St. Paul is All Elite!

Forces of nature converge as Toni Storm & Thunder Rosa reunite against The Megasus & The Superbad Girl in a powerful tag team match!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kenny Omega VS Blake Christian w/ Lee Johnson; Omega wins.
• Kyle Fletcher w/ Don Callis VS Brody King; wins.
• “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS Mark Davis w/ Don Callis; wins.
• Mark Briscoe VS Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis; wins.
• Thunder Rosa & Toni Storm VS Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford; win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kenny Omega VS Blake Christian w/ Lee Johnson!

The AEW International Champion knows he has a Triple Threat waiting for him at Dynasty, so he needs to get himself ready. Will tonight be a tune-up for the Best Bout Machine? Or will he not like the taste of the Vanilla Babyface?

The bell rings and the fans fire up for “KENNY! KENNY!” Omega and Blake circle, feel things out, and tie up. Omega waistlocks, Blake pries at the grip, and Blake wrenches out to wristlock. Omega wrenches back, wristlocks again, but Blake rolls, cartwheels, and slips through to wrench. Blake spins Omega to snapmare, but Omega turns chinlock into armlock. Omega wrenches, then hits a headlock takeover. Blake headscissors, Omega kips free, and Omega hits another takeover. Omega fights off the headscissors, but Blake fights up to his feet. Blake powers up and out, but Omega runs him over! Blake kips up, then pie faces Omega! And flips him off!

St. Paul boos as Blake is anything but a babyface here. Omega shrugs that off and CHOPS Blake! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Blake sputters, Omega wrenches and reel shim in, for a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up, Omega runs corner to corner, but Blake dodges! Omega hits buckles hard, then Blake fires shots to the lower back! The fans boo but Blake fires more body blows. Omega fires forearms and haymakers, but Blake knees low! Blake whips, hurdles, then dodges to DROPKICK! Blake kips up, and pulls out a finger gun! Blake licks it, BANG, but Omega ROCKS him first! Omega then brings Blake to a corner, but Blake blocks the buckle bump!

Blake CLAWS Omega’s eyes, then steps out to the apron with him, APRON SPEAR! Omega goes to the floor, Blake builds speed, INVERTED DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp, and Blake high-fives Big Shotty. Blake puts Omega in, then springboards, but Omega gets under! Blake handsprings through, but into a V-TRIGGER! Lee gets on the apron, but Omega DECKS him! The fans fire up, Omega vows to end this! SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Blake sputters, but Omega hits another SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Blake is dazed but Omega isn’t done! Omega reels Blake in, hooks a leg, AOI SHODOU! The fans fire up and Omega takes out his finger gun!

Omega says BANG, runs in, and V-TRIGGER! Blake sputters, Omega Electric Chair Lifts! Fold for the ONE WINGED ANGEL!! Cover, Omega wins!

Winner: Kenny Omega, by pinfall

The Vanilla Babyface melted from the heat Omega is bringing! Omega picks up his belt but also a mic to say, “What’s going on?” The fans cheer, and Omega says it is unfortunate that he doesn’t get to wrestle every single week like he’d like. But when he gets the chance to come out to St. Paul, and when he promises them that he’ll make it quick, AEW’s fearless leader, Tony Khan, had no choice but to sign the match. But it will be a far different story when it comes to Dynasty! Omega not only has Ricochet, who the fans boo, but he also has the newcomer, though not so new to Omega, in “Speedball” Mike Bailey! The fans cheer that name!

And speaking of, here comes Speedball! The fans fire up as Bailey walks out, mic in hand, and he goes right to the ring. The fans cheer as these two are face to face, and Bailey says, “Kenny Omega…” Omega says, “Speedball.” Bailey congratulates Omega, and Omega says, “Thanks?” Bailey says he wanted to come out here and say that Omega is an inspiration to him. Bailey respects Omega. No, more than that, he admires Omega. As a wrestler, but also as a person, and as a champoin. But Kenny… Come Dynasty, even though Bailey respects Omega, he will not hold anything back.

Bailey won’t pull his punches, and he won’t hesitate for even one second to kick Omega’s head clean off and take that International Championship! Fans are torn on that, but Omega says, “So, by the sounds of it-” Oh no, Ricochet interrupts from the tron. “Do I have you attention? Okay, good, good, good. As much as I would love to be there in person, to smack both of you in your faces for even thinking that you’re going to leave Dynasty with my title… Fortunately for everybody involved in this situation, today is my wedding.” Ricochet models his white suit, and says he is dressed for the best day of his life.

