Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Report! (8/7/18)

Published

6 years ago

August 7, 2018

After Samoa Joe got truly and brutally personal in his message to the WWE Champion, what will the Phenomenal One himself say in his return to SmackDown?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch VS The IIconics; Charlotte & Becky win.
Zelina Vega w/ Andrade “Cien” Almas VS Lana w/ Rusev; Zelina wins.
R-Truth VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins.
3v2 Handicap: The Bludgeon Brothers VS 3SK; The Bludgeon Brothers win.
SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contenders Tournament: The New Day VS The Bar; The New Day wins and will face The Bludgeon Brothers for the titles at Summerslam.

PLAY BY PLAY

Randy Orton heads to the ring!

The Viper is back with even more venom in his veins, as he’s made it his mission to destroy any and all superstars the WWE Universe puts above him and his decade of hard work. Jeff Hardy is his first target, who Orton beat and battered all over ringside last week. Fans let him know “You Suck!” Orton speaks on how Jeff Hardy called him out, and reviews footage to show that new and vicious attack. From t-shirt to necklace to the paint on his face, Hardy was humiliated and stripped bare. Fans boo and jeer but Orton wonders, “Do you still believe?” Orton could’ve warned the squeamish, but making the fans squirm is why he did all that. Orton vows to end careers and dismantle identities. He will become so violent, fans will want to change the channel.

But, fans won’t change the channel because they still believe. They believe in superheroes, in hope, and they even hope the hero, Hardy, will save the day. He won’t, because Orton “erased the Enigma.” Hardy is lost, searching for himself that Orton stole and erased! Orton will erase every superstar the fans respect, because they don’t respect Orton! Let’s have a history lesson on Randy Orton. He started as the youngest man in the locker room, and became the youngest world champion ever! Orton is a 13-time world champion, a multi-time Royal Rumble Winner, Mr. Money in the Bank and Survivor Series winner, but the fans still don’t respect him!

“Sometimes in life, when you’re not given respect, you have to take it.” People make their choices, and so has Orton. Orton has chosen to wipe out those the fans chose to believe in. Orton will pick Hardy apart “piece by piece by piece”, but it is on each and every member of the WWE Universe. Say what you want. Apex Predator, Viper, Legend Killer, but just remember the three most devastating letters in sports entertainment: R, K, O! Orton drops the mic again and takes his leave. Who will the Viper choose to strike next?

Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair talk backstage.

The two good friends aren’t sure where to start. Charlotte wasn’t trying to ruin Becky’s moment, but GM Paige gave her the opportunity so she had to take it. Becky understands, because they both want the title. Becky just finds herself in a tough position. She wants to be happy for Charlotte, but she wanted a 1v1 match. But now it’s a Triple Threat and that makes the challenge a bit bigger, because that hill she was climbing now has a “tall blonde boulder” in the way. Boulder? But it’s Summerslam, so you prove you’re the best by beating the best. Charlotte wouldn’t have it any other way. So they’re good for facing the IIconics? Of course! They’re not Sasha & Bayley. #TeaGenerationX is ready to go, will they be the more stable half of the WWE Four Horsewomen?

Carmella heads to the ring!

The FABULOUS SmackDown Women’s Champion wants to be front row and on commentary for the upcoming tag match featuring her two challengers.

Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch VS The IIconics!

The Queen of Flair and the Lass Kicker both get a shot at the Princess of Staten Island in Brooklyn, but can they first prove they can beat Peyton Royce & Billie Kay in Orlando?

The Iconic Duo play some word association on the way out. “Orlando.” “The saddest place on Earth!” “Charlotte Flair.” “Overrated. Bad dancer. And lost to Carmella twice!” “Becky Lynch.” “Um… Nothing comes to mind.” Nothing at all? Yeah, is she even here? Fans tell the IIconics they’re “BORING~!” The IIconics ignore that to point out that Becky’s where she always is and always will be: in Charlotte’s shadow. Always a bridesmaid, but never the champ. Carmella says the truth hurts, but it’s time for the match.

Becky starts against Billie and gets a waistlock to headlock to wristlock. Tag to Charlotte, and she adds an ax handle. Charlotte chops Billy with those Flair backhands. Tag to Becky and they double whip Billie. Double hip toss, then double hip tosses for Peyton! Becky goes for the submission but Peyton saves Billie. Becky tags Charlotte, and Charlotte slingshots onto the IIconics! Tea Generation X controls the ring while we go picture in picture.

Charlotte styles and profiles, then clinks tea cups with Becky. She chases down Billie and puts her in the ring. Peyton distracts and Billie boots! Charlotte goes down, and Peyton tags to get in some stomps. She puts Charlotte in the ring, covers, TWO. The IIconics argue with the ref, but then tag to Billie. They double wrench and kick both sides of Charlotte. Cover, TWO, but Billie keeps on Charlotte with a chinlock. She grinds Charlotte but Charlotte powers up and out to chop! Billie throws Charlotte by her hair, then rains down rights. Cover, TWO! Tag to Peyton, and the IIconics grind their boots into Charlotte’s chin. Peyton mocks the styling and profiling, but Charlotte fights back. Peyton runs her over, cover, TWO! The IIconics are getting mad now, but they calm down. Peyton chokes Charlotte on the ropes, then backs off at 4.

Peyton keeps Charlotte down with knees to her back. She drives elbows into the shoulders, then thrashes Charlotte around in a chinlock. Charlotte endures while fans rally up. She stands and power Peyton to the corner. Charlotte throws Peyton off but Billie hotshots her into Peyton’s heel kick! Cover, but Becky breaks it in time! Billie throws Becky out, then argues with the ref. She drags Charlotte over while we go single picture. Small package from Charlotte, TWO, double boots! Both women go down and the fans fire up. Carmella, however, is not impressed. Hot tags to Peyton & Becky! Becky rallies with lariats and a calf kick. She kicks and European Uppercuts, then throws Peyton with a Becksploder! She kip-up, then hops up top for flying forearms! Cover, TWO!

Becky goes for the Disarm-her! She has it, but Billie kicks her down. Charlotte tags in, and shoulders into Billie. She climbs up top, MOONSAULT! she takes both IIconics out! Charlotte grabs Peyton, Figure Eight! Peyton taps, Charlotte & Becky win!

Winners: Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch, Charlotte with the submission

The best friends win together, but it seems bittersweet for the Lass Kicker. At the same time, Carmella reminds them both that she is champion. Can Becky and Charlotte stay friends with a common enemy in their sights? Or will that greed for gold blind them in Brooklyn?

Backstage interview with The New Day!

The longest reigning team in WWE History blew up the internet just being on commentary. They were dynamite, but now they’re trying something different. Kofi reveals the suit and tie, as well as a wig. “I’m Kramer Kingdom, reporting here from SmackDown Live with two guys who have a very unique opportunity here for the SmackDown Tag Team titles!” They’re facing the fierce Cesaro & Sheamus. How are you gonna spar with The Bar? Fierce as in the rancid milk smell that follows them. They’ve beaten Cesaro & Sheamus before, they’ll do it again. “B-b-b-b-b-but what about the B-b-bludgeon Brothers?” Well, they’re no strangers to dangers. Ya bois, the New~ Day~ will make Harper & Rowan bow down to the power of positivity! The New Day can do anything, but can they win tonight and in Brooklyn?

The Miz has an announcement.

He’s on the set of his hit reality show, Miz And Mrs. He gives and gives, from access to his life and the greatest entertainment imaginable. After weeks of negotiations, Miz gives Daniel Bryan a gift. “The gift of relevancy.” It WILL be Bryan VS Miz at Summerslam! This war of words will finally be settled in the ring! Will the A-Lister kick Bryan back down to the B-List? Or will Bryan show Miz is just too soft to be a superstar?

Charlotte and Becky are fired up!

They love tagging together! They’re so good together. That was today, though, and in two weeks, it’ll be every woman for herself. Well, they can be great against each other, too. Tea Generation X for life, but will it survive a match for gold?

SmackDown reviews Samoa Joe’s message to AJ Styles.

The Destroyer went a step too far claiming the Phenomenal One puts titles and matches before family and friends. Joe claims Styles is barely home long enough to hold his children, and is a failure as a father. Styles may have the fans on his side, but Joe will have Styles’ own family on his.

AJ Styles heads to the ring!

The WWE Champion heard everything his cruel #1 contender had to say last week. With fans chanting his name, Styles picks up a mic to respond. “A lot goes on between these ropes. A lot of trash talking, a lot of manhood being tested. And usually when that happens, it gets personal.” Samoa Joe made it personal bringing up Styles’ family. Styles vows to be the greatest WWE superstar for his family. That doesn’t make him special. All parents make sacrifices, that’s just what you’re supposed to do as both a father and “a real man.”

Styles is away for over 200 days out of the year, so he misses Little League, birthdays, and anniversaries. He and his wife have been together 18 years, but the reality is that she lives like a single parent while he’s gone. But parents are meant to sacrifice to give their kids what they need, and sometimes what they want. Just like everyone else, when his kids fall and cry, he wants to be there to pick them up and comfort them.

