Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/18/21)
Truly a COLOSSAL night!
Will Johnny Gargano find a way to stay NXT North American Champion?
The Colossal Bronson Reed, Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling, a steel cage, and the NXT North American Champion! Will Gargano be washed away by a Tsunami?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Toni Storm VS Zoey Stark; Storm wins.
- Cameron Grimes VS Jake Atlas; Atlas wins.
- Alexander Wolfe w/ Imperium VS Killian Dain w/ Drake Maverick; Dain wins.
- El Legado del Fantasma VS Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher; El Legado wins.
- Sarray VS Aliyah w/ The Robert Stone Brand; Sarray wins.
- Hit Row VS Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari; Hit Row wins.
- NXT North American Championship Steel Cage Match: Johnny Gargano VS Bronson Reed; Reed wins and becomes the new NXT North American Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
Toni Storm VS Zoey Stark!
The Lightning From Down Under couldn’t handle the fact that she got shown up at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver, and has been talking down to the “rookie” ever since! But will #ToniTime be canceled in favor of #ZoeyTime?
The bell rings and fans are on Stark’s side. Storm shrugs that off and circles with Stark. They approach, Storm SLAPS Stark, and Stark fires off! Stark stomps and punches away in a corner, Storm shoves but Stark pushes her back into the corner! Stark CLUBS Storm, brings her out and dropkicks her down! Storm bails out, Stark PLANCHAS out onto her! Stark is fired up and so is the Capitol Wrestling Center! Stark puts Storm in the ring, springboards and missile dropkicks Storm right back out! Storm gets up, Stark is on the apron but her kick is blocked! Storm trips Stark and Stark hits her tailbone on the apron! Storm gets Stark up and RAMS her into steel steps!
Fans fire up, Storm runs in and HIP ATTACKS Stark into the steps! The ref goes out to check Stark and Storm says, “That’s what happens!” Storm goes into the ring to soak up the heat, and the ring count is up to 5 of 10! Stark drags herself up, gets in at 8, and Storm is annoyed. Storm kicks Stark around, brings her up just to throw hands, then stomps her to a corner. The ref counts, Storm lets off, then comes back to bring Stark up. Stark throws forearms but Storm snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Storm keeps on Stark with a chinlock, trapping an arm while shifting to a neck wrench. Storm digs elbows into Stark’s head, then brings her up to whip and BOOT Stark down! Cover, TWO!
Storm pushes Stark around, Stark elbows back, but Storm SLAPS her again! Storm bumps Stark off buckles, TOSSES her across the ring, then storms over. Stark kicks back but Storm scoops her for a BACKBREAKER! Storm pushes Stark against her knee, but fans rally as Stark endures the rack. Stark throws body shots, Storm pushes her down to cover, TWO! Storm brings Stark up to ROCK her with a right, but Stark throws body shots! Storm throws EuroUppers, but Stark turns one into a backslide! TWO, and Stark fires off! Storm shoves, Stark returns to ENZIGURI! Both women are down and fans fire up as NXT goes picture in picture!
Stark and Storm stir, slowly stand, and Stark CLOBBERS Storm! Stark starts to rally, she runs corner to corner to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Stark keeps her cool and stomps Storm around. Storm goes to a corner, Stark bumps her off buckles, and then stalks her to another corner for more stomps. Stark CHOPS Storm and Storm drops to her knees! Storm gets up to ATOMIC DROP Stark! Storm throws more EuroUppers, Stark goes to a corner, but Storm snapmares her to a cover, TWO! Storm grows frustrated but Stark CHOPS her! Storm throws Stark out of the ring! Storm shouts at the fans and paces about while the ring count climbs.
Stark gets in at 5 of 10, Storm is frustrated again, but Stark knees her low! Stark trips her up, jackknife covers, TWO! Storm has Stark in a facelock, grinds her down, then shifts to a chinlock. Storm leans on the hold and squeezes tight, but Stark endures. Stark moves around, gets up, but Storm throws her down by her hair! Cover, TWO! Storm drags Stark up to throw more forearms, but Stark gives them back! Storm headbutts, Stark forearms again, but Storm headbutts and kicks! Stark kicks, CHOPS, forearms, but Storm hits back! They brawl, NXT returns to single picture, and fans fire up as Stark gets the edge! Stark fires up, whips, but Storm reverses. Stark dodges, Storm gets buckles, Stark SUPERKICKS!
Stark snapmares Storm, runs, and SLIDING LARIATS! Storm gets up, Stark keeps moving, BASEMENT DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Stark grows frustrated but the fans rally behind her. Stark waistlocks, Storm fights out with elbows and kicks low. Underhooks, but Stark counters Storm Zero to a RANA! Cover, TWO! SUPERKICK! HALF ‘N’ HALF! Cover, TWO!! Storm survives and Stark is frustrated, but the fans are loving “NXT! NXT!” Stark knees Storm, drags her up, and reels her in for a flip, but Storm lands on her feet! Storm gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Storm reels Stark in, underhooks, and STORM ZERO!! Cover, TWO?!?!
The CWC is thunderous and Storm can’t believe her best shot failed to finish this! Storm paces, drags Stark up and reels her in for a judo hip toss to DDT!?! Cover, Storm wins!!
Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall
Whatever Storm calls that move, it just struck down the bright new star! Is #ToniTime back on the clock? Wait, the lights go down! “Aw, were you expecting someone else? It’s me, Franky!” Franky Monet and Preston the Pomeranian are here to steal Storm’s thunder by reminding us that next week, Franky has her in-ring debut! Will Monet put her money where her mouth is?
Backstage interview with El Legado del Fantasma.
Joaquin Wilde & Raul Mendoza are here, but where is Santos Escobar? Don’t worry about Escobar, this is about MSK. Legado challenged them to an NXT Tag Team Championship match two weeks ago, they beat and embarrassed them, but when is the title match? Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher walk in and say Legado is looking good. A couple #1 contenders here. But don’t get ahead of yourselves. Last Ciampa checked, MSK didn’t beat him and Thatcher, and Legado sure didn’t, either. Well they can change that tonight. Legado’s beaten everyone else, they might as well add these two to the list.
Thatcher tells Wilde in both Spanish and English, “The cat has no shoes.” What? That makes no sense. It makes perfect sense! Ciampa translates for #ToothlessTimmy by saying, “Challenge accepted.” Will Legado be forced to wait on their tag title aspirations when Thatcher and #OldManCiampa get through with them?
Someone drives up to the CWC in a Rolls-Royce!
It’s Cameron Grimes! He pays Jake Atlas to park this out front for him, but Atlas corrects him. Ted DeBiase took that spot. OH~! Grimes says if they thought that was funny, then it’ll be real funny when he whoops Atlas in the ring! Grimes is on! Oh he’s always on, baby! But will Atlas give Grimes a run for his money tonight?
Indi Hartwell & Candice LeRae have a spa day.
The NEW NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions relax. “Look at us now: champions. We deserve this. The titles, the praise, all of it.” And they’re taking care of themselves today, Johnny Gargano will take care of Bronson Reed tonight, this is a great day for The Way. Candice is so right. Just like she is about Dexter Lumis. All he ever does is pop up where she is, and then stares at her. Lumis took the place of one of the masseuses! Dexter’s such a freak, and a loser! The biggest loser. Indi thanks Candice for realizing this. What would she do without Candice? They’re a family, and they have each other’s best interests at heart. And they did this their way. No look high-five! Lumis leaves, will he finally give up on Indi Wrestling?
NXT presents Prime Target: Kross VS Balor, THE REMATCH!
Both men sat down to watch back their match at Stand & Deliver. Balor says he didn’t underestimate Kross, he knew exactly who he was stepping into the ring with. Balor pushed Kross’ buttons on purpose and took advantage of his emotions again and again. Kross admits that Coup de Grace did some real damage, even though he did kick out. Kross couldn’t get the hold right. NXT analyst, Jimmy Smith, says that the problem for Finn Balor was, when the stuff that normally works doesn’t work, he starts wearing down and wondering what he has to do. Kross’ conviction would be his biggest strength. Balor felt all that first hand.
Kross vowed to put his arm through Balor’s head. It’s what you have to do to win. Kill or be killed. And in the end, Kross won because of that killer instinct. Balor says falling down is how you grow. Staying down is how you die. And Balor isn’t dead yet. Pat McAfee says that Tuesday, May 25th, the two-time and REIGNING NXT Champion, Kross, with Scarlett by his side, will battle against Balor again. Kross is a man, who upon arriving, looked like dominance and intimidation personified. And he’s against The Prince, who has been champion everywhere he’s been! NJPW, Raw, SmackDown, NXT. The fact we’re getting this on television is a dream come true.
McAfee says Balor will be champion again after an epic battle. Paul Heyman is surprised they want his opinion on Kross VS Balor. Everyone on SmackDown has an interest, even the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman is known for giving not predictions but spoilers. So here’s a spoiler: Kross VS Balor II is too close to call. Smith says if Balor wins again, that is a redemption story like none other. If he loses again, that’s a tragedy. And Balor isn’t here for tragedies. Balor has proven himself the best, Kross says that’s BS. The rematch is coming, are you ready?
Cameron Grimes VS Jake Atlas!
The Carolina Cash Money Caveman couldn’t get even with the Million Dollar Man, so maybe the muscle of El Monte will make up for that? Grimes says everyone thinks its funny that DeBiase keeps embarrassing him. “But wait ’til you see the REAL Ted DeBiase! Hit it!” Grimes has a video package of DeBiase getting beat, embarrassed, and literally stepping in it. Grimes laughs at DeBiase for once, but fans cheer for the Million Dollar Man. Grimes is upset by that, and he rushes Atlas, only to get a dropkick! Grimes flounders out of the ring, Atlas dares him to get back in. Grimes checks his teeth as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Grimes stomps Atlas to a corner and throws EuroUppers. Atlas hits back, fans rally and duel, Grimes ROCKS then whips Atlas. Atlas kicks back, keeps him in the ring, but Grimes elbows back. Grimes runs into a BOOT, then Atlas goes up and around to arm-drag! GAMANGIRI in a corner, then Atlas goes up top. Grimes stands and Atlas RANAS him down! Cover, TWO! Atlas grits his teeth, grabs at Grimes’ legs but Grimes BOOTS him from below! Grimes gets to ropes, Atlas runs in but Grimes gets him up and over. Atlas shoulders back in, slingshots up and over and builds speed, but into a kitchen sink! Grimes LARIATS, covers, TWO!
