5 things WWE NXT got right at New Year’s Evil - Announced match called off; Superstar suffers jaw injury

#3 KUSHIDA pinned Johnny Gargano at WWE NXT New Year’s Evil

We love teamwork. #NXTNYE @ShotziWWE @KUSHIDA_0904 @CandiceLeRae pic.twitter.com/n5pbjQqhvQ

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 7, 2021

Earlier in the night, WWE NXT General Manager William Regal announced that the Fight Pit match was called off after Timothy Thatcher wasn’t medically cleared to compete. The sudden change in plans forced NXT to come up with something in the moment, and they did just that.

The Way, comprising of Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, Austin Theory, and Indi Hartwell made an impressive entrance. After some chatter, Gargano announced that he and Theory would compete in the Dusty Rhodes Classic.

Shotzi Blackheart ruined their show by coming out and attacking Theory before KUSHIDA joined her in the fun. New Year’s Evil host Dexter Lumis made the match between the teams of Gargano and LeRae, and Blackheart and KUSHIDA official.

The match was fast-paced and fun and had a few memorable spots. After Blackheart showed her potential in the ring, KUSHIDA earned a big roll-up victory for his team.

.@ShotziWWE & @KUSHIDA_0904 are starting 2021 off STRONG by defeating #WWENXT North American Champion @JohnnyGargano & @CandiceLeRae at #NXTNYE! pic.twitter.com/Y5bwpoksaF

— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2021

WWE NXT needed to have a time-consuming segment and match on NXT New Year’s Evil, and the four Superstars managed to put on a good show. KUSHIDA’s victory will likely lead to an NXT North American Championship shot soon.