The battle lines have been drawn in NXT!

Before going inside the sinister steel, advantage must be won! The NXT Universe voted, who competes in tonight’s Advantage Ladder Match?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Women’s Advantage Ladder Match: Kay Lee Ray VS Dakota Kai; KLR wins advantage for their team at NXT WarGames.
• Andre Chase VS Cameron Grimes; Grimes wins.
• WWE NXT Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Match: Kyle O’Reilly & Von Wagner VS Legado Del Fantasma; Kyle & Wagner win and will challenge Imperium at NXT WarGames.
• All-Inclusive Invitational: Joe Gacy w/ Harland VS ???; Gacy wins.
• Solo Sikoa VS Endris Enofe; Sikoa wins.
• Indi Hartwell & Persia Pirotta VS Valentina Feroz & Yulisa Leon; Indi & Persia win.
• Men’s Advantage Ladder Match: Johnny Gargano VS Bron Breakker; Breakker wins advantage for their team at NXT WarGames.

PLAY BY PLAY

Women’s Advantage Ladder Match: Kay Lee Ray VS Dakota Kai!

The teams meet on stage, fans are fired up, and the brawl breaks out! Referees hurry to put a stop to this, only KLR and #CobraKai are to fight! Dakota RAMS KLR into a ladder and knocks it over! Toxic Attraction, Shirai, Raquel and Cora go to the back while Dakota kicks KLR down. Dakota laughs while fans rally for “WAR~ GAMES! WAR~ GAMES!” Dakota puts KLR in the ring, the ref sounds the bell and KLR SUPERKICKS Dakota down! Dakota flops right out of the ring and fans fire up for KLR! She goes up and SUPER SWANTONS Dakota down! Fans lose their minds as KLR looks around and finds a new ladder.

KLR has the ladder but Dakota grabs the other end. They tug-o-war, but KLR RAMS Dakota into the apron! Dakota is stuck, KLR SUPERKICKS her again! Dakota flops down, KLR grins as she brings Dakota up again. Gory Especial, but Dakota fights out to SLAP KLR down! KLR gets up with a scowl and Dakota hurries into the ring! KLR chases her, Dakota bails back out and KLR keeps chasing. Dakota catches KLR to a dragon sleeper! TWISTING DDT to the steel steps! Fans lose their minds all over again while Dakota fidgets and searches for stuff under the ring. Dakota brings out yet another ladder as fans rally for “NXT! NXT!”

Dakota makes this ladder into a ramp but KLR grabs at her foot. Dakota kick KLR away then whips her, only for KLR to reverse and send Dakota into those steps! KLR sees the ladder, puts it in the ring, and looks up at the briefcase. But Dakota yanks the ladder away to throw it down. KLR DIVES right onto Dakota! Dakota hits desk, KLR brings Dakota up to GOURD BUSTER her onto the ladder!! Dakota writhes and clutches her ribs! KLR puts the ladder back in the ring, looks up at the briefcase again, and starts setting the ladder up. “This is Awesome!” as KLR has the ladder under the briefcase and begins to climb. But Dakota gets in to bring KLR down, kick her low and throw her into buckles!

Dakota climbs, reaches out, but KLR yanks her back down! KLR ROCKS Dakota with a forearm and Dakota staggers around. KLR whips Dakota, Dakota reverses and KLR is sent into a ladder again! The ladder tips over, Dakota whips KLR into a corner, then BOOT WASHES! Dakota drags KLR to stomp her down, then she sets the ladder back up. Fans duel as Dakota climbs but KLR throws body shots. Dakota CLUBS KLR down, brings KLR up and bumps her off buckles. Dakota stomps KLR down, digs her boot in, then gives her more stomps. KLR pushes Dakota away and heads for the ladder but Dakota CLUBS her down!

Fans rally, Dakota CLUBS KLR, then CLUBS her again. KLR shoves Dakota, gets around and reels Dakota in for a GOURD BUSTER! Dakota is down, KLR goes up the corner! Dakota BOOTS KLR down! Then DECKS her into a Tree of Woe! Dakota climbs up, to WOE STOMP KLR to the apron!! Fans fire up as both women hit the floor and NXT goes picture in picture.

KLR writhes now, clutching a leg as she tries to get up. Dakota stands up and stomps KLR down. Dakota bumps KLR off the steps, then chokes her! KLR pushes Dakota away but Dakota goes into the ring to climb the ladder. Dakota smiles as she looks at the briefcase but KLR drags her back down. Dakota CLUBS KLR, stomps her, then kicks her around. Dakota climbs again, reaches the top but KLR gets a foot again. Dakota kicks her away, then hops down to shout at her. Dakota stands on KLR’s neck and back, then lets off to taunt the fans. KLR hits Dakota but Dakota CLUBS her down. Dakota straddle attacks KLR down, stomps her more, then drags her around for a HEEL HOOK!

