Match 4: The Undisputed Era (c) v. Grizzled Young Veterans v. #DIY - NXT Tag Team Championships

Build:

Returning to the topic of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Tournament, it is common knowledge of the controversy that surrounded the finals. But to fully comprehend what led to the NXT Tag Team Championships being defended here at NXT Takeover: Tampa Bay, we must return to the scene of the crime, the Semi-Finals! In the wake of DIY making it past Kyle O'Reilly & Bobby Fish of The Undisputed Era in the Quarter-Finals, the champions promised that their loss would be soon forgotten, and their word was indeed their bond. As the following week, during the #DIY/Grizzled Young Veterans Semi-Final Match, the former were inches away from earning themselves a guaranteed spot in the finals, until a distraction from the Undisputed Era led to the latter being able to secure the victory, costing Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa a spot in the finals!

Now fast forwarding to the aftermath of NXT Takeover: Portland, after defeating the Broserweights in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Finals, their guaranteed tag title shot is confirmed for the March 4th edition of NXT. Which doesn't make DIY particularly happy, as in the weeks leading up to this contest, they continuously remind the NXT Universe on the injustice that occurred in the Semi-Finals and how they haven't forgotten. Now for the Tag Team Championship Match, in what can be described as a highly competitive encounter between the two teams, as neither wanted to fall to the other, clearly showing how much these belts mean to the division. The closing moments of this bout saw both James Drake & Zack Gibson look to close in on the victory, but it wasn't meant to be. As revenge quickly became the theme of the night, with #DIY LAYING OUT THE CHAMPIONS FROM BEHIND! A menacing attack turned into a three-way brawl, all three teams infuriated by eachother and begin to wage war against another as the show goes off the air.

The following week sees the Grizzled Young Veterans pacing around NXT General Manager, William Regal's door, as they bang on the door absolutely infuriated. However, before he can even have a chance to open it, the NXT Tag Team Champions in the form of Kyle O'Reilly & Bobby Fish are seen approaching the office aswell. Both obviously upset at what occurred last week, yet another fight breaks out! It wouldn't stop until William Regal walked out of his private office, separating the four individual talents, shouting "STOP THIS MADNESS!". Once the two duos have calmed down a bit, Real goes on to say that at the upcoming NXT Takeover: Tampa Bay event, The Undisputed Era will defend their belts once again, but this time against both the Grizzled Young Veterans & #DIY. Due to the constant interferences and illogical warfare, they have given him no other choice but to make sure there's a definitive winner this time.

Now on the Takeover go-home show, we witness a three-way interview between the Undisputed Era, Grizzled Young Veterans, & #DIY. Each team having being able to make their case, Kyle O'Reilly & Bobby Fish begin, they quickly state that neither of their opponents deserve this opportunity, because when it truly matters, they can't win the big one. That being seen over the past couple of months already, and that they don't see that changing anytime soon, not with them wearing the crown. Next up is #DIY, they remember what occurred in the Semi-Finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag team Classic Tournament, they were inches away from earning a guaranteed NXT Tag Team Championship Match, and the champions felt afraid, they felt insecure, so they costed us a chance at taking the crown, and they still are afraid. Lastly would be the Grizzled Young Veterans, while they indeed did capture the title of Dusty Rhodes Tag team Classic 2021 Winners, they weren't able to do the same for the NXT Tag Team Championships, that being because of two men, Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa. This weekend they make sure, that it is clearly known not to get involved in their business, not ever again.

Match:

As we come to the halfway point of NXT Takeover: Tampa Bay, the second championship match is set for the fourth match of the night. As the NXT Tag Team Champions, Kyle O'Reilly & Bobby Fish of The Undisputed Era are due to defend their championships against two of the finest tag teams in this division. That being both #DIY & Grizzled Young Veterans, As the fans in attendance and the millions watching from home wait for the participants to enter, the atmosphere suddenly becomes a lot more lively as we hear a heart-warming theme song ring throughout the arena, as "Chrome Hearts" plays over the PA System. #DIY making their entrance first, sporting matching blue & gray attires, as they march through a billow of smoke, gesturing belts across their waists. Grizzled Young Veterans are out next, preferring to solely walk to the ring, not caring to acknowledge anything around them besides the squared circle.

