Who makes it in before the Deadline?

Just days away from NXT Deadline, the Iron Survivor Challenges need to be filled! Two big Wild Card Triple Threats determine the fifth man and fifth woman for these inaugural matches!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Wild Card Triple Threat: Axiom VS Von Wagner VS Andre Chase; Axiom wins and advances to NXT Deadline.
• Bryson Montana VS Javier Bernal; No Contest.
• Tony D’Angelo w/ Channing Lorenzo VS Xyon Quinn; D’Angelo wins.
• Hank Walker VS Charlie Dempsey; Dempsey wins.
• Thea Hail w/ Chase U VS Isla Dawn; Dawn wins.
• Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe; Briggs & Jensen win.
• Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Wild Card Triple Threat: Wendy Choo VS Fallon Henley VS Indi Hartwell; Indi wins and advances to NXT Deadline.

PLAY BY PLAY

Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Wild Card Triple Threat: Axiom VS Von Wagner VS Andre Chase!

While they weren’t outright contenders, these three men are still worthy of fighting for an opportunity! Who will be the fifth man to go the NXT Deadline and compete for that golden ticket?

Duke Hudson & Thea Hail walk with Professor Chase to gorilla, and Duke wants Chase to do him a favor: believe in himself as much as Thea believes in him; believe in himself as much as Duke believes in him; believe in himself as much as the entire Chase U believes in him! This is his time! Yeah, it’s time to give those two mofos a Chase U sided ass whooping!! Is this going to be a #TeachableMoment?

The bell rings and Chase BOOTS Von! Chase fires off haymakers and fans fire up! Axiom gets in but Chase shoves him away. Von DECKS Chase, he DECKS Axiom, then he runs Chase over! Von headlocks, Chase powers out but Von runs Axiom over! Then Von rebounds to run Chase over again! Fans boo as Von drags Chase up, and then he drags Axiom up. Von double headlocks and grinds both men down. But Axiom and Chase both power up to lift Von! Von thrashes the headlocks to hold on, but Chase and Axiom power out, only for Von to run them both over! Von drags Chase up to a fireman’s carry, but Chase slips off!

Chase headlocks, Von powers out, things speed up and Chase RAMS Von! Von stays up, he runs in, but Axiom and Chase dodge to DOUBLE SHOULDER Von down! Axiom and Chase mug Von, and they double suplex! Fans fire up as Von bails out! Chase allows Axiom to go first, and Axiom builds speed, but into a roll-up from Chase! TWO and Chase says that was a Teachable Moment! Axiom and Chase speed up, Axiom rolls through an arm-drag to springboard arm-drag! Axiom then DROPKICKS Von as he returns! Axiom rolls Chase to a HEEL HOOK, but Von stomps them both down!

Von rains down fists, drags Axiom up with a knuckle lock, and he Straight Arm Levers Axiom! Von drops Axiom down, then hauls him up to RAM shoulders! Axiom CHOPS back, and CHOPS again! Axiom goes up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAG RANA COMBOS! Axiom ENZIGURIS Von, gets around Chase but Chase bucks the O’Conner Roll! Chase runs into a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Standing moonsasult! Cover, TWO! Thea is fired up for Chase and so are the fans, but Von DOUBLE LARIATS Axiom and Chase down! Fans boo as Von drags Axiom up. Von trophy lifts Axiom, aims and TOSSES Axiom onto Chase on the outside!

Fans boo Von but Von grins as NXT goes picture in picture. Von goes out after his opponents, and he RAMS Chase into the apron! And again! Von scoops Chase to then POST him! Chase writhes while Von CLUBS Axiom. Von smacks Axiom off the apron, puts him in the ring, then puts Chase in. Von storms up but into body shots from Chase! Von CLUBS Chase, but now Axiom throws forearms and CHOSP! Von shoves Axiom away and BOOTS him down! Von sees Chase in a corner and clotheslines him! Von then RAMS Axiom into Chase! Von throws Chase down, scoops Axiom and SLAMS him onto Chase! Cover on Chase, TWO!

Von drags Axiom to a cover, TWO! Von is annoyed but he CLUBS Chase down. Von clamps onto Axiom with a cobra clutch and thrashes him around! Axiom endures, fights up, but Von thrashes him back down. Chase rushes in to break up the hold, but Von KNEES Chase low! Von puts the cobra clutch onto Chase! Von grinds Chase down, but Chase U rallies up. Chase fights up to a JAWBREAKER! Axiom is up top, Von hauls Chase into a corner! Von then storms up to Axiom to DECK him! Von stomps a mudhole into Chase, digs his boot in, then lets off. Von drags Chase up to whip him corner to corner hard!

Von scoops Chase to SLAM him! Cover, TWO! Von stays on Chase with the cobra clutch, and then RAMS him into Axiom! NXT returns to single picture as Von climbs up to get Axiom. But Chase CLUBS Von, CLUBS him again and again, then climbs up after him! Chase SUPER SUNSET FLIPS, but Von holds on! Axiom BOOTS Von into the POWERRBOMB! Chase UPPERCUTS Axiom, climbs up after him, and fans are rallying for “CHASE U!” SUPERPLEX onto Von! Fans fire up while all three men are down! Chase and Von sit up and they start throwing haymakers! Fans cheer Chase and boo Von as they go back and forth!

Von HEADBUTTS Chase! Von whips, Chase ducks ‘n’ dodges and dropkicks the legs out! Then he whips Von, but Von reverses. Chase reverses back to a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Fans fire up and spell out “CHASE U!” as Chase stomps Von! Von rushes in, Chase dodges and clotheslines Von out! But Axiom runs in! Chase bucks the O’Conner, Axiom dodges to DIVE onto Von! GAMANGIRI for Chase and Axiom springboards, into a kick! Underhooks, TIGER DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Axiom survives and Chase can’t believe it! Duke and Thea coach Chase up and he drags Axiom back up. Chase swings, but into an ARMBAR!!

