Date: 08/24	7:00 PM
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Nickolye's WWE NXT recap for August 24, 2021 at 8 PM ET. Tonight is the first show since NXT TakeOver on Sunday. Samoa Joe is now the first-ever 3-time NXT Champion, and tonight he'll address the NXT Universe. Cameron Grimes became the new Million Dollar Champion, and be sure he wants to celebrate to the moon! Also, Kay Lee Ray made her presence known at NXT TakeOver, and tonight she will have a match! Not only that, but we'll get a 6-man tag team match between Hit Row and Legado Del Fantasma! NXT is back in the Capitol Wrestling Center, now with a full crowd! Hit F5 or refresh as often as you like for the latest updates!

A white limo with a golden dollar sign on the hood pulls up in the parking lot, and Cameron Grimes steps out with "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. In fact, the new Million Dollar Champion and the Hall of Famer come out first to open the show! DiBiase speaks first saying that he was here in NXT looking for the special someone who could carry his legacy and become the new Million Dollar Champion. He needed someone who is gifted, athletic and strong of heart, and that man right now is Cameron Grimes who holds the title. Grimes says that when DiBiase first showed up he was driving him bonkers, and DiBiase says it was admittedly done on purpose just to test him. Grimes couldn't let the thought of DiBiase becoming a butler to LA Knight come to fruition, so he knew he had to beat Knight at TakeOver. What's next for Cameron Grimes? Well, only one way to go - "TO THE MOON!"

We get clips from NXT TakeOver 36 this past Sunday. Pete Dunne accompanies Ridge Holland to the ring before our first commercial break. When we come back, we see a black GMC arriving in the parking lot, and Hit Row step out and head towards the building. Tommaso Ciampa joins Timothy Thatcher to the ring for the match.

* Ridge Holland vs. Timothy Thatcher

They lock up collar-and-elbow, Holland hits a European uppercut, Thatcher hits a Ruropean uppercut, Holland uppercuts, Thatcher uppercuts him back, headlock, shoulder block, uppercuts back and forth again, Holland with a headlock, shoulder block, Thatcher with more uppercuts, and a leg scissors takedown and mounted strikes. Holland uppercuts him some more, Thatcher counters for a backslide, Holland blocks it then hits a big forearm to the head, body slams him into the ropes, kneedrop and a 2-count. Thatcher kicks him in the leg but Holland drops him again, Thatcher gets fired up and uppercuts him again, but Holland drops him with a big back elbow and kicks him in the back. Thatcher keeps fighting, delivers a belly-to-belly suplex, covers for 1, Holland blocks a counple of submissions, delivers a head-and-arm trap suplex, Thatcher counters a German suplex with an armbar, uppercutt to the back of the neck, goes for the submission again but Holland blasts him with a short-arm clothesline before another break.

We get picture-in-picture during the commercial break here and Holland gives the beatdown in and out the ring. Thatcher battles out of a chinlock, more and more uppercuts, Holland beats him down over again, and it's back and forth.

Thatcher and Holland are still going at it back and forth when we get back full-screen, Thatcher hits a jumping kick, and this time Thatcher body slams him into the ropes. Thatcher kicks him in the back then applies the half-crab, Dunne and Ciampa pace outside the ring, Holland kicks Thatcher off of him, Thatcher slaps him across the face, Holland swats him away, headbutts him, then hits a falling body slam for 3. WINNER: RIDGE HOLLAND!

Ciampa checks on Thathcer, Holland grabs him, Ciampa fights with both Holland and Dunne, throws Dunne out the ring and stomps on Holland. Oney Lorcan and a returning Danny Burch attack Ciampa outside the ring! Ciampa gets thrown back into the ring, he tries to fight back, but Holland headbutts him. Thatcher pulls Holland out the ring, fights off Dunne, but Holland whacks him on the arm with the baton, Thatcher shoves Dunne away, but Holland rams him into the barricade by the throat. Dunne holds Holland back as the damage has been done.

We get an interview with Carmelo Hayes about his journey so far in NXT. He says he's done a lot of hard work, time and experience just to get to where he's at. He knows it's hard to prepare for Odyssey Jones and gives him credit for moving as fast as he can with his size.

When we come back from break, we go back to NXT last week where Indi Hartwell proposed to Dexter Lumis. In an interview, Indi says being engaged is great and lists off all activies they've done. McKenzie asks them about a wedding date, and Lumis holds up a picture with the date Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Beth Phoenix is super excited, Wade Barrett is clearly disturbed, and Vic Joseph is in the middle.

