Before challenge Tommaso Ciampa for the NXT Championship, Aleister Black will settle his score with Johnny Gargano, in a STEEL CAGE!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Io Shirai & Dakota Kai VS Jessamyn Duke & Marina Shafir; Shirai & Kai wins.
• Dominik Dijakovic VS Aaron Mackey; Dijakovic wins.
• Heavy Machinery VS Dwight Howl & Danny DeCarto; Heavy Machinery wins.
• Steel Cage Match: Aleister Black VS Johnny Gargano; Gargano wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The story is not over.

Johnny Gargano has gone to the dark side and is far from saving. This next chapter between “Johnny Venom” and Aleister Black will be written in steel! Who will leave the cage the victor as we draw ever closer to NXT TakeOver: Phoenix?

Io Shirai & Dakota Kai VS Jessamyn Duke & Marina Shafir!

The Genius of the Sky and Captain Kick won’t let the MMA Horsewomen do what they want, and certainly not to their good friend, Kairi Sane. Shirai & Kai will fight on the Pirate Princess’ behalf, but will they be able to foil the debut of Shayna Baszler’s running mates?

The teams sort out and Jessamyn starts against Dakota. They circle and tie up, and Jessamyn shoves Dakota to a corner. Jessamyn runs in but Dakota goes up over to roll her up! ONE, and Jessamyn gets Dakota down with a waistlock. Dakota gets up and resists the lift. Dakota trips Jessamyn then hits a Penalty Kick to double stomps! Cover, TWO! Dakota keeps on Jessamyn with a whip. Jessamyn reverses but Dakota holds ropes and boots Jessamyn away. Marina gets a cheap shot in! Jessamyn throws Dakota down and rains down big rights and palm strikes! Jessamyn lets up to tag in Marina. Marina drags Dakota around and grounds ‘n’ pounds Dakota for her own. Cover, TWO! Marina drags Dakota up in a facelock, then shifts to a dragon sleeper.

Marina squeezes Dakota but fans rally up. Dakota uses her knees to fight out, but Marina drops her with a DDT! Cover, TWO! Marina keeps her cool as she drags Dakota up and into the Horsewomen corner. Tag to Jessamyn, and she runs while Marina snapmares Dakota down, Jessamyn boots! Cover, TWO! Dakota survives but Jessamyn is on her with a grounded neck wrench! Jessamyn grinds a knee into Dakota’s side at the same time, but fans rally up. Dakota gets up and arm-drags, but Jessamyn keeps her from the corner. Dakota scorpion kicks Jessamyn and they both fall down! Jessamyn and Dakota crawl for their corners, hot tags to Marina and Shirai!

Shirai rallies with a shotgun dropkick and forearms! Shirai fires up and hits a 619! Marina staggers, Shirai springboards for a missile dropkick! Marina crawls away but Shirai runs in at her, meteora! Shirai drags Marina up for a slam, then steps on her towards the corner. Jessmayn distracts but gets a boot from Dakota! Shirai with the Asai! Cover, Shirai & Kai win!

Winners: Io Shirai & Dakota Kai, Shirai pinning

The Pirate Princess’ crew defeat the Queen of Spades’ soldiers! However, this war may not be over just yet, will the Horsewomen regroup to get even?

“What defines a man’s character?”

History? Family? Loyalty? Dedication? Sacrifice? Love? No, it is fear. “We do not fear mankind, only failure.” He will not see failure, but you will #FeastYourEyes, next!

NXT Media catches up with Matt Riddle.

The King of Bros was attacked by Kassius Ohno, what is his reaction? Riddle isn’t happy about being punked out but he can’t blame Ohno. Riddle got him super quick so Ohno needs all the advantages he can get. But Riddle dares Ohno to face him in a rematch, and get knocked out in another seven seconds. Will Ohno accept facing Riddle man to man?

Dominik Dijakovic VS Aaron Mackey!

Don’t be fooled, the towering titan heading to the ring isn’t a new star, but Dijakovic is getting a second chance. Will the entire NXT Universe soon #FeastOurEyes on his dominance?