Grimes frowns and he digs his knuckles into Atlas’ head. Grimes lets off, Atlas gets to ropes, but Grimes is after him with KICKS in the corner! Grimes stands Atlas up to dig elbows into his chest. Grimes whips corner to corner hard and Atlas bounces off buckles! The ref checks on Atlas, he won’t let this stop here, and Grimes says he’s the man! Grimes gets Atlas up, Atlas elbows him back! Atlas ROCKS Grimes, CHOPS him, but Grimes KICKS back! Atlas blocks a kick, SLAPS Grimes, then whips him to a corner, Grimes reverses, Atlas reverses back and Grimes hits buckles hard! Atlas throws more hands, but Grimes spins and scoops, only for Atlas to slip out, GERMAN SUPLEX!
A limousine pulls up as Grimes ROCKS Atlas! The stretch parks, Atlas gets around Grimes to calf kick and forearm! Atlas spins Grimes for a DISCUS! Cover, TWO!! Grimes survives but Atlas goes up top! Fans rally up, Grimes hurries to go after Atlas but Atlas knocks him back down! Atlas adjusts, but Grimes grabs at him! Atlas goes up and over and returns, into COLLISION COURSE! Grimes shouts, “TO! THE!” DeBiase’s intro interrupts! The Million Dollar Man is live and in person! Atlas springboards to sunset flip, Atlas wins!!
Winner: Jake Atlas, by pinfall
Grimes is furious and DeBiase has the last laugh again! Grimes rushes Atlas but Atlas ROCKS him! Grimes flounders out of the ring, and chases after DeBiase! “Where’d he go?!” Grimes goes outside, sees the super stretch limo, and knocks on the window. DeBiase says, “Not bad, kid. But you’re no Million Dollar Man.” The limo drives away and Grimes curses DeBiase’s name! What will it cost Grimes to finally get one over on Ted DeBiase?
Bronson Reed reflects on his career.
“May 18th, 2007, my very first match. I was excited, nervous, and now 14 years later, May 18th, 2021, the biggest match of my life!” Reed VS Gargano, Steel Cage for the North American Champion. Reed has to go through Austin Theory, but even before that, he had to get through Australia, Japan, the UK, and match after match in NXT. Gargano will not deny Reed his destiny any longer. Reed will walk out of the cage THE NXT North American Champion, go to his wife and say, after 14 years, “We did it!” Will this Colossal Rocky story have its happy ending once and for all?
Arash Markazi interviews Pete Dunne.
Markazi thanks the Bruiserweight for this time. “Now normally, when someone calls out a champion, or someone, it’s one specific person. You called out basically the entire roster. Is there someone in particular you would like to face next?” Dunne says there are different reasons for each one. He beat Kushida, so that’s done, but he could always go for that Cruiserweight title. There’s Walter, the NXT UK Championship, that’s unfinished business. Johnny Gargano, we’ve already seen that and how did that end? Dunne won, so he’ll do it again. And of course, Karrion Kross, obviously Dunne wants THE NXT title, something that’s eluded him.
There was a tinge of “put respect on my name” when Dunne spoke. Is there a sense that he isn’t getting the respect he deserves? He doesn’t really care, to be honest. The body of his work speaks for itself. Find a bad match Dunne has had. He hasn’t. Not even the loses are bad. Everyone leaves different facing him. Describe your style. When Markazi watches Dunne, it’s almost a UFC fight. Obviously there isn’t a cage, but it is aggressive. Where does that come from. Dunne takes inspiration from British wrestling, his own style he’s made over the year in America and Japan, all put together. People like Fit Finlay, but more violent.
How important is the connection he has with the fans? It does bring a different element. Seeing someone react to how he’s bending a finger or joint adds something. But we all know how it hurts to have a finger or arm bent the wrong way. Does Dunne set goes for himself? What does he want to have a year from now? Or even five years? Dunne used to set goals, but now he’s just someone who takes opportunities as they come. At this point, it’s just time to go after the NXT Champion. Dunne conquered the UK, now he’s ready to conquer the US. Markazi thanks Dunne for his time. Will we see the Bruiserweight look to take over NXT prime in the near future?
Alexander Wolfe w/ Imperium VS Killian Dain w/ Drake Maverick!
The Dresden Hatchet Man was not medically cleared before, but he has the greenlight now! Will he and the Belfast Beast be able to settle their differences once and for all?
The bell rings, Wolfe and Dain tie up, Dain waistlocks but Wolfe switches and shoves Dain. Dain throws hands, ROCKS Wolfe, but Wolfe kicks and knees back! Wolfe BOOT Dain, stomps him down and then rains down rights! Wolfe stomps Dain more, gets him up and throws EuroUppers. Wolfe reels Dain in for more EuroUppers, kicks, and back again. Dain just gets mad and he grabs Wolfe for a EuroUpper of his own! And more EuroUppers! Dain throws body shots in a corner, then forearms, Dain whips corner to corner to SPLASH Wolfe, then rams him all the way to the opposite end! Dain CLOBBERS Wolfe and roars!
