Time to defy the odds!

A tag team gauntlet and a Fatal 4 Way determine contenders that will challenge for NXT gold this Saturday at Stand & Deliver: Las Vegas!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Eddy Thorpe VS Lexis King VS Wes Lee VS Ethan Page; Ethan wins and will challenge Ricky Saints for the title at Stand & Deliver.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Tatum Paxley w/ Gigi Dolin VS Lola Vice; Lola wins and advances to Stand & Deliver.
• NXT Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Gauntlet: Hank ‘n’ Tank win and will challenge Fraxiom for the titles at Stand & Deliver.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Karmen Petrovic w/ Ashante THEE Adonis VS Thea Hail; Thea wins and advances to Stand & Deliver.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Eddy Thorpe VS Lexis King VS Wes Lee VS Ethan Page!

The Absolute holds what many want, but only one gets their shot. Will the Alpha Wolf be one step closer to his “birthright?” Will the Drama King look to go for another crown? Will the Wes Side return to former glory? Or will it be All Ego that meets Saints in Sin City?

But speaking of Saints, Ricky makes his entrance after everyone else is already in the ring! The fans fire up as the champion decides to join commentary. The bell rings and Eddy kicks at Ethan but Ethan blocks, only for Lexis to DECK Ethan! Wes then rolls Eddy up, but Lexis shoves Wes away! Lexis basement SUPERKICKS Eddy! Wes and Lexis stare down, things speed up, and Lexis hurdles, but Wes leaps over. Wes dodges Lexis, but Lexis steps on Wes’s dropdown! The fans are torn, but Eddy is up. Lexis wants Eddy to calm down, but then Ethan is also up. Lexis tells them both to calm down, but now Wes is up.

Lexis finds himself surrounded, and Wes feeds Lexis to Eddy’s KICK, and Ethan’s HAYMAKER! Wes adds a HAYMAKER, then Eddy KIKS again! Ethan HAYMAKERS, Wes ENZIGIRIS, and Lexis wobbles. Eddy TOSSES Lexis, the fans fire up, but then Ethan DECKS Wes! Eddy ROCKS and KICKS, KICKS, and SOBATS on Ethan! Wes runs up, Eddy gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Wes tumbles to a corner, Eddy BOOTS Ethan! Eddy runs and BOOTS Wes! Lexis is back, but Eddy dodges to BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, Ethan breaks it! Ethan ROCKS Eddy, but Wes ROCKS Ethan! Eddy spins Wes, but Wes BODY BLOWS!

Wes KICKS, KICKS, and ENZIGIRIS Eddy, to then DOUBLE STOMP him down! Wes runs to ELBOW Ethan in a corner, mule kick, and AX KICKS! Wes then runs at Lexis, but Lexis dodges! Lexis dodges Eddy so Eddy runs into Wes! Lexis dodges Ethan, Ethan runs into Wes & Eddy! Lexis then SUPERKICKS Ethan into them both! Lexis runs corner to corner, but everyone clears out! Lexis POSTS himself! Wes BOOTS Ethan, Eddy kicks Wes, then Eddy reels Wes in. Wes wrenches out, slips around, but Eddy elbows free. Eddy runs, Wes dodges, and Ethan holds the ropes down! Eddy tumbles up and out and to the floor!

Wes runs up, Ethan puts him on the apron, but Wes RAMS into Ethan! Eddy grabs at Wes, Wes kicks him away, but Ethan ROCKS Wes! Wes is stuck in the ropes, so Ethan hits a DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Wes survives, Ethan drags Wes up, but then he sees Lexis climbing a corner. Ethan pushes Wes aside to ROCK Lexis! Ethan then climbs up to join Lexis, reels him in, but they both fire body shots! Lexis CLUBS Ethan, Eddy UPPERCUTS Lexis! Eddy climbs up to work with Ethan, but then Wes throws hands on the legs! Wes gets under all of this, and the fans fire up for the TOWER OF DOOM!!

All four men are down while the fans cheer on “NXT! NXT!” for making this the opener! Lexis flops out of the ring, Ethan and Eddy flounder, but Wes runs, SHOOTING STAR on Ethan! Cover, Eddy breaks it! The fans fire up as Wes and Eddy stand to trade forearms! Wes fires a body shot then a forearm, but Eddy fires a forearm, an UPPERCUT, and a KICK! Eddy snarls, but Ethan waistlocks! Eddy fires elbows to get free, but Wes BOOTS Eddy! Ethan DUMPS Eddy out, Wes DECKS Ethan! Wes builds speed and he DIVES into Lexis! Ethan let Lexis take that shot while he grabs Eddy. Eddy blocks the apron bump to elbow Ethan!

Eddy runs up, Ethan dodges, and Eddy almost hits Ricky! Ricky says watch it, but then Ethan SHOVES Eddy into Ricky! The fans go nuts, Ricky is pissed, and he THROWS Eddy aside to get at Ethan! The ref tries to stop this, but Ricky is too heated, so the ref EJECTS Ricky from ringside! The fans boo but Ethan just mockingly waves bye-bye. Ricky warns Ethan, the fans chant, “Ref, You Suck!” but NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Lexis ROCKS Wes. Lexis reels Wes in, but Ethan BOOTS Lexis down! Ethan then scoops Wes to SLAM him onto Lexis! Ethan then THROWS Lexis into Eddy! Ethan drags Lexis up, but Lexis slips free of the Canadian Rack! Lexis grabs the arms, crosses them, then reels Ethan in, but Ethan trips Lexis up! Ethan turns Lexis over, BOSTON CRAB! The fans are torn as Lexis endures, and Lexis claws at the mat! Lexis crawls forward, but Ethan drags him back from the ropes! Wes runs up, Ethan ducks the lariat, but then Eddy YANKS Wes outta the ring! Eddy clamps onto Lexis with a CROSSFACE!!

Lexis endures double submissions, but then Wes STOPS Lexis from tapping!! The fans are thunderous, but Eddy is furious! Eddy lets go of Lexis to STOMP Wes down! Eddy then BOOTS Ethan down! Eddy goes up a corner as the fans duel, and Lexis UPPERCUTS Eddy! Lexis climbs, fires forearms on Eddy, and Eddy falls to the apron! Ethan CLUBS Lexis! Ethan has an Electric Chair, then he has Eddy in a facelock! But Wes goes up, up, and CANNONBALLS onto a DOOMSDAY DDT COMBO!! The fans are going nuts all over again while all four men are down! But then Ethan crawls to cover Eddy while Wes crawls to cover Lexis! Double covers, TWO!!

The fans fire up while Wes and Ethan grow frustrated. They stare down, then they throw hands! Wes fires a flurry, but Ethan ROCKS Wes with one! Wes PELES in return! Wes hurries to go up a corner! But Lexis SHOVES him down! Wes hits apron, Lexis climbs, SWANTON BOMB on Ethan! But Eddy is up top! He MACHO ELBOWS the cover apart! Eddy then drags Lexis up, but Wes rises! METEORA for Eddy!! Cover, Lexis YANKS Wes up! CORONATION!! But Ethan has Lexis! TWISTED GRIN!! Cover, ETHAN WINS!

Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT North American Championship)

Ethan smirks as he takes advantage of this golden opportunity. Ethan grabs a mic to say, “Well, I guess that makes me the man then, huh?” The fans are torn but Ethan says he is the #1 contender. Ethan knows he isn’t the guy Ricky wanted to win, and he has every right to believe that. Because everyone remembers their first. And the first championship in WWE for Ricky was ruined by Ethan Page! At Stand & Deliver, Ricky’s first title defense will also be ruined by- RICKY SPEARS ETHAN!! No more ringside ban, and the champ gets some payback! But will Las Vegas be absolute? Or will All Ego’s ego only expand exponentially this Saturday?

Jordynne Grace speaks.

“What you see today as The Juggernaut, multiple time TNA Knockouts Champion, this wasn’t how I started. I wasn’t scouted, I never had ‘star power,’ never really been a beauty queen. If it were possible to have negative aura, that is who I was. I was just a little girl wrestling in half-empty gyms, trying to find a place to fit in a world that didn’t seem built for me. I knew what people saw, or really rather what they didn’t see. But something I did have that not a lot of people in wrestling do, is self-awareness. So I finally stopped wishing that I had what I was supposed to have, and started building what I could become.

“I turned insecurity into intensity, doubt into discipline, and that was the day The Juggernaut was born. I fell in love with getting stronger. I became laser focused into building my body into an atomic bomb. Waking up at 3AM to train, jumping into a car to drive 8 hours to wrestle, hit another gym session after that, then sleep two hours and do it all over again the next day. And as hard as that was, I was obsessed with it. It was a way that I could stand out against all the other women. And to me, it was the only way. I wanted the WWE Universe to say, ‘Yeah, the WWE women are killing it, but have you seen Jordynne Grace over in TNA? That’s Jordynne Grace!?’

“I’ve put in the work so that no one could ignore me. I forced my way into the conversation and made people believe in The Juggernaut the way I believed in myself. Now, the biggest hurdle of my career is right in front of me this Saturday, when I have the opportunity to become NXT Women’s Champion. And just like I’ve been my entire career, I’m aware of exactly what I’m gonna have to do to leave Vegas with my first WWE championship.” Jordynne is ready, but will Grace survive in Sin City?

The NXT Women’s Division holds another watch party.

Sol Ruca asks Zaria who she thinks will take the last two spots in the Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match. Zaria isn’t sure, but it won’t matter when the outcome will be the same. Sol agrees there, because it’ll be one of them as the champ. Oh, really? Doesn’t Sol mean Zaria? Kelani Jordan hears this and takes offense. She thought #ZaRuca was fine. Uh, they are. New shirts and everything, thanks for asking. Well, it won’t be either of them, because Kelani’s going to be a TWO-TIME Women’s North American Champion. And she’ll show everyone why no one can do it like Lan- Izzi Dame interjects.

Izzi says good one, idiots. But y’know who Izzi misses these days? The old Kelani. She was way more likeable. Old Kelani, new Kelani, it won’t matter when Izzi’s the one on top of the ladder, holding the title, and bringing it home to The Culling. Keep dreaming, Izzi, it’ll never happen. Those two both head out, and Sol says it’s just like she said, either her or Zaria will walk out as champion. Zaria says sure, something like that. But to the point, who will get the remaining spots and fill out the six pack?

NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Tatum Paxley w/ Gigi Dolin VS Lola Vice!

The weird girls are hungry for some gold, but so is the MMA Mamacita! Will Tatum take over? Or will there be a Vice in Sin City?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Tatum rolls Lola, TWO, and Tatum narrowly avoids the roundhouse! The fans rally as the two reset and tie up. Tatum waistlocks, Lola switches, and Lola SLAMS Tatum down. Lola holds on as Tatum fights around, and Gigi coaches Tatum up. Tatum pries free, backflips up and over to then Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Lola has Tatum in a modified CROSSFACE! Tatum endures, fights to stack Lola, TWO! Lola runs up but Tatum kicks her away. Tatum wrenches, UPPERCUTS, then CLUBS the arm. Tatum grinds Lola down, the fans duel, and Lola endures. Tatum hits a BRIDGING FUJIWARA!

The fans rally, Lola fights around and reels Tatum into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Tatum high stacks, TWO! Lola lets Tatum go, but then BODY BLOWS! Tatum drops to her knees, Lola clamps on with a headlock, and Lola hits a takeover. Tatum fights around, but Lola puts on the pressure. Tatum fights up, Lola thrashes, but Tatum powers up and out. Lola ducks ‘n’ dodges to then whip Tatum, and Lola catches Tatum to a SLEEPER! The fans rally, Tatum powers out fast, but then Lola hits a SPINEBUSTER! Tatum bails out, Lola rushes after her! Tatum crawls under the ring? Lola grabs at Tatum but Tatum kicks her away!

