The Bruv and Best Bout Machine have some business to handle.

While The Hurt Syndicate goes for the AEW World Tag Team Championships, Will Ospreay wants to talk with Kenny Omega about The Don Callis Family.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW World Tag Team Championships: Private Party VS The Hurt Syndicate; The Hurt Syndicate wins and becomes the new AEW World Tag Team Champions.
• Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS AR Fox; Swerve wins.
• Hangman Page VS Tyler Shoop; Hangman wins.
• Julia Hart VS Jamie Hayter; wins.
• Adam Copeland VS PAC; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tony Schiavone is in the ring.

He welcomes us to Dynamite in Knoxville, Tennessee, then welcomes out the Aerial Assassin, Will Ospreay! The fans fire up as Ospreay makes his way to the ring, and then Schiavone says Ospreay asked for this face-to-face, so here is… KENNY OMEGA! The fans cheer again as now The Best Bout Machine makes his way out here! And he gets a lot of pyro! Omega joins Ospreay and Schiavone in the ring, the fans chant for “KENNY! KENNY!” Schiavone says it is his honor to be in the ring with two of the greats. Ospreay wanted to have this talk, so the floor is his. Ospreay tells Kenny thanks for coming out to join him here. And glad he’s not dead.

Ospreay can’t remember the last time they were in the same ring and not throwing punches at each other, but a lot has changed since Omega’s been away. Ospreay has got nothing to do with the Don Callis Family, and has been trying to change AEW from within. Ospreay didn’t like how Callis was doing business, so he is doing everything in his power to stop it. And to be honest, Omega’s come back at a really bad time. Moxley holds the world title hostage, Ospreay has been trying to get after them, but he keeps running into the Callis Family, and he can’t do this on his own anymore. The fans like where this is going.

Ospreay knows he and Omega have had their differences, but- Omega takes the mic for himself. “Stop. Stop. You said you didn’t remember the last time we faced each other in a ring? Well, Will, let me remind you. It was Forbidden Door. And in that match, not only did you drop me on my head and almost break my neck, but you stabbed me in the head with a screwdriver, the same one that Don had used months before. As far as I’m concerned, that makes you no better than him. And why did you do it, Will? Why? All because you were trying to prove that you were the best. You were trying to prove that you were better than me.

“Well, Will, not only did I not believe you were better than me back then, but I sure as hell don’ believe you’re better than me now. And it took diverticulitis to almost kill me for people to even know that you existed. So now that I’m back, Will, now that I’m back… Congratulations on being number two, because number one is standing right here in front of you. So if you’re here to apologize and ask for my help, the answer is no chance in hell. Because I will never trust someone like you, bruv!” Ospreay gets in Omega’s face and tells him, “Listen here, you little p*ick!” Ospreay makes sure Omega doesn’t look away, but then here comes Don Callis himself.

Omega and Ospreay are still mad with each other but Callis says, “Well look at these two prima donnas!” But like before, Omega rushes him at the ramp! The fans cheer, but here comes Konosuke Takeshita! The Alpha brawls with Omega to keep Callis safe! Ospreay is conflicted, but then Kyle Fletcher attacks Omega! Ospreay hates Kyle more than he does Omega, so he goes after the Protostar! The fans fire up as the brawl just gets bigger! Ospreay puts Kyle in the ring, ducks ‘n’ dodge shim, then RAN- NO! Kyle stops that to pop Ospreay up! But Ospreay pops free, dodges, and handsprings! NEURALIZER KICK!

The fans fire up as Ospreay fires off on Kyle in a corner! But Konosuke drags Ospreay down! ALPHA ELBOW! But Omega gets Konosuke! SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Omega fires up and the Terminator Drums begin! Omega builds speed, but Kyle SUPERKICKS him down! The fans boo while Kyle seethes. Kyle drags Omega up to toss him out, but fans tell off Callis. Kyle BOOTS Ospreay over railing! Callis and Konosuke mug Omega! Kyle grins, and he uses a chair to LAUNCH himself into Ospreay! The fans boo while Kyle stands Ospreay up, and whips him, only for Ospreay to reverse! Kyle is sent into barriers and Ospreay beats Kyle down!

But wait, the rest of the family is here! Lance Archer goes after Ospreay! The fans boo but the Murderhawk hauls Ospreay up for a CHOKE- NO, Ospreay goes to the railing! Ospreay fires hands, but Archer LOW BLOWS! Then he DECKS Ospreay into the upper deck! The fans boo as Archer climbs up with ease, but Ospreay fires hands in return! Archer CLUBS Ospreay, they go up into the crowd, and cameras do their best to find where they went! They go down the stairs at the back! Brian Cage has appeared to beat up Omega, and Archer sends Ospreay into the merchandise stands! But Omega fires hands on Cage, and on Konosuke!

Archer CHUCKS a table, Ospreay dodges it! Ospreay ROCKS Archer, fires more shots, but Archer ROCKS Ospreay in return! Archer slides Ospreay along the merch table like it’s a bar fight! Cage CLUBS Omega, Archer drags Ospreay up, but Omega throws trash cans at the others! Omega CLUBS away on Archer, but Archer just grabs him now! But Ospreay and Omega work together! They mug Archer, then DOUBLE SUPLEX him through the tables! The fans are thunderous, but then Cage returns! He CHUCKS a trash can into Omega’s face! Cage, Konosuke and Kyle mug Ospreay and Omega 3v2 while Callis checks Archer.

The brawl goes around the back side of the bleachers, Konosuke puts Omega in a SLEEPER while Kyle and Cage CHOKE Ospreay! Omega breaks free, but Konosuke CLAWS Omega’s eyes! Konosuke reels Omega in, but Omega fights free of the suplex! Konosuke ROCKS Omega again, but now security has appeared! The brawling keeps going, but Ospreay breaks free to ROCK Cage and ROCK Kyle! Ospreay runs up, but Kyle ALLEY-OOPS him, only for Ospreay to grab the railing up above! Ospreay kicks Kyle away, then wait! Omega is climbing the lighting truss! They coordinate, and they DOUBLE ARIHARA MOONSAULT onto the Don Callis Family!!

The fans are losing their minds as Omega and Ospreay stand together! They climb up the truss so they can see Callis as he cowers on stage! Omega has a mic again, and he tells Callis, “We saw what you did to your boys! You saw what we did to your boys! Don Callis, the next time we get a chance, it’s gonna be you we put six feet down under! And speaking of down under, oh boy do I have an idea. Will, you wanted an apology? Maybe it’s me that should apologize. I should’ve trusted you from the beginning. So what do you say, Will? What do you say, people? Let’s restore that feeling we were looking for, in Brisbane, Australia!

“Grand Slam is gonna be me and Will against the hometown boy~, Kyle Fletcher, and Takeshita. Oh yeah, Takeshita, my little young boy! Takeshita & Fletcher, Ospreay & Omega, Australia, LET’S GO!!” The fans love that! Omega says it has been awhile, but let’s say it together, shall we? Goodbye, MWAH! And good, night, BANG!! Now hit his music, cuz he’s scared of heights. The music plays, Ospreay & Omega climb down, but will they tear the Callis Family down once and for all?

The Death Riders speak.

Jon Moxley says, “Tonight, we bring you AEW in Knoxville, Tennessee. The elite, the best of the best, we bring you Pac in the main event. Adam Copeland went to sleep in 2011, woke up in 2025, in a world where he doesn’t belong, in a world that he doesn’t understand. Where the animals are bigger, faster, stronger, meaner, and smarter. But there are plenty of weak, pathetic creatures around here, and we’d be glad to just throw your carcass on top of the pile, Adam. Adam Copeland’s neck is handing on by a thread, man. Bryan Danielson’s neck was hanging on by a thread, too. I finished the job for him. Darby Allin had a death wish for his career. I gave it to him.

“What I’m saying, Cope, is that maybe the next time you go to the doctor, you get some bad news. Maybe your next doctor’s visit is a worse case scenario. And in that case, I won’t lose even a little bit of sleep over it. I don’t sleep much, anyway, I don’t have time to sleep. I don’t have time for relics from the past, there’s too much work to do. We’re building a future.” Moxley leads the way out, will this be the last night AEW goes Rated R?

AEW World Tag Team Championships: Private Party VS The Hurt Syndicate!

Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy won these titles after putting it all on the line against The Young Bucks, but now they might have to do that all over again in this title defense. Can they keep the party going even against men who hurt people? Or will the All Mighty & the Standard of Excellence make good on their SHOTS, SHOTS, SHOTS?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and who are the real VIPs in AEW!

The teams sort out and the fans duel as Lashley starts against Quen. Lashley stares Zay down, then circles with Quen. Quen slips around to headlock but Lashley powers up to SLAM Quen down! Lashley then runs, but Quen dodges the lariat to PELE! Lashley staggers, Zay tags in, and we get some PARTY IN MOTION! Lashley staggers some more, but he comes back to LARIAT Zay! Lashley hushes the fans, then he drags Zay up. Lashley shoves Zay to the corner, LARIATS him again, then tags Shelton. Shelton stomps Zay, brings him up, and DECKS him! Shelton looms over Zay, scoops him, but Zay slips free to shove Shelton into a shoulder from Quen!

