On July 22, 2020, at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida, Karrion Kross delivered a ruthless victory over Dominic Dijakovic during a high-stakes NXT match broadcast on the USA Network, showcasing their escalating feud. This confrontation was a significant chapter in the ongoing Karrion Kross vs Dominic Dijakovic saga, marked by brutality and resilience inside the squared circle.
Building Tensions and NXT’s Evolving Landscape
The event opened under the guidance of William Regal, who introduced recent developments, including Keith Lee‘s achievement in capturing both the NXT Championship and the North American Title. Lee announced his decision to relinquish the North American Championship to allow others opportunities to rise, prompting a series of triple threat matches leading to a ladder match at NXT Takeover XXX on August 22. This set an intense competitive tone for the night’s proceedings.
Among early matches, Dexter Lumis faced Killian Dain in a contest that oscillated between methodical technique and sudden bursts of aggression. Lumis ultimately prevailed with a passive submission move, demonstrating his expanding in-ring abilities.
Tag Team Antics and Emerging Contenders
Later, Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango) showcased their entertaining style against Ever-Rise (Chase Parker and Matt Martel), blending humor with precision. Breezango secured victory with their signature stereo superkicks, further solidifying the dynamic atmosphere within NXT’s tag team division.
Backstage, Dominic Dijakovic expressed readiness to challenge Karrion Kross again after last week’s brutal encounter where Kross suplexed him over a barricade, causing a head injury. Dijakovic emphasized that he was a rejuvenated competitor, prepared for a new and fresher battle.
Women’s Division Showcases Grit and Strategy
In the women’s division, Shotzi Blackheart defeated Aliya in a match punctuated by dramatic moments, including Shotzi’s tank-driven entrance and her impactful offense, capped by a diving senton. Post-match chaos ensued as Mercedes Martinez attacked Shotzi, displaying the layered rivalries within the division.
Triple Threat Battle for North American Title Ladder Match Spot
A highlight came as Johnny Gargano, Bronson Reed, and Roderick Strong competed in a triple threat match to secure a place in the upcoming North American Title ladder match. Reed emerged victorious after a grueling 21-minute contest, establishing himself as a formidable dark horse in NXT. The bout was widely regarded as a thrilling demonstration of wrestling skill and storytelling.
Hard-Hitting Contest Between Timothy Thatcher and Oney Lorcan
Timothy Thatcher and Oney Lorcan battled fiercely in a match emphasizing catch wrestling and power styles. The physical intensity was palpable as both men exchanged submission holds and strikes. Thatcher secured the win through a controversial tactic involving tugging on Lorcan’s trunks, marking him as a developing heel character. The match added further depth to NXT’s diverse wrestling styles.
Backstage Dynamics: The Robert Stone Brand and Alliances
Behind the scenes, Robert Stone grappled with his role after multiple tank-related humiliations in the ring. Mercedes Martinez approached him with a proposition to become her manager, overseeing contracts and business matters. Despite his injuries, Stone accepted the alliance, hinting at renewed relevance within NXT’s evolving narratives.
Finn Balor Eyes North American Championship Following Keith Lee’s Relinquishment
Finn Balor issued a challenge following Lee’s decision to vacate the North American Title, expressing a no-nonsense approach toward claiming the belt. Balor’s remarks suggested an intensified focus as he promised to be a dominant presence, warning other contenders of their impending challenges.
A Punishing Finale: Karrion Kross Overcomes Dominic Dijakovic
The main event saw Karrion Kross deliver a performance that emphasized his brutal, methodical style. Beginning with a grappling exchange, both wrestlers displayed impressive strength and endurance. Dijakovic initially countered Kross’s offense with powerful maneuvers, including a chokeslam and a head-elbow strike ringside that knocked Kross off balance. Despite Dijakovic’s resilience and early control, Kross gradually regained dominance.
Kross utilized a variety of punishing techniques, including a Doomsday Saito suplex and a signature Cross Jacket submission. The match intensified outside the ring, with Kross targeting Dijakovic’s throat against the steel steps, drawing warnings from the referee for excessive aggression. Dijakovic endured significant punishment but refused to concede, defiantly telling Keith Lee, who had come down to the ring, that the decision to continue was his own.
The climax saw Kross secure the victory by applying his sleeper hold until Dijakovic became unresponsive, forcing the referee to call an end to the match at the 14-minute mark. Keith Lee attended to Dijakovic post-match, underscoring their friendship and Lee’s protective role, while Kross and Scarlett asserted their dominance ringside.
The Significance of the Kross-Dijakovic Rivalry and Its Future Impact
This intense match further defined Karrion Kross as a menacing heel within NXT, though questions remain about his overall positioning among the brand‘s elite performers. The brutal encounter heightened the stakes of his rivalry with Dijakovic and set up a potential clash with Keith Lee, whose presence during the match reinforced his role as a protector and champion.
For Dijakovic, the match cemented his reputation as a resilient competitor willing to endure formidable punishment without surrendering. The outcome contributes to a broader narrative within NXT’s competitive landscape, where championship aspirations and personal vendettas intersect. Fans can anticipate heightened confrontations and storytelling depth leading into NXT Takeover events.
