Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (7/29/20)
We continue towards TakeOver: 30!
Who qualifies for the NXT North American Championship Ladder match?
Tonight, another Triple Threat will be held to add to TakeOver: XXX’s Ladder Match to crown a NEW NXT North American Champion! Will it be Thatcher, Lumis or Balor joining Bronson Reed in that Furious 5 Way?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Io Shirai & Tegan Nox VS Dakota Kai & Candice LeRae; Shirai & Nox win.
- Roderick Strong VS Johnny Gargano; Gargano wins.
- Shotzi Blackheart VS Mercedes Martinez w/ The Robert Stone Brand; Martinez wins.
- Imperium VS Ever-Rise; Imperium wins.
- Isaiah “Swerve” Scott VS Jake Atlas; Swerve wins.
- NXT North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Timothy Thatcher VS Dexter Lumis VS Finn Balor; Lumis wins and advances to NXT TakeOver: 30.
PLAY BY PLAY
Keith Lee is seething.
The NXT Double Champion’s shining moment was made even brighter thanks to his “Number one frenemy,” Domink Dijakovic. Keith thanked his rival with the first shot at a double title match. But then Karrion Kross crushed the Croatian Colossus for a simple comment on how he measured up. Dijakovic refused to let Keith quit for him, and now, as the song says, “The end is here.” Will Keith avenge Dijakovic and cancel Kross’ apocalypse?
Io Shirai & Tegan Nox VS Dakota Kai & Candice LeRae!
The Evil Genius of the Sky wasn’t allowed to celebrate her victory of the girl with the Shiniest Wizard because #CobraKai chose to strike. And now she doesn’t even get her entrance because of another ambush! Dakota and Shirai brawl on the ramp, Tegan attacks Dakota and the Pint-Sized Pixie rushes out to join the fray! NXT is off to a furious start, but how will this match end?
Tegan gets in the ring and Shirai throws Candice in. Shirai follows, Candice goes after her but Tegan pushes Candice down. Dakota swipes at Shirai but the ref gets the teams to separate and sort out. The bell rings, and Candice starts with Tegan. They tie up, go around, and Candice puts Tegan on the ropes. Candice lets up with some attitude but she and Tegan circle again. They tie up, the crowd rallies, Candice wrenches to a wristlock. Tegan spins through, bridges back, but Candice trips her to a cover. ONE as Tegan gets a shoulder up. Candice pushes that down for the cover, ONE as Tegan puts the other shoulder up. Candice hops on for a full body cover, TWO! Candice fires off furious fists and covers again, TWO!
Candice clubs Tegan down and bumps her off buckles. Tegan hits back but Candice runs in to elbow her. Candice snapmares and drops a fist to the cover. TWO, but Candice keeps on Tegan with grinding forearms! The crowd rallies as Candice drags Tegan up. Tegan throws hands and rocks Candice! Dakota tags in but Shirai does, too! Dakota sweeps the legs to kick Shirai in the face! “FIGHT ME!” Shirai obliges with haymakers and knees! Shirai snapmares Dakota and BOOTS her back! Dakota grits her teeth as Shirai gives back the trash talk. Things speed up, Shirai redirects and dodges to then tiger feint and arm-drag Dakota down! Shirai basement dropkicks Dakota down then kips up! The crowd is thunderous as Shirai drags Dakota around.
Dakota kicks and flips Shirai away! Shirai swipes but Dakota avoids the sweep to BOOT Shirai down! Cover, TWO! Dakota drags Shirai up and bumps her off buckles. She keeps Shirai stuck while Candice tags in. Candice snapmares and KICKS Shirai in the back then covers, ONE! Candice facelocks Shirai, Dakota tags in and they mug Shirai in the corner. Dakota snapmares Shirai, covers, TWO! The crowd rallies as Dakota brings Shirai back up. Dakota clubs Shirai to the ropes then chokes her! The ref counts, Dakota lets up and brings Shirai around for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Dakota grows frustrated with Shirai but she has an evil smirk as she looms over her. Dakota whips but Shirai reverses to then FLAPJACK!
Shirai stands on Dakota’s chest and pulls her hair before pulling her into a motorcycle stretch, then Lotus Lock! Candice runs in to stomp the leg based full nelson apart! Tegan throws Candice out in return! Shirai gets to her feet and tags Tegan in, and the two bring Dakota up for a double suplex. Dakota slips out, shoves Tegan at Shirai, and then Candice drags Shirai out to throw into barriers! Dakota BOOTS Tegan down! Candice tags in to fetch Tegan and throw her into steel steps! Candice claims she “missed” putting Tegan in the ring, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Tegan writhes on the floor while Candice looms over her. Candice puts Tegan in this time and covers, TWO! Candice drags Tegan back up to put into the corner hard. Tag to Dakota and Dakota stomps a mudhole into Tegan! Dakota digs her heel in but stops at the ref’s count. Dakota keeps Tegan from crawling away and clubs her down. Cover, TWO! Dakota still smirks as she drags Tegan away with a facelock. But Tegan spins and rolls Dakota up, TWO!! Dakota LARIATS Tegan down! Cover, TWO! Dakota mocks Shirai by holding Tegan’s hand out for a tag, only to trap it and put Tegan into a grounded cobra twist! Tegan endures, kicks and flails, but she fights free to throw body shots. Tegan rolls Dakota again, TWO!
