WHOOP DAT  TRICK!

As it stands, Oba Femi defends the NXT Championship in a Triple Threat on Vengeance Day. But can Trick Williams prove A-Town Down Under isn’t worthy?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Stephanie Vaquer VS Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence; Vaquer wins.
• Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland; Ridge wins.
• Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley VS Sol Ruca & ZARIA; Sol & Zaria win.
• Kelani Jordan VS Karmen Petrovic; Karmen wins, by disqualification.
• Oba Femi & Trick Williams VS A-Town Down Under; ATDU wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Stephanie Vaquer VS Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence!

La Primera had to wait a little longer, but she’ll get her title match at Vengeance Day! But will the Dark Angel be rolling into DC? Or can the Toxic Rockstar slow her down for Fallon’s sake?

The bell rings and the fans all cheer on “STEPHANIE! STEPHANIE!” Jacy is annoyed, but she and Vaquer tie up. Jacy pulls hair to bring Vaquer to a corner, but Vaquer turns things around on her! The ref counts, Vaquer lets off, and Jacy gets attitude. They tie up, Vaquer waistlocks and SLAMS Jacy down, then rolls her to a cover, TWO! Vaquer clamps on a chinlock, traps Jacy’s arm, but Jacy fights up. Jayc pulls hair, then she CLUBS Vaquer on the neck. The fans boo but Jacy bumps Vaquer off buckles. Jacy bumps Vaquer off buckles again, then stomps a mudhole in! The fans boo but Jacy digs her boot in.

The ref counts, then backs Jacy off Vaquer. Jacy runs in, but Vaquer catches her! Half nelson and a snapmare into buckles! Vaquer then DROPKICKS Jacy down! The fans fire up and Vaquer whips Jacy, but Jacy sunset flips! Vaquer stays up, scrapes her soles off Jacy’s face, then drops a leg, brother! Cover, ONE!! Jacy snarls but Vaquer bumps her off buckles. Vaquer hits all three levels, then she digs her boots in. Vaquer scrubs Jacy’s face, the fans rally, but Fallon & Jazmyn complain. The ref counts, Vaquer steps off, but Vaquer drags Jacy up. Vaquer scoops,  but Jacy slips free and throws Vaquer down by her hair!

The fans boo but Jacy KICKS and basement SUPERKICKS! Jacy says Vaquer will respect her, then runs up, but Vaquer avoids the senton! The fans cheer and Vaquer grins. Vaquer wraps Jacy up in the headscissors for the DRILLER! Vaquer gives Jacy five, then kicks her out of the ring! The fans fire up and Vaquer goes out to fetch Jacy. Vaquer HEADBUTTS Jacy, bumps her off buckles, then puts her in the ring. But then Jazmyn distracts the ref so Fallon can get in Vaquer’s face! Vaquer backs Fallon off, but Jacy lurks on the apron! PENALTY KICK! Jacy and the Influence talk trash while NXT goes picture in picture.

Fallon mocks the “STEPHANIE!” chant by clapping along, then Jacy fetches Vaquer into the ring. Jacy storms up on Vaquer, whips her corner to corner, then runs up to back body block! Jacy whips the other way, and Vaquer hits buckles hard! Jacy runs in, CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Jacy is frustrated, but she soaks up the heat as she stands over Vaquer. Jacy drags Vaquer up, CHOPS her, then scoops her, only for Vaquer to slip free! Vaquer fires forearms, thenw hips Jacy, only for Jacy to reverse. Vaquer ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Jacy CLOBBERS her! Jacy snarls, then she rains down fists! Jacy lets off to talk trash, then goes back to Vaquer.

Jacy sits Vaquer up to KNEE her in the back again and again! Jacy then clamps on a chinlock and grinds Vaquer down. Vaquer endures, fights up, but Jacy wrangles her into body scissors! Vaquer fights back up, pries at the hold, and NXT returns to single picture. The fans continue to rally for Stephanie, but Jacy knees her low! Jacy swings, but Vaquer blocks to CHOP! And CHOP! And then Vaquer knuckle locks, CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Vaqeur goes up, up, jumps around, but Jacy shoves her! Jacy SLAPS Vaquer, then GAMANGIRIS! Jacy goes up, but Vaquer fires body shots! Vaquer slips under, tucks Jacy in, CHEEKY NANDOS!

Vaquer then turns Jacy around, climbs up after her, and brings Jacy up for a SUPERPLEX! The fans fire up while both women writhe! Jacy crawls away, but then she and Vaquer stare down. Jacy fires a forearm, Vaquer returns fire! They go back and forth, Jacy mule kicks, and then Jacy soaks up more heat. But Vaquer JAWBREAKERS! Jacy blocks a superkick to SUPERKICK, then she shrieks! CANNONBALL only gets buckles! EAT DA FEET! Jacy falls into a corner, Vaquer hits as METEORA! Vaquer reels Jacy in for a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Vaquer smirks at Fallon. Vaquer brings Jacy up, tucks her in, but Jacy fights free!

Jacy swings, but into a backslide! TWO, and Jacy KNEES Vaquer down! Cover, TWO!! Vaquer survives and Jacy is shocked! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Jacy aims at Vaquer. Jacy runs up, but Vaquer ducks the lariat to wrench Jacy and DDT! Jacy staggers into a victory roll, TWO!! Jacy survives, but Vaquer drags her right up! Vaquer whips, Jacy reverses to ROCK Vaquer, then she whips, But Now Vaquer reverses, drop toeholds, and 619!! Jacy staggers around, the fans fire up, and Vaquer springboards, CROSSBODY! Cover, JAZMYN jumps in, but Vaquer dodges! Jazmyn CLOBBERS Jacy!!

Jazmyn panics, the ref reprimands, but Vaquer says hold on. Vaquer HEADBUTTS Jazmyn down! Vaquer then SUPERKICKS Jacy, reels her in, and S V B!! Cover, Vaquer wins!

Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall

Vaquer had the ref keep this going so that she could finish it off! Will the same happen to the Toxic Cowgirl when she finally faces the music? Or will she find a way to survive La Primera?

The Meta Girls arrive.

And as they walk into the locker room, Sol Ruca & Zaria both clap for them. That was one hell of a main event last week in Atlanta. But… Lash & Jakara came up short. Again! And then Lash came up short in the Women’s Royal Rumble! Honestly, they’re not surprised. Lash is trying to figure out who the hell Zaria even is, but Sol tries to keep the peace by saying Zaria didn’t mean it that way. Zaria says no, she absolutely meant it that way. Lash didn’t eliminate anyone, and yet it’s Lash & Jakara who had the opportunity to bring the Women’s Tag Team Championships to NXT. And then they dropped the ball.

Sol tries to signal for Zaria to stop but Lash says Zaria sure has a lot to say for someone who was just sitting at home watching TV. But then Tatum Paxley, Gigi Dolin & Shotzi Blackheart step in. Tatum knows Zaria hasn’t been here very long, but it is easier said than done to defeat Bianca Belair & Naomi. Maybe for Tatum and her little friends, but not for Zaria & Sol. Gigi says at least Lash & Jakara stepped up. They’re still waiting for Zaria. Then keep on talking! Sol ushers Zaria away, and Jakara tells Gigi’s team that they can handle their beef, then Meta Girls get winners. Will Gigi & Tatum make Zaria understand what it is to be NXT? Or will NXT learn what it is to be the Agent of Change?

Backstage interview with Oba Femi.

Sarah Schreiber is with the NXT Champion, and brings up last week’s bombshell that he defend the title in a Triple Threat at Vengeance Day, against both Grayson Waller & Austin Theory of A-Town Down Under. But tonight, he faces both men in a tag team match. Oba says Ava may run things here in NXT, but what she doesn’t know is that Oba runs everything that happens in the ring. So tonight, Oba will show Waller & Theory that they don’t belong in the ring with him. Sarah adds that after last week’s powerbomb on Trick Williams, does he owe Trick by being a better partner to him tonight?

Oba doesn’t owe Trick anything. And as far as tonight, he’ll see Trick out there. The Ruler is ready to rumble, but will he and Trick hold it together? Or will they suffer from the Grayson Waller Effect?

Lexis King is in the ring.

The fans are torn seeing the NXT Heritage Cup and his trophy, and Lexis has the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, and Inte-Lex-uals… Your King has been crowned the NXT Heritage Cup Champion. Y’know, I wanted to come out here, I wanted to be humble. But how can I be humble when I’m on a path to being the biggest star in the history of professional wrestling? I couldn’t do it alone, though, we’ve got a lot of legends back there. They’ve got that LFG show going. But one in particular, William Regal, he reached out to me. He tried to show me the light, he tried to show me who I truly am.

“We’ve got other names, too. Poor Ryan Leaf. Ryan Leaf, probably one of the biggest busts in the history of the NFL, came here to NXT to give me advice? It doesn’t work like that, brother, because The King doesn’t take advice. And I’ve never done well with authority. No, no, the King has always played to the beat of is own drum, The King has always played by his own rules. Because WHY WOULDN’T I? LOOK AT ME! I’ve got the looks that kill and the pedigree that will! Yeah. That’s right. What’d you people think? You thought I was just gonna transform? That I was just gonna change it up on you and become some law-abiding, submissive beta?

“No. Because The King’s blood doesn’t run with that of a normie. No, no, no. See, I was born into this business a second generation talent, the son of a psycho! But I never asked for this. No. In fact, I tried everything I could to be anything but my father. I didn’t even know him. I didn’t know who he was. But I know one thing: It’s that he was a Loose Cannon and he would do anything to win! And it’s such a shame, because he had so much potential. But he just never quite reached that potential. And yet through all that, through all the smoke and mirrors and the advice of all the legends, I found myself truly at my best when I was just that: My father’s son.

“Because that’s what I am! And you guys wanted me to change, huh? You wanted me to be something that I’m not?! Well, I didn’t, and I never will, because I’m standing here your NXT Heritage Cup Champion! Because I stay true to who I am!” Fans are torn, one person has been booing this whole time without stopping, and King says the truth is, this championship, his “Sweet Queen,” has been mistreated for far too long. And he knows he’ll offend some of the purists out there, but for his first proclamation as NXT Heritage Cup Champion, he is going to change the way that this title is defended! Gone are the days of the meaningless rounds! Gone are the days of the ill-advised cornermen.

And the egregious time limits! No no no! From this day forward, the Heritage Cup will be one fall, winner take all. Because this is my- FANDANGO!? The fans are going nuts seeing the return of the WWE’s Lord of the Dance, and King has no idea who this is! But Fandango says, “Let me reintroduce myself. Y’see, I used to get real weird here in NXT. And that music right there, it means the world to me, thank you, guys.” The fans cheer and chant, “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” King wants things to slow down. He knows who this is now! It’s coming to him! He used to run around playing dress up with Tyler Breeze!

They were firefighters, policemen, but man, this isn’t the YMCA, this is NXT! The fans chant for Lexis to shut up, and Dango says that’s very witty for a guy whose face was spraypainted on this morning. No, it was a brush, not a sprayer… Well, call him #JDC, and he is here representing The System of TNA. And The System is always looking for a bit of gold to add to the trophy case. And well, JDC wouldn’t mind wrapping his lips around this cup and having a drink. And JDC knows that King knows that NXT and TNA now have a working relationship. What King doesn’t know is that JDC just spoke with Ava, and next week, for this Heritage Cup, it will be King VS JDC!