But that’s what angers Styles the most! Joe knows his family, and long before SmackDown was the House That AJ Styles Built, they both shared “a cockroach infested apartment” and stale pizza. Joe threw that decade of friendship all away in a matter of seconds. Styles vows that Joe’s hands won’t touch the title. “Screw that!” Styles vows that Joe won’t walk out champion, or even walk out at all. Joe was watching that entire speech backstage, and is laughing? Did Joe bait Styles into being fired up for their match? Or will Joe’s master plan backfire in Brooklyn?

Rusev and Lana meet backstage.

Mr. & Mrs. Machka talk about the miscommunication. Rusev will be with Lana for her rematch with Zelina Vega, for a Happy Lana Day. Lana thanks her Bulgarian Brute hsuband for being so considerate. But now Aiden English walks over. He just wants to apologize, and will let Rusev hit him if he wants. English didn’t mean to cost any of them their matches. It’s not fair to any of them, but he has the best intentions at heart. He just wants to say he’s sorry. Lana nods, and Rusev forgives English. They shake on it, but Rusev keeps English from joining them at ringside.

Zelina Vega w/ Andrade “Cien” Almas VS Lana w/ Rusev!

La Muneca got a win in her SmackDown in-ring debut thanks to both El Idolo and MC Artiste getting involved at ringside. Can she quickly go 2-0 against the Ravishing Russian? Or will Lana prove she’s the best, Lana number one?

The bell rings and Lana tackles Vega to a corner! She throws in shoulders, then backs off at 4. Lana whips but Vega breaks free to discus forearm. Vega runs awy from the anger Lana, but gets a wrecking balld ropkcik! Lana puts her in the ring and goes after the feet. Vega kicks Lana, then hammers away with both fists. Vega covers, ONE. She puts Lana in a chinlock while fans sing for Lana. Lana powers up and works against the hold. She fights back with body shots, but Vega throws her down by her hair. Vega ax kicks Lana, then pats herself on the back. Lana gets to ropes but Veaga whips. Lana reverses and knees low. She reels Vega in, Fisherman Suplex! Cover, ONE, but Lana drops an elbow.

Lana drops more elbows, then kicks Vega while she’s down. She puts Vega in a corner, then another corner. Vega reverses to bump Lana off buckles. Lana kicks back, then bulldogs! Cover, TWO! Lana gets fans singing again, then suplexes Vega again. She gets a third suplex, but keeps going. Almas gets on the apron, and Vega hits a code breaker! Rusev runs over and runs Almas over! Rusev throws Almas into barriers! The fans fire up, but Vega kicks Rusev in the head. Almas hits Rusev, then puts him into a post. Vega blows a kiss, but Lana hits a Machka Kick! Lana climbs up but Rusev and Almas keep fighting. English flies in from the ramp! He tackles into the ring, but that shakes Lana off the top! Vega grins as she pounces with CIEN KNEES! Cover, Vega wins!

Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall

English couldn’t help himself, and he’s cost Team Rusev Day again! He was told to stay back, and is furious with himself for disobeying. What can he possibly do to make it up to them now?

Backstage interview with Shinsuke Nakamura.

The WWE United States Champion officially defends his title against Jeff Hardy at Summerslam. But Nakamura thins we’re mistaken. Hardy was erased. No, that wasn’t literal. Nakamura knows that, but he’s just facing “what’s left”, to leave nothing left at all for Orton to destroy. But wait, R-Truth comes storming over, and Tye Dillinger does his best to stop him. Truth calls Nakamura out for the title, at Summerslam. How? The same way everyone else does: he’ll pin Carmella. No, that’s not how that works, Truth. You gotta deal with a certain someone here. Truth isn’t going to wrestle Renee. Nakamura mocks Truth in Japanese, and somehow Truth understands. Truth doesn’t want Carmella or a match at Summerslam, he wants Shinsuke tonight! Will Paige give Truth what he wants? Will Truth regret asking for it after?

Byron Saxton interviews The Miz via titantron.

It is official that The Miz VS Daniel Bryan is happening at Summerslam, but why isn’t Miz here tonight? Is he afraid of Bryan? This is why Byron is just a second-rate commentator. Well, then, with Total Bellas renewed for a fourth season, does he feel Miz And Mrs make it that long? Their first two episodes had more views than all of Total Bellas season 3! Miz And Mrs is meme-worthy! No bad reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, too. Miz isn’t on SmackDown is because he’s too big a star right now. But with that match coming, what does he have to say to the WWE Universe? Make sure to watch episode 3 as Miz learns CPR! Bryan needs CPR to revive his career.

But what about their match? Their history goes back to 2010, the original form of NXT! Things have only intensified over these years, is Miz concerned about not backing up his talk? How much do you think Miz has been worried about Bryan these last eight years? Miz has become the biggest superstar, and should be THE WWE Champion! He doesn’t need this match, but Bryan needs this match. This will settle it once and for all. Miz is done sharing the spotlight with someone who hasn’t earned it! Bryan’s called Miz soft for the last time, when Miz was the one wrestling while Bryan was home crying. Miz is sick of fans saying he’s hiding. Miz will expose Bryan for what he is and always will be: beneath Miz.

Speaking of, why is he talking to Byron? Where’s Bryan? Grazing on kale while talking about how great he is? BRYAN ATTACKS!! Bryan is on the set and bashing Miz into the couch! He even fights off the security guards, until Miz smashes him with a glass vase! Miz leaves Bryan down and out, but Bryan gets back up. The Goat is on the hunt, will Bryan finally break Miz in Brooklyn?

R-Truth VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

The King of Strong Style pretends not to understand English, but many times it seems “Pretty Ricky” doesn’t understand much of anything. Truth may not get a title shot at Summerslam, but can he prove he’s worthy of a shot down the line? Or will he just get a #Knee2Face for his troubles?

The bell rings and Truth circles with Nakamura. THey tie up but nakamuar knees low and throws more knees into Truth. He has Truth in a corner for Bad Vibrations! Nakamura then dares Truth, “C’MON!” Truth runs in but school boys! ONE, so Truth breaks it down with dance moves. Truth copies “C’MON!” then gets Nakamura with headscissors. Truth hits the calf kick, and shouts “WHAT’S UP!?” Splits to running splash! He hip tosses Nakamura high and hard, his body still works at great levels. Truth runs but misses the scissor kick. He ducks the roundhosue but gets the heel kick. Both men are slow to getting back up, but Nakamura grabs Truth into the armbar, then the Triangle Hold! Truth rolls around to get away, with fans rallying behind him. He reaches for ropes, and gets teh break! Nakamura lets go, but is growing frustrated.

Nakamura kicks Truth while he’s down, then rams in knees to the ribs and shoulders. He toys with Truth, then drags Truth up for a facelock. Nakamura brings Truth around, for the inverted exploder! He then aims from the corner… KINSHASA! Cover, Nakamura wins!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

The champion is still rolling towards Summerslam with another victory. Will Hardy be in any shape to challenge for the title in Brooklyn?

The Bludgeon Brothers speak.

Harper & Rowan know that two teams have survived, one having escaped the prison while the other having survived a plunge into madness. But the winner here will face a new test tonight, and then will still have to face the mental and physical torture at Summerslam. “This is going to be fun.”

3v2 Handicap: The Bludgeon Brothers VS 3SK!

Harper & Rowan won’t rest easily in the back while their challengers battle it out. They’ve come to Orlando to obliterate. The trio of local competitors fires themselves up, ready to face the champions. They rush out to the ring where 2B wait as patiently as they can. We return to single picture and the bell rings. Rowan tags in right away, and both Brothers dropkick the men on the apron off the apron! The man left gets a SUPERKICK, then a deadlift to a scoop slam on the apron. Harper sets up the other two, for Rowan to run them over! Harper & Rowan take the other two, for suplex stacking! Then a human weapon senton! Rowan goes back to bring up the odd man out, and tags in Harper, for the Bludgeoning! Cover, Bludgeon Brothers win!

Winners: The Bludgeon Brothers, Harper pinning

As if there was ever any doubt. 3SK was SOL the moment they signed up for this match. However, will the winner of tonight’s tournament finals be the team to finally halt their path of destruction?

SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contenders Tournament: The New Day VS The Bar!

GM Paige set up this four-team tournament to determine who faces the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, and it has come down to positivity against power. Will it be the fun-loving, flapjack-flipping Big E & Kofi Kingston or the Swiss Cyborg & Celtic Gladiator taking on the duo of doom in Brooklyn?

The fans chant “We Want Pancakes!” while Big E circles with Cesaro. Woods serves them up by air mail while Big E and Cesaro tie up. Cesaro gets a waistlock, but Big E switches. Cesaro turns around to switch again, but Big E powers out and throws Cesaro off. He swivels those hips and it keeps Cesaro on the defensive. Fans rally “New! Day Rocks!” but Cesaro kicks low and puts on a headlock. Cesaro gives Big E a noogie, but Big E powers out. Things speed up and Big E elbows Cesaro down. Tag to Kofi, and Kofi runs to kick Cesaro. Cover, ONE, but Kofi keeps on Cesaro with an arm wrench. Kofi whips but Cesaro reverses. Cesaro runs in and monkey flips Kofi, but Kofi lands on his feet! Kofi dropkicks Cesaro down, covers, TWO.

