Jake Atlas, Kushida, El Hijo Del Fantasma Pick Up Wins In Interim NXT Cruiserweight Title Tournament

Drake Maverick's first match since it was announced that he was released by WWE did not go his way.

Maverick wrestled Jake Atlas in their first match of the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Tournament in group A. Atlas emerged victorious, picking up his first win on NXT television since he was signed by WWE.

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Maverick was one of several wrestlers released by WWE, but given that he was previously announced to wrestle in the tournament, he was allowed to compete. 

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Tonight's first Interim #Cruiserweight Championship Tournament match marks a BREAKOUT moment for @IAmJakeAtlas and a sad defeat for @WWEMaverick. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/6CNBrgB593

— WWE (@WWE) April 23, 2020

.@WWEMaverick gives his ALL in this high-stakes Interim #WWENXT Cruiserweight Title Tournament Match against @iamjakeatlas. pic.twitter.com/XrDGOxK9xT

— WWE (@WWE) April 23, 2020

.@WWEMaverick said he would give --------------------. He meant it. #WWENXT @iamjakeatlas pic.twitter.com/bnkUQsshjO

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 23, 2020

In the second tournament match, Kushida defeated Tony Nese to move into a first-place tie with Atlas.

We see you, @TonyNese! ------ #WWENXT @KUSHIDA_0904 pic.twitter.com/iOaFCVNVfw

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 23, 2020

.@KUSHIDA_0904 and @TonyNese are out to make their mark in this Interim #WWENXT Cruiserweight Title Tournament! pic.twitter.com/KoII1eKYcY

— WWE (@WWE) April 23, 2020

Lastly, El Hijo Del Fantasma defeated Jack Gallagher to pick up his first win in the tournament.

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Weighing in at 204 pounds this morning, @hijodelfantasma LEAPS through the air in his #WWENXT in-ring debut!!! @GentlemanJackG pic.twitter.com/uOYCENaLXw

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 23, 2020

Here are the updated standings for both groups in the tournament. The winners of both groups advance to the finals. 

Group A:

1. Jake Atlas: 1-0
2. Kushida: 1-0
3. Tony Nese: 0-1
4. Drake Maverick: 0-1

Group B:

1. Akira Tozawa: 1-0
2. El Hijo Del Fantasma: 1-0
3. Jack Gallagher: 0-1
4. Isaiah “Swerve” Scott: 0-1

For full results of NXT, check out Fightful’s ongoing coverage of the show at this link.