The latest episode of WWE NXT featured intense tournament action as the Dusty Classic semifinals got underway ahead of Halloween Havoc. Noam Dar and Romeo Moreno faced off against Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes of The Vanity Project to determine who would move one step closer to the tournament title.
Dusty Classic Semifinal Action
The Vanity Project immediately targeted Noam Dar’s already injured head, driving him into the steel steps that previously caused him to bleed at a live event. Commentary noted that Dar entered the match with his head taped up following staples received in that match against The Vanity Project, with Booker T arguing that Dar should have forfeited the tournament due to the injury.
Romeo stepped up to protect his partner by dumping Baylor onto Smokes before heading into a commercial break while the referee checked on Dar. As the match resumed, The Vanity Project isolated Romeo until Dar forced his way back into the ring with a rapid offensive flurry against Baylor and Smokes.
Dar locked Baylor in an armbar that nearly forced a submission, but Smokes intervened with a cheap-shot spear to set up a near-fall. Later, both Romeo and Dar locked in ankle locks; although their opponents fought out, they accidentally collided with each other. Romeo broke up a subsequent pin attempt after Dar was hit with a finisher.
Dar secured Smokes in the Champagne Superkneebar, causing Smokes to roll outside. When Myka Lockwood attempted a clothesline on Dar, he ducked, and Romeo sent Smokes crashing into Baylor during a move attempt, which led to a high-low combination on Smokes for the victory.
Tournament Outlook and Other Developments
The win advanced Romeo and Dar to the finals of the Dusty Classic. Vic Joseph announced during the broadcast that the tournament finals will take place next week on a Wednesday edition of NXT, meaning the Dusty Classic will not be represented at Halloween Havoc.
Outside of the tournament match, the broadcast aired a video showing Grayson Waller outside the home of Tony D’Angelo. Following the conclusion of the match, Tony D told Robert Stone he was leaving for his residence and threatened Grayson Waller.