* Kayden Carter & Kacy Catanzaro vs. Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne

Kayden and Gigi start the match, they go back and forth, Kacy tags in, double dive fake-outs, Jacy distracts Kacy, Gigi attacks from behind, Jacy tags in for an assisted Bronco Buster, and Jacy hits a cannonball for 2. Gigi tags in, hits short-arm shoulder blocks, Jacy tags back in, Gigi tags in for double team backbreaker and clothesline, and gets a 2-count. Kacy makes the tag, Kayden clotheslines Gigi twice, dropkicks Jacy into a splash on Gigi, running facewash on the ropes, and covers for 2. Jacy gets the tag, hits a pump kick to the jaw, Kacy breaks the count, gets the tag, goes up top, hits the 450 Splash, and gets the 3-count. WINNERS: KACY CATANZARO & KAYDEN CARTER!

Post-match, Kacy and Kayden are shouting towards the commentators that they want the NXT Women's Tag Team Titles, calling out the champs for not defending the championships.

Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews the NXT Women's Champion, Raquel Gonzalez. The champ says that she knows Dakota Kai and figures this feud is not over. The interview changes to talk about Kay Lee Ray, how she came "across the pond" to step to the champ, and says it makes no difference who steps up. In that case, Franky Monet steps up saying that she is the difference and doesn't wait in line because the door just opens up for her. "I'll take your shine and your championship in the process." Speaking of Kay Lee Ray, the longest-reigning former NXT UK Women's Champion in history will be in action next.

When we come back, we get the interview with Odyssey Jones about his time in NXT. He says his positivity actually comes from the negatives. He always he knew he would be in WWE, even five years ago when he was playing college football. He says his gameplan tonight is to be the better man in the ring, and even gives Carmelo Hayes his credit for being talented.

* Valentina Royce vs. Kay Lee Ray

 KLR takes control early with an armbreaker, Valentina has a small flurry of strikes, but KLR hits a gourdbuster and beats her down. KLR body slams her, kneedrop to the jaw, covers for 2, slams her head on the turnbuckle, and a hard Irish whip to the turnbuckles. Valentina dropkicks her, but KLR superkicks her, hits the Gory Bomb, and covers for 3. WINNER: KAY LEE RAY!

After a commercial break, the cameraman tries to get word from Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne about their loss, but they just scoff at him. Mandy Rose shows up and invites them to go with her and never look back.

HERE COMES THE NEW NXT CHAMPION, SAMOA JOE! Not only was Samoa Joe the first man to become NXT Champion for a second time, but he's now the first man to be a 3-time NXT Champion. Samoa Joe: "At NXT TakeOver 36, I stood in this ring across the most dominant champion in NXT history. At NXT TakeOver 36, I walked down Karrion Kross, I beat him up, and I now stand before you the first-ever 3-time NXT Champion. Believe me, that fact should make tonight a night for celebration, but I did not come dressed to celebrate. You see, being a 3-time NXT Champion, I have the benefit of experience, and experience tells me that to be an NXT Champion is to be king in the land of savages. And in the land of savages, there is no time to celebrate. As a matter of fact, when I arrived at the arena today I noticed the tension in the air is a little more palpable, the handshakes were a bit colder, and the stares were a bit bolder. So now I've come out here to answer one simple question. Who amongst you is willing to stop stare and come out here and actually step to me?! Time is now, the champ is waiting."

Pete Dunne has answered that question by coming down to the ring, and it's been noticed weeks past that Joe and Dunne have had quite a few staredowns since Joe's been back. Pete Dunne: "You stood face-to-face with me enough times to know the truth. Be honest with yourself. I don't care how many times you've held that title. You ain't the baddest around here. So do me a favor - head to the back, go fetch your mate Regal, and you tell him make the match. And Joe, Joe, don't make me provoke." LA Knight makes his presence felt now. LA Knight: "It's Knight time! Thank God because Knight time every day is the right time. Yeah! YEAH! Hey Joe, I'm gonna clear up any confusing feelings you may have right now. Those chills you've got running down your spine right now, that's called fear, pal. Right now, what you're looking at with or without the title, the one and only million dollar megastar, LA Knight. At TakeOver 36, I watched you take all night long to take out a guy who'd have taken me 43-and-a-half seconds to dust. So with that in mind, Joe, if you've got enough tingle in your loins I'm here to be your first challneger, which coincidentally means I'll be your last challenger when I take that NXT Title Because who's game is it? It's LA Knight's game." Dunne: "Take one more step and I swear I'll break every one of your fingers." Knight tells Dunne that he's only here to chat, and now out comes Kyle O'Reilly!