KLR endures, clubs at Dakota’s legs, but Dakota kicks her back down! Dakota keeps on the heel hook, KLR fights back with more stomps from her free leg. KLR gets free, goes to a corner, but Dakota stomps her down! Dakota digs her boot into the bad leg, then lets off to put the leg on the ropes. Dakota PULLS the leg against the ropes, and lets off just to readjust and have a HEEL HOOK in the ropes! KLR endures, NXT returns to single picture, and fans rally and duel. KLR still endures, stomps with her free leg and gets free again. KLR bails out, but Dakota pursues. Dakota grins as KLR slowly stands. Dakota runs in but KLR spins her to a Gory Especial, KLR BOMB to the desk!!

KLR powers through while Toxic Attraction watches backstage. Dakota hurries as KLR climbs with one good leg, and Dakota goes up the other side! KLR and Dakota trade haymakers at the very top! KLR gets the edge, but Dakota blocks to SMACK KLR off the top! KLR falls, Dakota reaches up! Dakota has hands on the case, but she has to unhook the handle! KLR drags Dakota down! Dakota kicks KLR away, focuses her mind, and DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS KLR!! Fans lose their minds again while Shirai, Raquel, Cora and even Zoey Stark are watching backstage, too. Dakota gets up, climbs again, but KLR drags her back down from under the ladder!

KLR gets Dakota stuck in the rungs, and SLAMS her into a Tree of Woe! Fans are thunderous as KLR climbs up and over Dakota, but Dakota just pulls her down. KLR SUPERKICKS Dakota and Dakota flops out of the Tree! KLR climbs up the ladder, touches the case, and unhooks it! KLR wins!

Winner: Kay Lee Ray (Shirai, Gonzalez, Jade & KLR have the advantage)

Toxic Attraction is furious! Dakota’s sadism may have cost them! Will this be the key to the Scary Queen of Scots, Evil Genius of the Sky, Big Mami Cool and #GenerationJade taking down Dakota, Mandy, Gigi & Jacy?

Andre Chase vents on Twitter.

Cameron Grimes tried to embarrass him in front of his students! Chase promises that this week on NXT, Grimes will get himself a Chase University sized ass-kicking!

The Grizzled Young Veterans sneak around backstage.

James Drake has the key to Brooks Jensen’s locker. He hands it off to Zack Gibson while keeping watch. But Ikemen Jiro still shows up and loudly asks what they’re doing. Gibson hushes him, and says this is a very sensitive operation. Sensitive operation? SHH! SHH! Kushida finds Jiro and Jiro says this is a very sensitive operation, shh. Everyone is hushing each other, but then Brooks & Briggs show up! GYV run off, Brooks asks what they were up top. Kushida says, “Shh!” and Jiro says, “Very sensitive operation.” Uh, okay.

Andre Chase VS Cameron Grimes!

“Professor” Chase is already in the ring and his student section is already fired up as the Carolina Caveman makes his entrance. Chase wants to make this a #TeachableMoment, but will he learn what it is to be a tune-up for Grimes going into his Hair VS Hair match?

The bell rings, the two circle, Grimes gets a leg but Chase hobbles to ropes. Chase turns things around to a facelock, Grimes WRINGS Chase out and tells him to “Kiss Mah Grits!” Chase gets up, Grimes counter punches him and KICKS him down! Grimes brings Chase up to bump off buckles, then whips him to ropes. Chase whips Grimes away but Grimes then puts Chase on the apron. Chase pulls Grimes’ hair to throw him down! Chase gets in, RUNNING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up, but Chase jams an elbow into Grimes’ forehead. Chase CLUBS Grimes, whips Grimes to a corner, then stalks up behind him to RAM him into buckles!

Chase gets his student section to spell his name as he stomps away on Grimes. Chase brings Grimes up to scoop but Grimes slips out, shoves and RANAS Chase down! Grimes runs to rally with forearms! Grimes fires up and fans fire up with him! Grimes runs in to JUMP KICK in the corner! Chase falls, Grimes goes up, but Chase gets under the flying attack, only to turn around into a CAVE-IN!

Winner: Cameron Grimes, by pinfall

But Duke Hudson appears to sarcastically congratulate Grimes. Congrats on hi s last victory with a full head of hair. Hudson knows a guy who can do some computer wizardry, and here are some pics of what Grimes would look with different haircuts. First, the Karen. Call the manager on that one. Second, one of those half cuts. Hard to say if it’s half started or half finished. There are a few out here in the fans with that. Fans tell Hudson to shut up but he has the third one, the bowl cut. Fourth Stooge or Dumb, Dumber & Dumbest. And of course, the last one is Hudson’s pick, the full cue ball.