Tatum scurries under the ring, Gigi taunts Lola, but Lola tells Gigi she’s estupida. Lola goes looking for Tatum, but Tatum YANKS her into the ring frame! Tatum laughs, Gigi says that’s what Lola gets, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Tatum taunts Lola, brings her up and into the ring, then drags Lola up to KNEE the arm again and again! Tatum wrenches and WRINGS the arm, then JUMPING ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Tatum grabs Lola’s arm, stomps it, then twists the wrist! Lola endures, but Tatum SLAMS the arm off the mat! Tatum bends the fingers, mockingly high-fives the hand, but Lola kicks her away! Tatum comes back and wrenches again, but Lola wrenches and WRINGS it in return! Lola SOBATS Tatum, whips and KNEES her low, and Tatum is in the ropes. Lola goes to the apron to AX KICK Tatum down! Tatum flounders into the ring but Lola pursues.

Lola whips and KICKS Tatum, then drags her up to reel her in. Lola snap suplexes! That’s Una Amiga as Lola gets up, for Dos Amigas! Lola drags Tatum up again, gives some Latina Heat, and hits THREE AMIGAS! Cover, TWO! Tatum stays in this and Lola grows frustrated. Lola stalks Tatum to the ropes, stands her up, and whips her to KNEE- NO, Tatum rolls Lola up! TWO, and Lola KICKS Tatum back down! Lola drags Tatum around, then clamps on with a chinlock. Tatum endures, even as Lola thrashes her around. Tatum fights up, RAMS Lola into a corner, but Lola holds on! Tatum RAMS Lola into another corner, but Lola clamps on again!

Tatum pries at the hold, RAMS Lola into the corner again, and now she’s free. Only to run up into headscissors! Tatum brings Lola off the corner to POWERBOMB! NXT returns to single picture as both women rise. Tatum dodges a kick, and she CLOBBERS Lola! And CLOBBERS her again! And ENZIGIRIS! Tatum wrenches Lola for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up while Tatum runs corner to corner and CROSSBODIES Lola in the corner! Tatum whips corner to corner to CROSSBODY again! Tatum goes for a third, but Lola KNEES the crossbody down! The fans rally, Gigi coaches Tatum, but Lola AX KICKS again!

Lola fires LIGHTNING KICKS and she backs Tatum up into the corner! The fans fire up for Lola as she reminds us, “I’m a Latina~!” HIP ATTACK! Lola drags Tatum out of the corner, covers, TWO!! Tatum survives and the fans fire up! Lola drags Tatum up, lifts her up, but Tatum sunset flips! TWO, and Tatum hurries to a corner. Lola runs in, but Tatum dodges! Lola gets stuck in ropes, Tatum CROSSBODIES again! Tatum brings Lola around to hoist her up top, and the fans duel even harder! Tatum climbs, Lola fires body shots, and Lola shoves Tatum down! Tatum comes back to GAMANGIRI! Tatum then climbs up, brings Lola up, and SUPERPLEXES!

The fans fire up, Tatum crawls to the cover, TWO!! Lola survives, but Tatum doesn’t stop! She hooks Lola up, but Lola pops free! SLEEPER!! Lola drags Tatum down, but Tatum rolls back to a cover! TWO!! Lola lets go in time, but Tatum throat chops! Tatum goes up the ropes, springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! And then the BUENAS NOCHES BACKHAND!! Cover, Lola wins!

Winner: Lola Vice, by pinfall (advances to Stand & Deliver)

Lola got the knockout, and now she’s punched her ticket to Las Vegas! Will everything come up LV this Saturday?

Giulia speaks.

“For the past few weeks, I watched Stephanie bask in the glory of being a double champion. I waited and waited for her to give me a rematch, but it never happened. Friendships only go so far when it comes to the NXT Women’s Championship. Last week, I reminded Stephanie of what Beautiful Madness is. Jaida Parker? I don’t know her, but I can tell she is very confident. She likes to dish out punishment, but she doesn’t like to take it. Jordynne Grace is strong, but on Saturday, I will introduce her to Strong Style. Jordynne and Jaida are obstacles in my way to Stephanie. My goal was to win the NXT Women’s Championship. Losing it only made me more dangerous.

“Last year at Stand & Deliver, I introduced myself. This year, I leave as the NXT Women’s Champion.” Giulia is ready, will all succumb to the Beautiful Madness?

A car pulls up real fast.

And out steps Trick Williams! #CrashOutTrick looks ready for a fight, will he find one this close to his NXT Championship Triple Threat?

Ava Raine is arguing with The Fatal Influence and Meta Four!

The NXT General Manager is trying to get Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne, Jazmyn Nyx, Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson to all listen to her, but then Gigi & Tatum stumble in. Gigi brings up this other opportunity Ava talked about last week, and Ava says yes, that’s what this is about. But Jacy says it won’t be an opportunity for Gigi & Tatum. Ava says hold on, hold on. Everyone will get their opportunity at Stand & Deliver. There will be a Triple Threat Tag Team match, and after talking it over with Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis, the winners will get a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match for the NXT after WrestleMania.

Tatum & Gigi are fired up, as are the Meta Girls and Fatal Influence, but then Roxie storms in and says she just knew Ava would do this. Every single woman is going to be on Stand & Deliver except for Roxie, the woman who made this division the best Women’s Division in the WORLD! Ava says yes, hi, how are you, Roxie? Good job losing to Tiffany on SmackDown last Friday. But clearly she didn’t get enough because she’s back here bothering Ava. But hey, if Roxie can charm herself a tag partner, then Ava will happily make this a Fatal 4 Way. The others chuckle and Roxie says Ava has always had it out for her,

Roxie storms off and the others sarcastically wish her luck. Will Roxie be able to salvage one of the many bridges she’s burned around here? Or will the Prodigy be out of luck this close to Stand & Deliver?

NXT Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Gauntlet!

Speaking of luck, the luck of the draw is going to be tested, and the team that survives the odds will battle Nathan Frazer & Axiom for the titles! But who do we have first? It’s Hank ‘n’ Tank! The Street Profits told them to just be themselves and it’ll be alright, but will Hank ‘n’ Tank be able to run the table?

Starting with them are Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont! Will Ty & Ty represent for the Wes Side?

Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont!

The teams sort out and Tank starts against Tyson. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. They break, circle again, then tie back up. Tyson waistlocks, full nelsons, but Tank powers up. Tyson spins Tank to KNEE him in the face! Tyson runs and UPPERCUTS Tank down! Cover, TWO! Tyson storms up but Tank fires a body shot. Tyson ROCKS Tank, SPLASHES in the corner, then tags Tyriek. Tyson feeds Tank to Tyriek for a kitchen sink knee! Tyriek UPPERCUTS, then KICKS a leg out, to then BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Tank is toughing it out, but Tyriek bumps him off buckles. Tyriek runs, but Tank BOOTS him back!

Tank storms up, Tyriek headlocks, but Hank tags in as Tank powers up and out! Tank blows past Tyriek, Tyriek gets distracted, and Hank CLOBBERS him! Tank dodges Tyson’s sucker punch to triangle jump LARIAT! Hank ‘n’ Tank take the corners, and as Tyriek stands up, “HONK! HONK!” BIG BELLY SANDWICH! Hank scoops, Tank runs up, GRIDIRON! Cover, Hank ‘n’ Tank ELIMINATE Ty & Ty! The fans fire up while Wes is freaking out! But no time to rest, here comes Niko Vance & Brooks Jensen! Will Hank ‘n’ Tank be victims of The Culling?

Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Niko Vance & Brooks Jensen!

Jensen keeps Vance back, they have to do this the right way. Vance does start against Hank, and the two tie up. Niko RAMS Hank into the corner, then Jensen throws hands! Jensen tags in, and he ROCKS Hank! Jensen whips corner to corner but Hank reverses. Hank runs up and SPLASHES, then he runs side to side! Tank tags in, Hank LARIATS again! Tank adds a LARIAT! Niko runs up, Hank hits him with an atomic drop! Niko hobbles to a corner, Tank runs up to LARIAT! Hank LARIATS Jensen, then Hank ‘n’ Tank switch, more LARIATS for Jensen & Niko! And then more LARIATS! HONK HONK, BIG BELLY SANDWICH for Niko!!

Jensen staggers up, Tank gives Hank the boost into the SEATED SENTON! Cover, TWO! Jensen survives but Tank clamps on, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Jensen endures, fights up, and he bumps Tank off buckles. Jensen gives Tank more buckle bumps, but then Tank stops that! Tank keeps Jensen from running away to give him buckle bumps of his own! Shoutout to Matt Hardy with these “DELETE!” bumps, and then he SLAM DUNKS Jensen off the corner! Tag to Hank, and Tank puts Jensen up top. Hank ‘n’ Tank coordinate, and they DOUBLE HEADBUTT Jensen in the ribs! Hank pushes Jensen down, covers, TWO! Jensen stays in this but Hank stays on him. Hank whips Jensen to a corner, runs up, but Jensen BOOTS him! Jensen brings Hank over, tags Niko, but Hank gets loose!

Hank ROCKS Jensen, DECKS Niko, then dodges Jensen, only for Jensen to DUMP Hank to the apron! Jensen ROCKS Hank, and Niko Electric Chair Lifts Hank! Jensen lines up the shot, DOOMSDAY BULLDOG to the desk!! Hank goes down in a heap while The Culling stands tall! Niko then drags Hank up, bumps him off the apron, and Hank sputters around the way. Niko puts Hank in the ring, stomps him around, then drags him from his corner. Niko bumps Hank off buckles, then CHOKES him! The ref counts, Niko lets off, and he stalks Hank to a corner. Niko whips Hank corner to corner hard!

Niko tags Jensen, Jensen throws hands on Hank, then JABS, JABS, JABS! Jensen DECKS Hank, covers, TWO! Hank stays in this, even with blood in his mouth, but Jensen ELBOWS him in the head. NXT returns to single picture as Jensen whips and CLOBBERS Hank! Cover, TWO! Tank coaches Hank, the fans rally up, but Jensen clamps onto Hank with a chinlock. The fans rally harder, Hank fights up to his feet, and Hank fires body shots! The fans cheer, but Jensen turns Hank! Hank turns that to a backslide! TWO, and we see Fraxiom watching backstage as Jensen grabs Hank’s leg! Jensen drags Hank back, tag to Niko.

Niko stomps Hank again and again, then talks trash. Hank fires body shots in return, but Niko CLUBS him down! Niko taunts Tank, Tank warns Niko, and Hank LARIATS Niko down! The fans fire up, but Niko grabs Hank’s leg! Hank still crawls, but Jensen distracts the ref! The ref misses Hank’s hot tag! The fans boo as Tank has to go back! Niko scoops Hank, Jensen goes up, ASSISTED POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Hank survives and the fans are thunderous! Jensen & Niko have no idea how this is possibly, but Niko facelocks Hank. Hank fights up, fights forward, but Niko CLUBS him down!

Niko tries to suplex but Hank blocks it! Hank suplexes Niko, but Jensen reaches out to push it down! The ref reprimands, but Niko suplexes! Hank slips free, shoves Niko away, Jensen tags in, but Hank hot tags Tank! The fans fire up as Tank rallies on The Culling! Tank LARIATS Niko up and out! Then he dodges Jensen to OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Tank dodges Niko to ROCK him! Tank runs to BLAST Niko off the apron! Jensen runs up, Tank cartwheels and LARIATS! A shoutout to the War Raiders, perhaps? Tank covers, Niko breaks it! The fans boo, but Hank is back! Hank and Niko grapple, Niko TOSSES Hank, but Tank TOSSES Niko!

But Jensen rolls Tank up! TWO, and Jensen runs! Tank ducks under the leg lariat, goes up, up, but leaps into a WHEEL KICK! Niko tags in, then he tags Jensen back! They hoist Tank up to the Electric Chair, and Jensen goes up, DOOMSDAY BELLY2BELLY!? Tank turns things around on Jensen, and Hank trips Niko! Tank covers, HANK ‘N’ TANK ELIMINATE THE CULLING!! Blink and you might’ve missed it! But Hank ‘n’ Tank have to regroup quickly, because here comes the No Quarter Catch Crew! Will Myles Borne & Tavion Heights be the ones to go the distance?

Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Myles Borne & Tavion Heights!

Myles & Heights rush in, they dodge Hank ‘n’ Tank, and Myles DROPKICKS Hank! Tavion fireman’s carries Tank for the DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Tank survives but Tavion knows he has Tank where he wants him! Tavion ROCKS Tank, whips Tank, and LARIATS Tank! Tag to Myles, the NQCC double whip to then DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Tank is still in this, but Myles drags him up. Myles ROCKS Tank, ROCKS him again, and then tags Tavion. Feed to the fireman’s carry throw! Cover, TWO! The fans duel while Tavion rains down forearms! Tavion clamps on a chinlock but Tank endures the squeeze.

Tank fights up, the fans rally harder, and Tank fights up to his feet. Tank fights around, and JAWBREAKERS free! Myles tags in, but Tank tags Hank! Hank DUMPS Tavion, then fires haymakers on Myles! The fans fire up as Hank swings away, then fires fast hands from all sides! Hank whips, ELBOWS and then DECKS Myles! Myles staggers to a corner, Hank runs corner to corner, SPLASH and BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Hank goes to the outside, and he gets on the tracks! He uses the steps to FLYING BODY ATTACK on Tavion! The fans are thunderous as Tank is up, too! HONK HONK, BIG BELLY SANDWICH for Tavion!!

Wait, Myles FLIES?! Down goes Hank ‘n’ Tank and the fans are thunderous as NXT goes picture in picture!

Myles drags Hank up, puts him in the ring, and pushes him to a cover, TWO! Hank is still in this, but Myles KNEES him in the back. Myles drags Hank up, ROCKS him, then UPPERCUTS him! Hank flops against the ropes, Myles stomps away, but then stops as the ref counts. Tag to Tavion, and Tavion stomps away on Hank on the apron! Tavion steps in, kicks Hank to the floor, then takes a bow. Tavion goes out to fetch Hank for an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Hank writhes, Tavion pushes him in and covers, TWO! Hank is showing true grit, but Tavion fires forearms! Tavion whisp Hank to ropes, then LARIATS him down! Cover, TWO!

Tavion drags Hank up, whips him into a corner, then tags Myles. Tavion stands Hank up to feed him to the SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Myles is frustrated, but he sits Hank up to KNEE him int he back! Myles CLUBS Hank, ROCKS him, then fires body shots! Hank fires hands in return but Myles kicks low. Myles reels Hank in but Hank blocks the suplex! Hank cradles Myles, TWO! Myles stomps Hank down, then drags him up to ROCK him with a right! Hank flops over, Myles stomps him and taunts him, then ROCKS him again! Hank fires a body shot in return! Myles fires another haymaker! Myles stalks Hank, but Hank ROCKS Myles!

Myles comes back to ROCK Hank, but Hank ROCKS Myles! NXT returns to single picture as the hands keep going! Hank ROCKS Myles, both men flounder to their corners, hot tags to Tavion and Tank! Tank and Tavion fire fast ‘n’ furious fists and the fans fire up! Tavion RIPOS Tank’s shirt off! Tank ROCKS Tavion again and again! Tank whips, Tavion reverses to LARIAT! Tavion runs, but Tank ELBOWS him! Then Tank hits a BIG back suplex! Tavion is up!? Tavion hits a BIG back suplex! But Tank is up!? The fans are thunderous as these two run up, LARIAT from Tavion again! Cover, Hank just breaks it in time!

Myles storms in and TOSSES Hank! NQCC get Tank up, fireman’s carry, but then Hank drags Myles out! Tank shoves Tavion, rolls him up, HANK ‘N’ TANK ELIMINATE NQCC!! What a hot streak! But now, the final team is none other than Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura! Will Hank ‘n’ Tank get past the Bullhead Brawler & Great Rush? Or will being themselves only get them this far?

Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura!

Tank steps outside, but Briggs just goes after him! Briggs THROWS Tank into the steel steps while Inamura runs up on Hank! Inamura wrenches Hank to fire those fast hands! Then Inamura hits a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO!! Hank still has something but Briggs tags in. Briggs CLUBS Hank, talks trash, but Hank fires a haymaker! Briggs likes the fighting spirit and eggs Hank on. Hank fires more hands, but there’s not a lot of mustard. Briggs BOOTS Hank, whips him, then scoops him, SIDEWALK SLAM and a SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Hank still has something left, and Fraxiom likes where this is going. Briggs tags Inamura and Inamura CHOPS Hank!

Inamura CHOPS and JABS on hyper speed! Tag to Briggs, he runs side to side and BOOTS Hank! Briggs brings Hank around, tags Inamura, CHOP into the CHOKE SLAM BACKBREKER COMBO!! Cover, TANK BREAKS IT! The fans cheer and Tank coaches Hank. The fans rally as hard as they can, but then Inamura runs up! Tank takes the CHOP for Hank! Briggs BOOTS Tank down, then he and Inamura double whip Hank! Hank ducks Briggs, shoves him into Inamura, then cradle for Briggs!! Inamura leaps but Tank anchors him! HANK ‘N’ TANK WIN!?!?

Winners: Hank ‘n’ Tank, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the NXT Tag Team Championships)

Incredible! Hank ‘n’ Tank start and finish this gauntlet, and now they’re headed to Las Vegas! Fraxiom may #NeverSlowDown, but Hank ‘n’ Tank never give up. What happens when irresistible forces meet immovable objects at Stand & Deliver?

Stevie Turner talks with Kali Armstrong.

The Evolve General Manager, and Ava’s assistant NXT GM, is very impressed with Kali, which is why she’s in the Fatal 4 Way main event of tomorrow night’s Evolve! Kali will take on Brinley Reece, Kendal Grey, and Chantel Monroe. Kali likes that, and says thanks for the opportunity, Stevie. Kali heads out, and Ava is there to say Kali’s gonna be a big star one day. Robert Stone agrees. But how stoked are we that Hank ‘n’ Tank just won the tag team gauntlet? He is so happy for those guys. Stevie agrees, the tag title match is set. But alas, there’s one last spot in the Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match to fill.

Ava says yes, but she found a last minute entry for that match. Oh? Who? Ava says don’t worry, you’ll know when the music hits. Ava teases something big, who will make a surprise entry? And will that certain someone soon Stand & Deliver?

A truck pulls into the parking lot.

And it’s Oba Femi! The Ruler brings his NXT Championship with him, but wait! Is that Dark State sneaking up behind him!? Are they going to go after the champ and ruin Stand & Deliver?

Jaida Parker speaks.

“When you see Jaida Parker, you’ve already made your mind up. Because of my old life, people have already made assumptions about me. And to be honest, I don’t care, because I never fit in anywhere anyways. People think just because you look the part that it’s easy. But just because I carry something with ease don’t mean that it ain’t heavy. See, this path to Stand & Deliver started right here, in Port St. Lucie. I laughed in these streets, I cried in these streets, and I started making a damn name for myself in these streets. And Stephanie, Jordynne, and Giulia, they all come from somewhere. I’m the only homegrown talent in this match.

“And yeah, other women might be intimidated by that. Hell, the entire world IS intimidated by that. But I learned right here in Port St. Lucie that if I can hang with the boys, then I can hang with anybody. Because baby, I am pressure. And I ain’t talking about the pressure that burst pipes. I’m talking about the pressure that creates diamonds! Because growing up, if you didn’t apply it, it was damn sure applied to you. See, my dad’s a coach, and he would never let me play football like my brother did. So I decided to go for the next best thing: Soccer. And that physicality, what? Man, I loved it.

“But with my dad also being my coach, people already made the assumption about me. I’ve been in a women’s locker room my whole life, so I know exactly how vicious it can be. All women wanna do is try and cut you down. And out here in NXT, we have the best division in the world. But I know deep down, none of them want me to succeed before they do. And that’s not my problem. My best friend is actually my uncle. Man, you talk about a support system, You wanna talk about keeping a smile on my face. That’s exactly what he did to me. And when I lost him, I learned real early on that I couldn’t trust nobody. Because if I could lose my best friend, who else can I trust?

“See, people assume I have an attitude. Nah, I’m just the way that I am because that’s what happens when you don’t fit other people’s agendas. That’s what happens when you lose the purpose of this all. Life made me hard. So nah, I don’t need no damn friends in no damn locker room. All I need is that big game situation. The moments that make or break you. And ain’t nobody been able to break me. And come this Saturday in Las Vegas, I’m gonna show the entire world that Jaida Parker don’t play. And I’m taking that NXT championship with me.” Miss Parker got #OutTheMud, but will she get that gold?

The D’Angelo Family arrives!

Stacks, Rizzo, Luca, and a few other cousins are here, but where’s Tony? Where’s The Don? Stacks says T ain’t coming. This was Stacks’ call. Wait, Stacks didn’t run this by Tony? Stacks tells Luca that he doesn’t need to justify his decisions, he’s the Underboss, this is his call. Are they with him or not? Luca says they’ve never backed down from a fight before, they sure won’t do that tonight. Dark State is already waiting, so it’s go time! Stacks has Rizzo move aside, and the boys get the crowbars out! Rizzo hurries to call Tony, but the fight is on! The crowbars hit first and they hit hard! The random cousins get taken out, but Stacks & Luca stand their ground!

Luca’s got Dion, Stacks has Saquon, they drag those two inside, but then Dion & Saquon fight free! They brawl around backstage, knocking into ladders and walls. Luca CHUCKS a trash can at Dion! Saquon SMACKS Luca with the trash can’s lid, then throws it into Stacks! Saquon grabs a chair, but Stacks grabs it from him! Luca SMACKS Saquon with another chair! But now Cutler & Osiris have caught up! They’re throwing off the other cousins, as well as security, and Cutler CLOBBERS Luca! Security still tries, but Cutler ELBOWS one, and CHOKE SLAMS another through a table! But then Stacks & Luca get Cutler with a DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX through a table!

Osiris shakes free of security to run up on Luca with a crowbar! Stacks gets Luca outta the way, and that crowbar goes into the wall! Then Luca & Stacks DOUBLE SPEAR Osiris through that wall!! Security drags Luca & Stacks up, Saquon and Dion are back, this brawl moves down some other hallway! They’re in the storage area, they crash into spare pipes, and Dion THROWS Stacks up against some spare lockers! And then Dion SLAMS the lockers down! Stacks avoids disaster, Luca SMACKS Dion off the lockers! Saquon comes back, armed with a fire extinguisher! Cutler & Osiris are back up, they brawl with the D’Angelos, but Saquon just BLASTS everybody!

Saquon is going wild, but then he JAMS Luca up with the extinguisher itself! Cutler THROWS Stacks against someone’s car! Security steps in, but one of them is sent into the car! Stacks CHUCKS a cinderblock! Cutler dodges, the block shatters on the ground, and Cutler scoops Stacks to LAWN DART him into the garage door! Saquon SMACKS Luca off the side of the car, then Dark State gets him up. DOUBLE URENAGE onto the hood! Another car pulls up, and it’s TON! CROWBAR SHOTS FOR EVERYBODY! Dark State is going into retreat as the cops get involved! Tony helps Stacks up, and he says HE called the police.

Tony now asks what the hell Stacks is doing! Going over his head?! Risking the family for something Tony didn’t sign off on?! Stacks says Dark State disrespected the family! Tony says yeah, but Tony had a plan. Stacks says he got caught up, and Tony says yeah, and Stacks should’ve listened instead. Because while Stacks got caught up in whatever the hell this was, Tony was handling business the way it’s supposed to be handled. They all want Dark State, okay? But not in some street, in some parking lot. They’ll do it in front of the entire world, on the biggest stage: Stand & Deliver! Because that’s what they do.

Tony knows what is best for the family. Stacks, do NOT question him again. Understood? Understood. Tony hugs it out with Stacks, but will the D’Angelos be able to end Dark State the right way?

Stephanie Vaquer speaks.

La Primera went home to Chile, and not only does she get to see family and friends again, but she’s also part of Chilean TV specials on this Road to WrestleMania. She is very happy to represent Chile at Stand & Deliver as well as all of WrestleMania Week, the most important week of the year. She reviews how she is not only the first woman to hold both the NXT Women’s & NXT Women’s North American Championships at the same time, but she’s the first Chilean women’s champion.

