[narrator] NXT.
For over five and a half years,
the revolutionary force in sports entertainment.
[soul music playing]
Welcome, everyone, to the first ever NXT TakeOver: In Your House.
Remember me?
I'm Todd Pettengill,
and I had the honor of being part of the very first move-in,
and now even more proud to be a part of the NXT remodel
twenty-five years in the making.
[Pettengil] Tonight, NXT has laid out the welcome mats
for the first ever TakeOver: In Your House.
[Ciampa] Daddy's home!
[Pettengil] As Tommaso Ciampa looks to pull the welcome mat
out from under Karrion Kross.
[Kross] Tick, tock.
[Pettengil] Two of NXT's household names blow the roof off
in an NXT Backlot Brawl for the NXTc hampionship.
Tonight, Charlotte Flair has sent eviction notices
to two unwelcome guests looking for gold,
Rhea Ripley and Io Shirai.
And as Damian Priest looks to live forever at Finn Bálor's expense,
tonight, the Prince is protecting his castle at all costs.
All these and more. What a night this is gonna be!
As a matter of fact, ladies and gentlemen, tonight,
one lucky winner will…
not win a house.
However, from our home to yours,
welcome to the first ever NXT TakeOver:
In Your House.
[record scratch]
Welcome to our house!
♪ Under the black and inside the blue ♪
♪ A bone-thick spell has washed away ♪
♪ It took some time but I've realized ♪
♪ The obstacle's the only way ♪
♪ Look how they picture my generation ♪
♪ An experiment to be improved on ♪
♪ A story for them all to tell ♪
♪ A history of forced intrusion ♪
♪ They pricked me but I didn't bleed ♪
♪ They singed me just to test the smell ♪
♪ They cut me, but I didn't feel ♪
♪ I was just too deep in to fail ♪
♪ You think you know what you want ♪
♪ Until you're inside the net ♪
♪ You got it all figured out ♪
♪ Until you're drowning in it ♪
♪ You think you know who you are ♪
♪ Until you're under duress ♪
♪ You got it all figured out ♪
♪ Until you're under the skin ♪
♪ Look how they picture my generation ♪
♪ Now, I'm in the lions' den ♪
♪ A story for them all to tell ♪
♪ Now, I am at the precipice ♪
♪ I'm the one who has to end this ♪
♪ I'm the one that has to win ♪
♪ Bred to self-induced entrapment ♪
♪ I'm the one who lacked the discipline ♪
♪ You think you know what you want ♪
♪ Until you're inside the net ♪
♪ You got it all figured out ♪
♪ Until you're drowning in it ♪
♪ You think you know who you are ♪
♪ Until you're under duress ♪
♪ You got it all figured out ♪
♪ Until you're under the skin ♪
♪ Yeah! ♪
♪ Underneath retread aesthetic ♪
♪ Underneath your fake respect ♪
♪ Underneath the sales and figures ♪
♪ Will you quit when they don't react? ♪
♪ Underneath the costume changes ♪
♪ Underneath the acceptance ♪
♪ Underneath the online presence ♪
♪ Underneath the influence ♪
♪ Under the wave you've been waiting for ♪
♪ There's a truth ♪
♪ You got it all figured out ♪
♪ Until you're drowning ♪
♪ You think you know what you want ♪
♪ Until you're inside the net ♪
♪ You got it all figured out ♪
♪ Until you're drowning in it ♪
♪ You think you know who you are ♪
♪ Until you're under duress ♪
♪ You got it all figured out ♪
♪ Until you're under ♪
♪ You think you know what you are ♪
♪ Until you're inside the net ♪
♪ You got it all figured out ♪
♪ Until you're drowning in it ♪
♪ You think you know who you are ♪
♪ Until you're under duress ♪
♪ You got it all figured out ♪
♪ Until you're under the skin ♪
♪ Under the wave you've been waiting for ♪
♪ There's a truth ♪
♪ You got it all figured out ♪
♪ Until you're drowning ♪
[fans cheering]
[fans chanting]
[narrator] And now, WWE network presents
NXT TakeOver: In Your House.
[Mauro] Big shout-out to In Your House.
OG Todd Pettengill and the Grammy-nominated Code Orange.
If the house a' rockin', don't bother knocking,
just come on in!
The NXT superstars are poised to tear the house down!
[Shotzi Blackheart's music playing]
[crowd cheering]
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest, scheduled for one fall,
is a six-woman tag-team match!
Introducing first, from Oakland, California,
Shotzi Blackheart!
[Beth] Speaking of tearing the house down,
while a lot of new competitors would feel disheartened
by the mean girls of NXT, Shotzi uses it for ammunition.
She's a one-woman army,
and her strategy is to wreck everything in her path.
[Mauro] Just like the godfather of punk, Iggy Pop,
Shotzi Blackheart is a real wild child!
[female announcer] And her tag-team partners,
first, from the Welsh Valleys, Tegan Nox!
[Beth] Tegan Nox is definitely no pushover.
She's here tonight, and she has plans to end the beef
that she has with Dakota Kai, Candice LeRae and Raquel Gonzalez
once and for all.
[Mia Yim's music playing]
[female announcer] And, from Fontana, California,
Mia Yim!
[Mauro] Competition rules everything around Mia Yim.
The head baddie in charge has dogged determination
and a bulldog mentality, like her beloved Stannis,
and something tells me she can't wait to get her hands on Candice LeRae.
[Dakota Kai's music playing]
[Alicia] And their opponents…
First, the team of Raquel Gonzales and Dakota Kai!
[Mauro] And, Beth, the kick-happy Kiwi, Dakota Kai, has kicked it up a notch
by enlisting the services of the towering Raquel Gonzalez,
and she has already delivered dividends for the diabolical duo.
[Clarice LaRue's music playing]
[Alicia] Their tag-team partner, from Riverside, California,
Candice LeRae!
[Beth] Well, Candice LeRae has become the pretentious superbrat
that she always despised. It's been a shame
to see her take the word of her teammates, Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez.
You can tell by the look on her face
she is enjoying this new turn in her personality.
[Mauro] Yeah, Candice LeRae has created more drama than a Real Housewives reunion
in the NXT women's division.
And, hey, Tom, this rivalry, these personal issues,
about to be turned up to 11.
[Tom] You're absolutely right. Think about how much things exploded
this past Wednesday night on NXT, resulted in this match being made.
All six of these superstars with something to prove.
And the best point, there's a lot of personal vendettas
to be resolved here tonight.
[Mauro] We anticipate a combustible confrontation,
and Yim and LeRae wasting little time to get it on.
[crowd chanting]
[Mauro] Although it appears Candice LeRae may not be…
Oh, there you go!
LeRae wants nothing to do with Mia Yim.
[Beth] Lerae doing a good job of hiding behind Raquel Gonzalez,
who is giving me "ninth wonder of the world" vibes tonight.
Who are you kidding?
[Mauro] There's nowhere for someone the size of Raquel Gonzalez to hide,
as she is able to toss Mia Yim into Yim's corner.
Quick Go-Behind Waist Lock employed by Yim,
but look at the strength of Gonzalez!
[Beth] Gonzalez proving herself to be the wrecking ball
of the women's division as of late.
[Mauro] Mia Yim jumping up, looking for that Guillotine.
One way to bring down the bigger Raquel Gonzalez, Tom.
[Tom] Man, look at the power of Gonzalez!
Talk about a stalling suplex, and now an opportunity for Nox.
[Mauro] Yeah, fortuitous for Mia Yim, as Tegan Nox makes the tag.
And Nox looking to chop down the redwood.
[Beth] Nox going right for Mia… Gonzalez, the brute strength!
[Mauro] Explosive shoulder tackle by Gonzalez,
and now here comes her partner in crime, Dakota Kai.
And of course, Kai and Nox, no love lost.
Quick roll-up by Nox!
[groans]
[Mauro] Oh, and Lady Kane here, Beth.
[Beth] Absolutely, these two women have been to hell and back with one another.
Betrayal between them.
[Mauro] Nox was going for that choke slam, but Dakota Kai with the evasion tactics
and a quick roll-up for a two-count! And remember,
Kai won the first-ever Street Fight in the NXT women's division against Nox,
with a big assist to Gonzalez.
The roll-up by Nox, the counter by Kai, wow!
[Beth] These former best friends know each other so well!
[Mauro] And there was a meeting of the minds
that was painful for both of them, Tom.
[Tom] Let's not forget how this rivalry began,
Dakota Kai turning her back on Tegan Nox at TakeOver: War Games.
[Mauro] Pounding board by Nox, tribute to her trainer.
And there's a cover, back press for a two!
[Beth] Nox has been absolutely relentless since she got in the ring with Dakota Kai.
[Mauro] Speaking of relentless, here comes Shotzi Blackheart.
And her trajectory has been going through the roof!
And there, she takes the fight to Dakota Kai,
slamming her face-first into the canvas.
[Beth] Shotzi's such a unique personality. Unique arsenal,
but high-risk maneuvers don't always pay off!
[Mauro] And there's a scorpion kick by the captain of Team Kick, Dakota Kai.
She rolls Blackheart into the ring, and there's a quick cover by Dakota Kai.
But still plenty of fight left in Blackheart.
[ref] Tag!
[Beth] Kai doing her best to keep the fresh woman in,
to keep the heat on Shotzi Blackheart.
[Mauro] And Candice LeRae, missing with the senton,
and then the big roundhouse kick by Shotzi Blackheart!
It appears to have rattled Candice LeRae.
-And look at this. -Looking for safe haven.
[Beth] And again, LeRae hiding behind Gonzalez.
[Mauro] Mama Mia, what a…
Oh, my!
Raquel Gonzalez catching Blackheart in the midst of a Toll-Pay!
Incredible power!
Oh, but here comes Mia Yim!
[Beth] Yim able to topple the women…
And now LeRae off!
[Mauro] Wow! Springboard Plancha by LeRae!
And these women, putting it all on the line!
Each of them looking to move up in the most competitive division in WWE.
And Nox, oh, my god!
[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT!
[Mauro] You think about where Nox has been,
how much she's had to endure.
And yet, look at this, you guys!
[Beth] Picture-perfect Molly-Go-Round from Tegan Nox, top of the entire pile.
[Mauro] No filter required,
and Shotzi Blackheart, looking to go the aerial route.
Plenty of air miles being accrued, as there is the Meteora by Blackheart!
[crowd cheering]
[Beth] The last two women standing.
-Blackheart could finish her off! -[Mauro] Oh!
And, of course, Candice LeRae drawing the ire of every woman in the division.
And there's Blackheart, looking for the victory!
[Beth] Candice LeRae has been very vocal as of late…
thinking that she deserves opportunities, making demands.
[Mauro] They feel underappreciated,
they think NXT has become a toxic wasteland.
Big… Oh, wow!
Blackheart, with the bridge, reverse!
Underhooks here, and Dakota Kai comes in to kick
Blackheart in the ribs.
[Beth] But damage done to the shoulders and back of Candice LeRae.
-[Tom] Wait a minute! -[Beth] Uh oh!
-[Beth] Again, the power… -[Mauro] Oh!
-[Beth] Raquel Gonzalez… -Close one by Raquel Gonzalez,
with that lethal lariat from the lone-star state.
LeRae with the back press, hooks the leg.
Gets a two-count.
And LeRae dragging Blackheart into the corner.
The high ring IQ of Candice LeRae on display.
Tag is made.
[Yim] C'mon, Shotzi!
-C'mon, Shotzi! -[Nox] You got it, Shotzi!
[woman] C'mon, Shotzi!
[Beth] Once again, Dakota Kai in control.
And this is where we have seen this vicious streak from her.
[Mauro] And remember, it was Kai who helped
Raquel Gonzalez defeat Shotzi Blackheart.
Kai commandeered Blackheart's tank, tried to destroy it!
[Beth] That does not sit well with Shotzi Blackheart.
Nobody puts hands on the tank!
[Mauro] Neither does that! Face-first into the top turnbuckle.
And you see the cohesion, you see the chemistry, Tom,
between Gonzalez and Kai especially.
[Tom] Whether you like it or not, Raquel Gonzalez has paid dividends.
Oh, and the official not seeing this involvement by Dakota Kai!
[Mauro] And that's exactly why Kai conscripted Raquel Gonzalez,
because two, much stronger than one,
especially when one is the towering Raquel Gonzalez.
[indistinct] right now!
[Mauro] Blackheart needs to desperately make the tag.
But look at how Dakota Kai, coming off the ring, and here comes…
Oh! But Kai, missing with the facewash.
[Beth] And there's an opening for Blackheart.
Miscommunication by Kai's team.
[Mauro] Oh, wow! Shotzi Blackheart driving the forehead of Kai
into her own Step-up Enziguri!
Kai ends up in the wrong corner.
And the tag is made, and in comes the merciless Candice LeRae,
the poison pixie, displaying nothing but femme!
[Beth] And the trash talk continues.
[Mauro] Oh! Escaping through the legs, Blackheart makes the tag,
and Mia Yim and Candice LeRae, finally squaring off!
Dropkick by Yim.
Neckbreaker! And, Beth, remember how the hostilities began.
It was LeRae taking exception to what she said
were many opportunities given to Yim on a silver platter.
Dragon suplex!
And there's a cover for two and a half.
[Beth] Yim would love to shut LeRae's mouth once and for all
with a victory here tonight.
But once again…
[Mauro] Forearm to Gonzalez,
and Mia Yim delivering receipts everywhere here, Tom.
[Tom] And went through… Caught, caught by LeRae!
