Who meets Mercedes Mone at Double or Nothing?

The Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament has its last semifinal, and either Kris Statlander or Jamie Hayter will head for Arizona for the finals!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Ricochet VS Mark Briscoe; Briscoe wins.
• The Young Bucks VS Kevin Knight & “Speedball” Mike Bailey; win.
• Josh Alexander & Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis VS Will Ospreay & Brody King; win.
• 2025 Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Semifinal Round: Kris Statlander VS Jamie Hayter; wins and advances to Double or Nothing.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tony Schiavone is in the ring.

The fans are already fired up as Tony welcomes us to AEW Dynamite in New Orleans! “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome with me to begin this program, multi-platinum recording artist, entrepreneur, and University of New Orleans’ own ‘Coach P,’ ladies and gentlemen, MASTER P!” The fans fire up again as indeed, THE Master P, the hip hop legend and the owner of House of Glory Wrestling, makes his way to the ring! P says what up New Orleans! It’s AEW Dynamite, UNHHH~! It is his pleasure to introduce to us the NEW AEW World Trios Champions, THE OPPS! “Make ’em say UNHHH~!”

The fans cheer even more as Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata and “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs make their way out, wearing those University of New Orleans Pirates colors! Samoa Joe gets himself a mic to say, “Lemme try that one one time. Make ’em say UNHHH~!” “UNHHH~!” “Nana nana!” Master P says it is about to get rowdy rowdy, ’bout it ’bout it! Joe says yes, sir! It is good to be here tonight! Because you see, The Opps have come to celebrate. The fans like the sound of that! Joe says before that, props to big brother Master P. Joe thanks P for the introductions, and for everything he does for this great city. Joe appreciates it, he knows the people appreciate.

Joe says BigBlueUNO.com, see what P is doing for the student athletes here. Master P says there’s always love for the student athletes. Master P is Coach P, there’s nothing but love for this city. Joe says that’s a good thing, because they love New Orleans, too. When they thought about the best city to celebrate a championship win, it’s right here in New Orleans! But wait, the Death Riders are here to ruin the fun. Well, Marina Shafir comes out from the back, but Wheeler Yuta rushes in from the ramp! He CLOBBERS Shibata, Claudio CLOBBERS Hobbs, and Moxley uses the briefcase to CLOBBER Joe! The fans boo and Master P can’t believe it!

Claudio drags Hobbs out, Yuta keeps after Shibata, and then Hobbs is sent into steel steps! Moxley CHOKES Joe, Marina is there to hold Joe down, and then Moxley stomps Joe! The fans boo but Master P stands his ground! The fans cheer on the coach but this is still a 3v1 situation. Moxley steps to Master P, and then Master P chuckles…? Because JOE IS BACK UP! Joe has the COQUINA CLUTCH on Moxley! Shibata and Hobbs drag Yuta & Claudio from the ring to fire in return! Master P even gets some shots on Mox! The fans fire up as the tables have turned on the Death Riders! P laughs as Moxley goes out, again!

Master P says this is New Orleans, right? They want all the smoke! This about to be a problem. Go ahead, put ’em to sleep! But wait, The Elite rushes out here! And Matthew Jackson has a chair! He SMACKS Joe down to free Moxley! Master P hurries out of there now, there’s a lot more going on. The fans boo as the Death Riders turn the tables back around. The Bucks say you’re welcome, Moxley. But then Marina steps in and keeps Moxley from retaliating, And then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE! The fans fire up as now the Realest is on the scene! Joe gets back up again, The Elite retreat now that things are getting complicated.

But then Kenny Omega makes his way out here! And The Cleaner has a chair of his own! The Elite scurry after where The Death Riders made their exit! The fans fire up as AEW International Champion stands with the World Trios Champions and the Most Dangerous Man in AEW. Then these five look to each other, and Joe grabs the mic again. “In respect to whose house it is, nice to see you again, brother. I will say this: JON MOXLEY! You wanted me, now you have me. I’m gonna beat your ass, choke you out, and ladies and gentlemen, I’ll be taking back my AEW World Championship.” The mission statement has been issued, but will all part of “Team AEW V3” be okay with that?

Backstage interview with The Patriarchy.

Renee Paquette is with Christian Cage, Kip Sabian, Mother Shayna, and the youngest ever singles champion in ROH or AEW history, the NEW ROH World Television Champion, Nick Wayne. A huge congratulations to Nick, but Christian says actually, the congratulations should all go to him. He even takes the belt from Nick! Christian says Nick would agree that if not for The Patriarch, Nick would not be standing here the champion. Because Christian is the one who forced Nick to step out of his shell, find himself, spread his wings and truly become what it is Christian’s always known Nick to be, and that’s The Prodigy.

Christian still says they’re all proud of Nick. They all celebrated. In fact, Christian and Shayna celebrated Nick’s victory extensively, later that night. Nick scowls but Christian says, “Do you see what happens, Nick, when you listen? When you shut your mouth, you open your ears, and you actually listen to me?! Good things happen, and I always tell the truth, don’t I?” Nick asks Christian if he sees what happens when you actually stick to the plan: You actually win championships. Nick tries to take his belt back, but Christian holds onto it. Christian then willingly gives it over, and says, “I love my family.”

Christian storms off, and neither Kip nor Shayna is really sure what to make of this. Is there about to be a new head of the household now that Nick’s standing up for himself?

Ricochet VS Mark Briscoe!

The One & Only is brushing off the losses that have plagued him in hopes of reaching his goal of gold in AEW. However, will he #ReachForTheSky against the Sussex County Chicken? Or can Ricochet #ManUp against the former ROH World Heavyweight Champion?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two circle, the fans taunt Ricochet with, “OH~ Ricochet’s Bald~!” Ricochet is annoyed, and he goes out to bond with the fan in the front row who is also bald! He claims everyone else is making fun of this guy, too! In fact, isn’t Mark bald? Why aren’t people talking Mark for being bald?! The fans chant, “You Aren’t Mark! You Aren’t Mark!” The two tie up, Ricochet powers Mark back, but Mark turns things around to corner Ricochet. The ref has Mark back off and the fans rally up. Ricochet and Mark reset, feel things out, but Ricochet goes to the ropes for defense.

The fans boo but Mark waits on Ricochet. Ricochet and Mark circle, feel things out, but again Ricochet is in a corner. The ref backs Mark off, and then Ricochet runs up! But Mark blocks a shot to fire hands in return! Mark keeps Ricochet from escaping to ROCK him again! And again! Mark whips, Ricochet reverses, and Ricochet drops down, hurdles over, but Mark follows to ROCK him with a forearm! Mark kicks low, then runs, and he BOOTS Ricochet! Ricochet staggers, Mark BOOTS him outta the ring! The fans fire up and Mark WRECKS Ricochet with a dropkick! The fans fire up more as Mark drags Ricochet up and CHOPS!

Mark stalks Ricochet, UPPERCUTS him, then keeps Ricochet from escaping into the crowd. Mark CHOPS Ricochet again! Ricochet ROCKS Mark, goes for the ring, but Mark drags him back out! Mark swings, Ricochet dodges, and Ricochet goes up the apron, Mark joins in and dares Ricochet to fight. Ricochet kicks, Mark blocks, and he spins Ricochet for a waistlock. Ricochet fights the lift, elbows free, but Mark clinches! Ricochet CLUBS away on Mark, then BOOTS him! Mark falls back, Ricochet taunts the fans and he taunts Mark. Ricochet scuffs Mark, taunts the fans, then runs, but into a DROPKICK!