Kofi wrenches Cesaro’s arm again but Cesaro punches him out. Tag to Sheamus and Sheamus gives a EuroUpper. Sheamus lifts but Kofi slips out. Kofi dropkicks then goes to monkey flip, but Sheamus powers it away. He turns things around and forearms Kofi all the way to the floor! Woods and Big E check on their teammate while Sheamus just grimaces down from the ring. Sheamus fetches Kofi up for a bump off the apron, then a EuroUpper that rocks him to the floor! Fans are a mix of cheers and jeers while Sheamus puts Kofi in the ring. Tag to Cesaro, and Cesaro brings Kofi up into a chinlock.

Kofi endures while fans rally up. Kofi feeds off their energy and fights out. Cesaro whips Kofi but Kofi slides under to try a roll. Cesaro denies it, and manages to tag Sheamus. Kofi can’t get away, The Bar whips for the Bar Lariat. cover, TWO! Sheamus keeps Kofi down in a half-nelson clutch while we go to break.

SmackDown returns, and Cesaro argues with the ref over a count. But he and Sheamus are still confident they’ve got this in the bag. Cesaro keeps Kofi down and in The Bar’s corner. Fans rally and Kofi fights back! Kofi tries but can’t escape, he ends up caught by Cesaro. He grabs the rope, then tosses Cesaro out! Kofi crawls for the New Day corner, but Cesaro returns to intercept. Tag to Sheamus, then Sheamus whips Kofi to a corner. Kofi dodges, Sheamus hits post, hto tag to Big E! Big E throws Sheamus overhead, then to the side with belly2belly suplexes! He fires up and swivels his hips , but has to clothesline Cesaro first. Sheamus rolls up, TWO, so he knees Big E. But he runs into an urenage! Cover, TWO!

Big E and the fans rally up with “New! Day Rocks!” Tag to Kofi, and scoop for Sheamus. Sheamus lips out and shoves Big E. They collide, tag to Cesaro! Alley-oop sends Kofi at Sheamus! SOS for Cesaro! Cover, TWO!! Cesaro hits Kofi but Big E tags in. Ceasro whips Kofi but Kofi catches Cearo for a reversal and trip! Kofi drags Cearo tot he apron, Big E hits the apron splash! Wait, Cesaro moved! Big E hits the apron itself, so Kofi leaps at Sheamus! But Sheamus has Kofi, for the rolling senton. Sheamus gets back to his corner, tags in, then The Bar double DDT’s! Cover, TWO!! How?! The Bar can’t believe it, and the fans are still with The New Day.

Sheamus puts Big E back in the corner and stomps him out. Tag to Cesaro, and The Bar split the wishbone. Tag back to Sheamus, for another wishbone. Sheamus tags Cesaro back again, for a hat trick of wishbones! They toy with Big E as they cover, TWO. The Bar is in control while we go to one more break.

SmackDown returns once more, and Big E endures a Half Crab. He turns himself over but Sheamus stomps his stomach. Sheamus drags Big E up and over to the corner, then hoists him up top. Sheamus climbs up to throw hands on Big E, but Big E clubs back. Big E pushes Sheamus down, but Cesaro tags in to boot Big E back! Tag back to Sheamus, and he goes across the way. Cesaro SUPERPLEXES Big E! Sheamus adds a flying knee drop! Cover, TWO!! Another shocking survival, and The Bar is again furious. Sheamus stomps Big E, then goes for a Cloverleaf. The fans know “This is Awesome!” while Big E prevents the roll. Big E shoves Sheamus all the way out! He crawls for Kofi, but Cesaro helps Sheamus back in. Hot tags!

Kofi flies in to hit Cesaro, then Sheamus! He hits Cesaro again and is all fired up! New Day Boom Drop! But Sheamus drags Cesaro out. Kofi sees this, builds speed, and FLIES! He bowls them both over! Kofi puts Cesaro in, then climbs up top. Kofi leaps, flying double stomps! Cover, but Sheamus breaks it. Sheamus runs but is tossed out. Cesaro stalks Kofi, for a back suplex. Kofi lands on his feet, but ends up in a cradle. Tag to Sheamus, hand-off into a double backbreaker! Cover, TWO!! The New Day is tougher than The Bar remembers, but Cesaro coaches Sheamus up.

Sheamus gets to a corner, and powers up for the Brogue. Kofi slowly stands, Sheamus runs at him, but misses! Kofi runs into an elbow. Cesaro tags in, but Kofi takes him out. Kofi hits Sheamus with a dropkick, tag to Big E! Scoop, Kofi climbs, but Cesaro intercepts! Sheamus switches it up, A-Swiss-ted White Noise! Cover, KOFI BREAKS IT! Sheamus throws Kofi to barriers, but Woods knows there’s still life for his team. Big E and Cesaro brawl with haymakers and EuroUppers. Cesaro kicks low, then swings Big E around! Then, Sharpshooter! Big E endures, but he’s stuck in the middle of the ring. Woods gets the fans fired up again, and Kofi comes in. Sheamus intercepts Kofi, but ends up in a tornado DDT!

Woods helps Kofi, and Big E drags himself around towards ropes. But Cesaro shifts to a crossface! Big E rolls, but is still in the hold! Cesoar pulls back hard, but Big E won’t give up. Big E powers up and out, and lifts Cearo at the same time! Tag to Kofi! Kofi climbs, Cearo is scooped, MIDNIGHT HOUR!! Cover, The New Day wins!!

Winners: The New Day, Kofi pinning; will face The Bludgeon Brothers for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships at Summerslam

This match in itself was worthy of a PPV event! The New Day put so much into this match, can they hope to put even more into their rematch with Harper & Rowan? Or will positivity be pummeled into the dirt?

My Thoughts:

Summer is SmackDown’s time to shine it seems, because they again outdid Raw without having to do much. SmackDown is again doing a “Raw, but better” format with Charlotte and Becky paralleling Sasha and Bayley. The missing element with Bayley and Sasha was a title, or just fighting it out in a match. Charlotte and Becky will get their match, and that could be a catalyst for the dysfunction. At the same time, they could tenuously remain friends, until something else makes Becky snap and turn Heel. My best guess would be the compounding of not winning the title at Summerslam or at Hell in a Cell, not winning the inevitable Women’s Tag Titles at WWE Evolution, and then not winning what I expect to be Four Horsewomen VS Four Horsewomen at Survivor Series. And it will be Becky turning, we’ve already had Heel Charlotte in the past.

Hooray! We’re getting Miz VS Bryan! Miz’s promo and the following attack from Bryan were both great, and I can’t wait for the actual match. Orton gives a very similar promo to what he said last week, but he still delivered it with great motivation. His story with Hardy and Nakamura is still pretty creative for WWE, but I’m still waiting for something to make it a triple threat. Truth has a great moment being his goofy, loopy self, but I really do wonder if he’ll get one more go at a title. Maybe it’ll be by luck that he gets a shot. I would love to see him become Mr. Money in the Bank, and then cash in on every title it doesn’t apply to. AJ Styles does pretty good with his response promo, but Samoa Joe also does good with simply laughing it off.

Vega VS Lana rematch was good mostly to further this breakdown of Team Rusev Day. Almas & Vega move up the ranks for their own purposes, but it saddens me that Rusev Day the team is falling apart. I wish SmackDown had timed things better with their picture to picture, I totally missed the last words of Team 3SK. I also didn’t catch their names, Harper & Rowan decimated them too fast. It was an interesting juxtaposition to the amazing tag team main event with so many near falls. This match could’ve gone either way, but New Day wins for one more go at Harper & Rowan. The story of this rematch could make this another instant classic, and I really do hope New Day wins to freshen things up again.

My Score: 8/10

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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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

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Steven Mitchell

Will the landscape change again?

Eddy Thorpe keeps prodding and provoking Oba Femi, so he gets his last chance at the NXT Championship! Will Eddy truly be the alpha of NXT?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

NXT North American Championship: Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland; Tony wins and retains the title.
Dion Lennox VS Wes Lee w/ Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe; Wes wins.
NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Charlie Dempsey; King wins and retains the title.
Karmen Petrovic w/ Ashante THEE Adonis VS Jaida Parker; Karmen wins.
Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance VS Luca Crusifino & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo; Jensen & Vance win.
NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Eddy Thorpe; Oba wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT North American Championship: Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland!

A golden NXT begins with The Don stepping to the man who tried to ruin Christmas! Will NXT still belong to Tony D? Or will Ridge the Fridge put him on ice?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really got grit!

The two tie up with the bell, then go around the ring. They end up on ropes, in a corner, back on ropes, then they break. The fans rally, Tony and Ridge tie up again, then Ridge waistlocks, spins Tony, and UPPERCUTS! Tony fires back and the fans fire up! The shots go back and forth, but then Ridge kicks low. Ridge headlocks, Tony powers up and out, but Ridge RUNS Tony over! The fans boo and Tony gets up in a huff. They tie up again, Ridge headlocks, but fans taunt him with “No One Likes You!” Tony powers up and out, drops down, but Ridge ducks ‘n’ dodges. But then Tony hip tosses Ridge, and RUNS him over!