The fans like the sound of that! Oh, so JDC wants a sip from the cup? A taste of greatness? Well, while King appreciates what JDC is doing for TNA and The System, there’s a system over here. And as far as King knows, this is just “FAWN-DON-GO~!” So yeah, fine, they’ll have a match for this cup, and they will dance! King is ready to put the cup on the line, but will he be singing the blues as JDC dances the night away with his Sweet Queen?

The D’Angelo Family watches a clip from CW’s Wild Cards.

Tony D guest stars as the character, “Jaws,” and they loved his performance, they can’t wait to watch the whole episode. Luca says “Gammy Crusifino” is excited. Tony says Gammy loves Tony, Tony loves Gammy. Stacks says just look at Tony, The Hollywood Don! Big TV star now. Guess this is what he and Izzi were talking about weeks ago, right? Tony is taken aback but Stacks sarcastically says no, it’s fine, they could’ve done the red carpet but it wasn’t in the budget. Tony asks what’s the matter with Stacks but Stacks says he’s just bustin’ balls. Then how about Stacks busts Ridge tonight? Stacks says yeah, he’s got this.

The Family heads to gorilla, will The Underboss handle Ridge The Fridge? Or will Stacks crumble when faced with Yorkshire Grit?

Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland!

NXT returns as Ridge makes his entrance to the ring, only for Stacks to SHOTGUN him down! The ref has the bell ring, Stacks fires off with body shots and haymakers, then whips. Ridge reverses but Stacks ELBOWS back! Stacks slips under to UPPERCUT Ridge, then he whips. Ridge reverses to clinch and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Stacks flounders, and we see Shawn Spears, Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance are enjoying this from up in the perch. Ridge hauls Stacks up to suplex, but Stacks knees free! Stacks fires body shots and haymakers, then ducks a lariat to ENZIGIRI! Ridge tumbles out, Stacks triangle jumps to DROPKICK him down!

The fans fire up as Stacks builds speed, but Ridge avoids the baseball slide to RAM Stacks into steel steps! Stacks slumps down, Ridge puts him back in the ring, and Ridge BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Ridge looms over Stacks, whips him to a corner, and Stacks hits buckles hard! Stacks falls, Ridge soaks up the heat, but Spears’ squad enjoys this more. Ridge storms up but Stacks drop toeholds him onto ropes! Ridge sputters, Stacks SUPERKICKS, and Ridge staggers! But then Ridge scowls and BOOTS in return! Ridge brings Stacks up and tells Tony to look at his guy! Ridge tells Stacks he’s nothing but a lackey!

Stacks SLAPS Ridge! And JAWBREAKERS! Stacks fires haymakers, then whips, but Ridge reverses. Stacks LARIATS Ridge down! Stacks hurries after Ridge but Ridge kicks low! Ridge puts Stack son the apron, Stacks BOOTS back, and then SLINGSHOT CODE BREAKERS! Both men are down, Tony coaches Stacks, and Stacks goes up a corner. Stacks aims to AX- NO, Ridge catches him, HEABUTTS him, and DEADBOLT SUPLEXES him! Ridge snarls, storms up, but Stacks BOOTS Ridge! Stacks goes up, but Ridge SHOVES Stacks down! Luca checks Stacks, Ridge SHOVES Luca now! Ridge storms into the ring, but Luca gets on the apron!

The ref stops Luca, Ridge hauls Stacks up, and Izzi slips into the ring?! Where’d she even come from? Ridge stares her down to stop her in her tracks! The ref tells Izzi she’s gotta leave, so Izzi does. Stacks rolls Ridge up! TWO!! Ridge escapes, Stacks dodges a lariat, but not the COMEBACKER! Ridge hauls Stacks up, reels him in, REDEEMER DDT!! Cover, Ridge wins!

Winner: Ridge Holland, by pinfall

Izzi feels awful as her help only hurts Stacks! But Tony doesn’t seem to like how she felt her help was needed. Just what is Izzi after?

Fraxiom talks in the locker room.

Nathan Frazer & Axiom are having fun, but Axiom does want Frazer to focus. Next week, TNA, it’s them against the Nemeth Brothers. Frazer knows, but then in step Briggs & Inamura. Briggs will hand it to them, they’ve been having great title matches wherever they go, from NXT to TNA and beyond. But they’re also smart. Smart enough to know that if they fought Briggs & Inamura, it’d just be a one-sided and brutal ass kicking. Case in point, OTM. Where are they? Haven’t been here since Briggs & Inamura beat their asses. You’re welcome, by the way, since you’ve been dodging Briggs & Inamura.

Axiom says they’re not dodging anyone. They literally defend the titles next week. And for men of action, Frazer’s only ever heard them talk. So while Fraxiom faces the Nemeth Brothers, maybe Briggs & Inamura should find opponents of their own. Prove they deserve a title shot, and then and only then, will they talk. Fraxiom heads out, and Briggs assures Inamura, he’s got this. Who will the Bullhead Brawler find for him and Great Rush Inamura to fight?

Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley VS Sol Ruca & ZARIA!

Well, speaking of a fight, these duos weren’t looking for one before the show started, but they ended up finding one anyway! Will the outcasts find themselves at the center of the tag title chase? Or can the Sol Surfer & Agent of Change actually look like a team?

NXT returns as Gigi & Tatum make their entrance, Shotzi by their side. The teams sort out and Tatum starts against Sol. They tie up, Sol waistlocks, but Tatum fights the slam. Tatum sits down, flips up and over Sol, then facelocks. Sol backdrops, Tatum sunset flips, but Sol rolls through and slides into a headlocks. Tatum fights up, powers out, then goes Matrix! But then Sol leaps over and the fans cheer the standoff. Sol and Tatum reset, Tatum goes for a leg but Sol facelocks again. Tatum wrenches but Sol blocks the whip. Sol lifts and spins Tatum, but Gigi tags in before the SLAM! Sol stands on Tatum to hang ten, but Gigi shoves her off.

Zaria tags in and she runs up. Gigi slips around but Zaria fights the crucifix takedown! Gigi shifts to sunset flip, but Zaria stays up! Zaria drags Gigi up with hands, but then Gigi SLAPS her! Gigi eggs Zaria on, and Zaria SLAPS Gigi down! The fans fire up and Zaria drags Gigi up to tag Sol. Zaria feeds Gigi to Sol’s lift, and Zaria goes up the corner. Sol tags Zaria back in, but Gigi RANAS Sol away! The ref says the tag didn’t count? Gigi runs to DROPKICK Sol against the ropes! Tag to Tatum, Gigi YANKS Sol back and Tatum JUMPING ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Tatum mounts Sol, then turns her over into the “Spider Insider (Inside Her?)” stretch!

The ref makes sure that’s not a choke, but Sol fights her way out to ROCK Tatum! Tatum ROCKS Sol, Sol ROCKS Tatum! Tatum staggers up, Sol runs up, but Tatum wrenches her to BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Tag to Gigi, and Tatum BLASTS Zaria while Gigi goes up, up, and SUNSET SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Sol stays in this, Gigi sends Tatum in, but Sol goes up and over! Gigi ROUNDHOUSES Sol, grabs the legs, but Sol BOOTS Gigi away! Then Sol reaches up to RANA Gigi! Hot tag to Zaria! Zaria CLOBBERS Tatum, CLOBBERS Gigi, and then BOOTS Tatum! HEADBUTT for Gigi, then Zaria gets around Tatum to GERMAN SUPLEX!

The fans fire up with Zaria and she runs at Gigi! Zaria ducks ‘n’ dodges to SPEAR! Cover, Tatum breaks it! Sol drags Tatum to a fireman’s carry, Zaria does the same with Gigi. But Gigi & Tatum slip free to shove Zaria & Sol into each other! Then STEREO ENZIGIRI! Sol falls, Gigi & Tatum double whip Zaria. Zaria returns to LARIAT, but she only gets Gigi! Tag to Sol, Tatum LEAPS, but Saria catches her! F5 onto Gigi! Gigi sputters, Sol goes up, up, SOL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol & Zaria win!!

Winners: Sol Ruca & Zaria, by pinfall

The waves were choppy, but Sol & Zaria rode it out and came out on top! Will they be able to do this again when facing Lash & Jakara? Or will the Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson slam on the brakes?

Bayley is headed to gorilla.

The Role Model is here in NXT, ready for tonight’s Vengeance Day Summit. But we also see Inamura talking with Myles Borne & Tavion Heights. Did Inamura just secure a team for him and Briggs to face for next week?

Backstage interview with Trick Williams.

Sarah is now with the former NXT Champion and brings up the team-up with Oba Femi against A-Town Down Under. Have Oba and Trick had a chance to talk since last week? Trick says no, he hasn’t seen Oba all day. But that’s fine, they don’t need to talk no game plans or strategy. The plan is simple: Trick shows Ava that he’s the one deserving of the match with Oba. Not Waller, not Theory. In fact, Trick is sick and tired of those two snaking their way into stuff, so tonight, Trick drops both their b*tch asses! And as for Oba, his receipt’s coming, too. Trick heads out, will he be whooping everybody tonight?

And then, on the monitor behind Sarah, the mysterious test screen with “VENGEANCE DAY” on it appears. Could whoever this is be after someone in tonight’s main event?

Bayley heads to the ring!

The fans fire up as the Role Model once again returns to NXT! Bayley high-fives fans then struts into the ring to grab a mic. But before she can say anything, Roxanne Perez makes her entrance. Roxie is feeling good since she set the record for “Ironwoman” in the Women’s Rumble, and she grabs a mic to tell Mike Rome to hold on one second. Roxie just wants to talk about her great performance on Saturday! One hour, seven minutes, and 47 seconds. That’s right! She broke the record for longest time spent in Rumble history, meaning she broke Bayley’s record! Giulia can wait because right now, this is about her and Bayley.

Bayley says back that Roxie’s going to make Giulia, but Roxie didn’t even win the match! Well, sure, but who did Roxie eliminate? Giulia! But Roxie wants to talk Bayley. Bayley came back to NXT to “mentor Roxie,” but Roxie knows Bayley’s really here just to win the NXT Women’s Championship. Bayley was tired of getting her ass kicked on SmackDown so she hopped to Raw, but it still isn’t clicking, right? So what’d she do? She came to Roxie’s brand and is trying to be the top of the BEST Women’s Division in wrestling. Roxie gets it, though. After the Rumble, Roxie feels it, too. Roxie wants more! Roxie wants ALL of the titles!

Younger Roxie dreamed of this moment, and Roxie is making it happen. 13-year-old Roxie would be freaking out sharing the ring with her Role Model. But now, Roxie realized that her heroes were just standing in her way so that she can’t surpass them. So the vision is clear now: Roxie will win back the NXT Women’s Championship, then she’ll go on to Raw to- Bayley tells Roxie to just shut up! The fans cheer, and Bayley says Roxie still doesn’t get it. Some day, Bayley sure hopes Roxie will surpass her. Bayley hopes Roxie does 10 times more than Bayley ever did! Because that is what this is all about!

