Debuting wrestlers advance to NXT Breakout tournament

Not every debuting or returning WWE Superstar loses their first match (I kid, mostly... Zelina Vega’s loss was in service to Liv Morgan’s story, and who can complain about that?).

It certainly wasn’t the case in the two NXT Breakout Tournament qualifying matches that aired on 205 Live last night (July 2). In both bouts, the former Evolve wrestler making his WWE television debut defeated the guy who we’d already seen on-screen taking a loss or two.

First, the former Harlem Bravado - now going by Andre Chase - pinned Guru Raaj. This was a bit sloppy, and showed that while The Great Khali-trained Raaj has promise, he could probably still use a little more seasoning before becoming a TV regular. Chase won with a slingshot stunner and an almost-Perfect-Plex (you’ve got to do the bridge to make it Perfect).

Joe Gacy’s win over Desmond Troy was also a bit rough at times, but it was harder to pinpoint whether that was due to either man’s deficiencies or just a lack of chemistry between the two. Troy (former collegiate All-American Denzel Dejournette) mixes athleticism and power moves really well, and given the number of times he’s already been on TV using his real name, I thought he might get the nod here. In the end, Gacy won it a uranage and a handstand springboard clothesline.

So Gacy and Chase are in. Who else will join them when the tournament starts on the July 13 NXT? Stay tuned.