Will this truly be a New Beginning?

Hirooki Goto won the New Japan Ranbo to have this shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, can he finally reach that mountaintop? Or will Zack Sabre Jr. prove he is the mightiest of them all?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kickoff – El Desperado & Katsuya Murashima VS Francesco Akira & Jeff Cobb; Akira & Cobb win.
• Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Togi Makabe; Tanahashi wins.
• Shingo Takagi VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins.
• Shota Umino VS Great-O-Khan; Khan wins.
• Taichi VS SANADA; Sanada wins.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita VS Rocky Romero & YOH; Eagles & Fujita win and retain the titles.
• NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Boltin Oleg; wins and
• IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: The Young Bucks VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; win and
• IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Gabe Kidd; wins and
• IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Hirooki Goto; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

Shingo Takagi VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!

The Rampaging Dragon is big and bad, but 44 Caliber ain’t too shabby, either. Will Shingo avoid a Drilla Killa? Or will this “Super Junior” slay the dragon?

The bell rings and the two run right up! Drilla dodges, Takagi blocks to kick low and HEADBUTT! Takagi whips, Drilla grabs ropes and BOOTS back! Drilla runs, RAMS Takagi, but Takagi RAMS him back! Drilla RAMS Takagi again, neither man falls, and the fans fire up! Drilla fires a forearm, but Takagi fires back! Drilla fires another, but so does Takagi! Fans bark with Drilla as he fires another, but then fans “OI! OI! OI!” with Takagi! The forearms go back and forth, “BARK! OI!” and repeat! Takagi gets the edge, “OI! OI! OI!” Drilla fires back, “BARK! BARK! BARK!” Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON feint, but Drilla slips out of the DDT!

Takagi avoids the double stomps, knees low, but then things speed up. Drilla hurdles, drops down, then DROPKICKS! But Takagi stays up to RUN Drilla over! The fans fire up again and Takagi storms up on Drilla. Takagi drags Drilla up to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Drilla is still in this, but Takagi fires Osaka up. But Drilla SUPERKICKS Takagi before he can even say “Toki!” Both men are down, the fans rally up, and Drilla stands. Drilla fires the fans up now and the barking returns. Drilla storms up to CHOP Takagi! Drilla whips, Takagi reverses, and Takagi blocks a boot to LARIAT through!

Takagi fires the fans up as he JABS and CHOPS on repeat! Then Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, and CHOPS! Drilla pushes Takagi and eggs him on! The fans like that, and Takagi obliges, only for Drilla to block the shot! Drilla ROCKS Takagi, but Takagi ducks the enzigiri to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! But Drilla’s right up to SAIDO! Both men stand, Takagi runs up, and DOUBLE LARIATS hit! Drilla ripcords to CHOP, then he runs, only for Takagi to follow and LARIAT! Takagi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down. Takagi rolls out of the ring but Drilla pursues.

The fans rally both ways, and Drilla stalks Takagi. Drilla drags Takagi up, then whips him into railing! Takagi slumps down, but Drilla brings Takagi around to throw him into chairs! The fans bark for Drilla and he drags Takagi up. Drilla ROCKS Takagi, then brings him around and whips him hard into more railing! The fans are torn, Drilla glares at Young Lions, and Drilla goes to Takagi. Drilla wrenches Takagi, puts him in the ring, and then throws up the Too Sweet. Drilla brings Takagi up, but Takagi backdrops free! Drilla goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Drilla dodges to GAMANGIRI! Drilla reels Takagi in, hoists him up, but Takagi arm-drags free!

The fans fire up as Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON feints, but then Takagi stands Drilla up to JAB and YUKON LARIAT! The fans fire up while Drilla sputters. Takagi drags Drilla up, hoists him to the top rope, and then he ROCKS Drilla! Takagi climbs, and he brings Drilla up for a SUPER DUPER PLEX! The fans fire up while both men are down again! The fans join in on “OI! OI! OI!” as Takagi rises. Takagi drags Drilla up, slashes his throat and then Canadian Racks! But Drilla slips out, and pump handles! Takagi arm-drags free of that, then catches Drilla for some knees. Drilla powers up, runs, and GORES! Cover, TWO!!

Takagi survives, the fans fire up, and Drilla grows frustrated. Drilla slashes his throat, brings Takagi in, and Canadian Racks! Takagi slips free to Gory Especial and NOSHIGAMI! The fans fire up, Takagi crawls over to Drilla, and Takagi stands Drilla up to LARIAT! Drilla stays on his feet so Takagi eggs him on. Drilla BOOTS, SUPERKICKS, then he SUPERKICKS again! Takagi comes back, but into MADE IN JAPAN!? Cover, TWO!!! Takagi survives and the fans are thunderous! Drilla is frustrated that he couldn’t beat Takagi with his own move. Drilla drags Takagi up but Takagi fights the lift to then ALABAMA SLAM!

Takagi CATAPULTS Drilla to a corner, and then LARIATS! Takagi hurries to pump handle, MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO?!? Drilla survives taking Takagi’s move and Takagi is shocked! The fans fire up with more “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi brings Drilla up. Takagi fires boxing elbows, but Drilla roars! JAB from Takagi, then a HEADBUTT! SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!? WHAT?! Drilla staggers, but into a PUMPING BOMBER!! The fans are thunderous again as Takagi hauls Drilla up for the torture rack! But Drilla slips free, to inverted suplex, and then he pops Takagi around?! DRILLA KILLA!!! Cover, DRILLA WINS!!!!

Winner: “Drilla” Dan Moloney, by pinfall

HOLY SMOKES! 44 Caliber just shot down the Rampaging Dragon! Is this a sign that Drilla is ready for bigger and better than the Junior Heavyweight Division?

Shota Umino VS Great-O-Khan!

As if losing on the Road to New Beginning wasn’t bad enough, The Roughneck suffered humiliation as The Dominator cut off a lock of his hair! Will Shota defy the United Empire once more? Or will he fail to bring about a Paradigm Shift?

As Khan makes his entrance, he shows off the electric clippers! Is he planning on doing more follicle based damage to Shota should he win tonight? Shota steps into the ring, and SHOTGUNS Khan right down! Khan goes to ropes, but Shota slingshots to APRON DDT! The fans fire up while Shota puts his jacket aside. Shota drags Khan up, puts him back in the ring, and the bell rings! The fans rally for Khan as he scrambles away from the underhooks! Khan gets out of the ring again and Shota goes out after him. Shota drags Khan up, but Khan grabs railing. Shota CLUBS Khan down, UPPERCUTS, then UPPERCUTS again!

Shota whips Khan, but Khan reverses, sending Shota into railing! But Shota comes back to SHOTGUN again! The fans are torn but Shota drags Khan up. Shota brings Khan to the ramp, he clinches, but Khan fights the lift! Khan knees low, then he underhooks Shota! Khan BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES Shota into railing! The fans fire up while both men are down! The ref checks on them, Khan rises up, and Khan pulls some railing from the rest. Khan SLAMS it onto Shota! Shota writhes, the ref reprimands, but Khan drags Shota up. Khan Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian Chops again! And he Mongolian Chops again!

Shota falls back over, the fans rally and duel, and Khan drags Shota up. Khan brings Shota around, picks him up, and then he APRON SPINEBUSTERS! Shota writhes, Khan slides in and covers, TWO! Shota stays in this but Khan stays on him. Khan wrenches to fireman’s carry takeover! Then he wristlocks to MONKEY FLIP! And then SAYANAGI! Cover, TWO! The fans rally, Khan stands over Shota, and then Khan clamps onto Shota with the IRON CLAW! Khan drags Shota up, Shota breaks free, but Khan gut wrenches! GUT BUSTER, then GUT WRENCH PLEX! The fans fire up while Shota flounders away to the corner.

Khan waits on Shota, then runs in, but Shota BOOTS him! Khan comes back, but into more BOOTS! Shota runs up, but Khan ROCKS him first! Khan runs, but Shota clinches him! EXPLODER! Both men are down and the fans are torn again. Khan and Shota slowly sit up, Shota rallies the fans, and he gets moving. IGNITION! Cover, TWO! Khan stays in this but Shota drags Khan up. Shota underhooks, but Khan wrenches free. Khan slips around, IRON CLAW, then the Bow ‘n’ Arrow rack, only for Shota to slip free! Shota blocks the Mongolian Chop to ROCK and ENZIGIRI! Khan wobbles, the fans duel, and Shota powers up!

Shota aims from a corner, runs up on Khan, but into a LARIAT! IRON CLAW, then ELIMI- SATELLITE DDT!! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up. Shota rises, goes back to a corner, and then powers up, to BLAZE BLADE! But Khan’s right up! Khan swings, but into underhooks! PARADIGM SHIFT! Cover, TWO!! Khan survives but Shota hurries to bring him around. Underhooks, but Khan slips out to RABBIT PUNCH! Shota goes down in a heap, but Khan rains down more forearms! The ref warns Khan, he has to check Shota! Khan SHOVES the ref down to rain more shots down on Shota!

