Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/20/20)
Mosh Pit Kid VS Evil Genius!
Who will rise up to face the NXT Women’s Champion?
Rhea Ripley is back and wants HER title, but she’ll have to get through Io Shirai! Will either prove themselves worthy of the NXT Women’s Championship?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Karrion Kross w/ Scarlet Bourdeaux VS Liam Gray; Kross wins.
- Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Group B: Akira Tozawa VS El Hijo del Fanstasma; Fantasma wins and advances to the finals.
- Mia Yim VS Santana Garrett; Yim wins.
- Roderick Strong VS Dexter Lumis; Strong wins.
- Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch VS Ever-Rise; Lorcan & Burch win.
- Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Group A: Kushida VS Drake Maverick; Maverick wins and forces a Triple Threat Group A Finals.
- Rhea Ripley VS Io Shirai; Shirai wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE mourns the loss of Shad Gaspard.
Karrion Kross w/ Scarlet Bourdeaux VS Liam Gray!
Time is up on the doomsday clock! The one man Armageddon is here, and you can only FALL AND PRAY! Will this be the fate of yet another foe?
The bell rings, and Kross catches Liam for an EXPLODER! Liam writhes and flounders but Kross just grins. He picks Liam up for a NORTHERN LIGHTS, and then rolls through to a DOOMSDAY SAIDO! Kross looms over Liam and drags him up into the KROSS-JACKET!! Liam taps, Kross wins!!
Winner: Karrion Kross, by submission
Scarlet celebrates the slaughter of another lamb! Liam Gray is very black and blue, but will Kross continue to see red as he continues to hunt the NXT roster?
But wait! That heartbeat! Tommaso Ciampa returns! He stares at Kross from the stage then grabs a mic. “Allow me to officially introduce myself. My name is Tommaso Ciampa. This, that ring you’re standing in, all of this, is my home.” But Kross knew that, didn’t he? Of course he did. That’s why Kross went after the main attraction! And Ciampa gets it. Part of him respects that. Standing in Kross’ presence, feeling that aura, and seeing that 6’4″, 265 pound frame of special in a locker room full of the absolute best today. That entrance is special! It’s killer. Ciampa climbs onto the apron and Scarlet holds the ropes open for him. Ciampa enters and gets a closer look at Kross.
Does Kross know what else is special? Ciampa is special. That is why he had to come out, look Kross in the eyes, and let him know that on June 7th, at TakeOver, it will be Ciampa VS Kross. That’s special. “Welcome to the main event.” Ciampa drops the mic and backs away slowly. But will he be able to walk away when #TheEndIsNear #InYourHouse?
Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Group B: Akira Tozawa VS El Hijo del Fanstasma!
For this block, it all comes down to this! Jack Gallagher spoiled things for Swerve, so either the Stamina Monster or the second generation lucha libre icon moves on to the tournament finals! Who takes Group B by the reins on the way to a title reign?
The bell rings and Fantasma circles with Tozawa. They tie up and Fantasma waistlocks to roll, ONE! Tozawa gets the legs, floats to a headlock and grinds Fantasma, but Fantasma headscissors. Tozawa pops out and the two back off. They circle and tie up again, and Fantasma trips Tozawa to a double wristlock cover. ONE as Tozawa brings up a shoulder, but Fantasma mounts. ONE as Tozawa bridges! Fantasma brings Tozawa up to trip up again, but Tozawa bridges to resist covers. Tozawa fights up and bends Fantasma back, but Fantasma bridges now. Tozawa brings Fantasma down, TWO! The two roll, go shoulder to shoulder, and Fantasma shifts to a facelock and suplex! Float over but Tozawa bridges out right away. The two nod respect and circle again.
