On July 19, 2017, WWE NXT presented one of the most intense and brutal showdowns in recent memory. The match between Drew McIntyre and Killian Dain was more than just a battle for supremacy; it was a clash of styles, personalities, and ambitions. Both men were hungry for success, with McIntyre looking to establish himself as the dominant force in NXT after his return, and Dain aiming to cement his position as a top contender. This savage contest was filled with explosive action, hard-hitting moves, and the sheer determination to win.
As these two powerhouses clashed, the WWE Universe witnessed a true display of strength, endurance, and willpower. The stakes were high, with both men vying for a future NXT Championship opportunity, making the battle even more personal. In this article, we’ll break down the key moments of the match, analyze the strengths of both competitors, and look at the aftermath of this unforgettable WWE NXT showdown.
**The Build-Up: Drew McIntyre’s Return to NXT**
Drew McIntyre’s return to NXT in 2017 was a major moment in WWE history. After a successful run in the WWE main roster and an eventual exit, McIntyre worked hard to reinvent himself, honing his skills and becoming a more refined and dangerous competitor. When he returned to NXT, it was clear that McIntyre was more focused and determined than ever before.
McIntyre’s goals were simple: to dominate NXT and earn a shot at the NXT Championship. He quickly made an impact in the brand, with his sheer size, technical skill, and aggressive wrestling style earning him the attention of both fans and fellow wrestlers. Drew’s no-nonsense attitude and larger-than-life persona made him an instant threat in NXT, and his path was one of destruction on the way to claiming gold.
However, McIntyre’s path to the top would not be easy. He would face numerous obstacles, and one of the most significant came in the form of Killian Dain.
**Killian Dain: The Beast of NXT**
Killian Dain, formerly known as “Big Damo,” was one of the most dominant and physically imposing figures in NXT. With his intense, powerhouse style and his ability to tear through opponents, Dain quickly became one of the most feared men in the NXT locker room. Known for his aggression, brutal tactics, and size, Dain was a competitor that few wanted to face in the ring.
His violent nature and unpredictability were what made him such a formidable force. Dain’s strength allowed him to overpower almost anyone in his path, and his hard-hitting style left a trail of destruction. In this showdown with Drew McIntyre, Dain saw an opportunity to prove that he was the top dog in NXT. For Dain, this match wasn’t just about winning—it was about sending a message to the entire roster that he was ready to claim his spot at the top.
**The Match: A Clash of Titans**
When Drew McIntyre and Killian Dain met in the ring on July 19, 2017, it was immediately clear that this was going to be a battle of epic proportions. Both men had the size, strength, and tenacity to match each other blow for blow, and it didn’t take long for the match to turn into a brutal contest.
From the opening bell, McIntyre used his technical skill and striking ability to keep Dain at bay, but Dain’s sheer power and aggression quickly turned the tide in his favor. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the two men exchanged vicious blows, with each one trying to assert their dominance over the other. McIntyre’s agility and quickness were put to the test against Dain’s overwhelming strength and power.
Dain’s offense was brutal, with stiff shots and punishing moves that sent McIntyre crashing to the mat. The “Beast of Belfast” seemed to be on the verge of victory, using his weight and size to keep McIntyre grounded. But McIntyre wasn’t backing down. He showed incredible resilience, fighting back with powerful strikes, clotheslines, and slams that rocked Dain and kept the momentum shifting back and forth.
**The Turning Point: McIntyre’s Resilience**
As the match progressed, McIntyre found himself in a precarious position, with Dain’s dominance continuing to wear him down. However, McIntyre’s heart and determination would not allow him to stay down for long. He fought through the pain and rallied back with a series of devastating moves, including a diving clothesline and a spine-busting suplex that turned the tide in his favor.
Drew’s ability to fight back from the brink was a testament to his incredible willpower. At one point, it seemed as though Dain had McIntyre on the ropes, but McIntyre’s fighting spirit kept him alive in the match. With the WWE Universe firmly behind him, McIntyre delivered an explosive Claymore Kick that sent shockwaves through the arena.
**The Finish: McIntyre Takes Control**
The final moments of the match were nothing short of intense. Both competitors were exhausted, battered, and bruised from the brutal back-and-forth. Dain attempted to capitalize on McIntyre’s weakened state, but McIntyre’s resilience proved to be too much. With the crowd chanting in support, McIntyre fired up and hit Dain with a second Claymore Kick, this time with enough force to keep him down for the three-count.
The referee’s hand hit the mat, and McIntyre was declared the winner of this brutal showdown. The crowd erupted in cheers as McIntyre stood tall, victorious, in the center of the ring. It was a hard-fought battle, but Drew McIntyre had proven that he was not only physically capable but mentally and emotionally resilient as well.
**The Aftermath: What This Victory Meant for McIntyre**
McIntyre’s victory over Killian Dain was more than just a win—it was a statement. The match solidified his position as one of the top stars in NXT and showcased his determination to reach the top. In defeating a powerhouse like Dain, McIntyre had earned the respect of the NXT Universe and set himself up as a serious contender for the NXT Championship.
The win also gave McIntyre the momentum he needed heading into his future battles. With a victory as decisive and brutal as this one, McIntyre showed that he was ready to take on anyone in his path. His performance in this match was a true testament to his grit and skill, and it marked the beginning of what would ultimately be a successful run in NXT.
**Killian Dain’s Path After the Loss**
For Killian Dain, the loss was a setback, but it wasn’t the end of his story. Dain had shown incredible strength and determination throughout the match, and he had pushed McIntyre to his limits. While he didn’t win, the performance he put on solidified his place as one of NXT’s most dangerous competitors. His size, aggression, and raw power made him a force to be reckoned with, and fans knew that this wouldn’t be the last time they saw him in a title picture.
Dain would continue to be a key player in NXT, and his future was still bright. A loss to McIntyre didn’t define him—it only fueled his desire to come back stronger and more dangerous than ever.
**The Impact on NXT: A Shift in Power**
The showdown between Drew McIntyre and Killian Dain had a lasting impact on NXT. McIntyre’s victory and dominant performance positioned him as one of the leading contenders for the NXT Championship. This match was a clear indicator that McIntyre was not just a top contender but a future champion in the making.
For Dain, although the loss stung, it only added fuel to his fire. The future of NXT was about to get even more exciting, with McIntyre and Dain both on the rise. Their paths would cross again, and the rivalry between the two men would likely continue to evolve into something even more intense.
The WWE Universe could only speculate about what was next for these two powerhouse competitors, but one thing was certain: the future of NXT was in good hands with stars like Drew McIntyre and Killian Dain leading the charge.
**Conclusion: A Savage and Unforgettable Battle**
The match between Drew McIntyre and Killian Dain on July 19, 2017, was a truly savage showdown that showcased the best of both competitors. It was a brutal battle, filled with hard-hitting action, explosive moves, and a display of incredible heart from both men. McIntyre’s resilience and Dain’s power clashed in an unforgettable contest that had the WWE Universe on the edge of their seats.
Ultimately, McIntyre emerged victorious, solidifying his place as one of the top stars in NXT. The match not only propelled him into the spotlight but also further established the NXT brand as a place where rising stars could truly shine. With both men continuing to rise, the future of NXT was brighter than ever before, and this savage showdown would be remembered as one of the key moments in NXT history.