The 2-out-of-4 falls match fell third on the card with Crews and Hayes squaring off.
These two men are both gifted technicians and high-flyers, so they started with a fast-paced exchange of holds and takedowns.
This match had too much action to properly recap here, but what you need to know is that this will likely end up being the Match of the Night for most people. These guys are both at the top of their game, so that shouldn't surprise anyone.
While there was no official stipulation, this felt like an unofficial No. 1 Contender's match. Whoever came away with the W will likely face the champion at the next big show.
Toward the end of the second fall, Dabba Kato, fka Commander Azeez, showed up to prevent Trick Williams from interfering, but that didn't stop Hayes from scoring the second straight fall to win the match 2-0.
Kato got into the ring and looked like he would help Crews up, but he ended up attacking his former ally and dropping him on a chair with a two-handed chokeslam.
Booking the match to go 2-0 was a very intentional decision to make Hayes look good before he pursues the NXT title again.
Winner: Carmela Hayes
Notable Moments and Observations
- Melo's titantron video is hypnotizing.
- If WWE calls up Melo without Williams by his side, it will be a huge mistake.
- Crews should lose the red contact lenses. They just look weird.
- A standing shooting star press will always be impressive.