Shelton staggers, Zay runs up, and Quen is there for some SILLY STRING! Tag to Quen and he brings Shelton back up! Zay climbs, Private Party hit the SWANTON NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, ONE!! Shelton is tougher than that but Private Party keeps on Shelton. But Lashley grabs Quen at the ropes! Quen fires elbows, Zay CLUBS away on Shelton, then Zay runs to triangle jump STUNNER! Lashley falls, but here comes Shelton! Private Party DUMP him out, then they both build speed! DOUBLE DIVES, but into clinches! DOUBLE OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! MVP says they’re throwing a Private Party! Get it?

MVP tells the guys to bring Zay over. Shelton whips Zay to Lashley, and he SPINEBUSTERS Zay through the desk!! MVP says, “We Hurt People!” The fans are thunderous, and The Hurt Syndicate stalks Quen while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

The ref wants the Syndicate to back off, and then he checks Zay. Doc Sampson also checks, and we get a quick replay from high above to see just how hard Zay hit the desk. The Syndicate stands down for the moment, and Quen also checks on Zay. Zay is stirring but MVP wants Doc to call it now. Shelton storms back out to scoop and SLAM Quen on the floor! Shelton puts Quen in the ring, Lashley RAMS into Quen again and again! The ref counts, Lashley stops at 4, and he lets Quen sputter in the corner. Lashley looms over Quen, Dynamite returns to single picture, and Lashley fires elbows! Lashley whips corner to corner, runs up, but into a BOOIT!

Quen goes out, Lashley ROCKS him firsT! Lashley runs to BLAST Quen off the apron! Tag to Shelton and he runs up on Quen to send him into apron, then railing, and back again! Quen hits railing again and he falls to the floor! Shelton drags Quen up and fans want that “One More Time!” Shelton obliges and he THROWS Shelton into the railing! Quen falls in a heap while Shelton refreshes the ring count. Shelton puts Quen in, the fans rally behind the Syndicate, and Shelton TOSSES Quen overhead! Cover, ZAY BREAKS IT! Zay still lives and the fans are torn! MVP says he’s not even mad, that is impressive.

Shelton drags Quen up while Zay goes back to the corner. Tag to Lashley, and Lashley throws elbows and haymakers! The ref counts, Lashley stomps Quen down, and Lashley digs his boot in! The fans fire up while Lashley scuffs Quen. Tag to Shelton, he drags Quen up, and fans duel as Shelton DECKS Quen! Quen stands, kicks, but Shelton blocks! Shelton FLIPS Quen, but Quen lands on his feet to ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up while both men crawl! Hot tag to Zay! Shelton runs up but Zay ROCKS him first! Zay fires more shots, but Shelton knees low! Shelton whips, then pops Zay up, but Zay DROPKICKS back! The fans fire up while both men rise.

Zay clinches, but Shelton SHOVES Zay into the corner! Shelton runs in, but Zay dodges! Shelton hits buckles, then Zay goes up! Zay hits a FLYING FLATLINER! Quen adds a 450 SPLASH! Zay covers, Lashley breaks it! Lashley goes back to the corner, Shelton kicks! Zay blocks, but gets the DRAGON WHIP! Tag to Lashley and he storms right up on Zay! Lashley scoops, Zay slips free, and Zay shoves Lashley into Quen’s forearm! Zay SUPERKICKS, Quen GAMANGIRIS, Zay rolls Lashley up! TWO!! Lashley is up to SPEAR Zay inside-out!! Cover, QUEN BREAKS IT! The fans fire up, but here comes Shelton!

Shelton waistlocks Quen to GERMAN SUPLEX! Then GERMAN SUPLEX again! Quen flounders, Lashley hauls Quen up for the MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Shelton runs at Zay, STEP-UP KNEE! Then Lashley SPEARS Zay again!! Cover, Hurt Syndicate wins!

Winners: The Hurt Syndicate, by pinfall (NEW AEW Tag Team Champions)

They certainly hurt people! They just crashed the party, crushed the party, and now they have the gold! Will nothing stop the Hurt Syndicate from owning AEW?

Mariah May speaks.

“I am the most disrespected champion in AEW history. I have raised this title to a level it had never seen before. Every match, every moment, every massacre. And I made it all look so good! And how does this company repay me? By enabling a deranged woman, for a second time. This is what you have for your champion? A woman I played like a dysfunctional fiddle and beat without blinking an eye? Fine. Let’s play your game, and I will scramble her shallow brain even worse than I did the first time! And when she’s gasping for air whilst I’m grasping my gold, every fan and every person in AEW will realize one thing: You don’t deserve me! Toni Storm? I can’t wait to ‘meet’ you.”

Backstage interview with Toni Storm.

Renee Paquette is with said challenger, and says this Saturday Night Collision, Toni will meet Mariah face-to-face ahead of their AEW Women’s Championship match at Grand Slam: Australia. What does Toni anticipate will happen? Toni says she’s just so nervous and excited! She doesn’t know what she’s gonna say. Harley Cameron walks in and says yes! Excellent! Harley says from “one non-quirky Australian to another,” she just wants to wish her good luck. Toni says there’s no reason Harley can’t wrestle in Australia, too! Really? Yeah!

Toni knows people think she’s a bit of a Bogan, but mate, they put on one hell of a match for two Sheilas fat assing around in a couple of budgie smugglers, don’t you think? And then Harley busted out the guitar, Toni was like, “Good on ya!” Harley says cheers, mate! She admits, when she first met Toni, she thought Toni was a bit of a neg, but Toni sure had one bloody ripper of a show! Good on ya! That’s the type o’ Sheila she’d do a shoey with! Toni says, “See you in Australia.” Harley says yeah, see you in Australia! The Aussies are bonding, but will the Homecoming in Jacksonville go smoothly? Or will The Glamour be spewin’ (real mad) on Collision?

Backstage interview with Jeff Jarrett.

Alex Marvez is with Double J and brings up the heinous things MJF had to say. Before Marvez can ask more about that, Karen steps in and wants a minute with Jeff. Marvez steps aside and Karen wants him to remember what they talked about. Last week, getting down in the mud with MJF, that is not who Jeff is anymore. Karen didn’t like it, she was upset by all that, and it reminded her- He knows, he knows. He gives her a kiss on the forehead, then heads to the ring! The fans cheer for The Last Outlaw, and he puts his guitar aside so he can get the mic. “What’s up, Knoxville?” The fans cheer and Jarrett says it is great to be back in the Volunteer State!

Jarrett was driving up the I-40 and gathering his thoughts, figuring out how he’d address things from last week, another fellow Tennessean came to mind. One of his greatest mentors, none other than The King, Jerry Lawler! The fans are a bit torn on that name, but Jarrett brings up a tag match early in his career. Jarrett was on right before Lawler, and Lawler was watching that match. And for the better part of 30 minutes, these two guys candidly beat Jarrett’s ass. But not only physically but verbally. As Jarrett was making his last ditch effort throwing some haymakers, he threw some verbal jabs himself.

As Jarrett was returning to his dressing room, right there was The King. He shut the door and got in Jarrett’s face. Lawler told Jarrett, “What the hell are you thinking out there? Don’t ever get in the gutter with your opponent.” Jarrett will just say this: Sometimes, it’s great to come back home to remember who you are. The fans cheer that! Jarrett tells MJF that he will find out exactly who The Last Outlaw is! “Max, we’re gonna settle this Southern style. Somehow, somewhere, some place. No lights, no camera. As we say around here in Knoxville, I’m gonna take you out to the woodshed and beat your ass!”

The fans cheer, and Jarrett says enough about the one hit wonder! Let’s get back tot he fans! Because the fans inspired Jarrett, gave him that juice, to get in the Owen Hart Cup last year. And let’s get real, the fans have given Jarrett a gift. You ask what that gift is, and well, that gift is of a 57-year-old man believing in himself that he can become the AEW World Heavyweight Champion! The fans cheer that! So then, let’s get to business. AEW World Champion, Jon Moxley…! Let’s get out here and talk. The fans are surprised Double J is calling out The Maniac, but here come The Death Riders!

Specifically, CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI slips into the ring! He spins Jarrett around, and he UPPERCUTS Jarrett right off his feet! The Swiss Superman grabs the mic. Claudio tells Jarrett, “Nobody gets to Jon Moxley without getting through me first. Let me give you one piece of advice, Outlaw. Stay out of our business.” Claudio leaves Jarrett behind, and he even punts the AEW mic box into the crowd. But Jarrett grabs another mic to tell Claudio, “Turn your ass around! You know me better than this. You’re gonna have to kill me to stop me!” The fans fire up as Jarrett stands back up.

Jarrett says Mox is his target, so Claudio, how about this? If Jarrett beats Claudio next week, he gets that title shot! Claudio says, “Beating you lifeless? An interesting proposition. See you next week.” Jarrett says it’s on! It’s on in Huntsville, Alabama! Can The Last Outlaw make it through Moxley’s “emissary” so that he can go right for the king?

Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS AR Fox!

The Most Dangerous Man in AEW has put The One & Only Ricochet on notice, but it seems he has someone else from his past to deal with first. Will Swerve bury his past so he can focus on his future? Or will Swerve’s House soon belong to the Whole Fox’n Show?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Fox and Swerve circle, then they feel things out. Swerve dodges a boot to headlock, but Fox fires body shots. Swerve CLUBS Fox, the forearms start flying, then Fox kicks low. Fox suplexes, Swerve fights that to suplex! Fox fights that, they both fight for suplex control, and then Fox ends up on the apron! Swerve blocks a shot to ELBOW Fox down! Swerve then slingshots up and out, to then MOONSAULT onto Fox! The fans fire up while Swerve stands over Fox. Swerve drags Fox up and into the ring. Swerve goes up the corner while Fox sits up, FLYING- NO, Fox BOOTS the uppercut away!