Imperium gets on the apron, Maverick goes after them but they knock him down! Dain BOOTS Fabian Aichner, but Wolfe GERMAN SUPLEXES Dain! Marcel Barthel says to use the chair. This isn’t about the win but about sending a message! The ref gets the chair, but Wolfe takes it from him! Dain DIVIDES Wolfe, covers, and WINS!
Winner: Killian Dain, by pinfall
Dian and Maverick regroup and celebrate the win! Wolfe hesitated, does this have to do with his past with Dain? Imperium helps Wolfe up to his feet, and assure him it’ll be alright. Wolfe strikes the Imperium pose, but Imperium strikes him down! Barthel & Aichner stomp and kick Wolfe, then drag him up for the EUROBOMB!! Failure is not an option in Imperium, but will this only hurt their global expansion plans?
Backstage interview with Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai.
McKenzie congratulates the NXT Women’s Champion on defeating Mercedes Martinez last week, but what about the altercation in the trainer’s room later? Mack, they have Twitter accounts, they saw the comments. Yeah, Mack! Stop trying to start things! Raquel won like she said she would, and has no problem in respecting Mercedes. Dakota, on the other hand, would’ve kicked Mercedes’ head off. Agree to disagree. They’re friends, they do that, but they are going after the tag titles again! The Way may-
Whoa, tag titles? Ever-Rise is here, and they say that everyone knows Shotzi & Ember are first in line. Here’s the thing. You don’t need to be greedy! Raquel is a champ, definitely. Dakota, not so much. Wait, who are these two? Ever-Rise! The best team ever! And cohosts of the smash hit Saturday morning social media show, Ever-Rise Live! Sign pops in outta somewhere. Never seen it. What?! Do they have a problem? Wanna take a swing? Sounds like she wants to. She DOES! She SLAMS Matt Marthel off his feet and he spills his coffee! Chase Parker helps him back up and explains he got sucker punched. Is the mug okay? Which one?
El Legado del Fantasma VS Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher!
Speaking of tag titles, MSK has the men’s titles, and that means targets on their back! But before either Wilde & Mendoza or Ciampa & Thatcher can go after them, they’re going to go after each other! Will Legado learn that #OldManCiampa and #ToothlessDoubleT have different definitions for “blood and tradition?”
The teams sort out, Wilde and Ciampa start, and Wilde rushes in but misses wide right. Ciampa and Wilde circle, approach, and Wilde dodges to do a dance. But then Wilde bails out and leads Ciampa on a cat ‘n’ mouse game. Ciampa dodges the elbow drop, drags Wilde back out and whips him hard into the boards! Wilde writhes, Ciampa claps and pats himself on the back. Ciampa waves to Mendoza, puts Wilde in and headlocks. Wilde powers out, Ciampa runs him over! Cover, ONE! Ciampa gets Wilde in a facelock and grinds him down. Ciampa floats to a headlock, cranks back, but Wilde endures.
Wilde fights up, Ciampa cranks the headlock, and then wrenches to tag Thatcher. Ciampa hands off Wilde to Thatcher’s cravat, and Thatcher throws close-range shoulders. Wilde powers Thatcher to a corner, Mendoza tags in but Thatcher swats Legado away. Thatcher and Mendoza tie up, Thatcher headlocks and hits a trip to an ARMBAR! Mendoza fights, Thatcher shifts to a short arm scissor to a double wristlock. Mendoza fights up, gets the ropes, but Thatcher tags Ciampa. Ciampa and Thatcher mug Mendoza, Ciampa CHOPS Mendoza off his feet then goes from headlock to headscissors. Mendoza flails around, Ciampa CHOPS him, covers, TWO!
Ciampa bumps Mendoza off buckles, wrenches, and whips him corner to corner. Ciampa runs in to forearm smash! Ciampa whips the other way, runs but into a boot! Mendoza stomps Ciampa, rains down rights over and over, then spits the blood in his mouth. Mendoza lets off and Ciampa BOOTS him! Tag to Thatcher, he cravats. Mendoza endures, is still spitting blood from the mouth, but Thatcher shifts to a cording hold. Mendoza claws Thatcher’s face, headlocks back, but Thatcher pops out the back to have the armlock. Thatcher grinds Mendoza, chinbars, the ref checks Mendoza’s mouth and nose, but Mendoza refuses to stop. Mendoza wrenches, knees low and headlocks.
Thatcher powers out, Mendoza slides under and dropkicks legs out! Mendoza just shrugs off the bad nose to KICK and KICK! Thatcher blocks a kick, and twists the foot in an ANKLE LOCK! Thatcher grins but Wilde grabs at Mendoza. Thatcher drags them both in! Ciampa gets Wilde for an ANKLE LOCK! Legado endures double holds, but they both roll to victory roll! The ref refuses to count, this isn’t tornado rules! Mendoza somersault ENZIGURIS, Wilde JAWBREAKERS! Ciampa CLOBBERS Wilde, Mendoza ENZIGURIS Ciampa! Thatcher returns to ENZIGURI Mendoza! Fans are fired up, all four men are down and Thatcher checks his own arm as NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Ciampa is unleashing endless corner clotheslines on Legado! Mendoza, Wilde, and back again, Ciampa is not slowing down! Fans are fired up as he tops this off at at least a dozen! Ciampa dodges the double to give a DOUBLE LARIAT! Legado falls out of the ring, Thatcher is fired up for Ciampa as he gets Mendoza. Wilde saves Mendoza from Willow’s Bell but Ciampa DECKS Wilde! Mendoza attacks Ciampa, stomps him down and tags Wilde back in. Legado double whip, double SPINEBUSTER, and then split the wishbone before a basement dropkick sandwich! Cover, TWO! Ciampa is showing why he’s a former NXT Tag Team Champion and top NXT Champion!
