Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/18/21)
Truly a COLOSSAL night!
Will Johnny Gargano find a way to stay NXT North American Champion?
The Colossal Bronson Reed, Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling, a steel cage, and the NXT North American Champion! Will Gargano be washed away by a Tsunami?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Toni Storm VS Zoey Stark; Storm wins.
- Cameron Grimes VS Jake Atlas; Atlas wins.
- Alexander Wolfe w/ Imperium VS Killian Dain w/ Drake Maverick; Dain wins.
- El Legado del Fantasma VS Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher; El Legado wins.
- Sarray VS Aliyah w/ The Robert Stone Brand; Sarray wins.
- Hit Row VS Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari; Hit Row wins.
- NXT North American Championship Steel Cage Match: Johnny Gargano VS Bronson Reed; Reed wins and becomes the new NXT North American Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
Toni Storm VS Zoey Stark!
The Lightning From Down Under couldn’t handle the fact that she got shown up at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver, and has been talking down to the “rookie” ever since! But will #ToniTime be canceled in favor of #ZoeyTime?
The bell rings and fans are on Stark’s side. Storm shrugs that off and circles with Stark. They approach, Storm SLAPS Stark, and Stark fires off! Stark stomps and punches away in a corner, Storm shoves but Stark pushes her back into the corner! Stark CLUBS Storm, brings her out and dropkicks her down! Storm bails out, Stark PLANCHAS out onto her! Stark is fired up and so is the Capitol Wrestling Center! Stark puts Storm in the ring, springboards and missile dropkicks Storm right back out! Storm gets up, Stark is on the apron but her kick is blocked! Storm trips Stark and Stark hits her tailbone on the apron! Storm gets Stark up and RAMS her into steel steps!
Fans fire up, Storm runs in and HIP ATTACKS Stark into the steps! The ref goes out to check Stark and Storm says, “That’s what happens!” Storm goes into the ring to soak up the heat, and the ring count is up to 5 of 10! Stark drags herself up, gets in at 8, and Storm is annoyed. Storm kicks Stark around, brings her up just to throw hands, then stomps her to a corner. The ref counts, Storm lets off, then comes back to bring Stark up. Stark throws forearms but Storm snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Storm keeps on Stark with a chinlock, trapping an arm while shifting to a neck wrench. Storm digs elbows into Stark’s head, then brings her up to whip and BOOT Stark down! Cover, TWO!
Storm pushes Stark around, Stark elbows back, but Storm SLAPS her again! Storm bumps Stark off buckles, TOSSES her across the ring, then storms over. Stark kicks back but Storm scoops her for a BACKBREAKER! Storm pushes Stark against her knee, but fans rally as Stark endures the rack. Stark throws body shots, Storm pushes her down to cover, TWO! Storm brings Stark up to ROCK her with a right, but Stark throws body shots! Storm throws EuroUppers, but Stark turns one into a backslide! TWO, and Stark fires off! Storm shoves, Stark returns to ENZIGURI! Both women are down and fans fire up as NXT goes picture in picture!
Stark and Storm stir, slowly stand, and Stark CLOBBERS Storm! Stark starts to rally, she runs corner to corner to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Stark keeps her cool and stomps Storm around. Storm goes to a corner, Stark bumps her off buckles, and then stalks her to another corner for more stomps. Stark CHOPS Storm and Storm drops to her knees! Storm gets up to ATOMIC DROP Stark! Storm throws more EuroUppers, Stark goes to a corner, but Storm snapmares her to a cover, TWO! Storm grows frustrated but Stark CHOPS her! Storm throws Stark out of the ring! Storm shouts at the fans and paces about while the ring count climbs.
Stark gets in at 5 of 10, Storm is frustrated again, but Stark knees her low! Stark trips her up, jackknife covers, TWO! Storm has Stark in a facelock, grinds her down, then shifts to a chinlock. Storm leans on the hold and squeezes tight, but Stark endures. Stark moves around, gets up, but Storm throws her down by her hair! Cover, TWO! Storm drags Stark up to throw more forearms, but Stark gives them back! Storm headbutts, Stark forearms again, but Storm headbutts and kicks! Stark kicks, CHOPS, forearms, but Storm hits back! They brawl, NXT returns to single picture, and fans fire up as Stark gets the edge! Stark fires up, whips, but Storm reverses. Stark dodges, Storm gets buckles, Stark SUPERKICKS!
Stark snapmares Storm, runs, and SLIDING LARIATS! Storm gets up, Stark keeps moving, BASEMENT DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Stark grows frustrated but the fans rally behind her. Stark waistlocks, Storm fights out with elbows and kicks low. Underhooks, but Stark counters Storm Zero to a RANA! Cover, TWO! SUPERKICK! HALF ‘N’ HALF! Cover, TWO!! Storm survives and Stark is frustrated, but the fans are loving “NXT! NXT!” Stark knees Storm, drags her up, and reels her in for a flip, but Storm lands on her feet! Storm gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Storm reels Stark in, underhooks, and STORM ZERO!! Cover, TWO?!?!
The CWC is thunderous and Storm can’t believe her best shot failed to finish this! Storm paces, drags Stark up and reels her in for a judo hip toss to DDT!?! Cover, Storm wins!!
Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall
Whatever Storm calls that move, it just struck down the bright new star! Is #ToniTime back on the clock? Wait, the lights go down! “Aw, were you expecting someone else? It’s me, Franky!” Franky Monet and Preston the Pomeranian are here to steal Storm’s thunder by reminding us that next week, Franky has her in-ring debut! Will Monet put her money where her mouth is?
Backstage interview with El Legado del Fantasma.
Joaquin Wilde & Raul Mendoza are here, but where is Santos Escobar? Don’t worry about Escobar, this is about MSK. Legado challenged them to an NXT Tag Team Championship match two weeks ago, they beat and embarrassed them, but when is the title match? Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher walk in and say Legado is looking good. A couple #1 contenders here. But don’t get ahead of yourselves. Last Ciampa checked, MSK didn’t beat him and Thatcher, and Legado sure didn’t, either. Well they can change that tonight. Legado’s beaten everyone else, they might as well add these two to the list.
Thatcher tells Wilde in both Spanish and English, “The cat has no shoes.” What? That makes no sense. It makes perfect sense! Ciampa translates for #ToothlessTimmy by saying, “Challenge accepted.” Will Legado be forced to wait on their tag title aspirations when Thatcher and #OldManCiampa get through with them?
Someone drives up to the CWC in a Rolls-Royce!
It’s Cameron Grimes! He pays Jake Atlas to park this out front for him, but Atlas corrects him. Ted DeBiase took that spot. OH~! Grimes says if they thought that was funny, then it’ll be real funny when he whoops Atlas in the ring! Grimes is on! Oh he’s always on, baby! But will Atlas give Grimes a run for his money tonight?
Indi Hartwell & Candice LeRae have a spa day.
The NEW NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions relax. “Look at us now: champions. We deserve this. The titles, the praise, all of it.” And they’re taking care of themselves today, Johnny Gargano will take care of Bronson Reed tonight, this is a great day for The Way. Candice is so right. Just like she is about Dexter Lumis. All he ever does is pop up where she is, and then stares at her. Lumis took the place of one of the masseuses! Dexter’s such a freak, and a loser! The biggest loser. Indi thanks Candice for realizing this. What would she do without Candice? They’re a family, and they have each other’s best interests at heart. And they did this their way. No look high-five! Lumis leaves, will he finally give up on Indi Wrestling?
NXT presents Prime Target: Kross VS Balor, THE REMATCH!
Both men sat down to watch back their match at Stand & Deliver. Balor says he didn’t underestimate Kross, he knew exactly who he was stepping into the ring with. Balor pushed Kross’ buttons on purpose and took advantage of his emotions again and again. Kross admits that Coup de Grace did some real damage, even though he did kick out. Kross couldn’t get the hold right. NXT analyst, Jimmy Smith, says that the problem for Finn Balor was, when the stuff that normally works doesn’t work, he starts wearing down and wondering what he has to do. Kross’ conviction would be his biggest strength. Balor felt all that first hand.
Kross vowed to put his arm through Balor’s head. It’s what you have to do to win. Kill or be killed. And in the end, Kross won because of that killer instinct. Balor says falling down is how you grow. Staying down is how you die. And Balor isn’t dead yet. Pat McAfee says that Tuesday, May 25th, the two-time and REIGNING NXT Champion, Kross, with Scarlett by his side, will battle against Balor again. Kross is a man, who upon arriving, looked like dominance and intimidation personified. And he’s against The Prince, who has been champion everywhere he’s been! NJPW, Raw, SmackDown, NXT. The fact we’re getting this on television is a dream come true.
McAfee says Balor will be champion again after an epic battle. Paul Heyman is surprised they want his opinion on Kross VS Balor. Everyone on SmackDown has an interest, even the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman is known for giving not predictions but spoilers. So here’s a spoiler: Kross VS Balor II is too close to call. Smith says if Balor wins again, that is a redemption story like none other. If he loses again, that’s a tragedy. And Balor isn’t here for tragedies. Balor has proven himself the best, Kross says that’s BS. The rematch is coming, are you ready?
Cameron Grimes VS Jake Atlas!
The Carolina Cash Money Caveman couldn’t get even with the Million Dollar Man, so maybe the muscle of El Monte will make up for that? Grimes says everyone thinks its funny that DeBiase keeps embarrassing him. “But wait ’til you see the REAL Ted DeBiase! Hit it!” Grimes has a video package of DeBiase getting beat, embarrassed, and literally stepping in it. Grimes laughs at DeBiase for once, but fans cheer for the Million Dollar Man. Grimes is upset by that, and he rushes Atlas, only to get a dropkick! Grimes flounders out of the ring, Atlas dares him to get back in. Grimes checks his teeth as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Grimes stomps Atlas to a corner and throws EuroUppers. Atlas hits back, fans rally and duel, Grimes ROCKS then whips Atlas. Atlas kicks back, keeps him in the ring, but Grimes elbows back. Grimes runs into a BOOT, then Atlas goes up and around to arm-drag! GAMANGIRI in a corner, then Atlas goes up top. Grimes stands and Atlas RANAS him down! Cover, TWO! Atlas grits his teeth, grabs at Grimes’ legs but Grimes BOOTS him from below! Grimes gets to ropes, Atlas runs in but Grimes gets him up and over. Atlas shoulders back in, slingshots up and over and builds speed, but into a kitchen sink! Grimes LARIATS, covers, TWO!
Grimes frowns and he digs his knuckles into Atlas’ head. Grimes lets off, Atlas gets to ropes, but Grimes is after him with KICKS in the corner! Grimes stands Atlas up to dig elbows into his chest. Grimes whips corner to corner hard and Atlas bounces off buckles! The ref checks on Atlas, he won’t let this stop here, and Grimes says he’s the man! Grimes gets Atlas up, Atlas elbows him back! Atlas ROCKS Grimes, CHOPS him, but Grimes KICKS back! Atlas blocks a kick, SLAPS Grimes, then whips him to a corner, Grimes reverses, Atlas reverses back and Grimes hits buckles hard! Atlas throws more hands, but Grimes spins and scoops, only for Atlas to slip out, GERMAN SUPLEX!
A limousine pulls up as Grimes ROCKS Atlas! The stretch parks, Atlas gets around Grimes to calf kick and forearm! Atlas spins Grimes for a DISCUS! Cover, TWO!! Grimes survives but Atlas goes up top! Fans rally up, Grimes hurries to go after Atlas but Atlas knocks him back down! Atlas adjusts, but Grimes grabs at him! Atlas goes up and over and returns, into COLLISION COURSE! Grimes shouts, “TO! THE!” DeBiase’s intro interrupts! The Million Dollar Man is live and in person! Atlas springboards to sunset flip, Atlas wins!!
Winner: Jake Atlas, by pinfall
Grimes is furious and DeBiase has the last laugh again! Grimes rushes Atlas but Atlas ROCKS him! Grimes flounders out of the ring, and chases after DeBiase! “Where’d he go?!” Grimes goes outside, sees the super stretch limo, and knocks on the window. DeBiase says, “Not bad, kid. But you’re no Million Dollar Man.” The limo drives away and Grimes curses DeBiase’s name! What will it cost Grimes to finally get one over on Ted DeBiase?
Bronson Reed reflects on his career.
“May 18th, 2007, my very first match. I was excited, nervous, and now 14 years later, May 18th, 2021, the biggest match of my life!” Reed VS Gargano, Steel Cage for the North American Champion. Reed has to go through Austin Theory, but even before that, he had to get through Australia, Japan, the UK, and match after match in NXT. Gargano will not deny Reed his destiny any longer. Reed will walk out of the cage THE NXT North American Champion, go to his wife and say, after 14 years, “We did it!” Will this Colossal Rocky story have its happy ending once and for all?
Arash Markazi interviews Pete Dunne.
Markazi thanks the Bruiserweight for this time. “Now normally, when someone calls out a champion, or someone, it’s one specific person. You called out basically the entire roster. Is there someone in particular you would like to face next?” Dunne says there are different reasons for each one. He beat Kushida, so that’s done, but he could always go for that Cruiserweight title. There’s Walter, the NXT UK Championship, that’s unfinished business. Johnny Gargano, we’ve already seen that and how did that end? Dunne won, so he’ll do it again. And of course, Karrion Kross, obviously Dunne wants THE NXT title, something that’s eluded him.