Wait, picture in picture lets us know that Ricochet is in the building, golden scissors in his lapel pocket! Where’s he headed? Fox CLUBS Swerve, then wraps an arm around the ropes. Fox KICKS the rope to jam the arm, then he CLUBS away on the shoulder. Fox runs, but Swerve follows and runs Fox over! The fans fire up while Fox flounders. Swerve grabs legs, spins Fox around, and gator rolls Fox to deadlift suplex! The fans cheer on “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Swerve seethes, even as Nana keeps the chants going. Swerve stalks Fox to a corner, then ROCKS him! Swerve digs his boot in, the ref counts, but Swerve steps off to stand Fox up. Swerve turns Fox for a NECKBREAKER! Swerve holds on, drags Fox back up, and hits another NECKBREAKER! Swerve then drags Fox up and puts him through ropes. Swerve brings Fox out and turns him again, for a DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Swerve completes a vicious take on the Three Amigos, then covers, TWO! Fox survives and Swerve is annoyed, but Swerve also knows his old rival is just that tough.

Swerve stalks Fox to ropes, and he CHOPS! Fox is stinging, but Swerve fireman’s carriers him. Fox grabs ropes, gets himself to the apron, and he HOTSHOTS Swerve away! Fox runs to BASEMENT CUTTER! Fox soaks up cheers and jeers, Nana rallies the fans, but Fox grabs the bad arm to SLAM it on the mat! Swerve goes to a corner, Fox fires body shots and forearms, then bumps him off buckles. Fox hammerlocks Swerve to RAM that shoulder into the buckles! Swerve staggers away, drops to his knees, and Fox soaks up more heat. Fox even scares Nana off! Fox scuffs Swerve, taunts the fans, but Swerve snarls.

Fox scuffs Swerve again, but Swerve stands. Fox BOOTS him down! Fox taunts Swerve, kicks him again, and Dynamite returns to single picture. The fans rally again but Fox gives more taunting kicks. Swerve stands, blocks a kick, then slips around to scoop and BACKBREAKER! Fox scrambles away while the fans fire up. Swerve storms out after Fox, but Fox scurries back into the ring! Swerve pursues, but Fox catches him in the ropes with a DRAPING DDT! Fox strikes like a Viper and Swerve flops to the floor. The fans boo but Fox goes to the apron, and he uses the corner, MOONSAULT ATTACK! Down goes Swerve!

The fans are torn but Nana is worried as Fox puts Swerve in the ring. Fox slingshots, springboards, and RAN- NO! Swerve hoists Fox up, POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Swerve and he watches Fox flounder. Swerve runs up to UPPERCUT in the corner! Then he mule kicks, snapmares, and goes up the corner, for the FALLING UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Swerve hits the Griddy! Swerve then aims as Fox flounders, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” But Ricochet runs up with the scissors!! Swerve dodges, then he swings on Ricochet! Ricochet runs away, laughing at Swerve, but Nana has a pipe! Pipe beats scissors, boy!

Ricochet dares Nana to come get him, but Fox BOOTS Swerve in the corner! Fox puts Swerve up top, then goes up, ARABIAN PRESS FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Fox is furious and he goes up, up, and 450 FLOPS as Swerve moves! Swerve hurries to stand Fox up! Half nelson and BIG PRESS- NO, Fox victory rolls through! TWO!! Swerve escapes, but Fox goes Matrix! But Swerve rebounds and somersaults, FLATLINER! And then the HOUSE CALL!! Swerve isn’t done, he’s going up top again! KILL STOMPS!! Cover, Swerve wins!

Winner: Swerve Strickland, by pinfall

Ricochet tried to ruin everything, but he only added fuel to the fire! However, even after all that, Swerve shows Fox respect. They shake hands, but Ricochet grabs a camera to get on the tron! Ricochet tells Swerve, “The risks you take… These are the risks you take when you think it’s okay to bully and embarrass people. Like last week, when everybody though tit was okay to boo me and take away my time to speak whenever I got something to say. But that’s okay, I’ll give you that one. Because next week, you all will be forced to hear everything that I’ve got to say, and believe me, I’ve got a lot to get off my chest. Ain’t that right, Prince Nana?”

The camera pans over, and Ricochet is holding those scissors to Nana’s throat! Ricochet says he could gut Nana like a fish for what he did last week, thinking he could embarrass him! But Ricochet needs Nana to tell Swerve that this may be his house, but there is a new landlord, and rent is due! Swerve is fuming as he storms to the back! Ricochet laughs as he leaves again, and Nana is able to breathe again. Ricochet says he’s the dangerous one now, but is he really just playing with fire?

The Learning Tree speaks.

Chris Jericho says, “Hi, guys~! Welcome to another New York Minute, coming to you live from Knoxville, right here, nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. But unfortunately this week, we’re a little bit more dour, a little bit more somber, because The Learning Tree lost last week on Maximum Carnage: Collision. We were essentially beaten by The Outrunners and Powerhouse Hobbs, even though we tried to take Will Hobbs out before the match. But we failed at that, didn’t we, Bill?” Big Bill says, “As the Learning Tree always says, ‘Failures are the signposts on the road to success.'” Jericho looks at Bill with disappointment.

Is that really what Bill’s going to say? Is he really comfortable with losing, and then trying to attribute it to a learning moment? Well, learning moments only work if you learn from them! When is Bill going to start using the knowledge Jericho is bestowing upon him!? They lost because of Will Hobbs! So what’s Bill gonna do about it? Bryan Keith also asks what Bill’s gonna do! Bill says “LT” is right. No more New York Minute, and Bill says that he and Hobbs went face to face. Hobbs may have won the match, but he did not beat Bill! And that is because Hobbs can’t beat Bill!

And you wanna know why? Because Big Bill is the biggest and baddest man in this entire company! Hell, the entire industry! So you know what he’s gonna do? Saturday, Jacksonville, Bill is going to find Hobbs! Jericho & Keith nod, will The Redwood crush The Powerhouse?

MJF is here!

But wait, he’s not the one scheduled for a match, is he? He’s certainly not dressed for it. MJF has them cut his music, and then he steps into the ring to tell whoever that is to get out. The fans boo but the guy does as he’s told. MJF tells Jarrett that he wants to say, “from the bottom of my heart, you deserve to give every single wrestling fan an apology after your actions last week. But if anybody deserves an apology more than anybody else, it’s me. Let’s face it, Jeff, when I offered to help you win the AEW World Championship, as long as I was first in line for a world title shot… I didn’t do it because I believe in you! No no no.

“I did it because I thought you would be the easiest to manipulate, and damn sure the easiest to beat.” The fans boo but MJF says the fact Jarrett actually thinks that in the year 2025, that he will be the next AEW World Champion without MJF’s help goes to show that Jarrett’s about as senile as he looks! The fans boo more but MJF tells Jarrett this: If Jarrett isn’t yet, by the time Claudio is done beating him next week, Jarrett will be. MJF knows Jarrett thinks that if he grinds hard enough, if he works hard enough, he’ll earn himself more time in the only sport and occupation Jarrett has ever known and loved.

But Jarrett, MJF is going to tell you the truth: Pro-wrestling doesn’t love Jarrett anymore. These fans don’t even love Jarrett anymore! The fans boo, then they chant, “DOUBLE J! DOUBLE J!” MJF takes off his sunglasses to get serious. The hicks can chant all they want, but it doesn’t change the fact that Jarrett is about to find out the hard way that sometimes, you’re better off making a deal with the devil instead of defying him! MJF drops the mic, soaks up the heat, and clearly isn’t done with The Last Outlaw. But wait! Hangman Page makes his way out here! And he is scheduled for a match.

The Blackhat Cowboy storms into the ring, and he tells MJF to get outta here. MJF says okay, okay, and then he leaves. Hangman is coming off winning that brutal Texas Death Match with Christopher Daniels, will he just keep the violence going?

Hangman Page VS Tyler Shoop!

The bell rings and Hangman BOOTS Tyler Shoop down! Then he stands Shoop up, whips him, and LARIATS him down! Cover, Hangman wins!

Winner: Hangman Page, by pinfall

Shoop da whoop, that was fast! But Hangman isn’t done as he just hammers away on Tyler’s head! Then he underhooks for ANGEL’S WINGS!! The ref reprimands but Hangman uses Daniels’ finisher on this poor kid! WAIT! Daniels is here!? The Fallen Angel has a mic but also a neck brace. Hangman storms up and asks if he wants to get his ass beat again! Daniels says no, he isn’t here to fight. He never wanted to fight in the first place. Daniels swears, all he ever wanted to do was be a friend. But perhaps he messed that up. Every time he approached Hangman, it was like pouring gasoline on a fire.

Then Hangman attacked Daniels, said what he said, and Daniels let his own ego escalate this to the point where he accepted the most violent match against the most violent man. Daniels does regret that, and he will for the rest of his life. Because after that Texas Death Match, that last Buckshot, all that damage to his neck over the years… Daniels has been advised to never wrestle again. The fans don’t like hearing that, but Daniels says he is here to tell Hangman face to face that Hangman wins. Hangman won Daniels’ last match, so this is goodbye. And sorry. Daniels hopes Hangman can be happy now.

Daniels moves on, and Hangman is rather stunned. He tells the cameraman to get out of his face, what is the Cowboy to do knowing he retired The Fallen Angel?

Will the landscape change again?