Wilde clamps onto Ciampa with a chinlock, Mendoza tags in and Legado mugs Ciampa. Mendoza throws hands, CHOPS Ciampa in a corner, then fires off SLAPS! Ciampa gives those SLAPS back, Mendoza knees low and BITES Ciampa’s forehead! Mendoza wants blood, but he runs corner to corner to RAM into Ciampa! Mendoza goes again, but Ciampa dodges and Mendoza POSTS himself! Ciampa tags in Thatcher! Thatcher gets Mendoza for a Belly2Belly! Wilde runs in, for a Belly2Belly! Thatcher DECKS Mendoza, gets him up and throws EuroUppers! Thatcher reels Mendoza into a HALF HATCH SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!
Thatcher bumps Mendoza off buckles, fires off more EuroUppers, then tags in Ciampa. Ciampa fires off forearms and CHOPS, and then steps back to tag in Thatcher. Thatcher grins as he brings Mendoza up for more forearms! Tag to Ciampa, they get Mendoza up to EuroUpper, KNEE, and DOUBLE CHOP! Mendoza drops to his knees, Ciampa runs to PSYCHO KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa gets Mendoza up, wrenches and whips, but Mendoza goes up and out and GAMANGIRIS back! Mendoza leaps in up and over, Ciampa CHOPS! Mendoza kicks, CHOPS, but runs into a forearm! Ciampa whips, Mendoza reverses but Ciampa ROCKS him! Underhooks but no Fairy Tail Ending!
Mendoza back drops, Ciampa sunset flips, but Mendoza rolls through to SHINING WIZARD! Ciampa gets to a corner, Mendoza runs in and corner clotheslines while tagging Wilde! Wilde snap suplexes Ciampa, tags Mendoza back in, and Legado hits the hip toss splash! Mendoza adds a LIONSAULT! Cover, Thatcher breaks it! Thatcher fires forearms on Mendoza but Mendoza knocks him off the apron! Mendoza stomps Ciampa, tags Wilde, and Legado coordinates! Thatcher trips Mendoza up and throws EuroUppers! Wilde FLIES and takes Thatcher out! Ciampa gets Wilde for WILLOW’S BELL! Cover, Mendoza dropkicks it outta nowhere!!
The CWC is thunderous as Thatcher goes after Mendoza. But The Grizzled Young Veterans pop in outta nowhere! They gut wrench Ciampa and give him an APRON TICKET TO RIDE!! The GYV feed Ciampa to Legado! Wilde gets Ciampa up, Mendoza runs, GAMANGIRI LEG SWEEP! Cover, El Legado wins!
Winners: El Legado del Fantasma, by pinfall
GYV are satisfied with how they screwed over the grizzled old veterans, and now Legado has cleared their path to the titles! Will Legado finally take over the tag division?
Backstage interview with Bobby Fish.
McKenzie welcomes him back and congratulates him on his recovery from injury. But she does have to bring up how he came to help his former tag partner, Kyle O’Reilly. Fish apologizes but this is where he must cut her off. Last week had very little to do with Kyle and everything to do with Dunne and Oney. “Those two gentlemen, they put me out at WarGames. Triceps surgery. It’s a long recovery. Long enough that it put me on the sidelines to watch along with the rest of the world as The UE imploded.” Fish is back, and that means there is a debt to be paid, and he can’t think of a better place to start than with Pete Dunne.
Dunne walks around claiming he’s the match-up here no one wants. That’s funny to Fish, because that’s the only match he wants! Dunne started this at WarGames! Now he and Fish have unfinished business, so Fish calls Dunne out! Next week, Dunne better show up, because Fish vows to finish this!
The Way’s spa day continues.
Indi and Candice feel great. But they’re informed that Candice’s credit card has been declined. That can’t be right. Run it again. There’s no way it can be, Candice is a tag team champion now. They already tried running it a few times, and even contacted the company. There was an “unpaid expense.” Austin… He does this all the time, like with pizzas and stuff. No, it said it was a purchase made three weeks ago at a local florist. Does that ring a bell? Uh… No… Did anyone buy any flowers, chocolates, or other things? Nope, Candice has no idea- Wait, three weeks ago. Wasn’t that when Shotzi & Ember got all those gifts from Lumis? Or was it from Candice?!
Candice avoids the question but Indi puts it together for herself. Lumis still loves Indi Wrestling~! She runs off excitedly and Candice is at a loss for words. Shippers rejoice, for #InDex LIVES!
Johnny Gargano speaks.
“Bronson Reed, tonight, inside of a Steel Cage, I show you you are NOT on Johnny Gargano’s level!” Gargano is THE top champion on this brand, and he did something no one has been able to do: He left Karrion Kross laying! It doesn’t matter how big you are, or what hype you have! Austin, who beats the unbeatable? Gargano does! Who stops the unstoppable? Gargano does! And tonight, inside that cage, Gargano will show us all why he is UNTOUCHABLE! But will things really go Gargano’s way?
