Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Report: Best of the Super Juniors 25, Final Round!

Published

6 years ago

June 22, 2018

The best of the Junior Heavyweight Division battled it out, and now the best two stand tall to face each other! Taiji Ishimori came to NJPW to prove he is THE best Junior Heavyweight in the world today, but he’ll have to go through Hiromu Takahashi to do it! Who will win and earn a shot at Will Ospreay’s title?

This review of Best of the Super Juniors 25 will be as broadcast by AXS TV.
Therefore, all images are courtesy of AXS TV.

Gifs courtesy of http://frentique.tumblr.com

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Best of the Super Juniors Finals: Taiji Ishimori VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu Takahashi wins and will challenge Will Ospreay for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at Dominion.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW and AXS review what led to this final round.

“Bone Soldier” returned to Bullet Club, but it was revealed to be Pro-Wrestling NOAH’s Taiji Ishimori! Wrestling Dontaku would be where and when Ishimori attacked Will Ospreay, and making his claim to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. Both Ishimori and Ospreay participated in the premier Jr. Heavyweight round-robin tournament, and ended up tied 5-2, but one of Ospreay’s two losses was a loss to Ishimori! Not only would that help Ishimori advance, that proved he could defeat Ospreay clean.

But on the other side of things, Hiromu Takahashi, another of Ospreay’s rivals, also went 5-2 and advanced with his win over yet another of Ospreay’s rivals in Kushida! Now they meet, both determined to get one more match with the Aerial Assassin! Will the Ticking Time Bomb blow up the Bone Soldier? Or will Ishimori drive-by Takahashi on his way to the top?

Best of the Super Juniors Finals: Taiji Ishimori VS Hiromu Takahashi!

It’s a first-time-ever match-up of two of the best. Ishimori did everything there is to do as a Junior Heavyweight in Pro-Wrestling NOAH, from being a Three-Time GHC Jr. Heavyweight Champion to being a Six-Time GHC Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champion. Meanwhile, Hiromu has only just begun his legacy. Whose legacy will grow with adding the Best of the Super Juniors trophy?

By the way, that sketch pad Hiromu has is given to commentary, and Jushin Thunder Liger takes a look inside. It seems Hiromu has written notes on his opinion of the other Super Jr. competitors. Clearly he prefers ACH more than he does Ishimori, going by that smiley face.

Hiromu’s opinions aside, Red Shoes does his check of both men and see they’re clear of anything prohibited. The bell rings, and the match begins, after the break.

NJPW on AXS returns and the fans are strongly behind Hiromu. Hiromu and Ishimori stare down, then slowly start to circle. They tie up but then back off. They approach again, but go back to circling. Finally they tie up, and are evenly matched in strength. Hiromu manages to back Ishimori up, but Ishimori turns it around to put Hiromu against the ropes. Red Shoes calls for the break, and Ishimori backs off, only to swing! Hiromu dodges and whips but Ishimori reverses. Hiromu stops himself to whip again, and reel Ishimori in for a forearm. He puts Ishimori on the second rope to then kick the rope, jacking Ishimori’s jaw. Hiromu runs and blasts Ishimori with a dropkick!

Ishimori ends up outside the ring, and Hiromu builds speed, but Ishimori comes back to headscissor Hiromu down! Ishimori goes after Hiromu in the corner for a whip, but Hiromu slides out. The chase is on as Ishimori pursues, but Hiromu leaps over! Ishimori holds ropes to prevent the sunset flip bomb. He backflips and now they start brawling with forearms! The brawl ends up going through the crowd! Hiromu knocks Ishimori down at the entrance, then drags him back up. Hiromu tosses Ishimiro over the railings, and now they go up the stairs! Ishimori breaks free of the headlock and they brawl again! Hiromu rakes the eyes, then stomps Ishimori down. Hiromu gets plenty of distance, and then runs back in for that John Woo Dropkick!

Ishimori gets blasted, and fans fire up for Hiromu. Hiromu wants everyone to clear the steps, and he brings Ishimori up by his hair. Hiromu brings Ishimori into bomb position, but Ishimori huricanranas Hiromu down those stairs!

Both men are down, but Ishimori is up first while Red Shoes checks on Hiromu. Ishimori walks down and fetches Hiromu, and the 20 count finally begins. It reaches 6 as Ishimori stomps on Hiromu. Ishimori leaves Hiromu at the mercy of the count, and he returns to the ring at 14. Hiromu scrambles to beat the count by 19! But Ishimori is upon him again, putting on a cravat hold to focus on that neck. Ishimori cranks on it, but Hiromu fights out. Ishimori snapmares, and grips Hiromu’s head with his feet. He spins around, and tweaks Hiromu’s neck! Hiromu rolls away but fans rally up for him. Ishimori just tunes it out while Hiromu gets away. Ishimori pursues and throws Hiromu into a post. Fans and Young Lions have to be careful as Ishimori bowls Hiromu into chairs!

Ishimori uses one chair to grind Hiromu into the ground, a wicked grin on his face. Ishimori backs off and returns to the ring, but Hiromu stands. Hiromu returns at the count of 9, but Ishimori is on him again. Ishimori chops Hiromu in a corner, then whips him corner to corner. Hiromu boots but is turned sideways for the swing kick! Ishimori runs, and hits Hiromu with a sliding German Suplex! Fans do applaud, giving credit where credit is due. Cover, TWO, and fans rally again for Hiromu. Ishimori drags Hiromu up, snapmare into chinlock. Hiromu endures while fans rally more. He stands up and fights out of the hold. Hiromu runs, but into the sleeper!

Ishimori gets a takedown, and turns his sleeper into a bully choke. Hiromu endures the wrenching and stretching, while also reaching and crawling for ropes. Hiromu uses his legs for the ropebreak. Ishimori lets go, but keeps his cool. He stalks Hiromu to a corner, and chops him again. He whips Hiromu corner to corner but Hiromu reverses with speed. Hiromu runs in but Ishimori slips out then back in, and then out again to shoulder Hiromu back. Ishimori springboards, but Hiromu trips him up. Hiromu runs, and gets the sunset flip powerbomb this time! The Bone Soldier just got blown up, and we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns, and the 20 count begins again. Hiromu is up at 6, and in the ring at 10. Ishimori stirs at 13, and manages to beat the count at 19, though gingerly. Ishimori stands in a corner, but Hiromu runs in for a big clothesline. Hiromu rolls Ishimori out to then run and basement dropkick him. Cover, TWO. Hiromu keeps his cool while fans cheer for him. He stands, and toys with Ishimori. He brings Ishimori up to chop him into the corner. Then he whips Ishimori, but Ishimori reverses. Ishimori runs in, but into a boot! Hiromu grabs Ishimori for a hanging triangle headscissors! Red Shoes counts, and Hiromu lets go at 4. Then Hiromu drags Ishimori out, wheelbarrow facebuster on the floor!

But Hiromu has more in store as he gets on the apron. Ishimori stands up, and Hiromu blasts him with another John Woo Dropkick! Ishimori ends up bowling into chairs! Hiromu catches his breath before firing up. He fetches Ishimori from the front row and brings him into the ring. Hiromu climbs up, Ishimori stands, and Hiromu hits a flying cannonball! Cover, TWO, but very close. Hiromu stands while Ishimori stirs. He drags Ishimori up, fireman’s carry, but Ishimori slips out. Hiromu elbows Ishimori off the waistlock, then runs, but Ishimori follows. Ishimori handsprings, but Hiromu clobbers him out of the air! Hiromu’s seen Ospreay do that enough times to know how to counter.

Hiromu and fans fire up again, and he brings Ishimori up again. He brings Ishimori up in the fireman’s carry again, but Ishimori pops out to victory roll! TWO, into a crossface! Hiromu endures, but then Ishimori turns it into the Lebell Lock! Ishimori has that arm threaded, but Hiromu won’t quit. Hiromu drags himself with one arm and both legs, even as Ishimori wrenches back. Hiromu keeps going, and uses those legs to get the ropebreak again! Ishimori lets go, but he stomps Hiromu before bringing him up. Hiromu hits Ishimori, but Ishimori hits back. Ishimori dares Hiromu to hit him again, so Hiromu does. They brawl with forearms again, going back and forth. Hiromu hits, Ishimori hits harder, but Hiromu comes back to hit again and again and again. Hiromu runs, misses, Ishimori runs and tilt-o-whirls Hiromu into the Lebell!