There was a tinge of “put respect on my name” when Dunne spoke. Is there a sense that he isn’t getting the respect he deserves? He doesn’t really care, to be honest. The body of his work speaks for itself. Find a bad match Dunne has had. He hasn’t. Not even the loses are bad. Everyone leaves different facing him. Describe your style. When Markazi watches Dunne, it’s almost a UFC fight. Obviously there isn’t a cage, but it is aggressive. Where does that come from. Dunne takes inspiration from British wrestling, his own style he’s made over the year in America and Japan, all put together. People like Fit Finlay, but more violent.
How important is the connection he has with the fans? It does bring a different element. Seeing someone react to how he’s bending a finger or joint adds something. But we all know how it hurts to have a finger or arm bent the wrong way. Does Dunne set goes for himself? What does he want to have a year from now? Or even five years? Dunne used to set goals, but now he’s just someone who takes opportunities as they come. At this point, it’s just time to go after the NXT Champion. Dunne conquered the UK, now he’s ready to conquer the US. Markazi thanks Dunne for his time. Will we see the Bruiserweight look to take over NXT prime in the near future?
Alexander Wolfe w/ Imperium VS Killian Dain w/ Drake Maverick!
The Dresden Hatchet Man was not medically cleared before, but he has the greenlight now! Will he and the Belfast Beast be able to settle their differences once and for all?
The bell rings, Wolfe and Dain tie up, Dain waistlocks but Wolfe switches and shoves Dain. Dain throws hands, ROCKS Wolfe, but Wolfe kicks and knees back! Wolfe BOOT Dain, stomps him down and then rains down rights! Wolfe stomps Dain more, gets him up and throws EuroUppers. Wolfe reels Dain in for more EuroUppers, kicks, and back again. Dain just gets mad and he grabs Wolfe for a EuroUpper of his own! And more EuroUppers! Dain throws body shots in a corner, then forearms, Dain whips corner to corner to SPLASH Wolfe, then rams him all the way to the opposite end! Dain CLOBBERS Wolfe and roars!
Imperium gets on the apron, Maverick goes after them but they knock him down! Dain BOOTS Fabian Aichner, but Wolfe GERMAN SUPLEXES Dain! Marcel Barthel says to use the chair. This isn’t about the win but about sending a message! The ref gets the chair, but Wolfe takes it from him! Dain DIVIDES Wolfe, covers, and WINS!
Winner: Killian Dain, by pinfall
Dian and Maverick regroup and celebrate the win! Wolfe hesitated, does this have to do with his past with Dain? Imperium helps Wolfe up to his feet, and assure him it’ll be alright. Wolfe strikes the Imperium pose, but Imperium strikes him down! Barthel & Aichner stomp and kick Wolfe, then drag him up for the EUROBOMB!! Failure is not an option in Imperium, but will this only hurt their global expansion plans?
Backstage interview with Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai.
McKenzie congratulates the NXT Women’s Champion on defeating Mercedes Martinez last week, but what about the altercation in the trainer’s room later? Mack, they have Twitter accounts, they saw the comments. Yeah, Mack! Stop trying to start things! Raquel won like she said she would, and has no problem in respecting Mercedes. Dakota, on the other hand, would’ve kicked Mercedes’ head off. Agree to disagree. They’re friends, they do that, but they are going after the tag titles again! The Way may-
Whoa, tag titles? Ever-Rise is here, and they say that everyone knows Shotzi & Ember are first in line. Here’s the thing. You don’t need to be greedy! Raquel is a champ, definitely. Dakota, not so much. Wait, who are these two? Ever-Rise! The best team ever! And cohosts of the smash hit Saturday morning social media show, Ever-Rise Live! Sign pops in outta somewhere. Never seen it. What?! Do they have a problem? Wanna take a swing? Sounds like she wants to. She DOES! She SLAMS Matt Marthel off his feet and he spills his coffee! Chase Parker helps him back up and explains he got sucker punched. Is the mug okay? Which one?
El Legado del Fantasma VS Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher!
Speaking of tag titles, MSK has the men’s titles, and that means targets on their back! But before either Wilde & Mendoza or Ciampa & Thatcher can go after them, they’re going to go after each other! Will Legado learn that #OldManCiampa and #ToothlessDoubleT have different definitions for “blood and tradition?”
The teams sort out, Wilde and Ciampa start, and Wilde rushes in but misses wide right. Ciampa and Wilde circle, approach, and Wilde dodges to do a dance. But then Wilde bails out and leads Ciampa on a cat ‘n’ mouse game. Ciampa dodges the elbow drop, drags Wilde back out and whips him hard into the boards! Wilde writhes, Ciampa claps and pats himself on the back. Ciampa waves to Mendoza, puts Wilde in and headlocks. Wilde powers out, Ciampa runs him over! Cover, ONE! Ciampa gets Wilde in a facelock and grinds him down. Ciampa floats to a headlock, cranks back, but Wilde endures.
Wilde fights up, Ciampa cranks the headlock, and then wrenches to tag Thatcher. Ciampa hands off Wilde to Thatcher’s cravat, and Thatcher throws close-range shoulders. Wilde powers Thatcher to a corner, Mendoza tags in but Thatcher swats Legado away. Thatcher and Mendoza tie up, Thatcher headlocks and hits a trip to an ARMBAR! Mendoza fights, Thatcher shifts to a short arm scissor to a double wristlock. Mendoza fights up, gets the ropes, but Thatcher tags Ciampa. Ciampa and Thatcher mug Mendoza, Ciampa CHOPS Mendoza off his feet then goes from headlock to headscissors. Mendoza flails around, Ciampa CHOPS him, covers, TWO!
Ciampa bumps Mendoza off buckles, wrenches, and whips him corner to corner. Ciampa runs in to forearm smash! Ciampa whips the other way, runs but into a boot! Mendoza stomps Ciampa, rains down rights over and over, then spits the blood in his mouth. Mendoza lets off and Ciampa BOOTS him! Tag to Thatcher, he cravats. Mendoza endures, is still spitting blood from the mouth, but Thatcher shifts to a cording hold. Mendoza claws Thatcher’s face, headlocks back, but Thatcher pops out the back to have the armlock. Thatcher grinds Mendoza, chinbars, the ref checks Mendoza’s mouth and nose, but Mendoza refuses to stop. Mendoza wrenches, knees low and headlocks.
Thatcher powers out, Mendoza slides under and dropkicks legs out! Mendoza just shrugs off the bad nose to KICK and KICK! Thatcher blocks a kick, and twists the foot in an ANKLE LOCK! Thatcher grins but Wilde grabs at Mendoza. Thatcher drags them both in! Ciampa gets Wilde for an ANKLE LOCK! Legado endures double holds, but they both roll to victory roll! The ref refuses to count, this isn’t tornado rules! Mendoza somersault ENZIGURIS, Wilde JAWBREAKERS! Ciampa CLOBBERS Wilde, Mendoza ENZIGURIS Ciampa! Thatcher returns to ENZIGURI Mendoza! Fans are fired up, all four men are down and Thatcher checks his own arm as NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Ciampa is unleashing endless corner clotheslines on Legado! Mendoza, Wilde, and back again, Ciampa is not slowing down! Fans are fired up as he tops this off at at least a dozen! Ciampa dodges the double to give a DOUBLE LARIAT! Legado falls out of the ring, Thatcher is fired up for Ciampa as he gets Mendoza. Wilde saves Mendoza from Willow’s Bell but Ciampa DECKS Wilde! Mendoza attacks Ciampa, stomps him down and tags Wilde back in. Legado double whip, double SPINEBUSTER, and then split the wishbone before a basement dropkick sandwich! Cover, TWO! Ciampa is showing why he’s a former NXT Tag Team Champion and top NXT Champion!
Wilde clamps onto Ciampa with a chinlock, Mendoza tags in and Legado mugs Ciampa. Mendoza throws hands, CHOPS Ciampa in a corner, then fires off SLAPS! Ciampa gives those SLAPS back, Mendoza knees low and BITES Ciampa’s forehead! Mendoza wants blood, but he runs corner to corner to RAM into Ciampa! Mendoza goes again, but Ciampa dodges and Mendoza POSTS himself! Ciampa tags in Thatcher! Thatcher gets Mendoza for a Belly2Belly! Wilde runs in, for a Belly2Belly! Thatcher DECKS Mendoza, gets him up and throws EuroUppers! Thatcher reels Mendoza into a HALF HATCH SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!
Thatcher bumps Mendoza off buckles, fires off more EuroUppers, then tags in Ciampa. Ciampa fires off forearms and CHOPS, and then steps back to tag in Thatcher. Thatcher grins as he brings Mendoza up for more forearms! Tag to Ciampa, they get Mendoza up to EuroUpper, KNEE, and DOUBLE CHOP! Mendoza drops to his knees, Ciampa runs to PSYCHO KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa gets Mendoza up, wrenches and whips, but Mendoza goes up and out and GAMANGIRIS back! Mendoza leaps in up and over, Ciampa CHOPS! Mendoza kicks, CHOPS, but runs into a forearm! Ciampa whips, Mendoza reverses but Ciampa ROCKS him! Underhooks but no Fairy Tail Ending!
Mendoza back drops, Ciampa sunset flips, but Mendoza rolls through to SHINING WIZARD! Ciampa gets to a corner, Mendoza runs in and corner clotheslines while tagging Wilde! Wilde snap suplexes Ciampa, tags Mendoza back in, and Legado hits the hip toss splash! Mendoza adds a LIONSAULT! Cover, Thatcher breaks it! Thatcher fires forearms on Mendoza but Mendoza knocks him off the apron! Mendoza stomps Ciampa, tags Wilde, and Legado coordinates! Thatcher trips Mendoza up and throws EuroUppers! Wilde FLIES and takes Thatcher out! Ciampa gets Wilde for WILLOW’S BELL! Cover, Mendoza dropkicks it outta nowhere!!
The CWC is thunderous as Thatcher goes after Mendoza. But The Grizzled Young Veterans pop in outta nowhere! They gut wrench Ciampa and give him an APRON TICKET TO RIDE!! The GYV feed Ciampa to Legado! Wilde gets Ciampa up, Mendoza runs, GAMANGIRI LEG SWEEP! Cover, El Legado wins!
Winners: El Legado del Fantasma, by pinfall
GYV are satisfied with how they screwed over the grizzled old veterans, and now Legado has cleared their path to the titles! Will Legado finally take over the tag division?
Backstage interview with Bobby Fish.
McKenzie welcomes him back and congratulates him on his recovery from injury. But she does have to bring up how he came to help his former tag partner, Kyle O’Reilly. Fish apologizes but this is where he must cut her off. Last week had very little to do with Kyle and everything to do with Dunne and Oney. “Those two gentlemen, they put me out at WarGames. Triceps surgery. It’s a long recovery. Long enough that it put me on the sidelines to watch along with the rest of the world as The UE imploded.” Fish is back, and that means there is a debt to be paid, and he can’t think of a better place to start than with Pete Dunne.
Dunne walks around claiming he’s the match-up here no one wants. That’s funny to Fish, because that’s the only match he wants! Dunne started this at WarGames! Now he and Fish have unfinished business, so Fish calls Dunne out! Next week, Dunne better show up, because Fish vows to finish this!
The Way’s spa day continues.
Indi and Candice feel great. But they’re informed that Candice’s credit card has been declined. That can’t be right. Run it again. There’s no way it can be, Candice is a tag team champion now. They already tried running it a few times, and even contacted the company. There was an “unpaid expense.” Austin… He does this all the time, like with pizzas and stuff. No, it said it was a purchase made three weeks ago at a local florist. Does that ring a bell? Uh… No… Did anyone buy any flowers, chocolates, or other things? Nope, Candice has no idea- Wait, three weeks ago. Wasn’t that when Shotzi & Ember got all those gifts from Lumis? Or was it from Candice?!
Candice avoids the question but Indi puts it together for herself. Lumis still loves Indi Wrestling~! She runs off excitedly and Candice is at a loss for words. Shippers rejoice, for #InDex LIVES!
Johnny Gargano speaks.
“Bronson Reed, tonight, inside of a Steel Cage, I show you you are NOT on Johnny Gargano’s level!” Gargano is THE top champion on this brand, and he did something no one has been able to do: He left Karrion Kross laying! It doesn’t matter how big you are, or what hype you have! Austin, who beats the unbeatable? Gargano does! Who stops the unstoppable? Gargano does! And tonight, inside that cage, Gargano will show us all why he is UNTOUCHABLE! But will things really go Gargano’s way?
Sarray VS Aliyah w/ The Robert Stone Brand!
The Warrior of the Sun is still shining, and her future is bright! Will she blind #BornBougie with her bright smile and fiery intensity?
The bell rings and Sarray offers a handshake, but Aliyah just kicks her down! Aliyah fires off hands, drags Sarray up and whips her to ropes. Sarray reverses, gets around and arm-drags! And again! And then basement dropkicks Aliyah down! Fans fire up with Sarray as she runs but Jessi Kamea swipes at her! Aliyah attacks, fires forearms and uppercuts! Aliyah whips and CLOBBERS Sarray! Cover, TWO as Sarray goes Matrix! But Aliyah throws Sarray down by her hair! Aliyah gets Sarray up to throw her again! Aliyah runs corner to corner to BOOT her down! Cover, TWO! Aliyah sighs and smiles as she gets Sarray back up. Sarray ROCKS Aliyah, Aliyah hits back!