Does Roxie not get that? Is Roxie so blind and entitled that she doesn’t realize that here, in this building, Bayley built her first ring with her own bare hands? The fans cheer that! Bayley points that right there, that was promo class and Dusty Rhodes taught Bayley how to hold the mic! Roxie has no respect for that. Bayley stops Roxie from talking to say she isn’t done yet. When Roxie lost the title, she lost her mind. When Bayley lost, she kept pushing forward. That is why next Monday on Raw, when she has her qualifying match, Bayley will win and go on to Elimination Chamber to then go on to WrestleMania!

Roxie rolls her eyes but the fans cheer Bayley. Bayley says Roxie is just losing herself. And in the process of her hissy fit, she might just lose her best friend, too. So when it comes to Bayley and the NXT Women’s Championship, if Bayley doesn’t win, she’ll be just fine. Will Roxie be? The fans chant “NO! NO!” But Roxie says Bayley doesn’t get it. When it comes to that title, Roxie has no friends. Roxie has no mentors, and right now in the WWE, Roxie has no equal. So uh, Bayley can talk all she wants, but at Vengeance Day, Roxie wins back that title! Then she’ll win the title on Raw, and maybe even win the title on SmackDown!

And IF Roxie decides to vacate the NXT title, then maybe Cora can finally win it. Bayley sighs, but here comes Giulia! The Beautiful Madness has waited long enough, and she has a mic as she joins Bayley and Roxie in the ring. Giulia stares Roxie down, then tells her ENOUGH! Roxie, you are nothing without a title! And Bayley, trust Giulia when she says she’ll beat you, too. At Vengeance Day, one of them will survive the Beautiful Madness. WAIT, here comes Charlotte! The Queen said she’d show up looking for “inspiration,” and she keeps her word! The 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble winner struts to the ring, and Orlando is as torn as Cleveland was about it.

The chants of “Welcome Back!” duel with “NO!” but Charlotte tells NXT that “Mama has come home! Yes, Your Queen has arrived! Y’know why? Because I am NXT homegrown! And NXT will always be my home. So wait, wait, wait, guys, do you remember the last time I won the Women’s Rumble? And I selected the NXT Women’s Champion to face at WrestleMania? And I became the TWO-TIME NXT Women’s’ Champion?” Fans do remember, but maybe they didn’t like that. Charlotte tells Roxie, 1:07:47, DAMN that is impressive. Roxie is the Ironwoman, and Charlotte is proud of her. But here’s the thing, if Roxie is champion come WrestleMania, she’ll just be runner-up again.

Charlotte tells Giulia the “champ,” the hype is real! Charlotte respects Giulia, she wants to be in the ring to shake her hand because she is the champion of the GREATEST Women’s Division int he world! But guess what? Charlotte’s better~! The fans definitely boo that. Charlotte says hold on, she’s not done. Bayley, this is a moment for everyone to join in. Giulia can just ask Bayley how when Charlotte goes for a championship, she wins it. WOO~! The Queen has made her statement, but then CORA JADE attacks! She SMACKS Bayley with the kendo stick, SMACKS Giulia with it, and then SMACKS Bayley again! And she SMACKS Giulia again!

Roxie has Cora hold on. They’re friends, right? NOPE! Cora takes a swing so Roxie goes running! Cora heard Roxie say that there aren’t friends when it comes to this title, so Cora holds up the NXT Women’s Championship to say that’s going to be hers! She SMACKS Bayley again for good measure, will this inspire Charlotte’s decision?

Ava Raine moderates a face-to-face between Ethan Page and Je’Von Evans.

The NXT General Manager, and a few security guards, stand between All Ego and Young OG as she reminds them that this is just to talk. Ethan says don’t worry, he will personally be on his best behavior. And the only reason he hasn’t cracked Je’Von in the jaw already is that Ethan made a promise to the Final Boss. Ava has Je’Von understand that last week was the second time he stormed out to the ring, fought with security and with Ethan, even though he’s not even cleared to be here. Ava is left with no choice but to suspend Je’Von. What? But Ethan is the one who started this! Ethan has “Boss” Ava hear him out. Je’Von shouldn’t be suspended, but he should be punished.

And Je’Von can be punished by being in a match… with Ethan. Je’Von says #SayLess! Ava says alright, fine. They can have the match, only if Je’Von gets medically cleared. Je’Von says bet! Ethan says he hopes it happens. Ava says they’re lucky she’s even considering this, and they should go. Security ushers Ethan out in one direction and Je’Von the other. Will the Young OG return to 100% so that he can have vengeance on Ethan?

Josh Briggs talks with Hank ‘n’ Tank.

Briggs tells them about needing a team to face next week, and Tank says Big Briggs & Big Yoshiki VS the Big Belly Boys, that’s a match. They shake hands on it, but what about the talk Inamura had with Myles & Heights? The camera follows Hank ‘n’ Tank, but then spots The D’Angelos and Izzi talking. Stacks is frustrated, but then he gets mad as Ridge steps up! Tony has everyone calm down, and Ridge tells Tony that judging by the look on The Don’s face, they both know that if Ridge gets a true 1v1, Ridge can take that North American Championship. Tony says they had that two weeks ago, but Ridge says that was a joke!

And Tony’s new little friend, Izzi, cost him that match. Tony says Izzi’s not his friend. Ridge says there are people watching Tony’s every move, and Ridge doesn’t trust any of them. Izzi says why not settle it in a Steel Cage match. Ridge likes the sound of that. Tony says fine, Steel Cage it is. But he doesn’t need his family to beat Ridge. Ridge chuckles then heads out. Why does it feel like this is a trap? And even if it’s not, will Tony make it out of that cage in one piece?

Kelani Jordan VS Karmen Petrovic w/ Ashante THEE Adonis!

The Standout has been feeling stepped over and pushed aside, and she won’t stand for it any longer! Will NXT find that no one does bad attitude like Lani? Or will the karate girl kick Kelani’s sass?

NXT returns as Karmen makes her entrance, Ashante THEE Adonis by her side. The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, Kelani shoves Karmen away, and the fans rally up. The two tie up again, go around, and end up on ropes. The ref counts, the two break, and then go again. Kelani slips around to full nelson, then she snapmares Karmen to basement DROPKICK! Cover, ONE! Kelani headlocks, but Karmen powers up and out, only for Kelani to run her over! Karmen goes to a corner, the fans rally, and Adonis offers water. Karmen says no thanks, but Kelani says Karmen and Ashante aren’t a real couple!

Karmen rushes up, Kelani dodges, but Karmen KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Karmen stomps away on Kelani in the corner, then lets off at 4. Karmen SWEEPS the legs, then runs to SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! Karmen clamps onto Kelani with a cording hold, and the fans rally as Kelani fights up. Kelani puts Karmen in the corner, then RAMS her! And RAMS her again! The ref counts, Kelani lets off, and Kelani whips corner to corner. Karmen goes up to SOBAT Kelani, then she BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! Karmen clamps onto Kelani’s arm again, and the fans rally up. Kelani fights up, wrenches, but Karmen ducks the kick, only for the CALF KICK to hit!

The fans rally as Karmen goes to ropes. Kelani runs up, slingshot arm-drags, then she SHOTGUNS Karmen to the corner. Kelani runs in, but Karmen slips to the outside. Kelani blocks the punch to BOOT Karmen down! Karmen tumbles to the floor, Kelani takes aim, but Ashante shoves Karmen out of the way to take the PLANCHA! Kelani is upset, but then wait! Here comes Jaida Parker! Jaida says she hasn’t forgotten about Kelani, but then Kelani turns around into the DIVE from Karmen! Karmen drags Kelani up and into the ring, then storms up to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Kelani survives, Jaida says that was close, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Karmen trades forearms with Kelani! Karmen SOBATS, whips, but Kelani LARIATS! Kelani fires a flurry on Karmen, CHOPS then whips, CARTWHEEL BACK ELBOW! Jaida is on commentary and asks what even was that. Kelani kips up, then kicks Karmen to bring her in, X-FACTOR! Cover, TWO! Karmen stays in this and Jaida is amused as Kelani fireman’s carries Karmen. Karmen slips free, shoves Kelani at a corner, but Kelani elbows Karmen away! Kelani runs up, Karmen blocks the kick, and she ducks the enzigiri! Kelani runs up, Karmen dodges, and Karmen hits forearm after forearm! DISCUS LARIAT!

The fans fire up and Karmen scowls as she brings Kelani up. Karmen KICKS and KICKS, Kelani ducks one, but the HOOK KICK hits! Karmen runs to LARIAT and cover, TWO! Kelani scrambles to the corner, Karmen runs in, but Kelani BOOTS her! Kelani goes up, but Karmen grabs her for the STRATUSPHERE! Cover, TWO! Kelani survives and Karmen grows frustrated. Ashante coaches Karmen and she reels Kelani in again. TORNADO- NO, Kelani stops the DDT to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Kelani floats through to drag Karmen up, but Karmen rolls Kelani! TWO, and both women hurry up!

Karmen KCIKS Kelani, whips her, but Kelani reverses. Karmen goes up, Kelani stops the kick, and Kelani torture racks for the OLYMPIC SLAM! Kelani goes up to be ONE OF A KIND! But she then glares at Jaida before she hits another ONE OF A KIND! Fans want that ‘ONE MORE TIME!” but Kelani clamps on a REAR NAKED CHOKE! Karmen taps, Kelani wins!

Winner: Kelani Jordan, by submission

But she’s not done?! She clamps the REAR NAKED CHOKE on again! Jaida is laughing as Kelani makes Karmen suffer! Refs rush out here to stop Kelani, and Jaida mocks, “Aw, poor baby.” The senior referee then says they need to reverse the decision! Now KARMEN wins!!

Winner: Karmen Petrovic, by disqualification

Kelani is pissed! And she’s angry at Jaida for it! Jaida mocks Kelani more, but will Kelani prove she’s legit?

NXT Media catches up to Stephanie Vaquer.

The reporter says it was a big weekend with Vaquer’s Royal Rumble debut, and it was a big match tonight with that win over Jacy. What can we expect from her at Vengeance Day? Vaquer says she has burned through everything in her path, and rises to the top. Vaquer sees Lola Vice walk past, but neither of them says a word. Vaquer then says Fallon Henley’s title reign is going to end, because “the eyes of The Dark Angel are on the North American title. Vengeance Day, I will make history, because I’ve come to NXT to be champion. Jacy can’t help you. Jazmyn can’t help you. Fallon, I will see you… in Hell!”

Bayley barges into Ava’s office.

Ava is in the middle of talking with Fraxiom when Bayley tells “I want that b*tch in a match!” Ava asks which one. Bayley wants Cora! Okay, okay, but Bayley has her qualifier on Monday, and- Bayley says yeah, she knows. Ava can give Bayley to her tomorrow, next Tuesday, or Hell, even in the title match! Bayley just wants Cora! Okay, then next week it is. Bayley heads out, and Ava goes back to Fraxiom, only for Briggs & Inamura to both barge in. And they each want to request a tag match? Briggs says his team already agreed, but Inamura says so did his. Briggs got Hank ‘n’ Tank, Inamura got NQCC…

Fraxiom laughs, because this sounds familiar. Ava says well, as a tag team, they should really communicate with each other before talking with Ava, but this is an easy fix: Triple Threat, Briggs & Inamura VS Hank ‘n’ Tank VS NQCC. Done. Briggs & Inamura thank Ava, and Frazer says if those two wanted action, they certainly got it. Axiom agrees, and says that if Briggs & Inamura can get through both those teams, then they really do deserve a title match. Ava agrees with all of that. Will Briggs & Inamura prove they’re a true team by taking down two of the best?