The fans fire up as Ricochet falls to the floor! Mark takes aim, BANG BANG! FOLEY ELBOW DROP! The fans fire up and Mark puts Ricochet in the ring. Cover, TWO! Ricochet stays in this, but Mark CHOPS him! Mark shines up Ricochet’s head to then ROCK him with a right! Mark brings Ricochet around to suplex, but Ricochet slips free! Ricochet O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Mark kicks low, then whips Ricochet to ropes. Ricochet grabs ropes, but Mark blocks a boot! UPPERCUT! Ricochet goes to a corner, Mark runs in, but Ricochet uses the ref as a shield! Then Ricochet YANKS Mark into the ropes!

The fans boo but Ricochet brings Mark up to shove him into more ropes! Mark sputters, Ricochet builds speed, and Ricochet WRECKS Mark with a dropkick! Ricochet taunts the fans, taunts Mark, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Ricochet take a moment to catches his breath, then he storms over to Mark to CLUB him on the back! Ricochet drags Mark up to RAM him into the apron! Then Ricochet smooths his eyebrows and beard, talks trash on some fans, then takes a fans’ sign to SMACK Mark with it! Mark CHOPS Ricochet! Ricochet CHOPS Mark! Ricochet puts Mark in the ring, CLOBBERS him, then rains down fists! T he ref reprimands, the fans taunt Ricochet, and Ricochet argues with the ref before going back for Mark. Ricochet shines Mark’s head before he throws hands, and he SLAPS Mark on the head! Mark just gets mad, Ricochet SLAPS him again!

Ricochet mocks the fans for mocking his baldness, and he BOOTS Mark down! Ricochet digs his knee into Mark’s neck, then acts like that’s a cover! The ref reprimands, Ricochet “apologizes” and covers Mark properly, TWO! Mark is tougher than that, so Ricochet brings him up, only for Mark to fire hands! Mark runs, but into a DROPKICK! Ricochet struts and soaks up the heat, then he goes back to cover Mark. TWO, and Ricochet clamps onto Mark with a chinlock. Mark endures, even as Ricochet digs a knee into his back. Mark fights up, fires body shots, but Ricochet knees low! Ricochet whips Mark to a corner, but Mark goes up and out!

Ricochet runs up, Mark blocks a shot to ROCK Ricochet! Mark then climbs, leaps, but Ricochet avoids the ax handle! Mark comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but then Ricochet dodges to CUTTER! Dynamite returns to single picture as Ricochet covers, TWO! Ricochet is frustrated but the fans fire up. Ricochet brushes that off to then go to the corner. Ricochet goes up, says this is for the fans. AX- atomic drop! The fans fire up as Mark dares Ricochet to take a shot. Ricochet swings, Mark dodges and Mark CHOPS! And CHOPS! And fires a flurry of forearms! Mark whips, Ricochet reverses, but Mark FLYING FOREARMS!

The fans fire up as Ricochet flounders to a corner. Mark runs up to LARIAT, and BULL- NO, Ricochet stops that, only for Mark to SLAP, SLAP, SLAP the bald head! Then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives but the fans rally up behind Mark. Mark drags Ricochet up, but Ricochet grabs the ropes. Mark pulls Ricochet free, but Ricochet slips down and dragon sleepers, only for Mark to drop down and victory roll! TWO, and Mark hurries, only for Ricochet to trip! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Mark brings Ricochet up to Canadian Rack, but Ricochet slips free and backslides! TWO, and Ricochet NORTHERN LIGHTS!

Ricochet rolls through and deadlifts to a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous as Mark survives again! Ricochet keeps taunting Mark, but Mark SLAPS Ricochet! The fans fire up, Ricochet runs back in, and he RAMS Mark in the corner! Then GAMANGIRI from the apron! Ricochet springboards, but Mark catches him! EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Ricochet is tougher than that, but Mark has more to give! Mark underhooks Ricochet, but Ricochet fights the lift! Ricochet wrenches out, but Mark fireman’s carries! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and then Ricochet sits up into the SLIDING LARIAT!

Mark calls his shot and the fans fire up! Mark climbs up, aims, and FROGGY- NO, Ricochet moves! Mark rolls through, Ricochet runs up, but Mark puts him on the apron! Mark blocks the gamangiri, but Ricochet blocks the haymaker to HOTSHOT! Mark falls, Ricochet springboards, 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives again and the fans are thunderous! Ricochet is in shock, and he goes to the corner. The fans chant, “You Still Suck!” and Ricochet gets mad. Mark gets up to UPPERCUT! Mark climbs up, Ricochet CLUBS away on him! Ricochet shoves Mark away, but Mark comes back to UPPERCUT!

Ricochet falls to the floor, Mark CANNONBALL TOPES! The fans fire up and Mark puts Ricochet in! Mark runs up to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet barely gets an arm up, but Mark brings Ricochet around! Underhooks and- NO, Ricochet RAMS Mark into the corner! The fans cheer ‘A E DUB” for giving us this match. Ricochet runs up, Mark dodges, but Ricochet ELBOWS him down! Ricochet highs tacks, feet on ropes, TWO!! Mark has the prawn hold, AND WINS!

Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall

Ricochet couldn’t win the International Championship, he couldn’t win his share of $400,000, and now he loses to Chicken! The fans celebrate with Mark, but Ricochet’s a sore loser! He grabs a chair and JAMS Mark up with it! The fans boo, but Ricochet SMACKS Mark on the back! And SMACKS him again! The fans boo more while Mark writhes, but Ricochet brings out the GOLDEN SCISSORS! But wait! Kevin Knight rushes out here! The Jet DECKS Ricochet! He dares Ricochet to try something, then he stands on the scissors! Ricochet runs away! Kevin says he’ll cut Ricochet’s beard!

Knight then checks on Mark. Mark is alright, and the fans cheer. We even see Rock ‘n’ Roll Express here! They cheer on Mark, will Mark soon be headed for new title opportunities?

Tony Schiavone is back in the ring.

He welcomes us back to the show, but just as he’s about to begrudgingly welcome out FTR, he is interrupted by Stokely Hathaway! Big Stoke says there has been a change of plans, and he’s got this now. “They are living legends. Top guys! TEN TIME World Tag Team Champions! New Orleans, give it up for F T R!” The fans boo, but the music hits and Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler make their way out, walking with Stokely to the ring. FTR shake hands with Schiavone, and Stokely reintroduces himself. He will address the elephant in the room. FTR were suspended and fined for accidentally hitting someone, and simply touching Tony Schiavone?

That is interesting to Stokely, because there are other people who have literally set people on fire. Hangman Page has committed arson! Ricochet decides to come to work and shanks people with scissors! And should we even list all of Moxley’s crimes? Stokely will. Acts of terrorism, kidnapping, extortion, and all to FTR, yet he walks around here unpunished. That is unjust! But do not worry, that’s why Stokely is here. Stokely says that suspension will be expunged from their permanent records. Those fines will be reimbursed, based on the very public, ugly, and nasty way this has all played out.

Moving forward, if you wanna have a conversation with the Top Guys, you need to have a conversation with Stokely. As of today, Stokely Hathaway is the new agent for the greatest tag team today, F T R! Now, Schiavone, do your job. Schiavone thanks Stokely, and then holds the mic for FTR. Cash says beautiful work from Stokely. But what happened last week with Daniel Garcia was not an easy decision for them. But “Danny” gave them no choice when he made his own decision. The fans boo, Cash says please be polite, he is talking. Don’t forget, it was 2Point0 that got in FTR’s face! It was 2Point0 that came at FTR! It was 2Point0 that wanted a fight!