When Hudson humiliated Grimes, apparently Grimes just got more handsome. So Hudson will make him as bald as when he was born. Hudson will take the hair, the beard, and give Grimes a real reason to cry. Grimes sends a message back by throwing Chase into the ring, and bringing out the ELECTRIC CHEERS! But Chase’s top student saves him! Grimes gets a mic and tells Hudson, “I’m shaving you baaald~!” Who ends up fresh faced as a newborn baby this Sunday?

NXT announces the “Old School” representative tonight.

It’s Johnny Gargano! Will it not even matter who steps up from the New School against Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling? The “New School” is arriving at this very moment, so we find out who was chosen, after the break.

NXT, meet Endris Enofe.

All his life, he’s always come across doubters trying to mold him into what they wanted. As a id, he was told he’d never make it out of Inglewood, California. He was always looking over his shoulder. The struggle, the doubt, it was all there. But he signed up to give five and a half years to the military. His service ended with someone telling him that was all he could be and there was nothing else for him. But there he was, surrounded by doubters again. Their words isolated him. Much like his first opponent here tonight, Solo Sikoa, who fought alone on the streets just to prove himself. They’re not so different. But tonight, Endris proves that he has overcome, and he strives to be the Epitome of Excellence!

The “New School” is in the ring!

Alicia Taylor introduces Team NXT 2.0, and informs them that “Team Black ‘n’ Gold” will be represented by Gargano tonight. Before we find out who represents their team, how do they feel about WarGames? Carmelo hears the “Johnny Wrestling!” chants and says we’re looking at the future of the WWE. The Supreme Team meets the Dream Team, and their ice cream only needs one thing. “Ain’t nobody messing with The Kliq!” But Johnny Wrestling, he’s done it all in NXT. He’s had food on his plate for years! Big matches, big moments, championships and action figures, even video games. Melo isn’t asking Gargano to share, he’s saying, “Bring me my plate!”

Melo is the A Champion in NXT, and on Sunday, they’ll know how this goes. When Melo shoots, he don’t miss. We shootin’? Waller tells “Team Hot Dogs ‘n’ Handshakes,” they want the new kids to come in and carry their bags? Tie their bootstraps? Instead, they came in, slapped them in the face, and put it on social media. That is what a good sports entertainer does in 2021! As for that FLOP, LA Knight, Waller would be jealous, too, lad! There’s a fresher, more exciting and more handsome version of him on the scene, and that burns Knight up. But that’s just the #GraysonWallerEffect. Melo applauds that.

Bron Breakker says Ciampa comes out here, calls Bron puppy and even throws out “the math reference,” like Bron is drowning in a pool of his own inexperience. Ciampa wants to preach about his 17 years. Listen, that’s fine! Overlook Team 2.0! This week, at WarGames, they’re coming and will beat Black ‘n’ Gold to then come for the NXT Championship! Whoa, whoa, whoa! Bron bringing up gold? Tony D’Angelo knows about that himself, ‘ey! But enough about him. These four guys, they paved the road that they’re walking on right now, right? Of course he’s right. But that road has some potholes. Those holes need to be filled, with their heads! Starting with Pete Poppins!

Sunday at WarGames, the old school better bring their best, they’re gonna need it! Trick Williams says to talk that talk, Tony! Alicia directs things to the reveal for tonight’s advantage match representative. The winner is… BRON BREAKKER! Fans wanted to see it, and here it is! Bron says he will gladly fight- Gargano interrupts! “What I love about you NXT 2.0 Kids, you live in a unicorn vomit filled fantasy land.” They stand around talking about how they’ll beat the guys who put NXT on the map. Let Gargano tell them something. If not for guys like him, these five wouldn’t have a ring to stand in, and that’s the truth.

But they want to bury all that? Fine. Tonight, they get their opportunity, starting with Bron, “The Big Bad Booty Nephew himself!” But Bron, look. Gargano is here all by himself. But how about Bron showing he isn’t just the nephew, he’s also a man. Leave the team in the back, give the people what they want! Gargano VS Breakker, Ladder match, 1v1, man to man! What does Bron say? “I tell you what. You want a ladder match? I’ll leave my team behind tonight, and will gladly kick your ass!” The battle of young and old goes down in the main event, who gets the advantage for this battle of generations?

Backstage with El Legado Del Fantasma.

Tonight’s a big match, as a win leads to WarGames and the NXT Tag Team Championship match. The only thing in their way is the team of Kyle & Von, who Joaquin Wilde points out they’ve beaten already. They’ll do it again tonight. Raul Mendoza says foot on the ropes, foot not on the ropes, there will be no excuses tonight! Santos Escobar says that history is written by the winners. Hermanos, go out there and write the next chapter. Elektra Lopez says after WarGames, Legado will be draped in gold! That #1 contenders match happens after the break!

MSK are on their way!