She then goes to her hometown of San Fernando to have a media moment with the mayor, Pablo Silva Perez, who is very proud that one of their own is now a world class professional wrestler. Vaquer tells the story of when, years ago, she told her father she wanted to be a wrestler. He was of course worried, but she told him she would one day be a champion in the WWE. During her career, she was winning titles all over the world, but he never got to see that because she couldn’t come home. But now, she gets to give him a big surprise, because she brought home replicas of the titles she won in NXT.

Vaquer feels so blessed to be home to have all the love and support of her people in Chile. And at Stand & Deliver, she promises to continue representing them with pride, passion and courage, always keeping Chile’s name high. Vaquer is ready, but will La Primera still be THE champion here in NXT?

Backstage interview with Hank ‘n’ Tank.

Kelly Kincaid is with tonight’s big gauntlet winners, and says they’re going to Stand & Deliver! Yeah, baby! Here we come! These past few weeks, they’ve gotten tons of advice from teams on Raw, SmackDown, and beyond. Some was good, some not so good. But tonight, Hank ‘n’ Tank stayed true to who they are, and they pulled it off! They learned who they are! But they also learned who they’re not. They didn’t change who they are, and they left it all in the ring! They took the gauntlet and gave it a bodacious belly boy booming twice! And now… They’ve got a chance at the titles at Stand & Deliver!

But in steps Frazer & Axiom. Axiom loves it! Hank ‘n’ Tank found themselves and they did it! Now they’re ready to put themselves to the test on the biggest stage, against the best tag team in NXT. Axiom looks forward to it. Frazer says he knew they could do it! He knew the entire time. Uh, no, Frazer gave them the worst advice possible. Oh, did he? They ran the entire gauntlet, but it’s just a shame they did it for nothing. Axiom is annoyed by Frazer, but Tank says agree to disagree. See you at Stand & Deliver. Hank ‘n’ Tank offer handshakes, Frazer says, “We most certainly will,” and then heads out? Axiom shakes hands, so at least one champion is respectful.

But will Frazer also learn to respect the bodacious belly boys? Or will Fraxiom, dysfunctional once again, still pull off the win?

Roxie meets with Ava again.

Roxie is so upset! Even Hank ‘n’ Tank get to go to Stand & Deliver and she doesn’t? Stone says those two beat four other teams, they deserve it. Well so does Roxie! Ava asks if Roxie found a tag partner. Actually, yes. Roxie thought about it, and she realized she’s a Prodigy for a reason. She’ll just be her own tag partner. That’s not how that works… And one Roxie is plenty anyway. Ava asks how bad she wants this. Really badly! Oh, is that so? Cora Jade steps in! Does Roxie want it so bad that she’s willing to apologize? Roxie is speechless, but she’s only got 4 days left. Will Roxie swallow her pride to go for glory with an old friend?

BREAKING NEWS for Stand & Deliver!

It seems during commercial, Roxanne did apologize to Cora, and now the mean girls are back in action! The Fatal 4 Way Tag match is now an ELIMINATION MATCH, and set for the Stand & Deliver Countdown Show! Who will start off their WrestleMania Weekend with a big win and head right for the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles?

NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Karmen Petrovic w/ Ashante THEE Adonis VS ???

It’s the main event and there’s one spot left in that six pack challenge! Karmen is ready to represent for Team SHING SHING, but who’s she up against? We find out, after the break.

NXT returns and wait, Andre Chase is talking with Uriah Connors & Kale Dixon. The boys want Mr. Chase to reconsider reopening Chase U, but he tells them that while he’s thankful for everything they’ve done for him, he’s… He’s just scared. What if he ruins their lives like he has everyone else’s? “You didn’t ruin mine.” THEA HAIL!? She’s back! And Thea says Mr. Chase has her blessings. He can reopen Chase U. Does that mean she’s back in? No, but she’ll always be a proud alumni. For now, she’s qualifying for the Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match! Then go get ’em, champ! Thea fist bumps Mr. Chase and fires up!

The music starts, “I’m a grown ass woman!” Thea runs out there, the fans go nuts already, Thea almost licks the title! Will everyone be shouting #HailYeah this Saturday in Las Vegas?

The bell rings, the fans chant “Welcome Back!” and even Karmen is happy to have Thea back. But then Karmen kicks, only for Thea to block! Thea spins Karmen, rolls her up, ONE! Karmen trips and covers, ONE! The two stand off and the fans cheer. Karmen and Thea reset, then things speed up. Thea rolls over the dropdown, then arm-drags! And arm-drags again! The fans fire up with Thea, she runs in and ELBOWS Karmen! Thea clinches for an EXPLODER! Karmen bails out, Adonis coaches her, but Thea builds speed! Thea DIVES, but into a GAMANGIRI! Karmen storms in, runs up, and she SLINGBLADES!

Karmen dares Thea to get up, then whips her, only for Thea to reverse. Karmen goes up to JUMP SOBAT! Thea flounders, Karmen DISCUS LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Karmen is annoyed but she rains down fists! Thea kicks free, but Karmen brings her up for a KICK! And KICK! And KICK, but Thea blocks it! Thea HEADBUTTS Karmen, then dodges a lariat to ELBOW Karmen down! And ELBOW her again! And then wrench and kick to the leg! BASEMENT CLOTHESLINE! The fans fire up and Thea runs, ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Thea hauls Karmen up, scoops and POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up with Thea as she shakes the ropes!

Thea SEANTONS, then TRUST FALLS! The fans fire up and Karmen flounders. Thea runs in, floats over, and underhooks for the BUTTERFLY TWIST! Then KIMURA!! Karmen TAPS, Thea wins!

Winner: Thea Hail, by submission (advances to Stand & Deliver)

Thea makes a return in a big way, and she’s on to perhaps the biggest match in her career! Thea looks around at ringside, we see #ZaRuca up in the perch, while Izzi Dame, Kelani Jordan and Lola Vice have appeared in different parts of the crowd. The six pack is complete, but who will be toasting their victory at Stand & Deliver?

Trick Williams heads to the ring!

The fans fire up and chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” as he makes his way out for what is to be one final faceoff between the NXT Championship Triple Threat competitors. Trick grabs a mic to keep that Booker T energy going, “Huh? I like it!” Trick says he’s been doing a whole lot of thinking lately about who he is. A couple weeks ago, Young OG came out here and said Trick… is the new Carmelo Hayes… But Trick gets it now. Because you either die the hero, or live long enough to become the villain. But Trick Willy still alive! And heavy is the head that wears the crown. Oba, your head may be heavy, but on Saturday, Trick’s coming for that crown, dawg!

And Je’Von, that means better luck next year for you! The fans cheer, but here comes Oba Femi! The Ruler changes the mood as he has belt around his waist and mic in his hand. Oba tells “Mr. Williams, it’s funny how you still talk like you’re the man around here. Well guess what? You’re not the man. What you are is a broken record playing the same hits over and over, and over and over again. And nobody is singing along, because you are the only one who is still whooping dat trick!” The fans disagree as they chant, “Whoop Dat Trick!” Oba says he’ll give Trick a word of advice: The spotlight is moving on, so Trick should do the same.

Trick gets one last chance to stand in the spotlight alongside Oba at Stand & Deliver on Saturday, and that will be Trick’s last time. Because when Oba is done with him, Oba is moving on, as well. Trick wants to ask, do Oba’s ears not work that good? Are those braids too tight? The fans are still chanting Whoop Dat Trick around the world, let’s talk about it! The fans cheer, and they again chant for Trick. But hey, what’s Oba got? He’s still The Ruler? It takes more than a few Black Panther chants to be the man around here, dawg! Trick says he’ll help Oba out, because it looks like Oba is struggling to hold that title up ever since Trick let him have it.

Trick will take that from Oba, that’ll help Oba out, and- Here comes Je’Von Evans! The Young OG has them cut his music, and he tells Trick, “Please, please, PLEASE shut yo’ ass up! Oh, I mean, I dunno, I could be trippin’, gang. But like, I guess the Young OG was right about Trick a few weeks ago. I mean, bruh, you come here week, after week, after week, after week, after week, after week… talking about a match that you deserve. And honestly, I’m gonna speak for some people here, at least for some. We tired of that! Like, if you gon’ talk, talk about something else. But you already know how I feel about you, so Trick Williams, you’re dismissed.

“Let’s talk about the Ruler now! HOO!” Je’Von steps in, fans chant “O~BA! O~BA!” Je’Von says, “I ain’t gonna lie, that’s cool. I ain’t gonna lie. Real recognizes real, OG. You’ve been glued to a championship ever since you got to NXT. Y’know what I mean? It’s like you’re on track to success. You walk into a room, and everybody knows who you are. And honestly, I’m not trying to be a smart ass fool, but those two times I dropped you, I was hype about it. Cuz I didn’t drop a regular wrestler, Oba. I dropped the NXT Champion! You feel me? That’s real talk.” The fans do cheer that. Je’Von asks how many times are we gonna hear, “Oba Femi will main event WrestleMania in a couple of years.”

And that’s not an “if,” it’s a “when” Oba gets drafted. And c’mon, Big O. C’mon, champ. Je’Von pats him on the shoulder and says yeah, he did that. But c’mon! Oba from the University of Alabama! Roll Tide! Roll Tide! The fans here being from Orlando, Florida, they’re not as into that. But Je’Von says bruh, Oba was supposed to get to Raw, SmackDown, and be great! But he walks around this arena, around the Performance Center, and around NXT like all this revolves around here. Deadass right now, bro bro… This kid from North Carolina wasn’t supposed to make it to WWE. But what’d he do? He did that!

And you think Oba is the favorite? But little do you know, that’s how Je’Von likes it. YERRR! Oba chuckles, and says, “Ladies and gentlemen, Je’Von Evans!” The fans cheer, and Oba says, “The Young OG! This is what 20 years looks like. Look at him. 20 years old. You’ve had a phenomenal rookie year. If anybody knows anything about having a phenomenal rookie year, it’s The Ruler, isn’t that right? And you’re the future of this place. But like I said, I’m the present. The future is not here yet. And you’re right about one thing: This place does revolve around me, because I have this!” Oba holds up the NXT Championship.

“Because I have this, that makes me the man! Because I have this, I’m the top dog! And you cannot handle this, because you are a CHILD!” The fans boo that, and Je’Von brushes that off. Trick says he’ll hope both of them out. After they’re done hugging and giving compliments, they’ll talk about what matters, and that’s Trick getting that title back. Belee dat! Je’Von says if they’re gonna talk about Saturday, it’ll be how neither Trick nor Oba can touch Je’Von in this ring. Because we all know Je’Von can wrestle circles around both of them, and that’s facts. The mics drop, but then Trick & Oba SHOVE Je’Von out of the ring!

And now Trick and Oba start throwing hands! The fans fire up, Je’Von returns, but he gets TOSSED out this time! Trick and Oba throw more hands, but Je’Von springboards in! DOUBLE O G CUTTER!! Je’Von stands tall over Trick and Oba, then holds up the title! Is this what we’ll see at the end of Stand & Deliver?

My Thoughts:

A great go-home NXT here, especially with the “last minute” builds to some big matches. I was a little surprised the Fatal 4 Way went first, but I suppose it was the match that needed time to breathe, while also one of the matches they couldn’t adjust on the fly if they needed to cut something for time. That technical stuff aside, it was an awesome opener with all four guys looking strong. Ethan did a great job sniping the finish there, but great stuff with Ricky being ejected just to come back and spear Ethan down. I hope Ricky doesn’t lose given he stood tall, but he and Ethan will have a great match for this title.

Very good stuff in the Women’s North American Championship build. Good promo from Sol, Zaria, Kelani and Izzi, and good stuff in connection. Thea Hail making her TV return was a great move, and a great win over Karmen here. Also, I do appreciate she gave Mr. Chase the encouragement to restart Chase U. Lola VS Tatum was also a very good match, and very good win for Lola. I can’t really be sure who wins the ladder match, but I feel like it’d be boring for Kelani to win again, she has to have a proper feud with someone before she becomes a two-time Women’s North American Champion. It’d be the most fun if Thea finally got a title reign with this match.