The fans fire up with Tony, and he dodges a haymaker to hit a headlock takeover! Ridge fights around, fights up, and he powers up and puts Tony on ropes. The fans rally for Tony while the ref counts. Ridge lets off, and Tony throws hands! Ridge ROCKS Tony in return, has him in a corner, and then fires body shots. Ridge whips, Tony reverses, then he dodges to FLYING PUNCH! Tony whips Ridge to a corner, then BACKDROPS Ridge on the rebound! The fans cheer while Tony paces. Ridge slowly rises, but wait, Shawn Spears is here? The fans boo The Chair Man but he tells Tony to focus on Ridge. Tony has The Family watch Spears closely while NXT goes picture in picture.

Tony glares at Spears before he goes back to Ridge. But Ridge takes a swing! Tony dodges, and then Tony LARIATS Ridge up and out! Tony hurries to go after Ridge, then SMACKS him off the apron! But then Ridge RAMS Tony into a post! And then Ridge just POSTS Tony! Tony slumps against the steel, but Ridge pulls his arm through the corner. Ridge SLAMS the arm against the post! Ridge pushes Tony into the ring, storms in after him, but Tony fires haymakers! Ridge kicks low, then he RAMS Tony into the buckles! Spears is amused while Ridge drops a KNEE onto Tony’s arm! Tony writhes but Ridge stands him up.

Ridge UPPERCUTS the arm, RAMS the shoulder, then CHOPS! Ridge RAMS Tony again, but Tony rolls Ridge up! TWO, and Ridge kicks Tony in the shin! Ridge then WRINGS the arm out! Tony writhes more, but Ridge then clamps on for an armlock. Ridge stands over Tony as he puts the pressure on, but the fans and The Family coach Tony up. Tony fights up, fires haymakers again, but Ridge wrenches to WRING the arm again! Ridge drops KNEES on the arm again, then clamps onto Tony with the armlock. Tony endures, the fans rally, and Spears continues to be amused as NXT returns to single picture.

Tony fights up, fires haymakers, but Ridge wrenches again. Tony still fires haymakers! Tony ROCKS Ridge, goes to a corner, but Ridge runs in! Tony dodges to DECK Ridge! And DECK him again! Tony whips, then runs, to FLYING PUNCH again! Then he clinches for a BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up and Tony reels Ridge in! FISHERMAN SUPLEX, and a float to the cover! TWO!! Ridge survives, but the fans are all behind Tony. Spears looks worried now, but Tony clinches. Ridge KNEES free of the spinebuster! But then Tony ROCKS Ridge! Ridge ROCKS Tony! They go back and forth, but then Tony FLYING PUNCHES! Ridge BOOTS back!

Ridge has the half nelson, HALF ‘N’ HALF PLEX! Cover, TWO! Tony survives and Spears looks annoyed. The fans fire up but Ridge roars! Tony rises, Ridge runs up, but Tony dodges the lariat, and the Southpaw! SPEAR!! But then speaking of Spears, he gets on the apron! The fans boo, but Tony DECKS Spears! The Family storms up but then Niko Vance & Brooks Jensen attack! The ref calls for reinforcements, but Tony goes back to Ridge. Ridge body shots, but wait! IZZI DAME!? She BOOTS Ridge! SPINEBUSTER from Tony! Tony high stacks, and WINS!

Winner: Tony D’Angelo, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)

The irony here is sweet! Spears has been trying to recruit The It Girl to his team, but she made sure things went the other way! She says they’re even, so will Spears have to just FOGEDABOUTIT?

Dion Lennox and others talk backstage.

But then in steps Wes Lee, Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe. Wes tells Dion that he’s a funny guy. Why is that? Because what he said to Oba last week, how Dion is championship material and could actually beat him one day. Dion says that’s not Wes, so why not Dion? Uh, because there’s a very drastic difference between a superstar with “potential” like Dion, and one who is a decorated superstar like Wes. Dion wants Wes to hold on. Maybe he can prove his “potential” by beating a former champion like Wes. Wes says Dion will realize he has a long, long way to go before that. So Wes will see Dion around.

Wait, Trick Williams just walked in! And Wes says look at that! Another former champion! Tricky Willy is back! From the penthouse to the outhouse! It must stink knowing that Eddy Thorpe’s getting another shot while- TRICK SLAPS WES!! Wes falls right over, and Trick stares everyone else down. No one steps to Trick, so who will Trick step to now that he’s back?

Bayley is here!

The Role Model is back again because after last week’s brawl, a certain Prodigy has been following her to both SmackDown and Raw. The fans again chant “Welcome Back!” “Welcome Home!” and Bayley says yeah, this IS her home! And that’s why last week, she came out here to talk with Roxanne Perez. Bayley cares about Roxie, about the legacy she is building, and everything Roxie has done for NXT. But all that got Bayley was a big ol’ slap in the face. The fans boo that, but Bayley continues to bring up how Roxie said Bayley was just acting like CM Punk and Natalya. To Bayley, that’s a compliment!

People like Punk and Natty built the foundation they’re all walking on. Natty showed Bayley how to give back and how to help. So Bayley isn’t here because NXT owes her something. NXT doesn’t even owe Roxie! If anything, Bayley owes NXT to get rid of “entitled little idiots like Roxanne Perez!” Fans cheer, “I LOVE YOU, BAYLEY~!” a la Jacob Fatu. Bayley says she loves them, too. And maybe deep down, Roxie “loves” Bayley, because Roxie talked crap to Bayley during a title match with Tiffany Stratton, then showed up to Raw last night to try and put her hands on Bayley during her match with Nia Jax. Rox, c’mon!

Maybe Bayley gave Roxie too much credit, because that’s all really lame. She thought Roxie would have a better plan than that. That’s like small ball. That doesn’t prove Roxie is ready for Raw and SmackDown. That doesn’t even prove Roxie is ready to be a leader of the youngest locker room in WWE right now! There’s Jaida Parker, Kelani Jordan, Lola Vice, all of these girls are eager to prove themselves worthy of an opportunity. And with a champion like Giulia, then sky’s the limit! Wait, speaking of Giulia, here she comes! The fans fire up again as the NEW NXT Women’s Champion is here to meet Bayley face to face!

The Beautiful Madness has the mic to tell Bayley, “Coming from Japan and seeing part of, I wanted you. I wanted to be in NXT!” The fans cheer that. Giulia joins Bayley in the ring, and Giulia says Roxie may not look up to Bayley, but Giulia does. The fans also cheer that! Giulia says she hopes to hold this title with as much honor and love for NXT as Bayley did. Bayley thanks Giulia for that, that means a lot, because she has so much respect for Giulia. Bayley’s also a big fan of hers. When Giulia won the title, Bayley was so happy. And Bayley knows Giulia will make historic moments of her own, because this title changes your career, your life, and means everything to all of us here.

That title changed the landscape of the Women’s Division, not just in NXT but in WWE. Before Bayley can say more, Roxie makes her way out here, Cora Jade by her side. And Roxie of course has a mic, to say this is “boring~!” Roxie is surprised Bayley is showing her face after two embarrassing losses. Roxie is so happy she was in the front row to see those. But seriously, drop the act, stop acting innocent, because if Bayley actually cared about the WWE’s future, Bayley wouldn’t have punched Roxie in the face last night! And Roxie isn’t the only one who sees through Bayley. Cora does, too! Right, Cora? Can you actually believe this was their role model?

Roxie & Cora laugh but Bayley says it is hard to hear them because the fans are booing so loud. Roxie tells the fans to shut up, but they just boo harder. And Bayley asks what Cora’s even doing here! Cora says she is here because she was once a “naive” Bayley fan, too! But Roxie is right, Cora sees it! Bayley is not a role model! Role models aren’t part of NXT “when it’s cool.” Role models build this place up when people like Bayley choose to leave it. As far as they’re concerned, Giulia might as well hand the title back to Roxie here and now, because no one can carry it the way Roxie did. No one loves NXT like Roxie & Cora! And they didn’t need to compete overseas to see it.

Roxie & Cora have been holding it together since day one! Roxie again tells the fans to shut up, because she has something important to say! The fans keep booing, so Roxie says fine! She’ll just talk to Bayley, not the idiot fans. Roxie will not take anything away from what Bayley has done. Bayley’s done it all in WWE. She’s the 2024 Royal Rumble Winner, won championships at WrestleMania, and most importantly, she inspired little girls like Roxie & Cora. But thank you for your service because it is no longer required. Bye-bye~! The fans continue to boo and Bayley smiles. Roxie says everyone should be booing Bayley!

And why? Because Bayley’s been looking at the NXT Women’s Championship! Bayley wants to be the number one woman in the number one women’s division. Because deep, deep down, it has succeeded even the Four Horsewomen. So Bayley should tell her new friend, Giulia, the truth! Tell her why you’re here, Bayley! Fans tell Roxie to “Shut The Hell Up!” Bayley & Giulia look to each other, and they agree on something. They go after Cora & Roxie! The fans fir e up for the brawl! Bayley ash Cora, Giulia has Roxie, but then Cora gets free of a clinch! Roxie gets free of one, too, and the two regroup as they retreat!

The fans cheer as Role Model and Beautiful Madness stand tall, will they look to put the mean girls in their place?