Fantasma sweeps, covers, ONE! Tozawa sweeps, covers, ONE! Fantasma arm-drags but Tozawa springs up and arm-drags right back! Tozawa dropkicks but Fantasma dodges, and the two stand off again. Things cool off as the two circle. Fantasma lunges in to waistlock and slams Tozawa down! He flips Tozawa over, but Tozawa kips up to CHOP! Fantasma CHOPS back, and now we have a CHOP fight! CHOP for CHOP, but then Tozawa fakes Fantasma out to JAB! Tozawa dodges, runs, Fantasma pops him up but Tozawa huricanranas! Fantasma bails out but Tozawa builds speed. Tozawa stops short when he sees Fantasma move, and he goes to the apron to FLYING HURICANRANA instead! Fantasma flounders at the ramp and Tozawa goes back to the apron. Tozawa aims and CANNONBALLS Fantasma into barriers! Both men crash down and a ring count begins as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns as Tozawa tries to get Fantasma in the Iron Octopus. Fantasma fights back but Tozawa clubs him down., Tozawa runs but Fantasma trips him up! Fantasma drags him to the apron and spins him around for a KICK! Fantasma adds on with an apron SPLASH! He puts Tozawa in the ring to then slingshot senton! Cover, TWO! Fantasma keeps on Tozawa with a facelock and drags him up. Fantasma clubs Tozawa then back suplexes. Tozawa lands on his feet and shoves to back kick, spin and slide under. Waistlock and GERMAN SUPLEX! Tozawa has Fantasma in a drop zone and heads to the top rope. Tozawa takes aim but Fantasma trips him up! Fantasma climbs up to join him, throws forearms on Tozawa, then goes for the suplex. Tozawa fights back and turns Fantasma around.
Fantasma elbows back and Tozawa hops down, only to springboard back up! But Fantasma blocks the steiner for a fireman’s carry! BUCKLE GUTBUSTER DROP! Fantasma drags Tozawa off the top for a cover, TWO!! Tozawa grits his teeth as he survives and Fantasma can’t believe it! Fantasma vows to end this and he CHOPS Tozawa. Fantasma whips but Tozawa dodges and wheelbarrows, for a BULLDOG! Tozawa has Fantasma in a drop zone again and heads up top. TOKYO TOWER SENTON!! But Fantasma flops out of the ring! Tozawa pursues, puts Fantasma back in and covers, TWO!! Fantasma survives but Tozawa keeps focus. Tozawa throws forearms over and over on Fantasma at the ropes, then runs, but into a dropkick! He’s sent out of the ring! Fantasma aims and builds speed, ARROW FROM HELL!! Direct hit at the ramp! Fantasma gets Tozawa back in and goes corner to corner, for a big back elbow! Then fireman’s carry, but Tozawa fights out!
Tozawa changes the fireman’s carry to the IRON OCTOPUS! Fantasma fights out again, gets the carry back, and hits the PHANTOM DRIVER!! Cover, Fantasma wins!!
Winner: El Hijo del Fantasma, by pinfall (moves up to 2-1; Tozawa drops to 2-1)
The Stamina Monster does NOT go undefeated! And despite the tied records, because he lost to Fantasma, Tozawa is OUT! Fantasma is the Group B Finalist! Will Fantasma skyrocket to the top of the Cruiserweight Division with just one more match?
NXT hears from Timothy Thatcher.
“Last week, I left the Matt Riddle circus.” He enjoyed wrenching Riddle’s arm and tearing at his leg. But he wants more. Pinfalls won’t be enough. No fluke pins! Riddle wins by knockout or tap out! Those are the rules Thatcher puts before The Bro. Riddle can choose the time and place, because Thatcher is ready. Will we see these battle tested warriors go all out at TakeOver?
NXT hears from Shotzi Blackheart.
The wild child from Oakland, California has a motto in life: #TCB, “Take Care o’ Business.” She is balls to the wall! Who’s your daddy? Shotzi is! Some people like cars, Shotzi loves TANKS! The 105 Howitzer is the “Dirty Blonde.” Like tanks, Shotzi don’t give an ISH! Tanks make their own path, so Shotzi will do that, too. Her dad was a motorcycle badass who introduced her to rock ‘n’ roll, punk rock, and wrestling. There’s a synergy of ballsy rebellion. Shotzi feels like she can do anything to anyone at any time. And do you want to see what she does to the NXT Women’s Division? Watch her demonstrate with the help of her Howitzer! Shotzi knows how Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez look at her. Shotzi makes no apologies for who she is. What you see is what you get, and what you get is something you can’t handle! Crunching cars is music to Shotzi’s ears. Dakota and Raquel are gonna feel that, too. Even Chelsea Green, Candice LeRae and anyone else who gets in her way! Get out the way or get crushed by the real-life Tank Girl!
