In the latest edition of the NXT Inquest, a number of different stories appear to be developing. The show begins with highlights of the NXT Championship match at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn between Johnny Gargano and Adam Cole. It then shows that tonight Gargano returns to action to face Undisputed Era member Roderick Strong. Strong’s singles run has gotten forgotten as he’s had to take a backseat to Cole. Once the opening credits come to an end, the Forgotten Sons make their way out to the ringside area. Ranallo spoke of what damage the Forgotten Sons, including Jaxson Ryker, did to Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan recently.
Jaxson Ryker with Steve Cutler & Wesley Blake vs. Humberto Carillo
This is an interesting matchup as 205 Live’s Carillo returns to compete in NXT. Ryker assures he is there to mess up Carillo’s looks. Carillo uses an array of high-flying moves leading to Ryker having to chase him in and out of the ring. The Mexican star appears to be infuriating his larger opponent, getting him so angry that he hip tosses Carillo into the turnbuckle, followed by a kick, chop, and slap after slap. He then follows Carillo outside the ring and, with the support of Cutler and Blake, tosses him over the barricade, just relentlessly beating him down. He attacks him time and time again with kicks and knees. As a result of his vicious assault on the high flier, both men get counted out of the ring.
Winner: Neither; double countout.
After the match, the Sons continue to abuse Carillo, until Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan get involved and protect him. Blake and Cutler attempt to get to the duo, but they stand tall with chairs in their hands. Cutler and Blake pull Ryker back.
Cole is shown at a photo shoot and is asked about Strong facing Gargano. Adam directs his attention to Matt Riddle, who is they‘re saying he is next to have his photos taken, and the two exchange words. Cole leaves saying he has bigger things to deal with, pertaining to Johnny Gargano and the NXT championship.
Vanessa Borne and Aliyah vs Candice LeRae and Kacy Catanzaro
We weren’t sure whom LeRae would choose as a partner, but are certain that her choice of Kacy Catanzaro was because WWE read the’ NXT Inquest ‘ from last week when we suggested just that choice. LeRae isn’t very big, but she looks that way next to Catanzaro. The match starts off with Catanzaro going one-on-one with Aliyah. Aliyah gets the advantage of using a couple of interesting moves. Catanzaro takes her share of punishment in this match, as Borne beats her down from one end of the ring to another.
She tags in Aliyah who continues to isolate Catanzaro. Aliyah stretches her opponent by pulling on her arms, hair, and anything that she can get her hands-on. Aliyah and Bourne attempt a suplex, but it is reversed into a double neckbreaker, and the tag is made to LeRae. She goes to work on Borne, eventually hitting her springboard Lionsault which leads to the pinfall and the win.
Winners: Candice LeRae and Kacy Catanzaro
After the match, there was a recap of Kairi Sane being unable to finish her match last week, and then Io Shirai being forced to watch her friend have her arm stomped upon. Backstage, an interview with Shirai is interrupted when she is attacked by Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir, and Shayna Baszler comes in and kicks her while she is being held.
The hype around KUSHIDA’s debut is well –deserved, and they focus what he is capable of doing. William Regal is interviewed and it’s announced that his debut will be next week. Kassius Ohno makes his return from the UK by interrupting the NXT General Manager. He says that he would like to be the first challenger for KUSHIDA, and Regal decides to make that match happen.
The Street Profits vs. War Raiders
The second last match for this week’s NXT Inquest involves the NXT Tag team champions. Dawkins and Ford are the first to make their way down to the ring. The match came about after the Profits approached William Regal and said they would like to face the NXT tag team champions, and Hanson and Rowe quickly agreed. The War Raiders’ music begins to play and they approach the ring, but Ford wastes no time, hitting a somersault plancha over the top rope onto the champions. Ford whips Rowe into the ring and they attempt to get the jump on the champions, only for Rowe to kick out at two after a top rope frog splash. Once Hanson makes his way into the ring, the champions regain the advantage. He beats down Dawkins, grinding on his left shoulder.
Rowe is tagged in and slams Hanson on top of Dawkins. It is a slow and punishing beat down as the Raiders demonstrate the benefits of their Experience. Hanson and Ford tag in, and Ford tries to knock the big man down unsuccessfully. He holds Hanson for what seems like forever before hitting a side suplex. Ford and Dawkins both hit twisting turnbuckle splashes on Hanson. Hanson comes back with handspring double elbows on both Profits. Eventually, the Raiders hit Thor’s Hammer to end the match.
Winners: War Raiders
After the match, Ford and Dawkins look on from the ramp. Roderick Strong and the rest of The Undisputed Era are all seen outside discussing strategy as Gargano is shown preparing as well for their match, which is next.
Mia Yim is interviewed backstage and shares her thoughts about Shayna Baszler, and why the ‘Head Baddie In Charge’ should have another shot at the NXT Women’s champion. We also get a reminder that KUSHIDA’s debut is next week.
Johnny Gargano vs. Roderick Strong
The final match for this week’s NXT Inquest involves the current NXT Champion. T his non-title match is sure to be a highly competitive match up. They hit each other with pretty much everything and then some. Fans witness submission maneuvers and Strong hitting a huge collection of backbreakers. As the match nears its climax, Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish all make their way to the ring, trying to distract Gargano.
While the referee is distracted Cole attempts to kick Gargano, only to hit Strong by mistake. At this point Matt Riddle gets involved as well, trying to prevent further efforts by Cole on behalf of Strong, sowing the seeds for a rivalry. Gargano hits his patented slingshot DDT from the outside the ring to inside and covers Strong for the three count.
Winner: Johnny Gargano
After the match, tensions come to a boil among the Undisputed Era, as Cole seems to try to apologize for what he did to Strong, who chooses to simply walk away. What will this mean for next week for all involved? This concludes the NXT Inquest for April 24th, 2019.
