It was an underdog vs. a colossus in the NXT Breakout Tournament finals, as Carmelo Hayes took on Odyssey Jones with the stakes for the two being an all-time high, but it was Hayes who came out the victor.
General manager William Regal sat at ringside with a title contract going to the winner, and both competitors played to their respective strengths in the match-up. Jones tossed Hayes around, and Hayes used his quickness to keep the big man grounded. Hayes did a good job of that with an extended front chancery and followed it up with a flurry of knees and an axe kick for a near finish.
Jones soon turned the tide with a tilt-a-whirl shoulderbreaker. Hayes found some temporary sanctuary by rolling out of the ring and landing a kick to the ear of Odyssey. He then hit a top rope scissor kick, but Jones got back to his feet. Hayes went for a second one, but Jones moved and splashed all his weight on top of the smaller man. Still, Hayes found up enough strength to crucifix roll Jones for the 1-2-3.
The only question left, "Which champion will @Carmelo_WWE choose to face?" #WWENXT #NXTBreakout pic.twitter.com/5RQIhfpJDD
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) August 25, 2021
Post-match, Jones and Hayes exchanged a moment of respect before Regal presented Hayes with the contract. When asked which title he was going to challenge for, Hayes said there will be time for that.
Called. His. Shot. @Carmelo_WWE is the #NXTBreakout Tournament Champion and has earned a championship contract. #WWENXT is officially on notice! @RealKingRegal pic.twitter.com/gHgfyzjeUp
— WWE (@WWE) August 25, 2021