Ishimori wrenches back but Hiromu drags himself around again. Hiromu inches closer and closer, but Ishimori rolls him away from the ropes! Ishimori keeps that Lebell on, but Hiromu refuses to quit! Fans are thunderous for Hiromu, and he claws at the grip. Hiromu drags himself around again, and grabs onto Red Shoes to keep himself from tapping. He then scrambles, only for Ishimori to make it Rings of Saturn! Ishimori even grabs at the legs, but somehow, Hiromu still gets the ropebreak! Ishimori lets him go, but both men are down from exhaustion. They catch their breath while rolling away from each other. Fans rally as both men drag themselves up to their feet.

Ishimori takes aim, runs in, but misses! Hiromu runs in but misses, but then he ducks Ishimori! Hiromu goes after Ishimori on the second rope, German Suplex! But Ishimori lands on his feet! He gets running, but runs into Hiromu’s overhead throw! Hiromu catches his breath while Ishimori is down in the corner. Ishimori slowly stands as Hiromu runs, and Hiromu runs Ishimori over with a powerful lariat! Hiromu drags Ishimori up, fireman’s carry, Time Bomb! Cover, TWO!? Ishimori survives?! Fans are thunderous while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns, and both men slowly stir. Hiromu sits up first, but Ishimori gets himself to a corner. Hiromu runs in, hits the clothesline, then hoists Ishimori up. He climbs up to join Ishimori, and hits a super wheelbarrow! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu grits his teeth as he stands up again. He brings Ishimoriu up, fireman’s carry, and then he Death Valley Drivers Ishimori right into buckles! Hiromu drags Ishimori up again, another fireman’s carry, and spins, but Ishimori slips off! Ishimori deflects the superkick but Hiromu deflects the knee strike. Hiromu SUPERKICKS this time, but then runs into a boot. Ishimori Poison-Steiners Hiromu! But Hiromu springs right up to do it back to Ishimori!

Both men are down from such damage to their heads. Fans are at a fever pitch, and still cheering Hiromu on. Both men stir and Red Shoes checks on them. They’re okay to continue, so a count begins. Hiromu and Ishimori stir, they’re up at 7. They crawl towards each other, and brawl with forearms from the mat. Hiromu hits, Ishimori hits, then back again. Hiromu grins with wild eyes as he hits Ishimori again, but Ishimori shakes his head and hits back. They brawl while standing up, and now it speeds up. Hiromu runs out of gas, and Ishimori brings him up for another shot.

Hiromu manages to stand and gets his second wind as he hits back with forearms from both sides. He spins around, but into Ishimori’s jumping knee! Hiromu staggers back, fires up, but runs into a clobbering clothesline! Cover, ONE?! Hiromu shocks Ishimori, but he’s still pretty tired. He slowly stands, but Ishimori is ready. Ishimori runs and blasts Hiromu with a dropkick, then runs corner to corner for double knees! Ishimori drags Hiromu up and into Tombstone position, but turns it into a modified code breaker! Hiromu is dazed, Ishimori covers, TWO!! The superhuman effort is keeping the fans at that fever pitch.

Ishimori gets up, and says BANG as he staggers over. He drags Hiromu up, and lifts Hiromu for a brainbuster, but Hiromu arm-drags out of it! Hiromu goes to headscissor but Ishimori counters with a powerbomb! High stack cover, TWO, and Hiromu gets Ishimori with a triangle hold! Ishimori cartwheels but Hiromu holds on. Ishimori endures, deadlifts, but is brought down again! Hiromu squeezes as tight as he can, but Ishimori tries for a cover. It doesn’t stay, so he deadlifts again, buckle bomb! Ishimori is free, but both men are out of breath. Ishimori rolls away, then runs back in, for a big clothesline. He yurinagi slams Hiromu, then fires himself up. Ishimori climbs up, takes aim, but his 450 hits knees!

Ishimori writhes in pain, but Hiromu’s legs took some damage, too. Both men slowly get up, run in, Hiromu gets around to headscissor Ishimori into the triangle hold! Ishimori deadlifts again, but Hiromu lets go to double underhook! D DRIVER!!

Hiromu can’t make the cover, he’s just too tired. So he goes for the triangle again! Ishimori fades, already dazed from that driver. Ishimori tries a second effort as he grabs at Red Shoes. He keeps moving, reaching, and gets a ropebreak! Hiromu lets him go, but he’s still focused. He brings Ishimori up, fireman’s carry, but Ishimori slips out. Ishimori wants his brainbuster but Hiromu resists. Hiromu lifts again, for another Death Valley into buckles! Hiromu drags Ishimoro up one more time, and swings him for THE Ticking Time Bomb! Cover, Hiromu wins!!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall; wins the Best of the Super Juniors 25, and will challenge Will Ospreay for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship

For the first time in his career, Hiromu Takahashi is THE Best of the Super Juniors! The award ceremony will begin after the break.

NJPW on AXS TV returns…

Ishimori is helped out of the ring and to the back. Fans applaud, showing respect to him for his valiant effort. Meanwhile, Hiromu is presented with the Best of the Super Juniors trophy, poses for pictures, and sits down before taking the mic.

“I don’t like it. I don’t like it much at all.” That is to say, he doesn’t like saying this after the tournament. So he must apologize first. But Ospreay! Accept his challenge for that IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship! Will Ospreay comes out! He joins Hiromu in the ring, his title in hand. Aerial Assassin and Ticking Time Bomb stand, and Ospreay congratulates his rival. Everyone is so proud, even Ospreay. Hiromu won Best of the Super Juniors, well done. But that doesn’t mean a thing compared to the belt, because that means Ospreay is the real best Jr. Heavyweight.

Ospreay reminds everyone that he is already up two wins on Hiromu in the past, so Ospreay knows that Dominion will be easy. Ospreay vows to leave with his title, and proves he really is the best in the world. Champion raises his belt, challenger raises his trophy, who will be raising their hands after Osaka?

Ospreay takes his leave, and Hiromu says, “Ospreay. Thank you meow.” The Ticking Time Bomb is not intimidated, and continues to say “Did you all just see that?” Even those watching at home on TV, did they see it? For that matter, did all the Heavyweights see that? Even Liger saw that, right? This is how SUPER JUNIORS do it! Liger has to applaud for that one. “Five years ago today, in this same spot, I still remember what I said.” Hiromu still feels that way. His dream is to hold that IWGP J. Heavyweight belt, and to be a Jr. Heavyweight main event, prime timer!! “Nothing has changed! I’m exactly the same as I was then.” But even more, more, more, more, more, “Let’s have fun!” With everything he has to say already said, Hiromu finally celebrates.

But not just him, the rest of LIJ joins him! Naito, Bushi, EVIL and Sanada appear, and Hiromu shows off his trophy to them. And together, LIJ celebrate.

Hiromu kneels while Naito, Bushi, EVIL and Sanada move aside. Oops, the wing…

Well, that tarnishes the win a little bit. Hiromu kneels in apology to the hurt trophy. Is this a bad omen of things to come?

Backstage interviews.

Taiji Ishimori admits defeat. Today, Hiromu was the better man. But, Ishimori knows there’s more for him to show. There’s unfinished business. Ishimori agrees, though, it’s tough, but fun. Ishimori wants more, more, more! “New battles, exceeding our limits.” He wants to have more fun with Hiromu. “It’s reborn!”

Hiromu said this in the ring, but this tournament is more than just to name a #1 contender. He’s said it all along. Hiromu does apologize, he’s already challenged and lost to Ospreay many times this year. But just one more chance, that all he needs. Ospreay is the best, but so is Hiromu. They’ll settle this once and for all! Dominion is coming, who will truly be THE Best of the Super Juniors?