Their rental car with its GPS says they’re almost there. Nothing will get in their way. Wait, why did Nash Carter have to say that? Wes Lee is sure something will go wrong now! Nash says Wes should drive next time, then. But the car corrects “dipsh*t” Nash, he’s turning left when he should be turning right. Wait, did the car just- You’ve arrived. About damn time. It only took you five weeks. “The Shaman is inside. Go forth and find your destiny.” Well no idea where this GPS came from, but it better watch its ass. How about Wes watch his? Nash has Wes calm down, they’re here. They exit the car, and they are fired up!

They go up to the building, they have the supplies and each other. Wes, you knock. Nash is all nervous. The door opens, and standing there in the light is… “It’s him.” But who?! Who is the Shaman?!

WWE NXT Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Match: Kyle O’Reilly & Von Wagner VS Legado Del Fantasma!

Controversy in their previous showdown is why the question remains: Who is worthy of the opportunity? Will the rag tag duo of Kyle & Von make it work? Or will this be Wilde’s & Mendoza’s time?

Von starts against Mendoza and fans rally up. They tie up, Wagner tosses Mendoza to a corner then dares him to come back. Mendoza steps up, catches the arm and wrenches to YANK. Wagner CLUBS the arms, Mendoza CHOPS and kicks but Wagner reverses the whip. Mendoza goes out, ENZIGURIS, springboards but Wagner gets under. Mendoza comes back, tilt-o-whirl but Wagner blocks the kick to whip and shoulder tackle Mendoza down! Mendoza goes to a corner, tag to Kyle, Kyle KICKS and Wagner HEADBUTTS, repeat! Kyle drags Mendoza up, wrenches and hammerlocks then headlocks. Mendoza endures the grind, fights his way over and tags in Wilde.

Kyle gets Wilde with a headlock but he powers out. Legado DOUBLE SPINEBUSTERS, then split the wishbone before double basement dropkicks! Cover, ONE! Deep leg hook cover, TWO! Wilde knees, shoves and CLOBBERS Kyle! Cover, TWO! Another deep hook, TWO! Wilde seethes, but he RAMS Kyle into the corner. Tag to Mendoza, he stomps Kyle then CLUBS him. Mendoza CLUBS Kyle again, talks trash, but Kyle trips Mendoza to get the foot! Mendoza gets the ropes then kicks Kyle away. Mendoza kicks Kyle to ropes, whips him to ropes but Kyle reverses. Mendoza sunset flips but Kyle stays up to get the ARMBAR! Mendoza makes it a cover, TWO!

Mendoza kicks Kyle but Kyle boots back! Tag to Wagner, Mendoza whips but Kyle reverses. Mendoza goes up but Kyle stops that for Wagner to LEAP FROG ATTACK! And then waistlock SLAM! Wagner rolls to a cover, TWO! Wagner has a bearhug, and here comes Xyon Quinn? Quinn stares at Escobar and Lopez from across the ring, but Wagner still has Mendoza down as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns while Wilde has Kyle down with a chinlock now. Escobar and Lopez see Quinn approaching, but Escobar puts Lopez in the way. Quinn and Lopez lock eyes as they circle, but Quinn fires off on Escobar! They brawl, Lopez hurries after them. Kyle fights up to thro body shots and ROCK Wilde! Kyle runs but Mendoza is there. Wilde dropkicks Kyle down! Clothesline and tag! Mendoza runs in, clothesline and tag! Wilde runs in to clothesline and tag, then Mendoza does the same! Wilde goes again, then Mendoza tops it off with a GAMANGIRI! Tag to Wilde before Mendoza snap suplexes! Kyle gets up, Wilde SWANTONS! Cover, TWO!

Wilde grows frustrated but Wilde clamps on a chinlock. Kyle fights up but Wilde knees low to turn him for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Wilde drags Kyle up, tags Mendoza, they double whip Kyle corner to corner. Kyle boots Mendoza back, then puts Wilde on the apron. Wilde ROCKS Kyle, but Wagner BOOTS Wilde! Kyle crawls, Mendoza anchors a foot! Kyle hops up, tag to Wagner! Wagner fires off on Mendoza, reels him in and LARITS! Then a LEG LARIAT! Wagner whips Mendoza for a POWERSLAM! Wilde gets in, for a COMPLETE SHOT! Wagner gets Mendoza up, OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO!!

Wagner drags Mendoza up, whips him to a corner, then runs in, but Mendoza dropkicks legs out! Wagner hits buckles, but he pops Mendoza up. Mendoza lands on the ropes to springboard missile dropkick Wagner down! Fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” as both men crawl. Hot tags to Wilde and Kyle! Kyle fires off forearms but so does Wilde! Wilde gets the edge but Kyle comes back with more! They keep going, back and forth, faster and faster! Fans are loving it! Wilde gets the edge but Kyle KICKS, KNEES and sweeps! Wilde jumps that and ROCKS Kyle! Kyle yoyos but Wilde dodges! Wilde blocks a kick to DDT!