The ref reprimands, Khan stops with the forearms, just to grab Shota’s hair. The ref stops Khan and checks on Shota. Khan comes back, drags Shota to his feet, REVERSE S T O! Cover, TWO!! Shota still has something to give, but Khan’s Monster Rage boils over! Khan clamps on the IRON CLAW, hauls Shota back up, and he ELIMIN- NO, Shota slips free! Khan runs up, Shota dodges, and uses the ropes in a TORNADO DDT! Shota hurries to bring Khan up, underhook, but Khan NORTHERN LIGHTS free! Khan then drags Shota up with wristlocks, into HITSUJIGOROSHI! Shota endures, flails, but Khan swings him around! Shota slips free to spin Khan, and ROLLING ELBOW! Then ROLLING- IRON RIGHT from Khan!!

The fans fire up while Shota staggers around. Khan clamps onto Shota with the FLATLINER, and then IRON CLAW! ELIMINATOR!! Cover, KHAN WINS!

Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall

The Roughneck was running hot, but Khan just cooled him down! Khan stands tall over Shota, but then he grabs the clippers! Khan has them, and even some scissors, but Young Lions stop him! Khan just kicks one and throws him into the other! Khan now has Shota all to himself! Khan turns on the clippers, but Shota stops him! Shota has power enough to take the trimmers from Khan! But then Shota stares at them, and starts shaving his head anyway?! Fans are shocked to see Shota doing Khan’s work for him, cutting away at the fiery red locks! Khan grins, and Shota flops over, having only down a runway down the center.

Khan leaves Shota behind for Shota to wallow in his humiliation and defeat. What and who will Khan look to conquer next in the name of the United Empire?

Taichi w/ Taka Michinoku VS SANADA w/ Taiji Ishimori!

When Just4Guys became Just5Guys, it was because the Holy Emperor reached out to a man he respected in the Cold Skull. And while Sanada reigned as world champion for a time, it would seem his losses made him Cold Blooded. Sanada would betray Taichi, all to join The Rebel that beat him, and there’s no more respect here. Will Taichi make Sanada pay for his betrayal? Or will Sanada destroy what’s left of Just4Guys?

As if to mock Taichi’s operatic entrance, Sanada has a leather jacket with big speakers on the jacket, and a guitar in hand. But speaking of that entrance, the moment Taichi is ringside, Sanada PLANCHAS onto him! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands, only for Sanada to push Taichi into the ring. Sanada then grabs his guitar! The ref reprimands, the fans cheer on Taichi, but Sanada takes aim! Taichi avoids the Smash Hit to then kick low! Taichi whips, Sanada reverses, but Taichi BOOTS him down! The fans fire up while Taichi seethes. Taichi then grabs the guitar? The ref says don’t do it, as does Taka, and Taichi throws the guitar aside.

The fans cheer as Taichi storms back out after Sanada. The ref reprimands, this isn’t even a match yet! Taichi whips but Sanada reverses! Taichi hits railing, but he comes back to BOOT Sanada! Taichi then whips Sanada into railing after all! Sanada hobbles away while the fans rally behind Taichi. The bell rings now, but Taichi has a chair! The ref stops Taichi, only for Taichi to shove him aside! Taichi JAMS Sanada up with a chair! Then SMACKS him on the back! The fans cheer while Sanada falls in a heap! Taichi stalks Sanada, daring him to get back up. The ref keeps Taiji from getting involved, and Taka has Taichi calm down.

Taka takes the chair from Taichi, and Taichi finally takes off his coat. Taichi drags Sanada up, puts him in the ring, and the fans applaud. But Sanada grabs at the ref so Taiji can anchor Taichi! Taichi tries to kick free, but Sanada KICKS the ropes! Taichi gets jammed up low, Taka goes after Taiji, but Taiji CLAWS Taka’s face! Sanada drags Taichi up to then suplex and MAGIC SCREW! The fans boo Sanada, Sanada complains about the chair, but nothing the ref can do about it now. Sanada rains down fists on Taichi, the ref reprimands, but Sanada lets off. Sanada paces, then he sits Taichi up to throw a haymaker!

The ref reprimands about closed fists, but Sanada just throws another! Taichi eggs Sanada on, so Sanada fires more haymakers! Taichi gets in Sanada’s face, so Sanada dropkicks the leg! Taichi hobbles back, Sanada whips him to ropes, but Taichi grabs ropes to BOOT back! Taichi then whips, but Sanada reverses, only for Taichi to reverse back, and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! The fans fire up while both men are down. Taichi sits up, and he watches Sanada go to the corner. Taichi paces while he wants on Sanada to stand. Taichi runs up to BOOT Sanada! Taichi runs, Sanada dodges, but then Taichi dodges! Taichi wrenches to HOOK KICK! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally up more as Taichi paces around. Taichi kicks Sanada, kicks him again, then KICKS him again! The fans cheer, but now Sanada eggs Taichi on. Taichi KICKS Sanada again, and he definitely felt that one! Taichi sits Sanada up, and KICKS, but Sanada blocks! Sanada CLUBS the leg, fireman’s carries, but Taichi slips free! Only for Sanada to dropkick the leg again! And then he DROPKICKS Taichi to a corner! Sanada runs up, but Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! Sanada slumps down and the fans fire up! Taichi fires up now, and the fans fire up even more as OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi aims at Sanada, TENSHO- NO, Sanada dodges!

Sanada goes up, out, springboards, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! But Taichi’s right up! ROUNDHOUSE, and then DANGEROUS- NO, Sanada grabs the ref to stop the saido! LOW BLOW MULE KICK!! The fans boo as Sanada gets away with it! SHINING WIZARD! Sanada isn’t done, he puts Taichi in the drop zone! Sanada goes up, up and ROUNDING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives and the fans fire up! Sanada is frustrated but he drags Taichi up. Sanada encourages the fans to cheer Taichi, as he clinches for SIDE- NO, Taichi slips free and ROCKS Sanada! BLINDSIDE AX BOMBER, then GAMANGIRI!

The fans fire up while both men are down again! Taiji coaches Sanada, Taka coaches Taichi, and Osaka rallies again. Taichi rises first, goes to a corner, and he roars! The fans are with him as he takes aim again. Sanada stirs, Taichi powers up, TENSHO- NO, Sanada pulls the ref in! Taichi pushes the ref aside, BUZZ- NO, Sanada blocks that kick! Taichi shouts to the ref to see the FAKE LOW BLOW! Sanada won’t get away with this one as Taka also vouches for Taichi! Sanada gets pissed at the ref and says it’s so obvious! But then Taka argues with the ref, and Taichi LOW BLOWS Sanada!! And then GEDO CLUTCH!! TWO!!!

Sanada escapes, Taiji shouts to the ref, and Taichi runs, AX BOMBER!! Taka YANKS Taiji down and the fans are thunderous for Taichi! Taichi drags Sanada up, DANGEROUS SAIDO BRIDGE!! TWO!?!? Sanada escapes but the fans are thunderous again! Taichi roars, he drags Sanada up, and Taichi Alabama Lifts! Sanada grabs the ref again! Taichi drops Sanada, the ref falls, Sanada hits the POP-UP LOW BLOW! DEADFALL!! Cover, SANADA WINS!!

Winner: Sanada, by pinfall

Another cheap tactic, another cheap win for Sanada! He gives thumbs up and Too Sweet to Taiji, and then he rains down fists on Taichi! Taka and Young Lions get in there, and Taka SLAPS Sanada! And he SLAPS Taiji! But Taiji LOW BLOWS Taka and hits BLOODY CROSS! The War Dogs keep on winning, but they’re not done with Taichi! Taiji drags Taichi up while Sanada grabs his guitar. Taiji says to end Taichi, and Sanada nods. Sanada winds up, BUT WAIT! YUYA UEMURA is back?! He throws off his suit jacket to then arm-drag Sanada, and DROPKICK him! The fans are thunderous as he arm-drags Taiji, then CHOPS him down!

The fans are all fired up now that Heat Storm is back! Yuya clamps onto Sanada with one cording hold, then goes for the other, but Sanada scrambles free! Sanada takes a moment to catch his breath, and the fans now rally for Yuya. Yuya grabs the mic to tell Sanada that he’s back, and that he’s ready anytime, anywhere to get his revenge! Sanada will become Yuya’s stepping stone! Sanada looks to camera and shakes his head like, “He did not just say that.” The fans cheer Yuya on more, but the War Dogs take their leave. Yuya continues with “YOSH! Taka-san, Taichi-san, and everyone here in Osaka, Uemura is back, and he’s ready to blow!”

Yuya adds that from now on, HE will be the one to heat up everyone’s hearts! Mic drop and the fans are already fired up! But when and where will the Heat Storm get to burn the Cold Blooded Sanada?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita VS Rocky Romero & YOH!

From winning the Super Junior Tag League to then winning these titles in a huge Fatal 4 Way, the Ichiban Sweet Boys have been riding high. However, the revival of a classic threatens their reign. Will “Roppongi ReVICE” write a new chapter with this gold? Or will they find that no matter what, The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who punctuates this story!

