole.
[Cole] Ow!
[Nigel] Well, that's really good.
I think Strong's in a tough position in this match.
I mean, you've got to remember
why he's in this position in the first place.
He had the opportunity to join
The Undisputed Era, and he gave up that.
So, now he's got to face their wrath,
as well as the fact that The Authors of Pain
really don't care about Roderick Strong.
[Mauro] A standoff here, Percy.
What's the strategy early on,
knowing that the match doesn't officially get underway
until minutes later?
[Percy] Stay alive, do as much as you can
to inflict as much damage
and punishment to both of your opponents in the ring.
-[Mauro] Oh! -[Nigel] Oh, that right hand landed.
[Mauro] Crafty veteran Eric Young,
knocking down Roderick Strong with a right,
and Eric Young off to a decent start here.
[crowd and Mauro] Oh!
[Nigel] I'll be honest, Percy. I don't know if it is do
as much as you can do, perhaps is doing…
[Nigel] Perhaps is do as little as you can
to get away and let the other two fight it out.
[Percy] Well, it's kind of a catch 22 because you wanna--
I believe you do wanna do that, but you got to conserve
as much energy at the same time.
[Mauro] Man, Takayama-Frye here
between Roderick Strong and Adam Cole.
Strong already busting on a backbreaker. "The messiah of the backbreaker."
And Adam Cole, looking for the drop kick.
-[Mauro] Well scouted and there-- -[Percy] He's so fast.
-[Mauro] Oh. -[Nigel] Oh, Adam Cole.
[Nigel] What's he thinking?
[Mauro] The rule again, if you escape the cage,
your entire team is eliminated, so…
[Nigel] I don't think he was trying to escape, Mauro.
I think he was trying to go to the top,
try some offensive action up there.
[Percy] He was trying to run away since this match started, Nigel.
[Nigel] You're crazy. There's no way he is quitting.
[Mauro] And remember, the match…
has not started officially.
Adam Cole Launches Eric Young
and knocks Roderick Strong
off the top rope.
So, there is no pinfalls
or submission, this is all about doing what Adam Cole is doing.
putting the boots to his opponents,
softening them up for the match beyond
that's to come.
[Nigel] Well, with Eric Young and Roderick Strong now,
just imagine what if the rest
of The Undisputed Era are the next team to come in?
[Mauro] And Strong landed hard
on that middle partition
that connects the two rings.
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] With all three members in together,
they could essentially take out Young
and take out Strong completely.
[Mauro] Fireman's carry by Adam Cole.
-[Percy] Ooh! -[Mauro] A neckbreaker!
Over the knee and Eric Young is gonna be feeling--
And Cole now going…
to set his sights on Roderick Strong.
So, Cole the veteran just trying to lay waste to both
of his opponents.
[Nigel] A great strategy from Cole.
Look what he's done.
We talk about in a Tag Team match,
cutting the ring in half.
Adam Cole has cut this cage in half.
One opponent in each half.
[Mauro] You cut the rings in half here.
You're left with one ring, though. Right, Nigel.
As Adam Cole now, goes back to work
on Eric Young and Cole--
What makes Cole so successful, Nigel?
Where are the intangibles?
[Nigel] I would say it's his confidence.
From day one, Adam Cole would know,
-[Nigel] he was just destined for success -[Cole] I won this war.
[Nigel] to be the very top.
[crowd cheering]
[Percy] He's sly, man. He's shrewd.
His leadership ability, baby.
Get him in to bend to his will.
[Mauro] Snap suplex, jacking the back,
and realigning the spine of Roderick Strong,
and Adam Cole,
continues to build confidence.
Has taken over the first five minute period.
The swinging neckbreaker.
[Nigel] Wow, he's doing well for himself, isn't he?
Do you think perhaps, as we see another neckbreaker,
that Roderick Strong is now,
perhaps, regretting the decision
to not join The Undisputed Era?
[Percy] Not at all.
-[Percy] Not at all. -[Nigel] Why not?
-[Mauro] Oh, there's Roderick Strong. -[Percy] He doesn't need them.
-[Percy] Look at him. -[Mauro] This is the character
that Roderick Strong possesses.
Reversal on the Irish whip.
Off the ropes, and a running Lariat by Strong!
Levels Adam Cole!
[Percy] That score to settle out here, Nigel.
[Nigel] Sure does.
-[crowd] Oh! -[Mauro] A tribute to "the nature boy,"
Ric Flair, and, of course, Ric Flair involved
in so many Wargames matches
as a member of the legendary Four Horsemen.
