Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (4/22/2020)
The Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament continues!
NXT has a #RRREEEALDream Match!
While the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament continues, Finn Balor vows to prove why HE is the greatest champion ever!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox VS Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez; Dakota & Raquel win.
- Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group A: Drake Maverick VS Jake Atlas; Atlas wins.
- Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group A: KUSHIDA VS Tony Nese; Kushida wins.
- Mia Yim VS Jessi Kamea; Mia wins.
- Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group B: El Hijo del Fantasma VS Jack Gallagher; Fantasma wins.
- Velveteen Dream VS Finn Balor; changed to…
- Velveteen Dream & Keith Lee VS The Undisputed Era; Dream and Dexter Lumis win.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT opens with chaos!
Finn Balor’s private dressing room has been wrecked! Someone, or perhaps multiple someones, left Balor’s bags and a torn up shirt but there’s no sign of The Prince himself. What happened to Balor? And what does that mean for the main event tonight?
Velveteen Dream is already in the ring!
And he’s parodying Balor’s entrance! Dream has a leather jacket and a mic as he says, “New levels, new devils.” And then he does a finger gun. Dream says that in his experience, sometimes you’re just dealing with the same old demons. None of that matters tonight, because Dream was stood up by The Demon. Yes, Finn Balor, he means you. But wait! The Undisputed Era’s Adam Cole returns! The NXT Champion says a lot of people assumed Balor VS Dream was going to determine a new #1 contender. But that’s rather convenient, isn’t it? Balor is suddenly nowhere to be found! Cole knows EXACTLY what’s going on here. Dream is trying to weasel his way into a guaranteed opportunity. Dream can dream all he wants but he will never be NXT Champion! Adam Cole is reality! And while we don’t know what happened to Balor, Cole knows what’s going to happen to Dream. The Undisputed Era jumps Dream from behind!
Bobby Fish and Roderick Strong stomp away and then Cole joins in! The 3v1 has Dream against the ropes! They drag him up but Dream keeps kicking. But here comes the NXT North American Champion, Keith Lee! He BLASTS the Undisputed Era and rallies with lariats! Lee swats the boot away to run and POUNCE Cole into Strong! The Undisputed Era regroups and retreats as Lee stands with Dream. Will the Limitless One help Dream stand against Cole and his cohorts? Will we learn what happened to The Prince tonight?
Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox VS Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez!
The Team Kick Civil War took a new turn when the wild child made sure the odds were even! But will she be able to help Tegan #TCB, take care o’ business? Or will #CobraKai and the Daughter of the Desperado kick them both to the curb?
The teams sort out and Tegan starts against Raquel. The bell rings and Raquel rushes right at Tegan with a boot! But Tegan side-steps it to go for a roll-up. Raquel stays up and stomps at Tegan. Tegan gets up but Raquel whips. Shotzi tags in and Tegan dropkicks a knee. Shotzi gives a knee, a spinning forearm and a question mark kick! Shotzi runs and springboards to huricanrana, but Raquel stays up! Raquel powers Shotzi up but Shotzi escapes the bomb attempt. Shotzi dropkicks Raquel back and Dakota tags in. Dakota rushes at Shotzi but Shotzi trips her up! Dakota shoves Shotzi back but Shotzi goes up and over in the corner. Shotzi comes back and arm-drags Dakota! She boots away the clothesline to hit a SLING-DOG! Dakota crawls to ropes and Shotzi shouts, “WELCOME TO THE BALL PIT!” What? Shotzi runs and CANNONBALLS into Dakota! Oh that’s what she meant.
Tag to Tegan, and she hits a CANNONBALL, too! Tag to Shotzi but Dakota bails out. Raquel runs in but gets dumped out! Tegan helps Shotzi go up and FLY for a crossbody! Down go Dakota and Raquel, and Shotzi howls to the moon while NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Raquel has Shotzi in a Canadian torture rack! Shotzi endures but Raquel vows to break her. Raquel RAMS Shotzi into the corner and Dakota tags in. Dakota BOOTS Shotzi down off the top, then drags her in for a cover. TWO, but Dakota keeps on Shotzi with a whip to the corner. Dakota glares at Tegan before going Around the World. The boot misses but Dakota hurries to grab Shotzi. Shotzi enziguris! Hot tags to Raquel and Tegan! Tegan dodges Raquel to hit Dakota down! Tegan rushes Raquel and throws hands, but Raquel clamps on a choke grip! But Tegan breaks free to CHOP away! She backs Raquel down with forearms and body shots! Tegan fires up but her clothesline doesn’t drop Raquel! Nor does the second one! Tegan stomps Raquel’s foot and uppercuts, then HEADBUTTS! Tegan whips but Raquel blocks and reverses.
Raquel runs in but only gets buckles. Tegan uppercuts again, then adds an enziguri! Raquel staggers and Tegan climbs up. Dakota runs over but Tegan boots her away. Tegan leaps, into Raquel’s arms! Raquel FALL AWAY SLAMS Tegan! Shotzi tags in and climbs up, to leap for a SEATED SENTON! Cover, TWO! Dakota runs in and grabs Shotzi, but Tegan throws Dakota out. Dakota drags Tegan out to BOOT down! Shotzi runs, wheelbarrows but Raquel blocks the bulldog, for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Raquel and Dakota win!
Winners: Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai, by pinfall
The difference maker makes all the difference. Will Raquel’s strength and Dakota’s speed be a combination the NXT Women’s Division is not ready for?
NXT announces a big new main event!
With Finn Balor nowhere to be found and the tension rising between Dream and Cole, a tag team match has been made! Dream and Lee team up to take on the Undisputed Era’s Adam Cole and Roderick Strong! What will happen in this #UndisputedLimitlessDream match?
NXT shares Drake Maverick’s emotional video message.
“I have been released from my WWE contract.” Maverick is very fortunate that the WWE is still allowing him to compete in the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament. It is very likely they will be the last matches Maverick will ever have. Maverick was in tears as he finished recording.
Since then, Maverick has reflected on what this opportunity means. He hasn’t been in the ring in some time, and he’s going up against some of the best in the world today. This tournament now means everything to him. He isn’t done yet, he still has a story to tell. This isn’t even about the title anymore, this is about his life. The global crisis is affecting everyone, from his coworkers, friends and family. Maverick is not special, but he has to give it his all in these next three matches. Just as he said when he poured his heart out, he doesn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him. There are those going through way worse. But Maverick will do everything he has to because he is not done yet. Maverick vows to become NXT Cruiserweight Champion. Will Maverick fight his way back into the WWE in this round robin?
Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group A: Drake Maverick VS Jake Atlas!
As we just heard, the former 205 Live General Manager is staking it all on this tournament! He is a man with nothing to lose and everything to gain! But will that motivation be enough to overpower Atlas?
Before the match, we learn about the newest signing from Evolve. Atlas sharpened his skills and honed his craft and now joins the top athletes in the world. Atlas wants to break barriers and pave the way for others, as well as make those who support him proud. This title symbolizes that whatever you aim for, you can obtain it. The odds are against him but he’s been breaking stereotypes and proving doubters wrong all along.
The bell rings and the two tie up. Atlas pushes Maverick away, showing the difference physically already. But Maverick comes back and gets a headlock. Atlas powers up and out but Maverick slides under to a waistlock. Maverick tries for a roll but Atlas bucks Maverick off, only to turn around into Maverick’s sunset flip. Atlas slips out but Maverick ducks the kick. Atlas standing moonsaults but Maverick gets clear! Maverick goes to sweep the legs but Atlas cartwheels out of the way! Atlas gives a bow but Maverick gets up in a huff. Maverick and Atlas circle again, and Maverick mocks the bow, to then lunge at the leg! Atlas blocks the initial takedown but Maverick brings him around for a trip. Maverick then shifts right to a headlock and grinds Atlas down.
Atlas powers up and the two stand. Maverick shifts to an armlock and traps an arm. Maverick wants La Magistrol or perhaps Tequila Sunrise but Atlas gets away. Atlas and Maverick stand off and reset. They tie up again, Maverick KICKS a leg! Atlas hobbles to a corner but Maverick is after him again. But Atlas powers up to Alabama Lift Maverick! Maverick kicks and gets to the apron for safety, then shoulders in! He slides under, goes around and dropkicks! Atlas wobbles but Maverick runs in. Atlas catches Maverick for a bomb, but Maverick fights for his life! Maverick drags Atlas over the ropes with a headscissors! Atlas hits the floor and Maverick catches his breath. Maverick drags Atlas up and into the ring, then runs, into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Both men grit their teeth as they slowly stand.
Maverick gets to a corner but Atlas whips him corner to corner hard! Atlas drags Maverick up but Maverick pushes him away. Maverick manages to stand in the corner, but Atlas reels him in for a SLAM! Atlas has the waistlock still, and makes it a bearhug. Maverick fights with elbows but can’t get free. He endures the squeeze and throws elbows. Atlas drags Maverick up but Maverick runs him into buckles! Maverick is free but Atlas comes back. Maverick POSTS Atlas! Atlas slowly gets out but Maverick KICKS the leg again! Maverick throws hands and European Uppercuts! Maverick whips corner to corner, Atlas reverses, but Maverick goes up and over! He baits Atlas into a drop toehold that sends him into buckles! Maverick adds on with another KICK! Atlas staggers and Maverick climbs up, for a missile dropkick! Maverick has the legs, TEQUILA SUNRISE! Atlas scrambles and gets the ropebreak!
Atlas bails out but Maverick DIVES!! Maverick is on fire as he puts Atlas back in! Maverick climbs up while Atlas is in the drop zone. MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!?! Atlas survives but Maverick has a wild look in his eyes. Maverick cravats, but no Sliced Bread! Atlas hits a SUPERKICK!! Atlas climbs up top now, but slowly. Maverick SHORYUKENS! Maverick climbs up to join Atlas, and jumps, but Atlas denies the Super Steiner! Atlas cartwheels on the ropes to DDT Maverick!! Cover, Atlas wins!!
Winner: Jake Atlas, by pinfall; (moves up to 1-0; Maverick drops to 0-1)
The grit and determination was off the charts! Atlas has his first win in both this round robin and in NXT period. Is he on course towards the title? As for Maverick, this is strike one. Will he be able to rebound in the next round?
On-stage interview with Jake Atlas.
Congratulations are in order for this big win. Atlas says he is on top of the world right now! He wants to say something to Maverick on his way out, but Maverick sulks and storms off. Atlas says Maverick gave him a hell of a fight, but that’s one down and tow to go. The world will know Atlas’ story when he becomes the new NXT Cruiserweight Champion.
Someone is replaying last week’s Keith Lee vignette.