Branching off from that, good stuff with building a Fatal 4 Way tag. Roxie having to make amends with Cora is an interesting twist but I figured that would happen. I don’t know their chances when we’re talking an Elimination Fatal 4, but I suppose Roxie & Cora wouldn’t reunite if they weren’t going to have a strong showing. At the same time, it really depends on if Liv & Raquel are meant to win against Lyra & Bayley. Speaking of Lyra & Bayley, I’m surprised Hank ‘n’ Tank ran the table just like they did, but it was done in an awesome way. Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Fraxiom will be awesome, and this really will come down to how Hank ‘n’ Tank are of like minds while Frazer & Axiom keep disagreeing.

The backstage brawl of Stacks & Luca VS Dark State was both a bit cheesy but also really good. Tony making the save was great, and now we’re getting a big Six Man Tag out of it. It feels like this will be the make or break for the D’Angelo Family, as Stacks keeps pushing the boundaries of his authority within the family. Great cameo from Kali Armstrong to help plug Evolve, that’ll be a great Fatal 4 Way over there. Great promos from the women in the NXT Women’s Championship Fatal 4 Way. Jaida’s promo felt like the longest and most in-depth, but Vaquer’s was pretty close. I feel like it’ll be between the two of them for who wins the title. I’m leaning towards Vaquer retaining, but Jaida really does deserve some kind of title reign before her NXT run is over.

And a great promo segment from Trick, Oba & Je’Von to close the show. All three made strong points, but then Je’Von standing tall was quite the surprise but also a great image. The math would now say he doesn’t win, but it’s a Triple Threat so maybe there’s a way for him to still win out. It could even have to do with all these theories of someone leading Dark State, but that’s only if there is someone else leading Dark State. It’d be a great way to kick off a new chapter for NXT if Dark State had the NXT Champion leading them, and their feud with the D’Angelos continued as Tony tried to go after that title to complete his Grand Slam.

My Score: 8.9/10

Dark State takes on the Stand & Deliver main event!

Before they battle for THE NXT Championship, Oba Femi, Trick Williams and Je’Von Evans must work together against Dark State in a Six Man Tag! Will they survive?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Jordynne Grace VS Jaida Parker; No Contest.
• Fraxiom VS Swipe Right; Fraxiom wins.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Sol Ruca w/ Zaria VS Jazmyn Nyx w/ The Fatal Influence; Sol wins and advances to Stand & Deliver.
• Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Niko Vance & Brooks Jensen; Vance & Jensen win.
• Wes Lee w/ Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont VS Yoshiki Inamura w/ Josh Briggs; Wes wins.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Izzi Dame w/ The Culling VS Wren Sinclair w/ No Quarter Catch Crew; Izzi wins and advances to Stand & Deliver.
• Six Man Tag: Oba Femi, Trick Williams & Je’Von Evans VS Dark State; Dark State wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Stephanie Vaquer is here!

Kelly Kincaid knows the NXT Women’s Champion gets to choose her opponent for Stand & Deliver, but when can we expect that decision? Vaquer is sure she’ll have that decision after this match. La Primera goes to ringside, who will impress her with a victory?

Jordynne Grace VS Jaida Parker!

The Juggernaut and Miss Parker have had a bit of back ‘n’ forth, both in words and in brawling backstage. But this here could very well be seen as a #1 contender’s match! Will Grace make an impact on WrestleMania Weekend? Or will Jaida get #OutTheMud with this one?

The bell rings and and the two run up! Grace TACKLES Jaida, rains down fists, and the fans fire up! Jaida turns things around, Grace turns it back, and they scrap out to the floor! The fans fire up more as the shots keep going! Grace stomps Jaida, then SMACKS her off the apron. Grace jumps on for a SLEEPER, but Jaida RAMS her into the apron! And into the apron again! Jaida goes into the ring, but Grace drags her back out. Grace slides in, but Jaida drags her back out! Grace ELBOWS Jaida, SMACKS her off the apron, then TOSSES her into the ring. Grace slides in, but Jaida stomps her down!

Jaida drags Grace up, whips, but Grace reverses to atomic drop! Then she fireman’s carries Jaida for a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Then a SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, TWO! Jaida stays in this but Grace stays on her. Grace TOSSES Jaida to the apron, then goes out after her. Grace CLUBS Jaida, Alabama Lifts her, and even Vaquer is worried about this one. Jaida fights that slam off to lift Grace! Grace kicks free, but then Jaida fireman’s carries! HOTSHOT off the ropes! The fans fire up while Grace flounders, but Jaida storms in and runs, BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Grace survives and the fans fire up more!

Jaida drags Grace up, but Grace fights the suplex! Grace RAMS Jaida into a corner, then RAMS her in again! Grace backs up, runs in, but Jaida puts her on the apron! Grace blocks a shot to ROCK Jaida! Grace then climbs, but Jaida trips her up! Grace is in the ropes, Jaida ROCKS her, then puts her in the corner! Jaida CHOPS, then runs, TEARDROP! Jaida high steps and the fans fire up! Jaida says Parker don’t play, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Jaida talks trash on Grace, then drags her up to CLUB her in the corner. Jaida runs to LARIAT Grace in the back! Jaida reels Grace in, REVERSE SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Grace survives that rough landing, and she seems to be okay to continue. Jaida clamps onto Grace with a GROUND COBRA TWIST! Grace endures, fights around, but Jaida CLUBS her! Grace fires HEADBUTTS into Jaida, but Jaida CLUBS her again and again! Jaida pushes Grace onto her stomach, then clamps on with a chinlock stretch! Grace endures, fights up, and has Jaida as a backpack! BACKPACK SENTON! Cover, TWO! Jaida stays in this but Grace stays focused.

Grace drags Jaida up, whips her to a corner hard, and then scoops Jaida for a POWERSLAM! Grace goes up, up, VADER BOMB FLOPS as Jaida moves !HIP- NO! Grace rolls Jaida up, TWO! Jaida trips Grace, and she rains down furious fists! Grace turns things around but Jaida pulls hair! But then Grace pulls Jaida’s hair! The ref counts, both women let go at 4, and then Grace rains down fists! Cover, TWO! Grace tumbles to ropes, Jaida storms up to cravat. Jaida grinds Grace’s face off the ropes, puts her in the corner, then runs, but into an ELBOW! Grace reels Jaida in, but Jaida hoists Grace up top!

Jaida fires forearms and a CHOP, then climbs up after Grace. NXT returns to single picture as Grace fires forearms! Jaida fires a body shot in return! Jaida reaches the top, brings Grace up to join her, but Grace fights back! SUPER SUNSET FLIP, but Jaida holds onto the ropes! Jaida ROCKS Grace, then kicks her away! The fans rally as Jaida adjusts, but Grace runs up! Jaida leaps over, fireman’s carries, but Grace fires elbows! Jaida still RAMS Grace into buckles, and pops Grace around! But Grace fights through to have Jaida up! The fans are thunderous as Grace then ALLEY-OOPS Jaida away!

The fans cheer “NXT! NXT!” for making this the opener, and even Vaquer is impressed. Grace and Jaida rise up, go forehead to forehead, then they go forearm for forearm! The fans fire up, Grace gets the edge, and she RAMS Jaida into the corner! Grace swings, Jaida dodges, but then Grace catches Jaida to a backslide! Jaida rolls through, Grace blocks the kick, but the POINT-BLANK HIP hits! Jaida then whips corner to corner, but Grace goes up and over! GRIZZLY MAGNUM! The fans fire up for that double chop, and then Grace blocks a boot! Grace lifts Jaida into the Electric Chair, and SLAMS her into buckles!

Grace torture racks Jaida now, for a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Jaida survives and “This is Awesome!” Grace and Jaida rise up again, and Grace pump handles! Jaida fights free, dragon sleepers, REVSRE- NO, Grace turns suplex into dragon sleeper! Jaida fires knees, powers through, and she standard suplexes to GOURD BUSTER! And now, the HIP- NO!! Grace ducks and Jaida crashes! Grace runs to DIVE! The ropes get her first, she crashes at Jaida’s feet! Jaida hurries to get Grace up, but Grace shoves her away. Jaida bumps into Vaquer, and Vaquer takes exception to that. Jaida SLAPS Vaquer!

The fans fire up but Grace fires off on Jaida! Vaquer swings on Jaida, Jaida dodges, Grace takes the shot! Jaida then SLAPS Vaquer! The ref stops the match but the brawl continues!

No Contest

Grace ROCKS Jaida, then goes to the ring to off on Vaquer! Jaida storms in and goes after Grace! The fans fire up, and now GIULIA is back?!? The former NXT Women’s Champion returns, and she dodges Grace to BOOT Jaida! And she ROCKS Grace! ELBOW for Jaida, SHOTGUN for Grace! Vaquer SHOTGUNS Jaida! The fans fire up as now Giulia and Vaquer bump into each other! They turn and see who it is, and while Vaquer smiles, Giulia HEADBUTTS Vaquer! NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! And she holds up the NXT Women’s Championship! The Beautiful Madness is back, will it be madness this close to Mania?

Hank ‘n’ Tank talk backstage.

They again go over what went wrong last week, and bring up how Nathan Frazer was a bit harsh with his words. But maybe they should just watch and learn from Fraxiom tonight. After all, those guys are the NXT Tag Team Champions, so they gotta know something. But then speaking of that match, Swipe Right walks in. Brad Baylor says, “What’s up, big boys?” Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes introduce themselves as “The hottest tag team on WWE Evolve,” and they already know Tank ‘n’ Hank. Well, it’s Hank ‘n’ Tank but same thing. Swipe Right heard about the rough patch and know they’re looking for advice from successful tag teams.

Well, don’t sweat it, Swipe Right loves to pay it forward. Tonight, after they beat Fraxiom, #Hundos, they will get back to you boys for a tight five. For now, get pens, paper, and take notes. Brad & Ricky head out, and Tank asks, “Who even…?” Hank says they’re not THAT desperate. Are they? Tank says no, they are not. But to the point, will studying from the most functional dysfunctional and dynamic duo in WWE really help Hank ‘n’ Tank narrow down what they’re missing?

The Culling has a group discussion.

They are all upset over last week. Brooks Jensen tells Shawn Spears that the group let him down. Niko Vance says Ricky Saints has no idea what’s coming his way. Izzi Dame swears they will do everything they can to get the North American Championship back, and Niko adds that it doesn’t matter if Ethan Page thinks it’s his turn. The Chair Man has them stop. He admires the passion, he really does. And is he grateful that he finally won gold in the WWE for the first time? That he’ll be a champion for the rest of his life? Yes. But that title is no longer his focus. It was a vessel that brought The Culling together. Their bond was never about his success, but theirs.

The focus now shifts to Izzi. She will qualify for the Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match and go on to Stand & Deliver. Do not focus on Spears’ loss but what she can achieve. And as for Brooks & Niko, Hank ‘n’ Tank are looking to find their way. Ensure that they don’t. It was always about them shining. And it all starts tonight. Spears smiles, will the “family” he brought together soon reign together?

Fraxiom VS Swipe Right!

NXT returns and Swipe Right makes their entrance. The fans are a bit torn on the self-professed hottest team in Evolve, but will Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes make man change their minds? Or is this going to be more of a swipe left moment?

The teams sort out and Smokes steps up, but Frazer and Axiom argue a bit. Axiom concedes and lets Frazer start, only for Smokes to DROPKICK him off the apron! The fans boo but Frazer goes after Smokes! Smokes BACKHANDS Frazer, RAMS him into the corner, then tags Brad. Feed to a lift and then DROPKICK SPINEBUSTER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Brad drags Frazer up, RAMS into him, then tags Smokes. They snapmare, and Brad NECK SNAPPERS! Smokes adds a basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Axiom is back up but Smokes CLOBBERS him! Smokes grabs Frazer’s legs, YANKS him up, but Frazer PELES!