Chase clasps hands, moves around, deadlifts, but Von BOOTS Chase down! Von fireman’s carries, but Axiom slips into a SLEEPER! Axiom then shifts to a TRIANGLE HOLD! Von endures, Duke coaches Chase and Stone shouts at Von to hold on! Von deadlifts Axiom, to POWERBOMB him on Chase! Von hauls Chase up, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! cover, TWO!!! Chase survives and the fans are thunderous! Von is furious, he hurries to drag Axiom up. Fireman’s carry, but Chase kicks the legs out! Chase dragon sleepers Axiom, reels Von in, DOUBLE DDT!! Chase hurries up top and fans are all fired up! CROSSBODY onto Von!

Chase bounces off the cover, though! Von is hurting, GOLDEN RATIO!! Cover, Axiom wins!!

Winner: Axiom, by pinfall (advances to NXT Deadline)

Professor Chase fought so hard, but in the end, the Undeniable Truth is headed for NXT Deadline! Will Axiom be undeniable and become the first ever Mr. Iron Survivor?

Cora Jade speaks.

“My track record has proven I am willing to do whatever it takes to become the number one woman in NXT. I ended friendships, targeted the meek, preyed on the weak, cheated when the opportunity presented itself. So just imagine what I’m willing to do to win at Deadline and have my name go down in history as the very first female Iron Survivor. There are no depths that I will not sink to. And if you thought I embarrassed Wendy Choo, just wait until I embarrass the other four women in this match and walk out of Deadline as the #1 contender. Because this is my generation. The Generation of Jade.”

The Diamond Mine meets with the trainer.

Julius Creed’s knee is good to go, he is cleared to compete. He’s ready, but Ivy Nile wants the ribs to be checked. Julius says they’re fine, they don’t need checking. The trainer says Julius never mentioned the ribs, but Julius says that’s because they’re fine. But Ivy insists they’re not. Brutus asks what Ivy is up to, and she says she’s “protecting her brothers.” The trainer checks and finds significant swelling. The trainer can’t let Julius compete like this. They’ll get some imaging and see what’s what. Julius frowns at Ivy, and Brutus asks, “What the hell?” Ivy insists she’s protecting them, but is it from Indus Sher? Or from themselves?

Bron Breakker returns to his boat.

The NXT Champion is about to set sail for another fishing expedition, but Apollo Crews walks over. “What’s up, champ? Got room for one more?” Bron asks if Apollo’s serious. Apollo says Deadline’s not until Saturday, so this might be their last time to go out as just two guys enjoying the water. Well, alright, but Apollo’s gotta untie the line. Sure thing. Apollo hops aboard and they head out. Apollo really likes the boat. Cuts through the water with precision, great acceleration with the dual engines, it’s wonderful. Bron says, “Kinda like taking my Spear, huh?” Apollo sees what Bron did there.

Bron gets to his favorite spot and they set up. Apollo says he needs a little help, he’s never actually been fishing. Bron gives him pointers about his fingers and the spool. Then just reel back and let it go. Nice first cast for Apollo! A natural in the ring, a natural on the rod, let’s see what we catch. Bron does respect the standing moonsault. Apollo just decided to do it one day cuz he’s always had the hops. But he sees Bron doing one, too. Bron saw Apollo do it, gave it a try, fell on his face, but that’s kinda the goal. Any other moves Bron is looking to steal? Just a few. Then Apollo will have to learn to counter his own stuff.

And since it’s just Apollo, Bron and the fish, if there are even fish… Does this really take the pressure off? Or just an excuse to be alone? Bron says it’s very peaceful out here. As soon as you hold the title, the pressure comes with it, including fighting the best of the best. Gunther, Gargano, Ciampa, Ziggler, just to name a few, is quite the list. Bron says every match is must-win. Make too many mistakes, you don’t just lose a match, you lose everything you’ve worked for. Apollo has to say, he has an idea. If Bron is tired of the grind, he can just hand the title over on Saturday and take that much needed break.

Bron will respectfully decline. Apollo gets a bite and he reels it in. They’re both excited to see Apollo with a big fish on the hook. And then, they let him go. Congratulations are in order for that, and both men are looking forward to Saturday. It will be a banger, but the game plans are pretty simple. Bron will use his power, speed and intensity, and Apollo looks to challenge each one of those. “May the best man win.” Bron didn’t catch any fish today, Apollo says it just wasn’t his day. And neither will Saturday. Will these respectful rivals look to catch the other slacking at Deadline?

Bryson Montana VS Javier Bernal!

Bryson is about as big as Montana, but- OH NO! SANGA splashes him! And then choke grips, for a SHOKE SLAM! Veer joins Sanga in the ring and they loom over Bryson. Here comes Big Body Javi, and he realizes what just happened. Javi fakes a big bad pulled hamstring and hobbles away. Veer gets a mic to call out the Creed Brothers! “We said we will not face you unless you are 100%. You have heart, but clearly you are not 100%.” Sanga says destroying the Creeds before they’re healed does NOT interest them. So respectfully, the challenge is declined. They will way until the Creeds are ready. Just don’t keep them waiting too long.

Indus Sher has spoken, but will they be gentlemen about waiting? Wait! The Creeds aren’t waiting, they’re storming out to the ring! But referees and Ivy Nile keep them both back because Julius is far from physically ready! Fans want to “Let Them Fight!” but will that have to be until after Deadline?

Chase U regroups backstage.

Duke sits with Chase and says the silver lining is that Chase didn’t get pinned in the match. But then Thea excitedly rushes in to say that she has a match tonight! Fantastic! Against who? Isla Dawn! Oh, no way. Yes way! No, sorry, Duke meant like, no way should Thea do it! Thea knows Isla is super scary, but Thea is super ready! Duke wants Chase to back him up on this, but Chase says Thea can do it. Thea is fired up and Duke wants her and Chase to reconsider. But Chase says she CAN do it! Thea says she’ll be fine! Thanks, Mr. Chase! Thea hurries off to get ready but Duke stays with Chase.

Duke knows Chase didn’t get into the Iron Survivor Challenge, but he has to- DAMN IT, DUKE! Chase has made his decision! Is Duke right that Chase isn’t the right headspace? Or will Thea prove Chase is right that she can fight the Wicked Witch of NXT?

Sol Ruca catches something on her TikTok.

