Welcome to eWrestling.com’s LIVE results coverage for the black-and-gold brand’s, “WWE NXT: New Years Evil” special edition which airs January 6, 2021 starting at 8:00p.m. as the show airs live from the WWE Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, Florida on the USA Network at 8/7C!

Advertised for this week’s edition of WWE NXT’s “New Years Evil” special edition, we bring in the new year with both eWrestling and the black-and-gold brand! Be sure to tune in as NXT New Year’s Evil is presented with fewer interruptions and more action, as Finn Bálor puts the NXT Championship on the line against Kyle O’Reilly and Damian Priest looks to hand Karrion Kross his first defeat, with both matches featuring non-stop, bell-to-bell action! Additionally Rhea Ripley collides with Raquel González in a Last Woman Standing Match, Santos Escobar defends the NXT Cruiserweight Title against Gran Metalik, and more. Don’t miss NXT New Year’s Evil this Wednesday night at 8/7 C on USA Network!

Featured below are complete results of the January 6, 2021 edition of WWE NXT On USA Network which airs live at 8/7C! The following report was written by eWrestling.com’s longest running female reporter, Jamie Rush. Follow Jamie on Twitter @JamieRush312.

Show Opening

We immediately see Dexter Lumis as he stands alone, staring off into the darkness of the arena, then begins to climb the stairs beside him. Again, he looks around the arena without blinking. Lumis is standing at the control board for the arena and he presses a few different buttons to add a single beam of light. Then another. Finally he pulls a leaver that brings up all the lights as well as “NXT New Years Evil” in lights to kick off tonight’s special edition of NXT on USA Network!

Damian Priest vs. Karrion Kross

As we are welcomed to tonight’s show by the commentary team of Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett, the entrance theme for the former NXT North American Champion, Damian Priest hits the speakers in the WWE Capitol Wrestling Center as Priest hits the stage! Priest then walks down the short ramp to the ring where he sends off his invisible arrow into the crowd to end his entrance as we see both Joseph and Barrett at ringside.

Time is up! It is time to “Fall and Pray”… Out next is Karrion Kross with Scarlett Bourdeux who does her normal entrance into the ring as she tells us the end is near, Kross appears from behind her, more muscles than ever as Scarlett crawls out from beneath the Doomsday Deviant! The smoke clears inside the ring as Priest re-enters the ring for tonight’s match-up. The referee stands in the center of the ring as he signals for the bell. The bell rings, and the first match-up of tonight’s New Years Evil is officially underway!

Priest and Kross immediately head in at one another as them bell chimes and the two lock up. A bit of a struggle as they both hold on. Priest crawls through the middle ropes and the struggle spills out to ringside. Both refuse to break the tie up. Finally Priest re-enters the ring. Kross re-enters as well. Both try to throw strikes and kicks with misses. Priest finally connects with a kick and we really start this match! Kross lifts Priest and slams him to the canvas!

Kross in control of the match now as he throws Priest into the corner of the ring! A back Hip Toss by Kross, slamming Priest to the canvas once more. Kross goes for the cover, Priest immediately gets his shoulder up, the referee informs Kross. Kross then Clothesline Priest over the top turnbuckle, as Kross then follows Priest to ringside. Kross picks up the steel stairs and heads towards Priest who out of desperation lands a kick to the midsection of Kross causing Kross to drop the steel stairs.

Both men re-enter the ring as Kross follows Priest back into the ring. Kross holds onto Priest’s dreads, delivering strikes over and over. Priest simply smiles, announcing, “I’m still standing” which angers Kross. Priest with multiple blows that connect to Kross who is now flustered by Priest. Flatliner by Priest! Kross leans in the corner as Priest heads in with a Back Elbow to Kross.

Priest with a Forearm followed by a Clothesline, then the Broken Arrow for the cover! Kross able to kick out at two. Priest breathing heavy as he sits up. Scarlett Bourdeux throws her hands up in frustration. Kross looks for a Suplex, misses as he goes shoulder first into the turnbuckle. The referee asks Kross if he’s ok, Kross gives an angry snarl which scares the referee back.