The Limitless One’s story has been shared with the entire NXT Universe. But Damian Priest doesn’t give a damn about it. The only thing he cares about is that North American Champions. The same title he granted opportunities to, to the people he knew he could beat. Lee handpicked Cameron Grimes because he knew he could win. He did the same thing with Dominik Dijakovic. And that Triple Threat wasn’t Lee’s idea, it was William Regal’s. And Lee still didn’t beat Priest. Priest understands why Lee avoids him. Priest hits hard, and is the one man that can limit him. Lee thinks of himself as “The Moment Maker.” Priest has a moment for Lee: Priest’s first NXT main event when he beat Keith Lee. But now, he’s thinking of a bigger moment. No, the biggest moment. It’ll be when Priest beats Lee for the title, and solidifies his story, so that he will #LiveForever. When will this huge challenge happen?
Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group A: KUSHIDA VS Tony Nese!
The Time Splitter is no stranger to round robin tournaments, and is ready to conquer this one. The Premier Athlete is no stranger to title tournaments, and is ready to win another. But then who proves they can win a round robin that’s for the title? The first step starts here!
The bell rings and Kushida circles with Nese fast. Nese waistlocks and throws Kushida away! Nese flexes but Kushida keeps his cool. The two go again, go around, and Kushida gets the arm. Nese gets around to another waistlock and slams Kushida down! Nese floats to a facelock, but Kushida slips out and gets Nese in a facelock of his own. Kushida keeps hold as Nese rolls, and again. Kushida floats all over Nese and pats him on the back. Nese gets up in a huff as Kushida flexes back on him. Nese powers Kushida down and has the leg, but Kushida rolls around. Kushida resists but Nese still gets both legs in a modified deathlock. Kushida reaches back and gets Nese in a headlock! Nese rolls but Kushida holds on and shifts to a hammerlock. Kushida cranks but Nese powers him to ropes. The ref calls for the ropebreak, and Nese pie faces. So Kushida ROCKS him with rights!
Kushida backs Nese down but Nese throat chops! Nese brings Kushida around for the bulldog hotshot! It wasn’t the best landing for Nese, but he drags Kushida out to throw him into railing! Nese keeps on Kushida by throwing him hard into more barriers! He puts Kushida back in the ring and covers, ONE! Nese keeps on Kushida as he brings him up. Kushida throws forearms again, but Nese throws him to the apron. Kushida stays on and climbs up, to leap for flying ax handles! Nese flounders but Kushida whips. Nese reverses, and trips up the handspring! He drags Kushida out again and back into barriers! Nese is fired up as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Kushida endures the Nese squeeze. Nese pulls on Kushida’s hair while he has the body scissors on tight. Kushida CHOPS so Nese CHOPS back! It’s a CHOP fight inside the body scissors! Kushida gets an edge as he CHOPS again and again! He gets free but keeps on with a ground ‘n’ pound! Nese powers Kushida away and both men stagger to their feet. He CHOPS Kushida back but Kushida CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Nese whips but Kushida reverses to throw Nese out. Kushida walks into another hotshot! Nese PREMIER TRIANGLES, but he FLOPS! Kushida fires up to throw forearm after forearm! He whips but Nese reverses, but Kushida hits the handspring back elbow! He whips Nese to hip toss, cartwheel and dropkick! Nese flounders into the FAST BALL! Kushida Penalty Kicks the arm!
Kushida whips but Nese holds ropes to fake the hip toss out. Nese ROCKS Kushida, but Kushida KICKS away on the arm! Kushida whips, Nese reverses, slides and pump handles! He lifts but Kushida has the bad arm! HOVERBOARD LOCK! Nese endures, stays standing, and powers through to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Both men are down but Nese drags himself to the corner. Nese climbs up but Kushida handspring heel kicks! Kushida hurries up top, but Nese pushes him down! Nese 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!?! Nese can’t believe it! Both men are down but Kushida goes to a corner. Nese has a target, brings down the knee pad, and runs, into a SHOTEI! Kushida runs in to SHOTEI again! Nese is down and Kushida heads up top! But Nese SHORYUKENS!
Nese climbs up and drags Kushida into the fireman’s carry. Kushida fights with elbows, and then shifts around, for the SUPER HOVERBOARD, and TAKEDOWN! SAKURABO LOCK!! Nese taps, Kushida wins!!
Winner: KUSHIDA, by submission (moves up to 1-0; Nese drops to 0-1)
And the Super Junior takes the crucial first win! Will this lead Kushida to another championship in his career? Or can Nese make a recovery to catch back up?
Backstage interview with Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher.
Last week, everyone got a big surprise when the Bro’s mystery partner was the debuting Thatcher in an NXT Tag Team Championship defense. Both belts are on Riddle’s shoulders because obviously he and Thatcher won against Indus Sher. But Riddle makes it clear, Thatcher is his new tag partner for the time being. Riddle loves “T Time” here, but he still misses Stallion Pete. But a big win is a big win, so how are they gelling as a team? Thatcher says that even with that big win, there’s a long way to go. Clearly both men have different philosophies. Riddle likes the knockout, Thatcher prefers to lock on and make an opponent submit. Thatcher is a beautiful man, and every time Riddle looks into those blue eyes, he is reminded of Stallion Pete. Um, Thatcher’s eyes are brown. They sure are, bro. And next week, the NXT Universe will see how beautiful Thatcher really is. What does Riddle have in mind? Just trust him, bro.
NXT, “we gave you fair warning.”
He’s coming~! He already struck down Tommaso Ciampa. And soon, everyone will know that “you can’t stop it.” Scarlet and Karrion Kross are here, and doomsday is upon NXT. Who will be left standing when the clock strikes midnight?
NXT hears from Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae.
“September 16th, 2016.” That is a day Gargano will never forget. The most beautiful woman said, “I do,” and became Mrs. Wrestling. Gargano’s fairy tale came true. Most people only get one fairy tale ending, if even that. But Gargano’s entire career has been a fairy tale. The first ever NXT Triple Crown winner! Who would’ve thought? No one but Gargano. During a time when NXT had superstars like Finn Balor, Samoa Joe, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kevin Owens, and Ricochet, who would’ve thought Johnny Gargano would become the heart and soul of the brand? No one but Gargano. “And who thought that Johnny Gargano was always the better man over Tommaso Ciampa?” No one, but them. Dinner is served and both Mr. & Mrs. Wrestling feel great. Because they are not living in a fairy tale, they are living in reality. The true fairy tale was NXT.
“You can play by the rules as much as you want, but let’s be honest.” The NXT Gargano loves has become a toxic wasteland where the good people, like Johnny and Candice, are taken advantage of! The horrible people thrive and are rewarded! The real fairy tale was thinking being a good person and being nice to everyone was going to lead to success. Media appearances! Can Gargano do those? Yeah, no problem! Merchandise! Can Gargano sign these? Yeah, no problem! Happy birthday messages “for some stupid kid”! Can Gargano film these? Yeah, no problem! But it’s a cookie cutter world where they take advantage of kindness. Gargano is sick and tired of saying yes all the time while “a dirt bag like Tommaso Ciampa gets what he doesn’t deserve.” You know who does deserve everything? Gargano does! He is sick and tired of waving the NXT banner on top of a mountain of under appreciation.
Candice agrees. But sadly, that’s just the NXT way. She’s been underappreciated since she stepped foot in the place. She played the big sister role to the entire women’s locker room. Tegan, Dakota, and countless others. Candice sacrificed for those women. She put them before herself. Candice ate second so they could all eat first. It’s what was right. But when she needed help, where were they? Any of them! Nowhere to be found! And Candice kept telling herself, “They’ll change, Candice. It’s okay, they’ll change.” But isn’t that what some people call, “insanity?” Doing the same thing over and over and over, expecting a different result. Insanity is quite enlightening. But in celebration, Gargano lets Candice eat first. Take what you deserve, because that is what they’ll both do from now on.
They both know how NXT has worked for a long, long time. Too long. All these random people walked all over them, and all the horrible people got things handed to them. Yet these two were given table scraps! They wanted to keep the personal and professional lives separate, but where did that get them? Gargano got hurt. Friends betrayed them both time and again! But who does Gargano trust? Candice. And Candice can trust Gargano. They tried to fix NXT separately. But now, they are going to tear NXT down and rebuild it in their image. It isn’t just the Johnny Gargano way. It’s their way. The Johnny & Candice way. And they’ll make history as the first ever married couple to reign together! NXT Women’s and NXT Champion. They will rule together. And then everyone else will get what they deserve, when the happy couple gets what they deserve.
NXT hears from Io Shirai.
“I’ve been waiting a long time to face Charlotte Flair.” But why is that? Because the Evil Genius wants to show Charlotte just how great Shirai really is. “She will find out everything when she sees my eyes in the ring.” The #1 contender is coming for the title. “The castle where the beautiful, beautiful queen lives… I’m destroying it!” Oi, Charlotte! Shirai bows down to NO ONE.
Backstage interview with Drake Maverick.
Maverick is alone, sulking on the stairs, as he is asked about his defeat. “Jake Atlas is great.” Every other athlete in this tournament is fighting their opponent. Maverick is fighting his opponent, and himself. Maverick thinks that maybe everyone was right about him. Is Maverick throwing in the towel when there’s still two rounds to go?
Mia Yim VS Jessi Kamea!
The Head Baddie In Charge got a lot of praise from Charlotte Flair, and wants to stay sharp before that “lesson in humility” the Queen promises. Will Mia sharpen that edge at the expense of the nerdy-turned-naughty Jessi?
The bell rings and Mia circles with Jessi. They tie up, Jessi gets the wristlock and wrenches, but Mia powers Jessi to a corner! Mia grinds forearms but Jessi pushes her away. Jessi runs into Mia’s drop toehold, and Mia headlocks. Jessi throws body shots then whips, but Mia runs her over. But Jessi kips right up! Mia is impressed, and they speed up. Jessi runs Mia over but Mia shows she can kip, too. Jessi runs, Mia side steps then follows to redirect her. Mia comes back to run Jessi over! Jessie is up but Mia fakes her out and kicks her in the back! Cover, TWO! Mia drags Jessi up and throws big knees. She whips Jessi to a corner but Jessi dodges. Jessi waistlocks but Mia standing switches. Jessi bucks Mia off and wipes her out with a windmill kick! Cover, TWO!
Jessi keeps on Mia with a ground ‘n’ pound! Mia powers out but Jessi pushes her around. Mia throws body shots but Jessi CLUBS her down! Jessi snapmares Mia but Mia kicks back. Jessi throws Mia down by her hair then springboards, for an elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Mia gets to a corner and dodges Jessi running in. Jessi hops up and jumps but her dropkick misses! Mia rallies with clotheslines and boots! Jumping neckbreaker! Mia fires up as she taunts Jessi. She brings Jessi up, hits an STO and then flips Jessi for PROTECT YA NECK! Cover, Mia wins!
Winner: Mia Yim, by pinfall
The HBIC gets the W! But wait! Charlotte Flair returns to NXT already! The two stand face to face and surely Mia heard. “Out of the deepest division, I wanted a match with you first.” Mia has had time to think about it, does she still want this match, too? The last five years, Mia has watched Charlotte grow into The Queen she is now. But Mia has grown into the Head Baddie. She would be honored to be in the ring with her. Good! Because Charlotte never got to thank Mia for that match five years ago. Mia helped Charlotte become a star. Mia has always been “a good hand,” so now Charlotte will finally make Mia into a star, too. A back handed compliment, but Flairs know about back hands. Will Mia give it back in kind?
