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NXT Takeover: London live report

Here’s the report for NXT Takeover: London WWE Network special event, which took place from the SSE Arena Wembley in London, England.

Triple H opened up the show similar to NXT Takeover: Brooklyn however with dimmed lights rather than pitch black. He said that last Sunday he got his ass kicked, it wasn’t the first time, and it won’t be the last, but there was nothing that was going to stop him from appearing tonight to be with the London fans. “This is your brand, this is your time,” HHH said, and he then encouraged everyone to scream, “We are NXT” with him.

Things kick off with the women’s match between Asuka and Emma, who was accompanied by Emma. Fans chant “Asuka’s gonna kill ya” at Emma. Match started with a lot of rest holds and reversals, very old school. Emma had the majority of the upper hand with fans rallying behind Asuka every time she manages to get in front. Fans also made fun of the ref 10 count as every time he was counting a number they immediately yelled the next one quickly. The referee was sandwiched and then Asuka was almost disqualified after he caught her with a belt that Emma brought in and Asuka tried to take away. Eventually she locked Emma in the Asuka Lock but Dana Brooke interfered and the ref didn’t see her tap out. Emma then got the belt again but Asuka hit her with a roundhouse kick and pinned the Aussie Diva. Great match!

The Tag Team titles were up next, with Enzo Amore and Big Cass receiving a massive, massive pop. The British fans did the whole intro shtick and the duo – plus Carmella – looked like true Superstars. Dash and Dawson meanwhile were welcomed with the “Who are ya?” typical British chant. Enzo got a good pop when he revealed the Union Jack as part of his wrestling gear too and Big Cass had the London Bridge on the back of his tights. Both were treated with typical football chants, changed for Enzo and Cass. The faces started on top for a bit much to the enjoyment of the crowd but the tag champs turned it around a few minutes into the match, with Enzo on the receiving end of most of the punishment. Big Cass then made the hot tag and cleaned house but his knee was taken out. Enzo and Cass had the match won but Dawson pulled out Amore out who was covering for the pin. Dash and Dawson then pulled out the victory, with the fans obviously disappointed with the result.

A total attendance of 10,079 was announced inside the SSE Arena Wembley, the second largest attendance for an NXT show behind NXT Takeover: Brooklyn.

Baron Corbin vs Apollo Crews was next on the card. Corbin came out first, followed by Crews who got a nice ovation. Corbin got the “Cor-bin sucks” chant to the same beat of “New Day rocks.” He didn’t care. So fans proceeded to tell him that he’s shit and then the not-so PG “F*ck you Corbin.” The match was overshadowed by the chants from fans, who chanted “Botchamania” as well after Corbin botched a move and “boring” when Corbin was on the advantage. Rough night for the former NFL player. Despite all this, Baron Corbin won the match with the End of Days finishing maneuver and cleanly pinned Apollo Crews.

Sami Zayn was announced returning to NXT television next week. After that, Nia Jax was cutting a promo backstage and was interrupted briefly by Asuka and the two shared a staredown. Simple and effective.

The NXT Women’s title up next. Nia Jax looking all pretty came out first followed by the champion, Bayley. As expected, Bayley got a nice pop from the crowd and “Bayley Bayley” chants. The Brits were up to throw their hands in the air as well with the champ. The creative chants continued with fans singing “Heeeeey Bayley, uuuuuh aaaaa I wanna knooooow if you’d be my girl!” Obvious size difference here, Nia Jax dominating and the early story being that Bayley hitting Jax with several moves but couldn’t drop her to the mat. Nia Jax hits three Samoan drops and then a Hogan leg drop but Bayley survived. She then hit three more leg drops to the back of the head and went for the easy pin and Bayley kicked out to a massive pop. Hayley managed to lock the guillotine choke twice but Jax powered out by slamming her opponent to the mat. Bayley locked in the choke a third time with fans chanting “tap, tap, tap” and after a few Nia Jax tapped with Bayley retaining the NXT Women’s title.

The NXT Takeover: London main event started with 20 minutes left on the clock. Balor came out with Jack The Ripper hat and coat and his demon body paint. Awesome. Fans chant “Let’s go Balor” while some of them chant “Let’s go Joe.” Balor starts on top however the tide turns quickly when Joe slams Balor pretty hard on the outside. Despite being the heel, Samoa Joe was getting some support during the match regardless. A big spot came when Balor was outside and then Joe ran for a suicide dive, taking out Balor and rolling back the carpet of the entrance way! Balor got the upper hand and hit the Coup de Grace diving double foot stomp finisher but Joe kicked out and then Joe went for the Muscle Buster but Balor reversed it. Joe locked in the Kokina clutch but once again Balor reversed it and hit the double foot stomp. The two beat the 10 count and then Balor unloaded on his opponent with several drop kicks which landed Joe perfectly for the Coup de Grace but Joe stood up and went for the muscle buster finisher as Balor was on the top rope. Balor chopped Joe off the ropes and then landed the Coup de Grace for the 1, 2, 3. Your winner and still NXT champion, Finn Balor!

After the match, Joe is helped to the back as he is bleeding from his chin and the trainer is in the ring checking on Finn Balor. The trainer stays in the ring as Balor celebrates his win.

Colin Vassallo
Colin Vassallohttps://www.wrestling-online.com
Colin Vassallo has been editor of Wrestling-Online since 1996. He is born and raised in Malta, follows professional wrestling and MMA, loves to travel, and is a big Apple fan!

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