Mia Yim VS Santana Garrett!
The Head Baddie in Charge and her Limitless lover are the new targets of #TheJohnnyGarganoWay. Will Mia show Candice LeRae why she ain’t nothin’ to mess with? Or will the Wonder Woman of Wrestling make big waves of her own in the ever intensifying Women’s Division?
The bell rings and Mia circles with Santana. The two tie up, Santana waistlocks and whips but Mia reverses. Santana goes up and over and arm-drags Mia down. Mia gets up fast and arm-drags back, and both women dropkick! Mia nods respect but Santana knees her low! Santana whips Mia to a corner then runs in, to handspring back elbow! Santana smiles as she drags Mia into a facelock and snap suplex! Roll back to a cover, TWO! Mia runs into a waistlock but elbows and switches. Mia full nelsons for a DRAGON SUPLEX! She drags Santana up for Kowata kicks then a step through, PROTECT YA NECK! Cover, Mia wins!
Winner: Mia Yim, by pinfall
The HBIC redeems herself after that loss to Charlotte Flair, but then Johnny Gargano comes out mocking the theme song. He and Candice want everyone to give it up for “Mia! Mia!” But there’s no fans to cheer along. Candice “congratulates” Mia for winning, but what happened to that match with the NXT Women’s Championship? Mia was handed a chance on a silver platter, but dropped the ball because she was too busy pandering to “them.” Candice would’ve loved that same opportunity! Loved it! She would’ve thrived in that match! Thrived!! Too bad Mia took that from Candice. That’s a tragedy. Johnny knows Candice wouldn’t have blown her chance like you-know-who. But while they’re all out here, how about the Garganos show what happens to someone undeserving? Johnny gets on the apron but Mia BOOTS him down!
Candice attacks from behind with hammering fists, but Mia KNEES back! Mia runs but Candice and Gargano dump her out! Johnny and Candice laugh, but here comes Keith Lee! The NXT North American Champion scares Gargano off to regroup with Candice. Keith helps Mia up, and they both storm the ring! The Garganos run away, but are still cocky as before. Mia says the Garganos just messed with the wrong duo. Will #TheJohnnyGarganoWay have to protect their necks? Or will they #BaskInHisGlory?
NXT hears from Cameron Grimes.
The Carolina Caveman laughs it up as he notes last week’s “greatest moment in NXT history!” The greatest NXT Champion ever and original WWE Universal Champion, Finn Balor, lost to Cameron Grimes! Grimes used to look up to Balor. But after that Cave-In, Balor was looking up at Grimes for the 1-2-3. That may be an upset or a surprise, but Grimes doesn’t care what y’all think. All he knows is, it’s #GrimeTime! Of course, that win was given to him by Damian Priest. We will hear from Priest later tonight, but will there be a response from The Prince?
Backstage interview with Drake Maverick!
Tonight is his last match in the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship tournament. He must defeat Kushida in order to even stay alive in the standings. Maverick says hope seems to be all anyone thinks he has. Not to mention all the cliches, like his back is against the wall, fighting from underneath in this underdog story. Maverick has heard them all in his life. The reality is, Maverick is up against perhaps the greatest Junior Heavyweight wrestler, best Lightweight wrestler, best Cruiserweight wrestler, whatever terminology you want to use. Kushida is just the best! So Maverick has two options: beat him by pinfall, or beat him by submission. But the last time Maverick checked, he’s NOT Bret Hart. So y’know what? Maverick admits he is tired. He is tired of second-guessing himself. He is tired of asking, “What if?” And he’s tired of feeling sorry for himself, having people give him pep talks, and people trying to give him advice. He has ONE thing to do tonight, and one thing only: WIN. Can Maverick do it?!
Roderick Strong VS Dexter Lumis!
The Undisputed Era dislike a lot of wrestlers in NXT, but they’re starting to dislike the lethal, lurking and outright loony Lumis most of all. Can the Savior of the Backbreaker break Lumis and get him out of their way? Or will Lumis be the one doing the breaking tonight?
