NXT MARCH 20TH 2019
The show began with HHH coming out with the NXT Title. He got a big reaction and put over NXT, to set up the announcement of Ciampa’s injury and the fact Ciampa versus Gargano wouldn’t be happening at Takeover. He announced Gargano would compete for the title at Takeover, against the winner of a five way match tonight between Ricochet, Cole, Black, Dream and Riddle and it would be a 2 out of 3 falls match, which seems a bit unnecessary, but okay.
Cathy was outside the men’s dressing room and got a short interview with Kona Reeves, who said the match would be alright, but it wouldn’t be the finest. Forgotten Sons then left the room and were more concerned with the Dusty Classic final in next week’s main event. They said they hoped Ricochet or Black won so their heads would be on the NXT Title, because it would make it easier for them to win and go on to face War Raiders.
Hype video for the main event, with comments from Ricochet and Black, who were together, as well as Velveteen Dream.
Footage was shown covering Ciampa’s surgery. This was played completely straight and they even showed Ciampa’s family.
Riddle and Cole got their hype and comments before the main event.
Cathy spoke with Kairi and Io about the main event and their fourway match for the Women’s Title at Takeover. Io said nothing could come between their friendship and may the best woman win. Bianca interrupted and said neither one of them should be going to Takeover because she’d have beaten Io without Shayna interfering, but she’d go through both of them to win the title.
WINNER ADVANCES TO FACE TAKEOVER
Ricochet vs. Adam Cole vs. Aleister Black vs. Velveteen Dream vs. Matt Riddle
This was all action, with people switching in and out pretty much the entire match. That kind of thing doesn’t really bother me in multi-man matches as it seems to some people, but with five people, it was fairly glaring how often there were guys out of sight and out of mind on the outside. They did, of course, all congregate for the obligatory tower of doom spot, but that aside they kept the ring fairly clear. Black and Ricochet going at it was teased at one point, but they were interrupted by Cole before they could and Riddle had the match won a couple of times with Bromission attempts that were broken up by Dream. That aside, it was a bit of a free for all, until the finish. Riddle had Dream in a choke and seemingly ready to tap, but Cole pulled the referee out. Black hit Black Mass to Riddle, Dream then gave Black the Dream Valley Driver, Ricochet gave Dream a hurricanrana to the floor onto Cole and Black, before Ricochet hit a shooting star to Riddle, only for Cole to hit Ricochet with the Last Call and get the pin. They sold this as Undisputed Era’s fortunes turning around, after their recent bad run.
RECOMMENDED VIEWING: A one match show and one well worth watching.
NXT WEEK: Ricochet and Black against The Forgotten Sons in the Dusty Classic Final.