[Beth] Yim hit the mat high on the shoulders and upper back…
knocking the wind out of her.
[clapping]
[Mauro] Mia Yim… Candice LeRae looking to make the tag.
Raquel Gonzalez makes the tag, and here comes Tegan Nox!
And Nox knocking Raquel Gonzalez about here.
Body attack!
Strafing the body with those shots!
Oh, but she may have hurt her right arm looking to deliver a…
Wow, nice stomping of the toes!
European uppercut, but here, Raquel Gonzalez, again,
just tossing Nox overhead.
[Beth] And Nox again able to evade a possible disaster.
Oh, no!
[Mauro] Not for long! Powerbomb by Gonzalez!
The cover! Oh, and…
Nox able to survive.
Mia Yim coming in to try to make life difficult for Raquel Gonzalez.
But, Tom, she gets tossed out of the ring unceremoniously,
and LeRae taking exception.
[Tom] And now LeRae and Mia Yim cannot be controlled,
and they're battling into the garage
in the middle of this six-man tag-team match.
Six-woman, excuse me.
[Mauro] We talked about tearing down the house.
It's Yim and LeRae who wanna destroy the house!
[Beth] Now it's a four-woman tag-team match.
But again, Gonzalez in control,
-using her power… -[Mauro] [indistinct], Kai…
Oh, but a malfunction at the junction!
Kai kicking Gonzalez in the head.
And now it's Nox… Lady Kane with the choke slam on Kai!
And now the tandem offense of Blackheart and Nox.
Raquel Gonzalez and Dakota Kai on the receiving end
of the wrath of Blackheart and Nox.
Oh, the Shiniest Wizard!
The Shiniest Wizard!
-Will Nox exact revenge? -[bell rings]
She does!
[Alicia] Here are your winners, the team of Shotzi Blackheart,
Mia Yim, and Tegan Nox!
[Beth] Beautiful teamwork between Blackheart and Nox.
They were able to score the victory
on this epic matchup to kick off In Your House.
[Mauro] But, Tom, even more importantly,
Nox was able to pin Dakota Kai, which means even more.
[Tom] So important. It was a great job down the stretch
by Tegan Nox and Shotzi Blackheart
to eliminate Raquel Gonzalez from the equation.
Yim and LeRae battling into the house, but at the end of the day,
Tegan Nox scores an important victory over Dakota Kai at TakeOver.
[rock music playing]
[narrator] Promotional consideration, paid for by the following.
Good Humor WWE Superstar Cookie Sandwich.
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[narrator] Rich, creamy.
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[narrator] And just 150 calories.
These frozen snacks are a delicious way to indulge.
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[narrator] Good Humor WWE Superstar Cookie Sandwich,
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Indulge!
[Beth] Well, In Your House has certainly been off to an amazing kickoff,
but it is no secret that The Nightmare, Rhea Ripley,
is focused on getting the NXT Women's Championship tonight,
as she faces off in a Triple Threat against Charlotte Flair and Io Shirai.
[Tom] But coming up next, it is a first-time-ever matchup.
Will Finn Bálor score a measure of retaliation,
or will Damian Priest's recent sneak attack lead him to victory at TakeOver?
[Bálor] Wrestling playbook 101…
attack "the guy".
[Mauro] Finn Bálor's current status is unknown.
Get the push.
[Mauro] An incident occurred inside the NXT locker room.
But then, the bell rings.
-[bell rings] -[sinister laughter]
♪ You think you know what you want ♪
♪ Until you're inside the net ♪
♪ You got it all figured out ♪
♪ Until you're drowning in it ♪
[Priest] Finn Bálor returning to NXT,
that's a possible target that turned into an opportunity.
I'm coming for him.
Damian Priest, you want to live forever?
You're not going about it a very smart way.
[Priest] At TakeOver, the name Finn Bálor will turn to ash,
while the name Damian Priest…
It's gonna live forever.
[sinister laughter]
I'm 20 years towards eternity,
while you've been treading water for the last year.
Well, Finn Bálor is not your lifeline.
But at TakeOver, you will meet The Prince,
and you will kneel at my altar, right before I bury you.
♪ You got it all figured out ♪
♪ Until you're under the skin ♪
[burning fire effect]
[Damian Priest's music playing]
[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making his way to the ring from New York City,
weighing in at 249 pounds, Damian Priest!
[crowd clapping to tune]
[Mauro] The Archer of Infamy, Damian Priest,
has been using his Arrow of Annihilation to make his painful point.
His latest target, one of the biggest stars in NXT history,
the former NXT champion, Finn Bálor.
[Beth] The late, great Brandon Lee once said
the key to immorality is first living a life worth remembering,
but Priest is hellbound on doing whatever it takes to make sure
he is never forgotten. In this case, at the expense of Finn Bálor.
[Mauro] Priest took a page out of Triple H's playbook
when Priest held Bálor down with a steel chair,
just like The Game did in his epic rivalry with The Undertaker.
Priest obviously a student of the game.
[Finn Bálor's music playing]
[Alicia] His opponent, from Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland,
Finn Bálor!
[Mauro] Well, Bálor seeks to make Priest pay for messing with The Prince,
and, hey, Beth, judging by the photo Bálor posted on Twitter,
where he superimposed Priest's head on an infant,
Bálor is looking to treat Priest like a baby treats a diaper,
and as a mom, you know a thing or "number two" about that.
[Beth laughs] I see what you did there, Mauro, with the number two.
But Bálor, definitely, a sense of humor outside the ring,
but once he steps foot into the ring, it's all business.
And Bálor is a dangerous man in the squared circle.
[Mauro] And, Tom, what about Bálor's credentials?
Not only here in NXT, but throughout WWE.
[Tom] Well, first-ever Universal Champion, multiple-time Intercontinental Champion.
We know about his NXT championship,
and that is exactly why Damian Priest went after Finn Bálor.
Bálor even acknowledged it. Oh, wait a minute!
But Bálor wasting no time!
Smoking Priest with the Meet the Woo dropkick.
And it was an arrow of Bálor's own that found the target on Priest.
[Beth] No posing or peacocking tonight.
[Mauro] Yeah, Bálor putting the boots to Damian Priest.
Wasting little time, Beth, to make his point
against the bigger Damian Priest.
[Beth] An aggressive start from Damian Priest.
[Mauro] Ooh!
And Priest, unable to attack.
Jaw block there, by Bálor!
And he's a fan of English football, Tom, but also starting to pick up
the American football, the love for it, especially the New England Patriots.
[Tom] I mean, you can't blame Finn Bálor for this.
You were attacked in the locker room by Damian Priest.
All so Priest could get a match here at TakeOver.
Finn Bálor's made it very clear, since he returned here to NXT,
he doesn't give a damn about anybody else.
Get in his way, he'll try and take you out!
[Mauro] And the steel chairs were in Bálor's way,
there's the steel steps.
Proving to be a big barrier for Bálor.
And remember, Bálor hurt his shoulder
the night that he became the inaugural Universal Champion.
[Tom] Fateful night at SummerSlam against Seth Rollins a number of years ago.
But now, Damian Priest is taking control.
We're going to find out just how ready Priest is for Bálor.
[Mauro] Biggest opportunity of Priest's career,
dropping Bálor face first on the apron, Beth.
[Beth] Of course, Damian Priest, one of his greatest inspirations,
Hall of Famer Scott Hall, cultivated a similar style,
proved the bad-gap guy can finish first.
Priest is not opposed to dipping into that bag of tricks.
[Mauro] Priest, at one time, lost 100 pounds.
Would like to drop another 200 tonight, in the form of Bálor!
[Beth] Whoa!
Precariously poised…
[Mauro] Wow!
And across the apron goes the back of Finn Bálor!
Innovative offense by Damian Priest.
[Beth] You can see Bálor writhing in pain, clutching his lower back.
Look at the Mark on his left shoulder.
[Mauro] Ooh, and look at the mark that's going to leave on Bálor's face.
What a right hand, Tom!
[Tom] And Damian Priest, his is what he can do.
He has range, he has power. He can impose his will
against a superstar like Finn Bálor, now that Priest has taken the momentum.
[Mauro] But he has to be careful here, Beth.
You don't want to taunt someone the caliber of Finn Bálor,
no matter how big you are.
[Beth] Absolutely not.
Finn Bálor's been at his best since coming back to NXT.
[indistinct]
[Mauro] Priest taunting Bálor, Bálor creating separation.
Smashing in those forearms.
But then, being caught by Priest, driven into the corner,
and the counter by Bálor.
Oh, wow! Leaping Flatliner by Damian Priest.
Will it be last rites for Bálor?
Ground and pound now!
Priest punishing Bálor!
[Tom] Take one more look at this. Finn Bálor thought he had an opportunity.
Look at the height that Damian Priest gets on this Flatliner!
[Beth] And now the pendulum has swung in favor of Damian Priest.
[Mauro] Irish Whip, and the leaping Priest with the elbow on Bálor,
and Damian Priest firing on all cylinders here,
and looking to drive the air, the fighting spirit out of Finn Bálor.
[Beth] The height and weight advantage to Damian Priest.
[Mauro] Cover by Priest, but Bálor kicks out at one.
Showing that Priest is going to have to mete out a lot more punishment
if he wants to vanquish The Prince.
[Beth] Once again, Priest attacking that left shoulder
that we saw injured earlier on.
Putting torque on the neck, the labrum, all the delicate tendons of the shoulder.
[rhythmic clapping]
[Mauro] Bálor working his way up to his feet,
encouraged by the NXT faithful here tonight.
NXT TakeOver: In Your House,
the 25th anniversary of a classic pay-per-view.
[ref] That's "no".
[rhythmic clapping]
[Beth] And Priest using his weight and height to just lay on Bálor.
[Mauro] The crowd looking to fire up Bálor!
Counters with a Jawbreaker, has Priest with the spaghetti legs,
and there's the Bell Clap and the kick to the midsection by Priest.
[Beth] And Priest attempted to disorient Bálor.
[Mauro] Man, Bálor's hard-hitting offense still unable to take Priest off his feet.
Ducks under the right hand!
And, Tom, it was the momentum that carried Bálor to that vicious strike.
[Tom] This is what Bálor has needed, just a slight window of opportunity.
Bálor can use his speed, and now Priest coming in real trouble.
[Mauro] Oh, but Priest, stopping the Irish Whip.
Kick to the midsection. Priest, now…
Oh, the counter by Bálor!
What a vertical suplex, Beth!
[Beth] But you can see Bálor continuing to protect that left arm,
keeping it winged in at his side.
I don't know how useful it's gonna be going forward in this matchup.
[Mauro] Dropkick through the ropes by Finn Bálor, buying himself…
Oh, I thought he was buying himself a little more time,
but he wants to take the fight to Priest on the outside,
risking a count-out.
And considering how Bálor started off this matchup,
look at how relentless Bálor is!
[Bálor] Let's go, Damian!
[Beth] Of course, Mauro, this is such an emotional vendetta.
Look at him continuing to lay kicks into Damian Priest.
[Mauro] Yeah, Priest was the assailant who attacked Bálor…
in the dressing room prior to Bálor's match
with Velveteen Dream, the scheduled matchup.
But Bálor, now looking to deliver comeuppance to Priest,
but Priest levels Bálor with that lariat!
And Priest may be setting Bálor up here.
[man in crowd, rising] Ooh!
[Mauro] Oh, he was looking for Razor's Edge.
But Finn Bálor now, countered by Priest.
Priest with the Broken Arrow!
Broken Arrow by Priest, looking to break Bálor's back!
[Beth] And an awkward landing on the tailbone for Finn Bálor.
[Mauro] Oh! Bálor with the double-leg takedown and the double foot stomp.
And, Tom, if Bálor's able to get to the top turnbuckle,
we could see another version of that double foot stomp, the Coup de Grâce.
[Tom] That Coup de Grâce can be deadly, as we take a look back here.
Again, it was the showboating of Priest that put him in this position.
Finn Bálor with the Double Stomp,
right to the sternum of Priest.
[Mauro] What a match here between Finn Bálor and Damian Priest,
and an opportunity for Priest to really make this game,
and perhaps allow his name to live forever,
if he were to knock out a guy like Finn Bálor.
And he's attempting to do just that, Beth.
[Beth] Hard-hitting offense from both of these men.
[Mauro] Which kick… Oh, there's the Pelé Kick!
The Pelé kick, and the cover by Bálor!
[Beth] Priest just able to kick out.
[Mauro] And I hope you appreciated my Portuguese pronunciation of Pelé.
[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT!
[Beth] Well done, Mauro.
[Mauro] NXT universe trying to fire up Balor…
Or Bálor, excuse me.
What about that Canadian stampede crowd at In Your House, back in '97?
They were hotter than magma for the Hart Foundation.
And this crowd here, rallying behind The Prince.
[Beth] And speaking of hot, Bálor is breathing fire right now,
ready to put away Damian Priest.
[Mauro] Oh, but Priest catches Finn Bálor.
And Priest looking for the… Oh, the roll-up victory!
Rolled by Bálor!
My goodness!
Priest able to kick out, but look at this, Tom.
It's Bálor taking out the much bigger Priest… Wow!
[Tom] Damian Priest showing us how athletic he is.
And how quickly did he fire off that kick?
[Mauro] And how prepared is Damian Priest
for the biggest match of his career, Beth?
[Beth] Damian Priest looking in the best shape of his life.
[Mauro] Oh, wow!
Looking to deliver a Razor's Edge.
Oh, and now the Edge on the apron on the edge of the apron!
