NXT isn’t just First Class, it’s Glamorous!

While Trick Williams teams with TNA’s First Class, Mariah May officially becomes Blake Monroe as she signs her NXT contract!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Thea Hail VS Jaida Parker; Jaida wins and advances.
• NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Kelani Jordan VS Lash Legend; Lash wins and advances.
• Six Man Tag: Trick Williams & First Class AJ Francis & Wes Lee w/ High Ryze VS Elijah, Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura; Elijah, Briggs & Inamura win.
• NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca VS Izzi Dame w/ The Culling; Izzi wins and advances.
• NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Jordynne Grace VS Lola Vice; Grace wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Thea Hail VS Jaida Parker!

The first big match of the night is here! Chase U’s valedictorian was just trying to be a friend to Tatum Paxley, among others, and Miss Parker had to go and rain on that parade. But will Thea make it hail on Jaida’s? Or will Jaida prove being a “grown-ass woman” doesn’t compare to being the baddest b*tch in NXT?

Well hold on now, because Thea attacks during Jaida’s entrance! The fans go wild as Thea SMACKS Jaida off the apron! Jaida kicks back, CHOPS, then THROWS Thea into barriers! Jaida says this is HER ring, but Thea fires body shots! Jaida CLUBS Thea, puts her in the ring, and then storms in. The bell rings, Thea dodges and hits a THESZ PRESS! Thea rains down fists, Jaida shoves her into ropes, and then Jaida HIP ATTACKS against the ropes! Jaida rains down fists now as Thea is on the ropes, but the ref backs Jaida off. Jaida grabs Thea’s arms and pulls them against the ropes! The ref counts, Jaida steps off, and the fans duel.

Jaida runs up but Thea TOSSES her out! Thea DIVES and Jaida is sent into the desk! Thea RAMS Jaida into the apron, RAMS her again, then puts her back in the ring. Thea climbs up, up, and CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up with Thea and she clinches for an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Thea drags Jaida up and fires forearms! Thea whips, Jaida reverses, and Jaida scoops to SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Jaida stays on Thea, digs her knee into Thea’s back, and she bends Thea! The fans rally, Thea fights up, but Jaida wrangles Thea! The fans rally and duel as Thea fights up again. Thea arm-drags Jaida, but Jaida holds onto the headlock!

Jaida leans on Thea, thrashes her around, but Thea still endures. The fans duel more but Jaida throws forearms into Thea’s back! Jaida clamps on again, but Thea fights up, fires body shots, and then arm-drags! Jaida still holds on! Thea stands, but Jaida SWINGS Thea in the facelock! Cover, TWO! Thea toughs it out but Jaida clamps on with a chinlock! Thea endures but Jaida leans on her. The fans rally, Thea fights up again, and Thea RAMS Jaida into buckles! Thea RAMS Jaida again, is free of the hold, but Jaida throat chops! Jaida snap suplexes! Then she dragon sleepers for the INVERTED SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Jaida brings Thea up. Jaida suplexes but Thea wrenches free and WRINGS Jaida out! SLIDING LARIAT! Thea snarls, Jaida bails out, but Thea pursues. Jaida runs back in, but she’s sent into steel steps! The fans fire up while Jaida is down, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Jaida writhes and clutches her elbow. Thea storms over, drags her up, and puts Jaida in the ring. Thea climbs, aims, and DIVING BODY FLOPS as Jaida moves! Thea flounders but Jaida brings her up. Jaida bumps Thea off buckles, fires off hands, then RAMS into Thea! Jaida bumps Thea off buckles, runs and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Jaida drags Thea up, fires knees, then clamps on a COBRA TWIST! Thea endures and fights around, to switch the twist onto Jaida! Jaida powers up and out, sends Thea to a corner, but Thea ELBOWS her back! Thea bumps Jaida off buckles, then whips, only for Jaida to roll and trip Thea!

Jaida SMASHES Thea’s knee, then drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Jaida drags Thea up and into the Cobra Twist! But Thea snapmares free! Jaida runs up, but into a cradle! TWO, and Jaida runs up again! Thea rolls Jaida, TWO! Thea fires body shots and forearms, then a HEADBUTT! Thea runs to LARIAT! Jaida goes to a corner, Thea runs in, but Jaida dodges! Jaida puts Thea in the ropes, CHOPS her, then runs side to side for the TEARDROP! Jaida high steps it as NXT returns to single picture. Jaida waits on Thea, runs up again, but Thea rolls Hip-notic into the KIMURA!! The fans rally as Jaida endures!

Thea has the body scissors and she cranks on the arm! Jaida crawls her way over, drags Thea along, but Thea turns her from the ropes! KIMURA!! Jaida still endures and fights to her feet! The fans fire up as Jada RAMS Thea into buckles! Jaida is free, but Thea leaps back on! KIMURA!! Jaida RAMS Thea again, Thea leaps right back on! The fans fire up, JAIDA TAPS, but out of view!! Thea tries to explain to the ref, but a HIP-NOTIC gets her!!

Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall (advances to the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way)

Miss Parker may not have attended Chase U, but she used a high IQ level move there. Will Jaida not only get out the mud, but will she finally get some gold?

Josh Briggs, Yoshiki Inamura & Elijah talk backstage.

The Bullhead Brawler says he can’t wait to get his hands on Trick & First Class tonight. Briggs didn’t think it could get any more annoying than Trick, but literally no one can stand AJ & KC! Inamura says exactly! Those three are in for an ass kicking! Briggs says bingo, and Elijah says he likes how that sounds. But First Class is the worst. They are making TNA look bad teaming with Trick while Trick disrespects TNA’s title. It is sickening! Elijah’s gonna tune his guitar up, he’ll se them later. The Drifter heads on, and in step Hank ‘n’ Tank! They ask if Briggs & Inamura are ready to rock it, and Briggs says you know it.

Tank says on the other side of this match, Briggs & Inamura have themselves a tag title match waiting. Briggs & Inamura like the sound of that. Hank says any time, any where. And then in steps Oba Femi. The tag champs welcome The Ruler, and Tank commends Oba on that match last week with Jasper Troy. Hank says that was a straight up hoss fight. Oba thanks them for that and admits, Jasper Troy is the most powerful contender he has been in the ring with. But Oba is still The Ruler, and that is not going to change any time soon. But then Oba turns around, and there’s Trick Williams.

Trick grins at Oba, and Oba says, “Champ.” Trick says, “Champ.” Oba says his money is on Briggs, Inamura & Elijah. Trick says Oba’s gonna be one broke ruler then. Why y’all got all that leather on? Briggs tells Trick to shut up. Briggs tells Inamura it is time to lock in. They head out, Hank ‘n’ Tank look to each other and agree, that was weird. But will Briggs & Inamura be victorious when they #WalkWithElijah? Or will the #TrickNA Champion look to go after Oba’s throne again?

Blake Monroe prepares for tonight.

She smiles as she walks through her wardrobe and sprays on perfume. The narrator says, “When The Glamour signs on the dotted line, it’s not just a signature, it’s an event. And she needs a dress as stunning as her contract.” Blake finds what she’s looking for and says, “Perfect!” A little black dress indeed, and now The Glamour is going to seal the deal with more than just a firm handshake. She officially signs with NXT tonight. Will nothing stop Blake Monroe from stealing the spotlight?

NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Kelani Jordan VS Lash Legend!

Another qualifier, another bit of beef between opponents. The Standout can’t stand the Bougie Bully always standing in her way, and in some cases literally pushing her aside. But Lash isn’t the first to dislike Lani’s new ‘tude. Will Lash add to her legend by taking a step closer to Evolution? Or will even Lash see that no one does it like Lani?

The bell rings and there’s some trash talk before Lash SHOVES Lani! Kelani is mad and she fires forearms! Lash KNEES low, scoops Kelani, then SLAMS her! Lash DRIBBLES Lani off the mat, then SLAMS her! Lash runs but Kelani avoids the splash! Kelani BOOTS, BOOTS, and SUPERKICKS! The fans rally, Kelani runs and ROLLING THUNDER! Not the cleanest but Kelani still lands on Lash. Kelani hurries to headlock to keep Lash in the ring. Lash powers up and lifts, but Kelani holds onto the headlock! Lash powers up but Kelani holds on! Lash powers up and back suplexes, but Kelani lands out to shove her!

Kelani runs and RANAS Lash! Then she DROPKICKS Lash outta the ring! The fans fire up as Kelani goes up, out, and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Down goes Lash and the fans fire up with Kelani! Kelani talks trash on Lash while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Lash has Lani up in a stalling suplex, only for Lani to make it a cradle! TWO and Kelani gets away to a corner. Lash storms up, goes for a leg, but Kelani CLUBS away on Lash! The fans duel as Lash puts Kelani up top. Kelani kicks and BOOTS Lash down! Kelani RAMS Lash, then slingshots up and over to sunset flip! Lash flails and stays up! Lash YANKS Kelani just to THROW her down! And then the PUMP KICK! Cover, TWO! Lash is frustrated but the fans rally up. Lash drags Kelani up, reels her in, and hoists her up for a Canadian Rack! Lash makes it am Argentine Backbreaker rack but Kelani endures being thrashed around!

Kelani pries at Lash’s grip, then slips down to jump up, CODE BREAKER! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! Kelani and Lash stir while the fans cheer “NXT! NXT!” Lash and Lani go to opposite ends, then Lani rallies with forearms and a DROPKCIK! Kelani then dodges Lash to cartwheel BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up and Kelani kips up! Kelani runs up, cravats, and SLICED BREAD! Kelani goes up, up, and FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!? Lash survives that splash and the fans fire up! Kelani has the legs, kicks at Lash, but Lash rolls! Kelani cartwheels through, but Lash ROCKS her with a right!

Kelani goes to the ropes, Lash runs up, and Lash blocks the boot. But Kelani goes up to STOMP Lash down! Then she goes up, but Lash CLUBS her down! Lash climbs up and picks Kelani up, SUPER BACK- CROSSBODY!! Cover, TWO!! Kelani almost had Lash and she’s growing frustrated. Kelani hurries to the corner again, climbs back up, and 450 SPLASH onto knees! Lash racks Kelani for the LASH EXTENSION! Cover, Lash wins!

Winner: Lash Legend, by pinfall (advances to the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way)

Two down, two to go! Jaida and Lash are riding high, who else will join them in that furious Fatal 4 Way?

Tony D’Angelo paces backstage.

The Don is anxious, and he hears Luca Crusifino talking on the phone as he walks up. “As Consigliere, I approve this.” Luca hangs up as Tony spots him, and Tony asks where Luca’s been! Luca tries to explain, he’s been here all night. Tony says he’s already heard enough. He’ll see Luca in the ring. In the ring? What’s that supposed to mean? Tony storms off without explaining, is he going to get to the bottom of everything?