Dakota BOOTS Tegan down! Cover, TWO! Tegan sputters while she gets a foot on the ropes, but Dakota brings her up and away to the corner. Dakota tags Candice and Candice toys with Tegan. Candice stands on Tegan’s head, lets up at the ref’s count, but Dakota CHOKES Tegan! Shirai protests, the ref keeps her back, and Candice covers Tegan. TWO, but Candice keeps on Tegan with a chinlock. Tegan endures, pries at the hold, but Candice throws her down! Cover, TWO! Candice whips Tegan into the corner, tags in Dakota, and Dakota throws body shots. Dakota taunts Shirai while she swaggers about, but she runs into Tegan’s elbow! Tegan hits Candice, scoops Dakota, and hits a FALL AWAY SLAM!
NXT returns to single picture as Candice tags in. Shirai avoids Candice’s cheap shot and Tegan HEADBUTTS Candice down! But both Tegan and Candice fall over and the fans rally up again. Tegan and Candice crawl, hot tags to Dakota and Shirai! Shirai rallies on Dakota with big shoulder tackles! Shirai whips, Dakota reverses but Shirai ducks and handsprings! Dakota gets clear but the dropkick hits! Shirai fires up and the crowd does, too. Shirai runs, Dakota dodges but Shirai slips out to swing kick back! Shirai kicks and SHOTEIS Candice away! Shirai springboards to missile dropkick Dakota down! Cover, TWO!!
Shirai keeps her cool, drags Dakota back up, and underhooks for the lift. Dakota fights out, but swings into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Shirai has Dakota in the drop zone and climbs up top. But Dakota clubs Shirai down first! Dakota climbs up and clubs Shirai on the back. Shirai resists the superplex but Dakota clubs away more. Dakota brings Shirai up again, but Shirai trips Dakota up! Shirai CHOPS Dakota into a Tree of Woe! WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Dakota survives and Shirai grows frustrated. Shirai drags Dakota back up, scoops but Dakota slips out. Dakota tags out to Candice, much to Candice’s surprise. Shirai doesn’t hesitate and she tiger feint kicks Candice in the corner!
Candice flounders and Shirai climbs up. Missile dropkick! Candice flounders all the way to the other corner, for Shirai to hit the SHINKANSEN! Shirai keeps moving to DIVE out onto Dakota! SHINIEST WIZARD behind the ref’s back! Shirai climbs up again, DESCENT INTO DARKNESS! Cover, Shirai and Tegan win!
Winners: Io Shirai & Tegan Nox, by pinfall
Darkness and light combined to defeat the poison and the snake! Will Shirai do the same when it’s 1v1 with Dakota?
NXT shares footage from the Pat McAfee Show incident.
It was last Thursday that the longest reigning NXT Champion of all time, Adam Cole BAYBAY, went on the former NFL kicker’s podcast radio show. McAfee and Cole have always been at odds with each other, so when Adam Cole called himself the King of NXT, McAfee couldn’t help but laugh. McAfee pointed out that The Undisputed Era was a major part of Cole’s many reigns. But that’s smart, since Cole is “kinda small.” Cole blew up over that and cursed McAfee out and his “stupid (bleeping) show.” Cole stormed off, but that was not the end of this.
On Monday, McAfee had Triple H on to explain it was a “misunderstanding.” Cole himself issued a lengthy apology on Twitter for being unprofessional. McAfee is open to meeting with Cole again to talk this out and get to the bottom of things. When and where will Cole and McAfee sit down and discuss the apparent “miscommunication?”
Roderick Strong VS Johnny Gargano!
After they both lost to #ThiccBoi Bronson Reed, the Savior of the Backbreaker and #AllHeartNoSoul Gargano talked a lot of smack while playing the blame game on social media. William Regal made their spat into a 1v1 match, and now we’ll see who can back up their words!
The bell rings and the two approach fast. They feel out the grapple, tie up, go around, and Strong gets Gargano down but Gargano spins out of a cover. Strong keeps on Gargano, facelocks, but Gargano spins out to reverse it. Gargano holds on as Strong rolls, the crowd rallies up, and Strong gets a leg. Strong tries the cover, ONE, but Strong won’t let Gargano go. Gargano gets an arm and pulls but Strong makes it a cover, TWO! Strong and Gargano still fight for control, Gargano manages a headlock but Strong pops out to get the legs! Gargano powers out of the Strong Hold, ducks the boot and rolls Strong to a cover, ONE! Gargano wants the GargaNO Escape but Strong powers out to get the legs! Gargano rolls to throw Strong to a cover, TWO! Strong and Gargano struggle but separate, and the crowds cheer that exchange.
