Will The Death Riders cancel Dynasty?

Claudio Castagnoli faces Adam Copeland while Jon Moxley & Marina Shafir face Swerve & Willow, all before the PPV this Sunday! Will the champions of AEW make sure their challengers can’t make it?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Mixed Tornado Tag: Jon Moxley & Marina Shafir VS Swerve Strickland & Willow Nightingale; Swerve & Willow win.
• Toni Storm VS Penelope Ford w/ Megan Bayne; wins.
• Adam Copeland VS Claudio Castagnoli; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

BREAKING NEWS for the Owen Hart Cup!

Just as the brackets were ready to be revealed, it is revealed that The Death Riders attacked him as he arrived in the arena! Will The Switchblade be ruled out of the tournament before it even begins? Or will it still be his era?

Mixed Tornado Tag: Jon Moxley & Marina Shafir VS Swerve Strickland & Willow Nightingale!

The Maniac admitted that no woman, and perhaps no person, scares him quite like The Problem from Moldova. But the Most Dangerous Man & Babe with the Power aren’t afraid. They are going to take the fight to the Death Riders and smile anyway! Will Swerve be smiling as he heads for Dynasty in Philadelphia? Or will Moxley & Marina take Swerve & Willow out like they did Jay White?

Well, there’s no waiting for a bell as Moxley & Marina rush Swerve & Willow at the ramp! The fans fire up and the bell rings as Swerve fires hands on Moxley! Swerve BOOTS Moxley, Willow ROCKS Marina, and the fans cheer on “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Swerve ROCKS Moxley, then rips Moxley’s shirt away! Willow ROCKS Marina and high-fives the fans, but Moxley elbows Swerve. Swerve blocks a bump off the steel steps to body shot! Marina fires knees into Willow, but Swerve sends Moxley into railing! Willow does the same to Marina! The fans fire up but then Moxley CHUCKS a chair into Swerve!

Marina snap suplexes Willow to the floor! Willow writhes, Moxley & Marina go looking for goodies. They bring out a TABLE! The fans fire up, and the Death Riders set up that table. Swerve storms up, Willow ROCKS Marina! Swerve kicks Moxley, fireman’s carries, and Willow shoves Marina into the ring. Moxley fires elbows to fight free, then he puts Swerve on the desk! Willow has Marina in the ring, but Moxley gets on the desk with Swerve! Marina slips free of Willow’s scoop to CHOP her! And SAYANAGI! And SAYANAGI! Moxley rains down fists, talks some trash, and Marina top mounts Willow for a facelock.

Willow fights up and RAMS Marina into a corner! Willow CHOPS Marina, Moxley whips Swerve, but Swerve reverses! Moxley crashes into the steel steps at the same time Willow sends Marina into a corner! Willow CHOPS again! The fans fire up and Willow brings Marina around to snap suplex! Marina bails out, but Willow pursues. Willow CLUBS Marina, Swerve has Moxley in the corner. Moxley CLOBBERS Swerve, things speed up, and Swerve hurdles, only for Moxley to CLOBBER him! Moxley flips off the fans and Peoria boos in return. Swerve drop toeholds but Moxley fights to stay up! Moxley grabs at Swerve, but Swerve bends Moxley’s fingers!

Willow CHOKES Marina with her boot to the neck! Swerve whips Moxley to DROPKICK him down! The fans again fire up for “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” while Willow goes up a corner. Swerve brings Moxley around, BACKBREAKER to MISSILE DROPKICK! Moxley flounders away to ropes, and Swerve high-fives Willow. Moxley goes to a corner, Willow sends Swerve in and he UPPERCUTS! Willow runs in and LARIATS! Willow sends Swerve back in for another UPPERCUT! Snapmare, and Swerve goes up to FALLING UPPERCUT! Swerve hits the Griddy and Willow struts around. But Marina runs up to BOOT Willow!

Moxley gets up to hit a CUTTER on Swerve! Marina CHOKES Willow on the ropes, then lets off to put Willow in a corner. Marina CHOPS, Moxley has Swerve on the outside, and Moxley TOSSES Swerve over railing! Marina KICKS Willow in the corner, KICKS again, then stomps away. Marina CHOKES Willow, Willow slaps and claws at Marina, but Marina stands her up for a cravat. Marina puts Willow on the ropes to CHOKE her! Marina & Moxley soak up the heat, then let off so Marina can KICK Willow in the back! Marina drags Willow up, puts her in a corner, and CHOPS! The fans rally for Willow but Marina stomps her in the corner.

Moxley coaches Marina, even while Willow fires body shots. Moxley & Marina talk trash on Willow, but Willow SLAPS Moxley! The fans fire up, but Marina ROCKS Willow! Marina drags Willow up to CHOP, then Moxley reels Willow in!? The fans boo, but Swerve slides back in! He has Marina in a half nelson while Swerve has Willow in the underhooks! Swerve dares Moxley to take his shot, because he’ll take his shot on Marina! The fans fire up as Marina dares Swerve to do it! Moxley says fine, and he lets Willow go. Swerve lets Marina go, but then Willow shoves Moxley, and he runs into Swerve!

The fans fire up as Willow fires a flurry of forearms on Marina! Willow runs, but Marina HIP TOSSES her! Marina grabs a leg, steps over and then rolls Willow to THROW her! Willow flounders to the apron, Marina storms out after her, and Marina ROCKS her! Willow snarls and ROCKS Marina! And BOOTS her! Willow powers up, but Marina gets under the boot! STRETCH MUFFLER into a POWERBOMB, DOWN THROUGH THE TABLE!! The fans lose their minds while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Moxley gets Swerve in underhooks! PARADIGM SHIFT to the floor! Swerve flops over and Moxley goes to regroup with Marina. Prince Nana checks on Swerve but Marina digs her boot into Willow. Marina then drags Willow up, and DUMPS her onto the wrecked table! Moxley has Swerve back in the ring, and CLAWS at Swerve’s face! Moxley crossface forearms Swerve down, then goes out to chase Nana off. Nana stays by the timekeeper’s area, and Moxley has Swerve on the apron. Moxley grinds his forearm and elbow into Swerve’s face and neck, then Marina joins in, to BITE Swerve’s fingers! Swerve flails and tries to get free, but Marina only lets off when she wants to.

Moxley goes looking again, and he brings out a second table! Moxley & Marina set this table up, and they drag Swerve up. Willow stirs but Marina & Moxley mug Swerve with hard kicks. Moxley shoves Swerve to a corner, then fires Marina up. Marina runs in at Swerve, but Swerve dodges! Marina hits POST, Moxley goes after Swerve! Dynamite returns to single picture as Moxley puts Swerve up top. Swerve fires body shots, shoves Moxley down, but Marina’s back to ROCK Swerve! Marina climbs up to CLAW Swerve’s back! Moxley climbs up and he CLAWS Swerve’s back! The Death Riders are both up there, and they both CLAW Swerve’s back!