NXT returns and…

Tony D is already in the ring, mic in hand. He says, “See, as The Don, you have to be aware at all times. You gotta keep your head on a swivel. You gotta be aware of enemies coming at you from every angle. You have to be aware of… being stabbed in the back. Now a few months ago, Stacks stabbed me in the back. Rizzo went into hiding, and Luca got clipped. Or so I thought. See, listen, I dunno what the Hell is going on right now. Up is down, down is up, whatever. All I want from Luca is his trust and his loyalty, and I’m not getting it. So Luca, you’re gonna get your ass out here, and we’re gonna talk man to man.” The fans cheer that!

Luca makes his entrance and he has a mic to say whoa, whoa, T, is this really how they’re gonna do this? Tony says yes it is! Listen to him! If you’re gonna lie, you’re gonna lie to him and all these people out here. Luca says he’s not lying. Tony says okay, then what happened with Luca and Stacks in the desert? Luca says he already told Tony that. They got outta the SUV, two guys tied Luca up and put him in the trunk of a car for who knows how long, only to let him out in the middle of the desert. Tony asks what Stacks said to him. Luca claims Stacks said that it was his “lucky day.” Stacks then took Luca’s phone and leaves him, no human in sight.

Tony says okay, let’s say Tony believes that. But Luca made it to Battleground, and just stared at Tony like an idiot. Can Tony trust Luca? Luca says damn right he can! The fans aren’t so sure, but Tony asks why Luca didn’t hit Stacks! Why didn’t he help Tony? What was he doing? Luca admits, he should have. But he didn’t know what to do. They lost at Stand & Deliver, Tony was mad, Luca didn’t know if he was gonna make it out of the desert alive. Luca is a consigliere, he is to advise people on what moves to make and what not to make. This is the first time since joining the family that Luca was on his own.

Tony accepts that, and Luca brings up how Rizzo is usually his soundboard, but no one’s seen her in just as long. Tony says yeah, okay, enough. They say that the eyes never lie. So Tony needs Luca to look him in the eye and tell him: “Are you with Stacks?” Luca promises Tony that he- WAIT, Stacks is here! The Underboss has a crew with him as he says Tony’s still out here, seeking the truth. Tony is pathetic without Stacks! Tony has the truth, he just doesn’t wanna accept it. Luca IS Tony’s consigliere, yet Tony won’t believe him. Luca, in all the years they’ve known each other, has Stacks ever NOT believed in him? Unlike Tony here in the last month.

Has Stacks every questioned Luca and his loyalty? Luca, there is a reason Stacks saved you from the desert in Vegas. Tony asks what that is supposed to mean, and Luca says no, Stacks left him out there! Stacks says Luca was never gonna be good enough to be Tony’s Consigliere. Luca, you know what to do next. The goons step into the ring, Tony thinks Luca is a snake, but then Luca ROCKS the goons! The fans fire up, but it is 4v2! Luca still clears the ring of the goons, then he grabs Stacks! But Stacks dodges and the HAYMAKER hits Tony!! The fans are stunned and Tony is upset, but Stacks grins. Has Luca sealed his fate?

Trick Williams warms up backstage.

Trick lifts weights and his belt. AJ Francis then walks in chanting “First Class Trick! First Class Trick!” Trick likes it, and asks if they’re ready for tonight. AJ says one thing, though. KC Navarro got hurt training for this match, so he isn’t cleared for the Six Man Tag. KC apologizes and Trick asks how they gonna wait until right before the match that KC can’t go!? KC puts this on AJ but AJ says he’s never led Trick astray. First Class doesn’t present problems, they present solutions. Then where are they? Well, KC can’t go tonight, but they found someone who can. In steps Wes Lee. And Wes says while he and Trick have history, nobody here knows TNA like Wes does.

All that aside, it is good to see that title on a real superstar. AJ & KC say that’s true. Trick says yeah, they’ve been through a lot. The whole “head of the locker room” and the smack in the face. Trick owns up, “My bad.” Trick was tripping, no excuses. But hey, Trick’s down with High Ryze. So tonight, they’re all First Class Trickin’ on the Wes Side! They all shake hands and AJ says that smells like… MONEY, MONEY, MONEY~! Wes says he’s gonna get ready, and Trick still tells KC to be better about this stuff. Don’t do this to him! KC apologizes, but will things still go off smoothly? Or will this last minute change help Elijah, Briggs & Inamura?

Class is in session at Chase U.

Mr. Chase welcomes everyone to class and officially introduces Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors. Uriah says they’re finally on time and ready to go! But per the montage, hard to say that’s true. They do their best to keep up with the lecture, and Kale blows his eraser shavings at the kiss-up from last time. Chase says it is summertime, and while other schools get to relax, Chase U has a strict curriculum. Kale has a question but Chase says hold on. Chase wants everyone to know that here, they lead by example. And while his methods may not be traditional, he takes great pride in- Kale has a question. How often do they-

Chase stops Kale again and says Kale needs to be ready to bleed black ‘n’ red. Chase U is their priority! Be ready to hear things you don’t wanna hear, and to thrive under pressure. Kale still has a question… Chase tells Kale that this is a #TeachableMoment. Chase U doesn’t adjust to you, you adjust to Chase U! Because if you wanna make it in this world, you gotta do more than learn. You gotta get EFFIN’ TOUGH! Kale closes up his book and leaves, Uriah following. Uriah says shame on Mr. Chase. Chase asks WTF! Is it Kale that needs to change? Or does Mr. Chase need to change if he wants to reach these kids?

Ethan Page & The Vanity Project watch the Ricky Saints throat smash footage.

Ricky Smokes says Ethan messed Ricky Saints up! Jackson Drake says Ethan cooked the Absolute. Ethan says to be honest, boys, this might be his best work yet. Brad Baylor says hundos, bro! But wait, Ricky Saints steps into the room. The Absolute says he will be medically cleared for next week. And he wants it to be known, he’s coming after Ethan. Ethan & Vanity Project laugh that off. Has Ricky not learned his lesson yet? Well, if he wants to get to Ethan, he has to go through Evolve’s hottest faction, the group taking over Wednesday nights and Tubi, The Vanity Project.

Ashante THEE Adonis says hey to everybody, and he agrees. Why is Ricky always so angry? Maybe he needs to chill out? Because adonisly, Ashante thought he and Ricky had something in common. But since Ricky can’t talk the talk no more, what’s he doing? Look around at the numbers game. The odds are not in Ricky’s favor. Um, Ethan & Vanity Project left… But see you real soon. Ashante sticks his foot in his mouth, but will he end up with Ricky’s boot up his ass?

Je’Von Evans, Tavion Heights & Wren Sinclair talk backstage.

Tavion is still upset that Charlie Dempsey refuses to listen. Didn’t Wren say she’d talk with him? Wren says difficult conversations can be challenging with him. It requires nuance. Je’Von asks what the hell is “nuance.” Did she talk to him or not? Wren says she did not… Je’Von and Tavion are disappointed, but then Jasper Troy passes by. The Young OG says hey to the Season 1 LFG Champion, and commends him on doing his thing 1v1 against Oba Femi. Now, he may have taken the L, but his time’s coming. Not before Je’Von, though! Just trust- Troy says stay out of his way. Troy heads out and Je’Von says okay, just saying.

Je’Von goes back to Tavion & Wren, and Charlie has appeared! And he’s annoyed seeing Je’Von back. Je’Von says hey, “C-Money,” understand that T here doesn’t wanna be in NQCC anymore. Well, seeing as how Je’Von is hanging around so much, how about this? Je’Von and Tavion have a match. If Tavion wins, he’s out of NQCC. Really? Yeah, why not. Je’Von says that’s rough. Je’Von’s not gonna lose, so Tavion’s stuck with Dempsey a little longer. Tavion says oh no, not if he can help it. They shake on it, and Je’Von tells Charlie he needs a hug. Wren offers and slowly pulls him in. Tavion, get in on this. He does not.

But will Tavion get out of NQCC by beating his new pal? Or will the Young OG prove he’s moving on up by leaving Tavion behind?

Six Man Tag: Trick Williams, AJ Francis & Wes Lee w/ High Ryze VS Elijah, Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura!

The guitar strums, and, “Hello, I am Elijah. First Class Trick~, more like Last Place Trash. Wes Lee can’t even get outta the kiddy weight class. So I brought Inamura & Briggs to walk this path, when we kick Trick’s, AJ’s and Wes Lee’s ass! And I have got one question for everybody here tonight… Who wants to walk with Elijah?!” The fans cheer that! Elijah knows two men who will! Briggs & Inamura make their entrance, will these three righteous men be victorious? Or will the prideful trio be unstoppable? We find out, after the break.

NXT returns and First Class makes their entrance first. Wes Lee & High Ryze are next, leaving the TNA World Champion for last. The trios sort out, Inamura starts against Wes, and they circler. Wes slips around Inamura to KICK, KICK, and headlock. Inamura powers up and out but Wes dropkicks the legs out! Wes then dropkicks the leg again! Wes runs but Inamura CLOBBERS him! Inamura drags Wes up, CHOPS him, then tags Briggs. Briggs & Inamura double whip to FLAPJACK! Then DROPKICK CHOP COMBO! Cover, TWO! Briggs brings Wes up, scoops him, but Wes slips free, hot tag to AJ Francis!

Wes dodges Briggs, slides out, and Francis runs in and CLOBBERS Briggs! The fans are torn but Francis runs in at the corner, only for Briggs to BOOT him! Francis hurries away, Trick tags in, and Trick runs up, but into a scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM, to the SPLASH! The fans fire up, Briggs tags Elijah, and they mug Trick. Elijah wrenches and wristlocks but Trick rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back. Trick has a top wristlock but Elijah uses the ropes to flip through! Elijah wrenches and headlocks. Trick powers up and out, Elijah reverses the whip but Trick spins that around. Trick hurdles but Elijah LEAPING LARIATS!

The fans fire up and Elijah brings Trick up. Elijah knuckle locks, goes up top, and he goes Old School so Trick will #WalkWithElijah! FLYING KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Trick toughs it out but Elijah brings him up. Elijah whips, Trick reverses, and Trick LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while Elijah bails out. Briggs & Inamura check on Elijah while Trick soaks up cheers and jeers. Elijah trips Trick, drags him out, and THROWS him into barriers! The fans fire up, but Wes FLIES! Briggs & Inamura catch him! But wait, Francis wants to try! But then he stops and laughs at the fans who thought he would. But then Briggs & Inamura BOOT DOUBLE CHOP COMBO!!