“That is, until April 6th, when I continue to show everybody why Ricochet is Outta This World, and I beat you, Cornball, and I beat you, former Best Bout Machine, and I become the NEW International Champion! Oh, it sounds good, it sounds so good. I can see it now. So go ahead, continue to argue amongst yourselves about the inevitable. That being that after April 6th, Ricochet leaves Dynasty with both the girl and the gold. AHA~!” The One & Only adjusts his collar, but Omega tells him not so fast! Oh, well, he’s gone. But first of all, congratulations are in order. But that’ll be the only thing Omega will congratulate Ricochet on.

Because at Dynasty, make no mistake about it, it’s much like Ricochet said, it isn’t about making friends! Omega has a cat, he doesn’t need any more friends. The fans cheer that! Omega continues to say that as good of a guy as Bailey may be, and as big of a piece of garbage as Ricochet is, they aren’t Omega’s comrades. There is only one thing Omega has time for, there is only one thing Omega has room for, and it’s got to do with the thing on his shoulder, and that is his legacy. So consider yourselves just another stepping stone to solidifying Omega’s legacy. Oh and by the way, welcome to AEW, Bailey.

Unfortunately, while Omega wishes he could talk more, he must bid each and every one of you adieu! So until Dynasty, goodbye, MWAH! And goodnight, BANG! The Cleaner puts both his challengers on notice, but will the numbers spell disaster for him at Dynasty?

The Learning Tree speaks.

Chris Jericho says, “Last Sunday on Collision, I had Gravity’s mask taken from me. Or should I say, taken from us. But that’s okay, because I think it’s time for all the masks to be removed. It’s time to discuss some ugly truths that need to be addressed. Like the fact that you two (Big Bill & Bryan Keith) have been under the branches of The Learning Tree for far too long without using the wisdom that I’ve bestowed upon you. I need to ask you why I have to keep telling you time and time again to prove yourselves, I’m sick of asking! You need to think if it’s worthy for you to still be with Chris Jericho.

“If you think that, then it’s time for you to make some drastic changes, and go prove yourselves to me! Once again, for the last time, PROVE IT!” Bill & Keith quietly walk off, and Jericho turns his attention back to the camera. Bandido got his brother’s mask back, congrats. But it isn’t Gravity’s mask that Jericho wants, it’s Bandido’s! Jericho wants Bandido to feel the disgrace and humiliation that his brother did when Jericho tore that mask off in front of their family! And why would Bandido put up the mask? Jericho knows Bandido wants to be ROH World Champion again, so how about this? Title VS Mask for Dynasty!

Bandido, is it worth risking the humiliation? Is it risking the disgrace? Is it worth making your mother cry again when you lose the mask? Is it worth it? Jericho thinks so. See you at Dynasty. The Nueve is ready to risk it all, but will he be the one to lose it all in just 11 days?

MJF is here!

St. Paul is torn as the Scumbag walks out, mic already in hand. MJF goes to the ring, shows off MVP’s business card, then has them cut his music. MJF says, “Much like Michael Jackson’s legacy is far more important than that talentless hack named Prince…” MJF grins as the fans boo… “My words are far more important than everybody watching on their cheap TV sets in their trailer parks at home, and it’s damn sure more important than each and every one of yours.” The fans boo more, but MJF says, “Let’s play a game, okeh, Minnesota? We’re gonna shut the hell up. You think we can pull that off?” The fans boo, so no.

MJF says that’s what he thought. MJF tells MVP that he’s been looking at the card for two weeks straight. And he would like for them to have a little chit-chat so MJF can give an answer. MJF invites MVP out, and the fans cheer as the head of The Hurt Syndicate makes his way out here! Montel Vontavious Porter likes the fans singing along, “We Hurt~ People!” and chanting “M V P! M V P!” MJF says the thing we can agree on is that MVP is a legend in the sport of professional wrestling. And is that a new cane? That’s gorgeous! The fans cheer that, and MJF tells MVP that after everything with Adam Cole, MJF promised he would never do “friends” in this again.

And MJF has known “Montel” a very long time, and if there is one thing MJF has learned about him, it’s that when MVP clocks in, he doesn’t do friends, either. MVP does business. MJF has been looking at the card for a long time, and he has made a decision. The decision is… MJF would like to be in the business of hurting people. MJF offers a handshake, MVP checks if he means it, and wait! The rest of the Hurt Syndicate is here! The fans fire up as Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin bring their AEW World Tag Team Championships to the ring. Lashley looks MJF right in the eyes while the fans again sing the song, “We Hurt~ People!”