She and Amari Miller are doing a dance backstage when Edris Enofe & Malik Blade encounter Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen, then start arguing! Hank Walker and others cool things down, Briggs & Jensen say they were just being good friends but it seems Edris & Malik don’t wanna hear about it. This moment sparked a match for tonight, will the good ol’ boys get through to their friends?

Tony D’Angelo w/ Channing Lorenzo VS Xyon Quinn!

The Don is back in action! Will he have any ring rust after being out for ten weeks? Or will Tony D be the one to “run it straight” against the self-proclaimed It Factor?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Tony headlocks, fans rally but Xyon powers out. Things speed up, Tony ducks ‘n’ dodges and he runs Xyon over! Fans fire up with Tony, but Xyon RAMS Tony into the corner! Xyon RAMS and RAMS again, then whips corner to corner. Tony rebounds into a fireman’s carry, but he slips off to LARIAT! Fans fire up again and Tony drags Xyon up. Tony throws hockey body shots, then a HALF HATCH suplex! Fans fire up as Tony throws more hands on Xyon. Xyon ends up in a corner, Tony storms in but into an elbow. Xyon throws hands now, then a HEADBUTT!

Xyon whips Tony to ropes, Tony holds ropes then elbows Xyon back! But Xyon fireman’s carries to SAMOAN DROP! Xyon kip sup while Tony bails out. Xyon hurries to the apron but Tony JABS Xyon! Tony gets in to SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up and Stacks says to finish this! Tony reels Xyon in, back suplex to a SIDE SLAM! Cover, Tony wins!

Winner: Tony D’Angelo, by pinfall

“Look who’s back, baby~!” And Stacks, you see any rust? No rust, Don, you’re still good. Tony says he may not be the X-Factor or whatever, but he’s like a shiny new hubcap. This is why he is the Don of NXT! So during his physical therapy, Tony gained some new revenue, some new connections, right? But for him and Stacks, it always came down to Wes Lee and that North American Championship. Tony was gonna win, Wes took a cheap shot, and Wes has been living on that- But wait! Here comes Wes Lee!

“Welcome back, Tony D’Angelo! The Don has returned!” Wes goes to the ring and Tony appreciates him “paying tribute.” Uh, not quite. See, everyone knows Tony’s been eyeballing Wes and his title. Wes is here face to face saying he has his eye on Tony just as much. Not to mention someone else- Stacks interrupts and says Wes needs to smarten up right now. Wes needs to have his eyes on Tony, because there is nobody bigger than- Hey, Don. Have your man switch to decaf so he can chill. Wes says after he beat Carmelo, Dijak came out to drop Wes. As far as Wes sees it, he has unfinished business there. So if Tony wants after the title, wait until Wes finishes with Dijak.

Tony says, “Oh, Mr. High and Mighty! I’m pretty insulted that you think I’d wait in any line.” Tony doesn’t care about Dijak. Dijak plays by a different set of rules, good for him. Who cares. That business will have to wait. But then Dijak is on the tron! He tells Tony D that yes, Dijak plays by a different set of rules. Dijak tells it like it is. And while Tony is a scumbag from the streets, as long as he stays out of Dijak’s way, he won’t have to clean things up. As for Wes, Dijak thought Wes would crawl into a hole and never come back out. So his advice to Wes is to keep his name out of your mouth. Dijak has a very special way of dealing with repeat offenders.

“Neither one of you can or will do anything to stop me from decimating NXT.” Stacks wants Wes to listen to Dijak. The way Stacks sees it, there’s nowhere to run! Stacks shoves Wes but Wes CLOBBERS Stacks! Wes then bails out before Tony can get at him. Hard Justice has spoken, but Tony and Wes are still fired up. Who will come out of all this on top with the North American Championship?

NXT shares a confrontation from last week.

It was just after the Iron Survivor Challengers were named that the rest of the locker room voiced their opinions. Hank Walker saw Charlie Dempsey walk in and wanted to talk about how Dempsey looks down on him for being a security guard turned superstar. Hank knows Dempsey has lived the business, but Hank didn’t get in the ring when he was 4. Hank got in when he was 24. And Hank wishes he could follow in his father’s footsteps. Hank’s dad was a factory worker. But none of that matters here. Hank just wants the same respect as everyone else. If he has to earn that, then just say the word and they can make it happen.

So Hank wants to face Dempsey? Dempsey promises to show Hank he doesn’t belong. Dempsey headed out, but will he keep that promise? Or will Big Hank shock the world?

SCRYPTS speaks.

“What it means to be a star, the words you use ought to define who you truly are. That light comes so quick but then it’s gone. The language you write is more important than the canvas it’s written on. Mean what you say because there is weight in your words. I grew up in a place where everyone judged you on what they saw, and not what they heard. NXT is now my new home. Same culture just a different address, but a convenient one at that. There’s only a chosen few that get an unwanted pass. But how much longer can I truly last? I must follow those who broke through. But too much of the same thing makes the old things feel new.

“So on this journey, I must target the chosen ones, for all the rest will fall in the dark and not the light. This is why I write. Sincerely, SCRYPTS.”

Hank Walker VS Charlie Dempsey!

NXT returns as Dempsey makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two rush each other. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Hank puts Dempsey in a corner. The ref counts, Hank lets off, but Dempsey knee slow. Dempsey ROCKS and SDLAPOS Hank, and that just pisses Hank off! Hank RAMS into Dempsey, and again, and again! Then he runs Dempsey corner to corner! Hank TOSSES Dempsey, then fires up! Fans fire up with Hank but Dempsey headbutts low! Dempsey headlocks, but Hank endures. Hank pries the hold open, but Dempsey knee slow and throat chops! Hank shoves Dempsey back but Dempsey swats the lariat!

Dempsey gets a KIMURA on the arm! Hank stays standing, he throws body shots, and he scoop SLAMS Dempsey down! Fans fire up as Dempsey staggers. Hank storms up to whip Dempsey but Dempsey blocks to ROCK and drop toehold Hank into buckles! Dempsey CLOBBERS Hank, UPPERCUTS, then GUT WRENCH SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Dempsey has the KIMURA back! Fans rally as Hank endures and moves around. But wait, DREW GULAK walks out? The fans fire up for seeing the Philly Stretcher here. Hank fights up, Dempsey ROCKS him back with close forearms! Dempsey CLUBS Hank on the back and cranks that Kimura!

