NXT tournament at WrestleMania Axxess: photos
NXT's finest compete in a tournament at WrestleMania Axxess to determine who will go on to fight in the second annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the WrestleMania Kickoff.
Hideo Itami enters the ring at WrestleMania Axxess for a tournament match against former NXT Champion Adrian Neville.
The winner of the tournament will qualify for the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, which takes place on the WrestleMania Kickoff this Sunday on WWE Network.
The WWE Universe in attendance is thrilled to watch the Superstars of Tomorrow do battle inside NXT's yellow ropes.
The former NXT Champion is lightning-fast on his feet, able to counter anything Itami throws his way.
Itami gets the passoinate WWE and NXT fans behind him.
The Japanese sensation employs a Dragon Sleeper, a move made famous by 2015 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee and Itami's fellow countryman Tatsumi Fujinami.
After a competitive match, Itami snares the win, moving on to the tournament finals.
Next up is Tyler Breeze. Prince Pretty prepares for his match as only he can.
Opposing him is the enigmatic Irishman, Finn Bálor.
In a moment of levity, Bálor mocks his selfie-loving foe.
Bálor drops Breeze with the Slingblade.
A Coup de Grace then seals the deal ...
... as Bálor prepares to wrestle Itami, with the victor going on to the WrestleMania Kickoff.
The anticipation builds at WrestleMania Axxess as Itami enters the squared circle.
Familiar opponents, friends and occasional tag team partners, Itami and Bálor leap into action wthi a fierce tie-up.
A low dropkick threatens to crush Itami's face ...
... but the proud Superstar shows his fighting spirit.
Itami's resurgence proves effective ...
... and he goes on to defeat Bálor to earn a spot in Sunday's Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal!
Bálor congratules Itami on the milestone victory.
Tatsumi Fujinami appears before the Axxess attendees ...
... in a show of support for Itami.
WWE COO Triple H also makes an appearance to help Itami celebrate his huge moment.
A proud Game offers his congrats.
Will Itami shine when he steps onto The Grandest Stage of Them All for the first time in his magnificent career?