Fans fire up for “LEGADO! LEGADO!” but Wilde SLAPS Wagner! Wagner gets in, the ref has to keep him back! Wilde signals to Mendoza, he runs in, but Wagner dumps him out! Kyle knees Wilde, tags Wagner in, and Wagner pops Wilde up for the KICK! Then HIGH LOW!! Cover, Wagner & Kyle win!!

Winners: Kyle O’Reilly & Von Wagner, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the NXT Tag Team Championships)

Wagner may be green but he’s got a THREE-TIME tag team champion to guide him! Will they bring that #TotalAnnihilation to Imperium at WarGames?

Backstage interview with Imperium.

They just learned who their challengers will be. Their thoughts? They both answer in German and Italian but realize “these people” need a chance to understand. So in English, Marcel Barthel says “It does not matter.” But Kyle & Von show up to say they’ve bounced back. These misfits are ONE WIN AWAY from those titles. See you at WarGames, dumbasses! Barthel keeps Fabian Aichner calm, but will Kyle & Von unleash on Imperium and take those titles away?

NXT, here’s another Tiffany Epiphany.

Tiffany says that since she was born, her daddy called her a princess. A princess should always have the best cars, shop at the best boutiques, and wear the best clothes. Who looks at the price tags anyway? It’s just numbers. And where she shops, Black Fridays and Cyber Mondays don’t exist. Daddy says she can have anything she wants. Tiffany Stratton is on her way, but how will she fare actually putting in the work?

All-Inclusive Invitational: Joe Gacy w/ Harland VS ???

Gacy and his hulking cohort are in the ring as he introduces himself. Standing here is how they believe the future of the NXT Cruiserweight Division will be. They believe the reign of Roderick Strong has created a “toxic and unrealistic environment,” for both the fans and the competitors. In the world of Gacy, this division won’t be about specific height requirements, weight shaming, or even gender bias standing in the way of progression. Tonight, he invited three competitors to give them his best in front of the world as he prepares to dethrone Strong at NXT “Conflict Resolution.” So please, sit back, relax and enjoy your glimpse at the future.

Gacy first starts against #ThaKid. They circle, tie up, Gacy facelocks but Tha Kid slips right out. They tie up again, Tha Kid headlocks but Gacy powers out to run him over. Things speed up, Tha Kid tilt-o-whirls but Gacy stays up. Tha Kid facelocks, Gacy shoves him away but Tha Kid mule kicks then dropkicks! Gacy gets mad and BOOTS him down! Then stomps him to a corner! Gacy clotheslines, reel shim in and hits an URENAGE! Gacy hauls Tha Kid up, and GUT WRENCH POWERBOMBS! Cover, Gacy wins this first round!

Winner: Joe Gacy, by pinfall

Gacy helps Tha Kid up, and gives him a hug to show no hard feelings. Gacy gets the mic to say, “Now, I would love to give this young lady an opportunity.” Tesha Price steps into the ring, the bell rings and they circle. This is historic in that it’s co-ed, but here comes the Diamond Mine! Malcolm Bivens says Gacy didn’t need to create this spectacle. But y’know what’s missing? Legitimacy! So how about a legitimate fighter, like teh NXT Cruiserweight Champion, steps up? What Gacy’s done is saying this is history tonight, because this is the first, and the very last, All-Inclusive Invitational. At WarGames, Strong and Diamond Mine shut Gacy up for good!

Gacy tells Mr. Bivens that there is no need for this aggression. Gacy respects the passion, but please leave the others outside so that Gacy can talk to Strong person to person. Oooh~! Bivens and Strong step up to the ring and Bivens says Gacy’s done messed up now. Gacy asks Mr. Strong if he allows Mr. Bivens to always speak for him. Strong says he’s done with talking. Strong DECKS Gacy, the invitational is done, and Strong even decks Gacy’s heavyweight guest! But Gacy handsprings and LARIATS Strong down! Harland gets Gacy out of the ring before the Creed Brothers rush in, and fans want to see this fight one way or another!

Will Gacy open the gates when he wins the title? Or will Strong slam them shut when he retains?

Backstage interview with Solo Sikoa.

McKenzie asks him about his mask with Endris Enofe, and how Endris made reference to him. Solo says he gets it. Endris is from the streets of Inglewood. He was in the military, too. But this ain’t the military or Inglewood. Endris steps to the Street Champion of the Island. That right there is a challenge. But Boa walks up, straining to keep the power of Tian Sha contained. Solo says sorry, he can’t understand him. Boa’s on his own with this one. Solo heads out, will he prove there is a difference between him and the rest?