The teams sort out and after he assures Yoh it’s fine, Azucar starts against the Sniper of the Skies. The bell rings, the fans rally up, and Eagles circles with Rocky. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Rocky finds a point of leverage to push Eagles back. They go to ropes, the ref counts, and Rocky lets off to give some Azucar Heat. The fans cheer and Eagles is amused. But then he trips Rocky, goes for the leg, but Rocky kicks him away. Things speed up, Rocky hurdles but Eagles leaps over. Eagles sidesteps, arm-drags, but Rocky arm-drags back. Rocky avoids Eagles’ next arm-drag, then calls him a “konoyaro” before he UPPERCUTS!

Eagles flounders away while the fans fire up, and the fans rally behind Rocky. Rocky whips Eagles, Fujita sneaks a tag. TMDK double elbow Rocky down, then split the wishbone! Eagles knocks Yoh down for good measure, and Fujita brings Rocky up. Fujita whips and wrenches Rocky to a corner, then CHOPS! The fans cheer and Fujita runs Rocky to ropes. Fujita CHOPS Rocky again, then snapmares for a KICK! Cover, ONE, and the fans cheer more. Fujita is on Rocky with a facelock, and Eagles tags in. The Sweet Boys mug Rocky, but then Rocky CHOPS Eagles! Eagles eggs Rocky on so Rocky CHOPS again! Eagles CHOPS Rocky off his feet!

The fans rally and duel, Eagles bumps Rocky off buckles, then Fujita tags in. Fujita stomps Rocky, brings him around, and CHOPS again! Rocky shoves Fujita, they go forehead to forehead, then Fujita CHOPS Rocky down again! The fans fire up and Fujita whips. Rocky grabs ropes, BOOTS Fujita, and Yoh tags in! Rocky whips Fujita and Yoh bypasses him. Drop toehold, basement dropkick, and then Eagles runs in! Eagles takes DOUBLE DROPKICKS and the fans cheer RPG ReVice! Yoh storms up to Fujita, CHOPS him in the corner, then wrenches and whips. Yoh runs up, ELBOWS Fujita, then scoops to SLAM him!

Yoh soaks up the cheers, drops an elbow, then cover, TWO! Knee drop! Cover, TWO! SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Fujita stays in this and the fans cheer, but Yoh keeps his cool. Yoh brings Fujita up, but Fujita fires forearms! Yoh kicks low, CHOPS Fujita, then reels him in. Yoh suplexes but Fujita fights free! Fujita wrenches, but Yoh ducks the chop! Fujita drop toeholds Yoh and ties up the legs! Fujita pulls Yoh back into the NEMESIS HOLD! Rocky runs in, but Eagles catches him with a wheelbarrow and victory roll! Eagles steps through on the legs, but Rocky KICKS him into Yoh and Fujita! Yoh is saved, though maybe in a rather rough manor.

The fans rally up as all four men rise up. Eagles runs up, Rocky DUMPS him out, but Fujita CHOPS Rocky! Fujita whips Rocky, Rocky ducks the chop to DIVE onto Eagles! Fujita dodges Yoh, CHOPS him, but Yoh says I’LL BE BACK! Yoh CHOPS, but Fujita rebounds to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up while Yoh tumbles out, and now Fujita aims! Fujita slingshots to feint the plancha, then he ASAI MOONSAULTS, only for RPG ReVICE to catch him! The fans fire up as Yoh & Rocky now DOUBLE SUPLEX Fujita to the floor! Eagles is up, but Yoh scoops and SLAMS him! Rocky goes to the apron, to DIVING DOUBLE STOMP to the floor!

Eagles coughs and sputters while the fans fire up! Yoh drags Fujita back up and puts him in the ring. Rocky is there, RPG ReVICE tunes up and the fans join in. Fujita rises slowly, into a shove and 3- NO! Fujita RANAS Yoh away! Rocky spins Fujita to UPPERCUT, then he calls to Yoh again. Yoh is back, he aims while Rocky whips, but Fujita reverses! SUPERKICK for Rocky! Fujita then waistlocks Yoh to roll him and O’Conner BRIDGE! TWO!! Yoh escapes just in time! Fujita CHOPS him, roars, then runs, into a 3K!! Cover, EAGLES BREAKS IT! The fans are thunderous, but Rocky kicks Eagles! Rocky tells Yoh to get up!

Yoh rises, reloads, and Rocky whips Eagles, only for Eagles to reverse! But Rocky stops himself from having a repeat, and he again whips Eagles! Yoh SUPERKICKS Eagles! Finally, the right target gets hit! Eagles tumbles out, Rocky goes to the corner, and Yoh tags Rocky in. RPG ReVICE hauls Fujita up, BACKSTABBER and feed to the suplex! Rocky joins in, FALCON ARROW BOMB!! Rocky high stacks, TWO!! Fujita survives again, but Rocky calls for the next one! Yoh hauls Fujita up and Alabama Lifts! Rocky climbs up top, but Eagles springboards up to get him! SUPER STEINER! And Fujita SUNSET FLIP BOMBS Yoh!

The fans fire up again as all four men are down! The teams regroup, then they all go to corners. The fans rally as all four men stand, and then Rocky runs at Eagles! Eagles BOOTS Rocky, Yoh UPPERCUTS Fujita! Eagles ducks Yoh’s superkick to then CHOP! TMDK double whip, but Yoh crisscrosses them, only to get a ENZIGIRI HEEL KICK COMBO! The fans fire up with TMDK and they get Rocky up. Double wrench, lift, and MAX- NO, Rocky slips free and DOUBLE RANAS! TMDK go to opposite ends, so Rocky winds up, LARIAT for Eagles! LARIAT for Fujita! THREE-EVER for Eagles, but Fujita ducks Four-ever!

TMDK catch Rocky again, but Rocky slips out of the double back suplex! Only to run into the MAXY BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Rocky survives and the fans cheer again! Fujita crawls to tag Eagles! Eagles fires up, scoops Rocky, and Fujita adds on, SWEET BUSTER!! Cover, YOH BREAKS IT! The fans fire up, Fujita kicks Yoh but Yoh TOSSES Fujita out! Eagles blocks a kick to ROUNDHOUSE! YOH’LL BE- NO, Eagles dropkicks Yoh! Fujita tags back in, and then Eagles DIVES onto Yoh! They both hit railing! Eagles gets his leg tweaked in there, Hartley Jackson hurries to make sure Eagles is okay. Fujita springboards, MISSILE DROPKICK on Rocky!

The fans fire up with the Japanese Young Punk as he gets Rocky! Suplex and- NO, Rocky cradle counters! TWO!! Fujita escapes, runs up again, but Rocky pops him up to an Alabama Lift, and then a tuck! DUDE BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!! Rocky’s shoutout to #JustTrent doesn’t finish this, but Rocky roars! The fans fire up as Rocky cravats Fujita, but no Sliced Bread here! Fujita then slips around Rocky to O’Conner, and CHAOS- NO, Rocky fights that, but Eagles is back! GAMANGIRI into the GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous and Fujita holds onto Rocky! Fujita hauls Rocky up, spins him, ABANDON HOPE!! Cover, TMDK wins!

Winners: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

It got scary there for a second, but the Ichiban Sweet Boys pull off the win! Will the Junior Heavyweight Division continue to be Mighty? Wait, wait, Taiji is making his way back out here. Taiji grabs a mic and he congratulates Fujita & Eagles for making it through. But yes, he wants next! Fujita & Eagles say okay, but who will his partner be? Taiji says yes, he knows. Taiji will be teaming with Robbie! No, not Eagles. Robbie “Extreme,” aka Robbie X! Taiji promises he and Mr. X will be the next champions, so they better be ready! The Bone Soldier leaves, having delivered his message. But will TMDK be ready for Taiji and his X-Factor?

NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Boltin Oleg!

The Alpha of the Don Callis Family, the DOUBLE CHAMPION, puts up just one of his belts against the former NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champion. Josh Barnett promised to make him a singles champion, will Boltin soon become “Gold Bars?” Or will he see what it means to be All Elite?

The introductions are made, the NEVER belt is raised, and we see who NEVER backs down!

IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: The Young Bucks VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi!

Matthew & Nicholas Jackson made their return to NJPW by calling out then-champions, Great-O-Khan & Henare. But as Khan & Henare battled Los Ingobernables de Japon, the Face of Fury would go down with an injury. A Triple Threat was made, and it was won by the AEW EVPs. However, NJPW says the 2024 World Tag League winners deserve their 2v2 title shot. Will LIJ finally have these titles once again? Or will The Bucks hold on and never let go?

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Gabe Kidd!

The Gene Blast took down the “Boss Dog,” David Finlay, and took this title from him at WrestleKingdom. But now the second in command is looking to avenge The Rebel! Will this Mad Man become a double champion? Or will Yota keep everything tranquilo?

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Hirooki Goto!