Priest heads in and focuses on the formerly injured left arm/shoulder of Kross, Kross able to power up and roll Priest back for the cover, Priest kicks out. Both men back to their feet, Kross coming back to life as the two deliver Kicks and Strikes back and forth as they trade shots. Springboard by Priest injures Kross. Kross still rushes in with a huge Clothesline for the cover. Priest kicks out at two!

The crowd pops as Kross gets to his knees, holding his injured arm, then steps forward to Stomp the hand of Priest! Kross again tries to stomp Priest’s other hand, Priest quickly moves. Kross lifts Priest, planting Priest upside down on the turnbuckles. Kross then backs up to the opposing corner and lowers his knee brace before heading in with a Running Knee to the midsection of Priest!

Next Kross sets up for a Doomsday Saito, but Priest is able to fight free. Priest then hits the Razor’s Edge! But it costs Priest, whose ribs are killing him. By the time he covers, Kross is able to kick out. At this point, both men brawl on the apron, Karrion is knocked down, up and over from Priest. He climbs, spinning heel kick from the top. Priest gets the South of Heaven to connect, giving Priest the cover, but Kross gets a shoulder up at two!

Priest tries for a Reckoning, but gets thrown over Kross’ head. High angle powerbomb gets two. Priest rolls out to regroup, and when Karrion follows he gets hit with two kicks, but a third is caught. Kross drives him midsection first into the scaffolding, then slams him on the steps. Priest gets to his feet, stating, “I’m still standing… bitch.” A Doomsday Saito and a European to the back of Priest’s head for the cover. Kross gets the three count pin and win!

Winner: Damian Priest

After the Match

Scarlett Bourdeux enters the ring, kissing the shoulder of Kross as Karrion Kross’s music sounds and Kross stands tall in victory inside the ring. We head to replays! We return to the arena where Kross lifts Scarlett as they get to the top of the stage, Kross staring into the camera with a red light surrounding him.

Quick Announcement

The Cruiserweight Championship Match between Gran Metalik of Lucha House Party and NXT’s Santos Escobar. First we head to commercial break!

Promo – Dusty Rhodes Tag-Team Classic

As we return from commercial break, we get a video promo for the Dusty Rhodes Tag-Team Classic followed by the names of some of the teams that will be participating Undisputed Era Ever-Rise, Breezango, Curt Stallion and August Grey, Killian Dain and Drake Maverick, Imperium and Legado del Fantasma. The winner of the Dusty Cup gets an opportunity at the NXT Tag-Team Champions. All this starts next week!

Backstage Interview – Undisputed Era

Undisputed Era’s Adam Cole and Roderick Strong are standing backstage as they are asked about the Dusty Rhodes Classic Tag-Team Tournament, as it was just announced that next week they will be facing Breezango in the first round of the Dusty Cup.

Cole states EVERY week is a big week for UE. Cole states he’s the longest reigning NXT Champion and Strong is a former NXT North American Champion. Strong adds that as entertaining as Breezango’s entrances are, the veterans get the job done! Cole adds that this is all the Golden Prophecy.

Cole then adds that tonight Kyle O’Reilly will fulfill his destiny tonight in his match with Finn Balor and he will become the NXT Champion!

Ringside

As we return to the arena, we see the Grizzled Young Veterans standing behind the steel cage barrier at ringside as the look on to the next match-up.

Cruiserweight Championship Title Match
Gran Metalik vs. Santos Escobar (c)

Out first are is the challenger representing the Lucha House Party, Gran Metalik! Metalik heads down the ramp accompanied by his tag-team partner, Lince Dorado. As they enter the ring, Metalik stands in the center of the ring awaiting his opponent. Out next is Santos Escobar representing Legado Del Fantasma with his partners, Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza. tagging along behind him as he makes his way to the ring. The referee holds the Cruiserweight Championship belt high above his head.

