NXT Champion Shinsuke Nakamura fights like a champion against Bobby Roode at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio. Courtesy of the award-winning WWE Network.

Both NXT Champion Shinsuke Nakamura and Bobby Roode came to show the world, and the Universe as it may be, what they are fully capable of in the biggest money match in NXT history. The two Superstars entered in grand style, with Roode being accompanied to the ring by a platoon of women and Nakamura entering on a moving platform with a dazzling lights show.

The King of Strong Style and The Glorious One jockeyed back and forth, each with spurts where they were firmly in control. The contest’s pivotal moment came when Nakamura went for a flying knee to Roode as he was stationed on the ring apron. The King of Strong Style connected, but he appeared to do a ton of damage to the knee he struck Roode with in the process. Nakamura then hit the Kinshasa, knocking Roode out cold. But the move also took its toll on Nakamura, who clutched his knee in tremendous pain immediately following the strike. This brought out the NXT medical staff to check on Nakamura while Roode recovered. Nakamura insisted the match continue, even though he was clearly in dire and intense pain.

Roode immediately capitalized on the situation, connecting with a Glorious DDT, but Nakamura valiantly (and incredibly) kicked out. Roode then applied a Single Leg Crab to the injured leg of the NXT Champion. Nakamura refused to quit and even escaped out of it for a moment and almost was able to lock The Glorious Superstar in a Triangle Hold.

Yet the knee of Nakamura gave out yet again, allowing Roode to connect with the second Glorious DDT of the match to secure the three-count and win the NXT Championship for the first time in a glorious, and resourceful, victory.