Hank still endures, he refuses to fall. Hank fights up but that arm is being pulled way back! Hank throws body shots, then ROCKS Dempsey and whips. Dempsey ducks but Hank hits a THESZ PRESS! Hank fires off fast hands, then he runs in to SPLASH in the corner! Whip and SPLASH the other way! Hank scoops Dempsey for a SLAM! Dempsey staggers up, Hank ROCKS him with a forearm! Hank runs, but Dempsey blocks boot into a LEG WHIP! Dempsey has the leg but Hank kicks away with the other! Dempsey loses his grip but he stomps Hank down! Dempsey PUSHES the knee! Hank grabs hair but Dempsey turns Hank over!

Hank has the leg, he CLUBS Hank, and then he bends Hank in a BOW ‘N’ ARROW!! Hank taps, Dempsey wins!!

Winner: Charlie Dempsey, by submission

The British technician defeats Hank, but the American grappler Gulak doesn’t seem impressed. Will Dempsey have to prove to Gulak that he belongs?

Zoey Stark speaks.

“Timing is everything in this business, and there’s no better time for this Iron Survivor Challenge. Because this is MY type of match. Last week, I was unanimously voted in by the Hall of Famers. And whether I start it or come in at the end of it, it doesn’t make a bit of difference. Because the four other women, they can’t touch me. On Saturday, I walk into Deadline with no extra baggage, no dead weight. I don’t have to worry about being a mentor or a big sister. This Saturday is all about me. 25 minutes separates me from history.”

Backstage interview with Grayson Waller.

McKenzie Mitchell says he and the other four superstars in the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge will be in the ring as he hosts another episode of The Grayson Waller Effect. What can we expect to see? Oh, McKenzie missed Waller, huh? But tonight has so much energy! We’re just four days away from the WWE’s last premium event of the year, and we’re going out in style with Deadline! But McKenzie doesn’t have to soften Waller up. We all know she hates his show. It proves that Waller can do what she does so much better and she can’t do his job because no one on this roster can do what he does! And that is why he’s the odds on favorite to be the inaugural Mr. Iron Survivor!

But tonight, in the main event, Waller wants to see where everyone is. He wants to size them up, get an edge, not that it’ll be that hard, because they’re already nervous. They all will feel the Grayson Waller Effect. Waller heads out, will he be the one suffering from nerves being in there with all four opponents at once?

Pretty Deadly is in the ring!

And while Kit Wilson is Santa Claus, Elton Prince is an elf. They have a Christmas tree, stockings, presents, lights, and a big throne. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, December is here! It’s time for a REAL Christmas story with your NXT Tag Team Champions! They get comfy and have a story book. Elton sits on Santa’s lap and opens up the book. “Now remember, we wrote this ourselves.” “We absolutely did!”

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. “The Kitster and Ellie” were tucked in and ready for bed, but those devilish handsome boys decided to stay up instead. Their bulging sacks overflowed with gifts for their fans. But they couldn’t bear to handle anything touched by the NXT Universe’s filthy little hands. The holiday season should be a time to give thanks. So please, to your knees if you please, and praise your glorious NXT Tag Team Champs. Back to the yuletide eve and those tasty British snacks, who won their gold by putting everyone on their backs.

They were waiting desperately and impatiently for the greatest gift of all. It’s not that you people are saying soccer instead of FOOTBALL!! Elton, please. It’s Christmas. Right, sorry. That’s an issue for another day. Pretty Deadly wanted something they craved for the longest of times, and it’s not just being on TV reading a story that rhymes. For the longest time, it was something that no one in NXT has been able to bring, and that’s a team that can match them blow for blow in the ring. Pretty Deadly begged and pleaded with Santa Claus, put it all in a letter. Good Ol’ Nick isn’t stupid, he knows no one is better!

So this Christmas, they are the greatest, tastiest gifts for you all, as the cold chill of Winter creeps in from the Fall. The Tag Team Champions who will never, ever, ever, ever, ever lose, who have beaten everyone without receiving even the slightest bruise. So Santa can’t save you, there’s no Christmas cheer. 2023 will be the same as 2022, a PRETTY DEADLY YEAR! They say Merry Christmas to each other and hug it out. But then THE NEW DAY is here?! The fans lose their minds, as do Elton & Kit! Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods have the mics as fans chant “NEW! DAY ROCKS!”

Kofi says firstly, what an amazing story! Was that not great? Woods says, “Boys, boys, boys. The story that we want to hear talks about who?” WHO WHO WHO will Pretty Deadly defend the belts against at Deadline? Because they said they beat everybody, right? Right? They did say that! They beat everyone except YA BOIS, the NEW~ DAY~! Woods & Kofi get in the ring and yes, boy, they should put the titles on the line this Saturday so that the New Day can become your NEW~! W! W! E! N! X! T! WORLD! TAG! TEAM! CHAMPION~! But Pretty Deadly rushes in, only for the New Day to clobber them!

Fans fire up as as the New Day takes the fight to the champs, then trade to back elbow the others! Elton gets sent into the tree! And Kit gets sent into a GIFT BOX! Then the New Day tosses Pretty Deadly, and grab some really big boxes! MERRY CHRISTMA, they get bopped! Woods counts it out: one! Two! Three! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Fans fire up as the New Day pick up the NXT Tag Team titles! Will Kofi & Woods add to their already impressive accolades by becoming Tag Team Triple Crown Winners?

Isla Dawn speaks.

“Oh, my very first match in NXT. Oh, Alba Fyre. I hope you’re watching.” Isla blows out the candles and laughs in the dark. Will she extinguish Thea Hail’s light before dealing with the Celtic Fire Keeper?

Backstage interview with Javier Bernal.

McKenzie spooks him as she walks over. He says she can’t be doing that. Sorry, not sorry. But why was he looking around over his shoulder? Scared Indus Sher will come after him? Why would he be worried about them? And no, he wasn’t looking over his shoulder. Uh, yes he was. McKenzie, that is insensitive. He has a twitch. And Big Body Javi isn’t afraid of anything. But he was scared two seconds ago. Whatever, nevermind. Yeah, that’s what Indus Sher said looking at Javi! They saw him and were like, “Nevermind.” They don’t want none of him! That’s not how it looked to her. Well her opinion doesn’t count cuz she is clearly Anti-Javi. Javi needs someone more unbiased.