And from where FTR is from, when you want a fight, you better be ready to fight. And well, 2Point0 wasn’t ready for that fight. Cash has respect for Danny, though. When he asked them to stop, FTR stopped. Danny is FTR’s friend. But then he goes and treats them like that? Don’t forget, Danny, you came to them for help. When every other veteran here left him high and dry and directionless, it was FTR that got Danny to the TNT Championship. FTR put Danny first, they put Cope first, they put AEW first, and that got FTR nothing but disrespect! NO MORE! FTR first from now on! And you’re gonna boo them for that?!

The fans do indeed boo, but Dax steps in. What’s with the hostility? Relax. Speaking of living legends, there are a couple legends in the house right now! Rock ‘n’ Roll Express are here! Dax invites Ricky & Robert to the ring to share the spotlight. Ricky & Robert stand up, the fans cheer, and Dax says c’mon now, we’ve got TV time ticking. Watch your step, we don’t want anyone falling. Rock ‘n’ Roll Express do indeed step into the ring with FTR, Stokely & Schiavone, and Dax tells the fans that if they didn’t cheer FTR, no need to cheer Rock ‘n’ Roll. The fans boo but Dax says one of the greatest teams of all time, Rock ‘n’ Roll Express!

Ricky & Robert have had some of the greatest matches with some of the greatest teams. Which do they feel is their greatest match of all time? Before Ricky or Robert can answer, Dax says it would have to be Philadelphia with the Midnight Express. And to be honest, no shade, but Midnight Express was better. The fans boo, Dax says no, hold on, tonight is going to be about Rock ‘n’ Roll Express. 40 YEARS of Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, they’re still going strong. How old are they? And again, Dax interrupts by saying that he’d have to say just on looks alone, he’d go with 109. And being 109 means they were running hard in the 80s, if you know what he means.

What would they say was their greatest experience in the 80s? Ricky stops Dax from interrupting this time! The fans cheer and Ricky says no more of this. Don’t try and embarrass Ricky & Robert in front of the wrestling world. Stokely steps in and says there doesn’t need to be hostility. This is kinda ironic, but Stokely has something. He has Dax hold his mic, and then he brings out the brand new FTR merch shirt! FTR: Living Legend Killers. This one’s for Ricky. Stokely throws the shirt at Ricky, and then FTR attacks! The fans boo as Cash DECKS Robert, and then Dax reels Ricky in! Cash goes up, MIND BREAKER!!

But here comes The Paragon! FTR runs from Adam Cole, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly! The Top Guys stoop to new lows, but will The Paragon make sure FTR get the worst of it?

The Young Bucks VS Kevin Knight & “Speedball” Mike Bailey!

We saw Matthew & Nicholas Jackson earlier tonight try and again ingratiate themselves to the Death Riders, only to be reminded they have many more enemies than friends. But this match is really only because The Jet & Speedball went a little overboard with their celebration last week, what with the $400,000 and The Opps winning the World Trios Championships. Will The Bucks be a couple of buzzkills? Or will they still throw a Superkick Party?

The gold is on the line again!

After her debut on Monday Night Raw was ruined, Stephanie Vaquer will fight Roxanne Perez, putting the NXT Women’s Championship on the line one more time! Is this The Prodigy’s last chance to be champion again?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Tatum Paxley & Gigi Dolin; Liv & Raquel win and retain the titles.
• NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Noam Dar; Dar wins and becomes the new NXT Heritage Cup Champion.
• Fallon Henley w/ The Fatal Influence VS Thea Hail; Thea wins.
• Je’Von Evans & Myles Borne w/ Wren Sinclair VS Dark State; Dark State wins.
• NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Roxanne Perez; Vaquer wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Tatum Paxley & Gigi Dolin!

Though they dropped them at WrestleMania, the Judgment Day’s leading ladies took these titles right back from The Morrigan & The Man last night on Monday Night Raw! And now they’re having a very special NXT homecoming to defend these belts all over again! Will Liv & Raquel underestimate Tatum & Gigi just because they’re the “weird girls?” Or will the champs be a bit more careful this fourth time around?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who still stands and delivers!

The teams sort out and Liv starts against Tatum. The fans rally up for the “FOUR TIME CHAMPS! FOUR TIME CHAMPS!” Liv smiles, then BOOTS Tatum and throws her by her hair! Liv then fires off on Tatum in the corner! Liv stomps a mudhole in, but she shrieks at the ref, “OKAY!” But then Tatum THROWS Liv, and shrieks back! The fans fire up, but Liv smiles as she tags out to Raquel. Ricky Desperado storms up, but Tatum goes Matrix! Tatum then avoids the stomp, but Raquel denies the takedown with a GIANT SWING! Raquel TOSSES Tatum, the fans rally up, and Raquel bumps Tatum off buckles.

Raquel tags Liv, Liv taunts Gigi, and Raquel sends Liv in for a back body block! Raquel adds a SPLASH, then snapmares Tatum for Liv’s SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Tatum stays in this but Liv stays on Tatum. Liv drags Tatum up, but Tatum breaks free to KNEE SMASH! Tag to Gigi and she SHOTGUNS Liv! Raquel tags back in, Gigi slips around, spins Raquel, wrenches and KNEE- NO, Raquel stops the smash to put Gigi up top, only for Gigi to kick off the ropes! FLYING MARE! Raquel staggers to a corner, Gigi runs up, but Raquel dodges. Gigi dodges and ROUNDHOUSES from the apron! Gigi climbs up and CROSSBODIES!

Raquel just manages to catch Gigi, and swings her for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Gigi survives and the fans rally. Raquel grabs Tatum to RAM her into a corner! But Gigi rolls Raquel! TWO, Raquel runs up, but Gigi BOOTS her! The ref is busy checking Tatum, Liv SHOVES Gigi off the corner! The fans cheer and Raquel goes out to drag Gigi up. But Tatum SHOVES Liv onto Raquel! The fans fire up as Tatum ASAI MOONSAULTS! Down go the champs, the challengers stand tall, and the fans cheer as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Raquel THROWS Tatum down! Raquel clamps on with a cobra clutch but Tatum endures! The fans rally, Tatum fights up, and Tatum JAWBREAKERS free! Tatum dodges Raquel but the SOUTHPAW finds her! Raquel drags Tatum up, tags Liv in, and the champs mug Tatum. Liv brings Tatum around, snap suplexes, and that’s Una Amiga as she rises up! Dos Amigas and she brings Tatum back up! THREE AMIGAS and the fans cheer! Liv runs to ENZIGIRI Tatum down! Cover, TWO! Tatum is still in this but Liv smiles. Tag to Raquel, they mug Tatum again, and fans sing, “Dirty! Dirty Dom~! Dirty! Dirty Dom~!”

Raquel reels Tatum in and suplexes for a stalling suplex! But Tatum fires knees! Tatum is free, but Raquel CLUBS her, HAMMERS away, and then pushes Tatum around. Raquel talks trash and suplexes again, but Tatum hits a DDT! The fans fire up while both women are down! Tatum and Raquel crawl, hot tags to Gigi and Liv! The fans fire up as Gigi rallies on Liv! Gigi wrenches and ROUNDHOUSES Liv, then hits an S T O! Roll and nelson, HALF ‘N’ HALF! Bridging cover, TWO!! Liv survives but Gigi shouts! Tag to Tatum, they run, but Liv dodges! Gigi & Tatum avoid a collision, but Raquel tags in to DOUBLE LARIAT!

The fans fire up as Raquel hauls Tatum up! But Tatum fights the powerbomb and RANAS through! COver, TWO! Raquel sits up, Gigi tags in! Raquel kicks Tatum and hoists her up, but Tatum sunset flips through! Raquel stays up, spins through, but Tatum UP KICKS and Gigi hits WHISPER IN THE WIND! Tatum goes up, up, and 450 SPLASH! Gigi covers, Liv breaks it! The fans fire up as Liv talks some smack. Tatum ENZIGIRIS Liv! Gigi drags Raquel up, tags Tatum back in, and the challengers try again, DOUBLE ENZIGIRI! Raquel drops, Tatum runs, tilt-o-whirl but Raquel powers out! Gigi tags back in!