But Willow returns! She gets under Marina & Moxley, and we get a TOWER OF DOOM!! The fans are thunderous after seeing that double powerbomb superplex combo, and Willow drags herself back up. Marina goes to one corner, Moxley goes to the other. Willow LARIATS Moxley, then runs to back body block and LARIAT Marina! Willow whips Marina into Moxley, then runs to SPLASH them both! Willow snapmares Marina to BOOT her down! But Moxley grabs Willow by her hair! The fans boo, but Swerve JUMP KNEES Moxley! Moxley falls into a corner, Willow runs and CANNONBALLS! Moxley tumbles out, Swerve PLANCHAS him down!

Willow whips Marina to SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Marina survives, Willow is frustrated, but Moxley TOSSES her back out! Swerve returns to ROCK Moxley! Moxley fires back, the two go forearm for forearm! The fans cheer Swerve, boo Moxley, and then Swerve shoves to HIP TOSS, gator roll, but Moxley fights the suplex! Moxley suplexes to SLAM Swerve, and has the REAR NAKED CHOKE! Marina clamps onto Willow’s foot, keeps her in a corner, but Willow fires body shots! Swerve is caught in the body scissors while Marina climbs up on Willow. But Willow picks Marina up off the corner, to POWERBOMB her onto Moxley!

All four fighters are down and the fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” as Marina and Willow find each other and start throwing forearms! Moxley and Swerve find each other, and they start throwing SLAPS! The ladies scrap to the outside, the gentlemen throw hands! Marina RAMS Willow into the railing! The forearms go faster and faster in the ring, then Swerve gets the edge with fast hands! Moxley CLAWS eyes and BITES Swerve’s forehead! Moxley runs, but into an UPPERCUT! Swerve runs, but he feels Moxley behind him, so he ducks under! Moxley comes back, into the FLATLINER! The fans fire up and Swerve goes to a corner!

Swerve aims, “Whose House?!” But Marina shoves Moxley aside and takes the HOUSE CALL!!! The fans are stunned, but Swerve smiles. Willow POUNCES Moxley, and he falls through the table! The fans are thunderous again, and Swerve fires Willow back up. Willow gets Marina up, BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow & Swerve win!

Winners: Swerve Strickland & Willow Nightingale, by pinfall

Consider the Problem solved! Willow finally gets the better of Marina, but Moxley is back up already! And he grabs Willow for PARADIGM SHIFT!! The fans boo and Swerve is pissed! Moxley runs away, Peoria telling him off as he goes. Moxley acts like it doesn’t matter, he and Marina just get outta there. Will Swerve make sure Moxley doesn’t survive Dynasty?

Backstage interview with FTR.

Renee Paquette is with Cash Wheeler, Dax Harwood, and even AEW referee, Paul Turner. Renee says that last Saturday Night Collision, Dax put his hands on AEW officials and has since been fined $10,000. Dax paid the fine, but he asked for Paul to be here. Why is that? Dax says yes, he is about to pay the fine, but he wanted Paul here in front of the world so that Dax could apologize to both him and Cash for his actions. He let his emotions get the better of him, and he got Tony Khan to allow him to personally hand the check over to Paul. In front of the world, here is the $10,000 for Paul personally to use, perhaps take his wife out for a nice dinner or buy something for the family.

Dax again apologizes for how he treated Paul. Paul accepts the apology, and he can understand it all being heat of the moment. This means a lot to him. Of course, Paul, but just don’t cash that in until Friday, wink wink. Dax pats Paul on the back and Paul takes his leave. Renee says things have been rather heated lately, but this Sunday night, Dynasty on PPV, Rated FTR challenges The Death Riders for their AEW World Trios Championships. Are they going to be able to put their issues aside by then? Dax says yes, FTR are brothers, he loves Cash more than almost anyone in this world. The things they’ve done in these 11 years can never be eclipsed by one event.

Dax wants to let Cash know that he apologizes for what he did. It was an emotional moment, and he mistook Cash for a security guard. Just know that he would never, ever do something like that. But on Sunday night, they add to the legacy of FTR by making Rated FTR the NEW AEW World Trios Champions. Dax loves ya, bud. Dax wants to hug Cash, but Cash stops him?! Cash says yes, they are brothers. And on Sunday, they will be fine. But after Sunday, they need to talk. Cash heads out alone, Dax is unsure what to make of that. Dax apologizes to Renee for this, Renee assures him it is okay. But will FTR be fine with tensions running this high?

This ain’t no joke!

With just weeks left before Stand & Deliver, Trick Williams is after Oba Femi and the NXT Championship. But will Trick get his rematch?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Zaria w/ Sol Ruca VS Lash Legend w/ Jakara Jackson; Zaria wins and advances to Stand & Deliver.
• Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Myles Borne & Tavion Heights w/ No Quarter Catch Crew; Myles & Heights win.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Kelani Jordan VS Roxanne Perez; Kelani wins and advances to Stand & Deliver.
• NXT North American Championship: Shawn Spears w/ The Culling VS Ricky Saints; Saints wins and becomes the new NXT North American Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

Stephanie Vaquer is here!

The fans cheer for La Primera as she makes her way to the ring, still the NXT Women’s Double Champion! NXT General Manager, Ava, is there to meet her, and she says, “Ever since Stephanie has stepped foot in NXT, she has shown everyone exactly why she is La Primera.” The fans cheer, and Ava says after walking out victorious last week, that shows exactly the caliber Stephanie is. However, given the depth of the NXT Women’s Division, both titles deserve to be defended frequently. The two have put a lot of thought into this, and felt it was not fair for her to continue to do this alone.

The fans boo, but Ava says the decision has been made: Stephanie will relinquish the Women’s North American Championship. The fans boo more, but Ava says a new champion will be decided at Stand & Deliver in a Six Woman Ladder Match, and the qualifiers begin tonight. The fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” but Vaquer assures them she understands that this is not a popular decision. But NXT has given her an opportunity to do the same for everyone else. She really wants to push her NXT Women’s Division, not stop it. The fans do cheer that, and sing “OLE~, OLE OLE OLE~! OLE~, OLE~!”

Vaquer says tonight, she will give up the North American title. But under one condition: She gets to pick who she faces at Stand & Deliver for THE NXT Women’s Championship. The fans like that! Wait, here comes Jordynne Grace! The Juggernaut tells Stephanie that she’s sorry she keeps interrupting, but she’s happy to hear Stephanie gets to choose her opponent. Now that Jaida’s out of the picture, Jordynne and Stephanie can focus on the match everyone has really been looking forward to. For the first time ever on NXT’s biggest stage, Juggernaut VS La Primera. But wait, here comes Miss Parker!

Jaida says hear that? See, Jordynne, “Miss Muscle Mommy,” Jaida being out of the picture is insane. But if Jordynne actually stayed down where Jaida left her ass last time, Jaida would’ve beaten Stephanie, and she’d be here with the NXT Women’s Championship around her little ol’ waist. But Stephanie, baby, it was that close, and we all know it. But go ahead, call your shot. Because when they run this bac- Jordynne interrupts Jaida, and says she had her opportunity. Jaida called her shot, and she fumbled. Now, Jaida may not understand how championships work, seeing as how she’s never held one before…

But Jaida is going to the back of the line. Vaquer says it looks like these two need to work this out. And so the two start throwing shots! Jaida shoves, Jordynne dodges, and then Jordynne puts Jaida on the apron! Jordynne DECKS Jaida, but here comes security! Only for Jordynne to DECK one, and TOSS the other out onto the rest! The fans go nuts as the Juggernaut warns Jaida to watch herself! Jaida says nobody’s scared of Jordynne! Will these two throw down to then move on to Stand & Deliver?