Eddy Thorpe keeps prodding and provoking Oba Femi, so he gets his last chance at the NXT Championship! Will Eddy truly be the alpha of NXT?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT North American Championship: Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland; Tony wins and retains the title.
• Dion Lennox VS Wes Lee w/ Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe; Wes wins.
• NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Charlie Dempsey; King wins and retains the title.
• Karmen Petrovic w/ Ashante THEE Adonis VS Jaida Parker; Karmen wins.
• Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance VS Luca Crusifino & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo; Jensen & Vance win.
• NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Eddy Thorpe; Oba wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT North American Championship: Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland!

A golden NXT begins with The Don stepping to the man who tried to ruin Christmas! Will NXT still belong to Tony D? Or will Ridge the Fridge put him on ice?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really got grit!

The two tie up with the bell, then go around the ring. They end up on ropes, in a corner, back on ropes, then they break. The fans rally, Tony and Ridge tie up again, then Ridge waistlocks, spins Tony, and UPPERCUTS! Tony fires back and the fans fire up! The shots go back and forth, but then Ridge kicks low. Ridge headlocks, Tony powers up and out, but Ridge RUNS Tony over! The fans boo and Tony gets up in a huff. They tie up again, Ridge headlocks, but fans taunt him with “No One Likes You!” Tony powers up and out, drops down, but Ridge ducks ‘n’ dodges. But then Tony hip tosses Ridge, and RUNS him over!

The fans fire up with Tony, and he dodges a haymaker to hit a headlock takeover! Ridge fights around, fights up, and he powers up and puts Tony on ropes. The fans rally for Tony while the ref counts. Ridge lets off, and Tony throws hands! Ridge ROCKS Tony in return, has him in a corner, and then fires body shots. Ridge whips, Tony reverses, then he dodges to FLYING PUNCH! Tony whips Ridge to a corner, then BACKDROPS Ridge on the rebound! The fans cheer while Tony paces. Ridge slowly rises, but wait, Shawn Spears is here? The fans boo The Chair Man but he tells Tony to focus on Ridge. Tony has The Family watch Spears closely while NXT goes picture in picture.

Tony glares at Spears before he goes back to Ridge. But Ridge takes a swing! Tony dodges, and then Tony LARIATS Ridge up and out! Tony hurries to go after Ridge, then SMACKS him off the apron! But then Ridge RAMS Tony into a post! And then Ridge just POSTS Tony! Tony slumps against the steel, but Ridge pulls his arm through the corner. Ridge SLAMS the arm against the post! Ridge pushes Tony into the ring, storms in after him, but Tony fires haymakers! Ridge kicks low, then he RAMS Tony into the buckles! Spears is amused while Ridge drops a KNEE onto Tony’s arm! Tony writhes but Ridge stands him up.

Ridge UPPERCUTS the arm, RAMS the shoulder, then CHOPS! Ridge RAMS Tony again, but Tony rolls Ridge up! TWO, and Ridge kicks Tony in the shin! Ridge then WRINGS the arm out! Tony writhes more, but Ridge then clamps on for an armlock. Ridge stands over Tony as he puts the pressure on, but the fans and The Family coach Tony up. Tony fights up, fires haymakers again, but Ridge wrenches to WRING the arm again! Ridge drops KNEES on the arm again, then clamps onto Tony with the armlock. Tony endures, the fans rally, and Spears continues to be amused as NXT returns to single picture.

Tony fights up, fires haymakers, but Ridge wrenches again. Tony still fires haymakers! Tony ROCKS Ridge, goes to a corner, but Ridge runs in! Tony dodges to DECK Ridge! And DECK him again! Tony whips, then runs, to FLYING PUNCH again! Then he clinches for a BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up and Tony reels Ridge in! FISHERMAN SUPLEX, and a float to the cover! TWO!! Ridge survives, but the fans are all behind Tony. Spears looks worried now, but Tony clinches. Ridge KNEES free of the spinebuster! But then Tony ROCKS Ridge! Ridge ROCKS Tony! They go back and forth, but then Tony FLYING PUNCHES! Ridge BOOTS back!

Ridge has the half nelson, HALF ‘N’ HALF PLEX! Cover, TWO! Tony survives and Spears looks annoyed. The fans fire up but Ridge roars! Tony rises, Ridge runs up, but Tony dodges the lariat, and the Southpaw! SPEAR!! But then speaking of Spears, he gets on the apron! The fans boo, but Tony DECKS Spears! The Family storms up but then Niko Vance & Brooks Jensen attack! The ref calls for reinforcements, but Tony goes back to Ridge. Ridge body shots, but wait! IZZI DAME!? She BOOTS Ridge! SPINEBUSTER from Tony! Tony high stacks, and WINS!

Winner: Tony D’Angelo, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)

The irony here is sweet! Spears has been trying to recruit The It Girl to his team, but she made sure things went the other way! She says they’re even, so will Spears have to just FOGEDABOUTIT?

Dion Lennox and others talk backstage.

But then in steps Wes Lee, Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe. Wes tells Dion that he’s a funny guy. Why is that? Because what he said to Oba last week, how Dion is championship material and could actually beat him one day. Dion says that’s not Wes, so why not Dion? Uh, because there’s a very drastic difference between a superstar with “potential” like Dion, and one who is a decorated superstar like Wes. Dion wants Wes to hold on. Maybe he can prove his “potential” by beating a former champion like Wes. Wes says Dion will realize he has a long, long way to go before that. So Wes will see Dion around.

Wait, Trick Williams just walked in! And Wes says look at that! Another former champion! Tricky Willy is back! From the penthouse to the outhouse! It must stink knowing that Eddy Thorpe’s getting another shot while- TRICK SLAPS WES!! Wes falls right over, and Trick stares everyone else down. No one steps to Trick, so who will Trick step to now that he’s back?

Bayley is here!

The Role Model is back again because after last week’s brawl, a certain Prodigy has been following her to both SmackDown and Raw. The fans again chant “Welcome Back!” “Welcome Home!” and Bayley says yeah, this IS her home! And that’s why last week, she came out here to talk with Roxanne Perez. Bayley cares about Roxie, about the legacy she is building, and everything Roxie has done for NXT. But all that got Bayley was a big ol’ slap in the face. The fans boo that, but Bayley continues to bring up how Roxie said Bayley was just acting like CM Punk and Natalya. To Bayley, that’s a compliment!

People like Punk and Natty built the foundation they’re all walking on. Natty showed Bayley how to give back and how to help. So Bayley isn’t here because NXT owes her something. NXT doesn’t even owe Roxie! If anything, Bayley owes NXT to get rid of “entitled little idiots like Roxanne Perez!” Fans cheer, “I LOVE YOU, BAYLEY~!” a la Jacob Fatu. Bayley says she loves them, too. And maybe deep down, Roxie “loves” Bayley, because Roxie talked crap to Bayley during a title match with Tiffany Stratton, then showed up to Raw last night to try and put her hands on Bayley during her match with Nia Jax. Rox, c’mon!

Maybe Bayley gave Roxie too much credit, because that’s all really lame. She thought Roxie would have a better plan than that. That’s like small ball. That doesn’t prove Roxie is ready for Raw and SmackDown. That doesn’t even prove Roxie is ready to be a leader of the youngest locker room in WWE right now! There’s Jaida Parker, Kelani Jordan, Lola Vice, all of these girls are eager to prove themselves worthy of an opportunity. And with a champion like Giulia, then sky’s the limit! Wait, speaking of Giulia, here she comes! The fans fire up again as the NEW NXT Women’s Champion is here to meet Bayley face to face!

The Beautiful Madness has the mic to tell Bayley, “Coming from Japan and seeing part of, I wanted you. I wanted to be in NXT!” The fans cheer that. Giulia joins Bayley in the ring, and Giulia says Roxie may not look up to Bayley, but Giulia does. The fans also cheer that! Giulia says she hopes to hold this title with as much honor and love for NXT as Bayley did. Bayley thanks Giulia for that, that means a lot, because she has so much respect for Giulia. Bayley’s also a big fan of hers. When Giulia won the title, Bayley was so happy. And Bayley knows Giulia will make historic moments of her own, because this title changes your career, your life, and means everything to all of us here.

That title changed the landscape of the Women’s Division, not just in NXT but in WWE. Before Bayley can say more, Roxie makes her way out here, Cora Jade by her side. And Roxie of course has a mic, to say this is “boring~!” Roxie is surprised Bayley is showing her face after two embarrassing losses. Roxie is so happy she was in the front row to see those. But seriously, drop the act, stop acting innocent, because if Bayley actually cared about the WWE’s future, Bayley wouldn’t have punched Roxie in the face last night! And Roxie isn’t the only one who sees through Bayley. Cora does, too! Right, Cora? Can you actually believe this was their role model?

Roxie & Cora laugh but Bayley says it is hard to hear them because the fans are booing so loud. Roxie tells the fans to shut up, but they just boo harder. And Bayley asks what Cora’s even doing here! Cora says she is here because she was once a “naive” Bayley fan, too! But Roxie is right, Cora sees it! Bayley is not a role model! Role models aren’t part of NXT “when it’s cool.” Role models build this place up when people like Bayley choose to leave it. As far as they’re concerned, Giulia might as well hand the title back to Roxie here and now, because no one can carry it the way Roxie did. No one loves NXT like Roxie & Cora! And they didn’t need to compete overseas to see it.

