[SOUND] >> The following contest The NXT Championship >> [APPLAUSE] >> Introducing the challenger, form Milwaukee Wisconsin, weighing at two hundred and one pounds Tommaso Ciampa. >> [APPLAUSE] >> Cole and Ciampa continuing from where they left off last Wednesday. >> Representing the Undisputed ERA, he is the NXT champion.
>> And Adam Cole. >> [APPLAUSE] >> Adam Cole title ring now at 260 days the record belongs to Finn Balor at 292 days. Tommaso Ciampa says gold these coming home to daddy tonight [SOUND] We have what Adam Cole said and reply, over my dead body.
>> [APPLAUSE] >> You wanna talk about the game tomorrow [SOUND] [SOUND] 142 days, the amount of days it took for Chuck to come back from neck surgery. That's what he's made of is a competitive. [APPLAUSE] [MUSIC] A lot of talking but the time of talking is over [APPLAUSE] [NOISE] [MUSIC] I have a feeling, this won't be our last visit to Portland what a night What a crowd and here we are.
With the main event the NXT Championship match to muscle chapter you talk about impressive. He became champion. Aleister Black in his 10th singles match in NXT.
Think about that Nigel. >> See there, trying to get inside the head of Adam Cole. It was an incredible statistic you just gave there.
But really statistics go out the door once this bell starts ringing. >> We've seen how effective chap has been at mind games in the past as well. >> Both of these competitors are why veterans of the mat >> Opportunistic and definitely have high ring IQs that's why they have reached the summit, but look at what Adam Cole was able to do in 2019 and Annus Mirabilis with the undisputed prophecy, but 2020 so far and as horrible as for the UAE and Cole wants to help plug the leak has it worked.
>> Up and fly right if they can do that. >> Now just trying to control Ciampa. >> What do you look for early in this match?
Beth, when you get another opportunity like CIampa has. What do you think of strategy should be? >> Well I've never seen an athlete as focused on the championship as Tommaso Ciampa when he come back from Aorland that he's worked, and he's got to be careful to make sure that he doesn't get stopped early by Adam well Ciampa looks very calm, very methodical.
He realizes the caliber of the champion. >> And Cole getting stopped twice, shoulder tackles by the challenger who dumps Cole out of the ring. And already looking for Willow's Bell!
>> And again there it speaks to the intelligence and the the homework that's been done by the champion. You don't let Adam Cole, bravado [INAUDIBLE]. This guy does his homework.
This guy is an astute student. >> He is a consummate pro, without a doubt. >> The [INAUDIBLE] revels in being able to rattle the champion >> See example of that right here, go.
Todd. You see a guy Adam Cole incredibly handsome, confident, talented, a champion. He is >> Example security the side headlock keeping out of home neutralized.
We know just how important NFC Championship was to tomorrow so champion will make absolutely everything to champion. It really was the epitome of everything. Hold on the counter and again chapter.
Securing the side headlock, and how just devastating it was for Ciampa to relinquish the title, or having to surrender what he's worked his entire career for. >> I think it spoke so much to Ciampa's mental state. Even when he first came to NXT, hold on a second.
>> Fishhook there by Cole. Well, Goldie was the drive each and every single day, for Ciampa to train and make his way back to the squared circle. >> Cole returning the favor with a shoulder tackle trend.
Telegraphing back body dropping,oh blocking the kick is, Tommaso Ciampa so again, Beth these. >> To know each other very well and it's, I think it's going to take a critical mistake to determine a winner. >> He said Adam Cole did his homework coming into the pitch so did Ciampa >> Ciampa has controlled this matchup thus far very impressive.
To me Ciampa reminds me luck. A veteran of the yester years when guys would rarely find that success until their 30s. This man now has really got absolutely everything mentally, physically, he's at the peak condition.
That isn't enough to stop Adam Cole, >> Adam Corbett champion and arguably a greatest match in NXT history JOHN Gargano of course, their trilogy featured some of the greatest stories in NXT history. [SOUND] And in fact, it was the two or three falls match the Johnny Gargano became champion and that was named the match of the year, and the rivalry of the year Colin Gargano. But tonight it's Cole and Ciampa is all about >> Colin, Champa tonight in Portland for the NXT title.
>> And methodical, very deliberate pace here. >> Deliberate pace, but again, I'm thinking about the state of Adam Cole right now coming into this matchup after he just lost the Tag. >> Team Championship bring up a great point and this will test his mettle as champion.
