The NXT Championship picture just got a major shake-up as Yoshiki Inamura delivered a stunning upset victory over heavily favored Jasper Troy. The Japanese competitor’s triumph on WWE NXT not only derailed Troy’s championship aspirations but also earned him a golden opportunity to challenge the dominant Oba Femi at Great American Bash.
Championship Opportunity on the Line
Both wrestlers entered this contest with championship gold on their minds, but for vastly different reasons. Troy, fresh off his WWE LFG Season One victory, was hungry for redemption following his unsuccessful title challenge against Femi just three weeks prior. The loss clearly left a bitter taste, and Troy viewed this match as his pathway back to championship contention.
Meanwhile, Inamura faced significant pressure to deliver after recent setbacks. His tag team partner Josh Briggs had fallen short in his pursuit of the TNA World Championship against Trick Williams the previous week, leaving their partnership in need of a momentum shift. For Inamura personally, this marked his first televised singles opportunity since suffering a defeat to Wes Lee back in April.
David vs. Goliath Battle Unfolds
From the opening bell, the match dynamic became crystal clear. Troy implemented a suffocating game plan designed to drain Inamura’s energy and control every aspect of the contest. The WWE LFG winner’s methodical approach aimed to systematically break down his opponent through relentless pressure.
However, Inamura’s legendary “Fighting Spirit” became the story of the match. Despite Troy’s dominance, the Japanese wrestler refused to stay down, surviving multiple near-falls and kick-outs at the two-count. Commentary emphasized this resilience throughout the contest, highlighting Inamura’s unwillingness to surrender despite facing overwhelming odds.
Momentum Shifts and the Decisive Moment
The turning point arrived when Inamura managed to reverse Troy’s momentum, sending his opponent crashing hard into the unforgiving ring post. This created the opening Inamura desperately needed to unleash his striking arsenal.
A fierce forearm exchange erupted between both competitors, showcasing the intensity and desperation of the championship stakes. While Troy initially appeared to gain the upper hand in this striking battle, Inamura’s perseverance would prove decisive in the closing moments.
Troy positioned himself for what seemed like a match-ending standing Frog Splash, but Inamura’s ring awareness saved him at the crucial moment. Getting his knees up to block the high-impact maneuver, Inamura immediately capitalized with his own Frog Splash to secure the shocking three-count victory.
Great American Bash Championship Showdown Set
This victory catapults Inamura into a championship opportunity that few saw coming. He’ll now step into the ring with the imposing Oba Femi at Great American Bash on July 12, facing arguably NXT’s most dominant champion in recent memory.
The question now becomes whether Inamura’s Fighting Spirit and upset victory over Troy translates into the kind of performance needed to dethrone a champion like Femi. Can this underdog momentum carry him to NXT Championship gold, or will Femi’s reign of dominance continue through another challenger?