Sarray VS Aliyah w/ The Robert Stone Brand!
The Warrior of the Sun is still shining, and her future is bright! Will she blind #BornBougie with her bright smile and fiery intensity?
The bell rings and Sarray offers a handshake, but Aliyah just kicks her down! Aliyah fires off hands, drags Sarray up and whips her to ropes. Sarray reverses, gets around and arm-drags! And again! And then basement dropkicks Aliyah down! Fans fire up with Sarray as she runs but Jessi Kamea swipes at her! Aliyah attacks, fires forearms and uppercuts! Aliyah whips and CLOBBERS Sarray! Cover, TWO as Sarray goes Matrix! But Aliyah throws Sarray down by her hair! Aliyah gets Sarray up to throw her again! Aliyah runs corner to corner to BOOT her down! Cover, TWO! Aliyah sighs and smiles as she gets Sarray back up. Sarray ROCKS Aliyah, Aliyah hits back!
The two brawl, Sarray HEEL KICKS and covers, TWO! Sarray gets Aliyah up for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Aliyah staggers up as Sarray climbs, missile dropkick! Fans fire up with Sarray again and she runs to basement dropkick Aliyah against ropes! And then T-BONE SUPLEX!! Cover, Sarray wins!
Winner: Sarray, by pinfall
The Warrior of the Sun just burned Aliyah to a crisp! Will it only be a matter of time before Sarray shines with gold around her waist?
Shotzi & Ember speak.
“Indi, Candice, you hussies are already looking past us, but this is far from over! And Dakota and Raquel, you think you can just skip the line? But don’t forget who took the titles off you in the first place. Even a well-oiled machine needs a little bit of fine tuning. But it’s time to get gritty. It’s time to get wild!” Shotzi & Ember are stripping this down to get back on track and #TCB with Ember’s Law! Shotzi howls to the Moon, will these two hunt down the champions and take back what was theirs?
The Diamond Mine is coming.
Will NXT be ready for these diamonds in the rough?
Hit Row VS Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari!
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott and “B-Fab” Briana Brandy accompany their boys to the ring, and are ready to hit the top of the charts in NXT. Will #PremierDinero will look like chump change against Ashante “Thee” Adonis & Top Dolla?
Adonis and Nese start, they know each other from 205 Live. The bell rings and he fires off on the Premier Athlete! Adonis whips, Nese stops himself in the corner and elbows back. Nese goes up and leaps over, then things speed up. Nese runs into a FLAPJACK! Adonis kips up, tags Dolla, and Dolla drags Nese up with a one-arm TOSS! Daivari tags in but gets BODIED! Dolla gets Nese back up to pop him up! Daivari runs but into a scoop! “Who hotta than Top Dolla?!” WASTELAND POWERSLAM COMBO! “Not NADA!” Dolla drags Daivari up, reels him in for a short-arm LARIAT, and then drags him back up to tag in Adonis.
Adonis talks trash, slaps Daivari around, and then gets Daivari up, but Daivari forearms and CHOPS on repeat! Adonis reverses the whip to AirDROP Daivari in the head! Adonis fires off forearms on the mat, gets Daivari in a corner, but Dolla tags in before the ref counts 5! Adonis keeps firing off on Daivari, Dolla pushes him aside, Nese gets in to get the LONG KISS GOODNIGHT! The superkick floors Nese, Dolla keeps Adonis contained, so he can SPLASH Daivari in a corner! Fireman’s carry, throw to a NECKBREAKER! Cover, Hit Row wins!
Winners: Hit Row, by pinfall
Adonis and Dolla dominated the 205 Live OG, and then Dolla has B put ’em on notice! “B-Fab knows you be mad. Just another on the hit list.” They’re taking shots, taking spots, and doing ’em like connect the dots! They’re hot, and heat rises. Tonight’s main event, two competitors going for the North American title in a cage. Swerve doesn’t care who wins, just know he’ll be going after who shines in the end. And if you didn’t know, now you know! Will Gargano and Reed have to worry about who’s coming for them on the other side?
Backstage interview with William Regal.
Tonight’s main event is moments away, but he has updates on the other divisions. He isn’t quite happy with how they got there, but El Legado del Fantasma are the #1 contenders to the NXT Tag Team Champions. They will face MSK in two weeks for the titles! There are a lot of opportunities in NXT, and the greatest women’s division in the world is only getting more heated. Regal wants to see who is ready to step up to Raquel Gonzalez. There are also a lot of new faces in the Cruiserweight Division, and he wants to see who wants after Kushida more. And when it comes to the NXT Women’s Tag Division, we will see a rematch of Dakota & Raquel VS Shotzi & Ember next week!
Big moves in all divisions, what will the landscape look like on the road to In Your House 2021?
BREAKING NEWS for next week!
After weeks and weeks of Grimes being a step behind the Million Dollar Man, the two high rollers will finally have a face-off! A MILLION DOLLAR Face-Off, that is! What will that even look like?!
NXT North American Championship Steel Cage Match: Johnny Gargano VS Bronson Reed!
The cage is ready, and so are the two men that are stepping inside! The Way’s “fearless” leader and the Colossal Auszilla face off once again for this title, and it will finally be 1v1! Will there be no way Gargano survives with his reign still intact?
