12/18 WWE NXT Live Preview: Two Title Matches, Worlds Collide Build
Design / Layout Credit: Bill Pritchard
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WWE has shared the following Quick Hits for tonight’s episode of NXT on WWE.com:
- NXT Championship Match: Adam Cole © vs. Finn Balor
- NXT Women’s Championship Match: Shayna Bazler ©vs. Rhea Ripley
- What’s next for NXT Cruiserweight Champion Angel Garza?
- Will NXT UK continue to impress ahead of Worlds Collide?
WWE’s full preview can be found HERE; we have included a few excerpts below:
NXT Champion Adam Cole vs. Finn Bálor kicks off NXT and will be presented commercial-free
After defeating Keith Lee and Tommaso Ciampa in a wild Triple Threat Match, Finn Bálor has earned the right to challenge NXT Champion Adam Cole tonight on USA Network. The NXT Championship Match will kick off the show live at 8/7 C, and will be presented commercial-free.
Bálor has made it clear that his past was his future upon his return to NXT, but Cole and The Undisputed ERA thought the first-ever Universal Champion was on their side at first. However, Bálor made it clear that he was running solo when he blasted Cole with a surprise Pele kick.
Now, Bálor will get the opportunity to show Cole, The Undisputed ERA and the NXT Universe that he runs the black-and-gold brand. Will Bálor do just that and become a two-time NXT Champion, or will Cole ensure that The Undisputed ERA continue to reign supreme?
Rhea Ripley gets her NXT Women’s Title Match with Shayna Baszler
Rhea Ripley wanted a match with Shayna Baszler. She’s getting it tonight during NXT on USA Network, when the two square off for Baszler’s NXT Women’s Championship.
Though The Nightmare let the champion know she was coming for her last week, Ripley was focused on getting payback on Dakota Kai for her betrayal at TakeOver: WarGames. That gave Baszler the opening to send a message to the fast-rising Superstar. The Submission Magician put Ripley to sleep with the Kirifuda Clutch, then told The Nightmare that though Ripley wanted a title match, Baszler wanted it more, setting the date for their showdown.
Can Ripley put an end to Baszler’s incredible run as NXT Women’s Champion, or will Baszler continue to dominate the black-and-gold brand?