Roxie & Cora have been holding it together since day one! Roxie again tells the fans to shut up, because she has something important to say! The fans keep booing, so Roxie says fine! She’ll just talk to Bayley, not the idiot fans. Roxie will not take anything away from what Bayley has done. Bayley’s done it all in WWE. She’s the 2024 Royal Rumble Winner, won championships at WrestleMania, and most importantly, she inspired little girls like Roxie & Cora. But thank you for your service because it is no longer required. Bye-bye~! The fans continue to boo and Bayley smiles. Roxie says everyone should be booing Bayley!

And why? Because Bayley’s been looking at the NXT Women’s Championship! Bayley wants to be the number one woman in the number one women’s division. Because deep, deep down, it has succeeded even the Four Horsewomen. So Bayley should tell her new friend, Giulia, the truth! Tell her why you’re here, Bayley! Fans tell Roxie to “Shut The Hell Up!” Bayley & Giulia look to each other, and they agree on something. They go after Cora & Roxie! The fans fir e up for the brawl! Bayley ash Cora, Giulia has Roxie, but then Cora gets free of a clinch! Roxie gets free of one, too, and the two regroup as they retreat!

The fans cheer as Role Model and Beautiful Madness stand tall, will they look to put the mean girls in their place?

The rest of the Women’s Division watches.

Jaida Parker loves what she sees! Bayley mentioning her two weeks in a row, everyone heard it! Kelani Jordan says yeah, but she’s not the only one. Bayley mentioned Kelani, too. Jaida says okay, this “attitude” Kelani is trying on ain’t it, so go back to the drawing board, because the only real one is right here looking at you. Kelani says being rude doesn’t make you “real,” Jaida. Well, being pretty doesn’t mean you have to be rude, Kelani. JAIDA is the one being rude! Karmen Petrovic says it doesn’t matter, because love is in the air! Karmen loves Kelani for being so sweet, and Jaida- Jaida says she dares her to say something.

Kelani is about to go off because Jaida brushed her aside, but Sol Ruca & Zaria keep her back. Karmen asks why Jaida’s coming at her, and Jaida asks why Karmen’s always up in people’s business. Oh, is it cuz she finally got a kiss from a guy who’s gonna dump her in a few months anyway? Don’t interrupt. Oh, wow, “finally got a kiss?” Karmen kissed Adonis. So watch how you talk about her and her man. Wow, “her man?” Yeah, and if Karmen interrupts Jaida again, what’s she gonna do? Jaida pushes Karmen back and says that’s Nikkita’s man, get it right. Dani Palmer and Brinley Reece now step in to keep the peace.

WAIT! The brawl at the ring started up again!? Bayley & Giulia are again throwing hands with Cora & Roxie! The fans cheer “NXT! NXT!” but then Cora POSTS Giulia! Bayley THROWS Roxie into barriers, and NXT goes picture in picture!

Security finally rushes out there to try and stop this, but then Bayley helps Giulia against Cora in the ring! Security hurries to stop that but the mugging is 3v2! Giulia HEADBUTTS Cora outta the ring, but then Roxie CLOBBERS Bayley! Roxie and Giulia brawl, Bayley is back up, and Cora returns, too! The refs and security separate the four, but then Bayley breaks loose to JUMP at Roxie & Cora! Giulia follows after, it’s a lot of wild fists and black leather pants! Roxie & Cora stand down again, but then Bayley & Giulia run back up! Roxie and Bayley scrap to the mat, Giulia and Cora aren’t far behind! Bayley TOSSES Roxie, then TOSSES Cora!

The brawling finally stops, or rather stops again, and refs usher Cora & Roxie away. Ava Raine is there, but then Giulia & Bayley storm in! The brawling is happening right in front of the NXT General Manager! She shouts for this to stop but that’s easier said than done! Dion Lennox does his best to get by, his match with Wes is next! Will Dion level up taking on the former NXT North American Champion?

Dion Lennox VS Wes Lee w/ Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe!

The bell rings and Wes throws his jacket! Dion gets blinded and Wes HANDSPRING KICKS him down! The fans boo, Wes stomps away, but then Wes lets off as the ref counts. Dion bails out, Wes builds speed and DIVES! Down goes Dion and the fans boo more. Wes puts Dion, storm sin, but Dion FLAPJACKS Wes high! Dion fires up, and he rallies on Wes with ELBOW after ELBOW! #GameMode has activated, and Dion TACKLES Wes! Dion rains down forearms and fists, but Wes scrambles away to ropes. Dion ROCKS Wes with a haymaker! Dion whips, but Wes KICKS him back! Dion shakes that off, and he scoops Wes!

Wes fights free, mule kicks a leg out, then runs, but into a SHOULDER TACKLE! Dion fires up while Wes goes to a corner. Ty & Ty coach Wes up while Dion runs in, and Wes BOOTS him! Wes ROUNDHOUSES Dion, then runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Wes survives but Dion drags him right up. Dion suplexes, but Wes knees free! Wes wrenches and HOOK KICKS! Then HEEL KICKS! Dion wobbles, so Wes ENZIGIRIS! Wes handsprings, CARDIAC KICK! Cover, Wes wins!

Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall

The Cardiac Kid was on the defensive against the former linebacker, but he found a way to score the win. Wes says so much for championship material. That takes care of Dion, so TRICK! You think you’re that man? Walking into the locker room and slapping Wes in the face!? Wes will take care of Trick next week in Atlanta! And if you think you- Well, here comes trick now! Ty & Ty run up but Trick DECKS Tyson! Trick storms in and ROCKS Wes again and again! Wes flounders out, and Trick says if Wes wants it in Atlanta next week, then he’s got it! Trick storms out, pushes past Dion, ready for a fight. Will Trick be a house of fire until he takes back his title?

Sarah Schreiber gives us BREAKING NEWS!

After the confrontation earlier tonight, NXT GM Ava has made a match: Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance VS Luca Crusifino & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo! But now, welcome her guest at this time, Stephanie Vaquer! La Primera steps onto the set, and Sarah says that Stephanie did win the #1 contender’s spot for the Women’s North American Championship, but then Shotzi Blackheart pinned Fallon Henley directly. Then Shotzi beat- Vaquer stops Sarah there, and says yes, she is still THE #1 Contender. Fatal Influence is already doing everything they can to stop her.

But Vaquer arrived in NXT, and she is not going to stop just because Fallon is playing games. Or because Shotzi benefitted from the situation. Vaquer adds in Spanish, then translates, that if Shotzi becomes champion, she will meet Hell. And Fallon, you can run, but you can’t hide from La Diabla. The Dark Angel is ready to destroy whoever is champion, so who will have a date with Vaquer for Vengeance Day?

NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew!

It takes time to turn over a new leaf, but perhaps The Drama King has truly done that. He chose to win honorably, owned up to mistakes and controversy, and is even willing to clear the air once and for all. Will King keep the throne after going a few more rounds? Or will the No Quarter Catch Crew soon have the cup back in their possession?

NXT returns as NQCC enters all together. The introductions are made, the cup is raised, and one way or another, we put an end to this chapter!

The bell rings on round one, and King offers a handshake. Dempsey kicks it away, not in the mood for it. The fans boo but Dempsey waistlocks. King switches, SLAMS Dempsey, then facelocks. They roll, King holds on, but Dempsey trips King up. Dempsey has the toehold, but King uses leg with leg for leverage! King throws Dempsey away but Dempsey cartwheels through! The fans cheer so King throws his headband away. The two tie up, Dempsey waistlocks, then spins King to a facelock. But King wrenches out to WRING Dempsey! Dempsey gets up, but King DROPKICKS him! The fans cheer, and King arm-drags Dempsey down!

Dempsey endures the armlock, fights up, but King wrenches to a wristlock, Dempsey rolls, snapmares, but King holds onto the wristlock! Dempsey rolls, wrenches, breaks, and snapmares! Dempsey headlocks, King slips out to wrench the arm again. Dempsey spins, snapmares, and headlocks, but King slips out the back to hammerlock! King KNEES the arm in the back, KNEES him again, then traps it under his knee. King flexes, the fans cheer, but Dempsey BOPS King in the face! Dempsey runs, King drops down, but Dempsey turns hip toss into wrench and backslide, with bridge! TWO!! King has a sunset flip, TWO!

King headlocks, Dempsey powers up and out, but King RUNS Dempsey over! Dempsey hurries up, then drops down as King runs. King avoids the hurdle, not wanting a repeat of the controversial “nutcracker” from last time. We reach a minute left in this round, and King wants the handshake again. Dempsey decides to take it this time, but then he UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! King wobbles, Dempsy whips, but King reverses to drop toehold, body scissor, Gedo Clutch, but King tries to get fancy, TWO! Dempsey has the REAR NAKED CHOKE! King fights around but Dempsey holds on tight!

King snapmares free, Dempsey rolls him up, TWO! Twenty seconds left and King goes for a leg. Dempsey gut wrenches King to a backslide, TWO! King escapes but we hit ten seconds! Dempsey wants the chicken wing! King fights around, he’s caught, but time’s up!

King: 0; Dempsey: 0

The fans cheer this first round coming to a close, but while Dempsey has NQCC to refresh him, King has no one. Wait, what’s a pair of brass knuckles doing in King’s bucket? Did a certain gentlemanly villain put those there? King shakes his head, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Round two begins and the two storm up to tie up. Dempsey wrenches to hammerlock but King standing switches to headlock. King hits the takeover, Dempsey fights to a headscissor but King shrugs that off. Dempsey rolls King to a cover, TWO! King holds on, but Dempsey manages a cravat from that position. Dempsey wrangles King to a cover, TWO! Dempsey now has a top wristlock and grinds King down. King endures, fights around, and he arm-drags free! King then grabs Dempsey’s arm for a knuckle lock cover, TWO as Dempsey gets an arm up! King pushes that arm down, TWO as Dempsey gets the other arm up!

