WWE Announces Kickoff Match For NXT TakeOver 36
NXT TakeOver's match count is now up to 6; WWE just added a bonus Kickoff match.
Ridge Holland vs. Trey Baxter has been added in as a bonus Kickoff match at NXT TakeOver 36.
WWE announced the bout via their official website, and their blurb speculated that this would be a cracker between two breakout NXT stars. In fact, as WWE explained, Baxter showed his "grit and determination" in the brand's 'Breakout Tournament'. According to the story, Trey wants Holland to bring the best out in him and help take him to the next level.
It's worth noting that Ridge has been working some dark matches before SmackDown tapings. This suggests that WWE higher-ups are keen on him, so it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he picked up the win at TakeOver come Sunday night.
This announcement brings the TakeOver 36 match count up to six - Walter vs. Ilja Dragunov (NXT UK Title), Karrion Kross vs. Samoa Joe (NXT Title), Raquel González vs. Dakota Kai (NXT Women's Title), LA Knight vs. Cameron Grimes (Million Dollar Championship) and a 2-Out-Of-3 Falls clash between Adam Cole and Kyle O'Reilly are the others on tap.
The Kickoff spot represents a great chance for Holland and Baxter to show NXT's decision-makers what they can do.