BY SACNILK
The 2023 NXT: The Great American Bash marks the 25th overall edition of the Great American Bash. Unlike the past three years, which were televised specials on NXT, the 2023 event will be livestreamed, making it the first Great American Bash to be available on both Peacock and the WWE Network. Scheduled for Sunday, July 30, 2023, the event will be held at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park in the Austin suburb of Cedar Park, Texas. ##
In an epic showdown, Carmelo Hayes will be putting his NXT Championship on the line as he faces the formidable Ilja Dragunov. The NXT Women's Championship will be up for grabs in an intense Submission Match, where Tiffany Stratton will be defending her title against a yet-to-be-named opponent. ##
The "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, who has proven to be a fierce champion, will face a tough challenge in a Triple Threat Match for the North American Title. His opponents will be the agile Wes Lee and the crafty Mustafa Ali, both hungry for victory. ##
Furthermore, the highly anticipated debut of Gable Steveson will take place against none other than the experienced Baron Corbin. Fans can expect an electrifying clash as these two forces collide. ##
WWE NXT Great American Bash 2023 Pay-By-Play Results
Dragon Lee, Nathan Frazer, Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz Vs Meta-Four (Noam Dar, Oro Mensah, Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend) ##
Dragon Lee secured the victory by pinning Mensah in an engaging opening match. Throughout the bout, male competitors faced off against each other, while the female wrestlers did the same, with occasional mixed spots thrown in for variety. The action was captivating, with moments of brilliance, making it a satisfactory opener for the event. The crowd's enthusiasm reached a boiling point during the thrilling finish. ##
As the main card commenced, it paid homage to the legendary Dusty Rhodes, renowned for conceiving The Great American Bash concept during the late 1980s in Jim Crockett Promotions. Presenting the opening video package was Cody Rhodes, who narrated the segment, skillfully building anticipation for the night's exceptional lineup. ##
WINNER: Dragon Lee, Nathan Frazer, Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz ##
The Family (Tony D'Angelo & Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo) VS NXT Tag Team Champions Gallus (Mark Coffey & Wolfgang with Joe Coffey) for the titles ##
In an enthralling start to the main card, D'Angelo emerged victorious by pinning Wolfgang, claiming the prestigious titles. The audience was completely engaged, investing their energy into the electrifying contest.##
One of the standout moments arrived when The Family executed a classic move from the early '90s, the Power & Glory tag team finisher. Tony D masterfully executed a superplex while Stacks leaped from the top rope, crashing down with a splash. Despite their valiant effort, the subsequent spinning attempt was thwarted by an interruption.##
Joe Coffey attempted to interfere by handing Wolfgang a club, but it turned out to be a clever ploy to distract the referee, providing another nail-biting near fall situation where the pin was broken up. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Tony D wielded a crowbar to strike Joe Coffey, preventing any further interference.##
In an awe-inspiring display of athleticism, Stacks was hiplocked over the top rope by Tony D, leading to a daring dive on the outside. The intensity continued as Bada Bing, their signature finisher, was executed on Wolfgang, and Tony D swiftly covered him for the crucial pinfall. With this incredible victory, The Family was crowned the new tag team champions. ##
WINNER: The Family (Tony D'Angelo & Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo) ##
Roxanne Perez Vs Blair Davenport in a Weapons Wild match ##
In a grudge match rife with chaos and the use of weapons, Perez emerged triumphant by pinning Davenport.##
During her entrance, Perez gracefully strolled around ringside, taking a moment to share heartwarming hugs with her sister and mom in the front row. However, the atmosphere quickly turned intense as Davenport, disguised in a hooded sweatshirt, launched a sudden ambush on Perez. To Davenport's dismay, the sneak attack only fueled Perez's determination, and she retaliated fiercely.##
From the outset, the two foes engaged in relentless brawling, often introducing various weapons into the mix, such as metal folding chairs and trash cans. Amidst the mayhem, Davenport temporarily gained the upper hand by striking Perez with a trash can. Seizing the Texas theme, Davenport even brandished a branding iron as a menacing weapon. The ring became a chaotic scene, littered with chairs and strewn with trash cans.##