The Front Man really shook things up when he used the G1 Climax golden ticket to win this title in Ryogoku rather than the Tokyo Dome, but now the Fierce Warrior looks to do the same in Osaka! Goto has been fighting for decades, will this finally be his moment? Or will he #JustTapOut?

Will The King keep his Cup?

Lexis King gave in to his Loose Cannon nature, but at least he’s Heritage Cup Champion. Unless… TNA’s JDC (formerly Fandango) takes it away from him!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Bayley VS Cora Jade; Cora wins.
• Triple Threat Tag: Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura VS Myles Borne & Tavion Heights VS Hank ‘n’ Tank; Briggs & Inamura win.
• NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS JDC; King wins and retains the title.
• Zaria w/ Sol Ruca VS Nikkita Lyons; Zaria wins.
• NXT North American Championship Steel Cage Match: Tony D’Angelo VS Ridge Holland; Tony wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Bayley VS Cora Jade!

The Role Model has been busy since the Royal Rumble but also focused. She qualified for the Women’s Elimination Chamber match in March, and she’ll be in the NXT Women’s Championship Triple Threat this Saturday. But first, she looks to settle things with the Generation of Jade, who just couldn’t help but use that kendo stick on Bayley outta nowhere. Will Cora look to ruin Bayley’s Road to WrestleMania? Or will Bayley humble her before going for gold?

Speaking of that kendo stick, Cora takes a swing the moment she’s in the ring! Bayley dodges, then she TACKLES Cora! The bell rings as Bayley rains down fists! The fans rally up as Bayley DECKS Cora, DECKS her again, and Cora bails out! The fans boo but Cora soaks it up. Bayley storms out after Cora, and fires forearms! The fans fire up as Bayley bumps Cora off barriers! Bayley CHOPS Cora, then she grabs Cora’s kendo stick. Bayley tosses that aside to put Cora in the ring. Cora scrambles away again, and the fans boo. Cora wags her finger, but Bayley goes out the side. Bayley runs in, DAREDEVIL DROPKICK!

Cora staggers, Bayley stalks her, and Bayley SMACKS Cora off the desk! Bayley puts Cora back in the ring, covers, TWO! Cora stays in this but the fans chant, “HUG ME, BAYLEY!” Bayley wrenches and snap suplexes while Giulia watches from backstage. Cover, TWO! Bayley keeps cool while the fans fire up. Cora RAMS into Bayley, RAMS her again, then she throws Bayley by her hair! The fans boo Cora but she drags Bayley back up. Cora ROCKS Bayley with a forearm, then whips and ROCKS her again! Cora whips and ROCKS Bayley again, then puts Bayley on ropes. Cora runs in but Bayley avoids the elbow!

Bayley elbows Cora down, then runs to ELBOW Cora in the back! And SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Bayley is annoyed but the fans chant “NBA ALL-STAR!” Bayley blocks a kick, KNEES Cora, then snapmares her. Bayley hooks Cora up but Cora rolls Bayley, TWO! Bayley KNEES Cora back down! Cora bails out, Bayley shoots her shot and fans say “SWISH!” Bayley DIVES and down goes Cora! The fans fire up, Bayley brings Cora up, but Cora RAMS Bayley into the apron! Cora SMACKS Bayley off the apron, puts her in, but Bayley ROCKS Cora! Bayley has Cora in the ropes, but Cora HOTSHOTS her first!

Cora fires knees on Bayley in the ropes, then bumps Bayley off buckles. The fans boo Cora, but she KNEES Bayley down! Cora mocks Bayley while NXT goes picture in picture.

Cora steps in and covers, TWO! Bayley is tougher than that but Cora stomps her down. Cora SMACKS Bayley off the mat, then stalks her to the ropes. Cora CHOKES Bayley on the ropes, then runs to ELBOW Bayley in the back! Cover, TWO! Cora stalks Bayley, stomps her more, then bumps her off buckles. Cora stomps away, digs her boot in, but stops as the ref counts 4. Cora storms back up to whip Bayley corner to corner. Bayley goes up an dover, then rolls Cora up, TWO! Cora hurries to her feet and she LARIATS Bayley down! Cora soaks up more heat, then she drags Bayley into a chinlock. Bayley endures while Cora squeezes tight.

Bayley fights up and JAWBREAKERS free! But Cora RAMS Bayley into a corner, and SHINING WIZARDS! Bayley falls, Cora stomps her, then Cora soaks up heat. Cora runs to IMPLODER DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and Cora grows frustrated. Cora clamps on with another chinlock, but Bayley endures again. Bayley fights up, arm-drags, but Cora holds on! Cora squeezes Bayley tighter but Bayley still endures. Bayley fights up, and now she arm-drags free! NXT returns to single picture, Cora runs back in, but Bayley FLAPJACKS her off buckles! Bayley then puts Cora in the ropes for a HOTSHOT!

Cora flops down and the fans rally up. Bayley brings Cora up, counter punches, then counter punches again! Bayley fires a flurry, but Cora knees low! Cora runs, but Bayley clinches! BAYLEY2BELLY! Cover, TWO!! Cora survives, but Bayley slowly rises back up. Cora staggers up, Bayley LARIATS! And LARIATS! Bayley bumps Cora off buckles, puts her in the ropes, and she CHOPS Cora! Bayley goes up for the STOCK DROP! Shoutout to The Boss, then a SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Cora survives, Bayley runs to sunset flip, but Cora sits on it! TWO!! Cora goes up to IMPLODER DOUBLE STOMP again! Cora hauls Bayley up for a GUT WRENCH PELX! Cover, TWO!

Cora grows frustrated but the fans rally up. Cora drags Bayley up and underhooks, but Bayley wrenches free! Clinch and- NO, Cora THRWOS Bayley into buckles! SHINING- NO, Bayley gets under, fireman’s carries, and swings for the SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Bayley hurries to put Cora in a drop zone, and Bayley hurries to climb up! Wait, Bayley’s old music plays? Because Roxanne Perez is cosplaying Hugger Bayley! Bayley is annoyed, but she still ROCKS Cora first! Bayley hits the MACHO ELBOW to a standing Cora! Cover, TWO!! Cora survives and Hugger Roxie is high-fiving fans. Bayley goes out to CLOBBER Roxie!

The fans fire up, Cora runs out there, but Bayley ROCKS her! Roxie scurries away, Cora gets Bayley with FUTURE SHOCK to the floor!! The fans boo but Cora puts Bayley in the ring, FUTURE SHOCK again! Cover, Cora wins!

Winner: Cora Jade, by pinfall

Roxie meant to screw over Bayley, but it seems like she only now realizes what that means: Cora got a win over a WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion! Giulia and Ava Raine seem to talk something over, and then Ava makes her way out here! The NXT General Manager congratulates Cora on the biggest win of her career thus far. But all of this is getting settled on Saturday. Because now all three of them have a chance to become the NEW NXT Women’s Champion. That’s right, the Triple Threat is now a FATAL 4 WAY! Good luck, ladies. Cora says that’s right! Roxie says yeah, good for her. Cora can tell Roxie isn’t really happy for her, but then Bayley CLOBBERS them both!

Cora tumbles out, Roxie staggers up, into a BAYLEY2BELLY!! Bayley knocks both upstarts down, but will she be able to put them in their place this Saturday? Or will everyone succumb to the Beautiful Madness?

Sol Ruca talks with Zaria backstage.

They go over their win from last week’s tag match, and Sol says it worked because they did things her way. And maybe, they can keep this going. They’ll be facing Lash & Jakara next week, so Sol was thinking, they could do a training session together at the beach. Zaria says fine, but… That’ll be done her way. Zaria then hears Nikkita Lyons laughing and muttering to herself, and asks her what’s so funny. Nikkita says these two at the beach is a joke. But just imagine Nikkita at the beach. No, they’re good. Then how about they touch grass instead of sand. One win does not make you a tag team. Also, Sol is holding Zaria back.

Zaria says no, Sol is the most athletic woman in the division, and they just won here. Which is more than Nikkita can say. Oh, okay. Then how about Zaria steps in the ring with “Big Cat Kita” and find out. Nikkita leaves, Sol asks who the hell she thinks she is. Will the Agent of Change make sure Nikkita knows what’s up?

Oba Femi is here!

The fans cheer The Ruler as he struts to the ring, NXT Championship around his waist. “The date is set. This Saturday at Vengeance Day, Oba Femi will be defending his NXT Championship against Grayson Waller & Austin Theory, in a Triple Threat match. But let’s be real, that’s a Handicap Match, because it’s going to be Oba Femi VS A-Town Down Under. Because in their minds, they’re going to gang up and get rid of The Ruler. But then what? Then after that, I’ll tell you what. Their egos will become their greatest downfall. Because don’t get it messed up, after everything’s said and done, it’s only one man for themselves when it comes to this NXT Championship.”

