Mr. Chase is gambling again…

While more superstars fight to enter the Iron Survivor Challenge, Andre Chase risks his university just for a shot at the NXT Championship! Will this gamble pay off? Or will classes be canceled forever?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• 2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Nathan Frazer VS Eddy Thorpe; Frazer wins and advances to WWE Deadline.
• 2024 Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Jaida Parker VS Stephanie Vaquer; Vaquer wins and advances to WWE Deadline.
• Tony D’Angelo w/ Adriana Rizzo VS Brooks Jensen w/ Shawn Spears; Tony wins.
• Mixed Tag: Ashante THEE Adonis & Karmen Petrovic VS Dion Lennox & Brinley Reece; Adonis & Karmen win.
• 2024 Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Zaria VS Wren Sinclair; Zaria wins and advances to WWE Deadline.
• NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Ridge Holland VS Andre Chase; Ridge wins and will challenge Trick Williams for the title at WWE Deadline.

PLAY BY PLAY

Nathan Frazer & Axiom are backstage.

The Jersey Island Rocket is fired up but The Undeniable Truth says this is a big risk. Last week, teams were trying to destroy each other just to get at these NXT Tag Team Championships. Frazer is too busy muttering, “Win the Iron Survivor. Win the Iron Survivor.” Axiom snaps him out of it and asks if Frazer heard any of that. Yes, he did! All the tag teams are breathing down their necks, but guess what? They’ll destroy each other before ever reaching Fraxiom. Look in his eyes, amigo. Does Frazer look worried? No! But then Gallus walks over. Axiom says he’s worried. Frazer shrugs that off and heads to gorilla.

Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey & Wolfgang chuckle to themselves, because they’re far more united than the champs. Will Markus & Wolfie be waiting on the other side of Frazer’s singles ambitions? Speaking of the teams breathing down their necks, as Fraxiom heads to the ring, we can see OTM watching from the perch while Hank ‘n’ Tank are in the Chase U student section. The The D’Angelo Family’s Luca Crusifino & “Stacks” Channing Lorenzo walk up right behind commentary. Will one of these teams look to jump the line?

2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Nathan Frazer VS Eddy Thorpe!

The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Frazer and Thorpe tie up, Thorpe waistlocks but Frazer wrenches out. Frazer hits an ELBOW BREAKER, then wristlocks the arm. Thorpe rolls, kips up, and wrenches in return. Frazer rolls, handsprings, and wrenches to WRING Thorpe out. Frazer goes for legs, Thorpe kicks him away, but Frazer kips up! Thorpe stays back to avoid the superkick! The fans fire up as the two reset. Frazer tells Axiom that there’s nothing to worry about, but Thorpe gets around to waistlock and SLAM! And SLAM again! Thorpe floats to a facelock but Frazer fights up.

Thorpe shifts to a headlock, Frazer powers up and out but Thorpe whips Frazer. Thorpe drops, bypasses but that lets Frazer build up speed! DROPKICK! The fans are thunderous as Frazer fires up, and Frazer arm-drags Thorpe down. Frazer clamps on with an armlock but wait, now Tyson Dupont & Tyrike Igwe step in, in front of commentary. Booker T complains but he’s not gonna tell Ty & Ty to move. Thorpe fights up while Frazer is seeing the teams close in. Thorpe powers Frazer to ropes, whips him away, then hurdles and jumps to CROSSBODY! Thorpe kitchen sink KNEES and the fans fire up behind him!

Thorpe storms up on Frazer to whip him to a corner. Thorpe then storms up to KICK Frazer! Frazer staggers to another corner, but Thorpe KICKS him again! The fans rally up as Thorpe KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! The ref counts, Thorpe whips corner to corner, but Frazer goes up and over. Frazer handsprings away, then catches Thorpe to a BUCKLE SHOT! The fans fire up and Axiom coaches Frazer to keep focus. Frazer catches his breath, brings Thorpe up, and snapmares him to then NECK SNAPPER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Frazer brings Thorpe up. Frazer snap suplexes, covers, TWO!

Frazer is a little annoyed but he goes back to Thorpe. The fans duel, but now Gallus is on the stage. Thorpe slips free of a suplex to roll Frazer up! TWO!! Frazer escapes, sunset flips, but Thorpe rolls through! Frazer ducks a kick to roll Thorpe, TWO! Thorpe kicks, Frazer dodges, both men run, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up and wait, OTM disappeared from the perch. And now all the teams are creeping closer! The walls really are closing on on Fraxiom as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Frazer fights out of a headlock. Frazer runs, but into Thorpe’s COBRA TWIST! Thorpe twists and stretches Frazer but Frazer endures. OTM has now joined the rest of these teams on the ground level, and they’re all loving this. Thorpe ROCKS Frazer, runs, but Frazer trips Thorpe up! Frazer then goes to the apron, springboards, but Thorpe dodges! Thorpe swings, Frazer dodges and QUEBRADA DDTS! Then RUNNING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Thorpe survives and Frazer is beside himself! Frazer huffs ‘n’ puffs while Thorpe feebly grabs at him. The fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” as Frazer climbs.

But Thorpe trips Frazer! Thorpe climbs up but Frazer throws elbows! Thorpe falls back, but now the No Quarter Catch Crew’s team of Myles & Heights are here! Thorpe climbs up after Frazer in the distraction to SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX! Frazer staggers up, into the suplex, and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO?! Thorpe cannot believe it and neither can the fans! Axiom, Hank ‘n’ Tank now argue with Gallus, but Thorpe focuses on Frazer! Thorpe whips, Frazer goes up to RANA Thorpe out! Then the teams start brawling! The fans are thunderous as the chaos is all over ringside! Frazer goes up to SUPER SWANTON onto a cluster!!

The fans are loving this, and Frazer checks on Axiom. That leaves him open to haymakers from Thorpe! Thorpe BOOTS Axiom for good measure! Thorpe hurries in, but Frazer wrenches! Thorpe SOBATS and ENZIGIRIS! Thorpe runs, but Frazer catches him! ANARCHY!! Frazer hurries up top as people are sent into steel steps! PHNOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, FRAZER WINS!!

Winner: Nathan Frazer, by pinfall (advances to WWE Deadline)

And now Frazer has to get outta there, because the brawling rushes into the ring! Frazer fights off Myles Borne and Axiom LEAPS onto those in the ring! Referees rush out here but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” It is utter chaos, how is Ava to choose contenders out of this mess?

Andre Chase speaks to the class.

“When I started Chase U, I didn’t want to just teach. I wanted to created a place where people could believe in something, a place where you felt like you belonged, and along the way, I was lucky enough to find people who believed in me as much as I believe in this. When you put everything into something, it becomes who you are. I understand the risk I’m taking tonight, what’s on the line. But Chase U was built on taking risks. This all started with just Thea and I, and look at what it’s become. Chase University created an MVP. Chase University saw Thea’s first victory. Chase University sold out a calendar, twice. Due to the consequences of my own actions, but still. We sold out twice!

“Chase University saw Riley Osborne break out. Chase University saw Thea Hail win a battle royal to challenge for the NXT Women’s Championship. And Chase University won tag team gold. The lessons that we’ve shared here, the moments that we’ve made, they are a part of us now, and they’re not going anywhere. Cuz I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let anyone or anything take away my family.” One of the students says, “Handle that, Mr. Chase!” Chase promises to right Ridge’s wrongs. Yeah, tell ’em! Chase will show why this university is a staple in the NXT Universe. Yeah, Mr. Chase has got this! Tonight, Chase vows to become THE #1 contender.

The students cheer on their favorite professor, but will their faith in Chase see him through to victory? Or will Yorkshire Grit exact the ultimate revenge when he crushes their school spirit?

Giulia speaks.

“It’s been a little over two months since coming to America. It’s very different from life in Japan. But, I am enjoying my time in America, and learning a new culture. At the same time, NXT is learning about the Beautiful Madness that is Giulia. When I debuted, I had no background in martial arts or combat sports. The only skill I had was from the fights I got into growing up. I would bite, slap, do whatever it took to win. The fans of Japanese pro-wrestling described my actions in the ring as ‘beautiful madness.’ A mixture of chaos and creativity that sums up who I am as a person and as a WWE superstar.

“After I qualify, four other women will get a taste of the Beautiful Madness at Deadline. I will become the Iron Survivor. After that, Roxanne Perez, I will see you soon.” Who will be the first to feel the chaos and creativity Giulia can unleash?

Kelani Jordan paces backstage.

She mutters to herself that no one can do it like her, so she has to show everyone what that means. But Robert Stone and Stevie Turner are nearby. Stone says just imagine if Giulia were in the Iron Survivor. Stevie reminds Stone that Kelani was in that match last year. Oh, right. Kelani says she is the Standout, so she’ll prove that by beating the very best. Wait. Stone and Stevie have pull with Ava, right? They do. Then someone tell Ava that Kelani wants Giulia next week in her qualifier. Done. Kelani heads out but the two assistants to the GM argue over who gets to tell Ava. One way or another, will Giulia see that no one, not even her, does it like Lani?

2024 Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Jaida Parker VS Stephanie Vaquer!

Miss Parker has been building momentum through brutal battles, such as her Hardcore match with Lola Vice in the 2300 Arena. But now she’s running into an obstacle that very few around the world have overcome. Will Jaida be able to vanquish Vaquer? Or will she learn just why The Dark Angel was also known as La Primera?

NXT returns and Vaquer makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Jaida scoops and she SLAMS Vaquer! Jaida talks trash but Vaquer gets right up. Vaquer shoots around, waistlocks, but Jaida wrenches free. Jaida YANKS on the arm, wrenches again, then YANKS it again. Vaquer rolls, handsprings, and fans cheer on “Both These Women!” Vaquer wrenches and wristlocks, but Jaida powers through to wrench and YANK the arm again. Jaida RAMS Vaquer down, then brings her up, just to RAM her back down! Jaida whips Vaquer to ropes then blows past her to RUN her over!