-[Mauro] And Roderick Strong. -[crowd] Oh!
final 10 seconds…
[crowd counting down]
before another team will enter.
[Percy] Oh, yeah.
[Mauro] The two rings surrounded by this cage.
[Nigel] It is…
[Percy] Oh, boy. [Mauro] Adam Cole got back up in the form
of Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly.
The Undisputed era.
With the numbers advantage.
[Nigel] You wanna change your answer, Percy?
[Percy] I think, they're coming right for Roderick Strong here.
[Nigel] Of course, they are. -[Mauro] And immediately,
[Mauro] the ground and pound
by Kyle O'Reilly.
Those open palm strikes, Bobby Fish.
A couple of hyenas, just picking away at their prey.
[Nigel] Well, Strong's only opportunity
here is to somehow form an alliance
with Eric Young,
but I don't see that happening.
[Mauro] The Undisputed Era laying
waste to both Eric Young and Roderick Strong.
-[Nigel] I mean, I like Strong. -[Mauro] And in--
[Nigel] My heart goes for him every time.
I've known him. He's determined.
But listen, he could've created
an absolutely unstoppable faction,
but instead, he got anything but himself.
[Mauro] And in many ways, The Undisputed Era needs
to be measured in its attack.
It's Cole, O'Reilly, and Fish
unloading on Eric Young because…
this match is still not official.
And that is why Undisputed Era's not going
for pinfalls or submissions.
[Nigel] Just two minutes left now to the next team.
The Era have got to bring out the big guns.
Yes, you can't beat anyone at this point,
but you can hurt them so bad.
They've effectively taken out of the match.
[Mauro] Wheelbarrow suplex
and that's exactly what Undisputed Era is all about, Nigel.
[Percy] Hey, look, Young and Strong have to find
a way to survive in here.
-[Young] Ow! -[Mauro] Undisputed Era looking
to break bones and looking to break
the fighting spirit of their opponents.
Look at this.
[Nigel] Wheelbarrow suplex,
so much momentum
across the top of the shoulders and lower back.
[Mauro] And look at Roderick Strong, though,
valiantly trying to put up a fight.
Has put a chink on the armor of Kyle O'Reilly.
As Bobby Fish and Adam Cole have their sights
set on Eric Young.
-[crowd] Oh! -[Nigel] Down he goes.
[Nigel] Come on, fellas, get some damage done.
Now's the time!
[loud slam sound]
[Mauro] Kyle O'Reilly, Bobby Fish, and Adam Cole strutting
their way to Roderick Strong.
Confidence at an all time high.
[Percy] It's got bad news written
all over for Roddy right now, man.
[Mauro] Running attacks by all three members.
High impact offense.
[crowd cheering]
[Percy] Man, that's too much.
[Nigel] I got to be honest with you, fellas.
By the time whoever comes in next,
they may not have a partner left.
Whether it's the AOP or the rest of the Sanity.
[Percy] Now this is what Wargames is all about, man.
The danger of Wargames.
[Mauro] And the games have not even officially begun yet.
[Mauro] That's what makes this so terrifying.
[Percy] We hear the Hall of Famers say it all the time, man.
Booker T even said he left a piece of himself here
in Wargames when he was a participant.
[Mauro] We talked to all of the legends,
who have participated in over 30 Wargames matches.
You leave a piece of yourself,
a potentially big piece of yourself in the cage.
Who is next?
[explosion sound]
Oh, it's the Authors of Pain.
[Percy] Oh, boy.
[Nigel] This is a game changer and then, some--
[Mauro] Cavalry is coming for Roderick Strong.
Rezar and Akam.
-[Percy] More like god sent them. -[Fish] No, no!
[Mauro] And look at The Undisputed Era trying
[Mauro] to keep the cage door closed. [crowd] Oh!
[Mauro] And O'Reilly, the door smashed
into his face by the Authors of Pain.
[Nigel] Well, it's arguably is the worst thing
that could happen to The Undisputed Era.
two absolute behemoths.
[Mauro] And the AOP has changed
the complexion of this confrontation.
Again, not an official match yet.
[Percy] The worse that could happen to Eric Young,
he doesn't have any backup in there.
[Mauro] O'Reilly trying to bring
down the big man, Rezar.
[Nigel] Well, I had a chance to talk to "the enforcer," Arn Anderson.
And as you said, has been in more Wargames matches
-[Nigel] than arguably anybody else. -[Mauro laughing] Wow!
[Mauro] A biel throw!
