NXT has a phenomenal main event!

For the first time ever, AJ Styles has a match on NXT! Will his main event debut be phenomenal? Or will he suffer the Grayson Waller Effect?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Xyon Quinn VS Santos Escobar w/ Legado del Fantasma; Escobar wins and leaves with Elektra Lopez.
• Cameron Grimes VS Damon Kemp; Grimes wins.
• Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Qualifier: Joe Gacy & Harland VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe; Blade & Enofe win, by disqualification, and advance to the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
• Crowbar on a Pole: Pete Dunne VS Tony D’Angelo; D’Angelo wins.
• Six Woman Tag: Indi Hartwell, Persia Pirotta & Wendy Choo VS Kacy Catanzaro, Kayden Carter & Amari Miller; Hartwell, Pirotta & Choo win.
• Solo Sikoa VS Boa; Double Count-Out Draw.
• AJ Styles VS Grayson Waller; Styles wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The NEW NXT Champion, Bron Breakker, heads to the ring!

The unbreakable Big Booty Nephew raises the belt high, his side plates put on it just today, and he gets the mic. Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” and Bron tells Tommaso Ciampa, “Thank you.” Ciampa is an unbelievable athlete, a great performer and an outstanding human being. Most didn’t see it, but after the match, Ciampa stood up and told Bron it was his time. Ciampa then paid respects to Bron’s father, Rick, who was watching live for the first time. Bron knows he has big shoes to fill, but he’s ready. And what he loves about NXT is that there are no bye weeks. They have to get up and perform for each and every one of the fans.

So to anyone who wants after Bron and the title, know this: Every day when you show up for training, Bron’s already trained; every day you watch film, Bron’s already watched it; every day you wanna leave early, Bron’s staying. Why? Because he’s THE NXT Champion! Bron will prove why he earned this title each and every week! Who will Bron prove that against next to build his legacy? Just as Bron makes his way out, Legado del Fantasma make their way in. The Emperor of Lucha eyes Bron and the title, but will he hold onto a different asset here tonight?

Xyon Quinn VS Santos Escobar w/ Legado del Fantasma!

The Gentleman Fighter has courted Elektra Lopez, but now is the finale of this NXTelenovela. Who wins and has both the heart and loyalty of Lopez on their side?

The bell rings and Quinn immediately CLOBBERS Escobar! Quinn CLUBS away on Escobar, throws body shots in the corner, then CLUBS Escobar more. Quinn RAMS into Escobar, keeps him cornered and fires off more body shots! Legado protests but Escobar shoves Quinn away, only for Quinn to CLOBBER him again! Lopez watches from the perch as Quinn cravats and drags Escobar up. Quinn scrapes Escobar’s face off the ropes, then throws hands and even headbutts! Escobar staggers away, Quinn throws more body shots! Quinn scoops Escobar to give him SNAKE EYES! Escobar flops down and fans are torn.

Quinn clamps onto Escobar with a chinlock, but Escobar gets up. Quinn scrapes him off ropes again! Fans duel, Quinn throws body shots and RAMS his shoulder in! The ref counts, Quinn keeps Escobar cornered to throw more heavy hands! Escobar goes to another corner, but Quinn TOSSES him across the ring! Escobar flounders to the corner, Quinn powers up and NXT goes picture in picture.

Quinn stands Escobar up to ROCK him with a right, then CLUB him down! Quinn keeps after Escobar, throws more body shots, but Escobar hits back! Escobar runs, into a FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Quinn keeps his focus, keeps after Escobar, and chokes him on the ropes! The ref counts, Quinn lets off and Escobar hits back! Quinn CLUBS Escobar, throws him out, and then follows him out. Escobar leans against the announce desk but Quinn RAMS him into the apron! And then CHOPS him against it! Escobar grits his teeth but Quinn puts him in. Joaquin Wilde runs at Quinn but gets TOSSED through the air!

Quinn turns around, Escobar DIVES! Direct hit and Quinn is sent into the desk! Mendoza helps Wilde up, Escobar goes back to Quinn, and Escobar RAMS Quinn into the apron. Escobar puts Quinn in, paces around while talking trash, and he stomps Quinn down. Escobar gets a leg for a spinning toehold! Escobar hooks up the legs, rolls, and has an INVERTED DEATHLOCK! Quinn endures, Escobar puts pressure on the legs, but Quinn crawls and drags Escobar with him to the ROPEBREAK! Escobar lets go at 4, but he stomps and KICKS the bad leg! Escobar sweeps the legs in the corner, then CLUBS Quinn down.