But wouldn’t you know? Here comes A-Town Down Under! Theory & Waller have mics, and Waller tells “Oba-rated,” it’s too late. Oba is starting to feel the pressure facing some real stars. But trying to turn them against each other? They thought so much better of Oba. Honestly, this is pathetic. Does Oba not realize that he has to face Grayson Waller? A man who has not received his flowers here in NXT. Fans boo, but Theory says listen to this! Waller’s jumped off ladders! He has hit elbows through tables! He nearly risked his career every time he’s been in the ring. And who gets all the credit? Carmelo Hayes, Tony D’Angelo, and Bron Breakker.

All three of those guys and everyone else forgets that Waller is the pillar that helped shape NXT into what it is today! The fans boo more, but Theory says with that same help, Waller helps Theory become NXT Champion. Uh… Waller says yeah, and Oba’s fighting Austin Theory! He’s wanted to be a WWE superstar his whole life, and he did it easily! In NXT, he rode shotgun with little midget Johnny Gargano. And on Saturday, Theory rides shotgun again with the NEW NXT Champion, Grayson Waller. Oba says hold on, hold on. What they’re telling him is that they’ll both become NXT Champion? Hmm…

Waller says that title means a lot of him. You know how sick he gets hearing Bron Breakker’s name, hearing Carmelo Hayes’ name, hearing Trick Williams’ name, all because they had that, when Waller gave everything to have it and he was this close!? Waller will do whatever it takes, and that includes- Theory asks includes what. Theory’s never had that title, either. He’s been US Champion- And Theory beat John Cena! We get it! Waller is so sick of hearing that story. Guess what? No one cares. Fans, and Oba, like how heated this is getting, and Waller even mocks the You Can’t See Me!

Theory says, “Lemme tell you something, Grayson. That accomplishment is a very rare accomplishment. But I get someone like you not understanding, because you’ve never had a singles title of your own anyway.” Oof…! Waller says that’s not wrong. But Waller also remembers WrestleMania 40, when he was standing on top of the ladder, holding the WWE Tag Team Championships, and Theory was on the bottom rung like a cheerleader! Theory should be saying, “Thank You, Grayson! You saved my career!” Saved?! Theory doesn’t need to be saved, he’s just getting started! And in this Triple Threat, Theory will do whatever it takes to become NXT Champion!

Oh really? Like what? Theory says we start with this big dummy, and they put him through the announce table! Waller says they can hit him with chairs! Theory says they can throw everything they can on top of Oba, and then the desk on top of that! Waller says then he and Theory can decide who the champ will be, which is A-Town Down Under! Waller knows Oba came in with a plan, but it didn’t work. But on Saturday, there is nothing and no one who will stop Waller from getting that title. Nobody. Waller turns to go, but Theory turns him back around! Theory is mad, but Waller shoves him first!

Oba likes where this is going, but then Theory shoves Waller! Theory dares Waller to swing, so Waller swings! Theory ducks, and the shot hits Oba! Waller fires off on Oba, but Theory backs him off. Now ATDU mugs Oba together! The fans boo as this might’ve been the plan all along. ATDU then hold Oba up, DOUBLE ROLLING ELBOW! Theory lifts Oba to a fireman’s carry, A-TOWN DOWN, and then Waller somersaults for the DOWN UNDER STUNNER! The fans boo but then Waller holds up the belt. Theory steps over and grabs the belt, too. It still has to come down to one winner, but will ATDU make sure it’s one of them?

Eddy Thorpe speaks.

“Trick Williams, the face of NXT. Continuously handed opportunity after opportunity. All I wanted was once chance to prove myself, and I tried to do things the right way. But time after time, I was disregarded. By Ava, by Shawn Michaels, even by the WWE Universe. So Trick, you think you’ve been screwed over? Those people chant your name while they scoff at mine. Vengeance is the only thing that I seek now. For me, for my people, I’ll leave my mark one way or another. So what do you say, Trick? At Vengeance Day, if you’re man enough to accept the challenge, I’ll finish what I started here… in a STRAP MATCH!” Will Trick take on the Alpha Wolf in his own game?

NXT hears from Je’Von Evans’ physician.

Dr. David Cohen says that after extensive examination of Je’Von’s jaw, following reconstructive surgery and weeks of recovery, the jaw is healing on schedule. However, understanding the timeline Je’Von wants to have a match this Saturday, the team has expedited the process. Dr. Cohen says that yes, he will be cleared for the match at Vengeance Day. However, Dr. Cohen did express his great concern for re-injury if Je’Von takes any severe damage to the jaw. Another fracture could sideline Je’Von for a minimum of six months, and he would be medically disqualified from ever stepping into the ring again.

As of now, it is Je’Von’s decision on what he does, but Dr. Cohen reiterates, he is still cleared to face Ethan Page.

Je’Von meets with Ava.

The Young OG hopes she saw that statement from Dr. Cohen. He gets his match with Ethan now, right? Ava wants to make sure Je’Von paid attention to what Dr. Cohen said. He risks extensive and career-ending injury! Je’Von says he ain’t about that. Ethan won’t even have a chance to touch Je’Von! Well, Ava’s still worried. Then that’s a risk Je’Von is willing to take. Then Ava has no choice. He needs to sign this contract. If he insists on competing at Vengeance Day, the WWE cannot be held liable for anything that happens. Just think about it, oaky? Je’Von says yeah, he will. Done. He signs the contract! Je’Von is ready to go all or nothing, will he get vengeance on All Ego?

Triple Threat Tag: Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura VS Myles Borne & Tavion Heights VS Hank ‘n’ Tank!

In pursuing Fraxiom and the NXT Tag Team Championships, the Bullhead City Brawler and Pro-Wrestling Noah’s Great Rush ended up in a rather Fraxiom style situation. While Inamura asked No Quarter Catch Crew to a match, Briggs did the same with the Blue Collar Belly Boys. Will Briggs & Inamura be able to overcome both the NQCC and BCBB? Or will another team prove themselves worthy of the next tag team title shot?

NXT returns as the NQCC makes their entrance, complete with Charlie Dempsey & Wren Sinclair. Then, last but not least, the two men who put this fight together in Briggs & Inamura. The teams sort out, and in this form of a Triple Threat, two teams are legal. Inamura steps up to Tank Ledger, and they RAM into each other at the bell! They RAM again, Inamura fires sumo palm strikes, then he CHOPS Tank! Hank runs up, but Inamura gives him sumo palm strikes and a CHOP, too! Inamura then sees Myles coming, and he SUMO POUNCES him! Inamura fires up, he blocks Tank’s punch to CHOP!

Inamura hits the three point stance, but Tank avoids the sumo attack! Inamura hits buckles, Tank runs, and Hank tags in! Tank RAMS Inamura, Hank LARIATS and BULLDOGS! Hank whips but Heights tags in. Inamura dodges Hank, Heights LARIATS Hank! Roll into the fireman’s carry, then tag to Myles. ASSISTED GUTBUSTER, and then a DOUBLE GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! Hank stays in this but Myles ROCKS him! Myles UPPERCUTS Hank, then he jumps up and rains down fists! Hank pops Myles into a HOTSHOT, then tags Tank. Tank runs up to scoop Myles, but Myles slips free into a SLEEPER!

Tank backs Myles up, Inamura tags in and he CHOPS Tank! Then he JABS Myles! And repeat! Briggs tags in, he BOOTS Heights, Inamura fires off more shots! Briggs tells Inamura to keep that up, and he SPLASHES Hank! Then he SPLASHES Heights! SHOTGUN for Hank! SHOTGUN for Heights! Inamura fires off more shots, then he and Briggs whip Tank. Tank cartwheels through!? And he DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up with Tank, then he runs up to SPLASH Briggs! Myles tags in, Tank whips Briggs, Briggs dodges Tank but Myles dodges Briggs! Tank dodges Myles, then Tank dodges Briggs!

Myles UPPERCUTS Briggs, Tank goes up and up to FLYING CROSSBODY! Myles whips Tank, tags Heights, but Tank DUMPS Myles! Tank BOOTS Heights, tags Hank! Tank gives Hank the boost, SEATED SENTON onto Heights! The fans fire up with the “HONK! HONK!” But Briggs & Inamura drag Hank ‘n’ Tank out! They brawl, Briggs FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES Myles! Hank ‘n’ Tank coordinate, then they “HONK HONK!” Hank ‘n’ Tank BIG BELLY SANDWICH Myles on the outside! The fans fire up as Hank runs at Heights, but into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Hank survives and the fans fire up!

Wait, we can see Fraxiom in the perch! They’re enjoying the show as Heights HAMMERS Hank. Cover, TWO! Hank stays in this, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and NQCC has Tank! But Tank JAWBREAKERS Myles! Tank crawls for his corner, but Heights YANKS Hank down! Tank dodges Myles, and he hot tags Inamura! Inamura rallies on Myles, then short arm LARIATS! Inamura whips Myles to a corner, then scoop shim on the rebound, SPINNIIIIIING POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Inamura hauls Myles up. Inamura whips Myles to the corner, SPLASHES, and Briggs tags in. Inamura bumps Myles off buckles, then runs to BLAST Heights off the apron! Briggs BOOTS Hank, then he whips Inamura in to SPLASH Myles! Briggs then BOOTS Myles!