Gargano gets in Reed’s face before the bell, Reed shoves him down for it! The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this battle of gold and steel closes out NXT!
Gargano hurries for the door! Reed drags Gargano back, and Theory can only watch as Reed gets Gargano up and TOSSES him into a corner! Reed runs in, Gargano boots him, then climbs the wall! Reed drags Gargano back down, throws hands, then whips him corner to corner. Gargano goes up and over and rolls away, but Reed blocks the door! Gargano goes up a wall, Reed drags him back down and scoops. Gargano slips out, shoves Reed but Reed blocks the wall bump! Reed elbows Gargano away, Reed runs through a clotheslines and then BODIES Gargano! Gargano flounders, Reed drags him up, and TOSSES him into the steel! Gargano scrapes down and writhes in pain!
Reed looms over Gargano, gets him back up and TOSSES him into more steel! Gargano flounders, Reed looms over him and fans are loving this! Reed gets Gargano back up, scoops him, and LAWN DARTS him into steel! Gargano checks his face, the fans are loving this, and Reed drags him up between steel and ropes. Reed then joins him in that gap, to PRESS him against the ropes! Gargano feels like cheese being grated! Reed then steps through ropes, runs, but Gargano drops! Reed hits just steel! Gargano takes aim, slingshots, but his spear is stopped by the steel being too close! Gargano is stuck, Reed drags him up, DRAPING DDT!
Gargano flounders and fans fire up. Reed drags Gargano up, suplexes him, but Gargano slips out to CHOP BLOCK a leg! Gargano hurries to the wall, climbs up, and MOONSAULTS Reed down! Gargano rains down rights, Theory fires up, and Gargano crawls back to walls. Gargano climbs, Reed yanks him back and has a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives, reminding us why he was NXT’s first Triple Crown! Reed climbs a corner, Theory is there to distract him! Gargano SUPERKICKS a leg out! Reed gets crotched as NXT goes picture in picture!
Gargano climbs up, and bounces the ropes to mess with Reed’s King Gidorah! Gargano SUPERKICKS Reed off the ropes! Reed flounders, Gargano throws hands, then has Reed in a corner! Gargano climbs, throws down hands over and over, then climbs over Reed to get up. Reed grabs at Gargano’s feet to anchor him! Reed brings Gargano down, Gargano kicks and stomps him back! Gargano hops down and runs in to back body block Reed into buckles! Reed ends up between ropes and steel while Gargano gloats. Gargano dribbles Reed’s head off steel over and over, then runs side to side, but Reed ROCKS him! Reed steps through ropes, but Gargano kicks the rope!
Reed flops over, Gargano gets his legs, and he STOMPS right on Reed’s kaiju! No disqualifications in a cage match! Gargano covers, TWO! Gargano throws down hands, Reed shoves him away! Gargano puts Reed on ropes and chokes him! Again, no disqualifications, so Gargano can hold this way past 5! Gargano lets off at about 11, then DECKS Reed. Gargano throws more hands on Reed, but Reed hits back. They brawl, NXT returns to single picture and fans are fired up for “NXT! NXT!” as Gargano and Theory coordinate to SANDWICH Reed through steel! Cover, TWO!! Gargano is frustrated, so he just climbs a wall. Gargano leaps, but into a POWERSLAM!
Reed slaps himself to get back in this. Gargano turns around, Reed DECKS him! And again! Atomic drop and a COLOSSAL CATAPULT into the steel!! Gargano flounders, Theory panics, and Reed fireman’s carries Gargano to climb a corner with him! Theory shouts to Gargano, Gargano fights, but Reed hits a SUPER SAMOAN DROP!! Reed crawls but Gargano rolls away to avoid a cover! Reed keeps crawling, pushes Gargano over and gets that cover, TWO!! Gargano may have saved himself with those extra seconds! Reed gets up, climbs up a wall of the cage, but Gargano goes after his feet! Reed clubs Gargano, Gargano CLUBS the leg!
Gargano climbs up, dribbles Reed off steel again, and then springboards to SUNSET POWERBOMB!! Fans are thunderous and Theory is relieved as Gargano drags himself to cover Reed! TWO!!! Reed is showing he has superhuman endurance, just like Gargano! Gargano crawls to the door, Theory opens it and reaches for Gargano, but the ref reprimands him. Reed anchors Gargano! Theory and Reed play tug o’ war with Gargano! Theory lets go and Reed SITS DOWN on Gargano! Reed goes for the door, but Theory slams it shut! Reed shoves the door and sends Theory swinging into the side of the cage!! Theory is down, but Gargano SUPERKICKS Reed!
Reed ROCKS Gargano! Reed reels Gargano in, lifts, but Gargano fights the bomb by grabbing steel! Gargano hops back to POISON-RANA!! Both men are down, the door is open and the CWC fans are electric! Gargano goes to a wall of the cage, climbs up, but Reed crawls after him. Gargano changes his idea, slingshot, but no final beat as Reed SLAMS Gargano into steel! Reed goes to the door! Gargano is so far away, but Theory SLAMS the door on Reed’s head!! Gargano leaps, TORNADO DDT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Gargano can’t believe Reed survives! Gargano goes to a corner while Reed sits up in a daze, and Gargano climbs!