Solo Sikoa VS Endris Enofe!

Both men have been fighting against doubt and the odds for their whole lives, but the difference between these two is that only one can win! Who lives up to their own expectations as they collide here tonight?

The bell rings, Solo and Endris circle. They tie up, Endris headlocks but Solo powers out to run him over. Endris gets up, Solo eggs him on. Endris comes back, Solo gets the arm and wrenches to an elbow breaker! Robert Stone is watching from the ramp now as Solo has a chinbar. Solo sees Stone taking notes, he wrings Endris but Endris gets up to waistlock. Solo gets free, KICKS a leg, and then runs to FALLING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! Solo drags Endris back up, to KICK him back down! Solo stomps away, Stone likes what he sees, but Endris throws body shots. Solo CLUBS Endris, whips him to ropes but Endris dodges to jump, into a SWINGING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!

Fans fire up with Solo and he stomps Endris down. Solo CHOPS Endris down, but Endris avoids the elbow drop to PENALTY KICK! Endris shouts out his frat, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, ONE!! Endris hurries to run and BASEMENT BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Endris snarls, drags Solo up, but Solo tosses him away! Endris rebounds but into a KICK! Solo snarls, fans fire up with him, and he body shots, haymakers from all sides, then URAKENS! KICK to the leg, BUZZSAW to the head! Then the SENTON! Cover, TWO! Endris survives the onslaught but Solo runs in at the corner, only to miss! Endris dodges to fire off haymakers!

Endris has Solo in a corner but Solo shoves him down! Endris dropkicks back! Endris runs in to KNEE Solo, then he hops up and leaps, CROSSBODY! Endris fires up, he brings Solo up, DDT! Endris then hurries to a corner, climbs up, 450, but Solo dodges! Endris rolls through and Solo gets him for a SAMOAN DROP! Solo climbs now, FLYING SPLASH! Cover, Solo wins!

Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall

But BOA attacks! He’s in full Tian Sha form as he HELL STABS Solo’s neck! Endris CLUBS Boa but Boa just grabs Endris! Solo runs back in but Boa retreats! Solo wins tonight, and he shows respect to Endris. Will they both have to watch out for Boa creeping in the shadows?

Indi Hartwell & Persia Pirotta talk backstage.

They have to focus. They can’t lose like last week. But then a phone rings and Indi answers. Is this Indi Hartwell? Yes. This is Parker Sullivan, from the hospital. Dexter Lumis is… missing. What?! Well they can’t find him, he’s gone. Is Persia gonna have to do a handicap match? Indi says no, she’ll be fine. But what about Dexter? Persia’s sure he’ll be fine. For now, they have their match! They gotta go! Indi hurries off with Persia, but will she have problems focusing on anything other than Lumis?

NXT Media interviews Xyon Quinn.

How’d that fight with Santos earlier end? “End? The way I see it, it’s only just begun.” But Lopez finds him. She tells him to relax, she’s here alone. She wishes he wouldn’t mess with Legado. But she admires someone who marches to the beat of their own drum. She wishes him luck against Escobar next week. He’ll need it.

Indi Hartwell & Persia Pirotta VS Valentina Feroz & Yulisa Leon!

First Lumis gets hurt and now he’s gone missing! Will Mrs. Lumis be able to focus? Or will love cost her another win?

Indi starts against Feroz but she’s spacing out again. Feroz shoves her so Indi shoves back. Feroz fires off forearms and kicks, but Indi shoves her away again. Feroz leaps, Indi catches her, but Feroz slips out to KICK a leg out! Feroz shoves Indi down, has the leg and DDT’s the foot! And then again! And then she twists the foot in a standing toehold. Indi endures, kicks free, but Leon tags in. Feroz gets Indi up, Leon climbs up, missile dropkick! Leon does a dance before the STANDING MOONSAULT! Leon gets a leg and turns Indi for the HALF CRAB! Indi endures, Persia coaches her up, Indi reaches out. “Do it for Dexter!” That gets Indi to fire up!

Indi powers out, tag sin Persia, and Persia BOOTS Leon! She CLOBBERS Feroz, CLOBBERS Leon, then scoops and SNAKE EYES Leon! Leon staggers into a fireman’s carry and SIT OUT FACEBUSTER! Cover, Persia & Indi win!

Winners: Persia Pirotta & Indi Hartwell, by pinfall

Now that was impressive! Indi is still worried, but will she and Persia be able to fight up towards the tag titles #ForDexter?

“Those who talk the most usually have nothing to say.”

But in NXT, it’s different. A locker room full of stars who back it up. He won’t talk about what he’ll do, he’ll just show us. He isn’t what NXT wants, he’s what NXT needs. He is Draco Anthony, and his actions will speak louder than their words.

Men’s Advantage Ladder Match: Johnny Gargano VS Bron Breakker!