[Percy] He says it's the toughest match
he's ever be involved
and you can clearly see why.
[Mauro] By Akam, and remember,
this match will officially begin
when the other members of Sanity
are allowed to enter.
-[Mauro] Wow! -[crowd] Oh!
[Percy] Oh, man.
[Mauro] Projectiles.
Both rings being utilized.
[Nigel] One thing Anderson also told me,
he said, "this match is all about pacing
[Nigel] and endurance." [Mauro] Oh, Authors of Pain!
And there's a unique form of offense!
Roderick Strong willing to be the canary
in the coal mine and it works!
[Percy] Bodies laid out all over the place.
[Nigel] That, gents, is the Paul Ellering factor.
[crowd cheering]
[Percy] Look at this.
[Nigel] Absolute-- [Percy] AOP just tossing
[Percy] bodies from one ring to the next!
[Nigel] These guys are strong,
they're aggressive, they're dangerous.
And they have pretty much taking
out every other opponent in this match.
[Mauro] And we await the other two members
of Sanity to make
Wargames official.
[Nigel] The scary thing is though,
when they come in, they're gonna be fresh.
-[AOP member speaking foreign language] -[Mauro] Couple of trees of woe.
Akam and Rezar wanting to take
advantage now.
Rezar and Akam have Cole and--
[AOP speaking foreign language]
-[Mauro] Fisherman's carry, ow! -[crowd] Oh!
[Nigel] Absolutely incredible. Oh, my god!
[Mauro] The Authors of Pain making
a statement.
[Nigel] Death Valley drivers into the corner.
[Mauro] A precursor of the punishment
that still awaits here in Houston, Texas.
[Nigel] Well, somehow, Roderick Strong is back on his feet.
[Percy] It's funny you mentioned Roderick Strong,
because the beginning of this match,
I was wondering how does Roderick Strong
or will Roderick Strong actually fit in with the Authors of Pain.
[Mauro] The only people firmly on their feet are
Roderick Strong and the Authors of Pain.
Clubbing forearm by Rezar.
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] Now this is impressive by the Authors of Pain.
But let's not forget, gents, they're expending
-[Nigel] a consumable energy. -[Mauro] And eight seconds.
Wargames, the match beyond officially begins!
[Nigel] And in my book,
these men are now the favorites,
because they are fresh as a Daisy.
[Mauro] Alexander Wolfe, Killian Dain,
and now, it's Wargames!
[Mauro] Look what Alexander Wolfe has brought
-[Mauro] to the party. -[Nigel] Wow.
[Percy] Anything goes, fellas.
[Mauro] Again, no disqualification here at Wargames.
It's all about survival.
The first team to score a pinfall
or submission will win.
Russian leg sweep
as Alexander Wolfe is on fuego.
[Nigel] Oh, give him points for innovation.
What a way to take control.
We haven't even seen Killian Dain yet.
-[Mauro] Dain has got -[Percy] Oh, man.
[Mauro] a couple of other toys
he would like to introduce to the gathering.
[Percy] This is about to get ugly.
[Mauro] The plunder, as Sanity looks
to pillage its competition.
Merciless in their attack.
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] Oh!
Steel chairs across
myriad spines.
-[crowd cheering] -[wrestlers struggling]
It is already chaos
and Wargames has just begun!
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] As I said before,
this would make Sanity an advantage.
[Mauro] Ask and you shall receive,
Killian Dain, the beast of Belfast!
Giving the NXT universe what they want!
[crowd cheering]
[Percy] This place is absolutely insane.
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] And Dain,
the beast of Belfast,
bringing in the furniture.
Meanwhile, Eric Young…
continues to lead the attack.
This does not bode well
for the Authors of Pain and Roderick Strong,
or Undisputed Era.
[Nigel] Sanity are the only team--
[crowd] Oh!
Apart from O'Reilly and he's
back down quick enough.
[Mauro] German release suplex!
That wasn't one of Kyle O'Reilly's
shiniest moments.
[Nigel] Oh, where is he going? [Percy] Oh, no.
[Mauro] And a slam on that garbage can.
[Nigel] And still, Dain hasn't got into this match.
Now, finally.
All right, when I'm right, I'm right.
-[Nigel] What an advantage for Sanity. -[crowd] Oh!
[Mauro] It is time to raise
a little hell in H-town.
[Nigel] And everybody's locked in now.
[Mauro] What a-- Killian Dain…
Locking the door.
Making sure again,
there is no escape.
But if you are-- if you do choose
to escape the cage, guys,
you forfeit the match for your team.
Here comes the Dain.