And the… The already battered back of Finn Bálor.
He is in a world of hurt, guys.
[Tom] This could be it!
[Mauro] Priest goes for the cover!
Back press, hooks the leg, and somehow, Finn Bálor…
This is the championship mettle of Finn Bálor, escaping this.
[Tom] He's gonna need all of that mettle, Mauro, to your point.
All that to the lower back of Finn Bálor.
[Beth] And look at the war wounds on Finn Bálor,
the scrapes, the imprint of the stairs on his shoulder.
Struggling to stand.
[Mauro] A war of attrition has materialized here,
between Damian Priest and Finn Bálor.
Damian Priest has Bálor in his sights!
[Beth] And Priest is confident and in control.
[crowd] Ooh!
[Mauro] And again, Priest nails Bálor in the corner.
Will he go for the trifecta, Tom?
[Tom] If Priest keeps this up, he could be closing in.
[Mauro] Oh, wow! What a Sling Blade, out of nowhere, by Finn Bálor!
[Beth] Bálor's shaking off the huge impact of those elbows.
[Mauro] Wow! 360 roundhouse,
and again, the martial artist, Damian Priest, catching Finn Bálor.
The reversal by Bálor!
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] You talk about a seesaw affair!
Bálor and Priest, each with moments of momentum!
And speaking of momentum,
there's the Make the Woo dropkick by The Prince.
And it appears that he is going to go for his pièce de résistance!
Will he be able to land… No!
-[Beth] Ho, ho! -Caught.
-Caught by Priest! -[Beth] Uh oh!
Oh, my God!
Bálor perched on the top rope!
[Mauro] Damian Priest, on the second turnbuckle,
launching Finn Bálor!
Crashing hard to the canvas.
Both of them must feel like they were in a car wreck, Tom!
-[Tom] There's the cover! -Cover!
Oh, Damian Priest! With the left…
The left arm across the upper body of Finn Bálor.
-[Tom] Take a look at the height… -[Beth] Take a look at the spectacular
precision of both of these athletes
and the impact of their bodies crashing to the mat.
[ref] Two!
[crowd clapping]
[Mauro] Damian Priest targeted Finn Bálor because he's one of the all-time greats.
Priest knows what a victory over the former NXT champion
would mean to his career.
The current NXT champion, who's surpassed Finn Bálor's record reign,
Adam Cole, will defend his title against Velveteen Dream,
coming up in the first ever NXT Backlot Brawl.
[Beth] And now, a smile washing over the face of Damian Priest.
You ain't stopping this now.
I ain't done.
[indistinct]
[man] What you gonna do?
[woman] Get up, there you go!
[Mauro] Damian Priest, I think… What's he saying to the referee, Tom?
Looks like he was saying, "How come you're not stopping the match?"
That's why!
[Tom] Look at Finn Bálor, back up to life. Who knows what Priest was thinking about
with the steel stairs on the outside? Both men on the apron now.
[Mauro] But he wasted valuable time, Beth, in giving Bálor an opportunity, but now…
"Oh, my God" is right!
-On the apron! -This could be catastrophic!
[Mauro] This could be the end for The Prince,
but Finn Bálor manages to escape…
Oh, mamma mia!
Forget an eye for an eye,
it's a back for a back, here, at In Your House!
[ref] Gotta get in, Priest, you gotta get in.
[crowd grumbling]
[Beth] Priest can't move, he can't breathe.
[Mauro] Watch this again. Thought about the Tazor's Edge from the apron,
which was hellish enough, and then bam!
Down went Damian Priest, hard.
He hit the edge of the stairs as well.
Here's another look.
Finn Bálor with the forearm shot!
A rough, nasty landing for Damian Priest.
[Tom] In what has been a rough, nasty contest.
[Beth] The sickening sound of that thud, flesh on metal.
[Mauro] And yet, Damian Priest manages to get back into the ring.
The fleet-footed Bálor, dropping the Coup de Grâce!
Drops the Coup de Grâce on Priest. Is this it?
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] Oh, wow, I don't know. Is this smart?
I think the emotions may be getting the best of the Finn Bálor!
Oh, but no! He lands the Coup de Grâce!
He lands it again! And Finn Bálor…
-[bell rings] -…beats Damian Priest!
[Alicia] Here is your winner, Finn Bálor!
[Mauro] And, guys, with that victory,
Finn Bálor sets the new record for TakeOver triumphs
with his 11th win at TakeOver. Incredible.
[Finn Bálor's music playing]
[Beth] What a competition!
These two men have been through an absolute war!
[Tom] Damian Priest proved what kind of athlete,
what kind of superstar he is, tonight, against Finn Bálor, win or lose,
as we take a look back here at this battle,
to you guys' point between Bálor and Priest.
This was hellish!
Watch this on the outside again, we saw this before.
Finn Bálor, bam!
Sending Damian Priest to the steel stairs on the outside.
That gave an opening for the Prince, and Mauro, to your point,
we saw this Double Stomp to the back of the neck.
Finn Bálor obviously showing respect for Damian Priest.
Went for a second Coup de Grâce, this one hitting Priest in the gut.
One more look at this.
Finn Bálor, from the top, connects with the Coup de Grâce.
And Bálor gets this measure of retaliation on Damian Priest.
[Mauro] And Finn Bálor, adding to his TakeOver legacy.
And for Damian Priest, if he doesn't allow his pride to get in the way…
Yeah, this is a loss, but more importantly,
it's a learning experience, emphasis on learning.
[music continues]
[narrator] Promotional consideration, paid for by the following.
To be the NXT champion, you gotta want it every day.
It takes an integrative approach to training,
and that is what Icopro is all about.
[Beth] Well, Icopro might be secret to Cole's amazing title run,
but it's no secret Io Shirai is regarded as one of the best in the world.
Tonight, she has a chance to finally bring home the prize that's eluded her.
Shirai competes for the Women's Championship later on tonight.
[Tom] Well, from one title to another, coming up next,
Keith Lee defends his NXT North American Championship against Johnny Gargano,
and it's fitting, since this is TakeOver: In Your House.
This all started at the dinner table in house Gargano.
[soft music playing]
My fairy-tale life came true.
The first-ever triple-crown winner in NXT history.
Who would have thought? No one.
But I did.
Who would have thought that Johnny Gargano would become
the heart and soul of NXT? No one.
[Candice] But…
-We did. -We did. Thank you.
Looks great, looks great.
The real fairy tale is NXT.
The NXT that we love, the NXT that I helped build, is gone.
There's only one thing left to do,
that's tear it down and rebuild it in our image.
I like that!
Baddie! Baddie! Baddie!
How about we show you what happens in our NXT?
[Mauro] Looked like Johnny Gargano pulled down the rope!
-[laughs] -[Mauro] Oh, whoa, whoa!
Here comes Keith Lee!
[Gargano] The new hottest thing in NXT, the guy everyone is talking about.
A man more worried about people basking in his glory.
-The worst song. -And being champion.
[growling]
[Lee] What was that?
You were talking to me, and then, you were looking elsewhere.
-And what were the sound effects? -Just do it!
Hi! I'm Johnny Gargano.
I carry the imaginary flag for NXT, even though nobody asked me to.
In the mornings, when I wake up,
I spend more time looking at myself in the mirror than I do my own wife.
[Gargano] The award you are looking for doesn't exist,
if you stick your nose in our business.
[Mauro] Keith Lee has got his grips on Johnny Gargano!
[Gargano] If you get in our way…
[Vic] Johnny Gargano's about to pay!
[Gargano] You will find out that it is our way.
[Mauro] Oh, my God!
[Gargano] I found the key to victory against Keith Lee.
[Vic] Johnny Ruthless, the face of NXT!
[Mauro] Limitless Keith Lee!
[Lee] This new Gargano way reaches its limit at TakeOver.
[Gargano] We will see how limitless he is when I take that North American title.
It is the Johnny Gargano way, or none!
♪
[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT!
[crowd boos]
[Johnny Gargano's music playing]
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest, scheduled for one fall,
is for the NXT North American Championship!
Introducing first, from Cleveland, Ohio, weighing in at 199 pounds,
Johnny Gargano!
[music continues]
[Mauro] Many people believe that Johnny Gargano has lost his mind.
Fed up with doing things the right way,
Gargano is resolved to do things the Johnny Gargano way.
Beth, will he be rewarded for it tonight?
[Beth] Johnny Gargano, no pun intended, has been tugging on Superman's cape,
throwing out shots at Keith Lee. He took to Twitter and said,
"Looks like I found the key to victory this Sunday."
Calling back to what happened with the key incident
the last time these two met.
[Keith Lee's music playing]
♪ Bask in his glory ♪
♪ Oh, bask in his glory ♪
♪ For he is limitless ♪
[Alicia] His opponent, from Wichita Falls, Texas,
weighing in at 340 pounds,
he is the NXT North American Champion, Keith Lee!
[Mauro] Tom, Keith Lee said that Gargano crossed the line
when he went after Mia Yim, which angered Mr. Lee,
but when Gargano brought the keys into play,
well, Lee told us it really pissed him off.
Give us an injury update, because Lee did not escape 100% healthy
from what went down on NXT.
[Tom] We learned from Matt Camp, on "The Bump",
that Keith Lee sustained a corneal scratch to his eye,
and also, as you can see, the taped left hand.
Some bruised fingers for Keith Lee, so that could come into play.
How is Keith Lee doing physically overall?
Wednesday, we saw the car keys that Beth was talking about, by Johnny Gargano,
jammed into the eye of Keith Lee.
[Mauro] And now, Beth, Gargano has the keys
where his infamous cup was in his one final beat match against Tommaso Ciampa.
[crowd chanting]
[Beth] Once again…
[Mauro] And to the victor will go the spoils.
-NXT North American Championship. -[bell rings]
[Mauro] Johnny Gargano, who has authored many firsts,
looking to become the first two-time North American champ,
but he has drawn the ire of one of the most physically imposing
specimens in NXT history in Keith Lee.
[Beth] Keith Lee is called "The Moment Maker" in the locker room,
and he's gonna make a moment for Johnny Gargano to not forget tonight.
[Mauro] Can you say manhandling, Tom?
I knew you could!
[Tom] With the injured hand, albeit. Keith Lee has got a task ahead of him.
We know how talented Johnny Gargano is,
but is this going to be Johnny TakeOver that we see tonight, Mauro?
We know how many records
and how spectacular Gargano can be on this platform.
[Mauro] Yeah, Gargano has appeared in more TakeOver matches than any superstar,
and Johnny Gargano looking to derail the Lee express tonight.
[Beth] But, guys, you can see Keith Lee
wiping at his eye just a little bit earlier.
A corneal scratch is no joke.
You can have sensitivity to light, tearing, headaches, blurred vision.
[Mauro] Speed advantage on display by Gargano!
[crowd clapping]
[Mauro] And you're right, Beth.
With Keith Lee suffering the eye injury and the hand injury…
We know about his strength. We know about the Spirit Bomb,
Grizzly Magnum, but you need both eyes against someone like Johnny Ruthless.
[Beth] Ooh! Maybe not the best strategy by Johnny Gargano
to run straight into the brick wall.
[crowd chanting]
[Mauro] Johnny Gargano, the former heart and soul of NXT,
who now says he's all heart and no soul,
drop kicking Keith Lee on the outside.
And Johnny Gargano, looking for the Toll-Pay!
Holy moly, caught by Lee!
[crowd cheering]
[Beth] Lee is carrying Gargano like a child!
[Mauro] Wow! But Johnny Gargano, able to hang on to the rope,
and there's that back kick to Keith Lee.
Johnny Gargano with the early advantage.
-[Tom] Oh, my God! -Look at the strength advantage of Lee.
[Tom] Keith Lee, the North American Champion,
has got control of Gargano!
[Mauro] Oh, looking for that Spirit Bomb, and again,
Gargano attacking the injured eye!
[Tom] Oh!
[Mauro] Oh, Gargano lucky he didn't injure his foot.
[Beth] Once again, attempting to damage the bruised fingers of Keith Lee.
[Mauro] Lee built like the Incredible Hulk,
moves like Spiderman, and about to launch Johnny Gargano!
[Beth] You see every maneuver Keith Lee does
requires the crush grip of those two powerful hands.
[Mauro] Lee dethroned Roderick Strong to become the champion,
just uncorked a haymaker with the left hand,
and I think Johnny Gargano believes…
Well, he's trying to get out, he's trying…
[Tom] Johnny phone home!
-[Mauro laughs] -[Beth] Nobody's home!
[knocks on door]
[Mauro] Johnny Gargano, been locked out, and he may be locked out
of becoming the two-time NXT North American Champion!
Keith Lee, there, gonna fetch his house call.
[Beth] And some irony right here. Where's your keys now, Johnny?
-[Mauro laughs] -[announcers] Oh!
[Tom] This is why you want home security cameras in this day and age.
[Mauro] Oh, but wow! There's the Grizzly Magnum,
and if Lee has anything to say about it,
Gargano is not gonna need keys to open the door,
he's gonna go through the door!
Wow!
[crowd jawing]
[Beth] Lee is just taking his time,
enjoying brutalizing Johnny Gargano.
[Mauro] And for Gargano,
he has to come up with plans B, C, right to Z,
if he wants to dethrone Keith Lee.
And this will help, Tom!
The quick attack by Gargano, trying to keep Lee grounded.
[Tom] This is what helped Johnny Gargano in his match,
recently, against Dominik Dijakovic.
