It’s time to get started with the 2021 NXT Breakout tournament, but things are starting to be a bit different this time around. Instead of everyone making their debut fresh, we have qualifying matches on 205 Live. In our first qualifying match we have a familiar face who wrestled then NXT Champion Finn Balor months prior with Guru Raaj, a promising Indian high-flier. He will be facing a talent that is making their WWE debut, Andre Chase. Chase is formerly known as Harlem Bravado, a known tag team specialist from Evolve.
Guru Raaj Brings The Fire Once Again
Raaj would have a major experience disadvantage here, with Chase being a well travelled veteran while Raaj is in his second match as a pro. Chase got a wrist lock and thought he could take Raaj down before being countered. Raaj was unable to keep control and was nailed with a hard shoulder tackle. He’d catch Chase with a high arm drag and get a side headlock takeover.
Chase would try to break the headlock but Raaj held on tight. A stomp to the foot broke the hold finally before Chase hit a back elbow to the face. Raaj would fire back with some chops and a corner spear, before a slingshot Monkey Flip which sent Chase across the ring. A roll up got him a two count, as did a backslide.
Andre Chase Won’t Let This Opportunity Slip Away
Raaj went for an O’Connor Roll, but Chase rushed forward and dropped down, pulling Raaj into the top rope throat first. A chop to the throat would follow, and get the crowd fully behind Raaj as a “You Suck!” chant broke out towards Chase. Raaj would fight back before taking a punch to the stomach and a Russian Leg Sweep.
A suplex would be countered into a small package by Raaj, getting a two count. Chase came back with a back elbow and applied a Cobra Clutch on the mat. Raaj would try to fight free but Chase was persistent. A “lets go Guru” chant would fire Raaj up, and he’d get free and hit a backdrop.
Some quick lariats took Chase down, before cornering him for some spears and a bulldog. A basement dropkick got a two count, before Chase dodged a kick and hit a rolling elbow, a PK through the ropes and a capture Brainbuster for the win.
Guru Raaj showed great fire and potential here, akin to that of a NJPW Young Lion, but he’s not ready for a major chance like the Breakout Tournament here. Andre Chase played the cocky heel role well here, and his offense was crisp throughout his debut match. A solid showing for both. Match Rating: 2.5/5 (** 1/2)
Will Andre Chase win the 2021 Breakout Tournament? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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