-[Nigel] Oh, he's eaten the key. -[Mauro] What the…
[Nigel] He just locked it.
Locked the padlock, and ate the key!
Oh, my word.
[Mauro] He just swallowed the damn key!
What is Killian Dain thinking?
And I guess,
early on here, he is the key
to success for Sanity.
[Nigel] Look who he's seen.
So, Akam and Rezar on their feet.
And single handedly,
is taking it to the Authors of Pain.
[Mauro] The NXT Tag Team Champions
are not about titles!
Corner avalanche sending
the Saint Bernard's
for the Authors of Pain!
-[Mauro] Oh! What a move of-- -[crowd] Oh!
a senton dropkick
by the innovative Killian Dain.
[Percy] Killian Dain is here cleaning up.
[Mauro] Everyone, I mean, it's not only
about you're A-game.
Nigel, it's about being
as mentally strong as you can be
in a match of this type.
[Nigel] He is physically strong as well.
-[Nigel] Beautiful combination. Dropkick. -[Mauro] Look at Dain.
[Mauro] And again, he's the one who locked the door,
so, you know he's not gonna try to escape.
What is he gonna try to do here?
Killian Dain with a diving crossbody!
[Percy] It's a strike.
[Mauro] Wiping out the rest of the field
here in Wargames.
-[Percy] I can't believe it's right here. -[referee] One, two!
[Mauro] Dain with the cover.
Adam Cole in to save the day.
[Nigel] A very first pinfall attempt in this match.
Now, we could start seeing more,
because everybody is fair game.
[Mauro] Oh, Adam Cole has
that kendo stick.
Let's see if he can swing it like Jose Altuve.
No, it's blocked by Killian Dain!
[Nigel] Just swipes it out of his hand like a child.
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] Up he goes.
[crowd] Oh!
-[Mauro] But here comes Bobby Fish -[Percy] Man.
[Mauro] trying to drop down
the bigger beast of Belfast.
[Fish] Ah!
Sunset flip attempt by Fish.
[Nigel] He's not going down.
[Mauro] Bell clapper by Dain.
Dain catches Adam Cole!
Michinoku driver on Fish!
Mish!
Killian Dain, pulling out all the stuff.
[Mauro] Double pin! [Percy] It's gonna be it!
[Mauro] What an offensive display by Killian Dain!
And remember,
as we revisit the action, Nigel.
[Nigel] Michinoku driver.
Sitting down at the same time.
The second time up in this matchup.
what innovation from the beast of Belfast.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd disappointed] Oh!
[Mauro] Killian Dain made
his Wrestlemania debut
in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal,
and he continues to show
what he is capable of doing here in Wargames.
Look at Killian Dain's power!
Fireman's carry.
-[Percy] Seat and destroy. -[Mauro] No.
Not a fallaway slam.
Samoan drop, of course!
[Mauro] Of course,
a fallaway slam, Samoan drop.
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] But I think
one of the Authors of Pain,
Rezar did the same thing.
[Mauro] Another meme-worthy NXT moment
courtesy of Killian Dain.
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] Now, two of the biggest men
in this matchup,
trading forearms
on that center gate.
Very little give there.
[crowd cheering and chanting]
[laughing] Clubbing forearm.
[Mauro] Oh, with the big boot
by Rezar.
But a bigger boot from Killian Dain
with a bicycle kick.
[crowd and Mauro] Oh!
And there is Killian Dane low crossbody.
But here comes Akam.
-[Nigel] Oh, that was straight. -[Percy] Look at that.
[Mauro] Powerslam!
-[Mauro] Akam cover on Dain! -[referee] One!
Will the Authors of Pain
and Roderick Strong win Wargames? No.
[Nigel] O'Reilly breaking it up
-[Nigel] with a chain, of all things. -[Mauro] Yeah.
-[Mauro] O'Reilly… -[Percy] Hey, whatever works.
[Mauro] Letting The Undisputed Era…
Go on using the cage,
tornado DDT
by O'Reilly!
[crowd indistinct chatter]
[Nigel] Now, Eric Young looking for a suplex.
-[crowd] Oh! -[Mauro] Oh, enzuigiri by Cole.
[Nigel] This match breaking down,
this is so dangerous now.
People are tired,
no one knows where they are. Up he goes.
-[Nigel] Chasing the dragon! -[crowd] Oh!
[Mauro] Chasing victory here
in Wargames is The Undisputed Era.
[Nigel] But they didn't try to pin him.
-[Nigel] That says a lot. - [Mauro] Bodies everywhere.
