WWE NXT 2.0 - 5 biggest news stories: Champions retain, WWE show rebranded

Bron Breakker defended his NXT Championship on NXT 2.0 this week
Bron Breakker defended his NXT Championship on NXT 2.0 this week

Now with Valentines Day in the rearview mirror, NXT 2.0 presented their own special event with Vengeance Day. The spectacular was treated as if it was a premium live event with several title matches taking place.

The broadcast was airing again on the Syfy Channel in the United States due to the 2022 Winter Olympics airing on the USA Network. This will be the final showcase on Syfy, and the show will revert to airing on its home channel next week.

In one of this week's most highly anticipated matches on the episode, Pete Dunne faced Tony D’Angelo in a Weaponized Steel Cage Match. The brutal gimmick match-up allowed for weapons inside the steel cage as the match was contested. In the end, The Bruiserweight picked up the win.

LA Knight and Grayson Waller's feud was also furthered. They had a confrontation in the middle of the ring. This resulted in Knight voiding Waller's restraining order and following this up by launching an attack on the Aussie superstar.

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On that note, let's take a look at the five biggest news stories coming out of the Vengeance Day episode.


#5 205 Live has been rebranded as NXT Level Up

Prior to NXT 2.0 going live, it was revealed that 205 Live, WWE's show dedicated to their cruiserweight talent, was being scrapped. Instead, it would be replaced by Level Up.

205 Live's first episode debuted in 2016 and became one of the company's hidden gems as it produced some scintillating in-ring action. Sadly, it never really became a flagship show for WWE. At one point, the showcase was integrated into its RAW broadcasts, but this only lasted for a short time.

The broadcast was initially filmed after SmackDown aired on Friday night's. The format wasn't necessarily great for the program. Often, fans would leave once SmackDown had concluded, and those who stayed were usually energy zapped from the high-octane blue brand show they'd just witnessed.

205 Live then underwent several changes in the last few years, and it failed to maintain any consistency, and with that, its popularity dwindled. It was only so far that this particular concept could go on without it becoming stagnant. Now, WWE has realized a change was needed.

Level Up will serve the NXT 2.0 brand, possibly similar to how AEW Dark Elevation serves AEW Dark, with up-and-coming talent getting an opportunity to shine. All will certainly be revealed this Friday when we see the show's direction.

#4 Carmelo Hayes & Toxic Attraction retain their respective NXT titles

Two big title matches took place on NXT 2.0 this week. Carmelo Hayes defended his North American Championship against Cameron Grimes, and Toxic Attraction defended their Women's Tag Team Championship against Indi Hartwell & Persia Pirotta.

Toxic Attraction put in an impressive performance to overcome Hartwell & Pirotta, ultimately using their devastating tandem high-low kicks to pick up the win. Earlier in the match, NXT Women's Champion, Mandy Rose, attempted to help her girls, but she was ejected from ringside.

A thrilling showcase ensued in the North American Championship match. However, following a colossal leg drop from the top rope, Hayes overcame Cameron Grimes to retain his Championship in a highly-entertaining back-and-forth contest.


#3 Solo Sikoa sets his sights on Gunther

You have to be a brave warrior to want to step up to Gunther. Solo Sikoa did just that to make his intentions known that he would wipe the mat with The Ring General.

Initially, Gunther and his Imperium stable headed to the ring to declare that it was still their ring. Gunther then clarified that he was now vying for the NXT Championship whilst mocking The Creed Brothers.

Solo Sikoa then made his way out to make his presence and put the former United Kingdom Champion on notice. It was a big moment for the young superstar as he continues to make a name for himself on the brand.

#2 The Creed Brothers win the Dusty Classic Final

after a couple of weeks of enthralling tag team action, it was finally time for the Dusty Classic Final. The finale saw The Creed Brothers take on last year's tournament winners, MSK.

As you'd expect, there was all-out action, and the contest was finely split as the match went on. However, Julius Creed caught Nash Carter in the middle of a dive through the ropes. He then planted him outside the ring before rolling him into the ring for a wicked clothesline and a pin.

Devastation for MSK, but pure joy for The Creed Brothers, who will now get a shot at the NXT Tag Team Championship.


#1 Bron Breakker retains the NXT Championship, Dolph Ziggler and Tommaso Ciampa get involved

Bron Breakker knew that he had a queue forming of wrestlers vying for his Championship. He certainly made sure that Santos Escobar was pushed out of the line-up as he beat him on NXT 2.0.

In this first-ever NXT Championship defence, Bron finished off the challenger with a Gorilla Press Slam to retain the title. Despite the victory, the match didn't come without controversy. Dolph Ziggler attempted to interject himself into the action. However, Tommaso Ciampa made an appearance to fend off The Show Off.

It was a successful night for the champion, who once again showed his metal and showed just exactly why he is at the top of the mountain.


What did you think of this week's Vengeance Day episode? Let us know in the comments below!

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Edited by Pratik Singh
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