Trick Williams speaks.

Over the weekend, Trick put on his Instagram, “LET’S TALK ABOUT IT OBA,” accompanied by a video. “Yo, what’s good, Oba? I mean, I already made the challenge, boy, but you ain’t hear me? I had Timbs all up in my face, I know you saw it. I ain’t no little punk like Je’Von that you can just throw around, you know where to find me: On Tuesday in the ring so we can talk about my NXT title, Stand & Deliver. Let’s talk about it.”

Backstage interview with Oba Femi.

Sarah Schreiber catches the NXT Champion as he’s arriving and asks about Trick’s post calling Oba out, claiming Oba doesn’t respect him. Oba says he doesn’t care what Trick said, because Trick is not the champion, OBA IS. Oba does not answer to Trick, Trick answers to Oba. Trick waits on Oba. Tonight, Trick gets Oba’s final verdict, and finds out the hard way why you don’t call out The Ruler. Oba moves on, what will he have to say to the former champion?

The NXT Women’s Division talks.

After that big announcement from Ava, Arianna Grace says she would do this, but ladder matches are dangerous. Fallon Henley says no one cares what Arianna thinks. She is ready to qualify and get her title back. She and Jazmyn Nyx high-five, but Lola Vice says no one wants Fallon as champ again. This is Lola’s opportunity. Cora Jade says like Lola would know what to do with that title, other than shake her ass with it. The locker room gets real fired up now! But who will put money where their mouths are and head for Las Vegas?

NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Zaria w/ Sol Ruca VS Lash Legend w/ Jakara Jackson!

With just three Tuesdays left before WrestleMania Weekend, it is time to shuffle the deck and deal out the opportunities. Will the Agent of Change be the first to punch her ticket? Or will the Bougie Bully make her pump the brakes?

The bell rings and Zaria circles with Lash. They tie up, go around, and end up on the ropes. Then they move off the ropes, break, and the fans cheer the stare down. Lash and Zaria tie up again, Lash waistlocks and SLAMS! Lash styles on Zaria, eggs her on, and puts up the hand for a knuckle lock. Zaria obliges, they go shoulder to shoulder for a Test of Strength, and Zaria bends Lash back! Lash fights up to bend Zaria back! Zaria powers up again, and the fans fire up as she roars! Lash gets under to BACKDROP! Cover, ONE!! Lash stands Zaria up to whip her to ropes. Zaria slips around to crucifix but Lash stays up!

Zaria shifts to a sunset flip, but Lash stays up to YANK Zaria up! Zaria CHOPS Lash! Lash frowns and CHOPS back! The fans fire up for that one! Zaria CHOPS, Lash swings, but Zaria dodges to jump on! Lash fights the Guillotine, but she drops to a knee! Lash powers up again to lift and put Zaria on the apron! Zaria RAMS into Lash, then slingshots up and over to sunset flip! TWO! Lash hurries up, but Zaria scoops! Lash slips free, scoops Zaria, and SLAMS her! Lash then runs, but Zaria avoid the elbow drop! Zaria returns, but Lash dodges the elbow drop! Lash kips up and the fans fire up! But Zaria kips, not quite as clean.

Lash clamps onto Zaria’s neck, Zaria returns the favor! Lash fires KNEE after KNEE, then CHOKE- NO, Zaria victory rolls it! TWO, and Lash PUMP KICKS Zaria out of the ring! Jakara talks trash, but Sol storms up to back her off. Lash storms out to back Jakara up, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Zaria endures a bearhug! Zaria fights free, runs, but Lash ROCKS her! Zaria leans on the ropes, Lash drags her up to torture rack. Zaria endures the backbreaker stretch, even as Lash puts on the pressure. Zaria pries at the grip, Lash THROWS her, but Zaria lands out! Lash dodges Zaria’s lariat, and then DOUBLE LARIATS take both women down! The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” while the ref checks Lash and Zaria. They both rise up, and Zaria fires a haymaker! Lash fires back! Zaria fires another! Lash fires back! The shots keep going, Zaria gets the edge, and she brings Lash around, but Lash THROWS Zaria down!

Lash and Zaria are both running low on energy, but Lash gets Zaria up. Zaria fights the suplex, but so does Lash! They fight for control, and ZARIA suplexes up and over! Lash goes to a corner, Zaria runs in to LARIAT! Zaria whips corner to corner but Lash reverses. Lash runs up, but into a BOOT! Zaria hops up, Lash stands, Zaria CROSSBODIES! But Lash catches her! SWINGING BACKBREAKER! And then Lash reels Zaria in, but Zaria RANAS free of the bomb! Then she BOOTS Lash! And GERMAN SUPLEXES! The fans fire up while Lash flounders up. Zaria runs up, but Lash hurdles!

Zaria hotshots off ropes, Lash grabs her by the neck! SLAM DUNK CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!?! Zaria survives, Jakara is frustrated, but the fans know “This is Awesome!” Lash hauls Zaria up, gets her in the Bow ‘n’ Arrow Rack, LASH EX- NO, Zaria lands out to fireman’s carry! DELTA- NO, Lash slips free, shoves, but Zaria dodges the boot! SPEAR!! Zaria fireman’s carries again, DELTA FORCE! Cover, Zaria wins!

Winner: Zaria, by pinfall (advances to Stand & Deliver)

It was a clash of titans, but Zaria just hit the jackpot! Will Zaria now rise above and claim the Women’s North American Championship for her own?

Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura watch backstage.

They’re both impressed by that match, and Zaria moving on to Stand & Deliver, that’s Inamura’s dream. Briggs says they’ll get there, he promises. Wes Lee walks in with Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont, and they all mock Briggs, “We’re gonna get there!” Lower your expectations. Take it from someone who’s actually won at Stand & Deliver. Briggs asks Wes who he thinks he is talking to, and Wes says he’s talking to them! Wes literally broke his back carrying this brand, so he’ll talk to whoever however he wants. Briggs says Wes ain’t tough! Inamura steps up and says he used to like how Wes Lee wrestled.

Wes doesn’t get what Inamura’s talking about. Inamura says Wes used to have honor. But tonight, Wes and Inamura will fight. Wes says he has honor. He’ll honor that request. But just like those Stand & Deliver pipe dreams, Inamura needs to prepare for disappointment. The Wes Side heads out, will the Cardiac Kid learn what it is to feel the Great Rush?

Kelani Jordan speaks with Ava.

Kelani says history will repeat itself in Las Vegas. She climbed to the top of that ladder to become the inaugural champion, and she plans on doing it again. This is actually perfect- Roxanne Perez interrupts and says this is perfect for her. Wait, Roxie agrees? Yes! Absolutely! At Stand & Deliver, when Roxie is on top of the ladder and brings down that title, she’ll be the first woman to have won everything in NXT. Kelani says yeah, we get it, Roxie. You’re great. But over Kelani’s dead body will she be another stepping stone in the story book of Roxie. Roxie had her shine, and Kelani doesn’t care how she does it, she’ll get hers.