NXT hears from Jack Gallagher.
“Gentleman Jack” has been with the WWE Cruiserweight Division for the last four years. In that time, he has yet to be Cruiserweight Champion. It was fun and games, but now he’s here to be a champion, “not a bloody joke for you people.” Outside of the ring, he remains a gentleman. But inside, when you see those tattoos, that is warpaint. Those are proof of the live he has lived etched into his skin. In this tournament, we will see things from Gallagher that you never expected.
“Another day in the life of the Robert Stone Brand.”
Robert Stone himself lounges poolside while the Hot Commodity, Chelsea Green, poses for a swimsuit photo shoot. Chelsea was mere inches from becoming #1 contender. But now, they will reload, move forward and prove why she is the face of the NXT Women’s Division. She is beautiful, brilliant and tough. Name another woman who has that? Shotzi Blackheart? No. Tegan Nox? No way! Not even Rhea Ripley! Chelsea says that she put the world on notice in that ladder match. She proved she’s not just a pretty face. She is the total package! Yes, she is. And she’s a future NXT Women’s Champion. Yes, she is.
Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group B: El Hijo del Fantasma VS Jack Gallagher!
The Son of the Phantom makes his NXT in-ring debut in the biggest way possible! He is therefore also the newest member of the Cruiserweight Division. But his first match will be quite the challenge against one of the pillars of 205 Live. Will the gentleman turned jackal ruin the debut? Or will his road to the title continue to be treacherous?
The bell rings and the two rush each other! They tie up and ago around, and Fantasma puts Gallagher on the ropes. Gallagher puts him in the corner and the two scrap. Gallagher wants after the mask but the ref reprimands. He backs Gallagher off and Gallagher smirks. Fantasma glares as he and Gallagher circle again. They approach, tie up and Fantasma waistlocks. He slams Gallagher down and facelocks. He holds on as Gallagher rolls, but Gallagher slips out to hammerlock. Gallagher again pulls the mask but shifts to a chinbar. Fantasma sits up and reaches back to use him for leverage. Fantasma stands, powers out and speeds things up to dropkick Gallagher down! Cover, ONE, but Fantasma has Gallagher in a chinlock now.
Gallagher endures as Fantasma cranks the neck. Gallagher stands up, headlocks back, but Fantasma powers out. Fantasma leaps into a fireman’s carry, and wasteland slam! Cover, ONE! Gallagher tries again, ONE! Another cover, TWO! Gallagher keeps his cool as he simply works to tire Fantasma out. He brings Fantasma up but Fantasma throws forearms! Fantasma ROCKS Gallagher with a right then builds speed. Gallagher tosses Fantasma to the apron and ROCKS him back! Gallagher baseball slides but Fantasma ducks under, only for Gallagher to throw him into railing! The second generation luchador is down and Gallagher refreshes the count. Gallagher drags Fantasma up by his mask, and throws EuroUppers. He knocks Fantasma against railing again, then refreshes the count a second time. The ref reprimands so Gallagher goes back in to stay. He reaches for Fantasma, only to get a PELE!
Fantasma counter punches Gallagher from the apron. Fantasma traps on arm, then hops up to get the other, for a crucifix toss! Gallagher crashes down but Fantasma builds speed. Fantasma fakes Gallagher out with that somersault, to then PESCADO! Direct hit and Fantasma fires up! Gallagher is crawling away as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Gallagher spins Fantasma on the apron to KICK in the back! Gallagher keeps toying with the mask, then gives another KICK! Gallagher drags Fantasma in for a cover, TWO! The fighting gentleman grows frustrated and he stomps Fantasma’s arm! He cranks on it from wrist to shoulder but Fantasma endures. Fantasma works up to his feet and powers Gallagher back. Fantasma tries but can’t power out of the hold. Gallagher cranks harder on the arm, but Fantasma gets up again. Fantasma whips then breaks Gallagher’s grip to run him over with elbows and clotheslines! Fantasma fires up as he puts Gallagher in a corner. He throws forearm after forearm but Gallagher throws body shots back. Gallagher backs Fantasma up to ram his shoulder into the ribs! Gallagher throws a punch but Fantasma dodges to SUPERKICK! That sends Gallagher tumbling out of the ring!
Fantasma builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit with that powerful tope suicida! The ring count climbs as both men are down, but Fantasma puts Gallagher in at 7. Fantasma stalks Gallagher to a corner and stomps him. He throws some elbows then goes corner to corner. Fantasma hits a corner uppercut! And then a sudden wheelbarrow victory roll! TWO, but Fantasma keeps his cool. Gallagher stands but Fantasma fireman’s carries. Gallagher claws the mask then O’Conner rolls, TWO! Fantasma gets up, to get a HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!! Fantasma survives and Gallagher can’t believe it! Gallagher grits his teeth as he gets back up. He goes corner to corner now, but the Gentleman’s Dropkick misses! Fantasma fireman’s carries but again the mask is a target. But Fantasma knees away on Gallagher’s head, before hitting the SAMOAN DRIVER! Cover, Fantasma wins!!
Winner: El Hijo del Fantasma, by pinfall (moves up to 1-0; Gallagher drops to 0-1)
The debut is successful! Fantasma joins Akira Tozawa in the top half of the block while Gallagher joins Isaiah “Swerve” in the bottom.
On-stage interview with El Hijo del Fantasma!
A big win for his debut, and he politely takes the mic from Mackenzie. “Muchos gracias” to everyone around the world at home watching. Fantasma vows that this tournament will be his, as will that NXT Cruiserweight Championship. Is tonight’s win just the first of many?
NXT gets set for a big night next week!
Charlotte Flair and Mia Yim have their rematch from the match that started it all! Will the Queen make the Head Baddie in Charge bow down? Plus, Priest’s challenge was heard, and accepted! It will be Keith Lee VS Damian Priest for the NXT North American Championship!!
NXT shares footage from the commercial.
El Hijo del Fantasma was on his way out, speaking with NXT Media about his tournament win, when another mystery van pulled up! And they came for Fantasma! He fought them off and they ran away! What is with those mysterious luchadors and their abducting NXT superstars?!
Velveteen Dream & Keith Lee VS The Undisputed Era!
Dream no longer minds that The Prince is no longer his opponent tonight, because he has the opponent he’s wanted after for weeks. Will the experience be limitless tonight? Or will the winners be undisputed?
The bell rings and the Undisputed Era attack immediately! Strong goes after Lee while Cole goes after Dream! Lee bumps Lee back and Dream turns things around to TACKLE Cole into a corner! Fish swipes at Dream but Dream kicks him away. Dream DECKS Cole while the ref reprimands Fish. Dream wants after Fish but the ref takes care of it. The ref says Fish is EJECTED! Meanwhile, Strong and Lee spill out of the ring. Lee knocks Strong down, but Priest appears! Priest JAMS the baton into Lee’s chest and throat!! Lee is gasping for air as Dream returns to the ring. Dream sees Lee is down and has the ref check on him. They call for help and additional refs appear. Cole and Strong aren’t sure what happened but they like that it’s in their favor. And while everyone’s busy with Lee, the Undisputed Era RAM Dream into railing! Things are chaotic again as NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Dream is without Lee as Strong ROCKS him with a right! Cover, TWO! Strong mocks Dream by going to the corner and offering a tag. Dream flounders up but Strong clamps on with a facelock. Dream powers Strong to the corner and rams him into buckles! He throws body shot after body shot, then whips Strong. Strong reverses and sends Dream hard into the Undisputed corner! Tag to Cole, and Strong brings Dream up. Dream fights back, blocks a boot and throws hands. But Cole BOOTS Dream into the OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO! Dream still lives and Cole grows frustrated. Cole tells Dream that he is a nobody and will never be champion. Cole drops ax handles and knees on Dream then drags him to the corner. Tag to Strong and the UE mug Dream in their corner. Strong drags Dream up and scoops for a backbreaker! Cover, ONE, so Strong drags Dream up for an atomic BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Strong keeps close to Dream and has him for a grounded cobra twist. Dream endures being bent, but wait. Is that Dexter Lumis on the apron!? Lumis is in Dream’s corner! Why!? What is his obsession with the Undisputed Era about? Dream powers up and pries free of the hold! Strong staggers but Dream elbows him down! Dream crawls towards the corner, but Strong brings him around. Strong suplexes but Dream slips out! Dream fireman’s carries, for a DREAM VALLEY DRIVER! Strong and Dream crawl, and Lumis reaches out his hand! The ref says Lumis needs the tag rope so Lumis grabs it. Cole rushes at Dream but Dream slips under and then leaps over! HOT TAG TO LUMIS! Lumis rallies on Cole with uppercuts! Strong runs in but gets uppercuts and a dropkick! Lumis stomps Strong to the corner then rains down right hands! Cole turns Lumis around and kicks low to whip. But Lumis reverses, Cole ducks a haymaker, but not the Thesz Press!
Lumis rains down fast hands on Cole, then catches Strong for a SPINE BUSTER! Cole flounders into the URENAGE! But Fish returns! He isn’t allowed out here! Lumis tags Dream then FLIES onto Fish and Strong!! Dream is up top, for the PURPLE RAIN MAKER!! Cover, Dream and LUMIS win!
Winners: Velveteen Dream & Dexter Lumis, by pinfall
The Experience pins the NXT Champion!! He has a path to the title! But what is Lumis’ part in all this? And what happened to Finn Balor?!
My Thoughts:
What a wild episode! So much great stuff, stuff I didn’t even expect them to have tonight. But also, an elephant in the room that needs to be addressed. I’m glad Drake Maverick isn’t gone, but it really brings into question what’s really going on. As linked to and reported, Maverick was among the many names on the released talent list last week on #BlackWednesday. I assumed NXT was going to bring back a repackaged Mendoza or Wilde to take his place and use it for story. Instead, Maverick had a vignette to somehow turn the release into its own story. Was Maverick’s release real? If so, was his emotional video somehow the thing that convinced WWE to secretly keep him? Or was it all a badly timed work? In a vacuum, Maverick fighting for his job on top of a title is really powerful stuff, because it was. But given the situation, it just seems a little disappointing that NXT has been dragged into Vince territory.
I won’t knock his match for it, though. Maverick and Atlas really did put it all on the line because of the stories they both came in with. Though Atlas didn’t say any words relating to it, it was clear he is fighting to openly represent the LGBT community within the WWE Universe. That is not solely why he won, because he is a great athlete, and it also just works better in Maverick’s story if he has to struggle even more. I’m not sure Maverick gets even a single win, but I could see Atlas being in the middle of the block with a 2-1 record. Nese VS Kushida was also an incredible Group A match, and naturally Kushida wins to lead off. Kushida is still the favorite to take the group, while Nese VS Atlas will be a big match to determine second and third place in the group. Gallagher VS Fantasma was a great match to wrap Group B’s opening round, and again, it’s natural for Fantasma to win here. I’m intrigued by them tying Fantasma to that luchador abductors story, though. Is it a group trying to stop luchadors or consolidate them?