And then Lashley offers a handshake! MJF asks if Lashley means that, and he says up top! But then Lashley explains that he wants the card. What? The card, Max. Hand it over. MJF says okay, here. MJF gives the card back to Lashley, and then Lashley looks to MVP and Shelton. Lashley hands MVP his belt to hold, and then he RIPS UP THE CARD! MJF says okay, does Lashley wanna go? They can do this now! MVP says no, no, they’re cool. MJF asks MVP what’s going on. He thought they were cool. MVP says yeah, they’re cool, they’re cool. He has Lashley stand down, and MJF says okay, they can talk later.

MJF steps out, the fans boo, and even MVP seems a bit unsure why Lashley pulled MJF’s card. MVP says business never sleeps, and that they know they can trust him. But wait! Bryan Keith & Big Bill walk out here? The Bad Apple tells everyone to hold on. “So I guess it is true. Hurt people do in fact hurt people. But don’t worry, we ain’t out here to join your little group therapy session. We got real business to attend to!” Bill takes the mic, but MVP tells him to get his “lil’ b*tch” back on the leash so the men can talk. Bill keeps Keith calm, and he says he sees the Hurt Syndicate standing in the ring with the tag titles, but he doesn’t see a challenger. MVP says, “Me neither!”

Bill wants to tell MVP something. MVP wants to run his mouth? MVP wants to come out here with his cane and his business cards, but Bill can’t tell if he’s American Psycho or Iceberg Slim. Is he a pimp or a businessman? MVP says he’s a bit o’ both, and he’ll make his boys turn The Learning Tree into their b*tches if Bill keeps running his mouth. Bill says all he sees is a chump, and the MVP of being Lashley’s b*tch. No, we established who the b*tch was, but if Bill wants to go on about this… Bill says they should talk over the tag team titles. Bill was once a tag team champion, and he was never pinned nor never submitted for those titles!

Bill’s partner got pinned by Sting, and then Sting ran off and retired before ever granting Bill a rematch. Shelton says they don’t care! Bill says how about this. He and Keith need to prove themselves to Jericho, so Bill will take his rematch, so that The Learning Tree will take those titles! MVP laughs, and says Bill’s a comedian. But since Bill and his “girlfriend” want a shot, they should actually win a match! Then they can talk about an opportunity for the titles. MVP goes to leave, Lashley stares down Bill, and then the Hurt Syndicate heads out. Who will The Redwood have to take down to prove he and the Bad Apple are ready for this fight?

Backstage interview with Thunder Rosa & Toni Storm.

Renee Paquette is with La Mera Mera & the Timeless AEW Women’s World Champion, and brings up tonight’s main event. #ThunderStorm reunites for the first time in three YEARS, and they take on Penelope Ford and Toni’s future challenger, Megan Bayne. Yes, Toni remembers it well. They were so young, so unafraid. Nothing’s really changed. Rosa says no, everything has changed. Toni’s certainly changed! She has a butler now! And let’s not forget, the last time they worked together, Toni knocked Rosa out and tried to erase the face paint off Rosa’s face. Oh, we all make mistakes in the heat of passion.

Well, then make no mistake. Because Rosa wants what she never lost. Toni tells Rosa, “Enough of this gay banter. Megan Bayne, Penelope Ford, you two slop tarts are about to get double teamed like you’ve never dreamed!” Rosa plays along and says yes! Tonight, the games are over! Tonight, they fight! Tonight, you meet the team of… THUNDER TITS! W-What? No, it’s Thunder Storm. Not anymore! Strap yourselves in, girls, it’s gonna be a bumpy night. Well, whatever the team name, will Thunder & Storm strike down The Megasus & Superbad Girl?

Kyle Fletcher w/ Don Callis VS Brody King!

The Protostar may have lost to Will Ospreay at Revolution, but he’s ready to redeem himself and rise back up the ranks. Will the Aussie Arrow shoot down this Hound of Hell? Or will Kyle come to understand why Brody is the King of Death?

So much gold is on the line!