It doesn’t matter if Kelani has to take it from Roxie, but that’ll make it even better. Wow! Kelani finally grew a spine. But guess what? “The Prodigy” and “History maker” are synonymous here, so even with that new attitude, Kelani- Ava says no, it’s only going to be one of them in that ladder match, as they’re facing each other in tonight’s second qualifier. Well, that’s even more perfect! Roxie heads out, but will The Prodigy be one step closer to completing NXT Bingo? Or will The Standout stand tall over the most accomplished woman in NXT history?

The D’Angelo Family meets.

They all sit at the table, and The Don asks what they have for him. Luca Crusifino says first up: Dion Lennox. A bit of a puzzle. 6’2″, 248 pounds, came into NXT as a bookworm, but that was just to fool everyone. He was also a former linebacker for Oregon State University, a three-time team captain. And apparently, a snake. Yes, but he’s also got a mouth. Luca was talking with Dion’s former teammates, and turns out he has a temper. Dion even broke a teammate’s jaw for missing a formation. But Dion also has brains, as he has multiple college degrees specializing in psychology. A manipulator who’s also explosive. A powerful combination.

Tony says, “Bookworm Clark Kent my ass.” Luca says it’s clearly how Dion got Dark State together. Who’s next? Osiris Griffin. 6’3″, 280 pounds, former All ACC Defensive Lineman out of Syracuse. 150 tackles in 60 games played, and broke his own QB’s ribs in the Spring Training game. Brash, but not dumb. His high school coach told Luca that Osiris has great instincts for his opponent’s next move. Well, he’s the thinker of the group. But they can tire him out. Next is Cutler James. Adriana Rizzo found he’s a high-level wrestler out of Duke. Tony knew he didn’t like this kid.

But he’s an academic All American with a limitless gas tank. This guy likes breaking his opponent’s will and body. Cutler did Spartan Races, carrying logs on his back running through the mud. Tony gets it, he’s seen that stuff. Swim through ice water, walk on fire. Like a wannabe John Wick or something. Lastly, Stacks has Saquon Shugars. The wild card. A real slick city kid from DC. Wrestled in high school but got his degree from the streets. But that’s not cuz he’s a dummy, he turned down a scholarship to Harvard. Why? Not sure, but Stacks used a lot of connections and favors for this one. The word is, people follow him, they listen.

Out of fear? No, he’s a charmer. He gets people to feel like they’re his best friend since they were in diapers. When he’s done with ’em, he dips and moves on. Then this isn’t just a bunch of meatballs wanting TV time. These are some serious badasses. But here’s what they’ll do. Take the fight to them. Fire with fire! Tony enjoys the enthusiasm, but- Stacks says no, T, they dangerous! Tony says Stacks is letting his temper talk for him. They all want at these guys. But the last time Stacks put together a plan, it didn’t work out so well. So Stacks needs to trust Tony like Tony’s trusted Stacks. Can Stacks trust Tony? Stacks says yeah.

Good. Now, Tony will review all this, and he appreciates the work. Keep it up. The Family heads out, but Stacks still seems worried. Will the Underboss just have to trust the process? Or will Dark State get the better of them again?

Hank ‘n’ Tank talk.

They aren’t really sure this is the change they need to succeed… Zoom out, and they’re wearing Pretty Deadly style crop tops! Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say of course this will work! Look at them! As former NXT and NXT UK Tag Team Champions, Pretty Deadly know what it takes. To be stars, you gotta look like stars! Because the stars are bright, they shine! #YesBoy! Hank ‘n’ Tank do the Scott Hall fingers like Pretty Deadly, and Elton says if you want to be “The Team,” you need to BE the team! Just like how you can’t just say “Honk Honk,” you gotta FEEL the Honk Honk! That’s tag team wrestling! FEEL IT! FEEL IT!

Hank does feel something. Does Tank feel it? No Quarter Catch Crew walks by to see this, and Tavion Heights says he feels Hank ‘n’ Tank are about to get their asses kicked. Myles Borne adds, “Again.” NQCC heads out, Hank ‘n’ Tank throw the crop tops off. Elton says you can lead a horse to water but can’t make it drink. Pretty Deadly is still confident in Hank ‘n’ Tank, but will the big belly boys go the distance with Myles & Heights?

The Culling speaks.

Niko Vance says, “Anger, rage, aggression. To much of the world, those are glaring negatives. But not to you. You were the first to see that it was a strength of mine.” Brooks Jensen says, “Finding true purpose and meaning in life, you gave me the roadmap to my new life. So now, you gotta retrace your steps and find victory tonight.” Izzi Dame says, “You brought us all together, and look at us now. We’re a family. Four equal legs of a chair, but it’s all in support of you and your efforts tonight as North American Champion, representing The Culling.”

Shawn Spears says, “I’d like to use the cliche of how much I truly admire each and every one of you and your unique skillsets, but you’re all aware of how much I cherish you all. Tonight, those skills and those traits that I’ve passed along to you, that we’ve passed along to each other, I’ll use to vanquish Ricky Saints.” The Chair Man is ready for the main event, but will he be ready for the Absolute Revolution?

Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Myles Borne & Tavion Heights w/ No Quarter Catch Crew!

The pursuit for tag team greatness continues, but perhaps Walker & Ledger are trying a little too hard? Will they figure out what works for them? Or will they get no quarter from Myles & Heights tonight?

The teams sort out, Tank and Myles start, and the fans rally up. They circle, tie up, and Myles headlocks. Tank powers up and out, RAMS shoulders with Myles, and the fans cheer. Myles shoots in, waistlocks then headlocks, then wrenches and YANK the arm. Tag to Heights, Myles whips Tank to ropes then drop toeholds him, with Heights right on Tank for a headlock! The fans cheer that quick combo, but Tank endures the hold. Tank fights up, pries the hold open, but Tavion fires a body shot. Tavion whips Tank to a corner, but Tank goes up and over to CROSSBODY! Tank bumps Tavion off buckles, tags Hank, and the fans rally.

Hank ‘n’ Tank whip, doubloe kick, and DOUBLE AX HANDLE! Then they stomp the hands, “Yes Boy~!” Myles runs up but Hank CLOBBERS him! “Yes Boy~!” Hank ‘n’ Tank then run, SPLASH LEG DROP COMBO! The fans fire up, Hank dodges Tavion to then LARIAT in the corner! Hank runs side to side, tags Tank, then back body blocks Tavion! Snapmare and HONK HONK, BIG BELLY SANDWICH! Cover, TWO! Tank clamps onto Tavion with a facelock, Hank tags in, and Hank goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Hank brings Tavion around, whips, but Tavion reverses. Hank ducks the lariat, Myles tags in, but Tavion swings agian!