As Strong makes his entrance with the Undisputed Era, Adam Cole makes sure we remember he is the longest reigning NXT Champion of all time. Maybe next week, he and the fellas celebrate the one year mark! One UNDISPUTED year! But Strong goes into the ring alone and the rest of the Era go back to the back. Will Roddy be okay being all alone with “the creepy dork”?
The bell rings and Strong is wary of Lumis. They tie up, Strong wrenches and clamps onto the shoulder as he spins Lumis around. Lumis wrenches back and brings Strong down to the mat. Strong gets up, wrenches and headlocks, but Lumis wrenches out. Lumis has the keylock but Strong gets the ropebreak. The ref counts and Lumis lets go. Lumis turns away but turns right back to catch Strong creeping up on him! Strong freaks and bails out of the ring. Lumis watches as Strong takes his time returning. The two circle and tie up again. Strong gets a leg but Lumis stays standing. Lumis facelocks and gut wrenches but Strong switches to a waistlock. Lumis reaches back to headlock and throw Strong down. Strong scrambles away again in frustration. Strong wants Lumis to stop staring but Lumis doesn’t. Strong rushes in but into a drop toehold! Strong gets up fast but Lumis throws uppercut after uppercut!
Lumis brings Strong up to scoop and slam! Then he drops a leg, brother! Strong gets up again but Lumis runs corner to corner for another uppercut! Strong knees back and throws haymakers! Strong CHOPS then brings Lumis around for forearms. He whips Lumis corner to corner but Lumis reverses and runs in. Strong BOOTS and ROCKS Lumis! He whips but Lumis reveres and runs to BULLDOG! Strong bails out again but Lumis pursues. Lumis kicks, Strong kicks back and runs away! Lumis grabs him and pulls him from the corner but Strong boots. Lumis uppercuts but is sent into the steel steps! Strong gives Lumis a back suplex to the apron! Lumis is down and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns as Strong fires off fists in the corner. Strong runs side to side to forearm smash, then again! He wrenches and reels Lumis in for a backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Strong clamps onto Lumis with a chinloick, then traps the arms for a seated cobra twist. Lumis endures and even glares at Strong in the eyes! Strong hammers and clubs Lumis, and tells him to stop with the staring. But again Lumis powers against the forearm in his face to stare in Strong’s soul! Strong pulls Lumis’ nose! The ref reprimands and Strong stops to put on a chinlock. But Lumis looks at him again and it creeps Strong out. Strong lets Lumis go to stomp him, but Lumis hits back. Strong clubs and knees Lumis, then drags Lumis up for forearms. Lumis forearms back! Strong hits back, but Lumis DECKS him! Lumis whips, Strong reverses and knees! Then OLYMPIC SLAMS Lumis down! Cover, TWO!! Lumis lives and Strong is frustrated.
Strong pushes Lumis around but Lumis doesn’t look away. Strong stomps Lumis then fish hooks the face to elbow him in the head. Strong grabs a leg and stomps Lumis in the stomach. He turns Lumis but Lumis grabs at Strong. Lumis kicks Strong away then gets up to ROCK him again! Strong clubs back, and again! Lumis finally falls to his knees, but he slips out of the second Olympic Slam to shove and THESZ PRESS! Lumis throws fast hands then DECKS Strong over and over! Uppercut! Lumis whips and back drops Strong! Lumis keeps throwing hands on Strong at the ropes, then drags him up for a rebound suplex! Cover, TWO! Lumis drags Strong up to look him in the eyes, but Strong elbows back! Strong leans on the ropes, but he BOOTS and ENZIGURIS! He CHOPS Lumis, but Lumis seems to welcome it. Strong CHOPS again, but Lumis silently eggs him on. Strong CHOPS and CHOPS and forearms and elbows and clubs away! Lumis wobbles, but he SPINE BUSTERS Strong down!
Lumis drags Strong up, but Strong elbows out of the slam! Strong grabs the legs, yanks Lumis up, and even anticipates the twisting body scissors! Strong sits on that for a cover, Strong wins!!