The Women’s Division gets another strong showing tonight. The opening tag match was really good, and it makes sense for the Heels to win in order to extend the story. Can NXT please lead the way in extending the WWE Women’s Tag Team Division? Though, I suppose that would mean Fox gets over themselves and lets Bliss-Cross be on NXT at some point. Robert Stone and Chelsea Green have a decent promo, mostly about the aesthetics of the Hot Commodity. Jessie Eleban returns as Jessi Kamea and has a decent showing against Mia Yim. I’m very excited to see Charlotte VS Mia next week with the story of both women improving over the last 5 years. Pretty sure Charlotte wins but I’m sure Mia will look strong. Shirai had a great little promo, I wonder if her match with Charlotte is part of Money in the Bank given how A) NXT is slowly becoming on par with Raw and SmackDown, and B) the MITB matches are changed up this year.
Scarlet and “Karrion Kross” are officially named on air so that’s a nice development. Candice and Gargano gave an amazing cinematic promo. It was like a horror movie or something, and that’s a great development for their characters. I would love if they got to accomplish that goal of being the super couple of NXT. Then there’s the Finn Balor mystery and the great overlapping of stories. Lee VS Priest is going to be great next week but wow did Priest do a number on Lee (in kayfabe). And as I sensed last week, Lumis is apparently targeting the Undisputed Era as the most bizarre Face I’ve seen in some time. But at the same time, could Lumis have been the one to go after Balor because he “knew” things would go this way? Did he create the opening for himself to join Dream against the UE? Or was it just Imperium because of what Balor said last week? I’m actually hoping it’s Lumis. Dream getting the win is great, and Cole VS Dream is going to be great, too. It’s hard to say if Dream wins or not, but if WWE pulled the trigger on McIntyre with an empty arena, I would think HHH could do the same for Dream.
My Score: 9.2/10
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Lucha Libre
Lucha Central Weekly: Is Dragon Lee Ready For His WWE NXT First Impression?
It’s the end of 2022, which means it’s time for the LCW Year End Awards! This week you get to meet your nominees!
Lucha Libre returns to WWE NXT when Dragon Lee debuts at Stand & Deliver! What to expect, and more on this edition of Lucha Central Weekly!
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Join Miranda Morales, Dusty Murphy, and Brendan Barr for another exciting edition of Lucha Central Weekly! This week your favorite lucha trio looks at Dragon Lee and his upcoming debut in WWE NXT at Stand…..AND DELIVER. Plus, where is Taya Valkyrie? And updates on the the AAA Lucha Libre World Cup! All that and more on this week’s Lucha Central Weekly!
About Lucha Central Weekly
Your one-podcast stop for all of the week’s top stories from around the world of lucha libre and lucha libre around the world. Join hosts Miranda Morales, Brendan Barr, and Dusty Murphy along with special guests as they cover Lucha Libre AAA, CMLL, top Mexico indies as well as lucha related matches in WWE, Impact Wrestling, All Elite Wrestling, Ring of Honor and beyond. Whether you are trying to dive deeper into the world of masked mayhem or you’ve been following for decades, you are going to find things here you won’t find on any other airwaves!
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It’s the last chance to get those golden tickets!
With one last spot in the NXT Women’s Championship ladder match, and one last spot in the North American Championship Fatal 5, who gets to Stand & Deliver?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship Qualifier Battle Royal: Axiom wins and joins the Fatal 5 Way title match at Stand & Deliver.
- Tyler Bate w/ Chase U VS Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone; Bate wins.
- Valentina Feroz VS Elektra Lopez; Lopez wins.
- Eddy Thorpe VS Myles Borne; Thorpe wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship Last Chance Qualifier: Indi Hartwell VS Sol Ruca VS Ivy Nile; Indi wins and joins the NXT Women’s Championship Ladder Match at Stand & Deliver.
- Hank Walker VS Drew Gulak w/ Charlie Dempsey; Gulak wins.
- NXT Tag Team Championship Qualifier: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Tony D’Angelo & Channing Lorenzo; Tony & Stacks win and deny Briggs & Jensen a spot at Stand & Deliver.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT North American Championship Qualifier Battle Royal!
Everyone wants that fifth and final spot in Wes Lee’s star-studded title match, and Wes himself is watching from commentary. SCRYPTS attacks Axiom before the bell! Things are already off to a chaotic start! Dabba-Kato clotheslines Quincy Elliot up and out to ELIMINATE him! Quincy rushes back up but the refs stop him from getting after Kato! Damon Kemp brawls with Edris Enofe, Oro Mensah goes after Kato, Xyon Quinn has Dante Chen, Drew Gulak & Charlie Dempsey of course work together as they go after Nathan Frazer, and Dijak has Odyssey Jones in a corner. Big Body Javi throws hands on Malik Blade while Jinder storms up on Dempsey.
Kato shoves Oro away, CLUBS him, then CLUBS him again. Dempsey & Gulak lift Jinder but he fights free. Odyssey ROCKS Kato! Fans fire up as Jinder puts Dempsey on the apron but Dempsey slips back in. Dante fights off Kemp and a few others, but Kemp kicks him low. Kemp hangs Dante out to dry and Dante ends up on the apron. Dante fights off Kemp but Dijak BOOTS and ELIMINATES Dante! But then Kemp scoops Dijak! Dijak fights Kemp off, but Kemp hits him back. Quinn puts ? up top, Odyssey BLASTS Quinn but Quinn is knocked into ?! They ELIMINATE ? together!
Kemp suplexes Frazer, Frazer slips free and Apollo CLUBS Kemp! Apollo whips Kemp at the ropes and Frazer holds the ropes down! Kemp lands on the apron but a PELE hits! Kemp wobbles, Frazer SUPERKICKS! Kemp falls, Frazer ELIMINATES him! Dijak ELBOWS Enofe, ELBOWS Blade, and repeat! But Malik BOOTS back! Malik runs in, tilt-o-whirls, but into a fireman’s carry! Dijak pops Malik up but Malik wheelbarrows and throws Dijak into Enofe’s KNEE! And then Malik DROPKICKS! Malik & Enofe TOSS Dijak! Dijak holds on, but Odyssey RAMS Dijak and ELIMINATES him! Dijak is furious, and he goes back after Odyssey!
Dijak trips Odyssey, drags him out, then SUPERKICKS! And ROLLING ELBOWS! And RAMS him into steel steps! Fans boo and the refs reprimand, but Dijak puts Odyssey back into the ring for the sharks. Jinder drags Odyssey up to toss him back out, Jinder ELIMINATES Odyssey! Fans boo but then Enofe KNEES Jinder and Malik DROPKICKS him! Jinder flops over the top, but he HOTSHOTS Malik, and drags Enofe out to join him! Malik runs back in but Jinder ROCKS him! Jinder suplexes, Malik lands on the apron. Jinder fights 2v1, Malik & Enof pinball Jinder! But then Apollo and Scrypts DOUBLE DROPKICK! They ELIMINATE Malik & Enofe!
Axiom whips Scrypts at Jinder, Scrypts FLIES up and over Jinder, but then he lands out on the ramp! Axiom ELIMINATES Scrypts! Jinder grins that it wasn’t him. Apollo ROCKS Dempsey, lifts Javi, and TOSSES Javi out onto everyone else to ELIMINATE him! Fans fire up but Javi is furious as NXT goes picture in picture.
Kato goes after Apollo! Kato HEADBUTTS Apollo, pushes past Oro and Dempsey to fire off on Apollo in the corner. Dempsey whips, Oro reverses but then Dempsey dodges! Jinder CLUBS Quinn, Gulak helps Dempsey with Oro. Apollo and Kato fight, Hank fires off on Quinn. Hank scoops Quinn out to the apron but Quinn holds on. Hank throws haymakers, but Quinn pokes him in the eye! Oro springboards to MULE KICK Quinn down! Oro ELIMINATES Quinn! Jinder rushes up to kick and CLUB Oro! Axiom scoops Hank with ehlp from Apollo but Hank fights them off.
Dempsey and Gulak mug Frazer, Jinder ROCKS Oro. Jinder CLUBS Oro, whips him to a corner, but Oro goes up, only for Jinder to TOSS him out and ELIMINATE him! The Modern Day Maharaja grins then stomps Frazer. Apollo stomps Dempsey, Jinder stomps Axiom, Gulak stomps Frazer. Kato storms up but Gulak CHOPS him! Gulak digs his boot on Frazer’s head, but Kato goes after him! Jinder stomps Axiom at the ropes then digs his knee in. Dempsey OVERHEAD Suplexes Hank! Dempsey drags Hank up but Hank throws hands! Gulak & Dempsey stomp mudholes into Hank! Apollo stomps Kato in a corner then throws hands.
Jinder DECKS Axiom, then goes up the corner to STOMP him down! Gulak & Dempsey throw Hank at the ropes, but Hank holds on! Dempsey has an ANKLE LOCK on a leg to force him over! Hank still clings to ropes, even as boots are dug into his legs and stomach. Hank manages to kick Dempsey away, and NXT returns to single picture. Apollo CLUBS and ROCKS Jinder, Hank hoists Gulak up and over! Fans fire up as Hank has a SLEEPER on Gulak! Dempsey throat chops Kato, then gets Hank’s legs! ANKLE LOCK and a DUMP, Dempsey ELIMINATES Hank and Gulak! Gulak an d Hank don’t care, they brawl tot he back!
Fans fire up, and we’re down to six! Axiom and Jinder brawl, Apollo runs but Kato tilt-o-whirls him. Apollo sips free and BOOTS Kato to ropes! Kato comes back to scoop Apollo and TOSS him! Kato ELIMINATES Apollo! Jinder stomps Axiom down, Dempsey ROCKS Kato! Jinder swings on Frazer, Frazer dodges and springboards to CROSSBODY! Axiom GAMANGIRIS Jinder to ropes! Frazer SUPERKICKS Jinder up and over! Jinder holds on, Frazer gives Axiom a boost, RAILGUN DROPKICK sends Jinder down! Frazer & Axiom ELIMINATE Jinder!! The final four are Kato, Dempsey, Axiom & Frazer!
And speaking of, Kato CLUBS Dempsey down, but Axiom uses Dempsey as a step to GAMANGIRI Kato! Frazer uses Dempsey as a step to CALF KICK! They all dump Kato up and out to ELIMINATE him!! Kato is furious but fans sing, “NANA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY, GOOD-BYE~!” Frazer, Axiom and Dempsey circle. Axiom kicks Dempsey, then ducks the back hand, Dempsey hits Frazer! Axiom SOBATS Dempsey, whips him to ropes, but Dempsey reverses. Axiom wheelbarrows, but Dempsey stops the tuck to WHEELBARROW GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up as Frazer springboard SHOTGUN DROPKICKS!!