Elijah goes up!? And he MACHO ELBOWS onto Francis! The fans fire up as Elijah, Briggs & Inamura fire up! The First Class Tricks regroup outside, and NXT goes picture in picture.

The ref has things calm down, but Trick is looking to leave? Elijah tags Briggs, and Briggs catches up to Trick on the ramp! Briggs brings Trick around, puts him in the ring, and then storms up. Briggs ROCKS Trick, DECKS Trick, then puts Trick on ropes to stomp him down. Trick wants mercy but Briggs YANKS him up to whip and ELBOW down! Cover, TWO! Trick stays in this but he’s far away from his team. Briggs tags Inamura and Inamura CHOPS! Inamura wrenches and grinds the arm but Trick fights up. Trick wrenches and arm-drags Inamura for a wristlock. Inamura fights up but Trick tags in Wes.

Wes goes up but Inamura avoids the flying stomp to the arm! Inamura DOUBLE CHOPS Wes inside-out! Inamura sets up in a three point stance, and he fires off the SUMO PALM STRIKES! Inamura puts Wes in the corner to JAB and CHOP on repeat! The ref counts, Inamura stops at 4 to hoist Wes up top. Inamura climbs, Tyriek gets on the apron, Elijah goes after him, but that lets Tyson go after Inamura! Tyson anchors Inamura on the corner and Wes slips free to YANK Inamura down! Wes then ENZIGIRIS, ENZIGIRIS again, and goes up, up, and FLYING DOUBLE STOMPS! Inamura falls, Wes covers, TWO!

Inamura toughs it out but Wes brings him over. Wes whips Inamura to the First Class corner, but Inamura dodges in return! Inamura runs back in, but Wes dodges! Wes UPPERCUTS Inamura, tags Francis, and then Francis sends Wes back in for a back body block! Feed to Francis’ BOOT, then Francis pops Wes up for a SPLASH! Francis adds a SENTON and he covers, TWO! Inamura survives and NXT returns to single picture. Francis clamps onto Inamura’s arm but Inamura fires body shots! Inamura CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Inamura fires a flurry of forearms, then he ROCKS Francis! Inamura runs, RAMS Francis, but Francis returns to TFL SPEAR! Cover, TWO!!

Inamura survives but Francis soaks up heat. Then he runs side to side to KNEE Inamura so hard, Francis flips up and out of the ring, and lands on his feet! Tag to Wes and Wes slingshots to PLANCHA! Cover, TWO! Inamura stays in this but Wes looms over him. Wes taunts Briggs and Elijah, then he ROCKS Inamura! And ROCKS him again! Inamura goes to a corner and snarls as he stands up. Wes runs up, Inamura dodges, but Wes BOOTS! ROUNDHOUSES! ENZIGIRIS! But then Inamura scoops for the SPIN-OUT SLAM! The fans fire up while both men are down! They crawl for their corners, hot tags to Trick and Briggs!

The fans fire up as Briggs BOOTS Trick! And then runs, dodges, and CROSSBODIES! Just enough of a hit on Trick and Elijah tags in! Elijah rallies on Trick now and he bumps Trick off buckles! Elijah CHOPS and ROCKS Trick on repeat! The fans fire up, the ref counts, and Elijah stomps a mudhole in! The ref backs Elijah off but he is still fired up! Elijah suplexes Trick for ANARCHY! Cover, Wes & Francis break it! Briggs & Inamura storm in, it is a brawl! The ref reprimands, but Francis DECKS Inamura and Wes HEEL KICKS Briggs! Elijah CHOPS Trick, Wes runs upon Briggs but Briggs TOSSES him out!

Trick ROCKS Elijah, SPIN KICKS Briggs, Elijah TOSSES Francis! JUMP KNEE for Francis! Trick catches Elijah, nelsons him, and Wes goes up. Briggs gets Elijah outta there, Wes’ WHISPER IN THE WIND hits Trick! The fans are thunderous as Wes doesn’t realize what happened, and Elijah TOSSES Wes onto Ty & Ty! Inamura tags in and climbs up while Briggs PLANCHAS onto Francis! GREAT RUSH SPLASH!! Cover, Inamura’s team wins!!

Winners: Josh Briggs, Yoshiki Inamura & Elijah, by pinfall

A huge win for the big men, and Inamura pins THE TNA World Champion! Will Inamura look to be more than just an NXT Tag Team Champion in the near future?

#ZaRuca walks ‘n’ talks backstage.

Sol says last week was so much fun, and Zaria says now they can do it in a match. Their views are a bit up and down, no thanks to Lash and Wren. Sol says they can just retry later, after Zaria wins her match. Word challenge, go! Three, two, one, WINNER~! See? Sol has Zaria’s back. But speaking of, Tatum Paxley creep up from out of a road case?! Tatum wants to talk with Sol & Zaria but they head out already. Tatum is still lonely, but will she find a way to connect? Will the Agent of Change be a real gamechanger on the road to Evolution?

Ava Raine meets with Stevie Turner and Robert Stone.

The NXT General Manager tells the Evolve “Prime Minister” that she is very proud of her. Stevie thanks Ava, and Stone agrees that Evolve has been great lately. But he does have to ask… Do they hear that? Stevie says nice one, Rob. No, he means it. There’s something going on. Ava checks the hallway, and Tony is angry with Luca. Luca explains that the punch was an accident! Oh, well, guess we’ll see. Tony says hey, Ava, glad you’re here. She saw the punch to the mouth, right? Luca says it was meant for Stacks! Then maybe Ava can make a match of Luca VS Stacks. Luca says he doesn’t wanna fight stacks. Yeah, because he’s working with Stacks, right!?

Luca says Tony needs to trust him, but Tony says Luca needs to prove it to him! Ava says okay, enough. Tony is fed up with all that happened, but Ava can’t give Luca a match with Stacks anyways. And why’s that? Is Ava working with Stacks, too? No! She’s the GM, she isn’t working with anyone. Stacks has a match, against Noam Dar for the Heritage Cup. Wait, why does Stacks get a Cup match? Because the last person he beat was a former Heritage Cup Champion in Tony D. And because his consigliere signed off on it. His what?! Luca says it wasn’t him! Tony doesn’t trust that, given the phone call we heard earlier. But if Luca isn’t Stacks’ man, then who is?

NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca VS Izzi Dame w/ The Culling!

Evolution is all about change, so naturally the Agent of Change should want to be part of it! Will she be one step closer to matching Sol Ruca as a champion? Or will The Culling’s femme fatale prove Zaria is too weak to survive?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Izzi rolls Zaria, ONE, but Izzi BOOTS Zaria down! Zaria is up but Sol coaches her. Izzi runs up, Zaria dodges and fires off hands! Zaria ROCKS Izzi, Izzi ROCKS Zaria, repeat! The fans fire up as the big shots go back and forth! Zaria then BOOTS Izzi down! Izzi flounders to a corner, Zaria runs up to SPLASH! Zaria suplexes Izzi away, covers, TWO! Zaria bumps Izzi off buckles again and again, then fireman’s carries! Izzi slips free, shoves and BACKDROPS, but Zaria sunset flips! TWO, and Izzi KNEES low! Izzi RAMS Zaria to the corner, RAMS her again and again, then digs her shoulder in.

The ref counts, Izzi lets off, and Zaria grabs Izzi for a HEADBUTT! Zaria goes up, up, and the fans rally behind Zaria as she has Izzi in a HANGING SLEEPER! Zaria drops Izzi, the fans fire up, and Zaria aims to FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Izzi crawls away, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Izzi drags herself up with the ropes, but Zaria is right on her! Zaria puts Izzi through the ropes, pulls her back, and then lets go at 4 to hit a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Izzi stays in this, but Zaria stays on her by tying up the legs. Zaria bends Izzi, not quite a Bow ‘n’ Arrow, but Izzi endures. Zaria CLUBS Izzi, clamps on a chinlock, but Izzi fights up to throw body shots. Zaria holds on and thrashes Izzi, but Izzi powers up to pry at the hold. Izzi opens the chinlock but Zaria fireman’s carries! Izzi slips to a sunset flip, but Zaria sits on the cover! TWO and Izzi has the cover, TWO! Zaria high stacks, TWO!

Izzi and Zaria stand, Izzi kicks low! But Zaria cradles! TWO, and Izzi cradles! TWO, and Izzi clamps onto Zaria’s neck! Zaria breaks free, BACK ELBOWS Izzi, then runs, but into a LARIAT! Izzi huffs ‘n’ puffs and puts Zaria on ropes to throw ELBOW after ELBOW! Izzi brings Zaria around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Izzi is frustrated but she drags Zaria up. Izzi turns Zaria for a NECKBREAKER, covers again, TWO! Zaria is tougher than that and Izzi grows further frustrated. Izzi clamps on a chinbar and armlock, but Zaria fights up. Zaria pries the hold open but Izzi scoops for a BACKBREAKER!

Izzi snarls while Zaria writhes. Izzi bumps Zaria off buckles, fireman’s carries and hits SNAKE EYES! Izzi talks trash on Zaria, kicks her around, then stands her up. Zaria ROCKS Izzi with a right hand! NXT returns to single picture as Zaria ROCKS Izzi again and again! Zaria waistlocks, Izzi runs to ropes, but Zaria holds on! Izzi fights, Zaria yanks her back, but Izzi resists the suplex! Izzi runs to a corner to HOTSHOT Zaria off the top rope! Izzi goes up, up, and FLYING CODE BREAKERS! Zaria stagger sup, Izzi RAMS her in the corner! Izzi fires forearm after forearm then adds some CHOPS! Izzi runs and BOOTS Zaria down!

The fans rally, Izzi scoops and SLAMS Zaria, then covers, TWO! Sol coaches Zaria, Shawn Spears & Niko Vance coach Izzi, and Izzi choke grips Zaria! VOLLEYBALL SPIKE CHOKE SLAM! High stack cover, TWO!! Zaria survives “the kill” and Izzi is losing her mind! Izzi runs in, but Zaria DUMPS her out! The fans fire up, Izzi hurries up, but Zaria ROCKS her first! Zaria HIP TOSSES Izzi and the fans fire up! Zaria LARIATS! And LARIATS! And then BOOTS! Zaria roars, scoops, and SLAMS! The fans fire up as Zaria waistlocks for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Zaria fires up more and the fans are with her!

Izzi rises, but Tatum spooks Sol with a surprise hug! Zaria is distracted, and Izzi hits a SKY HIGH!! Cover, IZZI WINS!!