Quinn hobbles up but Escobar KICKS his leg more. Escobar brings Quinn around, NXT returns to single picture, and Escobar has an ANKLE LOCK! Quinn endures the unique grip Escobar uses, Quinn crawls but Escobar drops into a grapevine! Escobar stomps the leg, lets go to bring Quinn up, and runs side to side to RAM into the bad leg! Fans rally and duel as Escobar poses. Lopez has moved to ringside now, Escobar covers, TWO! Escobar KICKS Quinn down, KICKS the leg, then drags Quinn over, so he can SPLASH down on the knee! Escobar taunts Quinn, but Quinn throws forearms. Escobar SLAPS him down, then puts Quinn in a corner

Quinn hits back, Escobar puts the leg on the ropes. Escobar ROCKS Quinn, runs corner to corner and dropkicks the bad leg! Escobar falls but Lopez has a poker face as she watches. Escobar drags Quinn around, brings him up and puts him in a corner. Escobar CHOPS, but that just angers Quinn! GAMANGIRI, and Escobar goes to the far corner. Escobar fires up, runs in but Quinn CLOBBERS him! Quinn fires off body shots and a HEADBUTT! Quinn RAMS into Escobar at the corner, then TOSSES him across the way again. Quinn runs back in, another RAM, then a fireman’s carry. Mendoza distracts so Quinn TOSSES Escobar.

Quinn runs Mendoza off, but then Escobar dumps him out! Escobar goes out after Quinn, fireman’s carries, but Lopez stands in his way! Escobar drops Quinn to ask what this is about. They’re familia, aren’t they? Quinn CLOBBERS Escobar from behind, puts him back in, but Escobar comes back! Quinn CLOBBERS Escobar, gives a look to Lopez, and she puts her hands on him to feel those muscles. But then she LOW BLOWS him!! She never loved Quinn, she just wanted to reel him in! Mendoza puts Quinn in for Escobar, PHANTOM DRIVER! Cover, Escobar wins!

Winner: Santos Escobar, by pinfall; Lopez stays with Legado

Familia is forever, and the façade finally brings Quinn down! He’s no longer undefeated, and no longer Lopez’s love. Will he ever get his revenge on Legado for this?

Tony D’Angelo speaks.

“Petey Poppins, there’s 16 different ways to use a crowbar. Tonight, I’m only gonna need, I dunno, like, three.” He wanted to let Dunne off with just a busted hand. But he’s coming back after Tony? Oh, ey, big mistake. Tonight, Dunne is done. Tony just wanted a trophy from WarGames, but Dunne doesn’t listen. He’s like Tony’s dog, having to be taught not to go on the rug. But tonight, everyone will learn Tony is in charge. Will the Bruiserweight be broken by NXT’s Godfather?

Mandy Rose has a photoshoot.

“After a successful title defense, this is how your champ celebrates. Boys, get my good side. Who am I kidding? Every side is my good side.” Mandy arrived in style and left with the title. They couldn’t touch her. Mandy makes this title look hot and fans tune in to see her. Why? Because NXT 2.0 is all about Mandy. So keep watching and staring, like she knows you will.

Update on Von Wagner.

After the outburst he had involving assaulting members of the live audience, Von Wagner has been fined an undisclosed amount of money, and suspended indefinitely! When and where will we see vicious Von make his return?

Cameron Grimes VS Damon Kemp!

The Carolina Cash Money Caveman is back in action! And as he said last week, his 2022 resolution is to get him some new gold! Will that journey to a title start here?

The bell rings, Grimes and Kemp circle, and Grimes gets a leg. Kemp powers through to a waistlock and a SLAM. Grimes gets up and gets free, to get the leg again. Kemp rolls to get Grimes’ leg, but Grimes gets up to roll and get Kemp for a victory roll! TWO, Grimes arm-drags and has the armlock. Kemp claws at the hold, and Malcolm Bivens appears. Kemp headscissors, Grimes kips free. “Kiss mah grits!” Grimes swaggers, Kemp gets up but Grimes ROCKS him! And KICKS him! And KICKS again! Grimes whips Kemp to ropes, Kemp whip Grimes into a corner! Grimes elbows back, goes up top and leaps, into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly!

Kemp roars, fans fire up for the new guy, and Kemp clamps on a chinlock. Fans rally for Grimes as he fights up, snapmares free, and runs to DECK Kemp with a forearm! Grimes starts to rally, Kemp goes to a corner. Grimes runs in to BOOT Kemp down! Grimes goes up, leaps, BIG CROSSBODY! Fans fire up with Grimes as he aims from the corner. “TO~ THE~ MOON~!” CAVE-IN! Cover, Grimes wins!

Winner: Cameron Grimes, by pinfall

Kemp’s a blue chip prospect but he just got busted! Grimes says he’s the man here, and he’s going for gold! Will Grimes cash in and make this his year?

Joe Gacy speaks.

