Is NXT ready for war?

Evil has come to NXT, and declared war on Tony D! But will Naraku prove himself worthy of such opportunities with his in-ring debut tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Tatum Paxley & Lizzy Rain VS Zaria & Nikkita Lyons; Tatum & Lizzy win.
• NARAKU VS Lince Dorado; Naraku wins.
• Six Man Tag: Birthright VS Sean Legacy, EK Prosper & Tate Wilder; Birthright wins.
• Noam Dar VS Jackson Drake w/ The Vanity Project; Drake wins.
• Kelani Jordan VS Kendal Grey w/ Wren Sinclair; Lani wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tatum Paxley & Lizzy Rain VS Zaria & Nikkita Lyons!

#TuesdayAddams knows all three other women, including her own tag partner, want their shot at her NXT Women’s North American Championship, but this fight is about the fight that broke out last week. Will Tatum & Lizzy create some badass music together? Or will the Agent of Change & #BigKatKita prove they’re the queens of the jungle now?

The teams sort out and Zaria insists she start against Lizzy. The fans rally as the two tie up, and Zaria SHOVES Lizzy down. Lizzy is a bit stunned by that strength, but she rushes up to slip around and waistlock. Zaria wrenches to wristlocks, then she double knuckle locks. Zaria RUNS Lizzy over, pushes her to a cover, ONE as Lizzy kips up! Lizzy sticks out her tongue rocker style, but Zaria gives that back. Zaria also HEADBUTTS Lizzy, then whips her to ropes. Lizzy blocks the hip toss to HEADBUTT back, and then step-up RANA! Zaria tumbles, the fans fire up, and Lizzy reels Zaria in. Zaria backdrops but Lizzy sunset flips through, only for Zaria to stay up!

Zaria YANKS Lizzy up, LARIATS her down, then stares Tatum down. Zaria drags Lizzy up, Lyons insists she get a turn, but Zaria says no! But Lizzy ENZIGIRIS Zaria! Hot tag to Tatum! The fans fire up as Tatum JUMP KNEE SMASHES! Cover, TWO! Tatum hurries to facelock but Zaria powers up. Zaria lifts Tatum, THROWS her away, but Tatum dodges! Lyons tags in! The fans rally for “Tatum Tuesdays!” while Zaria snarls at Lyons. Lyons says thanks, now step aside. But Tatum runs up! Lyons puts Tatum on the apron, but Tatum avoids the ram to step-up ENZIGIRI! Tatum hurries in, swings and ghost pins, TWO!

Lyons ROCKS Tatum, reels her in and scoops for a SLAM! Lyons is annoyed by the fans singing the Addams Family theme and tells them to shut up! Lyons steps on Tatum, taunts Lizzy from afar, then HIP- NO, Tatum avoids the drop! Tatum goes around the outside, Zaria tags in, but so does Lizzy! Lyons and Zaria are too busy arguing to know, and Zaria takes DOUBLE DROPKICKKS from Lizzy & Tatum! They dodge Lyons to DOUBLE LARIAT her up and out! The fans fire up for this goth rock duo as they build speed, DOUBLE WRECKING BALL DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Lizzy & Tatum headbang together, and NXT goes picture in picture.

The ref checks on Lyons after that tumble but she’s alright. Lizzy fetches Zaria, but Zaria RAMS her into the apron! Zaria then runs up but Lizzy ROCKS her first! Lizzy kicks, Zaria blocks, and Zaria ROCKS Lizzy! Zaria then fireman’s carries for a SNAKE EYES off the apron! Zaria pushes Lizzy in, then drags her up. Lizzy fires forearms in return! Zaria mule kicks Lizzy, then runs the ropes. Lizzy dodges, tag to Tatum before the springboard and back elbow! Zaria falls, Tatum runs up, ROLLING AX KICK! Zaria flounders to a corner but Tatum runs in, only for Zaria to catch her! Zaria guzels for the CHOKE- NO, Tatum victory rolls! TWO!

Zaria and Tatum hurry to their feet, they clinch, but Zaria DECKS Tatum! Zaria whips Tatum to ropes, but Lyons is there! Tatum stops short, then dodges Zaria, wheelbarrow and- BACKBREAKER from Zaria! Zaria turns the tables on Tatum, then fires KNEE after KNEE into her ribs. Zaria whips Tatum to a corner, ELBOWS, and LARIATS! Then short arm LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Tatum toughs it out but Zaria drags her up. Lyons insists on a tag, Zaria obliges, and Lyons AX KICKS Tatum down! Lyons clamps onto Tatum with a chinlock and grinds her down. Tatum endures, fires body shots, but Lyons THROWS her down!

Lyons clamps onto Tatum again, and NXT returns to single picture as Tatum fights up. The fans rally but Lyons ripcords Tatum to whip her to a corner. Lyons run sin but Tatum dodges! Lyons hits buckles, staggers, and Tatum ROCKS her! And CHOPS her! And mule kicks! Then she ducks a roundhouse, but not the low kick! Lyons reels Tatum in and underhooks, TIGER DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Tatum survives and the fans fire up! Lyons is frustrated, but she RIPCORD PLEXES Tatum! Tag to Zaria and she runs up, but Tatum BOOTS her! Tatum ELBOWS Lyons, then runs up on Zaria! Zaria catches the crossbody and powers Tatum to a fireman’s carry!

Zaria winds up, F- NO! Tatum lands out! Then she DUMPS Zaria out! The fans fire up as Tatum crawls her way over! Zaria hurries back in, hot tags to Lizzy and Lyons! The fans fire up as Lizzy LARIATS! AND LARIATS! Then she ducks a kick to pump handle and FALL AWAY SLAM! The fans fire up and Lizzy CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! “MAKE IT RAIN!  MAKE IT RAIN!” Lizzy runs to CHOP! Then she goes Matrix to dodge Zaria! CUTTER! The fans fire up with Lizzy and she runs up on Lyons, JUMPING HEADBUTT! Lyons staggers from that headbanger, and Lizzy runs in again! Lyons dodges to ROCK Lizzy! Tatum tags in!

Tatum goes up, up, and MOLLY- NO, Lyons dodges! Tatum dodges back, SUPERKICK! And then CEME- NO, Lyons powers out to SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE!! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! Lyons crawls her way over, but Zaria leaves her hanging! The fans boo as Zaria again only cares about Zaria. And Tatum ROLLING LIGER KICKS Lyons! Tag to Lizzy, and she runs up, THUNDERSTRUCK!! Cover, Lizzy & Tatum win!

Winners: Tatum Paxley & Lizzy Rain, by pinfall

Now that was rock ‘n’ roll! Will Lizzy turn up the volume and climb the charts here in NXT?

Kendal Grey talks with Wren Sinclair backstage.

The Ice Woman isn’t sure why Kelani Jordan went and hurt Wren so badly, but Kendal’s gonna get her back for Wren. Wren says this will also help Kendal get one step closer to THE NXT Women’s Champion. Kendal adds that Wren will be there by her side when she does. Wren thanks Kendal for that, but feels she shouldn’t be out there ringside. Why? Because she doesn’t want to end up a distraction, the #WrenQCC can’t end up like #ZaRuca. Kendal says they won’t, Wren isn’t a distraction. Wren’s why Kendal got here in the first place. Pinkie promise! Lola Vice steps in and says hola to WrenQCC. They say hola, Lola.

Lola heard what Kendal said last week, and thinking about a rematch of the two best crossover athletes in the Women’s Division today, that’s an idea she can get behind. Kendal agrees, and says she can finally show Lola that pure wrestling is better than MMA. After all, their finish at MSG was a bit… open ended. Lola reminds Kendal that she still tapped out. Yes, but Lola was pinned! Wren has them calm down, and wants Kendal to focus on Lani. Right, right. And after Kendal beats the woman who tapped Lola out, Kendal will be seeing Lola for that title. Then bring it, mama. Lola will be watching.

The WrenQCC heads out, but will the former Evolve Women’s Champion make herself the #1 contender? Or will the Standout stand tall in tonight’s main event?

NARAKU VS Lince Dorado!

It was quite the shock when the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion arrived in NXT, and now the King of Darkness looks to dethrone the man who was once The Don. But will the Golden Lynx end up a lamb to the slaughter? Or will he be able to overcome the forces of evil?

The bell rings, the two circle, but Naraku kicks and CLUBS and CLUBS Lince! Naraku wrenches, wristlocks, but Lince rolls, handsprings, only for Naraku to headlock. Lince powers up and out, but Naraku RUNS him over! The fans cheer as Naraku looms over Lince. Naraku stomps Lince, CLUBS away on him, then CLUBS him again! Naraku CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Lince slumps against ropes but Naraku whips. Lince handsprings up and over, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! But Lince goes for the ARMBAR! Naraku hurries to his feet to stack but Lince keeps his shoulders up!

Naraku scrapes his boot off Lince’s masked face again and again and again! Lince finally lets go, and Naraku snarls as he drags Lince up. Naraku snap suplexes Lince into buckles! The fans rally as Naraku stomps Lince around. Naraku CHOPS Lince, CHOPS again, but Lince mule kicks. Naraku CLUBS Lince, whips him, then FLAPJACKS! Lince sputters, but Naraku stands him up, short arm LARIAT! Naraku steps on Lince, toys with him, then CHOPS! Naraku  kicks and scuffs Lince, but Lince CHOPS! Naraku DOUBLE CHOPS in return! Lince flops against ropes but Naraku bumps him off buckles. Naraku scoops Lince to SLAM him down!

Naraku clamps onto Lince for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS, then steps over to trap the arm in a hammerlock, then clamps on a chinlock. Lince endures, fights up, and the fans rally again. Lince fires body shots but Naraku knees low. Naraku scoops, Lince slips free, ENZIGIRI! The fans rally as Lince goes to a corner, then runs up, FLAPJACK DROPKICK! Lince has Naraku floundering and the fans rally up again. Naraku runs up, Lince BOOTS him! Lince fires forearm after forearm, then CHOPS! Lince whips, Naraku reverses. but Lince handsprings! GOLDEN REWIND STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men wobble.

Lince runs up, Naraku BOOTS him, then CLOBBERS him! Naraku hurries to lift and RAM Lince into a corner, then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Naraku hurries to FISHERMAN BUSTER again! The fans rally up as Naraku vows to end it! Naraku clinches, ENTER THE ABYSS! Cover, Naraku wins!

Winner: Naraku, by pinfall

A powerful victory for Naraku, and he talks right to the camera that he is not an honorable man. He is PURE EVIL! Then will darkness fall on NXT as Naraku hunts down Tony D?

Sean Legacy, EK Prosper & Tate Wilder talk backstage.

EK tells them he appreciates them for helping him out with Birthright, putting boots to asses! Sean says it felt so great to be back, and he congratulates Tate on his NXT debut. The Cowboy says thanks, and Sean says if he has one piece of advice from his short time here, it’s that you gotta pick your spot. Oh? Well, that’s what he did last time. Tate’s always a man to jump headfirst into chaos, even if he can’t see where he’s gonna land. And tonight, Birthright better get ready, Tate’s bringing out the wild side! The team is fired up, especially as Dorian Van Dux steps in. DVD welcomes Tate, and says he can’t wait to get back in the ring alongside them.

Sean says he knows how tough it is to come back from injury, both physically and mentally. But does DVD remember that match they had in Belgium a few years ago? DVD says of course he does. Sean says DVD is a beast, he knows he’ll be back stronger than ever. DVD shakes Sean’s hand, and tells them to go kick Birthright’s asses. The team fist bumps and heads out, will the former WWE ID talent’s legacy prosper as things get wilder? Or will Birthright have some tricks up their sleeve to make their fathers proud?

Natalya sits down for her LFG interview.