The fans fire up while Jaida talks trash. Jaida drags Vaquer up and whips her to a corner. Jaida runs up but Vaquer dodges! Vaquer runs back in and tilt-o-whirls for a roll-up! TWO! Jaida escapes but ends up in a body scissors! Vaquer turns Jaida over for an O’Conner Bridge! TWO! Jaida escapes again, but Vaquer clamps onto an arm. The fans rally as Jaida endures the double wristlock. Vaquer isolates the arm to STOMP it! Vaquer smiles while Jaida writhes, and Vaquer brings her up. Vaquer whips Jaida but Jaida reverses to put Vaquer in a corner. Jaida shakes the bad arm, runs up, but gets caught to a HANGING ARMBAR!

The fans are torn and the ref counts, but Vaquer lets off at 4. Jaida staggers back, Vaquer springboards, but Jaida catches her! Even with one good arm, Jaida hits a BACKBREAKER! Jaida whips Vaquer hard into the corner, then puts her in the ropes. Jaida CHOPS, runs, and TEARDROPS it like it’s hot! Jaida still high steps around, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Vaquer sits Jaida down in a corner. Vaquer runs corner to corner, but Jaida dodges the knees! BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Jaida drags Vaquer up, ROCKS her in the back, and fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” Jaida ROCKS Vaquer in the back again, then whips. Vaquer ROCKS Jaida! And SOBATS! Vaquer runs but Jaida bypasses to ROCK her in the back again! Jaida dragon sleepers, and inverted suplexes! Cover, TWO! Vaquer toughs it out but Jaida keeps her focus. Jaida drags Vaquer around, has the arms, and then steps over! That’s a deep motorcycle stretch, but Vaquer endures!

The fans rally, Vaquer powers up, but Jaida steps back to dig a knee into the back. Vaquer still fights to her feet, and she powers up to turn things around! Jaida turns them back around to ROCK Vaquer in the back again! Jaida clamps on with a chinlock now but Vaquer endures. The fans duel as Vaquer fights up again. Vaquer spins to JAWBREAKER free! And she SUPERKICKS! Jaida staggers, swings, but into SOLE FOOD! Jaida flounders to a corner, Vaquer goes to the other. The fans fire up as Vaquer runs corner to corner, METEORA! Vaquer snapmares Jaida, and reminds us she is La Primera! She headscissors to DRILL Jaida into the mat! Cover, TWO!

Jaida stays in this and Vaquer grows frustrated. But the fans know “This is Awesome!” as Vaquer brings Jaida up. Jaida spins things around to FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Vaquer survives and now Jaida is frustrated. Jaida stands Vaquer up, inverted suplexes, but Vaquer slips free to roll her up! TWO! Vaquer hurries to underhook! But Jaida powers out and knees low! Jaida reels Vaquer in to GOURD BUSTER! And then Jaida builds speed, but wait! Lola Vice is here!? With a brick?! Jaida tells her to just get over it. Vaquer SUPERKICKS Jaida! Vaquer tucks Jaida in, for the PRIMERA BACKBREAKER! Cover, Vaquer wins!

Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall (advances to WWE Deadline)

The Mayor of Vice City gets a semblance of revenge in making sure Miss Parker misses out on Deadline. Vaquer is moving on, will she prove herself worthy of the title opportunity?

Dion Lennox and Brinley Reece prepare backstage.

They’re both wearing Oregon State University Beavers gear. Dion spent five years playing football there and it feels GOOD to be in the orange and black again. And just like the Beavers will take care of Washington State this weekend, he and Brin are handling business tonight. Brin is fired up and says yes! That is why Dion was a team captain! They’re pumped up! Pac 12 on Saturday, but tonight is theirs! Will Dion & Brin be victorious as Oregon State alumni? Or will Adonis & Karmen figure out this strange romcom of theirs?

Roxanne Perez posts a video.

Via her Twitter/X account, the NXT Women’s Champion tells us that as the champion, and the currently longest reigning champion in WWE today, she felt it was time to take a well-deserved and long overdue vacation. She will relax while everyone else tries to follow in her steps as the original Iron Survivor. Good luck to all the ladies busting their asses just to lose to her. But wait, Sol Ruca shows up! So crazy seeing her at the beach. Hopefully Roxie enjoys her vacation because after Deadline, they’ll be seeing each other again. Sol heads out to catch some waves, but will Roxie make sure Sol wipes out in the ring?

Tony D’Angelo w/ Adriana Rizzo VS Brooks Jensen w/ Shawn Spears!

While the North American Championship is not on the line, The Don could end up owing a title match if he gets caught sleeping on Jensen. Will this second generation superstar actually succeed for following The Chair Man? Or will Jensen & Spears just have to FOGEDABOUTIT?

NXT returns and Jensen makes his entrance, Spears right behind him. The bell rings and the fans rally up. Jensen and Tony tie up, go around, and then they go along the ropes. Tony puts Jensen in a corner but Jensen powers out. Tony headlocks, the fans rally behind him, but Jensen powers up and out. Tony RUNS Jensen over, then scoops him to SLAM him! The fans fire up while Jensen writhes. Tony headlocks but Jensen endures. Jensen powers up again, and he puts Tony on the ropes. Tony lets go but Jensen sucker punches him! Jensen whips, but Tony CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Tony eggs Jensen on.

Tony ROCKS Jensen again, then whips him to ropes. Jensen reverses, then catches Tony to a SLEEPER! The fans boo but Tony fights around. Jensen grinds the hold into a headlock and he puts Tony on the mat. The fans rally as Tony fights back up, and RAMS Jensen into buckles! Tony runs but Jensen ELBOWS him away! Jensen fireman’s carries to HOTSHOT Tony off the ropes! Jensen stomps away while the fans boo. Rizzo coaches Tony but Spears applauds Jensen. Jensen drops a knee, then covers, TWO! Tony stays in this but Jensen snarls. Jensen clamps on with a chinlock but the fans rally again.

Tony fights up, fights around, but Jensen becomes a backpack! Tony stays up, to then BACKPACK SENTON! But Jensen holds on! Jensen squeezes tight, but Ton throws elbows into the thighs. Tony is free of the body scissors, fights up to his feet, but Jensen squeezes the neck more. Tony fights around, and he goes at the ropes! Tony manages to throw Jensen off to the floor, but Tony gets his own leg stuck in the ropes. Tony tumbles free but he hobbles after Jensen. Tony CLUBS Jensen, puts him in the ring, then hurries after. Tony dodges a punch to DECK Jensen! And DECKS him again! Then BELLY2BELLY! And another BELLY2BELLY!

The fans fire up with Tony and he whisp Jensen to ropes. SPINE- CODE BREAKER! Jensen turns things around, hurries to cover, TWO! Tony survives but Jensen brings him up, for a BOOT! The fans boo but Jensen runs again, into the SPINEBUSTER!! High stack, Tony wins!

Winner: Tony D’Angelo, by pinfall

The Don grits it out with Jensen and comes out on top! Spears joins Jensen in the ring to help him up, and then Chair Man stares down with The Don. Spears offers a handshake, and Tonty accepts. But then Jensen CHOP BLOCKS Tony’s leg! Spears smiles as he suckers Tony in! Jensen may be Spears’ pawn, but even pawns can do damage. Has Spears’ chess game just put The Don in check?

Ashante THEE Adonis & Karmen Petrovic prepare backstage.

Well, Dion & Brin are representing Oregon State, so naturally Adonis & Karmen are Washington State. Adonis knows Brin is Karmen’s bestie, but Adonisly, Dion & Brin are gonna lose tonight like the Beavers will this weekend. Karmen feels that. By the way, she looks good in crimson and grey. Thanks. So does he. Uh, but anyway, they gotta lock in and win this. They can put their differences aside and get their hands raised. Sounds like a win-win to Adonis. Karmen says let’s go, and pats him on the chest. Adonis says yes, here we go. Can Adonis focus on what matters before going for what he wants?

Lexis King talks with someone.

“Didn’t exactly get off to the best start here. I wasn’t putting my best foot forward. But I like to think that as of late, I’ve really turned a new leaf. It’s an everyday thing, but every day, I’m just trying to be the best version of Lexis King that I can be. And I’m not gonna lie, it’s starting to pay off. People are starting to notice. And I’m not gonna be able to win them all over very quickly, but slow and steady wins the race. And I just wanted to say, I know we could talk for hours, but I appreciate you listening to me and not judging me based on my past.” Turns out, Lexis is talking to Yoshiki Inamura. And Inamura gives a big thumbs up as he says, “I understand.”

Lexis thanks Inamura then heads out. Josh Briggs asks Inamura what that was about. Inamura shrugs and says he doesn’t really know. NXT is a crazy place. Wait, something is going on around the corner! Oh no, all the tag teams from earlier are still brawling! Refs rush in, and Inamura says this is HIS kind of crazy! Briggs nods, will he and Inamura look to join the “fun” soon enough?

Mixed Tag: Ashante THEE Adonis & Karmen Petrovic VS Dion Lennox & Brinley Reece!

NXT returns and Adonis makes his entrance, followed immediately by Karmen’s. The teams sort out and it’s ladies first. Brin and Karmen get warmed up, but then Adonis tags in. Karmen is annoyed and Brin is surprised, but Dion steps in. Dion and Adonis get fired up, but Karmen tags in! Karmen smirks as she returns the favor, and Dion asks if they even talked things out. Clearly not as Adonis tags back in. Karmen is getting annoyed now but Adonis says hey, two can play at that game. And that they can, as Karmen tags back in! Dion is frustrated, Brin is confused, but then Adonis and Karmen keep arguing. Dion says go get her!

Brin runs up to roll Karmen up! TWO! Karmen gets up, goes for a leg, but Brin wrenches out to backslide. TWO, and Karmen goes to sweep. Brin jumps that kick, then wrenches and wristlocks. Kamren wrenches back and wrangles Brin. Brin fights up, fights around, and whips Karmen to ropes. Brin then blows past Karmen, handsprings over, and blocks the hip toss to DECK Karmen! But then Adonis tags in to make the save. Dion slips in and he HIP TOSSES Adonis! And HIP TOSSES him again! Dion whips Adonis but Adonis reverses. Dion reverses back but Adonis KCIKS and then AIR DROPS! Adonis checks with Karmen and she applauds.