As Davenport taunted Perez's family at ringside while assaulting her, Perez found renewed strength by employing a bullrope as a weapon against her adversary. Davenport, who had earlier used a belt as a weapon, now tasted the sting of it herself when Perez fought back fiercely.##
The live crowd erupted with excitement when Perez brought a table into the equation. Later on, this prop became pivotal in the match, as Perez executed a breathtaking dive from the top rope, smashing Davenport through the table, right in front of her own family.##
In a display of her resilience, Davenport managed to counter Perez's signature move, Pop Rocks, not once but twice. However, Perez exhibited incredible toughness by enduring a brutal suplex onto a crushed trash can. After the electrifying table spot, Perez successfully executed Pop Rocks on a pile of folded chairs, culminating in Davenport's defeat. Perez covered Davenport for the one, two, three, eliciting cheers of jubilation from the ecstatic crowd. ##
WINNER: Roxanne Perez ##
Gable Steveson vs. Baron Corbin ##
Steveson's in-ring debut proved to be a decent match, but unfortunately, the finish left much to be desired, feeling rather underwhelming. However, the post-match scuffle hinted at a potential rematch in the future. ##
Corbin showcased a fresh look with new gear and music, though the latter didn't impress as much as expected. Nevertheless, his attire looked rather impressive. Steveson, on the other hand, exuded pride, donning his gold medal during his entrance, along with a traditional wrestling singlet. ##
The early moments of the match allowed Steveson to shine brightly, exhibiting his skills and athleticism. However, Corbin strategically cut him off, beginning a relentless assault on Steveson. Corbin cruelly dashed any hope spots Steveson attempted, but the resilient newcomer fought back, prompting Corbin to taunt him, further igniting Steveson's fire. ##
A tremendous comeback ensued from Steveson, but Corbin craftily lured him outside the ring, regaining control of the bout. The action escalated into a wild brawl around ringside, culminating in both competitors being counted out. The crowd expressed their displeasure with chants of "bullshit" as the chaotic pull-apart brawl ensued. ##
The frenzied scuffle carried on as they even tumbled over the announce desk, prompting referees to rush in for damage control. However, neither Corbin nor Steveson seemed to relent, pushing through the security team as they continued their brawl. Steveson displayed his strength by sending Corbin crashing through a specially rigged section of the barricade, leaving him standing tall. ##
In another part of the event, McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Lyra Valkyria when she suddenly found herself ambushed by Jacy Jayne. Rhea Ripley, who happened to be nearby, commented that this was exactly what she expected from Valkyria. The fiery altercation between Valkyria and Jayne ensued, adding more intensity to the unfolding events. ##
WINNER: Gable Steveson vs. Baron Corbin ends in a double countout ##
NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio (with WWE World Women's Champion Rhea Ripley) Vs Wes Lee and Mustafa Ali for the title in a triple threat match ##
In a fantastic match, Mysterio emerged triumphant by pinning Lee, showcasing their ability to play to each other's strengths. Dom's character received tremendous crowd support, making him quite popular among the audience.##
Early on, Dom attempted to retreat, but he found himself surrounded by Ali and Lee, who double-teamed him. However, their collaboration quickly disintegrated, mirroring the tensions from the storyline leading up to the contest.##
While Dom was recovering outside the ring, Ali and Lee faced off, but Mysterio took advantage of the situation by reentering the fray and pushing them off the ropes, causing them to tumble to the floor. Dom's attempt at executing the Three Amigos backfired when he tried to suplex both Ali and Lee simultaneously, leading them to counter and perform a double-team version of the move on Mysterio.##
The high-flying moves executed by Ali and Lee showcased their potential for an exciting singles match. In one memorable spot, both Mysterio and Lee were left draped on the bottom rope as Ali climbed the turnbuckle, only to miss a 450 splash and crash onto the apron, leaving Lee to face Mysterio.##
Ripley got involved, demanding that Lee refrain from doing a dive after he had already performed one. Nevertheless, Lee complied by leaping over Ripley into a dive outside. In retaliation, Ripley executed a devastating Riptide on Lee, sending him through the announce desk. Remarkably, Lee managed to kick out after being rolled back into the ring.##