The Queen of Harts checks if she’s talking to the interviewer or directly to camera. Camera? Okay. The interviewer asks what her favorite part of LFG has been, and she says there have been so many! She’s had a great time on the show. But seeing someone start from the ground up, where they know nothing but then they grow, get reps, get confidence- Wait, Jaida Parker steps in and says they need to talk. Nattie says not while she’s in the middle of something. Miss Parker says she don’t care if it’s her damn birthday, they need to talk. Nattie is calling Jaida soft, right here in her home of NXT, but it is Jaida’s time.

Nattie says she’s trying to film something for a show about rookies. Maybe Jaida should go down to LFG to talk to her. The argument gets tense, security and production step in, and Jaida says that’s fine. She just wanted to talk. Nattie is saying someone is having a bad hair day. Nattie says let’s just start from scratch. Miss Parker don’t play, but will the Queen of Harts make her regret getting on her bad side?

Six Man Tag: Birthright VS Sean Legacy, EK Prosper & Tate Wilder!

NXT returns as the WWE ID graduates make their entrances. The trios sort out and Tate starts against Stacks. They tie up, Tate powers Stacks back but Stacks turns things around in the corner. Stacks shoves Tate, Tate shoves back, then Tate wrenches to hammerlock Stacks. Tate whips, Stacks reverses, but Tate hammerlocks again. Stacks switches the hold onto Tate but Tate jumps up to FLYING MARE! Tate runs, whips Stacks, then dodges to DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Tate covers, TWO! Tate stays on Stacks but Stacks throat chops! Tag to Charlie Dempsey, then Stacks slides under Tate to UPPERCUT! Charlie clamps on a SLEEPER!

Tate snapmares free, kicks and UPPERCUTS, then he brings Charlie around. Tag to Sean, Sean CLUBS Charlie’s arm, then wrenches. Charlie wrenches back, Sean wrenches again, repeat. Sean wristlocks but Charlie rolls, bridges, and slips through to CLUB, CHOP, and UPPERCUT! Charlie wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER, then whips. Sean reverses, drops down and trips Charlie up! Then Sean runs to DOUBLE STOMP! The fans rally as Sean runs to DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Sean brings Charlie around and tags in EK. EK goes up, up, and DOUBLE STOMPS Charlie on the back!

The fans cheer as EK wrenches, but Dempsey UPPERCUTS! Charlie whips EK to a corner, but EK goes up and over, then handsprings away! EK comes back, blocks a kick, and DROPKICKS Charlie! EK then scoops, SLAMS, and TIGER WALL MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! EK hurries to headlock Charlie, but Charlie reaches out with a foot. Uriah Connors tags the foot, but the ref says that doesn’t count! Uriah argues with the ref, but this lets Charlie pull EK’s hair! Charlie KNEES EK down, then properly tags Uriah. Uriah headlocks, EK powers up and out, then drops down to hurdle over. Uriah leaps over EK, dodges, then drops down. Uriah DROPKICKS EK down!

The fans boo but Uriah storms up on EK. EK puts Uriah on the apron but Uriah RAMS low, then trips EK! Slingshot SENTON, and Uriah runs, EK dodges and comes back to RANA! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Uriah flounders out! Birthright regroups while Team ID says bring the fight! The fans are with Team ID, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Uriah slides in, but he hot tags Stacks. EK fires hands on Stacks first, then headlocks. Stacks powers up and out, tag back to Uriah, and they DUMP EK out! Stacks trips EK, Uriah CANNONBALLS him down! Birthright soaks up some heat before they get EK back in the ring. Uriah tags Charlie, Charlie drags EK up and UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! EK fires body shots in return, but Charlie ducks the haymaker to swing and BACKBREAKER! Then a HALF CRAB before the tag to Stacks! KNEE DROP on EK’s head! Stacks taunts EK’s team, then CHOPS EK to the corner. Tag to Uriah, Uriah whips Stacks in, but Stacks blocks a boot!

Stacks talks trash but EK KNEES him away! EK then dodges Uriah, CLOBBERS Stacks, and hot tag to Sean! Sean rallies on Uriah, GOURD BUSTERS, then DROPKICKS Uriah out! Sean builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Uriah at the corner! Sean puts Uriah in, stalks him to ropes, but Uriah ELBOWS back! Tag to Charlie, he runs up, but Sean slips around to shove and LARIAT Charlie up and out! Sean DIVES again! Another direct hit at the ramp and Sean puts Charlie back in now. Charlie tags Stacks, Sean ROCKS Stacks with fast hands! Sean CHOPS, Charlie sneaks a tag, and Stacks BOOTS back!

Sean DROPKICKS Stacks out, builds speed, but Stacks moves! And Charlie BOOTS Sean down! Charlie talks trash before he KNEES Sean in the side! Charlie UPPERCUTS Sean, puts him back in the ring, covers, TWO! Charlie snapmares Sean, tags Stacks, and they DOUBLE SMASH the knees on the mat! Stacks keeps Sean from his corner, UPPERCUTS, and he tags Uriah in. NXT returns to single picture as Uriah whips stacks in for the ELBOW! Then Uriah runs up to ELBOW! Stacks runs up, but Sean DUMPS him up and out! But Uriah GAMANGIRIS! Tag back to Stacks and Stacks climbs the ropes while Uriah hands Sean out to dry.

Stacks lines up the shot, DOUBLE STOMPS fling Sean off the ropes! Stacks covers, TWO! The fans cheer as Sean survives, but Uriah sucker punches EK and Tate! But Sean PELES! And STANDING SPANISH FLY! The fans fire up while both men crawl, hot tags to Charlie and Tate! Tate DECKS Charlie, and DECKS him again! Tate ducks ‘n’ dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Tate ducks ‘n’ dodges to then DOUBLE LARIAT Stacks & Uriah! Tate keeps going, LARIAT for Uriah in one corner, LARIAT for Stacks in the other! Tate goes back to Uriah but Uriah slips around to waistlock. Tate switches, and he sends Uriah into Stacks!

Tate then runs up, NECKBREAKER DROP DDT COMBO! The fans fire up with Tate, and he catches Charlie to a wrench, facelock, and ANARCHY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Charlie survives but the fans stay fired up for Tate. Tate drags Charlie up, fireman’s carries, but Uriah is back for the save! Tate dodges Uriah, EK ROCKS Uriah! Uriah CHOPS, but EK returns to TORANDO DDT! Stacks FLYING ELBOWS EK! Sean CHOPS Stacks on the run! Stacks BOOTS, but Legacy BOOTS! Stacks blocks a kick, fireman’s carries, T K O, then ENZIGIRI! But Tate hits a SLINGBLADE on Stacks! The fans fire up but Charlie ROCKS Tate!

Charlie UPPERCUTS Tate, Tate ROCKS Charlie, then kicks low! Tate hits a big snap suplex! The fans fire up as Tate goes up the corner! Uriah runs up, Tate BOOTS him, but Charlie ROCKS Tate! Charlie climbs up, underhooks, and SUPER BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES! Cover, EK FLIES IN OUTTA NOWHERE! The fans are cheering “NXT! NXT!” for making this match possible! Uriah whips EK but EK reverses to put Uriah back on the apron. EK BOOTS Uriah, then goes out to join him! Only for Uriah to fireman’s carry! APRON DEATH VALLEY!! “This is Awesome!” as Uriah tags in and brings his kneepad down.

Uriah runs up, but Tate dodges the knee! Tate fireman’s carries Uriah for a T K O! Cover, STACKS BREAKS IT! The fans rally as Tate looks between Stacks and Sean. Tate LARIATS Stacks out, TOSSES Uriah, then builds speed! Tate FLIES! Down go Uriah & Stacks at the desk! Tate is feeling it, then he runs in on Charlie! BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Tate goes up, Sean wants in, but Tate FROG SPLASHES instead! Cover, TWO!! Charlie survives and Sean says NOW! Tate says he’s got this! Tate goes up, and he MOONSAULTS but misses! Charlie hot tags Stacks, Stacks tags Uriah! They line up the shot, DOUBLE TAP on Tate!! Cover, Birthright wins!

Winners: Birthright, by pinfall

The Cowboy got wild, but maybe too wild, as he could’ve given them a shot at finishing this off. But will this be a lesson learned for Tate before he thinks to get wilder?

Tatum and Lizzy regroup backstage.

Tatum says she had so much fun out there! Lizzy says she’s still buzzing! Tatum was thinking that she wants to get back to the kind of champion she was trying to be before the whole Culling thing. She wants to give opportunities to those who are deserving, so… Tatum wants to face the Maiden of Metal next week! Lizzy is so stunned, so honored, but then Shiloh Hill literally jumps in. He asks what’s going on, and says congrats on the tag win. And also, he was doing research on Tristan Angels. Lizzy says ugh, she cannot escape that guy! Oh, she knows him from back home, huh? Yeah, as much as she had to…

Then she must know that Tristan’s family owns more sheep per acre than any farm in the whole UK! C’mon, haven’t they ever heard of pigs? Tatum adds they could have chickens. Them, too! But surely, Lizzy also knows about Tristan’s male beauty pageant thing, right? Yes, it’s all he talks about! He’s Mr. England~! As if anyone would ever really call him that. Tatum wonders who would be Mr. NXT if they had one. Shiloh says it’d be… HIM! Hah! But then Tristan steps in and says, “Are you out of your mind? Mr. NXT? You are literally missing a tooth.” Shiloh says sure, but some say his smile lights up a room. Tatum agrees with that.

Tristan says perhaps Mommy Tatum says that, but to think you can outclass Tristan is utterly absurd. Back to reality, he makes his NXT in-ring debut, and he’ll show the entire WWE Universe, and especially Shiloh, that Tristan is in a class of his own. Tristan then says hey to Lizzy before moving on. Will Mr. England make himself “Mr. NXT” with a win? Or will he learn that #ToothlessAggression is more than just a pretty face?

The Culling meets.

Izzi Dame tells Niko Vance that their Mixed Tag win was everything they needed, and she wouldn’t have wanted anyone else in there but him. Niko says Izzi pinned the Women’s Champion, which sets her up pretty nicely for a title match. She says all in due time. Shawn Spears says Niko was an animal in the ring, and that is what he has been talking about: The Culling is stronger together. Niko says ever since Izzi joined, she gave them a clear and concise path. They eliminate the weak and promote the strong. While everyone else is figuring out their next move, Izzi always knew what steps to take. The scheming, the strategizing. No one has that attention to detail but her.

Izzi says nothing happens by chance. They’re always two steps ahead. Spears smiles and nods as he and Niko are about to head out, but Izzi has Niko hang back. Spears is curious but says he’ll leave them to it. Izzi says about tonight… If Lola is watching the main event, then Izzi is watching Lola. Niko nods, and it seems the queen of The Culling is already planning her next move. When and where will she strike? And will she put Lola Vice in checkmate?

Robert Stone is in the ring.

The NXT General Manager says the landscape of NXT has changed. but no matter how chaotic it gets here, he is proud to say that talent from all over the world still want to make NXT their home! The fans cheer that, and Stone says we’re gonna bring someone out to sign with NXT! Let’s make this official! Please welcome Mason Rook! The fans cheer as the big man from Progress and Pro-Wrestling Noah makes his entrance. There’s extra security, too, because of how Rook already made an impact by going after Tony D’Angelo. The fans sing, “He’s Big! He’s Bad! He’ll Body Slam Your Dad!” Rook takes the mic from Stone to ask, “Who is Mason Rook?”