>> Knowing that he is the last man standing for the undisputed era, no longer standing, thanks to Adam Cole. [APPLAUSE] Adam Cole, first NXT champion to defend the title on Raw Smackdown survival series, and now giving himself a little too much credit. >> [SOUND] Champa taking it to the champ my god send and go right over the broadcast table.
Again, champions advantage referee administering the count. I know champ was furious but he's gotta bring it to the reg. Mg God [APPLAUSE] Man Adam, >> Who hasn't moved, >> Breaks the couch the veteran breaking the couch >> Champa has to get the champion back into the room.
I can't pay him for the title on that side intensity [APPLAUSE] Screaming out of the eyes of Tommaso Champa >> Called Smart lowing to the other side. Creating more space, more separation. The NXT universe can hide it all they want.
It's great strategy from the champ. >> [NOISE] >> Basically, dropkicked got tangled up with the rocks but still managed to connect on the NXT champion. And to muscle jumper as aggressive as you he's ever been [APPLAUSE] [INAUDIBLE] in his career.
>> [APPLAUSE] >> The champ has paced very methodical, calculated, leaning on Adam Cole. >> Think of everything that Tommaso Ciampa has had to go through to get this title opportunity. With the pressure being out with an injury, not knowing if you are going to come back, how you are going to come back.
>> Adam Cole defending the title against Finn Balor against at Survivor Series. Kenny survived his challenge from Tommaso Ciampa as his legs came crashing down on the top of the barricade. >> [NOISE] >> I have a feeling that this does not end well, the NXT champion.
>> [APPLAUSE] [NOISE] >> Tommaso Ciampa up to the Kevin seven break in the camp. He's gonna stop gloating and gotta start trying to be Adam Cole. >> Jeff is not done yet.
His strategy might be to do as much damage as possible on the floor. >> And Ciampa just really goes he knows what he's knowing that he has lost the title, unloading on Adam Cole. The referee imploring them to get back to the ring.
>> [NOISE] >> Hold on. My God. My god, Adam Cole was out cold.
>> [NOISE] >> Somehow Ciampa's gotta drag the conscious of Cole. >> Just watch the impact to the side of the jaw. I believe the left foot of Tommaso Ciampa landed on the neck of Cole as well.
>> That is the scariest smile I've ever seen as Ciampa stares at Goldie. He can feel it. He can sense it.
He can almost touch it, but first, he's got to touch Adam Cole in a physical, brutal sense. >> The official showing some liniency in this NXT championship matchup. >> I don't like what I see on Ciampa's eyes.
>> Tommaso Ciampa eyeing our broadcast table. Adam Cole landing on his feet. Cole blocking a kick, avoid and step up into gearing.
>> [INAUDIBLE] >> My God, are you kidding me. >> [NOISE] >> [INAUDIBLE] when I'm speechless, Nigel. I am speechless.
>> [INAUDIBLE] you can do that justice, injustice. >> This matches over, this match for all intents and purposes, it's over. Tommaso Ciampa's [INAUDIBLE].
Come on. I know what Goldie means to Ciampa but he's got a family, Beth. >> He has a family, his daughter Willow, and you can see the way his neck snapped back, possibly causing whiplash.
>> Ciampa's back, in the middle of Ciampa's back landed right across the edge of our announcer table. >> I can't overstate being that close, Nigel. Hearing the impact, seeing the results.
I can't believe Ciampa is still stirring. >> [NOISE] >> And now Cole continuing delays of pressure but the damage had been done. >> And the fact that Tommaso Ciampa [INAUDIBLE] >> Bridge by Ciampa.
>> How on earth is Ciampa able to breach. >> What a kick to the face by the NXT Champion, Adam Cole. He thinks his work is done.
My god. I do not know if I am going to say that [INAUDIBLE] >> There is no give, whatsoever. The table did not break.
>> And while it did hit the back, Nigel, the reverberations shot through his surgically repaired neck. >> I mean that would've hurt toes. >> You can only imagine how much pain Ciampa as he keeps clawing at those easiest muscles.
>> We need to speak to Ciampa's dolby determination to become NXT Champion again >> He keeps, clawing, pounding away. >> Cole and Champa, they are at the summit of the NXT and now the summit of this ring. Adam Cole looking for the sunset bomb.
My. >> [APPLAUSE] >> That's gotta be it. That has gotta be it.
Cover to the man, this match is over. >> Not helping his neck or his back. >> [NOISE] >> Adam Cole, inexorable in his attack.