The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and this title match is officially underway! Metalik immediately rushes Escobar, shoving him into the ropes. Lots of quick technical take-downs followed by a cover for Metalik to no avail. Hurricanrana connects. Metalik bounces off the ropes and drops to a knee daring Escobar to re-enter the ring. Metalik up onto the top rope, taking Escobar down. Escobar with a take down outside of the ring, he kneels in front of Dorado who begins to fan him in an entertaining fashion as the referee begins his count!

Up and over, Metalik connects with a cover! Escobar kicks out at two! Escobar blocks a Hurricanrana! Escobar then holds on to Metalik and slams him head first into the barricade with a smile as we head to picture in picture commercial break!

Escobar carries Metalik over to the apron, rolling him into the ring as he begins to stretch Metalik around the ring post. The referee continues the count, Escobar re-enters the ring and lands a Big Boot to the body of Metalik!

Escobar takes Metalik to the top. Escobar gets Metalik on his shoulder but just lifts him and drops him ribs-first over the top turnbuckle. Metalik falls to the mat and Escobar covers for a 2 count. They tangle on the mat now with a submission and a pin attempt but Escobar goes right back to work on Metalik. It’s announced that Legado del Fantasma will be competing in the Dusty Classic. They tangle and Metalik rolls Escobar for a close 2 count.

Escobar comes right back with a clothesline for 2. Escobar works Metalik over while he’s down, focusing on the lower back as the crowd rallies. Escobar runs into a big boot in the corner. Metalik with as superkick and a reverse Slingblade. Metalik goes on and sends Escobar out with a big dropkick. Metalik runs the ropes and leaps off the middle rope over the top, flying to the floor to take Escobar back down for a big pop.

Metalik brings it back in and nails a springboard top rope splash for another close 2 count. Metalik chops Escobar back down. Escobar counters ans sends Metalik to the apron but then gets kicked in the jaw. Metalik springboards in from the apron but Escobar jumps up with a big knee to the jaw in mid-air. Escobar runs the ropes and nails a suicide dive to the floor, sending Metalik into the barrier. Escobar brings it back in for another close 2 count.

Escobar with kicks to Metalik as he picks him back up. Metalik fights off the finisher and they trade more shots. Escobar takes Metalik to the corner and to the top, nailing another big chop to the chest. Escobar climbs up but Metalik keeps fighting. Escobar almost pulls Metalik’s mask off. Metalik ends up going down on the apron from the top. He gets up and still fights back. Lince leaps off the apron and takes out Wilde and Mendoza at ringside. Metalik hits a big hurricanrana from the top but Escobar kicks out just in time.

Metalik goes back to the top and calls for the big elbow but Escobar gets up and rocks him. Escobar brings Metalik from the top to the center of the ring for Legado but possibly doesn’t follow through. He then turns that into the Phantom Driver in the middle of the ring for the three count pin and win to retain the Cruiserweight Championship title.

Winner: Santos Escobar

After the Match

Immediately following the pin, both Wilde and Mendoza enter the ring to join Escobar as they pose together in celebration of his victory.

Backstage – Rhea Ripley

Next we head backstage where we see Rhea Ripley lifting weights in preparation of tonight’s match-up (bulk up Ripley!). Before exiting the backstage area, we also see Raquel Gonzalez backstage as she is also shown in the back warming up.

Vignette – Xia Li and Boa

We cut to a new vignette of Xia Li and Boa training together. After a break, we first here from Mercedes Martinez. She says Io Shirai didn’t look like Overall Competitor of the Year when she kicked her ass a couple weeks ago. Mercedes doesn’t care about the bad ass title – she wants the women’s title.

In-Arena

As we return to the inside of the arena, out comes the mystery masked woman from the recent Xia Li and Boa vignettes. Li and Boa are out next with new looks and new music. Li puts on a brief performance with a pair of sais as Boa stands next to her. Li hits the ring and poses as Boa stands at ringside. The mystery woman is watching from a golden chair on the stage.