Tatum BOOTS Raquel, and we get a DOUBLE HEADBUTT! Liv sneaks a tag now, right as Raquel is hooked up. Liv hits a CODE BREAKER on Tatum! Raquel gets under Gigi for a TEJANA BOMB!! Raquel stands Gigi up for OBLIVION!! Cover, Liv & Raquel win!

Winners: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

Gigi & Tatum fought so hard to get this chance, but they still fell short of the mark. What will it take for them to finally get some gold? And as for Liv & Raquel, will this victory help Judgment Day hold together a little longer?

Lexis King meets with Penn & Teller.

The Drama King says they’re so good at this magic stuff, the Heritage Cup has been missing since Saturday! Could they bring it back, though? The King needs his trophy. Oh, they’ll bring it back. But they have a couple of conditions. Sure thing! Okay, first: Admit that Penn & Teller can do magic. Second: Apologize. Lexis says obviously they can do magic, and he is so sorry, because clearly it is all real. But Penne didn’t finish. Lexis must defend the Cup tonight. Aw, c’mon, man! They’ve been in Vegas all weekend! He hasn’t been training, dieting, any of that! He’s been doing Vegas stuff! Well, the deal is the deal. Defend it or he doesn’t get it back. Deal? Deal.

They shake on it, and Teller goes back into the magic cage. Penn puts the curtain down and says again, Lexis must admit Penn & Teller are magic. Just look into the camera there. Lexis says Penn & Teller are magic because magic is real. And he must defend the Cup. Is he ready for that? Sure. Teller returns and behind the jacket, tada! Lexis is so happy, but now, time to defend it. But against who? Oh, that’s gonna be a surprise. Lexis sighs, but who is going to roll the dice and hit the jackpot?

No Quarter Catch Crew watches back footage.

That is to say, Wren Sinclair & Myles Borne watch Charles Dempsey & Tavion Heights have dominant performances at GCW’s Bloodsport, which is very much like NXT Underground. Wren asks Myles why he wasn’t there. Well, not sure, other than they didn’t ask. What about Wren? Well, actually- Dark State interrupts. Saquon Shugars says Myles couldn’t handle Bloodsport. He ain’t no shooter like Tavion. Wren says that’s not true. Cutler James says maybe it’d be best if the NQCC just went their separate ways now. Before Dark State breaks ’em like they did the D’Angelo Family.

Myles has Wren cool off, and he tells Dark State that when the Crew comes back, they’ll give Dark State a run for their money. Oh, is that so? Je’Von Evans walks in, and he says after Saturday, he’s up for a fight. What’s up with them? Dion Lennox says, “Man, how many times do we gotta beat you down before you learn?” Je’Von ain’t got no back up. Myles says hey, Je’Von isn’t in this alone. Myles has Je’Von’s back. Let’s see how the 2v2 goes. Oh, oaky, let’s see. Dark State heads out, Je’Von says they’ll go talk with Ava. Myles says bet, and they shake hands. Can the Young OG and #BabyOrton show not everyone is a target for Dark State?

Ricky Saints is here!

The fans cheer as The Absolute NXT North American Champion heads to the ring, victorious over “All Ego” Ethan Page. The fans cheer Ricky on has he gets the mic, and he says, “Wow! And he loves you back, baby! You know, going off of that, I kicked off WrestleMania Weekend with a bang when I successfully defended the North American Championship… against a man who is forever going to be a thorn in my side, and that is you, ‘All Ego’ Ethan Page.” The fans boo that name, and Ricky says his mom agrees, as well. But the world watched this week when it was a historic two-night WrestleMania. But it was at Stand & Deliver where Ricky made good on his promise.

Everything Ricky has said he has made into reality. He is the man around here, as you can tell. The fans do cheer that. And man, Stand & Deliver was surreal, but it felt so good to do it against Ethan Page! But then Lexis King interrupts! The Drama King says now now, Ricky, hold your horses. Lexis knows Ricky had his historic win at Stand & Deliver. But Lexis has been spending all weekend running all over, looking for his precious Heritage Cup, all because those clowns, Penn & Teller, made it disappear right before his very eyes. Ricky laughs and says good for him. But what does this have to do with Ricky?

Ricky is out here, simply putting on a show. He is just confused with this right now. Lexis says he actually has some business. So before Ricky takes up his ring time, Lexis has to defend the Heritage Cup tonight. So if Ricky doesn’t get up out of here, Lexis might come back for that North American title. Oh, wow, we’re doing this again? Last week, Lexis lost that Fatal 4, so he doesn’t have a shot. Seems Lexis’ mouth keeps writing checks his lil ass can’t cash! Lexis says he loves a lot of things, but he doesn’t like smug, arrogant p*icks like Ricky that think he can get over with this gullible audience! The fans boo, but Lexis says nobody likes Ricky, but they love The King!

Lexis says Ricky is a legend in his own mind, and delusions of grandeur fill his mind. The fans chant, “Lexis Sucks!” Lexis says if Ricky’s so confident, then give Lexis a shot! Put the title on the line next week against Lexis. And there doesn’t need to be a Fatal 4 Way, no stacking the odds, Lexis has had enough of that in Vegas. So how about it? Lexis will even put his Cup on the line next week for a double title match! Cup VS Title, One Fall, Winner Takes All! Ricky says will put it like this. Lexis is a very special individual. The fact Lexis is worried about Ricky when he has a mystery opponent is very telling.

And since Ricky has a good feeling Lexis already went and talked with Ava about this, then CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! The fans fire up for that! Both men talk a bit more trash, but refs hurry out here to keep this from getting physical. The thing Lexis is forgetting is that he doesn’t know his opponent tonight! Will that man ruin the plan of a double title match by becoming the NEW Heritage Cup Champion?

Hank ‘n’ Tank hand out with #ZaRuca.

Hank Walker says check it out! New champs! Who would’ve thought? Tank Ledger isn’t sure how to wear his, because shoulder is nice, but maybe hanging off the thigh works? Hank says nah, waist or nothing, it’s traditional. But then in storms Thea Hail! She’s so excited for everyone! If it was anyone other than Thea winning the ladder match, she’s glad it was Sol. But also, she would totally do another one! It was so much fun! Climbing up ladders, bodies flying everywhere, Sol hitting the DOUBLE Sol Snatcher! Jaida Parker walks by and says please, no. After the night she had last Saturday, the last thing she needs is Thea’s energy.

Jaida leaves, but Kelani Jordan steps in. And she says she actually agrees with Miss Parker. This is not the same locker room Thea left six months ago. But then Fatal Influence walk in and Jacy Jayne sarcastically says, “Wow. I didn’t think my life could get any worse, but then you show back up.” Fallon Henley says Jacy needs to put Thea in her place once and for all. Kelani says not her problem, so she leaves. Jacy says if Fallon wants something done, she can do it herself. Jacy leads Jazmyn away, and Fallon says Jacy never could get it done, so Fallon gladly will. Thea shrugs and rolls her eyes, because the more things change, the more things are still toxic.

NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS ???

NXT returns and Lexis’s opponent is… NOAM DAR! Supernova 11 is back, and he’s ready to take back his beloved Heritage Cup! Will Dar once again hold up the trophy? Or will Lexis keep his plans with Ricky on track?

The introductions are made, the Cup is raised, and we see whose name will be on the plaque!