The two brawl, Sarray HEEL KICKS and covers, TWO! Sarray gets Aliyah up for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Aliyah staggers up as Sarray climbs, missile dropkick! Fans fire up with Sarray again and she runs to basement dropkick Aliyah against ropes! And then T-BONE SUPLEX!! Cover, Sarray wins!
Winner: Sarray, by pinfall
The Warrior of the Sun just burned Aliyah to a crisp! Will it only be a matter of time before Sarray shines with gold around her waist?
Shotzi & Ember speak.
“Indi, Candice, you hussies are already looking past us, but this is far from over! And Dakota and Raquel, you think you can just skip the line? But don’t forget who took the titles off you in the first place. Even a well-oiled machine needs a little bit of fine tuning. But it’s time to get gritty. It’s time to get wild!” Shotzi & Ember are stripping this down to get back on track and #TCB with Ember’s Law! Shotzi howls to the Moon, will these two hunt down the champions and take back what was theirs?
The Diamond Mine is coming.
Will NXT be ready for these diamonds in the rough?
Hit Row VS Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari!
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott and “B-Fab” Briana Brandy accompany their boys to the ring, and are ready to hit the top of the charts in NXT. Will #PremierDinero will look like chump change against Ashante “Thee” Adonis & Top Dolla?
Adonis and Nese start, they know each other from 205 Live. The bell rings and he fires off on the Premier Athlete! Adonis whips, Nese stops himself in the corner and elbows back. Nese goes up and leaps over, then things speed up. Nese runs into a FLAPJACK! Adonis kips up, tags Dolla, and Dolla drags Nese up with a one-arm TOSS! Daivari tags in but gets BODIED! Dolla gets Nese back up to pop him up! Daivari runs but into a scoop! “Who hotta than Top Dolla?!” WASTELAND POWERSLAM COMBO! “Not NADA!” Dolla drags Daivari up, reels him in for a short-arm LARIAT, and then drags him back up to tag in Adonis.
Adonis talks trash, slaps Daivari around, and then gets Daivari up, but Daivari forearms and CHOPS on repeat! Adonis reverses the whip to AirDROP Daivari in the head! Adonis fires off forearms on the mat, gets Daivari in a corner, but Dolla tags in before the ref counts 5! Adonis keeps firing off on Daivari, Dolla pushes him aside, Nese gets in to get the LONG KISS GOODNIGHT! The superkick floors Nese, Dolla keeps Adonis contained, so he can SPLASH Daivari in a corner! Fireman’s carry, throw to a NECKBREAKER! Cover, Hit Row wins!
Winners: Hit Row, by pinfall
Adonis and Dolla dominated the 205 Live OG, and then Dolla has B put ’em on notice! “B-Fab knows you be mad. Just another on the hit list.” They’re taking shots, taking spots, and doing ’em like connect the dots! They’re hot, and heat rises. Tonight’s main event, two competitors going for the North American title in a cage. Swerve doesn’t care who wins, just know he’ll be going after who shines in the end. And if you didn’t know, now you know! Will Gargano and Reed have to worry about who’s coming for them on the other side?
Backstage interview with William Regal.
Tonight’s main event is moments away, but he has updates on the other divisions. He isn’t quite happy with how they got there, but El Legado del Fantasma are the #1 contenders to the NXT Tag Team Champions. They will face MSK in two weeks for the titles! There are a lot of opportunities in NXT, and the greatest women’s division in the world is only getting more heated. Regal wants to see who is ready to step up to Raquel Gonzalez. There are also a lot of new faces in the Cruiserweight Division, and he wants to see who wants after Kushida more. And when it comes to the NXT Women’s Tag Division, we will see a rematch of Dakota & Raquel VS Shotzi & Ember next week!
Big moves in all divisions, what will the landscape look like on the road to In Your House 2021?
BREAKING NEWS for next week!
After weeks and weeks of Grimes being a step behind the Million Dollar Man, the two high rollers will finally have a face-off! A MILLION DOLLAR Face-Off, that is! What will that even look like?!
NXT North American Championship Steel Cage Match: Johnny Gargano VS Bronson Reed!
The cage is ready, and so are the two men that are stepping inside! The Way’s “fearless” leader and the Colossal Auszilla face off once again for this title, and it will finally be 1v1! Will there be no way Gargano survives with his reign still intact?
Gargano gets in Reed’s face before the bell, Reed shoves him down for it! The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this battle of gold and steel closes out NXT!
Gargano hurries for the door! Reed drags Gargano back, and Theory can only watch as Reed gets Gargano up and TOSSES him into a corner! Reed runs in, Gargano boots him, then climbs the wall! Reed drags Gargano back down, throws hands, then whips him corner to corner. Gargano goes up and over and rolls away, but Reed blocks the door! Gargano goes up a wall, Reed drags him back down and scoops. Gargano slips out, shoves Reed but Reed blocks the wall bump! Reed elbows Gargano away, Reed runs through a clotheslines and then BODIES Gargano! Gargano flounders, Reed drags him up, and TOSSES him into the steel! Gargano scrapes down and writhes in pain!
Reed looms over Gargano, gets him back up and TOSSES him into more steel! Gargano flounders, Reed looms over him and fans are loving this! Reed gets Gargano back up, scoops him, and LAWN DARTS him into steel! Gargano checks his face, the fans are loving this, and Reed drags him up between steel and ropes. Reed then joins him in that gap, to PRESS him against the ropes! Gargano feels like cheese being grated! Reed then steps through ropes, runs, but Gargano drops! Reed hits just steel! Gargano takes aim, slingshots, but his spear is stopped by the steel being too close! Gargano is stuck, Reed drags him up, DRAPING DDT!
Gargano flounders and fans fire up. Reed drags Gargano up, suplexes him, but Gargano slips out to CHOP BLOCK a leg! Gargano hurries to the wall, climbs up, and MOONSAULTS Reed down! Gargano rains down rights, Theory fires up, and Gargano crawls back to walls. Gargano climbs, Reed yanks him back and has a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives, reminding us why he was NXT’s first Triple Crown! Reed climbs a corner, Theory is there to distract him! Gargano SUPERKICKS a leg out! Reed gets crotched as NXT goes picture in picture!
Gargano climbs up, and bounces the ropes to mess with Reed’s King Gidorah! Gargano SUPERKICKS Reed off the ropes! Reed flounders, Gargano throws hands, then has Reed in a corner! Gargano climbs, throws down hands over and over, then climbs over Reed to get up. Reed grabs at Gargano’s feet to anchor him! Reed brings Gargano down, Gargano kicks and stomps him back! Gargano hops down and runs in to back body block Reed into buckles! Reed ends up between ropes and steel while Gargano gloats. Gargano dribbles Reed’s head off steel over and over, then runs side to side, but Reed ROCKS him! Reed steps through ropes, but Gargano kicks the rope!
Reed flops over, Gargano gets his legs, and he STOMPS right on Reed’s kaiju! No disqualifications in a cage match! Gargano covers, TWO! Gargano throws down hands, Reed shoves him away! Gargano puts Reed on ropes and chokes him! Again, no disqualifications, so Gargano can hold this way past 5! Gargano lets off at about 11, then DECKS Reed. Gargano throws more hands on Reed, but Reed hits back. They brawl, NXT returns to single picture and fans are fired up for “NXT! NXT!” as Gargano and Theory coordinate to SANDWICH Reed through steel! Cover, TWO!! Gargano is frustrated, so he just climbs a wall. Gargano leaps, but into a POWERSLAM!
Reed slaps himself to get back in this. Gargano turns around, Reed DECKS him! And again! Atomic drop and a COLOSSAL CATAPULT into the steel!! Gargano flounders, Theory panics, and Reed fireman’s carries Gargano to climb a corner with him! Theory shouts to Gargano, Gargano fights, but Reed hits a SUPER SAMOAN DROP!! Reed crawls but Gargano rolls away to avoid a cover! Reed keeps crawling, pushes Gargano over and gets that cover, TWO!! Gargano may have saved himself with those extra seconds! Reed gets up, climbs up a wall of the cage, but Gargano goes after his feet! Reed clubs Gargano, Gargano CLUBS the leg!
Gargano climbs up, dribbles Reed off steel again, and then springboards to SUNSET POWERBOMB!! Fans are thunderous and Theory is relieved as Gargano drags himself to cover Reed! TWO!!! Reed is showing he has superhuman endurance, just like Gargano! Gargano crawls to the door, Theory opens it and reaches for Gargano, but the ref reprimands him. Reed anchors Gargano! Theory and Reed play tug o’ war with Gargano! Theory lets go and Reed SITS DOWN on Gargano! Reed goes for the door, but Theory slams it shut! Reed shoves the door and sends Theory swinging into the side of the cage!! Theory is down, but Gargano SUPERKICKS Reed!
Reed ROCKS Gargano! Reed reels Gargano in, lifts, but Gargano fights the bomb by grabbing steel! Gargano hops back to POISON-RANA!! Both men are down, the door is open and the CWC fans are electric! Gargano goes to a wall of the cage, climbs up, but Reed crawls after him. Gargano changes his idea, slingshot, but no final beat as Reed SLAMS Gargano into steel! Reed goes to the door! Gargano is so far away, but Theory SLAMS the door on Reed’s head!! Gargano leaps, TORNADO DDT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Gargano can’t believe Reed survives! Gargano goes to a corner while Reed sits up in a daze, and Gargano climbs!
Gargano is already at the top, but Reed grabs his feet! Gargano kicks at Reed, Reed climbs up, and Gargano throws hands on Reed! Gargano climbs to step on Reed, but Reed gets Gargano for a COLOSSAL POWERBOMB!! CWC is rumbling with “NXT! THIS IS AWESOME! NXT!” Reed stands first, he climbs a wall, but Theory again gets involved! Reed swipes at him, Gargano climbs up now, and now it is a handicap cage match! Reed DECKS Gargano, BOPS Theory, and finishes climbing! Gargano sees the door, Reed sees Gargano, SPRINGBOARD TSUNAMI!?! Reed doesn’t want the door, he slams it shut! ANOTHER TSUNAMI!! Cover, Reed wins!!!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall (NEW NXT North American Champion)
That was an epic! Fourteen years to the day of Reed’s wrestling debut, and he is a champion in the WWE! Will Reed prove he is the king of kaiju now that he has gold around his waist?
My Thoughts:
An awesome episode and so much is being set up on the road to TakeOver: In Your House 2021. A brief hype package helps bring us right into Storm VS Stark rematch, and that was like a TakeOver match in itself. Stark won last time, it makes sense Storm wins this time, and we’re definitely getting a tiebreaker at the next TakeOver. Storm’s new move is unique, I wonder what it’ll be called. The spa day for Indi & Candice was an interesting way for Indi to find out about the trick Candice played. Though her being happy that Lumis was still her guy canceling out the anger she had for Candice seemed a little too easy. I suppose it’ll take more than that to break up The Way.
While Ever-Rise said it was being greedy, it makes a lot of sense for Raquel & Dakota to go after the tag belts since their reign was literally just minutes long. Raquel & Dakota VS Shotzi & Ember to name contenders to The Way is going to be a very good match, but Raquel having a title to defend surely means she and Dakota lose. Then we get Shotzi & Ember VS The Way rematch at TakeOver, and maybe in something even bigger than a Street Fight so that it’ll feel a bit more definitive. Though, that was a pretty extreme match already, so I’m not sure how they could go harder, unless they make it elimination or Falls Count Anywhere. Actually, I hope they do that.
Sarray VS Aliyah was alright, but of course Sarray wins. She’ll be growing stronger in the background of the title scene but will certainly get her shot once Raquel’s had a few defenses under her belt. Grimes getting so upset with DeBiase that he picks a fight with someone else is great, and I love that DeBiase showed up to the CWC to distract Grimes. The Million Dollar Face-Off is probably not a match, but maybe some kind of showdown in regards to their possessions and wealth. Maybe this sets up the match of Grimes VS the million dollar proxy, maybe as something big for the go-home to TakeOver.
Legado VS Ciampa & Thatcher as an unofficial contender’s match was great stuff, even with the scare of Mendoza’s nose and Thatcher’s left arm. But I should’ve guessed GYV would get involved and screw Ciampa & Thatcher over. MSK VS Legado in two weeks, Ciampa & Thatcher VS GYV at some point, all great stuff, and maybe the winners of each meet at TakeOver. I feel like if we get MSK VS Ciampa & Thatcher at TakeOver, that could be the make-or-break moment for Ciampa & Thatcher as a team. Maybe Thatcher joins Imperium after all now that they’ve kicked out Wolfe? And maybe Wolfe joins Dain & Maverick in a weird SAnitY offshoot?
Hit Row had a good match, though I’m curious as to Adonis just suddenly having all this aggression when he wasn’t that way at all as a solo act. Maybe Swerve being the smooth operator of the group means Adonis has to be the opposite now to contrast. Adonis and Top Dolla are going to be very good tag team already, they had good chemistry here, and Swerve stakes his claim to the North American Championship already. I can’t be sure if B-Fab is going to stay manager or will try to get in the ring, but she’s coming into her role very well so I think she’ll be fine either way. Hit Row could even take on Legado in a Six Man Tag, and works with the history between Swerve and Escobar.