My Thoughts:

I was surprised to see AXS TV bring up the finals of the Super Juniors, but I suppose it really is the most important part of the tournament. At the same time, this does help AXS speed up their coverage of NJPW so that they can get to Dominion sooner. This is also the match that THE Dave Meltzer award 5.5 stars, thereby breaking his 5 star system, again. While Meltzer is right in giving this the best rating out of all the BOSJ matches, going over 5 stars seems a bit much. Just reaching 5 stars is more realistic, because it really did have great action and even great character and story work. They went all around the arena, and Ishimori was dead set on a submission victory, but Hiromu showed two can play that game.

It’s really great for Hiromu to go over here because his rivalry with Ospreay has been longer standing, Ishimori only just got to NJPW, and Hiromu is vastly more popular, as the fans showed tonight as they did not sway in their support of him. Hiromu’s interaction with Ospreay was great, but I’m a little sad AXS cut out the interactions with the rest of LIJ. There’s a great little bit where Naito and Hiromu were childishly fighting over the trophy until Naito hands the trophy back with a bow. It means a lot in story for Naito to give that sign of respect to his protege.

My Score: 9/10

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As AEW prepares for Winter is Coming, the Continental Classic is only heating up as last week’s winners now face each other!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Dynamite Dozen Battle Royal: ??? wins and will challenge MJF for the Dynamite Diamond Ring.
Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Max Caster; wins.
Jay White VS PAC; wins.
Anna Jay VS Penelope Ford; wins.
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Claudio Castagnoli VS Brody King; wins.
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Kyle Fletcher VS Shelton Benjamin; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]

Here are the current Continental Classic Blue League standings!

Kyle Fletcher: 1-0, 3 points
Shelton Benjamin: 1-0, 3 points
Kazuchika Okada: 0-0-1, 1 point
Daniel Garcia: 0-0-1, 1 point
Mark Briscoe: 0-1, 0 points
The Beast Mortos: 0-1, 0 points

Here are the current Continental Classic Gold League standings!

Brody King: 1-0, 3 points
Claudio Castagnoli: 1-0, 3 points
Will Ospreay: 1-0, 3 points
Ricochet: 0-1, 0 points
Darby Allin: 0-1, 0 points

After that opening round battle with Will Ospreay, Juice Robinson is unfortunately out with injury! So taking his place for the rest of the C2, it will be Komander! Granted, this means Komander is no longer in tonight’s Dynamite Dozen Battle Royal, but he’s going for an even bigger prize than that Diamond Ring! Can the Commander of the Skies overcome being down one to be THE one going for gold?

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (12/3/24)

It’s the LAST CHANCE!

Published

1 day ago

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Who makes it in before the Deadline?

The Iron Survivor Challenges need their fifth entries, so TWO Last Chance Fatal 4 Ways are held to fill the field, just in time for Deadline!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Last Chance Fatal 4: Cora Jade VS Jaida Parker VS Kelani Jordan VS Wren Sinclair; Wren wins and advances to WWE Deadline.
NXT Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Battle Royal: Myles Borne & Tavion Height win and will challenge for the titles at WWE Deadline.
Karmen Petrovic VS Nikkita Lyons; Karmen wins.
Gigi Dolin w/ Tatum Paxley VS Izzi Dame; Gigi wins.
Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Last Chance Fatal 4: Cedric Alexander VS Eddy Thorpe VS Lexis King VS Axiom; Eddy wins and advances to WWE Deadline.

PLAY BY PLAY

Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Last Chance Fatal 4: Cora Jade VS Jaida Parker VS Kelani Jordan VS Wren Sinclair!

With Sol Ruca, Stephanie Vaquer, Giulia & Zaria all waiting, the final spot will finally be filled! But who overcomes these steep odds to then take part in the most exciting 25 minutes of action this Saturday at Deadline?

The bell rings and the four watch each other. Jaida goes after Kelani and Cora is after Wren! The fans duel, Kelani headlocks while Cora puts Wren in a corner. Jaida shoves Kelani into Cora, then Jaida and Wren each roll the others up! Double cover, TWO! Both Kelani and Cora are up, but Kelani cradles Jaida and Wren backslides! Another double cover, TWO! The fans fire up as the four stare down. Wren runs up on Kelani but Kelani dodges to headlock Jaida again. Cora storms up, Kelani BOOTS her, then Kelani BOOTS Wren! Kelani hits a headlock takeover, Jaida headscissors, but Kelani moves around!

Kelani jackknife bridges, TWO as Jaida bridges up! The fans fire up as Jaida spins Kelani, but Wren sits them both down! Wren pushes them both over, double cover! Cora sunset flips Wren! Kelani ghost pins Cora! Jaida breaks that up and all four women back up again! The fans fire up, Cora and Kelani run at each other. Kelani TOSSES Cora, but Wren runs up! Kelani DECKS Wren, then dodges Jaida to slingshot ARM-DRAG! Jaida tumbles into Wren, and Kelani SHOTGUNS them both! The fans fire up as Kelani kips up, and she builds speed, only for Cora to trip her! Cora drags Kelani out while fans boo, and Cora ROCKS Kelani!

Cora brings Kelani around to RAM into the apron! And then she RAMS Kelani into barriers! And then more- NO, Kelani stops to go up, QUEBRADA! Down goes Cora and the fans fire up again! Kelani hurries back into the ring, then aims to TORNILLO PLANCHA! Down go Wren and Jaida! Kelani doesn’t stop, she puts Jaida right back in! Kelani climbs a corner, CROSSBODIES, but Jaida rolls through with it! Jaida picks Kelani up but Cora’s up top! MISSILE DROPKICK! Cora hurries to cover Jaida, but Kelani YANKS her back! They argue, but Wren RAMS Cora into Kelani and O’Conner Rolls Cora! TWO, but Wren rolls Kelani! TWO!

Cora runs up to DOUBLE LARIAT Kelani and Wren! The fans boo but Cora ELBOWS Wren against ropes! Then Cora has IMPLODER STOMPS for Kelani! Cora runs to KNEE Wren in a corner! The fans boo but Jaida CLUBS Cora! Jaida puts Cora in ropes, right over Wren! The fans fire up as Jaida lines up her shot, DOUBLE TIER TEAR DROP!! Miss Parker high steps it and says this is her time and HER ring! #JaidaDon’tPlay, but NXT goes to break!

NXT returns and Jaida has Kelani up top! Jaida CLUBS Kelani, but then Cora CLUBS Jaida! Cora joins in on this, for a TOWER OF DOOM!! Kelani flounders away, but then Wren YANKS Cora out! Wren DECKS Cora, covers Jaida, TWO!! Wren hurries to cover Kelani, TWO!! Cora is back and she DECKS Wren! Cora runs up to SHINING WIZARD Wren in the corner, then she runs to SHINING WIZARD Jaida! SHINING WIZARD for- NO, Kelani catches Cora to RUNNING POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Cora survives, Wren BULLDOGS Kelani! Cover, TWO!! Jaida whips Wren to SPINEBUSTER! High stack, Cora SWANTON BOMBS it! Cover, TWO!!

The fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” but Cora is losing her cool. Roxanne Perez is watching backstage, mildly impressed by her bestie. Cora CHOKES Kelani on the ropes, then runs in, but Kelani dodges the elbow! Kelani blocks a kick, steps over, WHEEL KICK! Wren runs up to kick Kelani and underhook! BUTTERFLY PLEX! Jaida runs up, Wren dodges and hops on, GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Jaida endures, fights out, and she hits a FALCON ARROW! Cover, Kelani breaks it! Kelani kicks at Jaida but Jaida ducks it! Jaida back suplexes, Kelani lands out! Kelani goes to a corner, Jaida blocks a boot, but Kelani AX KICKS her down!