Gargano and Strong talk trash and start shoving! Strong trips Gargano, goes for a cover but Gargano turns. Strong gets the “dork” in a clinch, slaps his head and floats around. Cover, TWO as Gargano manages to bridge. Gargano and Strong rolls, Strong has the cover again, ONE! Gargano slips out and around to get the arm, but Strong resists the crossface so Gargano brings the other arm around! It’s a modified butterfly stretch or even Rings of Saturn, but Strong endures. Strong crawls, rolls, but Gargano turns Strong into a recliner cover. TWO, Gargano headlock takeovers and grinds Strong down. Strong works against the hold, avoids the cover, and gets up. Strong throws body shots, whips Gargano, but Gargano goes up and over. Things speed up, Gargano huricanranas Strong to a corner!
Gargano runs in, Strong puts him on the apron, and then Strong catches the slingshot spear! Gargano won’t let Strong copy the draping DDT and he dumps Strong to the apron. Strong drags Gargano out to a half nelson wheelbarrow, but Gargano slips out to wring the arm out! Gargano grins as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Gargano works to get Strong into a modified standing cobra twist. Strong powers against it to scoop and BACKBREAKER! Gargano stands up for Strong to CHOP! Strong bumps and CHOPS Gargano in the corner, follows him across the way to throw forearms and a CHOP! Strong keeps on Gargano but Gargano dodges to wrench. Strong throws body shots and clubbing forearms, then he reels Gargano in for a suplex and gourd buster! Gargano flounders, but he goes up and over in the corner. Strong blocks the crucifix takedown to pop Gargano into a fireman’s carry. Gargano slips off and onto the apron to enziguri Strong away! Gargano slingshots, but the One Final Beat is blocked to a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Gargano crawls away to a corner but Strong is on him. Strong CHOPS again, and the crowd felt that one. Strong hoists Gargano up top, but Gargano fights him as Strong climbs. They brawl, Gargano clubs Strong away and adjusts, but Strong grabs a foot. Gargano kicks Strong away and leaps for a tornado Complete Shot! Cover, TWO! The crowd is thunderous as Gargano gets up and hobbles over. Gargano slams Strong’s bad arm on the mat, then KICKS it! Strong elbows with the good arm, then boot, but the enziguri misses! Gargano rolls, Strong dodges the school boy kick, to OLYMPIC- NO! Arm-drag into a roll and GargaNO Escape! Strong endures, rolls to a cover, TWO!!
Strong has the legs, Gargano fights him but Strong kicks away on the back. Gargano kicks back with his heel then kangaroo boots Strong down. Strong gives them back! Both men are down but the crowd fires up. Gargano stands, wrenches an arm but Strong CHOPS back. Gargano forearms, Strong CHOPS, Gargano enziguris! Strong boots, enziguris and catches the superkick into a scoop! Gargano knees free first, but Strong back elbows. Gargano spins but the discus ends up in the fireman’s carry, for a pop-up, to a RANA! Gargano throws Strong and SUPERKICKS him down! Strong flops out of the ring, Gargano slides but misses. Gargano tilt-o-whirl headscissors Strong into barriers! Then POSTS him!
Gargano rams Strong into Plexiglas! And more Plexiglas! Strong ends up in the ring, Gargano takes aim. Slingshot, ONE FINAL BEAT!! Gargano still has to crawl to a cover, Gargano still wins!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall
#TheJohnnyGarganoWay shows Strong where he still stands in the power rankings! Gargano may not have a shot at gold for TakeOver: XXX, but will he get his way on the other side of it?
Backstage interview with Dakota Kai.
Dakota walked out on Candice at the end of their tag match, but Dakota says she doesn’t care. Dakota is not a team player anymore. She is done jumping through hoops, having to do Triple Threats, tag teams and battle royals just to be a contender. She IS the #1 contender. She wants Io Shirai and the NXT Women’s Championship!
As Dakota goes to leave, a new platinum blonde heavy metal Rhea Ripley walks in to asks if she heard that right. Dakota is after Io Shirai? “Mate, I don’t care if you’re not a team player anymore.” In fact, good for Dakota. But Rhea’s problem is Dakota thinks she’s next. “Io is mine, and I don’t mind going through anyone who thinks otherwise.” Well, Dakota is going to see what William Regal has to say about that. Rhea is fine by that. Just what will GM Regal’s decision be about the NXT Women’s Championship scene?
Backstage interview with Timothy Thatcher.
Tonight, he goes against Dexter Lumis and Finn Balor in the second North American Championship qualifier Triple Threat. “Indeed. Two men that are gonna get schooled in Thatch As Thatch Can. One, Mr. Balor. Last week, he spoke of some sort of push. The only push that I know is when I push my shoulder into his kneecap as I dislocate his leg.” And then we have Lumis, “the man with a thousand mile stare.” Look into Thatcher’s eyes. Lumis thinks he’s a tortured artist, but he knows nothing of the subject, until he steps in the ring with Thatcher. Um, Lumis is lurking in the shadows… Will it be the Professor of Pain that learns something tonight?