-[Mauro] Dain! Wow! -[Nigel] Oh, my god.
Looking to decapitate Adam Cole!
with that crushing clothesline.
[Percy] Man, you just got to think
Eric Young, Roderick Strong, and Wolfe
have to be exhausted at this point.
[Mauro] O'Reilly and Fish looking to double team Dain.
-[crowd and Mauro] Oh! -[Dain] Ow!
Chop down the beast of Belfast.
[Nigel] Down to the knees.
[crowd] Oh!
-[Mauro] Dueling kicks. Oh. -[crowd] Oh!
[Nigel] Oh, and the Axeman strikes,
and takes one in the midsection.
[Mauro] Oh, ax kick and a crushing forearm by Kyle O'Reilly.
[Nigel] I hadn't seen a smash from O'Reilly.
And he's barely on his feet.
But with that chain in his hand,
he's got bad intentions.
[Mauro] The brutality on full display,
here at NXT's first ever Wargames.
O'Reilly will now use that chain
on Alexander Wolfe!
[Nigel] Oh, that's just vicious.
[Mauro] Oh, man, across the face.
[Nigel] Across the cheekbone, underneath the the knee.
-[Nigel] Yeah, I can see it. -[Mauro] It can leave an imprint.
[Mauro] and just tying up Wolfe with the chain.
-[Nigel] Or perhaps… -[Percy] What in the world?
[Mauro] Looking for armageddon with the chain.
[Nigel] He stepped across.
-[Mauro] And there it is. -[Nigel] And there it is.
[Mauro] O'Reilly looking for armageddon
the cross armbreaker.
But look at the defense
by Alexander Wolfe.
[Nigel] Wolfe has the monkey grip,
but he's only got the got the fingers in left!
[Mauro] But remember, if Wolfe taps,
Undisputed Era wins Wargames!
[Percy] Oh, this could be over right here.
-[Mauro] Oh, what an elbow drop by Young! [crowd] Oh!
[Percy] Where did he come from?
[Nigel] He saved the match without a question,
but he may have broke his arm.
-[Percy] Oh, my. -[Mauro] A moonsault!
Bobby Fish pulling out all the stops.
All nine superstars going for broke.
And fortunate, thus far, not to break anything.
[Percy] Their bodies scattered all over.
Everybody's down.
[crowd cheering]
-[Percy] And look at this, out of nowhere. -[Mauro] Wow!
[Nigel] Well, Young was pinfall attempt there.
He had no idea if Fish was coming off the top
with that moonsault.
And now everyone down.
-[Mauro] The best of mentality. -[Percy] Rivalries have to come to a boil.
[Mauro] Settling scores
here tonight in the most painful way
possible.
[Percy] But that's the mentality of Wargames.
That's what it takes, it's either all or nothing.
[Mauro] There is a reason.
A Wargames match has not existed
in nearly 20 years.
It changes people's lives, Nigel.
It changes people's DNA.
[Nigel] It will change everybody's chance in this match.
[crowd indistinct chatter]
Now, looking for that powerbomb.
No! The super collider!
[Mauro] And the two ranked super collider.
Killian Dain also caught in the crossfire.
-[Mauro] Cover! -[crowd] One, two!
[Mauro] Oh, and again, Eric Young
in to stop that pinning attempt
by the Authors of Pain.
[Nigel] Well, one factor here,
which I think could be huge.
Paul Ellering is still on the outside,
directing traffic for his Authors of Pain.
[Mauro] As he should be.
[Percy] I'm starting to see the wounds developing
between the opponents in the ring.
[Mauro] Young lands on his feet.
Oh, and Young sends
Rezar crashing into Akam.
[Nigel] Watch Young's strategy here.
How can he keep the advantage
against these two massive individuals?
[Mauro] Oh, no. That's Rezar on the top turnbuckle.
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] Fireman's carry by Eric Young.
[Percy] Where is he finding the power to do this?
[Mauro] Eric Young, Death Valley driver
on Akam!
But can Young cover?
Young looking for the lateral press!
Young looking to win Wargames for Sanity!
[crowd chanting]
[Nigel] In my mind, a little slow
to cover, but understandably so.
He's exhausted.
Of course, you gotta remember.
It was Young who started out this match,
and now, I've looked at my watch.
We've got to be 20, 25 minutes in at least.
[Mauro] A human demolition derby,
[Mauro and crowd] Oh!
Roderick Strong again with a version
of his backbreaker, and he's pulling out
-[Mauro] a variety of backbreakers. -[Percy] What is he doing?