Hank dodges, then he DUMPS Tavion out! Tavion holds onto the bottom rope, Myles LARIATS Hank up and out! Tank protests, the ref keeps him back, but that lets Tavion beat up on Hank! Tavion SMACKS Hank off the apron, puts him in for Myles, and Myles UPPERCUTS! Myles CLUBS Hank, UPPERCUTS again, then tags Tavion. They whip Hank to then LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Hank stays in this, but Tavion stays on him. Tavion drags Hank up, whips, and LARIATS Hank against the ropes! Tavion says one more time, and he whips Hank again. LARIAT on the ropes, Tavion covers, TWO! The fans rally while Tavion clamps on with a chinlock.

Hank endures, fights up, and the fans rally again. Hank fires body shots, reaches out, but Tavion rolls Hank! TWO, and Hank dodges! Hot tag to Tank! Tank rallies on Tavion, BLASTS Myles, and LARIATS Tavion! LARIAT again and Tank fires up! The fans are with Tank, he dodges Tavion to SNAP BELLY2BELLY! Tank dodges Myles to go up, out, and ROCK him! Then he LARIATS Myles into the ring! The fans fire up as Tank fires up, slingshot SPALSH! Tavion runs up, Tank dodges to go up, up and FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up, Tank drags Tavion up for a FISHERMN SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Myles breaks it!

The fans are torn, but here comes Hank! Hank ROCKS Myles with haymaker after haymaker! Hank TOSSES Myles out, then says, “Yes Boy~!” with Tank! Tank hauls Tavion up, Hank runs, but Myles is back! DROPKICK! Hank falls out of the ring, Tavion fireman’s carries Tank! Tag to Myles, and they hit the DEATH VALLEY DDT! Cover, NQCC wins!

Winners: Myles Borne & Tavion Heights, by pinfall

Hank ‘n’ Tank had this, until they tried to do things like another team. Will they ever sort out what their style is? Will NQCC grab the NXT Tag Team Championships before they do?

Trick Williams heads to the ring!

The fans chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” while Booker T adds his usual commentary, “Aw yeah, man~!” Trick goes right to the ring, he grabs the mic, and Trick says let’s be clear. Last week, he called Oba out, and he ain’t heard from Oba since. But Oba, don’t get it twisted. Even if you are NXT Champion, Trick is still the man! Trick’s been the man ever since he decided to be his own man. Trick fought for this! Trick sacrificed for this! And he lost a brother for this. Trick did all that just to make this to the Whoop Dat Era! Trick did all that just to make this the Trick Williams Show. This may be on CW, but don’t get it twisted, tonight you tune into the TW! Oba, Trick IS HIM!

The fans cheer for that, and Trick says all this comes at a cost. Trick feels all the hate. Y’all don’t want him to shine? Y’all don’t want him to be the dawg? Y’all don’t want him to return to the top? He gets it now. But wait! Je’Von Evans is here! And the Young OG tells Trick no no no. Trick says don’t come out here interrupting. Trick gets why Je’Von is upset and all, but hey. That is just collateral damage. This is Stand & Deliver Season, it is time for the grown folks to talk. Je’Von says he ain’t gonna lie, he was trippin’ about what Trick did last week. But then Je’Von finally realized something. Je’Von truly understands Trick now.

Je’Von wants to ask Trick a question: When did Trick know it was his time? Sounds familiar, right? Je’Von gets it, because this time last year, Trick was Je’Von. When Trick Willy wanted the title, he became NXT’s golden child. That sounds familiar, too, don’t it? Yeah? And just like Trick, Je’Von wants that number one spot. But the difference between them is… Je’Von doesn’t need to break out of someone’s shadow to get to that spot. Je’Von’s ready right now. Trick says the crazy thing is, Je’Von is in Trick’s shadow right now! What does Je’Von know about being champion, dawg? About selling tickets? Doing media? Having the brand on your back? Je’Von can’t relate!

What does Je’Von know about being The A Champion? Winning a title is great, but carrying the title and defending the title, those are a whole ‘nother ball game. And Je’Von can’t hold that title like Trick can! Trick is one of one, believe that! Oh, one of one? Hmm… Trick says he’s The A Champion? Hmm… “Trick, you don’t know who the hell you is, do you? Bruh, you ain’t Trick Williams. You Carmelo Hayes.” UH OH! Je’Von says yeah, he went there. And it makes sense. Because everything that Trick is telling Je’Von right now, was everything Melo was telling Trick a year ago. And if you ask Je’Von, that makes Trick a hypocrite!

So if Trick is gonna try and water Je’Von down just to make himself feel better, since he wants to talk about it, Je’Von has done something that no one has done, including Trick. That’s drop Oba Femi! But wait! Here comes Oba now! Oba tells Je’Von to do a favor and say that nonsense to his face! Je’Von really thinks he did something that matters? Oh, congratulations, you got a lucky shot! Never again! Je’Von says stop playing like he ain’t got your number. Did anyone forget about Deadline? Cuz at Deadline, if we’re checking history, Je’Von only needed one more second to change history. Only one more second.

And then Oba wouldn’t have beat Trick for the title, cuz Je’Von would’ve had it. As a matter of fact, Je’Von will drop Oba again to become NXT Champion in Vegas! Trick says better luck next year, kid. Oba tells Trick that he’s talked enough! The champion is here, it is his turn to speak. As for Je’Von, when Oba looks at him, all Oba sees is a small boy with big aspirations and dreams. And while he might be the future, Je’Von’s success will not be at the expense of The Ruler at Stand & Deliver. Because whether Je’Von likes it or not, he lives in the present! He lives in the now, and the now belongs to OBA FEMI.

Trick says yeah, that’s what he’s talking ’bout. Stand & Deliver Season, NXT Championship, Oba VS Trick. And for the last time, Je’Von, please excuse yourself. Je’Von steps up and asks, “Or what?” But Oba holds Je’Von back with one hand and tells Trick that if Trick spent less time talking, maybe he’d still be champion. But he’s not. And clearly, both men want their shot at the championship… Wait! Ava is here to say she’s seen this before. There is only one way that this will end. Stand & Deliver, Oba will defend the NXT Championship against Trick Williams… AND Je’Von Evans in a Triple Threat! Je’Von likes that! But then Trick DECKS him!

Oba turns Trick around to ROCK him with haymakers! These two brawl, Oba LARIATS Trick up and out! Oba is fired up, but OH NO! DARK STATE IS HERE! Osiris, Saquon, Cutler & Dion storm down from the bleachers, and they mug Oba 4v1! Je’Von gets up, but he just gets added to the hit list! CATAPUT DOUBLE BACKDROP for the Young OG! And a BOOT from Osiris to Oba! Trick storms into the ring, and he looks at all four goons. Trick fires hands but he gets mugged 4v1! They stand Trick up, and hit him with the QUAD BOMB!! Dark State strikes, #NoOneIsSafe!

Andre Chase visits NXT Medical.

Mr. Chase says he can’t take any deep breaths, has a limited range of motion, and the doc says Chase clearly suffered a cracked rib in the match with Ethan Page. And he knows Chase wants a timeline on his return, but there’s no telling with cracked ribs. Does Chase have a ride home? Chase says he’s all alone. But then Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors walk in. They tell him he’s not alone. They’ve got him! They even brought a wheelchair. Chase appreciates that and accepts the help. Chase says they’re not so bad after all. But then look out, there’s chaos going on! Jaida and Jordynne are brawling through the back!