The Undisputed Era talks backstage.
Strong and Bobby Fish are also upset with McAfee, and they’re all upset with Gargano, but Kyle O’Reilly arrives to ask what’s going on. That depends, what’s going on with him? Kyle is sick and tired of “the Hollywood BS,” the excuses and setbacks. Do they remember who they are? The Undisputed Era! Freakin’ Roddy Strong! The Infamous Bobby Fish, Kyle’s tag team partner! And Adam Freakin’ Cole! They ran this place since the second they got here! The Undisputed Era is back in business, which means back to changing the business! Kyle has fired up his friends, but will they be able to rebuild at this point?
Shotzi Blackheart VS Mercedes Martinez w/ The Robert Stone Brand!
“Welcome to the ball pit!” The wild child is ready to #TCB, and she “triple dog dared” mean Mercedes to give her a destructive dream match! But can Shotzi take care of business now that Mercedes is doing business with Robert Stone?
The bell rings and Shotzi goes right at Mercedes with forearms! Mercedes shoves her away but Shotzi comes back with more! Shotzi kicks low then runs, but Mercedes uses that momentum to toss Shotzi out! Stone and Aliyah talk trash to distract Shotzi and Mercedes CLOBBERS Shotzi down! The crowd boos but Mercedes keeps on Shotzi with a wheelbarrow SLAM to the apron! Mercedes pushes Shotzi in, stalks her to the center and rains down right forearms! Shotzi takes the hammering fists but Mercedes lets up to bring her around, fisherman, but cradle counter! ONE, Shotzi dodges the boot to enziguris back!
Shotzi runs to shotgun dropkick Mercedes into the corner! Shotzi runs corner to corner, Mercedes puts her up top but Shotzi boots back. SUNSET BOMB! Cover, TWO! Mercedes survives and Shotzi grows frustrated. Shotzi drags Mercedes up, whips but Mercedes reveres. Shotzi ducks, comes back, SLING DOG! Mercedes gets up, Shotzi KNEES her back, then rolling elbows! QUESTION MARK KICK! Mercedes flounders, Shotzi howls, BALL PIT CANNONBALL! Direct hit on the ropes and Shotzi covers, TWO! Shotzi keeps her focus and brings Mercedes up to run. Mercedes hits a SPINE BUSTER! High stack, TWO!
Mercedes keeps on Shotzi with more ground ‘n’ pound, then she scrapes her sole on Shotzi’s face! Mercedes drags Shotzi up, clubs away, then suplexes, only for Shotzi to slip out. Shotzi cravats, goes up but gets put on the top rope. Mercedes CLUBS Shotzi, climbs up to club her more, then clubs her in the chest over and over! Shotzi is a ragdoll as Mercedes brings her up for a SPIDER SUPER GERMAN! Mercedes sits up, hops down and drags Shotzi into the fireman’s carry. Mercedes tucks, AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, Mercedes wins!
Winner: Mercedes Martinez, by pinfall
Stone’s newest signee is already paying off! Mercedes tanks NXT’s tank girl, will she do the same to the rest of the roster?
NXT, prepare for Ridge Holland’s arrival.
“Growing up in Yorkshire, England, you either go to jail, of you find a way out.” His way out was built on malice, forged on the rugby field. He was too violent. Just ask anyone he has been on the field with, or in the ring with. “They don’t leave the same. NXT, this is your warning. Ridge Holland is coming for the North American Championship.” The Northern Grit comes to the States! Will anyone stand a chance with him in the running?
Keith Lee is here!
The Limitless NXT Champion is not in a good mood as he goes to the ring. Keith grabs a mic to speak. “Let’s get something straight. We can talk all day about Dijak telling me no. That he wanted it. But the reality is, Dijak is a grown man, and he is going to be just fine. On the other hand, this man that seems to think the sound of sand is the sound of a clock…” Keith wants Kross to listen. “You have clearly made it a point that you want my attention, that you want this championship, and you’ve done so much extra BULLSH*T!” The crowd likes this angry Keith as he tells Kross, “All of your extra BULLSH*T means nothing when you can’t come to me face to face!” Keith is here, doing something Kross does not have the BALLS to do, and that is to talk face to face, man to man. “Kross, I’m calling you out.”
But instead of Mr. Doomsday, Keith gets the Carolina Caveman, Cameron Grimes! “Dijakovic? Kross?” Keith should be talking about Cameron Grimes! If anyone should be upset, it’s Grimes! Because Keith gave away the North American Championship before Grimes could take both titles. But that’s okay, because Grimes is here to say that he is taking that NXT Championship, “and going straight to the moon~!” Keith, can you hear him? Look at him, Keith. Can you hear? Keith can hear, and he can feel Grimes’ head in his hands as he grabs Grimes from the apron!! Grimes panics but Keith tosses him in with one hand! And then he corner splashes Grimes down! The crowd is rowdy as Grimes flounders to his feet, but then the spotlights shine on Keith, and Scarlett Bordeaux.