Lastly, as the champions come out to the entrance, they have the championships around their waists. Clearly confident, even gloating right in the face of the challengers as they enter the ring. Nevertheless, both Kyle O'Reilly & Bobby Fish stay focused on the task at-hand, as the announcer explains that the only way this match can come to a conclusion is by pinfall or submission. With so much hatred and jealousy between these three teams, it is understandable that this can't end unconventionally. Moments after the rules of this match are explained, the opening bell sounds, as it echos throughout the arena. An interesting trio of Kyle O'Reilly, Johnny Gargano, James Drake kick off this contest, with these three now facing off in the ring, the tempo begins slowly as they begin to feel each other out.

At first, they go back and forth in a sequence of chain wrestling, as they all trade off. Drake gets the upperhand, with a side headlock on Gargano. In order to escape, he pushes one half of The Grizzled Young Veterans and sends him towards the ropes, which gives O'Reilly the incentive to strike James WITH A KNEE TO THE GUT! This staggers him after quite the impact, which gives Johnny Gargano the chance to strike, however he finds himself thrusting knee strike! After another move that exhibits the incredible ability of The Undisputed Era member. Gargano is planted onto his back, but that doesn't give O'Reilly much of a chance to rest, as James Drake rushes in for a HUGE DISCUS LARIAT! A move that can knock your socks right off, Gargano is winded, and as Drake climbs up to the top rope for a possible 450 splash attempt, Kyle stops him grabbing onto his arm with an immense amount of pressure.

Screaming in utter agony, as his arm is continuously wrenched by Kyle, as it's turned from left-to-right, each wrench being worst than the last one. On the other hand, this has given Gargano time to recover from the knee to his gut he received earlier as he now crawls back into the ring, sneaking up behind both men and spiking Kyle an INVERTED FRANKENSTEINER! Turning his attention to James Drake now, he looks to bring his opposition down from the top rope, Drake kicks Johnny back down, as he connects with a leaping DDT. However, on the way down James lands awkwardly onto his right knee, once he landed on the canvas, he grabbed tightly onto it. With his knee seriously hurt, Drake screams in pain as he rolls around, kicking his legs out. With all three men now down, they all simultaneously tag in their respective partners. With Bobby Fish, Tommaso Ciampa, & Zack Gibson now in the ring, it sets a new pace for this matchup, right from the get-go, Ciampa takes out both men with clotheslines, firing off on all cylinders.

Bobby Fish is the first one to get back to his feet, he turns to Ciampa quite quickly, tackling Tommaso's legs. Bobby with a elbow to the leg of Ciampa! Another! Trying to weaken the left leg as much as he possible can, but when he went for one more shot, there was noone home. "The Blackheart" able to get out of the way just in time, and as the two return to their feet, they engage in a striking sequence, with Bobby firing a TILT-A-WHIRL BACKBREAKER! He quickly grabs in back, as he obviously feels the pain shoots through the entirety of his spine. Bobby Fish now finally in control of this contest, Gargano tags himself back in but once he runs into the ring for the second time this evening, HE IS STRUCK SICILIAN BARRAGE! He isn't done there however, as he quickly transitions into a PROJECT OF CIAMPA! Falling into the cover after some time... 1...2... JOHNNY GARGANO BREAKS IT UP!

Hobbling back to his feet now, Johnny backs up into the corner, eagerly waiting for Ciampa to get back to his feet. Slowly doing so, once he was up, GARGANO HEADS FOR THE SUPERKICK, BUT CIAMPA DUCKS UNDER AS HE LOOKS FOR A LARIAT, JOHNNY NOW DUCKS UNDER AND STRIKES WITH A SUPERKICK! HE GOT IT! Falling into the cover from exhaustion, he can't make the cover, but gives Bobby enough time to tag in Kyle O'Reilly. Upon entering the ring a second time, HE RUNS AT JOHNNY GARGANO, LANDING A HARSH KNEE TO GARGANO'S ABDOMEN AREA! Upon impact, the loud screams from Johnny can be heard, the move clearly impacting his lungs, as he begins to wheeze immensely. Turning him around now, O'Reilly turns Johnny around and lifts him up for a DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX!