Kyle O'Reilly: "Samoa Joseph, Peter Dunne, we know each other well enough. But La Knight, I don't think you've had the pleasure so let me introduce you to Kyle O'Reilly, the man that won the undisputed finale at TakeOver 36. You're out here swindling your way into a title match. Nobody wants to see that. In fact, the only thing you have a chance at winning is, I don't know, a Stone Cold Steve Austin knock-off vest competition. ("Sick burn, Kyle. Sick burn, man.") Thank you Joe, that WAS a sick burn. La didn't get it 'cause all the blood left his brain and went to his biceps. But to the matter at hand, Joe, I respect the hell outta you man, and I'm not out here to talk my way into a title match because I've earned a title match. I've earned..." RIDGE HOLLAND ATTACKS O'REILLY! Holland gives O'Reilly a headbutt to the back of the head to lay him out on the stage. Joe watches his back expecting an attack from Dunne, but instead it's Tommaso Ciampa with an attack to Dunne! Holland swings Ciampa around to headbutt him as well. Joe grabs Knight trying to attack him and headbutts him for good measure! Joe challenged Dunne and Holland to get in the ring, and his experience has taught him well to watch his back.

Cameron Grimes and Ted DiBiase head back outside, DiBiase gets back in the limo, and Grimes says that the Million Dollar Championship is DiBiase's legacy and it truly belongs to him. DiBiase takes it at first, puts it down, but hands it back to him telling him to remember him by. Grimes hears and feels a sound and weight difference to it, and finds out it's actually a WWE Shop replica championship belt! DiBiase laughs about the switch on his way out, and all Grimes can say is "That damn Ted DiBiase!" But this time he can laugh it off.

After the break, Kyle O'Reilly is approached by Duke Hudson mocking him. O'Reilly slaps him, Hudson slams his head into the lockers and punches him in the gut. O'Reilly is back on the attack and they have to get separated while O'Reilly shouts that he wants to fight him.

Mr. William Regal is at ringside for this next match, with a contract for any championship that the winner of this match will select. Carmelo Hayes enters first and he has his confidence. Odyssey Jones comes out after and is full of energy and positivity.

* NXT Breakout Tournament Finals: Carmelo Hayes vs. Odyssey Jones

They lock up, Jones backs him to a corner fast, Hayes with a side headlock, and Hayes takes a moment. Jones offers a handshake, Hayes goes for a headlock, Jones hits a back elbow, tosses him HIGH with a huge hiptoss and Hayes falls out the ring. Jones brings him back in, Hayes dropkicks him, dropkick to the knee, Jones blocks a knee, blocks a pump kick, Hayes counters with an enzuigiri, but then Jones blocks a springboard and throws him down before a commercial break.

Hayes is kicking Jones in the thigh when we come back, and we see that Hayes got control during the break. Jones places him across the top ropes and clubs him on the chest. Hayes jumps on his back with a sleeper hold, Jones slings him off, Hayes puts him in a front facelock, Jones drops to a knee, and the crowd is doing duel chants. Jones shoves him off, Hayes with a pump kick, does a springboard clothesline, Jones still on his feet, Hayes with another pump kick, running knee, headscissors facebuster, hits the running axe kick, and covers for a near-fall! Jones hits a shoulder breaker, crawls to make the cover, but Hayes rolls out the ring, kicks him in the head, side-steps him in a corner, and Jones crashes into the ringpost. Hayes goes up top, hits the diving scissors kick, Jones is getting back up, avoids a second top rope scissors kick, lands a big splash, and covers for 1-2-NO Hayes counters to a crucifix pin for 3! WINNER of the NXT Breakout Tournament: CARMELO HAYES!

Carmelo shakes Odyssey's hand post-match as a sign of respect for the two athletes. After the replays, Mr. William Regal congratulates Carmelo with the contract to face any champion of his choice. When asked which champion he wants to face, Carmelo (after shouting out Odyssey Jones) says it's too early to decide who to face. "I called my shot, and I made it here. And when Carmelo Hayes shoots, I don't miss!"

Backstage, Pete Dunne says he doesn't care how many people walk out and interrupt him, he says the Bruiserweight will be NXT Champion. Danny Burch says for five months he's been on the bottom and forgotten about, and Oney Lorcan reminds everybody that they never lost the NXT Tag Team Titles and they call themselves the rightful champions. Ridge Holland addresses Tommaso Ciampa telling him he will end up on the shelf with Timothy Thatcher. "We started this, and we will finish it."

The new NXT UK Champion Ilja Dragunov will return to NXT next week!

* Boa vs. Xyon Quinn

Boa with kicks to start the match, knees to the midsection, palm strike to the chest, kicks him down in a corner, looks towards Mei Ying, and gets his message. Quinn hits a flying forearm and covers for 3!?! WINNER: XYON QUINN!!

THAT'S AN UPSET!! Quinn only hit ONE MOVE and got the victory! Quinn turns around and sees Mei Ying, so instead he exits over the barricade leaving Boa to deal with her.