Scarlett is dressed in scarlet as she stands on stage. And then Grimes runs at Keith! But then “OH SH-,” the Cave-In is turned into a SPIRIT BOMB! Grimes twitches but Scarlett doesn’t move. She waves a hand, and Kross talks to “Mr. Lee” via the titantron. “What kind of a man makes the choice to stand by and do absolutely nothing while his friend suffers?” Keith did that. And Keith has to live with that. But for now, Kross will provide Keith with two choices. The easy way: Keith gives Kross his shot at the title. The hard way, and Kross says Keith doesn’t even want to know what that is. “Because everyone will suffer! Ticktock.” Keith picks up a mic to say, “Choices. You wan’t to talk about choices? Kross, pick the time and place, and I will whoop that ass.” Scarlett leaves to take that message back to her man. Kross calls it the easy way, but will he learn how hard it is to stop the Limitless One?
Imperium VS Ever-Rise!
The NXT Tag Team Champions, Fabian Aichner & Marcel Barthel, return! Their part in Imperium’s takeover of both branches resumes, but will the Canadian best friends for life, Chase Parker and Matt Martel, be able to throw a wrench into those plans?
The teams sort out, Barthel starts with Martel and the two circle. Barthel slaps Martel around a bit as they end up in the corner. The ref calls for a break, Barthel lets off but gets in another slap! Martel runs at Barthel but into the arm-drag, and Barthel turns it into a keylock. Martel endures, gets up, pushes Barthel back but Aichner tags in. Barthel whips and Aichner arm-drags Martel for an armlock of his own. Aichner shifts around and wrenches to get another high keylock. Martel spins through and whips but Aichner reverses, but Martel holds ropes and boots back. Parker tags in, Martel trips Aichner up and Parker slingshots for the elbow drop! Barthel runs in but Parker dodges to CHOP!
Parker throws hands on Barthel, whips Martel so Martel can whip him, and then rocks Barthel with a forearm smash! Parker feeds Barthel to the drop toehold, but Aichner intercepts Parker to SPINE BUSTER him onto Martel! Aichner drags Parker up to throw him to the corner, then he tags in Barthel. Imperium puts Parker in the ropes to meet at the corner with double dropkicks! Parker crawls away but Barthel drags him up. Barthel ROCKS Parker with the uppercut then tags Aichner. Imperium whips Parker for Aichner’s SPINE BUSTER! Barthel adds the PENALTY KICK! Then they coordinate to give Parker the EURO BOMB!! Cover, Imperium wins!
Winner: Imperium, by pinfall
The Pride of Italy and the Impeccable German defeat the longest bonded team, and now take up the mic to speak. “The standard bearers of the NXT Tag Team Division have returned!” But then the Undisputed Era interrupts! Cole, Strong, Fish and O’Reilly rush the ring and attack Imperium! This is Worlds Collide reignited! Their 4v2 advantage beats Imperium down and the crowd is thunderous! SUPERKICK for Barthel! TOTAL ANNIHILATION for Aichner! “We are the Undisputed Era! We’re the ones who run NXT, not anybody else!” Is this the spark that lights a new flame to #ShockTheSystem?
NXT takes a closer look at Bronson Reed.
“This place, with all the street art and graffiti, reminds me of my home, Adelaide, South Australia.” Auszilla would watch his friends and family do street art with passion and love. His passion was pro-wrestling. His earliest memories in life are of him watching pro-wrestling with his uncle. It was a dream to get to the WWE, but he didn’t think it was possible. His journey to NXT revolves around his wife. To start wrestling, he had to go to a wrestling camp, which of course cost money. She was the one who gave him the money to do it, and has since then been the one motivating him forward. Reed has gone all around the world, 13 different countries, to land here in NXT. He was in the Breakout Tournament, faced Dexter Lumis to start it off, and won big.
“Michael Jordan said that some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, and only some people make it happen.” Reed feels he is that third group. He made it happen against two incredibly talented superstars, and proved himself and the world that he is a prime time player. Nothing will stop him in the ladder match, because no one has 320 pounds of fury like him. His body is built for destruction. No one has his fighting spirit. Shawn Michaels had his boyhood dream come true, but TakeOver 30 will see the THICC BOI DREAM come true!
William Regal addresses the situation between Keith Lee and Karrion Kross.
“Good evening, everyone.” In light of what we saw between Keith and Kross, Regal wants to remind them both that he will not be bullied into making championship matches. Those opportunities are still and will always be earned in NXT. Then just how far will Kross go to earn his shot at the Limitless One?
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott VS Jake Atlas!