O'Reilly slaps on a guillotine choke, or does he? NO! Gargano rolls out of it, executing a NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX! Keeping his shoulders up, it prompts the referee to begin the count... 1...2...KICKOUT! Disbelief comes over the face of Kyle, and once he reaches his feet, he hits with a running neckbreaker by Zack Gibson. Stunned a little bit, the former rolls over into the corner, staggering to his feet. He wouldn't be standing for too long though, as a standing shoulder block is beautifully executed, from there he irish whips his opposition into his corner, where James Drake tags himself in. Gibson doesn't leave the ring just yet though, as they attempt for a TICKET TO MAYHEM... BUT NO TOMMASO CIAMPA SAVES HIS PARTNER, AS HE PULLS HIM OFF! Giving Johnny the chance to wind up... LAYING HIS OPPONENT OUT WITH A SUPERKICK!

Quickly after the move is executed, Bobby Fish enters the squared circle, but is hauled quickly out of the ropes by Zack Gibson, only for Gargano to turn him around for yet another SUPERKICK! Gibson is still up though, asking for more, which led to him lifting Zack up for a LAWN DART INTO THE CORNER! From the corner of his eye, he sees the apron, an idea brewing in his mind. Gargano exits the ring, standing on the apron still, ATTEMPTING A SLINGSHOT DDT, BUT HES CAUGHT BY HIS OPPOSITION... NOT FOR LONG THOUGH AS CIAMPA RUNS IN AND TAKES OUT THE LEGS OF ZACK GIBSON! From there, Johnny goes back on the apron... GOING FOR THE FINAL BEAT ONE LAST TIME... AND IT CONNECTS! With the rest of his competition still currently grounded, he goes for the cover...1....2...3...!

Whilst both The Grizzled Young Veterans & The Undisputed Era weren't able to defeat #DIY, they nevertheless proved as to why they are two top-tier teams in the division. With one loss for the Era boys already here tonight, Adam Cole must not be feeling too good about himself right now, as he defends the NXT Championship against Finn Balor later on in the night. Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa are handed the NXT Tag Team Championships, the emotion on both of their faces tells the whole story. For the losers of this contest, they walk off quite disappointed, looking back in the ring as they know who the superior team was on this night. The new Tag Champions raise up their titles proudly up in the air, finally becoming the champs once again!

#DIY def. The Undisputed Era (c) & The Grizzled Young Veterans (17:30)

Match 5: Keith Lee (NA) v. WALTER (UK) - Champion v. Champion Match

Build:

Coming out of NXT Takeover: Portland, Keith Lee is still NXT North American Champion after a triumphant victory over Dominick Dijakovic. On the first NXT episode after Takeover, Keith Lee takes to the ring to address his future revolving around the North American Championship, as he cuts a promo he states this past Sunday's contest was one of the more difficult tasks in his career, and is glad he has proved once again why he is the champion in the first place. But that isn't enough, he claims for the past few months, he has brought extra importance to the title that is draped around his shoulder, and wants to continue to test himself. And what's a bigger challenge than going head-to-head against one of the more dominant champions in recent memory...NXT UK CHAMPION, WALTER! It’s a Champion vs Champion dream match possibly, as the world perhaps gets to witness Lee/WALTER!

Later that week on NXT UK, WALTER is asked about Keith Lee's recent challenge in an exclusive interview. “If he wants to prove he's the baddest, why doesn't he come visit my home turf, see how bad he is then?" And as you would imagine, Keith Lee does just that, not looking to back down one bit, but as he walks in the building the following week, he comes face-to-face with WALTER, Alexander Wolfe, Fabian Aichner, & Marcel Barthel. Lee keeping his eyes locked on his potential opponent in the future, it distracts him from the fact he's apart of a 4-1 disadvantage. Which leads to a malicious beatdown, as this was clearly always the plan, inviting the North American Champion overseas to leave him battered and bruised. Once the attack concluded, WALTER stands tall over Lee, leaving him with a message "I accept, don't ever step into MY Country again!"