Winner: Roderick Strong, by pinfall
Lumis may be calculating, but he didn’t see Strong pulling that one out! Strong celebrates ringside, but Lumis slithers up to grab him! The Anaconda Vice in the ropes!! Strong flails but Lumis drags him down to the ground and puts him out! The ref shouts at Lumis but Lumis doesn’t care. The Undisputed Era return and kick away but Lumis doesn’t let go of Strong! Fish holds Lumis in place, but Velveteen Dream CLOBBERS Cole! Dream throws Fish into steel steps, and then SUPERKICKS Cole over the barriers! Dream climbs up to mock the UE hand signs-for that matter, he’s mocking the entire faction by wearing their merchandise-and then LEAPS! SUPER PURPLE RAIN MAKER onto Cole on the floor!! Dream just crushed Cole, and Lumis pets Strong while he sleeps. Are these two equally yet very different eccentrics the perfect combination to take down the Undisputed Era?
Fantasma finds Tozawa in the parking lot.
He pulls up alongside the Stamina Monster to thank him for that great match tonight. Tozawa is crazy, but he has Fantasma’s respect. Tozawa thanks Fantasma back, but then those mystery luchadors attack him!? Fantasma hurries to help but the golden masked men get away again! Just what is going on around Full Sail?!
Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch VS Ever-Rise!
The One Two returns to NXT, hoping to punch their ticket to the tag team titles! But will they be able to get the 1-2-3 on the ever eager Matt Martel and Chase Parker?
The teams sort out and Parker starts with Burch. They circle, tie up, and Burch headlocks. Parker powers out but Burch runs him over! Burch speeds things up, and catches Parker out of the air! Parker ends up in the enemy corner and gets a clothesline and enziguri! Burch hops up and hits a missile dropkick! Parker tags Martel in but Martel gets ROCKED! Tag to Oney and the brawlers wrench and CHOP Martel down! Oney brings Martel up for EuroUppers and CHOPS! Martel headlocks, Parker tags in, but Oney fights them both off! He elbows Martel down and Dragon Screws Parker! Running EuroUpper! Running BLOCKBUSTER! Oney is fired up and drags Parker into a Half Crab! Burch catches Martel for a CROSSFACE! Ever-Rise taps, Burch & Lorcan win!
Winners: Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch, by submission
Fast and furious! The BritAm Brawlers get it down with technical holds! But will they step up to Imperium’s Barthel & Aichner and finally take over the tag team division?
NXT Superstars react to this new Candice and Johnny.
Tegan Nox asks Candice, “Who are you lately?” Dakota says Candice is someone who doesn’t need to explain herself to anyone. Then Dakota mocks Tegan by saying she should go make another comeback story. One that’s “Emotional. Gripping. Repetitive.”
Backstage interview with Keith Lee.
The Limitless One asked for this time to speak. And before anyone asks, yes, Keith saw the Gargano “dinner party” last week. Who in the bluest of blue hell records themselves eating dinner? But moreover, Keith doesn’t care what the Garganos think about him. What he has a problem with are the antics from tonight. This “Gargano way” is what he has a problem with. #TheJohnnyGarganoWay reaches its limit at TakeOver. Go tell the world. Will Keith and Mia show Johnny and Candice how things are really done in NXT?
Matt Riddle speaks.
“Trashy Tim, I bet you think you’re pretty cool taking a walk on me, Pete and the tag team titles.” And then he attacks Riddle from behind with a TV monitor. But then Riddle came back and beat him. But then Thatcher tried to clip The Bro’s wings. Thatcher isn’t a stallion, he’s a putz. And then Thatcher challenges Riddle to a knockout, tap out fight. Riddle’s down for that, bro. But any location? Riddle has an idea. It’ll be somewhere they’re both familiar: a steel cage! NXT might have some true MMA on their hands with this one!
Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Group A: Kushida VS Drake Maverick!
We’ve heard and seen the emotional roller coaster Rockstar Spud has been riding lately. This match could be his very last chance not just at this title, but being a wrestler in the WWE at all. Can Maverick force a huge tie in the group and really turn this tournament upside down? Or is it only a matter of time for the Time Splitter to add another title to his resume?
