After this match, NXT will have one less championship to its name. Roderick Strong has run through the Cruiserweight Division, and now seeks to reclaim the NXT North American Championship. Only Carmelo Hayes stands in his way. Things have gotten heated between these two champions, but after two of the best in the world meet – only one will hold gold. The NXT Cruiserweight Championship will be defunct after tonight, ending it’s legacy in a big way.
Two Champions Enter…
Both champions got big entrances, with Strong having Diamond Mine hyping him up – and Hayes with his childhood friend Trick Williams. Only Bivens & Hideki Suzuki remained at ringside for Strong however, as they’re licensed seconds. Strong has the longer reign of the two at 106 days, while Hayes has reign for 85 days. Two good reigns, but one ends tonight.
Strong would force Hayes into a powerful lockup to start, and got the arm wrench. Controlling the arm didn’t last as Hayes got the arm drag and dropkick, but Strong got a moment to regroup. Hayes was taken to the mat with a headlock takeover, but didn’t stay down before they’d trade armdrags. The stalemate ended with a kick to the head for Hayes, before he laid in some chops in the corner.
Strong would show Hayes what real chops felt like, taking him right out of the ring after just one impact. Back in the ring, Hayes got fancy and hung Strong up in the ropes before a springboard leg drop. Strong would block the flying flatliner, and try for a backbreaker but failed to connect. Hayes got the DDT onto the apron, but Strong came right back with the Sick Kick in the middle of the ring for a two count.
… And Carmelo Hayes Walks Out With All The Glory
Hayes would have his arm wrenched in the middle of the ring, Strong seemingly looking for either a Cobra Clutch or Hoverboard Lock. We wouldn’t find out, as Strong lost control and Hayes nailed a last springboard lariat. Hayes would grab the armlock, and force Strong to battle back to his feet.
Strong would hit a rushing lariat, and one of his time tested backbreakers, before another. Hayes was able to lock in a crossface, but Strong blocked and would look for the Strong Hold, but was unable to get Hayes turned onto his stomach after snatching the legs. Second attempt would get Hayes into the hold, but he couldn’t stop Hayes from fighting free… and walking right into a backbreaker.
Strikes would be exchanged as they both got back to their feet, with Strong nailing some running forearms before an angle slam for a two count. Hayes would get a sunset flip out of the corner to hit a suplex drop cutter, but this would only get a two count. Strong would get an Inside Cradle, before trying for End of Heartache – by Hayes landed on his feet and hit a superkick.
Hayes went up top, and Strong caught him with a kick before hitting a Super X-Plex, with both men crashing to the mat – and Hayes draping an arm over Strong for a two count. The diving leg drop to the back to the head, and Strong wasn’t getting up! This one ends with Hayes unifying these titles.
Who will be next to step up to Carmelo Hayes? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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