The bell rings and the fans cheer, “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” Lexis offers a handshake, but then he kicks! Dar blocks and BOOTS Lexis down! Dar rallies with forearm after forearm, then a ROUNDHOUSE! Lexis gets up, gets around, but Dar switches, baits Lexis in, and FLIPS him over! EURO CLUTCH! TWO, and Dar blocks another kick. Lexis ENZIGIRIS but Dar DRAGON SCREWS through! And then ANKLE LOCK! Lexis endures, reaches out, and rolls, sending Dar into a corner. Lexis runs in, Dar dodges and comes back to BOOT! Dar runs side to side but then just KICKS Lexis down! The fans fire up as Dar goes side to side again, DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!

Dar fires up, the fans fire up with him, and Dar traps Lexis’ arms so Dar can “clean” that poor excuse for a beard off Lexis’ face! Lexis fights back but Dar HAMMERS away! Ghost pin, TWO! Lexis stands, Dar runs up, and Dar has a SLEEPER! Lexis stays up, reaches out, and he runs to RAM Dar into buckles! Dar crawls away, and Lexis CROWNS him with the blindside shot! Cover, TWO! Dar stays in this but Lexis steps on his face. Lexis stands Dar up for headlock punches! Dar falls back, Lexis talks trash, and Lexis drags Dar up. Lexis scrapes his boot on Dar’s face, then does it again. The fans rally for “SUPERNOVA!” but Lexis runs.

Lexis kicks but Dar blocks again! Dar then SLAPS Lexis, trips him, but Lexis gets up. They trade strikes, and then Dar KICKS, CHOPS, KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS again! Lexis SWATS a kick to CHOP Dar down! Lexis stands Dar up to CHOP, and CHOP, and whip, but Dar reverses. SOBAT! SOBAT again! But Lexis SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Dar stays in this and Lexis grows frustrated! Lexis goes up the corner while fans boo, and Lexis SWANTON FLOPS! Dar aims from a corner, runs up, URAKEN! URAKEN! Lexis flops down and Dar says pinkies out! Lexis rises, into the NOVA feint and then BACK ELBOW!! Cover, DAR WINS!

Winner: Noam Dar, by pinfall (NEW NXT Heritage Cup Champion)

Right about now, Lexis is probably wishing he hadn’t removed the first-to-two-falls rule… But Dar is back on top and Lexis must crawl his way to his North American Championship with Ricky Saints. Will Lexis save face by somehow ending the revolution? Or will the North American Championship still be Absolute?

Backstage interview with Roxanne Perez.

Sarah Schreiber is with The Prodigy, and notes that after Stand & Deliver, Roxie confronted Stephanie Vaquer and Ava, and- Roxie says rightly so. Vaquer will not claim a division that Roxie built. Sarah then brings up last night, Roxie interfering with Vaquer VS Iyo Sky on Raw. Yes, she did! Because the Raw After Mania was supposed to be Roxie’s moment, but it ended up Stephanie’s. So what’d Roxie do? She made the moment that she deserved. And it felt so good, too. And not to lie, Roxie didn’t even realize Giulia had the same idea. But if Vaquer has a problem, then she should do something about it tonight!

But she won’t. Because Vaquer isn’t at 100%. She’s tired, drained, and Roxie’s been there. The media, the matches, the interviews, the appearances. Roxie knows that because she had to defend her title 48 hours after Stand & Deliver last year. But if she was anything but The Prodigy, the Slammy Award Winning Superstar of the Year, she would’ve lost. Unfortunately for Stephanie, Roxie IS The Prodigy. Vaquer may have walked into Vegas a champion, but Roxie will leave Vegas a THREE-TIME NXT Women’s Champion. Roxie sure talks a big game, but will Vaquer call her bluff? Or will Roxie actually have the winning hand tonight?

Fallon Henley w/ The Fatal Influence VS Thea Hail!

While the dysfunction continues for The Toxic Cowgirl & Toxic Rockstar, they both want to send “The Grown-Ass Woman” back to the sidelines. Will Fallon say #YEEHAW and get back on a winning track? Or will it be #HailYeah from here on out?

The bell rings and the two tie right up. Fallon powers Thea to a corner, dribbles her off buckles, then ROCKS her with a forearm! Fallon says Fallon always comes first! But Thea CLBOBERS her! And ROCKS her! The fans fire up, but Fallon gets around, pump handles, but Thea drags Fallon into a cradle! TWO, and Fallon leg scissor rolls Thea, TWO! Thea runs, Fallon scoops, but Thea arm-drags free! Thea runs and wheelbarrows, but Fallon turns arm-drag into ARMBAR! Thea clasps hands, the fans rally, and Thea stacks Fallon! TWO, and Thea wants Fallon’s arm! Fallon has the ROPEBREAK, the ref counts, and Thea lets go, only for Fallon to YANK her into ropes!

Fallon BOOTS Thea, then whips corner to corner, Fallon runs up, Thea dodges, and Thea BOOTS! Thea runs, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS! The fans fire up as Thea rallies on Fallon, then wrenches, kicks, and SLIDING LARIATS! The fans fire up while Fallon goes to a corner. Thea runs in, Fallon denies the back body block, but Thea fights free of the waistlock! Thea clinches, EXPLOD- NO, Fallon lands out of the throw, waistlocks and pump handles, FALL AWAY SLAM! Jazmyn distracts the ref, Jacy creeps up on Thea. Fallon goes out to grab Thea, Jacy runs up, but Thea gets free! Jacy BOOTS Fallon down into the steel steps!

Fallon clutches her arm, and Thea HEADBUTTS Jacy! Thea puts Fallon in the ring, then DECKS Jazmyn! Thea runs and cartwheels, underhooks, BUTTERFLY SLAM! And then KIMURA!! Fallon TAPS, Thea wins!

Winner: Thea Hail, by submission

Thea soloed Fatal Influence, and surely big things are in store for this tiny little dynamo! Will 2025 finally be the Year of Hail?

Oba Femi is here!

The fans cheer and hoot as The Ruler is still NXT Champion! Oba struts his way to the ring, and he grabs a mic to say, “At Stand & Deliver, I did exactly what I said I was going to do. Trick Williams & Je’Von Evans had all these dreams and aspirations about dethroning The Ruler and becoming the NXT Champion at Stand & Deliver. Not on my watch. Y’know what I did? I took their dreams, I set it ablaze, and I burnt it to ashes! I told them to wake up!” The fans cheer for “O~BA! HOOT!” Oba continues that during the build up, he said some things about Je’Von. Oba called him a child, said he wasn’t ready, said he couldn’t hang, and said he was immature.

Oba says regretfully so, because the Young OG is better than Oba thought he was. The fans cheer that, too! Oba says that while Je’Von’s time has not come, his best years are definitely ahead of him. Shoutout to the Young OG. The fans cheer more, and even chant “YOUNG OG! YOUNG OG!” Oba says as for Trick, there’s no love for him. Oba will say, as good as Trick is, as great as Trick is, Oba is just that much better. But wait! Trick Williams is here! But Trick isn’t in the mood for the chants, he tells Oba that it ain’t ending like that. Every single time it comes to Trick getting what’s his, Oba finds an easy way out. The only reason Oba won is because he pinned Je’Von.

Trick says it doesn’t matter if it IS Oba’s birthday, Trick wants his title back! Oba tells Trick that he gave Trick his flowers, said he was done, so what more does he want? Trick wants his 1v1! Trick ain’t no regular Joe! He Trick Willy, the man and the face of this brand! When you think about NXT, you think about Trick! Not Oba Femi! A fan shouts, “Nice heels, Trick!” Trick says yo mama likes ’em. Trick is tired of running the play, of letting others butt in, of people like Oba stealing from Trick! There’s only bums in the back, and whatever they want- “Say his name and he appears. I BELIEVE IN JOE HENDRY!”

