Charlie Dempsey’s latest attempt to reclaim the WWE NXT Heritage Cup ended not with British wrestling excellence, but with Lexis King proving once again that sneaky shenanigans and shiny brass knuckles are mightier than grappling skill. In a match that could’ve been a technical masterpiece, King’s “win-at-any-cost” strategy took center stage, leaving Dempsey one Coronation kick short of glory.
The Backstory
This isn’t the first time Dempsey and King have danced around the Heritage Cup. Dempsey’s second reign ended in December thanks to a well-placed handoff of brass knuckles by William Regal, leaving Dempsey holding the incriminating evidence right in front of the referee’s very judgmental eyes. Fast-forward to “NXT New Year’s Evil,” and King’s slippery ethics were on full display again, capturing a controversial victory that led to Tuesday’s rematch under British Rounds Rules.
The Match
King came out strong, securing the first fall in round one with a pin. The second round remained scoreless, as Dempsey fought like a man determined to reclaim his honor—and the cup. Dempsey brought the bout to an even 1-1 in round three with a gritty pinfall, forcing King to dig deep into his bag of dubious tricks.
Cue the brass knuckles. Hidden in an ice bucket in King’s corner (because, apparently, that’s where evil chills out), they became the centerpiece of the drama in round four. Caught in a struggle with Dempsey near the corner, King appeared ready to unleash some brass-assisted carnage. But fate—and Dempsey’s quick hands—kept the knuckles at bay.
Just as it seemed Dempsey might prevail, King landed a low blow while the referee was caught between the chaos. With Dempsey incapacitated, King hit his Coronation finisher and secured the 2-1 victory via pinfall.
The Aftermath
King’s win wasn’t just a victory; it was a masterclass in bending every rule imaginable without getting caught. Dempsey, meanwhile, leaves the match with his dignity intact but no Heritage Cup to show for it. Will this saga continue? If history tells us anything, it’s that these two aren’t done yet.