Swerve oozes confidence, and is so confident that his one win over Santos Escobar is enough, that he has been calling out the NXT Cruiserweight Champion between NXT and 205 Live. But Atlas was also fairly impressive in that Cruiserweight Championship round robin. Will Atlas leave Swerve on the outside looking in at the title scene?
The bell rings and Atlas circles with Swerve. They tie up, Atlas snapmares but Swerve avoids a cover and headscissors Atlas back. Swerve kips up while Atlas scrambles to a corner, and Swerve grins as fans cheer. Atlas and Swerve go again, Atlas goes for a leg but Swerve grabs the arm. Atlas finishes the takeover and speeds things up, Swerve stays low but Atlas leaps over to use that gymnastics background to handstand walk and handspring back! Swerve gets clear, goes Eddy Gordo but Atlas throws him down. Atlas slides to kick but Swerve avoids that, and avoids the standing moonsault. Atlas lands on his feet, cartwheels away from the boot, and then dropkicks Swerve down! The crowd is fired up as Swerve sits up and checks his chin. Atlas bows but Swerve smirks.
Swerve shoves Atlas to a corner, Atlas boots but Swerve deflects. Atlas rebounds, arm-drags and then runs to dropkick again! Swerve deflects that, too, Oklahoma Rolls Atlas into a ghost pin, TWO! Atlas kicks low then CHOPS Swerve to a corner. Atlas CHOPS again, and again! Swerve is reeling but Atlas clubs and kicks him! Atlas kicks again but Swerve catches it and puts him in a corner to CALF KICK him down! Swerve takes a moment to check his chin while NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Atlas resists the dead lift. Atlas shoves Swerve to a corner, runs in and rams his shoulder in. Atlas is on the apron, he springboards for the BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Atlas keeps his cool as Swerve survives. Atlas drags Swerve up, Swerve chinbars and powers out to elbow him back! Swerve brings Atlas up, back suplex but Atlas lands on his feet. Atlas ROCKS Swerve with that uppercut! Swerve ends up in a corner, Atlas runs in but Swerve goes up and over and rolls Atlas, but Atlas BOOTS the Complete Shot away! Atlas headlocks for the CLIMAX! Cover, TWO!! Swerve survives the headlock driver and Atlas can’t believe it!
Atlas drags Swerve up, CHOPS him, clubs him and throws forearms. Swerve gets around, rolls Atlas but then rolls him again to dead lift GERMAN! Atlas gets up, Swerve somersaults for the COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO!! Atlas lives and Swerve grows frustrated. Swerve stalks Atlas, kicks him to a corner and brings him up by the legs. Atlas kicks Swerve away then walks into a wristlock and flip! Atlas rolls back but Swerve uses that to pop up! Atlas follows, ROCKS Swerve with a right, Swerve rocks him back! But Atlas blocks, half nelsons and lifts, SUPER SPINNING TORTURE RACK BOMB!! Atlas crawls to the cover, TWO!?! Swerve survives and the crowd is thunderous!
Atlas hurries to the corner and climbs back up. “This is Awesome!” has he cartwheels, but no Rainbow DDT just yet as Swerve pushes Atlas off course! Swerve sweeps the legs to SUPERKICK! Atlas is stuck in a Tree of Woe, Swerve hits the HOUSE CALL on the outside! Swerve puts Atlas back in, hoists him up, JML DRIVER! Cover, Swerve wins!
Winner: Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, by pinfall
Atlas gave Swerve quite the fight, but in the end, Swerve leaves Atlas down and out! Will he be able to dethrone Escobar and bring the Cruiserweight gold to Swerve’s House?
Backstage interview with Damian Priest.
The Archer of Infamy has a Triple Threat North American Championship qualifier next week against Oney Lorcan and the debuting Ridge Holland. His thoughts? He finds it very interesting. He knew he was in one of these Triple Threats, but nothing has changed now that he knows his opponents. This opportunity is his to take, and there is no scenario in his mind where he doesn’t walk out of TakeOver: XXX as the new North American Champion. He isn’t looking past his opponents, though. He knows how tough Oney is, and though he doesn’t know much about Holland, it’s obvious “that dude’s legit.” Come next week, we will not see an upset like with Bronson Reed. The favorite will win, and then the Reign of Infamy begins. But speaking of, tonight’s Triple Threat is up next! Who will Priest look to join after tonight?
NXT makes it official!
To determine who faces Io Shirai for the NXT Women’s Championship at TakeOver: XXX, it will be a #1 Contender’s Match between Dakota Kai and Rhea Ripley! Will #CobraKai get to sink her teeth into the Aussie Nightmare before trying on the Evil Genius? Or will Rhea being her road to redemption at Dakota’s expense?
And after the huge attack the Undisputed Era hit Imperium with, the NXT Tag Team Championships are on the line! Aichner and Barthel take on reDRagon, O’Reilly & Fish as part of next week’s episode!
NXT North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Timothy Thatcher VS Dexter Lumis VS Finn Balor!