Stephanie Vaquer is the first ever NXT Women’s Double Champion, and she’s willing to defend both belts separately! Will Vaquer still be golden after tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Jaida Parker; Vaquer wins and retains the title.
• Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont w/ Wes Lee; Igwe & Dupont win.
• NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Je’Von Evans; Lexis wins and retains the title.
• Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson; Gigi & Tatum win.
• Ethan Page VS Andre Chase w/ Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors; Ethan wins.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Fallon Henley; Vaquer wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Jaida Parker!

The Dark Angel starts her Double Header to start the show, and Miss Parker is ready to take her shot on goal! Will Jaida get out the mud with this one? Or will she learn that La Primera don’t play, either?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and both title and history are on the line!

The bell rings and the fans duel already. The two tie up, go around, and Jaida knees low! Jaida wrenches, wristlocks, and YANKS the arm. Jaida wrenches, YANKS, and wrenches again, but Vaquer rolls, handsprings, and wrenches to a wristlock in return. Jaida powers through to scoop and SLAM! She eggs Vaquer on, scoops her again, and SLAMS her! Jaida talks trash, the fans rally, and Vaquer goes for a leg. Jaida stops Vaquer with a facelock, shifts to hook the arms, but Vaquer slips through to trip Jaida up! Vaquer has the toehold, then ties Jaida’s legs up into a DEATH LOCK! The fans fire up while se see Ava Raine and the Women’s Division watching backstage.

Jaida endures, crawls back, and reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Vaquer lets go, but Jaida runs up. Vaquer dodges, comes back, and tilt-o-whirls to a roll-up! TWO, Vaquer dodges Jaida and sits her down for body scissors! Gedo Clutch, TWO! Jaida escapes that one and the fans fire up. The two reset, circle again, and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Jaida powers her way to a facelock. Jaida CLUBS Vaquer, headlocks, then THROWS Vaquer down! Jaida wraps on the body scissors, but Vaquer pushes back to a cover, TWO! Jaida CLUBS away on Vaquer, rolls her over to a cover, TWO!

Jaida facelocks, drags Vaquer up, but Vaquer wrenches free. Vaquer whips, Jaida reverses, but Vaquer RANAS! Jaida tumbles to a corner and the fans fire up. Vaquer runs up and LARIATS, but Jaida fires a forearm! Vaquer CHOPS, SOBATS, and whips corner to corner. Jaida goes up, over, and HIP DROPS! Jaida caught Vaquer with that one and the fans fire up! Jaida talks more smack before she rains down fists, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Jaida lets off of Vaquer to clap back at the Vaquer fans. Jaida whips Vaquer to a corner hard, then scoops for a BACKBRAEKER! Vaquer writhes, Jaida drags her back up, and Jaida whips Vaquer to then ROCK her! Jaida whips Vaquer and CLUBS her, then she brings Vaquer around for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Jaida stays on Vaquer with a facelock, and snap suplexes again! Cover, TWO! Jaida is annoyed, but she whips Vaquer, only for Vaquer to fire off forearms! Vaquer dodges a lariat, ROCKS Jaida again and again, but Jaida knees low! Jaida stands Vaquer up, runs and BLOCKBUSTERS! Cover, TWO!

Jaida grows frustrated but she pushes Vaquer over. Jaida digs a knee into Vaquer’s back and pulls her back! Vaquer endures, fights to her feet, but Jaida wrangles her back down. Jaida digs her knee in more but Vaquer still endures. Vaquer fights back up, only for Jaida to CLUB her back down! Jaida whips Vaquer to a corner, then whips her back in! Jaida talks some smack while NXT returns to single picture. Jaida whips Vaquer back into the corner, then corner to corner. Vaquer staggers, Jaida scoops, but Vaquer slips free and drops down, VICTORY- NO, Jaida stuffs it! TWO, and both women stand! Jaida blocks a shot, wrenches and slips around, BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally up as Vaquer goes to a corner. Jaida runs in, but into a BOOT! Jaida comes back, but into a HANGING TRIANGLE! The fans fire up, the ref counts, and Vaquer lets go at 4. Jaida staggers away, Vaquer springboards in and CROSSBODIES! Direct hit, and the watch party loses a few guests, such as Jordynne Grace. The fans fire up as Vaquer runs and dials it up, 619! Jaida flounders, Vaquer storms up, and the fans fire up for the headscissors! Vaquer turns Jaida over for the PRIMERA DRILLER! Vaquer goes all the way to TEN, then brings Jaida up. Vaquer underhooks but Jaida wrenches free!