Going for the cover. NXT champion? No.
>> And the pain acts on the face here. Look where the knees land. The exact same position that was driven into the announcer table.
Tommaso Ciampa, he is a wounded animal. >> Look at those veins popping on Ciampa's head from the pain that he must be suffering and Cole continues to weigh on him. >> [APPLAUSE] >> The longer this match goes, the more it hurts.
The worst it gets for Tommaso Ciampa. >> And Cole merciless in his attack. >> Well-placed knee to the mid-section by Adam Cole, looking for the hangman neck breaker.
Now back slide by Ciampa, Champion's shoulder are down for a two. >> But even that required that pulls him at the top of his head. >> And now, Cole on the apron.
>> Ciampa, again, looking for willows bell. >> I might get it, no. Adam Cole switching his hips to get inside the ring.
Cole was looking for [INAUDIBLE] counters with a step up into gary to the neck area of Tommaso Ciampa. Cole now, setting the table for a potential Panama sunrise. Pounded beautifully by Ciampa.
>> [APPLAUSE] >> Panama sunrise ff he did, it would have been the sunset [INAUDIBLE] but instead look at the jumping, landing perfectly on the Jewel of the NXT champion. >> The metronome timing of Tommaso Ciampa, we've seen Adam Cole have impeccable timing not that time. >> Adam Cole, one of the best you ever wasted a pair of boots.
But Ciampa has heart. He's been through so much. Both these competitors have referred to themselves as the greatest NXT champion of all time.
Line from Ciampa, and another one on the Champion. Reversal on the Irish Whip, Ciampa, able to take advantage of Cole telegraphing that back body drop. >> And the momentum continues to move.
There we go. >> German Suplex by Ciampa. >> Well Ciampa channelling parts unknown, here we go.
>> Tommaso Ciampa looking to join Samoa Joe and Shinsuke Nakamora, as the only two time, NXT champion. >> Towards your right, boom got very, very close. >> And once again, even lifting the body of Adam Cole, putting added pressure on the neck and shoulders.
You see Ciampa still suffering the effects of that German suplex on the announce table. >> Ciampa's been a part of so many legendary moments at NXT Takeovers. But, this one would be something extra special.
Especially, overcoming, career threatening neck surgery, in hopes of reclaiming, something he loves almost as much as his child Willow, that being Goldie the NXT title. But now Adam Cole has Ciampa up, rolling crucifix. >> Cole keeps hold, Cole only was trying for a second match up.
>> Its a crucifix, shoulders down for two. >> Ciampa's trying for the bridging arm but couldn't get >> Ciampa looks to block it and then, Cole on the move. >> And Cole blasting Ciampa, with the knee.
And now Cole, has Ciampa and delivers the Ushigoroshi on the neck. >> And to the cover. >> Cole with that cover, and Ciampa barely.
Ciampa barely escaped. >> And NXT Champion now, clearly focusing on the upper back and neck, of Tommaso Champa. You can understand why it is a perfect strategy, especially after damage done here on the announce table what.
But what does Tommaso Ciampa have left? >> Cole, himself has been through so much in this matchup. Earlier on it was all Champa >> Adam Cole defeated Johnny Gargano at NXT TakeOver 25 last June, and now defending it here at NXT TakeOver Portland, the road to WrestleMania weekend.
Underweighing, what a night It has been here and, Adam Cole now on the precipice, maybe putting Tommaso Ciampa. >> Wow. >> Wait a second.
What's going on here? >> Both, may have lost his balance there. >> This is precarious to say the least.
Ciampa trying to get a better foothold on the middle rope. >> There's not a lot of space to bounce on those ropes, only two or three inches. >> Both of them willing to throw caution to the wind, as Adam Cole looking for an avalanche.
>> Kinda [INAUDIBLE] we saw, we saw what Ciampa did to Cole, at NXT Takeover Wargames. What the LA Crash >> No, no. >> Crash by Ciampa!
We have a new, NXT Champion. >> Just watch the impact to the neck of Adam Cole. But look at how Ciampa, wraps his own leg, and puts the leg, he just could not get enough body weight across Cole's shoulder, to secure the victory.
We're talking, the LA Crash from the top of the cage and war games to put away Adam Cole, and avalanche, Eric crash almost cost him the title tonight. >> But guys that speaks to what Adam Cole is made of. >> Kicked off by Ciampa, wow a super kick, by the Champion on the Challenger.