Prime Target: Kross VS Balor II was good, but not quite on the level I would’ve expected. Granted, they probably didn’t have time to do on-location shots like for other Prime Targets. But the match is definitely going to be TakeOver worthy, and I feel like Kross will win out since this second reign is meant to make up for the ill-fated first. Balor won’t be as hurt as Jimmy Smith’s part of Prime Target makes it seem. I think Balor should consider all his options the way Pete Dunne is. Fish is calling Dunne out but I’m thinking Dunne gets this win, even if it’s just because Oney gets involved. Dunne mentioned all but the tag titles, so Balor should think the same. Balor VS Kushida, Balor VS Walter, and maybe even Balor VS Reed at some point.
And of course, Gargano VS Reed was a great cage match. NXT always finds ways to make these cage matches work while RawDown struggles. With Reed’s promo looking back to his first match ever, of course he wins tonight. Reed has definitely worked hard and earned this moment, and maybe this frees Gargano up to get into another title hunt. THE NXT Championship makes the most sense, especially with Gargano bragging he did what no one has in knocking Kross down. But I would love if Gargano wanted the Cruiserweight Championship. Gargano VS Kushida would be an awesome match, Gargano was in the Cruiserweight Classic, aka the other CWC, and if Gargano won that belt, he’d be NXT’s first-ever GRAND SLAM CHAMPION, something he has definitely earned the right to be.
My Score: 9.3/10
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Dynamite begins the countdown to WrestleDream!
It’s another big week for AEW! And before Swerve Strickland returns home to Seattle, he and Hangman Page sign on the dotted line!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW International Championship: Rey Fenix w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Jeff Jarrett w/ Triple J; Fenix wins and retains the title.
- AEW International Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Nick Jackson VS Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana VS Claudio Castagnoli; Nick wins and will challenge Fenix for the title next week.
- Julia Hart w/ Brody King VS Willow Nightingale; wins.
- Fatal 4 Way: Penta El Zero Miedo w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Matt Jackson VS Orange Cassidy VS Austin Gunn w/ Colten Gunn; wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
AEW International Championship: Rey Fenix w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Jeff Jarrett w/ Team Triple J
The Immortal Firebird burned brightest last week in his revenge match with Jon Moxley, and now HE is opening the night with an open challenge! But will the entire carnival help the Last Outlaw win this title right off Fenix? Or will Fenix refuse to be a transitional champion?
Well as soon as Team Triple J is ringside, Fenix FLIES out onto them all! Fans fire up and Fenix drags Jarrett up to fire off shots! Fenix stalks Jarrett, CLUBS him, then fires more forearms! And CHOPS! Jarrett pokes Fenix in the eye! Jarrett whips Fenix into railing! And JAMS him with a chair! No rules since this ain’t a match yet, but Fenix CHOPS in return! And CHOPS again! Fenix whips, Jarrett reverses but Fenix RANAS Jay Lethal into Satnam Singh! But Karen CLAWS Fenix’ back! Fenix grabs Karen, but Sonjay CLUBS Fenix! So Fenix SUPERKICKS Sonjay! Fenix puts Jarrett in the ring, the bell finally rings, and Fenix SMACXKS Jarrett to GAMANGIRI!
Fenix goes up and up and QUEBRADAS! Cover, TWO! Jarrett is still in this but Fenix brings him around to fireman’s carry. But the back gives up! Jarrett CLUBS Fenix down, fans rally up for Fenix but Jarrett stomps him. Jarrett brings Fenix around to CLUB him again, and then CLUBS him again! Fenix leans against ropes but Jarrett CHOKES him! Jarrett runs, Karen CHOPS Fenix, and Jarrett hits the STRADDLE ATTACK! Jarrett struts while fans boo, and then Jarrett mocks Cero Miedo, and says ‘SUCK IT!” Jarrett runs, into a SOBAT! KICK! And FOREARM! Fenix runs in to JUMP SOBAT!
Fenix pushes Jarrett down, goes up, but Satnam distracts! Fenix avoids the big haymaker, but Jarrett kicks low to DDT! Fans boo while both men are down and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Fenix crawls to ropes, Jarrett pursues, but the ref has Jarrett back off. So Karen CHOKES Fenix more! Abrahantes shouts at Triple J but Jarrett stomps Fenix. Jarrett puts Fenix in a corner, whips him corner to corner hard, and Fenix hits the mat. Jarrett struts some more, distracts the ref, and that allows Lethal to drag Fenix out for some stomps! Sonjay gest some shots in, too! Sonjay mocks #ANIMO, and Lethal keeps Abrahantes back! Jarrett soaks up the heat from Broomfield, Colorado before he goes out after Fenix. Jarrett whips Fenix hard into railing, and Fenix tumbles into the front row!
Abrahantes checks Fenix as he drags himself up, but Triple J chases him off! Abrahantes can’t do anything when it’s 4v1! Jarrett then drags Fenix up to suplex to the floor! Fenix writhes, the ring count is climbing, but Jarrett stomps Fenix. Jarrett talks trash, drags Fenix up, and puts Fenix in before ten. Jarrett CLUBS Fenix, taunts the fans, and then paces around Fenix. Jarrett CLUBS Fenix, taunts him, and Dynamite returns to single picture. Jarrett drags Fenix up but Fenix CHOPS first! And CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Fenix whips, Jarrett reverse but Fenix ducks ‘n’ dodges and rolls, but Jarrett trips him up!
Fenix goes to the apron and Jarrett kicks him down. Triple J rallies behind their guy but he then sicks them after Fenix. The ref stops Karen right in her tracks! Aubrey ain’t having it no more, and fans love it! Fenix gets up on the apron, RAMS into Jarrett, then RAMSA him again! Fenix RAMS into Jarrett one more time, then hobbles his way to the corner. Fenix springboards and leaps, FLYING ARM-DRAG and DOUBLE STOMP! Fans fire up as Fenix crawls to the cover, TWO! Jarrett is tougher than that but Fenix SUPERKICKS him down! Fans fire up as Fenix goes to the corner and drags himself up top!
Fenix aims, Lethal distracts, but he gets a PENALTY KICK for it! Sonjay tries now, and Jarrett LOW BLOWS! Fans boo but Jarrett cradles! TWO!! Triple J is furious but Jarrett whips. Fenix reverses, Jarrett lifts, Fenix slips out of the bomb! Jarrett kicks and wrenches, THE STROKE!!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Fenix survives and the fans are loving this! Satnam gets on the apron, Jarrett sends Fenix his way, but Fenix dropkicks the legs out! Satnam falls but Jarrett gets Fenix’s legs! FIGURE- NO, Fenix cradles now! FENIX WINS!!
Winner: Rey Fenix, by pinfall (still AEW International Champion)
Triple J tried all the tricks, but nothing could stop Fenix! But he only has a week to rest as we’re getting another title match next week! Will Fenix be facing Nick Jackson, Brian Cage or Claudio Castagnoli? We find out in a Triple Threat later tonight!
Adam Cole & MJF have another bro session.
Though with a bad foot, the Panama City Playboy joins Maxwell Jacob Friedman at the Long Island pierce to celebrate the win at Grand Slam. MJF sees Cole and tells him to hop onboard! Wait, MJF has a boat? Nah, this is his dad’s, but he doesn’t need to know. Uh, what? But anyway, they set sail, have some drinks and even go fishing. Cole thanks MJF for the invite. So beautiful out here. Yeah, it’s the greatest place on Earth. But uh, quick question. MJF is so glad Cole came out to help a brochacho out, and got hurt in the process, but… He was on the phone with Roddy a long time, huh?
Yeah, sorry, he was just worried about Roddy. Yeah, MJF gets it. Seems he was so worried, he couldn’t even be out there at the start of the match. Cole apologizes but Roddy is a brother to him. Yeah, yeah. MJF has Cole hold his beer so he can get some more. Cole hopes they can catch something today. Good beers, right? Yeah, delicious. MJF goes to the cooler, and brings out the Dynamite Diamond Ring?! MJF puts it on his pinkie, but Cole asks if MJF brought him out here just to hit him with the diamond ring then dump his body in the ocean, did he? What? No that is the last thing he’d ever do! MJF is secretly taking the ring off behind his back.
Cole says they do need to talk. Part of a healthy friendship his having more than one friend. It is okay and normal and healthy. Cole knows friendship is new to MJF, but MJF needs to know, Cole still cares about him. Well, look, having more than one friend is not for MJF, but… If it is normal and is Cole’s deal, then he supports that. Cole appreciates that. Plus, MJF almost got caught the last time he threw someone overboard so that’s a relief. What? Whoa, wait, we got a bite! They work together and pull it in! It’s PAUL WIGHT!? He says he was just trying to go for a swim! Paul spits out the hook and joins the boys on the boat. Paul knows they’re Better Than You, Baybay, and that’s aight.
Don Callis & Konosuke Takeshita returned to Japan.
The patriarch of the Don Callis Family and his “new son,” The Alpha, walked the streets of Tokyo as they responded to the Six Man Tag Challenge. Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi & Chris Jericho want to make a match for WrestleDream, but they’re not even in Seattle. They’re in Japan to hunt down the Golden Star! And Don knows all the favorite places of the Golden Lovers, so Kenny better have a new third man in mind for WrestleDream after they take care of business! The DCF will be live and in person after the break, will they have succeeded in their mission?
Renee Paquette is in the ring.
She says to expound upon their actions this past week, please welcome Don Callis & Konosuke Takeshita. The fans boo as dastardly Don and treacherous Takeshita make their way out during a recap package. Back in present, Renee gets to business. We all saw what happened between Sammy Guevara and Chris Jericho at Grand Slam and the days after, so is it safe to say that Sammy is DCF? And sorry, but it is hard to hear over the chorus of boos. Callis says he has something to say. “I’m so happy that Sammy Guevara is FREE of the toxic influence of Chris Jericho, that I wanted to bring him out here myself! Ladies and gentlemen, the newest member of the Don Callis Family, SAMMY GUEVARA!”
The Spanish God, the REAL Judas of AEW, struts his way out like he did last Friday on Rampage. Fans boo him like they boo Callis and he joins the family. Sammy and Callis hug, and then even Konosuke hugs Sammy. Callis says, “You wanna know about Tokyo now?” Renee says yes, we just saw their video. What was the business there? Callis reminds us that Kota Ibushi is not safe! He and The Alpha went to Tokyo with a personal camera crew that caught it all! They were at Ibushi’s dojo in Gunma, Japan, and they barged right in! Ibushi wasn’t there, so they beat up on one of his students!
Ibushi showed up, took the fight to Konosuke, but checking on his student left him open to a SLEEPER! Ibushi fought free, gave some ground ‘n’ pound, but Callis SMACKED Ibushi with his umbrella! Big mistake, Don! Ibushi stormed up on Callis, Callis ran away, but Konosuke CLOBBERED Ibushi with a kettle bell weight! Callis then came back to stomp Ibushi, and then Konosuke CHOKED Ibushi with his jacket! Callis told Omega that this is his beating heart lying on the ground! No one is safe from the Don Callis Family!! Fans boo as Callis says his family has never been stronger! With Konosuke, Will “BAH GAWD” Ospreay and Sammy Guevara going to WrestleDream!
Fans boo as Sammy now speaks. Sammy is being painted as the bad guy, when in reality, he’s the HERO! Fans boo more but Sammy says Jericho is the real villain. Fans chant “F YOU, SAMMY!” but he just tunes that out to say Jericho, for four YEARS, held Sammy back! Sammy was champion without Jericho! He headlined PPVs without Jericho! And he was great all on his own. Every time Sammy started to fly, Jericho would clip Sammy’s wings and bring him down. Sammy thought that one day, Jericho would pass him the torch. But Jericho never was going to do that, and Callis is the one who showed Sammy that Jericho is selfish!
Sammy TOOK the torch, and now looks to become the star he was born to be! Fans boo more but Callis says at WrestleDream, they take everything from Ibushi, Jericho and Omega, “until there’s nothing left but the tears!” Konosuke adds as much in Japanese, will the Don Callis Family truly destroy three of the greatest of all time?
AEW shares footage from after Collision.
Last Saturday, after losing to Bryan Danielson again, Ricky Starks & “Big Bill” Morrissey were backstage, and Starks says that he survived again! He didn’t lose, he survived, period! Bryan Danielson has not tapped him out, and he never pinned him. The rankings is still Starks above Bryan! But then Wheeler Yuta walks over. Easy, man, he comes in peace. Yeah, Starks survived. And Yuta is man enough to admit he was wrong for what he did. He put his hands on Starks when the fight was over, and Starks was just trying to show Bryan respect. Starks tells Yuta that the next time Yuta puts his hands on Starks, Starks makes sure Yuta doesn’t walk away on his own accord!
Yuta says he’s trying to be the bigger man but it seems Starks doesn’t wanna hear it, so here’s how Yuta really feels. Starks is an entitled prick, all style and no substance, and all he does is whine, complain and moan! Starks couldn’t get up after everything Bryan put him through but guess what? Yuta gets up every damn day! The Blackpool Combat Club beats his ass, puts him down, and he just gets back up because that makes him stronger. And Starks doesn’t have the balls for that! But if he disagrees, let’s find out at WrestleDream. Starks smirks and walks off. Yeah, walk away. But it is now official! Absolute VS Decoder, who proves they’re tough enough?
AEW International Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Nick Jackson VS Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana VS Claudio Castagnoli!
WrestleDream on Sunday, and the FOURTH ANNIVERSARY of Dynamite next Wednesday, things are looking up for AEW! As such, one of these three men will challenge Rey Fenix for his title live on Dynamite next week! Who grabs themselves a golden ticket to #ANIMO?