King pushes that arm down, TWO as Dempsey bridges! Dempsey then kips up, powers King back, and MONKEY FLIPS him! Dempsey rolls back to cover, TWO! King sunset flips again, TWO! Both men stand, and Dempsey KNEES low! Dempsey headlocks and squeezes tight. Dempsey then ripcords King for a GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! We’re already under 90 seconds as Dempsey KNEES King in the back! Dempsey clamps on a chinlock and he grinds King down again. King still endures, fights back up, but Dempsey ripcords to ROCK him! But King reels Dempsey in for a BACKDROP!

King clamps onto an arm and he grinds the shoulder. Dempsey rolls to stand, but King rolls to wrench! Dempsey wrenches, King wrenches, repeat! Dempsey rolls, spins, wrenches, and hammerlocks. But King gets under to BACKDROP again! Dempsey sunset flips it! King sits on the cover, AND SCORES!

King: 1; Dempsey: 0

With 26 seconds to spare, King snatches the crucial first fall! Will King wrap this before halftime? Or can Dempsey push it into the late rounds?

NXT returns to single picture during the refresher, the round begins, and the two storm up to each other again. Dempsey KNEES King low, CLUBS him on the back, then UPPERCUTS! King CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Dempsey wrenches to KNEE King hard! King goes to a corner, Dempsey is on him to whip, but King reverses. Dempsey goes up but King stays back! King arm-drags Dempsey, then grinds the armlock! The fans rally, Dempsey fights around, then rolls back. Dempsey stands, fights the armlock, and fans duel as Dempsey puts King on ropes. The ref counts, Dempsey HOTSHOTS King down!

The NQCC cheers, and Dempsey drags King up to fire off in the corner! We’re at two minutes, Dempsey whips to send King right into the buckles! Dempsey stomps King, then deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! King survives but Dempsey looms over him. Dempsey stomps King around, then clamps onto an arm. Dempsey traps that arm, and he steps on it to bend it back! King endures as Dempsey also has a headlock added on! King fights, Dempsey traps the arm with a leg, and then he throws down palm strikes to the forehead! King manages to roll to a cover, TWO! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!!

Dempsey survives and we go under a minute here! King storms after Dempsey, brings him around to whip, but Dempsey reverses. King goes up and over the corner, then half nelsons, but Dempsey standing switches! Dempsey has the nelson, King fights it, but Dempsey KNEES him! BUTTERFLY PLEX, with a bridge! Dempsey scores!!

King: 1; Dempsey: 1

And with that, we’re all tied up going into the second half! King goes back to his corner, and he looks at those brass knuckles. King holds them in his hand but then shakes his head and puts them down. Round four begins, and Dempsey runs up! King dodges and then KICKS! KICKS! And KICKS! Dempsey blocks to DRAGON SCREW! King ends up in the corner, Dempsey hauls him for a HALF HATCH! FACELOCK GUILLOTINE! King endures, fights up, but Dempsey pulls on the head more! King powers up to suplex free! The fans fire up as both men rise! King blocks a shot to CHPO, CHOP, and UPPERCUT!

King whips, Dempsey reverses, but King CLOBBERS him! And LARIATS! King whips, runs up and LARIATS again! King CHOPS, then brings Dempsey in! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! King hurries to a corner to climb! Dempsey stands, into the CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! King is frustrated, but he aims again, SUPER- NO, Dempsey blocks the kick, spins King around, LEG TRAP GERMAN! King sputters, then crawls to his corner! Is he still thinking about the knuckles? Dempsey has the chicken wing! But King runs to the ropes, and he TOSSES Dempsey out onto NQCC! King builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes NQCC!

The fans are all fired up as King stands tall! We’re under a minute in the round but King puts Dempsey in the ring. Myles storms up but King DECKS him for it! King storms in, Dempsey snatches him to a cradle! TWO!! Dempsey rolls King up again, TWO!! Thirty seconds left as Dempsey waistlocks King! They crowd the ref in the corner! MULE KICK LOW BLOW!! Was that on purpose?! King reels Dempsey in, CORONATION!! Cover, King wins!!

Winner: Lexis King, by pinfall (still NXT Heritage Cup Champion)

King does Dempsey dirty, and that seemed a lot more blatant than that noggin knocker last time! A win is a win, but does the apple really not fall far from the tree? Will King stay the champion while also being his father’s son?

Bianca Belair & Naomi speak.

The EST tells Lash Legend & Jakara, “Y’all putting in that work to become #1 contenders, because of course y’all want a shot at our titles.” The Glow says The Bougie Bully is bringing the size and power, while Miss Jackson if ya nasty, she has the athleticism. But they might’ve forgotten just who The Glow & EST are. Because nobody does those things better than them. So bring all that and more to Atlanta if you wanna take these titles off the champs. Will Meta Four be the ones next week? Or will they just feel the StrongEST Glow ever?

Hank ‘n’ Tank talk with Andre Chase.

The big belly boys are a bit worried about Mr. Chase. They’re not even mad about him walking out on them, they just want to know how they can help. Chase says they should just break up as a team now. All tag teams end in heartbreak anyway. Kelani Jordan walks past as Chase says everyone is better off just looking out for themselves. Hank ‘n’ Tank say not this team. Chase says forget he even said it then. Chase heads out, but he finds other superstars watching a highlight reel of Chase’s best rage moments. Kale Dixon tells Mr. Chase he was so badass! Chase says yeah, he was…

But Chase U is dead. Chase leaves and Kale says it doesn’t have to be! Can Kale find a way to revive Chase’s school spirit?

Karmen Petrovic w/ Ashante THEE Adonis VS Jaida Parker!

Love is in the air, but when it’s NXT, there’s also a lot of tension. The Blackbelt Beauty was just trying to keep the peace, but Miss Parker is always ready for a fight. Will Karmen kick ass on the road to Vengeance Day? Or will Jaida make sure the lovebirds don’t make it #OutTheMud?

NXT returns and Jaida makes her entrance. She didn’t bring her boys, Nima & Price, so she’s annoyed to see Adonis ringside. The bell rings, the two tie up, and Karmen waistlocks. Jaida THROWS Karmen away and the fans duel. Karmen gets up, Jaida mocks the crane stance, but then Kamren starts throwing kicks! Jaida hurries to a corner, and the two reset. Karmen dodges Jaida’s haymaker to then slip under and UP KICK! Jaida comes back into a LEG SWEEP! Karmen mocks the high steps and now Jaida’s mad. Jaida runs up but Karmen wrangles her to a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Jaida rolls Karmen, ONE!

Karmen keeps on the arm, but Jaida fights up to pull hair. Jaida puts Karmen in the corner, the ref counts, but Jaida knees low! Jaida whips Karmen corner to corner but Karmen SOBATS! And BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! Jaida gets up but Karmen KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Jaida blocks a kick, but Karmen SOBATS again! Karmen whips, Jaida reverses, but Karmen goes up. Jaida blocks that kick then gets under with an Electric Chair Lift! Karmen fires hands, but Jaida still SLAMS Karmen down! Jaida snarls as she drags Karmen up, and she RAMS Karmen into a corner! Jaida RAMS into Karmen again and again, but stops as the ref counts.

Jaida drags Karmen out to then put her in the ropes. Jaida CHOPS Karmen, then runs to TEARDROP in the corner! Jaida says that’s how it’s done! Jaida drags Karmen up, then shoves her onto ropes. Jaida traps Karmen’s arms and pulls! The ref counts, Jaida CLUBS Karmen while she lets off, then she bumps Karmen off buckles. Jaida eggs Karmen on, but Karmen blocks the bump to ELBOW back! Karmen goes up to ENZIGIRI! Karmen runs up, but Jaida wrenches to hook and FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, TWO! Jaida is frustrated but the fans rally up. Jaida brings Karmen around, neckbreaker stretch!

Karmen endures as Jaida keeps her off the ground! Karmen kicks the legs, but Jaida suplexes! Karmen cradle counters, TWO! Both women hurry to their feet, and Jaida KNEES low! Jaida whips, runs up, but Karmen dodges! Karmen runs in, but Jaida dodges! Karmen hits buckles, and Jaida hoists her up again! But Karmen manages to victory roll, TWO! Jaida escapes, swings, but Karmen dodges! Karmen ROCKS Jaida with a forearm! And ROCKS her again! Then DISCUS LARIAT! The fans fire up as Karmen aims, runs, and dodges Jaida to then SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Jaida survives the #Shingblade, but Karmen aims!

Jaida ducks the roundhouse, then she BACK ELBOWS Karmen down! Jaida drags Karmen up to GOURD BUSTER! Then Jaida builds speed for the- WAIT, Kelani is here! She stands in Jaida’s way, and Karmen rolls Jaida up! KARMEN WINS!

Winner: Karmen Petrovic, by pinfall

Karmen celebrates with her man Adonis, and Jaida is pissed at Kelani! Will Kelani not stand for the disrespect? Or will she get knocked out for it?

Meta Four meet backstage.

