On August 19, 2015, at Full Sail University, Kevin Owens delivered a provocative promo that heightened anticipation for his upcoming NXT Takeover Brooklyn main event. Owens challenged Finn Balor, promising a brutal showdown that would be unlike any other in NXT history. Owens vowed to dominate Balor and claim the NXT Championship, intensifying the already heated rivalry between the two.
Owens criticized the Full Sail crowd, calling them “undeserving, ungrateful pieces of trash” and contrasted their reaction with the energy he expects in Brooklyn, asserting that only a passionate, deserving audience will witness what he envisions as the biggest main event in NXT history. His intensity set the tone for what fans can expect from the Takeover event.
Contract Signing Sparks Tension Between Bayley and Sasha Banks
The show opened with a contract signing for the NXT Women’s Championship featuring Bayley and Sasha Banks, with William Regal presiding. Bayley, now officially the number one contender, appeared nervous but hopeful as she spoke about her past setbacks and the feeling that this time would be different. Banks, however, responded with mockery and disdain, belittling Bayley’s fans and challenging her credibility.
After Banks attempted to exit, Bayley seized the moment to attack, resulting in a chaotic brawl that required four referees to separate them. Bayley appeared near tears as she was restrained, underscoring the emotional stakes of the rivalry and the fierce intensity wrestling fans can expect at Takeover Brooklyn.
“Fight Owens Fight, Destroy Owens Destroy, Climb Owens Climb.” —Kevin Owens
Early Matches Highlight Emerging Talent and Build Anticipation for Takeover
The undercard featured a series of matches designed to build momentum heading into the event. Tyler Breeze scored a quick victory over a nameless opponent dubbed “Ryzin” in under 40 seconds, demonstrating his skill and teasing his upcoming match with Jushin Liger. Breeze’s confident post-match promo fueled excitement for their upcoming encounter.
An eight-man tag match showcased The Hype Bros., Enzo Amore, and Colin Cassady defeating four lesser-known competitors, giving the crowd a lively spectacle with high-energy moves and teamwork. Post-match interviews teased a future showdown between the winning team and their rivals, escalating ongoing team rivalries within NXT’s tag division.
Samoa Joe continued his dominant run with a swift submission win over Steve Cutler, using the Kokita Clutch. However, his victory was marred by an ambush from Baron Corbin, who attacked Joe aggressively after the match. Corbin’s escalation indicated a new intense rivalry brewing just ahead of Takeover Brooklyn.
NXT Tag Team Champions and Other Contenders Maintain Momentum
The NXT Tag Team Champions Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy, accompanied by <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/tag/alexa-bliss/”>Alexa Bliss, kept their momentum strong with a non-title victory over Angelo Dawkins and Sawyer Fulton. Their teamwork and strategy proved effective as the champions maneuvered to secure the win in just over three minutes, adding further interest in their ongoing reign.
Following the match, The Vaudevillains confronted Alexa Bliss but were promptly slapped down, displaying a dramatic power struggle that leaves questions unanswered about future conflicts. Bliss’s attitude shockingly sparked crowd engagement, intensifying anticipation for future segments involving these competitors.
Finn Balor Responds with Silent Defiance Leading into Their Rio Rivalry
Finishing the show was a tense face-off between Owens and Finn Balor. After Owens’ fierce promo, Balor entered silently and confidently, appearing on the turnbuckles to pose. The encounter erupted into a violent brawl, featuring Balor’s signature Pele Kick and aggressive use of a ladder as a weapon. Though Balor threw the ladder at Owens, the latter countered and bounced him off the ramp.
Balor then grabbed the title and mic, declaring he will win in Brooklyn and silence Owens for good, injecting the rivalry with undeniable fire and intensity. This confrontation promises a thrilling and emotionally charged match at Takeover Brooklyn.
“Finn Balor said he’ll win in Brooklyn, kick Owens’s ass, and shut his mouth.” —Speaker describing Balor
Upcoming Matches and Storylines to Watch Following This Episode
Following the explosive tensions between Owens and Balor, NXT’s upcoming episodes are set to feature Carmella facing Eva Marie and a Fatal Four-way match involving Becky Lynch, Charlotte, Emma, and Dana Brooke. These bouts continue to build the narrative threads leading into Takeover Brooklyn, maintaining the momentum for highly physical and emotional contests.
The episode also teased the debut of Apollo Crews, adding a new dynamic to the roster. With Samoa Joe’s feud with Baron Corbin developing, and tag team rivalries intensifying, the weeks ahead promise a mix of fierce battles and compelling storytelling.
The Significance of the Owens-Balor Rivalry for NXT’s Future
The escalating conflict between Kevin Owens and Finn Balor represents a pivotal moment for NXT, emphasizing the brand’s growth and its ability to cultivate intense rivalries that rival those on the main roster. Owens’s promise to dominate Balor in front of a deserving Brooklyn crowd signals a shift in NXT’s narrative landscape, reinforcing its status as a platform for compelling, high-stakes wrestling.
This rivalry not only fuels fan excitement leading into Takeover Brooklyn but also underscores the competitive spirit among NXT athletes as they vie for recognition and championship glory. The outcome of this match is likely to have a lasting impact on future storylines, making it a must-watch event for wrestling fans.