Adonis whips again, but Dion reverses to BACKDROP! And DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Dion runs corner to corner, for a BIG LARIAT in the corner! Dion keeps moving, but Adonis drops down, and Dion almost runs into Karmen! Dion apologizes, but then Adonis waistlocks. Dion standing switches but Adonis uses the ropes to HOTSHOT Dion away! Adonis CLOBBERS Dion, rains down fists, and fans boo. Hard to think Dion is Adonis’s friend with how he’s treating Dion. Adonis drags Dion up, whips again, but Dion ducks n” dodges! Dion and Adonis DOUBLE LARIAT and the fans fire up!

Adonis and Dion crawl, hot tags to Karmen and Brin! Brin rallies on Karmen with LARIATS of her own! Brin handspring LARIATS! The fans fire up with Brin and she fireman’s carries. Karmen slips free, Brin switches and O’Conner Rolls! TWO, and Adonis is there to flirt with Brin? Brin is appalled and SLAPS him for it! But then Karmen ROUNDHOUSES Brin! Cover, Karmen & Adonis win!

Winners: Ashante THEE Adonis & Karmen Petrovic, by pinfall

Adonis gives Karmen a big hug in celebration, and Karmen being receptive of it is rather surprising. They high-five, then they interlock fingers. The ref raises their hands in victory, could this be quite the dream team?

Backstage interview with Ridge Holland.

Sarah Schreiber is with Yorkshire Grit and says tonight is the night he’s waited for. This is his chance to become #1 contender to the NXT Championship. The only thing in the way is Andre Chase. Ridge says did we enjoy the “field trip down memory lane” with Chase U? In the classroom that Ridge got them, wearing the shirts Ridge gave them. The funny thing about memory is that it can distort reality. But the reality is, Ridge destroyed Duke, crushed Riley, and threw Chase in the back of an ambulance. But to Chase’s credit, he has more guts than brains, and he wants to go one more round, with the whole arena rooting for him.

Ridge says after tonight, Thea, Duke & Riley will be left to flounder all on their own, no father figure to hold their hands. Relationships will be destroyed. Chase made the wrong gamble. Ridge is going to Deadline, and Chase U as we know it dies. Ridge heads out, will he get everything he wants after tonight? Or only what he deserves?

2024 Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Zaria VS Wren Sinclair w/ Charlie Dempsey!

The Agent of Change has certainly been making an impact since her debut, but she’s looking to shape the future of NXT with her own two hands. Will she join Sol Ruca and Stephanie Vaquer at Deadline? Or will the NQCC have a stake in the game?

The bell rings and Zaria eyes Wren like a predator does its prey. The fans even sing, “Zaria’s gonna kill~ you!” as the two step up. Wren slips around to waistlock, but Zaria switches and SLAMS Wren right down! Wren scrambles away to ropes, then comes back to go for a leg. Zaria gut wrenches Wren, Wren slips free to roll her up, ONE! Wren scrambles away again and Dempsey coaches her up. Wren fires up, runs in at Zaria, but Zaria catches the crossbody! Zaria pops Wren around but Wren slips free again. Wren waistlocks, goes to ropes, but Zaria bucks the O’Conner. Zaria runs up but Wren swings around to susnet flip!

Zarya stays up, and she drags Wren up to whip her to a corner. Zaria runs up to LARIAT in the corner! Then she snap suplexes, rolls through, and deadlifts for a stalling suplex! Cover, TWO! Zaria keeps her focus as she drags Wren back up. Wren slips free, shoves Zaria away and DROPKICKS! Zaria staggers, but she avoids the next dropkick. Zaria hauls Wren back up, suplexes again, but Wren cradle counters! TWO!! Wren scrambles up, Zaria runs up, and Zaria LARIATS Wren and herself up and out of the ring! Dempsey checks on Wren but the ref has him stay back. Zaria drags Wren up, puts her in the ring, then stares Dempsey down.

Dempsey is a bit spooked by Zaria, but Wren DIVES and takes Zaria down! Even Dempsey’s impressed! Wren puts Zaria in while fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” Wren fires CHOP after CHOP, then whips. Zaria reverses but Wren LEPAING LARIATS! The fans fire up as Wren hurries to BASEMENT BULLDOG! Wren keeps moving, and she SHOTGUNS Zaria into buckles! Zaria falls over and Wren hauls her up! Wren underhooks but Zaria wrenches out to short arm LARIAT! The fans fire up as Zaria stalks Wren. Zaria drags Wren up with a waistlock, but Wren victory rolls, TWO!! Zaria escapes and Wren is stunned!

Zaria roars, runs, but into an ELBOW! Wren goes up and leaps over Zaria. But Zaria SPEARS Wren down! The fans are thunderous as Zaria hauls Wren up. Fireman’s carry, and DELTA FORCE F5! Cover, Zaria wins!

Winner: Zaria, by pinfall (advances to WWE Deadline)

And with that, we have our third Iron Survivor Challenger! Will Zaria bulldoze through the field to head right for Roxanne Perez?

Tony D’Angelo is in the NXT trainer’s room.

The Don is annoyed, he wants the doctor to stop touching his leg. Ava Raine walks in and asks what’s going on. Tony asks if she saw what Jensen & Spears pulled, and she says she did. Then those snakes…! Doc, stop! If Spears wants a title match, then Tony will give him a title match! He’ll fight even on one leg! Ava says that’s adrenaline talking but Tony says it is not. Tony will hop out there if he has to! In steps Eddy Thorpe now and he complains about the tag team chaos distracting him in his match. Can’t she reverse the decision? Ava knows, but she’s in the middle of something. Ava asks the doc his final word but the doc says Tony hasn’t even let him check the leg!

Tony says the leg is fine! He wants his match with Spears. Well, if he gets cleared, then he’s got it. And as for Eddy, she can’t just reverse a decision, and she can’t just “put him” in the Iron Survivor match. So interference in Tony’s match, he gets what he wants, and Spears is even awarded a title match. Interference in Eddy’s match, nothing can be done. He gets how this works. Eddy storms off before Ava can explain, will the Alpha Wolf have to hunt down his own opportunities?

The Fatal Influence is in the ring.

The fans are torn as Jacy Jayne, Jazmyn Nyx & NXT Women’s North American Champion, Fallon Henley, are here. Jacy says by now, we all know that NXT has the strongest women’s division in all of wrestling. But the three women who knew that before anyone else are the same three standing in this ring. Fatal Influence has always been ahead of the curve. So if this was going to be the strongest women’s division in the world, these three made damn sure they were sitting at the top. Fallon asks, “How do you get to the top and stay at the top? You hold one of these.” Fallon holds up her title belt, and fans boo more.

Fallon says everyone’s talking Deadline and Iron Survivor Challenge when they should be talking about what Fallon did last week! Jazmyn says finally, they shut up Kelani Jordan and proved Fatal Influence’s point all along: They are above every athlete, no matter how good they are. So now, Fallon can sit pretty with her title because she has no one else to worry about. Or she could be a fighting champion. So then, how about an Open Challenge?! Fans are surprised to hear that from Fallon. Okay, settle down, it won’t be tonight. It’ll be next week, duh. The fans boo again but Fallon says let’s be honest, NXT needs time to find someone for-

Wait, Meta Four is here! Lash Legend says, “SKRRRR~! Hold up, wait a minute. If there’s gonna be an Open Challenge next week, best believe the Meta Girls are gonna get a piece of that.” The fans cheer, but Jacy & Jazmyn say here’s a piece. Wait, Nikkita Lyons heads out here now? She tells no no, Lash had a chance at gold for Crown Jewel, and failed, so get to the back of the line. Lyons will see Fallon next week. But then RIZZO CLOBBERS LYONS! Lyons forgot about her and now a brawl is on! Jacy brawls with Jakara, Jazmyn brawls with Lash, and Rizzo is all over Lyons, but wait! More women runs out here! They ALL want in on this!

Fallon has a good time watching the rest of the division fight their way to the back, but uh, someone sneaks in from behind! TATUM PAXLEY is here, and she catches Fallon for the TWISTER! Tatum holds up the title, will she finally get to play with the shiny shiny?

Jensen & Spears talk backstage.

Jensen asks if that’s what Spears wanted out there, and Spears says that was exactly what he wanted. Great job, Brooks. And Nico walks in with news: Spears has his title match next week. Good! Everything is lining up. Let’s head out. We now see Karmen & Adonis talking about their win tonight. They each want to say something so Adonis lets her go first. Karmen says they did a good job together. Adonis agrees. Wait, outside the ring, too? Well… But then Lyons walks by and says she’s still waiting on the text back, Adonis. W-What? Of course… Adonis says no, he didn’t text her! Lyons is lying just to stir the pot, but can Adonis get Karmen to trust him?

Ethan Page speaks.

“The Iron Survivor Challenge match. The most exciting 25 minutes in WWE. The part that excites All Ego the most, though, is the prize you get after winning the Iron Survivor Challenge, and that is a shot at the NXT Championship. Oh, and I’m well aware that there’s not a single living, breathing human who wants to see Ethan Page challenge for the NXT Championship ever again, but that’s when I’m at my best. You see that uneasy feeling you’re starting to get in the pit of your stomach? That’s because you know I don’t waste opportunity. I pick my moment, I pick my angle, I pick my spot.

“So it doesn’t matter when All Ego enters the Iron Survivor, because when that clock hits 25, the wrestler with the most falls is gonna be me. Now all I have to do is qualify next week.” Will Ethan Page once again make NXT all about him?

Fraxiom regroups backstage.

They finish watching Ethan’s video like the rest of us, and Frazer says it would get interesting if Ethan qualified. Axiom says Ethan won’t. What does Axiom mean by that? Axiom says he won’t. But Ethan’s a former NXT Champion, he’s got pretty good odds. Axiom says no, Ethan won’t be in the Iron Survivor, because his opponent is going to be Axiom! Frazer asks, “What?!” Axiom?! Yeah, well, Frazer didn’t care about the whole tag division coming after them, so why should Axiom be left out? Axiom asked for his opportunity. Wow. That’s… Fantastic! Frazer is so happy for Axiom! See? Frazer can be happy for Axiom, unlike Axiom was for him.

