WWE NXT Results and grades 23 Dec 2020: Ex-Retribution star destroys Io Shirai

published

by

Saiyed Adeem Karim

WWE NXT Results and grades: WWE was trying to end the year with a bang with many Holiday themed episodes for their weekly shows.

MalcolmBivens with Tyler Rust
Malcolm Bivens took Tyler Rust under his wings on NXT (WWE)

NXT was no different this week but it had a huge match to start off. One of the titles was on the line in a street fight and that is where we start this WWE NXT results and grades piece.

Tag titles on the line

A street fight was set up as Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch defended their tag titles. Drake Maverick and Killian Dain tried to take an early advantage by attacking the pair before the start of the match.

There was a lot of crazy moments in this match thanks to the street fight rules but it was Lorcan and Burch that got the win.

Lorcan and Burch beat Dain and Maverick

Grade B

This was a great way to start off NXT with a lot of violence and madness. There were some missed spots too with the tables not being too pliant but this was a fun match, nevertheless.

Scott vs Atlas

Isaiah Scott took on Jake Atlas in a one-on-one match and the pair looked impressive as they tried to get one over their rival.

However, it was Scott who got the win and defeated the high flying Atlas..

Scott beats Atlas

Grade B

This was another fun match on the show and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in their rivalry.

WWE needs to plan for both stars and both look good for a championship run in the future.

Kai vs Ripley

This was a battle long in the making as Rhea Ripley took on Dakota Kai. Ripley injured one of her arms and Kai took advantage of that.

However, Ripley still got the win in the end before Raquel Gonzalez squared off against the Aussie and the pair had to be separated by the officials.

Ripley beats Kai

Grade B

Ripley vs Kai was good enough but the real story is seeing the Aussie take on Gonzalez.

Both women are towering figures in the ring and it could be a brutal affair when they meet.

Reed is back

Bronson Reed had confirmed he was returning to NXT this week and took on Ashante Adonis. Reed made light work of the smaller star and picked up a quick win.

Later on, Io Shirai made her way to the ring and called out Toni Storm but she was attacked by Mercedes Martinez.

Reed beats Adonis

Grade C

Squash matches aren’t all that great to grade but this was for the return of Reed. Further, Martinez making her NXT comeback after her Retribution days was a fun watch and it will be interesting to see what happens with her and Shirai.

Ruff vs Thatcher

Timothy Thatcher was in no mood to play games as he wanted to destroy Leon Ruff.

However, he was also calling out Tommaso Ciampa and that allowed Ruff to pick up a roll-up win.

Ciampa then ran down and attacked Thatcher and wanted to battle him in the fight pit.

Ruff beats Thatcher

Grade C

Ciampa attacking Thatcher was the main story here and it could be one of the best matches for Thatcher.

Ruff also did his bit but he needed more time to shine.

Rust vs Daivari

Malcolm Bivens had signed Tyler Rust to his team after being impressed by his performance last week.

Ariya Daivari was his opponent and he looked good before Rust was able to pick up the win.

Rust beats Daivari

Grade B

This was a wonderful outing for Rust and it is interesting to see him team up with someone like Bivens who shines on the microphone.

Daivari also looked good but he was always going to lose this one.

Cole vs Dream

The main event of NXT saw Adam Cole take on Velveteen Dream after the pair had a scuffle earlier in the evening.

Pete Dunne caused a distraction by attacking Roderick Strong outside the ring. This enabled Dream to get the upper hand and he even used the referee to try and get an advantage.

However, it was Cole who got the hard-fought win after surviving a few close calls.

Cole beats Dream

Grade B

Cole vs Dream was always going to be good and this one delivered. It might have been made on the fly, it seems, but the match was great and it even went over the time limit of NXT.

More WWE news

Follow our dedicated WWE page for instant WWE news and NXT results, grades, updates and highlights