The Professor of Pain, the Tortured Artist, or The Prince. All three are hungry for gold, but only one can be part of the Furious 5 Way at TakeOver 30! Who joins Bronson Reed in the biggest golden opportunity in a long time?
The bell rings and Balor and Thatcher approach, but Lumis stays put. So Balor and Thatcher tie up, break, and Thatcher throws an uppercut. Balor boots back from the corner, slips out and drags Thatcher out. Thatcher rams Balor into the apron then throws him into the ring. Balor staggers up and Lumis finally does something as he uppercuts Balor away. Thatcher goes after Lumis but gets an uppercut, too! Lumis ROCKS Balor again, then throws Thatcher out to join him. The crowd fires up as Lumis builds speed to FLY! Balor and Thatcher get clear, but Lumis lands on his feet?! Since when could he do that?! Balor runs at Lumis but gets an uppercut, as does Thatcher! Lumis puts Thatcher in but Thatcher kicks Lumis back.
Thatcher throws uppercuts on Lumis as Balor returns. Thatcher goes after Balor’s leg, they hop around and Balor throws body shots. Lumis runs and clotheslines them both down! Lumis looms over Balor, brings him up, and throws another uppercut! Lumis back suplexes high and hard to drop Balor, then covers, TWO! Thatcher grabs Lumis and throws uppercuts. Lumis throws Thatcher out hard then goes back to Balor but Balor kicks low. Balor clubs and stomps Lumis down, stomps the knee and ankle, then CHOPS! Balor bumps Lumis off buckles, throws more body shots and then repeats the process.
Balor CHOPS Lumis, Thatcher blasts Balor with an uppercut! Thatcher is after Lumis with the EuroUppers, stalks Lumis on the ropes, and clinches for the Belly2Belly! Cover, TWO! Thatcher is after an arm for the double wristlock! Lumis endures, Balor gets in but Thatcher is after Balor’s leg! Balor resists, Lumis staggers over but Thatcher throws more EuroUppers on him. Thatcher slugs Lumis but Lumis flapjacks him onto ropes! Thatcher flounders out, Balor enziguris Lumis! Lumis is down, Balor goes up! But Thatcher pushes Balor off the top to stop the Coup de Grace! The crowd is fired up while NXT goes picture in picture.
Thatcher snarls as he scrapes Balor on the apron with his foot. Thatcher knees away on Lumis, drives in elbows, then goes after the leg Balor went after. Lumis resists but Thatcher has the heel hook to twist the ankle! Lumis endures, Balor returns and Thatcher intercepts again. Balor resists and Lumis rolls Thatcher up! TOW, Lumis turns around into Balor’s stiff forearm! Thatcher runs at Balor but Balor side steps the shoulder to kick away on Thatcher! Balor kicks and kicks and kicks, Thatcher flops down but Lumis CLOBBERS Balor! Balor crashes down on the apron and flops to the floor, but Lumis and Thatcher are also down.
Lumis crawls after Thatcher, rains down hammering rights, but lets up to drag Thatcher around. Thatcher throws hands and facelocks for a headlock suplex! Balor returns but Thatcher uppercuts him right down! Thatcher drags Finn around with a face hook, then takes the arm for a cobra clutch! Balor endures, fights his way up, but Thatcher wrangles him down! Thatcher locks the clutch in deeper but the crowd rallies up. Balor fights back up, NXT returns to single picture and Balor hits the jawbreaker! Thatcher avoids Lumis’ dropkick and Lumis rolls out of the ring. Thatcher ROCKS Balor with another EuroUpper, then drags him up. Balor cradle counters, TWO! Thatcher BLASTS Balor with the EuroUpper!
Balor staggers to ropes, Thatcher chokes him on the ropes! No disqualifications so Thatcher can hold it for as long as he wants, but he still lets up to bring Balor around. Thatcher throws another hard EuroUpper, then he knees Balor in the ribs. Lumis climbs up the apron but Thatcher clubs him down. Thatcher knees Balor while he’s down, then laces the legs and goes after the face. Balor grabs Thatcher’s fingers and bends them back! Thatcher knees Balor back and clubs him down. Thatcher drags Balor up, scoops and slams him down! Elbow drop! Cover, ONE! Thatcher sees Lumis and knees him off the apron. Balor throws forearms but Thatcher returns them. They brawl, Balor runs and forearms Thatcher down!
Balor drags Thatcher up but Thatcher rocks him with a forearm. Balor boots from the corner, runs and forearms Thatcher down again! Balor trips Thatcher but Thatcher boots him away. Lumis returns to DECK Thatcher with right hand after right hand! Corner clothesline and bulldog! Balor runs into an uppercut but he PELES back! All three men are down but the crowd fires up. Lumis and Thatcher are in opposite corners, Balor CHOPS Lumis. Balor runs at Thatcher but has to dodge Thatcher’s clothesline, to hit the elbow drop DDT! SLING BLADE for Lumis! Balor aims at Lumis but Thatcher slithers around to trip the Prince! And POST his crown jewels before throwing a leg into the steel! Balor crawls but refuses to be taken out of this. Thatcher grabs the leg for a heel hook!
