At Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida, Bronson Reed increased his momentum in the lead-up to the upcoming NXT ladder match by defeating Shane Thorne on August 5, 2020. The win positions Reed more solidly for his upcoming North American Championship ladder match at the TakeOver event as the competition continues to intensify.
The match opened with Thorne adopting a cocky, antagonist approach, taunting Reed while sitting atop the turnbuckle. Reed calmly responded by backing Thorne into corners before the action escalated with several impactful moves. Thorne was initially aggressive, connecting with chops and a shining wizard for a two-count, but Reed’s resilience prevailed.
Reed executed several powerful maneuvers including a full nelson slam on the apron and a senton splash, all of which showcased his strength and dominance in the ring. Thorne mounted a late offensive with strike combinations but Reed absorbed these, retaliating with a commanding inside-out clothesline. The decisive finish came with a death valley driver followed by a Tsunami frog splash, securing Reed the victory in a swift 4 minutes and 30 seconds.
This encounter further underscores Reed’s standing as a formidable contender in the NXT North American ladder match buildup, as Thorne embraced the role of a disruptive heel while Reed solidified his status as a rising star on the NXT roster.
Rhea Ripley and Dakota Kai Engage in a Brutal Contest Marked by Outside Interference
The women’s division saw a high-stakes battle between Rhea Ripley and Dakota Kai, where Ripley’s aggressive style was on full display. The PC crowd showed strong support for Ripley who wore a striking black-and-blue outfit along with peroxide-dyed hair, a new look that divided reactions.
Kai employed various tactics starting with a headlock and striking attacks, but Ripley steadily gained control through a mix of high-impact offense including shoulderblocks, dropkicks, and bodyscissors. The match featured a physical exchange with Kai displaying resilience despite Ripley’s dominance and primal intensity.
As the contest intensified, Ripley executed several powerful moves such as electric chair drops and a gorilla press slam while selling a right knee injury. However, the match’s climax was disrupted when Mercedes Martinez unexpectedly appeared ringside and struck Ripley with a running boot, allowing Kai to capitalize with her finishing move, the GTK.
Kai claimed victory after 15 minutes and 46 seconds, leaving Ripley bloodied from a nose injury. This confrontation adds further layers to the women’s division storylines heading into TakeOver, particularly with Martinez’s unprovoked interference signaling potential future conflicts.
“BYEEEEE” —Aliyah, Comment during interaction with Robert Stone and Mercedes Martinez
Damian Priest Triumphs in Three-Way Battle Against Oney Lorcan and Ridge Holland
Damian Priest demonstrated his growing dominance by winning a competitive triple threat match against Oney Lorcan and Ridge Holland. The three wrestlers engaged in an intense first few minutes marked by technical exchanges, striking combinations, and high-impact suplexes that kept the audience attentive despite a quieter crowd atmosphere.
The match saw a mix of control shifts, with Lorcan and Holland exchanging blows and submissions, while Priest delivered significant offense including a leaping flatliner and a discus forearm. The climax came after a flurry of strikes where Priest finally pinned Lorcan following his signature Reckoning finisher at the 10-minute mark.
Priest’s victory highlights him as a serious contender for the NXT North American Championship ladder match, reinforcing his position as a frontrunner while adding intrigue due to Bronson Reed’s simultaneous momentum.
Keith Lee Dominates Cameron Grimes Amidst Ongoing Tensions with Karrion Kross
In a non-title bout fueled by the rising feud with Karrion Kross, Keith Lee delivered a commanding performance against Cameron Grimes. The match began with Grimes evading confrontation, drawing boos for his tactics, while Lee maintained undeniable intensity throughout the match.
Lee easily dominated exchanges, grounding Grimes with a series of shoulder tackles and countering Grimes’s offense with powerful strikes and his Grizzly Magnum finisher. The audience witnessed Lee’s unwavering strength culminating in a Spirit Bomb that sealed his victory after 12 minutes and 28 seconds.