Gargano is already at the top, but Reed grabs his feet! Gargano kicks at Reed, Reed climbs up, and Gargano throws hands on Reed! Gargano climbs to step on Reed, but Reed gets Gargano for a COLOSSAL POWERBOMB!! CWC is rumbling with “NXT! THIS IS AWESOME! NXT!” Reed stands first, he climbs a wall, but Theory again gets involved! Reed swipes at him, Gargano climbs up now, and now it is a handicap cage match! Reed DECKS Gargano, BOPS Theory, and finishes climbing! Gargano sees the door, Reed sees Gargano, SPRINGBOARD TSUNAMI!?! Reed doesn’t want the door, he slams it shut! ANOTHER TSUNAMI!! Cover, Reed wins!!!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall (NEW NXT North American Champion)
That was an epic! Fourteen years to the day of Reed’s wrestling debut, and he is a champion in the WWE! Will Reed prove he is the king of kaiju now that he has gold around his waist?
My Thoughts:
An awesome episode and so much is being set up on the road to TakeOver: In Your House 2021. A brief hype package helps bring us right into Storm VS Stark rematch, and that was like a TakeOver match in itself. Stark won last time, it makes sense Storm wins this time, and we’re definitely getting a tiebreaker at the next TakeOver. Storm’s new move is unique, I wonder what it’ll be called. The spa day for Indi & Candice was an interesting way for Indi to find out about the trick Candice played. Though her being happy that Lumis was still her guy canceling out the anger she had for Candice seemed a little too easy. I suppose it’ll take more than that to break up The Way.
While Ever-Rise said it was being greedy, it makes a lot of sense for Raquel & Dakota to go after the tag belts since their reign was literally just minutes long. Raquel & Dakota VS Shotzi & Ember to name contenders to The Way is going to be a very good match, but Raquel having a title to defend surely means she and Dakota lose. Then we get Shotzi & Ember VS The Way rematch at TakeOver, and maybe in something even bigger than a Street Fight so that it’ll feel a bit more definitive. Though, that was a pretty extreme match already, so I’m not sure how they could go harder, unless they make it elimination or Falls Count Anywhere. Actually, I hope they do that.
Sarray VS Aliyah was alright, but of course Sarray wins. She’ll be growing stronger in the background of the title scene but will certainly get her shot once Raquel’s had a few defenses under her belt. Grimes getting so upset with DeBiase that he picks a fight with someone else is great, and I love that DeBiase showed up to the CWC to distract Grimes. The Million Dollar Face-Off is probably not a match, but maybe some kind of showdown in regards to their possessions and wealth. Maybe this sets up the match of Grimes VS the million dollar proxy, maybe as something big for the go-home to TakeOver.
Legado VS Ciampa & Thatcher as an unofficial contender’s match was great stuff, even with the scare of Mendoza’s nose and Thatcher’s left arm. But I should’ve guessed GYV would get involved and screw Ciampa & Thatcher over. MSK VS Legado in two weeks, Ciampa & Thatcher VS GYV at some point, all great stuff, and maybe the winners of each meet at TakeOver. I feel like if we get MSK VS Ciampa & Thatcher at TakeOver, that could be the make-or-break moment for Ciampa & Thatcher as a team. Maybe Thatcher joins Imperium after all now that they’ve kicked out Wolfe? And maybe Wolfe joins Dain & Maverick in a weird SAnitY offshoot?
Hit Row had a good match, though I’m curious as to Adonis just suddenly having all this aggression when he wasn’t that way at all as a solo act. Maybe Swerve being the smooth operator of the group means Adonis has to be the opposite now to contrast. Adonis and Top Dolla are going to be very good tag team already, they had good chemistry here, and Swerve stakes his claim to the North American Championship already. I can’t be sure if B-Fab is going to stay manager or will try to get in the ring, but she’s coming into her role very well so I think she’ll be fine either way. Hit Row could even take on Legado in a Six Man Tag, and works with the history between Swerve and Escobar.
Prime Target: Kross VS Balor II was good, but not quite on the level I would’ve expected. Granted, they probably didn’t have time to do on-location shots like for other Prime Targets. But the match is definitely going to be TakeOver worthy, and I feel like Kross will win out since this second reign is meant to make up for the ill-fated first. Balor won’t be as hurt as Jimmy Smith’s part of Prime Target makes it seem. I think Balor should consider all his options the way Pete Dunne is. Fish is calling Dunne out but I’m thinking Dunne gets this win, even if it’s just because Oney gets involved. Dunne mentioned all but the tag titles, so Balor should think the same. Balor VS Kushida, Balor VS Walter, and maybe even Balor VS Reed at some point.
And of course, Gargano VS Reed was a great cage match. NXT always finds ways to make these cage matches work while RawDown struggles. With Reed’s promo looking back to his first match ever, of course he wins tonight. Reed has definitely worked hard and earned this moment, and maybe this frees Gargano up to get into another title hunt. THE NXT Championship makes the most sense, especially with Gargano bragging he did what no one has in knocking Kross down. But I would love if Gargano wanted the Cruiserweight Championship. Gargano VS Kushida would be an awesome match, Gargano was in the Cruiserweight Classic, aka the other CWC, and if Gargano won that belt, he’d be NXT’s first-ever GRAND SLAM CHAMPION, something he has definitely earned the right to be.
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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