The fans go nuts as Joe Hendry returns to NXT, holding up the TNA World Championship! Joe also a mic as he goes to the ring and the fans sing along with the song. Then Joe… TURNS! The fans chant, “WE BELIEVE! WE BELIEVE!” and Joe says, “Say his name and he appears, Joe Hendry is BACK in NXT!” Joe tells Trick that he is not the same man he tagged with back in the Fall. The rumors are true, Trick has changed! Trick used to soak in the cheers, the chants, and now all he does is soak in self-pity! Joe proved what happens when you listen to the fans, and he did it at WrestleMania! The fans cheer that, too!

Joe says he will tell Trick this because no one else will: Trick ain’t hungry, he’s entitled. Maybe the reason Trick didn’t win back the title was because of himself. Maybe, just maybe, Trick Willy is a WHINY B*TCH! The fans go nuts for that one! Trick tells Joe, “Hold on there, Minute Maid. You had your five minutes on Sunday. But since we always talk about what you believe, let’s take a minute to talk about what Trick Williams believes. I believe you don’t belong here, you’re just an outsider. I believe you don’t fit in. I believe you got your ass whooped on Sunday, let’s talk about it.” So how about Joe does us a favor and go one where he belongs while the big dogs talk.

Joe says he did lose to RKO, but at least he did it in front of over 60 THOUSAND at WrestleMania! Joe was in the ring with Randy while Trick was in the stands. And Joe will not leave because THE TNA World Champion, who will defend his title this Sunday at TNA Rebellion, has some business to discuss with THE NXT CHAMPION! The fans cheer as Joe steps to Oba. Oba tells Joe not to make the same mistake Moose did. Trick steps between both champions, but Joe ROCKSI him! Oba ROCKS him! They pinball Trick! Then they TOSS Trick to the ramp! The champions of TNA and NXT stand tall, but will we see who is THE champion of champions?

Stacks waits in the desert.

A red car pulls up, and it’s Luca! Luca asks what Stacks was thinking! Stacks and The Don, they go back to childhood! How many times has Stacks been in a pinch, and somehow, someway, Tony got him out of it? That bond took them from the streets to beings champions. Stack was Underboss for a reason! Stacks needs to make this right! Stacks tells Luca to quiet down. Does Luca know why Stacks invited him all the way out here? Aw f…. Is this going to be the end of the Consigliere in the family? Or just the end of him period?

Backstage interview with #ZaRuca.

Sarah is now with Zaria & Sol Ruca, the NEW NXT Women’s North American Champion. Congratulations, Sol. Sol says thanks, and all six women were booming, it was exhausting. But it is also exhilarating to be the new champion. As for Zaria, she came close- Liv & Raquel walk in laughing it up. Poor Zaria. Your best friend is a DOUBLE champion while Liv & Raquel are the history making, record breaking, first-ever FOUR TIME Women’s Tag Team Champions! Zaria has nada! Nothing! Cry about it~! Oh, Raquel has an idea. Maybe Zaria’s buddy can give her one of her two titles. That way, Zaria isn’t left out.

Liv says good idea. Sol says screw both of them. Nothing breaks up ZaRuca. Move along before Sol decides she wants a third belt in the collection. Liv & Raquel laugh that off, been there and done that. But keep dreaming big. Liv & Raquel leave, but can The Agent of Change change her own title fortunes?

Trick is throwing a fit backstage!

In fact, he’s throwing pipes and crates and whatever he can grab! Camera feeds cut out as he throws more stuff around! But we can at least hear Ava shout at him to stop. Trick wants his shot at Oba! Ava says he isn’t getting it acting like this! #CrashOutTrick drops the steel pipe he had, but will Ava have much more severe consequences for him?

Je’Von Evans & Myles Borne w/ Wren Sinclair VS Dark State!

As we all know, The Young OG is BOUNCY~! But then can he bounce back from his loss at Stand & Deliver with the help of #BabyOrton? Or will Osiris Griffin & Dion Lennox prove that #NoOneIsSafe?

The teams sort out, Myles starts against Dion and the two tie up. Dion powers Myles to a corner, Myles turns it around, but Dion headlocks for a takeover. Myles headscissors, Dion kips free and runs. Dion stops the hip toss, but Myles body blows, goes up and over, but Dion kinda stifles it there. Myles still wrenches and wristlocks to YANK the arm. Tag to Je’Von and the fans fire up! Je’Von climbs to AX HANDLE Dion’s arm! Je’Von wrenches but Dion ROCKS him first. Dion whips, Je’Von RANAS in return! The fans fire up as Je’Von then BOUNCY RANAS! Dion hurries away and Osiris tags in.

The fans boo as Osiris storms up. Je’Von runs up, but Osiris picks him up to RAM him into the corner! But Je’Von dodges the haymaker to fire haymakers! Osiris grabs Je’Von, TOSSES him to the corner, then runs back in. Je’Von dodge to JAB, JAB, JAB! Osiris SHOVES Je’Von, then DECKS him! The fans boo but Osiris whips Je’Von. Je’Von slides to a stop, SUPERKICKS, then DROPKICKS! Osiris tumbles out but Dion jumps in, only for Myles to DROPKICK Dion! The fans fire up as Je’Von & Myles stand tall. They think about it, and then Je’Von builds speed! Je’Von DIVES, but Osiris catches him!

The fans boo as Osiris & Dion threaten Je’Von. But Myles says he can FLY! The fans fire up as Myles takes down Dark State and stands tall with Je’Von again! Dark State regroups while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Je’Von fights out of the Dark State corner, only for Osiris to DECK him again! Osiris whips, Je’Von goes up and springboards, but Osiris catches him again! FALL AWAY SLAM! Osiris has a bad hand and yet he’s doing all this! Osiris drags Je’Von up to bump off buckles, then bumps him again. And again! Shugars & Cutler talk trash on Je’Von, Osiris pushes Je’Von around, then TOSSES him to the corner. Osiris drags Je’Von up, tags Dion, and they mug Je’Von. The fans boo but Dion drags Je’Von up. Dion short arm LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Dion taunts Myles while he stands over Je’Von.

Dion drags Je’Von up, brings him around, but Je’Von fires hands! The fans rally for The Young OG but Dion KICKS him down! Tag to Osiris, Osiris feeds Je’Von to Dion, and Dion pops Je’Von up! Osiris catches Je’Von for a POWERSLAM! Cover, Myles breaks it! Je’Von survives Dark State’s take on Thor’s Hammer by the War Raiders, but Osiris clamps on with a BEARHUG! Je’Von endures, the fans rally, and Je’Von fights up. JAWBREAKER! Wait, the rest of NQCC has returned, and they’re watching from the ramp. Je’Von crawls but into the Dark State corner. Osiris runs up, but Je’Von dodges! Osiris hits buckles, Dion tags in!

Je’Von hurries but Dion grabs a leg! And he ducks the enzigiri! But Je’Von slides under, leaps up, but Dion catches him! Je’Von sunset flips, TWO! Je’Von dodges and hot tags Myles! The fans fire up as Myles rallies on Dark State! LARIAT for Osiris! HAYMAKER for Dion! Myles dodges Osiris and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Myles SNAP POWERSLAMS Dion! SNAP POWERSLAM for Osiris! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY for Dion! The fans fire up with Myles, and he fireman’s carries Dion! USHIGOROSHI! Cover, Osiris breaks it! Je’Von aims, springboards, and FLYING LARIATS Osiris! The fans fire up while Osiris bails out!

