Dar and Moreno Advance in Dusty Rhodes Classic
Noam Dar and Romeo Moreno upset NXT Tag Team Champions to reach the tournament finals.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Wrestling
Noam Dar and Romeo Moreno secured a victory over NXT Tag Team Champions Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes during the 2026 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic semi-finals. Despite interference from Mya Lockwood, Dar pinned his opponent to seal the win.
Why it matters
The loss for Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes marks a significant upset in the tournament bracket, potentially shifting the competitive landscape of the NXT tag team division. The victory propels Dar and Moreno into the final round of the prestigious event.
The match featured a decisive pinfall victory in the 2026 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament bracket. The contest was defined by key maneuvers including an avalanche slam and stereo ankle locks during the semi-final stage.
The players
Noam Dar
Noam Dar is a professional wrestler who secured the winning pinfall in the semi-final match.
Romeo Moreno
Romeo Moreno is a professional wrestler who teamed with Noam Dar to advance in the tournament.
Brad Baylor
Brad Baylor is an NXT Tag Team Champion and member of the faction known as The Vanity Project.
Ricky Smokes
Ricky Smokes is an NXT Tag Team Champion and teammate of Brad Baylor in The Vanity Project.
Mya Lockwood
Mya Lockwood is an associate who attempted to assist The Vanity Project during the tournament match.
The details
During the high-stakes semi-final, Romeo Moreno executed an avalanche slam and delivered a crucial hot tag to Noam Dar. The duo countered a double-team maneuver from The Vanity Project members by locking in stereo ankle locks before Dar secured the pin.
Timeline
The match took place on October 27, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This upset victory significantly reshapes the playoff picture of the 2026 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic by eliminating the sitting champions. The result forces a shift in the tournament final and alters the competitive standing within the NXT tag team ranks.
Fans should note that the loss for Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes removes the current NXT Tag Team Champions from the tournament path. The victory establishes Noam Dar and Romeo Moreno as key contenders as the bracket moves toward the finals.
The takeaway
Upsets in tournament play often serve as a catalyst for rising teams to challenge the status quo of a division. Viewers should keep a close watch on tournament brackets as unexpected results frequently lead to shifts in championship hierarchies.
Further reading
For more news on current tournaments, visit Wrestling.