Heights is back, but he gets a SIDEWALK SLAM and SPLASH! The fans fire up for Briggs, he runs, but Hank sneaks a tag! Myles DROPKICKS Briggs, Hank runs up! Myles hits the ORTON POWERSLAM! Tag to Heights, Tank runs up, they each dodge, but then they DOUBLE CROSSBODY, and they fall on Hank! Hank catching strays! Heights covers, Inamura & Briggs break it! The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” Dempsey & Wren coach their guys up, and Heights fires hands with Hank. They go back and forth, the fans rally and duel, and Hank windmills away on Heights! Heights ROCKS Hank, but Hank BOOTS Heights!

Briggs tags off Heights before Heights LARIATS Hank! Briggs steps in, Heights dodges Hank and Briggs BOOTS Hank! Then he runs but now Hank dodges, Briggs BOOTS Heights! Hank BOOTS Briggs, Heights LARIATS Hank! Briggs SHOTGUNS Heights! Briggs BOOTS Hank into a corner! The fans are fired up as Briggs pumps up, choke grips Hank, and MAYHEM BOMB!! Cover, HEIGHTS & MYLES BREAK IT! They mug Briggs, Tank DIVES onto them all! The fans are thunderous, and Hank goes up?! “HONK HONK” CROSSBODY! Hank wipes out everyone, then he puts Briggs in! Wheelbarrow and BUBBA BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?

The fans can’t believe it and neither can Hank! “This is Awesome!” as Briggs finds a way to survive. Hank goes to the apron, then he goes back up a corner. Briggs sputters, staggers, but he manages to ROCK Hank first. Briggs climbs up, he choke grips Hank, but Hank fires elbows! Hank SHOVES Briggs down, adjusts, and he LEAPS! Briggs dodges, tag to Inamura! CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL, and then Briggs BLASTS NQCC off the apron! Inamura fires himself up for the GREAT RUSH FROG SPLASH!! Cover, Briggs & Inamura win!

Winners: Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura, by pinfall

A big win for the newest duo, and Nathan Frazer has a mic to say alright! That’s what he’s talking about, lads! Congrats! Axiom says yeah, Briggs is one of the most underrated guys in NXT, legitimately. And Inamura, they can see what the hype was about. But after tonight, they deserve their chance at these tag titles. They wanted it, and the problem is, they’ve got it. So see you at VENGEANCE DAY! Saturday got that much bigger, but will Fraxiom be able to #NeverSlowDown when they take on Briggs & Inamura? Or are they about to run into a couple of brick rules?

The D’Angelo Family talks backstage.

Tony D is with Stacks, Luca, Rizzo… and Izzi Dame… Luca says it’ll be another big night for The Don, and Rizzo says yeah, The Don always steps up. Stacks says he and Tony have been on different pages these days, and he wants to apologize. He’s just been stuck in his own head, thinking about how to handle things on his own, like Tony said. Tony doesn’t wanna do things without the family, but- Tony says relax, Stacks. They’re good. He meant what he said, though. It is a cage match, so he has to do this alone. But hey, Luca knows, Rizzo knows, and even Izzi knows. We’re all good. But what do they always say? FOGEDABOUTIT~!

Stacks says yeah, okay, it’ll be good. Tony heads out to prepare, but will the cage be the least of his worries when he’s stuck in there with Ridge the Fridge?

NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS JDC!

The Drama King claims he never really turned over that new leaf, and now he is fully embracing being his father’s son. But will that help him when he’s thrown away the Heritage Cup rules to do this first fall to a finish? Or will Johnny “Dango” Curtis take this NXT trophy with him to TNA?

The introductions are made, the cup is raised, and we see if The King succeeds doing things his way!

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and JDC arm-drags King. King gets up in a huff, and the two reset. They feel things out, King waistlocks, and he SLAMS JDC down. King facelocks, and he rolls with JDC as JDC tries to roll free. JDC fights up, King wrenches, but JDC wrenches to WRING King! King gets up but JDC arm-drags! JDC has the cording hold, but King scrambles around. King fights up, but JDC cranks the hold. King puts JDC in a corner, the ref counts, but King fakes a punch! JDC flinches, King tosses his hair to taunt JDC, but JDC CHOPS! and CHOPS! And CHOPS again!

King goes to a corner, JDC CHOPS again! JDC whips, King reverses, but JDC goes up and sunset flips! TWO! King swings, but into a wrench and backslide, ONE! King KNEES JDC! JDC flops out of the ring, the fans boo, but King goes back to his corner. King mocks the Heritage Cup rules by “refreshing” himself, dabbing away the sweat, but JDC rolls him up! TWO! JDC LARIATS King up and out, then he PLANCHAS! Direct hit and the fans fire up! JDC touches the Cup, the fans are behind him and TNA, but NXT goes picture in picture.

JDC uses a towel to dab sweat from his brow now, then he CHOPS King! King staggers and sputters, JDC ROCKS him again. JDC puts King in the ring, but King slips out the side. JDC follows, but King RAMS him into the apron! And then he hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX! JDC hobbles and falls, but King is right on him. King puts JDC in the ring, hurries after him, and KNEES him in the side! King rains down fists, then knuckle lock covers, TWO! King holds onto the hands and he drags JDC up for a back suplex BACKBREAKER! JDC writhes, King mocks the Dango dance, then he slaps JDC around.

King pie faces JDC, JDC SLAPS King! King KNEES low, CLUBS JDC, then CHOPS! JDC goes to a corner, King brings him around and bumps him off buckles. King digs his boots in, but stops as the ref counts. King soaks up heat, but JDC CHOPS him! And CHOPS him! King ROCKS JDC, whips, then kitchen sink knees! King KICKS JDC in the back! King then runs to CROWNING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! King is still on JDC with a wristlock, then he scrapes his sole off JDC’s face. King hauls JDC up to whip him corner to corner, then he LARIATS! And CHOPS! King then scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

JDC toughs it out, but King clamps onto him with a motorcycle stretch. JDC endures, fights up, and he turns things around, only for King to turn it back around! King CLUBS JDC, put shim in a corner, and then whips corner to corner. NXT returns to single picture as the fans still rally for JDC. King soaks up the heat, then CHOPS! King whips JDC corner to corner, but JDC ELBOWS him away! JDC goes up, but King avoids the missile dropkick! King grabs a leg, works to turn JDC, but JDC KICKS free! JDC CHOPS, and CHOPS, and whips. King reverses, then he rolls JDC into the HALF CRAB! JDC endures, crawls, reaches out, but King drags him back!

King stomps away on JDC, KICKS him, then lets go to throw a forearm down! Cover, TWO! King grows frustrated with JDC, but the fans rally up. King stands JDC up, whips him to ropes, then ROCKS him in the back! The fans boo King, but King just soaks it up. King stands JDC up again, but JDC LARIATS him down! King and JDC go to corners, then JDC runs up! UPPERCUT! JDC runs again to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! The fans rally up, JDC brings King around, suplex and FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! King survives and bails out to the apron! JDC builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on King!

The fans fire up as JDC gets King up and into the ring! JDC climbs a corner, and he SUPER LEG DROPS! Cover, TWO?!? King survives and the fans argue, “That Was Three!” JDC climbs again, but King hits the ropes! That trips JDC up, and King drags him along the ropes! SUPER CORONATION!! Cover, King wins!

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

King may have thrown out the Heritage Cup rules, but he didn’t throw away his book of dirty tricks! But a win is a win as far as he’s concerned. Will the Drama King ever be humbled?

Bayley talks with Ava backstage.

Bayley says Ava’s doing a great job. Bayley is now going to get her hands on Cora at Vengeance Day, too. But now Roxie storms in so she can complain about how her chances just went down in that match! Ava says Roxie should’ve thought about that before she went out there. Bayley says yes, she really should have. Is this all Roxie does? Just whine and complain? Roxie says regardless, she’ll become a record-breaking THREE-TIME Women’s Champion! Bayley says good luck with that. Also, she kinda likes Roxie in the Hugger gear. Best she’s looked, “you ugly little idiot.” Bayley leaves, and Cora steps in.

Cora asks Roxie what was she just saying, and Roxie says it was nothing. Just that there will be a new champion on Saturday. Yeah, Cora agrees. And it’ll be Cora. Roxie said it herself, it is finally Cora’s turn to win the NXT Women’s Championship, and Roxie gets to be right there to see it. Cora leaves, Roxie says, “Yeah right. Over my dead body.” Ava raises an eyebrow at that, but then looks away before Roxie sees. Will that be what it takes to stop The Prodigy from taking the title back? Or will NXT truly enter the Generation of Jade?

Fatal Influence walks ‘n’ talks backstage.

They know Stephanie Vaquer is good, but there’s also strength in numbers. And none of them thinks Vaquer has any friends. Well, maybe Giulia, but she’s got her hands full that night, too. Kelani Jordan walks in and she knew she’d find them here. If Fallon keeps the Women’s North American Championship past Saturday, Kelani wants next. Fallon says yeah, nice try, but she already had her rematch, remember? Well, Fallon didn’t face this Kelani? Jacy says Kelani should be more worried about Jaida Parker. And speaking of, Miss Parker steps in. And Jaida says she appreciates that, cuz that’s facts. Kelani stays thinking about Jaida 24/7.