“Harland and I want to express our sincerest gratitude to the tournament committee for allowing us to participate in tonight’s Dusty Rhodes Classic play-in match. This is an opportunity that will not be taken lightly, nor will it be squandered.” To allow them even this opportunity sis something they will remember for the rest of their lives. And they plan to use this platform to show that no mater one’s size, skills or experience, everyone has an equal opportunity to be winners of the Dusty Cup. Malik Blade, Edris Enofe, when you two step in the ring with them, you are still in a safe space. And though tonight they are rivals, Harland wants to let them know they are not rivals in life.

What does that even mean? Will it matter when the qualifier is over?

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Qualifier: Joe Gacy & Harland VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe!

It’s the classic “win and you’re in!” But will Mr. Inclusion and his hulking protégé try to help Malik & Edris understand they’re still winners even in defeat? Or will Malik & Edris shock the world and go from a new team to top team?

The teams sort out, Gacy starts against Edris. Fans rally up for the Excellence of Execution as he ties up with Gacy, but Gacy powers him to a corner. Gacy lets off, but Enofe ducks the cheap shot! Enofe waistlocks, Gacy elbows free, and Gacy headlocks. Enofe powers out, Gacy runs him over, and things speed up. Enofe leaps but into a fireman’s carry! Enofe slips off, shoves, but Gacy whips Enofe to ROCK him with a right! URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Gacy keeps on Enofe and brings him over. Enofe keeps Gacy from tagging Harland with an arm-drag! Gacy powers up, Enofe still keeps him from Harland, but Gacy knees low!

Gacy and Enofe clinch, Enofe gets around to roll him up. TWO, and Enofe KNEES Gacy to the corner! Tag to Malik, fans fire up as he and Enofe whip and dropkick Gacy down! Malik dodges Gacy to arm-drag him for an armlock. Fans rally and Malik tags Enofe. They double whip, Gacy reverses to send Enofe to ropes, but Enofe hurdles Gacy and Malik hurdles Enofe. Malik goes to the side, Enofe comes back and holds Gacy, Malik hits a ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Harland seethes while Enofe fires up and runs at Gacy. Gacy dodges and Enofe hits buckles! Gacy drags Enofe over, tag to Harland!

Fans fire up, Enofe tags Malik, but Harland hits Malik first. Harland has a SLEEPER! Malik JAWBREAKERS free, but Harland just gets angrier! He waistlocks Malik to RAM him into the corner, then he digs his knee in! The ref counts, Harland lets off, but then digs his knees in again! Harland CLOBBERS Enofe, then drags him in to POST him! Harland goes back to Malik, dribbles his head off the buckles, but the ref counts. Harland keeps going, the ref disqualifies him!

Winners: Malik Blade & Edris Enofe, by disqualification (qualify for the Dusty Rhodes Classic)

Harland won’t stop torturing Malik in the corner! The ref gets his attention, but Gacy hurries in to keep Harland from attacking the ref. The ref says he’s just doing his job, and Gacy calms Harland. How is it Gacy can quell the rage of Harland? Can Malik & Edris rebound from this to take the Dusty Cup?

Imperium speaks.

Walter says the faction was built on three key principles: integrity, discipline and honor. “Every part of our many successes has been achieved through the glory of working harder than everybody else.” Barthel says it is impossible to explain the level of commitment to everyone here. Americans are imperfect specimens, living lives of gluttony and sloth, and are unable to imagine a world without entitlement and spoils. Aichner says when Imperium achieve success, they don’t celebrate and congratulate themselves or take time off. They just work harder. There is no easy road. Perfection is paved with pain and suffering. They don’t wish upon stars or believe in pipe dreams.

They look down on the unkempt, uneducated and unfashionable. They carry and present themselves with class, elegance and sophistication. They are Imperium, and they are not like you. To them, the mat is sacred. Will they build an empire here in NXT?

Crowbar on a Pole: Pete Dunne VS Tony D’Angelo!

The Bruiserweight doesn’t care that he has a busted hand, he’ll beat Tony D’s brakes off with every other part of his body. Will Dunne be done with Tony after this? Or will Tony take the crowbar and leave the winner?

The bell rings and the two stare down. Then they both look at the crowbar, and Tony heads that way! Dunne chases after, but Tony DECKS him! Tony says he outsmarted Dunne, he just wanted to bait Dunne in. But Dunne CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Tony knee slow, suplexes, but Dunne makes it a body scissors and double wristlock! Tony endures, powers out, but Dunne wrangles him down to STOMP the shoulder! Dunne then goes for the crowbar! Dunne climbs the corner, Tony drags him down and fires off haymakers! Tony throws body shots, clinches, but Dunne counters to a GUILLOTINE!