Any slight opportunity that Gargano can take to get to higher ground
-on a bigger opponent is so critical. -[Mauro] Oh, wow!
And there's Johnny Gargano, attacking the digits,
the injured fingers, Beth, of Lee.
[Beth] Gargano doing his best to go right for the targets,
but Lee able to continuously flick Gargano off.
[Mauro] And it's obvious that Keith Lee has a high pain threshold,
and he has a brutal left hand!
And you wonder, was that the smart strategy?
Emotion perhaps, Tom, as he again punches Gargano with the injured hand.
[Tom] I'll defer to the Hall of Famer.
Beth, sometimes, that's a course of habit, right?
[Beth] Sometimes, you're operating on your heart,
not necessarily your smarts,
and I feel like this was one of those instances.
The bones in the hand are small and fragile,
and when you hit as hard as Keith Lee, sometimes they break.
[Mauro] And Gargano has shown legendary heart throughout his NXT career,
the first triple crown winner, and again, looking to make history here.
Not only neutralizing the injured left hand,
but cross-facing the injured eye,
grinding away at the injured pupil of Keith Lee.
[Beth] And like it or not, Johnny Gargano may have identified
the kryptonite in Keith Lee.
[Mauro] Gargano digging away at the eyes, and maybe risking disqualification,
because Keith Lee, while compromised…
You know, the referee has to stay on top of that, Tom.
Johnny Gargano, we understand, will try to win by any means necessary.
You gotta give Keith Lee the benefit of the doubt.
[Tom] Absolutely right. The champion's advantage does go to Keith Lee.
So, if there is a disqualification, the title does not go to Johnny Gargano.
-Oh! -Ooh!
[Mauro] But Gargano, Beth, doing a good job of beating down
the bigger North American champion, and exhibiting that newfound aggression.
[Beth] Well, this speaks to the experience of Johnny Gargano.
You can see the NXT universe expressing their feelings about his tactics tonight.
But Gargano walks that line so well.
[Mauro] And again… Wow, on the turnbuckle!
[Lee yells in pain]
[Mauro] Keith Lee screaming in pain!
[Beth] The delicate phalanges.
[crowd boos]
Don't boo me!
[Mauro] Good impression of Gorilla Monsoon and Gordon Solie, Beth.
[Beth] The best.
-Epic. -[laughter]
[Mauro] You know, it was Keith Lee who said that…
Gargano going for the cover!
Keith Lee admitted that Gargano put a dent in his armor
with the attack with the keys and the hand,
but it's Johnny Gargano here, looking to put the Cobra Clutch on Lee.
[Beth] And take a look how Gargano, using the bone of his own thumb
to rest in the eye socket of Keith Lee,
continuously rubbing against that torn cornea.
[Mauro] And he's just… He's walking the razor's edge, Tom,
of breaking the rules. Again, displaying high ring IQ.
[Tom] This is the Johnny Gargano way, nowadays.
My question is, Johnny Gargano, is he more dangerous now
or before he started the Johnny Gargano way?
You have to argue that Gargano is more dangerous now,
in a TakeOver situation like this, than he was before.
[Mauro] You're right. And, Beth, you can be meaner,
doesn't mean you're more dangerous,
but, for Johnny Gargano, it's proven to be the case thus far.
[Beth] Gargano has made it all about him.
He's removed all distractions from his life,
and he's focused purely on winning.
[Mauro] You know, Lee, a boa constrictor,
and they say if you control the head, you control the body.
And Gargano doing a good job of really working
on the visage of the North American Champion.
[Beth] Look at him continuing to bring on the pressure!
[Mauro] Ooh! What an elbow!
[crowd boos]
[Beth] So much impact to the orbital bone.
[Mauro] Oh, Springboard Stomp again.
Johnny Gargano, using all of the real estate to his advantage.
Floats over for the cover!
Doesn't hook the leg,
and the bigger Keith Lee, able to power out.
[Beth] Gargano's gotta stay on Keith Lee. Had to work so hard to get him down,
he's gotta keep him down.
[Mauro] Well, we saw Mia Yim and Candice LeRae collide in our opener,
the six-woman tag-team match, and oh! The fishhook by Gargano.
So, both couples, embroiled in this rivalry.
And Johnny Gargano really doing a great job of keeping Keith Lee grounded.
Bask in the glory!
-[crowd boos] -[crowd chants] Johnny sucks!
[Beth] Again, continuing to poke and prod Keith Lee.
May not be the wisest thing to do, Johnny.
[Mauro] "Johnny wrestling" chants replaced by "Johnny sucks" chants, Tom.
[Tom] That's the NXT universe,
and it's a little more amplified when we're In Your House.
[Mauro laughs]
[Lee groans]
[Mauro] Oh, and it's Johnny Gargano, looking to amplify his attack
with those open palm strikes, the Shoteis.
[crowd chanting] Lee! Lee!
[Beth] Mocking Keith Lee.
[Mauro] Oh!
Keith Lee attacking the breadbasket,
but again, nursing that left injury, the left hand.
And now, Gargano… See, that's the healthy hand,
and what a grip by Lee!
[Beth] Lee may not be able to see him, but he sure can feel him!
[Mauro] And he's making adjustments, using the left forearm
instead of the hand, but missing with the Avalanche.
Ducks under the clothesline.
Gargano, utilizing his speed advantage.
Step-up Enziguri,
and Gargano looking for the Spear but misses.
[crowd] Ooh!
[Beth] Wow!
[Mauro] Wow!
And Lee cracking the back of Gargano, goes for the cover.
And Johnny Gargano doing just enough, Beth, or, Tom, to kick out.
[Tom] Watch this, boom! Right to the back of the neck.
Keith Lee got enough of that to slow down Gargano, and then.
if enough damage hadn't been done to the neck and upper back,
Keith Lee attacked there.
[Beth] Keith Lee still struggling with ring awareness,
trying to get his hands on Gargano.
[Mauro] Throughout his career, Keith Lee has shown
that he can move around as quickly as a guy the size of Gargano.
But now, Lee putting all of his weight…
-[Tom] Ooh, the hand! -…on Gargano,
but Gargano escapes through the legs.
And now, nails Lee with a left and a right forearm.
[crowd] Ooh!
[Mauro] Wow! But all it takes is one counter to send Gargano crashing down.
[Beth] Like being hit by a cinder block!
-Ooh! -[Mauro] Oh, wow!
[Beth] I dunno if Johnny wants to get back up.
[Mauro] Gargano pops right back up. When you're looking to become
two-time NXT North American champion, you will do whatever it takes.
And, Tom, you would think that Gargano wouldn't get the better of Lee
in the striking exchange!
And there is Keith Lee, with the injured arm!
[Tom] And, Mauro, to your point, went for the striking exchange,
and now trying to extend the arm into an armbar,
but has also got a good grip on those loose fingers.
-[Mauro] Oh, my God! -[Beth] Oh, my God!
[Mauro] This is… I mean, it's always incredible.
It's alw… Oh, wow!
Excruciating joint manipulation by Johnny Gargano!
The only person who might be appreciating this is Pete Dunne.
-[Tom] Oh! -[Mauro] Wow!
[Tom] Keith Lee curled Johnny Gargano.
-[crowd] Ooh! -[Beth] Oh!
[Mauro] But the clothesline by Gargano, another one.
Chipping away.
And wow! What a clothesline!
It was like a fly swatter by Lee! Lee goes for the cover!
And somehow, Johnny Gargano continues to stay alive
in his pursuit of history.
[Tom] And take a look at this. Boom! What a clothesline by Keith Lee tonight,
in defense of his North American Championship.
[Mauro] Beth, talk about the impact,
what a clothesline like that does to your opponent.
[Beth] Well, the first thing it does is knock the wind out of you.
You can see Johnny Gargano is struggling just to get to his feet,
let alone suck in the wind, get the oxygen back in his body.
Lee is in control.
[crowd jawing]
[Mauro] Lee…
admitting that Gargano did even the playing field
with his merciless attack with the key, and then attacking the hand.
Keith Lee continues to show off his strength,
and yet Johnny Gargano attacking the hand, and those heel strikes!
Old school MMA, with the heel strikes on Lee!
But the roll-up here by Gargano!
Gargano looking to become new North American Champion,
but Keith Lee says "no way".
[crowd chanting] Gargano sucks!
[Tom] John Cena would approve of this.
-[Mauro] Yes. -[Beth laughs]
You gotta hand it to Johnny Gargano, a cerebral, intellectual wrestler.
Continuing to go back to that injured hand
-and eye socket. -[Mauro] Using his head right there.
[Beth] Absolutely, and if he [indistinct]…
If he's got a kitchen sink, that might help, too.
[Mauro] He's continuing to just focus his attack
on Keith Lee's face and hand, and just looking to knock down the giant,
but wow!
There's Gargano, looking for the Satellite DDT.
Now, transitions into a Gargano Escape.
Oh, Discus Elbow misses for Lee!
Superkick catches the North American champion,
but then, a Battering Ram Headbutt, Fireman's Carry.
Lee, looking for the Big Bang Attack!
Roll-up by Gargano!
Hooks the leg, and Lee kicks out!
[Beth] Oh, ho, ho!
[crowd clapping]
[Beth] It doesn't get any closer than that!
[Mauro] Oh!
And Gargano lands another kick.
Pop-up, and what a slam by Keith Lee!
Gargano, fortuitously rolling out of the ring
to buy himself some valuable time, Tom.
[Tom] It's any sort of instance like this, when Keith Lee can finally
get his mitts on Johnny Gargano, that it's heavy impact.
Gargano, to your point, desperately needs this time.
[Mauro] Beth, there have been so many incredible
North American title matches, as we revisit the action.
This was moments ago, and this one-arm Spine Buster by Keith Lee
just an example of the power.
[Beth] And to your point, guys, Gargano's had time to recover, but so has Keith Lee.
[Mauro] Johnny Gargano became NXT North American Champion
at TakeOver: Phoenix, in January of 2019,
dethroning Ricochet,
and tonight, looking to do the same to an injured Keith Lee.
And again, Gargano continues to focus his attack, and why not?
On the injured left hand…
Gargano, with the Toll-Pay into the DDT!
[crowd jawing]
[Mauro] Champion's advantage.
Gargano has to somehow… And he's aware of it.
-[Beth] Uh oh! -He has to somehow get Keith Lee
into the ring to become the new NXT North American Champion.
Oh, talk about "can't wait".
[Tom] Well, now you've gotta get 330 pounds of Keith Lee
-back in the ring. -Oh, my God!
[Beth] He might need to go get a weight belt.
[Mauro] Referee is administering the count!
And Johnny Gargano, breaking the count, wisely so.
But it's also going to give Keith Lee an opportunity
to take some deep breaths in those lungs of his.
[ref] Keep it inside. What're you doing? I said, enough!
[Beth] Gargano's got a plan B here.
[ref] Johnny, stop! I said [indistinct], let's go!
-[Tom] Referee… -[Mauro] Oh! Oh, the pounce!
Mamma mia!
More pounce to the ounce,
as Keith Lee sends Johnny Gargano through the plexiglas!
What a body check!
[Tom] Face, meet boards, boards, meet face!
Johnny Gargano went down like a sack of hammers!
Watch this one more time.
This is incredible!
Keith Lee, boom!
Sending Gargano into the plexiglas, very timely.
Now, we said that [indistinct],
and there goes Johnny Gargano!
[Mauro] Reminiscent of what Keith Lee did to Adam Cole.
And of course, Cole getting set to defend the NXT championship
against the Velveteen Dream, in a Backlot Brawl.
But this one has turned into a brawl!
[Beth] Guys, I think a new gif was just born.
-[woman] Yeah! -[man] Let's go, c'mon!
[Mauro] And again, Keith Lee needs to get himself and Gargano back into the ring.
Although, for Keith Lee, he wouldn't mind maybe being counted out,
because he retains the title.
[Tom] Mauro, I understand your point, but we know what Keith Lee's all about,
especially after the humiliation from the mixed tag-team match
this past Wednesday night, on NXT. This is personal for Keith Lee.
He wants to make a statement against Gargano.
[Mauro] You never accuse Keith Lee of phoning it in.
And now, unlike Johnny Gargano, trying to get Lee into the ring.
Look at… Look at Keith Lee!
-[Tom] That's a surprise. -[Mauro] Whoa, whoa!
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] Uh oh! I'd turn around if I were you, Candice.
Oh, and Candice LeRae and Mia Yim renew hostilities!
[Beth] Nice try, LeRae.
[Mauro] And it's couples' chaos, at In Your House!
[Tom] All in the middle of this NXT North American Championship match!
[indistinct]
[crowd cheering]
[Mauro] Johnny Gargano… Whoa!
Gargano reaching into those trunks for the key!
Oh, and Gargano!
Gargano, digging away at the injured eye of Keith Lee!
What the hell is wrong with you, Gargano?
One Final Beat!
Johnny Gargano!
The journey, Gargano way!
No way!
[Tom] The official never saw Johnny Gargano use the key.
The official was involved with Yim and LeRae.
[Beth] Gargano was positive that would do the trick to take Keith Lee down,
and he was wrong.
[Mauro] A titanic struggle, and there's that kick by Gargano!
This could be it!
-No! -[Tom] Whoa!
[Mauro] Kicking out with authority!
Oh, but another kick!
And Keith Lee is down again.
Johnny Gargano, with the cover,
and again, Lee launches him.
[Tom] Rough couple of days for this ref.
[Mauro laughs] Yeah, and what a night so far,
but Gargano! As he kicks him again!