Then in that case… Oh, Ikemen Jiro! What’s up? McKenzie asks Jiro his opinion of Javier Bernal. Jiro looks confused as to who that is. Javi says that’s not a fair question. Javi asks Jiro about Big Body Javi. Hmm… More like Big Body Chicken. Exactly! Chicken!? Javi says McKenzie put Jiro up to that! Javi storms off, will he redeem his reputation?

Thea Hail w/ Chase U VS Isla Dawn!

Chase U’s most… enthusiastic student is more than fired up to face her opponent tonight. But considering the wicked ways of the Unholy Enchantress, will Thea wish she’d skipped school tonight?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Fans rally but Isla pushes Thea to the ropes. The ref counts, Isla lets off at 4 but Thea rushes in. Isla snapmares then KICKS Thea in the back! Isla drags Thea up, Thea throws body shots but Isla CLUBS and UPPERCUTS Thea down. Isla runs to METEORA! Chase coaches Thea but Isla clamps onto Thea’s arm. Fans rally as Thea resists but Isla KNEES Thea in the back! And again! COBRA CLUTCH! Thea flails, claws at the hold, and fans rally up. Isla bends Thea back but Thea fights to her feet. Isla wrangles Thea and slams her down! Thea endures as Isla leans on the hold.

Isla smiles at Duke and Chase but Chase coaches Thea. Thea fights up, but Isla ripcords her out! Thea dodges to fire off forearms! Thea ROCKS Isla to the corner, roars and CLOBBERS her with double ax handles! And again! Then back to the corner for a back elbow! Thea clinches to EXPLODER! Thea keeps moving, she shakes the ropes then springboards to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Isla shakes out the cobwebs but Thea kicks her. Thea wheelbarrows but Isla throws her off to throw her down! BUZZSAW! And then dragon sleeper, for ELBOW DROP DDT! Fans rally for Thea as she flounders but Isla pushes Thea around.

Isla stands Thea up, dragon sleepers again, and then another ELBOW DROP DDT! Cover, Isla wins!

Winner: Isla Dawn, by pinfall

The Wicked Witch casts a spell on Thea, and maybe Duke was right. Thea wasn’t ready, is anyone in NXT ready for what Isla can do?

Wait, smoke rises up around the ring! And where there’s smoke, there’s FYRE! Alba Fyre fires off on Isla, they brawl, and fans fire up! Referees rush out to stop this but fans want to “Let Them Fight!” Fyre and Dawn break loose, but Fyre ducks before Dawn sprays the BLACK MIST! A ref takes that full in the face! Dawn doesn’t care about the consequences, but will Fyre make sure she burns the witch?

Kiana James speaks.

“The first rule in business, G. If you can’t spot the lamb at the table, then you’re the lamb. And I see four lambs on Saturday. And what do we do with lambs?” Gina says, “They get slaughtered.” Does Gina smell that? There’s nothing like the smell of strategy. This Iron Survivor Challenge isn’t about pride or ego, but tactics. And that advantage belongs to Kiana. She will send each and every one of them to the Penalty Boxes, then watch the clock tick down to her victory. Almost like New Year’s. Speaking of, did Gina get that catering order taken care of? Yes! And drinks? That special soda water she likes. Check! And that special you-know-what. Oh yes, it’s wrapped. Perfect.

Kiana says she can turn dirt into diamonds and sand into gold, but she’ll also turn winning the Iron Survivor Challenge into championship gold. Yes, Ms. James. Gina heads out, Kiana gets back to business. Will she take care of business this Saturday at Deadline?

Lyra Valkyria speaks.

“According to legend, the Morrigan would take the form of a crow. She would foretell who would be victorious in battle. I have earned a feather for every battle I’ve won. There comes a time when a bird stops circling its prey. When it should be swift and decisive. This is my home now. Next week, I descend on NXT. Prepare to witness the rise of Lyra Valkyria.”

Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe!

The good ol’ boys stretched out their hands in camaraderie and they were slapped away. Malik & Edris are no longer in good moods, will they be in even worse moods after this match?

NXT returns as Malik & Edris make their entrance, Odyssey Jones joining them. The teams sort and Edris starts against Jensen. Edris LEAPS at Jensen at the bell and clobbers him! Edris fires off fast hands, Jensen gets up but Edris ROCKS him! And ROCKS him again! Edris fires off in the corner, tags Malik, and they double whip to trip and BOOT and LEAPING LARIAT! Fans fire up and Malik storms up to wrench Jensen. Jensen blocks the whip, reverses it, but Malik goes up. Jensen catches him but Malik slips off to dropkick Jensen down! Malik hurries to cover, TWO! Malik drags Jensen up and wrenches the arm.

Jensen fights back with a chinbar but Malik wristlocks. Malik whips, Jensen hurdles and Briggs tags! Jensen hits Malik with a FACEBUSTER, then Briggs CLOBBERS Malik! The good ol’ boys run, slide out and DOUBLE HAYMAKER Malik down! Fans are torn as Briggs gets in after Malik. Tag to Jensen, they wrench and handoff Malik, but then Jensen spots Gina! Briggs tells Jensen to focus as Gina puts the special letter from Kiana James into Jensen’s jacket. Malik CLUBS Jensen but Jensen whips Malik, Malik dodges to hot tag Edris! Edris rallies on Jensen then DROPKICKS him Briggs gets in but Edris dumps him out!

Malik goes up to ASAI MOONSAULT and takes Briggs out! Edris KNEES Jensen against ropes! Fans fire up as Edris goes up top, MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Jensen survives and he shocks Edris! Fans rally and Edris drags Jensen up, only to spot Von! Von goes after Odyssey! They brawl up the ramp, and Jensen reels Edris in! Back suplex, but Edris lands on his feet! Edris ELBOWS Briggs, but Jensen WHEEL KICKS Edris! Briggs tags in, Jensen hooks Edris up while Briggs BLASTS Malik! Then the good ol’ boys HIGH LOW Edris down! Cover, Briggs & Jensen win!

