Barrett says we have an answer to Kushida’s Open Challenge for the NXT Cruiserweight Title. Barrett says this man is formerly known as Christian Casanova but now he goes by Carmelo Hayes, and he’s been impressing people at the WWE Performance Center. We get a quick vignette with Hayes hyping himself up.

Open Challenge for the NXT Cruiserweight Title: Carmelo Hayes vs. Kushida

We go back to the ring and out comes NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida to a big pop for his Open Challenge. Back to commercial.

We go back to the ring and out comes newcomer Carmelo Hayes to answer Kushida’s Open Challenge.
The bell rings and they lock up. Hayes looks to take control early on, and talks a bit of junk to the champ. They lock up for a test of strength and go to the mat trading offense. Hayes with a quick 1 count off a counter. They go at it now and Hayes nails arm drags, then a big dropkick for a pop. Kushida with chops in the corner now. Hayes counters but runs into a boot. Hayes takes Kushida down, kips up and delivers a kick to the head on the mat.
Kushida kicks out at 2. Kushida mounts offense now for a pop. They tangle in the corner and Hayes nails a big kick to the back of the head, then a big leg drop using the ropes. Hayes drags Kushida over for a close 2 count. We go to commercial with the referee checking on both cruiserweights.

Back from the break and Hayes remains in control as fans chant “NXT!” now. Kushida sends Hayes to the apron, then runs and sends him into the Plexiglas barrier. Kushida leaps from the apron with a flying knee to the shoulder. Kushida rolls Hayes back into the ring and they go at it. Kushida misses a move and Hayes superkicks him. Hayes drops Kushida face-first into a knee. Hayes with a big springboard attack for another close 2 count. More back and forth now. Kushida unloads with strikes and levels Hayes with a shot to the jaw.
Hayes counters and takes Kushida down with another impressive move for another 2 count. Hayes yells at Kushida to get up now. He has a move blocked. Kushida drops him and nails a dropkick. Kushida with a huge right hand to drop Hayes again. Hayes dodges a kick. They trade holds and Hayes fights off the Hoverboard Lock now.
Kushida gets the upperhand and drops Hayes, then delivers a running kick. Kushida applies the Hoverboard Lock in the middle of the ring now. Hayes taps out for the finish.

Winner: Kushida

– After the match, Kushida stands tall and celebrates as his music hits. We go to replays. Kushida offers Hayes a hand as he gets back to his feet. They shake hands and Kushida heads to the ramp with the title in the air.

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