Will this be the charm?
No!
Incredible, titanic struggle for the NXT North American Championship!
A styles clash, but definitely a match that is living up to its billing.
[Beth] Gargano is absolutely perplexed!
[Mauro] The "perplexi-glass".
[crowd cheering]
[Tom] Johnny Gargano…
Johnny Gargano has used every tactic imaginable
to keep Keith Lee down, and it's not working.
[Mauro] There is no quit in Keith Lee's vocabulary.
And speaking of vocabulary, work…
Work, work, it's all about John…
[crowd member yells]
[groans]
-You can see Gargano… -What's the matter with Johnny Gargano?
[Beth] Standing on the fingers of Keith Lee.
[Mauro] Oh, but Lee lifts up Gargano!
Lee, about to deliver the Spirit Bomb!
Despite the injured left hand!
That will definitely give Keith Lee an opportunity
to fight back into this NXT North American championship match.
And, Tom, Keith Lee has had to endure many trials and tribulations
to not only become an NXT superstar, but to public a North American champion.
He's not going to capitulate!
[Tom] Add to the Spirit Bomb, it could be a matter of moments.
-One more time! -[Beth] Oh!
-[Mauro] Oh, my! -[Beth] Oh, no!
[Mauro] Oh, but here it comes! Keith Lee, with the Big Bang Catastrophe!
[crowd] …two, three!
-[bell rings] -[Mauro] Keith Lee…
remains North American champion!
[Alicia] …and still the NXT North American champion, Keith Lee!
[Mauro] And on this night,
the Johnny Gargano way fell by the wayside.
Keith Lee remains limitless,
as the NXT fans, once again, bask in his glory.
[Keith Lee's music playing]
[Tom] Ultimately, you gotta ask if the Johnny Gargano way
helps Johnny TakeOver overall in this matchup.
It certainly did at times, but not in the outcome, as you can see here.
Johnny Gargano, earlier on in this matchup,
grabbed the keys [indistinct], and you could see this…
This was actually into the uninjured eye of Keith Lee.
So Keith Lee, both his eyes sustained damage
in the last week, courtesy of Johnny Gargano.
This superkick right to the back of the neck by Gargano
nearly captured the North American championship for Johnny Gargano.
But then, there was Keith Lee, with a Spirit Bomb
of monumental proportions, but Keith Lee wasn't done.
Shaking off the pain in his hands, he went for a second Spirit Bomb.
And then, a fabulous transition by Keith Lee
to set up for the Big Bang Catastrophe!
Keith Lee retains the North American championship at TakeOver: In Your House.
[music continues]
[narrator] Promotional consideration, paid for by the following.
[narrator] Good Humor WWE Superstar cookie sandwich.
Rich, creamy…
and just 150 calories,
these frozen snacks are a delicious way to indulge.
Good Humor WWE Superstar cookie sandwich,
the perfect pick-me-up to keep in your freezer.
[Beth] Well, as the evening of nostalgic competition continues,
we see the confident, the dominant, the NXT Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair,
warming up for competition, in her quest to prove to the world
she's the greatest of all time.
Will the queen walk out of In Your House with her crown?
[Tom] We'll find out later on tonight.
But this is up next.
The spotlight is on.
Dream versus Cole
for the NXT title in a backlot brawl.
Can the Velveteen Dream
end Adam Cole's record setting reign as champion?
[Cole] There's only one man
who has earned his right
to become NXT champion.
And that man
is Adam Cole, baby.
[Mauro] We have a new NXT champion!
[Cole] Why is Adam Cole
the greatest NXT champion of all time?
[crowd] Adam Cole, baby!
[Mauro] Adam Cole has been the golden child
wherever he has competed around the world.
You know Adam Cole, baby?
I am the longest reigning
NXT champion of all time.
It is no longer an opinion.
It is a fact.
I rule the NXT Championship.
Boom.
It's been one year
since I became NXT champion.
It's a beautiful thing to look people in the eye
with facts and tell them
that I am the leader of this brand,
and nobody has been or can stop me.
Adam Cole, your reign is one year champion.
Congratulations,
the Dream is not impressed.
The Dream had you beat one, two, three.
[Mauro] Incredible turn of events.
Velveteen Dream should be
the new NXT champion.
The NXT Championship needs
the Velveteen Dream
just as much as Adam Cole needs
Roderick Strong, Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish.
[Mauro] But here comes the Velveteen Dream
wiping out the NXT champion.
Velveteen Dream deserves another chance
at your NXT Championship.
At NXT TakeOver: In Your House.
[Cole] After I beat Velveteen Dream at TakeOver,
I want you to say Velveteen Dream
will never get another shot at my NXT Championship.
I'll agree to that.
But with one caveat.
I will find a location that will shine the spotlight
on both of your incredible talents
in a setting that is worthy
of the NXT Championship.
Deal.
[Tom] It's a backlot brawl
at TakeOver: In Your House.
Adam Cole can't run.
He can hide,
but Velveteen Dream is coming in his house.
[Cole] After you are beaten
and you realize that you will never
become the NXT champion,
maybe then you'll realize your experience
belongs nowhere near
my precious NXT Championship.
That's undisputed.
Adam Cole, dream over.
[cheers from inside the cars]
[Mauro] We are set for the backlot brawl
for the NXT Championship.
[tense music playing]
[crowd cheers]
[Mauro] The first backlot brawl
in black and gold history.
And here comes the man who rules
the black and gold, Adam Cole.
[rock music playing]
[Mauro] And, Beth,
Adam Cole bringing the heavy artillery in this truck.
[Beth] Mauro, I have never seen
anything quite like this.
But, man, what a way to ride in style.
Hand it to the Undisputed Era.
[Mauro] And, Tom, Cole looking to roll over
the Velveteen Dream tonight in what has to be
one of the most unpredictable matches
in NXT history.
[Tom] I'm getting Cena-Guerrero vibes a little bit.
But this one is going to be different.
Adam Cole normally a limousine guy,
but riding in here with more oomph.
I'm the one who runs this brand.
Nobody is gonna beat me
for my NXT Championship.
Nobody! Because I rule NXT!
[Dream's music playing]
[Mauro] Adam Cole, of course, this match,
part of negotiations with NXT GM,
William Regal, who was involved in a memorable backlot brawl
with Fit Finlay.
Well, here comes the challenger,
the Velveteen Dream.
Guys, I was kind of expecting
the Dream to show up in a little red Corvette,
but you can't go wrong with a Lambo.
[Beth laughs] This is definitely an upgrade, Mauro.
Riding in style for sure.
[Mauro] Yeah, smooth ride.
However, this backlot brawl
promises to be anything but a smooth ride
for both champion and challenger.
[Velveteen Dream's music continues]
[Tom] This is what the Velveteen Dream wanted.
The spotlight alone on him and Cole.
Guys, check this out.
[inaudible] vibes.
[laughter]
[Mauro] Is that Lucille?
Hope I haven't kept you too long, Cole.
[fans shout]
And new NXT champ.
Oh, yeah.
It belongs to the Dream.
[kiss sound]
Dream, Cole!
This is for the NXT Title.
Anything goes.
The match must end inside this ring.
Only reason I'm here, guys,
is to determine the winner.
Regal told me
to tell you men,
enjoy your spotlight.
Have at it, boys.
[Mauro] Let's not forget Velveteen Dream,
as part of the negotiations that Cole had with Mr. Regal,
if Velveteen Dream does not beat Cole tonight,
he will never get another opportunity
at the NXT Championship
as long as Cole is king.
[crosstalk]
I do whatever I want.
Alright--
You want to fight me, you're carrying a bat.
Put the bat down.
Fight me like a man.
You're so big, you're so bad. Fight me like a man.
Bring your ass here, Adam Cole.
[Cole] Put it down.
Put it down.
Anything for you, baby.
[crowd boos]
[Mauro] Members of the Undisputed Era
helped Adam Cole retain the title
against Velveteen Dream.
Dream does have a pinfall victory
over Cole in a Tag-Team match.
But this is it for the Velveteen Dream, guys.
The opportunity he's been waiting for.
The spotlight jury-rigged
in the form of these car lights.
And I guess Cole doesn't appreciate
Dream's sartorial spender.
A quick roll-up here by the Dream.
[Beth] Dream looking to end this one quickly.
[Mauro] Backslide by the Velveteen Dream.
Oh, and Cole able to escape.
[Beth] For months, Dream using psychological--
[Mauro] Oklahoma Roll
and the two and a half count, wow.
Dream looking to win the NXT Championship
in record fashion.
And Adam Cole has his track shoes on
and then delivers a big boot to the challenger.
Ground and pound by the NXT champion.
[crowd boos]
[Cole] You hear me?
[crowd boos]
You don't deserve it!
I'm leaving!
[Mauro] What do you mean he's leaving?
[indistinct fan shouts]
[Mauro] Adam Cole has downgraded
his mode of transportation.
He just wants to get the hell out of Dodge.
I don't think that's a Dodge, though, Beth.
[Beth] It's gonna end up in the shop, is what's gonna happen.
Put your ass out of the car--
[Mauro] Well, Adam Cole,
Velveteen Dream, Tom,
wants to ensure that Cole ends up in the hospital
without the NXT Championship.
[Tom] Oh, my God! Look at Dream go.
-[metal clang] -[Beth] Cole is trapped.
This is not over!
Get out the car!
Get out!
[Beth] Dream still--
Oh!
[male voice] Oh, God!
[Mauro] Dream able to thwart Adam Cole
but then Cole comes back with a right hand.
And they are slugging it out
in this backlot brawl.
The first of its kind
for the NXT Championship.
[female voice] Did somebody call for an Uber?
[Mauro] Somebody called for an Uber?
Maybe Adam Cole did, trying to get away
from this NXT Championship match.
You might want to leave, ma'am. Come on.
[Mauro] Just leave a good rating.
[laughter]
Dream, to win this thing you've gotta get it in the ring.
[crosstalk]
[Mauro] You never know what's gonna happen in a backlot brawl.
And that's what makes it
so compelling and so dangerous.
[fans shout]
You can't walk away!
Oh, no!
[Mauro] It is In Your House, and Adam Cole
trying to enter a different address.
You remember!
[Beth] Trying to take out the trash.
[Mauro] Wow!
And Velveteen Dream reminding Cole
of what the UE did to Dream,
putting him on the shelf for months.
And, of course, Velveteen Dream
went after Roderick Strong,
but, Tom, it proved to be a bit of a ruse.
He sacrificed a win in a cage match against Strong
only to get his hands on Adam Cole.
[Tom] Finally he's got his hands on Adam Cole.
But look at the way Cole begging off
but using the environment of this backlot brawl to his advantage.
[female voice] Nowhere to go!
[Mauro] And Adam Cole looking to get his 10,000 steps in
as he's looking for an escape.
There is no escaping this backlot brawl.
They can go anywhere.
[Beth] It's dark, difficult to see, weapons everywhere.
[Mauro] Both of them should be wearing night vision goggles
away from the spotlight.
Adam Cole, come out, wherever you are!
[metal crashing]
[loud knocks]
Hello?
Adam Cole!
[smoke hissing]
-Oh! -[Mauro] Oh!
[Mauro] Well, that was behind door number one
as Adam Cole looking to extinguish
Velveteen Dream's championship aspirations.
[coughing]
[Tom] Fire extinguisher at In Your House,
Shawn Michaels would love this.
You hear me?
[Beth] Cole was laying in wait,
biding his opportunity.
[female voice] Come on, Dream!
[Mauro] And, Beth, when you talk about strategy,
can you even talk about a strategy
in a backlot brawl?
[Beth] I have no idea how you would prepare for this.
This is unlike anything we have ever seen.
Vehicles, bodies, weapons.
[Mauro] And plenty of horsepower on display, too,
of the top performers,
two of the top competitors in NXT.
And that is why they are battling
for the NXT Championship.
It has reached 372 days,
the longest title reign
for the NXT Championship.
And Adam Cole wants to remain undisputed.
[boos]
[Beth] And for a great deal of that time,
Dream has been on Cole's heels, on his tail.
The bane of his existence.
[Mauro] And, Tom, we can't overstate the stakes of Velveteen Dream.
This is his last chance at Adam Cole.
[Tom] Win or go home.
Why don't you just quit, Dream?
Huh?
Why don't you just quit?
You won't because you're stupid.
You're stupid!
[fans chant]
[indistinct fan shouts]
I'm the best.
[Mauro] Adam Cole bringing the fight
to the Velveteen Dream.
Dream struggles to get back up to his feet.
And is able to attack Adam Cole
and send Cole scurrying.
[indistinct fan shouts]
[Beth] You see Cole clutching his collarbone and throat.
[crowd] Oh!
[Mauro] Oh, and he's gonna be clutching his face
after it gets driven
into the turnbuckle of the ring.
And, Tom, usually all of the action is in the ring.
But not under backlot brawl rules.
[Tom] A lot of options for Velveteen Dream.
Now from the apron, oh!
[Mauro] Double axe handle
to the back of Adam Cole's neck.
Velveteen Dream turning the tables.
Velveteen Dream looking to become
NXT champion.
But they are too close to the bottom rope
and Adam Cole able to roll out of the ring.
[boos and claps]
[Beth] Cole asking for a time-out.
[male voice] No time-outs, champ!
[Mauro laughs] Yeah!
[Mauro] There is no crying and no time-outs
in professional wrestling.
As Velveteen Dream, remember he took out Cole
with the Purple Rainmaker.
Cole had it well scouted, Tom,
met him with a superkick.