Dunne wrangles Tony down, to STOMP his head! Dunne then goes up the corner, but Tony again brings him down. Tony throws body shots like a hockey scrum, then runs into the corner. Dunne boots but Tony blocks to get the leg, SHOULDER CAPTURE SUPLEX! Fans fire up and Tony grins as he goes to the corner now. Tony climbs up, but Dunne drags him down now. Dunne pulls hair, keeps Tony down on the buckle and stomps away! Dunne sees the crowbar tilting towards him and he grabs the hook. But Tony kicks Dunne down! Dunne KICKS Tony back, brings him up, but Tony suplexes Dunn in! FALCON ARROW! Both men are down, NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Tony knuckle locks, lifts and SLAMS Dunne! We see ringside, a lot of other items were brought out but left there because the crowbar is the only legal weapon. Dunne fights Tony off with kicks, then stomps him down, before a PENALTY KICK! Dunne wrenches and has a half straitjacket for a NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up, Dunne gets the arm and bends it, isolates it, and STOMPS it! Fans rally up, Dunne looks to the crowbar, but he brings Tony up first to wrench and ELBOW BREAKER! Dunne isolates the arm again, to STOMP it again! Tony writhes, Dunne looms over him, and Dunne kicks Tony down.

Dunne climbs the corner! He gets a hand on, but Tony drags him back down for a waistlock, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Dunne lands on his face and stomach, Tony gets up to go for the corner! Tony climbs up, and he brings the crowbar down! Tony grins and he storms up, but Dunne dodges the crowbar! Dunne dodges again, the hook gets caught on the rope, and Dunne KICKS Tony’s arms! Dunne has the crowbar but Tony avoids getting smashed! Dunne shrugs, swings, but hits pole! Tony goes to the announce desk, but he says if that’s what Dunne’s got… Tony trips Dunne, drags him out and gives him an APRON BACK SUPLEX!

Tony gets the crowbar now, he stalks Dunne to the announce desk, but Dunne holds him off. This is just like last week, as Tony isolates the arm! Dunne slips away, then dodges, and Tony hits the steps! GAMANGIRI knocks Tony down! Fans fire up with Dunne but the ring count is climbing! Knee drop to the bad arm! Dunne gets in, the count continues but Dunne goes out to get Tony in. Dunne wants to finish Tony, and he has the crowbar! Dunne hooks Tony’s arm, and puts the crowbar against Tony’s mouth! Tony endures this CROWBAR CROSSFACE CHICKENWING!

Tony RAMS Dunne into the corner, is free of the submission, and he gives Dunne a CROWBAR NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Dunne survives and Tony is beside himself. Dunne grabs the crowbar but Tony grabs the hand! Tony STOMPS the hand! Then he digs the crowbar into the hand. Dunne headbutts but Tony holds on to SMASH the hand! Tony wraps Dunne up again but Dunne gets free to DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! GAMANGIRI after GAMANGIRI in the corner! KNEE DROP to the arm, BUZZSAW to the face! Dunne has the crowbar and fans fire up! Dunne swings, Tony gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Dunne lands on his feet, drop toehold, and CROWBAR STF!!

Tony endures as the crowbar is put in his mouth! Tony back headbutts Dunne away! The crowbar might’ve gotten Dunne on the side, too. Tony brings a chair in from outside, the ref stops him, and Dunne STOMPS the bad arm! Dunne wants the chair, the ref stops him, too! Dunne kicks, Tony blocks, but Dunne turns suplex into TRIANGLE HOLD! Dunne BENDS the fingers! Tony gets the ropebreak, the ref counts, Dunne throws elbows until he lets go. Dunne and Tony each grab the crowbar, and they start throwing forearms! Tony TACKLES Dunne onto the chair! Tony POSTS Dunne! Dunne flounders, Tony has the crowbar, and he CLOBBERS Dunne with it! Cover, Tony wins!

Winner: Tony D’Angelo, by pinfall

The Wise Guy of NXT got lucky with that chair placement, but he still brutally defeated the Bruiserweight. Will Dunne just have to fogetaboutit from now on?

Backstage interview with Grayson Waller.

McKenzie says tonight is the night he finally goes 1v1 against AJ Styles. Yes, in the main event. Where Waller is destined to be, where he deserves to be, and where he’ll stay after he wins. He’s everywhere right now! His social media is going off, he’s the face of NXT, he’s been on Raw, and he might even go to SmackDown, slap Roman Reigns around and hit Shinsuke Nakamura in the face. It is everyone’s dream to have a WrestleMania moment, but Grayson makes Grayson Waller moments. He jumped off the cage at WarGames, and had the Chairshot Heart Around the World, times two. And tonight, he’ll create another moment, just you watch.

NXT checks in with another Mandy Rose photoshoot.

“Toxic Attraction is made up of three sexy, self-confident, successful women. And we’ve got all the gold to prove it. Tell ’em, girls.” Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne being the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, they know that women want to be them, and men want to be with them. And ever since Halloween Havoc, the thirst has been at an all time high. Mandy saw what no one else did: two women who kick ass in the ring and break hearts outside it. Don’t believe them? Ask the rest of the division, and the men they’ve ghosted. No one can hang with this trio. Mandy is at the top of her game, and there isn’t a tag team in the world that can touch Gigi & Jacy. If you wanna prove them wrong, you know where to find them. Follow the crowd, because they follow Toxic Attraction, the attraction of NXT.

Six Woman Tag: Indi Hartwell, Persia Pirotta & Wendy Choo VS Kacy Catanzaro, Kayden Carter & Amari Miller!

Persia & Indi are eager to get back at the tag titles, but it’s hard to say if Wendy is eager to do anything. Will Wendy wake up and bring the fight? Or will KC Squared plus the Vibe of St. Louis equal a winning combination?

The teams sort out, Indi starts against Amari and Wendy takes another nap. Indi and Amari tie up, Amari gets the arm and wrenches to a wristlock. Amari throws Indi, brings her back up but Indi powers out. Amari mule kicks and SHOTGUNS Indi out! Amari builds speed, Kacy tags in, Amari DIVES! Direct hit, Kacy tags Kayden, and they work together so Kayden can FLY and take out Indi! Kacy then TORNILLOS to take out Persia! Fans are fired up, Wendy wakes up to see what’s going on, and we see Brooks & Briggs watching backstage. Kayden gets in, Indi follows, and Indi whips but Kayden boots back. Kayden gets the arms, hammerlock to COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO!

Fans chant, “NAP TIME!” for Wendy as Kayden keeps Indi from the corner. Indi kicks Kayden, Kayden gets an arm, but Indi keeps Kayden from her corner now. Indi whips Kayden to the corner, Kayden dropkicks Persia! Indi reels Kayden back in, Kayden sunset flips, TWO! Kayden and Indi DOUBLE FOREARM each other down! Wendy takes a sip of- Where’d she get that drink?! Hot tags to Wendy and Amari! Wendy dodges Amari just by stretching and bending back! Amari runs back in, Wendy kicks and kicks and LARIATS! Wendy fires up, she whips Amari to ropes, OVERHEAD Belly2Belly!

Wendy is all fire dup, she handspring FOREARMS! And EXPLODERS! Cover, Kacy breaks it! Persia hits Kacy, gets her up, SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Kayden BOOTS Persia, dodges Indi, but runs into a SPINEBUSTER! Amari hits a CODE BREAKER! All six women are down and fans fire up! Wendy is napping again!! Amari drags her but Wendy kicks her away! Tag to Persia, she scoops Amari to a fireman’s carry. Tag to Indi, TKO FACEBUSETR to the PRETTY SAVAGE ELBOW! Cover, Indi and team win!

Winners: Persia Pirotta, Indi Hartwell & Wendy Choo, by pinfall

Wendy Choo, who knew? Will all of these women be making their way towards gold soon enough?

MSK talks backstage.

They’re feeling great, but wait. The Dusty Cup? She’s even more beautiful than they remember! The road to the titles runs through the tournament. And just as Shaman Bro Riddle said, the comeback is greater than the setback. History is gonna repeat itself as these two run through the field! Like the Grizzled Young Veterans, or the good ol’ boys, Briggs & Jensen. And also the Creed Brothers Creed Diamonds Diamond Creed. Dakota Kai walks in, marveling at the cup, too. She wants this, too. WE want it! Wait, we? Does Dakota have a new tag partner we don’t know about? “Nothing defers friendship more than success.” No! Don’t you put that evil on them!

Solo Sikoa speaks.

“Boa. You want to jump me in the shadows? You wanna fight? That’s a language I can understand.” And he doesn’t care which Boa it is, “Let’s get it.” The fight is coming, but will Boa be in control? Or will it be Tian Sha walking to the ring?

Kay Lee Ray walks in.

She’s looking for Mandy Rose but the photoshoot is done. So she can show up to do that but not to defend the title? KLR sees how it is. And she starts smashing everything! Mandy thinks she can do whatever she wants, huh? How about we get a shot of this? And she HOMERS the photo camera! “Sorry.” Will KLR look to break Mandy’s reign soon enough?

Solo Sikoa VS Boa!

The two are already in the ring as NXT returns, and the bell sounds. These two circle, and it is clear Boa is Boa with no face paint. Solo dodges him to CHOP and CHOP and bump him off buckles. Solo CHOPS again, then whips Boa to ropes. Fans duel, Boa wrenches to sobat! Boa CLUBS and KICKS Solo, then throws him out of the ring. Solo comes back. Solo ducks the roundhouse to trip Boa and rain down forearms! Solo switches around to headlock and punch away! Solo lets off to drag Boa up and CHOPS him off his feet! Boa gets up, Solo ROCKS him with an uppercut! Boa bails out, Solo follows him, but Boa hits back with body shots.

Boa POSTS Solo, the ring count climbs, but Boa puts Solo in at 5 of 10. Fans rally for Solo, Boa stomps away on a leg. Boa stomps Solo in the gut and again, then he drags Solo up. Boa has a cut on his forehead but he throws knees to whip and KNEE Solo! Then whip and KNEE again! And then again! Double underhooks, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Boa sits Solo up and wraps on a modified cobra clutch. Solo endures, fans rally up, but Boa shifts to a chinlock. Solo endures again, blood in his mouth, but Boa leans on Solo. Fans rally up, Solo fights to his feet, but Boa wrenches to kick. Solo blocks, CLUBS the leg then elbows and and DECKS Boa!

Solo runs to drop the SENTON! Boa gets up, Solo fires up and fans rally as he clotheslines Boa and himself out of the ring! Both men are down, fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” and Solo drags Boa up. Solo RAMS Boa into steel steps! The ring count is climbing, Solo stands Boa up but Boa SMACKS him off the desk! The count is 10!!

Double Count-Out

Boa still POSTS Solo! They brawl to the back from the crowd side, and Solo SMACKS Boa with a chair! They go backstage, is the battle going to rage on?

Backstage interview with AJ Styles.

The Phenomenal One says those two were going out it and that’s what he loves about NXT: the passion. It is infectious, to everyone but Grayson Waller. Waller is the opposite. We heard him, he his confident, but believes he has Styles where he wants him. That’s nerves talking. Grayson will step up to the plate, but the Grayson Waller Effect ends tonight. 2022 is Styles’ year. HIS Georgia Bulldogs won the NCAA National Football Championship, so Styles is going to ride that momentum to WrestleMania! That all starts here, with shutting Grayson Waller’s mouth. Will NXT truly be phenomenal in the main event?

Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams arrive.

THE North American Champion and his partner in rhyme roll up in style, and they tell security to keep it right here, they’ll be back soon. What will Melo & Trick have to say after ending Roderick Strong’s title reign?

Solo and Boa are still brawling!

Referees try to stop them bot Solo sends Boa crashing into trunks! And he throws chairs at Boa, then throws Boa into trash cans! But Boa RAMS Solo into spare girders! And SMACKS him with a lid! And smack shim off a lid! Solo hits Boa with that lid, then TOSSES Boa over trunks! Solo hurries after, but a FIREBALL erupts! Refs shout for medical, and from behind the trunks rises TIAN SHA BOA! Will Solo have to think twice before fighting this darkness again?

BREAKING NEWS!

Von’s suspension has been LIFTED! And his fine has been PAID! But why? And by who? Could Von have a friend in high places?

Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams head to the ring.

Fans are torn as the Face of the New School, the (self-proclaimed) A Champion of NXT and Trick walk out. They get mics, Trick says “First thing first, I need everyone to get out of their seats to make some noise for your North American Champion.” Melo, Trick is happy for you. When Melo has gold, they both have gold. See, Melo & Trick are like peanut butter & jelly, like Shaq & Kobe, like… Trick & big booty- Whoa, whoa, whoa, brother. Right, sorry. But it is what it is. Now to serious business. Set it up. Trick gets what Melo is talking about, and Melo says last week, he had one of the toughest challenges of his career against one of the toughest opponents in Roderick Strong.

So with that said, Melo would like to take a moment of silence for Strong’s Cruiserweight title reign. Trick holds up the shirt, and Melo says, “Rest in piss to all my ops.” He pours one out, then says on to the real celebration! Get fired up for your UNIFIED champion, baby! Melo is him! And since he’s had the ball, it’s been first downs and touchdowns, and he ain’t passing anytime soon. What, really? Trick knows what he means. Right, sorry. Talk your talk. Melo says he has more accomplishments than he does months in NXT. When it comes down to it, two things are true:  numbers don’t like, and Melo don’t miss.

And here’s the best part. Melo IS the walking cheat code. Melo IS the history maker in the physical form. And Melo IS the most scintillating champion EVER in NXT! Trick likes that, too. You can call it the NXT Unified North American we talk for a minute because I wanna know your name Championship. But with it around Melo’s waist, it is THE CHAMPIONSHIP! Step up and get stepped on. Because that’s all it is, and that’s all it’s ever gonna be. But here comes AJ Styles! Melo & Trick talk a little trash, but will they find they don’t want none?

Melo & Trick return to the parking lot.

But the security guard lost their keys?! Well who took them? Cameron Grimes asks if Melo is looking for something. Grimes says that in 2021, he would be doing donuts in this Bentley. But in 2022, he’ll keep it straight with Melo. He’s coming for that North American title. And then he’ll go TO~ THE~ Moon. Don’t miss! Melo catches the keys, but Trick keeps him from going after Grimes. Will Melo make Grimes regret calling the champ out like that?

AJ Styles VS Grayson Waller!

The Phenomenal One has been exactly that in his pro-wrestling career, and that includes becoming WWE Grand Slam Champion in the fastest fashion. But for the first time ever, he’s wrestling in NXT! Will it just be another in a long list of incredible accomplishments? Or will the 21st Century Success Story keep that success rolling?

NXT returns as Waller makes his entrance, to a chorus of boos from the fans. The bell rings and Styles and Waller talk trash. They circle, Waller gives a testing kick and jab, but Styles is more annoyed than anything. Waller goes to ropes for defense, but then comes back to tie up with Styles. Styles puts Waller in a corner, the ref calls the ropebreak, and Styles pushes Waller as he lets off. They go again, Styles headlocks, Waller endures and powers through to his own headlock. Styles endures the grind, Waller hits a headlock takeover but Styles rolls it to a cover, ONE! Waller still has the headlock but Styles wrenches out.

Styles hammerlocks, Waller drops back and slips free. Waller shows off with drop steps, but Styles KICKS the leg! Styles fires off in the corner, CHOPS, then follows Waller to another corner. Styles CLUBS Waller down, fans fire up and Styles bumps Waller off buckles. Styles gets the leg, Waller holds ropes, so Styles KICKS the leg! Waller hobbles, he forearms Styles back, but runs into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Fans fire up with Styles, and Styles brings Waller up but bump him off buckles. Styles bumps Waller off more buckles, then scoops to SLAM him. Styles runs to drop a knee! Cover, TWO!

Waller gets away and shakes out the cobwebs. Styles storms over but Waller throws him into buckles! Waller CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Styles turns things around to CHOP and CHOP and facelock. Waller slips out to JAB! Then he runs, into Styles’ dropkick! Waller bails out of the ring, Styles aims, PLANCHA, but Waller moves so Styles goes to the apron. Waller trips Styles and Styles hits the edge! Waller gets in, drags Styles through ropes, and turns him for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! The ref reprimands but Waller just builds speed, to slide, and LARIAT Styles down! Fans boo as hard as ever as NXT goes picture in picture.

Waller soaks up the heat, gets back in the ring to refresh the count, then he RAMS Styles into Plexiglas barriers! Waller pretends he can’t hear the fans as he steps on Styles. Waller puts Styles in, stalks him and throws kidney shots! Styles is in a corner, Waller elbows him down! Waller chokes Styles on the ropes, the ref counts, and Waller lets off. Waller drags Styles up, he whips him to a corner hard, and Styles slumps off buckles. Waller storms over, brings Styles up and cravats for a neck wrench. Styles endures, Waller throws short shoulders, then grinds Styles down. Styles throws elbows, Waller throws him down by his hair!

Waller looms over Styles walk talking trash to the fans. Styles goes to ropes, Waller CLUBS him, then Waller throws hands. Waller has the cravat again, grinds Styles back down, but Styles endures as NXT returns to single picture. Fans rally for Styles, Waller cranks the neck wrench, but Styles throws body shots! Styles gets free, but Waller LEG LARIATS Styles down! Fans boo, Waller kicks Styles around, and Waller drags Styles up. The ref reprimands, Styles ROCKS Waller with forearms and haymakers! Waller kicks low, whips, but Styles holds ropes to then BOOT back! Styles runs, but into a fireman’s carry! Styles slips out to fire off the Phenomenal Blitz!

Fans fire up, Styles tops it off with a BASEMENT FOREARM! Styles fires up now and fans are thunderous! Styles runs in at the corner, BIG clothesline! Fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Styles is surprised but he keeps his focus. Fans rally up, Styles reels Waller in, but Waller grabs ropes to fight the Clash. Styles puts Waller on the apron, ROCKS him with a forearm and Waller flops to the floor. Styles slingshots, for another big FOREARM! Fans fire up, Styles gets Waller up and into the ring, then he prepares the arm. Waller bails out, Styles goes after him, but Waller hotshots him! Waller gets in, ROLLING ELBOW!

Waller aims from a corner, he goes up the corner and walks the ropes, BALLER WALLER ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Styles grits his teeth, crawls to a corner, and Waller takes aim. Waller runs in corner to corner, but Styles dodges the splash! Waller blocks the German Suplex, so Styles rolls Waller to a CALF CRUSHER! Waller endures, flails, but Styles pulls way back! Waller claws, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Styles lets go quickly, but fans are fired up for “NXT! NXT!” Styles gets up, storms back over, and grabs the leg. Waller holds the ropes so Styles KNEES the knee, and hoists Waller up! Waller sunset flips, TWO!

