Last week, Finn Bálor successfully set aside Kyle O’Reilly’s NXT championship challenge. That left an opening for someone else to step up. We learned a bit more about that tonight.
The champ addressed the lack of challenger this evening. He stated that he respects Kyle O’Reilly, who is a great competitor, but he’s still not on Finn’s level. He dared anyone to step up, reminding him no one is cut from the same type of cloth he is. The man is fearless.
Pete Dunne, with the NXT tag champions of Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch at his side, walked down to accept that challenge. This turned into a 3 on 1 beat down from Pat McAfee’s (former?) crew that Bálor was able to delay but not stop.
Interestingly enough, it was actually Kyle who attempted to make the save for the champ. However, they were still out numbered, and O’Reilly’s Undisputed brothers Adam Cole & Roderick Strong had to finally clear out Dunne, Lorcan, & Burch.
Looks like #NXTChampion @FinnBalor didn't come alone! @AdamColePro, @KORCombat & @roderickstrong are always ready for a FIGHT on #WWENXT! pic.twitter.com/tPHRKuEtrs
— WWE (@WWE) January 14, 2021
The former #1 contender and the champion stared at each other in the ring as Pete Dunne watched from the ramp.
We don’t know exactly where this is going yet, but it looks like Pete Dunne will likely be getting an NXT title shot very soon. Will Kyle O’Reilly be joining them in a possible triple threat? Or is he here just to play spoiler? It’s an intriguing dynamic no matter how they go.
Either way, this looks to delay the inevitable Karrion Kross title program a little bit.
You can find the results from tonight’s episode at the live blog here.