Back in the states, the NXT General Manager William Regal confirms that Keith Lee and WALTER will go one-on-one at NXT Takeover: Tampa Bay in a Champion v. Champion showdown! The following week is all about highlighting their eventual contest, a video package plays over the titantron on the go-home show to Takeover. Throughout the said package, both men are given a chance to state their claims on who they believe will walk out the victor this weekend. Keith Lee is first, he vows to walk out of this matchup as the victor, not just for the NXT roster as a whole, but to make sure everyone knows who the superior champion is, he took the attack overseas personally and he won't let it stand. WALTER is next, he simply laughs at his opposition's remarks, he states that there is no way Keith Lee walks out of Tampa Bay in one piece, and the attack two weeks ago was nothing compared to what he will do to Lee at Takeover!

Match:

As the Semi-Main Event of the evening approaches, the North American Champion Keith Lee makes his entrance first, through the shadows and into the light, he does his usual gestures upon entering the squared circle, the entire arena basking in his glory. Next up, is the NXT UK Champion WALTER, as he makes his commanding entrance, undefeated in singles competition for the last two years or so, but Keith Lee will look to have that streak come to a conclusion here tonight. Backing him is Imperium, as they all enter the ring, surrounding the North American Champion as they possibly try to intimate "The Limitless One". The rest of WALTER's stable enters the ring by request, which leaves the two prominent superstars staring down one another, before they are asked to back into their respective corners. The opening bell now sounds, as the fans in attendance are currently buzzing for this epic showdown!

Once the bell rings, the two engage in a collar-and-elbow tie-up, looking to feel each other out in the opening moments of the match. WALTER is usually used to overpowering his opponents, but this time both men find themselves in a stalemate. Upon figuring out that this won't be easy for him like in the past, he pushes Keith Lee, shouting "to bring it!". His opposition obliges, shaking it off, not letting the Ring General get in his head, instead shooting for another tie-up, only for WALTER to land a dangerously looking knife edge chop. The first one of this contest, and certainly not the last one either, He shakes it off though, not letting the Ring General get in his head, instead shooting for another tie-up, having the wind knocked out of him as he begins to stagger thanks to WALTER’s brute strength. Needing a moment, he backs into the ropes, but once he regathers himself, and runs into "The Ring General" with a huge shoulder block.

Now in his element, Keith Lee lands some stiff elbows to the head, taking advantage of his opposition being staggered. Quickly going behind for a German Suplex attempt, looking to showcase his own strength, WALTER slaps his arms off, spinning him around, and nailing a BIG BOOT! Picking him back up, he turns him inside out with a running lariat! The camera's view now zooms in on Lee's face, and it shows an immense amount of shock over it, not expecting to be on the defense so early on here. After a few moments, he begins to get back to his feet, running at WALTER once again, going for the trunk-like legs, chipping away at them with countless elbows, even backing him into the corner and driving his shoulder into his abdomen area over-and-over again. He backs up and gloats, getting fired up now, he looks to drive one more shoulder block here, but WALTER gets out of the way and lands yet another chop!

But this just angers Keith Lee, as he grabs his opposition and instead sends WALTER into the opposite corner running at him, but a SHOTGUN DROPKICK CATCHES HIM! The insane athleticism from the 33 year old is showcased here, Keith Lee is wheezing, his chest caved-in and discolored, the impact from the shotgun dropkick clearly taking a lot out of him. Falling back onto the ropes, once he reaches his feet once more... WALTER locks in a GOJIRA CLUTCH from behind, but Lee is able to sneakily escape, rebounding off the ropes for and ducking under a chop, before coming back the opposite way to land a ROLLING ELBOW! WALTER shakes it off, instead coming back with a high angle boston crab, as Lee struggles to reverse this action, it wouldn't come to be as it's locked in quite tightly after some time.