Winner: Izzi Dame, by pinfall (advances to the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way)

Tatum says oops, and Sol asks what is going on. But Izzi takes advantage of the confusion, #ItIzWhatItIz. But will she cull the weak from the Fatal 4 Way to head for Evolution?

Briggs & Inamura regroup backstage.

Briggs is fired up! First win since joining back together, and Inamura pinned Trick Williams! Inamura has proven he deserves a TNA World Championship match! And both of them know Santino Marella was watching that one. Inamura nods, and he says Briggs is still his friend. If Briggs wishes, they can do the tag team title match first. Is Inamura sure? Yes, Inamura says they should aspire to something more! Imagine one of them as TNA World Champion, and the other as THE NXT Champion! Briggs says that IS bigger. So, hell yeah! Let’s do that! Briggs is onboard for a Two Man Power Trip, will this be their time to shine?

NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Jordynne Grace VS Lola Vice!

Three spots filled, one remains, and they might’ve saved the best for last. These two have had their chances at the title and have fallen short, but you never say never! Will the Juggernaut bulldoze through Vice City? Or will Jordynne learn that Lola’s a knockout in her own right?

The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out. Grace goes for a leg, but Lola holds her off. They switch on the mat, go around, and Lola escapes the facelock. The fans applaud the opening exchange and the two go again. They feel things out, clinch, and Lola waistlocks. Grace headlocks, Lola powers out but Grace whips. Lola ducks ‘n’ dodges then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! The fans fire up and Lola brings Grace up, only for Grace to TOSS her out! Grace goes up, out, but Lola slides back in! Grace RAMS Lola, Lola ducks a haymaker and has the SLEEPER! Grace HOTSHOTS free, then slingshots back in, only for Lola to SPIN KICK!

Lola fires LIGHTNING KICKS! Lola puts Grace in the corner, and reminds us, “I’M A LATINA~!” HIP ATTACK! Grace sputters, Lola welcomes her to Vice City, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Lola has Grace in a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Grace powers up and lifts Lola, but Lola swings that into a DDT! Lola top mounts, Grace pushes free and goes to a corner. Lola runs up, Grace BOOTS her away, but Lola comes back. Grace goes up and over, runs corner to corner and goes up and over again! Grace fireman’s carries Lola for a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! SLIDING D! Cover, TWO!! Lola survives that double impact but Grace stays focused. The fans rally up, Grace drags Lola to her feet, and the fans rally. Grace scoops to POWERSLAM Lola into the drop zone! Grace then goes up, VADER BOMB into a TRIANGLE HOLD!

Lola holds on tight and the fans rally! Grace endures, reaches out, but she’s fading! Grace gets a second wind and high stacks Lola. Grace deadlifts Lola to POWERBOMB! Grace is free but both women are down! The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” Grace rises up, she brings Lola up and fires forearms. Grace pump handles but Lola fights off the lift! Grace THROWS Lola to the corner, hoists her up top, and CHOPS! The fans fire up while Lola sputters. Grace climbs, brings Lola up, but Lola fires body shots. Lola powers out to have the double wristlock! Grace endures, fires body shots, but Lola hits a SUPER ARMBAR DDT!!

Lola rises to SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Grace survives and Lola cannot believe it! The fans can’t believe it, either! Lola demands Grace get up! Grace sits up, Lola aims, HEEL- NO, Grace blocks and makes it a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Then a BEAST MODE DRIVER!! Cover, Grace wins!!

Winner: Jordynne Grace, by pinfall (advances to the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way)

Lola put Grace under pressure, but she couldn’t break her! Jordynne is now joining Jaida, Lash and Izzi in the Fatal 4 Way, who defies the odds to face Jacy Jayne at Evolution?

#ZaRuca and Tatum are backstage.

Zaria is upset with Tatum doing that because it cost her! Tatum knows, she didn’t mean for it to happen, she’s sorry! Sol says she knows, but Zaria says it doesn’t matter now that Zaria isn’t in the Fatal 4 Way. Izzi walks over and says Tatum should remember what she told her: Zaria & Sol aren’t Tatum’s real friends. If they cared about Tatum, they’d include her in their little TikTok games. Izzi knows she would. Izzi leaves and Tatum follows! Zaria stops Sol from following, Tatum isn’t their concern. And then Blake Monroe struts by on her way to gorilla. The contract signing is coming, will it go off without a hitch?

Noam Dar speaks.

“The Heritage Cup has brought a different style of wrestling to NXT, and to America, crossing two brands. Eight of the best in-ring competitors have had the honor of carrying her. And it gives me great pride that my name has been on this trophy more than anyone else. For almost 800 days, Noam Dar has been the gold standard for the Heritage Cup. And Supernova 11 plans on keeping it that way.” He is ready for his fourth reign to be his best, but will it be his shortest if Stacks can help it?

BREAKING NEWS for next week!

Just as Inamura told Briggs, BRIGGS will have the TNA World Championship match against Trick, even though Inamura pinned the champ! Will this favor from his friend help Briggs finally win the big one?

Ava Raine is in the ring.

The fans cheer the NXT General Manager, and she says, “NXT has the best women’s division in all of professional wrestling. And tonight, I continue to add to that as the hottest free agent in sports entertainment joins an already stacked women’s roster, and officially signs her NXT contract. Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome to the ring, The Glamour, Blake Monroe!” The fans cheer as Miss Monroe makes her first entrance ever here on NXT. She blows kisses to the crowd and steps into the ring. She picks up the mic to say, “The moment you’ve gushed, gasped, and glammed for is finally here.”

The fans cheer, and Monroe says this IS the best women’s division in the world. She’s been dreaming of hopping into bed with that kind of talent. And it is no secret, but the WWE has always been her dream. And now that she’s here, this women’s division is all hers! The fans cheer that, too! Because the Glamour raises the bar, turns heads, and redefines what it means to be a star! So, ladies, surely you’re listening. The spotlight is now firmly on The Glamour, Blake Monroe. The fans cheer again, and Monroe takes out her own pen. She signs on the dotted line, only for The Fatal Influence to storm out here.

The fans boo but Jacy Jayne waves hi to Ava & Monroe. Jacy says, “Ava, darling, quick question for you. Why’re you out here kissing the newbie’s ass like this?” The fans boo more but Jacy says the last time she checked, Fatal Influence has been running this division all year. And did they ever get some kind of celebration? Did they? Fallon says nope, not once. And sure as hell not for Fallon’s NXT Women’s North American Championship. Jazmyn says of course not! And now, she won’t lie to Monroe, it is impossible to keep their eyes off her. This is so cute! But if Monroe thinks she came here to take what Fatal Influence has built, then she’s delusional.

Monroe says, “Oh… Oh, dear. The rumors are true: Fatal Influence are as insecure as they are b*tches.” The fans cheer that! Fallon frowns and Jacy says alright, alright, reality check. This division doesn’t need Monroe. She’s just another new flavor of the month. Jacy has seen girls like Monroe walk in here time and time again, and- Monroe stops her and asks if she’s ever tried this one: SLAP!! The fans fire up as Fallon and Monroe brawl! Monroe throws a flurry, but then the ROLLING ENCORE hits her! The fans boo and Fallon drags Monroe up. She and Jacy DOUBLE POWERBOMB Monroe down through the table!

Ava is upset and so are the fans. But will even The Glamour end up under The Influence? Or will Jacy, Fallon & Jazmyn come to regret bullying the “newbie?”

My Thoughts:

A great NXT with a lot of action and still plenty of good story. Mariah May, now Blake Monroe, got quite a bit of hype for her contract signing, and I figured Fatal Influence would “crash the party.” They get themselves a lot of heat beating down the new girl that comes in with a lot of love, but like… Does this undercut the whole point of an Evolution Eliminator? Or will Jacy and Monroe have a title match for NXT Great American Bash since it is 24 hours ahead of Evolution? Then the winner of that meets the winner of the Fatal 4 Way, all sorts of possibilities there.

The four “eliminator” matches were all great, and I do appreciate that they just cut to giving us the grudge matches at this point in the little mini-tournament rather than leaving them for the Fatal 4. Jaida really had a clever way around losing, I don’t know if I’ve ever really seen something like that. Lash VS Lani was really good, and that was a great win for Lash. Meta Four broke up so the individual parts could have success on their own, so Lash needs to actually get some wins. Similarly, Izzi winning over Zaria helps in her personal build. I was a little surprised by her win, but it also works that Tatum Paxley is getting in on this story. Presumably, Izzi isn’t winning the Fatal 4, so Izzi & Tatum VS #ZaRuca will be a good tag match in the aftermath.

Grace VS Vice was a great main event match, and the best match of the four, and as I figured, Grace won. That is a hard-hitting group of four, and as it stands, Jacy being champ would mean Grace wins as a Face and probably just dominates Jacy and the Fatal Influence before winning the title. Granted, there were rumors Grace was going to be called up given her loss at Battleground, but c’mon, Jordynne should have a run with the top title to parallel Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer. And while nothing is set for NXT around SummerSlam weekend, that would make more sense as a place for Grace to show up with her call-up.

We still got good stuff with all the other stories, too. Tony’s paranoia is getting the better of him, and Stacks is continuing to use that as his greatest weapon against Tony. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tony has a match with Luca and that drives Luca to join Stacks’ side. At the same side, how wild would it be if Rizzo, in her hiding, is Stacks’ consigliere and right hand in this D’Angelo Family coup? Good promo from Dar to remind us of the Heritage Cup’s history. I really hope they bring back the British Rounds aspect to really test Stacks, and I would hope for Dar’s sake that he retains the Cup.

Very good stuff with Ricky Saints calling out Ethan while he hangs out with Vanity Project, and obviously Ricky’s return match is against Ashante after Ashante acted like he was part of the team. Ricky will win, but I’m sure Vanity Project will have matches with him before Ricky gets at Ethan. Very good promo from Je’Von with NQCC as well as Troy. Je’Von’s just trying to be a friend to people but naturally, Troy isn’t looking for friends. Je’Von VS Tavion with those NQCC stakes is an interesting move but it is clever how Je’Von wants to help Tavion but not at his own expense. Dempsey might even do his best to factor into the finish to make sure Tavion loses and is stuck in NQCC.

And very good stuff with the NXTNA crossover. Very good promo from the Faces to tease Briggs & Inamura going on that Two Man Power Trip, wanting tag titles and singles titles at the same time. And very good promo from the Heels, but I can’t be sure if KC Navarro was legit unable to wrestle or they just wanted to bring Wes in for some fun. Either way, I appreciate Wes and Trick apologizing to each other to give us why they are now working together as Heels. Most of the time, Heels work together again just because they’re both Heels and that’s it.