Backstage interview with A-Town Down Under.

Sarah Schreiber is with Waller & Theory as they walk up to gorilla, and she says after talking with both Oba and Trick, they’re clearly pissed off. Waller says he would be, too, because ATDU is here to expose these fops! ATDU runs NXT! They’re the best tag team in the WWE! Theory says he and Waller check off all the boxes! They can’t be denied! And they’re gonna put it down #AllDay! Think of this as a preview of Vengeance Day, where Waller finally becomes NXT Champion! Theory asks Waller what he just said, and if Waller wants to be real, Theory’s gonna be champ. Waller says, “Me, you, we, there’s gonna be a new NXT Champion at Vengeance Day.”

Theory says yeah, that much is true. But the music hits, time for their match! Wait, the mysterious test screen is behind them… Will the Grayson Waller Effect be in full effect tonight? Or is that just a theory when put up against The Ruler and Tricky Two-Time-Two-Time?

Oba Femi & Trick Williams VS A-Town Down Under!

NXT returns and Trick makes his entrance first, followed by Oba’s. The chant becomes “WHOOP DAT TRICK! HOO!” The teams sort out, Oba starts against Theory, but then Trick tags in with some stank! The chant of  “WHOOP DAT TRICK! HOO!” continues while Trick and Oba argue, but then Theory attacks! Theory throws hands, bumps Trick off buckles, then RAMS into Trick again and again! Theory talks trash, whips Trick to ropes, but Trick whips Theory away to then dodge and CLOBBER him! And CLOBBER him! And DROPKICK! Trick argues with Oba again, but Oba tells Trick to stay on Theory.

Trick runs at Theory in a corner, Theory dodges! Theory slingshots in to somersault SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Theory drags Trick up, brings him over, tag to Waller. ATDU mugs Trick while the fans boo. Waller stalks Trick to a corner, bumps him off buckles, then CHOPS! The fans fire up hearing that one! Waller mocks Oba’s strut, ROCKS Trick, then swings, but Trick dodges to CHOP! Trick whips Waller corner to corner but Waller goes up and over. Waller ducks, hurdles, but the LEG LARIAT finds him! And another one! Trick reels Waller in for a BIG suplex! The fans fire up for “WHOOP DAT TRICK! HOO!”

Trick scoops and SLAMS Waller, then tells Oba that’s how it’s done. But then Oba tags in! Oba tells Trick this is how it’s done, but here comes Theory! Oba scoops Theory to SLAM him! But Waller is up to JAB Oba! Waller goes to scoop, but Oba’s too big and strong! As such, Oba scoops and SLAMS Waller! Oba brings Waller up, but Trick tags in. Trick scoops Waller to SLAM him, and Trick argues with Oba again. Waller RAMS Trick into Oba, then runs up again. Trick dodges to kick, then Trick whips. Waller reverses, Trick ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Oba trips Trick! Oba drags Trick out and they argue! Waller FLIES and takes them both out!

Waller and Theory stand tall, and Theory says that’s #AllDay, while NXT goes picture in picture.

Waller drags Trick up, puts him in, and KNEES Trick down. Waller drags Trick up, CLUBS him, then flexes. Waller tags Theory, Theory jump stomps Trick down, then Theory soaks up heat. Theory brings Trick up, DECKS him, then soaks up more heat. Theory drags Trick up, whips him hard into buckles, and Trick falls in a heap. Theory drags Trick to ropes to stand on him! The ref counts, Theory steps off at 4, and he then CHOKES Trick on ropes! The ref counts, Theory steps off at 4, and Theory talks smack on Trick. Waller gets a cheap shot in while the ref is busy with Oba! Theory brings Trick up but Trick fires elbows and haymakers!

Trick whips, Theory reverses, then Theory scoops Trick on the rebound for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Theory tags Waller, Waller stomps Trick, and Waller covers, TWO! Waller rains down forearms to the back of Trick’s neck! Waller pulls Trick back with a chinlock stretch, but Trick endures while the fans rally up. Waller stomps Trick down, drags him up, and fires forearms against ropes. Theory helps mug Trick, then Theory tags in. Theory brings Trick around, but Trick fights the suplex. Trick suplexes Theory in return! NXT returns to single picture and the fans rally up with more “WHOOP DAT TRICK! HOO!”

Trick crawls, but Theory stomps him on the back! Theory drags Trick up to rain fists down into Trick’s cheek! Theory tags Waller, then Theory ROCKS Trick! Wailer JUMP KNEES, and Theory somersault BLOCKBUSTERS! Waller BLATS Oba then covers Trick, TWO! Trick survives but Waller has a cravat. The fans rally, Trick fights up, but Waller fires knee after knee! Down goes Trick and Waller covers, TWO! Waller HAMMERS Trick down, talking trash as he does! Waller then isolates an arm to drop an elbow on it! Trick kicks from below, but Waller hits a FALLING FOREARM! Cover, TWO!

Theory argues the count but Waller drags Trick up by his hair. Waller has a SLEEPER, but Trick hits a JAWBREAKER! Waller sputters, Trick wobbles, but Waller ROCKS Trick first! Trick staggers, Waller clinches to fire knees! Waller TOSSES Trick to the apron, then runs up, but Trick ROCKS Waller first! Theory BOOTS Trick in the distraction! Waller then slides out to LARIAT Trick down! The fans boo but Waller stands on the barriers. Waller BALLER ELBOW DROPS to the floor! Waller then puts Trick back in the ring, lines up his shot, and runs up to somersault into a pop-up UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Trick takes Waller down!

The fans fire up while both men crawl, but Theory tags first! Theory drags Trick back, but Trick BOOTS him away! Hot tag to Oba! The fans fire up as Oba CLOBBERS Theory, CLBOBERS him again, then TOSSES Waller in just because! Oba runs at Theory, Theory BOOTS him, then Theory goes up. But Oba CHOPS first! Waller runs up, Oba fireman’s carries him! Oba adds Theory to the stack, DOUBLE SAMOAN DROP!! The fans are thunderous for Oba’s overwhelming strength, and he UPPERCUTS Waller in a corner! Then he UPPERCUTS Theory in the other! And repeat! And repeat! And then SHOTPUT for Theory!

Oba is all fired up, but Trick tags in! The fans actually boo because Oba was on a roll! Waller sneaks the tag, Trick LARIATS Theory out, but Waller runs up! Waller sidesteps Trick to ROLLING ELBOW! Waller taunts Oba with the barking, but then he runs into a SPIN KICK from Trick! Cover, Theory breaks it! Oba storms in, Theory dodges to LEBOW him! But Oba still pops Theory up! But Theory RANAS Oba and himself out! Trick aims at Waller, but EDDY THORPE LASHES TRICK WITH A LEATHER STRAP!! Trick staggers, into the somersault FLATLINER! Cover, ATDU wins!!

Winners: A-Town Down Under, by pinfall

The Alpha Wolf then gets in the ring, strap wrapped around his fist! He wants to fight whoever, but Oba simply stares him down. Oba doesn’t care about Eddy anymore, he leaves. So Eddy beats up on Trick! The fans boo, but Eddy says get ready to whoop this! He LASHES Trick again, and again, and again! And again, and again, and again! Refs rush the ring, but Eddy stands over Trick, strap in hand. Is the Alpha Wolf going to have his own vengeance at Vengeance Day?

Wait, speaking of, the test screen returns. And then, we get a look at four shadowy figures, before the video cuts away. Is there about to be an invasion?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT with a lot more set up for Vengeance Day, but also some great intrigue towards the new NXTNA partnership. Lexis King’s promo wasn’t bad, he just took his time getting to his point. And his point was apparently that his Face turn was an act all along, all to get the Heritage Cup. Maybe it was an act, maybe the “real” reason was that it was too hard for Lexis to do the right thing and he gave up. Either way, very intriguing that he and the Heritage Cup are being used for a crossover where Fandango returns to NXT, but of course as his TNA persona, “JDC.” That will be a very good match, but I would think Lexis wins, even if he has to blatantly cheat.

Good promo from Ethan VS Je’Von, but no Unsanctioned Match like I was hoping for. Maybe that’s too much for someone still so young like Je’Von. I would think Ethan will try to keep Je’Von from being medically cleared, only for it to fail and then Ethan has no choice but to face Je’Von. Very good “Vengeance Day Summit” for the NXT Women’s Championship story, especially the stuff from Bayley and Roxie. Charlotte showing up here was very fitting, and the same goes for Cora. Cora attacking Bayley and Giulia almost got her in the title match because Bayley brought that up herself. Maybe if Cora cheats and beats Bayley next week, we’ll end up with a Fatal 4 Way.

Very good stuff with the tag title story. For one, Fraxiom plugged their NXT Tag Team Championship match with Nic & Ryan Nemeth, that’s cool. Second, Briggs & Inamura getting themselves into a Fraxiom style situation is clever. That Triple Threat Tag is going to be great stuff, and lends itself to Briggs & Inamura coming away with the win since they can just opportunistically strike. It’s a little odd that this is how Briggs & Inamura find themselves as challengers instead of winning matches week after week, but with only the two hours and no Level Up anymore, there just wasn’t room for that and all the other stories.

Though, to that point, not sure we ever really needed the Karmen x Adonis saga. That ended up kinda secondary to this thing with Kelani, per what we saw tonight. Very good match from Kelani VS Karmen, and Jaida showing up was enough to anger Kelani. I did not think we were going to see “referee reverses the decision” as a result ever again, so very clever to revive it here. We’re getting some interesting developments in The D’Angelo Family story. Stacks being passive aggressive to Tony all because of Izzi is certainly odd. But as I’ve been sensing, Izzi has to be playing double agent somehow. She suggested the cage match, so there’s a chance she helps Ridge win, then reveals she’s been on Shawn Spears’ side all along.

Good promo to set up Sol & Zaria VS Gigi & Tatum. A little disappointing that the trio of Gigi, Tatum & Shotzi already seem on the downturn, but Sol & Zaria looked great in their win tonight. They’ll have a very good match with Lash & Jakara, I’m just not sure the endgame. I suppose it still depends on how the Women’s Tag Team Championship story with Naomi & Bianca is going to go. Vaquer VS Jacy was good, though maybe there was some kind of miscue with Jazmyn’s interference? Vaquer still looks good in her win, and she has a good promo that not only calls out Fallon, but hints at a little something with Lola. Maybe Lola will challenge Vaquer for the Women’s North American Championship on the other side of Vengeance Day.