The bell rings and Maverick circles with Kushida. They tie up, Kushida puts Maverick in the corner, but lets up at the ref’s count. They go again, Kushida headlocks, but Maverick powers him to ropes. Kushida lets go and Maverick gives a push as they break. The two circle again, Kushida waistlocks to a headlock and grinds Maverick down. Maverick endures, fights up and powers out. Kushida reels Maverick in, but Maverick tilt-o-whirls to sunset flip! TWO, Kushida avoids Mavericks lunge and wags his finger, “No, no, no.” The two go around again, knuckle lock but Kushida drags Maverick into an armlock. Maverick rolls, Kushida pushes him away, and then Kushida runs Maverick over. Things speed up, Maverick drops down but Kushida basement dropkicks him! Maverick gets up to throw haymakers on Kushida! Kushida KICKS back, but Maverick kicks, too! Maverick CHOPS and has Kushida on the ropes. Maverick whips, Kushida back handspring elbows Maverick down! Kushida drop toeholds and goes after the arm!
Maverick resists but Kushida pushes him down. Kushida hammerlocks the arm around a leg, then pulls the other arm! Kushida steps through to have both legs, for a snap deathlock on them both! Maverick clutches his elbows but Kushida looms over him. Wait, Jake Atlas appears ringside? He’s cheering Maverick on as Maverick throws body shots. Kushida wrenches and hits a shoulder breaker! Kushida stalks Maverick to the corner and dropkicks him down! Maverick hits back with clubbing forearms, but Kushida wrenches and wrings Maverick to the mat. Kushida digs a knee into the shoulder but Maverick resists. Kushida stays on top of Maverick as he wrenches and SLAMS the arm! Then he cartwheel dropkicks Maverick down! Cover, TWO! Maverick is still in this as NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Maverick brawls with Kushida! They go forearm for forearm but Kushida KICKS the arm! But Maverick fires off more forearms! He whips Kushida but Kushida reverses. Maverick goes up and over and Kushida crashes into buckles. Maverick baits Kushida into a drop toehold and he crashes into more buckles! Atlas cheers Maverick on as Maverick KNEES Kushida out of the corner! Maverick hops up, leaps, and missile dropkicks Kushida down! Then he hops on, for a SUNSET BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Maverick grows desperate but Kushida PENALTY KICKS the bad arm! Kushida dodges Maverick’s clothesline to hit the FAST BALL! Maverick grits his teeth but he gets a SHOTEI! Maverick flounders to a corner, Kushida runs in, SHOTEI!! Kushida drags Maverick out, wrenches the arm, and drops a knee on it! Maverick clutches the elbow but gets to his feet. Kushida throws Maverick out of the ring and gives him a breather.
The ring count begins and Maverick drags himself up. Maverick stands at 5 and gets in at 6. He refuses to quit, and he throws hands on Kushida! Kushida scoop SLAMS Maverick down, then backs off. Maverick sits up but Kushida stands on the arm. He hammerlock STOMPS it! Then wrenches with the double wristlock! Maverick refuses to give up and he gets to the ropes! Kushida lets go and the ref asks Maverick if he wants to stop. Maverick will NOT stop, and he throws haymakers on Kushida. Kushida uppercuts Maverick back down, then goes after the arm again. Kushida cranks on the wrist and elbow but Maverick screams “NO!!” Maverick is taking the Hoverboard Lock, but he doesn’t say die! Atlas cheers Maverick’s determination, but Kushida hits another SHOTEI! Maverick eggs Kushida on, and Kushida gets the arm again. Kushida starts the tornado but Maverick sits him up top! Maverick ROCKS Kushida with a right, and Atlas is encouraging Maverick to finish this.
Maverick climbs up top, but Kushida has the bad arm again! Top rope Hoverboard! The ref counts, Kushida lets go at 4, but again Maverick ROCKS him! Maverick climbs with one good arm, brings Kushida up, and wheelbarrows, only to be blocked! Kushida hits a SUPER TAKEDOWN into the CROSS ARMBREAKER!! Maverick fights but Kushida pulls on the arm! Maverick makes it a cover, MAVERICK WINS?!?