The Six Man Tag still went the Faces’ way, and that was rather interesting for Inamura to give Briggs the title match with Trick. Of course, Inamura is clearly planning to go for Oba and the NXT Championship then, so he’s handing the secondary title to Briggs. I can see Briggs & Inamura becoming tag champs over Hank ‘n’ Tank, but I don’t know about taking the top singles titles. Trick VS Briggs will be great, Oba VS Inamura could be some awesome stuff, but there has to be something where Trick and Oba fight one last time as the top champions of both sides.

My Score: 8.9/10

Has The Ruler finally met his match?

Jasper Troy won LFG Season 1, but now he could win the NXT Championship taking on Oba Femi in tonight’s titanic title match!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page VS Sean Legacy; Ethan wins and retains the title.
• Shawn Spears & Niko Vance w/ Izzi Dame VS Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura; Spears & Vance win.
• Lash Legend VS Wren Sinclair; Lash wins.
• NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence VS Lainey Reid; Jacy wins and retains the title.
• Tony D’Angelo & Luca Crusifino VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont w/ Wes Lee; Igwe & Dupont win.
• NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Jasper Troy; Oba wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Oba Femi arrives.

And he’s immediately attacked by Jasper Troy! Troy SMACKS Oba off a car hood, STOMPS him down, then drags him back up to CHOKE SLAM him onto the windshield! Security rushes in and gets him to back off, but what is Troy thinking? Will Oba even be able to defend his title after that attack?

NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page VS Sean Legacy!

All Ego found a way to survive the Fatal 4 Way in LA, but now he’s back in Orlando to defend the title again! But will Ethan continue to steal everyone’s smile? Or can Sean make this title Super?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who builds their legacy!

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and then Ethan headlocks. Legacy pries at the hold, but Ethan clamps on tighter. Ethan hits the takeover and he grinds Legacy down. Legacy rolls to a cover, ONE, and Ethan still holds on. Legacy pushes back with forearms, then he stands up to power out. Ethan RUNS Legacy over, grins, then runs. Legacy drops down, slips around, and he RANAS! Legacy kips up but Ethan avoids the dropkick! And it’s back to the headlock! Ethan hits another takeover and he grinds Legacy down again. The fans rally, Legacy fights up, and Legacy powers up, only for Ethan to hold on!

Ethan smothers Legacy to the mat, then thrashes around! The fans boo but Ethan says Legacy is nothing! Legacy fights as the fans rally up again. Legacy stands, he powers up to break the headlock, then headlocks in return. Ethan powers up and out, Legacy rolls, drops down, then redirects to dropkick the legs out! Legacy DOUBLE STOMPS Ethan, then DROPKICKS again! Ethan tumbles out, the fans fire up, and Legacy dares Ethan to come back. The fans rally behind Legacy while NXT goes picture in picture.

Ethan paces and fumes on the outside, sticking close to the pedestal his title rests on. Legacy storms out after Ethan, ROCKS him with a haymaker, then CHOPS him! Legacy follows Ethan to barriers, CHOPS him again, and the fans fire up. Legacy SMACKS Ethan off the apron, but Ethan turns things around with a mule kick. Ethan winds up but Legacy ducks the chop! Legacy CHOPS in return! The fans fire up again and Legacy puts Ethan in the ring. Legacy KICKS Ethan in the back, then STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Ethan survives but Legacy stays focused. Legacy drags Ethan up, then whips him to ropes.

Ethan grabs, Legacy runs up, but Ethan TOSSES Legacy out! Legacy hurries back up but Ethan BOOTs him, then hits a DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Ethan snarls and drags Legacy up. Ethan bumps Legacy off buckles, HEADBUTTS him, then stalks him to a corner. Ethan bumps Legacy off buckles, CHOPS him, then soaks up heat from the fans. Ethan stalks Legacy, ROCKS him with a haymaker, then brings him around for another! Legacy staggers but he fires body shots in return! Ethan KNEES low, then throws hands. Ethan fires more haymakers, but Legacy fires back! They go back and forth, and NXT returns to single picture.

The fans rally behind Legacy as he whips, but Ethan reverses and BOOTS! The fans are torn while Ethan paces. Ethan puts Legacy in a corner, hoists him up top, then climbs after him. But Legacy fights the suplex! Legacy fires body shots, then HOTSHOTS Ethan’s arm! Ethan comes back, Legacy ROCKS him, then springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Legacy rolls to ropes, Ethan goes to the other end. The two stand, and Legacy fires hands! Legacy whips, CLOBBEWRS, and then CLOBBERS Ethan again! Mule kick, front KICK, BOOT, and then a GERMAN SUPLEX!

The fans fire up while Ethan flounders to a corner! Legacy runs corner to corner, GAMANGIRI! Ethan flops down, Legacy covers, TWO! The fans rally up again and Legacy watches Ethan. Ethan crawls to ropes, Legacy storms up, but Ethan grabs ropes to block the suplex! Legacy SLAPS the arms, torture racks, but Ethan fights free. Ethan shoves Legacy into a corner, ROUNDHOUSES, then he reels Legacy in. Legacy fights the lift, slips under and kicks Ethan away. Legacy dodges Ethan to go up, QUEBRADA and inverted suplex, SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous for Legacy with how close he was there!

Legacy hurries to the corner and climbs up. But Ethan ROCKS Legacy first! Ethan HEADBUTTS Legacy, climbs, then hits a TOP ROPE BACKBREAKER!! Legacy falls to the floor and the fans go nuts! Ethan clears the desk and he drags Legacy up! Ethan hoists Legacy up but Legacy slips free! Ethan runs up, but Legacy sends him into the POST! DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! And then Legacy FLIES! Down goes Ethan! Legacy puts Ethan in, the fans rally, 450 FLOP! Ethan hits the TWISTED GRIN!! Cover, Ethan wins!

Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)

Legacy was so close and yet so far from jumping right up from Evolve to NXT. Speaking of jumping, RICKY SAINTS JUMPS ETHAN! The fans fire up as the Absolute gets after the Egomaniac with haymakers! Saints LARIATS Ethan up and out of the ring, then he fires off hands on the outside! The brawl continues to the back, will Saints not stop until he’s finally humbled All Ego?

Fatal Influence meets with Ava Raine.

Jacy Jayne tells the NXT General Manager that she did not appreciate the surprise of a new signee. As NXT Women’s Champion, that is something management should really run by her first. And since Fatal Influence is going to be at the top for a very long time, it is important they build a rapport as GM and champion. Does she see what Jacy means? Ava does. Well, they started to when Fallon Henley was Women’s North American Champion, but then Fallon lost it… And Jazmyn might even become champion some day, but for now, it is Jacy. And she needs to know what is going on with their division.

Jacy then says, “And then there’s this one.” Lainey Reid enters and SLAPS Jacy! Reid says that what she wanted to say last week is that she’s ready for Jacy right here, right now. Okay, Jacy gets it, Reid’s trying to take a page out of the Jacy Jayne playbook. It’s not gonna work on her, though! Well, then Reid has nothing to lose. SLAP!! Ava reprimands Reid, Reid leaves, and Fallon says Jacy has to do it now. Jacy tells Ava to give her Reid tonight! She’ll even put her title on the line against that little b*tch! Ava says done. Ava is stressing over the chaos going on in her own brand, but will Reid prove she’s more than leveled up enough for the Toxic Rockstar?

#ZaRuca speaks.

Via TikTok, Sol Ruca & Zaria try out the friend challenge of “same word, same time.” It doesn’t really work but it’s still fun. And then in the background, Lash Legend starts talking trash on Wren Sinclair and the No Quarter Catch Crew. Getting away from the NQCC was the best thing to happen to Myles Borne, because that “string haired oompah-loompah” was bossing him around way too much. Myles will make the best of his independence, just like her. And now that there’s a new champ in town, Lash is gonna go get that gold. Kelani Jordan chimes in with how sick and tired she is of Lash.

Lash says SKRRR and this is what the video is about now… Wren speaks up saying she doesn’t appreciate Lash talking bad about Charles or NQCC. And you can’t just do and say whatever you want! Lash tells Kelani to let “her girl” Wren know, titles are the last thing Wren’s got to worry about. Lash heads out, Kelani and Karmen assure Wren she doesn’t have to worry about Lash. ZaRuca can’t believe all this DRAMA~! But will Wren make Lash respect the NQCC? Or will Lash step right over her to get to the title?

The Culling talks backstage.

Shawn Spears smiles and says he trusts Izzi’s judgment. Why did she take a chair to Jensen’s back? There is no room for half-ass commitment in The Culling. Jensen always dressed different from them, kept his distance from them, and when it came to talk about family, his eyes would always dart around the room like the others weren’t right in front of him. Jensen didn’t believe in them, so why should they believe in him? And then the final nail in the coffin: Jensen takes the loss to Hank, Tank and Briggs? The Culling is supposed to purge the weak and slaughter the feeble. Jensen was both. Spears says she saw something he didn’t and took action. Brilliant!

That is the kind of person he needs her to become. Izzi says individuals think they’re stronger than the group all across NXT. That will not be them. Niko says Izzi eliminated Jensen for them, and he thanks her for it. Izzi says Jensen had it coming, #ItIzWhatItIz. Niko says now this is a new beginning, but with the same goals. Spears says it starts tonight, against Briggs & Inamura. Is there anything else Izzi sees? She has her eyes on something. They all share a smile, but just what could The Culling’s femme fatale be plotting?

Shawn Spears & Niko Vance w/ Izzi Dame VS Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura!

The Chair Man thought Brooks Jensen trusted him, but as The It Girl pointed out, Jensen wasn’t fully committed. As for the Bullhead Brawler & Great Rush, they’re reunited and still hunting gold, but perhaps more than just the tag titles? All things will come to light, but who takes a step closer to the spotlight here in NXT?

The teams sort out and Niko starts against Inamura. They tie up, go around in a deadlock, and Niko headlocks. Inamura fires body shots, powers up and out, but Niko RAMS him! Inamura comes back to RAM Niko! Niko rebounds to RAM Inamura, but Inamura rebounds to FLYING SHOULDER! Niko goes to a corner while the fans fire up! Inamura runs in, Niko goes up and over, then Niko HEADBUTTS! Niko brings Inamura over, tags Spears, and they hand Inamura off so Spears can CHOP! The fans “WOO~” and Inamura nods! Spears CHOPS again, and the fans fire up with Inamura! Spears CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Inamura just takes it!

