Generation NXT - NXT recap for August 24, 2021

The show begins with Cameron Grimes and "The Million Dollar Man" Ted Biase entering the arena after leaving the back of a limousine. Grimes and DiBiase then make their way to the ring. DiBiase talks about how he came to NXT to look for the special someone who was worthy of being a Million Dollar Champion and carrying on his legacy, and how that someone had to be strong of body, mind and heart. He says that strength of heart is important, and says that Cameron Grimes is no quitter, and because of that, Cameron Grimes is a champion right now. Grimes admits DiBiase first drove him nuts, as he was looking only at his money and thought he was something, but says he did not have the accomplishment to make him something. When he was LA Knight's butler, he knew that he had to do something, and at NXT TakeOver 36, he became the Million Dollar Champion. Grimes then asks "Where does Cameron Grimes go now?" Grimes and DiBiase agree that they both have to go to the moon, then laugh as smoke and dollar bills with Cameron Grimes' face on them spray throughout the arena.

Hit Row (Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, Ashante "Thee" Adonis, Top Dolla, B-Fab) is seen entering the arena.

Ridge Holland beats Timothy Thatcher. After the match, Pete Dunne and Ridge Holland attack Thatcher, and when Tommaso Ciampa jumps in, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch attack him, and Ridge Holland lays him out. As Holland leaves, Thatcher pulls Ridge out of the ring. Ridge attacks Thatcher, but Dunne soon holds him back.

Backstage, Arash Markazi interviews Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo Hayes says that he has never seen himself as an underdog, and that he worked hard to beat men twice his size just to get to the finals of the NXT Breakout Tournament. Carmelo says that when it comes to Odyssey Jones, you cannot prepare for a man like him. He says he cannot get ahead of himself when it comes to winning the finals.

Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Dexter Lumis and Indi Hartwell. After Indi Hartwell talks about their time together, Dexter produces an invitation to the wedding, which takes place on September 14th.

Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter beat Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne.

Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Raquel Gonzalez. Raquel says she meant every word she said, and says that while Dakota Kai is tough, it is not over between them if she knows her well enough. She also says she has been waiting for Kay Lee Ray and knows about her NXT UK Women's Championship reign, and says that she will beat anyone who challenges her, Franky Monet shows up and says she will take Raquel's shine and title.

Backstage, Arash Markazi interviews Odyssey Jones, who says tonight is the biggest night of his WWE career, and that he never thought things would come to fruition for him so quickly. He plans to be the best man he can be just like every other night, and that he does not know what is next for him after this. He also admits Carmelo Hayes is his toughest opponent yet, but he has to win.

Kay Lee Ray beats Valentina Feroz.

Samoa Joe is seen entering the arena.

Backstage, Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne are not in the mood for an interview. Suddenly, they are met by Mandy Rose, who asks them to come with her and never look back if they do not want to lose again. They follow Mandy.

Samoa Joe heads to the ring. Joe talks about how he stood across the ring from the most dominant champion in NXT history and beat him to become the first-ever three-time NXTHe says that being a three-time champion should be cause for celebration, but experience tells him that to be champion, one must be king in the land of savages, where there is no time to celebrate. Joe says he has noticed that the air is more palpable, the handshakes colder and the stares bolder, then asks who in the locker room is waiting to step up. His challenge is answered by Pete Dunne. Champion. Dunne heads to the ring in street clothes and says Joe has faced him enough times to know the truth, and says that he is the baddest around here, not Joe. Dunne tells Joe to head to the back and tell General Manager William Regal to make the match. Dunne then says "Don't make me provoke," then LA Knight shows up, says Joe is afraid of him and says he would have beaten Karrion Kross in 43.5 seconds before challenging him for the NXT Championship, saying he will be Joe's first and last challenger. Dunne threatens to break Knight's fingers if he gets in the ring, but Knight says he is just here to chat. Suddenly, Kyle O'Reilly shows up and says the only thing Knight has a chance of winning is a "Stone Cold" Steve Austin knock-off vest competition. He then says he respects Joe, then says he has earned a title match and does not have to talk his way into one when he is suddenly attacked by Ridge Holland. Dunne tries to cheap shot Joe, but Joe sees him coming and Dunne is attacked from behind by Tommaso Ciampa. Ridge Holland punches out Ciampa, then LA Knight rushes at Joe only to be headbutted out of the ring.

Backstage, Cameron Grimes and "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase leave the arena, then Grimes tells DiBiase that the Million Dollar Championship is his legacy and hands it back. DiBiase tells Grimes that he should have it to remind him of who he is. When Grimes finds out that the belt suddenly feels lighter and cheaper, he checks the back only to find out it is a replica title. DiBiase laughs as the white limousine speeds off.

Backstage, Kyle O'Reilly is approached by Duek Hudson, but as soon as Hudson insults him, O'Reilly slaps him. Hudson attacks him, but O'Reilly strikes back, and referees and officials have to hold both men back.

General Manager William Regal watches the next match from ringside.

Carmelo Hayes beats Odyssey Jones to win the NXT Breakout Tournament after reversing a pinfall attempt by Jones into a crucifix pin. Both men shake hands after the match, then General Manager William Regal congratulates Hayes with a contract for a match for any championship of his choice, then Hayes thanks Odyssey Jones for putting a fight before stating that when he calls his shot, he does not miss.

We hear from Pete Dunne, Oney Lorcan, Danny Burch and Ridge Holland. Pete Dunne says he does not care who stakes their claim to the NXT Championship, as he knows that Joe knows he will beat him. Danny Burch says things will change after five months on the shelf, and Oney Lorcan says he and Burch will be champions again. Ridge Holland says that he will put Tommaso Ciampa on the shelf just like he did Timothy Thatcher, then says that they started this and that they will end this.

We hear from Boa, who says another victim will fall to Tian Sha (Xia Li, Boa, Mei Yinh).

Next week: Ilja Dragunov returns to NXT!

In a stunning upset, Xyon Quinn beats Boa with a clothesline in his NXT debut. After the match, Xyon Quinn jumps over the barricade to leave after seeing Mei Ying at the stage. (Xyon Quinn is formerly known as rugby standout Daniel Vidot.)

Backstage, Johnny Gargano tells General Manager William Regal to cancel Indi Hartwell and Dexter Lumis' wedding. Regal refuses. When LA Knight shows up complaining about Samoa Joe and Tommaso Ciampa, Regal kicks him and Gargano out of his office.

We hear from Malcolm Bivens as Roderick Strong teaches a masterclass with Julius and Brutus Creed, which is also overseen by Hachiman (who is mentioned by name for the first time). Bivens says Roderick Strong will be in the ring next week to show what kind of champion he truly is against KUSHDA.

Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Raul Mendoza) beats Hit Row (Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, Ashante "Thee" Adonis, Top Dolla) in a six-man tag match. During the match, B-Fab shoves Santos Escobar into the ring post behind the referee's back, and is then confronted by Electra Lopez, who hits B-Fab with a pipe before tossing it to Swerve, distracting him. Electra Lopez is also heard saying the word "Familia." This allows Escobar and Legado del Fantasma to get the win.

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!