Jakara and Lash heard what Naomi & Bianca had to say, but then wait! Sol & Zaria, Jakara can guess what you want: The first opportunity at the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Sol asks if they understand how big their match is next week. Uh, duh! Zaria doesn’t think so. Not only do they have the chance to become WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, but they can bring those titles back to NXT, the best women’s division in the world. Uh, wow, Sol, you have a point. This IS the biggest match of their career. And Lash gets to go back to her hometown to do it! She can compete in front of her friends and family!

And Meta Four gets to step into the ring with two former WWE Women’s Champions. And even if Naomi & Bianca are two of the most accomplished women in WWE history, the Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson will bring that action. Because when they do, everyone here can get a shot at the champs. Tatum Paxley & Gigi Dolin walk in. Did Gigi hear that? Oh, she sure did, Tatum. They like the sound of it. So then it’s agreed: Meta Four better bring those titles home. Oh, they will! Let’s do it, girls~! Fatal Influence also eyes this from the background. Will the line be out the door should Naomi & Bianca lose to Meta Four?

Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance w/ Shawn Spears VS Luca Crusifino & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ Adriana Rizzo!

It’s been very obvious The Chair Man has been after the North American Championship, and with that, Tony D’Angelo. Spears has even done his best to gather “lost souls” to his side so that they can all take over NXT together. Will that start here as Brooks & Niko take on Luca & Stacks? Or will Tony’s Consigliere and Underboss handle business?

The D’Angelo Family doesn’t wait, they attack Jensen & Niko at the ramp! The fans fire up as the brawl is on like it was earlier tonight! Stacks sends Jensen into the ring, Niko and Luca continue to brawl on the outside, and then Jensen TOSSES Stacks back out! Niko sends Luca into the barriers, Jensen ROCKS Stacks, then Spears’ men put The D’Angelos back in the ring. Jensen & Niko storm back in, but Stacks & Luca throw more haymakers! Stacks LARIATS Jensen up and out, the bell finally rings, and Luca dodges Niko to KNEE him down! Luca drags Niko over, tags Stacks, and they double wrench, DOUBLE ELBOW, then DOUBLE BOOT!

Niko sputters, Stacks brings him around to UPPERCUT! Stacks whips, but Niko blocks and reverses! Niko runs in at the corner, but Stacks BOOTS him away! Stacks slides under to UPPERCUT Niko! The fans fire up, Stacks puts Niko in the ropes, and then UPPERCUTS and ROCKS him! Stacks UPPERCUTS again, then runs to BOOT Niko down! Jensen returns but Stacks throws him tot he apron! Luca runs up but Jensen CLOBBERS him! Stacks triangle jump DROPKICKS Jensen down! Luca returns, he helps Stacks FLY! Down go The Chair Man’s henchmen and the fans fire up! Stacks puts Niko back in, tag to Luca.

The D’Angelos whip Niko, BODY BLOW then KNEE LIFT! Niko staggers, Stacks runs, but Jensen trips him up! Jensen drags Stacks out to RAM him into the apron! Niko reels Luca in for a SAIDO! Spears barks orders, Niko RAMS into Luca again and again! Niko whips Luca corner to corner hard, and Luca falls! Niko tags Jensen, they mug Luca, then Jensen short arm LARIATS! The fans rally for Luca but Jensen hits a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! Jensen tags Niko, then Jensen WRINGS Luca out! Niko FALLING HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Niko pie faces Luca around, Spears tells him to keep going. Luca CHOPS Niko, Niko HEADBUTTS!

Niko scoops but Luca slips free! CODE BREAKER! The fans fire up, Niko and Luca crawl, hot tags to Jensen and Stacks! Stacks rallies on Spears’ men with lariats and forearms! Stacks ENZIGIRIS Jensen to a corner, then runs in for an UPPERCUT! Stacks aims at Niko but Jensen snatches him for a SLEEPER! Niko runs up but Stacks BOOTS him! Stacks snapmares free of Jensen, then he goes up to DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Stacks as he goes after Jensen. Spears is frustrated but then Niko storms up! Luca SUPERKICKS Niko down! The fans fire up as The D’Angelos get Jensen up!

Stacks whips Jensen, Luca sets up, but Jensen grabs ropes! Luca runs up, Jensen TOSSES him out! Niko BATTERING RAMS Luca, and Luca is sent into steel steps! Jensen hooks Stacks’ arms, Stacks fights the backslide, but Niko tags in! Jensen runs, WHEEL KICK! Niko runs, CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!! Cover, Spears’ men win!

Winners: Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance, by pinfall

The fans aren’t happy, but Spears is very, very pleased. His soldiers savagely stuck it to The Don’s men, but will they find their way to the NXT Tag Team Championships?

Backstage interview with Nathan Frazer & Axiom.

Sarah is with #Fraxiom, and she brings up how they made a surprise appearance at TNA Genesis on Sunday, but also wants to talk last week’s successful tag title defense. Frazer says yes, thank you, Sarah. And there wasn’t a doubt in their minds! Right, amigo? Axiom is sure there was a little doubt. OTM was coming off a brawl with Briggs & Inamura yet they still threw Fraxiom all over the ring. It was close. Plus, DIY was watching! Axiom feels that in this tag team division, you just never know. Frazer says yes, but he does! And he knows that they are the best team on the planet!

And this Thursday, against TNA’s Rascalz, Frazer knows- Briggs & Inamura storm in. “What part of ‘We got next’ do you two not understand?” Fraxiom takes one field trip to TNA and they just forget? Briggs doesn’t know if he likes that or not. Inamura says, “Exactly.” They call themselves the best? But are they dodging Briggs & Inamura? Frazer says hold on, Inamura-san. There’s a difference between a tag team wanting a match, and actually deserving one. Besides, who’d Briggs ever beat? But then OTM storms in! Bronco Nima & Lucien Price want more with Briggs & Inamura! So they get more! It’s another backstage brawl!

Briggs takes on Nima, Inamura has Price, but Robert Stone & Stevie Turner are there to call in refs and security! The chaos continues, will Briggs & Inamura have to settle things with Price & Nima before they go for gold? Will Fraxiom #NeverSlowDown, even after going through TNA Impact?

Dion Lennox rages backstage.

He shoves road cases and throws spare ladders, then he throws his glasses and shouts, “F THIS PLACE!” Dion storms off, and cameras pan over to Izzi Dame and Tony D’Angelo. Izzi says Spears might have a crush on her, or is just delusional, she’s not sure which. Tony says yeah, they could go on and on about Spears, but he has places to be. Right. Izzi says again that they’re even now, so she heads out. The Family catches up with The Don and asks why he wasn’t out there with them. Tony says he would’ve, but Izzi kept wanting to talk. Anyway, how’d they do? They lost. They were mostly waiting for Tony and were starting to get worried.

Spears was out there with his guys but- Tony says hey, he’s fine, he was just busy with Izzi. But T, they needed you. Tony says Stacks has been the Underboss for two years now. He can figure things out on his own, can’t he? Tony heads out, will Stacks step up to lead on his own? And back to Dion, is he quitting NXT over what happened with Wes and Trick?

Ethan Page speaks.

“I didn’t wanna have to do that to you, Dante. I was riding high after All Ego finally shook hands with The Final Boss. Dante, you wanted to stand on some moral high ground. Now you can’t even stand at all.” Ethan smiles, and says, “It still echoes through my head. I never knew I’d enjoy the sound of human bones breaking, you screaming out in pain. Just like Cedric Alexander. Just like Je’Von Evans. Now Je’Von, you must never wanna speak normal again. Why else would you come to the ring in the stage that you are in? I blasted you in the face one time, and I drew blood. This is your last warning. The next time we cross paths, it won’t just be one punch.

“I. Won’t. Stop.” All Ego is going all psycho, what will stop him from doing that to the rest of the NXT roster?

Je’Von Evans meets with Ava Raine.

Je’Von says Ava saw what Ethan did. Like, everyone saw it! He needs to get after Ethan! Ava says yes, she gets it, but his jaw is still broken, and he almost re-broke it with that stunt last week. She talked with medical, Je’Von is anything but cleared. Yeah… But turns out, he is cleared. Cedric Alexander returns! Je’Von says sup, Unc! Cedric says hey, don’t worry about it. He’ll get Ethan for both of them. Ava says good, and Je’Von & Cedric head out. Only for Grayson Waller & Austin Theory to walk in… A-Town Down Under just want to tell Ava that she is doing an amazing job! Way better than Nick Aldis is, that’s for sure.

But Ava isn’t just a GM, she’s the Final Boss of NXT! They like her way more than The Rock. Whoa, okay, hold on… Ava appreciates all this, but they were supposed to meet next week. Why’re they here now? Waller says that’s the thing. But they’re good guys, so they wanted to personally thank her for allowing the winner of tonight’s NXT Championship match to get the Grayson Waller Rub on the Grayson Waller Effect next week in Atlanta! Theory’s hometown, A-Town, and he is, or rather they are, a pretty big deal down there. So if Ava could, maybe just have some extra security ready for that.

And they’re here anyway, so maybe they can watch the main event? Seriously, they won’t do anything, they just want to watch. They love wrestling! ATDU is back in NXT, but will they be welcoming The Ruler or The Alpha Wolf for a Hotlanta edition of The Grayson Waller Effect? We’re about to find out in a matter of moments!

NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Eddy Thorpe!

The Ruler was once framed for the attack on The Alpha Wolf, but then he got even on the night of New Year’s Evil. Trick Williams is no longer part of the equation, but will the result still be the same? Or can Eddy dethrone Oba in his first defense?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it is time to see who is truly leading this new era!

The bell rings and the fans chant, “Oba’s Gonna Kill~ You!” Oba and Eddy circle, Eddy BOOTS Oba, but then bobs ‘n’ weaves to KCIK! Oba gets his hands on Eddy, THROWS him to a corner, then runs up. Eddy dodges and ENZIGIRIS! Eddy waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Eddy runs to then TOMAHAWK ELBOW! Cover, ONE!! The fans fire up and Oba glares at Eddy. Eddy hurries to KCIK, KICK, and run! Oba LARIATS Eddy down! The fans fire up and Oba stalks Eddy to a corner. Oba TOSSES Eddy across the way, then he storms up on Eddy again. Oba TOSSES Eddy the other way, then he puts Eddy on ropes.

Oba whips, and he BACKDROPS Eddy! Eddy’s hangtime was insane! The fans fire up with Oba but Eddy bails out. Oba doesn’t let Eddy rest, he ROCKS him and puts him back in the ring! Eddy hurries up but Oba avoids the elbow drop! Then Oba drags Eddy to the apron. But Eddy avoids the clubbing forearm! Oba clutches that hand from hitting the apron edge. Oba storms up onto the apron, but Eddy fights off Oba’s grip to HOTSHOT him! Eddy GAMANGIRIS, then runs to DROPKICK Oba down! The fans boo Eddy, and then Eddy sees A-Town Down Under up in the perch. Waller cheers Eddy on while NXT goes picture in picture.

Eddy goes after Oba, CLUBS him and RAMS him into the apron! Eddy RAMS Oba back into the apron, pushes him into the ring, then hurries to BOOT him! Eddy KICKS Oba, and KICKS again! Oba wobbles, but he blocks the next kick! Oba swings, but into a BACXKBREAKER! Eddy runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Eddy snarls and Oba goes to ropes. Eddy fires forearms, then bumps Oba off buckles. Eddy KICKS and CLUBS Oba again, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! Oba puts Eddy in the corner to CHOP in return! Oba stalks Eddy to a corner, CHOPS him again, then whips corner to corner. Oba runs up, but Eddy dropkicks legs out!

Oba hits a buckle then falls back. Eddy hurries to clamp on with a top wristlock and even adds a half nelson. Oba endures, fights up, and arm-drags free! Oba scoops to SLAM Eddy, then he runs, but Eddy avoids the elbow drop! Eddy hurries to clamp back on with a chinlock. Oba endures, fights up, but Eddy leans on the hold. Eddy grinds Oba down while NXT returns to single picture. The fans rally, Oba fights to his feet, but Eddy shifts to a facelock! Eddy squeezes tight and he brings Oba down again! Oba powers up again, to THROW Eddy away! The fans fire up while Oba catches his breath. Oba then rises, but Eddy storms up!

Oba fires body shots on Eddy! But Eddy avoids the uppercut! Eddy has a SLEEPER, but Oba RAMS him into the corner! Obas CHOPS, stomps, CLUBS, and short arm LARIATS! Then BOOTS! Oba whips, scoops, and SIDEWALK SLAMS Eddy down! The fans fire up for “O~BA!” as he runs, and Oba UPPERCUTS Eddy in a corner! Oba keeps going, and he UPPERCUTS again! Eddy staggers into the SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Eddy survives, the fans rally up, and ATDU get a bit worried for Eddy. Oba choke grips Eddy, but Eddy turns choke slam into TRIANGLE HOLD! Oba fights to stay on his feet but Eddy fires hands!

Oba deadlifts Eddy, but Eddy RANAS through! Cover, TWO! Oba escapes, runs up, and LARIATS Eddy back down! The fans fire up again as Oba drags Eddy to his feet. Oba suplexes, but Eddy hits STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Oba falls back, Eddy hurries to a corner! Eddy climbs, fans boo, but Eddy MACHO ELBOWS! Cover, TWO!! Oba survives and Eddy is beside himself! Eddy rises, and he fires forearms, UPPERCUTS, and elbows! But Oba ROCKS him back! Eddy ROCKS and CHOPS Oba, Oba CHOPS and fires off on Eddy! The fans fire up, Eddy dropkicks legs out! Eddy facelocks, but Oba wrenches free! Eddy BOOTS first!

Eddy waistlocks, but Oba ELBOWS free! Oba runs, Eddy sidesteps, SNAP GERMAN! Eddy hurries to run, TOMAHAWK- NO, Oba grabs Eddy outta the air! Oba then CHOKE SLAMS Eddy!! Cover, TWO?!? Eddy survives and Oba is stunned! Oba huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Eddy back up. Oba scoops, Eddy slips free and falls to a corner! Oba runs in, but Eddy moves! Oba POSTS himself!! Eddy runs to SHOTGUN Oba! Oba ends up in a corner, and Eddy runs to HELLU- NO! Oba stops that boot to then SHOTPUT Eddy! The fans are thunderous as Oba powers up again! Eddy rises, into the FALL FROM GRACE!! Cover, Oba wins!!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)

Eddy put up the fight of his life, but it just wasn’t enough to conquer this mountain of a man! Oba is still THE Ruler of NXT, and then he spots ATDU. Waller says Oba will be getting that Grayson Waller Effect, but wait, Trick Williams steps into the ring. Oba says if Trick’s back for more, then there is plenty more where that came from. Speaking of more, Eddy storms back up! Trick BOOTS Eddy back down!! Trick and Oba still have a score to settle, will they tear the house down when they do?

My Thoughts:

An awesome NXT, and really jampacked. They’re making the Atlanta episode a big deal, even with Vengeance Day just three weeks away. Good promo from Bianca & Naomi to hype up the tag title match, and great follow-up from Meta Four with the rest of the Women’s Division. I’ve been saying it, and I’ll say it again: Jade Cargill could/should return to reveal Naomi was her attacker, that shocking news will cost Naomi & Bianca, Meta Four wins. It really makes sense for those titles to spend some time in NXT given there are so many great tag teams in NXT, and we could get some great stuff on the Road to WrestleMania.

Speaking of tag teams, we’re getting a lot of great stuff in the Men’s Tag Division as Fraxiom is doing a crossover with TNA. I would think Fraxiom wins against The Rascalz, and I like the stuff we’re getting from Briggs & Inamura with OTM. Andre Chase being extra depressed is really good, very “Bum Ass Corbin” at this point. And Kale Dixon returns to again try and encourage Chase, I really hope we do get an attempt at Chase U 2, or Chase State/Chase Tech, something like that. Chase U could literally be the developmental story within NXT’s developmental structure, as it helped build personalities and stories for a lot of people. Though, that said, where are Riley Osborne, Duke Hudson and Thea Hail? They need to make some great returns during this Road to WrestleMania.

Very good match from Tony VS Ridge for the North American title, and Izzi’s role in this story is intriguing. She makes sure Tony retains the title as Spears and crew try to screw Tony over, but then she keeps Tony’s attention during the tag match? Is Izzi playing double agent? Was her helping Tony against Ridge just a smokescreen so that no one realizes she’s helping Spears? At the same time, Tony’s got a point that if Stacks is second-in-command, he needs to start taking command when Tony isn’t ringside.

Great promo from Bayley to open the show, and clearly we’ve got a tag match set up of her & Giulia VS Cora & Roxie. While Roxie was trying to plant seeds, saying Bayley wants to be NXT Women’s Champion again, I’m pretty sure we get Roxie VS Bayley instead. Very good promo from Vaquer to call out both Shotzi and Fallon before next week’s title match, but as I said last week, we’ll be getting Vaquer VS Fallon at Vengeance Day. And while I appreciate Kelani having her new attitude, and while we got a good match from Karmen VS Jaida, too many of the stories in NXT feel like teen drama type stuff. Though, I guess that’s fitting since CW has a ton of those…

Really good stuff from Lexis and Dempsey in the Heritage Cup, and I liked the tease of the brass knuckles. While Lexis has been talking about being a better man than “Loose Cannon” Brian Pillman and all that, that makes it all the more surprising that he’d resort to a blatant low blow. I don’t know if this actually ends his feud with Dempsey & The NQCC, maybe Myles or Tavion will go after Lexis on Dempsey’s behalf. At the same time, William Regal probably finds King to congratulate him on finally doing things the Heel way. I could totally see King getting a big head again and he rejects Regal, perhaps compelling Regal and Dempsey to work together for revenge.

Good promo from Dion with Wes, and then I laughed so hard when Trick slapped Wes right off his feet! Dion VS Wes was really good, and Wes of course won, but I was surprised it was so fast. Trick getting the best of Wes again was also great, but I’m a bit surprised Trick dissed Dion like that. Dion being mad was a logical move, but I would think Dion isn’t actually leaving. We might get a character change in him like we’re seeing in Kelani, and that could help Dion get to the next level. Also, Wes VS Trick will be an awesome match next week, but I would think Trick wins to have momentum going towards his rematch with Oba.

Oba VS Eddy was great stuff, but of course Oba would win. Oba will have a good promo with A-Town Down Under next week, and he might even end up slamming Theory and/or Waller when they inevitably upset him. Then Oba and Trick will surely have their rematch at Vengeance Day, which is fitting because Trick challenged for the NXT Championship at Vengeance Day just last year. Granted, he lost that match, because it was against Ilja Dragunov and they were building to Trick VS Melo. So Trick is more than likely losing again to build Oba up and possibly send Trick to the main roster for the Road to WrestleMania.

My Score: 8.9/10