And again, Champion's advantage. >> Come on, no no no. No, Cole looking to take advantage of the real estate around ring side.
>> No no. >> Power bomb! The carnage, speaks, for itself here in Portland >> One more time, one more time >> Indescribable brutality >> And it's not over Nigel, Tommaso Ciampa staggering his way to the prone NXT Champion.
Beth, how much more can either these gladiator sustain? >> This action has left all of us breathless. >> Ciampa was almost [INAUDIBLE], and now.
Tried to [INAUDIBLE] NXT Champion. The undisputed era is here trying to build it couldn't get much worse start. >> Cole try to move out the way of the need to protect himself, but he landed somewhat.
Here comes Ciampa. >> Adam Cole [INAUDIBLE] Cole's foot to the face of [INAUDIBLE]. What a clothesline by Ciampa.
>> Double knees, Project Ciampa! >> One, two. >> The NXT Champion's still alive.
>> If Project Ciampa, couldn't deliver Goldie, what the hell will? >> A thunderous ovation from this appreciative crowd here in Portland, it has been a turd, for the ages. >> Unbelievable performance by both of these two competitors, >> Ciampa's mouth wide open gasping for air.
He realizes how close he is now. >> And that's where mistakes happen, when fatigue sets in Nigel. >> But nonetheless, both competitors pushing forward.
Great and determination >> Will be operating on purely, on instinct at this point Nigel. Just reflex strikes thrown from every angle. >> And every strike expends valuable energy, they have to make it pay.
Bicycle kick by Cole and another one, Ciampa falls out of the ring. Has Ciampa's title aspiration's fallen with him? Cole, Cole attacking [INAUDIBLE].
We've never seen the Champion do that in NXT. And Ciampa shows why, wow! Desperate times calling for desperate measures?
>> It was a desperate measure from Cole. He realized it was right in the match. [NOISE] >> Realized it was right in the match thought perhaps that Ciampa had been weakened enough to hit the chunk pay, but no Ciampa lining wise And that again speaks to what the title means to Adam Cole, willing to risk his body in ways we've never seen him do it here in NXT.
>> And again, at this point both of these- >> Here we go! >> Planting Tommaso Ciampa. >> So for nothing Cole has been able to do, has been able to put Ciampa away.
High risk here. >> Another [INAUDIBLE] Shader neck crashing [INAUDIBLE] Cover [APPLAUSE] My God. >> [INAUDIBLE] >> Champa Got that second wing guy he is unloading?
[INAUDIBLE] [APPLAUSE] >> Cole unloads with a couple of picks. >> Last shot, last shot connects for the NXT Street Champion. >> [INAUDIBLE] >> Look at the savvy that guy, the craftiness of Ciampa.
>> Even with his eyes closed Tommaso Ciampa rolled until he felt that bottom rope and safety. >> And it's as if the last shot never happened. Because now, Ciampa giving himself an opportunity to recover.
>> Ciampa's ring awareness paying off. >> He may recover some what more of, but no close to a full tank. Both competitors have given so much.
>> Absolutely, and that's it. You're absolutely right now, John. That was very smart on his part to buy himself this valuable time.
>> What can he do with the time now? >> Adam Cole looking to take advantage. >> Wow.
>> No, no, no, no. >> [APPLAUSE] >> Trash of the unforgiving apron. >> [APPLAUSE] [NOISE] >> Broken bodies leading to potential broken dreams.
>> Trying for the Panama sunrise again but instead it was Ciampa reverse [INAUDIBLE] crash into the apron. >> You could see the [INAUDIBLE] >> And Ciampa not the only one with a pain in the neck after Cole came crashing down on the apron. But the only way Ciampa can win is by getting Cole back in the ring.
A fairy tale ending on the outside, no! >> My God. >> [NOISE] >> Get him in, Cole.
>> Hold on, hold on. >> My, Adam Cole is on the table. >> My God.
>> Adam Cole, standing on our table. Adam Cole again to the [CROSSTALK] >> That's it, that is it. >> My God >> Get him in the ring pin him, this match is over.
>> Ciampa's career could be over. >> Cole's looking to do just that. >> Adam Cole rolls the challenger into the ring.
Cole three seconds away from retaining the, what the hell? >> You are kidding me. >> A bigger come back than Lazarus.
Where the hell is Ciampa getting this? Ciampa looking for the fairy tale ending and what a fairy tale it is. Don't call it a come back [INAUDIBLE].