Winner: Drake Maverick, by pinfall (moves up to 2-1; Kushida drops to 2-1)
Incredible!! Was this the #MiracleontheMat? Maverick brings about the unbelievable THREE WAY TIE in Group A!! Maverick beat Kushida, Kushida beat Atlas, but Atlas beat Maverick! Atlas joins both Maverick and Kushida in the ring as Byron Saxton tells them the news. NXT GM, William Regal, says that this three-way tie brings about one more match in Group A! Next week, it is a TRIPLE THREAT to determine Group A’s finalist!! Maverick’s win keeps himself and Atlas alive in the tournament, but will there be one more miracle in store for Rockstar Spud?
NXT hears from Damian Priest.
“The key to infamy: multiple targets.” The Archer of Infamy clearly wants to be champion, and championships will come. But Finn Balor returning to NXT was a possible target that turned into an opportunity. Balor put NXT on the map. For that reason alone, Priest is coming for Balor. And not just on any stage. He will do it on the stage Balor made a name for himself: TakeOver. This TakeOver, Balor’s name will turn to ash, while Priest’s name will #LiveForever. Is Priest going to end the reign of The Prince In Your House?
Rhea Ripley VS Io Shirai!
The Queen took the NXT Women’s Championship from the Mosh Pit Kid at WrestleMania, then cheated the Evil Genius out of it in their first-ever showdown. However, the two contenders ended up turning on each other because they both want Charlotte Flair all to themselves. Will one clear their path of the other and go after Charlotte’s throne soon enough? Or is this benefiting Charlotte most of all?
The bell rings and Shirai dropkicks Rhea right away! Shirai and Rhea brawl, then Rhea knees low. Rhea whips, Shirai hols ropes and kicks back! Shirai grins at Rhea and things speed up. Rhea catches Shirai but Shirai slips out and CLAWS the back! Rhea is mad, blocks Shirai’s punches and CLOBBERS her! And again! And again! Shirai dodges but Rhea dropkicks her out! Shirai gets to the apron and tells Rhea to back off. Rhea does, only to come right after her with stomps! Rhea drags Shirai up to slam her down! Then again! Rhea eggs Shirai on before dragging her up again. Shirai fights free but Rhea reels her in for a waistlock. Shirai wheelbarrows, rolls and STOMPS! Cover, ONE!! Shirai can’t believe Rhea got out so quickly, but NXT goes to one last break.
NXT returns once again and Shirai tries to whip Rhea. Rhea blocks with power to whip Shirai the other way. Shirai dodges, handsprings but Rhea gets clear. They both run, Shirai huricanranas but Rhea blocks! Rhea brings her up but Shirai sunset flips and covers, TWO! Shirai headlocks and gets a crossface! Rhea endures as Shirai cranks on her neck, and she fights her way up to her feet. Rhea drags Shirai up and RAMS her into buckles! Shirai lets go and Rhea sits her up. Shirai boots back and then goes up top! Rhea staggers over and SWATS Shirai! Rhea throws more haymakers then climbs up top. She clubs away on Shirai’s back then brings her up. Shirai resists the superplex and fights back. Rhea headbutts over and over and over to sit Shirai down! Then Rhea drags Shirai to the very top, for a SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Shirai survives and Rhea is furious! Rhea gets up and looms over Shirai. She drags Shirai up by her hair, but Shirai UPPERCUTS! And again! And SHOTEI! But Rhea DECKS her!!
Rhea drags Shirai up again, back suplexes, but Shirai lands on her feet. Shirai baits Rhea into a takedown! CROSSFACE! Rhea crawls and claws over, reaches for the ropes, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Shirai lets go fast, but she is growing frustrated. Shirai runs, and TIGER FEINT! She springboards and missile dropkicks Rhea out! Then DIVES! Tope suicida at the ramp! And here comes Charlotte! The hardest working woman in the WWE mocks her contenders as they throw hands on each other. Rhea clubs away on Shirai, then glares at Charlotte before throwing Shirai to the ring. But Shirai tiger feints again, and tilt-o-whirl headscissors Rhea into Charlotte! Down goes the Queen! Shirai drags Rhea up and into the ring, then aims from across the way. Shirai runs in, to METEORA! Cover, TWO! Rhea survives and Shirai is shocked!