Xia Li vs. Katrina Cortez

Katrina was on the main roster for a second a while back. She evades for a second then gets kicked flat. Xia stops to bow to her trainer/cult leader. More kicks, she licks her palm for a strike but Cortez fires back. Li isn’t selling pain after her training now, though. More kicks, then a spinning back kick for the easy three count pin and win!

Winner: Xia Li

After the Match

Xia Li & Boa both make their way back up the ramp together and bow in unison to the mystery woman.

Vignette – Mercedes Martinez

As we return from the commercial break, we immediately head into a vignette with Mercedes Martinez. She talks about attacking NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai last week and says she’s coming for her.

Quick Announcement

The announcers show us the video from earlier today where NXT General Manager William Regal canceled Fight Pit II between Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher due to a minor injury during training to Thatcher. We are also informed that Thatcher will be back after some rehab, and they will settle their differences at a later date.

Backstage Interview – Bronson Reed

Bronson Reed is with McKenzie Mitchell. He says that’s too bad about Timothy Thatcher, but he also had to sit at home with injuries, and all that did was build aggression inside of him, creating a savage, and that’s what NXT will see in 2021. Reed puts the whole place on notice and says this will be a colossal year. He then predicts Rhea Ripley to win the Last Woman Standing match.

Last Woman Standing Match
Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Gonzalez

We go back to the ring and out first comes Rhea Ripley to a POP from the crowd! Out next is Raquel Gonzalez for tonight’s Last Woman Standing match. We hear the fans “boo” Gonzalez as Ripley stares her down and talks some trash. The referee enters and stands at the center of the ring as he signals for the bell. The bell rings and this dangerous match-up is officially underway! Immediately at the bell, we see Ripley nail her former friend with a Dropkick!

Ripley then big thrusts in the corner. Ripley keeps control and nails a Thesz Press, then unloads with strikes on the mat. They roll around and brawl but get back up and Gonzalez levels Ripley with a huge Clothesline. Gonzalez tosses Ripley with ease, hitting two straight Fall-Away Slams. Raquel scoops Ripley for a third Fall-Away Slam in the middle of the ring. The referee counts but Ripley gets back up at 4.

Gonzalez back heads towards Ripley as she immediately attacks while talking trash. Ripleyable to hit Gonzalez with a right. Gonzalez charges but gets dropped. Ripley runs and Dropkicks her while she’s down, sending her to the floor as fans pop. Ripley follows and ducks an attack. Ripley rams Gonzalez into the edge of the apron. Ripley brings a steel chair and a kendo stick from under the ring.

Ripley unloads on Gonzalez with the kendo stick. Raquel catches the third swing and tosses it, then rolls Ripley back in. Gonzalez struggles to follow her. Ripley comes back out and leaps off the steel steps but Gonzalez knocks her out of the air with a chair shot. Gonzalez then launches Ripley into the barrier and she hits hard. The referee counts as Gonzalez grabs another kendo stick from under the ring, beating her around with it as fans boo.

Gonzalez is sent face-first into the Plexiglas by Ripley. Next we see Ripley grab a pair of handcuffs that Gonzalez brought out but dropped before. Ripley cuffs Gonzalez to the cage on the barrier. Gonzalez blocks a strike but Ripley unloads with chops while her opponent is cuffed, bringing her to one knee. Gonzalez blocks a kendo stick shot with a boot. Gonzalez then rips the handcuffs off the cage. Gonzalez attacks Ripley and beats her with the cuffs and the part of the cage that came off with them. Ripley blocks and sends Gonzalez into the ring post.

Stunningly, Ripley grabs the ring bell hammer as she heads towards Gonzalez, Gonzalez blocks the blow and slams Ripley face-first into the ring bell causing a “ding!”. The referee counts at ringside but Ripley gets back up at 6. Gonzalez clears off the top of the announce table. Gonzalez back-drops Ripley onto the table but she lands bad on the edge of the table, still collapsing it. Gonzalez starts piling chairs and other debris on top of Ripley as the referee counts and fans boo.