Very good promos from Oba, Trick and A-Town Down Under before their tag match tonight. That tag match was really good, but of course Trick and Oba fell apart as a team. This gives ATDU momentum going into Vengeance Day, but mostly because they aren’t winning. Eddy going after Trick was a wild surprise, but it’s clear we’re getting a Strap Match between them now. And speculation is already abound for that new group of four. Are they underappreciated NXT superstars? Are they free agents joining NXT? A bit of both? I’m sure there will be more speculation, or even someone close to these four leaking that information, but we can only hope the faction works out and they get to do some great stuff on NXT.

My Score: 8.9/10

Will NXT feel the StrongEST Glow?

Bianca Belair & Naomi defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against The Meta Girls! Can Lash & Jakara bring these belts back to NXT?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Giulia & Bayley VS Roxanne Perez & Cora Jade; Giulia & Bayley win.
• Trick Williams VS Wes Lee; Wes wins, by disqualification.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley VS Shotzi Blackheart; Fallon wins and retains the title.
• Ethan Page VS Cedric Alexander; Ethan wins.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson; Bianca & Naomi win and retain the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

Giulia & Bayley VS Roxanne Perez & Cora Jade!

The Beautiful Madness gets to team up with The Role Model that she greatly respects, and the feeling is mutual. The same goes for how they both can’t stand The Prodigy & the Generation of Jade for acting like NXT needs them. Will the NXT Women’s Champion and the ONLY WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion teach Roxie & Cora a little something about respect?

The teams sort out and Cora & Roxie run up! Bayley & Giulia ROCK them first, and Cora & Roxie bail out! The fans boo, Roxie & Cora storm back in, but Giulia slips around Roxie to shove her to the ropes. Roxie cartwheels, Giulia blocks the haymaker, then she blocks a kick! Giulia spins to backslide Roxie, TWO! Giulia kicks, Roxie ducks it to go for a roll-up! Giulia blocks that, goes for an arm, ends up with a lateral press, TWO! Roxie steps through, LA MAGISTROL to a bridge! TWO, and Giulia has a GEDO CLUTCH! TWO, and Roxie pulls hair! The ref reprimands but Roxie wrenches the hair again and again.

Giulia pulls Roxie’s hair! The fans cheer, Giulia whips Roxie, and then Giulia DROPKICKS Roxie down! Cover, TWO! Giulia keeps Roxie down, drags her away, and tags in Bayley! The fans cheer as Bayley wrenches Roxie’s arm, but Roxie SLAPS Bayley! Bayley scowls, Roxie runs away and Cora tags in. The fans sing for Bayley but Cora talks trash. Bayley SLAPS Cora! Bayley fires off hands in the corner, then whips corner to corner. Bayley then snapmares Cora and runs to basement UPPERCUT! And then SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Cora stays in this but Bayley stays on her and puts her in the ropes.

The fans cheer but Cora slips out and slips under! Cora waistlocks, she and Bayley go around and around with switch after switch. Roxie tags in, she fires off in the corner, but the ref counts. Roxie lets off, but Bayley ROCKS her in return! Bayley bumps Roxie off buckles, then puts her in the ropes! STOCK DROP! The fans cheer the shoutout to The Boss, but Cora runs up! Bayley kicks low, whips Cora to a corner, and Giulia joins in! They run, STEREO ELBOWS for Roxie & Cora! Then STEREO SUPELXES! The fans fire up, Bayley covers, TWO! Bayley brings Roxie up, tags Giulia, and they double whip.

Roxie THROWS Bayley down, ROCKS Giulia, then whips her OUT of the ring! Bayley runs up, Roxie DUMPS her out, too! Tag to Cora and then Roxie DIVES! Down go Bayley & Giulia, but Roxie sets them back up! Cora CANNONBALLS! The mean girls stand tall while the fans boo, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Cora drags Giulia up to SMACK her off the apron, then she shoves Giulia in. Cora drags Giulia up just to SMACK her off the mat! Cora soaks up the heat, then IMPLODER STOMPS Giulia down! Cover, TWO! Giulia stays in this but Cora stays on her. Cora reels Giulia in to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Giulia fires forearms in return! Cora CLUBS Giulia down, tags Roxie, and they mug Giulia. Roxie wrenches Giulia’s hair again, then THROWS her down! The ref reprimands, Roxie digs her heel into Giulia’s ribs, then she DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Giulia toughs it out but Roxie throws down hands! Tag to Cora, and the mugging continues.

Cora THROWS Giulia down by her hair! The ref reprimands but Cora drags Giulia up to put her in the ropes. Cora fires knees, but then Giulia blocks to THROW Cora down! Giulia hurries for her corner, but Cora grabs her legs! Giulia BOOTS her away, hot tag to Bayley! Bayley rallies on Cora, and hits a BIG back suplex! Roxie runs up, but into a fireman’s carry! Bayley swings Roxie for a SIDEWALK SLAM! Cora is up, Bayley clinches, but Cora switches! Bayley switches, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! NXT returns to single picture as Roxie gets a SUCKER PUNCH in! The fans boo but Roxie gets away with that one.

“This is Awesome!” even as Cora stomps Bayley. Cora CLUBS Bayley but Bayley puts her in the ropes! HOTSHOT! Cora is stuck in ropes, Bayley drags her out to the drop zone, then she climbs up! But Roxie hurries to anchor Bayley! Bayley KICKS Roxie away, but Cora’s up to SHINING WIZARD! Bayley falls to the apron, and Roxie attacks! The ref is too busy keeping Giulia back, he misses all of this! The fans boo but Cora drags Bayley up to tag in Roxie. They mug Bayley, and Roxie CHOKES Bayley! The erf reprimands and counts, Roxie stops at 4, and she BUMPS Bayley off buckles. Roxie stomps a mudhole, then digs her boot in.

The fans rally for Bayley but Roxie UPPERCUTS, then mocks the wacky waving inflatable arm men! Roxie runs back in, but Bayley catches her! BIG back suplex! Both women are down, the fans fire up, and they crawl for their corners. Roxie grabs Bayley’s foot and then CLOBBERS her! Roxie puts Bayley on ropes, tags Cora, and Cora runs to ELBOW Bayley in the back! Then Roxie goes up, up and LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives, this is why she IS a Grand Slam Champion! Cora clamps onto Bayley and squeezes tight with the chinlock. The fans boo but Bayley endures the hold. Bayley fights up, fires body shots, but Cora keeps her from Giulia!

Cora whips Bayley into the ropes, runs, but Bayley avoids the elbow! Cora hurries to BLAST Giulia! But then she turns around into a BAYLEY2BELLY! Both women are down again! The fans rally, Bayley and Cora crawl, hot tags to Roxie and Giulia! The fans fire up as Roxie avoids a boot but Giulia goes Matrix to avoid the slap! Giulia kicks, whips, and winds up, FASTBALL! FASTBALL! Then a hammerlock and NORTHERN LIGHTS! The fans fire up and Giulia runs in. Roxie dodges but Giulia BOOTS her! Giulia goes up, aims, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Roxie survives but Giulia whips her to ropes.

Cora tags in before Giulia scoops Roxie! Roxie slips free, Cora runs in, but Giulia dodges! Cora DECKS Roxie! Giulia rolls Cora, TWO! V-TRIGGER! Cover, Roxie breaks it! Bayley fires off on Roxie and Roxie fires back! Cora and Giulia brawl, Roxie TOSSES Bayley! Bayley drags Roxie out and sends her into railing! Cora underhooks Giulia, but Giulia wrenches out to HEADBUTT! Cora falls, Giulia calls to Bayley! Tag and Bayley climbs! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, Bayley & Giulia win!

Winners: Giulia & Bayley, by pinfall

A big win for Bayley’s big return to NXT, and Roxie throws a fit! Bayley shakes hands with Giulia, could they be having a dream match against each other in the near future? Or will Bayley have to settle the score with Roxie 1v1 first?

Eddy Thorpe speaks.

“Like my people have for centuries, I’ve been overlooked in NXT. But I chose to stand up, and I forced my way into the NXT Championship picture. And I proved that I belong! I hear the sounds of my ancestors. A great responsibility of any man will exorcise his mind of suffering, will subject his muscles and his bones to hard work, and expose his body to hunger, place obstacles in the paths of his deeds so as to stimulate his mind, harden his nature, and improve wherever he has loss. So you can try to write Eddy Thorpe off, but understand, I didn’t write back. My destiny will not be a matter of chance.

“I will make my mark in NXT. And NXT will understand that Eddy Thorpe cannot be broken.” The Alpha Wolf is still hunting championships, who will become his prey?

The Grayson Waller Effect returns to NXT!

A-Town Down Under is already in the ring of “their” show, and Waller welcomes us all. How about a shoutout to Atlanta’s Favorite Son, Austin Theory? The fans actually do cheer Theory, and Theory says yes, sir! Last night, ATDU partied with Quavo and 2Chainz, but tonight, the party continues! A-Town Down UNDER~! Waller says it’s ATL cuz they can’t spell the full name, but on to the guest tonight. Everyone’s talking about him, from the fans to the superstars backstage. He is the NEW NXT Champion, he is THE RULER, he is Oba Femi! The fans cheer as indeed, the NXT Champion makes his way out to the ring.

Oba takes his seat and Waller welcomes the champ. The fans cheer, Waller says that was a fun little dance. Just don’t get too excited, Atlanta ain’t that smart. Oh, sorry, no offense, Theory. But Waller says Oba is less than two years in NXT and he’s already THE NXT Champion, plus he became the longest-reigning North American Champion. He must be used to having a belt on his shoulder. Yes, very used to it. Oba says this title is exactly where it belongs. Theory hears the fans chanting for him, so he asks, “You want me to talk?” The fans cheer, and Theory says Oba started at just 24 years old, and ever since, he has been taking over.

And that reminds Theory of someone. But coming from the youngest US Champion of all time, everyone in here sees Oba as a main eventer on the main roster. It’s true! But hey, the thing is, there are two guys right here who do NOT see that. The fans boo but Oba smirks. So is that why ATDU invited him? All so they can tell him they don’t see his potential? That’s funny, because Oba never saw them as NXT Champion. And Oba was right, because they never were! It’s safe to say that in two years, Oba’s done more than both of them combined! Waller says hey, don’t get it twisted. Waller understands what Oba’s done.

But Oba is only here tonight because Waller wanted to see it for himself. Waller wants to see if the hype is real. There are levels to this game. Yeah, Oba is NXT Champion, but last year, WrestleMania 40, ATDU was standing tall as WWE Tag Team Champions while Oba was in the suite sipping on a juice box, hoping, wishing and praying that he could do what they did. Theory wants Oba to think about this one: When the ink was drying on Oba’s contract, Theory had already competed in three WrestleManias. Actually, four but who’s counting. But talking about Oba, he went to a great high school, got a full ride to Alabama, and is THE NXT Champion.

But… ATDU aren’t in NXT anymore. They’re on Monday Night Raw. And when it comes to Raw or SmackDown, that’s the big leagues. They’ve seen guys like Oba: A top draft pick that ends up in catering, and six months later, he’s on the indies just trying to sell shirts! The fans chant, “Turn on Grayson!” Theory says well alright, here it is! He turns around! Waller says don’t do that~! But Theory says ATDU has been all around the world, and all they do is create unforgettable moments. Oba says they have all this talk about being champions, climbing the ladder, but uh, he doesn’t see those titles on them.