>> [APPLAUSE] >> I do not believe my eyes. >> It was tears of elation that have turned into tears of heartbreak now for Tommaso Ciampa. >> [NOISE] >> And while it's being anything but a pleasure for Ciampa and Cole, what a pleasure it is to be here, ringside, to be a part of this atmosphere and [INAUDIBLE].
>> [APPLAUSE] >> This is a recording, Ciampa, Cole hanging on for dear life. >> Two men who've given it they're all [INAUDIBLE] [NOISE] Just rise to a champion. >> [CROSSTALK] >> [INAUDIBLE] >> Only two of them and Nick, it's going to be absolute agony.
>> [INAUDIBLE] Adam Cole But a quick reversal by Ciampa. >> There you go. >> [INAUDIBLE] >> And Cole struggling, trying to get to the bottom rope.
>> [CROSSTALK] >> But nothing will stop Ciampa. >> Ciampa's left arm is almost useless at this point. I think it was damage to the neck or the back.
>> Cole rolls out of the ring, will buy himself some time but- >> [NOISE] >> Hold on. [SOUND] >> Roderick Strong, former NXT North American Champion, Roderick Strong, diverting the referee's attention. >> Come on.
>> One better be careful. >> You remember what went wrong trying to interjects himself. There's O'Reilly.
Come on, these [INAUDIBLE]. >> The referee didn't see it. >> The bull's reigning down here at the Moto Center.
>> This is despicable. >> You mentioned [INAUDIBLE] not like this. >> [NOISE] >> Strength in numbers but their strength and belief in desire.
>> Adam Cole's insurance policy did not pay off. >> Well said, Nigel, and the strength of Ciampa's belief and desire continues to unfold here. And Cole misses what the last shot.
CIampa on his feet Into O'Reilly and Fish and Roderick Strong, welcome to ring the bell. My god. >> [NOISE] >> [INAUDIBLE] by Ciampa.
>> Tommaso Ciampa is taking out all four men of the Undisputed ERA. >> Just look he did at the NXT arena, now looking to take out Cole. Super kick, and [INAUDIBLE] number one.
Takes three. >> It's over. >> Ciampa down on his knees.
>> Last shot. God The last shot, and that has gotta be it for Tommaso Ciampa. >> Adam Cole with the cover.
>> [APPLAUSE] >> Okay, I've seen it all. I've seen it all, Nigel. >> [APPLAUSE] >> I think Adam Cole has seen it all too, incredible.
>> [APPLAUSE] >> Well, Ciampa's still in this so we're not done yet, Mauro. >> How will this end? >> Wait a second.
>> Kyle O'Reilly has the NXT championship, leaving it in the corner for NXT champ Adam Cole [INAUDIBLE]. >> Again, referee trying to allow the match to continue. >> [APPLAUSE] >> Ciampa though, trying to stomp Adam Cole's title reign.
>> [APPLAUSE] >> And into the referee goes Ciampa. >> And things just got worse. >> [APPLAUSE] >> A whole lot worse for Tommaso Ciampa.
>> No, come on. >> Into the garden of good and evil goes the evil Adam Cole. >> And turnabout is fair play.
>> [APPLAUSE] >> Fairy tale ending by Ciampa but no referee. >> [APPLAUSE] >> Goldie can't come home yet. >> [APPLAUSE] >> They can count to 100, we've got to get an official out here.
>> A crestfallen Tommaso Ciampa, knowing that three seconds away from garnering Goldie again, and he can't do anything about it now, Beth >> You can see the look on his face. >> [APPLAUSE] >> Hold on. >> Well, Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa's former partner, the former NXT Tag Team Champions.
>> [APPLAUSE] >> No, they were also bitter rivals at one time. >> [APPLAUSE] >> My God! >> [APPLAUSE] >> Adam Cole covering Tommaso Ciampa.
>> [APPLAUSE] [NOISE] [MUSIC] >> Here is your winner, and still the NXT champion, Adam Cole. >> Adam Cole may be the NXT champion, but let's not bury the lede. The rebel heart, the heart and soul of NXT, Johnny Gargano has just broken the heart of every NXT fan.
[MUSIC] >> What a turn could Johnny Gargano turn out to be. But Adam Cole has righted the ship of the united Undisputed ERA. >> After losing to Finn Balor earlier tonight, something has snapped in Johnny Gargano.
>> I am shocked and disappointed, this is not the Johnny Gargano that we know.