Wow, very mature, Frazer. But yeah, thanks. Wait, what happens if Axiom qualifies? Then they’ll be opponents at Deadline. Oh… Will all this desire for gold only tear apart the NXT Tag Team Champions?

Mr. Chase finishes up with the class.

He says this was a great talk, and he says that this is without a doubt THE biggest match of his career. It has put things in perspective. Chase U has never been conventional, and their methods are definitely unlike any other. So that is why he wants to take this time to acknowledge… that while he’s been hard on everyone, and some more than others (highlight reel of his meltdowns over the years), he just wants to apologize. What? FOR ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Now that’s Mr. Chase right there! Duke, there are two things that are for sure in this life: one is that Ridge gets an Andre Chase University sized ass whooping!

And two: Chase is on his way to becoming THE N X T EFFIN’ CHAMPION~! YEAH!!! The class is all fired up, and Chase heads to gorilla.

Trick Williams is here!

The fans fire up as Tricky Two-Time Two-Time heads to the ring. Trick’s got the belt around his waist, and he’s going to have a front row seat for the moment of truth!

NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Ridge Holland VS Andre Chase!

The fallout between Yorkshire Grit and Chase University continues as now aspirations for gold crosses over with their grudge. Will Ridge destroy Chase U once and for all? Or will Chase’s biggest gamble ever have the biggest payoff ever?

NXT returns as Ridge makes his entrance, followed by Chase. Chase high-fives the front row before he goes to the ring, and Trick joins commentary so he can hang out with Vic Joseph & Booker T while watching this. The introductions are made for this big time main event with its big time stakes. The bell rings and the two rush in! Chase sends Ridge to a corner, fires off CHOPS and haymakers, but Ridge hits back! The fans fire up as Chase gets the edge back, then whips. Ridge reverses but Chase KICKS him back! Chase bumps Ridge off buckles, then bumps him off more buckles! The fans fire up as Chase CHOPS again!

Chase whips corner to corner, but Ridge reverses to clinch and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Chase goes to a corner but Ridge runs up to SPLASH, and then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY again! Chase writhes and fans boo but Ridge storms over. Ridge sits Chase up to throw down crossface forearms! Cover, TWO! Chase is tougher than that, and he fires body shots in return. Ridge UPPERCUTS Chase down, then clinches again. OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans boo but Ridge soaks it up and talks trash in return. Ridge makes sure all the Chase U students and fans feel this one. OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO!

Chase is still in this but Ridge stomps him down. Ridge goes outside, and he starts peeling back floormats! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Ridge drags Chase out of the ring. Thea, Duke, Riley and the other students are watching from the classroom as Chase fights off the powerbomb! Chase rains down fists, but where’s Duke going? Chase stomps Ridge on the apron! Then SUPERKICKS! Ridge wobbles, Chase leaps, CANNONBALL to the floor! Chase is all fired up and so are the fans as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Chase is down. Ridge climbs up and the fans boo. Ridge says this is it, and he DIVING HEADBUTT FLOPS as Chase moves! The fans are thunderous as Chase rises up! Chase baits Ridge in, ELBOWS him back, then ELBOWS him again! Chase wrenches Ridge to hit a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Chase brings Ridge around. Ridge is a bit too big to lift, but Chase fires KNEE after KNEE into Ridge. Chase reels Ridge in again, and manages to lift, but not much! Ridge fights out, Chase ducks a lariat but not the SOUTHPAW! Ridge keeps moving and he KNEE LIFTS Chase!

Ridge gut wrenches Chase to a Canadian Rack, AK47 DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Chase survives and Ridge is furious! Ridge goes outside again, and he tells someone to move. Ridge takes the timekeeper’s chair! Ridge aims at Chase but the ref takes the chair! The fans cheer, but then Ridge LOW BLOWS Chase!! It was all a diversion! REDEEMER DDT!!! Cover, DUKE YANKS THE REF OUT?!? Thea followed the MVP out here, and she’s in disbelief! But Ridge glares at Duke, and Duke steps up! Thea says okay, go ahead! Duke fires haymakers off on Ridge! The fans fire up as Duke hammers away on Ridge in a corner!

The Chase U MVP is taking it to Ridge, getting payback in his own right! The brawl spills out of teh ring, and then Duke aims for teh concrete! But Ridge RAMS Duke through the wall!! Thea and the fans all freak out, especailly as Ridge rises from the wreckage. Ridge snarls, but then RILEY OSBORNE FLIES! Riley takes out Ridge AND Thea! Riley’s seeing red for the red ‘n’ black as he fires off hands on Ridge! Riley whips, Ridge reverses, and then Ridge socops to pop-up, and trophy lift! Ridge TOSSES Riley onto the concrete!! Chase U is being wrecked by Ridge and Ridge revels in it! The fans boo but Ridge points to Chase.

Chase rises up, and the fans are thunderous as Chase roars! “You want it?! Come and take it, Ridge!!” They fire hands and the fans are thunderous! Chase whips, Ridge reverses but Chase reverses back, to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! The fans are electric as we get to spell it out! “C! H! A! S! E! U!” What’s that spell!? CHASE U!! Ridge staggers into a clinch, and SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO!! Ridge survives but Chase isn’t done there! Chase goes up and up, but Ridge ROCKS him first! The fans fire up for Chase U as hard as they can, but Ridge brings Chase to the very top! But Chase slips under to RUNNING POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!!

Ridge survives again and the fans can’t believe it! Chase powers up and rises again! “This is Awesome!” as Chase reaches the top rope. Chase leaps, but Ridge rolls through the crossbody!! Pop around and REDEEMER!!! Cover, Ridge wins!!

Winner: Ridge Holland, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)

The fans are in disbelief! Ridge not only manhandled the MVP and wrecked Riley, but he has triumphed over Mr. Chase yet again, and has ended Chase University’s existence in NXT! Will Ridge do even worse when he and Trick Williams battle for THE NXT Championship? Or can Trick whoop the Yorkshire Grit at Deadline?

My Thoughts:

An awesome NXT tonight, so much story and build towards Deadline, though still with some clear results. A shame Jaida Parker had to face Stephanie Vaquer because Vaquer was going to win. Though, did it have to be because Lola Vice distracted Jaida? I know Jaida needs to be kept strong, but Vaquer should’ve just won straight up, and then Lola could go after Jaida afterward. Zaria was also of course going to beat Wren tonight, but Wren did have a great showing against her. And good promo from Kelani, but I’m pretty sure she’s losing to Giulia. It’ll be an awesome match, but Giulia got a very good promo of her own, so the Beautiful Madness is definitely going to Deadline.

Good promo from Roxie and Sol to tease Roxie VS Sol, but I feel like that’s too much foreshadowing for Sol to win the Iron Survivor Challenge. It would be great for Sol to at least have the Iron Survivor win under her belt, though, because it just seems like she isn’t going to get a title reign just yet. Great stuff with Fatal Influence riling up the rest of the NXT Women’s Division, too, but Tatum Paxley getting the better of Fallon, she certainly gets the title match. Tatum probably won’t win with the Fatal Influence watching Fallon’s back, but it will be a good showing for Tatum.

Very good Mixed Tag match tonight. The constant tagging between Adonis and Karmen to mess with each other was a clever bit, and then good stuff with both Karmen and Adonis having their “almost crash” moments. Great win for Adonis & Karmen, but then I didn’t expect Lyons to mess with the Adonis & Karmen relationship just for the fun of it. Maybe after Lyons and Rizzo have it out, Lyons and Karmen have a feud with Adonis involved, but I guess we’ll wait and see. Also, they did a good job of plugging the CW’s college football coverage with the promos leading up to the match, much more corporate synergy than I remember ever getting out of SmackDown and Fox.

Awesome match from Frazer VS Thorpe, but also we got a lot of fun with the NXT Tag Division brawling around. Great win for Frazer, and this clearly feeds story as Axiom is going to face Ethan Page now. As good as Ethan is, I feel like Axiom should win so that Axiom and Frazer will have to fight each other in the Iron Survivor Challenge. It will add to the growing dysfunction, allowing whatever tag team that comes out as #1 contenders to rather easily take the titles off Fraxiom. Then Axiom and Frazer can bust out more classics like they did roughly a year ago before becoming a team, and the winner of that feud can go on to a singles title.

I really liked that there were multiple brawls tonight in both the tag division and the women’s division. Ava Raine has effectively created a more chaotic environment than Adam Pearce’s Raw. Lexis King had a good promo with Inamura, and I figured they were going to pull some Funaki style “English isn’t my primary language so I didn’t get a lot of that” gag. But Inamura & Briggs liking the chaos of the tag division was also good stuff, and it’d be interesting to see Briggs get back into the tag division with Inamura as his partner. I don’t know the chances of a Pro-Wrestling Noah star holding an NXT title, but if Inamura & Briggs at least challenged for the tag titles, that’d be a fun time.

Speaking of, Tony VS Jensen was really good, and of course Tony won. But great bit of Spears and Jensen suckering Tony in, and now Tony is playing right into their hands. Maybe Tony finds a way to retain the title, but with Stacks & Luca pursuing the tag titles and Rizzo feuding with Lyons, Tony might be left all alone against Spears and Jensen and maybe even that Nico guy. Ironically, this is what Oba Femi wanted to do to Tony but it’s Spears who is pulling it off. And as I’ve said before, it just feels like they’re building Tony into the next NXT Grand Slam Champion, so he has to lose this North American title if he’s to move up to the top title.

And speaking of the top title, what great stuff in the story of Chase U tonight. The great promos from Chase were of course foreshadowing the faction’s downfall. Chase VS Ridge was great stuff, with the same “overbooking in the Face’s favor” stuff like when Tony took on Oba. However, Ridge overcame the odds because he is being built as a monster Heel, and he gets a lot more heat for not just winning but destroying Chase U, both physically since he beat everyone up, and in official terms as the group must now disband. But as I said last week, this probably sets all the members free to do their own thing and reach new heights.

My Score: 9/10

And we’re on the clock!