Kelani goes up, FIVE STAR onto Jaida and Wren!! Cover, Cora breaks it! Kelani and Cora argue, and Cora shoves “Baby” Lani! Kelani ROCKS Cora, but then Cora ENZIGIRIS Kelani! Kelani falls out of the ring, Cora is down, and Jaida crawls to Wren. Cora crawls after Jaida to cover her first, TWO! Cora covers Wren, TWO! Cora is losing her mind again, but she reels Wren up! Wren fights to a cradle! TWO!! Cora escapes, kicks low, then reels Wren in. But Kelani handsprings in to LARIAT! Wren still takes a DDT! Kelani hurries up top, aims at Cora, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, but Jaida SLAMS Wren onto it!

Jaida stands Kelani up to put her in the corner! Jaida CLUBS Kelani, runs side to side, but Lola’s there! Jaida puts on the brakes, the URAKEN hits Wren!! But then Lola drags Jaida out of the ring! Wren falls onto Cora, it’s a cover!! WREN WINS!!

Winner: Wren Sinclair, by pinfall (advances to WWE Deadline)

Refs hurry to stop Lola and Jaida in their brawl, but the fans are thunderous for #WrenXT lucking out! Charlie Dempsey helps Wren up and tells her what happened! Wren is excited as anyone that she’s going to Deadline, but can she pull off the underdog win in the Iron Survivor Challenge?

Backstage interview with Eddy Thorpe.

Sarah Schreiber is with the Alpha Wolf, and she has to say how surprised he’s even preparing for the Men’s Last Chance Fatal 4 Way after last week. He put his hands on the NXT General Manager, which led her to getting hurt, and then Shawn Michaels shoved Eddy right up against a wall. Eddy says HBK and Ava are letting him compete tonight because after everyone watched the tape back, it showed he did nothing wrong. So now, Eddy has a fair chance. He will win this thing, then become the Iron Survivor for him, and his people. Lexis King walks over and wants to say something.

Lexis knows he and Eddy are gonna be throwing hands later, but Eddy has to learn to control his temper. Lexis understands how hard it is to control anger, but being a loose cannon won’t get you anywhere. Eddy tells Lexis that he’s not taking advice from a grown man with daddy issues. Lexis says he has already proven he is not his father. And now he has the opportunity to do something his father never did, and that is win a major singles title in the WWE. It starts tonight. Should Eddy be suspended? That’s not Lexis’ call, he’s not the GM. But Lexis knows that it can be very frustrating. Lexis puts his hand on Eddy’s shoulder but Eddy tells him hands off.

Eddy says he’ll see Lexis in the ring, then storms off. Lexis says tonight isn’t about Eddy, it’s about The King. Lexis thanks Sarah for the interview, but will either Lexis or Eddy be the final man in the Iron Survivor Challenge?

Jaida Parker storms back to the ring!

Miss Parker has a mic and she’s calling out Lola! If Lola wants her NXT Underground match, then BET! Let’s take the ropes down now and just do it here! Jaida tells everyone to do it, and she has that brick again! Are she and the Mayor of Vice City about to have it out right here, right now? We’ll see, after the break!

NXT returns and…

Yep, the ropes are being undone! Jaida is in the ring watching it happen, and she tells Lola, “I thought I made it crystal clear, baby, when I smashed that brick on your skull. But clearly, you wanna cost me my qualifier match not once but twice! So you know what that means: we gotta this s*it back! OH, BABY, BABY! You want this Underground match? I’ll give you what you want! But b*tch, I ain’t leavin’ this damn ring until you get yo’ ass out here, right now!” But instead of Lola, it’s Ava! And Ava understands the frustration, the anger, and Ava is more than happy to give Jaida a match with Lola. Just not tonight.

The fans boo but Ava wants everyone to understand, Jaida can’t do two matches in one night. However… This Saturday at Deadline, it will be Jaida Parker VS Lola Vice, IN THE NXT UNDERGROUND! So all this passion, that’s great, but- Here comes Lola! Lola tells Miss Parker that she must be stupid! Jaida’s ego just did Lola the biggest favor. This is Lola’s world and Jaida knows nothing about it! No pins, no ropes, and this time, ain’t no brick, so Lola knocks Jaida’s ass out! Jaida says she don’t need it. She tosses the brick to Lola, then ELBOWS Lola in the face! Down goes Lola and Jaida says what up! These two are going Underground, but who ends up buried there?

Brinley Reece & Dion Lennox talk with Karmen Petrovic backstage.

They know she’s up against Nikkita Lyons tonight, and they tell her to do her thing. Karmen says Brin was so right about Adonis. She is so done with him. Brin says hold on, Karmen might be seeing things out of context. Yeah, Brin doesn’t like Adonis much either, but credit where credit is due, he genuinely likes Karmen. Karmen says that’s why she’s gonna beat up Lyons. Dion says he saw that text. Girl was saying some crazy stuff. B-But that was weeks ago! Karmen says yeah, she gets it, it’s just that- Oh, roses are being delivered? Guess who those are from? The card says sorry for upsetting Karmen, those texts were from before he met her, promise. And good luck tonight. From, Ashante.

Dion says well-played. Brin bops him in the arm, but Karmen is torn. Smooth, player, yet sweet? Karmen will go put these aside, then get ready. Brin & Dion cheer her on, is there still hope for the romcom to have a happy ending?

Nathan Frazer & Axiom are talking backstage.

Axiom says it is a big night for hm and that Last Chance Fatal 4, anyone can take it. Cedric Alexander, Eddy Thorpe, and though it’s surprising to say it, even Lexis King. But hey, he still likes his chances. What does Frazer think? Nathan’s focused on the TV. Nathan? NATHAN. Whoa, bud, why’re you yelling? Well Axiom asked Frazer something twice and Frazer ignored him. No, no, he’s just locked in on the tag team battle royal to determine who they’re facing at Deadline. Oh, now Frazer cares about that. Well, yes, he is! He has his worked cut out for him! He has to defend the tag titles then win the Iron Survivor Challenge.

Oh, wow, and what about Axiom? Well, him, too! Duh! That night will be tough for both of them! But if any two can pull it off, it’s them. Axiom says that’s true. Frazer says yes, Axiom just has to win his qualifier. W-Which he will! Obviously! But what was Axiom asking again? Axiom grumbles in Spanish, but will he win that Last Chance and join his tag partner for a very busy Saturday?

NXT Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Battle Royal!

While Nathan Frazer is in the Iron Survivor, and Axiom’s place is still up in the air, all these teams care about is getting that gold off of them! Will it be The D’Angelo Family, Hank ‘n’ Tank, OTM, Gallus, Tyriek & Tyson or Myles & Heights that punch their tickets to Deadline?

NXT returns and a surprise seventh team has joined the match! It’s Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura! That trip to Japan and Pro-Wrestling Noah helped Briggs find a new friend and tag partner, could they go all the way to the top together? The bell rings and the battle is on! Hank ‘n’ Tank are swinging wild, but Briggs & Inamura take them down! Briggs then CLOBBERS Stacks & Luca in a corner, while Inamura SWINGING SLAMS Myles! Then Briggs SLAMS Tyriek! Inamura adds a SPLASH! Then they both BOOT Coffey! They TOSS Wolfgang up and out, but then The D’Angelo Family goes after Inamura!

Mark gets back in, he fires hands on Briggs while The D’Angelos double whip Inamura. Inamura DOUBLE LARIATS them first! The fans fire up as Inamura TOSSESS Stacks, then TOSSES Luca! Inamura fires up but they’re safe on the apron. Briggs reminds Inamura that people have to touch the ground to be eliminated. Inamura says got it! But then The D’Angelos BOOT in return! Stacks helps Luca SLINGSHOT SHOULDER TACKLE! Briggs fires off on Stacks while Luca is after Inamura! It’s still rather chaotic, but Gallus is working together on Luca. Hank ‘n’ Tank fight off people, and Hank brawls with Tyson!

