Tonight, we find out who is worthy of carrying on the legacy of The Million Dollar Man, Ted DiBiase. On one side, we have LA Knight, the former Eli Drake. The other is self made millionaire Cameron Grimes. Both have tried their best to impress DiBiase, but he wants results. Tonight, he will get that as they both look to climb the ladder of success and grasp the Million Dollar Championship.
This belt has been shelved for years, and whoever claims it tonight will be shot to the top of the card. They will hold a belt once held by Stone Cold Steve Austin, Ted DiBiase, and even Virgil! DiBiase was in charge of escorting the belt to the ring to be elevated high above the ring.
A Slow Start As Both Men Find Their Strategy
Both men watched as the belt and it’s glass case went up, and the bell would ring. Knight nailed a shoulder block early on, but Grimes popped back up. He’d nail a lariat and a high kick, and Knight slipped out of the ring. Knight got a ladder in the ring, and Grimes would pull it back out. However, Knight would grab it and throw it at Grimes on the outside who narrowly dodged.
They’d battle over a ladder on the outside, and nearly take out the commentary team. Both men grabbed ladders and jousted in the ring with them, but dodged the next shot from Knight and kicked him out of the ring. Grimes shoved a ladder at Knight, and Knight was wedged between the ring and barricade with a ladder. He’d be slow to his feet, and take a running PK from Grimes when he got back up.
Despite having a ladder in the ring, he wanted to use the one on the outside and paid for this move, as Knight threw him into the barricade. Knight soaked in an LA Sucks chant from the crowd, probably just happy to finally get a reaction in NXT. He’d drive Grimes into the barricade, before talking to DiBiase at ringside.
Knight would set up a ladder from the ring to the barricade, before hitting a slingshot shoulder block. Grimes would hit an exploder into a ladder propped on the ropes, before using it as a spear. He would go for the groin, but Knight dodged and hit a neckbreaker onto the ladder.
LA Knight Tips The Odds In His Favor
Knight would finally be ready to start climbing a ladder to try to win, and grabbed the tallest ladder in the match. Grimes fought back and got it set up in the middle of the ring, before being thrown into it. Knight set up a ladder in the corner and wanted to throw Grimes fast first into it, but Grimes countered and Knight got it to the face.
Grimes followed up with a back body drop onto the ladder, before throwing him onto the ladder propped up on the outside. He could have won, but he got the gold plated ladder on the entrance ramp. Grimes got it set up and started to climb, but Knight would meet him near the top. Knight fell off the ladder, but landed on his feet and shoved it down, causing Grimes to get caught throat first on the ropes.
Grimes rallied back with a desperate standing spanish fly, before both men took a breather. They’d brawl to the ramp, and Knight set up some ladders before taking a kick. Knight hid behind the security of DiBiase and got a cheap shot in. He’d land on a ladder when thrown by Knight, before climbing the CWC and diving off with a crossbody.
Grimes climbed the ladder, but Knight was quickly behind him. He’d try to take Grimes out with a powerbomb, but Knight was countered with a hurricarana. Grimes took much time taunting and not enough climbing, so when he reached the case, Knight tipped the ladder back and Grimes crashed onto the ladders on the ramp. Knight climbed up, and claimed his prize.
Ladder matches are not easy to pull off, and neither man is an expert in the type. This led to a poorly paced match with too many telegraphed spots. We had some exciting moments and some good spots, but this was a poorly done ladder match. Knight finally got some reactions from fans in this one, and now he can finally get started in NXT. Match Rating: 2.75/5 (** 3/4)
Will LA Knight defend this championship? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
Remember to stay up to date with the latest news on TheOvertimer. Don’t forget to visit Gamestingr for great videos, news, and gameplay!