The bell rings and Cage rushes Nick! Nick dodges but then Cage blocks the superkick to CHOP! Cage drags Nick up to trophy lift, and then TOSS him to the floor! Fans fire up as now Machine and Swiss Superman meet! First time anywhere, and the two tie up for a test of strength! They’re shoulder to shoulder, and Cage powers up to bend Claudio back! But Claudio powers up to push Cage! Cage kicks, SOBATS, and suplexes, but Claudio counters to suplex Cage! But Cage is right up! Cage suplexes, and he SLAMS Claudio! But Claudio is up, to UPPERCUT! Cage snarls, LARIATS, but Claudio stays up to UPPERCUT!
Cage LARIATS, Claudio UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS, and runs at Nick. Nick RAMS into Claudio, slingshots up and over to CHOP Cage! SOBAT for Claudio! LUCHA LIBRE~ as Nick FLYING ARM-DRAG RANA COMBOS! Nick goes up and up and TOPE CONJILO! “How about that?” Nick puts Cage in, goes up and in but Cage SPLASHES first! Cage hoists Nick up but Nick slips under to kick a leg out! Cage is stuck, Claudio puts Nick on the apron but Nick GAMANGIRIS! Nick slingshots to STOMP Claudio and DRAPING BACKSTABBER Cage! Fans are thunderous with Nick but Claudio BOOTS him down! Now fans fire up with Claudio!
Dynamite goes picture in picture as Claudio stalks Nick. Claudio scoops Nick to a trophy lift of his own, to DROP Nick behind him! Claudio flexes, covers, TWO! Claudio keeps cool, looms over Nick and brings him up to ROCK with a forearm! Nick goes to a corner, Claudio fires more shots, but Nick hits back! Nick backs Claudio down with haymakers, whips him to ropes, but Claudio reverses to LARIAT! Claudio then goes out to whip Cage, only for Cage to reverse! Claudio hits railing and gets stuck in the front row! Cage goes after Nick in the ring and fires forearms. Cage RAMS into Nick in the corner, then CHOPS him!
Cage talks some trash, runs back in, but into a BOOT! Then into more BOOTS! Nick goes up but Claudio SHOVES him, into a suplex from Cage! JACKHAMMER! Cover, but Claudio stomps it apart! Claudio drags Cage up, fires a forearm, and then has him in a corner. Claudio brings Cage out but Cage puts Claudio up top! Cage ROCKS Claudio, climbs up after him, and the two fire forearms back and forth! Claudio fires a flurry, and then HEADBUTTS Cage down! Nick springboards to CROSSBODY! Then Claudio CROSSBODIES Nick! Cover, TWO!! Claudio reels Nick in, but Cage CLOBBERS Claudio first!
Cage drags Claudio up, whips but Claudio reveres to knee low, and GUT WRENCH SUPELX! Dynamite returns to single picture as Cage flounders to a corner. Fans fire up with Claudio and he runs in, but Cage moves! Cage UPPERCUTS, GAMANGIRIS, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Nick is back and he runs up to SHINING WIZARD! GAMANGIRI! FOREARM! BULLDOG! Fans fire up as Nick goes up and out to PENALTY KICK Claudio! Then Nick RAMS into Cage, slingshots to FACEBUSTER, then he CARTWHEEL MOONSAULTS, but Claudio catches it! Only for Nick to TORNADO DDT it!!
Fans are thunderous as Nick goes up top, and Nana freaks out as Nick hits a 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Cage survives and Nana is relieved. Nick stands, but Claudio drags him out to RAM him into steel steps! Claudio hurries in after Cage, and fans fire up as they wanna see it! Claudio says okay, here comes the SWING!! Cage endures as he goes around and around, and the fans count to TEN! Claudio then covers, but Nick breaks it! Nick runs at Claudio but is put on ropes! Only to body scissor throw Claudio out! Nick goes up, he leaps and CROSSBODIES, but Cage catches him! F10!! Cover, TWO!!!
Fans are thunderous while Cage is furious! Cage storms up, Claudio RAMS into him, but Cage GAMANGIRIS! Cage goes up, and he deadlifts Claudio for the SUPERPLEX!! Cover, TWO!!! Claudio barely survives and Nana is beside himself! Cage slashes his throat, he wants to end this! Cage hauls Claudio up, Alabama Lifts, but Nick SUPERKICKS! “This is Awesome!” and Claudio sunset flips, but Nick ghost pins! TWO!! Nick SUPERKICKS Cage, but Cage rebounds! DISCUS- SUPERKICK! Nick gets Cage again, but then Claudio UPPERCUTS Cage in the corner! Nick SUPERKICKS again! UPPERCUT! SUPERKICK TO CLAUDIO!
Nick runs, into a POP-UP UPPERCUT!! Cage swings but Cage blocks to DISCUS LARIAT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Cage survives, but now Claudio has the clinch! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS!! Claudio drags Cage up, reel shim in and tucks the arms, RICOLA~ BOMB!! But then Nick FLYING RANAS Claudio away! Cover on Cage, NICK WINS!!
Winner: Nick Jackson, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW International Championship)
Nick snatches this one away from Cage and Claudio, and would you look at that? Fenix VS Nick one more time around! Will Nick prove he is the better younger brother? Or will Fenix make sure The Buck stops here?
The Righteous speak.
Dutch addresses, “Mr. MJF… Mr. Cole… We have one question to ask you two: Do you ache for a feeling that you fake to feel?” Vincent says, “Boys, just like everyday society, all the fake people of the world are bonded by materialistic thinks. Just like the two of you! But soon, that’s gonna change.” “Karma has no deadline, gentlemen.” “And for us, we’ve done nothing wrong. It’s easier to forgive your enemy than it is to forgive fake friends. Dig what I’m saying, man?” Will the brochachos see what they mean soon enough?
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We’re on the road to Bakersfield!
Before battling over the NXT Championship, Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov sign on the dotted line! But will things get intense even before No Mercy?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament Finals: Pete Dunne VS Joe Coffey w/ Gallus; Dunne wins and will challenge Noam Dar for the Cup at No Mercy.
- Trick Williams VS Joe Gacy w/ Ava Raine; Trick wins.
- Baron Corbin VS Josh Briggs w/ Brooks Jensen & Fallon Henley; Corbin wins.
- Hank Walker & Tank Ledger VS Lucien Price & Bronco Nima w/ SCRYPTS; Price & Nima win.
- Strap Match: Eddy Thorpe VS DIJAK; Dijak wins.
- Thea Hail w/ Jacy Jayne VS Dani Palmer; Thea wins.
- Gigi Dolin VS Blair Davenport; cancelled.
- NXT North American Championship #1 Contender Triple Threat: Axiom VS Tyler Bate VS Dragon Lee; changed into…
- NXT North American Championship #1 Contender Fatal 4 Way: Axiom VS Tyler Bate VS Dragon Lee VS Trick Williams; Trick wins and will challenge Dominik Mysterio for the title at No Mercy.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament Finals: Pete Dunne VS Joe Coffey w/ Gallus!
With No Mercy this Saturday, there’s no time to waste! Noam Dar either faces the Bruiserweight or the Iron King, will the Scottish Supernova be ready to work this weekend?
Speaking of Dar, he and Meta Four are in their lounge, looking ready to watch the Kentucky Derby or something. Wonder which “horse” they’re betting on. But the bell rings and the two tie up. Fans fire up and duel as Joe puts Dunne on ropes. The ref counts, Joe lets off but Dunne turns it around to SLAP Joe! They tie up again, go around, and they’re in a deadlock. The two let off, go again, and circle. They tie up again and Dunne wrenches an arm, to then shift and wrangle Joe down! Dunne tarps that arm, and he neck wrenches Joe while also grinding in forearms. Fans fire up as Dunne twists Joe’s ears! Dunne then STOMPS Joe’s arm!
Joe shakes that elbow out as he and Dunne reset. They tie up, Joe goes for Dunne’s arm and uses his head for leverage. Joe wrangles Dunne, digs a knee in, and then he twists Dunne’s ear. And claws at Dunne’s face! Dunne endures, kips up, and he grinds forearms in return. Dunne powers Joe to ropes, puts him in a corner, and the ref counts. Fans rally, Dunne and Joe stare down, but then Joe DECKS Dunne! Joe drops knee after knee then an elbow! Joe drags Dunne up, headlocks for a takeover, but Dunne pushes up. Dunne powers out, things speed up. and Dunne hurdles to drop and then- NO, Joe runs through the forearm to CLOBBER Dunne!
Fans are torn but Joe puts Dar on notice. Joe drags Dunne up while Dar taunts back. Dunne SLAPS Joe again! And then ARMLOCK DDT! Dunne drops knees on the elbow, then crosses his arms to mock Gallus! Mark has to keep Wolfgang back as Dunne bends Joe’s fingers. Dunne isolates the arm to STOMP it! Joe goes to a corner and fans fire up. Dunne runs up to GAMANGIRI! Dunne goes up to FLYING KNEE Joe’s arm! Joe writhes and flounders but Dunne is on him with a FUJIWARA! Mark gets in the ring but the ref stops him, only for Wolfgang to ROCK Dunne! Joe is free while fans boo.
Joe deadlifts to GERMAN SUPLEX, but Dunne lands on his feet! Joe ducks the lariat, ELBOWS Dunne, then goes up and up to CROSS- FOREARM!! Cover, TWO!! Joe survives and Dunne seethes as he sees Gallus regroup. Dunne goes up and out and up again, ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Gallus Boys go down and fans fire up! Joe scrambles, Dunne pursues to SNAP GERMAN! Dunne then STOMPS the hands! BUZZSAW! Gallus gets on the apron but the ref sees them now! The ref EJECTS Gallus!! Fans fire up as this is now truly 1v1, and Dunne just shrugs as NXT goes picture in picture.
Even Meta Four joins in on taunting Wolfgang & Markus with “Hey hey hey, goodbye~!” Dunne waits on Joe as Joe fumes. Joe storms up to Dunne, and the hands start flying! Joe ducks to ROCK Dunne! And JAB! And body shot! JAB! BODY! Repeat! BIG LEFT! Joe stomps away in the corner but the ref counts. Joe lets off, shaking out his bad arm. Joe drags Dunne back up, ROCKS him, but that just hurts the bad hand. Joe goes up the corner, takes aim, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Dunne is tougher than that and Joe seethes again. Joe drags Dunne around by his legs, but Dunne kicks back. Joe just grabs both legs in one arm!
Joe turns Dunne for a DOUBLE HALF CRAB! Maybe some kinda lobster stretch? Dunne endures, turns over, and he kicks Joe again! Dunne drags Joe down into an ARMBAR! Joe scrambles, but ends up in a TRIANGLE HOLD! Joe endures, fights around, but Dunne squeezes tighter! Joe fights back up, deadlifts Dunne, and BUCKLE BOMBS! Both men are down yet glaring at each other. They crawl over to junkyard dog headbutt! Then they throw haymakers and jabs! They brawl, Dunne fires off on Joe! Dunne hammers down on the Iron King, then STOMPS his arm! Joe writhes, Dunne paces, and then Dunne gets the wrists.
Dunne drags Joe up but Joe HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! NXT returns to single picture as Dunne flops to the apron. Joe drags Dunne up by his hair, has him against ropes, but Dunne grabs that bad arm! Dunne wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Then he gives Joe BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Shoutout to The Fella, as Dunne goes BEYOND ten!! Fans are thunderous, Meta Four says nuh-uh, that won’t happen to Dar. But Dunne drags Joe back up, for another ELBOW BREAKER! Joe HEADBUTTS back! Joe seethes and drags Dunne up, but Dunne holds ropes to fight the driver!
Dunne reels Joe in, APRON DDT!! Fans are thunderous again and Dunne goes back for more. Joe stands, swings, but Dunne ROCKS him! And ROCKS! Joe ROCKS Back! Dunne rebounds, into a POP-UP UPPERCUT! Joe goes up and up, FLYING CROSSBODY! Joe roars, he drags Dunne into another waistlock, but the bad arm won’t let him lift! Joe just one arms it?! GERMAN SUPLEX!! Joe aims from a corner, fans rally up, and Dunne rises into the GLASGOW SENDOFF! Joe keeps moving, ALL THE- BOOT! Joe stays up, ALL THE- ENZIGURI! ALL THE BEST SOUTHPAW STYLE!! Fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” while both men are down!
A standing count starts, the watch party is loving this, and Joe flounders his way over. But Dunne gets the arm! FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Dunne bends the fingers back! Joe fights up, rolls, and reels Dunne in! POWERBOMB!! Dunne manages to rise up, but Joe runs in again, GLASGOW SENDOFF!! Dunne goes down, Joe keeps moving, ALL THE BEST FOR THE BELLS!!! Cover, TWO?!? Dunne survives and even Meta Four is shocked! Joe shoves Dunne out of the ring, runs in, but the sendoff is sent into steel steps! Dunne puts Joe in the ring, reels him in, BITTER END!!! Cover, DUNNE WINS!!
Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Heritage Cup)
Dar does NOT like this! He knows how dangerous the Bruiserweight can be, just as we all saw with our own eyes! Will Dunne rip the Cup away from Dar once and for all?
Backstage interview with Dominik Mysterio.