Tonight, we begin the qualifiers for this year’s Iron Survivor Challenge! Who looks to push their limits against the very best in NXT today?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Giulia & Stephanie Vaquer VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson; Giulia & Vaquer win.
• 2024 Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Cora Jade VS Sol Ruca; Sol wins and advances to WWE Deadline.
• 2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Wes Lee VS Cedric Alexander; Wes wins and advances to WWE Deadline.
• Adriana Rizzo VS Nikkita Lyons; Lyons wins.
• 2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Je’Von Evans VS Lexis King; Je’Von wins and advances to WWE Deadline.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley w/ The Fatal Influence VS Kelani Jordan; Fallon wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Giulia & Stephanie Vaquer VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson!

The Beautiful Madness & Dark Angle were still on the winning side last week, though not for lack of trying from Meta Four’s leading ladies. Will the Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson do better now that it’s 2v2? Or will Giulia & Vaquer be the ones putting on the brakes?

The teams sort out and Lash starts against Giulia. The fans rally up as the two step up and talk some trash. Giulia calls for the Test of Strength, but Lash taunts Giulia over her height advantage. So Giulia throws a body shot! Giulia headlocks, Lash powers up and goes to a corner. Giulia goes up and around, but Lash fights off the flying takeover. Lash powers out but Giulia BOOTS her! Lash BOOTS back! The fans fire up, Jakara tags in, and Meta Four gets Giulia up. They double whip, drop toehold, and ELBOW DROP! Jakara runs to basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Giulia is tougher than that but Jakara waistlocks.

Giulia fights up, wrenches and switches, but Jakara victory rolls! Cover, TWO! Jakara hits an arm-drag to a lateral press, TWO! Ghost pin from Giulia, TWO! The two reset and the fans cheer. Giulia then kicks low, whips Jakara to a corner, but runs into a BOOT! Jakara goes up, up and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans rally up and Jakara hurries to cover, TWO! Giulia is still tougher than that, but Jakara fireman’s carries. Giulia fights into an IRON OCTOPUS! The fans fire up, Jakara heads for ropes, but Vaquer tags in. The Stardom duo double whip, drop, bypasses, hurdle, drop toehold, and 619! Then SHOTGUN!

The fans fire up as Vaquer & Giulia shake hands to DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Jakara shows she’s tough, too, but Vaquer brings her around. Vaquer whips, Jakara sunset flips, but Vaquer stays up to scrape Jakara’s face! Then she drops a leg, brother! And fans fire up as the headscissors are on! Vaquer DRILLS Jakara into the mat again and again! The fans fire up while Jakara sputters. Vaquer brings Jakara up but Jakara wrenches to JAWBREAKER! Tag to Lash and she CHOPS Vaquer down! Then DECKS her! Giulia is in, IRON- NO, Lash stays up! So Vaquer SUPERKICKS! Lash is still up?!

Vaquer jumps on, but Lash has them both! DOUBLE DRIBBLE in the ropes! Lash drops Vaquer, then swings Giulia away. Tag to Jakara and she hops up onto Lash. META TOWER CROSSBODY! Jakara wipes out Giulia & Vaquer and the fans are thunderous as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Lash holds Vaquer up in a suplex! And then she SLAMS Vaquer at the count of ten! Then Lash kips up, tags Jakara, and sits Vaquer up. Jakara clamps on the chinlock, then shifts to a straitjacket stretch. Jakara thrashes Vaquer but Vaquer endures. The fans rally, Vaquer fights up, and Vaquer powers up to spin things around, only for Jakara to spin it right back around! Jakara then ripcords and whips Vaquer to the corner. Vaquer BOOTS Jakara, HEADBUTTS Lash, then goes up and over Jakara! Roll and hot tag to Giulia! The fans fire up as Giulia SHOTGUNS Jakara! Gijuila fires off hands!

Giulia dodges Jakara, HEABUTTS her, but here comes Lash! Giulia dodges Lash to tilt-o-whirl, and DEJA VU SUNSET BOMB! Jakara storms up to fire hands! Jakara suplexes, but Giulia counters with a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Giulia drags Jakara right up bumps her off buckles, and she tags Vaquer. Vaquer KICKS Jakara in the face, then Giulia runs to BOOT WASH! Giulia feeds Jakara to Vaquer’s SOBAT! Giulia BOOTS, and then they wrench, crisscross, and DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, Lash breaks it! Lash talks trash, but Giulia hops on for a SLEEPER! Lash flails, Giulia shifts around, Vaquer SUPERKICKS Lash!

Vaquer hits a CODE BREAKEAR and Lash tumbles out of the ring! Giulia goes to the apron, and she MISSILE DROPKISK! Lash hits steel steps on the way down! But Jakara O’Conner Rolls deep! TWO!! Vaquer runs up, Jakara gets around, but Vaquer switches! Snapmare into buckles, and Giulia tags in. Giulia climbs up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Jakara flounders but Giulia feeds her to the PRIMERA BACKBREAKER! Then Giulia & Vaquer give Jakara a GOLDEN TRIGGER! Cover, Giulia & Vaquer win!

Winners: Giulia & Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall

Jakara was ready for action but no one could stare down that double barrel and survive! Will Giulia & Vaquer prove together or apart, they are going to run NXT? Blake Howard interviews them in the ring and says they’ve been a great team. But for the next few weeks, they’ll each be in an Iron Survivor Challenge qualifier. The question is: If they both make it to Deadline, what can we expect to see? Giulia says she knew this day would come. Vaquer says, “See you at Deadline.” The amigas area ready to fight it out for the gold, will either of them win that 25 minute marathon?

2024 Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Cora Jade VS Sol Ruca!

Speaking of that grueling golden opportunity, #GenerationJade and the Sol Surfer want that first spot! Will Cora prove she’s back and better than ever? Or will Sol finally catch that wave and ride it to the top?

NXT returns and Cora makes her entrance. The bell rings and Cora hops up on a corner as a defense. The fans rally for Sol while Cora pouts. Cora hops down, storms up on Sol, but Sol gets around, tripos Cora, but Cora narrowly avoids the superkick. Sol hops up on a corner to taunt Cora now. The fans fire up, and Cora says clever. Get down! Sol says make her. Cora storms up but sol gets around her again, for a BIG lift and FACEBUSTER! Sol then stands on Cora to surf! The fans cheer as Sol pops ‘n’ locks then hops off, to SUPERKICK! Cora flounders, Sol whips her to ropes, but Cora reverses. Sol holds ropes but Cora SHINING WIZARDS!

The fans boo Cora but she runs to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Sol stays in this and goes to ropes, but Cora storms up. Cora bumps Sol off buckles, then again, then she stomps a mudhole in. The ref counts, Cora lets off, but then she comes back to put Sol on ropes. The fans rally but Cora CHOKES Sol! Cora runs side to side to ELBOW Sol in the back! Cover, TWO! Cora is growing frustrated already but the fans sing for Sol. Cora drags Sol up, but Sol JAWBREAKERS back! Cora wobbles, Sol waistlocks, but Cora bucks the O’Conner. So Sol ROCKS her first! Cora ROCKS back, but Sol ROCKS Cora again!

Cora storms up, but Sol slips around to CLOBBER Cora! Sol springboards to CROSSBODY! Cora flounders to a corner. Sol runs in but Cora puts her on the apron. Sol ROUNDHOUSES Cora, then springboards, but Cora trips her up! Sol flops, Cora underhooks, FUTURE- NO, Sol powers out! Sol baits Cora into a corner and Cora hits her knee! SOL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol wins!

Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall (advances to the Iron Survivor Challenge)

Cora was talking a big game, but it all caught up to her! Sol punches her ticket, will she be the one going for gold in 2025?

Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander talk backstage.

They just saw as we all did, Sol is the first woman to qualify for Deadline. If Je’Von beats Lexis King, he’s locked in. If Cedric beats Wes Lee, Cedric’s locked in. It’ll be tough, but they’ll LOCK IN~! They head out, and we see Karmen Petrovic talking with Dion Lennox. Karmen shares that her favorite color is yellow, but who doesn’t like yellow? It’s such a nice color. That is, until Ashante THEE Adonis and his yellow beanie had to go and distract her during her match. Uh-huh… Oh, wait, what was the question again? Color. Right, right. Red’s her new favorite color. Cool. Because of that beanie? Yeah.

Brinley Reece walks in and hopes Karmen is not talking about Adonis. No! No no no. Karmen is getting to know Dion. Dion, what else do you wanna know? Uh… Adonis storms in and asks Karmen, “Really?” This is what they’re doing now? With his best friend of all people! Dion says hold on, when were they best friends? Bruh, since last week, remember? Dion says this is just about them getting involved in each other’s matches. Brin says truth. Dion suggests they should try to be a tag team so they can learn to work together. What? Brin likes that idea! Is Dion free next week? Cuz Brin is. Dion says sure, but-

Karmen asks what Brin’s up to. Brin says Karmen knows she wants to. Adonis says Karmen knows she wants to. Karmen tells him not to tell her what to do. Dion is worried already. But the mixed tag challenge is set! Will Adonis & Karmen be a modern Beauty & The Beast? Or is this going to be a more tragic love story?

Ava Raine holds an NXT Tag Team Division meeting.

We have OTM, Hank ‘n’ Tank, Tyson & Tyriek, Myles & Heights, The D’Angelo Family, and even Gallus, all in the boardroom. Ava says she has invited them all here to discuss the state of the tag division. Recently, Fraxiom has been retaining their titles, but she is looking for the next team to step up. Everyone speaks up, but what is Josh Briggs doing here? Ava wants every man in here to show the world what this division is about. They all have the background to succeed. Gallus are former NXT UK & NXT Tag Team Champions. Hank ‘n’ Tank are each D1 NCAA Football standouts. Myles Borne is a D1 NCAA Wrestler and Tavion Heights is an Olympian.

Ty & Ty could shotput cars over the building any day they want. And The D’Angelos… make people disappear. Whoa, whoa, Ava. Allegedly. But Tank says let’s get after it. HONK HONK. Tavion says they’re just teacher’s pets. Lucien Price says he & Bronco Nima will make them think twice about putting two singles guys against the champs. Ty & Ty say don’t talk about what you can’t back up. The teams all bicker but Ava says yes, this is the energy she wants. But don’t tell her, show her! Meeting adjourned. The teams head out, but who heads up the ladder towards the Undeniable Truth & Jersery Island Rocket?