Inamura then blocks a chop, and he puts Spears in the corner to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Inamura then winds up to CHOP! Spears flounders around, Inamura CLUBS him, and he tags Briggs. They double whip to DOUBLE SCOOP SLAM! Inamura CHOPS, Briggs ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Briggs storms up to the apron as Spears bails out. Briggs drags Spears up, but Spears RAMS low! Spears slingshots but into a HAYMAKER! Briggs then HIP TOSSES Spears into a BACKBREAKER! Spears writhes, Niko gets in but Briggs BOOTS him down! Spears kicks, Briggs blocks, but the SUPERKICK still hits! Spears calls for Niko but he’s down!

Spears is mad, he runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Briggs CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up while Spears sputters to the ropes. Briggs runs, slides out, and he ROCKS Spears! Izzi has the chair! The ref reprimands, but then Niko tags in! Niko CLOBBERS Briggs from behind! The fans boo but Izzi laughs. Niko puts Briggs in, CLUBS him, but Briggs goes for a leg. Niko CLUBS him down, gator rolls, and throws down ELBOW after ELBOW! Briggs CLUBS away on Briggs, then watches him sputter. Niko drags Briggs up just to short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Briggs toughs it out but Niko ROCKS him! Briggs goes to a corner in a daze, but Niko runs in and RAMS Briggs!

Niko runs and he FLYING HEADBUTTS!! Tag to Spears, and he stays between Briggs and Inamura. Spears mocks the sumo style and the ref has to keep Inamura back. Spears drags Brigg sup, but Briggs ROCKS Spears! Both men wobble and hobble, hot tag to Inamura! Inamura CLOBBERS Spears again and again and then LARIATS Niko! Inamura wrenches and fires off fast hands! He DECKS Spears and hits the sumo stance! SUMO PALM RUSH! Inamura ROCKS and CHOPS Spears over and over, then runs corner to corner to SPLASH! Niko hurries to tag, but so does Briggs. Inamura SPLASHES Spears, feeds him tot he BOOT, but Niko is in!

Briggs scoops to SIDEWALK SLAM and SPLASH! The fans fire up with Briggs, then climbs. Spears distracts but Inamura POUNCES Spears! But Niko trips Briggs! Niko drags Briggs out for the DOMINATOR! Cover, Culling wins!

Winners: Shawn Spears & Niko Vance, by pinfall

They shed the dead weight and have only gotten stronger! Will no one be able to stop The Culling from taking over NXT? What will it take for Briggs & Inamura to become contenders?

Ava talks with Ricky Saints.

And she asks him, “What were you thinking?” What was the point of him going after Ethan like that? Doesn’t he remember the talk they had about how she wasn’t going to let them keep running around, ruining her show? Ricky coughs, he still isn’t 100%. She still sees the bruising on his neck, he can’t talk, and we all know what Ethan is capable of. Please let Ava handle this, okay? Ricky is to go home, rest, and not come back again until he is medically cleared. Ricky seethes but he has no other choice. When and where will the revolution once again be televised?

Sarah Schreiber is at WWE Medical.

She wanted to get a word from Oba Femi after the attack by Jasper Troy, but he is still under examination. As of right now, the title match is still on, but it could be in jeopardy. A loud noise from off camera gets our attention, and it is Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors apologizing to Mr. Chase. They should not have messed with Dark State, a bad idea. They have no idea what they were thinking. Oh, now they see it? It took them getting their asses kicked again to see it? If they’re gonna do this again- Wait, so there’s a chance- Let him finish! If they’re to do this, they have to do it Mr. Chase’s way. The right way. Kale loves that! But what does it mean?

For starters, show up to class on time! Okay! Two: Follow the rules! Three: Follow the directions! Is that too much to ask? No, sir! They can do that! So they’re in? 100%! In there like swim wear. In that case, time to get back to class. Yes! Chase U~! With Kale & Uriah following Mr. Chase’s guidance, will this be the Summer of Chase U?

The Glamour has arrived in NXT!

Mariah May soaks in the tub and blows the bubbles. Time to get out, get dressed, and make the world fall in love! She’s beauty, she’s grace, and she will likely punch you in the face! The Glamour doesn’t just walk into the spotlight, she’s the reason it exists! She is the girl you’ve been waiting for! Introducing… Um, Miss? There she is! And she is… Blake Monroe!

Lash Legend VS Wren Sinclair!

The Bougie Bully is indeed bullying the locker room, and also claims she will be leading the title chase. But will she have to SKRRR and pump the brakes after facing #WrenQCC? Or will not even no quarter be enough to stop this future legend?

NXT returns as Wren makes her entrance, the NQCC by her side. But she assures Tavion Heights & Charlie Dempsey that she’ll be fine on her own. Tavion & Dempsey fist bump and let Wren go to the ring alone. But then Kelani Jordan surprises Lash by joining commentary. Lani says Lash stuck her nose in other people’s business, time for Lani to return the favor. The bell rings and Lash talks trash, but Wren waistlocks. Lash headlocks to THROW Wren away, then she talks more trash on Lani. But Wren is up to DROPKICK! Lash ends up in a corner, Wren LARIATS then ELBOWS Lash. But Lash lifts Wren, THROWS her away, then backdrops, only for Wren to sunset flip!

Lash waves her arms to stay up, but then Wren spins to trip Lash up! Wren SMACKS Lash’s arm out from under her, then has them both, CATTLE MUTILATION! Wren marches around to keep on the torque but Lash endures! Wren shifts to have the FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Lash powers up, scoops Wren, and then gut wrenches! Wren slips free, but Lash BOOTS her down! Wren sputters, Lani is disappointed, but Lash HAMMERS away on Wren against the ropes! Lash stops, glares at Lani, then drags Wren up. Lash SMACKS Wren off the mat, runs, and SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Wren stays in this but Lash wraps on a BEARHUG!

Lash squeezes tight but Wren endures! The fans rally for Wren but Lash thrashes her around! Wren CLUBS away on Lash, fires elbows, but Lash knees low! Wren goes toa  corner, Lash runs up, but Wren dodges! Lash hits buckles, comes back, but Wren ELBOWS her! And CHOPS her! And fires body shots! And DOUBLE CHOPS! Lash runs up, Wren dodges, and Wren tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Lash gest up, Wren jumps up, SATELLITE DDT! But Lash flounders out of the ring! Wren just goes to the apron and FLYING- NO, Lash stops the rana! Wren slips free to kick a leg out, and ENZIGIRI Lash down! The fans fire up as Wren pushes Lash in.

Wren climbs up a corner, Lani claims Wren is not a friend despite Lani wanting her to win. Wren CROSSBODIES, but Lash catches her! Lash swings Ren, LASH EXTENSION! Cover, Lash wins!

Winner: Lash Legend, by pinfall

Wren put up a fight, but Lash still stands tall! Will no one be able to stop Lash from becoming champion?

Lainey Reid speaks.

“Last week, I showed the WWE Universe their first dose of the Southern Sensation. And here I am thinking I had to wait for the sweetest moment to join this NXT Women’s Division, but no, no, no. I didn’t wait to become a rodeo champion. Or a former, record-breaking track athlete. I saw my opportunity and I took it. And when I see my opportunity here, I don’t mind kicking my Southern hospitality to the side. And sweetheart, don’t let my accent fool you. Jacy Jayne is still the most beatable champion in WWE history. And tonight, I’m gonna shock the world.” Will Reid rope ‘n’ ride to wrangle herself that NXT Women’s Championship?

Backstage interview with Jasper Troy.

Sarah brings up how he viciously attacked Oba Femi earlier tonight. Why did he risk putting the title match in jeopardy? Isn’t he worried Oba won’t be able to compete? Troy says that didn’t cost him anything, and he knows exactly what he’s doing. Oba may be hurting, but he’s a beast. And as long as Oba is still breathing, he will still go out there to defend the title. Troy is counting on it. These alpha males are still on their collision course, but will Troy go from the top of LFG to the top of NXT?

NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence VS Lainey Reid!

It took all of the Fatal Influence and then some to take this title off Stephanie Vaquer, so by that math, maybe the Southern Sensation is right. Could Jacy be nothing more than a paper champion? Or will it not matter when Jacy still has her friends by her side?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is really championship material!

The bell rings and the fans rally behind “LAINEY! LAINEY!” Jacy gets mad, runs up on Reid, but Reid rolls her up! TWO!! Jacy escapes and Reid says it was that close. Jacy runs up, Reid doges the boot to ROUNDHOUSE! And roll-up, high stack, TWO! Reid bumps Jacy off buckles, stomps and ROCKS Jacy, then brings her around. Reid bumps Jacy off buckles, then fires elbow after elbow. The ref counts, Reid whips, but Jacy reverses. Reid goes up and up to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jacy sputters and Reid pushes her around. Reid talks some trash, but Jacy blocks a punch to KNEE and LARIAT! Cover, TWO!

Jacy stomps away on Reid, then runs to SENTON! Jacy keeps moving, another SENTON! “And that’s why I’m the champ!” The fans boo because no it’s not. Jacy drags Reid up but Reid breaks free to ROCK Jacy! And ROLLING ELBOW! Jacy wobbles, Reid whips, and then Reid blows past Jacy, but Jacy SUPERKICKS! Reid flops against ropes, the fans rally, but Jacy CATAPULT GUILLOTINES her! Reid sputters, the Influence laughs at her, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Jacy soaks up the heat while she poses, then stalks Reid in the ring. Jacy bumps Reid off buckles, runs her side to side to bump off more buckles, then she fires hands! Jacy digs her boot in, steps off as the ref counts, but then CHOKES Reid on the ropes! The ref counts, Jacy YANKS the ropes to snap Reid back, and Jacy eggs Redi on. Jacy SLAPS Reid, talks more trash, then drags Reid up for a whip and ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Reid is still in this so Jacy drags her up to SLAP her again! And again! But Reid SLAPS back! Reid fires body shots, but Jacy KNEES low! Jacy snarls and she pushes Reid down with a neck wrench.

Reid endures and fights back to her feet. Jacy keeps the chinlock but Reid fires body shots. Reid then reels Jacy into a cradle, TWO! Jacy runs up but Reid BODY BLOWS! Reid kicks low, UPPERCUTS, then whips. Jacy reverses and NECKBREAKER DROPS! Cover, TWO! Reid stays in this but Jacy stays on her with a top mount and fast hands! Jacy stomps Reid, then paces around. Jacy soaks up more heat, ELBOWS her in the shoulder, then clamps on a chinlock. Reid endures, fights around, but Jacy cranks on the hold. It’s almost a Bully Choke but Reid keeps moving around. Reid stands, and she RAMS Jacy into the buckles!