Tank helps Hank, they DOUBLE TOSS Tyson to ELIMINATE him! Tank says, “I wanna shake his hand,” and Tyson does shake hands out of respect. Tyriek is still in it for the team, but then Nima CLOBBERS him! Hank ROCKS Nima, Gallus brawls with NQCC and others. Price CHOPS Wolfgang against ropes and everyone hears it! Myles fights off Mark, Nima fights off Tyriek, and Luca lifts Heights. Hank RANKS Nima, Inamura RAMS Tank, Inamura CLUBS Luca. Luca CHOPS Inamura, but Inamura just nods! Inamura CHOPS Luca up and out to ELIMINATE him!! The fans are thunderous, but Inamura stares down Heights.

Heights was also part of the Noah trip, and he bows in respect to Inamura. Briggs BOOTS Heights for it! Briggs also tells Inamura to show no mercy! He TOSSES Heights and ELIMINATES him! Inamura is learning the American way, but then Gallus DOUBLE LARIATS Briggs up and out to ELIMINATE him! That’s the Scottish way! The brawling continues as Wolfgang CHOPS Inamura! Stacks fights off OTM, and he kicks Price to TORNADO- NO, Nima stops that, and he JUMP STOMPS Stacks down! OTM hauls Stacks up to TOSS him out onto the cluster! OTM ELIMINATES Stacks, no more D’Angelo Family! The fans are fired up while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and it seems Gallus and Hank ‘n’ Tank are still full teams in this match. Myles fights back against Price but Then Tyriek CLUBS Myles. Gallus whips Hank ‘n’ Tank at each other, but they reverse! Mark & Wolfgang dosido, but Hank ‘n’ Tank DECK them both! The fans fire up with the blue collar boys while Myles fights off Price and Tyriek. Hank ‘n’ Tank say, “HONK, HONK!” They DOUBLE BELLY SANDWICH Gallus! The fans fire up as Hank ‘n’ Tank take the Gallus boys to the ropes! But then the lone members get involved! Hank fights off Tyriek with body shots, Mark ROCKS Price, but Price hits back.

Myles hits Price, and we get a quick picture in picture of Fraxiom still arguing about their split focus. Tyriek digs boots into Wolfgang, Tank fights off Price, and Myles ROCKS Mark! Mark ROCKS Myles! Hank whips Tyriek to ELBOW him down! Hank hauls Tyriek up to whip, but Tyriek ELBOWS him away! Hank and Tyriek clinch at the ropes, Tank runs up to CLUB Tyriek! Tank shoves Tyriek, he and Hank lift! Tyson cheers Tyriek on, but Tyriek still falls! Hank ‘n’ Tank ELIMINATE Ty & Ty! And Tyriek is not about shaking hands like Tyson was! Tyson has to keep Tyriek from getting back in the ring, but Mark CLOBBERS Hank!

Hank tumbles up and out to the floor!! Tyriek pulling on the ropes helps Mark ELIMINATE Hank!! Hank can’t believe it, and now he wants at Tyriek! The fans are torn, but now Tank has to go it alone. Tank says all the lone wolves need to team up against Gallus, and it seems Myles and Price agree! The three run up, Gallus dodge Price to CLOBBER Tank and Myles! Then Gallus mugs Price. Price shoves them back, but they hit him with a DOUBLE NELSON SLAM! Tank runs up, Gallus TOSSES him! Hank catches Tank! The fans are thunderous, but then Gallus has Myles by his legs! Hank helps Tank back in, Myles gets FLUNG away!

Gallus roars but the fans boo. Wolfgang runs up to CANNONBALL Tank in a corner! Mark DROPKICKS Price in another! Wolfgang adds a CANNONBALL on Price, Mark DROPKICKS Tank! They repeat the process, then go back to Myles! CATAPULT and Myles goes up and out! But he lands on the apron! Myles ROCKS Mark, ducks Wolfgang, and Price DUMPS Wolfgang to ELIMINATE him! Tank LARIATS Mark out, GALLUS IS DONE!! The fans are thunderous as now Myles, Tank and Price are the final three! These three start throwing hands and the fans love it! Myles ROCKS Tank but Tank ROCKS Myles!

Tank ROCKS Price, Price BOOTS Myles! Tank dodges Price to fire haymakers! But Price hits back! Price BOOTS Myles, STOMPS Tank, and he roars! But Myles uses Tank as a launchpad! Price still catches him, to SLAM him onto Tank! Price is unleashed and the fans are electric! Price hauls Myles up, but the fans rally with Tank! Price fireman’s carries but Tank goes up, FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE!! Tank takes out both Price and Myles and the fans are going wild! Hank coaches Tank, “This is Awesome!” Tank fires hands on Price, then he and Myles work together! They put Price up top, climb up, but Price fights them both off!

Price steadies himself, but Tank and Myles each hit ropes! Price is stuck on the top, but Tank DUMPS Myles out! Myles RAMS Tank, slingshots in, and he LARIATS Tank up and out TO ELIMINATE HIM!! Myles DROPKICKS Price to the floor, NQCC WINS!!!

Winners: Myles Borne & Tavion Heights (NEW #1 Contenders to the NXT Tag Team Championships)

The fans are shocked! Wren won her spot earlier tonight, and then her boys bust out a comeback win! Will Deadline be where NQCC starts dripping with gold?

Eric Bischoff is here!

The fans go wild as the WWE Hall of Famer, longtime Raw General Manager and one of the creative minds behind WCW is finally live on an NXT show! Bischoff goes to the ring and grabs a mic. The fans cheer, “N W O! N W O!” Bischoff says no, NXT! This place is undeniable! But what’s also undeniable is the fact that Bischoff has always been on the cutting edge of pro-wrestling! He created Nitro to go head to head with Monday Night Raw! He revolutionized the industry, and that feeling was awesome. When he turned the New World Order loose on WCW, it revolutionized the industry, and that feeling was awesome!

But y’know what? When Bischoff walked through these doors today for the very first time, that same feeling was awesome! The revolution is happening here in NXT, and you get to be part of it! The fans cheer for NXT and Bischoff says when he saw “the amazing array of talent that holds the future of this industry in the palm of their hands, they have the ability to take this business to the stratosphere. And two very important pieces of the NXT puzzle, who happen to be competing for the NXT title this Saturday night at Deadline, happen to be my guests tonight.” So ladies and gentlemen, first up is Ridge Holland!

The fans boo as the Yorkshire Grit makes his way out, and he grins as he soaks it in. Ridge goes to the ring, and now Bischoff introduces the NXT Champion, Trick Williams! The fans fire up as Tricky Two-Time Two-Time makes his way to the ring. Trick is also fired up as he steps into the ring. Bischoff says he could not wait for the opportunity to see these two up close and in person. The intrigue and the tension is palpable. You could cut it with a chainsaw! Bischoff looks at Ridge, and he is the antithesis of what a WWE Superstar should be. And don’t take that the wrong way! Bischoff means that as a compliment.

Ridge just feels like a throwback to Bischoff’s childhood. The Crusher, Dick the Bruiser, guys who just took no prisoner, walked through walls and took whatever they want, with no apologies to anyone. And then Trick Williams. Wow. Trick is like the evolution of the revolution! A collegiate athlete with the power, size, speed, look and charisma! He’s got it all! And seeing these two together, Bischoff just can’t wait to see what develops. Is Ridge with him on that? Ridge talks to Trick but the fans boo. Ridge says Trick is nothing but a stand-up comedian with abs! He’s an insult to the vision of what NXT should be!

The fans boo more but Ridge says Bischoff can come out here to sing Trick’s praises, the fans can chant Trick’s name all they want. But at Deadline, Ridge will win the NXT Championship. And when he does, he won’t have to listen to antagonists like Bischoff. The fans chant, “Ridge is a wanker!” but Ridge laughs that off, and says he won’t have to listen to has-been wrestling podcasters who hang on to their last bit of relevancy. Ridge won’t have to listen to the fans, either! Because the future will be in HIS hands. And when Ridge squeezes it by the throat, it will go wherever he says to.