After the match, the atmosphere darkened as Karrion Kross appeared on the tron, issuing a cryptic warning and underscoring his feud with Lee, which remains a focal point of the TakeOver event storyline.
Tag Team Turmoil Reigns as Undisputed Era Faces Imperium for NXT Titles
The NXT Tag Team Championship match featured the fan-favored Undisputed Era taking on the champions Imperium. Despite strong initial offense by Undisputed Era’s Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish, the contest was largely overshadowed by escalating tensions between Adam Cole and Pat McAfee at ringside. The ongoing personal issues repeatedly drew camera focus away from the in-ring action, reducing the match’s competitive feel.
Imperium maintained composure despite the distraction, delivering stiff strikes and executing signature maneuvers like the European Bomb. Ultimately, Imperium retained their titles in a 10-minute and 45-second contest.
The post-match segment intensified the McAfee-Cole storyline, with Cole taunting McAfee before McAfee retaliated with a running boot, leaving Cole incapacitated and requiring backstage attention from Shawn Michaels, signaling a potential wrestling debut or further storyline development for McAfee.
“I am 20 feet from you and I can hear you. I thought we buried the hatchet.” —Adam Cole
“He’s an angry elf, isn’t he?” —Pat McAfee
“Nothing is gonna change – your entire life, you’re gonna be a tiny itty little BITCH…” —Pat McAfee
Legado Del Fantasma’s Assault on Breezango Fuels NXT’s Ongoing Rivalries
Earlier in the evening, the faction Legado Del Fantasma launched a brutal attack on Breezango members Tyler Breeze and Fandango outside the arena. After overpowering Breeze, they forcibly placed Fandango into their vehicle before disappearing swiftly.
Santos Escobar addressed the situation, condemning Breezango’s mocking of lucha libre culture and threatening others who disrespect his family and heritage. The assault indicates a possible new storyline development as Breezango faces being absorbed or dominated by Legado Del Fantasma, adding tension and complexity ahead of TakeOver.
“This is on you.” —Karrion Kross, speaking to Oney Lorcan via tron after backstage attack
Upcoming NXT Ladder Match Qualifiers and Rivalries to Watch Ahead of TakeOver
In anticipation of TakeOver XXX, the lineup for the NXT North American Championship ladder match is shaping up with several competitors incidentally eliminated or sidelined due to injury. Dexter Lumis’s confirmed ankle injury has created opportunities for other wrestlers to vie for remaining spots.
Additional qualifying matches are scheduled, including challenges featuring Kushida, Cameron Grimes, and others, with Bronson Reed set to compete against Damian Priest in a high-profile showdown. Karrion Kross will also face Danny Burch, intensifying the rivalry that fuels the event’s drama.
This series of matches not only determines the final ladder participants but also builds anticipation and narrative tension for the TakeOver event, situating it as a pivotal point in the NXT calendar.
Other Notable Matches and Moments from NXT’s August 5 Broadcast
Tegan Nox earned a quick victory over Indi Hartwell in a brief match designed to maintain her competitive standing, though it lacked significant storyline development. Meanwhile, the crowd eagerly responded to the announcement of Io Shirai vs. Dakota Kai at TakeOver, adding star power to the upcoming card.
Commentators Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix, and Tom Phillips provided ongoing analysis, highlighting the intricate character dynamics and future prospects of the NXT roster. Pat McAfee’s continued presence at commentary further integrated his rising profile in the wrestling narrative.
Event Significance and Expectations for the TakeOver Ladder Match
As Bronson Reed builds momentum in the NXT ladder match buildup, his firm victories and rising profile place him at the center of anticipation for the North American Championship. The complex intertwining of rivalries involving Damian Priest, Keith Lee, Karrion Kross, and others intensifies the stakes, promising a competitive and emotionally charged match at TakeOver XXX.
The combination of wrestling skill, emerging storylines, and character conflicts heightens fan expectations, although some frustrations remain due to broadcast production distractions and recent storyline execution. Nevertheless, the event’s outcomes are likely to significantly influence the direction of NXT’s mid-year programming.
