Travis Banks delivered a show-stealing performance while narrowly missing out on the NXT Cruiserweight Championship at WWE Worlds Collide.
Banks challenged Angel Garza for the title in a Fatal 4-Way also involving Isaiah “Swerve” Scott and eventual winner Jordan Devlin.
If there’s one silver lining to The Kiwi Buzzsaw’s loss it’s that Devlin – part of the NXT UK roster – could bring the Cruiserweight Championship back with him to Ireland, and closer to Banks.
“I can tell you that when Jordan Devlin takes that NXT Cruiserweight Championship home it’s going to be a huge deal,” WWE COO Triple H said.
Banks may await Devlin as the Irish Ace’s next challenger after a breakout performance inside Houston’s Toyota Center.
The Kiwi Buzzsaw called the shots from the moment the Fatal 4-Way began.
Banks countered Devlin’s signature Side Suplex with a Canadian Destroyer. NXT commentator Nigel McGuinness was convinced Banks would have left with the title if Devlin hadn’t wound up in the ropes.
“If Banks had been able to get a pinfall attempt I dare say Banks would be the new NXT Cruiserweight Champion,” McGuiness said.
Banks’ Slice of Heaven and Kiwi Crusher – the combo he used to beat Brian Kendrick and qualify for the Fatal 4-Way – again brought him closer to the title but still couldn’t put Devlin down.
As if fuelled by the adrenaline of kicking out of Banks’ best shots, Devlin rallied in a frantic exchange between all four Superstars. The Irish Ace ultimately snatched up Isaiah “Swerve” Scott with the Devlin Side Suplex to claim the Cruiserweight Championship.