McKenzie Mitchell is with the North American Champion and says he retained it against Dragon Lee just last night. Yes, Dom knows, it was another instant classic. Another challenger, another successful defense. And now he has a free Saturday to hang out with Mami and eat chicken tendies. But didn’t he know- Well you thought wrong, Kenzie! No Dom at No Mercy. But HBK just made a Triple Threat to determine a contender. What? Did Dom not see HBK’s social media? No, Dom doesn’t follow HBK. Well, take a look: Axiom VS Tyler Bate VS Dragon Lee! Dom fumes and says HBK’s no better than Pearce! He’s a champion, he should be respected!
Dom storms off, but will he have no choice but to accept a new challenge so soon?
The D’Angelo Family holds their tag team summit dinner.
Stacks says this is a big night for them. Do they have enough food? The Don says c’mon, Adrian’s got ’em covered. So what’s the plan? Everyone sits down, and then they lower the boom? Yeah, Stacks, they lower the boom. Would he relax? Eat some bread. First, they feed their guests, with Uncle Chez slaving away in the kitchen. The chicken parm, the baked ziti. Then they’ll decide who challenges for the tag titles at No Mercy. Right, the champs call the shots. Exactly. The guests arrive and get checked out. Angel Garza doesn’t get it, but Stacks says this is a family establishment. Humberto has his cousin cool off and they sit down.
Humberto appreciates the invite. The last time they met, thigs got… outta hand. Exactly. But Garza says they’re not apologizing. They aren’t even here to eat, just to talk. Well, that mistake is on them. There’s a six course meal coming, and your tastebuds will thank you later. Garza says they’re after one thing. The titles? Good, get a drink, wait for the others. Others? Fine. We’ll check back in on this later, will this meeting even make it through the appetizers?
Trick Williams VS Joe Gacy w/ Ava Raine!
Trick Melo Gang is now, then and forever, while The Schism’s tree seems to be rotting away. Will Trick Willie prove he is his own man and can win his own battles? Or will Mr. Inclusion make him feel all alone?
NXT returns as The Schism makes their entrance. At least, what’s left of it. The bell rings and the two tie up. Gacy headlocks, Trick powers out but Gacy whips. Trick whips Gacy away, then runs him over! Fans fire up as Trick headlocks. Gacy powers out, Trick goes up and over and scoops to SLAM Gacy down! And then DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up as Trick whips Gacy corner to corner, but Gacy reverses. Gacy runs in, Trick blocks the boot and spins him. Trick ducks the lariat to JAB, JAB and UPPERCUT! Fans fire up more and Trick whips, but Gacy blocks hip toss to knee low and DDT Trick down!
Fans boo as Gacy stomps Trick around. Gacy CLUBS Trick, CLUBS him again, then rains down forearms to the back! Fans boo as Gacy just hammers away! Gacy roars and clamps on a BULLY CHOKE! Trick endures, fights around, and Gacy shouts for Trick to give up! Fans rally, Trick fights up, and Trick pries the hold open! Trick turns around but Gacy kicks low. Gacy throws Trick down by his hair, but Trick avoids the elbow drop! Trick BOOTS from the corner, runs up and fires off haymakers! Trick DECKS Gacy, then throws hands against the ropes! Trick whips, and LEG LARIATS! Then a scoop, but Gacy slips free!
Gacy shoves Trick to a corner to clothesline, ELBOW, and run to UPSIDE- KNEE!! Trick covers, TRICK WINS!
Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall
If you blinked, you would’ve missed it! He whooped dat trick, is this proof enough Williams ain’t no sidekick? Kelly Kincaid congratulates Trick on the win and he tells her let’s talk about it. He ain’t gonna lie,. it feels good to get that dub. And he is ambidextrous: he whoops ass with both hands! Believe that! Kelly says with No Mercy on Saturday, does he feel Melo also walks out with the W? Or do we see a new champion in Ilja Dragunov? Kelly, Kelly, Kelly. Gacy is weird, but this was a good match. This might’ve been Trick’s best yet. And we wanna talk Melo VS Ilja? But hey, Trick will answer the question.
We all know Dragunov hits hard, and no one knows better than Trick. Trick would be a fool to bet against him. And by him, he means his boy, Melo! Fans cheer that, and Trick says Trick Melo Gang always gonna be here. So at No Mercy, Melo retains that title. And now that Trick thinks about it… Melo has his title, yeah? Trick wants to go get his! Trick heads out, but what is he planning on doing next?
Backstage interview with Blair Davenport.
McKenzie is with the Ichiban Gaijin, and says the last time we saw her and Gigi Dolin, they were brawling in the back. Blair says she gets it. That was Gigi’s feeble attempt at taking Blair out. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but in Gigi’s case, it was just sad. The biggest difference is that when Blair targets people, they don’t get up. Blair got back up, and the refs had to pull them apart to save Gigi from Blair. Blair tells Gigi that if she thinks she can share the same vindictive nature and match her vicious intent? Well, she can’t. And if you don’t believe her, just watch what she does tonight.
Andre Chase talks with Duke Hudson.
Mr. Chase knows they have to give Thea her space, but he’s still worried about her. Duke says yeah, but there’s not much they can do. But then Jacy Jayne walks over and asks who they’re looking for. She knows who. They know Jacy is Thea’s new friend, but Thea isn’t returning their texts. How is she doing? Don’t ask Jacy, professor. Just ask her for yourself. Thea! Thea walks in and Duke says HOLY ISH! Thea is in that new leather skirt and top combo Jacy helped her pick out. Chase cannot even, but Duke keeps him from admonishing Thea. Chase says she has never looked so nice. Wait, really? Really really? Yes.
Then great! Because she finally feels like a grown ass woman. All credit to Jacy! But okay, time to go get ready for Dani Palmer in their match. Laters. Jacy says if they liked that, wait until they see the new ring gear. Chase asks what the hell. Duke says it will be okay. Has Chase U’s Sandy gone from cheerleader to modern day Pink Lady? And how much more (or less?) can there be for her ring gear?
Baron Corbin VS Josh Briggs w/ Brooks Jensen & Fallon Henley!
Before facing the #MeanerThanEvil Bron Breakker this Saturday, “No More BS” Corbin looks to show this country boy no mercy. Will Corbin #BurnTheShips and leave Briggs stranded? Or will Briggs show Corbin there’s nothing he can do about the new wave of superstars?
NXT returns as Briggs makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and then tie up. They go around, Corbin puts Briggs in a corner, and the ref counts. Corbin lets off, to SLAP Briggs! Briggs JABS back! Briggs fires off, fans fire up and Briggs clotheslines Corbin up and out! Briggs pursues, he CLUBS Corbin, then SMACKS him off the apron! The ring count starts as Briggs CLUBS Corbin, then RAMS him into barriers! Fans fire up as Briggs gets in Corbin’s face. Briggs puts Corbin in at 5 of 10, hurries up, and he ROCKS Corbin! Briggs runs, Corbin dodges, but Briggs BOOTS Corbin down!
Fans fire up with Briggs, and he drags Corbin. Corbin grabs ropes, kicks Briggs away, then he kicks Briggs’ leg out! Corbin hauls Briggs up, HALF NELSON SLAM! Cover, TWO! Corbin is frustrated but Briggs is a former tag champion so he’s tough. Corbin fires hands on Briggs, has him in a corner and whips him corner to corner hard. Corbin runs in to SPLASH! Corbin mocks the cheering of the fans and of Fallon, but Briggs avoids his splash! Then scoops for a SIDEWALK SLAM! SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Corbin is also a former US Champion, he’s tougher than that. Fans rally and Briggs looms over Corbin.
Briggs fires hands but Corbin fires back! They go back and forth, Corbin ROCKS Briggs but Briggs fires a flurry! Briggs BOOTS again and Corbin goes to a corner! Briggs snarls, runs in, but Corbin uses the ref as a shield! THROAT CHOP! Corbin goes up to FLYING LARIAT! Corbin drags Briggs up, reels him in, END OF DAYS! Cover, Corbin wins!
Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall
One thing Briggs has to learn is that Corbin will do anything to win. Corbin gets a mic to call out “Badass Bron Breakker. This Saturday, we find out if the little doggy is all bark or if he bites.” Corbin burned his past, is looking to the future. Bron just his in the End of Days. But wait, Bron is here! The “little doggy” storms to the ring with a mic of his own, and he tells Corbin, HAYMAKER! Breon fires off, Corbin hits back and fans fire up! Security rushes in, but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Corbin and Bron ram into each other, throw hands, the others separate them but they just get hit, too! If this is how fired up they are tonight, how much more violent will it get on Saturday?
Trick Williams walks up to HBK’s office door.
Trick knocks, and Shawn has him come in. Trick asks if he has a minute. Yeah, come on in. What is Trick going to ask of the NXT GM?
NXT takes a closer look at Becky VS Tiffany for No Mercy.
Tiffy thinks she’s effortlessly perfect. But then she talked about the wrong Horsewoman, and ended up thrown into the Big Time. Becky took that title to become a Grand Slam Champion, but Tiffany demanded a title rematch. Becky’s been here nearly a decade, and Tiffany’s only been here a year, and yet she went toe-to-toe with The Man. But Becky says she’s seen the ladies with rockets strapped to their backs and they fizzle out just as fast. But then Tiff had to go and push things, and now Becky’s pushing back with EXTREME RULES! Tiff says she’s hungry, Becky says weapons will be used and bodies will be bruised. But will The Man still be the champ?
Hank Walker & Tank Ledger VS Lucien Price & Bronco Nima w/ SCRYPTS!
Tony D’Angelo’s guest list for dinner is not yet complete, but these two young and hungry teams are ready to eat! Will Hank ‘n’ Tank bring that hoss energy to the table? Or will Reggie’s new crew truly be #OutTheMud?
The teams sort out and Price starts against Tank. Tank dodges the boot to waistlock but Price elbows. Tank tags Hank, whips, and then Hank CLOBBERS Price! Hank ‘n’ Tank DOUBLE FALLING HEADBUTTS! Fans rally while Price goes to a corner. Hank storms up but Price BOOTS! Hank throws hands, whips Price to another corner, then SPLASHES! Hank runs side to side, tags Tank and SPLASHES again! Tank RAMS into Price, feeds him to Hank’s scoop, and then Hank SLAMS so Tank can slingshot SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Tank drags Price up, but Nima distracts. Price wrenches to HOOK KICK! Very Booker T style there!
Tag to Nima, he runs to STOMP Tank down! Tank flounders while Nima fires up. Nima runs to STRADDLE ATTACK! Nima bounces with it, then he throws Tank down. Nima STOMPS Tank’s leg, then tags Price. Price runs to JUMP SPLASH! Tank sputters, Nima cheers Price on, and Price runs in to clothesline! Price snapmares, tags Nima, and Nima runs up. Tank avoids the stomp this time to roll Nima up, TWO! Hot tag to Hank! Hank hits a THESZ PRESS and fast hands! Fans fire up, Price runs in but Hank DECKS him! Fans fire up with Hank as he runs corner to corner to SPLASH! Then whip and scoop, to SNAKE EYES!
Hank keeps moving to BOOT Nima down! Fans are all fired up with Hank and he tags Tank! The big boys scoop the bigger boy, but Scrypts grabs at Hank! The ref stops Reggie but that allows Price to SUPERKICK Tank! Then Nima shoves Tank into Hank! Hank goes down, Nima tags Price. They get Tank up, GRIDIRON SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, OTM wins!
Winners: Lucien Price & Bronco Nima, by pinfall
Scrypts was the brains of the game plan, and they’re ready to eat now! Will Tony have Uncle Chez make some extra helpings for these guys?
Gigi Dolin prepares backstage.
But then the lights go out!? And someone attacks Gigi in the dark!! The lights come back up, and of course it was Blair! Blair tells Gigi she’s pathetic. Did Blair just violently cancel her match? Or will this only further motivate Gigi to get revenge?
NXT checks back in on the D’Angelo dinner party.
Stacks says he’s filling up on bread waiting for the other teams to arrive. Tony says it’s good wine, though. But hey, why does it look like Angel & Humberto got mauled by sabretooth tigers? Garza asks if he is disrespecting their grandfather. Stacks says not at all! Humberto explains that these claw mark tattoos remind them who they are, and is a message from their grandfather. A message that includes taking those tag titles. Oh, some message. Maybe it’ll be a long time before they can respond, huh? Heh. And speaking of family, look who is here! The Creed Brothers walk in, get patted down but Tony assures his guys that these two are alright.
Brutus says he’s starving, so he came to the right place. Tony had them whip up double of the, how did Brutus say it? A-spicy-a meatball-a! Some real I-talian food! Julius says they’ll eat, but they’re also here to discuss business. Stacks rolls his eyes at Julius’ Godfather act. Julius figures maybe Tony can just cut them in on No Mercy with the primos here. Stacks says nothing has been settled, just relax and eat something. Brutus asks if this is where… you know? Know what? Where people have had their last suppers. Food poisoning, that is. Humberto hesitates to eat the pasta now. Tony says no, that’s the place up the street! C’mon!
Stacks reports that OTM is OTM. G O O D. Huh? Good. Oh! And here comes some more pasta! Will Brutus & Julius leave enough for Nima & Price?
Tyler Bate talks with Axiom.
The Big Strong Boi says it goes without saying, but no hard feelings out there, mate. The Undeniable Truth agrees. And no offense to either Bate or Dragon Lee, but understand that opportunities like this don’t come along every day. Bate agrees, you gotta seize these moments with both hands. Trick walks in and he wants everyone to know, face to face… The Triple Threat is now a FATAL 4! See you out there. Well, that changes things. Will Dom be doomed no matter who comes away with the golden tickets?