Johnny Wrestling got the “Big Booty Nephew” to do things his way, and this will truly be 1v1! Will Gargano continue to show why he is the heart of NXT? Or will Bron break Gargano and take the advantage for the new school?

NXT returns and Bron makes his entrance. The bell rings and Gargano eyes the briefcase while he and Bron circle. They tie up, Bron shoves Gargano down and flexes. Gargano smirks and nods as he and Bron circle again. Gargano rolls to get a leg, but Bron headlocks back. Gargano brings Bron down, steps over, headlocks but Bron powers up and powers out. Bron rusn Gargano over again and runs, but Gargano stays low. Bron facelocks, gator rolls and deadlifts to a suplex! Bron even holds Gargano up with one arm as he walks around before the SLAM! Bron fires up, fans fire up and bark as he puts Gargano in a corner.

Bron RAMS his shoulder in, and again, and again. Fans duel, Bron whips but Gargano RANAS! Bron staggers up into a dropkick! Bron bails out, Gargano hurries to PLANCHA! Direct hit and down goes Bron! Fans fire up as Gargano goes to get the big ladder on the ramp! But Bron CLUBS him and the ladder falls. Bron scoops Gargano to SNAKE EYES him off the apron! Bron fetches the ladder now, puts that in the ring, but he avoids the baseball slide! Bron SMACKS Gargano with the ladder, puts the ladder back in, then stands it up. Gargano gets in to climb the ladder! Bron shakes Gargano off, pushes the ladder down but Gargano fires off forearms!

Bron forearms back, breaks through the discus and then POWERSLAMS Gargano down! Bron throws Gargano out, gets the ladder again and stands it back up. Bron climbs, Gargano gets to the apron. Bron runs over, into the SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Gargano goes right up the ladder, paws at the briefcase, but Bron drags him down! Gargano dodges, swings through the ladder to dropkick, then shoves the ladder into Bron! Bron and ladder go down, Bron bails out> Gargano takes aim, builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and Bron tumbles over the desk! Fans are thunderous as NXT goes picture in picture!

Gargano checks his leg, he didn’t have the best landing out of that, either. Bron drags himself up from the armchairs but Gargano sets the desk hood up against the desk itself. Gargano ROCKS Bron with a forearm, but Bron hits back! Gargano THROWS Bron onto the hood and cracks it! Bron flops to the floor, Gargano catches his breath, and he takes the desk hood to SLAM it down on Bron! Gargano drags Bron up to throw haymakers, then goes to the steps to walk up to the apron. Gargano gets in the ring, gets the ladder back up, but Bron crawls in. Gargano throws more forearms, Bron ROCKS Gargano back! Gargano staggers but he kicks low and throws more forearms.

Bron gets Gargano for a Belly2Belly! Both men are down but crawling for the ladder. NXT returns to single picture as fans are thunderous again! Gargano and Bron climb opposite sides, but they brawl up top! Bron gets the edge, knocks Gargano down, but Gargano comes back to tip the ladder! Bron tumbles through the ropes and to the floor! Gargano hurries to get the ladder back up as fans fire up again! But Bron returns to run and RAM the ladder into Gargano! The ladder even falls on Gargano! Bron drags Gargano up, clinches, and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! Fans say, “This is Awesome!” as Bron sets the ladder up against ropes.

Bron gets Gargano up but Gargano fires off forearms! Only to run into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly onto the ladder!! Fans lose their minds while Gargano writhes in pain! Bron snarls, gets Gargano back up, and sets him against the ladder. Bron goes around to the corner, climbs up and ELBOW DROPS onto ONLY ladder as Gargano moves!! Bron writhes in pain now after that crash and burn! Gargano drags the ladder off the ropes, picks it up and sets it on the top rope. But Bron throws body shots and low knees! Bron choke grips Gargano to whip, but Gargano ducks the ladder! Gargano drop toeholds Bron into the ladder battering ram!

Bron is down, Gargano adjusts the ladder’s position, then climbs up. Bron stops Gargano with haymakers, and smacks him off the ladder. Gargano is across the ladder, Bron trophy lifts Gargano and ladder, but Gargano slips off! SUPERKICK to Bron and the ladder! And then another SUPERKICK! Bron drops the ladder, Gargano calls upon the powers of DIY! Bron flips Gargano off, so Gargano SUPERKICKS him even harder!! Fans are thunderous as Gargano gets up, hobbles over to the ladder, then drags Bron up. Bron RAMS Gargano into a corner, Gargano elbows away on Bron. Gargano goes up but Bron throws body shots. Gargano hits back but Bron still climbs the corner.

