5 things WWE NXT got right this week: Faction implodes; The Creed Brothers make an impact

#3. Santos Escobar defeated Carmelo Hayes

Ngl I got stuck on the come up 😒😭 https://t.co/WvfaFuY8gw

— Carmelo Hayes (@Carmelo_WWE) September 8, 2021

Carmelo Hayes and Santos Escobar had a backstage interaction on NXT last week. That led to a match between the two cruiserweights on this week’s episode.

Escobar came out with Legado del Fantasma, and it already looked like the NXT Breakout Superstar was at a disadvantage. Hayes started well and pushed Escobar back with good strikes before the former NXT Cruiserweight Champion made a comeback.

Hayes proved to be a little too quick for Escobar, and he continued to keep the upper hand in the early part of the contest. Escobar took control and went for the Phantom Driver, but Hayes reversed it into a double-knee face breaker.

Later, Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde distracted the referee while Elektra Lopez surprised the NXT Universe by hitting Hayes with a bodyslam on the ramp.

You don't mess with F A M I L I A....Especially @elektralopezwwe. #WWENXT @Carmelo_WWE @EscobarWWE pic.twitter.com/2xsAst0IPn

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) September 8, 2021

Back in the ring, Escobar delivered the Phantom Driver on Hayes to pick up the win. The match was fast-paced and fun. It was the right call to allow Escobar to win the contest while protecting Hayes. It could lead to a Triple Threat Match between Escobar, Hayes, and Isaiah “Scott” Swerve in the weeks to come.