Strap Match: Eddy Thorpe VS DIJAK!
After going back and forth, The Alpha Wolf being pushed to his limits by Hard Justice, both men are ready to tear into each other! And that’s what the leather strap is for! Who walks away the winner while the other walks away licking his wounds?
In the front row is Thorpe’s family: his mother, father, sister, and six-year-old niece. Will they give Eddy the strength to fight through the pain and bring Dijak down? The strap is secured onto each man’s left wrist, and the bell rings. Fans fire up but Dijak already goes out of the ring. Dijak works to drag Eddy out with him but Eddy uses the corner to stay put! Eddy then YANKS Dijak into the post! And then Eddy DIVES to send Dijak into barriers! Fans fire up, Eddy puts Dijak in the ring, but Dijak YANKS Eddy into the apron! Dijak drags Eddy in, gathers up some slack, but Eddy dodges to use slack to trip Dijak!
Eddy KICKS and CLUBS away but Dijak shoves him away. Eddy comes back with more shots! Dijak shoves again, then BOOTS Eddy! Dijak goes up but Eddy YANKS him down to GAMANGIRI! The fans rally behind Eddy as he uses the strap to help drag Dijak up in a waistlock. Dijak ELBOWS Eddy over and over, but Eddy still holds on! Dijak pries the hold and throws more elbows! Eddy lets go, Dijak gathers up the slack, but Eddy BOOTS him first! Eddy then SHOTGUNS Dijak into a corner! Fans fire up and Eddy aims. Eddy runs in, but Dijak dodges the boot! To LASH Eddy with the strap! Dijak then drags Eddy around to whip and TOSS!
Eddy hits the ground hard, his family and the fans rally behind him, but Dijak just laughs as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Dijak has Eddy down, with the strap across Eddy’s mouth! Eddy endures and fans boo Dijak but Dijak tells Eddy to stay down, he’s stuck! Eddy claws at the strap, brings it away from his mouth, but Dijak pulls it back down! Fans rally up, Eddy fights to his feet and he throws elbows! And windmill haymakers! And CHOPS! Dijak SUPERKICKS, whips, and then yanks again, but Eddy stops himself! SOBAT! Eddy runs in but Dijak choke grips! But Eddy swings and clotheslines Dijak and himself out of the ring! But Dijak holds on!? APRON CHOKE SLAM!! Eddy sputters while Dijak grimaces.
Dijak drags Eddy from the apron, to whip him into barriers! Right in front of the Thorpe family! Fans boo and mama tells Dijak he’s a bad man. Eddy’s niece fires up for Eddy but Dijak stands Eddy up. Dijak grabs some slack, to LASH Eddy! Dijak says this is for the family! LASH!! Fans boo Dijak for being mean to a kid, but he LASHES Eddy over and over again! Dijak drags Uncle Eddy up and into the ring and fans boo more. Dijak takes off his white belt! The same belt that started it all, and that lashed the tree Eddy uses as a guidepost! Dijak swings, but Eddy dodges! Eddy BOOTS Dijak, then runs in to BOOT in the corner!
Dijak staggers, Eddy has some slack now and he LASHES away on Dijak! Again and again and again! Shot for shot, each one for his family, his heritage and himself! Eddy just unloads and the crowd is thunderous! Dijak grabs for his belt but Eddy stands on it! Eddy shakes his head, and he LASHES Dijak again! Dijak staggers to a corner, Eddy uses the white belt for a LEATHER FIST!! Eddy has Dijak down, drags him into a drop zone, then goes up the corner! Eddy wraps his arm in leather, for a LEATHER MACHO ELBOW! Cover, Eddy wins!!
Winner: Eddy Thorpe, by pinfall
The Alpha Wolf deals with Dijak, but Dijak isn’t done with Eddy! Dijak torture racks Eddy for FEAST YOUR EYES!! Dijak is a sore loser and fans boo, but Dijak drags Eddy up again! Dijak RAMS Eddy into the corner, hoists him up top, then SUPERKICKS him down! Eddy is stuck in a Tree of Woe, and we know what Dijak does to trees! Dijak uses the strap to tie Eddy’s legs to the corner, and then grabs his white belt! Fans boo as hard as they can, and Dijak points at the Thorpes to say watch this! Dijak LASHES Eddy again and again and again!! Then he threatens the refs! Dijak storms off, what will the consequences be for pushing things this far?
Jacy Jayne waits in the hall.
She’s so excited for Thea’s new look. She knocks on the door and asks if she’s ready. Almost ready. She looks so good. Good! Jacy is sure everyone will go nuts, but will this new gear help Thea feel like a winner?
Thea Hail w/ Jacy Jayne VS Dani Palmer!
While Dani makes her entrance for this match, Blair snatches the headset from Vic Joseph to mockingly say “what a shame” that Gigi can’t compete tonight. Maybe her tortured little soul is more beat up than she thought. Next time Gigi wants to play Blair’s game, make sure she remembers how she feels right now. Because next time, it’ll be even worse. And now back to our regularly scheduled match.
Thea makes her entrance, Jacy leading the way to bring out a new theme and tron. Thea walks out in leather and garter belts! Fans seem to accept the new Thea. Will Thea show us she grown in more ways than one? The bell rings, she and Dani tie up, and Thea trips Dani to have a toehold! Dani handstands, slips free and trips Thea into a toehold of her own. Thea rolls, Dani handsprings and headlocks for a takeover! Thea fights around, wrenches out of the headlock to top wristlock, and she wrangles Dani down. Dani kips up, but Thea arm-drags her down! Thea SPLASHES down on the arm!
Thea wrenches, Dani rolls, and then flips to arm-drag free! Thea comes back to wheelbarrow and arm-drag! Dani ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirls to RANA Thea away! Things speed up, Thea tilt-o-whirls to RANA back! They go again and Thea wrangles Dani to a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Dani rolls Thea up, TWO! Dani DROPKICKS Thea down, and then runs, but the splash only gets buckles! Thea GAMANGIRIS, clinches, and EXPLODERS! Cover, TWO! Thea grabs Dani’s arm to WRING it out! Thea wrenches again, but Dani ROCKS Thea! Then LARIATS! And DROPKICKS! Dani kips up and fans fire up as Dani runs in to HANDSPRING KICK!
Dani pushes Thea down, goes up the corner, and SKY TWISTERS! But she lands out of it as Thea moves! Thea runs in to scoop, and KIMURA!! Dani goes down, she TAPS! Thea wins!
Winner: Thea Hail, by pinfall
New look, new attitude, new Thea? Well, one win does not make a streak, but is this just the beginning? Jacy sees Chase & Duke and waves hi to them. Is that also a wave goodbye for the good ol’ days of good girl Thea?
Melo is on his phone.
And in walks Trick! He’s in his bag right now! He showed Gacy while the whole world will be chanting “Whoop Dat Trick!” And now Trick’s gonna show the rest of the world why… Wait, what’s up? Is Melo listening? Yeah, man, he saw Trick do his thing against Gacy. And knew he would! Trick’s getting in a Fatal 4, he’s gonna win! Yeah, and then Trick will go on to No Mercy to face Dom for the North American Championship. Trick will get his first title shot! Melo, c’mon! Is he on mute? No, Melo is hearing Trick, but the contract signing with Ilja is big stuff. He has to lock in. Trick understands, right? Right, Trick understands. Melo handles his business, Trick will handle his.
Trick heads out, and Melo hopes Trick wasn’t upset right there. Will all be okay when Trick Melo Gang leaves the Golden State dripping in gold?
NXT Media catches up with Baron Corbin.
Corbin’s on his way out as he is asked about Bron confronting him after his match, but Corbin says to stop. He has no time for this! “Badass Bron thinks he’s intimidating people but he’s not. This Saturday, No Mercy, he’s getting his ass whooped, and that’s-” BRON LEAPS IN AND CLOBBERS CORBIN! They brawl again and refs rush in! Security, too! These two are separated, will they even make it to Saturday?!
NXT North American Championship #1 Contender Fatal 4 Way: Axiom VS Tyler Bate VS Dragon Lee VS Trick Williams!
Each man in this match has been disrespected by Dirty Dom ever since Judgment Day started coming around NXT. And each man wants their shot at Dom’s title. What was a one-in-three is now a one-in-four, but will the numbers still spell disaster for Dom at No Mercy?
NXT returns as Axiom makes his entrance so now all four men are here. The bell rings, the four look around at the others, and then Axiom and Bate DOUBLE SUPERKICK Trick! Those two must really not like that Trick got himself into their match, but even Dragon is stunned. But now we have the original Triple Threat, and both Bate and Axiom rush Dragon! Dragon dodges, shoves Bate into Axiom and then trips Bate. Things speed up, Bate hurdles but Dragon comes back. Bate dodges to FLY out onto Trick! Fans are torn but then Dragon runs. Axiom dodges, RANAS, but Dragon handsprings!
Axiom trips Dragon, Dragon reaches up to RANA, but Axiom handsprings through. Dragon kicks low, whips Axiom toa corner and runs in, but into an ELBOW! Axiom goes up to FLYING ARM-DRAG! Axiom kips up, DROPKICKS Dragon, and fans fire up. Axiom goes up and out to FLYING KNEE Trick down! Bate drags Trick and Axiom up but Dragon builds speed to FLY out onto all three! Dragon hurries to get Trick up and in and fans fire up again. Dragon reels Trick in, but Trick trips Dragon! Trick has the legs, BOSTON CRAB! But then Bate has a FUJIWARA ARMBAR on Dragon! But then Axiom slides in, and he studies this puzzling predicament.
Occam’s razor says the simplest solution is often the best, so Axiom just adds on! SLEEPER on Trick! Trick starts fading while Dragon still endures, but Bate sees Axiom. Bate CLUBS Axiom down and now everyone is free. Fans fire up, Bate goes after Dragon but Dragon fires haymakers! Bate puts Bop up but Dragon ducks Bang to ROCK Bate! Dragon whips, Bate reverses and DROPKICKS! Trick DECKS Bate! Axiom runs in but into body shots and an UPPERCUT! Trick runs but Axiom ducks, the LEAPING LARIAT gets Dragon! GORDO KICK gets Axiom! Bate & Axiom run in, into DOUBLE FLAPJACKS! Fans are thunderous with Trick and NXT goes picture in picture!
Trick huffs ‘n’ puffs but Bate ROCKS him back! And again! Trick ROCKS Bate, storms up but blocks the boot. Bate KNEES Trick away, goes up, and FLYING UPPERCUTS! Trick goes to another corner, Bate runs in but Trick TOSSES him up and out! Axiom runs up but into a knee! Trick CHOPS Axiom down! Trick stalks Axiom to a corner, CHOPS him again, and Axiom flounders around! Axiom tries to hit back but can’t put much into it. Trick just CHOPS Axiom down again! Trick shakes out that hand, then he sees Bate on the outside. Trick drags Bate up but Bate RAMS into Trick! Slingshot sunset flip! TWO!
Trick runs up to knee low! Trick reels Bate in, but Axiom stops the suplex. Bate & Axiom double suplex Trick, btu Dragon joins in! Dragon & Trick VS Bate & Axiom in a battle for suplex superiority! It’s Bate & Axiom that get Dragon & Trick up and over!! All four men are down and the fans are going wild! Trick and Dragon crawl away, so Bate throws a hand on Axiom! Axiom hits Bate back, they go back and forth, and Axiom kicks from below! Bate stands Axiom up to UPPERCUT! Axiom and Bate keep going back and forth, SUPERMAN PUNCH from Axiom! NXT returns to single picture as Bate rebounds!
Bate gest under and around Axiom, underhooks the arms, and TYLER DRIVER- RANA COUNTER! Cover, TWO! Axiom runs up, gets around but Bate bucks the O’Conner. Axiom catches Bate, HALF ‘N’ HALF! Axiom then kicks Trick, runs, but Dragon is back. Axiom goes up and up and ARM-DRAG RANA COMBOS! Bate is up, he kicks Axiom low and whips. Axiom tilt-o-whirls to send Bate into Trick! LARIAT DDT COMBO!! Cover on Bate, but Dragon breaks it! Dragon whips Axiom, runs in to JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! COMBINACION DRAGON! Fans rally as Dragon HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS Trick! Then HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS Axiom!
The Boy Wonder swings, Big Strong Boi dodges, REBOUNDER but Dragon slips through! DRAGON BOMB!! Cover, Trick AND Axiom break it!! Fans are thunderous again as all four men are down! The fans love “NXT! NXT!” for making this match a reality! Trick drags Dragon up to TOSS him out, but Axiom is up top! Axiom leaps, into a HAYMAKER from Trick! Trick scoop SLAMS Bate, stomps him around, then rolls to lift, but Dragon adds on! So Trick just DOUBLE BOOKENDS!! Double cover, TWO!!! Trick keeps his focus on Bate and brings him. Trick CLUBS Bate, fans sing “Trick gonna beat yo’ ass~!”
