The Diamond Mine debuted and sent shockwaves through NXT as Roderick Strong returned in shocking fashion to decimate Kushida after his instant classic against Kyle O'Reilly. Elsewhere, Adam Cole defeated Carmelo Hayes, top contenders for the NXT Women's Tag Team Titles went to war and more.
Adam Cole defeated Carmelo Hayes.
Adam Cole initially insisted on deciding not to face anyone since no one in NXT is "on his level," but Carmelo Hayes changed his mind quickly with a challenge and a slap to the face. Though Cole controlled much of the action, Hayes rallied back late with a furious rally until the former NXT Champion blasted him with a superkick and the Panama Sunrise for the win. (Via WWE.com)
Pete Dunne & Oney Lorcan confronted The Way.
Johnny Gargano reminisced about how NXT thrived under his watch as champion years ago, suggesting the black-and-gold brand was due to return to those halcyon times — particularly after he showed up Karrion Kross at NXT TakeOver: In Your House. Pete Dunne disagreed, arguing he should be next in line for an NXT Title opportunity. Though Gargano & Austin Theory decided discretion was the better part of valor under NXT's new era, Dunne gave Theory a parting gift by splaying his fingers. (Via WWE.com)
Io Shirai & Zoey Stark defeated The Robert Stone Brand (with Robert Stone).
The Genius of the Sky returned to in-ring action for the first time since NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver more than two months ago, and it was immediately apparent she hadn't missed a beat. Aliyah & Jessi Kamea outwitted the less experienced duo of Shirai & Zoey Stark until Shirai took over, putting Kamea away with a picture-perfect moonsault.
With NXT Women's Tag Team Champions Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell already on hand to scout the competition, NXT Women's Champion Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai and Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon also joined the fray, which quickly degenerated into a chaotic brawl. (Via WWE.com)
With NXT Women's Tag Team Champions Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell already on hand to scout the competition, NXT Women's Champion Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai and Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon also joined the fray, which quickly degenerated into a chaotic brawl. (Via WWE.com)
The Way defeated Pete Dunne & Oney Lorcan.
With NXT General Manager William Regal ordering this match as a result of the earlier altercation, the NXT Universe was in for a treat. Dunne & Lorcan dominated much of the bout until Gargano caught fire. The match reached a break-neck pace, with Gargano spiking Lorcan with the One Final Beat DDT to seal the victory. (Via WWE.com)
Franky Monet defeated Elektra Lopez.
The encore was just as hard-hitting as the premiere for Franky Monet, who impressed once again in her second bout in NXT. Monet took care of business against Elektra Lopez, planting her with her own version of a Glam Slam to remain unbeaten. (Via WWE.com)
Hit-Row (with Isaiah "Swerve" Scott & B-Fab) defeated Ever-Rise.
Ever-Rise's bid for payback on Hit Row missed the mark as Top Dolla & Ashante "Thee" Adonis were absolutely dominant, putting Matt Martel away with a devastating double team powerbomb into a neckbreaker. (Via WWE.com)
Kyle O'Reilly defeated NXT Cruiserweight Champion, KUSHIDA.
The dream match lived up to the hype with both competitors treating the audience to an expert showcase of counters, reversals and hard-hitting strikes, as well as a devastating bridging hammerlock suplex on the apron by Kushida.
Kyle O'Reilly appeared to be in dire straits as NXT's resident Time Splitter applied the Hoverboard Lock, only for O'Reilly to masterfully transition into a roll-up for the win, leaving Kushida in disbelief.
The two Superstars exchanged respect until Adam Cole blindsided O'Reilly, and the bitter rivals brawled throughout the Capitol Wrestling Center with two weeks remaining before their showdown at NXT Great American Bash. (Via WWE.com)
Kyle O'Reilly appeared to be in dire straits as NXT's resident Time Splitter applied the Hoverboard Lock, only for O'Reilly to masterfully transition into a roll-up for the win, leaving Kushida in disbelief.
The two Superstars exchanged respect until Adam Cole blindsided O'Reilly, and the bitter rivals brawled throughout the Capitol Wrestling Center with two weeks remaining before their showdown at NXT Great American Bash. (Via WWE.com)
Meanwhile, a hooded figure hit the ring and decimated Kushida, later revealing himself to be Roderick Strong, whom the NXT Universe hasn't seen in months. Accompanied by Tyler Rust, Malcolm Bivens and another man, it was clear that The Diamond Mine had finally arrived in NXT.