Trick says Ridge is built like a fridge, and did all that to destroy Chase U, just to chase Trick. But Trick’s problem with Ridge is that Ridge ain’t original! Ridge uses everyone else’s jokes, everyone else’s material, and Trick sees through him. Ridge is bland. Ridge is vanilla. Ridge is BORING. And don’t let Trick’s flash fool you, because he’ll take the ice off his wrist and give Ridge a cold ass whooping right now! Ridge wishes he had what Trick has and he knows it! Ridge laughs that off, too, and says this is the arrogance talking. Ridge doesn’t need what Trick has. Ridge could not look himself in the mirror if he had what Trick had.

See, Ridge already proved what he’s about when he destroyed Chase U. He proved what he’s about when he beat Trick in Philly. Trick stands here, 6’4″, flashy from head to toe, and nothing is shinier than that NXT Championship on Trick’s shoulder. But yeah, they came up different, that’s true. Trick played American football, covered in pads, referees looking out for his safety. Ridge risked it all as he destroyed other men playing rugby, a man’s game. No one has told Trick before, because they’re all just caught up in the “aura,” but not Ridge. Ridge is looking Trick dead in the eyes, staring into his soul, telling Trick that Trick is SOFT.

The fans boo but Ridge tells Trick to look him in the eyes. Ridge says that at Deadline, he puts Trick down, and he will leave NXT Champion! Oh, what’s that? Trick is soft? Trick ROCKS Ridge! The hands start flying, and Trick TACKLES Ridge! The fans fire up, Ridge gets loose and gets out of the ring! Trick just pursues! But then Ridge RAMS him into the apron! And then RAMS him into the steel steps! Trick writhes but Ridge isn’t done! Ridge clears the desk, Booker T & Vic Joseph get clear, and Ridge puts Trick on the desk! Ridge gets up, and he lifts Trick for THE REDEEMER!! The desk does not break but Ridge may have just broken Trick!

Refs rush out here, they tell Ridge to stop while also calling to medics! Ridge grins while fans boo, and Bischoff is stunned. A stretcher is brought over, did Ridge do so much damage that Deadline’s match will be called off?

NXT returns and…

Sarah Schreiber reports that Trick was loaded into an ambulance, and Ava Raine went with him. When asked about the title match, Ava said, “Honestly, I just don’t know.” Updates will be on the way, but will Trick even be able to return to the ring at all after what Ridge just did?

Karmen Petrovic VS Nikkita Lyons!

They say all is fair in love and war, and right now, this might be a war for love! Both women are martial artists who capture the eyes of many men, but will Karmen kick Nikkita to the curb for coming after Ashante THEE Adonis? Or is the Lyoness going to pounce?

The bell rings, the two lethal ladies step up, and Lyons shoves! Karmen kicks, Lyons ducks! Lyons kicks, Karmen ducks! Lyons jumps over the sweep but so does Karmen, and the fans applaud this opening exchange. Lyons trips Karmen, has a leg, but Karmen kicks with her other leg. Lyons comes back to fire knee after knee, then whips. Karmen kicks low, KICKS again, then again! Lyons blocks and shakes her head, but Karmen SPIN HEEL KICKS! Karmen whips, Lyons reverses, but Karmen goes up to SOBAT! Karmen runs up but Lyons blocks the lariat to THROW Karmen away! Then SPIN HEEL KICK of her own!!

The fans fire up as Lyons rains down fists, and she CLUBS Karmen. Lyons taunts Karmen, then CHOKES her on the ropes! The ref counts and Lyons stops at 4. Lyons stalks Karmen to a corner, fires more shots, then drops it like it’s hot as she HIP ATTACKS! Lyons struts, but Karmen BOOTS, then ENZIGIRIS! Roll up, TWO! Lyons gets up to BOOT Karmen down! Cover, TWO! Lyons clamps onto Karmen with a chinlock and she leans on the hold. The fans rally up, Karmen fights to her feet, and Karmen fires body shots. Lyons shoves Karmen, runs up, but Karmen ducks! The boot gets stuck on ropes, and Karmen ROCKS Lyons!

Karmen CHOPS, ROCKS, and SOBATS! Karmen runs, and DISCUS LARIATS! The fans fire up and Karmen brings Lyons up. Karmen KICKS, KICKS and KICKS, but Lyons ducks! So Karmen HEEL KICKS! Karmen runs to SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Lyons is tougher than that and Karmen thinks on what to do. Karmen runs up at the corner but Lyons gets around! GERMAN SUPLEX! Lyons storms to the corner, goes up and up, and VADER FLOP as Karmen moves! The fans fire up but here comes Adonis! Adonis cheers Karmen on, even helps her to her feet. The ref says no, Adonis has to go.

Lyons runs up, Adonis pushes Karmen aside and he takes the HAYMAKER for her! Lyons says well fine, be that way! But then Karmen ROUNDHOUSES Lyons! Cover, Karmen wins!

Winner: Karmen Petrovic, by pinfall

Adonis smiles, his girl won! He wants a hug, but Karmen shakes her head. He interfered in the match! His gesture from earlier is now negated, will Adonis ever win Karmen over?

Shawn Spears talks with his followers.

Niko Vance did a wonderful job! Tony D didn’t even see Niko coming! Jensen wants to ask what’s next. They took Tony down but Tony is still champion. Spears says to remember the long game. Look what Tony has built. Look how successful The D’Angelo Family has become. But with the talent that Spears’ side has, they can achieve even more. Now, Spears has spent months cultivating Niko, and he is almost ready to be unleashed. They are just missing one more thing. He spots Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley walking and talking, and he walks over. He welcomes Gigi back. And much like Tatum, he is looking forward to Gigi’s in-ring return. They’ll be watching.

Gigi says gee, thanks. Tatum says Spears is so creepy. And yeah, that’s coming from her! Gigi & Tatum continue on to gorilla, will Hell’s Favorite Harlot remind everyone, especially The Fatal Influence, who they’re dealing with?

No Quarter Catch Crew regroups backstage.

Heights is fired up because he and Myles are gonna be the next NXT Tag Team Champions! Dempsey says he knows he can be a bit harsh on everyone, but the three of them tonight really impressed him. Even Wren! Wow, thanks, Charles. Dempsey says he brought the Heritage Cup to the NQCC, and this Saturday, he knows Myles & Tavion will win those tag titles. Myles says no one thought they’d win, and look what happened! Tavion says they’ll help Fraxiom focus on their singles goals by taking those tag titles from them! Wren says they’ll do so good. And what about Miss Iron Survivor here? Wren says she hasn’t really won anything yet.

Maybe, but with that luck on her side, just look how she fell into that victory! Wren says things went exactly as planned. But now, Saturday, Deadline, time to bring the win into the WrenQCC! Dempsey wants to correct that but he’ll let her have this one. Will the crew show all their opponents no quarter until they’re the ones holding gold?

Gigi Dolin w/ Tatum Paxley VS Izzi Dame!

The once toxic Gigi is back, ready to clean up the mess The Fatal Influence has made of NXT. But will she start with the would-be It Girl? Or will Gigi see that It Iz What It Iz?

The bell rings, Izzi and Gigi circle, then tie up. Gigi waistlocks, wrenches, and hammerlocks, then she snapmares Izzi into a chinlock. Izzi endures, pulls hair and fights up. The Fatal Influence is watching this backstage as Izzi fights up and YANKS Gigi’s arm. Izzi wrenches to a wristlock but Gigi rolls, bridges, and KICKS Izzi away. Gigi then wrenches Izzi but Izzi headlocks. Gigi wrenches and WRINGS Izzi out, and Izzi gets frustrated. Izzi runs up, Gigi sidesteps and drops down. Gigi then hurries up to blow past Izzi, and tilt-o-whirl RANA! The fans fire up while Izzi flounders, and Gigi runs to DROPKICK against the ropes! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally and Spears walks out here to indeed watch this match. Gigi whips, Izzi reverses, but Gigi dodges Izzi in the corner! Gigi ROUNDHOUSES from the apron, goes up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, ONE!! Izzi is tougher than that, and she knees low. Izzi whips then kitchen sink knees Gigi down! Gigi flounders, Izzi storms up and stomps away! The ref counts, Izzi lets off at 4, then she stands Gigi up. Izzi fireman’s carries to FLAPJACK! Gigi flounders again and Izzi runs to DOUBLE STOMP! Gigi sputters and gets out of the ring, but Izzi is right after her. Izzi puts Gigi in the ring, then she BOOTS Tatum just because!