[Nigel] Where is Strong finding this energy?
[Percy] He started this match.
It's all about endurance and durability.
-[Percy] And Roddy has that in spade. -[crowd] Oh!
-[Mauro] Oh, and the jumping knee -[crowd] Oh!
strike by Roderick Strong
on Killian Dain.
[crowd cheering]
-[Percy] Oh, my goodness. -[Mauro] Olympic slam!
[Mauro] Collapse of olympic slam by Strong!
Is it strong enough to win Wargames?
[Nigel] Oh, but it was a superkick [crowd] Oh!
from his Nemesis, Adam Cole,
broke up that pinfall attempt.
[Mauro] We've seen Strong pull out,
end of heartache, and yet,
it did not precipitate the end of Wargames.
It led to heartache for Roderick Strong.
[Nigel] There's no question about it, but take a look.
It almost looks as though
everybody in this match is
in one ring apart from Kyle O'Reilly.
If I was there, I'd try to separate people.
[crowd chanting]
You've got a lot of space to play with.
[Mauro] Adam Cole ascending the turnbuckle.
He wants to take it
to the high rent district here at Wargames.
Oh, but behind him, Eric Young,
blind sighting him with the forearm.
-[Cole] Ow! -[Young] Ow!
[Nigel] And it's Young,
Cole, and now, Strong
on the top rope in the middle of the cage.
[Percy] And the three that started this match here.
Let's see what they're going for.
[Nigel] Well, if Young
and Strong could form some kind of alliance here.
But it's too late for that now.
[Mauro] Oh, man. Oh, no.
-[Mauro] All nine competitors! -[Percy] No.
[Mauro] Here in Houston at Wargames.
Mamma mia, towers of doom in stereo!
[Mauro] And look who is left.
Relatively unscathed, Adam Cole.
[Nigel] It's Adam Cole, baby!
[crowd cheering]
[Percy] This is the opportunity of a lifetime,
right here for Adam Cole.
Take a look at this.
[Nigel] Absolutely incredible! [loud slam sound]
those stereo super powerbombs.
-[loud slam sound] -[Percy] Oh, man.
[Nigel] What carnage.
look at this as well, from a different angle.
[Mauro] That registered on the Richter scale,
but can Adam Cole take advantage?
Akam and Razer, Authors of Pain, are back up on their feet,
and they are chasing Cole up the cage.
[Mauro and crowd] Oh!
[Nigel] The Authors of Pain left him there.
What are they doing now instead?
Uh-oh.
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] You can see tables for three
on the WWE Network,
Authors of Pain.
Look like they're setting up what could be a table for one,
for Adam Cole.
Maybe table's for one.
[Nigel] Cole still on the top rope, prone.
I'm not sure if he knows
what's in store for him,
because if he did, he would move.
[Mauro] Rezar and Akam setting up the tables,
but who will their target be?
[Nigel] Cole's gotta move.
Get out of there!
[Mauro] Adam Cole
prone--
-[Mauro] He doesn't-- -[Percy] I don't think he care to move.
[Mauro] I don't think he realizes
that the tables have been set up.
He's just trying to recover.
Trying to buy some valuable time to recuperate.
[Nigel] Well, this is If they manage to put Adam Cole
through both of those tables.
[Mauro] Oh, Alexander Wolfe… [Nigel] Chances are-- Oh!
leaps in, helping
his enemy, Adam Cole.
[Nigel] Interesting choice, Mauro.
Saving Adam Cole. I'm not sure I would've done that.
But Sanity, Adam-- I mean,
you're going to the mindset. Wow!
-[Percy] He's trying to get out of here. -[Mauro] You can't
[Mauro] Where's Cole going? If he escapes,
if his feet hit the floor,
his team forfeits the match!
[Nigel] Hold your breath, he's not outside yet.
This man has a plan.
[Mauro] His putting himself in harm's way.
-[Percy] Look at this! -[Mauro] Mamma mia!
Super German suplex through the tables!
[Nigel] And the Authors of Pain,
at least one of them, suffering
the fate that they wanted to enact on someone else.
[Mauro] Oh! Leaping neckbreaker
by Eric Young off the turnbuckle.
What-- Adam Cole…
swimming on the top of the cage.
[Nigel] Moment of truth for Adam Cole.
What does he do now?
I mean, he can stay up there, and try and save himself.
[Percy] Save himself? He need to help his team,
get back in the ring!
[Mauro] The damage continues to be accrued.
Kyle O'Reilly with the garbage can.