Kelani says no, not really. Jaida says don’t lie to yourself, baby girl. Because unfortunately for Miss Thang, Jaida doesn’t have any time to be focused on her. She is focused on the Women’s North American Championship, though, so best believe Jaida has next. Ashante THEE Adonis walks in, says pause and rewind. His girl, Karmen, beat Jaida and Kelani. So the only woman deserving the shot is the “Gold Blooded Queen,” Karmen Petrovic. Kelani and Jaida both scoff at that, and Fallon says she won’t deal with this crap. They can figure that out themselves. Fatal Influence leaves, but will it even be Fallon’s gold after Vaquer’s through with her?

Zaria w/ Sol Ruca VS Nikkita Lyons!

The Agent of Change and the Sol Surfer are ready to turn the tide and ride the wave of momentum as a team, but the prideful Lyons thinks otherwise. Will Nikkita get herself going again with a win here tonight? Or will Zaria be the one teaching Lyons a lesson?

NXT returns as Zaria makes her entrance, Sol by her side. The bell rings, Zaria steps to Lyons, and Lyons fires the first forearm! Zaria comes back with a forearm, they go back and forth, faster and faster, then Zaria BOOTS and DISCUS LARIATS! And LARITS! And BOOTS! Lyons staggers, Zaria waistlocks, but Lyons fights the lift. Lyons hip checks free then GERMAN SUPLEXES Zaria! Lyons goes up, up, but Zaria stops her! Zaria CLUBS Lyons, gets under her, and Lyons holds onto ropes, but not for long! Lyons hurries to RANA free! Lyons gets up but Zaria ducks the kick! GERMAN SUPLEX! Lyons flounders and the fans fire up!

Lyons goes to ropes, Zaria goes to the other side. Both women rise up, the fans duel, and both women roar! They run up to DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Lyons then dodges to THRUST KICK! Cover, TWO! Zaria survives, but Lyons clamps onto her for a CAMEL CLUTCH! Zaria endures as Lyons pulls her back! And does the splits! Sheik never did it like that…! But Zaria still fights up, carries Lyons as a backpack, and she hits a BACKPACK SENTON! The fans fire up while Zaria goes to a corner. Zaria runs up, but Lyons KNEES her down! Lyons goes up, up, and VADER BOMB FLOPS!

Zaria reloads, and she runs up, SPEAR!! Then the fireman’s carry! DELTA FORCE 5! Cover, Zaria wins!

Winner: Zaria, by pinfall

Sol celebrates alongside her teammate as she brings down the Big Cat! Will these two become even stronger as a duo until they’re the ones with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships?

Ethan Page speaks.

“I’ve been told Je’Von Evans is medically cleared for our match this Saturday at Vengeance Day. I can’t say I’m surprised. You’re pretty resilient. But you lead with your heart, and not your head. You have a long career ahead of you. Multiple championship title reigns. Potential of being the Face of NXT. Maybe even all of WWE. But you can’t help yourself, can you, Je’Von? You’re willing to risk it all just to get your hands on me. Kid, you’ve got a million dollar smile, and a ten cent brain. What’s about to happen to you is not my fault. You’ve got a giant bull’s eye on your jaw, and this time, I’m not gonna break it, Je’Von, I’m gonna shatter it.

“You thought Lowell, Mass was bad? This Saturday, it’ll be ten times worse. Je’Von, you’re looking for vengeance? After Saturday, the only thing you’ll be looking for is a new career. Because I plan to end yours.” All Ego is going All Psycho again, but will Je’Von be the hero that brings down this villain?

There’s a Roadblock up ahead!

On Tuesday, March 11th, NXT goes to The Theater in Madison Square Garden! It’ll be the last chance to change course before Stand & Deliver on WrestleMania Weekend, who will be the champions after NXT hits the Big Apple?

Trick Williams is here!

Sarah Schreiber interviews the former NXT Champion up in the perch, and says Eddy challenged him to the Strap Match. It’s his call, so what’s his response? Trick tells Eddy, if he wants the Strap Match, then he’s got it! Eddy cost Trick the NXT Championship! Eddy’s out here, running his mouth, and that’s fine. But here’s what they’ll do about it. Trick and Eddy are gonna have that Strap Match! Eddy will have to look Trick eye to eye, man to man, and then Trick will whoop dat ass. Will Trick have his vengeance on Eddy this Saturday?

RICKY STARKS IS HERE?!

“Ohh~ this feels right!” The Absolute surprises everyone by sneaking in from the back!! The former AEW star, the DEFY Wrestling Champion, is now in NXT!! The fans are going nuts, and Starks says they obviously know who he is. And if NXT is the future of pro-wrestling, then guess what? You need an absolute star of the future! And if this is the hottest brand, then you need the hottest free agent, baby. The fans cheer that! Starks says do not let the handsome face and expensive fragrance fool you, he is here to turn this place upside-down! And everybody’s been begging him the question, “When will the revolution be televised again?”

Well, he’s here, ain’t he? Starks poses, the fans cheer more, and the future is now absolute! But how quickly can Starks rise to the top here in not just NXT, but ALL of WWE?

Giulia talks with Stephanie Vaquer.

The NXT Women’s Champion wishes Vaquer good luck for Saturday, and Vaquer thanks her friend, and says good luck back. After Vaquer wins the North American title, there is only one place left to go. Giulia nods, and then Ridge walks by. He nods to the ladies, then makes his way to gorilla. Will La Primera be just as golden as The Beautiful Madness after Saturday? Will Ridge be golden after the main event tonight? We find out, after the break!

Andre Chase walks the halls.

He still seems rather disheveled, but Kale Dixon finds him again and brings it in for a handshake. How’s it going, man? Chase says he’s fine, but asks what’s going on here. Kale says this is pregame, because it is about to get lit. But wait, Chase needs to meet Uriah. Uriah Connors, meet Mr. Chase! Connors is honored to meet Mr. Chase, and says it sounds like Chase knows how to have fun. Wanna come out with them? Chase thanks them for the invite, but says he can’t, not on a school night. Wait, school? Didn’t Chase U die? Kale says don’t say that, man! Chase says Connors is right, though. Chase U is dead. Just… Old habits die hard.

Chase leaves, and both Kale & Connors feel bad now. But then Connors says they’ll see about that. Could that school spirit be revived?

NXT North American Championship Steel Cage Match: Tony D’Angelo VS Ridge Holland!

The D’Angelo Family became the new target of Yorkshire Grit, all because of the gold around The Don’s waist. And for whatever reason, Izzi Dame helped Tony retain once, only to suggest this very stipulation for the rematch! Will Tony survive the It Girl raising the stakes? Or will he be put on ice by Ridge the Fridge?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the cage door is locked because there’s NO escape! Time to see who survives the steel to hold the gold!

The bell rings and both men run up! They both ROCK each other with forearms, then run back up to ROCK each other again! Ridge throws a haymaker, Tony fires back, and repeat! Ridge kicks Tony’s bad leg, CLUBS him on the back, then runs him at the wall, only for Tony to stop himself from hitting steel! Tony fires body shots, then he pushes Ridge at the wall, only for Ridge to stop himself. Ridge fires body shots in return, but Tony fires haymakers! Tony fires body shots, then whips, only for Ridge to reverse. Tony comes back to CLOBBER Ridge! The fans fire up and Tony brings Ridge up. Tony fires up, and he fires body shots!

The fans cheer the hockey scrum, and then Tony hits a HALF HATCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! Ridge goes to ropes but Tony storms up after him. Tony brings Ridge around, fires more body shots, but Ridge wrenches and KNEES low! The fans boo but Ridge UPPERCUTS Tony! Ridge stalks Tony but Tony fires haymakers! Tony whips, Ridge bounces off buckles, and Tony LARIATS him down! The fans cheer and Tony stands Ridge up. Ridge fights the bearhug with a THUMB to the eye! The fans boo, but Ridge KICKS Tony to ropes. Ridge runs in, but Tony TOSSES him at the steel! Ridge rises but Tony runs in, only for Ridge to dodge! Now Tony crashes into steel!

The fans boo and the ref checks Tony, but Ridge grins. Tony is okay, but stuck between ropes and steel, while NXT goes picture in picture.

Ridge drags himself up, and then he stomps away on Tony! Ridge drags Tony up, then turns him around, to UPPERCUT Tony in the back! Tony is sent into the steel, but Ridge pulls him back. Ridge UPPERCUTS Tony again, and again! Tony flops down, Ridge drags him to a cover, TWO! Tony is still in this but Ridge stays calm. Ridge stretches out his back, then drags Tony up to TOSS him into the steel! Ridge then drags Tony up to TOSS him into more steel! Tony stagger sup, but Ridge DECKS him! Ridge drops a Regal Knee, then he drags Tony up again. Ridge scoops Tony, takes aim, but Tony slips free! Tony SHOVES Ridge into steel, then rolls him up, TWO!