Je’Von shakes the ropes, and then PLANCHAS, but into Osiris’ arms again! Osiris RAMS Je’Von, Dion SPINEBUSTERS Myles! Tag to Osiris, and they drag Myles up. DOUBLE POWERBOMB! Cover, Dark State wins!

Winners: Dark State, by pinfall

Even at just two men, this unit is unstoppable! Dempsey & Tavion aren’t sure what to make of it, but will the NQCC just have to watch their step now that Dark State runs the streets?

Shawn Spears talks with Ava.

The Chair Man hopes the NXT General Manager understands how much he truly appreciates this. He is just looking out for his friends in The Culling. Right, she understands. Spears leaves, and in steps Yoshiki Inamura. He asks if he was interrupting something. No, no, the first show after Stand & Deliver, people like to do a lot of… politicking. Inamura doesn’t understand why people complain. They don’t understand how good they have it. Inamura says his time is coming to an end, he must return to NOAH in Japan. He thanks her for the opportunity he had here, and she says it was an honor to have him here.

Inamura says she deserves more respect, but then he hesitates to continue. She asks what’s wrong. Inamura says he just feels bad. He and Briggs almost had the tag team titles. Briggs steps in and asks what’s wrong. Is he okay? Yes, daijobu. Ava has an idea. Next week, one more shot at the tag titles. Briggs & Inamura thank Ava, and Inamura hugs Ava. Ava wishes them luck, and Briggs asks how he just did that. Inamura smiles and says, “Old Japanese secret.” Briggs and Inamura both smile and Briggs is all fired up. But will this little trick get Briggs & Inamura the big win they’ve been after?

Tony D’Angelo is in the hotel.

The Don knocks on a door, and he tells Rizzo to open up. Rizzo opens the door slightly and Tony asks if he’s gonna let her in. Did anyone follow him here? No, it’s just him. Rizzo lets The Don in, and she’s already packed. She can’t believe Stacks did that to them. How’s Tony feeling? He’s good, physically. But y’know… Rizzo says sorry about that. How’s Luca? Wait, Rizzo hasn’t heard from him? No. Tony heard Luca was going to clear his head, but that was a few hours ago. What’s Tony thinking? He isn’t sure. But Tony… Tony has Rizzo stop there. He and Stacks will have to have it out. But Tony, is it really like that? They grew up together!

Rizzo knows they’ve been through a lot, and remembers how Big Ange used to bully her. Stacks is the one who taught her how to fight. Ange made Rizzo cry every day, until one day, Rizzo made Ange cry. Rizzo promised Stacks she’d always be loyal. Tony says people change. Stacks hasn’t been right for awhile now. What if they had a sit down? Tony appreciates the sentimentality, but he doesn’t trust Stacks. There are two things they don’t stand for: Rats and traitors. Tony can’t sit down, Stacks declared war. Tony can’t put Rizzo at risk because he doesn’t know what Stacks is capable of. What’s that mean?

Tony tells Adrianna that she sees he’s packed. But she can’t go home, it’s not safe there, either. Tony has their guys waiting to get her to a safe house. Tony needs Rizzo to hide out until this all blows over. Is he sure about this? Tony assure her it’ll be alright. They hug it out, but has The Underboss turned everything upside-down for the D’Angelos?

Backstage interview with Ricky Saints.

Sarah is with The Absolute, and says what was going to be Title VS Cup is now just a match for the North American Championship. Sure is, and Ricky is thrilled for Noam Dar. Ricky knows what it is to be out for close to a year with injury and feel forgotten. So if anybody’s gonna be Heritage Cup, Ricky is glad it is Noam. But Ricky is a man of his word, and he said he’d defend his title, and guess what? He will. Ricky tells Lexis that he’s got everything to gain and nothing to lose. But then in steps Ethan Page. If it isn’t the man that took at Noam himself. Sarah steps aside, and Ethan just says, “Saints.” LEXIS CLOBBERS RICKY!

Lexis says Ricky cost him that Cup! Now, Lexis will take Ricky’s title! The Drama King storms off, and Ethan says they can pick this up another time. Ethan leaves, and Ricky is finding himself on the back foot again. Will the revolution still be televised after he and Lexis have it out next week?

Someone walks back into the building.

It’s back in Orlando where a certain someone brings a briefcase to an office. He opens it up, and he brings out a Chase U sweater! Mr. Chase says, “We’re effin’ back, baby!” Class is back in session, but will this new term be the best one ever?

NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Roxanne Perez!

La Primera defied the odds when she won Stand & Deliver’s epic Fatal 4 Way, but The Prodigy once again exceled at making things about herself. Roxie claims she should’ve been headlining Stand & Deliver, headlining Raw After Mania, and basically anything else that someone else was doing. But will Roxie end up doing what she did on Saturday and lose? Or will she find a way to be the THREE-TIME NXT Women’s Champion?

NXT returns as the Dark Angel makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the best of the best in the best women’s division today!

The bell rings and the fans fire up as the two circle. Roxie pushes Vaquer around, but Vaquer pushes back. Vaquer blocks a slap, then wrenches the arm. Vaquer puts Roxie in a corner, Roxie turns things around and pulls hair! The ref counts, Roxie steps back, but Vaquer shoots in and waistlocks! Vaquer SLAMS Roxie down, then facelocks. Roxie wrenches out, Vaquer rolls, but Roxie hits a cover, TWO! Roxie wrenches and wristlocks, but Vaquer trips her to a toehold. The fans rally behind Vaquer, and Vaquer floats to a facelock. Roxie wrenches, hammerlocks, but Vaquer rolls and trips Roxie. But Roxie spins to victory roll, TWO! Vaquer has the cover, TWO!

The fans cheer as the two stand off and reset. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Vaquer stands on one hand and wrenches the other to then have a motorcycle stretch! Roxie endures, fights up, and spins things around, but Vaquer drops! Victory roll, TWO! Roxie runs up, Vaquer sweeps and covers, ONE! Roxie sweeps and covers, ONE! Roxie wrenches an arm, steps over, LA MAGISTROL, TWO! Vaquer grabs Roxie with body scissors, roll and bridge, TWO! Both women stand up and the fans fire up again! The fans cheer “NXT! NXT!” for making this main event possible, but then Roxie kicks Vaquer low!

Roxie headlocks, but Vaquer powers her to the ropes. Vaquer powers out but Roxie THROWS Vaquer by her hair! Roxie “kicks dirt,” then runs, but Vaquer drops down, hurdles over, then blows past to come back, and she stuffs the monkey flip to a cover, TWO! Roxie dodges, whips, and runs up, to RAM Vaquer in a corner! Roxie ROCKS Vaquer, wrenches an arm, and then whips corner to corner. Roxie runs up, Vaquer goes up and over then comes back. Roxie headlocks Vaquer, grinds her down, and the fans rally up. Vaquer powers up, but Roxie hits a takeover. Vaquer headscissors, Roxie kips free, and Roxie storms up to headlock again.

Vaquer powers up to hit a BIG back suplex! Vaquer sits Roxie up, the fans cheer, and we get the headscissors! But Roxie rolls and rolls and makes it to the apron! The fans boo but Vaquer has to let go. Vaquer drags Roxie back but Roxie has the apron skirt! The ref fixes the skirt, but Roxie CLAWS Vaquer’s eyes! Roxie whips, Vaquer reverses, but Roxie goes up to BOOT her! Roxie KNEE DROPS the bad arm! The fans boo but Roxie takes a bow, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Roxie grabs the bad arm, and drops a KNEE on it! Roxie soaks up the heat, drags Vaquer around, and then stands Vaquer up to wrench and wrench, to then ARM BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Roxie is frustrated already but she drags Vaquer up. Roxie SMACKS Vaquer off the mat, then stomps her in the corner. The ref counts, Roxie backs off, then Roxie goes up to dig both boots in! The ref counts, Roxie STOMPS Vaquer’s arm! Roxie mockingly applauds, then she drags Vaquer up to wrench the arm. Roxie and Vaquer struggle for control, and Vaquer wrenches to ROCK Roxie! Roxie ROCKS Vaquer! Roxie then wrenches and THROWS Vaquer down!