Jaida RAMS Jordynne into the garage door, the refs tell her to back off and Jaida says okay, she’s good. But then Jaida runs up! Jordynne dodges, the Hip-Notic hits the door! Jordynne jumps on for a SLEEPER! More refs hurry over, these two are pulled apart, but will they not stop until one of them stays down?

Fraxiom cross paths with Hank ‘n’ Tank.

Nathan Frazer tells them that whatever they had going for them, they clearly lost it. Axiom asks Frazer why he’s so rude. Frazer says c’mon, they can’t lie to them. Well, okay, but at least be supportive. What’s not supportive about telling them the truth? And the truth is, they’re just embarrassing themselves. Axiom says fine, here’s some truth. While Fraxiom may have the tag titles, Axiom does wish they had a friendship more like Hank ‘n’ Tank. Frazer says wow, okay. Hank ‘n’ Tank say “thanks” for the pep talk, then they move on. And then in step Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes, aka Swipe Right.

Brad says he knows they haven’t met, but they make proper introductions. And the deal is, they’re kinda the hottest new thing via WWE Evolve. And when they look at Fraxiom, they see them as their Hardy Boyz. See, Swipe Right runs Evolve, Fraxiom runs NXT, so Swipe Right just wants to see how they measure up. #Hundos! Frazer says he and his amigo don’t back down from a challenge, so you’re on. Nice! And Fraxiom must crush it with the ladies with those accents, right? Oh, speaking of ladies, Roxie passes by. Brad says there is a lot of “talent” here. Roxie may be a Prodigy, but she’s also a smoke show. Ricky says that’s hundo for sho’, bro bro.

Swipe Right tells Fraxiom, “See you next week.” Brad & Ricky head out, but are they really ready to evolve into NXT stars so soon? Or will Frazer & Axiom show them that they need a little more time to level up?

NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Kelani Jordan VS Roxanne Perez!

The inaugural NXT Women’s North American Champion battles the most accomplished woman in NXT history, and this alone could be the title match. But only one moves on, so who leaves the other behind to Stand & Deliver?

The bell rings, the two tie up, and they go around. Kelani pushes Roxie back but Roxie puts her in the corner. Roxie goes up the corner, the ref counts, but Roxie lets off the collar ‘n’ elbow. But Kelani shoves Roxie down! Roxie comes back, Kelani wrenches and headlocks to hit a takeover. Roxie headscissors and pushes up for pressure, only for Kelani to headscissor back! Roxie headscissors again, but then so does Kelani! Roxie moves around, jackknife bridges, TWO as Kelani bridges up! Kelani turns things around, but Roxie trips Kelani up! Cover, ONE, and Kelani sweeps! Cover, ONE, and Roxie kips up!

Kelani kips up smooth, the fans fire up, and Roxie is annoyed. The two reset, but NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and the fans duel. Roxie headlocks Kelani, but Kelani powers up and out. Roxie throws Kelani down by her hair! The fans are torn, Roxie runs, but Kelani does the splits! Roxie cartwheels over and then takes a bow. Kelani is annoyed, and she blocks the haymaker to trap an arm! Kelani then slaps the other arm, and she SLAPS Roxie! The fans fire up, Kelani runs up and SLINGSHOT ARM-DRAGS! Roxie tumbles, Kelani DROPKICKS her to a corner! Kelani has Roxie on the apron, then in the ropes for a KNEE SMASH, and a POMMEL LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Roxie stays in this and Kelani grows frustrated.

Kelani stalks Roxie to ropes, drags her back in, but Roxie has the apron skirt! The ref counts, Roxie lets go, and while the ref is busy with the apron skirt, Roxie CLAWS Kelani’s eyes! The fans are torn, but Roxie then POSTS Kelani! Kelani flops to the apron, Roxie goes out the other side, and she has Kelani through the corner! Roxie stands on the arm, then DOUBLE STOMPS it!! Kelani writhes but this is the way Roxie beat Jordynne Grace, so why not do it to Kelani? Roxie drops KNEES on the bad arm, the fans duel more, and Kelani crawls to ropes. Roxie stomps and kicks away, but the ref counts. Roxie stops at 4 to then stand on Kelani!

The ref counts again, Roxie steps off, and then JUMP STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Kelani stays in this but Roxie is almost amused. Roxie goes after Kelani in the corner, and wraps the bad arm around ropes! Roxie pulls and YANKS on the arm, then soaks up the cheers and jeers. Roxie drags Kelani up, hammerlocks the arm, and she RAMS Kelani into buckles! The fans duel while Kelani flounders, but Roxie hammerlocks the arm again. Roxie whips, Kelani reverses and sends Roxie into buckles! Kelani reels Roxie into a cradle, TWO! Roxie runs up, goes for the arm, but then waistlocks. Kelani switches, O’Conner Rolls, TWO!

Kelani is sent into buckles again! Roxie storms up on Kelani, grabs the arm, and shoves Kelani down so she can stand on the shoulder! Kelani endures, but Roxie turns her over to KNEE- NO, Kelani avoids the knee drop! Roxie hobbles, and Kelani fires body shots! Kelani ROCKS Roxie, ROCKS her again, then ROCKS her again! Kelani whips, Roxie reverses and UPPERCUTS the bad arm! Roxie wrenches and KNEES the bad arm! Then she hammerlocks the arm, and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Kelani writhes, Roxie covers, TWO! Kelani toughs it out and Roxie seethes, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Roxie stalks Kelani, drags her up, and SMACKS her off the mat! Roxie CLUBS the bad arm, then kneels on the shoulder to pull on it! Kelani endures, so Roxie YANKS back on the arm! Cover, TWO!! Kelani is still in this, but Roxie stays on her with a chicken wing armlock! Kelani endures, fights around, but Roxie slips around to hammerlock. Kelani reaches back to FLYING-MARE! Roxie tumbles into a corner, Kelani runs in, but Roxie puts her on the apron! Roxie then HOTSHOTS the bad arm! Kelani slumps down on the apron, but Roxie drags her back through the corner. Roxie stands on Kelani’s hand, but Kelani TRIPS Roxie!

Kelani crawls away, Roxie pursues, but Kelani ROCKS Roxie! Roxie ROCKS Kelani! Kelani ROCKS Roxie again! Roxie ROCKS Kelani again! The forearms keep going, but Kelani gets the edge! Kelani whips, then CLOBBERS Roxie! And CLOBBERS her again! Cartwheel BACK ELBOW! Kelani kips up and she storms up on Roxie. Kelani reels Roxie in, but Roxie wrenches and WRINGS the arm! Then she SHOTGUNS Kelani down! Kelani flounders out of the ring, but Roxie builds speed! Roxie DIVES, and down goes Kelani at the ramp! Roxie hurries to drag Kelani up and into the ring! Roxie points to the belt and says that’s already hers.