2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Wes Lee VS Cedric Alexander!

The corrupted Cardiac Kid couldn’t crush Je’Von’s hopes, but maybe he can get some payback taking out “Uncle Ceddy.” Will Wes make Deadline must-see? Or will PRIMED Alexander be locked in?

NXT returns and Cedric makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up as fans rally, and Cedric shoves Wes down. Wes gets up and Cedric eggs him on. The two reset, tie up, and Cedric again shoves Wes back. Wes is annoyed but Cedric steps right to him. Wes uses ropes as defense so Cedric backs off. The two reset, tie up, but Wes waistlocks, headlocks, and grinds the hold. Cedric powers up but can’t power out. Cedric slips out the back to wrangle Wes with a headlock of his own. Cedric thrashes the hold and Wes flails. The fans rally, Wes fights around, and rolls to a cover. ONE, and Cedric holds on.

Wes fights up to his feet, powers up and puts Cedric on ropes. The ref counts, Wes lets off slowly, and he swings! Cedric dodges to headlock. Cedric hits a takeover, and he grinds Wes down again. Wes endures, fights up, and powers Cedric down. Wes fires a body shot, then cartwheels to have an armlock. Wes wrenches, wristlocks, but Cedric rolls, rolls, and handsprings. Cedric trips Wes, then speeds up. Wes drops, bypasses, and slides under. Wes rolls back to RANA! Cedric gest up but Wes trips him! SENTON! The fans fire up while Wes shakes it off. Cedric goes to a corner, Wes runs up, but Cedric puts him on the apron!

Cedric UPPERCUTS Wes, ROCKS him, then blocks both shots. Wes tries a shoulder but he gets kick after kick after kick! Wes blocks a kick, tells Cedric to stop kicking him, but Cedric CHOPS him! Cedric then FLIES! Not the cleanest hit but both men are down. The ref checks Cedric but he seems okay, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Wes wrangles Cedric with an armlock. The fans rally up as Cedric fires hands! Cedric ROCKS Wes, but Wes WRINGS the arm out! Cedric writhes, Wes runs and handsprings, but Cedric DROPKICKS Wes upside-down! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! Cedric rises, shakes out the bad arm, and he winds up to CHOP! Wes staggers but Cedric CHOPS him down! Wes gets up, Cedric CHOPS him again! Cedric brings Wes up to CHOP and whip, to then kitchen sink knee! And basement DROPKICK! Cedric kips up and fires up, and the fans are with him! Wes flounders to the apron, so Cedric goes out to join him!

Cedric catches Wes to an APRON URENAGE! Wes flounders back in, the fans duel, and Cedric lines up the shot. GET OVER HERE! Cover, TWO!! Wes survives the tornado flatliner but the fans know “This is Awesome!” Cedric brings Wes up, suplexes, but Wes blocks! Wes wrenches free, but ducks a lariat! Ripcord and SUPERKICK! And then mule kick! Wes handsprings for the CARDIAC KICK!! Cover, TWO?!? Wes is as shocked as anyone that Cedric survives! Wes seethes as he drags Cedric to a drop zone. Wes climbs, aims, and 450- NO, Wes bails out as Cedric moves! Wes turns around into a LARIAT!

The fans are thunderous and Cedric rises again. Cedric storms over to Wes, waistlocks, but Wes grabs a buckle pad! The pad comes lose, Cedric back suplexes, but Wes lands out! Wes throws the pad at Cedric but it’s just a pillow. Cedric scoops, MICHINOKU DRIVER! The ref’s busy with the buckle pad! Late count on the cover, TWO!! Wes survives and Cedric cannot believe it! The fans boo the ref but Cedric just goes to a corner. Cedric focuses, runs up, but Wes drop toeholds him into the bare buckle! The fans boo but Wes takes advantage of the situation! METEORA!! Cover, Wes wins!

Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall (advances to the Iron Survivor Challenge)

The Cardiac Kid is crafty, turning opportunity into victory! Will he do it all over again at Deadline?

Tony D’Angelo enjoys a nice dinner.

He asks if that thing at the docks was handled. All done, boss. Good. But in steps Shawn Spears & Brooks Jensen. The Don sighs and says he doesn’t like this new obsession Spears has. The Chair Man says it is called being persistent. Yeah, persistently annoying. Well, get used to it, Tony. Spears doesn’t care if he’s The Don, it’s Tony’s other title Spears wants. Tony dismisses his men, and Spears says he’s seen all sorts of guys come in here, sit in Tony’s chair, attack Tony, turn the place upside-down. Spears has let Tony’s disrespect slide twice. There will not be a third. Oh, Spears let Tony slide?

Tony will cut to the chase. Spears wants the North American Championship, right? Spears says Tony’s built one hell of a family, especially after winning the title. The family has been motivated to grow, but Spears feels that title will do the same for him. Tony reminds Spears it took him three YEARS and slaying a monster in Oba Femi to get this title. Yes, Tony played Oba. Good for him. Tony’s stronger than ever. Which is why Brooks Jensen is the one to challenge for the belt. Tony says Spears is a weird guy. He wants a title shot for someone else? Why not think for yourself, kid? Why’s Jensen always following someone else?

Jensen gets heated but Spears has him stand down. Spears doesn’t question how The Don does things, so The Don should not question The Chair Man. Tony says it is smart, having the kid fight Spears’ battles. Spears says intelligence only gets us so far. The difference between Spears and everyone else is that he is starving. The most successful people are hungry to be more, to do more, to have more. And the only thing in NXT that will satisfy Spears’ appettite is the North American Championship. Now… thank you for your time. Spears & Jensen head out, but when and where will they get their shot at The Don?

In the parking lot, Spears tells Jensen that is how you deal with the boss. Isn’t that right, Nico? Yes, it is. Wait, who is this now on Spears’ side? Is The Chair Man’s influence growing in the shadows of NXT?

Backstage interview with Kelani Jordan.

Byron Saxton is with The Standout and notes tonight is her rematch for the Women’s North American Championship against Fallon Henley. Her thoughts? Kelani has been waiting for this since Halloween Havoc. The moment that bell rings, Kelani’s right on Fallon. It doesn’t matter if Jacy’s there, if Jazmyn’s there, if they hop on the apron, they can all get it! All she knows is, she’s getting her title back! But speaking of Jacy & Jazmyn, they step in and Jazmyn mockingly asks, “Will you?” Because Kelani is a great athlete and all, but she is not beating Fallon. And if for whatever reason Fallon can’t get it done, Jacy & Jazmyn will make sure she does.

The Fatal Influence heads out, but Kelani says it’s on sight! Will the inaugural Women’s North American Champion become the TWO-TIME champion tonight? Or will she and NXT all be found under the influence?

Trick Williams is here!

The fans fire up as Tricky Two-Time Two-Time is back, and he grabs the mic to echo Booker T. But Trick knows we already know, Philly was crazy last week. With Deadline around the corner, just a reminder, that was when Trick had the Iron Survivor Challenge and things looked real good for Trick Willy. The fans cheer that. But that’s not what Trick is here to talk about. Last week, Trick & Bubba put Ethan Page through a table, but no, that’s not what he is here to talk about, either. Trick is here to talk about Ridge Holland. Ridge pinned Trick and thinks he got one over on him. Newsflash, Ridge: Trick Williams ain’t going out like that!

That is it say, get your punk- Chase U? Andre Chase comes down from the student section to apologize to Trick. Chase has no beef with Trick, but he still has beef with Ridge. Chase ain’t done with Ridge, not by a long shot. The fans cheer that and Trick knows that. After everything Ridge has done to Chase and Chase U, that’s clear. But as Trick thinks about it, even after everything Ridge did to Mr. Chase, Chase is still back on his feet. The fans cheer that. Trick says he hasn’t really known Chase well, but let’s all take a moment to recognize Mr. Chase for everything he’s done. The fans cheer that, and even chant, “Mr. Chase! Mr. Chase!”

Trick says Mr. Chase is a staple here in NXT. He’s done just about everything here. Well, okay, not everything. Trick hates to say it, but Chase ain’t had a shot at this title. So how about this? For one moment only, let’s forget what Ridge has done to Chase, and- Wait, here comes Yorkshire Grit. Ridge will not let this happen! Chase getting an NXT Championship title shot!? And Trick calls himself a champion?! Ridge steps into the ring while fans boo, but Ridge says Trick is just ducking Ridge to face a guy Ridge put in an ambulance! “Professor” needs to learn that Ridge has moved on. And Trick, Ridge made the famous ECW Arena fall dead silent when he pinned Trick!

We all know that Ridge is the biggest threat to the title! Chase says hold on, wait one second! After everything Ridge put Chase U through, Chase wants one more match! The fans cheer that! Ridge says nope. Chase says he’ll put the university on the line! If Ridge wins, it’ll be his! What!? Ridge says he doesn’t care about Chase’s little school. Chase gambled it away, won it back, and then some. The only thing Ridge cares about is the NXT Championship. Trick says hold on, he gets it. Ridge wants a chance at the title, and Chase wants his chance to whoop Ridge’s ass. Trick says here’s an idea: Let’s talk to Ava, and set up Ridge VS Chase! Winner goes on to Deadline!

The fans like the sound of that! Trick says he won’t lie, he’s pulling for Chase. After everything he’s been through and all the hard work, everything he’s overcome, with Chase U STILL here for him, with NXT here for him, that is a connection! A relationship! One with the people, with Duke Hudson, Riley Osborne & Thea Hail! Ridge says fine, he’ll take that. Wait, take what? All that Trick just said. If Ridge beats Chase, Chase’s friendships with Riley, Duke and Thea, it’s ALL GONE. Chase U will be gone, and Ridge will walk right into Deadline to challenge for the title while Chase has NOTHING.