You know what. Adam Cole's timing, second to none.
What do I have to do to you?
[crowd] Come on, champ!
[fan] Come on, Dream.
Come on, Dream.
Let's go, Dream.
Get up!
[Mauro] Is the Dream going to be over?
[thud of kick]
[Mauro] Oh, but now Velveteen Dream showing
that he has effective timing as well, Beth.
[Beth] And Adam Cole is absolutely laid out.
This could be the moment for Velveteen Dream.
He's got to capitalize right away.
[Mauro] And, Tom, remind everyone
the only way that a pinfall or submission can happen.
[Tom] It's gotta happen inside the ring and that's the issue.
Dream is trying to get Cole inside the ring.
Cole is evading him every turn.
Oh!
[Mauro] What a powerslam on the hood.
…the Velveteen Dream, Adam.
Dream over real soon.
[Mauro] Velveteen Dream
sending an ominous message to Adam Cole.
And now bringing in the ladder
as Velveteen Dream has consistently climbed
the NXT ladder.
He needs one final run.
[thuds of punches]
[Mauro] Brutal assault here by Velveteen Dream
on the NXT champion.
…championship.
That's what you've gotta worry about, champ.
That title.
[crowd] Yeah!
[fan] Let's go, Dream!
[Mauro] Tom, I don't think it takes a psychic
to tell us what's about to happen.
The Dream, the baddest dream you'll ever know,
the baddest dream you'll ever see.
The baddest dream outside your sleep, Adam Cole.
[horns blowing]
[Tom] Could be dream over for Adam Cole?
[Mauro] Oh, wait a minute!
[Mauro] Oh, and Adam Cole able to take advantage.
Of course, it's the other members of the UE,
Roderick Strong, Bobby Fish.
That's what I'm talking about.
Adam Cole!
[Mauro] The numbers are always stacked.
[glass breaking]
[Tom] Oh!
[Mauro] Mamma mia,
Cole falling as hard as rain.
And his NXT Championship reign
may be circling the Dream.
[Tom] Oh, look at the damage done to Cole
right into the windshield of that car.
[punching sounds]
[Mauro] Here come the other members of the UE,
attacking, swarming the Velveteen Dream.
Dream trying to valiantly fight back.
[cheers and boos]
[Mauro] Meanwhile, what's the health status
of the NXT champion, Adam Cole?
[indistinct fan shouts]
[Mauro] We know that Dream
is not doing too well at the moment.
You know what to do.
Oh, God.
Let's go.
[Tom] This is what Dream has been dealing with
with the Undisputed Era since late last year.
[male voice] What do you guys want?
[Mauro] And Adam Cole, Beth, said that.
"You know what to do."
Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish
doing the handiwork for the NXT champion.
[Tom] Oh, no.
[Mauro] I'm having an ECW flashback here.
[metal crashing]
[Beth] This is not good.
[metal crashing]
I'm gonna get that one.
[boos]
I got it.
I've got this--
[metal scraping]
[Mauro] What the…
What the hell was that?
[Mauro] That was freaky.
Oh, my!
The tortured artist Dexter Lumis.
And he's been fixated on the UE.
And, of course, he's battled Roderick Strong.
-[loud thud] -[Mauro] Ow!
[male voice] Jesus!
[Mauro] Here in the backlot brawl,
Lumis getting in touch
with his dark passenger,
just like another Dexter.
And looking to put Roderick Strong in the trunk.
Something tells me Bobby Fish
is about to join him.
[Beth] Is this life imitating art?
[Mauro] While Dexter Lumis…
[engine revving]
[Mauro] is taking care of Bobby Fish
and Roderick Strong.
[tires squealing]
[Mauro] They will no longer be a factor
in this backlot brawl.
Oh, my.
[male voice] Get up!
[Beth] Peeling himself off of that shattered windshield.
[Tom] Cole knows what he has to do,
he's gotta get back inside the ring
if he wants to finish this backlot brawl.
[Mauro] Say what you will about Cole,
but the fact that he is crawling,
struggling to get back to the ring,
shows the guts, the grit
the determination to be the best.
And in order to be the best,
you have to overcome adversity.
[female voice] Come on, Dream!
[Mauro] And Adam Cole,
high risk.
Going all the way it appears to the top.
Velveteen Dream in that ocean of steel chairs.
Adam Cole has Dream in his sights.
[loud thud]
[Mauro] Panama Sunrise.
[Tom] Call it the Dream Valley Driver.
[Mauro] And Adam Cole with a two-count.
[cheers and boos]
[Mauro] Wow, it was so close
to ending right there.
As Adam Cole looking to vanquish
the Velveteen Dream.
[Beth] And fortunately for Cole,
just missing those steel chairs.
[Mauro] Velveteen Dream
doesn't want to miss
the final opportunity to beat Adam Cole
for the NXT Championship!
[fans shout]
[Mauro] Purple Rainmaker through the chair!
Adam Cole in a supine position.
Will Velveteen Dream
become the new champion?
No.
Adam Cole,
Adam Cole remains in this fight.
And, guys, that's exactly what this is,
a drag-'em-down-and-out fight.
[crowd cheers]
[female voice] Let's go, Dream!
Every era is meant to end.
Baby, do you hear it?
That's the sound of your dream
coming to an end.
Or, as I like to say,
dream over.
Oh!
[Mauro] Oh!
Oh, wow.
Adam Cole scrambling
Velveteen Dream's eggs.
And Adam Cole turning the tables
in the nastiest of ways.
[Tom] It's all within the rules of this backlot brawl.
[Mauro] That it is and Adam Cole
with the Panama Sunrise
on the steel chairs!
Velveteen Dream's aspirations
of becoming NXT champion are over!
-[rock music playing] -[horns blowing]
[Mauro] Three hundred and seventy-two days
and counting
for NXT champion Adam Cole!
Victorious in NXT's first backlot brawl.
[horns blowing]
[Mauro] And, guys, the dream is indeed over
as long as Adam Cole
rules the NXT division.
The Velveteen Dream
will not get another opportunity
at becoming NXT champion.
Forever!
[Tom] And at the rate Adam Cole is going,
he may never lose the NXT Championship.
[rock music continues]
[Mauro] And a match that deserves
a chef's kiss for its brutality,
here at NXT TakeOver: In Your House.
Adam Cole continues
his record reign.
And while they weren't technically
in the house, they…
they tore the house down and then some.
Nobody, nobody can beat me for this!
Nobody!
[cheers and boos]
[boos]
Adam Cole, baby!
[horns blowing]
Man, what a show so far.
Hey, everybody, it's Todd Pettengill.
Literally trying to catch my breath
because of everything we have seen tonight.
But don't forget, got the main event coming up next.
And, of course, we wanna get you primed and ready.
What better way to do that
than by rocking some of your favorite NXT talent gear.
And we've got a bunch of it here.
We've got Rhea Ripley, the eyes on that shirt
kind of remind me of an old girlfriend
that didn't work out very well.
Of course, the Undisputed Era.
You've got Karrion Kross. You've got Io.
And you can get it all by calling 900-WWE-shop.
That's not--
No more 900-numbers?
When did that happen?
Folks, apparently,
technology has wiped out 1-900-numbers
and made them obsolete,
much like most of my wardrobe.
But not to fear.
You can still shop online
for all this incredible gear, wweshop.com.
There's no question about it.
We have created a palpable buzz
all over social media tonight.
Facebook is going crazy, Instagram, Twitter.
And, of course, my favorite, AOL chat.
Let's check in with a couple
of our greatest customers on AOL.
There they are, ladies and gentlemen.
D-Generation X!
Guys, the power button
is the one that looks like the Pac Man.
Yeah, it's on top.
You'll figure it out.
I'm gonna do some shopping,
so I have to unplug my computer.
I think my phone is plugged in right now,
so I don't know.
Anyway, I'll figure it out.
Back to you guys.
[Tom] Somebody tell DX
the files are inside the computer.
Well, in a matter of moments,
this one will be special.
The insidious Karrion Kross
makes his TakeOver debut.
Is the battle-tested Tommaso Ciampa
prepared for the walking doom
that is Karrion Kross?
[rock music playing]
[Ciampa] This is my 13th TakeOver.
And while each TakeOver is special in its own way,
this one feels a little bit different.
[tense music playing]
[Tom] Oh, my God!
[Mauro] Fall and pray.
Karrion Kross…
[Kross] Mr. Ciampa,
You are special.
NXT TakeOver, now that is special.
I'm going to make you feel something
that you have never felt in your life.
Tick-tock.
[Ciampa] You chose me, Karrion.
But I promise you this.
Will you find out there is special
and then there's Tommaso Ciampa.
[female voice] Fall and pray!
[glass breaking]
[rock music playing]
[singing] The end is here.
The end is here.
Fall and pray.
[crowd] Fall and pray!
[rock music intensifies]
[crowd] Fall and pray!
[intermittent beep]
[continuous beep]
♪ No one will survive ♪
♪ Yeah, no one will survive ♪
♪ There's no escape now No one will survive ♪
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making his way to the ring from Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
weighing in at 201 pounds,
Tommaso Ciampa!
[Mauro] Tommaso Ciampa looking to bring
hell to the devil that is Karrion Kross.
And, guys, Bonnie and Clyde,
Mickey and Mallory, Karrion and Scarlett,
all couples who revel in carnage.
And their first target,
one of the most dangerous,
most successful competitors in NXT history,
the former NXT champ,
Tommaso Ciampa.
[Beth] Mauro, the ocean of unbelievable talent in NXT,
Ciampa stands out.
Something about his presence.
Tonight for the first time I gotta ask,
Is there a crack in his own rock steady confidence
as he meets Karrion Kross in the ring?
[Mauro] Yeah, Kross, the walking doomsday clock.
Tick-tock.
And Scarlett, well, she told us
she puts the hot in psychotic.
And well, we've got the psycho killer against…
-Ring the bell! -[bell rings]
[Mauro] The intense Karrion Kross.
[fan] Let's go, Ciampa!
[slow claps]
[Mauro] Tommaso Ciampa surveying the landscape.
Look at Karrion Kross.
Tom, the stares say it all.
And Ciampa attacking Kross
and Kross barely budging.
[Tom] The psychological game
leading up to this match of Kross
trying to gain the advantage from Ciampa,
following one final beat.
Remember how Kross attacked Ciampa.
[Mauro] And Kross attacking Ciampa now.
But Ciampa, Beth, doing the right thing,
taking the fight to the imposing Kross,
who has run roughshod
over the competition here in NXT.
A master of suplexes,
well versed in catch wrestling and sambo.
This guy is a student
of so many martial arts disciplines.
[Beth] Of course, that suplex laying impact
to the surgically repaired neck of Tommaso Ciampa.
Speaking to Ciampa's resilience,
coming back so much quicker
than anybody else could ever have imagined
from his neck surgery.
That's okay. Come on.
[Beth] And you hear Scarlett coaching Karrion Kross.
[Mauro] Ciampa looking for Willow's bell,
but Karrion Kross
putting a stop to it.
And Kross with the double leg pickup
and Ciampa doing his best
to fight off Kross.
Oh, wow.
[Beth] Kross, 6'4", massive power for an athlete.
[loud thud]
[Mauro] Oh, and there's a big kick.
And Kross who studied the likes of Dr. Death, Steve Williams,
Toshi Yakikuwana and, of course,
Masa Saito with his Doomsday Saito.
But Ciampa facing doom here.
Oh, my God!
That again, Beth. To your point,
on his surgically replaced, repaired neck.
And Kross is merciless.
[Beth] Unbelievable whiplash.
[Tom] Watch this, bam, right there, high on the shoulder blades,
certainly gonna do damage to the neck.
Look at the sick smile on Karrion Kross' face.
[Mauro] Makes your skin crawl.
Ciampa has been through it all
and it's incredible.
[Beth] Kross reveling in the pain.
[Mauro] Kross has proven to be
an intimidating force
from the jump here in NXT.
And Tommaso Ciampa
who has been involved
in so many instant classics at TakeOver,
perhaps facing the toughest test of his career.
[Beth] I can't believe Ciampa
is even standing after that impact.
[Mauro] He's not gonna be standing for long.
[Beth] Another suplex.
[groaning in pain]
[Mauro] A scintillating souffle by Karrion Kross
stalking Ciampa.
I mean, Tom, have you ever seen
Ciampa being treated this way
so early in a match?
[Tom] Absolutely not.
The 265-pounder Karrion Kross
is manhandling Tommaso Ciampa.
We knew this coming into this matchup.
Was Tommaso Ciampa mentally vulnerable
following one final beat?
Kross is capitalizing.
[Mauro] Another suplex.
A smorgasbord of scintillating suplexes
as Karrion Kross beating down
a former NXT champion.
One of the faces of NXT,
Tommaso Ciampa.
Karrion Kross looks to overthrow the hierarchy.
[referee] One, two…
[Beth] Impact again to the knee across the jaw,
throwing Tommaso Ciampa's head
back against the buckle again.
[Mauro] Kross taking it back
to the UWFI days in Japan.
And he is bringing
the ruthless attack to Tommaso Ciampa.
And, Tom, he can hurt you in so many ways.
[Tom] Kross had his hands behind his back, he's that confident.
[Mauro] …suplex right into the mount.
[loud punch]
[Mauro] Oh, what a clothesline.
Beth, that was as vicious a clothesline
as we have seen.
[Beth] Incredible agility by Karrion Kross.
But I have never seen an athlete
quite this aggressive.