At the 9 count, Ripley makes it back JUST in time! Gonzalez rolls Ripley back into the ring as we go to a picture-in-picture commercial.

As we return from the break we hear as the fans chant “NXT!” as Gonzalez rams half of the steel steps into Ripley on the ramp. Ripley gets up dazed on the stage. Gonzalez charges with a running big boot, knocking Ripley off the stage. Gonzalez follows into a backstage area and talks trash while working Ripley around. Ripley fights off with back elbows, then drives Gonzalez through the glass of a door.

Glass shatters everywhere as a “this is awesome!” chant breaks out in the arena. The referee counts and they both get back up at 8. Ripley with a kick to the head. Ripley sends Gonzalez face-first into a door, then continues beating her around the backstage area. Ripley pulls a production table over and lays Gonzalez on top of it, pounding on her. Ripley climbs up to a bench, then up on top of production lockers. Ripley flies with a big senton and puts Gonzalez through the table. They both land hard on the concrete. Ripley gets up at the 7 count.

Dakota Kai Assists Raquel Gonzalez

Dakota Kai runs over with a kendo stick and unloads on Ripley as Gonzalez gets up before the count. Fans boo Kai as she checks on Gonzalez. Ripley drops Kai but Gonzalez decks Ripley. Ripley fights back and slams Kai’s head into a locker door. Kai goes down and Ripley continues slamming a locker door into her. Ripley shoves Kai into a locker and stomps away, shoving her back into it.

Ripley pulls a production case over in front of the locker door, trapping Kai inside. Fans cheer her on. Gonzalez attacks Ripley and brings the fight back to the stage. Ripley drops Gonzalez on the stage. Ripley applies the inverted Cloverleaf on the stage now. She grabs a chair and wraps it around the neck of Gonzalez, using it for leverage in the submission. Gonzalez kicks her off, sending her face-first into part of the stage rig.

The referee begins a count as both women struggle to make it back to a standing position. Up first, Gonzalez charges but Ripley back-drops her into the LED board. They both get back up at the 7 count now. Ripley stands on half of the steel steps for a move but Gonzalez sweeps her leg out, causing Ripley to fall face-first into the steps. Gonzalez has Ripley on top of the half steps now.

She powers Ripley up and drives her down through part of the stage. They both go crashing through the stage. The referee counts but no one is moving in the debris. Gonzalez finally crawls back up to the stage as the referee keeps counting past 9. Ripley never gets up and Gonzalez wins.

Winner: Raquel Gonzalez

After the Match

Gonzalez stands tall and is all smiles as her music hits. We see Ripley finally start to move under the stage debris. We go to replays. We come back to officials checking on Ripley but she is still laid out under the broken stage. Gonzalez looks on and recovers.

Outside

We see Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae riding on the back of a limo with a police escort en route to the CWC for their New Year’s celebration. We stay with them on the small screen.

The Way is being driven to the Capitol Wrestling Center for a big celebration. We go to a picture-in-picture commercial.

The Way Arrives To NXT

The Way come to the arena in a flashy car, then make their way to the ring where a black veil hangs over a picture. Gargano makes fun of a fan before saying he has reversed the curse of not being able to defend the title. He compliments his own dance moves and Candace says he might be the most powerful man alive.

Candace then hands him a plaque with the date he broke the curse. Austin Theory says Johnny is like a superhero, and he deserves something in return. They unveil an art piece of the four of them as superheroes. Gargano announces that he and Theory will be entering the Dust Classic.

Shotzi Blackheart Interrupts The Way

Shotzi Blackheart interrupts as The Way watch her roll through on her tank. Theory gets out of the ring and walks up the ramp, telling Shotzi she can’t interrupt their celebration. Shotzi shoots the cannon of her tank and hits Theory in the groin! Gargano goes out to check on Theory, allowing Shotzi to storm the ring and knock Candace down. Gargano gets on the apron and shouts at Shotzi but Kushida appears and pulls him off the apron.