Jaida knees low, reels Vaquer in and suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Vaquer survives and Jaida grows further frustrated. Jaida drags Vaquer up, dragon sleepers, “This is Awesome!” as Vaquer slips free. Vaquer waistlocks. Jaida switches and shoves, then SPINEBUSTER! Jaida drags Vaquer back up, POSTS her, then has her in the ropes! Jaida CHOPS Vaquer, then runs to TEARDROP! Jaida high steps, but GRACE is ringside! The Juggernaut is not happy with how Jaida interrupted her last week! Jaida frowns, but she still blocks Vaquer’s kick! Jaida ROCKS Vaquer, runs and builds speed, into a victory roll! VAQUER WINS!!

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

Jaida is beside herself, but she let someone else get in her head before the end. Refs rush out here to keep Jaida from going after Jordynne. The bottom line is that Vaquer still has the top title in the NXT Women’s Division. But FATAL INFLUENCE ATTACKS! The fans boo as Fallon, Jacy & Jazmyn mug Vaquer, wanting to soften her up for the main event! Jacy drops a SENTON, then another SENTON! Then a third SENTON! The fans boo as hard as they can, but will NXT once again be under the Influence?

Trick Williams paces backstage.

But he spots someone walking in and says he doesn’t wanna hear any of that, he doesn’t have time for it today. But Je’Von Evans says, “Deadass, I didn’t like how you pushed me to the side last week. I was focused on Dark State, and I was trying to tell you and Oba that-” Trick says Je’Von still doesn’t get it! Just because they’re from the Carolinas, they’re supposed to be brothers? Trick told him once and he’ll tell Je’Von again, the focus is on Stand & Deliver and the NXT Championship. Je’Von knows Trick’s obsessed with Oba, he’s been that way for the last four months! How is Trick focused so hard on Oba that he couldn’t do what Je’Von did and just drop him?

Trick says be real. Je’Von only dropped Oba because Oba was focused on Trick. Oh, really? Well, if Trick keeps on doubting Je’Von, then Je’Von will just keep on shocking him. Trick said Je’Von would never be champion, but tonight, Je’Von proves Trick wrong again. Trick says yeah, Je’Von has potential, good for him. Randy Orton said Je’Von’s got potential, there’s all these “cosigns,” but there’s a difference between having potential and having the title. Everybody can’t hold that title in the air. Je’Von says he thought Trick was mad before. But that title has really changed Trick into someone else.

Trick says it’s a champion thing, dawg. That’s something Je’Von doesn’t understand. Well, after tonight, Je’Von will. The Young OG heads out, but will he take the Drama King’s throne as Heritage Cup Champion?

The NXT Women’s Division Watch Party continues.

As the others murmur about how the opening match ended, Ava says she needs to go check on Vaquer. But Lash Legend says, “SKRRT! Excuse me, Miss Mayor.” Ava says, “Yes, Lashes?” Lash needs to check into why Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley have a title match with the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions when it should be the Meta Girls. Ava tries to start, but Gigi says maybe it’s because Ava is tired of giving Lash & Jakara opportunities and they lose. Ever think about that? Tatum says first, Gigi & Tatum will beat Ash & Heather By Elegance, and then they’ll bring those TNA titles to NXT!

Jakara says whatever, she and the Bougie Bully have been a real tag team a lot longer than anyone else in this room. Zaria steps up but Sol Ruca has her calm down. Lash tells them both to sit back down. Jakara says you don’t send girls to do a woman’s job. They ran up on Ash & Heather but Gigi & Tatum went and took their shot. Oh, “took their shot,” huh? Please, Miss Jackson. If you’re about the action, Gigi & Tatum will show them something. Lash says don’t even go there. The Meta Girls head out, telling Ava to fix this. Ava has a lot on her plate, but will Gigi & Tatum show they can make an impact?

Sit-down interview with Ricky Saints.

Vic Joseph sits down with The Absolute and says he has been waiting for this moment ever since Ricky arrived over a month ago. Ricky has already had some big moments, but there are those in the locker room that say Ricky doesn’t belong. It’s Stand & Deliver Season, tensions are high, is that all white noise or motivation? A bit of both. Ricky thinks it is funny, as there are superstars back there that have had a head start on him. And it wasn’t until he actually showed up that the decided to up their game. Vic and the fans are finding out just how confident Ricky is as a performer. And confidence can scare people.