All three men are down, fans are thunderous, Axiom clotheslines Dempsey up and over! Dempsey lands on the apron, he ROCKS Axiom but Axiom ROCKS Dempsey! They go back and forth, Axiom fires off shots, but DOUBLE HAYMAKERS take both men down! Fans are thunderous , Axiom BOOTS Dempsey off the apron and ELIMINATES him! And that leaves the old friendly rivals, Axiom and Frazer! The fans are giving a standing ovation as we see these two stare down. Frazer and Axiom shake hands, then they start dodging kicks! Frazer runs, QUEBRADA, but Axiom snapmares free of the dragon sleeper!
Axiom rushes in but Frazer sends him to ropes! Frazer lifts but Axiom shoves him away. Axiom blocks a superkick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Frazer fires up, he whips Axiom, but Axiom springboards to arm-drag and kip up, ROUNDHOUSE!! Axiom whips, Frazer springboards to QUEBRADA REVERSE DDT!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” as Frazer stands Axiom up. Frazer throws a haymaker, Axiom gives it back! They go back and forth, faster and faster, but Frazer gets the edge. Axiom blocks the kick, spins and DECKS Frazer! PENALTY KICK! Axiom aims from the corner!
Frazer stands, GOLDEN- SUPERKICK!!! Frazer hit first but he’s also down! Fans hope they “Fight Forever!” but this has to end somehow! Frazer CHOPS Axiom in a corner, hoists him up top, and DOUBLE CHOPS! Axiom wobbles, Frazer runs back in, but into a SLEEPER! Frazer pries free to ELBOW BREAKER! And then he springs up top, for a SUPERPPLEX! Roll through to the GOURD- NO, Axiom slips free! Axiom waistlocks but Frazer bucks the O’Conner! Axiom kips up, into a SUPERKICK!! Frazer drags Axiom up, whips, but Axiom reverses to send Frazer up and out! Frazer holds on, skins the cat, but into a SUPERKICK!!
Both men are down again, but Axiom hurries to his feet! Axiom TOSSES Frazer and WINS!!!
Winner: Axiom (advances to Stand & Deliver)
Fans are electric for this instant classic of a battle royal! Wes Lee joins Axiom in the ring to congratulate him, and Dragon Lee appears so he can do the same. Even Ilja Dragunov walks out to the ring, and JD McDonagh comes in from the crowd side. All five men are ready to battle, will these five stars get five stars?
Pretty Deadly speak.
Kit Wilson & Elton Prince, in suits ‘n’ ties and wide brimmed hats, want us to sit back, relax, and get ourselves some delicious snacks, because this will be a one of a kind Stand & Deliver Pretty Deadly Preview Show. We just saw a wonderful performance from Axiom in that Battle Royale, earning the fifth and final spot in the North American Championship match. And what a gaggle of vicious competitors he’s joining. “The Mad Dragon,” Ilja Dragunov! “The Devilish Gentleman,” JD McDonagh! “The Audacious Champion,” Wes Lee! And finally, “The Masked Mystery from Mexico,” Dragon Lee.
“A match born from carnage comes full circle with an encounter that is likely to be as unpredictable as the events of its creation.” But Kit has a question. How does Wes possibly retain? Elton doesn’t think Wes will. His money is on the man as smart as them, JD McDonagh. So if Elton is going with intelligence, Kit is betting on Dragon Lee. We don’t know a thing about him, and that makes him dangerous. “Kitty” loves danger, doesn’t he? Yes! And they love YOU!, fans! They’ll be back with more hot takes throughout the evening as we’re on the Road to Stand…! And Deliver!
Chase U talks backstage.
Thea Hail says Tyler Bate’s fired up! Andre Chase asks if Tyler’s fired up and Tyler says he’s fired up! Can he feel it? He feels it! Chase says Bate did great in the Great Debate, and they’re just four days away from Stand & Deliver, where the of Chase University hangs in the balance! But tonight, the Big Strong Boi takes on big bad Von Wagner, who has talked trash on Chase U and Chase U has yet to beat. But Bate will beat Von, and they’re gonna ride that lightning bolt all the way to Stand & Deliver! Bate says with mass and speed on his side, momentum will be theirs! Bate will harness that momentum, he’ll bring home a win for the university!
Chase likes the way Bate’s brain works. Duke, you coming? He wouldn’t miss this for the world. Though he doesn’t look anywhere near as pumped as the rest. The team heads out, will the Big Strong Boi give Von a #TeachableMoment?
Briggs & Jensen talk backstage.
Brooks Jensen feels pretty good, because Kiana James responded to him after three voicemails instead of five this time. Kiana says they’re on their way, but what does Briggs thinks she wants to talk about? He isn’t sure, but whatever it is, they’ll get through it. The sun always comes up tomorrow. Um, okay. The ladies arrive and Jensen asks if everything is okay. Her message seemed a bit off. Kiana hesitates but Fallon tells her to tell Jensen. “These past few months, I’ve really gotten to know you guys. Especially you, Brooks. And what you guys have is special. I don’t know how to say this, I feel horrible.”
Jensen says it’s okay, she can get it out. Kiana feels horrible… That Briggs & Jensen aren’t part of Stand & Deliver! So she pulled some strings, and she has a match tonight. And if they win, that Triple Threat Tag Team title match becomes a FATAL 4! Fallon says, “What?” Briggs says, “WHAT?!” Jensen can’t believe it! Well hey, Kiana & Fallon are tag team champions, the boys should be tag champs with them! Fallon can’t stand- Surprises! Briggs knows that, but he loves ’em! Kiana just knocked this one out of the park! They could go to Stand & Deliver! Jensen cannot believe Kiana! Fallon can’t, either. Briggs says yes, because it’s unbelievable!
Jensen says first they’ll win tonight, then go to Stand & Deliver and become the NEW NXT Tag Team Champions! Group hug! Fallon is not happy that Kiana backed out of the truth. But will her keeping that buried only come back to haunt her?
Tyler Bate w/ Chase U VS Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone!
The Big Strong Boi stepped up when Chase U needed him and won big in that Great Debate. But will he win even bigger against vicious Von? Or will Bate fail to stand and deliver before Saturday?
The bell rings and Bate circles with Von. Fans rally behind the Big Strong Boi and Bate headlocks. Von powers up, Bate holds on, but Von powers out. They RAM shoulders, but Bate DROPKICKS! Von comes back to BOOT Bate down! Fans boo while Bate sits up in a daze. Von pushes Bate down to drop an elbow! Von then stalks Bate, drags him up, and choke grips to trophy lift! Von DROPS Bate, and then soaks up the heat. Von waits on Bate to sit up, and he KICKS him in the side! Fans boo, Thea & Chase coach up Bate, but Von clamps on a neck wrench. Fans rally, Bate endures, and Bate fights up to his feet.
Bate pries free, throws a HEADBUTT into the ribs, then fires off body shots! Von shoves, Bate rebounds to sunset flip! Von stays up, but Bate avoids the elbow drop! Bate runs, but into a LARIAT! Von covers, TWO! Von snarls but the fans rally for Bate. Von puts Bate in a corner, clotheslines, and then throws back elbows. Fans obo but Von whips Bate out to throw him back into the corner. And then a BIG clothesline in the corner! Von mocks Bate, fans taunt Von. Von whips Bate corner to corner, runs in, but only gets buckles! Bate goes to another corner. Von runs in but into a BOOT! Bate runs to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT!
Bate fires off shots, keeping Von in a corner! Von choke grips back and TOSSES Bate! Bate boots, Von blocks but Bate KNEES back! Bate goes up to leap, FLYING UPPERCUT! Von rebounds but so does Bate, LARIAT! Von drops to a knee, Bop up, BANG!! Bate keeps moving, but Stone swipes at Bate! Fans boo but Bate goes out after Stone! Stone panics as Bate puts him in the ring! Theta THESZ PRESSES Stone!! Fans fire up and Bate cheers Thea on! Thea kicks Stone all the way out of the ring, but Von SUCKER PUNCHES Bate! Von whips Bate but Duke holds ropes down, and Bate FLIES out onto Stone!!
Fans fire up, Bate is fired up, he high-fives Duke but Duke doesn’t seem to care. Bate gets in the ring, dodges a boot and rebounds, LARIAT! Bate hurries up the corner, to SKY TWISTER! Cover, Bate wins!
Winner: Tyler Bate, by pinfall
Chase U is on a roll! Will all this help them hold onto the school? Wait, The Schism speaks! “Attention students of Chase University!” Joe Gacy stands at a podium with Jagger Reed, Ava Raine & Rip Fowler by his side. “As of this Saturday, The Schism will be in control.” Reed says, “The curriculum is changing. Time to open your minds to a different way of looking at the world through a different lens. Under the Schism’s tree.” The students wear yellow masks and Ava hands out a quiz. “Deprogramming starts now.” Rip says they don’t need to worry. There will be a place for delinquents in the Chase U Memorial Detention Hall.
Ava says at Stand & Deliver, “the world of Chase U will fall when The Schism takes over.” Gacy says, “When the bell rings, a new class begins.” Will The Schism graduate from a cult into a college?
Roxanne Perez is here!
She’s backstage and asks if Shawn Michaels is at gorilla. No, he moved to his office. Okay, she’ll go there. Thanks! The former(?) NXT Women’s Champion is here, but why? What business will she have with the boss?
NXT returns and Roxie knocks on HBK’s door. He welcomes her in and asks how she’s feeling. Does he have a minute to talk? Sure. What is it? Well, as of this afternoon, the doctors cleared her to return to action! Oh. That’s great to hear. Yeah! So they told her that basically, after all the tests, it was a mix of physical exhaustion and stress. It was all through the roof that night, but the only thing on her mind is her title and Stand & Deliver. Well, HBK wants to be the first to say that it is a relief to hear Roxie is better. And more importantly, that the doctors found out why she fainted like that.
But the problem is, Stand & Deliver… He isn’t sure. Her health is the priority right now. And he doesn’t think defending the title in a Ladder Match is the best thing for her right now. They can crown a new champion at Stand & Deliver, get a few matches under Roxie’s belt, and then right after Stand & Deliver, Roxie is the first to get a title match. Oh… Roxie won’t lie, being NXT Women’s Champion has been unlike anything she’s ever experienced. Saying you want to be champion and being champion day in and day out are completely different. But Roxie does struggle with anxiety.
This year has been incredible, but when you accomplish your dreams so fast, you wonder, ‘What do I do now? Is it all downhill from here? Did I peak at 21?” And then that anxiety goes insane! See, that right there! HBK knows Roxie’s all better physically, but mentally, emotionally, she’s just unsure. Roxie, you’re 21 years old! You’ve got a long, wonderful career in front of you. There will be other Stand & Deliver events. Will there? She can’t think like that! Did HBK think like that? WrestleMania was the most important night of the year for him, and she knows that he never had the mindset of, “Well, there’s always next year.”