The fans boo as Izzi storms in to BOOT Gigi! Cover, TWO! Gigi stays in this but Izzi has the legs. Izzi pulls and turns Gigi over, HALF CRAB! Gigi endures and the fans rally up. Gigi tucks and rolls to then KICK Izzi from below! Gigi stands, Iziz runs up, but Gigi fires a forearm, kick and KNEE! Gigi shrieks and CLOBBERS Izzi! And CLOBBERS her again! Gigi wrenches to ROUNDHOUSE! Izzi staggers, Gigi ripcords, RAINMAKER! Cover, TWO and Izzi cradles! TWO, and Gigi runs up! But into a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Izzi then reels Gigi in, whips her to a corner, and runs up. Gigi dodges and Izzi POSTS herself!

Gigi reels Izzi back in, clamps on, G G DRIVER!! Cover, Gigi wins!

Winner: Gigi Dolin, by pinfall

Spears is certainly impressed, and Tatum celebrates with her new bestie! Will they soon take the fight to Fallon, Jacy & Jazmyn?

Backstage interview with Je’Von Evans.

Sarah is with the Young OG and says in a few minutes, we will see the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Last Chance Fatal 4 Way! Any predictions? Yes, he of course has to go with Uncle Cedric. Cedric’s been going a bit crazy and… Wait! Is that X-Pac?! Pac says hey to Je’Von, and he has been watching. X-Pac’s a big fan of Je’Von, he’s been doing some great stuff. Je’Von is fan struck because X-Pac is a fan of him! Je’Von is a big fan of X-Pac’s too. X-Pac says he and Je’Von have a lot in common. X-Pac was the same age as Je’Von when he got that big 1-2-3 over Razor Ramon, that was the biggest moment of his career.

You see, becoming a TWO-TIME WWE Hall of Famer for both the nWo and Degeneration X, none of that would’ve happened without that first win. Now look, X-Pac believes in Je’Von, Je’Von has a real shot at the Iron Survivor. He can do it! X-Pac believes in Je’Von. Je’Von is so honored, and then X-Pac throws up the Too Sweet! Je’Von fan boys again, and yeah, Too Sweet~! Je’Von says he’s gonna go crazy on Saturday! Will the Young OG get his biggest win ever when it’s time for Deadline?

Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Last Chance Fatal 4: Cedric Alexander VS Eddy Thorpe VS Lexis King VS Axiom!

PRIMED Alexander, Alpha Wolf, Drama King or Undeniable Truth. Only one can join that field of five, so who defies the odds to then jump right into another high stakes match in Minnesota?

NXT returns as Frazer is with Axiom as his corner man, and Cedric makes his entrance. Eddy makes his entrance, and all four men are ready. We see Ethan Page has joined commentary, and Wes Lee watches from the perch so he can literally look down on everyone. Je’Von is in the crowd and Ethan says that’s where Je’Von belongs because he’s a glorified fan. The bell rings, Eddy BOOTS Lexis! Axiom clamps onto Eddy, Eddy backs him into a corner, and Cedric runs up. Eddy doges, the CHOP hits Axiom! Cedric and Eddy ROCK each other, then Cedric runs Eddy over. Things speed up, Eddy hurdles then CROSSBODIES! Cover, Axiom breaks it!

Axiom CLUBS Eddy into a ghost pin, ONE as Eddy fireman’s carries Axiom! But Lexis DROPKICKS Eddy into the Crucifix Driver! The fans fire up as Axiom gets up, and Lexis SUPERKICKS him down! Cedric runs up, Lexis bypasses and hurdles, but Cedric rolls over the dropdown. Lexis runs, Cedric dodges, but Lexis comes back to RANA! The fans fire up with lexis and he builds speed, only for Axiom to GAMANGIRI! Axiom then goes up top, but Lexis avoids the leap! Eddy is back, he throws Axiom but Axiom SHOTGUNS Lexis! Eddy runs up to LARAIT Axiom up and out! Cedric trips Eddy!

Eddy sits up, avoids a kick, and he rolls Cedric! ONE, and Cedric rolls Eddy! TWO, and both men stand. Eddy dodges, Cedric ends up on the apron but he BOOTS back! Step in and FLATLINER! The fans fire up as Cedric covers, but Axiom steps on Cedric to launch and SHOTGUN Lexis! The fans fire up, Je’Von cheers on Unc, but Axiom fires forearms! Cedric CHOPS in return! Axiom CHOPS back! Cedric says they can do better than that! The CHOPS go back and forth, then DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Cedric falls first but the fans fire up again. Cedric rises, runs, but Axiom dodges. They both DIVE onto Eddy and Lexis!

The fans fire up as Cedric and Axioms tare down from across the way. They both step in, the fans rally up and Cedric dodges Axiom. Axiom comes back but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, Lexis AND Eddy break it! All four men are down and the fans are thunderous as NXT goes to break!

NXT returns and Eddy is up top, with Axiom and Cedric working together as they climb up. The fans fire up, and Lexis slips in! Lexis adds on for a TOWER OF DOOM!! The fans are thunderous for the double powerbomb superplex combo! Lexis aims from a corner, waiting for someone to stand. Lexis runs up to LARIAT Cedric in the corner! And then CHOP! Axiom runs up but is sent into Cedric! Lexis O’Conner Rolls Axiom, but then Cedric runs up! NORTHERN LIGHTS added on top! DOUBLE COVER, TWO!!! The fans fire up and Lexis stays hot! Wes isn’t impressed but Lexis builds speed to FLY! Down go Cedric and Axiom!!

Je’Von says okay, that was legit! Lexis has the fans fired up for once, and he puts Cedric in the ring. Lexis climbs up, aims, and SWANTON BOMBS on Cedric! Cover, Eddy breaks it! Eddy drags Lexis up, fires forearms, then KICKS! KICKS! KICKS! SOBAT! Cedric is up, Eddy gets around, SNAP GERMAN! BOOT for Lexi sin a corner! Axiom is in, but Eddy has him for a BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Axiom survives that sheer drop and Frazer is antsy for his amigo. “This is Awesome!’ as Eddy runs up, but Cedric URENAGES! Then LIONSAULTS! Wes is now impressed, and Axiom wrenches to CHOP Cedric!

Axiom goes up and up to FLYING RANA! But Lexis has Axiom! Axiom has Lexis in a cradle! TWO!! Axiom KNEES Lexis down, and GAMANGIRIS Eddy up top! Eddy wobbles, Axiom climbs, and Axiom SUPER SPANISH FLIES!! Cover, TWO!!! But into an ARMBAR!! Eddy flails, clasps hands, kicks around, but Axiom breaks the grip! But Cedric is up top! FROG SPLASH on Axiom!! But he bounces off the cover! Ethan is quiet, Je’Von fires up, and Cedric goes up and out to join Eddy on the apron! APRON SIDE EFFECT! Cedric gets up and he BOOTS Lexis! Step-in, but Lexis UPPERCUTS! Lexis runs, but into a scoop, MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, EDDY SUPERKICKS IT APART!

Eddy swings on Axiom, but into a HALF ‘N’ HALF! The fans fire up again and Axiom runs up on Lexis! GOLDEN RATIO!! Cover, Eddy YANKS Axiom out!! Eddy snipes the cover, EDDY WINS!!

Winner: Eddy Thorpe, by pinfall (advances to WWE Deadline)

The Alpha Wolf actually impresses All Ego with his opportunistic move. But at the same time, this is just how the Iron Survivor Challenge is gonna feel, is Eddy more than ready for his moment in Minnesota?

Frazer is talking smack on his Iron Survivor opponents, but Axiom points out that Myles & Heights are standing on stage. Will Fraxiom make it through the NQCC with gold still around their waist?

Ava calls Robert Stone & Stevie Turner.