Winners: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen, by pinfall

Just as Gina almost cost Briggs & Jensen, Von tipped the scales going after Odyssey Jones. But in the end, these guys all make up and shake hands. But what business does Kiana have with Fallon’s boys?

Roxanne Perez speaks.

“For as long as I can remember, this has been my dream. But I’m done dreaming. It’s time to wake up and face reality. And the reality is, hell yeah I want another shot at Mandy Rose! I got screwed over the last time. But in order to get back at Mandy, I need to face the very best in a race against time: The Iron Survivor Challenge. How do I prepare for a match that’s never been done before? This is when my nerves start kicking in and my anxiety starts shooting up, because I don’t know what to expect. It’s going into the unknown.”

If Roxie goes into a match this big while doubting herself and second-guessing her every move, then she should just sit in the Penalty Box and never come out. But because she wants this so bad, she has to stop talking about it and go win it! The only one who can stop her from winning the Iron Survivor Challenge is herself.

BREAKING NEWS for Deadline!

After Fyre went after Dawn, they’re getting a grudge match! Will Fyre burn the Wicked Witch for screwing her out of the women’s title? Or will this be the dawn of a new age in NXT?

Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Wild Card Triple Threat: Wendy Choo VS Fallon Henley VS Indi Hartwell!

One spot remains and three women want it! Will the Queen of Comfort, the Country Girl or the Impressive One move on to become the fifth Iron Survivor Challenger?

NXT returns and Briggs & Jensen regroup with Fallon at gorilla. They’re fired up, and Briggs tells Fallon to go win one for the team. Fallon says that’s right! She’s gonna kick Wendy and Indi in the teeth and go on to the Iron Survivor Challenge. But Jensen looks at the envelope from Gina, and inside are two VIP tickets to Deadline! Kiana & Giana are inviting them to the show! Seriously? Well, sorry to break it to you, but Kiana isn’t winning that night, Fallon is. Great, Jensen just pissed Fallon off. Well, Fallon performs better when she’s mad. So when Fallon wins, they’re going to Deadline with her anyway!

Wendy makes her entrance, followed by Fallon. The bell rings and the three watch each other as they circle. Indi kicks Wendy, kicks Fallon, then scoops and SLAMS Fallon! Then Indi scoops and SLAMS Wendy! Indi scoops Fallon, Fallon slips off and rolls her up, TWO! Wendy and Fallon kick Indi down together! Wendy headlocks Fallon, hits a takeover, but Indi drags Wendy off to a prawn hold, TWO! Wendy and Fallon DOUBLE DROPKICK Indi now! Indi staggers to a corner as we see Toxic Attraction watching this from a backstage Toxic Lounge. Fallon hooks Wendy for a backslide but Indi kicks Fallon.

Indi sits Fallon down, she tips her and Wendy over to double cover, TWO!! Indi hits DOUBLE LARIATS! Fans rally up for Indi as she runs to forearm Fallon! Then she forearms Wendy! BULLDOG DENIED, and then Fallon basement dropkicks Indi down! Cover, TWO! Fallon storms up to Wendy, drags her up but Wendy JAWBREAKERS! Wendy and Fallon trade forearms, fans rally up, but then Fallon knees low! Fallon waistlocks, Wendy blocks the lift and switches. They go to ropes and knock Indi off the apron! O’Conner Roll, TWO, and Wendy knocks Indi down again! Wendy basement dropkicks Fallon, then runs in to BOOT her!

Wendy pushes Fallon down, runs and SLEEPER ELBOW flops! Fallon CALF KICKS Wendy down, cover, but Indi drags her away! Fallon kicks Indi away, but Wendy waistlocks Fallon! Fallon reaches up to get Indi, HEADSCISSOR ARM-DRAG COMBO! Fans fire up while Indi flops out and Fallon runs in! Slide and HAYMAKER for Wendy, but then Indi BOOTS Fallon! Fans fire up with #IndiWrestling while NXT goes picture in picture.

Indi slides into the ring and she’s after Wendy in the corer. Indi whips Wendy corner to corner hard and Wendy bounces off buckles. Indi drags Wendy up to whip her hard the other way! Wendy bounces off buckles again and Indi drags her back up. Indi EuroUppers, then she whips corner to corner again. Wendy rebounds into a scoop, SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Indi clamps onto Wendy with a chinlock and grinds her down. Wendy endures, fans rally up, and Wendy fights to her feet, only for Indi to throw her down! Cover, TWO! Indi keeps cool and keeps on Wendy with a straitjacket stretch!

Wendy endures again, fights up, and she arm-drags free! Indi returns but into a waistlock and shove. Fallon swipes at Indi, Indi kicks her back. But Wendy CLOBBERS Indi and sends her out of the ring! But Fallon runs in to CLUB Wendy and cover, TWO! Fallon keeps on Wendy but Wendy throws body shots and a snapmare. Wendy KICKS Fallon in the back, then kicks her to a drop zone. Wendy rains down forearms, covers, TWO! Wendy is frustrated but she goes up the corner as NXT returns to single picture. Fans rally but Indi trips Wendy! Wendy ends up in a Tree of Woe and Indi stomps a mudhole into her! Indi then RAMS Fallon into Wendy!

Fans fire up and Indi stomps another mudhole into Wendy. Indi pulls Wendy’s hair but Wendy kicks her away! Fallon rolls Indi up, TWO! Fallon ROCKS Indi, ROCKS Wendy, repeat! Fallon CLOBBERS Wendy, dodges Indi and CALF KICKS! Fallon runs in to back body block Indi and Wendy! Then she runs to FACEBUSTER Indi! Cover, Wendy ELBOW DROPS it apart! Fans rally and duel as Wendy brings Fallon up. Wendy throws a forearm, Fallon give sit back. Wendy CHOPS, Fallon forearms, repeat! Indi joins in with forearms of her own! But Fallon CHOPS Indi, then Wendy CHOPS Indi! Indi kicks Wendy, CLUBS her, then JABS Fallon!