Rook has traveled all over Europe, to Japan, and all around the world. And everywhere he goes, he turns heads. Even the greatest of all time, JOHN CENA, sees Rook! It’s pretty hard to not notice a flying human tank. And he knows what they’re thinking: “Mason, are you satisfied?” Is he satisfied with everyone back home talking about him int he pubs? Is he satisfied with going viral multiple times being the name in everyone’s mouth? Mason Rook in every sentence. Let him tell ya, no he’s not! He wants MORE! That’s why he’s arrived in NXT. Because he is not just the best superheavyweight, he is the best ANY weight!

And it doesn’t matter who steps in this ring, they’re gonna find out that if you try and stop a tank, you get crushed! But wait, here comes Tony D! Stone asks Tony slow his roll, but Tony says relax, he just wants to talk. Now, Mason, look, you wanted to get the attention of the WWE Universe, you wanted Tony’s attention… Well, you got it. And what better way than to start at the top? That’s a page right outta Tony’s book. Attacking once, that’s fine, that’s seizing the moment. Twice? Nah. And if Rook thinks he’s making a name for himself at Tony’s expense, he doesn’t care if you’re big and- KAM HENDRIX RUNS UP ON TONY!

Tony ROCKS Kam first, security hurries to stop the brawl, but then wait! Rook is up top!! SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT MOONSAULT!! The tank crushed everyone, just like he said! Rook then storms into the ring, takes the contract from Stone, and Stone says that’s not how they do things here! Rook doesn’t care, he signs on the dotted line, and he’s officially an NXT Superstar! He’s big, he’s bad, but will he body slam Tony and take the title back to his pad? Or can Tony find a way to survive?

Noam Dar warms up.

Romeo Moreno is there watching something. Noam asks what it is, and Romeo asks if Noam remembers. NXT Battleground 2023, Dar VS Dragon Lee. So damn smooth! Romeo loved watching Noam! Him and Tyler Bate, Nathan Frazer, A-Kid, all while becoming a FOUR-TIME NXT Heritage Cup Champion! Plus, he dated Alicia Foooox~! Noam has Romeo calm down, and says it has been a full YEAR since he’s been in the ring. Noam isn’t sure if he’s that guy anymore. He just wants to focus on finding out. Romeo says Noam’s got it! Vamos! Si se puedes! Noam nods and heads out. Can the Scottish Supernova still turn it up to 11?

Emily Agard is on the scene.

For her second assignment ever, she is with OTM, Bronco Nima & Lucien Price, as they have a poolside barbeque. The food is ready, grab ‘n’ go. She thanks them for this, and can’t wait to eat. She wants to know more about OTM, though. Well, hold on, there’s one more guest. Nima’s little brother, JJ. They shake hands, and Emily says the WWE Universe might know the origin story of OTM, growing up on the streets, playing football, but she wants to dive deeper. It’s not just a concept, Out The Mud is these two men. So Lucien, could you share something about Bronco Nima that might surprise people?

Price says well, his brother, he’s one of the toughest people he knows. Nima had to grow up and be a man at a young age, be a provider after he lost his mom, and he had to take care of JJ here. Not a lot of people make it through that. Nima used to keep that to himself, so thanks for the exposure. Their mom, she taught Bronco real early that manhood isn’t about age, but about responsibility. So when life got hard, he had no other option but to answer. His little brother, he ain’t never had to worry about anybody being by his side. That’s what Bronco had to deal with. That is where responsibility meets opportunity.

Emily says she had no idea, and thanks them for sharing that with her. She asks JJ what OTM means to him. JJ says OTM is the embodiment of overcoming adversity that builds your character. Emily says Bronco raised JJ well, and Bronco jokingly says he isn’t paying JJ to say that. So they spilled the tea on Bronco, time to spill some beans on Price. Bronco says this man right here, the first things you see: the size; the violence; the intensity. People choose not to see his mind. Price is quiet, studies everything, and the moment he opens his mouth, everybody listens. That’s what makes Price dangerous.

And something Price probably doesn’t want you to know is that he’s an artist. Don’t be mad, Price! He’s a good one, too! Price says yeah, okay. Emily says they balance each other out very well, and they both say, “Yeah, yeah!” They dap it up and Emily says clearly the goal is the NXT Tag Team Championships. Nima says hell yeah. And to make their loved ones proud. JJ says that’s right. And after they beat Vanity Project, Emily can come back around with some championship questions. Emily says she will. JJ says maybe bring snacks, too. She can do that. Now, let’s eat up! OTM is hungry for hot dogs and gold, will they soon be enjoying both poolside?

Noam Dar VS Jackson Drake w/ The Vanity Project!

The Scottish Supernova is finally back in action, but he hopes he’s still got the stuff that made him that four-time Heritage Cup Champion. Will Noam find it’s as easy as riding a bike? Or will the Carolina Reaper take advantage of all that ring rust?

The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Dar blocks a kick to kick back! Then he blocks another kick to trip Drake, cover, ONE! Dar wrenches, Drake puts Dar on ropes, but the ref counts. Drake lets off, but Dar ducks a shot! Dar eggs Drake on, then dodge shim to wrench and headlock. Drake fires body shots, powers up and out, but Dar RUNS Darke over! Dar taunts Drake before he runs the ropes. Drake drops down, hurdles, but Dar turns it into a FLAPJACK! ANKLE LOCK! Drake flails, rolls, but Dar rolls through! Dar comes back, Drake slips around to waistlock, but Dar arm-drags free.

Drake runs up, ducks a kick, but not the BACKHAND nor the ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Drake sputters but Dar is right on him. Drake powers Dar to the ropes, backs off, but then sucker punches Dar! The fans boo as Drake HAMMERS away on Dar at the ropes! The ref backs Drake off, but then Dar DUMPS him out! Drake blocks a shot, Dar ducks one, and Dar sweeps the legs! Dar runs to BOOT Drake down! The fans fire up as Dar says pinkies up, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns as Dar is up top, only for Drake to trip him up! The fans boo as Drake climbs up to SUPERPLEX! Vanity Project cheers as Drake crawls to the cover, TWO! The fans rally for Dar, but Drake handsprings, LETHAL IN-JACKSON! Cover, TWO!! Dar survives and shocks Drake! The fans rally for Dar but Vanity Project coaches Drake. Drake rains down fists but Dar pushes him away. Dar ROCKS Drake, Drake ROCKS Dar, but Dar shakes his head. Drake pie faces Dar, Dar pushes Drake, but Drake fires fast hands! Dar bobs ‘n’ waves, STEP PUNCH! Dar goes to ropes, Drake runs up, but Dar dodges to SNAP GERMAN!

The fans fire up with Dar as he rises again! Dar runs up on Drake to CLOBBER him! And CLOBBER him again! And ROUNDHOUSE! Dar fires up and GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Drake stumbles to a corner but Dar runs in, JUMP ELBOW! NORTHERN LIGHTS! The fans fire up again while Dar takes aim! Drake slowly rises up, Dar runs in, but Drake ducks the feint elbow! ENZIGIRI! Drake fireman’s carries Dar for a GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO! Dar survives and Drake argues with the ref! The ref defends the count and the fans rally up again. Drake snarls, but he drags Dar up. Dar pushes Drake away but Drake comes back.

Drake goes to gut wrench but Dar flips to victory roll! TWO, Drake has it now, TWO as Dar then steps into the EURO CLUTCH! TWO!!! Drake escapes by nanoseconds and both men hurry to their feet! Kick meets kick, both men hobble, but Dar KICKS again! And GERMAN DROP into the ARMBAR!! The fans fire up but Drake stacks Dar, TWO! Dar lets go, but Drake ROUNDHOUSES! Dar ROCKS Drake! Drake and Dar go forearm for forearm, then Dar gets the edge! Dar KICKS, KICKS, and- NO, Drake kicks the bad leg! Then SUPERKICKS! The fans boo as Drake handsprings, but Dar PENALTY KICKS him out of it!

The fans fire up again as Drake flops to the apron, then the floor. Dar goes out after Drake, “This is Awesome!” as Dar stalks #DrThirst. But then Mighty Myka Lockwood steps in the way! The fans boo but then here comes Swipe Right! Dar DECKS Brad, then swipes left on Smokes to send him into Drake! The fans cheer as Dar puts Drake in the ring. Drake distracts the ref so Myka can anchor Dar! Then UNALIVING KNEE in the ropes!! Drake puts Dar in a drop zone, goes up the corner, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, Drake wins!

Winner: Jackson Drake, by pinfall

The asterisk on this is the same as always for Jackson Drake: his wingmen and bae do the hard work for him! The entire Vanity Project gets a win over Dar, but will this lead the power couple of Drake & Myka to- WAIT! DARKSTATE IS HERE! And when DarkState strikes, ain’t NOBODY safe! NXT is going to break, will the Vanity Project still be standing when we come back?

Myles Borne talks with Tavion Heights.

Tavion finishes checking his phone while Myles apologizes for his meeting with Robert Stone going long. There’s something about a tag match against Kam Hendrix and Mason Rook. Tavion says aight! Now they can finish what Kam started and get payback on Mason! The dynamic duo’s back together! Tavion goes for the high-five, but Myles apologizes again, because it’s not Myles & Heights. What? He just said it was a tag match. Yes, for Myles… and Tony D. Oh, wow. Tony, huh? Is this for real? Myles says he tried to vouch for Tavion, and Tavion brings up that Tavion just took Tony to the limit last week. Now it doesn’t even matter?

Myles says it isn’t like that, Tavion. Tavion says no, this must be one of those champion things, right? It was cool when Myles tagged with Tavion because he had to, but now that he has gold, he thinks he’s better than Tavion. Myles asks why Tavion’s acting like Myles calls the shots. Tavion asks why Myles couldn’t have said something. Myles says he DID say, but Tavion continues to accuse Myles of abandoning his “day ones.” Tavion “wishes” Myles good luck, and “hopes” Tony is there for him like Tavion was. Tavion storms off, but does he just need to cool off? And as for the champions, Myles & Tony, will they be able to thwart off two hungry challengers in that tag match?

DarkState takes the ring.

Vanity Project has sheepishly retreated for now, and the fans cheer “DAAARK~ STAAATE~!” Dion Lennox has a mic to tell Brad & Ricky that they’re way too comfortable walking around with those titles like DarkState ain’t here. The title run is over, DarkState is here to collect, and they’re gonna show NXT who is in control! The fans cheer, and Shugars says he is with that! That’s the name of the game: control! But unfortunately for the “inbetweeners” over here, DarkState ain’t got no control over Big Cut and Osiris Griffin, bruh! Now, do you see what they did to Hank ‘n’ Tank? We about to see a crime on live television!

And if you think y’all ain’t gonna go the same way, then they’re trippin’ in big shoes, bruh. Brad mocks the “Bruh…! Bruh…!” Smokes pretends to be shocked as he asks, “W-W-W-What?! You goofballs think that beating the guys who call themselves ‘The Belly Boys’ warrants you for a tag title match? HUH!? Brad, talk to these guys, I can’t even look at ’em.” Brad tells Smokes, “Literally no shot, okay? Hey, I don’t know if you boys remember clearly or not, but uh, we’re the ones that took these NXT Tag titles right from you.” DarkState is annoyed as Brad says yeah, they’re also the reason why Saquon and Dion have been at each other’s throats the past few weeks!

Oh, oh, but DarkState is pressing Swipe Right? You ain’t got anything better to do? Maybe they don’t understand, but Vanity Project doesn’t give handouts. Cutler says they ain’t looking for one, but they never got their rematch for the titles. Now, they’re cashing in! The fans like the sound of that! And before Swipe Right goes crying to “Big Momma Lockwood,” just know that Mr. Stone already approved the match. Next week, DarkState brings those titles home! But it won’t be Cutler & Osiris. Oh? Because as Dion & Saquon both know, DarkState’s gotta get back on top. But this right here, this isn’t working. They gotta be united.