[Percy] Undisputed as a man short with Adam Cole at the top of ring,
just hanging out. What's he doing?
[Mauro] Oh! Roundhouse kick to the leg.
O'Reilly with a jumping knee strike
on Killian Dain.
[Mauro laughing] Oh, and Dain…
turning O'Reilly inside out with that clothesline.
[Nigel] There was just only one way that was gonna end up.
[Mauro] Where is Adam Cole going to end up?
[Nigel] And Killian Dain now back on his feet again.
To me, this man has been the most impressive
of anyone in this match.
The devastation that he is enacted
has been absolutely incredible.
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] Dain spots the garbage can.
[Nigel] What's he thinking?
[Percy] Hurt somebody. That's what he's thinking.
[Nigel] But how?
[Mauro] Not exactly got to try
to recycle Kyle O'Reilly.
As Killian Dain, who's had
many incredible moments already in this match.
And the beast of Belfast,
now he is climbing the cage.
[Nigel] What is this?
-[Mauro] Coast-to-coast goes Killian Dain! -[crowd excited] Oh!
And he destroys Kyle O'Reilly in the process.
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] Nearly 350 pounds,
all the way across the ring
into that garbage can.
Look at this.
[Percy] The big boy clearing half the ring.
[crowd] Oh!
[Mauro] A star-making performance for the Belfast--
What? Adam Cole's--
[Nigel] For the second time in this match, Adam Cole…
is on top, is poised
to strike perhaps.
[Mauro] Okay, we've seen people go from the turnbuckle
the top turnbuckle.
Don't tell me that Adam Cole is
literally going to put his career
in jeopardy here.
[crowd cheering Adam Cole]
[Nigel] Well, there's Roderick Strong.
[Mauro] And now Adam Cole realizes
that Roderick Strong is going to
-[Mauro] attempt to join him and-- -[Nigel] Oh!
[Nigel] Perhaps. I don't know.
Is Cole trying to get out there? I don't know.
Protect himself.
-[Percy] And [unintelligible] -[Mauro] This is incredibly dangerous.
-[Nigel] Oh, boy. Guys, be careful. -[Mauro] This is--
[Nigel] Roderick, be careful.
20, 25 feet up there.
[Mauro] Where do you cross the line
in hopes of just securing victory?
At what cost or what price
are you willing to pay?
[Percy] Beyond dangerous.
This is-- just doesn't make sense.
[Mauro] Roderick Strong has
a front chance momentarily on Adam Cole.
Both of them
precariously on the top of the cage!
[Nigel] Oh, my god!
-[crowd] Oh! -[Mauro] Oh, my god!
[crowd cheering]
[Percy] Man.
-[Nigel] Cole, cover! -[Mauro] The cover!
-[Mauro] Oh! -[crowd] Oh!
[Mauro] Incredible.
[Nigel] It was Roderick Strong who somehow dug down,
rolled over and covered Adam Cole.
-[Mauro] Pure instinct. -[Percy] Oh, jeez.
We've seen Roderick Strong suplex Adam Cole
into a pile of bodies before,
but never from the top of the steel cage.
[Nigel] Look how high these men are.
Driving through every one of their opponents.
Different angle.
[Mauro] A mount Everest superplex
courtesy of Roderick Strong!
And he just part
of the Wargames sea
as bodies lie in different states
of disrepair, the amount of punishment that has been
inflicted thus far, here at Wargames.
-[Nigel] So, the question… -[Mauro] It's incredible.
[Nigel] now becomes what is the strategy
-[Nigel] for any of these individuals… -[Mauro laughing] Survive, Nigel.
[Mauro] Survive.
[Nigel] This match is gonna end though, Mauro.
Someone has to win this.
[Mauro] Killian Dain back to his feet.
Uncorks a right hand on Akam.
Akam fires back a right hand of his own.
[crowd cheering]
I can't believe that they're still able to muster
this kind of power behind their punches.
[crowd cheering]
[Nigel] Here comes the beast.
No, no, no.
[Mauro and crowd] Oh!
Leaping clothesline combination,
side Russian leg sweep on that metal
partition in between the ring.
[Nigel] It's the last chapter,
the finishing maneuver of the Authors of Pain
on that unforgiving steel.
But they're too slow. They can't cover up.
[Mauro] But will they close the book on what is
becoming a Stephen King novel?
-[Nigel] This is-- -[Mauro] The house of horrors, Wargames.
[Nigel] Sleeper hold from O'Reilly
underneath the jaw.
Cutting off the carotid artery.
