Karrion Kross beats Keith Lee at TakeOver XXX to become NXT Champion to bring the Pay-per-view to a shocking close.
This was Keith Lee’s first TakeOver as NXT Champion and only his second ever defence of the Title. Not many would have seen the show coming to an end with Karrion Kross’ hands raised with the title over his shoulders. However, that is exactly what happened.
Also read: Adam Cole beats Pat McAfee at NXT TakeOver XXX in a surprisingly good match
This is the second time he’s had a disappointing end to a title reign in just a month after going through the high of being the first ever NXT Superstar to hold both the NXT and North American Champion simultaneously.
He defended both titles against Dominik Dijakovic for his only successful defence of either titles before dropping the North American Title next week in the name of opportunity yet Sasha Banks and Bayley are allowed to keep their tag titles despite not defending it in over a month now.
He was then booked to face Kross. Many expected Lee to come through partially due to him being so early in his reign and also because it seemed Kross wasn’t ready for the title just yet. However, the WWE pulled one over the viewers when everyone least expected it.
Karrion Kross beats Keith Lee at TakeOver XXX to become NXT Champion
The main event of NXT TakeOver XXX had an explosive start with both men charging each other as soon as the bell rang. Kross and Lee went against each other with all they had with a flurry of quick moves. Kross then showed his technical prowess by dominating Lee on the ground with submission manoeuvres and strikes. This however, considerably slowed the match down.
h i p e t e #NXTTakeOver @RealKeithLee @WWEKarrionKross @PeteDunneYxB pic.twitter.com/PyXngLYLj1
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) August 23, 2020
Lee showed considerable heart in the match kicking out over and over as he looked for a way back into the match, He finally broke free and looked to be in control after a huge powerbomb.
BASK. #NXTTakeOver @RealKeithLee @WWEKarrionKross @Lady_Scarlett13 pic.twitter.com/W1yW2MQX6A
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) August 23, 2020
However, Kross fought back with the two trading blows.
The match finally ended with Kross cutting Lee off on his way to the top rope and hitting him with his Doomsday Saito for the three count.
Tick Tock. It’s time for a NEW CHAMPION. ⌛@WWEKarrionKross defeats @RealKeithLee to win the #NXTTitle! #NXTTakeOver #AndNew @Lady_Scarlett13 pic.twitter.com/hHWxaqeP8X
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2020
#WWENXT is now in the hands of the #KrossCult. 🔥#NXTTakeOver @Lady_Scarlett13 @WWEKarrionKross pic.twitter.com/quj0K88NI5
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) August 23, 2020
This is a surprising result to say the least. However, this is very likely due to the WWE’s desire to bring Lee to the main roster. One can’t help but ask why even bother giving him both the titles if they were going to be taken off him shortly after?
Regardless, it will be interesting to see where NXT goes from here. Two new Champions, New number one contenders, a budding rivalry and a brand new top baby face. To say it was eventful will be underselling it.
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