That is what Ricky has been dealing with all his life. So coming here and getting that is nothing new to Ricky. Then where does Ricky find that inner confidence? Ricky says when he was breaking into the business, he was living out of his car. There were times he didn’t know how he was going to eat for that weekend. He didn’t know if he’d have money for food or clothes. But at the end of those days, the only thing he actually had was his confidence. The confidence in the fact that he was going to get out of that situation. That is why he’s sitting with Vic right now, in NXT and the WWE. It is because of that confidence.

Ricky wears the scars and battle wounds as pride. But wait, Shawn Spears interrupts? Vic tries to explain this is an exclusive interview, but The Chair Man says he is going to take it from here. Vic steps aside and Spears tells Saints to relax, he’s just sitting down. Spears says they’ve known each other a long time. Ricky says too long. Then why does Ricky think Spears didn’t ask Ricky to join The Culling. Because Spears knew Ricky would say no. Spears knew Ricky would say that, and tells Ricky that he’s wrong. Remember that conversation in Philly? How many times has Spears had to talk Ricky off the metaphorical ledge?

How many times did Ricky not believe in himself? All the advice he’s given over the years. The reason Spears didn’t offer is because, sadly, Ricky is still the same man he left over a year ago. Nothing’s changed. This arrogance is a plague everywhere Ricky goes. All he does is create a long line of enemies, and it is all his fault. Wow, what’s really weird to Ricky is that Spears doesn’t get how if he wants to be number one here in not just NXT but in WWE, it’s that he’s going to make enemies. Spears has heard that same thing, “You wanna make friends? Or do you wanna make money?” That is Spears’ point with Ricky!

Look at Spears! He is a champion in the WWE, with three of his best friends, family even, right by his side. Ricky says they’re the only reason he has that title. And Ricky is going to be the one to take it from Spears. Oh, so Ricky wants the North American Championship? Is he sure? Even though they both know what the outcome’s going to be? Do not add Spears to your long list of enemies, Ricky. You know what they are capable of. Jensen, Niko & Izzi step in, but Spears has them stay back. Spears tells Ricky that in case it doesn’t work out, he can always go back to… Oh, no, never mind. They both know Ricky burnt every bridge.

The Culling leaves, and Ricky says he’ll just have to win then. Will Spears still be so high and mighty when Saints comes marching in?

Other superstars finish watching the interview.

Wes Lee’s guys, Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont, cannot believe this. What is Ricky doing? He can’t be for real. Wes says no, he is. It’s “Ricky ‘Everything is About Me Once I Walk Through the Door’ Saints.” But in time, he’ll realize he ain’t the guy around here. But don’t sweat it, it’s almost time for their match. Let’s get it. The Wes Side heads out, Ethan Page puts his coat up, and Kale Dixon tells Uriah Connors that Ricky is pulling an Ethan Page. That’s what All Ego did, didn’t he? That’s gotta suck. Ethan says two more words, and Kale will get knocked out again. Uriah steps up for Kale, but then Andre Chase steps in.

Chase tells Ethan, “What the hell is your problem? You know that’s not how we handle things here.” Oh, and this isn’t a classroom, professor, this is the real world. Yeah, and Ethan knows better. Kale & Uriah are young and inexperienced. Oh, then Chase better teach them that their words have consequences. Actually, Ethan forgot that their dead-end university is closed. Oh, is that how Ethan feels? Yeah! Then maybe Chase should teach them about sensitive tough guys like Ethan who can’t handle the truth. Ethan says, “We’ll see.” Ethan heads out, Chase tells Kale & Uriah that he’ll handle this. And seeing how eager they are, Chase lets Kale & Uriah follow.

Kale & Uriah are excited to see Mr. Chase handle business, but will All Ego stomp all over the name of Chase U?

Hank ‘n’ Tank walk ‘n’ talk.

They’re riled up from last week, being talked down to by Wes, but forget about last week. Right here, right now, these two will prove they’re not just two individuals. They are two minds intertwined! Nobody is more connected than the Bodacious Belly Boys! What does Motor City Machine Guns say to that? Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin are waiting and they like the energy. Hank ‘n’ Tank have got this! One time for the boys! HONK HONK! MCMG wants to see Hank ‘n’ Tank bring out that it factor, will this be the night they level up? Or will Ty & Ty show them what it takes to evolve?

Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont w/ Wes Lee!

