Right now in WWE NXT, Legado Del Fantasma members Joaquin Wilde & Raul Mendoza are the top contenders for the current tag team champions MSK. However, they’ve been unable to get that shot, and tonight they need to face the daunting and hard hitting duo of Timothy Thatcher & Tommaso Ciampa, who want to take their spot on top. It will be a first time meeting for these teams, and a clash of styles for sure.
Tomasso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher Throw Heavy Blows In The Ring
Wilde & Ciampa would start this match, but Wilde was busy taking time to taunt as Ciampa was ready to fight. It quickly spilled to the outside, as Ciampa threw Wilde into the barricade. Back in the ring, Ciampa hit a running shoulder tackle, before getting a side headlock in the middle of the ring.
Thatcher got a tag, and looked to do the same to Wilde with a cravat, before being shoved into the corner of LDF. Mendoza got a tag, but Thatcher prevented them from gaining control as he grabbed an armbar. Ciampa got a tag and took Mendoza down with a hard chop, before applying a headscissor.
Mendoza was able to sneak out, and managed to knock Ciampa down. He was bleeding from the mouth, and Ciampa drove him into the corner face first before Thatcher tagged in and grinded him down with a cravat. Mendoza was able to briefly gain a headlock, before using his speed to slip between the legs of Thatcher and hit a low dropkick.
Some kicks landed on Thatcher, who was able to grab an ankle lock. Mendoza tried to get Wilde to help, but he’d just get pulled into the ring and put in an ankle lock by Ciampa. LDF countered into roll ups, but the referee refused to count the pin for some reason. All four men started throwing strikes, and we’d go to a commercial break with all four men laid out.
Legado Del Fantasma Get A Big Assist
Back from the break, Ciampa was owing Rocky Romero some money as he hit forever lariats on both members of LDF before taking them down with a jumping double lariat. He wanted to hit Willows Bell, but was unable. LDF got him with a double spinebuster, cracked his legs like a wishbone, and hit a double dropkick for a two count.
Ciampa was able to dodge a spear in the corner and Mendoza tumbled to the outside. Thatcher got a tag and nailed some Belly To Belly Suplexes, before settling into some uppercuts on Mendoza. A single underhook suplex got a two count, but the goal was accomplished. Ciampa & Thatcher were back in control, and after sandwiching Mendoza with chops, a running knee strike got Ciampa a two count.
Mendoza got a chance to fly but only caught air, before taking a forearm strike. He’d nearly take the Fairytale Ending, but countered out and got a tag to Wilde. LDF would hit a combo moonsault, and Thatcher saved his partner. Ciampa would be saved from the finisher of LDF, and after Wilde dove to the outside, he’d manage to hit Willows Bell.
Mendoza made the save, but Ciampa rolled to the outside. He was met by the Grizzled Young Veterans, who hit Ticket To Mayhem on the apron behind the back of the referee. Back in the ring, LDF took out Ciampa with the Russian Leg Sweep and running roundhouse kick, and this one was over.
This match is proof that the NXT Tag Team division is back on track. Maybe not on the level we saw with teams like #DIY & The Revival, but it’s healing. Thatcher & Ciampa are gelling as a team with every match, and Legado Del Fantasma are getting a chance to shine. A cheap finish aside, this one was a tag team clinic. Match Rating: 4/5 (****)
How will Ciampa & Thatcher respond to the attack from Grizzled Young Veterans? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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