In the latest edition of WWE NXT, as we preview the 7/13/21 edition, the first round of the 2021 NXT Breakout Tournament is set to begin. As it was announced last week, rising talent Ikemen Jiro faces Duke Hudson in what will be the first of four first-round matches. However, another key match announced is a major one.
Karrion Kross defends his title against former NXT and North American Champion Johnny Gargano. As the leader of The Way, the group has faced championship losses. This, along with a forbidden love interest between Indi Hartwell and Dexter Lumis and it appears greater challenges are ahead for the group. Will the #InDex romance play be a factor in this week’s episode?
Also, it appears a last-minute addition has been made this week involving a battle between Sarray & Gigi Dolin. This came on the heels of Sarray’s originally scheduled matchup with Toni Storm not taking place.
WWE NXT Preview for 7/13/21
NXT Breakout Tournament
First Round
Ikemen Jiro vs Duke Hudson
In the first of four first-round matches, fans will have the pleasure of seeing Jiro and Hudson face one another. The former Jiro Kuroshio has gained attention because of his “Japanese Handsome Style” since arriving in NXT. For those unaware, the nearly ten-year veteran crafted his trade during his time in Wrestle-1. His name ‘Ikemen’ is derived from the Japanese term for ‘cool’ and ‘exciting’ while Jiro is the name he regularly used while competing in Japan. Former ECW and WWE Cruiserweight Tajiri trained Jiro.
Jiro steps across the ring from the former Anthony Henry. Now known as Duke Hudson, the Atlanta, Georgia native has been a success everywhere he’s been, including a former one-half of the EVOLVE Tag Team Champions. Both men are determined to make this match showcase their skills while presenting themselves to the NXT Universe. So who advances after this battle?
After #NXTGAB last week, @SarrayWWE still didn't have her match against #ToniStorm… but it sounds like she 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 have one against @gigidolin_wwe!
Who's ready to see this one? 🍿 #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/BNR65gMNWh
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) July 12, 2021
Sarray vs. Gigi Dolin
As it was mentioned above, the latest import from Japan in the NXT Women’s division Sarray was slated to face the former NXT UK Women’s Champion, Toni Storm. However, another woman has stepped up to challenge Sarray. Formerly known as ‘Hell’s Favorite Harlot’ Priscilla Kelly, Gigi Dolin is looking to do more than ‘compete’ with Sarray. As shared in the video above, Dolin approached Sarray with nothing but respect. She went as far as to say that it would, in fact, be an honor to step into the ring with her.
Dolin has earned a name for herself for those unaware, competing on the independent circuit for a few years now. At 24 years of age, the six-year pro has competed in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Her notoriety grew in 2019 when she competed in the most matches of her career. Fans can anticipate a match that will not only highlight Sarray’s skillset but grant Dolin an opportunity to be seen as well.
WWE NXT Preview for 7/13/21
NXT Championship
Karrion Kross (c) with Scarlett vs. Johnny Gargano
Special Guest Referee: Samoa Joe
Since both men crossed paths at NXT TakeOver In Your House, it was only a matter of time before they would cross paths. Once the challenge had been laid to face Kross, there needed to be a caveat to make it interesting. That caveat is Samoa Joe. Almost immediately upon Joe’s return to NXT began, he and Kross would engage in a menacing staredown. When we add Johnny Gargano to the mix, it is clear that something will inevitably happen.
As General Manager William Regal said about Joe, ‘he is not to be physically involved unless provoked.’ The likeliness of Kross putting his hands on Joe is pretty high. Whether it is even for a slow count or a believed fast count on the part of Gargano, it would be a surprise if Joe didn’t have to put either competitor in their place. With that said, is the animosity that Kross has for the Regal administration enough to stop him from walking out as champion?
******
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