KUSHIDA’s memorable 154-day reign as NXT Cruiserweight Champion is over, courtesy of Diamond Mine and Roderick Strong.
After it had been postponed due to the champion testing positive for COVID-19, the anticipated title match took place on the 9/21 episode of NXT. As expected, the match was a back and forth battle, but Strong had some timely help from Malcolm Bivens and the rest of Diamond Mine. Bivens saved Strong from Kushida’s Hoverboard submission by putting his man’s foot on the ropes while the rest of Diamond Mine muscled KUSHIDA out of the ring for a beatdown.
Two warriors leaving it ALL on the mat.
@KUSHIDA_0904 and @roderickstrong are throwing down for the NXT #CruiserweightTitle. #WWENXT @DiamondMineWWE pic.twitter.com/4Gb7FTYy69
— WWE (@WWE) September 22, 2021
Ivy Nile shoulder-blocked KUSHIDA while The Creed Brothers threw the champion’s body back into the ring, setting him up for a suplex/backstabber from Strong for the 1-2-3.
After the bell, Grayson Waller came dancing out to the stage to interrupt Strong’s celebration. He challenged the new champion to a match next week. In response, Bivens tried to moderate the situation, but after speaking with Strong, he accepted the challenge.
Look in @Malcolmvelli's eyes.
That is the look of a man that means BUSINESS.
NEW #WWENXT Cruiserweight Champion @roderickstrong vs. @GraysonWWE for the #CruiserweightTitle NEXT WEEK! pic.twitter.com/TDS3ImuUhp
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) September 22, 2021
