Best men's NXT TV matches of 2021 so far

#1 Kyle O'Reilly vs Kushida - NXT June 22nd, 2021

On the most recent episode of NXT, Kyle O'Reilly and Kushida pulled out one of the best TV matches of the year. That's exactly what fans were hoping for. The two technicians with great striking abilities were evenly matched.

Fans of both men prior to their time in NXT would know that they'd met several times before, and knew they were in for a treat. After William Regal told Kyle O'Reilly to pick an opponent, O'Reilly went right to Kushida, setting up this mat classic.

A technical masterclass. #WWENXT @KORcombat @KUSHIDA_0904 pic.twitter.com/q8LjkyoUiC

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) June 23, 2021

Both men traded early submission attempts, with Kushida trying to synch in his Hoverboard Lock several times. O'Reilly was able to, not only escape but also transition into a heel hook.

Kushida targeted O'Reilly's arm with several armbreakers and stiff kicks, leaving it black and blue throughout the match. The two tore the house down, going between their mat game and hammering one another with hellacious strikes.

In the end, O'Reilly was without a doubt more banged up. Kushida'd worn down his arm severely, and it seemed that the former NXT Tag Champion was one for. Though he couldn't break another Hoverboard Lock by getting to the ropes, he instead caught Kushida in a quick pin attempt to secure the victory.

THAT was a clinic. Respect for both @KORcombat & @KUSHIDA_0904 in that very special #WWENXT DREAM MATCH! pic.twitter.com/vQyqWpHN4K

— WWE (@WWE) June 23, 2021

It was a master class in pro wrestling, as two of the most gifted athletes in NXT took one another to the limit in an exciting main event.