Take a look at this, Tom,
[Tom] Oh, this huge clothesline,
again high up on the chest
and the neck area of Tommaso Ciampa.
[Mauro] And Ciampa, usually the ruthless master manipulator.
And here a valiant effort by Ciampa,
slapping away at Kross.
Wanting to turn it into a slug fest.
Kross neutralizing Ciampa again,
but not for long.
The flurry of blows by Ciampa.
Step-up Enziguri and Kross is off his feet.
Kross is off his feet
and eats a knee from Ciampa.
[fans chant]
[Beth] Oh!
[Mauro] Oh, and there it is!
Willow's bell ringing the bell of Kross.
Karrion Kross may be mortal after all,
[indistinct fan shouts]
[Beth] Ciampa able to stun the big man.
Can he continue with this onslaught?
[crowd] Oh!
[groaning in pain]
[audience] Oh!
[Mauro] And Tommaso Ciampa,
are you at all surprised, Tom,
by Ciampa's resolve here against the--
[Tom] He's got to stay on this.
[Mauro] Looking for the fairy tale ending.
Countered by Kross into the fireman's carry.
Just tossing Ciampa
to the canvas.
[Beth] Did you see the height and elevation?
[Tom] Shades of the base from Kross.
[Mauro] Kross Jacket, looking for the Kross Jacket on Ciampa.
Ciampa's 13th TakeOver appearance
could be the shortest match
of his TakeOver tenure.
Ciampa in trouble.
[Tom] Down to the canvas. The Kross Jacket,
Tommaso Ciampa trying to reach out.
[groaning in pain]
[Mauro] Ciampa fading.
[bell rings]
[Mauro] Ciampa is out.
Karrion Kross devastatingly effective.
[Alicia] …Karrion Kross!
[Tom] Karrion Kross routed Tommaso Ciampa
tonight at TakeOver.
[Mauro] And, Beth, the end, well, it's here.
And the message is clear.
All anyone in NXT can do, it seems,
is fall and pray.
[Tom] And Karrion Kross' very first TakeOver match,
it was a hard fought battle at times
with Tommaso Ciampa.
This was the best opportunity that Ciampa had,
connecting with Willow's bell and an opportunity.
When Kross was on the outside of the ring,
but still Kross would continue to fight.
And then I said it before.
Shades of the beast incarnate
with this move here to Tommaso Ciampa.
And then it was the Kross Jacket,
Tommaso Ciampa caught in the clutches of Karrion Kross.
Tommaso Ciampa did not tap out.
[bell rings]
[Tom] He passed out at the hands of Karrion Kross.
[rock music playing]
[Mauro] Karrion Kross and Scarlett
here to ransack NXT's soul.
[Beth] Mauro, you said the end is here,
but the destruction has just begun.
[fans chant]
[rock music continues]
♪ You think you know what you want ♪
[Tom] You're listening to "Underneath" by Code Orange,
from the album Underneath,
an NXT loud theme song
for NXT TakeOver: In Your House.
Available now on Apple Music and Spotify.
And as you can see,
Code Orange joining us here
for NXT TakeOver: In Your House,
a spectacular performance of "Underneath" earlier tonight.
We want to tell you
the exclusive Code Orange NXT shirt
is available on wweshop.com
for only 24 hours.
And, Code Orange, Beth,
not the only ones it appears in the house.
[Beth] Oh, speaking of--
Looks like Robert Stone may have been up for 24 hours
after being unceremoniously fired by Chelsea Green.
Let's go back to our colleague Renee Young
and see if she's having a better time than Stone.
Hey, guys. Renee Young here doing a watch-along
of NXT TakeOver: In Your House.
What a night with this fun little retro vibe happening.
Here's the thing.
The party does not stop after the show
because immediately after,
I'm gonna be sitting down
interviewing the man behind NXT, Triple H.
You guys can head on over to his official Facebook page
to catch the whole interview.
[Tom] Thank you, Renee.
The game's gonna have his eyes on this.
The queen has ruled this brand since WrestleMania.
Tonight Charlotte Flair defends her NXT Women's title
against Rhea Ripley and Io Shirai
in a triple threat match.
All three of these superstars are prepared
for the gravity of this moment.
[rock music playing]
[Charlotte] To be crowned NXT Women's champion
is to be considered among the elite
of any women's division.
[Tom] Charlotte Flair has done it again.
Now I stand here
the two-time
NXT Women's champion.
[announcer] There is no debate.
Charlotte Flair is the most decorated female competitor
in WWE history.
And with her black and gold mantle reclaimed,
the queen's exposure brought a whole new light
onto the NXT Women's title.
[male voice] You know her as Miss WrestleMania.
[male voice 2] Charlotte Flair came away winning the NXT Championship.
[Charlotte] So I'm coming to NXT
to run through the best division in the WWE.
Next in line,
Io Shirai.
[announcer] Yes, Io Shirai.
The evil genius of the sky
who climbed the ladder
of the NXT Women's division to the top.
[Shirai] NXT needs Io Shirai as champion.
[announcer] Armed with guaranteed title opportunity,
Shirai faced off against Charlotte Flair
hoping to accomplish a dream.
But thanks to the tactics
of the dirtiest player in this game,
Charlotte managed to escape
as champion yet again.
[Mauro] This is how you represent
the NXT Women's division as champion?
[Tom] Wait a minute.
[Mauro] Rhea Ripley is back.
First time since losing the title
to Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania.
Get back in here!
[announcer] Despite her loss at WrestleMania,
the nightmare of NXT's Women's division
has returned her sights to the gold
as the stakes for glory continue to rise.
[Rhea] The NXT Women's Championship
has been shown on all three brands.
That means there's more viewers on it.
That's why I need to get
my NXT Women's Championship back.
And if I have to beat that into Io Shirai,
then so be it.
[Mauro] Unfinished business
in the NXT Women's division.
[Charlotte] Both of you will bow down to the queen.
[announcer] Three superstars with claims to the title.
[woman] These women are the biggest stars
and they're right where they deserve to be.
Io Shirai is an absolute badass.
Rhea Ripley is a force to be reckoned with
and you can see that hunger in her eyes.
For Charlotte, she's there to prove it's not their time.
[announcer] Three athletes looking to showcase their value.
I appreciate the ability
and the athleticism of Io Shirai.
History will fall from the sky.
Well, Charlotte Flair, she's a Flair.
Wooo!
If you didn't know
the future of women's wrestling was Rhea Ripley,
now you know.
I have only scratched the surface.
[announcer] Three of the world's greatest competitors
hoping to solidify their place in history.
One opponent.
[Charlotte] I'm the hardest worker on all three brands.
Two opponents.
[Rhea] I've scratched and clawed for years.
It does not matter.
[announcer] It's a triple threat match
for the NXT Women's Championship
and there's only room
for one throne in this house.
♪ This is my brutality ♪
[Mauro] What a way to cap off
this historic NXT TakeOver,
the first In Your House.
And it's time to raise the roof
as we get set for this triple threat match
for the NXT Women's Championship.
Former champ, Rhea Ripley!
By the way, Rhea,
the name of the planet Saturn's
second largest moon.
And tonight Ripley plans on wrestling rings
around Io Shirai and Charlotte Flair
in a match where Flair
doesn't have to be pinned or submitted
to lose the title.
[loud pounds]
[Beth] Rhea Ripley no stranger to making history.
See how excited everybody in the NXT Universe is
for this epic matchup.
These three women
historically enjoying main events.
In Your House main events
like Bret Hart versus The Undertaker,
Shawn Michaels versus Mankind,
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin versus Vince McMahon.
And tonight, Rhea Ripley
could make history by reclaiming
the NXT Women's Championship.
[Mauro] And, Tom, Ripley at just 23
has the potential to be a transcendent talent
capable of shifting excessive reality.
[Tom] I believe that was proven at WrestleMania.
The first time ever
that an NXT Championship was defended
at the showcase of the immortals.
And it was Rhea Ripley
who carried the NXT Women's title
into WrestleMania.
Tonight it is about one thing for Ripley.
Get the title back.
[electronic music playing]
[Mauro] We know in a triple threat match,
you probably wish you could do the exorcist head spin.
And Io Shirai, she's going to try to exorcize
the demons that have kept her from winning
the NXT Women's Championship.
Beth, pound for pound,
one of the most talented competitors
in all of wrestling.
[Beth] Absolutely.
Shirai did an interview with Sports Illustrated
and said her main goal is to show the world
that WWE has the best,
most competitive women's wrestlers.
She wants to use her abilities to change the way
our audience views women's wrestling forever.
And if anyone can do that, it's this young lady.
Internationally known
as one of the greatest of all time.
[Mauro] And Shirai looking
to hopefully make it third time the charm.
She's vied for the NXT Women's Championship
on two occasions here at TakeOver.
Coming up short against Shayna Baszler.
And, Tom, it was Shayna Baszler
that made Io Shirai snap.
[Tom] Yeah, very different situation.
Anything can happen in a triple threat match.
[rock music playing]
[Mauro] And, Tom, to paraphrase
her two-time WWE Hall of Fame father Ric Flair,
you've got to be the woman
to beat the woman.
[Tom] Listen to this statistic here.
Coming into this matchup, Io Shirai has been
in four title matches in WWE.
Rhea Ripley has been in eight title matches.
Charlotte Flair has been
in 66 championship matches
in her time in WWE.
You cannot discredit
the ability of Ripley and Shirai
to be in this situation.
But do not underestimate Charlotte Flair.
There is a reason
she is the women's champion in WWE.
[Mauro] And it was at the first TakeOver
that Charlotte Flair won her first NXT Women's Championship
against the ultra talented Natalya
in a tournament final.
[Beth] Absolutely a match that--
I mean, you could argue sparked a movement.
And I'll tell you what,
Charlotte Flair is here because she wants to be.
This about growth, success
and proving her worth in any division, on any show, everywhere.
Charlotte wants to be the hardest working woman in history
so that she remains the legend
that she wants to become.
[music continues]
[Mauro] Three of the most talented competitors,
three diverse talents.
But it's the Queen Charlotte Flair
raising the NXT Women's Championship,
one of the most prestigious prizes in this sport.
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is a triple threat match
for the NXT Women's Championship!
[crowd cheers]
[Alicia] Introducing the challengers,
first from Adelaide, South Australia,
Rhea Ripley!
[fans chant]
[Alicia] Next, from Tokyo, Japan,
Io Shirai!
[audience] Io! Io!
[Alicia] And from the Queen City,
she is the NXT Women's champion,
Charlotte Flair!
[crowd boos]
[Mauro] Three ladies who are wonder women, 1908,
make that 2020.
And the last time the women
main evented TakeOver,
we go back to respect in October 2015
where Bayley defeated Sasha Banks
in an instant classic iron woman match.
And tonight, the NXT Women's Championship
will hang in the balance
in a triple threat affair.
[indistinct fan shouts]
[Beth] So much pressure
on all three of these women.
[Mauro] Shirai looking to become
NXT Women's champion for the first time.
Ripley looking to
[boos]
[Mauro] defeat Charlotte Flair,
the person who beat her
at WrestleMania 36.
[Tom] This is wise by the queen.
There's no count-outs, no disqualifications.
Let Shirai and Ripley beat the hell out of each other.
[Mauro] One of the reasons
she is the NXT Women's champion.
[audience] You don't go here!
[Mauro] The intelligence.
[Beth] Let's not forget
Charlotte Flair disqualified herself
against Io Shirai using a kendo stick.
She's not afraid to go to some dirty tactics like her daddy.
[Mauro] NXT fans chanting "you don't go here".
Charlotte Flair saying she made here,
and she's making Rhea Ripley pay.
And there's a quick roll-up by Shirai.
And maybe Charlotte Flair
wants to introduce herself into the matchup
knowing she doesn't have to be pinned
or submitted to become ex-champion.
[boos]
[Beth] Tom, to your point, having been in so many title matches,
the experience of Charlotte Flair,
she's been in so many situations,
and knows how to rise to the occasion.
[Mauro] Let's not forget about the experience of Io Shirai,
the most experienced competitor.
A three-time Joshi Puroresu
star of the year in Japan.
She conquered the land of the rising sun
looking to become the sun here
in the NXT Women's division.
But not if Charlotte Flair has anything to say about it.
Fallaway Slam!
Come on!
[boos]
[Mauro] The genetically superior--
This is my house!
[boos]
Hey, you two are guests.
[loud slap]
[Mauro] And the knife edge chop.
[Beth] Wow.
-[loud slap] -[crowd] Oh!
[Mauro] And, Tom, it's Charlotte Flair
dishing out the punishment
early in this triple threat match.
[Tom] And this is how Charlotte Flair can command a match,
can dominate a matchup.
And look at Shirai and Ripley reeling right now.
Kneeling for the queen.
[indistinct]
Come on.
[Mauro] Oh, but Shirai and Ripley now
attacking Charlotte Flair.
Trying to remove her from the equation.
But there's Ripley
delivering a head butt to Io Shirai.
Remember their one-on-one matchup
was, well, interrupted by Charlotte Flair.
[Beth] A lot of bad blood
between these two women.
Ripley really needs a victory in this situation.
[Mauro] All three women have been at odds.
And they look to settle the score here tonight
as Flair drives her shoulder into Io Shirai
before Ripley takes Flair off the apron.
-[loud thud] -[audience] Oh!
[Mauro] Oh, wow!
Ripley crashing and burning outside the ring.
[Charlotte screams]
-[heavy impact] -[audience] Oh!
[Beth] Ripley's body viciously
driven into the barricade.