[Mauro] Bobby Fish unloading.
[Nigel] He's going down.
[Mauro] Plenty of strikes.
Wow! Total elimination there
by O'Reilly and Fish.
And NXT is the only place
you will see action of this variety.
Wargames culminating another tremendous Takeover event.
[Percy] This is absolute madness.
[Mauro] Blood, and guts.
What? And tandem offense
like that!
[Nigel] But again, they haven't
covered a man.
[Percy and crowd] Oh!
[Nigel] Dumping Wolfe now.
It's a double-edged sword now.
Hold on a second.
[Mauro] Strong,
Cole,
and Young, the three
initial participants.
And boy, they are going on the attack again.
[Percy] How can they have anything left?
[Mauro] Both wanting to take out
their proverbial pound
of flesh from the other.
[Nigel] The history between these two men.
-[Nigel] Hold on, wheelbarrow! -[Mauro] Wheelbarrow suplex
[Mauro] into the cage!
Goes Roderick Strong
-[Mauro] courtesy of Eric Young. Oh! -[crowd] Oh!
[Mauro] Cole
with the kendo stick.
[Nigel] And again, Cole starting to come up.
Guys, this vine has shown something to me tonight.
He had his doubters, he had his detractors.
But can anyone say
Adam Cole isn't who he said he was?
[Mauro] Eric Young has a chair.
Trying to get to his feet.
Oh! And he used the chair
to try to block it,
but the brunt of the attack cost
-[Mauro] Eric Young and-- -[crowd] One, two!
-[Mauro] Adam Cole has done it! -[bell ringing]
["Undisputed" playing]
[announcer] The winner of Wargames,
Adam Cole
and The Undisputed Era!
[Mauro] I've never witnessed anything
like we have just seen here tonight
at the Toyota Center in Houston.
The first ever Wargames match in NXT.
And you know what they say about the picture,
telling a thousand words,
my friends.
[Percy] Hey, Nigel, I gotta say, you know what?
Adam Cole has made me a believer.
Unstoppable, untouchable, undisputed.
We just witnessed history here tonight.
[Nigel] Percy, all of these guys have made me a believer.
They gave of their body
and their soul.
See the bodies in the ring now.
Let's take a look
at some of the highlights of this match.
Listen to the sound of this kendo stick
across the back of Young.
And now, I think Young was picking up the chair to use.
[Mauro] And a shining wizard by Cole.
-[Nigel] Deep pinfall attempt -[crowd] One, two!
-[Nigel] and he gets the three count. -[crowd] Three!
["Undisputed" playing]
[Nigel] But the story here
will go back to what Dustin Rhodes said.
You don't win Wargames.
You survive Wargames.
[Mauro] The havoc that has been wreaked tonight at Wargames
will not soon be forgotten.
In the end, it is Adam Cole
and The Undisputed Era
that survived a battle for the ages.
And The Undisputed Era…
planting its flag
in NXT.
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] A defiant Adam Cole.
[Nigel] Let's take a look at more of that chaotic stuff
that went down in this match.
[crowd] Oh!
Stereo Death Valley drivers in the corner.
Then Cole, chasing the dragon with a super kick
for good measure.
And then coast to coast.
-[Nigel] The beast from Belfast will fly. -[crowd] Oh!
And an absolute mount Everest
-[Nigel] superplex off the top. -[crowd] Oh!
Everyone goes down like bowling pins.
nigel Seeing it again for the second time.
Just as devastating.
Setting up Eric Young,
nigel and the knee strike with the chair!
Down goes Young.
And this man has to say,
-[Nigel] he is the absolute best. -[crowd] Two, three!
[bell ringing]
["Undisputed" playing]
Friends, confidants, standing victorious,
The Undisputed Era move forward.
What does this mean for the future of NXT?
[Mauro] Adam Cole,
Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly,
the last men standing.
In a-- What was a just incredible,
savage affair.
NXT's first ever Wargames.
What a night it has been here
at NXT Takeover: Wargames in Houston.
A definite shock
to the system.
[Percy] Man, you can see the results
of this ultimate battleground known as Wargames.
Bodies still on the floor.
[crowd cheering The Undisputed Era]
Competitors can't even stand. Just laying there.
[Mauro] On a night where we crowned
a-- well, two new NXT Champions.
Ember Moon as NXT Women's Champion.
Andrade "Cien" Almas as NXT Champion.
It is Undisputed Era that has left
its Mark in Wargames.
["Undisputed" playing]
["Undisputed" continues playing]
Subtitles: Karolin Castaño ing]