Last week, Cutler & Osiris handled Hank ‘n’ Tank. But Swipe Right is on them. They’ve got this. They can’t control this brand if they don’t stand united. When they’re all on the same page, ain’t nobody can touch them! Y’all know this! So Saquon & Dion need to figure out this thing, or… DarkState will have to change. The fans chant “Hug It Out!” but then Swipe Right rushes in! Dion & Saquon get Osiris & Cutler clear so they can throw hands first! The fans cheer as Dion TOSSES Smokes and Saquon DUMPS Brad! Drake runs up, Dion gets Saquon outta the way to DECK Drake first! Myka carries Drake away in her arms, but will DarkState leave with gold around their waists?

Robert Stone talks with Naraku backstage.

The GM congratulates the King of Darkness on his first win here, and just wants to say, when they have some time, they can talk about his future. Naraku shakes Stone’s hand rather menacingly as he says thank you. Naraku lets out quite an evil laugh, then he lets go of Stone. Stone is rather shaken up as he goes to his office, where Kam and Mason are already waiting. Kam asks what this is about the tag match, Tony & Myles VS Kam & Mason. They’re not a tag team. Stone says he’s not happy with how things went earlier, that’s not how they do business here. Kam says he can’t speak for both of them, and Mason says, “Then don’t.”

Mason says sometimes, you gotta make noise to stand out. Stone says they’ll be making plenty of noise, alright. Next week’s tag match is still happening. Kam and Rook still aren’t pleased, but could this be a golden opportunity for the both of them? Tate then steps in and asks to talk. Stone says okay, and Tate thanks Stone for the match tonight. What a rush! Tate feels great, even though he lost. But hey, live and learn. That said, he’s ready to go again! Next week, no rest, just action. He doesn’t wanna cool down? No! Keanu Carver steps in and complains about Stone making him talk to people. And then he asks what Tate is looking at.

Keanu says he’s done telling Stone that he’s not talking to people for interviews. Stone understands, but last week’s interview went really well. And y’know what? If Tate wants a match, then how about Tate VS Keanu? Tate is hesitant, but then convinces himself. He’s down for anything. See you next week, big man. Say less. But does Tate have a death wish? Stone thinks it’s possible. Will the Cowboy manage to wrangle that first W here on NXT? Or is Keanu just going to carve him up?

Backstage interview with Kali Armstrong.

Blake Howard is with the Pride of Inglewood, and congratulates her on the big win over Jaida Parker last week. He’s seen her dominance on Evolve firsthand, but is she willing to share her plans for NXT? Kali says she wants to keep the momentum going, but she’s also scoping the scene before he makes her next move. Tatum Paxley and Lola Vice both have chicks lining up to fight ’em, then there’s Kendal and Kelani about to go at it to get that much closer to the NXT Women’s Championship. And Lola ain’t the only one watching tonight. Yeah, Kali’s comin’ for it all! She’s about to run through this locker room, just like Evolve.

But then Kendal walks over with a bit of a sarcastic clap. She points out that Kali didn’t run over everyone… Kendal leaves, simply reminding Kali who took that Evolve title off her. But will NXT soon enter the Grey Area?

Kelani Jordan VS Kendal Grey w/ Wren Sinclair!

The former NXT Women’s North American Champion and the former WWE Evolve Women’s Champion both want to be the next NXT Women’s Champion, and this match could go a long way to naming one as a contender. Will the Standout stand tall at the gates of Vice City? Or will the Ice Woman remind us why she’s the Women’s Iron Survivor?

The bell rings, the two tie up, and they go around already. They end up on the ropes, the ref counts, and Lani lets off. Lani shoves, Kendal shoves back, then Kendal TACKLES Lani! Kendal headlocks, Lani fights around to a cover, ONE! Kendal holds on but Lani powers up, out, and pulls hair to reel Kendal in! Lani back suplexes, but Kendal lands out and pulls Lani’s hair! Kendal reels Lani in for a big mat return SLAM! The fans rally as Kendal moves, ARMBAR, but Lani has the ROPEBREAK! Kendal lets go, but stays close as Lani gets up. Lani goes for a leg but Kendal spins that around into a backslide! TWO, and Lani KNEES low!

Lani CLUBS Kendal, stomps her in a corner, then CHOPS! Kendal is stinging as she goes to another corner, but Lani storms up and CHOPS again! We get picture in picture of Lola indeed watching, and Kendal dodges a chop to CHOP back! Kendal CHOPS again, whips Lani to ropes but Lani reverses. Lani does the splits but Kendal leaps over. Things speed up again as Kendal sidesteps then blows past Lani. Kendal counters hip toss with hip toss, but Lani handsprings through to DROPKICK back! The fans fire up as Lani stomps away in the corner. Lani stands Kendal up just to stomp again, then she goes corner to corner, only for Kendal to ELBOW her away!

Kendal goes up, over, out, then under! Kendal runs and redirects Lani to then sweep the legs, only for Lani to handspring through! Lani wags her finger, but Kendal blocks the kick! Kendal THROWS Lani down, DROPKICKS, and kips up! The fans cheer as Kendal shows she can move. Lani goes to the apron, but she avoids the shoulder to BOOT Kendal! Lani reels Kendal in, but Kendal fights the lift! Kendal DUMPS Lani back into the ring, then DROPKICKS a leg! Kendal trips Lani up to then slingshot STOMP! Cover, TWO! Lani survives but Kendal waistlocks. Lani goes to ropes, Kendal O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Lani has the O’Conner, TWO!

Kendal has it again, TWO, but Kendal rebounds to rolling jackknife, and ANKLE LOCK! Lani rolls to fling Kendal out! The fans rally as Lani aims, ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Kendal, Lani shouts no one does it like her! Then she mocks Wren’s bad leg while she drags Kendal up. Lani puts Kendal in the ring, but Kendal tiger feint KICKS Lani down! The fans fire up as Kendal then goes up a corner! Lani stands up, into Kendal’s SUPER CROSSBODY! The fans fire up for Kendal again as she daps it up with Wren, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Kendal goes to Lani, drags her up, and puts her in the ring. Kendal hurries up to the apron, RAMS Lani, but then Lani SWEEPS the legs! Kendal falls to apron then floor, and Lani goes out to whip her hard into the apron! Lani RAMS Kendal, RAMS her again, then THROWS her into steel steps! Lani talks trash while Kendal writhes, then she talks trash on Wren, too. Lani drags Kendal up and into the ring, stalks her, then HIP DROPS her down. Lani soaks up heat, but Kendal fires body shots! Kendal rolls Lani up, TWO! Lani KNEES Kendal down! Then she KNEES Kendal in the side! Lani whips Kendal corner to corner, then scoops for a BACKBREAKER!

Kendal crawls to ropes but Lani stalks her. Lani CLUBS Kendal, CHOKES her on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Lani stalks Kendal to a corner and RAMS into her! And RAMS her again! And again! Lani stops as the ref counts again, and she stalks Kendal to another corner. Lani drags Kendal out too center for a suplex, but Kendal cradle counters! TWO, and Lani storms up, into a BODY SHOT! Kendal has Lani in a corner now for a stomp and a whip. Lani reverses and Kendal hits buckles hard! Lani hurries to cover, TWO! Lani snarls as she clamps onto Kendal with a chinlock, and she digs her knee into Kendal’s back.

Kendal endures the stretch, fights up to her feet, and JAWBREAKERS free! NXT returns to single picture as Lani stumbles. Lani returns, but Kendal ducks the roundhouse! Lani ducks the roundhouse in return, then they both ROCK each other with forearms! Then they both run up, DOUBLE FACEBUSTERS! The fans fire up again while Wren coaches Kendal. “This is Awesome!” as both women rise up. Lani runs up on Kendal but Kendal ELBOWS her away! Lani returns, but Kendal TOSSES her out! The fans are cheering for “Both These Women!” as Kendal eggs Lani on. Lani is back, Kendal ELBOWS her down! And ELBOWS her again!

Kendal dodges Lani this time, to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up for Kendal, and the straps come down! Kendal roars, then she slips around to GERMAN SUPLEX Lani! And then another shoot in, EXPLODER! And another, EXPLODER! Kendal runs up and jumps up, but Lani catches her! Kendal fires fists and RANAS, then covers, TWO! Lani escapes in time but Wren coaches Kendal. Kendal drags Lani up, but Lani ELBOWS free of the German Suplex! Lani kicks low, CLUBS hard, then whips again. Kendal reverses, Lani goes up, around, and FLYING FOREARMS! Then Lani lifts Kendal, LIGER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Kendal survives, but Lani is beside herself! Lani hurries to drag Kendal to a drop zone, then she goes up the corner. ONE OF A KIND- NO, Kendal grabs a leg! ANKLE LOCK!! Lani clings to the ropes, does the splits even, and climbs up to SWING, but Kendal holds onto the ANKLE LOCK!! Lani hurries to reel Kendal in for a cradle, ONE, and ANKLE LOCK!! Kendal cranks the ankle, and she drags Lani to center! Lani flails, reaches out, claws at the mat, then rolls again! Kendal avoids hitting buckles, and Lani runs up. Kendal dodges, Lani hits buckle, ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Lani clasps hands and stacks Kendal, ONE!

Kendal holds on but Lani KNEES away on Kendal’s face! Kendal lets Lani go, Lani runs up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both women rise as the fans fire up again. Lani KICKS, KICKS, and MULE KICKS! The fans cheer “Women’s Wrestling!” as Lani runs, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Lani survives but Kendal stays focused. But then IZZI ATTACKS LOLA! Well, that should’ve been an obvious tactic, really, and now the brawl is on! Lola and Izzi fight around backstage while Kendal climbs a corner. Lani hurries up to GAMANGIRI! Then Lani climbs the corner. Kendal and Lani brawl, clinch, and SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!!

Lani is stunned as Kendal survives again! Lani pushes past frustration to go up the corner, but Kendal CLUBS her! Lani falls onto the post, Kendal climbs up after her, but now Izzi and Lola are brawling onto the stage! Security and refs try to stop them, but the brawl BULLDOZES Wren!! Kendal THROWS Lani, but she spots the chaos happening just below her! And that lets Lani get up and KICK the legs out! Then ONE OF A KIND MOONSAULT!! Cover, LANI WINS!!

Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall

Wren was right all along, she should’ve just stayed in the back. But now, the Standout and her bad attitude are free and clear to go after the gold! Speaking of, the champ comes back to check on poor Wren, and Kendal is upset with LOLA for bringing that brawl out here! Kendal shoves Lola, Lola gets heated, and IZZI BOOTS LOLA DOWN!! The It Girl takes advantage of opening after opening, but will that make her the next NXT Women’s Champion?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT as this newest chapter is coming into its own. Great opening tag match, and I could just tell Zaria was gonna do the tag ditch on Lyons. Good promo with Tatum, Lizzy, Shiloh and Tristan to have Lizzy help with establishing Tristan on NXT a bit before his match next week. There’s some irony to how Tristan’s gonna get to do more on NXT before he even gets going on Evolve, and that’s even with Tristan being in the #1 contender’s Fatal 4 Way on tomorrow’s episode. Tristan likely cheats to win against Shiloh, and they can make this a feud to go into the summer. I would think Tatum beats Lizzy in a strong, competitive match, and perhaps Zaria goes after Tatum afterwards.

Good promo from The Culling, though not entirely sure it was needed when duh, Izzi just cut to the chase and attacked Lola during the main event. Great main event match, and of course Lani takes advantage of distraction. While Lola VS Izzi is clearly happening first, Lani is certainly poised for her own title shot. Good interaction from Kendal and Kali, too, they might run it back from Evolve real quick while both women wait on their own opportunities. Very good bit with Natalya and Jaida to build their feud, and I wonder if they follow up with a kayfabe’d moment where Jaida does crash an LFG filming (I say that cuz I think most of the new season is taped already).