Mackey wants as much space between him and Dijakovic before the bell. The bell rings and Dijakovic gives Mackey a stiff body shot. And then forearms and chops and a clubbing clothesline! Mackey tries to fight back but Dijakovic says “Time to fly!” and he throws Mackey across the ring with one suplex! Dijakovic aims from across the ring, and runs in for a big back elbow! He clubs away on Mackey, then scoops him for a standing backbreaker and swinging slam! And now it’s time to “Feast Your Eyes!” as he drags Mackey up by his neck! Dijakovic lifts Mackey in a torture rack, for the Feast Your Eyes knee! Cover, Dijakovic wins!

Winner: Dominik Dijakovic, by pinfall

No mercy, all power. That is what Dominik Dijakovic brings. Will that bring Dijakovic a title sooner rather than later?

Steaks and Weights!

Heavy Machinery are revving up and are COMIIIN’ for the NXT Tag Team Championships! Will they gain some last minute momentum before going against the Undisputed Era?

William Regal makes a major announcement on Twitter.

After seeing Io Shirai do great in that tag team match, he decides to put the Genius of the Sky in the NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way! Will Shirai fly high above Lacey Evans, Mia Yim and Bianca Belair to then chart a course for Phoenix?

Heavy Machinery VS Dwight Howl & Danny DeCarto

Tucker Knight & Otis Dozovic will eventually go to one of the main roster brands, but they don’t want to leave NXT without at least holding the Tag Team Championships once. They’ll get their shot next week, but will they fuel up against their opponents tonight?

The teams sort out and Dozer starts. Fans are on Dozer’s side as he grabs and throws Howl across the way! Howl tags but still gets squashed in the corner! Dozer then throws in Danny and squashes him in the Heavy Machinery corner! Tucker tags in and Dozer picks up Howl. Dozer and Tucker collide to sandwich their opponents, then Dozer spins and throws Howl out. Tucker rams Danny into buckles, then carries him corner to corner to do it again! And then back the other way, and then back the other way, and then back the other way! Tucker doesn’t stop until he sees The Undisputed Era on the stage. Tucker dares them to bring the fight, but Danny attacks from behind. That was a mistake, as Tucker clobbers him!

Tag to Dozer, and Heavy Machinery give Danny the Compactor! Cover, but Dozer brings Danny up! Howl returns but Tucker tosses him to Dozer! For another Compactor! The Undisputed Era do their best not to look scared, but Dozer tags Tucker and then lumps Danny and Dwight together. A double Compactor! Cover, Heavy Machinery wins!

Winners: Heavy Machinery, Tucker Knight pinning

If the Undisputed Era weren’t worried before, maybe they should be now, because Tucker & Otis are COMIIIN’! Will Heavy Machinery get to ring in the New Year with titles?

Steel Cage Match: Aleister Black VS Johnny Gargano!

The Embodiment of the End thought he had ended Johnny Wrestling at TakeOver: WarGames II. But Gargano would return to get in Aleister’s face just as Aleister was informing Tommaso Ciampa that his NXT Championship rematch clause was being used. Now Aleister will look to make Gargano #FadetoBlack once and for all! Will the Dutch Destroyer leave Gargano for dead inside the steel?

The cage lowers mencingly, and Aleister makes his entrance. But then Gargano attacks just as Aleister was at the door! Gargano throws left haymakers and chops! Aleister staggers around the corner but “Johnny Badass” follows. Aleister hits Gargano back with an elbow, then throws hands of his own. Fans are loving it as Aleister rains rights and kicks on Gargano against the railing. Referees tell them to get this inside the cage, but Aleister takes the scenic route as he beats on Gargano more. Gargano shoves Aleister into the cage and then the steel steps. Gargano drags Aleister up towards the door but Aleister throws Gargano back into railing. Aleister kicks Gargano then puts him in the cage. The door closes and we finally begin!