The NXT GM trusts her assistants are handling things. Stevie says don’t worry, everything is going exceptionally well. But she does have to ask, what’s the latest on Trick? Ava says they’re still here, he is still being checked by doctors, but Trick is also very insistent that they go through with the match on Saturday. Stone says, “Even with what Ridge just did to him?” Ava knows, but Trick is adamant about it. As it stands, we are still getting Trick VS Ridge for the NXT Championship. She’ll get back when she can, keep holding it down. Stone & Stevie say will do, and the call ends.

Stevie says, “Damn, Trick. That guy’s a fighter.” Stone nods in agreement. Will Trick really be able to pull off the win when Ridge nearly broke him? Or will NXT soon be in the Yorkshire Grit Era?

Cora Jade meets with Stevie & Stone.

She complains that Kelani is the only reason Cora’s not going to Deadline! It is always someone getting in her way of wanting to go where she wants to go. Stevie says it was a Fatal 4 Way, every woman for herself, deal with it. Cora grumbles that she hates this place. Cora storms out, Eddy steps in and says he used to feel the same way. But uh, where’s Ava? Still helping Trick at the hospital. Oh, of course, she’s with the champ. Well, just let the GM know that she did the right thing by not suspending him. When given the opportunity, Eddy always succeeds. And on Saturday, he WILL be the Iron Survivor. No one is more deserving.

Eddy leaves, Stevie asks if it’s just her, or is everyone just really pissed off? Stone wants to speak, but in steps…? Stevie & Stone get very serious, just who is it paying them a visit?

Roxanne Perez heads to the ring!

We already knew the NXT Women’s Champion was here tonight, but the fans boo as The Prodigy actually makes her way out here. Roxie grabs a mic to say, “Deadline is this Saturday, and it could be lifechanging. I mean, I’m sure the five women in the Iron Survivor Challenge are used to waking up on Christmas morning to find no presents under the tree. But for one lucky lady, they’ll be getting a gift-wrapped title shot courtesy of The Prodigy, your two-time NXT Women’s Champion. But trust me, it’s not gonna be easy. And that’s speaking from experience as the first winner of the very first Iron Survivor.”

Roxie says that win changed everything for her. She knows exactly what it takes, which is why it is so sad that they’re all just fighting to be second place! Nobody beats The Prodigy! Unfortunately for five fan favorites, it’s a dead end. Congrats to Wren, though, who we all saw qualify earlier. No one believed in her, just like no one believed in Roxie. Wren could be the next Roxie 2022! The only problem is, Wren can’t beat the Roxie of 2024. Then there’s Sol Ruca. Sol was the first to qualify, and is always one Sol Snatcher away from the big one. But she ain’t snatching Roxie! No one beats The Prodigy, not even the fans’ chosen one!

It was supposed to be Giulia last time, right? But they can never beat Roxie when it counts. And she knows what the fans will say: Stephanie Vaquer and Zaria have each pinned Roxie in tag matches! True. But Roxie already proved that regardless of if you traveled the whole wide world, it is still too small compared to stepping in this ring with Roxie. NOBODY beats The Prodigy! But wait, here comes Sol! Sol pretends she couldn’t hear Roxie back there, and Roxie knew Sol would be the first to come out here. But wait! Here comes Zaria! And Vaquer! And now Giulia! Roxie is starting to get worried as the ring is starting to get crowded.

Roxie says yeah, look, this is exactly what it is all about. But remember, you have to get through each other before you can get to Roxie~! And so the four brawl! Sol kicks Zaria, Zaria kicks Sol, and Wren YANKS Roxie outta the ring! Wren DECKS Roxie, and then holds up the belt! Wren taunts Roxie, did The Prodigy just bite off more than she can chew?

A ref is shouting for medical backstage!

Wait, what happened? Cameras check in the locker room, and EDDY THORPE IS OUT COLD!! Lexis and the other competitors from tonight’s main event are there, but no one knows whodunnit! Will Eddy be able to make it to Deadline now? Or will Ava have to scramble the next three days to figure out who can?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of NXT, with a lot of drama and excitement given this was a go-home with stakes. Though they also snuck in other story, such as Karmen’s romcom drama with Adonis. Good promo before the match, very good match from Karmen VS Lyons, and I figured Adonis would show up. Adonis helping Karmen win was just a touch surprising, but I guess it’s logical for her to be upset that he thought she’d need his help. This story will surely keep going, and logically it’ll culminate for Vengeance Day, aka the Valentine’s Day special. And to me, it should be they lose some kind of mixed tag match, but the real victory is their relationship finally being official.

Good match from Gigi VS Izzi, and Shawn Spears logically wants a female member for the faction so this group matches The D’Angelo Family and No Quarter Catch Crew. Good win for Gigi, she and Tatum probably have a tag match with Jacy & Jazmyn first, then Gigi VS Fallon happens for the Women’s North American Championship. And I’m thinking it should be Izzi joining The Chair Man’s group, she needs something to do. Very good promo from Fraxiom to lead into the tag team battle royal, and that battle royal was awesome. In fact, I think that was the first time I heard the “This is Awesome!” chant for a battle royal. I really did not expect Myles & Heights to win, but we’re clearly getting a detour of Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Ty & Ty before either team goes for titles.

Very good promo segment with Bischoff, Ridge and Trick. Though, I’m sure we can all raise an eyebrow at Bischoff saying NXT is where the wrestling revolution is happening when he was helping AEW in its early days, then clearly had some kind of souring on the product. Also, not sure Trick’s point on Ridge copying people’s jokes and gimmicks is accurate. But his “fridge” line was a good reference to the Brawling Brutes stuff. Ridge “hurting” Trick here to put some extra drama on the match is fine, and it might be the only reason Trick loses. And really, at this point, for Ridge’s sake, it feels like he has to win because what else is there? The Brutes didn’t last long, Ridge used Chase U just to get to this point, he has to follow through and win the big one for himself.

And great stuff in both Iron Survivor Challenge stories. The women opening and closing the night was great stuff, and I loved the “accidental” win by Wren. HBK having done that himself, he clearly loves having that spot in Fatal 4 Ways, and Wren joining that loaded field for the Iron Survivor is great stuff. Great promo from Roxie to insult all five potential challengers, but then of course they show up to brawl and go after Roxie at the same time. But Wren kinda jinxed herself by taking out Roxie and holding up the belt. I feel like Roxie could drop this title at New Year’s Evil and then move on to Raw just in time for the Netflix move. In which case, I’m leaning towards Vaquer or Zaria.

The men’s match was a great main event, and we got good promos leading into it. Je’Von meeting X-Pac and getting to Too Sweet was great stuff, and Ethan got to do all his talking on commentary. Lexis and Eddy making this slow double turn with each other has been a great process, and factoring in Fraxiom’s promo earlier, I’m a little surprised it wasn’t Axiom who won out. But with that, Fraxiom could lose the tag titles, and that therefore breaks up the team. Or the breakup could happen during the match and that costs them the titles. But either way, I don’t really see Frazer winning the Iron Survivor.

Eddy winning here tonight was only partly surprising, as he was a logical runner-up to Axiom. Plus, there’s his story of being cocky about himself and disgruntled with management, but I did NOT see another whodunnit happening. Though, WWE sure likes using the same thing multiple times this year. There have been multiple special guest referee matches, and now there have been multiple secret attacks. The Monday Night Raw mystery seems a bit more open and shut with McIntyre’s return last night, and I’m still leaning towards Bayley for SmackDown’s “Who attacked Jade Cargill?” But here on NXT, this is a real headscratcher.

Obvious suspects are Cedric, Axiom and Lexis, but that’s why it’s not them. There’s already buzz going around online that it was Bloodline related since Ava got hurt because of Eddy’s carelessness. It could be Lance Anoa’i, it could be Hikuleo, it won’t be The Rock even though that’s his daughter. The Final Boss doesn’t necessarily need to do his own dirty work, and he’s a bit too big a star for NXT and Eddy Thorpe. Either way, some real intrigue here, can’t wait to see how Deadline plays out.