WWE NXT’s final show before Takeover: War Games was quite an eventful one. The PPV card features some incredible matches that are all potential show-stealers. However, today’s NXT episode had to build towards one of the biggest PPVs of the year, and NXT more or less delivered.

Pat Patterson tribute precedes Tag Team action on WWE NXT

NXT kicked off with a tribute to the late Pat Patterson. The very first Intercontinental Champion passed away on November 2nd, 2020. After the emotional tribute, NXT kicked off with its first match of the night.

Leon Ruff and Damien Priest squared off against Legado del Fantasma’s Raul Mendoza and NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar. Priest hit Mendoza with the Reckoning, and Ruff connected with a big splash from the top rope for the win.

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Ruff, Priest and Johnny Gargano will face off in a triple threat match for the North American Championship at Takeover. The former North American Champion was on commentary for the tag team match.

Cameron Grimes tries to play mind games with Dexter Lumis

Cameron Grimes is scheduled to face Dexter Lumis in a strap match at Takeover. On NXT, he faced August Grey in a short squash match. After stomping his chest with the Cave-In, Grimes put the leather strap around Grey’s wrist and went to town on the young wrestler.

Dexter Lumis appeared out of nowhere to prevent Grimes from causing more damage to the young wrestler. Lumis’ last big match in NXT was a strap match against Roderick Strong during his rivalry with the Undisputed Era.

Jake Atlas defeated Tony Nese in a match that showcased both competitors’ creative offence and athleticism. Atlas picked up the win with the Cartwheel DDT and claimed to refocus on Santos Escobar and the Cruiserweight Championship.

“We will end the Undisputed Era”

Pat McAfee walked down to the ring and cut another strong promo against the Undisputed Era. McAfee wants young fans to feel every kick, punch, and slam into the steel cage they give to the Undisputed Era. Pete Dunne grabbed the microphone and proclaimed the end of NXT’s greatest faction.

Imperium vs GYV

Two of NXT UK’s biggest teams: Imperium and Grizzled Young Veterans made their impact on WWE NXT. The teams fought in an intense tag team battle, but the match was rendered a no contest after Ever-Rise interrupted their match.

This adds more depth to the NXT Tag Team division. After the Undisputed Era, these three teams are next in line for an NXT Tag Team Championship opportunity.

Ciampa passes out on WWE NXT

After the McAfee promo, Timothy Thatcher walked out for a session of Thatch-As-Thatch-Can. He walked out with a student who looked like he would get twisted into a pretzel by Thatcher. However, Tommaso Ciampa interrupted Thatcher’s lesson, prompting an attack from both teacher and student.

Ciampa and Thatcher brawled to the outside of the ring, but Timothy rolled him back in and applied a front facelock.  Thatcher put his forearm under Ciampa’s chin and put him to sleep. Ciampa and Thatcher will face off at War Games in what looks to be an intense and hard-hitting battle between between two veterans of NXT.

Main Event Ladder match

The episode’s main event was a thrilling ladder match between Shotzi Blackheart and Raquel Gonzalez. The winner of the briefcase would have the first entrant advantage inside War Games. Shotzi Blackheart won the brutal match with the help of Io Shirai.

Shirai’s role in the finish meant that she would be the final member of Team Shotzi. Her team also includes Ember Moon and Rhea Ripley. Team Candice consists of Le Rae, Toni Storm, Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez.