The Ring General has come to conquer NXT!

Though NXT UK had his Last Stand, Der Ring General’s journey in NXT prime has only just begun! Will Roderick Strong survive a Walter chop?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Grayson Waller VS Dexter Lumis; Waller wins.
• Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2022 Opening Round: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS The Creed Brothers w/ Malcolm Bivens; The Creed Brothers win and advance to the semifinals.
• Dante Chen VS Guru Raaj; Chen wins, by disqualification.
• Kay Lee Ray VS Ivy Nile w/ Malcolm Bivens; Nile wins.
• Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2022 Opening Round: Legado del Fantasma VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe;  Malik & Edris win and advance to the semifinals.
• Yulisa Leon w/ Valentina Feroz VS Dakota Kai; Kai wins.
• Walter VS Roderick Strong w/ Malcolm Bivens; Walter wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

LA Knight pulls up.

He asks around for where Grayson Waller is. Does anyone remember when people used to like that guy? Neither does Knight. But if Chase U wants a teachable moment, just keep your eyes on Knight. Knight keeps asking around, and wants someone to hit his music! Knight goes right to the ring and fans are chanting his name as he gets the mic. Knight has them settle down, and says, “YEAH!” Fans echo the “YEAH!” and he says “Lemme talk to ya! Matter of fact, let me get right to business. Grayson Waller. Go ahead and bring your scrawny ass out here so I can finish what I started last week!”

Knight waits, but no Waller. Fans chant, “Grayson Sucks!” and Knight says this is what he expected. He has to turn his back to get Waller out here? We all know Waller won’t look Knight in the eyes. But the bottom line is, Waller needs to understand that week after week, there is a sound that Waller hears. It’s “Grayson Sucks!” But as much as that chaps Waller’s ass, Knight knows there’s a sound that haunts Waller. There’s a sound that brings a feeling into Waller he can’t understand, and that is when fans chant for L A KNIGHT! Halloween Havoc, Waller sabotages Knight’s car, but he couldn’t get the job done.

Waller does a halfway awesome move at WarGames, and he thinks that took out LA Knight. NOPE! And then Waller gets upset that a sweet little chickadee turns him down for Knight. But it wasn’t because of Knight, it was cuz she knew Waller couldn’t get the job done. But finally, here comes the 21st Century Success Story! Knight throws off his shirt to get ready, but Waller stays on stage with a big envelope in his hands. Waller says this is a restraining order that says Knight can’t touch Waller! So “lemme talk to ya.” Waller says there is nothing he’d love more than to get in the ring and fight Knight after Knight acted like a dog and attacked Waller for no reason at all!

But Waller’s lawyers advised him that for Waller’s safety and Knight’s, this is what has to happen. This is Knight’s fault! Here, have a look! Waller throws the envelope in the ring and is sure Knight will struggle with the big words. But the idea is that if Knight gets within 50 feet of Waller, he’ll be arrested! “You got served! YEAH~!” Waller measures out the distance but Knight says everyone is over hearing Waller talk. But this is impressive, even for Waller. But tell ya what. What do the fans think? They boo the restraining order! “Rip that sh*t!” Waller dares Knight to do that and then we’ll see what the lawyers say!

Knight says this is fine for Knight, but there’s no restraining order against… DEXTER LUMIS! Waller’s past is coming back to haunt him as Lumis slithers out from under the ring! Lumis creeps up on Waller, and gets him for the SILENCE! Waller slips free, but Knight says Waller has two choices: lift the restraining order to get dropped on his ass by Knight, or keep it and be put to sleep by Lumis! Waller has to pick his poison, what’s he going to choose?

Grayson Waller VS Dexter Lumis!

NXT returns and Waller went with the Tortured Artist rather than the Million Dollar Megastar! And this match is already underway, Lumis drops an ax handle on Waller! Waller flounders, Lumis follows him and bumps him off buckles. Waller staggers, Lumis bumps him off more buckles, and fans rally as he whips Waller to a corner. Lumis lines up the short, but he blocks the boot! Waller swings but Lumis avoids the hands. Waller wants Lumis to let him down easy, but Lumis CLOBBERS him instead! “Dexter’s gonna kill~ you~!” as Lumis throws more hands. But Waller JAWBREAKERS!

Waller wrenches an arm to hit an armbar DDT! Waller then hammerlocks and RAMS Lumis into a corner! Fans chant, “Grayson Sucks!” but Waller wraps an arm around ropes to pull! Waller clinches to throw knees, then he wrenches to CLUB the arm. Lumis kicks back from a corner but Waller ROCKS him with a right. Waller wraps the arm around ropes, then jumps up to CLUB the arm! Waller keeps on Lumis, fireman’s carry, but Lumis slips off to shove and pop-up UPPERCUT! Waller flounders, Lumis watches him, and them Lumis turns Waller for a NECKBREAKER! Lumis looms over Waller, drags him up, and turns him again, another NECKBREAKER!

Lumis still watches as Waller flounders. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Lumis turns Waller again for a third NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Lumis clamps onto Waller with a chinlock and squeezes tight! Waller fights up to JAWBREAKER again! Waller whips but Lumis reverses to put him on the apron. Waller HOTSHOTS the bad arm! Waller drags Lumis out, ROCKS him, then gets in the ring to build speed and slide, to LARIAT Lumis down! The fans chant, “You Still Suck!” as NXT goes picture in picture.

Waller taunts Lumis with the drop steps, then he drags Lumis up to SLAM the bad arm on the apron! Waller puts Lumis in, clamps onto the bad arm, and hammerlocks it to then roll and SNAP it! Lumis writhes but Waller drags him up. Waller has the arm for a double wristlock and he wrangles Lumis down for another hammerlock. Waller cranks the hold, Lumis endures, so Waller isolates and stomps the bad arm! GargaNO Escape! Waller is copying Gargano, but Lumis tolls it over, TWO!! Waller escapes and CLUBS Lumis down! Lumis shakes out the bad arm, but Waller drags Lumis back into an armlock.

Lumis continues to endure, but Waller throws him down by his hair. Waller goes to the corner, walks the ropes, but Lumis gets up to ROCKET LAUNCH Waller off them! Lumis shakes out the bad arm and fans rally up. Lumis drags Waller up but Waller kicks low! Waller wrenches the arm, for a takedown into the FUJIWARA! Lumis endures, Waller cranks way back on the arm, but then Waller lets off to do drop steps on the arm! Lumis endures knee after knee, but Waller clamps back on. Waller traps the good arm, then has the bad arm in a top wristlock. Lumis endures, NXT returns to single picture, and fans rally as Lums fights up!

Waller clamps on with a chinlock but Lumis RAMS him into a corner! Lumis ROCKS Waller with right hand after right hand! Lumis DECKS Waller, and again, and again! Waller flounders up into an UPPERCUT! Fans fire up as Lumis whips and back drops Waller! Waller flounders, Lumis waistlocks and deadlifts him, into a BIG back suplex! And a kip up to the LEG DROP! Fans fire up and Lumis is shaking with that energy! Lumis waits for Waller to stand, SIDE EFFECT, into the SILENCE! But Waller gets the ROPEBREAK! Waller escapes, Lumis goes out and has the clinch! Waller RAMS Lumis into the announce desk!

Waller gets in the ring, he talks with the ref, but then someone attacks Lumis! He POSTS Lumis, feeds him into the ring, and Waller somersaults for the STUNNER! Cover, Waller wins!

Winner: Grayson Waller, by pinfall

But give the assist to the mysterious man in the suit! Does Waller have a bodyguard to protect him from all the enemies he’s got in NXT?

NXT shares how we got to tonight’s main event.

Malcolm Bivens says the Creed Brothers won’t just run through the Dusty Cup, they’ll sprint. And once they win the cup, they’re going after the NXT Tag Team Champions. No one is worried about Imperium, they’re a bunch of bit-Walter storms in and asks Bivens what he was gonna say. He was gonna say they’re body guys! Who’re their personal trainer? Walter lifts Bivens up against the lockers! Roderick Strong storms in and tells Walter to put Bivens down. So Roddy is stepping up for this guy? Strong says everyone else is afraid of Walter, but he’s not. Well good for Roddy. But he will be afraid. Will Der Ring General put the fear of Imperium into the Diamond Mine?

The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic is back!

Meet the eight teams who are in this year’s tournament! Grizzled Young Veterans, Zack Gibson & James Drake, SSSOOON to be recognized as your winners! The Creed Brothers, Julius & Brutus, who are all about wrestling tournaments. Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen, who will punch those best made plans right out! Jacket Time, KUSHIDA & Ikeman Jiro, who say it is only a matter of time before taking on Imperium. Andre Chase and his star student, Bodhi Hayward, who are ready to give out TEACHABLE MOMENTS! Legado Del Fantasma’s Joaquin Wilde & Raul Mendoza, who are ready to do this for legacy!

Malik Blade & Edris Enofe, who are ready to shock the work! And of course, last year’s winners, MSK! Wes Lee & Nash Carter are ready to run it back! The road to the titles runs through the Dusty Rhodes Classic! Our opening round match-ups are: Briggs & Brooks VS The Creed Brothers; GYV VS Chase U; Legado VS Malik & Edris; and MSK VS Jacket Time! Let the quarterfinals begin!

MSK talks backstage.

Wes Lee says Briggs & Brooks VS Creed Brothers is gonna be a banger, and Nash Carter says so will their match with Jacket Time! Those two are low key tough. But MSK is on a mission. Just like Shaman Bro Riddle said, no tag team is gonna stand in their way. But why say it all serious? But Legado walks in, saying, “Well if it isn’t last year’s Dusty Cup winners. Keyword: last year.” They won’t win again. But if by some miracle they get past Jacket Time, they’ll meet Legado in the semifinals. That is where their mission ends. Lee honestly didn’t understand a word of that. Then understand this! Legado is winning, not MSK.

Yo, focus on Edris & Malik first. Oh please. That’s light work. See you in the next round. MSK says Legado is just being cocky. But will Wilde & Mendoza back it all up later tonight?

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2022 Opening Round: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS The Creed Brothers w/ Malcolm Bivens!

A couple o’ good ol’ boys who love brawling in bars go against two blood brothers who are like a well-oiled machine! Will Briggs & Brooks break the Diamond Mine? Or will they be the ones cracking under pressure?

NXT returns and Briggs & Brooks make their entrance. The teams sort out, Brutus starts with Brooks, and he gets a leg right away! They end up on the ropes, the ref counts and Brutus lets off. Brooks comes back but Brutus gets him for a full takedown! Fans rally for Diamond Mine but Brooks gets the ropebreak. They go again, Brutus shoots in but Brooks KNEES him down! The mouthpiece comes out and Brooks kicks it away! Brutus gets mad but runs into a CHOP! Brooks throws crossface forearms, then headlocks. Brutus powers out, Brooks hops over to CLUB him! Brooks dropkicks Brutus to the corner and tags in Briggs.

The good ol’ boys double scoop SLAM Brutus, then Briggs drops an elbow! Briggs clamps on a double wristlock but Brutus fights up to power Briggs to the corner! Tag to Julius but Briggs throws big haymakers! Julius gets a waistlock but Briggs elbows him away and corner clotheslines! Tag to Brooks, they whip Julius to run him over with double shoulders! Fans jeer but Brooks and Briggs go out to double HAYMAKER Julius back in! Brooks gets in to clamp on a headlock but Julius endures. Fans rally up, powers his way over and Brutus tags in, Julius powers out, Brooks runs into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly that sends him out!

The Creeds are all fired up, and so are the fans! Brutus puts Brooks in the ring, tags Julius back in, and they give Brooks knees to the ribs from all sides! Julius clamps on with a top wristlock and chinbar to grind Brooks down! Fans rally, Brooks fights up, but Julius gives him a SPINEBUSTER! Tag to Brutus, and Julius gut wrench SLAMS him onto Brooks! Brutus has a bit of blood in his mouth but he’s fired up more as he throws hands down on Brooks. Tag to Julius, Julius drags Brooks up but Brooks breaks free. Brooks throws hands but Julius RAMS him into the ropes! He wants another but Brooks dodges! Julius hits ropes and he sputters on the mat!

Both men crawl as fans fire up, hot tags to Briggs and Brutus! Briggs rallies with big hands, then runs to BOOT Brutus down! Julius runs into a SIDEWALK SLAM and SPLASH! Briggs fires up, fans are torn, but he back elbows Brutus and CLUBS him down! Briggs CLOBBERS Julius out of the ring! Brutus runs into a choke grip and CHOKE SLAM! Cover, Julius breaks it! Brooks throws Julius out! Julius RAMS Brooks into barriers! Brutus tags Julius in during the O’Conner Roll, Julius drags Brooks up! Half Hatch to the torture rack BOMB!! BASEMENT LARIAT! Cover, the Creeds win!

Winners: The Creed Brothers, by pinfall (advance to the next round)

Bivens and the fans are all fired up for this win! It was fast and furious, but will Julius & Brutus be able to blaze a trail to the cup?

NXT hears from Dante Chen.

“Four months ago, when NXT 2.0 first launched, I was one of many superstars getting an opportunity to prove themselves.” He is the first Singapore born wrestler when he made his debut in September. But we haven’t seen him since because of a leg injury. It was frustrating to see his peers compete and find success at events like Halloween Havoc, WarGames and New Year’s Evil. His father has told him to keep pushing, but two months ago, his father passed away. Dante’s dad was his biggest fan, but Dante is now dedicating his recovery to his father. As of today, Dante is back! The Singaporean Warrior is ready to fight!

Walter talks with Imperium.

He tells them, in German, “Men, I gotta say… when I was gone, you were the ones waving our flag here. As NXT Tag Team Champions, you did very well. Congratulations and thank you.” Marcel Barthel responds that, “You know Imperium means all for one and one for all. We’re going to keep putting on the absolute best performance of the night, 100%.” Aichner agrees, and says “We work harder than anybody else here. This year is going to do go down in history as the year that the era of Imperium began.” Walter agrees with that, and says, “Nobody will ever forget this day because today is the day we start our mission.

“We have dominated the UK. Now it’s time to make everyone in WWE understand what Imperium stands for, and it begins today with a win over Roderick Strong.” They are Imperium, and the mat is sacred!

Dante Chen VS Guru Raaj!

The wait is over, the warrior is back! Will he pick up where he left off and

The bell rings, the two shake hands to show there is respect, and they tie up. Dante headlocks, Raaj powers out and things speed up, Raaj dropkicks Dante down! Cover, TWO! Raaj clamps on with a chinlock, but Dante endures. Fans rally and Dante fights up to power out. Things speed up again, Raaj ducks and dodges but Dante throws him out! Then he PLANCHAS! Fans fire up, Dante drags Raaj up, but who is this attacking?! He BOOTS Dante down and RAMS Raaj into steps!

Winner: Dante Chen, by disqualification

That’s DUKE HUDSON! And he RAMS Dante into barriers! Dante sputters, Duke puts him in the ring, and then reels him in for a POWERBOMB! Then Duke rains down furious fists! Refs rush out to stop Duke but the damage is done! Fans boo as Duke storms off. “Duke Hudson’s back! So stay outta my way!!” Is Duke done with playing poker?

Joe Gacy walks and talks with Harland.

Tonight, they could’ve been a team moving on to the semifinals in the Dusty Cup. But Gacy isn’t blaming Harland. He could never be mad at Harland. Just disappointed that they won’t have their names on the cup. But times like these are about growth and development. Odyssey Jones hopes Gacy doesn’t believe those words. Or is he that full of crap? Gacy thanks “Mr. Jones” for his feedback, but how is he doing after his accident? Oh, just a training injury. Jones will be back in a few weeks. Then please, allow Gacy to get the door for him. Thanks…

Jones walks through, and Gacy says they can’t allow negativity to spread like wildfire. Their ability to face it is a true measure of progress. Harland glances the way Jones went. Will Gacy and Harland look to snuff out those who don’t agree with Gacy’s way?

Backstage interview with Bron Breakker.

McKenzie asks if it’s set in that he is the NEW NXT Champion. It has. This was his goal from when he first stepped through the door here, but he’s ready for all that comes with this title. Then what does he make of the interaction between Bron and Santos Escobar last week? Santos is a great performer, a former champoin, but just like everyone else, is coming for Bron. But here comes Elektra Lopez. She says Bron is one of the fastest rising stars in NXT history. Stop there, save it. He’s not interested. Escobar says this isn’ta bout her, cabron. But Escobar is a different story. Bron may be El Campeon, but he’s not ready to carry this brand.

And soon, NXT 2.0 will look a lot better with that title around Escobar’s waist. Bron wants Escobar to give him a reason to kick his ass right now. Escobar just smirks, and tells the young champion that he will soon learn things are done on Escobar’s time. Adios. But will Bron make sure Escobar has anything but a buenos noches?

Tony D’Angelo holds a memorial service for Pete Dunne.

But the Bruiserweight isn’t dead… Even so, Tony has the crowbar on top of the casket while there’s a picture of Dunne shrugging. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the career of the Bruiserweight, Petey Poppins. Petey Poppins was a pig headed man, and uh, he didn’t listen to nobody. So he needed o be taguth a lesson by me, Tony D.” Tony tried and tried but Petey had to learn the hard way. Just like Cousin Tulio always said, when you take care of business, handle it by any means necessary. So for the sake of everyone here, this is a closed casket service. Tony doesn’t think anyone wants to see Pete’s face after that crowbar broke his thick skull.

Fans chant for the Bruiserweight but Tony wants them to listen. They can’t mourn forever, right? Tony’s on to bigger and better things. More important things! He just got done beatin’ one of the most decorated champions in NXT history, so it’s about time Tony D added some gold to his collection. Specifically, around his waist, if you know what he’s sayin’. So uh, Tony’s got his eyes on that what’s it called? The North American Championship! What ya think about that? But here comes Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams! Trick has Tony turn around, they’re in the perch! Melo tells Tony that he’s happy and he’ll let him finish, but last week Trick ‘n’ Melo had the best memorial service of all time!

But in all seriousness, what’s that about this title? These guys are dressed for the occasion, weren’t they all boys? What? Oh they thought they were boys. Teammates, sure, but not boys. Tony has Jerry the Hack, Sammy the Shark, Benny the Groin, and even JT the Brick. But Melo, this is nothing personal. Just business. Trick tells Tony they know about the hack, the brick, Ben and Jerry, Moe, Larry and Curly, but it don’t matter any! They all look like Vic Joseph! Melo says this isn’t even the point. If you wanna talk business, the title is Melo’s business, so keep that out your mouth, or the next memorial service will be Tony’s! And Melo promises, it’ll be closed casket!

But wait! Here comes Cameron Grimes! “Tony, Tony, Tony. I hate to tell ya this, but uh, you’re gonna have to wait at the back of the line.” Fans chat “To The Moon!” as Grimes tells Melo that he walked up to him like a man, looked him dead in his eyes, and Trick was there. Grimes said he was coming for that title. But Grimes hasn’t heard back. Well, there was a call from the rental service about a scratch on the car. Th-that wasn’t a rental! Melo & Trick own that car! Grimes got jokes, huh? How about the goofies go 1v1 and maybe the winner gets a shot at The A Champion. Grimes says he ain’t got a problem with that. He’ll fight Tony, Trick AND Melo because he is a 220 pound rocket going TO THE-

Tony swings on Grimes, but Grimes dodges! Grimes grabs the portrait of Pete and SMASHES it on Tony’s head! Oh! Ey! Grimes bails out, but will Tony make him fogedaboutit?

Briggs & Brooks regroup backstage.

They both know it isn’t fun to win, but men are made through patience and overcoming obstacles. They just gotta keep on keepin’ on. But then Kacy & Kayden walk in to say they should stop worrying and go out for some drinks. Work hard tomorrow, but party hard tonight. Wendy Choo is on top of the lockers and she says, “Oooh~! He likes you!” Brooks gets embarrassed and tries to explain it, but Kayden tells him to hit the showers. Please don’t go… Less is more, brother. Dang. Brooks still tries to explain it away and Wendy just takes a sip of her drink. Will Brooks get his head in the game? Or will his lack of game leave him on the sidelines?

NXT hears from Valetina Feroz & Yulisa Leon.

In Spanish, Feroz says these two have been teaming for just two months, and they’re already having so much fun. Leon says you may not know a lot about them, so they’ll show you. Feroz is a black belt in judo and jiujitsu, and won gold in the2017 Abu Dhabi World Jiujitsu Championships. Leon is the first-ever Mexican born woman in WWE, who won weight lifting gold in the world games, and even could’ve gone to the Olympics. These two are badass women who fight hard and play hard. They’re from different countries with different backgrounds, but they have the same goal in NXT: the Women’s Tag Team Championships! So welcome to their jungle, baby!

Backstage interview with Feroz & Leon.

How excited are they to be in the Women’s Dusty Cup? SO excited! This is what they’ve been waiting for! But then Dakota Kai comes laughing in. This is so adorable. But uh… the voices in Dakota tells her to tell them some advice: nothing divides friendship more than success. What is her problem? She’ll be their problem! Oh nothing is happening with Leon backing Feroz up. Then let’s see about that later tonight! Leon is looking forward to it, lil’ nina. But what is Dakota thinking picking a fight without back-up?

Kay Lee Ray VS Ivy Nile w/ Malcolm Bivens!

The Scary Queen of Scots busted up the photoshoot set when she missed her chance to get at Mandy Rose. KLR may want after the gold, but can she break Diamond Mine’s top prospect?

The bell rings and they tie up. They go around, Nile powers KLR back but KLR turns it around. Nile powers KLR back but KLR arm-drags her away. The two reset and they both smirk. They tie up, KLR waistlocks but Nile elbows free. Nile waistlocks, rolls KLR then gets the arm for a top wristlock! Fans rally, KLR arm-drags free and CHOPS Nile! Then CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! KLR whips, then dropkicks Nile down! Cover, TWO! KLR stalks Nile to ropes, brings her up, but Nile blocks the suplex! Nile throws body shots, then back drops KLR away! KLR goes to a corner, Nile runs in to dropkick her down! And ENZIGURI! Cover, TWO!

Nile keeps focus and Bivens coaches her up. Nile stomps KLR, drags her up to snapmare and headscissor. KLR endures the squeeze, fights up, but Nile drags her back down! KLR keeps fighting, gets up to her feet, and she cartwheels free! KLR elbows Nile from the corner, then dodges to rally with lariats! KLR brings Nile in, suplexes, GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nile checks her face, but KLR grabs at her. Nile trips KLR, rolls her, and hooks her for the LEG DDT! Cover, TWO!! KLR survives and Nile can’t believe it! Nile listens to Bivens’ coaching and she gets KLR in a fireman’s carry. But KLR fights free to SUPERKICK!

Nile flounders up, but KLR gets her for a Gory Especial! But here comes Mandy! KLR swings ont he champ, but Mandy gets away! KLR still gets Nile back up, K L NO! Sunset flip, NILE WINS!!

Winner: Ivy Nile, by pinfall

And then Mandy pounces on KLR! Nile leaves it at winning, but KLR tackles Mandy! KLR stomps Mandy, but here come Jacy & Gigi! Toxic Attraction save their leader, they snapmare and DOUBLE SUPERKICK KLR! Then they set her back up for Mandy, but Indi & Persia get in! They fight with Gigi & Jacy! SPINEBUSTER for Gigi, then Jacy gets a LARIAT! And another LARIAT! Persia scoops Jacy to SNAKE EYES, and then KLR SUPERKICKS her down! Fans cheer as KLR stands tall with Indi & Persia, but will these three be able to rip out Toxic Attraction by the roots?

Harland attacked Odyssey Jones!

Harland throws the bent crutch aside, and Gacy is there smiling. Have they just ended Odyssey’s journey back to action? Or is this only fanning the flames of that “negativity” they stand against?

Sarray speaks.

“2021 was my first year here, but everything didn’t go as planned.” She’s even shared on social media that she felt lost. So after returning home to Japan to recovery physically and mentally, Sarray found a necklace her grandmother gave her when she was little. Her grandma was her hero, strong and never gave up. Thanks to finding this necklace, Sarray feels like she can conquer the world. It reminds her who she is and where she is from. She is the Warrior of the Sun! She is returning to America and NXT with a new passion and energy! Will Sarray revitalize her rise here in NXT?

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2022 Opening Round: Legado del Fantasma VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe!

After La Madrina kicked Xyon Quinn to the curb, Santos Escobar’s stable feels stronger than ever! But will Wilde & Mendoza be able to stop the fired up new team that stands before them?

Wilde starts with Malik and they tie up. Wilde shoves Malik away and says Malik doesn’t deserve to be in his ring. Malik rushes in but into a wrench and wristlock. Wilde wrangles Malik, but he kips up to arm-drag free! And arm-drag Wilde down to an armlock! Wilde gets up but Malik whips him into the corner for a SPLASH! Tag to Enofe, he snapmares Wilde for Malik’s SLIDING LARIAT, then adds a STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Enofe drags Malik up but Malik whips him to a corner. Enofe tumbles up, out, and ROCKS him with a right. Enofe jumps in to SLING-DOG! Cover, TWO!

Enofe headlocks, Wilde powers him to ropes and Mendoza tags in. Enofe holds on but Wilde powers out and sends him into a GAMANGIRI! Mendoza and Wilde double whip to DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER! Then they split the wishbone and hit a basement dropkick sandwich! Cover, TWO! Mendoza puts Enofe in a corner to CHOP! Then he bumps Enofe off buckles, whips him corner to corner then runs in, only to miss and get buckles! Enofe reaches out but Mendoza stops him from tagging Malik! Mendoza suplexes, Enofe slips out and shoves, hot tag to Malik! Malik rallies with haymakers on Mendoza, then throws forearms! And a dropkick!

Fans fire up for the hometown hero as he HOOK KICKS, and runs, but Escobar trips him! Fans boo, the ref EJECTS him! Wilde tags in and Legado are furious! Escobar argues with the ref while Legado sets up, but as Mendoza runs, Enofe dumps him out! Wilde CLUBS Malik, but Bron TRIPS Escobar off the apron! Bron carries Escobar away, Malik O’Conner Rolls! MALIK & ENOFE WIN!!

Winners: Malik Blade & Edris Enofe, by pinfall (advance to the second round)

This might be a bracket buster! The Emperor of Lucha just cost his team, will Legado ever live this one down?

Malcolm Bivens speaks.

Tonight, Diamond Mine is two for two! Nile has proven she can beat any woman, and the Creeds are one step closer to the Dusty Cup! Later, Diamond Mine will be three for three because their leader will WIPE the mat with Walter! Walter put his hands on Bivens, but Walter thinks the mat is sacred. No it is not. It is a revenue generator to make it so they can move on up to that deluxe apartment in the sky! “Walter, you’re big, you’re strong, you won a bunch of matches in Europe or whatever. But tonight, the mat belongs to Roderick Strong and Diamond Mine.” Will the Savior of the Backbreaker show Der Ring General who is really in charge of the canvas?

Solo Sikoa speaks.

“Boa. I said I’d take on whoever shows up. But last week, you took it to the next level. Never been hit with a fireball before. Burnt half my face. If you wanna bring out your ancestral powers, then let’s go. You’re not the only one who can call on his past, whose bloodline came from warriors.” Solo shows the burn on his face, and says next week, it doesn’t matter where they go. The ring, the streets of the locker room, bring the war paint. They’re going to face off in a No Holds Barred Falls Count Anywhere match!!

Yulisa Leon w/ Valentina Feroz VS Dakota Kai!

The new team on the block is ready to show everyone that they’re worthy of opportunities, but the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion stands in their way. Will #CobraKai poison the water before these two even start swimming?

The bell rings, Leon circles with Dakota, they tie up, and Leon powers Dakota to a corner. Dakota turns it around, but Leon pushes her away. Dakota just laughs it off, and she ties up with Leon again. Leon waistlocks, SLAMS Dakota down, then gator rolls with her. Leon throws Dakota around, sunset flips, TWO! Dakota flounders to a corner, Leon runs in but is sent into buckles! Dakota clubs Leon, then chokes her on the ropes! The ref counts, Dakota lets off, but then CLUBS Leon down. Dakota stomps and kicks Leon, covers, ONE! Dakota CLUBS Leon around, drags her back up, then bumps her off buckles.

Dakota digs her boot in, the ref counts and Dakota lets off at 2. Dakota CLUBS Leon, brings her around to snapmare, and then covers, ONE! Dakota talks to herself, or that voice in her head, and she gets mad. Dakota drags Leon up, whips Leon to a corner hard, and Leon falls. Dakota goes side to side, BOOT WASH! Cover, ONE! Leon is showing toughness but Dakota keeps on her. Leon ROCKS Dakota with forearm after forearm, but Dakota BOOTS her down! Leon bails out of the ring, Dakota goes out after her. Dakota taunts Feroz as she’s there, but Dakota swings on her! Feroz dodges, Leon ROCKS Dakota!

Leon puts Dakota in, Feroz fires up her tag partner, and Leon rallies with lariats! GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Dakota staggers up into a scoop, and Leon shows the strength in the BRIDGING FALL AWAY SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Dakota escapes but fans are fired up! Leon runs into a SCORPION KICK! Dakota goes Around the World to BOOT! Cover, Dakota wins!

Winner: Dakota Kai, by pinfall

Captain Kota kicks her way back into a winning track, but then she attacks Feroz! She puts Feroz in the corner, Dakota runs Around the World, but Leon saves Feroz! Will Leon & Feroz

Backstage interview with Raquel Gonzalez.

What’s big for Raquel after losing at New Year’s Evil? Well, everyone surely expects her to make a big deal about Dakota helping Mandy in the first place, and Raquel could complain about not being the one who took the pin. But c’mon, look at her! She is Big Mami Cool! She doesn’t make excuses. And it should be no surprise that she is still coming after Mandy and the title. But Cora Jade scoots in to say so is she. But Cora wants to ask Raquel something real quick. Doesn’t Raquel wanna be a back to back Dusty Cup winner? They could walk in, win it all, and take the titles off Gigi & Jacy. No, it’s because of Cora that Raquel has no title.

Raquel likes Cora. But she needs to stay out of Raquel’s way. So thanks, but no thanks. Cora says she’ll convince Raquel. There’s still time before the Women’s Dusty Cup begins, can #GenerationJade get Ricky Desperado on her side? Or will she just get on Raquel’s nerves?

Malik & Enofe regroup backstage.

“What did we say? What, did, we, say?!” They said they were gonna shock the world, and here it is! Two down, two to go! Next is the semifinals! Bron Breakker comes over to congratulate them. But they don’t need to thank him, that win was all them. Good luck the rest of the way, go win the cup! Enofe & Malik are fired up, but who they want next? Doesn’t matter, they’ll be ready! They break it down, but will they continue to bust brackets against their next opponents?

Walter VS Roderick Strong w/ Malcolm Bivens!

Walter said farewell for now to NXT UK, and he’s about to say hello to NXT 2.0 in a big way! Will Der Ring General break the backbreaker? Or will Strong prove why he’s the leader of Diamond Mine?

NXT returns and Strong makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. The fans chant for “WAL~TER!” and the tow tie up., Walter headlocks and THROWS Strong away! Strong gets to a corner, Walter eggs him on. Strong comes back, circles with Walter again, and they tie up. Strong gets a leg, Walter drops to keep Strong down and bends at a leg. Strong gets free, has a leg guard, and gets up at the ropes. Walter is after Strong but Strong uses a forearm to grind Walter in the face. The ref counts, Walter lets off and the two go again. Walter corners Strong, gets an arm, wrenches and WRINGS Strong to a wristlock.

Strong endures, fights up, and fans rally as Walter wrenches again. Strong gets up, powers his way through and gets a headlock. Walter puts Strong on ropes, lets off, but Strong avoids the chop to CHOP! But Walter catches the hand! Strong gets away and uses a corner for defense. Fans rally, Walter eggs Strong on, and the two reset. They tie up, Strong gets the headlock again, but Walter powers up. Strong holds on, grinds the hold, but Walter throws body shots., Walter pushes Strong to a corner, Strong goes up but gets caught! Strong slips free and ROCKS Walter with boxing elbows and a CHOP! Walter CHOPS Strong off his feet!

Fans are thunderous as Walter stomps Strong! Walter stomps Strong to a corner, snapmares him down, and NECK TWISTS! Strong writhes and fans say “This is Awesome!” already! Walter stomps Strong, Strong gets back to a corner, and Strong throws body shots and forearms. Walter throws hands then BOOTS Strong down! Walter looms over Strong, drags him up, throws EuroUppers, then has Strong on the ropes. Bivens complains as Walter has Strong in the ropes, so Walter LCUBS Strong, and drags Bivens up! Strong CHOP BLOCKS a leg to save Bivens! Strong dropkicks Walter out of the ring! And then runs again, but Walter catches him! APRON BACK SUPLEX!

NXT goes picture in picture while Walter catches his breath. Walter drags Strong onto the apron to CHOP him! Walter goes into the ring, drags Strong back up and CLUBS him on the back. Strong staggers away, Walter has him in the corner to CLUB him in the chest! Walter then brings Strong around to scoop and SLAM, then wraps on a chinlock. Walter traps on arm, Strong resists Walter going for the other arm, so Walter just grinds the chinlock even harder. Strong endures, pries at the chinlock, but Walter thrashes him around! Walter lets off just to CLUB Strong on the back, and then he clamps the chinlock back on.

Strong endures again as Walter leans his weight on the hold. Bivens coaches Strong but Walter changes things to a motorcycle stretch! Strong endures the knee in his back, fights his way up, but Walter wrangles him back down. Walter stands on Strong’s shoulder blades to keep him down, but Strong keeps fightihng.  NXT returns to single picture, Strong is up and he kicks low. Walter knees low in return, puts Strong in a corner, but Strong BOOTS, ENZIGURIS and hops up to missile dropkick! Walter ends up in the far corner, and fans fire up as Strong runs in to clothesline! Strong CHOPS, throws forearms, then CHOPS again!

Strong reels Walter in but Walter blocks the Olympic Slam! Walter gets a SLEEPER! Strong hits a JAWBREAKER! Walter comes back for the SLEEPER! Walter thrashes Strong around, Strong pries at the hold, and he bends the fingers! Strong drops, kangaroo kicks Walter away, then runs side to side for drive-by forearms! He ducks a chop to ROCK Walter again! Walter is on the apron, Strong keeps going, more drive-by forearms, but Walter CLOBBERS him! Fans fire up, Walter goes to a corner. Walter climbs, but Strong ROCKS him first! Strong climbs, brings Walter up, but Walter throws body shots and CHOPS Strong down!

Strong comes back to GAMANGIRI! “This is Awesome!” as Strong climbs up to get Walter up, SUPERPLEX!! Fans lose their minds but Strong has to crawl to a cover, TWO!! So close and yet so far! Both men rise, Strong CHOPS and forearms, but Walter forearms back. Strong throws more forearms, Walter swings but Strong ducks to kick! Strong CHOPS again, throws more forearms, then runs, hitting more forearms and shoulder tackles! Walter hurdles Strong?! But Strong SICK KICKS Walter! Cover, TWO!! Bivens is going nuts but fans hope they “Fight Forever!” But this has to end somehow, so Strong drags Walter by the legs.

Walter boots Strong away, Strong comes back but gets caught! Walter CHOPS Strong down like a slam dunk! Walter reels Strong in, but Strong slips out of the bomb to underhook! Strong can’t lift Walter, but Walter lifts Strong and RAMS him into buckles! And then TOSSES Strong away! Walter reels Strong back in, WALTER BOMB! Cover, Walter wins!

Winner: Walter, by pinfall

Diamond Mine only goes 2-1 tonight, because Der Ring General is not like anyone else Diamond Mine could face! Walter is not like anyone that anyone in NXT could face! And Walter gets the mic to say, “NEIN! The winner of this match is GUNTA!” Imperium attacks Strong! They mug Strong, but here come the Creeds! It’s a brawl of Diamond Mine and Walter! Fans are going nuts for NXT as worlds collide! Can Julius & Brutus help Strong turn the tide against Walter and his soldiers?

My Thoughts:

What a great episode! LA Knight blending a lot of things together in that first segment was great stuff, and I like that Waller is already having to watch out for people coming after him from all sides. However, he ends up taking the next step in his Heel power ranking by getting himself a big muscular henchman. Maybe we’re getting a tag match of Waller and his henchman VS Knight and Lumis. We got a good Dusty Cup vignette to hype up tonight’s matches, and we also got a good promo from MSK and Legado to set some other things up. Creed Brothers winning was a great surprise, and I do appreciate them using that loss for Briggs & Brooks to tie back into the romance story with KC Squared. Brooks actually got to show a little bit more character being flustered talking to Kayden.

I also like that the stories of Legado overlapped. Bron had a good promo with Escobar, and then him countering Escobar trying to cheat Malik & Enofe was a nice touch. Malik & Enofe getting to be bracket busters was great, I apologize for thinking they’d be an easy opening win for someone. Next week will have the other two opening round matches, and while I’m thinking Chase U is going to be the easy win for GYV, MSK VS Jacket Time could’ve been a semifinal match in itself. Leon & Feroz have been on 205 Live, as I remember covering one of their matches before I quit 205 Live, so it’s great to know they’re on NXT and in the Women’s Dusty Cup. Leon VS Dakota was good, and naturally Dakota wins, but is Dakota going to be in the cup? With who?

Good to hear from Sarray. And her promo has a point, she was doing so well in 1.0 but then 2.0 screwed that up. I got some serious magical girl vibes from the necklace and how Sarray had an almost Clark Kent pair of glasses. If 2.0 making her into a magical girl wrestler will get her back into the title chase, then I’m fine with that. Raquel of course wants after the title, but as I was sensing, Cora wants to make this a Dusty Cup story. KLR losing to Nile because of Mandy is great for Nile, and we’re getting a big Six Woman Tag of Toxic Attraction VS KLR, Indi & Persia, setting up some big title matches for what has to be the Valentine’s Day themed special.

It’s great to see Dante Chen back, and on behalf of The Chairshot, sorry to hear about his dad. But wow, didn’t think Duke Hudson would go after him (and Guru Raaj) outta nowhere like that. Thankfully, this means Duke is done with the poker player gimmick. Solo Sikoa calling out Boa is great, they’re going to have a killer match. And speaking of, Walter VS Strong was awesome stuff. Naturally, Walter wins, but what was bigger was the brawl of Imperium and Diamond Mine. When WWE uploaded the interaction of Walter, Bivens and Strong over the weekend, I was already hoping for a Six Man Tag, and it looks like we’re getting that. That is going to be an awesome match, and I would think Imperium wins to put the pressure on the Creed Brothers to win the Dusty Cup and try to get back at them.

My Score: 8.6/10