For a man that could never win the big one, that’s quite the gamble, Mr. Chase. What’s he gonna do? The fans boo Ridge’s cruel stakes, and Chase is torn. But Chase says Ridge is on! Next week, Ridge gets an Andre Chase University sized ass whooping! Ridge DECKS Chase! Then he goes for Trick! Trick hits Ridge with a BOOKEND! The fans fire up and spell it out! “C! H! A! S! E! U!” Trick and Chase both stomp it out, and Ridge runs away! But will Ridge do far more than just win a title opportunity next week?

Jaida Parker speaks.

“Okay, Sol, I see you. Congrats, baby, you qualified. But best believe that’s the closest you get to being called the Iron Survivor. Because I know whoever they put in front of me, I will qualify, and I will have my hand raised, just like last week when I smashed that brick on Lola’s skull. So to Sol and whatever three other little ladies end up in that ring with me, it don’t matter if I start, if I come in the middle of the match, or if I’m in last, Jaida Parker is gonna finish it and leave Deadline as THE Iron Survivor. Clock it.”

Josh Briggs speaks with Ava Raine.

Briggs says that during his time in Japan for Pro-Wrestling Noah, Yoshiki Inamura really impressed him. Inamura thanks Josh-san, and says that it is his honor to be part of an NXT show. But wait, Eddie Thorpe barges in. He’s sick of being blown off! First was the stuff with Rhea Ripley, then with last week’s Deadline announcement. He just needs five minutes, please. Ava apologizes to Briggs & Inamura, they leave, and Ava wants Eddie to understand. Eddie says she doesn’t understand. He needs something! Yes, she does understand, which is why he’s in an Iron Survivor Challenge qualifier.

Eddie thanks Ava for this, heads out, but who will the Alpha Wolf have to make it through if he wants that golden ticket?

Adriana Rizzo VS Nikkita Lyons!

The Don has a target on his back, but Big Rizz is dealing with the one put on hers by the Lyoness. Will Rizzo win big for The Family? Or will Lyons’ roar be deafening?

NXT returns and Rizzo makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two run up to tie up. Lyons puts Rizzo on ropes, Rizzo slips away, and Rizzo SLAPS Lyons! The fans fire up but Lyons is pissed! Lyons KICKS Rizzo, puts her on the apron, but Rizzo RAMS in! Rizzo slingshots up and over, but Lyons stays up. Lyons drags Rizzo right up, they fire forearms back and forth, but Rizzo gets the edge! Rizzo rabbit punches, then she shoves Lyons into a corner! Rizzo DROPKCISK Lyons, runs in, but is put back on the apron. Lyons stops the shoulder tackle this time to CLUB Rizzo! Rizzo Rizzo stays up to hit back!

Rizzo climbs, leaps, but Lyons sidesteps! FULL NELSON! Rizzo flails, so Lyons thrashes her against the ropes! The ref reprimands, but Lyons drags Rizzo to center. Rizzo endures as Lyons throws her around more. The fans rally up but Lyons SLAMS Rizzo down! Lyons stalks Rizzo to a corner, taunts her, then RIPCORD SUPLEXES her! Cover, TWO! Rizzo stays in this but Lyons drags her up again. Lyons whips, but Rizzo manages to reverse! Lyions botty bumps in return! Lyons has Rizzo in ropes, then HIP ATTACKS again and again! The fans are torn as Rizzo flops back. Lyons storms back in to cover, TWO!

Lyons stays on Rizzo with a seated full nelson. The fans rally for Rizzo as she endures, but Lyons thrashes her around. Rizzo fights up, the fans rally, but Lyons wrangles her back down. Rizzo keeps fighting, even as Lyons leans on her. Lyons taunts Rizzo but Rizzo is up again! Rizzo powers up to arm-drag free! The fans fire up but Lyons hurries after Rizzo. Rizzo UP KICKS! And then ELBOWS Lyons! Rizzo runs to throw forearm after forearm! Lyons staggers around, Rizzo knocks her over! Rizzo goes to suplex, but that’s too much Lyons to lift! Rizzo dodges a haymaker to springboard CROSSBODY!

The fans fire up as Rizzo kips up! Rizzo roars, runs, and THESZ PRESS! Fast hands rain down, then Rizzo covers, TWO! Lyons stays in this but Rizzo covers again, TWO! Rizzo whips, Lyons reverses. Lyons runs up but into a BOOT! Rizzo goes up, up and leaps, FLYING THESZ PRESS! But Lyons rolls through! HEEL KICK! Rizzo flounders and Lyons goes to the corner. Lyons climbs, roars, and then hits the LYONS ROAR! Cover, Lyons wins!

Winner: Nikkita Lyons, by pinfall

Rizzo put up a fight, but her lionheart could not stop Nikkita’s lion strength! Wait, Rizzo gets the trust crowbar! CLONK! Down goes Lyons! That’s how they do it in the D’Angelo neighborhoods! Rizzo says now they’re even! Will Rizzo let Lyons have this win if it means parting ways?

Andre Chase returns backstage.

And Chase U runs up to ask what the hell! Putting the school on the line? What’s that about? Chase tells Riley & Thea that high risk means high reward. Duke asks how that worked out last time. They’ve had his back through it all, but this is too much! Chase says he appreciates and values their opinions, but Chase U was built on taking risks. Like taking a risk on a smug Aussie when no one else would trust him, and that man became MVP. Or how about a young lady who became a grown-ass woman? Or even a prospect from the UK that now soars with the highest of fliers? Bring it in.

Chase U huddles up, and Mr. Chase says they’ve been through it all, and together. He won’t let anyone or anything break them up. As far as Chase personally, he’s never had an NXT Championship match. Next week, Chase gets that opportunity. And then Chase U will ride the highest of highs, just trust him. Mr. Chase heads out, and Duke says this could end up the lowest of lows. Riley says Chase is gambling with their future, again. Thea is speechless as she shakes her head. But will the gamble pay off? Or will Ridge ruin what little Andre Chase has left?

Zaria speaks.

“Some say I’m a mystery. From where I’m standing, there is no mystery. I’m a fearless warrior, a destructive force, that has come to NXT to rip and tear. Iron Survivor Challenger. Five superstars entrenched in combat to see who is left standing when the clock runs out. My kind of fun. I enjoy inciting chaos. I thrive in carnage! And after Deadline, there will be no more mystery to who is Zaria.” The Agent of Change is ready to earn a spot, will she go all the way to earn a title shot against Roxanne Perez?

2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Je’Von Evans VS Lexis King!

The Young OG was hoping Unc was gonna make it through, but Wes Lee had different plans. Will Je’Von get even with Wes by also qualifying? Or will the Drama King finally head for the throne of NXT?

NXT returns and Lexis makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. Lexis rolls Je’Von, ONE, but Je’Von sunset flips! TWO, and Lexis goes for an arm. Lexis wrenches, wristlocks, but Je’Von rolls, kips up, cartwheels, handsprings, and wrenches back to wristlock. Lexis fights up, rolls, cartwheels, then rolls, and KICKS Je’Von! The fans cheer, then things speed up. Lexis drops down, hurdles, but Je’Von leaps over. Then Je’Von springboards to roll Lexis up. TWO, and Lexis dodges. Lexis drops onto the drop down, O’Conner! TWO, and Je’Von trips Lexis! Cover, ONE! Lexis sweeps and covers, ONE!

The two reset and the fans cheer this technical exchange. They tie up. Je’Von headlocks, but Lexis pulls hair a bit. Lexis powers up and out, but Je’Von runs him over. Cover, TWO! Je’Von keeps moving, he handsprings over but Lexis RAMS low. Lexis waistlocks, Je’Von slips around to facelock, then he goes and BOUNCY RANAS! Lexis staggers up into a DROPKICK! Lexis bails out, the fans fire up, and Je’Von builds speed! Je’Von DIVES! Down goes Lexis at the ramp and the fans fire up more! Je’Von puts Lexis in, then springboards, but Lexis ducks under! Lexis wrenches, whips, but Je’Von reverses.

Lexis goes up and over, keeps moving, but Je’Von jumps, just not enough! Lexis accidently gets Je’Von in the OGs. Lexis wants to cover off the mishap, but the good guy in him says no, that’s not fair. Lexis lets Je’Von catch his breath while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Lexis has Je’Von in a HALF CRAB! The fans rally for Je’Von as he endures, and he fights to turn over. Je’Von kicks at Lexis with his free leg, and Lexis staggers back. Je”von swings, Lexis gets around to back supelx. Je’Von lands out to CHOP! And CHOP! And whip! Lexis reverses, Je’Von LARIATS! The fans fir eup as Je’Von rallies with elbows, then goe sMatrix to STUNNER! Je’Von holnds on to then turn and suplex! Kip up and the fans fire up! Je’Von goes to the corner, to the apron, and he springboards back in, FLYING CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Lexis survives but Je’Von stays focused.

Je’Von goes up a corner, takes aim, and he MOON- NO, he has to roll through as Lexis moves! Lexis SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Je’Von survives that shot and Lexis taunts him, “Who’s the best now?!” Lexis SLAPS Je’Von, so Je’Von SLAPS back! The fans rally as they fire forearms back and forth. Lexis CHOPS, Je’Von SUPER PUNCHES! Lexis BOOTS Je’Von, but Je’Von REBOUND ENZIGIRIS! The fans fire up as Je’Von goes up and up and FIVE STAR FROG SPLASHES!! Cover, TWO!! Je’Von hurries to bring Lexis up! Leixs wrenches, hops on, BACKSTABBER! Then Lexis half nelsons, fisherman, BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!!

The fans fire up as Je’Von survives! Lexis grows frustrated but the fans love “NXT! NXT!” making this the match. Lexis runs up, into a SUPERKICK from Je’Von! Je’Von goes up, up and SKY TWISTER! Cover, Je’Von wins!

Winner: Je’Von Evans, by pinfall (advances to the Iron Survivor Challenge)

A standing ovation for The Young OG and Drama King, but better than this match is Je’Von showing Lexis respect. Lexis shows it back and the two hug it out. Will Je’Von make sure to bounce his way right to the top of NXT with Deadline?

Nathan Frazer & Axiom are watching backstage.