Very good debut match for Naraku going up against Lince, and I’m sure he’ll have a few more matches to build himself up while Mason Rook goes after Tony D and the title. I figured from the moment Myles was talking to Tavion that we were getting a champions VS (potential) challengers tag match. Tavion might snap and go Heel, costing Myles his part of the match. Mason Rook had a very good promo as he signed his NXT contract, and he’s gonna give Tony a great match, win, lose or draw.

Very good promo from Dar with Romeo, another guy who is already doing more on NXT than he has in Evolve. But I think that pep talk did kayfabe motivate Dar, he had a great match with Drake. Naturally, Vanity Project helped Drake win that, but you gotta appreciate Myka being positioned as the Chyna in this Gen Z version of Degeneration X or what have you. Great promo from DarkState to establish the tag title match, and I could also tell they were going to put Dion and Saquon forward. The dysfunction could be used to protect the team in the loss, or it could give DarkState a great “breakthrough” moment where they overcome that and win out.

Very good promo from the other Evolve graduates, great Six Man Tag, but I thought this was going to be a loss from Sean overstepping. He has been talking like he’s the veteran in NXT already, so I expected him to snipe a tag and take the win instead of letting Tate have his moment. Tate going all out and failing for it is a bit of a hard shift in his character given what we’ve seen on Evolve, but hey, Tate VS Keanu is going to be great stuff. Emily Agard continues to do great work already, this new on-location interview with OTM was great. The local fans already like OTM, but this could help OTM with the larger audience, and maybe they can finally get to the top of the tag division.

My Score: 8.8/10

It iz what it iz. Or iz it?

Mr. Iguana returns to NXT to help his amiga, the NXT Women’s Champion, Lola Vice, against The Culling’s Izzi Dame & Niko Vance!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kali Armstrong VS Jaida Parker; Kali wins.
• Jackson Drake w/ Swipe Right VS Jasper Troy; Drake wins.
• Tony D’Angelo VS Tavion Heights; rescheduled.
• Mixed Tag: Lola Vice & Mr. Iguana VS Izzi Dame & Niko Vance w/ Shawn Spears; Izzi & Niko win.
• Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Cutler James & Osiris Griffin w/ DarkState; Cutler & Osiris win.
• Tony D’Angelo VS Tavion Heights; Tony wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tony D’Angelo speaks.

The NXT Champion is in the Performance Center as he says, “These guys don’t wanna wait? Well, I’m not waiting, either! Watch this.” Tony CLOBBERS Tavion right onto a table, and then they brawl to the floor! The other superstars and prospects get in there to separate these two, but not for long! Tony eggs Tavion on, Tavion says let’s go! Will Tavion regret escalating things with Tony D? Or will the heat reach new heights?

Kali Armstrong VS Jaida Parker!

The Difference Maker was inaugural WWE Evolve Women’s Champion, and now she wants to prove she belongs on NXT! But did she choose the wrong one in Miss Parker? Or is there about to be a Kali Connection in Orlando?

The bell rings and the fans fire up already as Jaida and Kali talk trash. They start shoving, then Kali slips around to shove Jaida. Kali guzels Jaida, talks more trash, but Jaida slips around to waistlock and SLAM! Jaida brings Kali up to waistlock and SLAM again! Jaida gives back that trash talk but Kali ELBOWS free. Kali shoves Jaida to arm-drag, but Jaida counters with a headlock takeover! The fans cheer for “Miss Parker~!” but Kali fights up. Jaida wrangles Kali to a cover, ONE! Jaida stays on Kali with a facelock, but Kali fights up to wrench and headlock back. Kali snapmares then pushes Jaida down, but Jaida avoids the elbow drop!

Jaida runs to slide into the headlock and she grinds Kali down. The fans rally as Kali fights up and fires body shots. Jaida goes to a corner, Kali stomps her, then Kali whips. Jaida reverses to arm-drag! Jaida RUNS Kali over, then wrenches through to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Jaida clamps onto Kali drags her up, and whips. Kali stops herself, but Jaida LARIATS Kali up and out! The fans fire up again and  Jaida runs to slide, only for Kali to block the dropkick! Kali RAMS Jaida into the apron, then swings her around, only for Jaida to send her into the apron! Jaida CLUBS Kali, puts her in the ring, but has to avoid the shoulder!

Jaida KICKS Kali away, then runs up. Kali dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both women fall but the fans fire up as NXT goes picture in picture.

Jaida nods, she’s fired up by this competitive match. Jaida fires body shots but Kali fires back. They go shot for shot, harder and harder, then Kali BODY BLOWS! Kali wrenches Jaida, CLUBS the arm, then CLUBS it again. Kali wrenches to WRING Jaida out! Cover, TWO! Jaida toughs it out but Kali brings her up and around. Kali wrenches to WRING Jaida again! Cover, TWO! Kali drags Jaida up again but Jaida ELBOWS her away. Kali runs up to RAM Jaida in the corner! And RAMS her again! Kali runs, but Jaida dodges! Jaida CLUBS Kali, rolls her up, TWO! Jaida drags Kali up but Kali kicks low.

Kali brings Jaida around, whips her to ropes, but Jaida reverses to CLOBBER her! Cover, TWO! Kali toughs it out but Jaida stays on her. Kali body shots Jaida, then scurries to a corner as Jaida comes running back up. Jaida backs off so Kali can stand up, and Kali shoots around to headlock Jaida. Kali hits a headlock takeover, but Jaida headscissors. Kali moves around, pops free, and drops on Jaida for another headlock. Jaida endures the grind and fights to her feet. Jaida fires body shots but Kali hits another takeover. Jaida fights up again, NXT returns to single picture, and the fans rally as Jaida fire smore body shots.

Jaida whips corner to corner, Kali reverses, and Jaida hits buckles hard! Kali does push-ups just to show off, then she runs in, into a BOOT! Kali tumbles out of the ring but hurries back to her feet. Kali HOTSHOTS Jaida, then hurries to the apron. Kali springboards to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as Kali storms around. Kali JABS! JABS! JABS! Then a two step before she KICKS Jaida’s leg and DECKS her! Kali then KNEE DROPS again and again! Kali runs the ropes to JUMP KNEE DROP! Jaida writhes but Kali grins as she has control. Kali soaks up the cheers and jeers before she storms up on Jaida. Kali RAMS into Jaida again and again, then digs her shoulder in!

The ref counts, Kali backs off, but she pie faces Jaida. Jaida SLAPS Kali! Kali ROCKS Jaida and stomps away in the corner! The ref counts, Kali backs off, and Kali mocks the high stepping! The fans are torn again, but Kali runs up, and she CLOBBERS Jaida! Kali runs, but Jaida CHOP BLOCKS Kali! Then BACKDROPS her! And BACKDROPS again! Jaida BOOTS Kali down and the fans fire up for “MISS PARKER~!” Jaida runs up, blocks boots, and CHOPS Kali in the ropes! And CHOPS again! Then the TEARDROP! Jaida high steps then drags Kali up. Kali wrenches to kick low, then ROCKS Jaida! Jaida ROCKS Kali in return, the hands fly, but Kali CLUBS Jaida!

Jaida CHOPS Kali, then fireman’s carries! Kali CLAWS Jaida’s eyes, then RAMS her into the corner! But Jaida bucks the O’Conner! Jaida runs up, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Kali fires up and hits the gas! KALI CONNECTION! Cover, Kali wins!

Winner: Kali Armstrong, by pinfall

From Evolve to NXT, Kali is on a five match win streak, and she is running downhill with that momentum! Will she make herself the next contender no matter what? As for Jaida, what will it take for her to finally break through to the next level?

Robert Stone meets with Tony D’Angelo.

The NXT General Manager is upset with the champion over that attack on Tavion, but Tony says he is not the kind of champion waiting on his challengers or looking over his shoulder. He may be the hunted, but he is still a hunter. Stone says no, that’s not how they do this! Do NOT interrupt him, Stone! Give Tony a match with Tavion tonight! Tonight? Yes, he said tonight! Is Stone hearing him? Yes, he is! Done deal! Tony VS Tavion, okay? Go! Tony leaves, but will he regret taking a fight with a hungry hunter? Or will Tavion be made an example for all the others aiming at the gold?

Birthright talks backstage.

Lexis King says, “What happened last week is a travesty. And where did Sean Legacy come from? He wasn’t even supposed to be here!” Stacks asks what this Tate Wilder guy is doing! What happened to paying your dues around here? But in steps Fit Finlay, and Uriah Connors says wassup, pops. Finlay says here’s what’s up: They’re supposed to be upholding tradition, right? Not being outmaneuvered by gamers who have no pedigree and are way below them. Guess who he has on the phone? Arianna Grace says uh oh, is that Mr. Regal? Yes, good guess. At least they got something right.

Finlay has Regal speak. He also says last week was a disappointment, but not to worry, he’s handled it. He sent Charlie back to the Snake Pit in England for training, because next week, it will be a Six Man Tag. Now, make the most of this opporutnity and take care of business. Arianna promises they will. Finlay tells them all to step up. Grace says next week, they’re fighting for their birthright. Will these multigenerational stars prove their families proud? Or will Super Sean, EK Prosper, and Tate Wilder stake their claim to NXT?

He speaks.

“I made my name in my home country of Japan. I’ve faced and defeated many great competitors. I’ve won many titles, but the soul of a warrior is never satisfied. NXT is entering a new era of great opportunity! This is MY moment to strike! Tony, you sit at the top of NXT with the biggest prize in NXT. A prize I want. I did not present you with a gift, I presented you with a proclamation. One day, you and I will do battle for the NXT Championship! It is written in the rising sun! HAHAHA!” NXT, be ready for… NARAKU!

Jackson Drake w/ Swipe Right VS Jasper Troy!

Dr. Thirst has been feeling good in and out of the ring, but the MonStar questions why. What has Drake done other than pal around with Swipe Right, THE NXT Tag Team Champions? Will the Carolina Reaper burn Troy for talking down to him? Or is Troy going to prove that size does matter?

The bell rings and Drake runs up, but Toy THROWS him right back! Troy then THROWS Drake to another corner, and he fires haymakers! The fans sing, “Jasper’s Gonna Kill~ You!” Troy backs off as the ref counts, then CLOBBERS Drake! Troy warns Swipe Right, then dares Drake to get back up. Troy scoops Drake, Drake slips free, and Drake KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS! Troy blocks that one to throw it back, but Drake ENZIGIRIS in return! Drake whips, but Troy blocks! Troy shakes his head, then whips Drake! Drake ducks, handsprings, but Troy dodges to CLOBBER Drake! Smokes gets on the apron but Troy chases him off!

Now Brad gets on the apron, but Troy chases him off, too. Drake goes up, up, and METEORAS! The fans are torn as Drake is feeling himself, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Drake basement DROPKICKS Troy, then stalks him to a corner. Drake digs his boot in, but he stops as the ref counts 4. Drake backs off to soak up cheers and jeers, then he runs up to DROPKICK Troy again! Drake stomps away, but he stops to drag Troy to the apron. Drake bends Troy’s neck back against the apron edge! The ref reprimands, Drake stops to climb back up, for an APRON KNEE DROP! Troy flounders away while Drake high-fives his boys. Drake then DROPKICKS Troy in another corner! Drake swaggers, then brings Troy up. Drake tries to fireman’s carry but not possible with Troy being twice his size!

Troy CLUBS Drake, HEADBUTTS him, and Drake flounders out to the apron. Troy storms up, but Drake HOTSHOTS him away! Drake hurries back up, and he DUMPS Troy out! Troy lands on his feet, but Drake DIVES! Troy catches Drake in his arms, to then pop him around! But Drake slips free to POST Troy! Drake rolls into the ring, builds speed again, and DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Troy! Swipe Right is there to talk some trash, but Troy rolls back into the ring. Drake pursues, runs the ropes, and handsprings for the LETHAL INJECTION! Cover, TWO!! Troy survives and Drake is stunned!