Brad tags in, Frazer dodges, but Brad blocks a kick! The DRAGON WHIP hits! Tag to Axiom and the tag champs unleash the speed blitz! Basement DDT for Brad! Smokes runs up but into a mule kick! Frazer kicks, then gives Axiom a boost for the DROPKICK! Swipe Right bails out, and Axiom DIVES onto Brad! Frazer DIVES onto Smokes! The fans fire up as they keep going! DIVE for Brad! DIVE for Smokes! The fans are thunderous because the champs #NeverSlowDown! Axiom CHOPS Brad in the corner, then CHOPS again! Axiom fires hands on Brad, adds stomps, then lets off. Smokes sneaks a tag, and then slingshot SPEARS Axiom! Cover, TWO!

Smokes puts Axiom int he ropes, bends him back, then Brad KNEES Axiom! Tag to Brad, feed to a springboard X FACTOR! Cover, TWO! Axiom stays in this but Brad clamps on with a full nelson. Axiom endures, fights up, and he breaks the grip. Axiom then slips around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Smokes tags in, he anchors a foot, and avoids the enzigiri! Smokes runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! The fans fire up and Axiom rolls, hot tag to Frazer! Frazer rallies with FOREARM after FOREARM on Smokes! Brad is in, but he gets a BUCKLE SHOT! Frazer dodges Smokes, QUEBRADA, and then he adds Brad to the mix, COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO!

The fans are thunderous again as Frazer sets up, RUNNING SHOOTING STAR on Smokes! Cover, TWO! Smokes survives and Frazer is a bit surprised, but he hurries to a corner. Frazer goes right up, takes aim, and FROG- NO, Smokes dodges! Tags to Brad and Axiom! Smokes runs up, Frazer waistlocks, but Smokes switches. Smokes sends Frazer at Axiom, Axiom goes up and over, but Smokes BOOTS him! Frazer runs up, Brad ROCKS him! Smokes JUMP KNEES, Brad underhooks! Swipe Right combines, butterfly underhooks and MATCH KILLER! Brad tags Smokes, they set Axiom up as Smokes climbs!

Axiom sends Brad into Smokes! SUPERKICK for Brad! Hot tag to Frazer before a GAMANGIRI to Smokes! Axiom goes up to give Smokes the SUPER SPANISH FLY! Frazer is up top, PHOENIX SPLASH!! GOLDEN RATIO for Brad! Cover on Smokes, Fraxiom wins!

Winners: Fraxiom, by pinfall

For what it’s worth, Swipe Right did impress. But in the end, they saw why Frazer & Axiom are the NXT Tag Team Champions. Did Hank ‘n’ Tank learn plenty from this match?

Fatal Influence talks backstage.

Jacy Jayne deserves the opportunity, and Jazmyn Nyx agrees. Fallon Henley walks in and asks if they heard the news. Yes, one member of Fatal Influence gets the chance to qualify for Stand & Deliver. Fallon being the former champion, she is ready to get that title back. Um, no. Fallon had the title, failed to keep it, so it is Jacy’s turn to step up. Fallon says last time she checked, Jacy was too busy eating a superkick. Jazmyn tells them to stop, because it’ll be neither of them. It’s her turn to get an opportunity. And they’ll be their for her, right? Jazmyn heads out, and Jacy asks what just happened. Fallon has no idea. But will the Toxic Rookie prove she’s ready for more?

NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Sol Ruca w/ Zaria VS Jazmyn Nyx w/ The Fatal Influence!

NXT returns as the “goddesses of mayhem” stand in the ring together, and then #ZaRuca makes their entrance. The Agent of Change is already in the ladder match after winning big last week, will the Soul Surfer soon join her?

The bell rings and the fans rally behind Sol. The two tie up, go around, and Nyx headlocks. Sol powers up and out, but Nyx holds on tight! Sol fights while Nyx grinds the hold. Sol headstands and pops out the back! Then she handsprings to avoid the leg sweep! Sol gest around, headlocks, and wrenches to then wristlock. Nyx wrenches back, but Sol whips. Nyx reverses, Sol goes up and over, to then X FACTOR! The fans fire up as Sol kips up and Nyx bails out. Sol storms up, counter punches Nyx at the apron, then hoists Nyx up! Sol has a stalling suplex, but Nyx fights it! Nyx tries but Sol spins that around to snap suplex!

Sol backflips to have the top mount cover, TWO! Sol is annoyed but Zaria coaches her to keep going. Nyx blocks a superkick, spins Sol and sweeps the leg! Jacy & Fallon applaud, and Nyx stalks Sol as she goes to the apron. Sol ROUNDHOUSES Nyx, then springboards for a SPLASH into boots! Nyx runs, springboard and FLYING CHUCK! Sol goes to a corner, Nyx stomps a mudhole in, then digs her boot in. The ref counts, Nyx lets off, and Sol fires a forearm. Nyx ROCKS Sol in return! Nyx whips Sol to ropes then CALF KICKS! Nyx kips up smooth, and hooks a leg, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!

Nyx isn’t quite perfect, but she clamps on a LAST CHANCERY! Sol endures, powers up, and the fans rally as Sol pries the hold open! Sol rises, Nyx runs, PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Nyx is frustrated but she has Sol on the ropes. Nyx KICKS away on Sol’s stomach, but Sol blocks the roundhouse! Nyx ROCKS Sol, but Sol slips around to lift and BLUE THUNDER FACEBUSTER! Both women are down and the fans rally up. Sol and Nyx rise up, and Sol mule kicks! So CLUBS Nyx, CHOPS her, CHOPS her again, then whips. SHOULDER TACKLE! Springboard FLYING FOREARM! The fans fire up as Sol springboard FLYING FOREARMS again!

Sol fires up while Nyx goes to a corner. Sol runs in and ELBOWS Nyx! Sol cravats Nyx and picks her up, for a BACKPACK STUNNER! Sol keeps running to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Nyx survives and Sol grows frustrated. But now Jacy picks a fight with Zaria. This lets Fallon distract Sol! Sol takes a swing, Fallon gets away, and the NYX KICK hits!! Cover, TWO!! Sol survives the Fatal screw job and Nyx can’t believe it! Nyx hurries to get Sol up, but Sol cradles her, TWO! Both women hurry up, ROUNDHOUSE from Nyx! Sol goes to a corner, but she jumps to ENZIGIRI! Sol goes up to SOL SNATCHER!! Cover, SOL WINS!

Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall (advances to Stand & Deliver)

Fatal Influence could not get this done 3v2, and now both members of #ZaRuca are going for the gold. Will at least one of them rise up and take the title home?

Backstage interview with Je’Von Evans.

Sarah Schreiber finds the Young OG preparing for tonight. She says that at Stand & Deliver, it will be the Triple Threat of Je’Von, Trick Williams and Oba Femi for THE NXT Championship. Tonight, they all team up against Dark State and- Je’Von apologizes for interrupting, but he called this! He knew this Dark State would be a problem, and if Trick and Oba had just listened in the first place, they wouldn’t be in this situation. Those two are gonna try and “lil bro” Je’Von less than two weeks away from the match? He’s coming for that title. Je’Von doesn’t have an era, he isn’t The Ruler, and he doesn’t wanna be like them anyway!

Je’Von dropped Oba not once but twice, and Trick is trying to snuff out the potential before it even sparks. That’s cool. Je’Von takes this step by step. Tonight, it is Dark State. At Stand & Deliver, it is the NXT Championship. Je’Von lets Sarah know he appreciates her, and then heads out. Will the Young OG be ready for all the success in the world? Or will something stop him before he gets the chance?

NXT Media catches up with Giulia.

The reporter asks her why she dropped Stephanie Vaquer, someone who was supposed to be a close friend. Giulia says Stand & Deliver is why. No friends, just a rematch! The Beautiful Madness put it plainly, but what will NXT GM Ava have to say about it?

Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Niko Vance & Brooks Jensen!

The big belly boys have been trying to break through to the next level, and trying to be like the Hardys, Motor City Machine Guns, and even Pretty Deadly did not work out. Will they figure out what’s wrong? Or will they simply be victims of The Culling?

The teams sort out, Tank starts against Jensen, and Jensen hits a leg takedown right at the bell. Tank avoids the headlock to then RAM Jensen to ropes. Hank tags in, Tank misdirects Jensen and Hank CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up and the boys go to the corners! HONK HONK, BIG BELLY SANDWICH! Niko runs up, Hank ‘n’ Tank dodge him, and then ASSISTED SEATED SENTON! The fans fire up as now they go to the corners, HONK HONK! BIG BELLY SANDWICH for Niko! The fans fire up and Hank goes for Jensen. Hank wrenches Jensen’s arm, tags Tank in, and they whip Jensen for a drop toehold and CAMEL CLUTCH!

Tank holds Jensen in place for Hank to run, but Niko trips him up! Tank protests but the ref keeps him back as Niko drags Hank out! Niko RAMS Hank into the apron, Jensen WHEEL KICKS Tank! Jensen rains down forearms on Tank while the fans boo. Jensen drags Tank up, turns him, and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Tank toughs it out but Jensen drags him over. Tag to Niko and we see Spears watching from backstage. Niko drops a HEADBUTT on Tank, then clamps on a chinlock! Tank endures but the fans rally up. Tank fights up, fights around, and he JAWBREAKERS free! Tank dodges Niko, hot tag to Hank!

The fans fire up as Hank CLOBBERS Niko! Hank DECKS Jensen, ELBOWS Jensen, then whips him to a corner. Hank LARIATS, then whips corner to corner. Hank LARIATS again, then BULLDOGS! The fans fire up as Hank goes out, runs around the way, and he BOOTS Niko down! Hank gets back in, he dodges Jensen and CLOBBERS him! Cover, Niko breaks it! Tank runs up to ROCK Niko, then LARIAT him up and out! Tank goes after Niko but Niko RAMS him down low! Then he THROWS Tank into barriers! Jensen has Hank in a cradle, TWO! Hank scoops for a BOSS MAN SLAM! Hank goes up top, for a SWANTON FLOP!

Hank flounders, Niko tags in! Gut wrench and Jensen climbs, KNEE DROP DOMINATOR COMBO!! Cover, Culling wins!!

Winners: Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance, by pinfall

Hank ‘n’ Tank did their best to #NeverSlowDown, and it almost worked. Tank is frustrated, he shouts, “What’re we doing wrong?!” Will they ever figure it out?

Ricky Saints is here!

The fans fire up as The Absolute NEW NXT North American Champion makes his way to the ring. Saints grabs the mic on his way into the ring, and the fans chant, “Ricky! Strokes!” Saints appreciates the sentiment, he really does. But he will say this: The first night he stepped into NXT, he told everyone that he was gonna turn this place upside-down. He told us that the revolution would be televised again, and you’d get an Absolute Superstar. And if you haven’t figured it out yet, Saints is a man of his word, cuz baby, he is the NEW NXT North American Champion! The fans cheer that, and then chant, “You Earned It! Stroke!”

Saints says while he’d love to keep the celebration going, he has a bitter taste from last week, all due to “All Ego” Ethan Page. Yeah, he gets it, he fully understands. If a guy like Saints, the caliber of a star that he is, and did what Ethan did but better, his little ego would be shattered, too! And since we all know Ethan has never been known to be the bigger man, he had to go and ruin Saints’ moment. As the champ, Saints ain’t no punk, it is time to discuss this man to man. But instead of All Ego, it’s the Drama King! Lexis King brings his NXT Heritage Cup out, but sets it on his throne before going to the ring.

Lexis has a mic to tell Saints, “Hold your horses, Slick Rick. I think you’re worried about the wrong guy. Now I know The King has the prestigious Heritage Cup Championship.” The fans boo as Lexis joins Saints in the ring, and Lexis says, “If there’s one thing about me, brother, I love gold~!” But before Lexis can continue, Eddy Thorpe makes his way out here! The Alpha Wolf “congratulates” Saints, and says, “It must be nice, huh? To waltz in here and be handed opportunities while other people are starving to get what they deserve. All this time, I’ve been on a quest to win a title here in NXT, but now I realized, I had my sights set on the wrong place.

