Adam Cole Returns To WWE, Earns NXT Title Shot

Destroying EVERYBODY paid off for Adam Cole in his big NXT return.

by Andy H Murray
Adam Cole
WWE.com

Adam Cole's return to WWE NXT was equal parts violent and profitable last night.

Appearing for the first time in over a month, having not been used throughout May, the former Undisputed Era man laid out rival Kyle O'Reilly, Pete Dunne, and Johnny Gargano in the night's opener. The trio had been fighting for the right to challenge NXT Champion Karrion Kross at TakeOver: In Your House 2021, though Cole's beatdown rendered each unable to compete.

Thus, a no-contest was called.

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This worked out in Cole's favour later on. Adam hit the ring, demanding a shot at the gold, which drew Karrion Kross from the back. Their verbal jousting continued until General Manager William Regal appeared. Though Regal insisted Cole's tactics weren't going to work, he said "yes" when Kross asked to face Cole, O'Reilly, Dunne, and Gargano at TakeOver.

This, it's a Fatal 5-Way for the NXT Championship at the 13 June event.

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Prior to last night, Cole's last appearance on NXT came on the 27 April episode, when he was interviewed three weeks after losing to O'Reilly at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver. This will be his fourth NXT Title shot since losing the strap to Keith Lee last July.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.