Indi throws Wendy out one side, then throws Fallon out the other. Indi has Fallon in the ropes for an UPPERCUT and a BOOT! Then Indi swings on Wendy but Wendy trips her! Wendy runs in to CLOBBER Indi! Wendy whips Fallon for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Wendy handspring lariats Indi! Wendy keeps moving, but Indi hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Fallon breaks it! All three women are down and fans are fired up! Indi drags Fallon up, whips her to a corner, then runs in, but into an elbow! Fallon hops up, but Indi ROCKS her first! Indi climbs up, fans duel, but Fallon resists the superplex!

Wendy joins in! SUPER GERMAN SUPERPLEX COMBO!! Fans are loving “NXT! NXT!” for this one! Toxic Attraction like what they’re seeing because it softens everyone up. Wendy crawls to cover Fallon, TWO! Wendy is growing frustrated but she brings Fallon back up. Wendy reels Fallon in but Indi BOOTS her down! Indi reels Fallon in but Fallon hits a crucifix takedown, TWO! Indi chases Fallon to ropes but Fallon ducks the boot! Indi’s leg gets stuck on the top rope, and Fallon dumps her out! Wendy rushes in to kick and suplex, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Fallon survives and Wendy can’t believe it!

“This is Awesome!” as Wendy fires up. Wendy has Fallon in the drop zone, she climbs up again, and she VADER BOMBS!!! Cover, but Indi throws Wendy out! Indi runs to BLINDSIDE FOREARM Fallon!! Cover, Indi wins!!

Winner: Indi Hartwell, by pinfall (advances to NXT Deadline)

An opportunistic and savage way to win, #IndiWrestling is going to Deadline! She has been impressive since showing up in NXT, but will she be even more impressive after becoming Ms. Iron Survivor?

Toxic Attraction talks Iron Survivor Challenge.

Jacy Jayne says the field is stacked. Cora Jade, Roxanne Perez, Zoey Stark, Kiana James and now Indi Hartwell. Gigi asks if they’re even going to Deadline. Mandy says of course they’re going! They have five women all fighting for the right to face Mandy, can’t face that. And Indi storms up to say it’s going to be her! Saturday is her day! The other 364 can go to everyone else, but Deadline is HERS! For months, everyone’s been wondering who finally takes the title off Mandy, and you’re looking at her! Mandy just saw what Indi can do, and we’ll see it again for 25 minutes or whenever she enters that match.

So sit in the lounge, in the front row, or at home watching on Peacock. It doesn’t matter to Indi. Once the clock runs out on the Iron Survivor Challenge, the clock starts counting down on Mandy’s title reign. Is THIS the thing the Hall of Famers needed to see out of Indi?

NXT presents The Grayson Waller Effect!

Waller and his guests, Axiom, Joe Gacy, JD McDonagh and Carmelo Hayes, are all already in the ring together and sitting at the table. Waller says to get on your Instagram and check out his shirt. But before introducing everyone, Waller wants to say Saturday will be a historic night. 25 minutes, most falls wins to become the NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship. And it is very rare that you get the opportunity to be in a first-time-ever match. You never forget your first, right? “Except for that fat boy in the first row! Because with that head, you’ve never had a first time!” Melo laughs at that one while fans boo.

Waller says sorry, back to business. The five of them are going to be linked together forever. It is an honor to be in this ring tonight and on Saturday with all of them. So proper introductions! The wiz kid of NXT, the only man brave enough to wear a turtleneck in 2022, Axiom! Then the man who went from being a sociopath to a psychopath, he now leads the Says ’em… The Shiz…? Uh, Joe Gacy! Peace. Fresh from his appearance in Waller’s front yard, it’s the Irish Lawn Gnome, JD McDonagh! But last but not least, Waller’s boy, the self-proclaimed A Champion, who after the last few weeks should be more like the A Loser, it’s Carmelo Hayes!

Melo says Waller doesn’t need to do all that. They know who he is. Yes, calm down. A Champ being more an A Hole right now. Chat’s blowing up, though. Let’s get a question up on the screen. Okay, from RingFox1: “What advantage do you have that’ll make you the first ever Iron Survivor?” Great question! Waller will take this. He’s the only one what it takes to be a Survivor! AUSTRALIAN SURVIVOR! Melo says they’re not talking about Waller running around naked in a jungle on a show no one watched. This is about the #1 contender to the NXT Championship. And there’s a reason Melo was the first one in!

When they mention the top title, they aren’t talking about any of y’all. They’re talking about the man that don’t miss. The one of one. The A CHAMPION! And Melo is him! What is he talking about? Didn’t Melo lose his North American title twice? And in a five-man match twice. JD, we’re not talking about that. This ain’t that. This match has everything to do with the five of them. This is their match, and this is Melo’s match. It doesn’t matter if Melo comes in first, second, third, fourth or last, he will have the same juice in minute one as he will in minute 25. Ask about him.

Fans like the sound of that, but JD says, “Melo, do not kid yourself, okay? You have been protected in this company since the day you walked in that door. You are like a kid running around in a petting zoo, and on Saturday, you’re gonna wake up inside the lion’s den. The person you are in minute one is not gonna be the same dude at minute 25. You’re not gonna be running around here when the lactic acid’s building up in your muscles, when your lungs are screaming for air. Those quick reactions aren’t gonna come so quick at minute 25. I know that I can go through 25 minutes of hell, and I know that I got a bigger gas tank than any of you guys.”

Waller says he doesn’t need 25 minutes to beat these flops! Melo says the match IS 25 minutes, not that Waller knows anything about lasting 25 minutes. Waller chooses to ignore that because Melo is doing his best Waller cosplay and he appreciates that. Great shirt. But now to Gacy. Waller wants to know what “Joseph” got from “Schism Claus” on “Invictus Day.” Gacy says he’s already capable of thinking for a group. “Individuals are selfish. And when the stakes are high, people will trample over each other just to get the things they want. It’s inevitable.

“Waves in a kiddy pool move differently than waves in the ocean, and my practicing thoughtful togetherness will let me see the field at Deadline, and I will act accordingly.” Axiom says he agrees with Gacy. They all will act differently in this. As someone who had to fight to get into this match, Axiom has the chance to really analyze things. And the Iron Survivor Challenge is just that: a challenge. It forces them to innovate. In order to win, they must evolve. And luckily, his adaptability is his greatest strength. Anyway you look at it, this match brings out the best in all of them, and any mistake will be penalized.