NXT is picture in picture for entrances, and while the teams sort out. Igwe starts against Tank and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock as Igwe is taller but Tank is wider. The two reset, tie up again, and Igwe waistlocks. Igwe SLAMS Tank down, holds him down, but Tank fights back up. Tank wiggles and swivels and switches, but Igwe fires elbows! Igwe goes to ropes, bucks Tank, then runs him over! Igwe drags Tank up, tags Dupont, and they double wrench to double YANK the arms! Tank goes to ropes, Dupont brings him around, and Dupont CLUBS the arm! Dupont wrenches to RAM shoulders, then taunts Tank.

Dupont stands Tank up but Tank rolls Dupont up! TWO, and Tank wrenches to YANK the arm! Tank wrenches the arm again, Dupont fights the elbow breaker, but Tank powers him into the corner! Hank tags in, sets up, and Tank HONK HONKS the ELBOW BREAKER! Hank runs up and LARIATS Dupont! Hank bumps Dupont off buckles, then goes corner to corner with Dupont to bump him off more buckles! Hank whips, Dupont reverses, and Dupont SPLASHES! Dupont talks trash, then whips corner to corner. Hank goes up and over, and he BODY BLOWS! NXT returns to single picture as Hank climbs up!

Igwe storms in but Tank intercepts! The fans fire up as Tank bumps Igwe off buckles and climbs up! Hank ‘n’ Tank coordinate, and they rain down fists! The fans count along, and we go to nine, wind up, and TEN! Hank ‘n’ Tank send Ty & Ty into each other, and then HONK HONK, BIG BELLY SANDWICH! Igwe falls out, Wes is annoyed, and Hank wrenches Dupont to YANK the arm. Tag to Tank, drop toehold and ELBOW DROP! Tank then sits Dupont up for Hank to run, run, and run, to DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Tank hurries to get Dupont for a cover, TWO! MCMG watches this backstage, Tank whips but Dupont blocks!

Dupont reels Tank in to LARIAT! Tag to Igwe, Ty & Ty double whip to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Igwe snarls, but Tank avoids the stomp! Igwe hobbles, Dupont tags in and he CLOBBERS Tank! Dupont talks trash, whips Tank, but Tank KICKS Dupont! Tag to Hank, and Hank TOSSES Dupont onto Igwe! The fans fire up as Tank holds the way open! Shoutout to MCMG, Hank DIVES! Direct hit and Hank even hits the desk! The fans are losing their minds over the world’s biggest “five hole goal” as Hank puts Dupont in the ring. Dupont goes to a corner, Hank runs in, BACK BODY BLOCK and BULLDOG! The fans fire up with Hank, but Wes distracts him!

Hank takes a swipe, Wes gets away, and Dupont UPPERCUTS Hank down! Tag to Igwe, he stomps away, and Igwe clamps onto Hank’s arms, to then pull and STOMP! Igwe then drags Hank up to fire hands, then he lines up a shot. Hank wobbles, Igwe BOOTS him down! Igwe drags Hank up, whips him to the corner, then he runs up to RAM into Hank! Dupont tags in, but Hank fights back! Dupont full nelsons, Igwe BODY BLOWS, and Dupont FULL NELSON SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Hank survives that mugging but Dupont drags him back up. Dupont has the full nelson and he thrashes Hank around! Hank fights up and hits a JAWBREAKER!

Dupont staggers, Igwe tags in! Igwe drags Hank from Tank, but Hank fights and flails! Hank powers up, the fans rally, and Hank steps forward. Igwe CLUBS Hank on the back! Igwe keeps the facelock, but then takes a swing on Tank! Tank dodges. then Hank dodges, hot tag to Tank! Tank rallies on Ty & Ty with big forearms and LARIATS! Tank dodges Igwe to then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Dupont storms up but Tank ROCKS him, and BLASTS him! Wes is freaking out as Tank cartwheels past Igwe to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Tank suplexes Igwe, FISHERMAN SPINEBUSTER! Cover, DUPONT BREAKS IT!

The fans rally, Igwe goes to a corner, and Tank runs in. Igwe runs up, Tank dodges to go up, up and FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Tag back to Hank, and Tank goes up? Hank turns Igwe, but Wes slides in! The ref stops Wes, but that lets Dupont trip Tank up! No Skull ‘n’ Bones, Igwe shoves Hank away! BOOT and Hank is on spaghetti legs! Dupont tags in, SLAM DUNK SAIDO!! Cover, Ty & Ty win!