“Because that title, Ricky, that title represents the land of my people. The same land that was stolen from them. So as far as I’m concerned, that title is a shot at retribution. Hell, that title is my birthright! So you don’t need to worry about King, you don’t need to worry about Ethan, you need to worry about me.” But wait! Wes Lee makes his way out here! He has Tyriek & Tyson with him as he has everyone hold up. He has Inamura tonight, but he will take care of that later. They cannot have a conversation about the NXT North American Championship and NOT include Wes Lee! That title right there was at its peak when it was on Wes’ shoulders!

Wes says he is long, LONG overdue for having gold around his waist again. Lexis has Wes hold on, because he gets it. If Lexis was in Wes’s shoes, he would be devastated! He would be desperate to relive his glory days. Eddy tells Lexis to shut up! Another greedy White man who is not content with what he already has! Even Wes is surprised Eddy went there. But that title belongs to Eddy. Ricky tells these three that it is not the time to figure this out. If they want a shot at what Ricky’s got right here, then ETHAN PAGE SLIPS IN! TWISTED GRIN!! Just like last week! But then All Ego, The Drama King, the Alpha Wolf, and the Cardiac Kid all grab the belt.

They all look at each other, it is a four man tug-o-war, until the fists start flying! Ethan has Lexis, Eddy has Wes, and the fans fire up! Lexis RAMS Ethan into the corner, Eddy UPPERCUTS Wes again and again, but then Wes SUPERKICKS Eddy out of the ring! Ethan pushes Lexis aside, BOOTS Wes, but Lexis whips Ethan. Ethan reverses to TOSS Lexis, but Eddy drags Ethan out! Those three brawl, but Wes FLIES in! Down goes everybody! Ty & Ty help Wes stand tall, was this a proper warm-up for the Great Rush headed this way?

Ava watches backstage with Robert Stone and Stevie Turner.

Suit Man Stone hopes “Mayor” Ava saw that. It is truly Stand & Deliver Season! They agree, and then Ava greets Vaquer as she steps into the office. Has Vaquer made her decision? Is it Jaida, Jordynne or Giulia? Vaquer says yes, she has made her decision. And at Stand & Deliver, she wants… ALL THREE OF THEM! Ava says okay. Las Vegas is all about raising the stakes and taking a risk, but will Vaquer regret taking this gamble just to prove a point?

Backstage interview with Trick Williams.

As the shirt says, Sarah Schreiber is with “Crash Out Trick,” and brings up that in just under two weeks is Stand & Deliver. What are his thoughts about being in a Triple Threat match with Oba Femi and Je’Von Evans in order to win back the NXT Championship? Trick says he ain’t here to give no sob story, but every time it comes to him getting his, there’s always someone in the way. First, Eddy Thorpe. Now, Je’Von Evans. But pull up the resume, see what you find. Iron Survivor, North American Champion, TWO-TIME NXT Champion, back-to-back main event of Stand & Deliver, let’s talk about it! Except this time, Trick is going to leave with the title around his waist.

But then are there any concerns about teaming with his opponents tonight to take on the destructive Dark State? Hell yeah, he’s concerned! We all saw what Dark State did! They don’t care about nobody. Trick wants Oba and Je’Von to be on their A Game, cuz they’ll need it. And then at Stand & Deliver, he whoops both their asses.

Wes Lee w/ Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont VS Yoshiki Inamura w/ Josh Briggs!

NXT returns to ringside as Inamura makes his entrance, The Bullhead Brawler by his side. Will Inamura prove to Wes that he has lost his honor?

Wait, Ty & Ty get into it with Briggs & Inamura, and then Wes builds speed! Wes DIVES, but Inamura catches him! Inamura SLAMS Wes on the apron! The fans rally up as Inamura puts Wes in the ring. The bell rings, Wes BOOTS Inamura, then fires hands! Wes has Inamura on the ropes, fires shots from all sides, then runs. But Inamura runs him over! Inamura stomps Wes, drags him up, then scoops, only for Wes to slips free! Wes HOOK KICKS, then CHOPS! Then he fires a forearm! Inamura just gets mad, so Wes fires hands. Inamura blocks one to CHOP, SLAP, CHOP, and ROCK Wes! The fans fire up while Wes wobbles!

Inamura whips, Wes slides under, then UP KICKS back! Inamura goes to a corner, Wes runs in, but Inamura puts him on the apron. Wes avoids the chop, RAMS into Inamura, then CHOKES Inamura on the ropes! The ref counts, Wes lets go at 4, and he slingshot SEATED SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Wes is annoyed with Inamura and kicks him down. Briggs coaches Inamura but Wes goes up. 450, but Wes has to roll through! Inamura BACKDROPS Wes high and hard! The fans fire up as Inamura hits his sumo stance! Wes rises, Inamura runs up for SUMO PALM STRIKES! Inamura has Wes in a corner to JAB and CHOP on repeat!

The fans fire up but the ref counts. Inamura winds up, to CHOP! Wes sputters, Inamura brings him out, and Inamura reels Wes in to CLUB him, suplex him, and hold him up! Wes fires knees, Inamura kneels, but Inamura just hooks that leg! FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Wes stays in this but Briggs coaches Inamura. Wes crawls to a corner, Inamura hits the sumo stance again, then runs up. But Wes dropkicks the legs out! Inamura hits buckles, Wes BLINDSIDE SUPERKICKS! Briggs coaches Inamura but Wes DIVES onto Briggs! Briggs is sent into barriers, Wes says to stay out of his business!

Wes GAMANGIRIS Inamura at the ropes, then climbs up to CROSBODY! But Inamura catches him!? SPINNING POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Inamura climbs! But Ty & Ty rush the apron! Briggs CLOBBERS them, but that shakes the ropes and Inamura falls! Wes handsprings, CARDIAC KICK!! Cover, Wes wins!

Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall

Ty & Ty had Wes’s back, that’s a big win to get Wes back up. Will there be no denying Wes is deserving of something for Stand & Deliver Season?

Oba Femi speaks.

“Dark State. Your presence here in NXT seems to have put the entire locker room on edge. Everybody is wondering when you’ll strike and where you’ll strike from. The Ruler knows all too well about that. Because in addition to you guys attacking me last week, I haven’t forgotten what you did at Vengeance Day. Because you hit me with your last shot, with your best shot, and you failed to put me down. So tonight, I’m going to return the favor. And when I’m done with you four fools, I will turn my attention to Trick Williams and Je’Von Evans.

Because in two weeks, they will get their opportunity to hit me with their best shot, and they will find out the hard way that The Ruler can’t be stopped! And they will suffer the same fate that Dark State is going to suffer tonight. And that is defeat at the hands of Oba Femi.” The NXT Champion has spoken, but will it be that easy when we don’t even know which three men are stepping up?

NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Izzi Dame w/ The Culling VS Wren Sinclair w/ No Quarter Catch Crew!

Jensen & Vance did their part tonight by taking down Hank ‘n’ Tank. Now it is up to The It Girl to earn her spot at Stand & Deliver. Will she make Shawn Spears proud? Or will the #WrenQCC soon be headed to Las Vegas?

The bell rings and the fans rally behind Wren. Izzi RAMS Wren into a corner, RAMS her again and again, but stops as the ref counts. Izzi short arm LARIATS, then covers, TWO! Izzi is annoyed, but the fans rally for “WREN X T!” Izzi scoops, Wren slips free, and Wren waistlocks. Izzi bucks the O’Conner Roll, runs up on Wren, but Wren dodges and redirects to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Izzi storms up but Wren wrenches her to a wristlock. Izzi whips Wren away, Wren goes up, only to get caught to an Electric Chair Lift! But Wren spins and arm-drags Izzi away! The fans fire up and Wren Oklahoma Rolls, TWO! Ghost pin by Wren, TWO!

Wren rolls to have another ghost pin, TWO! Izzi kicks low, then whips. Wren reverses to wrench and hook Izzi up, IRON OCTOPUS! The fans fire up while Izzi endures, so Wren sunset flips! Izzi stays up, drags Wren right up, and BOOTS Wren right down! Izzi then hauls Wren up, scoops and SLAMS her, and adds a basement DROPKICK! The fans boo Izzi but she talks trash on Wren. Izzi drags Wren up, bumps her off buckles, then puts her on the ropes. Izzi taunts the NQCC while she CHOKES Wren! The ref counts, Izzi stops, but Wren fires body shots. Izzi wrenches to short arm LARIAT again! Izzi rains down fists, then covers, TWO!

Izzi is frustrated but the fans rally up. Izzi clamps onto Wren with a chinbar and armlock. The fans rally as Wren endures, but Izzi cranks the hold! NQCC coaches Wren, Spears is again watching backstage, and Wren fights to her feet. Wren pries the hold open, then elbows Izzi! Wren ROCKS Izzi with a forearm, but Izzi KNEES low! Izzi runs in at the corner, but Wren KNEES her away! Izzi comes back, Wren dodges! Wren ROCKS Izzi, CHOPS her, then DOUBLE CHOPS! The fans fire up as Wren runs, and LARIATS! Wren CLOBBERS Izzi, keeps moving, BASEMENT BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Izzi toughs it out, but Wren rusn back up!

Wren slips around, underhooks, but Izzi fights the suplex! Izzi powers up, wrenches out, and whips Wren, only for Wren to CROSBODY! But Izzi catches her! Izzi swings but Wren reels her in, crucifix takedown! TWO!! Izzi runs up, Wren ducks the boot, but the SKY HIGH hits! Cover, Izzi wins!

Winner: Izzi Dame, by pinfall

NQCC may not like it, but it iz what it iz. The Culling stands tall tonight, will they make The Chair Man even prouder when Izzi brings the Women’s North American Championship home?

Ava Raine is surrounded!

Roxanne Perez, The Meta Girls and Fatal Influence are all in there complaining to her about their losses! The Bougie Bully hopes The Mayor is planning a Last Chance Qualifier for Stand & Deliver, because the Meta Girls deserve to be there. Fallon says she will represent Fatal Influence in that match. Jacy and Jazmyn bicker about how they already talked about this earlier, but Ava hushes everyone. There is no Last Chance Qualifier this year. What?! Roxie says Ava better figure something out, because The Prodigy deserves to be on Stand & Deliver! She is the only former NXT Women’s Champion in here right now, obviously.

The others scoff but Ava calms them down. Now that she’s looking around, she has an idea. Oh? She’ll work things out, but Roxie tells her it better not be some form of tag match. Roxie does not have a tag partner. Oh, well, that’s kinda on her. Roxie pouts and knocks Ava’s rubbery ducky over! How dare she! Roxie storms out, but what is the idea Ava is cooking?

Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors watch back film.

They take notes on how they were doing last week, and it started off well. Andre Chase comes along and says they won’t win like that. What’s he mean? Kale was moving too fast. Then what should he do instead? Chase says trust him, they don’t want his help. But they do! Mr. Chase, please help. Chase sighs, but he agrees. They keep watching tape, but then Hank ‘n’ Tank storm in. They’re still upset for how they fell short again. Is it even worth it anymore? But then someone says, “Nah, don’t go doing all that.” It’s Angelo Dawkins! He and Montez Ford are here, and Ford tells Hank ‘n’ Tank that they’ve got better days ahead.

Dawkins tells Hank ‘n’ Tank they get it. There will be ups and downs. The downs will be rough, but the Profits have been watching these past few weeks. They watch the product! Hank ‘n’ Tank, the problem is, you’re trying to be tag teams that you are not. Take it from two guys who have been through their fair share of identity crises. Just lean on each other, and stick to being who you are! Be who you are! Be Hank ‘n’ Tank! Then you will be rewarded. Maybe even next week! Ava let the Profits know that there’s a tag team gauntlet next week, and the winners go on to face Fraxiom for the titles at Stand & Deliver!