[Tom] One more look.
Rhea Ripley launched by the queen.
[Beth] And again, Flair admiring her handiwork.
[Mauro] There's Io Shirai
delivering the Frankensteiner from the apron.
And yes, there are many high-flying superstars,
but there's only one genius of the sky.
And, well, she may be seeing stars
after that move by Charlotte Flair
who, well, she is cleaning house
at In Your House.
[Beth] Flair began this matchup
very intelligently, being opportunistic.
Looking for the right moment.
[Mauro] Yeah, very focused,
very methodical.
And this is why Charlotte Flair
is the most decorated
women's champion in WWE history.
Twelve title reigns,
including equaling Shayna Baszler's mark
as the only two-time NXT Women's champ.
[Beth] And Flair has said again that she wants other women,
she wants to elevate other competitors
to come to her level.
She wants to bring people up everywhere she goes.
[Mauro] I think she wants to make sure the elevator is going down
for the likes of Io Shirai and Rhea Ripley.
Shirai lands on her feet.
Ducks underneath the clothesline.
Off the ropes.
And Io Shirai showcasing her athleticism.
But Charlotte Flair now--
[Tom] Great transition.
Great transition by the queen
into the Boston Crab.
Will she secure a tapout victory?
Tonight at TakeOver.
[Mauro] Just how flexible is Io Shirai, Beth?
[Beth] We see the height advantage there,
making this maneuver so much more painful.
[Mauro] Is Shirai going to tap?
[Beth] Shirai may reverse this.
[Mauro] Shirai with the up-kick
on Charlotte Flair and another one.
Shirai would love to do
what Gegard Mousasi did to Jacaré
over in Japan with the up-kick KO.
But now it's Rhea Ripley
hoping to knock off Charlotte Flair.
A vicious barrage of knee strikes.
[Beth laughs] Oh!
[Beth] Ripley with the war cry!
[Mauro] Basement dropkick by Rhea Ripley.
Io Shirai
launches in and catches Rhea Ripley.
So Io Shirai now the only one standing.
Looking for the tribute to Rey Mysterio,
it's the Tiger Feint Kick
or as Rey Mysterio calls it, 619.
Wow!
[Beth] Beautiful flexibility from Io Shirai.
[Mauro] Wow, quesadora and the double foot stomp.
Io Shirai a step ahead
of the competition.
Oh, and again, Tom, Io Shirai
taking it to the queen.
Looking to become a first-time champion.
[Tom] And really tagged Charlotte Flair with the dropkick there.
But Io Shirai has got to capitalize on this opportunity
with Rhea Ripley outside the ring.
[Mauro] Beth, when you handicap this match,
what are the biggest strengths of all three competitors?
[Beth] In a situation like this,
the biggest challenge is to have eyes
in the back of your head.
[Mauro] I was asking for their biggest strengths.
And for Rhea Ripley, looking for the Okada Roll.
Rhea Ripley showing off her strength.
Back elbow by Shirai.
And, wow, both of them
crash down hard.
Oh, man.
[fans chant]
[Beth] Ripley may be seeing stars.
[Mauro] What a night it has been
at NXT TakeOver: In Your House.
Will Charlotte Flair
cap off the evening by retaining
the NXT Women's Championship?
Will Ripley
become a two-time champion?
Or will Io Shirai finally soar to the sky
as a first-time NXT Women's champ?
Oh, wow.
[Tom] A double spear by Flair.
[Mauro] Back press, hooks the leg.
And Flair, Flair looking to finish off
Ripley and Shirai.
[Beth] Intelligent strategy again
by Charlotte Flair.
[Tom] Trying to take out both her challengers
at the same time.
Two opportunities for covers.
Watch this, boom!
Charlotte Flair bulldozing
through Ripley and Shirai.
[Mauro] The fact that Shirai and Ripley
were not exchanging pleasantries
proved to be, well,
valuable for Charlotte Flair
who was able to knock both down.
And it's Flair standing tall.
We have seen this in the past.
-[Mauro] Wait a minute. -[boos]
[Mauro] That's not becoming a queen.
[Beth] Wow.
Flair showing her mean and nasty side.
[indistinct fan shouts]
[Mauro] Well, she's the daughter
of the dirtiest player in the game.
And Charlotte Flair…
Well, Shirai is known for the Picture-Perfect Moonsault.
Charlotte Flair, oh,
she was crashed there
on the Moonsault attempt.
Roll-up by Shirai.
And now it's Ripley rolling up Shirai.
[Beth] Oh.
Ripley--
[Mauro] Ripley looking for the Riptide,
no, countered by Shirai.
[wrestlers scream]
[Mauro] And Shirai looking for the crossface.
[fans chant]
[Tom] Great opportunity here for Shirai
middle of the ring.
Charlotte Flair's NXT Women's Championship--
Oh, nearly slipped through her fingers.
[Mauro] And there's the queen's boot by Flair.
Goes for the cover.
Side press, hooks the leg.
And Ripley able to lift that right shoulder
before the referee hit the mat for a third time.
Charlotte Flair knows she is in a fight.
Knows she is in a struggle
to retain the title.
[Beth] And the demeanor has changed on Charlotte Flair.
No more gloating and smiling.
[Tom] Call that "natural selection", yeah.
[Mauro] Instead, Ripley selects
one of her diverse offensive tactics
and drives Flair face first into the canvas.
Springboard dropkick by Shirai.
Falling from the sky!
[crowd cheers]
[Tom] Take another look at this.
Io Shirai gets behind this dropkick.
Listen to the NXT Universe behind Shirai.
[Mauro] Shirai with the Bullet Train attack.
Double knees to Ripley.
And there's natural selection by Flair.
Goes for the cover!
Flair…
Shirai just shocking Flair.
[Tom] Charlotte Flair was nearly able
to slip away from this triple threat match
with the title.
Nearly, took the opportunity when it presented itself
as Ripley had rolled outside the ring,
nearly had Shirai one-on-one.
[Mauro] Beth, talk about what makes Charlotte Flair a special athlete.
What makes her the queen?
[Beth] Apart from her physical incredible,
everything she can offer athletically,
she works smarter, no harder.
[Mauro] …crucifix here by Shirai for a two-county.
And now looking for the figure-four.
Figure-eight!
Charlotte Flair putting the pressure
on Io Shirai 's lower extremities.
Is Shirai going to tap?
Not if Ripley has a say in this match.
[Beth] Ripley with a handful of hair.
[Tom] Ripley preventing the figure-eight.
[Mauro] And Ripley and Flair
going at it on the outside.
[Beth] This is nasty.
[Mauro] …rules.
No disqualification, no count-out.
And Io Shirai with the plancha
through the ropes!
Wiping out Ripley.
And Io Shirai is en fuego
at In Your House!
But then Charlotte Flair
extinguishing that flame in a hurry.
[boos]
[Beth] Flair surveying the damage,
always aware of her environment.
[Mauro] Oh, and Charlotte Flair
taking advantage of the environment.
Crashing through the… the window,
the In Your House set.
And Ripley, oh, planting Charlotte Flair.
And Flair looking for the spear.
Things are breaking down here, Beth.
[Beth] This is unbelievable.
This combustible rivalry
has been going on for months.
[Mauro] Tom, remember what went down
at WrestleMania 36.
Ripley and Flair
stealing WrestleMania weekend.
[Tom] Absolutely right.
The plot that Rhea Ripley hatched
following the Royal Rumble match
to get her opportunity against the queen
at WrestleMania.
[Mauro] NXT Women's Championship match at WrestleMania,
the two athletes making history.
Charlotte Flair wants Ripley to be history.
[wrestlers groan]
[Mauro] My goodness, it's just denigrated
into an all-out brawl.
The emotions, the tempers are flaring.
It's all about
the NXT Women's Championship,
the deepest division--
[Tom] Whoa.
[Mauro] …in WWE.
[Tom] Wait a minute!
[cheers and claps]
[Mauro] Io Shirai looking to do
some dancing on the ceiling.
The genius of the sky!
[Beth] No way.
[audience] Oh!
[Mauro] Joshi Judas, mamma mia!
[fans chant]
[Mauro] Holy bleep is right.
There are daredevils
and there's Io Shirai.
[Tom] From the top of the house,
Io Shirai takes to the sky
and brings down the house
wiping out Flair and Ripley below.
Watch this again.
Bam, down on the queen and the nightmare.
[Mauro] When did you ever think you would use that phrase, Tom?
[laughter]
[Mauro] Shirai from the top of the house.
[Tom] Only at TakeOver.
[audience] This is awesome!
[Mauro] And only in this thrilling triple threat
NXT Women's Championship match.
Beth, you've been a champion.
The youngest WWE Hall of Famer.
Talk about the evolution
of the women's division.
[Beth] Mauro, this is nothing short of inspiring
to see what these women are doing in this moment,
how they have elevated the sport, the competition.
This could be Io Shirai's moment in the sun.
[Mauro] No, Rhea Ripley short-circuits,
that Moonsault attempt.
Ripley blocking Shirai.
[Charlotte screams]
[Mauro] Oh, and a spear, wow.
Ripley avoiding the spear.
And it was Charlotte Flair
crashing hard into the corner.
And Charlotte Flair has been eliminated
from this triple threat match for the time being.
[Beth] This may allow Ripley enough time
to focus on Io Shirai and get a pinfall
before Flair can recover.
[Mauro] Ripley looking for the superplex.
Io Shirai able to stop it momentarily,
but Ripley has the size
and strength advantage.
[Beth] Shirai slipping her legs on the inside
to remain stable.
[Mauro] Good escape by Shirai.
Making life miserable for Rhea Ripley
on that top rope.
Io Shirai very confident.
Well versed in this area of the ring.
Io Shirai looking for the Frankensteiner.
Ripley stops it and then Charlotte Flair
with the queen's boot
to Shirai's midsection.
[Beth] Hard landing for Io Shirai.
[Mauro] Hard chops from Charlotte Flair.
[Beth] Now Flair looking to pick up where Io left off.
[Mauro] A monumental matchup.
Charlotte Flair in her second reign
as NXT Women's champion.
And here is Rhea Ripley.
Rhea Ripley looking for the Riptide.
Remember this is how she beat Shayna Baszler
to become the NXT Women's champion.
Ripley is going to be a two-time champion.
No!
Shirai stopping that from happening.
[fans chant]
[Beth] Shirai being driven by passion.
Continuing to get up.
[Mauro] Oh!
Ripley missing with the kick.
Shirai doesn't miss with these folly of strikes.
Io Shirai off the ropes.
And again, the quesadora.
This time Ripley stopping it with the wheelbarrow.
And Ripley looking for the Prism Trap!
The Prism Trap by Ripley.
Oh, wait a minute.
Tom, there's that kendo stick
that Charlotte Flair used.
[Tom] It's completely legal in a triple threat match.
No disqualifications.
[Mauro] And it was not legal
when she defended the title against Io Shirai.
But it's Charlotte Flair taking advantage of the fact
that there are no disqualifications
or count-outs, like you said.
And Charlotte Flair laying waste
to her challengers.
[Tom] It shows you the frustration of the queen
at this point, trying to find a way
to put away both Ripley and Shirai
and retain her title.
[Mauro] Well, it was Charlotte-- Oh, the spear.
What a spear by Charlotte Flair.
Charlotte Flair said she wants to elevate her opponents.
Well, she's been forced
to elevate her game here.
[Tom] Figure-four.
[Mauro] Can she turn it into a figure-eight?
[Beth] Ripley's legs so long, so strong.
It's very challenging to get into this position.
[Mauro] Oh, man, Charlotte Flair looking to make it two in a row
against Rhea Ripley.
Wait a minute!
[inaudible]
[Mauro] …of the sky.
[bell ringing]
[Mauro] Io Shirai has soared
to the greatest heights.
[Alicia] …and new NXT Women's champion,
Io Shirai!
[Mauro] And to paraphrase The Rock,
finally Io Shirai is NXT Women's champion!
[electronic music playing]
[Beth] What a journey for this young woman.
[audience] Io! Io!
[Mauro] A despondent Charlotte Flair.
[Beth] And a masterpiece of a performance.
Congratulations, Io Shirai,
you are new NXT Women's champion!
[Mauro] The genius of the sky got so high,
she saw the big guy.
And here's how it unfolded.
[Tom] Mauro, you're right.
Multiple times we saw Io Shirai
go to the air here in this matchup.
And it paid off.
This is an instance where Charlotte Flair
tossed Io Shirai into the window
here on the NXT TakeOver: In Your House set.
And then off the top of the front door,
it was Io Shirai who would take down Ripley and Flair.
Again, this was the Riptide from Ripley
that helped Rhea Ripley capture
the NXT Women's title from Shayna Baszler
once upon a time.
It was broken up by Io Shirai.
The match would continue.
Charlotte Flair with this enormous spear
and Charlotte would stay on Ripley,
going for the figure-four.
The means by which Flair
was able to get Rhea Ripley
to tap out at WrestleMania.
Charlotte Flair got into the figure-eight and then,
bam, this Moonsault from Io Shirai was brutal.
And helped Shirai become champion.
[music continues]
[Mauro] The celebration has begun
on a night we celebrate
another terrific TakeOver.
This one In Your House!
And I'm sure that Io Shirai
is going to have a huge house party
celebrating the fact
that she is the NXT Women's champion.
And does this remind us of Japan?
The streamers.
She conquered Japan.
She has now conquered NXT.
The genius of the sky, Io Shirai
is the new NXT Women's champion.
[audience] Io! Io!