The rest of the Women’s Division watches.

Jaida Parker loves what she sees! Bayley mentioning her two weeks in a row, everyone heard it! Kelani Jordan says yeah, but she’s not the only one. Bayley mentioned Kelani, too. Jaida says okay, this “attitude” Kelani is trying on ain’t it, so go back to the drawing board, because the only real one is right here looking at you. Kelani says being rude doesn’t make you “real,” Jaida. Well, being pretty doesn’t mean you have to be rude, Kelani. JAIDA is the one being rude! Karmen Petrovic says it doesn’t matter, because love is in the air! Karmen loves Kelani for being so sweet, and Jaida- Jaida says she dares her to say something.

Kelani is about to go off because Jaida brushed her aside, but Sol Ruca & Zaria keep her back. Karmen asks why Jaida’s coming at her, and Jaida asks why Karmen’s always up in people’s business. Oh, is it cuz she finally got a kiss from a guy who’s gonna dump her in a few months anyway? Don’t interrupt. Oh, wow, “finally got a kiss?” Karmen kissed Adonis. So watch how you talk about her and her man. Wow, “her man?” Yeah, and if Karmen interrupts Jaida again, what’s she gonna do? Jaida pushes Karmen back and says that’s Nikkita’s man, get it right. Dani Palmer and Brinley Reece now step in to keep the peace.

WAIT! The brawl at the ring started up again!? Bayley & Giulia are again throwing hands with Cora & Roxie! The fans cheer “NXT! NXT!” but then Cora POSTS Giulia! Bayley THROWS Roxie into barriers, and NXT goes picture in picture!

Security finally rushes out there to try and stop this, but then Bayley helps Giulia against Cora in the ring! Security hurries to stop that but the mugging is 3v2! Giulia HEADBUTTS Cora outta the ring, but then Roxie CLOBBERS Bayley! Roxie and Giulia brawl, Bayley is back up, and Cora returns, too! The refs and security separate the four, but then Bayley breaks loose to JUMP at Roxie & Cora! Giulia follows after, it’s a lot of wild fists and black leather pants! Roxie & Cora stand down again, but then Bayley & Giulia run back up! Roxie and Bayley scrap to the mat, Giulia and Cora aren’t far behind! Bayley TOSSES Roxie, then TOSSES Cora!

The brawling finally stops, or rather stops again, and refs usher Cora & Roxie away. Ava Raine is there, but then Giulia & Bayley storm in! The brawling is happening right in front of the NXT General Manager! She shouts for this to stop but that’s easier said than done! Dion Lennox does his best to get by, his match with Wes is next! Will Dion level up taking on the former NXT North American Champion?

Dion Lennox VS Wes Lee w/ Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe!

The bell rings and Wes throws his jacket! Dion gets blinded and Wes HANDSPRING KICKS him down! The fans boo, Wes stomps away, but then Wes lets off as the ref counts. Dion bails out, Wes builds speed and DIVES! Down goes Dion and the fans boo more. Wes puts Dion, storm sin, but Dion FLAPJACKS Wes high! Dion fires up, and he rallies on Wes with ELBOW after ELBOW! #GameMode has activated, and Dion TACKLES Wes! Dion rains down forearms and fists, but Wes scrambles away to ropes. Dion ROCKS Wes with a haymaker! Dion whips, but Wes KICKS him back! Dion shakes that off, and he scoops Wes!

Wes fights free, mule kicks a leg out, then runs, but into a SHOULDER TACKLE! Dion fires up while Wes goes to a corner. Ty & Ty coach Wes up while Dion runs in, and Wes BOOTS him! Wes ROUNDHOUSES Dion, then runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Wes survives but Dion drags him right up. Dion suplexes, but Wes knees free! Wes wrenches and HOOK KICKS! Then HEEL KICKS! Dion wobbles, so Wes ENZIGIRIS! Wes handsprings, CARDIAC KICK! Cover, Wes wins!

Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall

The Cardiac Kid was on the defensive against the former linebacker, but he found a way to score the win. Wes says so much for championship material. That takes care of Dion, so TRICK! You think you’re that man? Walking into the locker room and slapping Wes in the face!? Wes will take care of Trick next week in Atlanta! And if you think you- Well, here comes trick now! Ty & Ty run up but Trick DECKS Tyson! Trick storms in and ROCKS Wes again and again! Wes flounders out, and Trick says if Wes wants it in Atlanta next week, then he’s got it! Trick storms out, pushes past Dion, ready for a fight. Will Trick be a house of fire until he takes back his title?

Sarah Schreiber gives us BREAKING NEWS!

After the confrontation earlier tonight, NXT GM Ava has made a match: Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance VS Luca Crusifino & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo! But now, welcome her guest at this time, Stephanie Vaquer! La Primera steps onto the set, and Sarah says that Stephanie did win the #1 contender’s spot for the Women’s North American Championship, but then Shotzi Blackheart pinned Fallon Henley directly. Then Shotzi beat- Vaquer stops Sarah there, and says yes, she is still THE #1 Contender. Fatal Influence is already doing everything they can to stop her.

But Vaquer arrived in NXT, and she is not going to stop just because Fallon is playing games. Or because Shotzi benefitted from the situation. Vaquer adds in Spanish, then translates, that if Shotzi becomes champion, she will meet Hell. And Fallon, you can run, but you can’t hide from La Diabla. The Dark Angel is ready to destroy whoever is champion, so who will have a date with Vaquer for Vengeance Day?

NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew!

It takes time to turn over a new leaf, but perhaps The Drama King has truly done that. He chose to win honorably, owned up to mistakes and controversy, and is even willing to clear the air once and for all. Will King keep the throne after going a few more rounds? Or will the No Quarter Catch Crew soon have the cup back in their possession?

NXT returns as NQCC enters all together. The introductions are made, the cup is raised, and one way or another, we put an end to this chapter!

The bell rings on round one, and King offers a handshake. Dempsey kicks it away, not in the mood for it. The fans boo but Dempsey waistlocks. King switches, SLAMS Dempsey, then facelocks. They roll, King holds on, but Dempsey trips King up. Dempsey has the toehold, but King uses leg with leg for leverage! King throws Dempsey away but Dempsey cartwheels through! The fans cheer so King throws his headband away. The two tie up, Dempsey waistlocks, then spins King to a facelock. But King wrenches out to WRING Dempsey! Dempsey gets up, but King DROPKICKS him! The fans cheer, and King arm-drags Dempsey down!

Dempsey endures the armlock, fights up, but King wrenches to a wristlock, Dempsey rolls, snapmares, but King holds onto the wristlock! Dempsey rolls, wrenches, breaks, and snapmares! Dempsey headlocks, King slips out to wrench the arm again. Dempsey spins, snapmares, and headlocks, but King slips out the back to hammerlock! King KNEES the arm in the back, KNEES him again, then traps it under his knee. King flexes, the fans cheer, but Dempsey BOPS King in the face! Dempsey runs, King drops down, but Dempsey turns hip toss into wrench and backslide, with bridge! TWO!! King has a sunset flip, TWO!

King headlocks, Dempsey powers up and out, but King RUNS Dempsey over! Dempsey hurries up, then drops down as King runs. King avoids the hurdle, not wanting a repeat of the controversial “nutcracker” from last time. We reach a minute left in this round, and King wants the handshake again. Dempsey decides to take it this time, but then he UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! King wobbles, Dempsy whips, but King reverses to drop toehold, body scissor, Gedo Clutch, but King tries to get fancy, TWO! Dempsey has the REAR NAKED CHOKE! King fights around but Dempsey holds on tight!

King snapmares free, Dempsey rolls him up, TWO! Twenty seconds left and King goes for a leg. Dempsey gut wrenches King to a backslide, TWO! King escapes but we hit ten seconds! Dempsey wants the chicken wing! King fights around, he’s caught, but time’s up!

King: 0; Dempsey: 0

The fans cheer this first round coming to a close, but while Dempsey has NQCC to refresh him, King has no one. Wait, what’s a pair of brass knuckles doing in King’s bucket? Did a certain gentlemanly villain put those there? King shakes his head, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Round two begins and the two storm up to tie up. Dempsey wrenches to hammerlock but King standing switches to headlock. King hits the takeover, Dempsey fights to a headscissor but King shrugs that off. Dempsey rolls King to a cover, TWO! King holds on, but Dempsey manages a cravat from that position. Dempsey wrangles King to a cover, TWO! Dempsey now has a top wristlock and grinds King down. King endures, fights around, and he arm-drags free! King then grabs Dempsey’s arm for a knuckle lock cover, TWO as Dempsey gets an arm up! King pushes that arm down, TWO as Dempsey gets the other arm up!

King pushes that arm down, TWO as Dempsey bridges! Dempsey then kips up, powers King back, and MONKEY FLIPS him! Dempsey rolls back to cover, TWO! King sunset flips again, TWO! Both men stand, and Dempsey KNEES low! Dempsey headlocks and squeezes tight. Dempsey then ripcords King for a GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! We’re already under 90 seconds as Dempsey KNEES King in the back! Dempsey clamps on a chinlock and he grinds King down again. King still endures, fights back up, but Dempsey ripcords to ROCK him! But King reels Dempsey in for a BACKDROP!