Roxie stands on the arm, soaks up the heat, and drops KNEES again! Roxie isolates the bad arm, soaks up more heat, and0 NO, Vaquer dodges the stomp! Vaquer rolls Roxie up, TWO! Roxie grabs the arm, wrenches it again, but Vaquer ROCKS her! Vaquer blocks to knuckle lock and CHOP! Vaquer goes up, up, and jumps around, only for Roxie to trip her up! HOTSHOT to the bad arm! Vaquer flops down from the ropes, and Roxie brings her up to hammerlock the arm. Roxie whips but Vaquer reverses to send Roxie into buckles! Vaquer fires a forearm, Roxie fires back, and NXT returns to single picture! The fans cheer Vaquer and boo Roxie as the shots keep going!

Vaquer gets the edge and the fans cheer as she fires forearm after forearm! Vaquer whips, Roxie reverses, ARM BREAKER again! And then a basement DROPKICK! Vaquer tumbles out, Roxie stalks her up the ramp, and Roxie suplexes. Vaquer fights that, fires body shots, then dodges a shot to CHPO, SOBAT, and HEADBUTT! Roxie wobbles, and Vaquer SUPERKICKS her down! Then a 619 at the ropes! Roxie staggers, Vaquer springboards, CROSSBODY on the ramp! The fans fire up and Vaquer hurries to get Roxie in the ring. Vaquer wrenches, EAT DA FEET! Roxie ends up in a corner, METEORA from Vaquer!

Vaquer drags Roxie out, sits her up, and Vaquer points to Booker T! Everyone knows what this means! Vaquer wraps on the headscissors, for the DEVIL’S KISS! The fans count along, and Vaquer goes all the way to TEN, “Yeeeeeeeeah~!” Vaquer covers, TWO!! Roxie survives but Vaquer keeps her cool. The fans want that “One More Time!” but Vaquer underhooks. Roxie wrenches out, wrangles Vaquer, but Vaquer rolls Roxie up! TWO, and Roxie SUPERKICKS! Vaquer wobbles, but she stops the Pop Rox with a wheelbarrow! Roxie fights that, only to get a BACKBREAKER for it! Vaquer drags Roxie to a drop zone and goes up!

The fans fire up but Roxie hurries to the apron! SHORYUKEN! And another HOTSHOT to the arm! Roxie runs and LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!!! Vaquer endures and the fans fire up! Roxie pulls back on the hold, but Vaquer fights her way forward! ROPEBREAK! But Roxie kicks the ropes to bring Vaquer back!! Vaquer claws at the hold, pushes back to a cover, TWO! Roxie has a sunset flip, TWO! Vaquer has a cradle, TWO! Roxie has a ghost pin, TWO! Vaquer rolls it to a lateral press, TWO!! The fans fire up for that exchange, and Roxie is a bit dizzy. Roxie storms up to SOB- NO, Vaquer blocks the kick! And she SOBATS in return!

Vaquer whips Roxie, Roxie goes up and over to hop on! But Vaquer pops Roxie up top! And then she grabs a leg, for a DRAPING DRAGON SCDREW! The fans fire up and Vaquer tucks Roxie in, S V B!! Cover, Vaquer wins!

Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)

It may just be a Tuesday, but these two were able to stand and deliver a memorable main event! But wait! GIULIA is here! The Beautiful Madness is still in Sin City, and she still wants this title back. Wait, Jordynne Grace lurks in the shadows! NXT may be leaving Vegas, but will Vaquer have to go double or nothing with contenders again?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT After Mania to keep this great time in Las Vegas going. Great tag title match from Liv & Raquel VS Tatum & Gigi, but of course Liv & Raquel won. Good promo from Liv & Raquel with ZaRuca to set up a feud there, and I would think Liv & Raquel win the tag title match then, too. Perhaps it causes ZaRuca to split up so that Zaria and Sol Ruca fight over the Women’s North American Championship. Also, good promo segment from ZaRuca with Hank ‘n’ Tank, though it quickly became more about Thea Hail and the rest of the Women’s Division. Jaida’s still got attitude, Kelani’s adding to hers, and the dysfunction grows within The Fatal Influence.

Thea VS Fallon was a great match, especially as Thea’s continuing her return. I would think Thea’s win here means she could be moving up to a title story, but we’ll see if The Fatal Influence keeps wanting after her or if they implode already. Should that happen, I would think Jazmyn takes Jacy’s side, just like she did in following Jacy out of the room. And nice to see Mr. Chase returning to the classroom to start up Chase U again. Obviously Kale Dixon & Uriah Connor will join up, and hopefully some other young names that have yet to really shine can join up. Still a bit disappointed they released Duke Hudson and then demoted Riley Osborne to Evolve, but that’s business, I guess.

Good bit with Ava in her office, with some intrigue from what Spears might be asking for, and then the “Old Japanese Secret” from Inamura. If Inamura is set to go back to NOAH soon, I don’t really see him and Briggs winning the titles. Even so, Inamura & Briggs being hosses like Hank ‘n’ Tank, that’ll be a great match next week. Great little promo from Lexis King with Penn & Teller and then with Ricky Saints to get us to both the Heritage Cup match tonight and the North American title next week. Noam Dar finally returning is great, and him getting that Heritage Cup off Lexis is certainly good for Dar. Just not sure Meta Four regroups at this point…

Meanwhile, I would think Ricky retains his title against Lexis, because clearly Ethan wants one more shot and might get it for Battleground: Tampa. And clearly Dark State’s next feud is going to be with the NQCC, and it seems Je’Von will be sticking with NQCC to help them have even numbers. Good tag match from Je’Von & Myles VS Osiris & Dion, but it makes sense Dark State wins when Je’Von & Myles haven’t teamed before. We’ll definitely get more good tag matches with the different combinations before having the big 8 Man Tag, probably also at Battleground.

Great stuff with Trick, Oba and now Joe Hendry. Trick is rather persistent about getting that final 1v1 title match, but I feel like he’ll end up having to fight Joe Hendry first. And either way, I don’t see Trick winning the title back, he’s headed for main roster at this point. Great stuff with the Women’s Championship story, too. Vaquer VS Roxie was an awesome main event, but much like Trick, Roxie is destined for the main roster, she lost to essentially have her goodbye. Good stuff with Giulia making a direct appearance while Jordynne Grace is a bit more subtle, and clearly they both want their 1v1 shots at Vaquer. I feel like Giulia and Jordynne will have to battle to see who gets Vaquer at Battleground, then the other can be for like whatever SummerSlam tie-in event we get.

The craziest stuff to me from tonight was the D’Angelo Family story. While this isn’t the first time the D’Angelos kayfabe unalived someone as a way of that wrestler from moving on (Two Dimes and Kemp being released, Pretty Deadly being called up), I’m shocked Stacks went after Luca rather than tried to recruit him. For one, Luca’s on Evolve! Is Evolve going to address this tomorrow night? Good promo from Tony and Rizzo, too, and I feel like Tony VS Stacks is not only going to be something hardcore, but it’ll likely be for control of The Family. As I said for Stand & Deliver, neither guy can really be top champion in NXT if they’re still attached to the other, especially in the case of Stacks being a right hand man rather than a solo act, or even the NEW Don of NXT.

My Score: 8.9/10