Bron brings the straps down, stands on the very top, SUPER STEINER! Both men are down and fans are electric! Bron gets up, goes to the ladder, brings it up and fans again declare “This is Awesome!” Gargano throws forearms to stop Bron from climbing, then ROLLING ELBOWS! And another ROLLING ELBOW! Bron stops the third to trophy lift Gargano, only for Gargano to hit a DDT!! Gargano crawls to the ladder, but so does Bron. They both climb, fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this has to end somehow. Gargano SMACKS Bron with the briefcase! Bron falls, Gargano steadies himself, but Bron is right back up! Bron yanks Gargano off to a POWERSLAM!!

Bron gets back up, goes up the ladder, and has the briefcase! Team 2.0 wins!!

Winner: Bron Breakker (Breakker, Hayes, D’Angelo & Waller have the advantage)

You can call him the Big Booty Nephew, but now the odds drastic go down for Team Black ‘n’ Gold! But speaking of, Ciampa, Knight and Dunne regroup with Gargano, and they rush the ring! WarGames comes early and the fans are loving this! But how much more insane will it get with these eight inside the double ring, double cage construct of destruction!?

My Thoughts:

This was a great go-home to WarGames for NXT, as well as still setting up things outside of the… Well, it isn’t a “TakeOver” because it’s not in the name, but it isn’t a PPV because you have to have the Peacock or WWE Network for it. “Special event,” I guess? Well anyway, bookending the episode with the ladder matches was the right choice. Gives you a reason to start, gives you a reason to stick around. Great brawl from the women’s teams, Dakota having the edge to start definitely felt like a set-up for KLR to win. The Faces winning here makes me think the Heels win at WarGames, thereby strengthening Toxic Attraction per Vince’s wishes.

Grimes VS Chase was definitely just tune-up filler so Grimes has momentum going into Hair VS Hair. The promos from Hudson and Grimes after weren’t that good, but you can’t really do a whole lot with Hair VS Hair other than saying, “You’re gonna be bald, loser!” Kinda wish Hudson had a tune-up, too, for Grimes to taunt him during. That would’ve been good build in the go-home. We’re being introduced to a lot of new people really quickly with Tiffany Stratton getting a second video, then being introduced to Draco Anthony, and then we met Endris Enofe on the same night he debuts and then loses to Solo Sikoa.

Boa going Tian Sha like a Jekyll & Hyde continues to be a pretty good story for him, and I like that he’s going after a guy with (at least in kayfabe) some real grit and fighting experience. Solo VS Boa is going to be a pretty good one to see. Also, I just figured out who that person napping on the couch is. That’s Karen Q. Since she’s not being Mei Ying anymore, she’s just snoozing until creative knows what the hell to do with her. Should’ve been her and Xia Li as a tag team while they were all still in NXT, but oh well. Indi & Persia get another quick win thanks to Persia, and I wonder if tension builds where Persia feels Indi is too hooked on Dexter to be a good tag partner or friend.

For that matter, I think Robert Stone could have a really interesting new Robert Stone Brand. He was scouting Persia before, he was scouting Solo this week, but he could easily switch and recruit Endris as a swerve. If not for WWE moving the pieces around, the Franky Monet Brand could’ve added more members, but maybe Stone gets a resurgence to give us another co-ed faction on the level of the Diamond Mine. Diamond Mine crashing the All-Inclusive Invitational is only a minor bummer, as I thought we’d at least see Gacy and Tesha Price tie up. I feel like Gacy is riding that Tweener line since Diamond Mine aren’t Faces, but I still don’t see Gacy winning to create some kind of NXT Open Division.

I think this week’s MSK segment was the best one because it was hilarious with the banter from the GPS. But what a tease to show us a silhouette but nothing else of “The Shaman.” Kyle & Von winning was of course going to happen, they’re Faces and Imperium are Heels. I wish Von had an insult in German ready just to throw it Imperium’s face that Americans can learn/know more than English. Xyon showing up to brawl with Escobar was great, and their match next week will hopefully be a very good showing for Xyon. Too bad we haven’t gotten Walter in NXT 2.0, we could’ve had 3v3v3 of Imperium VS Legado VS Quinn-Kyle-Von somehow.

Then the men’s advantage match was good stuff. Gargano was the natural choice, and then Team 2.0 had pretty decent promos to talk trash on the “Black ‘n’ Gold” team. Gargano had a great promo on Bron, though, and “Big Booty Nephew” was a great deep cut reference to Scott Steiner. They had a great ladder match, and I figured that with the Faces getting advantage for the women, the Heels (which yes, each member of 2.0 outside of Bron is a clear Heel) would win for the men. The brawl was a great way to end, fans ate the entire main event segment up, and it was a classic WWE way to end. But I can’t be sure who wins. Team 2.0 has advantage, the brawl keeps things even as far as the math, but I can’t be sure Black ‘n’ Gold wins if this is NXT 2.0 and it’s all about the new kids now.

My Score: 8.9/10