And that’s the problem! This  is why thy are there they are: their big mouths! Especially Waller! Waller’s lips keep writing checks that his hands can’t cash. Did Oba make it here by running his mouth? Oba is building a dynasty here! Brick by brick! Trust Oba when he says, it will be built! And you know what? Oba stands and says if they like moments, if they like PLEs and title matches, here’s one: in two weeks, Washington DC, February 15th, VENGEANCE DAY! Picture in picture shows us Trick Williams is watching this as Oba dares ATDU to step up. And while Theory steps up, Waller gets in the way!

Waller says he doesn’t speak for Theory, but Waller himself has stood in front of the best! John Cena, Kevin Owens, Cody Rhodes, and he’s never taken a step back! Waller wants his shot, lad! Let’s do it! But wait, Ava Raine makes her way out here! The fans cheer and Ava wants them to dial it back before it gets out of hand. Trick has seen enough, he’s heading to gorilla! Ava wants to remind everyone, especially Oba, that as much as he wants to, HE doesn’t make the matches, Ava does. But here come Trick! Trick tells Ava that shot is his and we all know it! Trick steps to Oba, they argue, but then Theory & Waller creep up!

Trick ROCKS Theory, ROCKS Waller, then LARIATS Theory up and out! Trick DECKS Waller, then TOSSES him out! But then he turns around into a FALL FROM GRACE!! Trick is down, Oba stands over him with the belt held high, but the match of Trick VS Wes is up next! Will the Cardiac Kid be a vulture picking at the bones? Or can the former champion still #WhoopDatTrick?

Ringside interview with Izzi Dame.

Sarah Schreiber is with The It Girl and says we all want to know, what exactly is going on with her and The D’Angelo Family? Specifically, her and The Don? Oh, Sarah, surely you and everyone does want to know that. But honestly, nothing is going on. She and Tony aren’t even friends, they just share a common enemy in Shawn Spears. Long story short, Tony came to her defense when Spears was stalking her, so Izzi made sure Tony kept his North American Championship during his defense. Bada bing, bada boom, that’s it. But wait, Ridge Holland steps in! And he wants to know what Izzi means by that.

Izzi is a liar! Huh!? Ridge says HE should be North American Champion, but he’s not, all because of this weird situation she’s got going on with Tony. And look at her, standing there with a big smile on her face, like a smug little b- Stacks stops Ridge there. Does he have a problem? You don’t talk to a lady like that. Ridge tells Stacks to shut up, because Ridge doesn’t bother with Tony’s lackeys. So go shine Tony’s shoes or keep the car warm, and stay out of his face. Stacks gets heated now, but security and refs step between them. The Underboss warns Ridge, but will Yorkshire Grit rip through him to get at the gold?

Trick Williams VS Wes Lee!

NXT returns and refs check on Trick. Trick says he’s fine, he still wants this match. Trick hobbles up the steel steps but he doesn’t look all that fine. Wes makes his entrance, Tyriek & Tyson by his side again. Wes says he’s got this, will Trick be easy pickings?

The bell rings and Wes runs up to SHOTGUN Trick down! The fans boo but Ty & Ty like what they see. Trick sputters but Wes KICKS him in the back! Wes mockingly asks if those ribs hurt, then he KICKS away on those ribs! Wes clamps on a chinlock, stretches Trick, then drags him around. Wes whips Trick, Trick reverses to ROCK Wes! Trick fires hands but Wes puts him in the corner to fire body shots! The ref counts, Wes stops at 4, but Trick TOSSES him to the corner! Trick fires hands, the fans fire up, but Wes clinches. Wes fires knees into Trick, then SOBAT! KICK! Snapmare, and basement DROPKICK! Cover, ONE!!

Trick shows grit but Wes stalks him. The fans taunt Wes but Wes throws hands into Trick’s back! Wes stands Trick up, shoves him to ropes, then runs to 619 the ribs! Trick falls back, Wes goes up a corner, and the fans boo as Wes aims. Wes leaps, but Trick catches him!? Trick roars but Wes CLUBS him! Wes CLUBS Trick to the mat, then runs, BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Trick stays in this but Ty & Ty coach Wes. Wes brings Trick up, talks smack, then he SLAPS Trick! The fans boo but Trick gets mad! Trick rises and he fires hands! Trick SLAPS Wes outta the ring! Trick goes out after Wes, but Wes RAMS him into the apron!

Wes RAMS Trick into the desk, then goes up the apron, to METEORA Trick onto the desk! The fans boo but Ty & Ty cheer while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Wes has Trick down with a HALF CRAB! Trick endures, claws at the mat, and reaches out for ropes, but Wes sits deep on the hold! The fans rally, Trick powers up to turn over. Trick kicks at Wes until he lets go, then manages to stand. Wes ROCKS Trick, ROCKS him again, but then Trick bobs ‘n’ weaves! Trick fires body shots, haymakers, and an UPPERCUT! Wes flounders, Trick aims, and Trick UPPERCUTS again! Then a scoop and SLAM! The fans rally up and Trick whips Wes. Trick BACKDROPS Wes and the fans fire up with him! Trick uses that adrenaline to cartwheel and ripcord, BOOKEND!

The fans fire up more as Trick shakes the ropes! Wes rises, Trick runs up, but Ty & Ty get Wes outta there! The fans boo but Trick storms out after them! Trick puts Wes in, but Tyson gets on the apron! Trick TOSSES Tyson, fires hands, then UPPERCTS Tyson! Tyson dangles on the ropes, flops out of the ring, but Wes runs in! Trick TOSSES Wes out onto Tyson! The fans fire up and Trick goes to the stage! CANNONBALL onto everyone! Trick puts Wes in the ring, puts him in a corner, and he fires off hands! The ref counts, Trick still fires shots! The fans say “This is Awesome!” as Trick lets off at 4.

Tyson is back, Trick DECKS him! Trick UPPERCUTS Wes! Trick stomps away on Wes, the ref pulls him back, but Trick SHOVES the ref down!! Trick’s fury has gotten the better of him, the ref DISQUALIFIES him!!

Winner: Wes Lee, by disqualification

Trick won’t stop beating up on Wes, but here comes Tyson with a chair! FULL METAL TRICK SHOT!! Trick takes out the sidekicks, he gets the chair, and he’s swinging wild!! Wes runs away, and now he realizes he won! Wes grins as he, Ty & Ty get outta there. Trick is still pissed, how is he supposed to challenge Oba like this?

Oba Femi walks into Ava Raine’s office.

The NXT General Manager says no, go ahead, don’t bother knocking. The NXT Champion says Ava has quite the problem. Oh, she has quite a few problems. She doesn’t know how many times she has to say it, but SHE makes the matches, not Oba. Stop trying to overstep. Well, if she makes decisions, then she should make one. Who is Oba facing at Vengeance Day? It will be Oba VS Grayson Waller- Okay, good, he looks forward to it. No, Oba, Ava wasn’t done. It’ll be Oba VS Waller VS Theory in a Triple Threat. Both of them? Yes, both of them. Now if he’ll excuse her, she has to have a chat with the former NXT Champion.

Ava heads out, what will the consequences be for Trick? And if Oba is facing both members of ATDU, will he just have to send them both down under?

NXT returns and…

Ava asks where Trick went. She gets directions to the men’s locker room, and she barges right in! Other superstars are startled but she asks for Trick. He’s in the corner, Ava asks him what the hell! This week, last week, what is he doing?! Trick says this is what happens when you lose a title like he did. Everyone gets a match instead of him! Well, it’s the consequences of his own actions. At Vengeance Day, Oba, Waller & Theory are in a Triple Threat, NO Trick. And what’d ATDU do to even deserve that shot? So he doesn’t think they’re worthy? Nope. Then y’know what? Prove it! Trick can have a tag match with ATDU next week. And his partner will be the man he’s after, Oba Femi!

Ava heads back out, and Trick has a lot on his plate. Will he be able to make it work with Oba to take down A-Town Down Under? Or will he still end up on the outside looking in?

NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley w/ The Fatal Influence VS Shotzi Blackheart w/ Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley!

While Stephanie Vaquer still gets her shot at Vengeance Day, the Toxic Cowgirl sure didn’t like the idea of facing her so soon. She, Jacy & Jazmyn made sure the Wild Child got her shot first, will they make sure Shotzi also misses the mark? Or will Shotzi be sure to Take Care o’ Bidness?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who has a date with the Dark Angel in DC!

The bell rings and Fallon talks trash on Shotzi. Fallon pushes Shotzi, pie faces her, but Shotzi trips her! The fans fire up as Shotzi fires off on Fallon! Fallon gets up, Shotzi ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Shotzi then kicks, Fallon blocks, but Shotzi ENZIGIRIS! Shotzi then springboards to imploder wheelbarrow and VICTORY FACEBUSTER! Fallon sputters, Shotzi keeps moving, but Fallon avoids the straddle attack! Fallon THROWS Shotzi down, goes up, but Shotzi ROCKS Fallon first! Shotzi climbs tot he very top, and she fires up for the SUPER STEINER! And a rough one at that! Fallon flounders around but Shotzi hurries back up the corner!

The fans fire up as Shotzi aims, but Jacy & Jazmyn drag Fallon to safety! Or so they think, because Shotzi just SUPER CROSSBODIES them all! The fans fire up as Gigi & Tatum then make sure Jacy & Jazmyn get what they deserve! Those four brawl up the ramp, to the stage, and then to the back! Shotzi runs at Fallon, but Fallon blocks the kick! Fallon SWINGS the leg into the POST! Shotzi hobbles, Fallon CHOP BLOCKS her down, and the fans boo as Fallon says, “I always win!” Maybe, maybe not, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Fallon soaks up the heat while the ref checks on Shotzi. Shotzi clutches her leg, which already has a brace on it, and she manages to stand. Shotzi walks it off, rolls into the ring, but Fallon kicks her to a corner. Fallon puts the bad leg int he ropes, then pulls! The ref counts, Fallon lets go, and Shotzi hobbles away. Fallon has Shotzi in another corner, and she CHOPS her! Fallon whips corner to corner, runs up, and BOOTS Shotzi down! Fallon stands on Shotzi, the ref counts, and Fallon steps off. Fallon drags Shotzi back, stomps away on the leg, then paces. Fallon kicks the leg, covers, TWO! Shotzi toughs it out and goes to ropes, but Fallon storms up.

Shotzi KICKS Fallon away, and Fallon is furious! Fallon storms back up, grabs the bad leg, and she drags Shotzi into a toehold. Shotzi endures, CLUBS Fallon, and uses her free leg to hook her into a headscissors! Fallon fights around, slips free, and she steps over for a HALF CRAB! Shotzi endures, reaches out, but Fallon thrashes the leg! Shotzi powers up, shifts and throws Fallon away! Shotzi runs up, but Fallon LARIATS her first! Fallon runs, but then DOUBLE LARIATS take them both down! They crawl, find each other, and go forehead to forehead. Then they go forearm for forearm! They go back and forth harder and harder!

