The weeks leading up to NXT Takeover Portland went by quite fast, all things considered, and everyone was looking forward to the event. Johnny and Candice stayed home with Tegan while Tommaso and Dakota headed over to Portland since they actually had matches that night, along with Y/N who kept texting and calling Tegan to catch up and report about the results of rehab. He also made sure to keep her spirits up and make the Shiniest Wizard smile. Just a few minutes ago, he sent her a short clip of his workout.

Tegan:" That plonker. I knew he was up to something."

Candice:" Did Y/N send you something again?"

Tegan:" Yep! He really has put in the work to make it back to the ring. Look."

The welsh girl shifted a little and showed Candice what exactly was going on, smiling at the effort her rehab buddy put on display there. Candice giggled and nodded approvingly before both of them returned to their previous positions.

Candice:" Y/N does bring more life into the lockerroom, that's something I can admit."

Tegan:" He's a great guy and during the time at rehab and chatting with him, we all learned that he's not here to hurt anyone."

Candice:" Who was he up against tonight?"

Tegan:" Duke Hudson, but I don't think Y/N will have much of a problem beating him."

Johnny:" You're that confident in our new friend?"

Johnny returned from the kitchen with a tea spoon and some pudding, sitting down in one of the recliners while Tegan put her phone aside.

Tegan:" If I could stand, you'd be this close to me kicking your butt, John Bon."

Candice:" And yes, she's totally that confident in Y/N. For a good reason though."

Johnny:" His endless workouts already make me feel bad when I watch. I swear this guy isn't normal."

Tegan:" Neither are you, so what's your point?"

Sharing a laugh with one another, the trio changed over to the WWE Network and got themselves ready for what might be a really fun event.
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^Meanwhile in the arena^
(Imagine it saying Portland)

Y/N was backstage, getting himself ready and psyched up to finally return. Despite his message on social media, WWE kept it a surprise and set up well to give the fans what they paid for. Of course the young man was nervous, mumbling things to himself to keep calm as he was taping his wrists. A lot of his friends and co-workers stopped by to check in on him, so that was definitly helping Y/N a lot.

Y/N's focus was entirely on the match which surprisingly was the opener for the Pay-Per-View, but it was all okay with him. He took any chance to pick up the action again and carve his path into the business and when a producer told him that things were about to start, Y/N nodded and went towards the gorilla, watching Duke in the ring fooling around with the ref before getting himself a microphone.

Duke:" NXT Universe! You're finally in the presence of some pure talent! Thank goodness, right? I mean you're not exactly the brightest and need a moment to catch up, but whatever...I just know that I deserve an opportunity. MY opportunity! To show you greedy, selfish snobs why Duke Hudson is the future of NXT!"

Duke earned a whole lot if boos and thumbs down for that as the crowd disliked what he just said. And despite it being a promo, it didn't sit well with Y/N either to be honest. He heard everything, taking it in with his arms crossed and an angered expression, but he decided to let Duke finish his thing first.

Duke:" But I'm not just here to talk. I'm here...for an open challenge! I challenge whoever is back there to come out here and make me a star!"

Then the voice of Alicia Taylor, the ring announcer, echoed through the arena.

Alicia:" Ladies and Gentlemen, I have been informed that we have someone to take the challenge. Making his NXT in ring return!"

The arena was drenched in blue light as the spotlights pointed towards the stage. Anticipation was high and after a few seconds, Y/N stepped out, getting showered in cheers from just about everyone. He chuckled shortly before getting serious and walking towards the ring.

Yes, Duke's words kept him mad and by the looks of things, it would be reflected during the match in one way or another as Duke argued with the ref. He didn't believe it that Y/N came back, nor did he think it was fair, but he had no power in changing the card or something. Y/N on the other hand just undid his jacket and took it off before getting into the ring, standing right across from his opponent.

The atmosphere took a big shift when Y/N leaned against the ropes to be on the same smug level with Duke and just a moment later the bell was rung and the match started. Duke kept up his trashtalk towards Y/N, calling him an NXT reject and unreliable, that ge should've stayed home and be a housekeeper or something. Usually it worked in riling his opponents up and get an advantage, but Y/N was different. He waited until Duke was done before actually delivering the first bit of offense.

Duke didn't see the kick or the Reverse DDT coming like this, so his first instinct was to immediatly roll out of the ring to rearrange his gameplan. He never faced Y/N or had any idea of what he was about and that would cost him dearly. Y/N stayed in the ring though and paced from side to side, wanting to keep everything going like it was supposed to be. He didn't play dirty or needed any hidden weapons. His understanding of how to approach different opponents was dangerous enough. Duke learned it the hard way when he returned to the ring and his Clothesline was reversed into a Backbreaker.

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Over with the Garganos and Tegan, the Shiniest Wizard smiled at what Y/N was doing.

She was so proud of him finally getting a second chance to prove to everyone that no matter what life threw at you, you could make it back, getting bigger, better, faster and stronger.

Tegan:" Yes! Knock that scumbag down, Y/N!"

Candice:" Now I gotta admit that Y/N has some surprises up his sleeve. I didn't expect him to be so patient, yet vicious."

Johnny:" And there's more to come. This isn't even scratching the surface of his skills."

Tegan:" I'm just so glad he's there, finally living the dream."

A slight blush found its way to her face as well, so to quickly combat that, Tegan drank some cold soda. There was no way she would let herself get caught blushing at Y/N's display.
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Y/N and Duke were now in a lockup, trying to overpower each other. Truth be told, Duke already had enough of Y/N's antics and wanted to put him to rest as quickly as possible, but Y/N didn't just let that happen. The back and forth between the two kept fans watching for what might come next as Y/N threw Duke to the ropes and took him down with a Lariat.

Y/N:" What about being the future now? I thought you were a tough guy, Duke! So act like one!"

With a short chuckle, Y/N stepped back into a corner while Duke needed a moment to realize where he was and what just happened. Apparently he bit off more than he could chew right there and now he regretted letting it get that far. Then again, Duke could also go a completely different route and get himself either counted out or disqualified to then do more damage to Y/N with a steel chair or anything else he could find. But that was too easy and not worth it. However, the hesitation was a big mistake as well, because as soon as Duke got up and turned around, he was hit with a knee right to the face.

The first pin attempt of the match followed and Y/N easily got a Two Count, but that of course wouldn't end the match yet. He was in good spirits now though because he got to beat up a smug prick like Duke. Adding to it was the knowledge that friends and family were watching, supporting him from anywhere they could. The ref took a moment to check on Duke who was disoriented, but not fully out of it just yet. Things could've went bad there for sure, but both athletes knew when to so what and how to react to everything. Y/N decided to play a trick on Duke though, pulling him up to his feet.

Y/N:" See? I'm not as much of a jerk."

Duke:" You're up to something. I know it."

Y/N:" Don't I look trustworthy to you? Oh, that just hurts my feelings. Do you know what hurts more though?"

Duke:" What?"

Y/N:" This!"

A surprise Cutter took care of Duke once and for all now as Y/N got into the pin again and finally got the Three Count, making his long awaited return a success. Many thought it would take much longer for him to come back, but here he was prepared for anything that would come his way.