Dexter Lumis Announces (Kind Of) The Next Match

Suddenly, we pan to the host of the show, Dexter Lumis, as he reappears and rings the bell, before pointing to a drawing of a mixed tag match.

Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae vs. Kushida & Shotzi Blackheart

Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae, in normal fashion, attempt to object to this sudden match, Gargano stomps his feet like a child at ringside as Shotzi and Kushida wave them both in with smiles on their faces. Reluctantly, the Garganos enter the ring for their impromptu match-up! The referee signals for the bell, and this Mixed-Match begins!

We start off with the female competitors as both Candice LeRae and Shotzi Blackheart stand at opposing corners when the bell chimes. Candice immediately attacks Shotzi, however Blackheart kicks her back and drops Candice with a Dropkick. Shotzi covers for two and Candice rolls out of the ring to regroup. We once again head to commercial break!

As we return live from commercial break, we see that Candice is hanging on Shotzi’s back, choking her but Blackheart jumps for a jawbreaker. Both women make tags and Kushida comes in hot with a hip toss and a dropkick. Kushida runs at Johnny in the corner but gets rolled up and Gargano swings a kick but Kushida ducks it. They trade fast-paced reversals until Kushida lands a Hip-Toss that he follows up with an Armbar. Gargano struggles and manages to get his feet on the bottom rope.

Gargano grabs the ropes but Kushida grabs him gets out of a German Suplex, but Kushida takes him down with an arm breaker. Gargano tries to fight back, but Kushida hits him with a shot to the jaw. Kushida runs at him in the corner but LeRae stands in his way. Gargano then runs but nearly hits LeRae when Kushida moves. Blackheart runs in and hits LeRae with Sliced Bread, then her and Kushida hit stereo arm breakers and kicks to the face on LeRae and Gargano.

Kushida hits a cartwheel kick that knocks Gargano to the floor. Blackheart then connects with a nasty suicide dive to LeRae! Kushida goes to the top rope, but Theory knocks him to the canvas. The referee spotted the illegal move and argues with Theory but Kushida pulls Theory into the ring and gives Gargano a drop-toe-hold into Theory’s groin. Kushida rolls Gargano up for the win.

Winners: Kushida & Shotzi Blackheart

After the Match

We see Blackheart and Kushida celebrate in-ring as Gargano and LeRae are once again pouting at their loss. We head to commercial break!

Announcement Backstage

We head backstage where William Regal is interviewed and he states 2021 is going to be the greatest year in NXT history. And he’s really excited to announce that this year will have the first ever Women’s Dusty Rhodes Classic!

NXT Championship Match
Finn Balor vs. Kyle O’Reilly

We head into the main event of the evening which is for the NXT Championship! Out first for this match is Kyle O’Reilly to a pop. NXT Champion Finn Balor is out next, also to a pop. We head into the formal introductions with both competitors inside the ring. Next, we are informed that tonight’s main event, a rematch from the “Takeover: 31” show, will air with no commercials.

The bell rings and this match-up is officially underway! Both superstars immediately head in and lock up followed by trading holds in the middle of the ring. They break after counters and stare each other down, sizing each other up. Balor ends up taking O’Reilly down and grounding him.

O’Reilly resists but Balor goes back to tighten the Headlock. O’Reilly is able to power out and counters with a Headscissors now to control Balor. More back and forth and blocks on their feet. O’Reilly takes Balor back down and works on the arm now. Balor turns it around with an abdominal stretch but O’Reilly quickly takes him back down into another arm bar. Balor ends up rolling through and going right back into the abdominal stretch on their feet, stretching O’Reilly.