Tony hurries to fire hands and kicks on Ridge! Tony whips, Ridge reverses, and Ridge pops Tony up to a fireman’s carry! SNAKE EYES! Tony flops back, Ridge huffs ‘n’ puffs, and he storms back over to Tony. Ridge drags Tony up to OVERHEAD SUPLEX again! Tony flounders, Ridge paces, and then Ridge drops onto the cover. TWO, but Ridge looms over Tony. Ridge makes sure the Family is watching as he fires crossface forearms and then an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Tony toughs it out, but Ridge clamps on a cobra clutch as NXT returns to single picture. The fans rally up for Tony, the Family coaches Tony, but Ridge ripcords and CLOBBERS Tony!

Ridge clamps back onto Tony with the cobra clutch. The fans rally again while Tony endures. Ridge thrashes Tony around, but Tony fights up to JAWBREAKER free! But Ridge returns to LARIAT Tony down! Cover, TWO! Ridge rains down fists on Tony, no room to breathe! The fans boo but Ridge paces around. Ridge goes up the corner, but the ref explains there are no escapes in this match. Tony springs up after Ridge, but Ridge SHOVES Tony down! Ridge adjusts position, takes a breath, and then DIVING HEADBUTT FLOPS! The fans fire up as Tony avoids disaster! Tony storms up on Ridge to then TOSS him into steel!

Tony TOSSES Ridge into another wall, and another wall, and then the fourth wall! Tony clinches for a BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up, and Tony clinches again, BELLY2BELLY! Tony hauls Ridge up again, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Ridge survives but the Family coaches Tony up again. Tony waits on Ridge as Ridge slowly gets up. Ridge stands, Tony runs up, but into a BOOT! The fans boo but Ridge scoops, NORTHERN GRIT!! Cover, TWO?!? Tony survives and Ridge can’t believe it! The fans rally for Tony more, but Ridge is right on him. Tony fires a haymaker, Ridge fires it back!

The shots go back and forth, then Ridge HEADBUTTS! Tony wobbles, Ridge winds up, but Tony almost slips through! Tony at least muffled the damage, then kicks low! Tony reels Ridge in, gets him up, BOMB INTO THE STEEL!! Ridge scrapes the steel, and then staggers up, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Ridge survives and Tony is shocked! Wait, Izzi is suddenly ringside again, and she brings out the crowbar! Well, no disqualifications in this kind of match, but Stacks tells Izzi to stop that! Izzi says she’s just trying to help! Stacks says yeah, good point, and he slips the crowbar in after all.

Izzi rolls her eyes at Stacks, he could’ve just let her do it. But Tony does see the bar, only for Ridge to also see it! Both men grab the crowbar, and they tug-o-war! Ridge HEADBUTTS Tony, then CROWBAR BODY SHOTS! Then Ridge CRACKS Tony in the back with the crowbar! Ridge puts the crowbar in his armband, CROWBAR LARIAT!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Tony survives and no one can believe it!! Ridge is furious, but he has the bar again! Ridge tells Tony to look to his Family and tell them he’s failed! But Tony CLAWS Ridge’s eyes!! The fans cheer as Tony gets even, CROWBAR CRACK! SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, TONY WINS!!

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

The Family and the NXT fans all cheer that The Don just survived one hell of a fight! The cage door is opened so they can go inside to join Tony, but Ridge CLOBBERS Stacks & Luca! Then he DOUBLE LARIATS! They brawl 2v1, Stacks & Luca chase Ridge backstage! Izzi & Rizzo help Tony up, but wait! Shawn Spears and his crew have shown up! Izzi grabs the crowbar while Rizzo shuts the door! Rizzo tells Spears, Jensen & Vance to leave them alone! But then Izzi  CRACKS Tony with the crowbar!! Rizzo is shocked, but then she lets go of the door! Spears, Jensen & Vance get in, and they shut the door! Izzi hits Rizzo with the VOLLEYBALL SPIKE CHOKE SLAM!!

The Chair Man and The It Girl smile, as their plan has succeeded! Spears has his chair, but Jensen & Vance mug Tony first! The fans boo but Spears has his men stand back. Then Spears SMACKS away on Tony with the chair! Spears gives Jensen the chair to set it down, and Spears climbs up. Vance hauls Tony up to put on Spears’ shoulders! But wait, Stacks & Luca return! Only for Jensen to SMACK Stacks off the steel using the chair! Vance BLASTS Luca, too! And then Spears grins as it’s back to what he has planned. Luca shouts don’t do it, but too late! SUPER FULL METAL C4!!!! The fans boo as hard as they can, but the damage is done!

Spears and his squad stand over The Don, and their target is clear. Will they not only take the NXT North American Championship, but tear down the D’Angelo Family once and for all?

Vengeance rules the day.

But as the hype package finishes up, we get more glimpses at those mysterious four from last week. Various skull masks, but that’s all we get. Who are they? And what do they have planned for NXT?

My Thoughts:

A great, maybe even awesome NXT, especially for a go-home. Granted, a lot of expected story developments, but all done in very exciting ways. Bayley VS Cora was a very good opening match, and it was incredibly clever for Roxie to taunt Bayley with her original gimmick. I guess Roxie just thought she and Bayley would brawl to give Bayley the win by disqualification, but then Cora wins and tada, Fatal 4 Way. That part was clear when Cora threw a fit last week, and the Women’s Championship match will be even greater now. I still feel like Giulia finds a way to win, because she can pit Roxie and Cora against each other, and Bayley’s a main roster star, she doesn’t need this title.

Good promo from Fatal Influence with Kelani, Jaida and Adonis on Karmen’s behalf. Kelani VS Jaida VS Karmen will be a really good Triple Threat, but c’mon, it has to be for Vaquer’s first challenger, not Fallon’s next. I would really hope Vaquer wins on Saturday, but between Fatal Influence and perhaps even Lola Vice going after her, there is a small chance Vaquer loses. Then after a very good steel cage match, I figured we’d get the reveal of Izzi’s true allegiance. I do appreciate this was a No Escape Cage Match. Bringing in the crowbar was a good touch, and you could just feel Izzi was going to hit Tony when she hung back. We’ll definitely get Six Man Tag, Mixed Six, maybe even a Mixed 8 Person, all to lead up to Tony VS Spears for the title.

Awesome Triple Threat Tag, and of course Briggs & Inamura won. Fraxiom giving them the tag title match for Vengeance Day is a little surprising, but why not? The tag title match can be a hot opener to get the fans going, as is the NXT standard formula. Maybe Briggs & Inamura win, and maybe they give Fraxiom a rematch at Roadblock since that’s coming back again. Also c’mon, that show is gonna have to be bordering on PLE status, it’ll be in The Theater at MSG, NYC. And very good promos from Eddy and Trick to set up a Strap Match, that thing could be a show stealer for how violent it’ll get.

Je’Von of course gets “medically cleared” for Vengeance Day, but we didn’t quite get the Unsanctioned match. A “Hold Harmless” contract is good stuff, but I would think Je’Von wins out to get revenge on Ethan. Too bad they released Cedric Alexander, or else he could be part of things on Saturday, such as distracting Ethan and celebrating with Je’Von. Well, I suppose Dante Chen could take that role since he was another of Ethan’s victims. And either way, Je’Von winning against Ethan should send Je’Von towards a title match. Of course, at this point, the Heritage Cup Championship is probably the one.

Lexis VS JDC was a great match, but I’m a little disappointed they went through with making it standard rules. Maybe that’s just while Lexis reigns, and someone restores the Heritage Cup Division rules after they beat Lexis. Very good promo segment from Oba with A-Town Down Under. I liked the trash talk Theory and Waller gave each other, but I suppose it also works that they mostly held it together as a team for tonight. The Triple Threat will be the real test, and I’m pretty sure Oba still retains, using Theory and Waller against each other.

Good promo from Zaria and Sol with Lyons to set up that match, and very good match from Zaria VS Lyons. Good win for Zaria, but I’m still not sure how this story between Zaria and Sol is supposed to go. The Chase U revival story is gaining some ground now that Kale brought in his friend, Uriah Connors. I’m still confused as to why they haven’t gotten the former Chase U members going. Sadly, they released Duke Hudson, despite him being good in the ring and fairly charismatic. There’s still hope for Thea Hail and maybe even Riley Osborne, if they’d just get them going again.

And then holy crap, it is happening! Ricky Starks was let out of his AEW contract, so he’s now here in NXT! A little odd he didn’t say his name, or that commentary and WWE social media have been coy about who he is, because it’s his legal name, “Richard Starks.” But maybe they just wanted to finalize some things before they formally introduced him as Ricky Starks full stop. Honestly, Ricky could and should jump right to the top title like Ethan Page did. The North American title is preoccupied in the Tony VS Spears thing, and the Heritage Cup is not good enough for Starks. Starks VS Oba would be some great stuff, really, maybe even Stand & Deliver worthy.

My Score: 8.9/10