King clamps onto an arm and he grinds the shoulder. Dempsey rolls to stand, but King rolls to wrench! Dempsey wrenches, King wrenches, repeat! Dempsey rolls, spins, wrenches, and hammerlocks. But King gets under to BACKDROP again! Dempsey sunset flips it! King sits on the cover, AND SCORES!

King: 1; Dempsey: 0

With 26 seconds to spare, King snatches the crucial first fall! Will King wrap this before halftime? Or can Dempsey push it into the late rounds?

NXT returns to single picture during the refresher, the round begins, and the two storm up to each other again. Dempsey KNEES King low, CLUBS him on the back, then UPPERCUTS! King CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Dempsey wrenches to KNEE King hard! King goes to a corner, Dempsey is on him to whip, but King reverses. Dempsey goes up but King stays back! King arm-drags Dempsey, then grinds the armlock! The fans rally, Dempsey fights around, then rolls back. Dempsey stands, fights the armlock, and fans duel as Dempsey puts King on ropes. The ref counts, Dempsey HOTSHOTS King down!

The NQCC cheers, and Dempsey drags King up to fire off in the corner! We’re at two minutes, Dempsey whips to send King right into the buckles! Dempsey stomps King, then deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! King survives but Dempsey looms over him. Dempsey stomps King around, then clamps onto an arm. Dempsey traps that arm, and he steps on it to bend it back! King endures as Dempsey also has a headlock added on! King fights, Dempsey traps the arm with a leg, and then he throws down palm strikes to the forehead! King manages to roll to a cover, TWO! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!!

Dempsey survives and we go under a minute here! King storms after Dempsey, brings him around to whip, but Dempsey reverses. King goes up and over the corner, then half nelsons, but Dempsey standing switches! Dempsey has the nelson, King fights it, but Dempsey KNEES him! BUTTERFLY PLEX, with a bridge! Dempsey scores!!

King: 1; Dempsey: 1

And with that, we’re all tied up going into the second half! King goes back to his corner, and he looks at those brass knuckles. King holds them in his hand but then shakes his head and puts them down. Round four begins, and Dempsey runs up! King dodges and then KICKS! KICKS! And KICKS! Dempsey blocks to DRAGON SCREW! King ends up in the corner, Dempsey hauls him for a HALF HATCH! FACELOCK GUILLOTINE! King endures, fights up, but Dempsey pulls on the head more! King powers up to suplex free! The fans fire up as both men rise! King blocks a shot to CHPO, CHOP, and UPPERCUT!

King whips, Dempsey reverses, but King CLOBBERS him! And LARIATS! King whips, runs up and LARIATS again! King CHOPS, then brings Dempsey in! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! King hurries to a corner to climb! Dempsey stands, into the CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! King is frustrated, but he aims again, SUPER- NO, Dempsey blocks the kick, spins King around, LEG TRAP GERMAN! King sputters, then crawls to his corner! Is he still thinking about the knuckles? Dempsey has the chicken wing! But King runs to the ropes, and he TOSSES Dempsey out onto NQCC! King builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes NQCC!

The fans are all fired up as King stands tall! We’re under a minute in the round but King puts Dempsey in the ring. Myles storms up but King DECKS him for it! King storms in, Dempsey snatches him to a cradle! TWO!! Dempsey rolls King up again, TWO!! Thirty seconds left as Dempsey waistlocks King! They crowd the ref in the corner! MULE KICK LOW BLOW!! Was that on purpose?! King reels Dempsey in, CORONATION!! Cover, King wins!!

Winner: Lexis King, by pinfall (still NXT Heritage Cup Champion)

King does Dempsey dirty, and that seemed a lot more blatant than that noggin knocker last time! A win is a win, but does the apple really not fall far from the tree? Will King stay the champion while also being his father’s son?

Bianca Belair & Naomi speak.

The EST tells Lash Legend & Jakara, “Y’all putting in that work to become #1 contenders, because of course y’all want a shot at our titles.” The Glow says The Bougie Bully is bringing the size and power, while Miss Jackson if ya nasty, she has the athleticism. But they might’ve forgotten just who The Glow & EST are. Because nobody does those things better than them. So bring all that and more to Atlanta if you wanna take these titles off the champs. Will Meta Four be the ones next week? Or will they just feel the StrongEST Glow ever?

Hank ‘n’ Tank talk with Andre Chase.

The big belly boys are a bit worried about Mr. Chase. They’re not even mad about him walking out on them, they just want to know how they can help. Chase says they should just break up as a team now. All tag teams end in heartbreak anyway. Kelani Jordan walks past as Chase says everyone is better off just looking out for themselves. Hank ‘n’ Tank say not this team. Chase says forget he even said it then. Chase heads out, but he finds other superstars watching a highlight reel of Chase’s best rage moments. Kale Dixon tells Mr. Chase he was so badass! Chase says yeah, he was…

But Chase U is dead. Chase leaves and Kale says it doesn’t have to be! Can Kale find a way to revive Chase’s school spirit?

Karmen Petrovic w/ Ashante THEE Adonis VS Jaida Parker!

Love is in the air, but when it’s NXT, there’s also a lot of tension. The Blackbelt Beauty was just trying to keep the peace, but Miss Parker is always ready for a fight. Will Karmen kick ass on the road to Vengeance Day? Or will Jaida make sure the lovebirds don’t make it #OutTheMud?

NXT returns and Jaida makes her entrance. She didn’t bring her boys, Nima & Price, so she’s annoyed to see Adonis ringside. The bell rings, the two tie up, and Karmen waistlocks. Jaida THROWS Karmen away and the fans duel. Karmen gets up, Jaida mocks the crane stance, but then Kamren starts throwing kicks! Jaida hurries to a corner, and the two reset. Karmen dodges Jaida’s haymaker to then slip under and UP KICK! Jaida comes back into a LEG SWEEP! Karmen mocks the high steps and now Jaida’s mad. Jaida runs up but Karmen wrangles her to a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Jaida rolls Karmen, ONE!

Karmen keeps on the arm, but Jaida fights up to pull hair. Jaida puts Karmen in the corner, the ref counts, but Jaida knees low! Jaida whips Karmen corner to corner but Karmen SOBATS! And BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! Jaida gets up but Karmen KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Jaida blocks a kick, but Karmen SOBATS again! Karmen whips, Jaida reverses, but Karmen goes up. Jaida blocks that kick then gets under with an Electric Chair Lift! Karmen fires hands, but Jaida still SLAMS Karmen down! Jaida snarls as she drags Karmen up, and she RAMS Karmen into a corner! Jaida RAMS into Karmen again and again, but stops as the ref counts.

Jaida drags Karmen out to then put her in the ropes. Jaida CHOPS Karmen, then runs to TEARDROP in the corner! Jaida says that’s how it’s done! Jaida drags Karmen up, then shoves her onto ropes. Jaida traps Karmen’s arms and pulls! The ref counts, Jaida CLUBS Karmen while she lets off, then she bumps Karmen off buckles. Jaida eggs Karmen on, but Karmen blocks the bump to ELBOW back! Karmen goes up to ENZIGIRI! Karmen runs up, but Jaida wrenches to hook and FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, TWO! Jaida is frustrated but the fans rally up. Jaida brings Karmen around, neckbreaker stretch!

Karmen endures as Jaida keeps her off the ground! Karmen kicks the legs, but Jaida suplexes! Karmen cradle counters, TWO! Both women hurry to their feet, and Jaida KNEES low! Jaida whips, runs up, but Karmen dodges! Karmen runs in, but Jaida dodges! Karmen hits buckles, and Jaida hoists her up again! But Karmen manages to victory roll, TWO! Jaida escapes, swings, but Karmen dodges! Karmen ROCKS Jaida with a forearm! And ROCKS her again! Then DISCUS LARIAT! The fans fire up as Karmen aims, runs, and dodges Jaida to then SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Jaida survives the #Shingblade, but Karmen aims!

Jaida ducks the roundhouse, then she BACK ELBOWS Karmen down! Jaida drags Karmen up to GOURD BUSTER! Then Jaida builds speed for the- WAIT, Kelani is here! She stands in Jaida’s way, and Karmen rolls Jaida up! KARMEN WINS!

Winner: Karmen Petrovic, by pinfall

Karmen celebrates with her man Adonis, and Jaida is pissed at Kelani! Will Kelani not stand for the disrespect? Or will she get knocked out for it?

Meta Four meet backstage.

Jakara and Lash heard what Naomi & Bianca had to say, but then wait! Sol & Zaria, Jakara can guess what you want: The first opportunity at the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Sol asks if they understand how big their match is next week. Uh, duh! Zaria doesn’t think so. Not only do they have the chance to become WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, but they can bring those titles back to NXT, the best women’s division in the world. Uh, wow, Sol, you have a point. This IS the biggest match of their career. And Lash gets to go back to her hometown to do it! She can compete in front of her friends and family!

