Adam Cole is reportedly done with the WWE NXT brand. Tonight’s NXT Takeover 36 event saw Cole lose to Kyle O’Reilly in the 2 of 3 Falls match. O’Reilly won the first fall, a traditional wrestling match, while Cole won the second fall, a Street Fight. O’Reilly then made Cole tapped out to win the third and final fall, while Cole had O’Reilly handcuffed to the top rope.
It was first revealed several weeks back that Cole’s contract expired in early July, but that he agreed to an extension that would see him work through SummerSlam Weekend for tonight’s Takeover 36 event. Cole was reportedly in contract negotiations with WWE at one point in the lead-up to Takeover.
In an update, tonight’s Takeover 36 loss was Cole’s final appearance with the NXT brand, according to PWInsider.
It’s interesting to note that the report mentioned how this was Cole’s final NXT appearance. It remains to be seen if he will stay with the company for a call-up to RAW or SmackDown.
It was reported earlier this month that Cole talked with WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon while backstage at a SmackDown taping, for a meeting that went extraordinarily well. It was said that McMahon took a liking to Cole on a personal level, and that Cole was wanted on the main roster. There were reportedly pitches made for Cole to work RAW or SmackDown, if he chose to re-sign with the company.
It’s believed that AEW would be interested in signing Cole if he leaves WWE. Cole is engaged to AEW Women’s World Champion Britt Baker.
Stay tuned for more on Cole’s WWE status.
BOOM! 💥@AdamColePro#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/SAd0YNFudL
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
The spotlight is on @AdamColePro! (BAY-BAY)#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/K65NlBg5Fr
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) August 23, 2021
AND JUST LIKE THAT!@KORcombat picks up a quick first fall in the straight-up match! Bring on the STREET FIGHT!!!#UndisputedFinale#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/jk5lXsDsVr
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
Somewhere right now, @PatMcAfeeShow is ecstatic!@KORcombat@AdamColePro#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/SA6hS82XrL
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
This STREET FIGHT turns the momentum in the favor of @AdamColePro!#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/ZDTOMbIZw6
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
.@AdamColePro looks to send @KORcombat to Never Neverland!#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/5Esix3CIU9
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
THANK YOU, SIR
MAY I HAVE ANOTHER?@AdamColePro@KORcombat#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/RxeIYMNYDF— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
😲😲😲@AdamColePro#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/fxHc7FmXBz
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
It's lights out for @KORcombat if @AdamColePro has his way here!#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/CPNRb1WS6E
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
Even @FightOwensFight never did THIS to @SamiZayn!!! 😲
STEEL CHAINS in hand for @KORcombat & @AdamColePro at #NXTTakeOver. pic.twitter.com/93b296Egv7
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
THESE MADMEN WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES!!!@AdamColePro@KORcombat#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/LEhpAhXmuW
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
.@KORcombat – 1️⃣
@AdamColePro – 1️⃣Bring on the #SteelCage!#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/8RyOAvfhpD
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
.@AdamColePro takes matters into his own hands before the STEEL CAGE could finish lowering!!#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/ZCb2GH3q8p
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
That's the move that @AdamColePro beat @PatMcAfeeShow with!
PANAMA SUNRISE to @KORcombat!#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/SpdbNhwtEz
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
HERE COME THE HANDCUFFS!@AdamColePro@KORcombat#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/FimpPHmN0R
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) August 23, 2021
WOW.@AdamColePro could have tried to escape the #SteelCage, but he chose to dish out more punishment in the form of a #PanamaSunrise to @KORcombat!
🦚 https://t.co/O4Pyhh5k3P
🌎 https://t.co/aEwGYUp0uE pic.twitter.com/UC9PU23pif— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
2️⃣-1️⃣@KORcombat gets the submission victory against @AdamColePro while HANDCUFFED to the #SteelCage!#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/g1VZOVGena
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
The #UndisputedFinale has come to a close.@KORCombat gets the dynamic victory over @AdamColePro at #NXTTakeOver. pic.twitter.com/AeQQBedIGt
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
When the #UndisputedFinale was all said and done at #NXTTakeOver, @KORcombat achieved the pinnacle of success and victory. pic.twitter.com/m3gzVTQUfi
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