Shotzi dodges a lariat to wrench and NECKBREAKER! Fallon sputters, Shotzi shakes out the bad leg, and Shotzi goes to a corner. Fallon stands, NXT returns to single picture, and Fallon runs in at the corner. Shotzi ELBOWS Fallon, but Fallon fires a flurry of forearms! Fallon whips corner to corner, Shotzi goes up and over! Shotzi arm-drags Fallon, then LARIATS! Then KNEE LIFTS! Then ROLLING ELBOWS! Fallon wobbles into the QUESTION MARK KICK! Shotzi hits a SLING-DOG! The fans fire up and Shotzi brings Fallon up. Snap suplex into buckles! The fans fire up and Shotzi grits her teeth.

Shotzi runs corner to corner, CANNONBALL! Fallon sputters but flops out of the ring. Shotzi goes to the apron, brings Fallon up, but Fallon RAMS her into the post! Shotzi falls to the floor, Fallon swings around the corner for the FLYING KICK! Fallon shouts, “YEEHAW, BABY!” SHIN BREAKER on the desk! Fallon SMACKS Shotzi off the desk, then she puts Shotzi in the ring. Fallon storms up, YEEHAW FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Shotzi survives and Fallon grows frustrated. Fallon grabs Shotzi’s leg, and she clamps on a STRETCH MUFFLER! Shotzi endures as Fallon lifts her up, but Shotzi victory rolls! TWO!!

Fallon BOOTS the bad leg! Fallon runs, but no Famouser! Shotzi shoves Fallon, ROLLING ELBOW! QUESTION MARK KICK! Shotzi cravats goes up the corner, SLICED BREAD!! Cover, TWO!! Fallon survives and Shotzi is beside herself! “This is Awesome!” as Shotzi hurries up the corner! Shotzi’s bad leg slows her down, though, and Fallon ROCKS her! The fans boo but Fallon climbs. Fallon brings Shotzi up but Shotzi fights the suplex! Shotzi fires body shots, then a GOURD BUSTER! BALLPIT SENTON!! Cover, TWO?!? Fallon survives and Shotzi has no idea how! Shotzi brings Fallon up but Fallon KICKS the bad leg!

Fallon reels Shotzi in, pump handle and- CRADLE! TWO!! Fallon  stands, into a KNEE LIFT! Cravat and KNEE SMASH! Then SLICED- NO, Fallon puts Shotzi up top, YANKS her into the Tree of Woe, and that bad leg suffers more! WOE STOMP!! Fallon isn’t done, she PUMP HANDLE SUPLEXES Shotzi! Then the FAMOUSER!! Cover, Fallon wins!

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

Shotzi put up a fight, but she ended up the one legged woman in an ass kicking contest. Fallon wins with a good ol’ fashioned “Hoe Down,” but wait! Here comes Stephanie Vaquer! Fallon scowls as she sees Vaquer walk up. Their match is set, will Fallon find out just why Stephanie Vaquer IS La Primera?

Karmen Petrovic talks with Kelani Jordan backstage.

Karmen says it’s so nice to see her again. And she thanks Kelani for last week, she is such a good friend. What about last week? Um, the save with Jaida. Remember? Oh, right, yeah… Kelani sees what’s happening. Karmen really thinks that was about Karmen? She didn’t. Kelani went out there for herself. Shocker, right? Kelani is after Jaida, and that’s that. But Kelani does see what everyone else is talking about. Karmen’s “delusions” have nothing to do with Ashante. Whoa, Karmen didn’t even mean it like that. Kelani tells Karmen that whether she listens to Jaida or not, whether she listens to Kelani or not, it doesn’t really matter.

Because in the end, it is only a matter of time before Ashante leaves Karmen! Kelani heads off, and Karmen says, “What a b*tch!” The bad attitude bug has bit another one, but will no one do it like Lani?

Backstage interview with Ava Raine.

Sarah catches up with the NXT GM and says next week’s main event of A-Town Down Under VS Trick & Oba is big. Ava says yes, and she doesn’t know what has gotten into Trick, but he better get over it soon, because she is sick of dealing with it. What can we expect for Vengeance Day, then? Ava says that as it stands, it is still the Triple Threat of Oba VS Waller VS Theory, but on a more positive note, NXT has the best Women’s Division ever. Ava is going to find Giulia the best competitor possible, so- Roxie storms in and asks, “Best competitor?! You’re about to make it Bayley VS Giulia, aren’t you!? I haven’t even gotten my rematch yet!”

Ava says let her finish, because- NO, Roxie didn’t even lose that match, Cora took the pin! Cora is right there, and she says okay fine, sell her out… Ava says she was going to say it will be another Triple Threat: Giulia VS Bayley VS Roxie. That cheers Roxie up, and she says that’s good. Cora says no, NOT good. Cora storms off, Roxie apologizes for what she said, but it’s not like those two weren’t torn apart by the top title before. Will Roxie find a way to smooth things over with her on-again-off-again bestie?

Ethan Page VS Cedric Alexander!

All Ego’s all psycho run has dealt some serious damage, but “Uncle Ceddy” is PRIMED for some payback! Will Cedric avenge Je’Von Evans & Dante Chen, as well as his own suffering? Or is Ethan going to do something far worse than smashing Cedric’s hand?

NXT returns and Cedric makes his entrance. Cedric clutches the taped-up hand, then storms up to the apron. Ethan gets in Cedric’s face, so Cedric DECKS him! The fans fire up, the bell rings, and Cedric fires more hands! He trips Ethan, rains down more fists, but Ethan kicks him away. So Cedric KICKS and KICKS and KICKS Ethan! Cedric CHOPS Ethan, CHOPS him again, then stomps away in the corner! The fans cheer but the ref counts. Cedric throws knee after knee, but he stops at 4. Cedric then brings Ethan up, ROCKS him, but Ethan fires back! They go forearm for forearm, then Cedric UPPERCUTS!

Ethan flounders to a corner, Cedric digs his boots in, but the ref counts. Cedric steps off at 4, KICKS Ethan in the back, but Ethan SLAPS Cedric! Cedric ROCKS Ethan, digs his knee into Ethan’s face, then steps back at 4. Cedric dares Ethan to do something now. Cedric CHOPS, then he digs his boot in! Cedric counts along, stops at 4, and he paces around. The fans rally for Cedric as he brings Ethan up. But Ethan fires body shots! Cedric shoves Ethan and DROPKICKS him down! The fans fire up while Cedric seethes, and he gives Ethan mocking kicks. Ethan goes to ropes, Cedric CHOPS him, then he CHOKES Ethan on the ropes!

The ref counts, Cedric stops, and he asks Ethan what up now! Cedric kicks Ethan, Ethan swings a body shot, but Cedric BOOTS him down! Cedric rains down fists, then lets off to stand him up. Ethan blocks a whip, CLUBS the bad hand, and then he CLUBS Cedric on the back! Cedric falls against ropes but Ethan is right on him! Ethan drags Cedric up to suplex, but Cedric slips free! Cedric waistlocks, but Ethan is after the bad hand! Cedric CLUBS away with the good hand, and UPPERCUTS Ethan! Ethan flops against ropes, then Cedric CHOKES him! The ref counts, Cedric steps off, and Ethan flops out of the ring.

Cedric storms out, and he CHOPS Ethan against railing! Cedric puts Ethan back in, but Ethan bails out the side. Cedric runs up, but into an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Ethan then grabs the bad hand, and he pushes it against the steel steps! Ethan undoes the cast, but Cedric CLUBS Ethan away! Cedric fires hands, the ref stats a ring count, but Ethan POSTS Cedric! Cedric BOOTS back! Ethan wrenches the bad hand to SLAM it against the POST! Cedric scrambles away from the pain, and Ethan shows he has the cast! Ethan stalks Cedric, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Ethan SLAMS Cedric’s bad hand off the steel steps! Cedric drops to his knees, clutching the bad hand, but Ethan puts him back in the ring. Ethan storms up, but Cedric BOOTS him off the apron! Cedric clutches the bad hand, Ethan storms back in, but Cedric dodges! Cedric TOSSES Ethan to the apron, goes out after him, APRON SIDE EFFECT! Both men land hard and flop to the floor! Cedric rises up, refreshes the ring count, and then puts Ethan in the ring. Cedric brings Ethan up, CHOPS him, and whips him, only for Ethan to reverse! Ethan hammerlocks the bad arm and HOTSHOTS it off the ropes! Ethan then runs up to CLOBBER Cedric!

The ref checks Cedric as he writhes, but Cedric doesn’t want to give up. Ethan rains down fists on Cedric, then lets off just to talk trash. Cedric CHOPS from below, so Ethan ROCKS him! Ethan brings Cedric up, Cedric throws body shots, but Ethan CLUBS him back down. Ethan whips Cedric to ropes, and BOOTS him down! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Ethan is frustrated, but he clamps on a chinlock. Ethan grinds Cedric down to the mat, then brings him around to squeeze tighter. Ethan leans his weight on Cedric, thrashes him, and even talks trash. Cedric still fights up and fires body shots! NXT returns to single picture, and Ethan goes for the bad hand!

Ethan wrenches and SMACKS the bad hand off the ropes! Cedric falls back, the fans boo, but Ethan hauls him up. Ethan again SMACKS the bad hand off the ropes! Ethan brings Cedric up, bends fingers, and SMACKS the bad hand off the ropes! Ethan runs up, but Cedric ducks the boot to GERMAN SUPLEX! Cedric is still in this and the fans fire up! Cedric and Ethan both slowly rise up, and they go to opposite corners. The fans fire up, Ethan runs in, but Cedric dodges to LARIAT and ENZIGIRI! Cedric snapmares and basement DROPKICKS! The fans fire up again and Cedric waistlocks. Ethan breaks the grip, ROCKS Cedric, then runs, into a SNAP MICHINOKU! Cover, TWO!!

Cedric snarls as Ethan survives and the fans rally up. Cedric STOMPS Ethan’s hand, then suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ethan survives but Cedric rolls him into a KOJI KLUTCH!! Ethan endures, flails, reaches out, and he BENDS the bad fingers!! Cedric takes that bad hand, brings Cedric up, but Cedric ROCKS Ethan! Ethan ROCKS Cedric! They fire back and forth, Cedric gets the edge! But Ethan shoves Cedric, runs up, but Ethan BOOTS! ENZIGIRIS! SUPERKICKS! Cedric handsprings but Ethan KICKS the bad hand out!! Ethan hauls Cedric up, TWIST OF FATE!! Cover, Ethan wins!

Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall

The bad hand was a target from the start, and Ethan used it as Cedric’s Achilles Heel. Wait, Ethan rips away a turnbuckle pad?! Ethan drags Cedric over, but JE’VON EVANS is here! The Young OG FLIES from ramp to ring and CLOBBERS Ethan! The fans fire up as Je’Von fires haymakers from all sides! He DECKS Ethan, DECKS him again, and then fires even more shots! Je’Von LARIATS Ethan up and out of the ring! Je’Von makes sure Cedric is alright, then he makes sure Ethan gets back. Will nothing stop Je’Von from getting his revenge on All Ego once and for all?

The Fatal Influence regroup backstage.