Shirai clubs Rhea on the back but Rhea pushes her away. Rhea pops Shirai up but Shirai hits a DDT! Cover, TWO! And Charlotte BOOTS Shirai down!!
Winner: Io Shirai, by disqualification
Once again, Charlotte gives Shirai a win, but not the way Shirai would want it! But Charlotte isn’t done, she watches Rhea stand up, and SPEARS her back down! The Mad Queen laughs as she leaves her contenders down for the count. She holds the NXT Women’s Championship up as she stands over them. Will the Queen have to face the consequences of her actions soon enough?
My Thoughts:
A great episode for NXT with some great progress towards TakeOver: In Your House. First, the opening segment was pretty good. Kross wrecks another jobber, but then Ciampa returning was a good surprise. That match is going to be great for TakeOver. Mia gets a quick win off Santana Garrett, but the main thing was the quick little brawl with Candice. Since TakeOvers are usually concise with its match card, I would think Keith VS Gargano for the NXT North American Championship is the TakeOver match, but the go-home to it really should be the Mixed Tag of Johnny & Candice VS Keith & Mia. Also I like that Tegan and Dakota were able to get their feud in through the Candice Heel Turn. Shotzi had a somewhat corny but fairly good promo, keeping all of her feud options fresh on the table. We got a filler tag of Oney & Burch winning, but I’m sure they’ll be contending for the NXT Tag Team Championship again during Empty Arena Era.
The Cruiserweight story is going great, but I do understand the controversy of Maverick being in this position. I said before that in a vacuum, this is actually great writing. In the context of the “Black Wednesday” releases, it’s poor taste and bad timing. But either way, Maverick is nailing every part of this, and I am impressed that NXT pulled off the three way tie. I can’t be sure which is the better move: Maverick uses the Triple Threat to sneak a win, only to lose to Fantasma; or the inevitable happens, and Kushida wins. I feel like there’s a lot for Maverick to still do either way, I’m just not sure which the fans would go crazy for since they aren’t live to react. Meanwhile, I have a feeling those gold mask luchadors might screw Fantasma out of the title, regardless of who his finals opponent is. Thatcher and Riddle in a Cage Match is going to be awesome next week! And it’s not a Steel Cage match, in that you can win by escaping. The cage is there simply to give the match that MMA feel. Riddle won last week but Thatcher stood tall, so it’s anyone’s guess who wins the rematch.
Grimes has a good promo, as does Priest. Balor VS Priest is going to be really good, but I would think Balor wins. Lumis and Strong had an incredible match, and Lumis’ character work is so strong right now! Dream making the save and that epic (though most certainly edited) Purple Rain Maker was all great stuff. Lumis and Dream make quite the combo and I would think we get another tag match of them against the Undisputed Era. There is still a chance one or even both of them challenge Cole for the title at TakeOver to see if that one-year-plus reign continues or stops. But I swear we better get a Triple Threat for the women’s title. Rhea and Shirai had an amazing match, even with Charlotte busting it apart. But I felt that was coming, so it’s all fine. And I believe I also said before that a Triple Threat is the perfect way for Shirai to get the title, especially if she pins Rhea and not Charlotte.
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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QTV gets Dark!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/27/23)
Another MASSIVE Monday!
Mitchell’s AEW Dark: Elevation Results & Report! (3/27/23)
Independence gets Elevated!
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (3/25/23)
Will Hobbs is on a Rampage!
DWI Podcast #370: Edge Myself
The return of AJ Balaz has the trumpets blaring this week on the podcast known as DWI!
DWI Podcast #369: DJ Acknowledges CM Punk
Rob and DJ join the show this week as we dive into the latest CM Punk news.
Andrew’s IMPACT Sacrifice Results & Match Ratings: 3.24.2023
Well damn, 24 hours changes everything! Josh is injured and has to vacate the World title! Mickie is also injured...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/24/23)
It's a family feud!