Lee's arm waves around weakly, desperately searching for the ropes... screaming in agony for several seconds. He looks to drag himself to those nearest ropes, is he able to do it? YES HE IS! He makes the ropes fortunately! WALTER looks absolutely shocked, clearly thinking that was going to be it, Lee begins to draw multiple breaths, in-and-out, as he realizes he might need to change his game plan, before WALTER appears, swinging for a chop, Keith is able to dodge it luckily, attempting a belly-to-belly suplex, lifting up 297 pounder, as he goes over the head of "The Limitless One". An incredible amount of strength shown by the North American Champion, while he is looking to be sorta out of breath, he heads to the top rope and soaring through the air for a MOONSAULT!

He quickly falls into the cover, the referee in position aswell...1...2...KICKOUT! After a shocking kickout by "The Ring General", Lee must be wondering what it will take to put away the NXT UK Champion, he is thinking another moonsault here, as he heads back to the top rope. Going for another MOONSAULT, WALTER PUT HIS KNEES UP JUST IN TIME! Keith screams in pain, as the fans in attendance gasp at what just occurred, both men now grounded. After a full minute of recovery, both men simultaneously make it to their feet, WALTER goes for a Shoulder Thrust, only for Keith to connect with a discus punch, transitioning into a powerslam attempt, WALTER ESCAPES! Backing up into the opposite corner, HE HITS ANOTHER SHOTGUN DROPKICK, AS HE HITS THE TOP TURNBUCKLE UPON IMPACT!

Knowing this is his opportunity to lock it in, WALTER attempts to lock in the GOJIRA CLUTCH FOR THE SECOND TIME! Keith Lee knows this could be it for him, he ferociously waves his arms in desperation... COULD THIS BE IT? Maybe not, as he uses his utter strength to fight out of the hold, landing a HEADBUTT ON WALTER'S SKULL! From there, he looks to transition into a SPIRIT BOMB, BUT WALTER REVERSES INTO A LARIAT! Lifting him up, AND LOCKING IN THE GOJIRA CLUTCH FOR THE THIRD TIME! Lee's arm waves around weakly once again, looking for a possible break... BUT THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM! LEE'S OUT!

WALTER def. Keith Lee (22:21)

Match 6: Adam Cole (c) v. Finn Bálor - NXT Championship Match

Build:

Adam Cole is going on 363 days as NXT Champion, winning it all the way back at NXT Takeover: New York in April of 2019. Coming out of Portland, still holding the belt after an impressive showing against Velveteen Dream, he comes out on the first episode of NXT following the big night quite proud of himself, he cuts a promo on how there is no competition left here in NXT, that he has defeated them all. Claiming that he has built the NXT brand since 2017, and noone can say otheriwse. After saying this, "Catch Your Breath" rings over the PA System, as Finn Balor interrupts the NXT Champion, to the surprise of Cole. He enters the ring, pointing finger guns at the champion, as his intentions are quite clear. Before leaving the ring, Balor calmly says "The Prince objects!

The following week sees NXT General Manager, William Regal address this situation, setting up a #1 Contender's Match between Finn Balor & Roderick Strong, but it's selectively for the former, if he is able to topple one of Undisputed Era's finest, he can challenge Adam Cole for the NXT Champion at NXT Takeover: Tampa Bay. However, this week Cole is able to respond to last week's events in an exclusive interview. During the said interview, Adam states that Balor doesn't deserve a shot at his title, he doesn't care what "The Prince" has accomplished in the past, because Adam Cole is now bay-bay! And if he is able to get past the highly talented Roderick Strong, he will prove that statement to be true LIVE in Tampa Bay.

The following week sees Finn Balor and Roderick Strong go head-to-head in this singles encounter, it turns out to be a quite competitive matchup, that either man could've walked out of as the rightful victor. But in the end, it's "The Prince" who is able to earn a guaranteed title shot at the upcoming NXT Takeover event, as a 1916 puts away "The Messiah Of The Backbreaker". After this contest, Balor gestures a title belt around his waist, pointing his finger guns at the back, making his intentions crystal clear once again. The match being official... Finn Balor v. Adam Cole for the NXT Championship!

