When Oba Femi set out to join the WWE main roster, the decision was made to have him vacate the NXT championship instead of losing it on the way out the door. He’ll be in the Royal Rumble come Saturday
in Saudi Arabia.
The beat goes on in the developmental brand, however, and they wasted no time figuring out a way to crown a new champion. It was decided qualifiers would be held to determine six participants in a ladder match, the vacated title hanging high above the ring for one of the aforementioned six to go up and get it.
Ricky Saints, who lost the title to Oba, managed to get in without having to win a qualifier. Sean Legacy and Shiloh Hill quickly joined him before the final three settled up on NXT television this week.
First, Joe Hendry was found laid out backstage, so General Manager Ava reluctantly gave Jackson Drake a spot next week. She did add that if Hendry can get cleared in time he, too, will be in the match. Later, it was made clear that’s the case and they’re just going to go with seven participants.
Later, Myles Borne got caught thinking about cheating his way to victory, ended up distracted by Ethan Page, and ultimately fell to Dion Lennox.
Finally, Andre Chase tried to stand up to Keanu Carver and got absolutely decimated. It was never really close, and it’s clear they see a bright future for the young man.
The field, then, is set. Starks, Legacy, Hill, Jackson, Lennox, Carver, and Hendry will dance for the title in just one week.
Who do you like to come out of there with the championship?