Drake runs to basement DROPKICK! Drake then clamps on with a chinlock, shifts into a SLEEPER, and he grinds Troy down! Troy endures, fights back up, but Drake CLUBS him down! Then Drake CHOP BLOCKS a leg! Drake is fired up as he then rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Drake clamps the SLEEPER back on, and he grinds Troy down to the mat. Troy fights up again, with Drake as a backpack! NXT returns to single picture as Troy RAMS Drake into a corner! Troy is free, but Drake BOOTS him away! Drake spins Troy around, but Troy DECKS him! And DOUBLE CHOPS! The fans fire up as Troy then RAMS Drake into the corner!

Troy whips, Drake goes up and over and handsprings more, to then duck ‘n’ dodge, only for Troy to catch him! Troy swings but Drake makes it a DDT! The fans rally as Drake hobbles to the corner. Drake climbs, grins, but Troy kips up!? Everyone is shocked seeing that! Drake leaps, but into a guzel! CHOKE SLAM! Troy roars, runs, and SENTONS! The fans fire up with Troy while Swipe Right hurries to get Drake outta the ring! Troy rolls out, and he DECKS Smoles! and DECKS Drake! Brad begs for mercy, but Troy grabs him by the neck! Troy gorilla presses Brad, and THROWS him into the ring! But wait, here comes MYKA!

The fans are stunned as Drake’s new boo spins Troy! And scoops him for a SLAM on the floor!! Mighty Myka puts Troy in the ring, then Drake goes up! Drake huts the 450 SPLASH! Cover, Drake wins!

Winner: Jackson Drake, by pinfall

As if Drake wasn’t smitten with his Amazon girlfriend before, now he’s really in love! Myka helps Drake steal this win, will they make themselves the new power couple of NXT?

Tristan Angels speaks.

“Order, order. One week ago, the winds of change blew through NXT, and emerged Tristan Angels. I am here to bring real class to this brand, and yes, it is true, I was born a seventh generation sheep farmer on a hill in Dorset, England. But I knew from a young age that there was gold running through my veins, and that I was destined for so much more. And of course, I was correct! At just 22 years of age, my name has become synonymous with overachievement internationally. I can sheer a sheep in just under a minute, and I will kick your favorite superstar’s ass even quicker than that. Because when it comes to winning and achievements, I have something of a sixth sense.

“Which is in total contrast to your North American Champion, Myles Borne, who doesn’t even have all five of his. I don’t need to scrape into other people’s moments like Kam Hendrix to feel relevant, nor do I have to go around like that toothless caveman, Shiloh Hill, feeding disgusting racoons out of the palm of my hand. Or slapping my belly to try and make you laugh like Hank ‘n’ Tank. I am the star NXT has been yearning for. And luckily for you all, I am here. Built with shoulders broad enough to carry that burden, rejoice, NXT: Mr. England, Tristan Angels, has officially arrived.”

Zaria is here!

The fans are torn seeing the Agent of Change swagger to the ring, still feeling good after her win over Sol Ruca in their Last Woman Standing grudge match. Zaria grabs a mic and says, “NXT feels… different, doesn’t it? There’s a change in the air, and now it could be anyone’s game. And honestly, for the first time, I’m standing in the middle of the Women’s Division with no one holding me back.” The fans cheer as Zaria says there’s no dead weight, no fake friends. The only one is her, and she is only now realizing this is how it always needed to be. Her, ZARIA, alone. Fans chant “BIG ZA!” and she says she has a clear path to what started it all.

The very thing that came in between her and Sol. The catalyst that is the NXT Women’s North American Championship! “Some people think that that title destroyed everything, but to me, that title is what finally woke me up. Because when you spend enough time around something like that, holding it, defending it, hearing about it, it starts to make you feel like it should be yours!” But speaking of that title, here comes Tatum Paxley! The fans cheer #TuesdayAddams, but she tells Zaria that she understands that this title didn’t just fracture the relationship with Sol, it completely shattered it! But that had nothing to do with Tatum.

And now, Zaria is here, trying to figure out who she is by herself, and that is hard. Tatum gets that more than anyone! But Zaria, if you were to come after this title… It wouldn’t matter if you scorched the earth. Tatum’s ended friendships, too. She’s danced with the devil while putting someone in a casket, all for this title. That doesn’t end with Zaria. But wait, wait, wait! Lizzy Rain is here, and she rocks her way to the ring! “Oi, oi, oi! Look, Zaria, Tatum, you’re right. NXT feels different. It is anyone’s game. And me? Well, I’m the new blood in the locker room, which is why I wouldn’t mind joining in on this bit o’ fun.”

Last week, Lizzy was the talk of the town! And whilst the lineage of this NXT Women’s North American Championship is iconic, how fitting would it be if we added some heavy metal to the gold? Tatum likes that, but wait! Now let’s add Nikkita Lyons! The fans cheer #BigKatKita and she says alright, yes, of course Lizzy was the talk o’ the town! that’s what they call the Lyons Rub! Or maybe the Divine Feline Effect. But uh, all Lyons hears is the new flavor of the month shooting way over her head. And sure, Lizzy set social media on fire last week, but Lyons has seen girls like her come and go. So go touch grass before the new car smell wears off.

Tatum asks what Lyons is talking about. Zaria, Lizzy, if anyone wants- Lyons sings her, “Excuse~ me~!” Kita Multimedia wasn’t done! Lizzy, why do you even have eyes on this title? Lyons isn’t even done with the “Maiden of Metal!” Lyons swings on Lizzy but she ducks it! Zaria ROCKS Tatum, BOOTS Lizzy, then ducks Lyons’ kick to GERMAN SUPELX Lyons away! But Tatum wrenches Zaria, only for Zaria to power out! Fireman’s carry, F5! The Delta Force has been felt, and she holds up the gold. Will no one deny Zaria her glory now that she’s all about herself?

Vanity Project regroups backstage.

They are fired up after Drake’s big win tonight, but they come across Evolve’s Romeo Moreno. He introduces himself, and Drake thinks that name must be ironic or something. Smokes recognizes Romeo! He’s the new kid who likes to paint! Yeah, he says wrestling is art. Brad sarcastically says more new people is exactly what they need around here. Romeo says they’re technically new to NXT, right? Yes, but they’re also champions. But then NOAM DAR steps in! Romeo is excited to see the return of the Scottish Supernova as Noam points out Drake is not a champion. Drake tells Swipe Right that this is Noam Dar, he used to be a big deal almost ten years ago.

Noam says he still is a big deal, “Jacky.” And he is happy to hand out a reminder. That’s what he just confirmed with Mr. Stone. Supernova is back, and time to shake off the rust. Drake looks like the perfect opponent for target practice. So how about it? Next week, Dar VS Drake. And his boys can watch, because they clearly can’t be left alone unsupervised. But then Myka steps in and says they’re with her. Drake says yeah! So if Myka is down for watching Drake “welcome” Dar back, challenge accepted. Vanity Project heads out, and Romeo again fanboys. He loved Dar’s work back in NXT UK, he was watching all the time. Welcome back!

Dar thanks Romeo for that, but did Supernova 11 already bite off more than he can chew?

Tony D’Angelo heads to gorilla.

BUT KAM HENDRIX ATTACKS! Mr. Showtime busts up the wall using Tony, then rains down fists! Refs and Mr. Stone rush in, Kam is dragged away, but is Tony in any shape to have the match he got with Tavion? We’ll have to see, after the break.

NXT returns and Stone hurries to borrow a production staff member’s headset. Stone tells the team that Tony VS Tavion is NOT happening. Kam is kicked out, Tony stormed off, so move up the Mixed Tag Match. Lola & Iguana VS Culling NOW. Yes, now! Make it happen! Stone thanks everyone, then hurries off. What consequences await Kam on the other side of this? And what will our main event be now that there’s been a change to plans?

Mixed Tag: Lola Vice & Mr. Iguana VS Izzi Dame & Niko Vance w/ Shawn Spears!

Well, speaking of the AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions, it was only natural that Senor Verde would come to the aid of the Mayor of Vice City when she needed it. But will they make sure The Culling learns their place? Or will there be a painful truth in Lola’s near future?

The teams sort out and Iguana starts against Niko. They tie up, but Niko SHOVES Iguana away. The fans rally for Iguana as he resets with Niko, and Iguana dodges to waistlock. Niko bucks Iguana, things speed up, and Niko RUNS Iguana over! Iguana plays dead and Niko isn’t sure what to do. Spears says just be careful. Niko knuckle locks but Iguana kips up! Niko fireman’s carries, but Iguana pops around to a SLEEPER! Then an ELEVATED COBRA TWIST! Niko RAMS Iguana into a corner, then Gory Especials! Lola manages to pass La Yesca to Iguana, and that gives him the power to flip through and arm-drag Niko!

Niko runs up but Yesca SMACKS him! Iguana ducks ‘n’ dodges to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Yesca covers Niko, ONE! Niko is upset but Izzi tags in. Spears has Yesca by the tail, but Iguana snatches her back. But Izzi BOOTS Iguana! Lola THRUST KICKS Izzi! Lola fires off fast hands, then KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! The fans fire up for Lola but she backs off as the ref counts. Lola runs back in, but Izzi dodges! Izzi LARIATS Lola down! The fans boo but Izzi storms up on Lola again to UPPERCUT! Izzi ROCKS Lola, bumps her off buckles, then brings her around to scoop and SLAM! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Lola but Izzi drags her up.

Izzi whips Lola, runs up, and she RAMS into Lola! Izzi whips Lola back the other way, but Lola BOOTS her! Roll up, TWO! Lola BODY BLOWS Izzi, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Lola runs to ropes, slingshots and arm-drags! Izzi tumbles but Lola SPIN KICKS! Izzi bails out, Lola tags Iguana! Niko runs up, Iguana dodges to RANA! Niko tumbles out, and now Iguana goes up, up, and tags Lola before the SUPER SEATED SENTON! Lola SEATED SENTONS Izzi! The fans fire up as Iguana y Lola dance, then they pose on the apron while NXT goes picture in picture.

Lola goes out to fetch Izzi and put her in the ring. Lola runs but The Chair Man stands in the way! Lola turns around, and Izzi BOOTS her down! Izzi drags Lola up, bumps her off buckles, then bumps her off buckles again! And again, only for Lola to turn things around! Izzi staggers, Lola waistlocks, but Izzi fights the lift. Izzi wrenches free to kick low, but Lola blocks! Lola SOBATS, then ducks a lariat! Hot tag to Iguana! Niko runs up but Iguana CHOPS! Niko whips, Iguana ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard, but into a HAYMAKER! Niko is fired up after his anti-air hits, then he stomps away on Iguana! Niko ROCKS Iguana, and Iguana plays dead again.

Niko stomps Iguana, not falling for that trick again. Niko CHOKES Iguana, steps off, then whips him to a corner. Niko runs up to SPLASH, then he ROCKS Iguana again! Iguana slumps down in the corner, but Niko stomps away. The ref counts, Niko stops, and Niko drags Iguana up. Niko reels Iguana in for a BIG suplex! That’s just Uno Amigo, but Iguana fires body shots! Niko CLUBS Iguana down, then snarls as he steps on him. Niko drags Iguana up to ROCK him with a right! Niko CHOKES Iguana on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts 4. Izzi gets a cheap shot in! Niko covers, TWO! Iguana toughs it out but Niko looms over him.