Gargano gets up at the bell and runs for the walls. Aleister stops his climb and throws hands. Gargano kicks back then brings Aleister to steel, but Aleister stops himself and hits Gargano away. Aleister throws Gargano at steel but Gargano stops himself to return the favor. Gargano scoops Aleister, but Aleister slips out. Aleister sweeps the legs and hits a basement dropkick. Aleister springboards but Gargano gets out of the way of the quebrada, only to run into a back elbow! Gargano staggers, Aleister suplexes to a brain buster! Cover, TWO! Aleister sneers at Gargano as Gargano rolls to ropes. Gargano stands between ropes and steel while fans duel. Gargano hits Aleister back but Aleister boots. Aleister misses, Gargano swing kicks!

Gargano climbs up but Aleister pursues. Gargano slips down but Aleister kicks him away, only for Gargano to bump the ropes! Aleister crotches on the rope, and Gargano throws him into steel! Gargano grounds ‘n’ pounds while fans duel. Gargano stalks Aleister and grinds hsi face into steel! He lets Aleister go to soak up both cheers and jeers. Aleister heads for the door but Gargano puts him in another corner. Gargano runs to CHOP Aleister. Gargano kicks and punches in the corner, then chops Aleister again. He wrenches Aleister’s arm to whip him corner to corner. Garganor uns in but gets an elbow, then a boot! Aleister sweeps but Gargano jumps over it. Aleister gives him knees and other strikes, but Gargano gets him down. Gargano catapults Aleister, but Aleister climbs!

Gargano grabs at Aleister but Aleister kicks him away. Aleister jumps over Gargano’s sweep, then quebradas! Fans fire up as Aleister takes Gargano down, but Aleister also pays for the leap. Both men slowly stand and Aleister’s up first. Aleister throws Gargano right into steel! And again on the other side! And then to a third side! Aleister drags Gargano up and gets the set! He drags Gargano up again, for a strike fest! Sliding knee and Aleister kips up. Aleister aims at Gargano, for the knee trigger! Cover, TWO! Gargano lives but Aleister keeps his cool. Fans duel as they rally up. Aleister climbs up steel, and reaches the very top! But instead of climbing down the other side, he heads back in after Gargano, with a leap!

Gargano kicks but Aleister catches it to boot him back. Aleister runs in but Gargano sends him into steel! Gargano drags Aleister up and props him up on the ropes, for a SUPERKICK! Gargano climbs over Aleister to get up top, but Aleister hurries up after him. Aleister drags Gargano back down and now they brawl on the top rope. Aleister gets an edge with elbows but Gargano springboards to sunset flip powerbomb!! Both men are down but fans are losing their minds! Gargano crawls to a cover, TWO!! Aleister survives but Gargano is stirring. Gargano crawls over as fans duel again.

Gargano brings Aleister up and throws more forearms. He brings Aleister up to their feet for more forearms. Aleister hits back with European Uppercuts! Gargano hits Aleister, but Aleister hits back. Gargano hits forearms from both sides but Aleister fires off boxing shots! Aleister kicks, Gargano blocks, Aleister runs but into Gargano’s SUPERKICK! Gargano runs but into a knee trigger! Both men are down again, and fans hope they “Fight Forever!” Aleister stands Gargano up against the steel, runs, and boots Gargano against cage! He keeps going, and boots Gargano again! Gargano topples over, but the door opens! Aleitser doesn’t see this until he boots Gargano again! Gargano almost falls out of the ring, but Aleister grabs his legs!

Aleister drags Gargano back in like a horror movie, but Gargano enziguris Aleister back! Gargano hurries for the door but Aleister grabs his feet again! Aleister holds on with all his might and drags Gargano back in. Gargano elbows Aleister but walks into a boot. Gargano blocks a strike but so does Aleister. Aleister fires off strieks and roundhouses Gargano. Aleister jumps but Gargano Russian leg sweeps, into a GargaNO Escape! Fans duel while Aleister endures. Aleister gets up and picks Gargano up, to throw into steel! But Gargano keeps the hold on! Gargano drives his knee into Aleister’s face, but Aleister still endures. Aleister tries again, and this time throws Gargano face first. But Gargano uses it to climb! Aleister hurries up fast and catches Gargano by his hair!