Trick suplexes but Bate SATELLITE DDTS!! Trick is dazed, Bate is roaring! Bate fireman’s carries Dragon to AIRPLANE SPIN! But Axiom runs in! So Bate trips him, and much like a certain Swiss Superman, AIRPLANE SPIN GIANT SWING COMBOS!!! Fans are thunderous as Bate goes around and around, then stops to SLAM Dragon onto Axiom! And then deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX for Dragon! Trick gets Bate to whip, but Bate hits a REBOUNDER!! Cover, Axiom breaks it while giving Dragon a DESTROYER!!! Fans are losing their minds as all four men are down again!! “This is Awesome!” as all four men stir.
Axiom and Bate rise, Axiom kicks but Bate blocks! Bate Bop up, BANG sends Axiom down! Trick whips, again, POP-UP UPPERCUT! Axiom SUPERKICKS Trick! Axiom aims at Dragon, but Dragon blocks the kick to send it into Trick! Dragon then pops Axiom up in the corner, to SUPERKICK him down! And SUPERKICK again!! Fans fire up with Dragon and he goes up the corner! But Bate GAMANGIRIS Dragon first! Bate climbs up to get Dragon, but Axiom CLUBS them both! Axiom climbs to join them, he SUPERKICKS Bate to the apron! Axiom has Dragon now, for a SUPER SPANISH FLY!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?
Dragon survives and fans are losing their minds! Both men rise, Axiom afraid for his life! Dragon shoves, spins, tilt-o-whirl, DESTINOOO~!! Cover, Trick breaks it! Trick drags Dragon up, Dragon HEADBUTTS Trick into Bate!! Bate falls back, Dragon falls out, and Trick falls forward onto Axiom!! It’s a cover! TRICK WINS!!!
Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT North American Championship)
Even Trick is stunned! Trick is going to No Mercy to have his own title fight!! Will Trick Melo Gang be the top two of NXT?
NXT returns to the D’Angelo dinner party.
Everyone is enjoying course after course, but only now does OTM arrive. Tony says they were told to impress, and they did. Stacks says Hank ‘n’ Tank ain’t no joke, so they earned their seat at the table. Pull up a chair. They’ll get a booster seat for Scrypts there. The others laugh, but Price says not to disrespect his man. Scrypts says it’s cool. He brought cheese for the rats anyways. What’s that? Nima says they ain’t here to break bread. Brutus says he did, that focaccia bread was amazing. At least someone’s enjoying the hospitality. But Humberto also gets to business. Who will face the champions at No Mercy?
Naturally, Humberto & Angel want their shot, but The Creeds say no one remembers the last time Los Lotharios won. Was it before or after the siesta? Oh, sorry, guess the Creeds were too busy trying to get their jobs back. No, they did that in a Steel Cage Match. Maybe Garza was still napping. Brutus asks if there’s more of that chicken parm. Bro! What? This is great! Better than mom’s. Mom’s is good, too. Eh. Scrypts says it is time for new blood in the division. The D’Angelos invite them just to disrespect them. They won’t even say Lucien’s & Bronco’s names. This man must want to cake walk in Cali. Well, guess Scrypts is a mind-reader now.
Who’re they calling a cake walk? Oh, cake. Brutus, pay attention. The match the people want is Tony & Stacks VS The Creeds! Hey hold up. Everyone’s begging for their shot, but OTM don’t beg. Either Tony gives them the shot, or this place is gonna get real dirty, real quick. Tony says okay. But then he calls in his muscle. Oh, didn’t know Tony rolled like that. Tony says to sit down and shut up. Stacks says this is what they’re gonna do. Everyone makes a good case for themselves. But as their first title defense on a premium event, The D’Angelo Family won’t let others say “Oh, you picked your favorites, you took the easy road.”
So it m ight be high risk, but Tony will see all their ugly mugs at No Mercy! Don’t like it? There’s the door. The three other teams stay quiet, so Tony says that’s more like it. Stacks says they’ve even procured everyone’s favorite beverages for the sake of this toast. Everyone stands, and Tony says to the Fatal 4. Salud. Salud. Everyone toasts, the Creeds having milk while the others have wine. Then No Mercy just got a whole lot bigger! Will The Don & Underboss even make it outta Bakersfield on their own two feet? Or will there be new champions in the NXT Tag Division?
Backstage interview with Dominik Mysterio, again.
McKenzie again has Dirty Dom with her and says it will be Dom VS Trick at No Mercy. Dom says big deal. HBK is throwing curve balls, but Dom will whoop dat Trick, just like he did Dragon Lee. By the way, thanks for the black eye. But HBK needs to realize he doesn’t run NXT, DOM does! On Saturday, Dom will whoop Trick, even DESTROY him, just like he did Dragon Lee. But then Dragon DECKS Dom!! Dragon warns Dom that if he makes it past Trick, they’re going another round. Refs back Dragon off, is the clock running out on Dirty Dom’s run?
Trick catches up with Melo.
Trick is sore and tired, but he and Melo celebrate. Melo is proud of Trick. At No Mercy, they’ll both walk out champions! Trick Melo Gang always gonna be here! They secret handshake, then Melo heads out. The contract signing is next, will Melo and Dragunov keep from blowing things up in the ring before the title match?
Someone is watching.
Watching television, that is. He flips through the channels, watches some classic 80s news, Cincinnati Bengals training came, and even WCW. Just who could this be?
BREAKING NEWS for No Mercy!
HBK heard Dom run his mouth about who runs things, so he’s about to show Dom what’s up! In a bit of karma from before, Dom VS Trick for the North American Championship will have a special guest referee! And it’s none other than DRAGON LEE!! Will Dirty Dom finally taste some of his own medicine at No Mercy?
Ilja Dragunov heads to the ring.
Fans conduct the music along with The Mad Dragon as he goes to the table waiting for him. Then Melo makes his entrance, and both men take their seats. Melo has a mic to tell Ilja, “You and I both know that everything that happened last week, there’s really nothing for us to talk about. So let’s sign this contract, and we’ll see each other on Saturday at No Mercy.” Dragunov asks Melo if he realizes that in that moment last week, Melo is always the wrong person in the wrong place at the wrong time? And Dragunov is convinced that Melo is just the wrong man to be NXT Champion.
Melo says okay, hold on. Wrong person at wrong time? Like Dragunov at The Bash? Melo didn’t plan for it to go down like that, he didn’t call that shot, but it is what it is. Melo didn’t walk into The Bash thinking he wasn’t gonna win, and now he’s walking into No Mercy knowing Melo will beat you! Dragunov says Melo just explained himself, and it had to hurt, right? Dragunov can clearly see that Melo struggles outside of his comfort zone. So at No Mercy, Melo shall know true unbearable pain when he faces a dragon spitting fire! Melo says hold on. Talk about struggling with confidence? Yeah, for the first time ever, Melo is struggling! But only for a moment before he checked himself.
But if Dragunov wants to talk confidence and pain, the unbearable pain is Dragunov believing his own hype! His own hype that Dragunov beat Melo at The Bash when we all know that Dragunov did not. Dragunov says the people know, and deep inside, Melo knows that Dragunov did. So on Saturday, it is destiny! Dragunov isn’t just talking about a prophecy, but here’s a question. What does Melo do when he throws everything he has at Dragunov, and Dragunov doesn’t stay down? Wait, what does Melo do when he shoots his best shot, and oh, I dunno… he misses? Did Melo prepare himself to answer these questions?
Melo says the reality is, being the NXT Champion is not about how much pain you can endure, how many veins you can make pop out of your head, it is about being undeniable! It is about being… HIM! Fans fire up for that one. And Melo wants Dragunov to realize this: Melo is not like any of these guys Dragunov’s beaten lately. He’s not Wes Lee, he’s not Oro Mensah, he’s not Trick- Melo catches himself there and Dragunov laughs. What was that? Melo says no, hold on. Melo will be the one to push Dragunov to his limits, because Melo is champ for a freakin’ reason! And at No Mercy, we get rid of the What Ifs!
Dragunov stands, takes the contract, and signs his part. Then he hands it over to Melo with some stank. Then he tells Melo, “You will do nothing, because you can do NOTHING!” Dragunov is finished with letting destiny slip through his fingers, and so if Melo wants to push Dragunov to places beyond his limit, great! Because everything Melo will find there is a nightmare he will never forget for the rest of his life! And when Dragunov is crowned the NEW NXT Champion, Melo will realize that his dynasty has fallen. “Long Live the Czar!!” Melo stands up, signs his part, and it is official!
Melo then tells Dragunov that now that he’s done, understand something. This NXT Championship is bigger than either of them. When Melo carries the title, it represents a beacon of hope for kids that look like him. It is a beacon of hope for anyone who has shot their shot in the dark and prayed it went in. So can Dragunov carry this championship and all its responsibilities? Melo says absolutely. But does Melo think he can do it better than Melo? Absolutely NOT. Melo holds up the title as he and Dragunov stare down. Neither man is backing down, and neither is going to back down. But who will be knocked down while the other rises up as THE NXT Champion?
There’s a fight going on!?
Baron and Bron are at it again, this time in the parking lot!! Refs ands security try to stop this but Bron knees low, then RAMS Corbin into the side of a car! It gets dented! Corbin staggers up but Bron fires off haymakers! The refs back Bron off, Corbin gets in the car, but Bron tries to drag him out! Security drags Bron back, but then Bron gets loose! But Corbin moves and Bron rams himself into the car door! Corbin SMACKS Bron off the hood, then fires off hands! The security can’t stop Corbin as he brings Bron over, but Bron sends Corbin into the garage door! And then SPINEBUSTERS Corbin on the car hood!!
Bron isn’t done, he just gets on the hood with Corbin! But Corbin LOW BLOWS Bron! To CHOKE SLAM Bron on the car roof!! The refs say c’mon already! But Bron sits up like the Deadman!! SLEEPER HOLD!! Corbin SLAMS Bron back but Bron won’t let go! Corbin fires elbows but Bron RAMS him into the garage door! Corbin RAMS Bron into the wall! They end up going indoors, but where is this? Bron shouts, “Where’re you goin’, b*tch?!” The brawl continues in this random hallway! Bron ROCKS Corbin, Corbin CHUCKS a fire extinguisher!! Bron narrowly dodges that, to then SPEAR Corbin through the wall!!!
WHOA, they end up in HBK’s office!! Security and producers and pretty much every ref rushes in to stop this as Bron tries to choke Corbin out!! Again, will these two even make it to Saturday?!
My Thoughts:
An awesome go-home for NXT, probably one of their best in this post-2.0 era. For one, we got about as close to Prime Target as we’re probably getting in this current NXT. Didn’t really add much, though, as we got more highlight reel and recap than we did new promo material. As I said for Raw, Tegan facing the winner doesn’t really add any indicators either, but it’ll be great stuff all the same. And really good stuff from the other women’s division stories. Hilarious and fully expected reaction from Duke & Chase regarding Thea’s new look, and of course Thea wins to keep her momentum going. And Blair attacking Gigi to cancel their match, this has to be leading to something extreme of their own for after No Mercy.
Really good series of promos from Tony, Stacks and the tag teams. Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Nima & Price was solid stuff, but I figured #OutTheMud would win on virtue of being the one fully(?) Heel team in this story. And I also figured we were getting a Fatal 4 Way Tag, and that is awesome. This is definitely HBK working to get this brand back to the best times of Black ‘n’ Gold. With this Fatal 4, any team can win this, and it will be a lot of fun. Corbin VS Briggs was a good match, great showing for Briggs, but of course Corbin wins. Then great stuff the rest of the night with Corbin and Bron brawling, and what an awesome closing image of them busting into HBK’s office and still fighting. Bron as a Heel has been doing great, I oddly want him to win.
Awesome opener with the Global Heritage Invitational finals, and I figured Dunne was going to win that. Now, while we’ve got Dom with the North American title and Becky with the women’s title, I don’t know another RawDown star wins an NXT prize. It’d be awesome for Dunne if he did, but unless someone backs Dunne up, Meta Four is totally gonna screw him over like they have all Dar’s other challengers. An obvious move would be for Ridge Holland to show up, but it would be pretty cool if Bate backed Dunne up to harken back to their British Strong Style days. Plus, just Ridge won’t be enough, and for those who haven’t heard, Sheamus is out with shoulder injury. Also, well wishes to The Fella that he gets back quickly.
Great stuff out of the Strap Match, and great win for Eddy, but man, Dijak doubled down on his Heel heat in this match. It feels weird that WWE is also doubling on using a Face’s family as a way to get extra heat on things. Chad Gable with his family for when he lost to Gunther, and now Eddy’s family ringside for both his win but also the beating… Well, if the Strap Match isn’t the end of this, then maybe Eddy and Dijak finish this in a return to NXT Underground? That is where this feud started: Eddy won an NXT Underground match and got praise for it, which pissed Dijak off.
And just awesome stuff in this Trick Melo Gang story. Trick beat Gacy much faster than I expected, though I did expect him to win anyway. And with WWE (stupidly) releasing Mustafa Ali before No Mercy and the match he was scheduled for, NXT had to improvise a new match. They pulled out a genius way of doing it, with Trick getting in on the #1 contenders match and then winning it in such an awesome “luck based” finish. Trick VS Dom with Dragon as the special guest ref is going to be a lot of fun, and this might (emphasis on might) be how Dom loses the belt.
Melo and Dragunov had a great contract-signing segment, and NXT is good about having solely promo-based ones, no fighting at all. Something that could add major intrigue to the story is if Trick beats Dom to be champion, and then Melo loses to Dragunov so that he isn’t. Will Melo put his pride aside to be happy for Trick? Or will Trick being the only one with gold upset Melo?
My Score: 8.9/10
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