Match:

As the main event of the night arrives, Finn Balor makes his entrance first, the challenger Finn Bálor making his entrance first through the shadows and into the light, pointing finger guns at the ramp as he anticipates the arrival of the current NXT Champion. Adam Cole comes out next, a lone spotlight surrounding him, as he has his title belt draped over his shoulder. As he enters the ring, he gets directly in the face of his opposition, lifting it up in the air for the world to see. Both backing up into their respective corners, the bell sounds!

Balor assumes early control, using his well-learnt skills from years of practice, to keep Adam Cole grounded, transitioning from a collar-and-elbow tie-up to a side headlock, wrenching tightly as the champion lays on the mat. He rolls Balor up for a quick 1 count, Balor getting his shoulder up and rolling back into the headlock just in time, keeping the grip up as Adam desperately tries to find the break. Getting his legs underneath him, he powers to his feet and makes a quick sweep for Finn’s legs, seemingly knocking him down to the canvas. Momentarily gloating after doing so, he shouts "ADAM COLE BAY-BAY'! The crowd going along with it, not to the surprise of many though.

Cole taunting Finn, teasing him that he's not the superior competitor, but Balor shakes it off, rushing at Adam with a Dropkick on the bridge of the nose, backing him into the ropes on spaghetti legs, before nailing a Knife Edge Chop and sweeping out his legs to STOMP A MUDHOLE into him! Rolling him out of the corner, Balor soars in with a Dropkick to the back of the head, and immediately rolls into the cover, Cole kicking out. Cole drags himself to the opposite end of the ring, almost taken aback by Balor's intensity, the champion invites him back to the center of the ring, possibly wanting even more punishment? The two look for the advantage in this one, the grappling between the two not coming to a conclusion until Adam is hauled out of the ring by the challenger, hitting hard on the OUTSIDE!

Taking some time to reach his feet, Adam Cole is currently staggered, not knowing exactly where he is at the moment. But it doesn't matter now, as Balor soars through the air, CONNECTING WITH A SUICIDE SOMERSAULT SENTON! The NXT Champion struggles back to his feet, only for him to see Balor taking him right back in the ring. Once Cole enters the ring, he is still directly on his back, slingshotting over the ropes, Balor connects a DOUBLE FOOT STOMP to the abdomen area, WAIT NO! Cole moves out of the way just in time, backing up, and winding up for his vintage SUPERKICK! He falls into the cover, the exhaustion finally beginning to settle in...1...2...KICKOUT! "The Prince" still kicking thankfully, still not done though, he leaves Balor laying with a BICYCLE KICK!

Cole heads up to the middle rope now, we know what he's looking for now! PANAMA SUNRISE TIME BABY LETS GO! HE ATTEMPTS IT, WAIT THE LIGHTS ARE GOING OUT! After several minutes have passed by "Omen In The Sky" begins to play, signaling the arrival of AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, & Luke Gallows! Known as "The Club, but the leader is nowehere to be seen, the duo of this stable begin to distract the referee, and now FROM BEHIND, AJ STYLES RUNS INTO THE RING, AND EXECUTING A BEUITFULLY PUT STYLES CLASH! He rolls under the bottom rope, as Balor smiles at it all, heading to the top rope, ready to end it all... COUP DE GRACE HITS! Falling to the cover now... 1...2...3... NEW CHAMPION!

Finn Balor def. Adam Cole (c) to win the NXT Championship!

It’s a highway robbery in Tampa as Balor sneaks away with the NXT Championship after an unexpected Club interference, clearly Finn knowing all about it aswell! Adam Cole staggering to his feet, as he checks with the referee if it was truly a 3 count, before collapsing to the mat as the reality sets in. On the other side of things, Finn knows exactly where he is at this current moment, as he is handed the richest prize here in NXT, and lifts it high up in the air. Adam rolling out of the ring to meet the rest of The Undisputed Era in despair, as Balor raises up the gold once more to end the show!