Niko stands Iguana up, ROCKS him, but Iguana CHOPS in return! Niko KNEES low, CLUBS Iguana, but Iguana CHOPS! Niko ROCKS Iguana again, then eggs him on. Iguana stands up as NXT returns to single picture, and Iguana fires body shots! Niko CLUBS Iguana, scoops him, and SLAMS him! Niko runs to FALLING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! Iguana toughs it out but Niko argues the count. The count was fair, so Niko drags Iguana up again. Niko HEADBUTTS, but Iguana HEADBUTTS back! Niko HEADBUTTS, Iguana HEADBUTTS, but Niko ROLLING HEAEDBUTTS! The fans boo as Niko soaks up the heat.

Iguana crawls but Niko hurries to drag him back! Lola reaches out, Iguana ENZIGIRIS Niko away, but Izzi sneaks her way over to YANK Lola down! The fans boo but Izzi SMACKS Lola off steps! Niko gut wrenches to SLAM Iguana down! Cover, TWO! Iguana survives and the fans fire up! Niko reels Iguana in, hoists him up for a Canadian Rack, but Iguana flips through to DDT! The fans fire up while Niko and Iguana crawl, hot tags to Lola and Izzi! Lola KICKS Izzi down, then KICKS her again! And SPIN KICK! SPIN KICK! SPIN KICK! Lola fires LIGHTNING KICKS! Izzi scrambles to a corner but Lola fires the fans up!

But then Niko steps in and stares Lola down. Lola fires LIGHTNING KICKS! Then Iguana SHOTGUNS! Iguana y Lola salsa then dosido, DOUBLE HIP ATTACKS! The fans cheer as Lola drags Izzi to a cover, TWO! Izzi survives but the fans rally behind Lola. Lola reels Izzi in but Izzi fights the back suplex. Izzi CLUBS away, then CHOPS! The fans boo but Izzi scoops, only for Lola to slip free and ROUNDHOUSE! Cover, but Niko stops the ref from counting! The ref reprimands, Niko “apologizes,” but here comes Iguana! Niko TOSSES Iguana out, Izzi UPPERCUTS Lola! Cover, TWO! Lola survives and The Culling is frustrated.

The fans rally up, Izzi whips, but Lola turns hip toss into ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Niko runs in but Iguana intecepts! IGUANA RANA into the TRIANGLE HOLD! Lola drags Izzi into a TRIANGLE HOLD, too! But Niko deadlifts Iguana, only for Igauan to RANA Niko outside! Niko holds on and POWERBOMBS Igauan on the floor! Izzi manages the ROPEBREAK! Lola sees what happened to Iguana, but Izzi rolls her up! TWO, and Izzi avoids the uraken to BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, IZZI & NIKO WIN!

Winners: Izzi Dame & Niko Vance, by pinfall

Yes, it seems there was a painful truth, and it was that Lola’s Iguana could not fend off The Culling’s attack dog. Izzi gets her win on Lola, but will she soon take the NXT Women’s Championship?

Tavion Heights is furious.

As far as he knows, Kam Hendrix just cost him a match with Tony D! Myles Borne knows Tavion his pissed, but maybe this is a good thing. What? A good thing?! Myles, Tavion does not need you acting like the opposition right now! No, Tavion, but the match was rather quick. Now he has time to prepare. Myles, Tavion stays ready so he doesn’t have to get ready. Stone walks in and tells Tavion that firstly, they kicked Kam out of the building. Secondly, Tony D is still down for the match. Tavion says damn right! He shakes hands with Stone, and now they’re the main event! Tavion heads out, will he earn himself that golden ticket after all?

Stone then spots Zaria storming around, and he hurries over. She asks him who the hell Lyons and Lizzy think they are interrupting Zaria! That Women’s North American Championship is hers! Stone knows she wants that title match, so next week, it will be Zaria & Lyons VS Lizzy & Tatum. A tag team match?! Zaria tells him to look into her eyes: She is DONE with tag matches. Well, if she wants another title opportunity, she’ll take this match. Stone leaves Zaria with little choice, but will she just make sure to take over by any means necessary?

Jaida Parker is raging backstage!

She shouts, “I’m over this! I’m over this!” She is furious that she just can’t get it right! She’s throwing chairs, ripping down labels, then sits down as she starts getting emotional. But then someone says, “I guess what they’re saying about Miss Parker is true.” NATTIE steps in, and she says Jaida’s gone soft. Nattie leaves, but is that her rubbing salt in the wound? Or was that an invitation to the Dungeon?

Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Cutler James & Osiris Griffin w/ DarkState!

This card’s already been subject to change, so think of this as a surprise bonus. But will the Big Belly Bandits start their comeback to the tag team titles? Or DarkState prove they can still work together for a common goal?

NXT returns as DarkState makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Cutler starts against Tank. They circle as the fans rally up, and Tank slaps his belly to the rhythm of “HANK ‘N’ TANK! HANK ‘N’ TANK!” The two tie up, Cutler waistlocks, but Tank wiggles and swivels and wrenches free to waistlock back. Cutler ELBOWS free, then UPPERCUTS! Tank wobbles, Cutler whips, but Tank BOOTS in return! Tank runs up to slip around and crucifix takedown! Ghost pin, TWO! Tank powers Cutler to ropes, Hank tags in, and Tank whips Cutler to then redirect! Hank ELBOWS Cutler down, cover, ONE! Hank headlocks but Cutler fires body shots.

Hank CLUBS Cutler, armlocks then wrenches, but Cutler ROCKS Hank. Cutler tags Osiris, they double whip, and DOUBLE LARIAT! Osiris drags Hank up, scoops, and SLAMS! Osiris fires up, but Hank UP KICKS! tag to Tank, they dodge Osiris to DOUBLE ELBOW in the corner! Tank goes to suplex but Osiris is a big man! Osiris fires body shots to suplex Tank! And hold him up! The fans cheer as Osiris holds until TEN before the SLAM! Tank’s a big man so that’s impressive in itself. Osiris drags Tank over, tags Cutler, and DarkState mugs Tank. Cutler then whips and LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Cutler runs up but Tank dodges! Hank tags in before Tank SPLASHES!

Hank runs in and SPLASHES, to then BULLDOG! Tank SENTONS! Hank goes to the apron, he ELBOWS Osiris away, then climbs up. Cutler UPPERCUTS Hank down! Hank hits apron then the floor! Tank runs up but Osiris blocks a kick! Cutler LARIATS Tank down! Dion grabs a chair, but Saquon says no! Dion is immediately furious, they’re disagreeing every week! Cutler & Osiris go outside to calm these two down, but the ring count is climbing. Hank ‘n’ Tank are still down, DarkState is dysfunctional, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Cutler focuses on what matters as he puts Hank in the ring. Cutler stomps Hank around, tags Osiris, and now Osiris stomps Hank around. Osiris drags Hank up to whip him hard into an open corner. Osiris storms up but Hank fires back! Hank CHOPS, but Osiris KNEES and CLUBS him! Osiris whips Hank corner to corner HARD, and Hank flounders on the mat. Osiris talks some trash, then stalks Hank to bring him up. Osiris whips corner to corner again, but Tank helps Hank take the hit! Hank comes back to CLOBBER Osiris! Both big men are down and crawling, hot tags to Cutler and Tank! Tank dodges to go up, up, and DOUBLE CROSSBODY!

Tank fires up, fires haymakers on Cutler, then JABS, JABS, JABS! Tank dodges a shot, then cartwheels to dodge another! Tank LARIATS Cutler down! Tank even ducks Osiris’ cheap shot to DECK him! Tank ELBOWS Cutler away, but Osiris trips Tank up! Cutler scoops Tank to BACKBREAKER! Cutler stomps away on Tank, bumps him off buckles, then RAMS into him again and again! The ref counts, Cutler short arm LARIATS before 4. Tag to Osiris, he scoops Tank to SNAKE EYES! Osiris keeps moving and SHOTGUNS Tank down! Cover, TWO! Tank survives but Osiris stays between him and Hank.

Osiris CHOKES Tank on the ropes, stops as the ref counts 4, then storms back over to Tank. Tank fires body shots, but Osiris CLUBS him for it. Osiris puts Tank in the corner, tags Cutler, and they mug Tank. Cutler short arm LARIATS again! Cutler pushes Tank down to a cover, TWO! Cutler clamps onto Tank with a chinbar and chicken wing while NXT returns to single picture. Tank fights up while the fans duel. Dion and Saquon at least agree on coaching Cutler to stay on Tank. Cutler wrangles Tank down, has the chinlock, but Tank fights up, up, but Cutler KNEES low! Cutler CLUBS Tank, then tags Osiris.

Osiris whips for Cutler to reverse, and Osiris SPLASHES! Feed to Cutler for a GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Osiris scuffs Tank, mocks the belly slapping, then fires body shots! Osiris scoops to SLAM Tank! Osiris pushes Tank around, mocks him again, but Tank rises up. Osiris puts Tank in the corner but Tank fires forearms and elbows! The fans cheer as Tank fights free, but Osiris keeps him from Hank! Osiris whips Tank back in for a LARIAT! Tag to Cutler, he sends Osiris back in, but Tank dodges! Osiris is down, Cutler still gut wrenches, but Tank slips free! Tank rolls to hot tag Hank! Th efans fire up as Hank DOUBLE CHOPS Cutler down!

Hank whips Cutler to CLOBBER him at the ropes! Then he hits a BIG suplex! Hank sets up to SENTON! Osiris storms in but Hank LARIATS Osiris up and out! Hank then goes out to POUNCE! Osiris hits desk! Hank ducks ‘n’ dodges Cutler to BODY CHECK him! Tag to Tank, and they run to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Cover, Osiris breaks it! The fans are torn as Osiris saves the day, then BOOTS Hank! Osiris TOSSES Hank, Tank DUMPS Osiris! Cutler clutches Tank for a SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Tag to Osiris and Osiris hauls Tank up! WASTELAND, then VADER BOMB! Cover, HANK BREAKS IT! The fans cheer as now Hank saves the day!

Osiris storms up on Hank to short arm LARIAT! Tag to Cutler, DarkState hauls Tank up! POWERSLAM DDT COMBO! Cover, TWO?!?! Tank survives that devastating combo and DarkState is frustrated again! Cutler talks trash on Tank, but Tank ROCKS him! Cutler ROCKS Tank, Tank ROCKS Cutler, repeat! The fans cheer as Tank elbows, mule kicks, and KNEES! Hot tags to Osiris and Hank! Hank dodges Osiris and Osiris POSTS himself! Hank LARIATS Cutler up and out! cutler drags Hank out to APRON BACK SUPLEX! Osiris is up, but Tank DIVES! But they catch Tank!! And the SLAM him onto Hank!

The fans are torn as DarkState puts Hank in, then Osiris tags Cutler. They haul Hank up, DOUBLE POWERBOMB!! Cover, DarkState wins!

Winners: Osiris Griffin & Cutler James, by pinfall

Despite the dysfunction between Dion and Saquon, Osiris & Cutler held it together and they won out! Will they help the whole team reset and get back to the gold?

Lola Vice returns backstage.

Kelani Jordan is there and she sarcastically says, “Tough loss, champ. And you got pinned by Izzi? She’s definitely gonna want a title shot. But you shouldn’t worry about her. You should be worried about me.” Lola says she’s not in the mood for this, but Lani says don’t act like you forgot: Lani is the only woman to ever tap Lola out, so Lani IS the one to worry about. But Kendal Grey walks in and says Lani knows she ain’t talking about a title match. Oh, of course! Says the woman who had so many opportunities already. Kendal says yeah, and she’s still got her eyes on the title. But last week, Lani hurt Kendal’s best friend, so now it’s Lani’s turn.