O’Reilly makes his way over to the ropes but Balor stops him. O’Reilly finally grabs the middle rope with his mouth and the hold is broken. Balor immediately drops O’Reilly as he used his mouth to get the rope, and then stomps. O’Reilly sits up in the corner as a medic checks on his mouth. O’Reilly is ready to go and Balor immediately takes him down, grounding him in the middle of the ring. Fans rally for O’Reilly. O’Reilly gets out and kicks Balor in the back.

O’Reilly clutches his jaw and sells the jaw injury. O’Reilly counters a move and yanks Balor to the mat by his arm. O’Reilly grounds Balor and drives a knee into him. O’Reilly runs and charges back in with a knee to the back. Balor rolls to the apron for a breather. Balor fights fro the apron but O’Reilly kicks him and keeps control with another strike. Balor applies a hold to the jaw using the ropes as the referee counts to 5.

Balor does it again as the referee counts and warns him. Balor stomps away while O’Reilly is down on the mat now. Balor with a low dropkick and another 2 count. Balor nails a suplex and goes right back into a submission until O’Reilly gets the bottom rope to break it. Balor with a big chop in the corner and more shots to the jaw. O’Reilly charges but Balor drops him with a jaw for a close 2 count. Balor gets right back on top of him, grounding him and focusing on the jaw.

O’Reilly with a kick. Balor blocks a suplex. Balor runs the ropes but O’Reilly hits a knee to the gut. O’Reilly with knee strikes now in the middle of the ring. They trade counters and O’Reilly sweeps Balor to the mat. O’Reilly focuses on the arm now. O’Reilly drops Balor with the arm again and covers for another close 2 count. O’Reilly goes right into an arm submission as Balor knees the jaw to get free.

Balor gets up first and O’Reilly misses a running knee in the corner. More back and forth now. Balor with an overhead kick after O’Reilly lands some strikes. O’Reilly takes Balor into a heel lock but Balor gets out. Balor goes on and gets dropped with a kick but the kick also knocked O’Reilly back through the ropes to the floor. The referee counts.

O’Reilly makes it back into the ring at the 9 count. Balor charges with a forearm to the jaw, and another. O’Reilly works on the arm but Balor keeps working on the hurt jaw. O’Reilly with a guillotine but it’s blocked. O’Reilly goes down with the triangle choke to Balor now on the mat. Balor fights out but O’Reilly turns it into a leg submission.

They start trading strikes and kicks. Kyle rolls into a leg lock but Finn boots his way free. Kyle hits a running kick with such power that the torque sends him flying through the ropes and outside. He barely beats the count back in.

He wrenches at Finn’s arm through the pain of getting hit in the face. Kyle gets on a guillotine but Finn blocks only to get trapped in a triangle choke that turns into a leg lock. Finn breaks it with another shot to the jaw. Finn drives more forearms but has no use of his left arm. 1916 hits and he transitions over into a crossface. Kyle manages to fight free by hitting the injured wrist. They slug it out until Finn hits the Slingblade. John Woo dropkick connects. A superplex follows and they nearly pin each other. Kyle rolls into a brainbuster for two and then goes to an arm submission that Finn breaks by going to the ropes. Finn is busted open.

Finn boots him in the liver to stop him from charging in. Kyle still goes for the leg but is put back in the abdominal stretch. Finn drops down into a different submission applying pressure on the jaw and gets the win as the referee suddenly calls the match.

Winner and Still Champion: Finn Balor

After the Match

We see officials hand the title to Balor, blood dripping from the top of his head. Commentary discusses the match as we head to replays.

As we return from the replays, Balor stands tall. The Undisputed Era is down at ringside, checking on O’Reilly as he sits up in the corner, clutching his jaw for dear life. A referee is also checking on O’Reilly. Balor walks over and stares down at O’Reilly and nods, then backs off. Balor holds his tongue out for a second and keeps staring ahead as his music plays.

This concludes the WWE NXT New Years Evil episode, which just so happens to be the first one of 2021, with one last shot back to a saddened Kyle O’Reilly, as we officially go off the air.

WWE NXT ON USA NETWORK TV REACTION & DISCUSSION

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