Johnny Gargano is backstage with Mr. Regal and tells him he's an unspoken member of his family. Gargano wants Regal to cancel the marriage, Regal says no, Gargano complains calling it bad TV, and Regal says it's good TV watching Gargano go crazy cuckoo bananas. LA Knight barges into the office whining about what happened with him in the ring, Regal kicks them both out of his office, slams the door and calls them buffoons. The 6-man tag team match is next!

After the break, Malcolm Bivens is speaking about Roderick Strong doing his training in a master class, and calls out Kushida once more. Next week, Strong will have another open challenge. Speaking of next week, Tommaso Ciampa goes one-on-one with Ridge Holland.

* 6-Man Tag Team Match: Hit Row vs. Legado Del Fantamsa

Legado Del Fantasma get the jump on Hit Row with a surprise attack before the bell! They triple team Top Dolla as Isaiah "Swerve" Scott and Ashante "Thee" Adonis got dumped outside the ring. B-Fab grabs Santos Escobar's leg to distract him, which Adonis and Swerve pull Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza out the ring to fight in front of the announce table.

The bell dings and Top Dolla has ahold of Escobar alone in the ring. Escobar side-steps him in a corner, Wilde tags in, Dolla hiptosses him into the ring, tags out and sends Adonis into Wilde. Adonis clubs him on the back, Wilde fights back, Adonis strikes back, does a monkey flip sending him across the ring, does the same to Mendoza, and dropkicks Wilde off the apron. Adonis gives Wilde a flapjack on the floor, Legado Del Fantasma regroup on the floor, and Hit Row stand dominant in the ring as we take our final commercial break.

We get picture-in-picture, Escobar enters the ring, Adonis grabs his boot, Swerve tags in and hits a springboard foot stomp to his leg. Swerve does a snapmare, chop, covers for 2, mounted punches teased in a corner, but Escobar drops his face on the top turnbuckle, Mendoza gets in a cheap shot, Escobar delivers a DDT, and covers for 1. Mendoza tags in and he beats Swerve down for the remainder of the break.

Mendoza gets a backslide for 2 when we come back from break, cheap shot to Dolla, clotheslines Swerve in a corner, Wilde tags in for a clothesline, Escobar tags in to clothesline him in the corner, and all three members trade clotheslines in the corner while tagging in and out. Swerve hits double knees to the chest, delivers a delayed vertical suplex, Mendoza tags in, tags Wilde in, they do an assisted springboard high splash, and Wilde gets a 2-count. Next week we'll see Johnny Gargano vs. LA Knight, and also Kyle O'Reilly vs. Duke Hudson. Wilde hits Swerve with a swinging neckbreaker for 2, Mendoza tags in to chop him, Swerve comes back with a clothesline, lands on his feet from a back suplex, gives him a back body drop, Swerve counters with a big foot stomp, rolls out of Escobar's way and makes the hot tag!

Top Dolla runs through Escobar, hits a running kneelift, avalanche in a corner, sidewalk slam, rolls backwards, hits the jumping elbow drop, and Wilde and Mendoza break the count. Top Dolla shoves Wilde back, picks up Mendoza, clotheslines Wilde, picks up BOTH ONTO HIS SHOULDERS, then he CATCHES ESCOBAR, and now he's carrying three men, walks around the ring, and drops them all down with single slam.

Adonis tags in, Escobar shoves Top Dolla into him, dropkicks him in the knee, hits an enzuigiri, jumps on Adonis, and tags in Mendoza who tags in Wilde. They give him a spinebuster, make a wish with his legs, and Wilde makes the cover for 2. Adonis boots him away, Mendoza makes the blind tag, Adonis tosses Wilde out the ring, and Mendoza hits a tight-rope missile dropkick and flipping suplex slam, and Swerve breaks the count with House Call to the head.

Swerve and Escobar get the hot tags, they start swinging at each other, Swerve with a running kick, rolling flatliner, hops up top, Wilde and Mendoza distract him, Adonis pulls Wilde off the apron, Top Dolla wipes them out with a jumping cannonball from the stairs, then Swerve hits the 450 SPLASH onto Escobar for 1-2-KICKOUT! Escobar counters with an armdrag, Swerve hiptosses him out the ring, Escobar lands on his feet, blocks a kick from Swerve and slams his face on the apron, then B-Fab shoves Escobar into the ringpost! Some woman shows up and hits B-Fab in the midsection with a pipe!! Elektra Lopez is the name of the woman and she's here for Escobar as she tosses the pipe to Swerve, the referee takes it away, Escobar schoolboy rolls him up and gets the 3-count! WINNERS: LEGADO DEL FANTASMA!

Legado Del Fantasma and Elektra Lopez stand tall on the stage as Hit Row recover from their loss in the ring.