HBK took it as “There’s here and now,” and he stole the show every time! That’s what Roxie wants to do! Roxie’s anxiety is crippling, but she can’t run away from it. She has to confront it, and that means facing it head-on. The only way she wins that battle is by climbing the ladder, winning back her title, the title she never lost. So please! Let her do this! Let her do this for her and for everyone who struggles with what she struggles with! To show them that they don’t have to be a prisoner of anxiety! Please, HBK! HBK says fine, but she has to get tests, meet with doctors, and follow-ups! Okay, yes! Thank you!
HBK says Roxie deserves the right to defend her title at Stand & Deliver. She’s in the match. Thank you so much, HBK! She’ll get all that for him! Okay, but now he’s gonna have a nervous breakdown. “Roxanne, you can beat this. Good luck.” Roxie thanks him again, then heads out. Will the Prodigy be able to overcome her biggest challenge mentally to then overcome the biggest challenge physically?
Valentina Feroz VS Elektra Lopez!
The Brazilian sparkplug has been doing things fair and square, even as La Madrina told her it was pointless. But Feroz made sure Lopez couldn’t cheat and that cost her against Sol Ruca. Will Feroz show Lopez she can win the right way? Or is it true that nice people finish last?
The bell rings and the two rush each other. Lopez knees low, fires off forearms and a HEADBUTT! Lopez whips Feroz to a corner and ELBOWS her! Lopez then shouts at Feroz for messing with her. Feroz blocks the buckle bump, and she fires back with forearms! Lopez staggers, blocks a kick and CLUBS the leg to then sweep the other leg! Lopez gets the leg to SMASH the knee into the mat! Fans rally for Feroz but Lopez puts on a standing toehold. Feroz endures, kicks with her free leg, but Lopez drops an elbow on the bad leg! Feroz hooks with the good leg but Lopez fights that off to pull on the bad leg.
Fans rally, Feroz fights, and she rolls with Lopez. Lopez shifts to drop another elbow, but Feroz dodges! Feroz dropkicks Lopez down, covers, ONE! Feroz goes to a corner, Lopez runs in but Feroz dodges. Feroz arm-drags Lopez, drags her up to arm-drag again, and then whips to run and SPEAR! Fans fire up, Feroz covers, TWO! Lopez is hanging tough but Feroz fires up. Fans rally, Feroz aims from a corner and goes up. Feroz leaps, into Lopez’s arms! Lopez swings Feroz around into the ELEKTRIC SHOCK!! Cover, Lopez wins!
Winner: Elektra Lopez, by pinfall
Lopez wins, but the irony? She won fair and square! Did Feroz win the moral battle? Or does only the physical battle matter?
Eddy Thorpe speaks.
“Music is celebration. When I make music, I can feel the spirit of my people behind me. It is my honor to lead the way. Like an alpha wolf, I will conquer this territory and everything in it.” Thorpe is ready to level up, his NXT debut is next!
Eddy Thorpe VS Myles Borne!
The heritage and history of the Native American people, the fire and energy of progress, the Alpha Wolf looks to be the hybrid that paths the way to the future! Will Thorpe be the future of NXT?
The bell rings and Thorpe ties up with Borne. They are in a deadlock, Borne wrenches an arm but the fans rally behind Thorpe. Thorpe rolls, wrenches and wristlocks. Borne rolls, slips through and arm-drags to an armlock. Thorpe fights up, Borne headlocks, but Thorpe powers out, only for Borne to run him over. Things speed up., Thorpe hurdles then CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up, but Borne DROPKICKS Thorpe! Borne brings Thorpe up, but Thorpe CHOPS back! Thorpe CLUBS Borne, but Borne trips Thorpe. Thorpe boots Borne away but Borne throws hands! Borne UPPERCUTS, whips, and ELBOWS Thorpe down!
Borne drags Thorpe back up, ROCKS him with a haymaker, then has him on ropes. Thorpe hits back, Borne ROCKS and whips, but Thorpe reverses. Borne blocks a hip toss, body shots, and clinches for a BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! Borne keeps cool and he clamps onto Thorpe with a chinlock. Fans rally and Thorpe fights up. Thorpe pries free, but Borne kicks low. Thorpe blocks to DRAGON SCREW! And then he CLOBBERS Borne with forearm after forearm! SOBAT! PELE! Borne staggers and fans fire up! Thorpe runs in to BOOT Borne! And then HIP TOSS! Borne flounders, Thorpe sets up, BIG elbow drop! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally, Thorpe brings Borne up but Borne wrenches out. Borne waistlocks, Thorpe elbows free but Borne kicks low. Borne swings, into a SAIDO! Fans fire up as Thorpe tries again, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, Thorpe wins!
Winner: Eddy Thorpe, by pinfall
Borne gave him a good, hard fight, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Alpha Wolf. Thorpe says he’s coming for everything, will he get everything he wants in NXT?
Pretty Deadly checks back in.
Kit says what a night of headlines! Elton agrees. An impressive debut win for Thorpe. But it isn’t all smiles, as they’re here on the Grayson Waller Effect set. Waller VS Gargano is far more than personal. They say never mess with a man’s family, and that front yard brawl sure gave a new meaning to the term “viral moment.” Gargano has now vowed to do everything in his power to get revenge on Waller, and he wants this as an unsanctioned match. Will Waller sign the agreement? Would either Kit or Elton do it? Would you sign the contract, knowing what is coming for you? This could be a match so brutal, it’ll take YEARS off your career!
Kit says he would! Only to defend Elton’s honor. Oh, Kit is so selfless and brave. That is his middle name: Kit Bravery Wilson! Elton’s here for it. And stay tuned for more Pretty Deadly Talk as we continue towards Stand… and Deliver!
Backstage interview with Gallus.
McKenzie is with Mark Coffey & Wolfgang, and says that while we saw the end result of everything that happened at the bar last week, what led to it? Mark says it was obvious they’re not interior decorators, and Wolfgang admits, they were pretty banged up after that fight. Then at this point, it is a Triple Threat for Stand & Deliver. But then, why’re they willing to defend against not just one, not just two, but up to three teams with this deal made on behalf of Briggs & Jensen? You’re asking them, “Why?” They thought, “Why not?” The Creeds made a good case. Tony D & Stacks made a good case. And Gallus is all about equal opportunity.
If Briggs & Jensen do win tonight, then the more the merrier! Four, six, eight guys, it doesn’t matter. Well, Wolfie does love a good fight. How confident is Gallus that they’ll walk out of Stand & Deliver still NXT Tag Team Champions? Wolfgang admits that Markus likes to wind Wolfgang up, likes to get under his skin. But they’re the champs, heading into the biggest show of the year, against a collection of guys all ready to fight. They don’t need that much riling up. The odds don’t matter, at Stand & Deliver, the Creeds, The Don & Stacks, and should Briggs & Jensen make it there, they’ll all find out the hard way that it is #GallusBoysOnTop!
NXT Women’s Championship Last Chance Qualifier: Indi Hartwell VS Sol Ruca VS Ivy Nile!
Tiffany Stratton, Zoey Stark and Lyra Valkyria won their way in, and now that Roxie is physically cleared to compete, so is she! Who will win the final spot to make the Ladder Match a Furious 6 Way for the gold?
NXT returns as Ivy makes her entrance, followed by Indi. The bell rings and Indi kicks Ivy! Sol spins Indi around but Indi kicks, CLUBS and backhands her! Ivy rolls Indi up, TWO and Ivy jumps at Sol! Sol catches Ivy, pops her up but Ivy slips free to shove Sol into Indi! Down goes Indi, Ivy rolls Sol! TWO, and Sol scoops and SLAMS Ivy! Sol grabs at Ivy but Ivy kangaroo kicks her away, and Indi rolls Sol up! TWO, and Indi rushes in, but Sol dumps her out! Ivy KICKS Sol, KICKS her again, but Sol dodges the superwoman punch to DROPKICK Ivy out! Fans fire up and Sol goes up a corner! ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit on Ivy & Indi!
Fans fire up with the Sol Surfer, and she puts Indi back in. Sol hurries to cover, TWO! Fans sing for Sol while Indi flounders to ropes. Sol brings her up, whips her to ropes, but Indi reverses and hip tosses. Sol handsprings through to a FACEBUSTER! But Ivy leaps in to FLYING RANA! Ivy fires up, fans are with her and she ROCKS Indi! Ivy rolls and CALF KICKS Sol! Cover, TWO! ARMBAR!! Sol clasps hands, and Indi drops a BIG ELBOW on Ivy! Cover, TWO! Indi drags Ivy up, puts her through ropes and UPPERCUTS! And BOOTS! Ivy flops down, Indi covers, Sol breaks it! Fans duel, Sol drags Indi up to whip, but Indi reverses to put Sol through ropes!
Indi UPPERCUTS, but Sol dodges the boot to HOTSHOT! Indi is down, Sol springboards and SPLASHES! Cover, Ivy breaks it! All three women are down and fans rally back up. They all rise up slowly, Sol swings but Ivy tilt-o-whirls to sunset flip! ONE, but Ivy KNEES Sol down! Cover, TWO! Things speed up, Sol blocks a Rana, Ivy slips free of the bomb, but Sol SUPERKICKS! Sol handspring SPLASHES Ivy! Sol runs corner to corner to handspring, but Indi dodges! Sol bumps off buckles, into Indi’s IMPRESSIVE SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Sol survives, and Ivy BUZZSAWS Indi! Ivy whips but Indi reverses!
Ivy tilt-o-whirls, into the DIAMOND DRAGON!! Indi endures, fades, but Sol runs in, SOL SNATCHER!! But Indi BOOTS Sol away! BLINDSIDER LARAIT!! Cover, INDI WINS!!
Winner: Indi Hartwell, by pinfall (advances to Stand & Deliver)
#IndiWrestling is going to Hollywood! Will Indi finally have the top title? But speaking of, here’s Zoey Stark! And Lyra Valkyria! And Gigi Dolin! And of course, Tiffany Stratton! But also, Roxanne Perez! Roxie holds up the belt now, but who will bring it down from the sky in Hollywood?
Pretty Deadly checks in again.
They climb up a step ladder for this segment, and says Indi makes good on the Last Chance match. The field is now set. Six women put their bodies on the line in a match to crown a “new” women’s champion. Well, Roxie the plucky prodigy is back. And since she never lost the title, this becomes a title defense now. Who does Elton see coming away with the gold? Oh, so glad Kit asked. Because Elton recently had an epiphany. Los Angeles, the city of stars, Hollywood, and there’s only one woman suited for the City of Angels! #BuffBarbie herself! The most glamorous superstar in NXT, Tiffany Stratton! Yes girl!
Kit says this could be a show-stealer! If the fans wanna find out, join us on Saturday for Stand… And Deliver!
Grayson Waller speaks.