As the near falls continued to intensify, Ripley attempted to give Dom the North American title belt, but the referee intercepted it, creating a diversion akin to what occurred during the tag title match earlier. Mysterio then grabbed the women's title belt, delivering a brutal shot to Lee, who remarkably still kicked out.##
Ali reentered the match with a dropkick off the turnbuckles on Mysterio, followed by a 450 splash on Lee. However, Ripley intervened by pulling Ali out of the ring to break up the pinning attempt. Mysterio capitalized on the chaos, performing a frog splash on Lee and securing the decisive pinfall.##
In a subsequent interview with McKenzie Mitchell, Trick Williams cut a promo, skillfully hyping up the main event for the title match. ##
WINNER: NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio (with WWE World Women's Champion Rhea Ripley) ##
Tiffany Stratton vs. Thea Hail (with Duke Hudson & Andre Chase) in a submission match for the NXT Women's Championship ##
In a dramatic turn of events, Andre Chase made a difficult decision on behalf of Hail during the championship match. Hail received a special entrance, with the crowd proudly holding up Chase U banners, elevating her star power. On the other hand, Stratton's entrance playfully spoofed the popular Barbie theme, capturing the zeitgeist of pop culture.##
The match began with both competitors exchanging moves in a back-and-forth manner before Stratton took control, focusing on Hail's back to exploit her status as the babyface-in-peril. This strategic approach played into the stipulation of the submission match, as Stratton employed holds specifically targeting Hail's vulnerable back.##
Despite her valiant efforts, Hail's hope spot was shattered when Stratton trapped her in a body scissors, momentarily halting her momentum. However, Hail rallied and launched a spirited comeback, even executing a thrilling dive that sent Stratton crashing into the ring post shoulder-first. This setup a crucial moment later when Hail attempted a kimura, but Stratton managed to break free by grabbing the ropes.##
The action reached a thrilling climax with a high-flying spectacle off the top rope, where Hail impressively executed a super northern lights suplex on Stratton. Stratton, not to be outdone, showcased her skills with two awe-inspiring Prettiest Moonsault Ever maneuvers, and she subsequently applied a relentless Boston crab on Hail. Although Hail demonstrated incredible resilience, refusing to tap out, she found herself trapped in the hold with no escape in sight.##
In a shocking twist, Andre Chase made a tough call and threw in the towel on Hail's behalf, leading to Stratton retaining her title. The unexpected move left Duke Hudson in disbelief, as he couldn't fathom why Chase decided to intervene in such a manner. ##
WINNER: NXT Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton ##
Carmelo Hayes (with Trick Williams) vs. Ilja Dragunov for the NXT Championship ##
In an epic showdown, Hayes emerged victorious over Dragunov, successfully defending his title. The match proved to be a thrilling and hard-hitting spectacle, undoubtedly standing out as one of the best on the entire show.##
As they clashed in the ring, Dragunov sported intense red contacts, symbolizing his relentless determination heading into the bout, which added a compelling layer to the match's narrative.##
The two competitors engaged in a back-and-forth battle, trading powerful moves and strikes. Along the way, Dragunov unleashed a brutal assault on Hayes, who endured a considerable amount of punishment. Despite the onslaught, Hayes's cornerman, Williams, persistently encouraged and motivated him to rally.##
Hayes made a comeback, firing up against Dragunov and impressing the passionate crowd. Notably, Hayes executed a spectacular springboard DDT that triggered a "this is awesome" chant. The intensity escalated further when Dragunov attempted a high-risk move, only to be caught mid-air by Hayes's devastating codebreaker, eliciting astonished reactions from the audience.##
Both competitors relentlessly pursued victory, with Dragunov attempting his finisher and a flying forearm, but Hayes displayed remarkable resilience, kicking out in a nail-biting near fall. Later, Dragunov took an avalanche cutter for yet another close call. In a motivating gesture, Williams held up the title at ringside, reminding Hayes of the prize he was fighting to retain.##
Their fighting spirit soared as they continued to trade powerful strikes in and out of the ring. The action even spilled to the ringside area, where Dragunov accidentally collided with Williams during a daring leap off the ring steps. This incident left Dragunov dazed, and Hayes seized the opportunity, executing his signature move "Nothing But Net" and pinning Dragunov for the well-deserved victory. ##
WINNER: NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes (with Trick Williams) ##
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