Jacy holds on as NXT returns to single picture, and the fans rally as Reid RAMS Jacy in again !And again! Jacy THROWS Reid into the buckles, then CHOKES her again! The ref counts, Jacy stops at 4 and she soaks up more heat. Jacy runs up, but Reid dodges! DROPKICK! Jacy is down and the fans fire up! Jacy hobbles up but Reid RAMS her low! And kicks low, to then fire forearms! Reid whips, Jacy reverses, but Reid grabs ropes. Reid ELBOWS Jacy away, then takes a swing, but Jacy gets under to trip her! Jacy wants to guillotine again but Reid BOOTS Jacy away! Jacy snarls and comes back, she stomps the rope to hit Reid in the throat!

The fans boo but Fallon & Jazmyn mock Reid’s pain. Reid goes to a corner, Jacy runs in, and Jacy back body blocks! Jacy puts Reid up top, SLAPS her, then GAMANGIRIS! Jacy climbs up, brings Reid up, but Reid fires body shots! The fans rally, Reid fires forearms and HEADBUTTS! Jacy drops back and the fans fire up for Reid! Reid adjusts, leaps, and BLOCKBUSTERS! A rough landing for Reid, too, and the fans rally up! The standing count starts, both women stir at 3 of 10, and they rise up. Jacy fires a haymaker, Reid fires back! They go back and forth and the fans rally for Reid! Reid swats a shot to give a shot!

Reid kicks, UPPERCUTS, and then runs to RUN Jacy over! And she RUNS Jacy over again! Reid dodges to atomic drop! And RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! And ARM WRINGER! Jacy flounders to a corner, Reid runs in, UPPERCUT! Reid reels Jacy in for ANARCHY!! Cover, TWO!! Jacy survives that twister and Reid is shocked! Reid drags Jacy up, clinches again, but Jacy fights the lift! Jacy fires elbows, shoves free, then runs up, only for Reid to block a boot !Jacy dodges the lariat to run and RANA! Jacy runs up, Reid dodges a knee to GIVE A KNEE!! Cover, TWO!?!? Jacy survives and no one can believe it!

The fans fire up for Reid as she is getting closer! Reid waistlocks, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Reid goes up the corner, but Fallon distracts! Jacy HOTSHOTS Reid! Jacy spins for the ENCORE ELBOW!! Cover, Jacy wins!

Winner: Jacy Jayne, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)

But yes, put another huge asterisk on this one: Fallon had to distract Reid at just the right moment to help Jacy survive. But is this going to be the story of Jacy’s reign? Wait! From the perch, it’s Ava Raine! And she says that since the Influence took it upon themselves to decide who Jacy’s first challenger would be, Ava will now decide her next one. And because we have the most stacked and most talented Women’s Division in the world, Ava decided that next week, there will be four singles matches. The winners of those matches move on to a Fatal 4 Way on June 24. And the winner of that match will be the NEW #1 contender, facing Jacy for the title at EVOLUTION!

This huge move has Jacy shaking in her boots! And just look at the contenders lining up! Thea Hail, Lola Vice, Kelani Jordan, Jaida Parker, Lash Legend, Zaria, Izzi Dame, Jordynne Grace, and surely everyone else in the back. Who will make it through the mini-tournament to turn up the heat in Atlanta?

Briggs & Inamura talk backstage.

Inamura assures Briggs that they will get The Culling. Briggs says it doesn’t matter. Inamura came back just for Briggs, and he let this happen! Briggs is furious, and he shouts that they’re better than this! Inamura says he knows that. But then in step TNA’s First Class, AJ Francis & KC Navarro. The former Top Dolla says that survey says… Not really. But he will reintroduce himself, this is AJ Francis. And here is the Blessed One, KC Navarro. And together, they are First Class. But tough loss out there, big man. Don’t worry, the NXT Tag Team Championships will look much better on them real soon.

Inamura says he just realized. These two are really annoying! Francis says he was taking over this locker room before Inamura even thought about being a big star in NOAH. And now he’s back to do it again! But a guitar strum signals the entrance of Elijah! He introduces himself, and he says if not for First Class, the TNA World Championship would be back in TNA. So why not take this right now? He can introduce them to his guitar. KC says pardon me, Elijah, but they’re gonna go talk with THE TNA World Champion right now. KC ushers AJ away, but what will they have to say to the “Trick’N A” Champion?

Luca Crusifino is on the phone.

The Consigliere promises whoever is on the other side that he will “get it done.” Tony D’Angelo walks in and asks what that was about. Luca says nothing, just taking care of business. Oh, really? Yes, Luca will prove himself to Tony that he can be trusted. After you. Tony says no, after Luca. Luca walks in front, so that he can’t stab Tony in the back. But will there still be betrayal on the menu? Or can Luca really be trusted?

Tavion talks with Myles Borne backstage.

But then in step Wren and Charlie. Myles asks Wren what she called to talk to him about. Wren says Charles is still upset about the loss, but he does have something to tell Myles. Charlie says Wren did make a good point, and Charlie is a man of his word, so good luck out there. They shake hands, and Myles thanks Charlie for that. The NQCC did shape him into the man he is today, so he’ll never forget them. Charlie tells Myles to make them proud. Myles says of course he will. And then Je’Von Evans joins in and congratulates Myles. Je’Von and Tavion know Myles will be ready for anything. And tough loss for OG Charlie, but it’s all good, right?

Charlie says yeah, the NQCC is good. Tavion wants a shot, too. Wait, what? No, no, he’s not ready to face Charlie in the ring. Je’Von says daaayumn~! Charles, c’mon now! Why you holdin’ people down when you just let Myles go? Charlie asks why Je’Von is here when it’s not his business. They’ll stick with him, right? Tavion says yeah, but he was just thinking- Charlie says he knows what Tavion is thinking: the three of them are always and forever NQCC, they will rule NXT together! C’mon, let’s go. Wren says she’ll talk to him. Wren follows after Charlie, but is the beginning of the end for the crew?

Tony D’Angelo & Luca Crusifino VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont w/ Wes Lee!

NXT returns as The High Ryze make their entrance. The teams sort out and Luca starts against Igwe. They tie up, Luca waistlocks, but Igwe THROWS him off. Luca is back on Igwe going for a leg, but Igwe SMASHES Luca! Igwe whips, Luca ducks the boot, and then he ducks the lariat to JUMP KNEE! Luca brings Igwe over, Tony is hesitant, but Igwe THROWS Luca by his hair! Tag to Dupont, and Ty & Ty DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Dupont runs up, Luca avoids the stomp to roll him up, TWO! Dupont DECKS Luca, then runs up, only for Luca to dodge! Dupont hits buckles, Luca wrenches him and brings him over.

Tony holds his hand out, Luca tags him, but Tony doesn’t want to do a double team move. Luca lets Dupont go, and Tony throws hands. Tony whips Dupont, blows past and FLYING FOREARMS! Tony reels Dupont in, fires body shots for the hockey scrum, but Dupont RAMS Tony into the corner! Tony fights back but Igwe tags in! They mug Tony, Igwe stomps Tony down, then tells the ref to shut it. Wait, “breaking news” from Blake Monroe herself? She is going to officially sign her NXT contract next Tuesday! Igwe argues with the ref, then stands Tony up to talk trash. Tony pushes Igwe back, they throw hands, and Tony DECKS Igwe!

Tony goes to the D’Angelo corner but Wes distracts Luca! Tony shouts at Luca to pay attention, but then Igwe sucker punches Tony! Igwe RAMS Tony into the corner, tags Dupont, and Dupont runs in for the STINGER SPLASH! Tag back to Igwe, and Dupont feeds Tony to a KNEE! Igwe tags Dupont back in, they double whip, but Tony grabs ropes. Tony TOSSES Igwe, dodges Dupont, and he hot tags Luca! Luca rallies on Dupont & Igwe, ELBOW in the corner for Dupont, LARIAT for Igwe! The fans fire up, Dupont runs up, but Luca DUMPS him out! Igwe storms up, whips, but Luca goes up and out and slingshots to SHOULDER TACKLE!

The fans fire up for Luca and he tags Tony back in. Luca tells Tony to trust him, and Tony nods. Luca builds speed for Tony to TOSS out onto Igwe & Dupont! The fans fire up for the D’Angelo Family while NXT goes picture in picture.

Luca is feeling it but Tony still seems hesitant. Luca pushes Dupont into the ring for Tony and Tony drags Dupont up for the hockey scrum. Then the HALF HATCH! Dupont flounders, Tony is on him again, and Tony whips Dupont to the corner hard. Tony LARIATS, tags Luca, and they double whip Dupont to DOUBLE ELBOW! Igwe is up but Tony DECKS him! Tony turns around, Luca pushes him out of the way so that Dupont’s UPPERCUT hits Luca! Dupont stomps away on Luca, and there’s nothing Tony can do since Luca is legal. Dupont tags Igwe, they mug Luca, and Igwe hoists Luca up for the SNAKE EYES!

Luca sputters and flounders, Igwe covers, TWO! Luca survives but Igwe drags him back over. Tag to Dupont, and Dupont runs to SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Luca stays in this but Dupont pushes him around. Luca CHOPS back! Dupont BOOTS Luca down! Dupont pushes Luca down so he can ground ‘n’ pound! Tag to Igwe, and Igwe CHOPS! The mugging continues, then Dupont FULL NELSON SLAMS Luca! Igwe covers, TWO! Luca toughs it out but Igwe keeps him down with a chinlock. Luca endures as Igwe squeezes tight. Tony paces, the fans rally, and Luca fights up. NXT returns to single picture, and Igwe THROWS Luca down!

Igwe facelocks to keep Luca from Tony. The fans rally and Luca fires body shots. But Igwe scoops to SHOULDER BUSTER! Luca writhes, Igwe covers, TWO! Luca snarls but Igwe stays on him with forearms! Igwe talks trash, fires more shots, but Luca eggs him on! Luca then fires haymakers! Igwe hits low, then whips Luca to the corner. Igwe LARIATS then whips corner to corner for another LARIAT! Igwe scoops, Luca slips free, and then comes back with a CODE BREAKER! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Luca crawls, reaches out, hot tag to Tony! The Don rallies on Igwe & Dupont! BELLY2BELLY after BELLY2BELLY!

The fans fire up as Tony drags Igwe up and whips him to ropes, SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up more but WAIT! Stacks is here! Ton catches him first to HIP TOSS! Stacks wants mercy and he tries to run away, but Tony has him by the leg! But then Luca has the crowbar?!? Tony sees that, and he asks what that’s about! Luca says he was getting it out of the ring! Tony says he knew all along that Luca was a rat! But Igwe CLOBBERS Tony into Luca! Tag to Dupont, HIGH RYZE BOMB!! Cover, Igwe & Dupont win!