Via a Twitter video, captioned “Will I or won’t I?” Waller calls out “Johnny Cosplay.” He’s so close to finally getting what he wanted: him and Waller in an Unsanctioned match. In fact, Waller’s on his way inside right now. Waller had security do one last sweep of the perimeter, and because he knows Gargano’s “a sneaky little hobbit,” they’ll also be all around ringside. But Waller hopes Gargano tunes in. “Because you never know what I’m gonna say.” The 21st Century Success Story is trolling until the very end. Will he sign on the dotted line so that he and Gargano can go to the extreme?
NXT presents Prime Target: Bron Breakker VS Carmelo Hayes.
The NXT Champion says, “This match is like destiny. The youngest main event in WrestleMania Weekend history. Carmelo and I, we came in in the same class, these two alpha males that are just undeniable.” The challenger asks Bron, “Do you know what it takes to be a king? I don’t think you do. Heavy lies the head that wears the crown.” Melo is the 2021 Breakout Star, a winner of NXT WarGames (alongside Bron), the combined longest reigning NXT North American Champion, the one who unified the North American and Cruiserweight titles, and “HIM.”
Melo says this has been a whole different training camp to get ready for this match. He isn’t just doing his high-flying, his mat wrestling, he is covering every aspect. He hits the ropes harder, he takes less steps, he makes less mistakes. He worked out for four hours, partied for three, but skipped the afterparty. Trick Williams couldn’t believe it, but Melo has to put in the work to take on Bron Breakker. Trick and the others understood, and Melo let them go on. Melo didn’t need to go, he’ll celebrate when this is finished, when he has won, and he is at the top of the mountain. The job is not done, it is far from it.
Training montage as Melo pushes himself. But Bron chuckles. It’s funny because he’s been doing that and not going to parties since the first day. He works with weights two and a half hours a day. He runs the ropes another two and a half hours a day. Because that is what it takes to be champion, to be “The Guy.” Bron knows people think matches are won and loss in the ring or in the weight room. But Bron is of the opinion that they’re won and loss in the film room. There is nothing better than to watch film. Melo is fast, he will try to get in Bron’s head, gas him out, and get Bron playing Melo’s game.
You can take Bron to the deep water, but he’s been there so many times, it has become his home. Bron has carried NXT on his back for almost two years now. The NXT title is everything to him, this brand is everything to him. He respect everyone who has come before, but there is a difference. He is the most dominant of all time. This has been the path since Vengeance Day, and now, in LA, Melo vows to take that weight off Bron’s shoulders when he knocks Bron’s head off and takes the title. Melo is Him, and the kingdom of NXT is his, and he wants his effing crown!
Bron says that this one is a bit more special, it means a bit more to him. Fans are torn, but Melo says Bron doesn’t understands. Bron doesn’t want this like Melo wants this! Bron doesn’t wanna go as far as Melo is willing to go! But Bron says when he gets going with that 4.3 speed, hits those Steiner-lines, Melo won’t know where he is. Melo says at Stand & Deliver, he takes everything from Bron because everything is his! Melo is HIM! Bron has promised and continues to promise he will make it through as champion, but who will have the Hollywood ending to their story?
Isla Dawn & Alba Fyre speak.
The Firekeeper says, “When the sun goes down at Stand & Deliver, a darkness will rise over NXT.” The Wicked Witch says, “The eternal horror of gullible fools will not be contained.” The fate of Kiana James and Fallon Henley has already been sealed. Two spirits in turmoil do not deserve to be tag team champions. Fyre and Isla bond together to connect their past and forge their destiny. This Saturday, they burn their opposition tot he ground. And from the ashes, their message will spread far and wide. “It is always darkest before the Dawn, and where there’s smoke, there’s Fyre.” Will nothing stop this devious duo from ascending to the throne?
Hank Walker VS Drew Gulak w/ Charlie Dempsey!
The blue collar working man was already in the 20 Man Battle Royal, but so was the Philly Stretcher. Their fight that literally spilled out of the ring now returns to it, will the student avenge himself against his arrogant teacher? Or will Gulak show Hank he still doesn’t belong?
NXT returns as Gulak makes his entrance, the Son of the Gentleman Villain by his side. The bell rings and Hank rushes in! Gulak dodges, headlocks, but Hank slips out to hammerlock. Gulak throws back elbows then haymakers. Hank blocks to fire off haymakers in return! Hank whips, and he CLOBBERS Gulak! And CLOBBERS him again! Fans rally and Hank back drops Gulak! Gulak staggers up, but Hank hits a MONKEY FLIP, into an ARMBAR! Gulak flails, grapevines a leg and drags Hank into a camel clutch! But Hank slips out to put Gulak in the camel clutch! Gulak powers his way back and gets a leg, STRETCH MUFFLER!
But Hank trips Gulak to put on the STRETCH MUFFLER! And he lifts Gulak off the mat with it! Fans fire up, but Gulak kicks free. Gulak trips Hank, has the heel hook, and he turns Hank over for a HALF CRAB! Hank endures, powers Gulak down and gets the HALF CRAB for himself! Gulak endures, crawls forward, and he has the ROPEBREAK! Hank lets go quickly, Gulak goes to the apron but Hank drags him up. But Gulak HOTSHOTS Hank away! Gulak slides in for a NECKBREAKER! Then a knee drop! And another! And another! Gulak snarls but fans boo. Gulak drags Hank up and whips him to a corner.
Gulak runs in to clothesline! Gulak shoves Hank out to then BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Fans boo but Gulak tells Hank he doesn’t belong. Gulak goes up the corner, and FLYING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! But Gulak has the arm to drag Hank into a CROSSFACE! Hank endures, fans rally, and Hank moves around, only for Gulak to shift to a chinlock. Hank endures, fans rally more and Hank fights up! Hank pries free, but Gulak pulls hair! The ref reprimands but Hank pries Gulak’s hands away. Hank fires off big hands from all sides! Hank whips to THESZ PRESS! And fast hands! Hank fires up and fans are with him!
Hank has Gulak in a corner, whips him corner to corner then SPLASHES! And then whip and SPLASH the other way! Gulak flounders, Hank ripcords him for a FLAPJACK! And down come the straps! Hank roars, runs, and CLOBBERS Gulak! Cover, TWO!! Gulak survives that open field tackle, but Hank is right on him! Wheelbarrow and lift, but Gulak arm-drags to the press and CROSSFACE!! Hank endures, fans rally, and he pops out the back! Hank gets the legs again, wheelbarrows, into the ARMBAR!! Hank pulls on the arm but Gulak clasps hands. Hank powers it open!! Gulak flails, fans are thunderous, but Gulak scrambles over! ROPEBREAK!!
Hank lets go in frustration while fans boo. Hank hurries after Gulak, they’re in the ropes, the ref is busy with Gulak and Dempsey CLOBBERS Hank! Gulak cradles, Gulak wins!!
Winner: Drew Gulak, by pinfall
Fans boo as Gulak steals that one! Hank was about to beat Gulak at his own game, but Gulak needed the assist from his new friend! Will Hank get payback the next time they meet?
Pretty Deadly checks in again.
They’re having a couple mimosas at the bar and Kit says, “Ever since we joined the division, the tag team scene has been a bustling hive of competition.” Elton says that at Stand & Deliver, the NXT Tag Team Championships will be contested in a Triple Threat match. The Creed Brothers have got their mojo back, baby. #AustinPowers. Elton still can’t stand them, but he has to admit, Julius & Brutus have more personality then say this bar rag. The champions, Gallus, well, are the champions. Let’s move on, please. And the new team, Tony D’Angelo & “Stacks” Channing Lorenzo, show family loyalty.
Imagine if The Don & The Underboss win. Kit would love it! Or, speaking of love, Briggs & Jensen do have the opportunity to make this a Fatal 4 Way. Could you imagine if the foursome of Briggs, Jensen, Kiana & Fallon were all tag team champions together at Stand & Deliver? Aw, so magical. Such a perfect fairytale ending. But that’s just the thing about fairytales: there’s always a witch, or witches, right behind. Nice one. Isla & Alba are dangerous duo, and if they have their way, it’ll be a sinister Stand & Deliver. The fairytale could be of heartbreak and tragedy. So see you Saturday afternoon for Stand… And Deliver!
NXT Tag Team Championship Qualifier: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Tony D’Angelo & Channing Lorenzo!
Speaking of that Hollywood ready story, the next chapter is being written right here! Will the Country Strong good ol’ boys fight their way into the title match to join their leading ladies at Stand & Deliver? Or will these underdogs fail to live the dream?
The teams sort out and Stacks starts against Jensen. They circle, tie up, and Jensen shoots to a roll-up, TWO! Jensen waistlocks but Stacks fights up. Stacks arm-drags but Jensen holds on. Stacks makes that a cover, ONE as Jensen bridges into his own cover! TWO, Stacks is free, and the two stand off. Fans applaud while Jensen says it was that close. The two reset, tie up again, and Jensen waistlocks to O’Conner Roll. TWO, Jensen rebounds off ropes, things speed up, and Jensen hip tosses Stacks! Stacks kangaroo kicks, then he scoops and SLAMS Jensen! But Jensen kangaroo kicks back!
Stacks runs in, into a headlock takeover! Stacks tries to headscissor but Jensen fights that to a cover, TWO! Stacks headscissors after all but Jensen kips free. Jensen runs, hurdles, tags Briggs and FACEBUSTERS! Briggs runs in to CLOBBER Stacks! Fans fire up as Briggs scoops, but Tony drags Stacks down! Tony tags in and fans rally as he circles with Briggs. They tie up, Tony waistlocks and SLAMS Briggs. Tony talks trash, grinds his forearm into Briggs’ head, but Briggs fights up. Tony SLAMS Briggs back down, facelocks, but Briggs fights his way up again. Briggs pries the hold open, but Tony shoves him away, only for Briggs to run him over!
Things speed up, Tony drops but Briggs stops short of the back drop to CLUB Tony on the back! Stacks distracts Briggs, and Briggs turns around into a haymaker! Tony tags Stacks, they double whip, body shot and knee lift to an UPPERCUT! Stacks covers, ONE! The ladies are watching backstage, and Fallon still can’t believe Kiana lied to Jensen. Oh, yes, Kiana is so horrible to have gotten Jensen & Briggs a chance at the tag titles. When this is over, Fallon is telling Jensen! No, Fallon, wait! Let’s talk! Fallon hurries off, Kiana hurries after, and we watch the ring again as Stacks has Briggs down in a chinlock.
Briggs endures, fights up, and fans rally. Stacks thrashes Briggs around but Briggs still fights up. Briggs powers out, Tony tags in. Jensen tags in, Briggs CLOBBERS Tony and Jensen CLOBBERS Stacks! Tony & Stacks end up on the ropes, Briggs & Jensen fire up and they slide, to DOUBLE HAYMAKER! Fans fire up with the good ol’ boys as NXT goes picture in picture.