Waller says, “That was beautiful, Spider-Flop.” Melo says, “Nerd.” Waller has another question, and it’s from Big Money Marcus. “What position would you like to enter the match?” Axiom says easy, first or second. He maximizes his time for the most amount of falls. Gacy says that means that maximizes time to end up taking a fall and being put in the Penalty Box. Axiom will take that risk. Ideally, he’d go first, and have JD with him as second. Because Axiom didn’t forget what JD did to him, putting him on the shelf for three weeks. 25 minutes won’t be enough.

JD laughs and says, “Axiom, you should be thanking me that it was only weeks and not months that you were rehabbing that knee. And on Saturday, you won’t need to worry about the Penalty Box, you need to worry about what hospital I’m putting you in.” Gacy tells “Mr. McDonagh” that he applauds the example he sets. Gacy implores JD to do that again. But to answer the question at hand, the fourth spot is the sweet spot. Gacy can take advantage of the first three, he will pin them and put them all in the box for 90 seconds. Those 90 seconds will force them to watch as all their hopes and dreams drift away.

Gacy vows to be THE Iron Survivor so that the Schism’s tree will grow taller and its roots will grow stronger. Melo says, “No one’s gonna address the elephant in the room?” JD, Gacy, you guys shot your shot and missed. Waller and Axiom, you are shooting from the logo if they think they’re gonna be the next #1 contender. “Y’all don’t want this like I want this! This shot, I’ve shot a THOUSAND times in my mind. And every single time, it’s been nothing but net!” Waller says this isn’t Melo’s show, it’s HIS! And Melo is getting ahead of himself. Melo ain’t won nothing yet, none of them have! WALLER is the odds on favorite! His head’s on a swivel cuz you never know who’s gonna strike first!

Waller turns around and JD HEADBUTTS him!! Then the brawl is on! JD and Gacy, Melo and Axiom! Melo throat chops but Axiom still dodges the boot to SUPERKICK back! Gacy ROCKS JD, Melo bails out, Axiom DIVES onto Melo! Gacy clotheslines himself and JD out of the ring! Waller says if they wanna play, let’s play! He FLIES out onto all of them! The brawling continues, referees rush out and fans want to “Let Them Fight!” This is chaos now, but what happens when they’re racing against time?

My Thoughts:

A very good go-home episode for NXT, but I unfortunately felt the Go Home Syndrome. We did get good promos from Cora, Zoey, Kiana and Roxie, and good story tie-in with Kiana sending an invitation to Jensen to mess with Fallon indirectly. But did we need another segment of Apollo and Bron talking? I feel like the diner scene was a good way to punctuate their story, and something about the fishing scene was redundant. But I guess Apollo was returning the favor of Bron walking into his personal space that is the diner. This promo didn’t change anything about how I feel from last week, in that this would be the time to dethrone Bron but it probably isn’t happening.

Scrypts has a decent promo, but it took me a second time to get it all right because of that voice mod. Him watching himself back was a good detail, at least, as if he’s critiquing himself while also using himself as inspiration for what’s next. As for him talking about targeting chosen ones, he’s getting closer to his first feud, and he could really be after anyone. Good return match for Tony D’Angelo, and of course he wants after Wes and the North American Championship. Dijak interrupting also made sense, this is all building to a big North American title match, probably for New Year’s Evil 2023.

Good use of kayfabe health status to delay Creeds VS Indus Sher. Ivy wants to protect the Creeds, Indus Sher want the best out of the Creeds but the Creeds are headstrong, all of that will be why the Creeds lose. I bet New Year’s Evil also sees Creeds VS Indus Sher, and that’ll be great stuff. Big Body Javi was hilarious again, and great to see Ikemen Jiro on screen again. Javi VS Jiro should be a good match, and maybe it’ll help bridge Javi to another name on that insanely long wish list of his. Also Bryson Montana practically got Dan Matha’d, but that was a great ambush by Indus Sher.

Pretty Deadly’s Night Before Christmas parody was so goofy, maybe dragged on a bit, but how wild to have the New Day in NXT! Part of this is to boost Deadline’s profile, and we’re going to get an awesome tag title match. As great as New Day becoming Triple Crown Winners would be, this is them giving the nod to Pretty Deadly being a great new comedic Heel team, and that’s great stuff. Good stuff from Charlie Dempsey and Hank Walker, and Drew Gulak showing up makes sense, too. I would love Gulak VS Dempsey, or even those two teaming up. And good match of Briggs & Jensen VS Malik & Edris, though it was all clearly just to plug the stories of Kiana taunting Fallon and Von wanting after Odyssey.

Great intermingling of other stories with all the different Wild Cards tonight. Great Triple Threat from the men to open, with Andre Chase looking amazing despite losing. Axiom advancing makes sense, he really adds some speed to that match, and if half of his gimmick is being a math genius, then he should be able to figure out the winning formula. Chase’s story with Duke is progressing between the result of that match, and the promo that set up Thea VS Isla. Thea VS Isla was good stuff, but of course Isla wins to prove Duke right, and to give us Fyre VS Isla. I think Isla wins that one, too, to establish herself better on NXT.

Then the Women’s Triple Threat was awesome stuff, one of the best Triple Threats I’ve seen in some time. I said before that I didn’t see Indi winning this because of Lopez, so it was a big surprise that Indi is advancing. At the same time, Indi gave a fiery promo in Mandy’s face, I would love if Indi got the title shot at New Year’s Evil. I suppose this means they’re saving the Cora VS Wendy feud for New Year’s Evil, as well, as I really expected a feud to bleed into the Iron Survivor Challenge. Which is probably for the best, as that’d allow for such stories to have dedicated blow-offs.

As for the Grayson Waller Effect, that was one talk show segment that could’ve/should’ve been trimmed down a bit. I appreciate that they talked about the strategy of an Iron Survivor Challenge, but even that dragged on. At least it ended the right way: with a big brawl! Melo also did make a good point that Gacy and JD had their title shots and lost, so we do need someone new to step up. Melo makes a great choice, he probably is THE choice, can’t wait to see it.

My Score: 8.6/10