The NXT Tag Team Champions have to admit, that was good. Wes Lee and Je’Von Evans are the first two into the Iron Survivor Challenge, that match is shaping up. Plus, Ava had her talk with the tag division so- Frazer says that is down the line. Maybe now is a good a time as any to say… Frazer talked with Ava, he’s got a qualifier! Pretty cool, right? Axiom asks, “What?!” Uh, what does he mean, “What?” Frazer’s gonna win his way into the Iron Survivor, win the Iron Survivor, then win the NXT Championship. Axiom can’t believe this is happening again! Every team in NXT is breathing down their neck and Frazer wants to be in the Iron Survivor!?

Frazer wants Axiom to calm down. It’s not like they won’t be working out together. Plus, Axiom has been in that match before, so maybe he could give Frazer some tips. Axiom has a headache. Well, take a deep breath and think about it. Frazer leaves before Axiom can say more, and OTM steps in. His tag partner’s after singles gold now? Is everything good? That doesn’t sit right with Price & Nima. But Stacks & Luca step in to say OTM should mind their own business. Worry about yourselves! Refs hurry in before this goes from arguing to fighting, but will OTM and The Family be first to fight for a title shot?

Adonis and Dion talk backstage.

This Mixed Tag thing… Did Dion tell Karmen about Megan, Kesha and Samantha, did he? No! See? That’s why he’s Adonis’ boy. Oh, so now they’re boys again? Adonis says don’t even worry about that, let’s go. Dion follows Adonis, and Lexis storms in with some frustration. Another loss… But Hank ‘n’ Tank walk over to say Lexis did good out there. Dante Chen walks in, too, and says that was indeed honorable. Lexis chose honor over glory, and that’s what matters. Just keep your head up. Lexis thanks the guys for saying that, but Gallus walks in. Wolfgang says they’re handing out pats on the back for losses now, eh? Pathetic.

With that attitude, Gallus has one less team to worry about. Oh, one less? No, Hank ‘n’ Tank are the team to worry about. They stepped up to The Good Brothers, they can step up to this. Lexis has everyone settle down, but the tag division is at a boiling point. Who gets burned while the other ones head for gold?

NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley w/ The Fatal Influence VS Kelani Jordan!

It literally took all three of them to take this title at Halloween Havoc, and it seems Jacy & Jazmyn are more than happy to make it all three of them again to keep it. Will Kelani be able to stand out and take back what was taken from her? Or is there no stopping the Fatal Influence?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see whose influence is stronger!

The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, end up on ropes, and then end up in a corner. Fallon powers up but Kelani throws her down. They stay tied up, stand again, and now Fallon throws Kelani. The collar ‘n’ elbow is in there tight, and Kelani puts Fallon back on ropes. The ref counts, both women let go, but then they tie up again! Kelani arm-drags, leg sweeps, covers, ONE! Fallon arm-drags, but Kelani avoids a sweep! Fallon CHOPS, but that just pisses Kelani off! The fans rally up while the two argue. Fallon shoves, then dodges to headlock, Kelani powers up and out, CLOBBERS Fallon, and fans fire up again!

Kelani runs up, slingshot arm-drags, then DROP- NO, Fallon dodges! Fallon stands Kelani up to RAM her into the corner! And RAM her again! And again! The ref counts, Fallon stops, and then Fallon whips corner to corner. Kelani goes up but Fallon catches her, only for Kelani to swing and RANA! Fallon staggers up, into a DROPKICK! Fallon bails out, the fans rally for Kelani, and Kelani storms right up to ropes. Fallon moves as Kelani slingshots, so Kelani lands safe on the apron. But Fallon YANKS Kelani down, and SMACKS her off the desk! The fans boo but Kelani blocks the next bump to BACK HAND Fallon!

Kelani hops up onto the desk, to QUEBRADA Fallon down! The fans fire up and Kelani rises again. Kelani vows to get that belt back, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Kelani fights a headlock. Kelani fires body shots, then arm-drags free. Fallon runs up, Kelani dodges and comes back, DOUBLE FACEBUSTERS bring them both down! The fans fire up while both women rise. Fallon ROCKS Kelani, Kelani ROCKS Fallon! Wait, a quick picture in picture shows Ty & Ty are now brawling with Myles & Heights! Forearms and haymakers everywhere, and back in the ring, Kelani has the edge! Kelani whips, then LARIATS! And LARIATS again! Cartwheel and BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both women are down, and then Kelani kips up! Jacy is mad but Kelani gets moving!

Kelani hits some ROLLING THUNDER SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Jacy is furious that Kelani hit that at all, but Kelani puts Fallon in a drop zone. But Fallon YANKS Kelani off the corner! Then Fallon goes up, up, and BLOCKBUSTERS! Fallon keeps moving, FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Kelani toughs it out but Fallon drags her up. Fallon goes to suplex but Kelani RAMS her into a corner! Kelani puts Fallon up top, then she climbs to fire forearms! The fans fire up but Fallon shoves Kelani back. Kelani hurries to GAMANGIRI! Fallon wobbles, Kelani climbs! Kelani has Fallon up top for a SUPER SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!!

Fallon survives and Jacy can breathe again. Kelani shrugs it off, goes back up, and she 450- NO, Kelani rolls through as Fallon moves! Fallon then body scissor cradles! TWO!! Kelani escapes, Fallon hurries to her feet. Kelani wrenches Fallon around and around, ANGLE SLAM! Fallon is in a drop zone, Kelani hits the ONE OF A KIND SAULT! Cover, Jacy gives Fallon the ROPEBREAK!! The fans boo, only the ref missed that one! Kelani knows it, too! So she WRECKS Jacy with a dropkick! Jazmyn gets up, Kelani DUMPS her down! And SUPERKICKS! Fallon runs up, Kelani waistlocks! O’Conner Roll, TWO!

Kelani runs into Jacy’s ROLLING ELBOW!! Another cheat! FALLON FAMOUSER!! Cover, Fallon wins!

Winner: Fallon Henley, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s North American Champion)

They warned Kelani and then followed through, ALL THREE Influencers got involved to keep this title from Kelani! And if that’s how they operate, then- Wait, OTM snatch the mics. They tell Frazer, go ahead and try the Iron Survivor, because Price & Nima are gonna take those tag titles! A warning to the rest of this division: They’re not easy to find. Speaking of, Luca & Stacks go right after them! The fans fire up as this brawl happens right by the desk, and Price SLAMS Luca on the desk! But Luca’s right up to throw more hands! Cameramen get knocked over as GALLUS now joins in, incensed by OTM’s words! And here come Hank ‘n’ Tank!

The fans are fired up as the tag division brawls all over the desk and ringside area! Refs and security rush out here but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” And fight is what they’re all doing! Who rises up from the chaos to go for gold?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT to start towards Deadline, all thriller, no filler. Giulia & Vaquer VS Lash & Jakara was a great opening tag match, but naturally it was Giulia & Vaquer winning. They’re both getting Iron Survivor Challenge qualifiers, so I’m pretty sure they’re both getting in on that match. Great match from Sol and Cora, and it’s actually a little surprising Cora lost. At the same time, Sol’s been the go-to for big matches, she’ll make a solid part of this match. Good promo from Jaida to call Sol and pretty much everyone else out, and it feels like she’s also a shoe-in for entering the match. Then Zaria and her promo, she’s a shoe-in for the fifth, and this is going to be the best Iron Survivor match period.

The men’s match is still shaping up, though, with Wes and Je’Von bringing their grudge into the match. Great matches from Wes VS Cedric and Je’Von VS Lexis, especially with Lexis adding to his Face turn. Refusing to jump on an accidental low blow was a great touch, and I appreciated other superstars, such as past rival, Dante Chen, seeing the change Lexis is trying to make. Briggs bringing in Yoshiki Inamura from NOAH is cool, I’m sure we’ll see great things from Inamura. Eddy Thorpe getting an Iron Survivor qualifier, sadly feels like he might just be putting someone else over but I guess we’ll wait and see.

The D’Angelo Family was really busy tonight. Not only the tag division stuff, but Tony was properly confronted by Spears & Jensen tonight. That was definitely an interesting move for Spears to say Jensen gets the title shot, but obviously that’s because Spears still wants to be THE NXT Champion. And now with this “Nico” guy, Spears’ group could grow into a full faction with even a tag team and a female member to spread across the divisions. Rizzo VS Lyons was a really good match, but of course Lyons won the match for being that much bigger and stronger. Rizzo getting Lyons with the crowbar after was a great touch, though.

Great stuff in the tag division. Fraxiom has dysfunction again as Frazer still wants to try and grab singles gold. This has to be the time that costs them the gold and their friendship, they’ve dragged this out long enough. That tag brawl to end the show was awesome, I wonder if this leads to a gauntlet to win the title match. Or maybe a tournament? We did see teams kinda pair off and pick on each other, so those are easy first round match-ups right there. This can go the three weeks we have left so that it goes from 8 to 4 to 2, the finals being on the go-home and the winners immediately turning around to face Fraxiom on Saturday, December 7th.

Speaking of the closing, very good main event from Kelani and Fallon, but of course Jacy & Jazmyn influence the outcome. This is kind of textbook for any group Jacy’s ever been in, and unless we’re talking Zaria or another powerhouse, I don’t see someone taking this title from the Influence for some time. Well, either that or we get the Face flipside and have women who stick together to counter the Fatal Influence. Maybe Karmen and Brinley can try that, provided this story with Adonis doesn’t tear everyone apart. The Mixed Tag will be a good match, but I feel like Karmen and Adonis will be very dysfunctional and Dion & Brin win.

And really good stuff in this NXT Championship story. Trick wanting to give Chase a match is noble of him, but Ridge does have a point that Chase hasn’t exactly earned it when he always loses “the big one.” Chase putting the university, aka the faction, on the line is definitely big stuff. I can’t believe this could be the end of the honestly most entertaining group in NXT probably ever, a real silver-lining during NXT 2.0 and the nonsense Vince shoved into it. But maybe there will be a new silver lining that, should Chase lose, the members can break out and go for titles on their own, such as Duke for the NXT North American should Spears actually get that title off Tony.

My Score: 8.9/10