WWE NXT results: Precursor to the 'Undisputed Finale' at TakeOver 36

WWE NXT returned to our television screens for the latest episode of their weekly show from the Capitol Wrestling Centre at Florida on Wednesday (August 11). And while the black and yellow brand delivered a stellar episode, at times it felt hard to enjoy.

This isn’t down to anything on the show. On the contrary, it’s down to WWE’s behind-the-scenes turmoil. After mass releases at NXT last week, reports broke that the company saw a different vision for NXT.

This vision would differ from the current ‘super indie/third brand’ vibe that Triple H has developed over the years. Now the focus will be solely on developmental. At least that’s what reports state.

This week’s episode offered little to no view on that particular future. But getting into a lot of the angles felt hard, mainly because of the sense of gloom hanging over the brand.

Anyway, for now let’s get right to the results, recap and highlights.

The final chapter

Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly had a showdown ahead of their impending final bout at TakeOver 36. The two traded verbal blows aplenty and had to be restrained by security after a point.

The two wrestlers share excellent chemistry so it was no surprise this promo segment was good. Cole, being the excellent promo that he is, shone brighter. But O’Reilly more than held his own.

“I am the GREATEST #WWENXT Superstar this brand has ever seen, no one ever HAS, no one ever WILL! You’re just a FOOTNOTE in my career!” – @AdamColePro with the ? ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/n5Nt2mr13z

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) August 11, 2021

This is one of those feuds, however, that is better for the in-ring action. Cole and O’Reilly have stellar chemistry built up over years of working together – from Ring of Honour to WWE.

The match should be a banger. Two out of three falls, with both competitors picking a fall each. O’Reilly chose a standard pinfall/submission stipulation. Cole chose a street fight. GM William Regal said the final fall will be a steel cage match.

WWE NXT women’s championship feud – a slow build

Dakota Kai beat the undefeated Sarray in a pretty good match. However, the main story of which she is the focus came up after the match.

.@DakotaKai_WWE ENDS @SarrayWWE‘s undefeated streak tonight on #WWENXT. Will she END @RaquelWWE‘s #WWENXT #WomensTitle reign at #NXTTakeOver: 36 as well? pic.twitter.com/myiWDmj2dd

— WWE (@WWE) August 11, 2021

NXT women’s champion Raquel Gonzalez ran down to confront Kai, who turned on her last week. Kai did the clever thing and chose to fight another day.

This led to Gonzalez grabbing a mic and promising to tear apart Kai at TakeOver.

The segment was short and sweet, which is exactly how it should have been. A longer explanation on how Gonzalez feels can wait for now.

WWE NXT UK hype

NXT UK’s Ilja Dragunov cut a promo talking about how he will beat NXT UK champion Walter at TakeOver. Naturally, this led to Pete Dunne interfereing and a match for the two being booked.

Dragunov lost due to distraction from Walter, but again, that was only part of the story. The Ring General tried to beat up Dragunov afterwards but the altercation ended with Dragunov standing tall.

.@UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR is ready for the ???? and the ???? at #NXTTakeOver 36. #WWENXT @WalterAUT pic.twitter.com/telGcjYllL

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) August 11, 2021

Walter’s reign with the belt has been a fairly lengthy one. Dragunov has nearly ended the Austrian’s reign before. Is this finally the time for him?

Either way, prepare yourselves for a stiff match that will have you both wincing and glued to the action.

Best of the rest

• Tonight’s episode featured plenty of noteworthy segments. Hit Row burned a mask to disrespect Legado del Fantasma, thus carrying on their fued.
• Dexter Lumis and Indi Hartwell went on a date, featuring plenty of interruptions from Johnny Gargano and Candice LaRae. Comedic gold at times, cringey at others.
• LA Knight beat Andre Chase in quick fashion. Afterwards, Ted DiBiase returned and talked Knight into giving Cameron Grimes another title shot. If Grimes lost again, DiBiase would become Knight’s butler.
• Gigi Dolin, accompanied by Jacy Jayne, beat Amari Miller. Before the match she cut off the heads of some roses. That seemed a nod to Mandy Rose, who has been involved with these two.
• Odyssey Jones beat Trey Baxter in a Breakout Tournament match. The bout was shockingly short, but Jones seems extremely charismatic and can hit his power moves nicely.
• Boa of Tian Sha beat Drake Maverick. It says a lot about how green Boa is that Maverick looked the better of the two in defeat. Granted, Maverick is a veteran but it also shows that Boa needs to put in the work.

Grade: B-