Roxie storms up to the apron, but Kelani DROPKICKS her down again! Kelani aims, and she TORNILLO PLANCHAS! Down goes Roxie! Kelani hurries to put Roxie back in, and she gets moving, SPLASH DOWN! Roxie staggers up, into an X FACTOR! NXT returns to single picture as Kelani covers, TWO!! Roxie survives and Kelani is beside herself! Kelani hauls Roxie up, torture racks her, and the fans duel for the TOWER HACKER- ARM-DRAG from Roxie! Roxie then snatches Kelani, but Kelani fights the takedown! Kelani rolls Roxie up, TWO, and Roxie SOB- NO, Kelani blocks the kick! Step over, WHEEL KICK!

The fans rally as Kelani goes up the corner! ONE OF A KIND- FLOP!! Roxie avoids the RVD style moonsault to handspring and KNEE DROP! Roxie shouts out Meiko Satomura with that one, and she pushes Kelani to a cover, TWO! The fans fire up and Roxie is furious! Roxie tells Kelani that she is NOT on Roxie’s level! Then she SLAPS Kelani! The fans fire up as Kelani scowls. Roxie is worried, and Kelani fires off fast hands! Roxie SOBATS, runs, and hops on, but Kelani pops out the back! Roxie waistlocks, Kelani grabs ropes, and the ref counts. Kelani mule kicks Roxie’s legs! Then Kealni hits a BASEMENT DDT!

Kelani has Roxie in the drop zone! Up, up, and ONE OF A KIND! Cover, KELANI WINS!

Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall (advances to Stand & Deliver)

The Standout takes down The Prodigy, but this was just the first hurdle! Will Kelani become the first-ever TWO-TIME NXT Women’s North American Champion?

Ava meets with Robert Stone & Stevie Turner.

The newly appointed Evolve General Manager tells the NXT General Manager that she apologizes for Swipe Right. Ever since Ava put Stevie in charge, Brad & Ricky have been nothing but a headache every Wednesday. She had no idea they were even showing up tonight. Stone says just deal with them tomorrow night then. For now, we should be talking Stand & Deliver. The Triple Threat for the NXT Championship, a Six Woman Ladder Match for the NEW Women’s North American Champion, and now Vaquer gets to choose her own opponent?! Ava says all of that is great, but her real focus right now is Dark State. We’ve all seen what they’ve done.

If they’re trying to intimidate Ava, that won’t work. They keep saying they don’t wanna wait, then fine. Six Man Tag: Any three of them can compete. But against who? Ava says it’ll be THE main event of Stand & Deliver, Oba, Trick & Je’Von. Wow, okay. That’s huge. But will Oba, Trick & Je’Von even bother working together? Or can they focus on common enemies before fighting each other?

Backstage interview with Ricky Saints.

Sarah Schreiber is with The Absolute, and says he already has his first ever title opportunity here in NXT against Shawn Spears. The last time we saw Ricky, Spears blindsided him in more ways than one. Ricky says c’mon, can’t she see this chiseled jaw? It’s gonna take a lot more than that to put him out. If anything, it lit a fire under him! Spears wants to talk about their history, he wants to bring up their past like Spears knows Ricky? Spears knows nothing, jack! Ricky ain’t worried about no past, only the future, and you’re looking at him! The future says that Ricky’s gonna be dripping with gold tonight!

Spears took a very long time to even taste glory! Meanwhile, Ricky is gonna do it in record time when he marries destiny! Spears and everyone else will really see that The Revolution is indeed televised, because Ricky Saints will be the NEW North American Champion tonight! Ricky heads out, and that main event is next! Will NXT be Absolute?

Zaria & Sol Ruca talk backstage.

Zaria feels good as being the first to qualify for Stand & Deliver, and Sol is proud of her. Zaria knows Sol didn’t become Women’s US Champion, but Zaria would love to have Sol with her at Stand & Deliver. Sol says she’ll definitely be there. Kelani walks by and asks if they saw that. She just beat one of the greatest champions in NXT history! Yeah, they saw, that was awesome. Kelani says she’s already calling her shot. She WILL be Women’s North American Champion again. Zaria says she loves the confidence and all, but not this time. Sol says it is either her or Zaria who become the NEW Women’s North American Champion.

Zaria asks what Sol means by that. Sol says her qualify is next week, didn’t Zaria hear? So they can both go to Vegas together. Kelani says nice people finish last, ain’t that right? Okay, Kelani, just stop. Kelani will not drive a wedge between #ZaRuca. Yeah, not worth her time. Kelani leaves, and Zaria thinks on that new team name Sol just came up with. She doesn’t mind it. Sol knew she’d like it. But will ZaRuca both Stand & Deliver? And what will happen in the ladder match if they do?

Dark State speaks.

Saquon Shugar says, “What? Y’all thought you had it figured out?! Ey, ey, Cutty, talk to they ass!” Cutler James says, “No one knows how Dark State’s gonna move, and no one knows when Dark State’s gonna strike. But there’s one thing you should know: No one is safe.” Dion Lennox shouts, “Ava, you ain’t give us no match! We forced your hand! We got the whole locker room looking over they shoulders, for US!” Osiris says, “Giving us a match against the three top dogs of NXT? That sounds like war to us. But hey, is Tony D gonna be watching?”

Saquon says The D’Angelos can do all they can to find out who Dark State is, but Dark State is real, real simple, man! Four men, one goal, and next week, they taking it all! Will these wild cards trump the Stand & Deliver main event? Or will Oba, Trick & Je’Von make sure to knock down their house of cards?

NXT North American Championship: Shawn Spears w/ The Culling VS Ricky Saints!

Ever since his return to NXT, The Chair Man has been about exposing painful truths and twisting them to fit his goals. But will he continue to sow seeds of discord and reap the rewards? Or will he find he can’t twist an Absolute?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the past loses to the future!

The bell rings and Spears bails right out. But Saints DIVES! Direct hit into Spears, and then Saints fires off haymakers! The Culling goes running as Saints ROCKS Spears and CHOPS him! Saints CHOPS again, then ROCKS Spears! Spears hurries into the ring, but Saints hurries to fire hands! Saints whips, but Spears grabs ropes to avoid the dropkick! Spears runs, but into Saints’ DROPKICK! The fans fire up, Saints bumps Spears off buckles, and Saints fires off fast hands! The ref counts but Saints DECKS Spears! Spears flounders out of the ring but Saints pursues. Saints is on the apron, and he leaps, but into a kick down low!

Spears reels Saints in, but Saints BACKDROPS free! The fans fire up as Saints knuckle locks, then goes up onto the barrier! Saints gives the fans some Old School up close and personal! The fans fire up as Saints then AX HANDLES Spears down! Saints gets back on the barriers to strut some more, and the fans cheer as he does his pose! Saints is feeling good while NXT goes picture in picture.

Saints drags Spears up, puts him in the ring, and tells The Culling to back off. Saints climbs, but Spears jumps up after him! SUPER OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Saints goes flying, then flounders into the far corner. Spears storms up, rains down fists, then pulls his kneepad down! Spears hoists Saints up to BACKBREAKER! Saints writhes, Spears pulls his kneepad back up, and then Spears goes outside. Saints crawls while Spears repositions the steel steps. Spears then storms back in and TOSSES Saints out! The ref reprimands but Spears goes out to stands Saints up. Saints ROCKS Spears! And ROCKS him again!

Saints whips, Spears reverses, but Saints hops up and over the steps! Then he comes back and leaps off the steps, only for Spears to SUPERKICK him down! Saints flops back, but Spears drags him up and brings him to the steps. BACKBREAKEAR on the steel steps! The ref reprimands but the damage is done! Saints flops to the floor while Spears mocks the pose. Spears then hobbles over to bring Saints back up. Spears puts Saints in the ring, covers, TWO! Saints is tougher than that, but Spears stays calm. Spears drags Saints up and ROCKS him in the lower back! Spears stalks Saints, drags him back up, and ROCKS him again!

NXT returns to single picture, and Spears has Saints up again. But Saints fires a body shot! And a CHOP! And a CHOP! Saints whips, Spears reverses, and Saints hits buckles hard! Saints slumps down but Spears is right on him! Spears rains down fists, then lets off to soak up the heat. The Culling taunt Saints, and Spears scoops for a SLAM! The fans boo while Spears steps back outside. Spears climbs up the corner while The Culling cheers. But saints ROCKS Spears first! Spears ROCKS Saints again, then climbs up to CLUB Spears again and again! Saints brings Spears up, but Spears fires body shots!

Saints ROCKS Spears with forearm after forearm, then tries again. They go to the very top, for a SUPER DUPER JACKHAMMER!! The fans lose their minds, but Saints can’t the cover! Spears crawls away, he and Saints rise, and Spears throws a haymaker! “This is Awesome!” as Saints hits back! The two go back and forth, shot for shot, then Spears CHOPS! Saints CHOPS Spears! And CHOPS again! Saints ROCKS Spears, whips, but Spears reverses. Saints comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Spears tries, Saints dodges and DROPKICKS! Spears goes to a corner, Saints runs in, ELBOW! Saints reels Spears in, TORNADO-

NO, Spears stops the DDT, then runs up, but into a SPINEBUSTER! The fans are thunderous for Saints and he feels that energy! Saints hoists Spears up but Spears fights free! Spears bails out, Saints pursues, but then Spears takes a swing! Saints ducks it, and he reels Spears in for a TORNADO DDT to the floor! The Culling panics, the fans are fired up, but the ring count is climbing! Saints puts Spears in, hurries after him, but Niko gets on the apron! The ref stops Niko, but Izzi slips Spears the title belt! Spears takes aim at Saints! BELT SHOT!! Spears throws the title away, then covers Saints, TWO?!?! Saints survives and Spears is shocked!

The fans are electric while The Culling are in disbelief! Spears seethes as he drags Saints back around. “You made me do this!” Spears drags Saints up, fireman’s carries, but Ricky slips free! Fireman’s carry in return, Saints steals C4!! Jensen gets on the apron, but Saints TOSSES him in! Niko is up, Saints BLASTS him! Saints LARIATS Jensen up and out, then goes out to SPEAR Niko!! Saints is all fired up, and he gets in the ring! Spears takes a swing, Saints dodges, and he SPEARS Spears!! Then a gut wrench and ROSHAMBEAUX!! Cover, SAINTS WINS!!

Winner: Ricky Saints, by pinfall (NEW NXT North American Champion)

Izzi is furious, but she has no choice but to hand over the belt! The Chair Man will now have to accept the painful truth that NXT is Absolute! The fans chant “You Deserve It!” and Ricky nods, but ETHAN PAGE ATTACKS! TWISTED GRIN!! The fans boo as All Ego ruins Ricky’s moment! Ethan smiles as he holds up the belt, will he be the one to Stand & Deliver?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT, and their Stand & Deliver build is clearly going down to the wire here. A little disappointing that Vaquer relinquishes the Women’s North American Championship, but she already made history be becoming the Double Champion and surviving a double header. So now, she will focus on her title, and clearly it is going to be Jordynne Grace for Stand & Deliver. Jordynne and Jaida had great stuff, they’ll have a match, and Jordynne will win to stand out as the clear choice for Vaquer, unless Giulia suddenly returns. This entire WrestleMania Weekend in Vegas is slowly becoming about Triple Threats and bigger (as it should in my opinion), so why not one for the women?

After all, we’re also getting one for the men. Oba, Trick and Je’Von had a very good promo segment, and while it of course became a brawl, Dark State jumping in on it was fitting, too. But with that, there goes my theory that maybe, just maybe, Trick was secretly in charge of Dark State. They mugged him just as bad as the others, so it’s all just the four of them doing this on their own. Good promo from The D’Angelo Family to help the audience understand who Dion, Osiris, Cutler & Saquon are, and regardless of how Dark State VS Oba, Trick & Je’Von goes, we will surely get a Six Man Tag of Dark State VS D’Angelo Family, and that will be a make or break moment for the D’Angelo Family as Stacks and Tony continue to disagree on things.

Back to the Women’s North American Championship, this coming ladder match really is the best move, as we just got some awesome stuff out of qualifiers. When the qualifiers are this great, you can bet the ladder match will be amazing. Kelani getting that win over Roxie was also the right choice, as Roxie doesn’t really need another NXT title reign, she’s basically waiting on the call up. Roxie and Bayley didn’t even get their proper 1v1 feud, that can be a thing soon, and Kelani can move up as a top Heel or something. Good promo from Kelani with Zaria & Ruca, aka ZaRuca. Not a bad team name, it’s very Fraxiom of them.

Speaking of Fraxiom, the tag division is still having a lot of fun. As I hinted at in the report, Hank ‘n’ Tank are still going about this the wrong way. They think being like some other team is the key when they got this far being themselves. And for one, Pretty Deadly is not the team a couple hosses should be mirroring. They lose, which helps NQCC stay afloat as they haven’t done much, and then Hank ‘n’ Tank have that bit with Fraxiom. Fraxiom is again dysfunctional, and perhaps they and Hank ‘n’ Tank will face off for the titles by Stand & Deliver.

I’m very surprised that Swipe Right is getting to be part of Evolve-NXT crossover so soon, but I guess that means they show the most promise. But they’re kinda overdoing the kayfabe of Evolve. Stevie was literally put in charge last week, so she’s only had to deal with Swipe Right for one week. “Every Wednesday” is just ONE Wednesday so far. But that aside, Swipe Right VS Fraxiom will be a very good match to help get Swipe Right some recognition, and perhaps bring interest over to Evolve.

Good promo from Briggs & Inamura with The Wes Side, especially with Inamura stepping up. Inamura VS Wes will be a great match, maybe we get Briggs & Inamura VS Tyriek & Tyson (which also counts as Evolve-NXT crossover now), and who knows if either team gets in on the tag titles for Stand & Deliver. Good promo from The Culling, even if this entire gimmick doesn’t quite fit right. And very good promo from Saints to lead into the main event. That was a great match, the NXT crowd clearly loves Saints, and what a great win for Saints. Sorry, Spears, you’re a transitional champion to Saints VS Page for an even bigger feud of former AEW stars.

My Score: 8.9/10