Lani says how cute. Lola says Lani needs to handle her own problems first. Lola leaves, but Lani tells Kendal, “Friendships, or championships. Guess we’ll see which one you care about more.” Lani leaves, but will Kendal make sure to sink Lani’s ship?

NXT meets its newest correspondent.

Emily Agard walks ‘n’ talks as she introduces herself, and her first assignment is getting to know Keanu Carver a little better. He said to meet him out here, she’s hoping he’ll let his guard down. Emily says hi to Keanu, and Keanu asks if she’s the one that’s interviewing him. Who the hell even is she? Emily says she’s the new correspondent. Then what does she want? Well, she’s on her first assignment, they sent her here, she just wants to talk. See, this is what they do. They put you in situations you don’t want to be in, and make you talk about stuff you don’t wanna talk about! Like who is this guy? The cameraman…?

Keanu says he doesn’t know them, so he doesn’t care! He’s not talking in front of cameras. Okay, okay, camera down. Emily agrees, they put her in a tough spot to see how she’d handle it, but she has to be honest, she has to go back with something. She did her research on Keanu, and knows he went to Temple University, that he was on the football team. What motivates him in pro-wrestling? Money, straight up. Okay, how so? W-what? What else is Keanu supposed to say? He has said it a thousand times, he’s here to make money for his family so he can feed them. Comments don’t pay the bills. The fans don’t pay his bills! He has people he has to take care of!

And that’s something no one here gets! Keanu isn’t here to be like anyone else! He isn’t here to do fancy tricks and get clout online! He isn’t here for clicks, likes, popularity. He doesn’t need it! He doesn’t need what the others want. Keanu has people he has to take care of, and if no one gets that, he doesn’t know how else to say it. He told Shawn Michaels to his face to give Keanu a chance or just cut him. Wow, he said that? Yeah, straight up. Look, if wrestling don’t work, Keanu will have to find something that will. If wrestling stops feeding his family, Keanu will find something that will. Emily understands that, everyone’s gotta survive.

Keanu says everyone else here in NXT is putting on an act, being something they not. Y’know something about him? He’s been the same guy his whole life. When he was in the barbershop, the sub shop, on the football field, or cracking heads on the streets, it didn’t matter! Keanu is the same person he’s always been, that’s the same person he’s always gonna be. He isn’t here to follow rules or authority, and if you don’t wanna accept it, go ahead, he’ll go his own way, he don’t care. He’s just himself. Emily at least wants to ask one question on the record, just to say she did her job. Yeah, that’s fine. He knows the camera’s been recording the whole time anyway!

Emily tells Jimmy to go ahead, bring his camera up. Then on the record, how did Keanu know about the kanji for war? Keanu went to college, he played football, and while he didn’t go to class all the time, he listened when he did. He just doesn’t brag about it like them other clowns. The thing you don’t know about him is that he smart as hell for real. Now, that’s all you get. Keanu leaves and Emily says nice chat. A man of power, intellect, and heart, Keanu Carver is one of a kind. Will nothing and no one stop Keanu from taking over NXT?

Shiloh Hill vlogs.

Via his Instagram, Shiloh says last week was the best night ever in NXT! Not only did he get the biggest win of his own career against now SmackDown superstar Ricky Saints, but he he also got to celebrate in the crowd with the fans, and his special guest, Jason the dummy! Wait, where IS Shiloh? Was that a “No Trespassing” sign!? Shiloh says Ricky Saints may’ve been a jerk at times, but he was also NXT Champion so it means a lot. The whole night was really chaotic, and not even because of him. HBK said he wanted to throw a stick of dynamite into the locker room, which is kinda crazy cuz Shiloh was warned specifically to NOT bring explosives…

But anyway, tons of new faces, and this Tristan Angels guy who was kinda trash talking Shiloh. Crazy accent to have while trying to roast people, but anyway, Shiloh looked Tristan up. Tristan’s won some men’s beauty pageants in Europe, and he herds sheep. Maybe he should get some normal hobbies. Shiloh tried to find Tristan’s phobias and allergies, but if y’all could help Shiloh come up with insults for male models, British people, or shepherds, that’d be appreciated. #ToothlessAggression is certainly unique, but will he make sure Tristan learns not to judge a book by its cover? Or will the same go for Tristan not being just a pretty face?

Tony D’Angelo VS Tavion Heights!

Alright, let’s try this again. The NXT Champion struck back for last week, and he still owes some receipts, but he’s focused on the Olympian who threw him around just because he wants a title match. Will Tavion earn that opportunity with a win here tonight? Or will Tony just add him to the list of those he’s checked off?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Tony and Tavion go around, Tavion waistlocks, then he SLAMS Tony! Tavion holds on, even as Tony fights back up. Tavion wrangles Tony, the fans rally as Tony fights bck up, and Tony switches to SLAM Tavion! Tony keeps the waistlock but Tavion moves around. Tavion stands, rolls free, then single legs Tony. Tony kicks free but Tavion rolls into the fireman’s carry! The fans fire up as Tavion then powers up to THROW Tony away! Tavion fires up but Tony shrugs it off. The two tie up in a clinch and the fans rally up again. The two fight around, Tony manages to SLAM Tavion!

Tony bumps Tavion off buckles, Tavion bumps Tony in return! Tavion ROCKS and whips Tony, but Tony comes back to LARIAT! The fans cheer as Tony bumps Tavion off buckles again, then runs to THROWBACK! Tavion sputters from the cutter but Tony whips to CLOBBER him! Cover, TWO! Tavion toughs it out but Tony hauls him up. Tavion RAMS Tony into a corner, fires knees and forearms, but stops as the ref counts 4. Tavion whips and KNEES low, then GUT WRENCH PLEXES! Tavion hurries to his feet, then goes up the corner. But Tony SHOVES Tavion down! Tavion crashes into barriers and the fans fire up while NXT goes picture in picture.

Tony huffs ‘n’ puffs while Tavion writhes. The ref checks Tavion but Tony storms out to drag Tavion up, and THROWS him into barriers! Tony stands Tavion up again, and feints putting him in the ring to THROW him back into barriers! Tony puts Tavion in this time, then covers, TWO! Tony drags Tavion up, whips him to the corner, then runs up to RAM him! Tony whips Tavion corner to corner, runs up and RAMS him again! Tony whips back the other way, but Tavion dodges! Tony POSTS himself and tumbles to the outside! Tony writhes and clutches a leg while Tavion catches his breath. Now Tavion goes out after Tony, and KICKS him in the side!

Tavion drags Tony up, and THROWS him into the LED barriers! Tavion then shoves Tony into the ring, covers, TWO! Tony toughs it out but Tavion rains down forearms! Cover, TWO! Tavion is growing frustrated but he drags Tony back up. Tavion clamps on a dragon sleeper and he grinds Tony down. Tavion then switches to a chinlock but Tony fights to his feet. NXT returns to single picture as Tavion CLUBS Tony. Tavion has a SLEEPER on, but Tony fires body shots! Tony is free and runs the ropes, but Tavion scoops him to SLINGSHOT GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! Tony survives that unique attack, but Tavion runs to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!

Tavion grows further frustrated with Tony’s toughness, but he climbs up a corner. Tony is down for the DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Tony survives but Tavion stays on him with another chinlock. The fans rally, Tony fights up, but Tavion CLUBS him again. Tony pries the hold open this time, but Tavion CLUBS Tony again. Tony gets mad now, but Tavion ROCKS him with a forearm! Tony lets the hair down as he goes wild! Tony blocks a shot to ROCK Tavion again and again! Tony GERMAN SUPLEXES, then GERMAN SUPLEXES again! And GERMAN SUPLEXES again! The fans fire up as Tony runs up, but into a KNEE!

Tavion whips, then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! Tavion blocks a kick, slips through, and LEG CAPTURE PLEXES! Cover, TWO!! Tony survives but Tavion shakes his head. Tavion drags Tony up, but Tony fights the suplex to FOGEDABOUTIT! Cover, TWO!! Tavion survives the buster but Tony snarls. Tony ROCKS Tavion, Tavion ROCKS Tony, and repeat! They go haymaker for haymaker, then Tony ROCKS Tavion! Tavion ROCKS Tony, but Tony JUMP PUNCHES! Tavion runs up to ROCK Tony again! Tony ROCKS Tavion again and again! Tavion dodges a shot, but Tony dodges back! SPEAR!

The fans fire up with Tony and he waits on Tavion! Guzel and DEAD- NO, Tavion pops free, clinches, BELLY2BELLY!! Wait, KAM HENDRIX is here!? He was sent home, what’s he doing defying orders?! Tavion ROCKS Kam, SLINGSHOTS him in, then fires hands! Tavion LARIATS Kam up and out, but now Myles is here? Myles FLIES to take out Kam! The fans cheer as the North American Champion is cashing in his own receipt! Myles throws hands on Kam, they brawl to the back. Tony catches Tavion DEAD TO RIGHTS!! Cover, Tony wins!

Winner: Tony D’Angelo, by pinfall

The moment Tavion took his eye off the ball, it was all done! But Tony still shows respect as he helps Tavion to his feet, only for WILL KROOS to CLOBBER them both!! The big man then fireman’s carries Tony, shifts around, BACKPACK CANNONBALL into Tavion! The fans who know sing, “He’s big, he’s bad, he’ll body slam your dad!” But Kroos no more, he introduces himself as Mason Rook, and he has arrived in NXT! Then will Rook soon tower over all of the roster?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for NXT, especially as the follow-up to last week’s with all the new stars coming in. Tony going after Tavion, Kam going after Tony, Tony and Tavion having a great main event match, and then Kam and Myles and Will Kroos (now with his WWE name), all great stuff for both the top and midcard men’s titles. Kam going after Tony seemed a bit random when he went after Myles last time, but it did work out as a way to kayfabe the match card around. Much more creative than the endless string of main events made the night of the show like there wasn’t one already planned. Evil/Naraku also had a good promo, but clearly he’s taking his time getting in the mix.

Great Mixed Tag, and The Culling winning out makes sense, we’re clearly going to get Lola VS Izzi now. Just not sure if it’s on a special TV episode or if there’s an NXT PLE coming up for May. Very good promo from Tristan Angels, great promo in response from Shiloh Hill, they’ll have a very good feud that surely sends the winner after the North American Championship. Great promo from Keanu Carver and the newest news correspondent, Emily. In fact, I wouldn’t mind if she was used to do this “guerrilla journalist” style or whatever you’d call it. Keanu himself can be positioned as a rising anti-hero of NXT. Maybe anti-authority/anti-corporate during these times of TKO just being the cliche of fat cat jerks IRL.

Great match from Kali VS Jaida, and great win for Kali. Jaida going ballistic and Nattie talking to her, that’s definitely going to be a great story there. Certainly better than the latter half of the Nattie VS Maxxine feud. Great promo from Zaria, Tatum, Lizzy and Lyons, and it works in story for Zaria to be reluctantly put in a tag match. I have a feeling Zaria will pin Tatum so that they have the title match, with Lyons and Lizzy feuding on the side. Very good promo from Birthright, that Six Man Tag next week will be really good, and I would think Birthright wins to rebound. The endgame has to involve the Speed Championship or some other title opportunity.

Great tag match from Hank ‘n’ Tank VS DarkState, but that dysfunction of Dion and Saquon was a little forced. Dion and Saquon pouting and facing away from each other was pretty funny, though. DarkState wins, of course, to get them back on track, but it feels like things are still gonna fall apart before they ever get the tag titles. Vanity Project meanwhile is growing stronger, just as I expected. Bayley Humphrey is now Myka Lockwood, and as I predicted last week, she is the muscle for Vanity Project. Her slamming Troy like that was awesome, and of course Drake wins from her help. But way to completely brush over Noam Dar returning. I can only hope Dar stays healthy so he can finally have something more in NXT.

My Score: 8.8/10