5 things WWE NXT got right this week (September 16, 2020)

#1 Damian Priest retains his WWE NXT North American Championship

The #WWENXT North American Champion has been awakened.#NXTNATitle @ArcherOfInfamy pic.twitter.com/RgvuVkrFfF

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) September 17, 2020

Following his first WWE NXT North American Championship win at NXT TakeOver XXX, Damian Priest was set to make his first defense on this week’s show. Timothy Thatcher had studied his opponent well over the past week or so, and this was his chance to shine on NXT.

Thatcher used his technical knowledge and experience to keep the Champion grounded and kept control of the match.

However, Priest used his power to fight back and took out his challenger with a big clothesline and a Falcon Arrow. Thatcher soon applied the armbar on Priest but could not take the Champion out.

After a second armbar, Priest looked down and out as his arm was visibly injured, but he still managed to put away Thatcher with The Reckoning to retain his title.

Thatcher has been having a tough time on WWE NXT since he defeated Matt Riddle in the Fight Pit. He needs a few wins to get back on track, and a strong showing against the NXT North American Champion helped his case.

Told ya! 🎯 #WWENXT #PartyForever 🍾 🏹#LiveForever https://t.co/1MbZOpWzqO

— Damian Priest 🏹 (@ArcherOfInfamy) September 17, 2020

Priest’s first defense saw him stay down for long but fight from underneath to pick up the victory. The Archer deserves a long Championship reign, and a good first match has put him on that track.