And Meta Four gets to step into the ring with two former WWE Women’s Champions. And even if Naomi & Bianca are two of the most accomplished women in WWE history, the Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson will bring that action. Because when they do, everyone here can get a shot at the champs. Tatum Paxley & Gigi Dolin walk in. Did Gigi hear that? Oh, she sure did, Tatum. They like the sound of it. So then it’s agreed: Meta Four better bring those titles home. Oh, they will! Let’s do it, girls~! Fatal Influence also eyes this from the background. Will the line be out the door should Naomi & Bianca lose to Meta Four?

Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance w/ Shawn Spears VS Luca Crusifino & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ Adriana Rizzo!

It’s been very obvious The Chair Man has been after the North American Championship, and with that, Tony D’Angelo. Spears has even done his best to gather “lost souls” to his side so that they can all take over NXT together. Will that start here as Brooks & Niko take on Luca & Stacks? Or will Tony’s Consigliere and Underboss handle business?

The D’Angelo Family doesn’t wait, they attack Jensen & Niko at the ramp! The fans fire up as the brawl is on like it was earlier tonight! Stacks sends Jensen into the ring, Niko and Luca continue to brawl on the outside, and then Jensen TOSSES Stacks back out! Niko sends Luca into the barriers, Jensen ROCKS Stacks, then Spears’ men put The D’Angelos back in the ring. Jensen & Niko storm back in, but Stacks & Luca throw more haymakers! Stacks LARIATS Jensen up and out, the bell finally rings, and Luca dodges Niko to KNEE him down! Luca drags Niko over, tags Stacks, and they double wrench, DOUBLE ELBOW, then DOUBLE BOOT!

Niko sputters, Stacks brings him around to UPPERCUT! Stacks whips, but Niko blocks and reverses! Niko runs in at the corner, but Stacks BOOTS him away! Stacks slides under to UPPERCUT Niko! The fans fire up, Stacks puts Niko in the ropes, and then UPPERCUTS and ROCKS him! Stacks UPPERCUTS again, then runs to BOOT Niko down! Jensen returns but Stacks throws him tot he apron! Luca runs up but Jensen CLOBBERS him! Stacks triangle jump DROPKICKS Jensen down! Luca returns, he helps Stacks FLY! Down go The Chair Man’s henchmen and the fans fire up! Stacks puts Niko back in, tag to Luca.

The D’Angelos whip Niko, BODY BLOW then KNEE LIFT! Niko staggers, Stacks runs, but Jensen trips him up! Jensen drags Stacks out to RAM him into the apron! Niko reels Luca in for a SAIDO! Spears barks orders, Niko RAMS into Luca again and again! Niko whips Luca corner to corner hard, and Luca falls! Niko tags Jensen, they mug Luca, then Jensen short arm LARIATS! The fans rally for Luca but Jensen hits a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! Jensen tags Niko, then Jensen WRINGS Luca out! Niko FALLING HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Niko pie faces Luca around, Spears tells him to keep going. Luca CHOPS Niko, Niko HEADBUTTS!

Niko scoops but Luca slips free! CODE BREAKER! The fans fire up, Niko and Luca crawl, hot tags to Jensen and Stacks! Stacks rallies on Spears’ men with lariats and forearms! Stacks ENZIGIRIS Jensen to a corner, then runs in for an UPPERCUT! Stacks aims at Niko but Jensen snatches him for a SLEEPER! Niko runs up but Stacks BOOTS him! Stacks snapmares free of Jensen, then he goes up to DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Stacks as he goes after Jensen. Spears is frustrated but then Niko storms up! Luca SUPERKICKS Niko down! The fans fire up as The D’Angelos get Jensen up!

Stacks whips Jensen, Luca sets up, but Jensen grabs ropes! Luca runs up, Jensen TOSSES him out! Niko BATTERING RAMS Luca, and Luca is sent into steel steps! Jensen hooks Stacks’ arms, Stacks fights the backslide, but Niko tags in! Jensen runs, WHEEL KICK! Niko runs, CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!! Cover, Spears’ men win!

Winners: Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance, by pinfall

The fans aren’t happy, but Spears is very, very pleased. His soldiers savagely stuck it to The Don’s men, but will they find their way to the NXT Tag Team Championships?

Backstage interview with Nathan Frazer & Axiom.

Sarah is with #Fraxiom, and she brings up how they made a surprise appearance at TNA Genesis on Sunday, but also wants to talk last week’s successful tag title defense. Frazer says yes, thank you, Sarah. And there wasn’t a doubt in their minds! Right, amigo? Axiom is sure there was a little doubt. OTM was coming off a brawl with Briggs & Inamura yet they still threw Fraxiom all over the ring. It was close. Plus, DIY was watching! Axiom feels that in this tag team division, you just never know. Frazer says yes, but he does! And he knows that they are the best team on the planet!

And this Thursday, against TNA’s Rascalz, Frazer knows- Briggs & Inamura storm in. “What part of ‘We got next’ do you two not understand?” Fraxiom takes one field trip to TNA and they just forget? Briggs doesn’t know if he likes that or not. Inamura says, “Exactly.” They call themselves the best? But are they dodging Briggs & Inamura? Frazer says hold on, Inamura-san. There’s a difference between a tag team wanting a match, and actually deserving one. Besides, who’d Briggs ever beat? But then OTM storms in! Bronco Nima & Lucien Price want more with Briggs & Inamura! So they get more! It’s another backstage brawl!

Briggs takes on Nima, Inamura has Price, but Robert Stone & Stevie Turner are there to call in refs and security! The chaos continues, will Briggs & Inamura have to settle things with Price & Nima before they go for gold? Will Fraxiom #NeverSlowDown, even after going through TNA Impact?

Dion Lennox rages backstage.

He shoves road cases and throws spare ladders, then he throws his glasses and shouts, “F THIS PLACE!” Dion storms off, and cameras pan over to Izzi Dame and Tony D’Angelo. Izzi says Spears might have a crush on her, or is just delusional, she’s not sure which. Tony says yeah, they could go on and on about Spears, but he has places to be. Right. Izzi says again that they’re even now, so she heads out. The Family catches up with The Don and asks why he wasn’t out there with them. Tony says he would’ve, but Izzi kept wanting to talk. Anyway, how’d they do? They lost. They were mostly waiting for Tony and were starting to get worried.

Spears was out there with his guys but- Tony says hey, he’s fine, he was just busy with Izzi. But T, they needed you. Tony says Stacks has been the Underboss for two years now. He can figure things out on his own, can’t he? Tony heads out, will Stacks step up to lead on his own? And back to Dion, is he quitting NXT over what happened with Wes and Trick?

Ethan Page speaks.

“I didn’t wanna have to do that to you, Dante. I was riding high after All Ego finally shook hands with The Final Boss. Dante, you wanted to stand on some moral high ground. Now you can’t even stand at all.” Ethan smiles, and says, “It still echoes through my head. I never knew I’d enjoy the sound of human bones breaking, you screaming out in pain. Just like Cedric Alexander. Just like Je’Von Evans. Now Je’Von, you must never wanna speak normal again. Why else would you come to the ring in the stage that you are in? I blasted you in the face one time, and I drew blood. This is your last warning. The next time we cross paths, it won’t just be one punch.

“I. Won’t. Stop.” All Ego is going all psycho, what will stop him from doing that to the rest of the NXT roster?

Je’Von Evans meets with Ava Raine.

Je’Von says Ava saw what Ethan did. Like, everyone saw it! He needs to get after Ethan! Ava says yes, she gets it, but his jaw is still broken, and he almost re-broke it with that stunt last week. She talked with medical, Je’Von is anything but cleared. Yeah… But turns out, he is cleared. Cedric Alexander returns! Je’Von says sup, Unc! Cedric says hey, don’t worry about it. He’ll get Ethan for both of them. Ava says good, and Je’Von & Cedric head out. Only for Grayson Waller & Austin Theory to walk in… A-Town Down Under just want to tell Ava that she is doing an amazing job! Way better than Nick Aldis is, that’s for sure.

But Ava isn’t just a GM, she’s the Final Boss of NXT! They like her way more than The Rock. Whoa, okay, hold on… Ava appreciates all this, but they were supposed to meet next week. Why’re they here now? Waller says that’s the thing. But they’re good guys, so they wanted to personally thank her for allowing the winner of tonight’s NXT Championship match to get the Grayson Waller Rub on the Grayson Waller Effect next week in Atlanta! Theory’s hometown, A-Town, and he is, or rather they are, a pretty big deal down there. So if Ava could, maybe just have some extra security ready for that.

And they’re here anyway, so maybe they can watch the main event? Seriously, they won’t do anything, they just want to watch. They love wrestling! ATDU is back in NXT, but will they be welcoming The Ruler or The Alpha Wolf for a Hotlanta edition of The Grayson Waller Effect? We’re about to find out in a matter of moments!

NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Eddy Thorpe!

The Ruler was once framed for the attack on The Alpha Wolf, but then he got even on the night of New Year’s Evil. Trick Williams is no longer part of the equation, but will the result still be the same? Or can Eddy dethrone Oba in his first defense?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it is time to see who is truly leading this new era!