Winners: Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont, by pinfall

Stacks grins as he got one over on Tony again. Will the traitor continue to toy with Tony until The Don’s completely spiraled out of control?

Backstage interview with Trick Williams.

Sarah is with the TNA World Champion and congratulates him on successful title defenses, both last Tuesday against Mike Santana and last Friday at TNA Against All Odds against Elijah. But some are saying Trick only made it through last Tuesday thanks to First Class. Trick says there are haters who say he ain’t great, even when they know that he is. They try to say he doesn’t look good when they know he looks like money. What Trick is saying is, he doesn’t care what nobody has to say, including the “loud ‘n’ proud” Mike Santana! Santana made a promise to his daughter, but he really just lied to his daughter’s face!

And as for Elijah, he needs to get some guitar lessons! Then he needs to learn how to squabble because we all saw what happened to him on Friday! Now Elijah needs help, needs backup, he’s got Briggs & Inamura to come #WalkWithElijah. Well, that’s cool, cuz ever since Trick went Hollywood, Trick’s been riding in first class! That’s how we’ll do it! Six Man Tag: Inamura, Briggs & Elijah VS THE Trick Williams and “the light-skinned brothers outta First Class,” AJ Francis & KC Navarro, let’s talk about it! And as for Briggs & Inamura, since they wanna walk with Elijah so bad, they’ll all get dog-walked right outta NXT!

You already know what it is! #TrickyTwoBrands, and he makes it look easy! Sarah says AJ Francis just posted a tweet that he is excited for this match. Trick says let’s talk about it. Trick heads out, but will he and First Class still be riding in style? Or will Elijah, Briggs & Inamura humble them all together?

The Evolution Eliminator is set!

Next week, all four matches will happen! Kelani Jordan VS Lash Legend, Zaria VS Izzi Dame, Thea Hail VS Jaida Parker and Jordynne Grace VS Lola Vice! Who will win their way into the Fatal 4 Way to then head for the title?

NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Jasper Troy!

The night started with The Ruler being attacked by Troy, and now, despite the bruises and the rib tape, this night will end with The Ruler fighting Troy straight up! Will it take more than a sneak attack to tear down Oba Femi? Or will we all be saying LFG after this massive main event?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if these titans tear down the house!

The bell rings and the two throw hands! Oba gets the edge but Troy KNEES Low! And POWERSLAMS, to then SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Oba stays in this but Troy is right on him with more fists! Troy looms over Oba, a rarity in itself, and he drags Oba up. Troy scoops Oba but Oba slips free! Oba hobbles, but he manages to scoop and SLAM! Oba fights through the pain and the fans fire up! Troy stands, but Oba fires hands! Oba wrenches, RAMS, and wrenches again to RAM again! But Troy clamps on a choke grip! Oba breaks free to fire body shots and CHOPS! Oba ROCKS Troy, huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Troy just snarls.

Oba reels Troy in, but Troy suplexes! And stalls, to then SLAM Oba down! Oba bails out of the ring but Troy pursues! Troy goes to the apron, but Oba CHOPS him! Troy stays up!? Troy then LARIATS Oba on the floor! Troy puts Oba in the ring, whips him to a corner hard, and Oba falls in a heap! The fans go nuts as Troy whips Oba again, and the BUCKLE BREAKS AWAY! The fans lose their minds and Troy roars triumphantly while Oba is down! The ref checks on Oba while NXT goes picture in picture.

The ref calls in reinforcements to help with the buckle situation. Oba stands back up, and Troy KNEES Oba low! Troy scoops Oba to SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Oba toughs it out but Troy looms over him again. Troy clamps onto Oba’s arm but Oba resists the stretch, so Troy CLUBS him in the ribs! Troy has the GROUND COBRA TWIST, and he pulls on Oba’s arm! Troy also clamps his hand on the taped-up ribs, but Oba endures. Oba fights up, and he HIP TOSSES Troy away! The second rope is back in place, so Oba runs, only for Troy to CLOBBER him! Troy drags Oba to a cover, TWO! Troy can’t believe it, but the ref defends his count.

Troy stomps Oba right on the ribs, then steps on him! Troy drags Oba up, scoops, and he hits a BACKBREAKER! Oba writhes, Troy covers, TWO! Troy SPLASHES DOWN! Cover, TWO! Oba stay sin this but Troy SPLASHES again! Cover, TWO!! Oba refuses to give in so Troy hauls him up. Troy whips, Oba reverses, and NXT returns to single picture as Troy blocks the hip toss. Troy BODY BLOWS, then he scoops! Oba kicks and flails and makes it to the apron. Troy storms up but Oba avoids the shoulder ram! Oba CLUBS Troy, brings him out to the apron, and Oba fires forearms! But Troy ducks one, and he picks Oba up for an APRON BACK SUPLEX!!

Oba writhes and flounders into the ring, but Troy runs to SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO!! Oba survives and Troy is rather surprised. The fans rally as hard as they can, and Troy suplexes, only for Oba to block and suplex in return!! Oba roars and the fans are with him! Oba blocks a haymaker to fire forearms! And short arm LARIAT! Troy stays up but Oba LARIATS Troy down on the second try! Then Oba hits an EXPLODER!! The fans fire up as Oba reaches a new gear! Oba runs and UPPERCUTS, then goes corner to corner, only for Troy to follow! Troy SPLASHES Oba in the corner! Troy keeps moving, but Oba hits a SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!!

The fans rally while Oba is beside himself. Oba drags Troy up, HEADBUTTS him, but Troy HEADBUTTS back! They DOUBLE HEADBUTT, then DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE BOOT! Both men wobble, but Oba choke grips! Troy fights, the fans chant “MEAT! MEAT!” Troy POSTS Oba! Troy choke grips Oba now, for the MONSTROUS CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!!! Oba survives and the fans cheer on “NXT! NXT!” Troy hoists Oba up and lifts, but Oba makes it a CROSSBODY! Then he hurries to reel Troy in! But Troy BACKDROPS free! Oba rises?! Troy spins, but Oba ducks the discus lariat to SHOTPUT BOMB!!

Oba fires up and the fans are with him again! Oba waits on Troy, runs up, but into the BLACK HOLE SLAM!!! But Troy can’t make the cover! Both men are down and sputtering! Troy crawls to the cover, TWO!!!! The delay saves Oba but Troy hurries after him. Troy pushes Oba to a drop zone, and he goes up the corner! VADER BOMB onto knees! Troy scrambles away to the ropes, but Oba runs up, to LARIAT Troy and himself out of the ring! But Oba hurries to THROW Troy through the barriers!! The fans lose their minds again and Oba hurries to haul Troy from the wreckage! Oba puts Troy in the ring, powers up, and FALL FROM GRACE!!! Cover, TWO!?!??!?!

The ref says Troy just barely gets a shoulder up! That was maybe an inch at best, but up is up! So Oba whips Troy to pop him up again! FALL! FROM!! GRACE!!! Cover, OBA WINS!!!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)

Jasper Troy proved he is a monster, but Oba reminds us why he is The Ruler! But if Troy got this close on his first try, will he be unstoppable the second time around? As for Oba, who will be next to challenge him for the throne?

My Thoughts:

This was an awesome NXT to both follow Worlds Collide and set up for Evolution. Good promo with the Women’s Division in the locker room to help set up Lash VS Wren. That was a very good match, but Lash winning makes sense since she’s being built up with the rest of the division. Good promo from Lainey Reid, but a shame she already uses her title shot here. Jacy of course needs help to win, but I’m very glad to see we’re getting the title match for Evolution, just as I imagined last week. Not quite the big tournament I was picturing, but at least there’s this Fatal 4 Way play-in “Eliminator.” Great match-ups for all four parts, can’t wait to see who gets to face Jacy.

Mariah May also had a fun little vignette promo to help introduce her WWE name. “Blake Monroe” is not at all what I expected, it could’ve probably been Mariah Monroe to keep the initials, but a reference to Marilyn Monroe and possibly Blake Lively works for how Mariah had the Hollywood starlet gimmick alongside Toni Storm in AEW. Mariah might build up a more organic way rather than just jump into the top title scene. She can beat a few midcarders, challenge for the Women’s North American Championship, reference some of her history while feuding with best buds, ZaRuca, and build her résumé by grabbing up both women’s titles in NXT.

Good promo from Myles with NQCC to make his leaving the faction official, and good bit from Je’Von joining in. Dempsey is either going to lose his entire faction, or come around to the idea that Tavion can do his own thing while still being on the team. I’m leaning more towards the former. Also, where’s Noam Dar been? Meta Four breaks up, he gets the Heritage Cup back, and while Jakara and Oro have been released, Lash is the one getting attention. Which is great for her but makes me wonder if they had any plans for Dar beyond winning the cup back. Hopefully this Summer helps get the Heritage Cup Division going again, perhaps bringing in international stars from AAA to liven things up.

Great North American Championship match, but I figured Ethan would win. Legacy looked awesome even in defeat, but this of course gave an opening for Ricky Saints to return. But they still kept the “throat injury” to a realistic timeline so this probably helps push Ethan VS Ricky to NXT Great American Bash in Atlanta. And at this point, maybe it should be No Disqualifications because these two have already gone wild and need to get wilder to top it. Very good stuff in the D’Angelo story, but I figured Stacks would make Tony think Luca was on his side just to screw him over. Good win for High Ryze and surely Tony VS Stacks 2 will be set for Great American Bash.

Very good stuff with The Culling, and with Izzi pointing out her evidence, this shows they aren’t releasing Brooks Jensen but perhaps turning him back to Face as an ally to Briggs & Inamura. We got a very good match out of Culling VS Briggs & Inamura, but as such, it makes sense for The Culling to win. Very good promo segment to set up a great crossover Six Man Tag, and I just knew we’d get a team-up of Trick & First Class at some point. Good promo from Chase U, and while it wasn’t a classic Mr. Chase rant, he did get stern with Uriah & Kale and they’re going to listen to him. Here’s hoping we get a montage of him training them both in mind and body.

And of course, great stuff with Oba and Troy. Troy attacking Oba at the start of the show was certainly a wild way to add to the main event. Oba fights from behind because of the “bad ribs,” and then with Troy himself just being a massive powerhouse, and obviously those spots of breaking one of the buckles and toppling the barriers, this got the fans fired up in a way I don’t think we’ve gotten on NXT weekly TV in a long time. Oba retaining though at a disadvantage was probably the right call. Troy is great, but it’d be a lot to push the inaugural LFG winner right to the top. Perhaps Oba’s reign continues through to Great American Bash, and if he were to lose then, he could make his callup with SummerSlam and get right into a midcard title story.

My Score: 8.9/10