Will this be the mightiest Tag League yet?

It’s time for NJPW World Tag League 2024, and this year already looks mighty good as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, is in the A Block! Will he and Ryohei Oiwa make everyone #JustTapOut?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Masatora Yasuda; Kato wins.
• Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & The Filip Brothers; Taiji & The Filip Brothers win.
• Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
• Six Man Tag: Taichi, Douki & Taka Michinoku VS The United Empire; Taichi, Douki & Taka win.
• Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
• World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
• World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Takagi & Tsuji win.
• World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Bishamon wins.
• World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; ZSJ & Oiwa win.

PLAY BY PLAY

World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!

The Roughneck is bringing Everyone’s Kokeshi along for the ride, but this league might already be too much to handle. Can Honma help Shota bring about his Paradigm Shift? Or will they just get conquered by the United Empire?

The teams sort out and Shota starts against The Imperial Unit. The bell rings and Shota runs up to RAM Cobb! And RAM! And RAM! Cobb stays up so Shota kicks low. Shota runs to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Cobb stalks Shota. Cobb brings Shota up to whip him to a corner. Shota comes back to RAM Cobb! Cobb stays up, so Shota clinches! Cobb fights free with elbows, but Shota dodges a lariat to RAM Cobb! Cobb falls over! The fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Cobb up again. Callum runs in so Shota shoves Cobb aside to catch Callum. Shota shoves Callum at Honma for a shoulder tackle!

The fans fire up as Shota keeps moving and he SOMERSAULT SENTONS Callum! Shota then sets up so he and Honma can tabletop Cobb! Cobb sits up into Shota’s SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Shota tags Honma. The fans rally behind Honma as he CLUBS Cobb. Honma reels Cobb in, but Cobb suplexes first! Cobb SLAMS Honma down, then calls for Callum. Callum rises but Cobb says hold on. The “Cobby Cat” mocks Honma by bopping himself on the head. Cobb then runs to FALLING KOKESHI FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.

Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!

Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!

Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!

Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!

The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!

Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!

The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!

Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)

A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?

World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???

Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?

Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?

The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls.  Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.

Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.

“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHAS but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!

The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!

Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!

Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!

Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!

Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!

Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!

The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!

Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)

The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?

World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!

Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?

The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.

Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!

Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!

Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!

Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!

The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!

The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.

Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.

Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!

Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)

Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?

World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!

TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?

The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!

Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.

Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!

Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.

Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.

Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!

Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!

Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!

ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-

NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!

Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.

Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!

Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!

The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!

Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!

Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall

Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?

As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?

Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.

But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?

Here are the A Block standings!

Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points

My Thoughts:

A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.

Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.

Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.

While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.

My Score: 8.9/10

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