Fallon can’t believe she doesn’t even get one second to celebrate her win. But congratulations, Stephanie, you’re next in line. And Fallon will tell you something- Yeah, Jacy will tell you something! You don’t disrespect and take the North American Champion’s moment like that. And don’t think for one second that Jacy forgot Stephanie attacking her backstage. Come Vengeance Day, Fallon will show La Primera that you don’t cross Fatal Influence. And if Ava approves this, next week, Jacy will make Stephanie pay for what she did to her! Jazmyn says Jacy’s got this! Jacy says see you next week, Stephanie. But will the Toxic Rockstar just be an appetizer for the Dark Angel?

Josh Briggs talks with Yoshiki Inamura.

Briggs says that when he went to Japan for Pro-Wrestling Noah’s N1 Victory tournament, Inamura welcomed Briggs into his home. Inamura made Briggs’ experience in Noah one of the best in his entire career. So to show his appreciation, Briggs got Inamura something. Wow, a leather vest? So cool! Now that Inamura is in America, Briggs will welcome him into his home. Inamura says this means a lot to him. Briggs says they gotta look like a team, right? Inamura loves the vest. And since Inamura came to NXT to become a champion, Briggs says one way or another, they are going to get Fraxiom.

Inamura says before Briggs came to Japan, Briggs wanted to be on his own. But then he took Inamura in. Inamura promises to make Briggs a champion again. And no team can touch them! Briggs and Inamura shake hands, but when and where will they get their shot at the NXT Tag Team Champions?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson!

The StrongEST Glow are coming off a loss from last night’s Raw, but that’s only because Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez & Dominik Mysterio did them dirty. Will Bianca & Naomi be able to rebound like true champions? Or are The Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson going to bring these tag titles back to NXT?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who takes Center Stage!

The teams sort out and Jakara starts against Naomi. They tie up, Naomi hits a headlock takeover but Jakara headscissors. Naomi kips free, Jakara headlocks, and Jakara hits a takeover. Naomi headscissors but Jakara kips free. The fans cheer, the two go again, and Naomi wrenches Jakara to a wristlock. Jakara reaches for ropes but Naomi keeps her back. Jakara goes the other way, uses ropes to flip through and then she breaks free. Jakara wrenches Naomi to a wristlock, but Naomi rolls. Naomi spins, trips Jakara up, then BOOTS her! Cover, ONE, and Jakara goes for an arm.

Naomi moves around, but Jakara steps over to give her that twerk attack! Jakara then rolls Naomi to a cradle, TWO! Naomi trips Jakara, jackknife bridges, TWO! The two reset, storm up, and Jakara wrenches, only for Naomi to DROPKICK! Naomi drags Jakara up, wrenches the arm, and tags Bianca. The fans cheer as the champs double wrench and DOUBLE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Then they shake hands and DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bianca scoops Jakara, Jakara slips free, and she tags out to Lash! Atlanta fires up for their Legend as she steps to Bianca. They tie up, Bianca waistlocks, but Lash fights the lift.

Lash THROWS Bianca away, then taunts her with some hair styling. Lash then dodges Bianca, back suplexes, but Bianca lands out to hit a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up for the STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Bianca brings Lash up, whips, but Lash blocks! Lash whips Bianca, but Bianca goes up to say kiss this! Lash runs in, Bianca backflips over, and then Bianca tilt-o-whirls, only for Lash to block! Lash swings Bianca around to then fire some knees into Bianca, before she hits a swinging BACKBREAKER! Lash sets Bianca in a drop zone, then runs corner to corner, HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!!

Lash keeps on Bianca with a facelock, suplexes, but Bianca fights it! Bianca suplexes, but Lash fights it! Lash dodges, hurdles, and then DOUBLE DROPKICKS cancel out! They both kip up and the fans fire up! Bianca and Lash each give some trash talk while NXT goes picture in picture.

Lash and Bianca circle, feel things out, and then Bianca sidesteps Lash! Naomi tags in, Bianca waistlocks, and Bianca ripcords Lash for Naomi to join in, DOUBLE SUPLEX! Naomi adds a LEG DROP, then she covers, TWO! Naomi drags Lash up, KICKS her back down, then stays between her and Jakara. Lash rises, Naomi KICKS her in the leg! And KICKS the other leg! Naomi KICKS Lash again, then whips, but Lash blocks! Lash whips Naomi, Naomi slides under the lariat! Naomi MULE KICKS, then ROUNDHOUSES! Lash staggers, Naomi runs, but Lash catches the crossbody! Lash pops Naomi around, and LAWN DARTS her into the corner!

Naomi falls back, Lash swings on Bianca, but the ref stops them from brawling. Jakara gets a cheap shot on Naomi, then rains down more shots! Lash tags Jakara, Jakara drags Naomi to center, and she drops KNEES! And more KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakara is annoyed but she keeps Naomi from Bianca. Jakara whips Naomi to the corner, tags Lash, and Lash whips Jakara in to back body block! Lash taunts Bianca, runs in at Naomi, and LARIATS Naomi down! Lash then drags Naomi to center for a SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Bianca cheers Naomi on but Lash puts Naomi in the ropes. Lash DRIBBLES Naomi while NXT returns to single picture.

The fans rally as Lash clamps onto Naomi with a chinlock. Naomi endures, fights up, and fires body shots. Lash short arm LARIATS Naomi down! Lash drags Naomi into a corner, bumps her off buckles, then runs corner to corner for a SPLASH! Lash goes again, blocks Naomi’s boots, but Naomi comes back with the ENZIGIRI! Picture in picture now shows us Cora is storming around, demanding to talk with Ava. Naomi goes up, BLOCKBUSTERS Lash down, and Ava finds Cora to say step into her office then. Cora and Ava look to handle business off camera, three guesses what that’s going to be about.

As for in the ring, Naomi and Lash are both down but the fans rally up. Lash and Naomi crawl, hot tags to Jakara and Bianca! Bianca CLOBBERS Jakara, CLOBBERS her again, then DROPKICKS! Bianca DECLS Lash, wrenches Jakara, and suplexes! Bianca marches around then SLAMS Jakara down! Bianca kips up, the fans fire up, and Bianca RAMS Jakara in the corner! Bianca climbs up, rains down fists, and the fans count along! Bianca goes to TEN, then sees Lash coming! Bianca jumps up and over, Lash almost runs into Bianca! Bianca tilt-o-whirl RANAS Lash away! But Jakara BOOTS Bianca! Jakara goes up but Bianca ROCKS her!

Bianca military presses Jakara, SLAMS her down, and the fans fire up for the HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Jakara stays in this but Bianca stays cool. Bianca drags Jakara up and over, tags in Naomi, and they ENZIGIRI HART ATTACK! Cover, Lash breaks it! The fans rally, Bianca wrenches Lash and torture racks her! Lash grabs ropes, fights free, and then she DUMPS Bianca to the apron! Lash ROCKS Bianca, then calls to Jakara! Jakara DIVES out onto Bianca! The fans fire up, but then Naomi ROUNDHOUSES Lash down! Jakara HOTSHOTS Naomi, runs up and SLINGBLADES! Jakara tags Lash and they go after Naomi!

Wheelbarrow and lift, META CUTTER!! Cover, BIANCA BREAKS IT! That was the closEST save but “This is Awesome!” Bianca SPEARS Jakara! Lash scoops Bianca for a WIDOWMAKER! Lash calls to Jakara, then she hauls Naomi up. Lash lifts Naomi but Naomi hits an X-FACTOR!! All four women are down and the fans fire up again! Naomi facelocks Lash, but Lash powers out! lash ELBOWS Bianca, Naomi ENZIGIRIS Lash! Naomi runs, into a PUMP THE BRAKES KICK! Lash tags Jakara, Lash wheelbarrows Naomi again, but Naomi BOOTS Jakara! Naomi switches with Lash, shoves her and Bianca DUMPS her out!

Bianca RAMS Lash into steel steps! Jakara O’Conner Rolls Naomi, TWO!!! Naomi has it now, TWO!! Tag to Bianca, and Naomi mule kicks Jakara! Bianca and Naomi get Jakara up in a double torture rack! DOUBLE KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, StrongEST Glow wins!!

Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

That was the closEST yet Bianca & Naomi came to losing the belts, but they found a way to win! And- Wait, did we just go off the air abruptly? No, wait, the text “WWE TRANSMISSION” is edited before our eyes into “VENGEANCE DAY.” But what could this mean for NXT?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT on location in Atlanta, and it was great for NXT to return to Center Stage Arena. But at the same time, this was more about setting up Vengeance Day for big things. We got a pretty good Grayson Waller Effect segment, and while Theory was cheered in Atlanta, Theory did his best to still be the Heel. Theory “turning” on Waller was a good gag because duh, we’ve been waiting for a long time to see where that is going. I have a feeling the Triple Threat is going to push that team breakup happen this time. Also, Oba certainly isn’t losing if he can use ATDU against itself. Trick upset over not getting his rematch is good stuff, and his brawl before his match with Wes was good stuff. It really put the pressure on, and then great stuff with Trick losing his cool during the match.

Trick & Oba VS ATDU is interesting, I almost feel like Trick is going to win his way into the Vengeance Day match. Great tag match of Giulia & Bayley VS Roxie & Cora, great win for the Faces, and I like that Roxie threw Cora under the bus afterward. A Triple Threat for the women’s title will be great, but I wonder if Cora tries to make that a Fatal 4 Way. Ridge getting on Izzi’s case and then Stacks defending Izzi, their match will be great, and it might bring Ridge back around to facing Tony D’Angelo in time for Vengeance Day. I still think Izzi is a double agent for Shawn Spears and will screw things up for Tony.

Good promo from Briggs & Inamura, and certainly, they’ll face Fraxiom for the tag titles. I would like if they’d get more matches, but we all know Briggs is good and clearly Inamura is really good or he wouldn’t be the guy joining Briggs on this. Very good match of Ethan VS Cedric, but I figured Ethan would win so that he would try to do more damage and that’d bring Je’Von out. Seriously, “Unsanctioned” match of Ethan VS Je’Von should happen at Vengeance Day because that’d be some great stuff for Je’Von. Je’Von can win, “unsanctioned” means it “doesn’t count,” so Ethan can use that to stay ahead of Je’Von in terms of title opportunities.

Very good promo from Eddy Thorpe, and he has that leather strap back. He probably wants one last shot at the top title, but I feel like he should really go for the North American Championship first. Very good promo from Kelani and Karmen with Kelani bring out more of her mean girl side, though that fits in with what I said last week and the CW teen drama stuff. Great match from Fallon VS Shotzi, including the brawling from their teammates, but I figured Fallon would win. Fatal Influence had a good promo together, as Fallon and Jacy continue to passive aggressively fight to be the alpha. Fallon VS Vaquer will be awesome, but Vaquer should be winning the title.

And great main event with the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Lash & Jakara probably looked the best they have since becoming a team, but as last night’s Raw foreshadowed, Bianca & Naomi win. They’re definitely saving the moment of Jade Cargill outing Naomi for when it’s Bianca & Naomi VS Liv & Raquel, wherever that happens, but it’s still a flaw of pro-wrestling storytelling in the modern day and age that we’ve had to wait this long. Jade has been posting online, we know she’s more or less recovered from that brutal attack, she would have revealed the truth long before now if this were just real-life. Even so, whatever we get out of the reveal, the matches will be great.

My Score: 8.9/10