Styles runs, into a fireman’s carry! WIDOWMAKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives and Waller can’t believe it! Waller hobbles, he drags Styles back up, and Waller wants to steal the Clash?! But Styles back drops out! Waller hobbles to a corner, Styles runs in, but Waller puts him outside. Styles ROCKS Waller, springboards, but Waller slides under! Somersault and STUNNER!! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives Waller’s best shot and Waller can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” “NXT! NXT!” Waller gets his bad leg moving, he drags Styles back up, and Waller throws knees to put Styles in a corner. Waller hoists Styles up and climbs as fans rally.

Styles resists the superplex, slips under, and he trips Waller! Waller hits buckles, Styles kicks low and reels Waller in! Waller pushes free, Styles ducks, PELE! Styles gets Waller up, SHEER DROP BRAINBUSTER!! Styles grits his teeth, goes back to the apron, and fans are thunderous for the PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, Styles wins!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall

Styles’ first match on NXT is his first win on NXT! And he gets a mic to tell Waller, “Now that I’ve given you that ass kicking… You’re good, but you’re not phenomenal. But your night is not over yet! I want to introduce you to one of my friends.” L A KNIGHT?! Waller freaks out as the Million Dollar Megastar returns to get his pound of flesh! Waller runs away into the ring, Styles is there, and Knight gets in to CLOBBER Waller! Knight fires off hands and then he DECKS Waller! Waller bails out, Knight pursues and TOSSES Waller over the announce desk! And he’s still after Waller!

They get back in the ring, Waller hobbles and Knight LARIATS! Then Knight clotheslines Waller out of the ring! Knight is all fired up and Waller crawls away as fast as he can. Knight and Styles shake on it, will Grayson realize the Grayson Waller Effect has backfired?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT to follow up New Year’s Evil last week, especially with things they managed to blend and link together. Bron had a good opening promo, but his exit overlapping with Escobar’s entrance was a great foreshadowing. Escobar winning because Lopez was leading Quinn on was a bit of a letdown but should’ve been expected. Escobar is now clear to be the next challenger to the title. He hadn’t gotten his shot during NXT 1.0, and he is a great 1.0 guy for Bron to prove himself against in his first defense. Similarly, we got a really good promo segment from Melo & Trick, and a great interaction with Grimes to set up that title match. Grimes himself is a great challenger, but I have a feeling Melo wins.

Mandy’s promos being via photoshoot (and swimsuit) were definitely in character, and even Gigi & Jacy had a good promo of their own. Not sure why they haven’t been on camera lately but as I said before, it could be about recovering from minor injuries and/or sharpening those in-ring skills. The Six Woman Tag was pretty good, and it was pretty great for Wendy Choo (Karen Q) to have a strong part in the win for her team. Indi & Persia are top choices for winning the Women’s Dusty Cup, but I’m very curious as to who Dakota Kai will have as a partner. She’s not exactly someone the others can trust. KLR’s response to Mandy’s promo was great, I hope we see that match for the next themed episode.

Speaking of, is that themed episode going to be the Valentine’s Day one? Valentine’s Day will be a Monday but NXT can still do Vengeance Day 2022. There are plenty of these love story angles floating around still. Brooks & Briggs watching KC Squared, they’re definitely going to console Kacy & Kayden while attempting to get a second date, but there’s a good chance it’ll get shot down. Speaking of them, I bet they find a way to tie the Dusty Tag Team Classics into this, too. Both Brooks & Briggs and KC Squared are going to be strong competitors in those tournaments, but probably not winners. Imperium had a really good vignette, I’m thinking they face MSK.

Gacy & Harland not being in the tournament was a surprise, but it fits in character that Harland goes too far and loses focus of what they were out there for. Malik & Edris needed to work on their timing and coordination, so who knows if they make it out of the first round. Maybe they’re to bolster up a Heel team like the Grizzled Young Veterans. Solo VS Boa was great stuff, and I like that they ended up with a draw and a brawl backstage. I was just waiting for that moment for Boa to change and have the face paint on. Those two should have some kind of No Disqualification match to really bring this to another level, and with Boa as Tian Sha the whole time.

Dunne VS Tony was a really good match, even for an Item on a Pole match. There’s a good chance Dunne is moving on after losing here, maybe even being called up through the Royal Rumble. Tony himself could move on to the North American Championship after this, without really having to worry about Heel or Face dynamics since his persona could play it either way. The main event was great stuff, and of course Styles wins. It is too soon for Waller to be better than Styles, and also he’s facing some comeuppance now that Knight is back. Knight VS Waller is going to be great stuff, and is itself a way to build someone towards a title.

My Score: 8.6/10