Aleister hops up to join Gargano now, and they brawl atop the steel wall! They go back and forth, but Aleister forces Gargano back inside. Gargano drags Aleister back in, too, and chops away! Gargano headbutts, then lines up the shot. He wants to give Aleister a wild ride, but Aleister pushes him away! Gargano crashes and burns, and then Aleister hits Meteora! And a German Suplex bridge! TWO!! Gargano survives because of that super human heart! Fans rally up and Aleister stands first. Aleister looms over Gargano, and picks him up with his foot. “I told you, John. I told you. Why are you making me do it again?” But Gargano puts that leg on the rope, to kick away on it, then SUPERKICK Aleister!

Gargano scoops Aleister, to long dart him in a corner! Then long dart to the cage! Gargano grins an evil grin as he looks down at Aleister. Gargano decides not to stop here, and he tells Aleister, “I absolve you of your sins.” He reels back, but gets a Black Mass!! Aleister and Gargano are both down and fans fire up. Gargano manages to move and go to a corner. Fans build to a rally as Gargano drags himself up. Gargano starts a climb but Aleister heads for the door! It’s a race to escape, but Ciampa slams the door closed on Aleister!! Ciampa gets in the ring and Gargano is in shock. Ciampa rains hands down as fans chant “DIY! DIY!”

But Gargano climbs back in?! Gargano refuses to win like this, and he stares Ciampa down across the way. But then, as fans chant for it, the team once known as DIY get an evil idea in their minds. DIY aims at Aleister!? For the DIY Vice!! Gargano and Ciampa, on the same side again?! Ciampa grins and leaves the cage, and Gargano covers. Gargano wins!

Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall

Johnny Gargano wins, thanks to Tommaso Ciampa?! Who would’ve thought we’d see the day when these two work together again after what they’d done to each other. But in the end, it has turned out this way. Will Aleister be able to recover and get revenge on the Psycho Killer in Phoenix? Or is this a sign of darker days in NXT?

My Thoughts:

What a great episode right here, with very little down time from in-ring action. The opening Women’s Tag was good but also quick. I suppose that even with the time they’ve spent, Jessamyn and Marina still need time to match up to talents like Shirai & Kai. It was still a good first showing, and maybe come that Six Woman Tag I’m still hoping for, they’ll be able to go for a longer, wilder match. And I foolishly didn’t think Shirai would be in the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4, she has to be the odds on favorite to winning that to carry on where Kairi Sane left off. Plus with Lacey Evans going up to main, she’s the odds on favorite to not win.

The only thing I didn’t like about Donovan Dijak’s return is how they’re pronouncing his new last name. Die-ja-kovic just doesn’t work when his name is literally adding “ovic” to Dijak. But names aside, he did well enough in squashing a jobber. I hope this new Dijakovic gets to have a feud with Keith Lee so that both men get to show everything they’ve got. Riddle VS Ohno is also coming, that’ll be great. Heavy Machinery got to show some new ruthlessness as they made examples out of jobbers. Though, I sadly doubt they’ll be going to main roster as the NXT Tag Team Champions, meaning the Undisputed Era will find any number of ways to screw them over in the match next week. Maybe Tucker & Otis will have better going with titles once they reach main roster.

Aleister VS Gargano was a great steel cage match, which is saying something since steel cage matches are harder to make unique. The opening brawl was a good choice, given the story between these two. And it wasn’t just kayfabe to say that the momentary DIY reunion was shocking. Gargano has been feeling further and further Heel, and this almost solidifies it. I still wonder if this brings us back around to the NXT Championship Triple Threat we didn’t get for TakeOver: Brooklyn. That would be great because it’d pit DIY against each other so soon after they worked together, and then that helps Aleister take the title back.

My Score: 8.5/10