Lumis slides out and ROCKS Thatcher with an uppercut! Thatcher crawls away while Balor flops out. Lumis stalks Thatcher, brings him up and shoves him, to SPINE BUSTER! The crowd is thunderous again as Lumis watches Thatcher rise. Thatcher denies the urenage and then enziguris him down! Balor returns, Thatcher finally gives him the DRAGON SCREW! Thatcher grabs Lumis by the face and SLAPS him! Thatcher underhooks but Lumis resists, to hit the URENAGE! SILENCE ARM TRIANGLE!! Thatcher flails, endures, and Balor COUP DE GRACES outta nowhere!! Balor has to hobble to a cover, Thatcher drags him off! Balor kicks away on Thatcher but Thatcher has the leg for an ANKLE LOCK!
Thatcher keeps Balor from ropes with his modified grip and then GRAPEVINES! Balor endures, flails, Lumis slithers up and watches Thatcher! SILENCE!!! It’s a DUAL SUBMISSION!! Balor is free because Thatcher is OUT! LUMIS WINS!!
Winner: Dexter Lumis, by submission (advances to TakeOver: XXX)
The Professor of Pain just learned a valuable lesson about Triple Threats: always watch out for the third man. Lumis joins Bronson Reed in the ladder match, bringing them both back to the Breakout Tournament where it all began. Will things be very, very different for the Tortured Artist?
My Thoughts:
A great episode once again, with some very interesting developments. First off, it seems the “incident” with Adam Cole on the Pat McAfee Show is highly likely a work, though I can’t be sure to what end. I feel like we got a Face turn out of the entire Undisputed Era since they went after Imperium, who are firmly Heels. Strong VS Gargano was a great match, but Gargano wins so that his #TJGW story still makes sense. Imperium VS Ever-Rise was a good Face showing for Ever-Rise but also a really good return win for Imperium. Reigniting things with Imperium is great, because Worlds Collide’s 4v4 unfortunately had one fault in that Alexander Wolfe got legitimately injured and was out of the match. It is a bit optimistic, but perhaps a proper 4v4 can happen at whatever TakeOver is paired with Survivor Series or Royal Rumble as a full revisit. Then and only then should Undisputed Era move on to the “main roster,” preferably SmackDown.
The opening women’s tag match was really good, especially with Dakota jumping Shirai at the ramp. Dakota ups her Heel game by abandoning Candice, but that can always be circled back to with Candice and Dakota having beef down the line. Dakota VS Rhea to officially name a contender is going to be great next week, and while either choice is great, it has to be Dakota who wins because of how things have been going. Rhea has time to wait and see how things go, but Dakota’s been hovering around the title scene, she needs another go to make the WarGames Heel turn pay off. Meanwhile, Shotzi has a pretty good match with Mercedes, but of course Mercedes wins. Mercedes just got back, she’s with Robert Stone Brand, and this will drag the feud out for a bit while both women are outside the title scene.
Speaking of title scenes, Keith had a great promo, perhaps saying BS twice just to get the censors going, and Grimes had the perfectly punctual “bad timing” promo to get whooped. Regal says Kross can’t just bully his way to a title match but I have a feeling he’ll do just that in the coming weeks. Swerve VS Atlas was very good, but Swerve felt like the natural winner given all the spotlight he gets between NXT and 205 Live. I’m sure between the two shows, El Legado del Fantasma will respond to the would-be contender, and I feel like with that trio as a common enemy, Swerve, Atlas and perhaps a returning Kushida could face them in a Six Man before anything is decided.
The vignette for Bronson Reed was really good, and is a strong indicator he is a favorite in the Furious 5 Ladder Match. Honestly, it was between him and Finn as far as I was concerned, and now that Finn is out, I’m thinking Reed takes it all the way. Priest VS Oney VS Holland is next week, and that is great for all three men involved. Holland’s move from NXT UK to NXT USA is a good move for him. Holland came into NXT UK feeling like a midcard championship level star but there is no proper midcard title in NXT UK, so going for the North American title is smart. I feel like Holland will win to mostly be a shock factor, and add some serious strength to the ladder match.
Tonight’s Triple Threat was incredible and had another somewhat surprising finish. I would’ve thought Thatcher would catch Lumis or Balor into a surprise submission, but it’s great for Lumis to get this win in many ways. Most of all, I feel like this ladder match is making up for how things went in the wake of the Breakout Tournament. The controversy and anger that caused Jordan Myles to quit WWE/NXT (and from what I recall, wrestling altogether) marred a lot of what the Breakout Tournament was meant to do, and having Reed and Lumis, two tournament contestants that didn’t win but stuck around, could get things back on track for that wave of superstars. Reed, Lumis, I again predict Holland, that is already a strong field of young contenders, I can’t wait to see the last two Triple Threats.
My Score: 9.3/10
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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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