Time to lock in! Lock in! They all fire up, and Ford says it is time to rise to the occasion! It is time to STAND & DELIVER~! The Profits just fired up Hank ‘n’ Tank, and it seems even Chase, Kale & Uriah take note of this. Will Hank ‘n’ Tank be ready to win the big won their way?

BREAKING NEWS for next week!

After the big confrontation involving Ricky Saints, there will be a #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way! Lexis King VS Eddy Thorpe VS Wes Lee VS Ethan Page, the winner challenges Saints for the NXT North American Champion! Who defies the odds to then go for gold in Las Vegas?

Six Man Tag: Oba Femi, Trick Williams & Je’Von Evans VS Dark State!

Tensions have been rising between The Ruler, #CrashOutTrick and The Young OG, and it all exploded a couple weeks ago. The easy solution was to have them all fight for the title at once, but then things got complicated again when Dion Lennox, Cutler James, Osiris Griffin & Saquon Shugars made them targets of their campaign to sew discord and chaos. Will it even matter which three step up when Oba, Trick & Je’Von are so, so ready to throw hands with each other?

NXT returns and Dark State makes their entrance, and surprisingly it is from the ramp. They all rush the ramp to brawl 4v3 with Je’Von, Trick & Oba! They TOSS Je’Von & Trick out, then mug Oba in the corner! The ref reprimands, but the bell hasn’t rung so this isn’t a match! Meaning it’s all legal as Osiris THROWS Je’Von into barriers! Oba rises up, he still wants this fight, so the bell rings! Dion runs up to LARIAT! On his corner are Cutler & Saquon, answering who will be the three men. Dion fires body shots, then he bumps Oba off buckles. Dion fires body shots, but the fans chant “Oba’s gonna kill~ you!”

Dion fires hands, puts Oba into the corner, then tags Culter. Culter tags Shugars, and Cutler whips Dion in so he can RAM Oba! Dion traps Oba for Shugars to DROPKICK! Then they feed Oba to Cutler’s LARIAT! The fans rally for Oba but Shugars whips. Oba blocks, reverses, and scoops Shguars, but Shugars slips free! Shugars goes to a corner, BOOTS Oba away, but Trick tags in. Shugars dodges Trick, goes for a leg, but Trick steps over to roll Shugars up! TWO, Shugars has a cradle, TWO! Trick POP-UP UPPER- NO! Shugars blocks, wrenches, wristlocks, and he throws Trick down by his hair! The fans boo while Shugars keeps the wristlock.

Trick kips up, wrenches and WRINGS Shugars! Trick tells Shugars to get up, then he UPPERCUTS and JUMP NECKBREAKERS! The fans fire up with Trick, but Cutler runs in! Trick wrenches, ROCKS and UPPERCUTS! But Shugars anchors Trick’s leg! Cutler CLOBBERS Trick, covers, TWO! Cutler drags Trick up, clinches, but Trick ROCKS him again and again! Cutler slips around the third shot to have a SLEEPER! Then a BACKBREAKER! Cutler scoops and SLAMS Trick, then has a standing toehold! Trick kicks at Cutler again and again, then EDDY GORDO KICKS! Shugars tags in and he slides in front of Trick, only for Trick to BACKDROP him!

The fans fire up with Trick, he brings Shugars up, and he snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Trick stays on Shugars with a facelock and grinds him down. Shugars fights up, pries at the hold, and he wrenches out to ROCK Trick! And CHOP! And CHOPS again! Shugars CHOPS Trick again, taunts Trick, but then Trick dodges the chop to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Shugars falls, Trick fires up, and Trick scoops Shugars to SLAM him down! Trick glares at Osiris and Dion, but Je’Von wants Trick to think about teamwork. Trick scoops and SLAMS Shugars, then he tags Je’Von! Je’Von leaps over Shugars, SMACKS Dion, then dodges Shugars agian!

Je’Von RANAS Shugars, the fans fire up, and Je’Von hits a SPINEBUSTER! Je’Von rains down fists, Shugars gets loose, but Je’Von CHOPS! Shugars KNEES low, then runs up, but into a sweep! Je’Von runs to DOUBLE STOMP! Cutler storms up to get at Je’Von, but Je’Von shoves free! Cravat, snapmare, and SUPERKICK! Cutler falls out of the ring, Je’Von runs at Shugars, BOUNCY~ RANA! Then a DROPKICK for Dion! DROPKICK for Shugars! Cutler is back, Je’Von dodges, Oba & Trick DOUBLE LARIAT Cutler! The fans are thunderous but Trick and Oba still argue with each other. Je’Von lets them be as he builds speed, but then Osiris is on the apron!

Osiris dares them to bring it, and the rest of Dark State gets up. The fans rally behind this 4v3 stare down, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Dark State keeps barking, so the Stand & Deliver main event trio says bet. They TRIPLE BOOT Dark State off the apron! Shugars is the only one left on the apron, but then Je’Von TOSSES him into the ring! Je’Von wrenches and wrangles Shugars, Oba tags in, and Je’Von hands Shugars off to Oba. Oba wrenches and YANKS Shugars’ arm, then YANKS it again. Oba YANKS Shugars right down to the mat! Oba covers, ONE, but then Oba clamps onto Shugars with a facelock. Oba drags Shugars over, tags Trick, and they mug Shugars. Trick wrenches and grinds the arm, but Shugars arm-drags! Shugars steps on Trick’s face!

Shugars drags Trick up to bump off buckles, and tag to Dion. They mug Trick, then Dion wrenches and RAMS Trick down! Dion drags Trick up just to RAM him down again! Dion wrenches Trick’s arm, hits an ELBOW BREAKER, then tags Cutler. Cutler takes the other arm, they double wrench and DOUBLE YANK! cutler CLUBS and UPPERCUTS an arm, then HIP DROPS Trick down. Cutler grinds Trick down with a mounted armlock, but Trick endures and fights up. Trick fights up, fires haymakers, then whips. Cutler reverses but Trick hits a DDT! Both men crawl, the fans rally up, hot tags to Shugars and Je’Von!

Je’Von fires hands on Shugars, then dodges the counter punch to springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! They both get up and Je’Von whips Shugars to a corner. Shugars reverses, Je’Von slides out to the apron, then Je’Von goes up and around to ROCK Shugars! NXT returns to single picture for Je’Von’s springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Je’Von glares at Dark State while he drags Shugars away. Shugars fights back, sneaks a tag to Cutler, and then Shugars puts Je’Von in an open corner. Je’Von BOOTS Shugars, Osiris storms up but Je’Von backs him off with a step! Je’Von then dodges Shugars, but Cutler LARIATS!

Cutler drags Je’Von into a chinlock, and he rains down fists. The fans boo but Cutler scoops to SLAM! Cutler covers, TWO! Cutler drags Je’Von up, puts him in the Dark State corner, then tags Dion. Cutler digs his forearms into Je’Von’s face, then he sends Je’Von into Dion’s SPINEBUSTER! Dion rains down fists, then clamps on with a chinlock. Je’Von endures, pries at the hold, then fights up. The fans rally, Je’Von fires body shots, but Dion shoves him away. Dion hits a HUGE SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Je’Von survives but Dion drags him over. Tag to Shugars, and Dion scoops Je’Von to SLAM!

Shugars says do him, and Dion scoops Shugars to SLAM him onto Je’Von! Cover, TWO! Shugars keeps Je’Von from his corner, clamps on with a neck wrench, but Je’Von fights up. The fans rally, Je’Von pries the hold and arm-drags free! Je’Von leaps, but Shugars catches him! Fireman’s carry and pop-up to a SLAM! Shugars aims, but Je’Von avoids the elbow drop! Hot tag to Cutler and he keeps Je’Von from his corner. Cutler runs in, but Je’Von dodges, and Cutler POSTS himself! Dion tags in, he hurries to stop Je’Von, and he hits a BIG- CROSSBODY! Je’Von turns things around on Dion and now both men are down!

Dion anchors Je’Von’s legs but Je’Von ENZIGIRIS free! Je’Von crawls, Oba pushes Trick aside to tag in! The fans fire up as Oba rallies on Dark State with big hand after big hand! Then a BOOT for Cutler! EXPLODER for Shugars! URENAGE for Dion! The fans fire up and Oba has Shugars for the SHOTPUT at Trick!? Was that on purpose? Or could Oba just not see where he was going with that? Dion runs up, but Oba gives him a FALL FROM GRACE! Trick storms in and argues with Oba over that shotput mishap! Je’Von wants them to stop and focus on the mission at hand, so Oba tags him in. And then Oba brawls with Trick!!

The fans go nuts as Trick and Oba trade shots! Oba LARIATS Trick and himself up and out! Je’Von says fine, whatever, and he goes up top! FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!? Dion survives, more refs rush out to stop Trick and Oba from demolishing each other, but Je’Von keeps his focus. Je’Von runs, but Shugars holds the ropes down to mess up the springboard! Tag to Cutler, he tags Shugars! Shugars climbs the corner, Dion & Cutler drag Je’Von up, FLYING TRIPLE BOMB!! Cover, Dark State wins!!

Winners: Dark State, by pinfall

Oba and Trick brawl their way to the back, Je’Von suffering for the dysfunction. But wait! The D’Angelo Family calls out Dark State via the tron! Stacks says, “On behalf of The D’Angelo Family, you wanna cause chaos? Fine. How ’bout next week, in the parking lot? You four are gonna learn that messing with The D’Angelo Family has severe consequences.” Dark State says bring it! But will they show that no one, not even The D’Angelos, are safe anymore?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT here with them sneaking in some more Stand & Deliver build. Great opening with Vaquer watching Jordynne VS Jaida, and I should’ve figured something would keep either Jaida or Jordynne from losing. Giulia showing up to really complicate things is great, and that Fatal 4 Way is going to be wild. Great promo from Saints with Lexis, Eddy, and Wes, as well as Ethan getting another sneak attack in. By the way, a bit surprised they waited this long to have Eddy Thorpe go for the NA title and pull the Native American card on it. The Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s Match will be great stuff, but I feel like Wes winning tonight over Inamura might indicate he isn’t winning. It just makes more sense for Ethan to win given the parallels in their NXT runs pointed out by Saints.

Awesome tag match from Fraxiom VS Swipe Right, and Swipe Right definitely proved they’re the frontrunners in the Evolve roster. They’ve already got solid personas, and their skills are this good already, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re the first Evolve “call-ups” to NXT, not even needing a full year in Evolve to get there. Good promo from The Culling to set up matches, and a very good match from Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Jensen & Vance. Hank ‘n’ Tank of course lose, but we got a great promo with them and The Profits. And finally, The Profits are the ones who say it, Hank ‘n’ Tank just need to be themselves and it’ll all work out. I have a feeling Hank ‘n’ Tank win that tag gauntlet to test both their friendship and tag skills against Fraxiom’s.

The Culling of course had a strong showing tonight because they had to at some point. Izzi VS Wren was a really good match, maybe a little janky at some parts but that might be from Wren having been off TV for a minute. Izzi won, she’ll be a great part of the ladder match because she’s so tall. Sol VS Nyx was really good, too, but of course Sol won that. Fatal Influence is about to fall apart, and we can see #ZaRuca have their own dysfunction in the ladder match. Good promo from Ava with the many losers of the qualifiers, and there are quite a few possibilities for all those great talents at Stand & Deliver. Roxie doesn’t want a tag match, hard to say it won’t be a tag match, but I could also see a battle royal to help set someone up as a contender for after WrestleMania season.

The NXT Championship story was a great throughline for tonight, with great promos from Je’Von, Trick and Oba. A good Six Man Tag main event, and naturally, this was Je’Von trying to keep the peace but Trick and Oba couldn’t help themselves. They lose, that keeps them all relatively even going towards the Triple Threat, and it gives Dark State a strong win for their first time actually in a match together. An interesting detail I hadn’t thought about: Cutler James is part of LFG. LFG is a reality show and probably already done filming by now, so I wonder if Cutler’s involvement in NXT is a spoiler for how that show turns out. Either way, he has the in-ring stuff to hang, we’ll just have to wait and see how the character stuff goes.

My Score: 8.9/10