Jensen hurries in after Tony, wrenches an arm and RAMS shoulders. Jensen wrenches again, for an ELBOW BREAKER! Jensen wants after the shoulder but Tony stays on his feet. Briggs tags in, Jensen whips Tony so they can DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Briggs covers, TWO! Briggs clamps onto that arm and grinds it down. Briggs CLUBS Tony, but Tony fights up. Briggs wrenches the arm, tags in Jensen, and Jensen takes the handoff to wrench again. Jensen wrangles Tony to the mat, wrenches the arm again, but Tony DECKS Jensen! Tag to Stacks and he runs in, into an arm-drag!
Jensen has the armlock and grinds the shoulder. Stacks endures, fights up, but Jensen whips him to ropes. Stacks holds the ropes and ELBOWS in return! Jensen comes back, Stacks dodges and Tony CLOBBERS Jensen! The ref reprimands, but now Fallon and Kiana are ringside. Tony stomps Jensen, drags him up and ROCKS him. Tony brings Jensen around, whips Jensen to ropes, and hits a BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! Tony is annoyed, but he drags Jensen up to whip him into the corner. Tag to Stacks, Stacks clamps on a chinlock, and NXT returns to single picture. Stacks claws at Jensen’s face!
Fans rally, the ref reprimands, and Jensen fights his way around. Jensen stands, throws body shots, and is free. Stacks grabs at the pants, Jensen throws elbows! Stacks catches Jensen to a BACKBREAKER! And then a BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Tag to Tony, he drags Jensen up and facelocks for some hockey scrum shots! Fans rally but Jensen drops to his knees. Tony DECKS Jensen, then drags him back up. Tony whips Jensen hard into the corner, tags Stacks, and then Tony scoops. BACKBREAKER, and Stacks leaps in, ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!! Jensen survives but Stacks clamps on with a chinbar and armlock.
Fans rally, Jensen fights up, and Stacks shifts to a headlock. Jensen throws body shots, powers out, but heads collide! Both men fall over and fans rally up. Stacks and Jensen crawl, hot tag to Briggs! Britts rallies on Stacks & Tony! Briggs DECKS Stacks, runs and BOOTS Tony! Stacks runs in but into a SIDEWALK SLAM! SPLASH for Tony! Briggs is all fired up and the fans are with him. Tag to Jensen, and Jensen goes up. Briggs Electric Chair Lifts Stacks, WHEEL KICK DOOMSDAY DEVICE! Jensen covers, Tony barrels through Briggs to break it!! Fans are thunderous as all four men are down!
Fallon & Kiana coach up their boys, Briggs and Tony stare down. They fire up and stand to throw hands! Fans fire up, Briggs gets the edge, but Tony dodges the boot to DECK Briggs out of the ring! Tony tags in off Stacks, then helps Stacks to go after Jensen. They double whip, to BADA BING, BADA BOOM!! Cover, Tony & Stacks win!
Winners: Tony D’Angelo & Channing Lorenzo, by pinfall (DENIES Briggs & Jensen a spot in the NXT Tag Team Championship match)
The Triple Threat stays a Triple Threat, and Stacks says it’s The D’Angelo Boys On Top! Will that be how it goes in Hollywood?
As for the others, Fallon grabs the mic. Fallon knows this isn’t a good time, but this has gone on long enough! There is something Kiana needs to tell Jensen! Kiana says that’s true. There is something she should tell him. But she’d rather just show him. Jensen is confused, but Kiana gives him a kiss! Jensen is over the moon, and Fallon still can’t believe it! Is there no end to the back-up plans Kiana has to cover her bases?
Grayson Waller heads to the ring.
Security is at the ready, just as he said. Fans boo as the 21st Century Success Story walks down the ramp, and then he goes to Vic Joseph at the announce desk. Waller takes the contract, looks it over, and then grabs a pen. Waller says, “Once I’m done, whatever happens in this match, I want to do it in front of you (Vic). Whatever happens to your boy is on your hands.” Waller takes the contract into the ring, and gets a mic. “Hey! You flops better watch my back, because Gargano’s known for his cheap shots. And he could come from anywhere, right?” Fans boo as Waller continues.
“I’m staring at this paper and… I still can’t believe it. Grayson Waller VS Johnny Gargano, at Stand & Deliver.” Fans taunt Waller, “You Can’t Read!” Waller says Melo VS Bron thinks it’s the main event. But it doesn’t matter when he’s on, Waller’s the REAL main event! Because this is a full circle moment. Two years ago, Waller was trying to stand out in front of the new wave. He was trying to build a relationship with the idiot fans! He was singing, dancing, all the things the fans pretend they don’t like but secretly love. “And then came WarGames. And at the time, I was considered the fourth best member of Team 2.0.”
Fans tell Waller to shut up, but Waller continues. He went out there, he stepped in that cage, and he jumped from the top! He put his body on the line because that was gonna be his “viral moment.” That was gonna be what launched him to superstardom. But he was wrong. “Because at the end of the night, after WarGames, all anyone could talk about was Johnny Wrestling. So two nights later, in a night I know you remember very vividly. You (Johnny Gargano) walked to this ring, and everyone couldn’t wait to hear what you had to say! And because you kissed his ass so much, Shawn Michaels gave you as much time as you wanted!
“But it only took me 30 seconds. I saw my mark and I hit it. And let’s be real, Johnny, you are the biggest mark in this business.” Waller stepped out there, hit Gargano with the chair, and sent Gargano home. Then Waller sent himself into the stratosphere. It’s funny, because Gargano told the world that you should bet on yourself. “And if you wanna talk about the last 15 months, no one has bet on themselves more than Grayson Waller! And if you want proof, my proof is right here! I have the greatest big match superstar in NXT history begging me to kick his ass at Stand & Deliver. Don’t forget that, Johnny: you’re begging me. I’m your golden ticket right now!”
Waller admits, Gargano is the greatest big match superstar in NXT history. Gargano’s done it all. The records, the titles, the matches, the moments. Johnny Gargano IS Mr. NXT. “But just like your idol, Mr. WrestleMania, Shawn Michaels, you are gonna lose at Stand & Deliver. You bleed black ‘n’ gold, lad? I bleed green. 15 months ago, I used you to put myself on the map. And at Stand & Deliver, I use you one more time-” GARGANO IS HERE?! But Waller told him not to show up or he wouldn’t sign the contract! Waller is ready for a fight, he dares Gargano to come for this fight, but where is Gargano?
HE’S THE CAMERAMAN!! Gargano sets the camera down, takes off the hat and mask, and he rushes Waller! Security finally realizes and they rush in! Fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but security does its job in separating them. But then Waller and Gargano get loose to fire off hands again! Waller bails, Gargano pursues, and they COLLIDE! Waller tumbles over steel steps, Gargano goes after him, and the scrapping continues at the ramp! Fans rally behind Gargano but Waller TACKLES him on the stage! Security pulls them apart again, but Gargano gets free to LEAP onto the pile!
Fans fire up but the two are separated again. Johnny Wrestling and the viral villain are ready to stand and deliver, but who will be left standing at all in the end?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT and a great go-home, though still with the usual level of talking for NXT, which is a little too much talking. I do appreciate that Pretty Deadly was inserting themselves all over the show to give their thoughts and predictions. And they were entertaining each segment so it is still fine. Isla & Alba have a good promo to give their thoughts on Fallon & Kiana being at odds. And I’m glad we got Prime Target back since this isn’t NXT 2.0 but “white & gold” era. But none of these really change the math in those matches as I see it. Melo is still the proper choice to win so Bron can move on, and given Fallon & Kiana are so against each other right now, Isla & Alba are definitely taking those titles.
Speaking of that story, the romcom of Jensen and Kiana continues to take some really clever turns that also help tie into other stories. The tag team “main event” of Briggs & Jensen VS Tony & Stacks was a really good match, and it adds to story. Kiana uses the tag match and that public kiss to deflect from Sebastian. At this rate, Kiana is gonna marry Jensen before she tells him about Sebastian. Which honestly, would be a hilarious thing given American pro-wrestling can’t help but have weddings. And this win gives Tony & Stacks the momentum going into the Triple Threat. I’m thinking this all leads to Gallus finding a way to retain the titles.
Opening with the battle royal was the right move, as was making it chaotic like the rest of the North American Championship open challenge segments. Scrypts going after Axiom is good consistency, but I’m pleasantly surprised to see he didn’t stop Axiom from winning. I thought they were gonna put a giant over but nope, we got two Cruiserweights at the end. Also great detail was that the final three were NXT UK alumni (Axiom is A-Kid for anyone who still doesn’t know). And in the end, Axiom finally gets what he wants in getting this title opportunity. If Wes isn’t winning, this is anyone’s game, all of these guys are that great.
Though, I’m not sure we needed Gulak VS Hank here tonight after both men already competed in the battle royal. It was still a great match, with a strong showing from Hank and a classic Heel shenanigan for Gulak to win. But I would’ve waited to make this part of the aftermath episode next Tuesday to help bridge things into the Spring and Summer phases. Meanwhile, Eddy Thorpe has a good TV debut after a string of matches on Level Up. Formerly Karl Fredericks in NJPW as a Young Lion, Thorpe brings those basics and essential moves, but shows he can do the fancier stuff. The Twist ‘n’ Shout swinging neckbreaker is a great finisher, can’t wait to hear its finisher name.
Good match from Feroz and Lopez, and I figured Lopez would win, but I’m surprised Lopez didn’t cheat since that was kinda the whole point of their story. Maybe Feroz points that out to Lopez next week and Lopez starts to see things her way. Good stuff out of Chase U, especially the checked out attitude of Duke Hudson. I think Duke’s assist was meant to screw Bate but it ended up an assist because Bate jumped for the tope. And good promo from The Schism to bum everyone out after Bate’s win. Duke helping screw Chase U over seems a bit obvious but sometimes stories go in the obvious direction.
Roxanne being back before Stand & Deliver is quite the surprise to me. I really thought we were waiting for an Undisputed NXT Women’s Championship story, but I suppose putting that on just a TV special like Spring Breakkin’ isn’t enough. So instead, Roxie makes her return, she champions the fight of mental health and anxiety to still be champion going into Stand & Deliver. I’d somehow lost count, but yeah, a SIX WAY Ladder Match. That is wild, and much like with the North American Championship, I see it as Roxie retaining, or anyone’s guess of a new champion. Indi winning that great Last Chance Triple Threat was a bit of a surprise, but Stand & Deliver could be her good-bye match to NXT. Then she rejoins The Way on Raw in a big moment of some kind.
And speaking of big moment, great final segment with Waller and Gargano. Good promo from Waller showing us that indeed, this is full circle. Waller was honestly good at being a Face back in the days of 205 Live. But even then, there were hints of being arrogant and defying authority, Waller’s come into his own as a Heel, perhaps one the top Heel at this point. I thought Waller was gonna beat up Vic since he was to have Gargano banned from the building, but Waller said it himself, Gargano became “Johnny Cosplay” pulling off the covered up cameraman disguise. Great brawl, it was a wash so no one has the math behind them, but I would think that with Gargano on Raw now, Waller will use the fact this is Unsanctioned/No Disqualification to win and just have all the Heel heat.
My Score: 8.7/10
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