The bell rings and the fans chant, “Oba’s Gonna Kill~ You!” Oba and Eddy circle, Eddy BOOTS Oba, but then bobs ‘n’ weaves to KCIK! Oba gets his hands on Eddy, THROWS him to a corner, then runs up. Eddy dodges and ENZIGIRIS! Eddy waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Eddy runs to then TOMAHAWK ELBOW! Cover, ONE!! The fans fire up and Oba glares at Eddy. Eddy hurries to KCIK, KICK, and run! Oba LARIATS Eddy down! The fans fire up and Oba stalks Eddy to a corner. Oba TOSSES Eddy across the way, then he storms up on Eddy again. Oba TOSSES Eddy the other way, then he puts Eddy on ropes.

Oba whips, and he BACKDROPS Eddy! Eddy’s hangtime was insane! The fans fire up with Oba but Eddy bails out. Oba doesn’t let Eddy rest, he ROCKS him and puts him back in the ring! Eddy hurries up but Oba avoids the elbow drop! Then Oba drags Eddy to the apron. But Eddy avoids the clubbing forearm! Oba clutches that hand from hitting the apron edge. Oba storms up onto the apron, but Eddy fights off Oba’s grip to HOTSHOT him! Eddy GAMANGIRIS, then runs to DROPKICK Oba down! The fans boo Eddy, and then Eddy sees A-Town Down Under up in the perch. Waller cheers Eddy on while NXT goes picture in picture.

Eddy goes after Oba, CLUBS him and RAMS him into the apron! Eddy RAMS Oba back into the apron, pushes him into the ring, then hurries to BOOT him! Eddy KICKS Oba, and KICKS again! Oba wobbles, but he blocks the next kick! Oba swings, but into a BACXKBREAKER! Eddy runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Eddy snarls and Oba goes to ropes. Eddy fires forearms, then bumps Oba off buckles. Eddy KICKS and CLUBS Oba again, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! Oba puts Eddy in the corner to CHOP in return! Oba stalks Eddy to a corner, CHOPS him again, then whips corner to corner. Oba runs up, but Eddy dropkicks legs out!

Oba hits a buckle then falls back. Eddy hurries to clamp on with a top wristlock and even adds a half nelson. Oba endures, fights up, and arm-drags free! Oba scoops to SLAM Eddy, then he runs, but Eddy avoids the elbow drop! Eddy hurries to clamp back on with a chinlock. Oba endures, fights up, but Eddy leans on the hold. Eddy grinds Oba down while NXT returns to single picture. The fans rally, Oba fights to his feet, but Eddy shifts to a facelock! Eddy squeezes tight and he brings Oba down again! Oba powers up again, to THROW Eddy away! The fans fire up while Oba catches his breath. Oba then rises, but Eddy storms up!

Oba fires body shots on Eddy! But Eddy avoids the uppercut! Eddy has a SLEEPER, but Oba RAMS him into the corner! Obas CHOPS, stomps, CLUBS, and short arm LARIATS! Then BOOTS! Oba whips, scoops, and SIDEWALK SLAMS Eddy down! The fans fire up for “O~BA!” as he runs, and Oba UPPERCUTS Eddy in a corner! Oba keeps going, and he UPPERCUTS again! Eddy staggers into the SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Eddy survives, the fans rally up, and ATDU get a bit worried for Eddy. Oba choke grips Eddy, but Eddy turns choke slam into TRIANGLE HOLD! Oba fights to stay on his feet but Eddy fires hands!

Oba deadlifts Eddy, but Eddy RANAS through! Cover, TWO! Oba escapes, runs up, and LARIATS Eddy back down! The fans fire up again as Oba drags Eddy to his feet. Oba suplexes, but Eddy hits STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Oba falls back, Eddy hurries to a corner! Eddy climbs, fans boo, but Eddy MACHO ELBOWS! Cover, TWO!! Oba survives and Eddy is beside himself! Eddy rises, and he fires forearms, UPPERCUTS, and elbows! But Oba ROCKS him back! Eddy ROCKS and CHOPS Oba, Oba CHOPS and fires off on Eddy! The fans fire up, Eddy dropkicks legs out! Eddy facelocks, but Oba wrenches free! Eddy BOOTS first!

Eddy waistlocks, but Oba ELBOWS free! Oba runs, Eddy sidesteps, SNAP GERMAN! Eddy hurries to run, TOMAHAWK- NO, Oba grabs Eddy outta the air! Oba then CHOKE SLAMS Eddy!! Cover, TWO?!? Eddy survives and Oba is stunned! Oba huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Eddy back up. Oba scoops, Eddy slips free and falls to a corner! Oba runs in, but Eddy moves! Oba POSTS himself!! Eddy runs to SHOTGUN Oba! Oba ends up in a corner, and Eddy runs to HELLU- NO! Oba stops that boot to then SHOTPUT Eddy! The fans are thunderous as Oba powers up again! Eddy rises, into the FALL FROM GRACE!! Cover, Oba wins!!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)

Eddy put up the fight of his life, but it just wasn’t enough to conquer this mountain of a man! Oba is still THE Ruler of NXT, and then he spots ATDU. Waller says Oba will be getting that Grayson Waller Effect, but wait, Trick Williams steps into the ring. Oba says if Trick’s back for more, then there is plenty more where that came from. Speaking of more, Eddy storms back up! Trick BOOTS Eddy back down!! Trick and Oba still have a score to settle, will they tear the house down when they do?

My Thoughts:

An awesome NXT, and really jampacked. They’re making the Atlanta episode a big deal, even with Vengeance Day just three weeks away. Good promo from Bianca & Naomi to hype up the tag title match, and great follow-up from Meta Four with the rest of the Women’s Division. I’ve been saying it, and I’ll say it again: Jade Cargill could/should return to reveal Naomi was her attacker, that shocking news will cost Naomi & Bianca, Meta Four wins. It really makes sense for those titles to spend some time in NXT given there are so many great tag teams in NXT, and we could get some great stuff on the Road to WrestleMania.

Speaking of tag teams, we’re getting a lot of great stuff in the Men’s Tag Division as Fraxiom is doing a crossover with TNA. I would think Fraxiom wins against The Rascalz, and I like the stuff we’re getting from Briggs & Inamura with OTM. Andre Chase being extra depressed is really good, very “Bum Ass Corbin” at this point. And Kale Dixon returns to again try and encourage Chase, I really hope we do get an attempt at Chase U 2, or Chase State/Chase Tech, something like that. Chase U could literally be the developmental story within NXT’s developmental structure, as it helped build personalities and stories for a lot of people. Though, that said, where are Riley Osborne, Duke Hudson and Thea Hail? They need to make some great returns during this Road to WrestleMania.

Very good match from Tony VS Ridge for the North American title, and Izzi’s role in this story is intriguing. She makes sure Tony retains the title as Spears and crew try to screw Tony over, but then she keeps Tony’s attention during the tag match? Is Izzi playing double agent? Was her helping Tony against Ridge just a smokescreen so that no one realizes she’s helping Spears? At the same time, Tony’s got a point that if Stacks is second-in-command, he needs to start taking command when Tony isn’t ringside.

Great promo from Bayley to open the show, and clearly we’ve got a tag match set up of her & Giulia VS Cora & Roxie. While Roxie was trying to plant seeds, saying Bayley wants to be NXT Women’s Champion again, I’m pretty sure we get Roxie VS Bayley instead. Very good promo from Vaquer to call out both Shotzi and Fallon before next week’s title match, but as I said last week, we’ll be getting Vaquer VS Fallon at Vengeance Day. And while I appreciate Kelani having her new attitude, and while we got a good match from Karmen VS Jaida, too many of the stories in NXT feel like teen drama type stuff. Though, I guess that’s fitting since CW has a ton of those…

Really good stuff from Lexis and Dempsey in the Heritage Cup, and I liked the tease of the brass knuckles. While Lexis has been talking about being a better man than “Loose Cannon” Brian Pillman and all that, that makes it all the more surprising that he’d resort to a blatant low blow. I don’t know if this actually ends his feud with Dempsey & The NQCC, maybe Myles or Tavion will go after Lexis on Dempsey’s behalf. At the same time, William Regal probably finds King to congratulate him on finally doing things the Heel way. I could totally see King getting a big head again and he rejects Regal, perhaps compelling Regal and Dempsey to work together for revenge.

Good promo from Dion with Wes, and then I laughed so hard when Trick slapped Wes right off his feet! Dion VS Wes was really good, and Wes of course won, but I was surprised it was so fast. Trick getting the best of Wes again was also great, but I’m a bit surprised Trick dissed Dion like that. Dion being mad was a logical move, but I would think Dion isn’t actually leaving. We might get a character change in him like we’re seeing in Kelani, and that could help Dion get to the next level. Also, Wes VS Trick will be an awesome match next week, but I would think Trick wins to have momentum going towards his rematch with Oba.

Oba VS Eddy was great stuff, but of course Oba would win. Oba will have a good promo with A-Town Down Under next week, and he might even end up slamming Theory and/or Waller when they inevitably upset him. Then Oba and Trick will surely have their rematch at Vengeance Day, which is fitting because Trick challenged for the NXT Championship at Vengeance Day just last year. Granted, he lost that match, because it was against Ilja Dragunov and they were building to Trick VS Melo. So Trick is more than likely losing again to build Oba up and possibly send Trick to the main roster for the Road to WrestleMania.