Winners: Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont, by pinfall

The Wes Side used numbers against Hank ‘n’ Tank trying to use another legendary team’s style. Will Hank ‘n’ Tank ever find that thing that makes them a legendary tag team?

Ava Raine checks on Vaquer.

Vaquer is being iced and taped up from that attack earlier, and the NXT GM says she should’ve known better. Is Vaquer sure she can defend the North American Championship tonight? After what Fatal Influence did, Ava- Vaquer stops Ava there. Vaquer is the double champion, and she will keep her word to Ava, to the NXT Women’s Division, and to her home country of Chile. Vaquer IS La Primer. Fallon will still get her title match. Okay, but is Vaquer sure? They can always reschedule. Vaquer says she’s sure, thank you. Vaquer heads out with both belts in hand but ice wrapped around her waist. Will Vaquer still make history by successfully pulling off the double header?

Backstage interview with Fraxiom.

Sarah Schreiber is with the NXT Tag Team Champions and brings up that the last time we saw them, they were battling it out with The Hardy Boyz at Roadblock. What was it like for Axiom to go home to Spain and push Der Ring General, Gunther, to his limits? Axiom says that was a dream come true. Axiom pushed the WWE World Heavyweight Champion to his limits in front of Axiom’s home crowd. His friends, his family! That’s a moment he’ll never forget. Nathan Frazer says him, too, amigo. Because Frazer didn’t get invited to that. But hey, it’s Stand & Deliver Season, and-

Axiom stops Frazer there. They talked about this. It was all meant to be a big surprise for everyone, and… Frazer has a big mouth. So- Oh, what is that supposed to mean? Does Axiom think Frazer was going to tweet it out or something? Well, he’s kinda done something like that before… Hey, maybe if Frazer was there, Axiom would’ve beat Gunther! Okay, what is that supposed to mean? Wait, as Fraxiom argue, someone pulls up. It’s OBA FEMI! And The Ruler does not look happy. Axiom gets out of there, and Frazer is unsure where he’s going. Frazer follows, will the dysfunction start up all over again?

NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Je’Von Evans!

The Drama King continues to talk a big game, but perhaps changing the rules from British Rounds to First Fall might come back to bite him. Will this Cup still be Lexis’ prized possession? Or will the Young OG shock the world by adding his name to the Heritage Cup legacy?

NXT returns as Lexis makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the trophy is raised, and we see if this is still Lexis’ way and Lexis’ life.

The bell rings and the two approach. Lexis takes a swing, Je’Von dodges, and Je’Von asks if Lexis is still mad about last week. Lexis runs up, Je’Von headlocks, and Je’Von thrashes the hold. Lexis powers up but can’t power out. Je’Von thrashes the headlock more, but Lexis pries at the grip. Lexis pulls hair, puts Je’Von in a corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Je’Von dodges the sucker punch to hit a headlock takeover! The fans cheer as Je’Von shows he has that technical side, but Lexis headscissors. Je’Von kips free, headlocks again, but Lexis fires body shots. Je’Von CLUBS Lexis and CHOPS him, then it’s back tot he headlock.

But Lexis hits a BIG back suplex! The fans boo but Lexis stomps away on Je’Von. Lexis soaks up the heat, drags Je’Von up and scoops for a SLAM! Cover, TWO! Je’Von is tougher than that and Lexis stays focused. Lexis taunts Je’Von, clamps on the chinlock, but Je’Von endures. Je’Von fights up, but Lexis crossface forearms Je’Von down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for “YOUNG O G!” Lexis tells them to shut up, then he winds up. Je’Von dodges to springboard and FLYING SCHOOLBOY! TWO, and Lexis swings, into a wrench! Je’Von goes up the ropes, BOUNCY~” RANA! Lexis gets up, Je’Von dodges him, for a springboard CROSSSBODY! Cover, TWO!

Je’Von DROPKICKS Lexis right down and the fans fire up! Lexis bails out, Je’Von grins and builds speed. Je’Von DIVES, direct hit on Lexis and he ends up on the desk! The fans fire up as Je’Von cheers himself on, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Je’Von perches on the desk as he waits for Lexis to get up. The ref reprimands and wants this in the ring, so Je’Von hops down to fetch Lexis. Je’Von CHOPS Lexis, brings Lexis around, but Lexis SHOVES Je’Von into steel steps! Je’Von writhes, Lexis talks trash, and he drags Je’Von up to put him in the ring. Lexis drags Je’Von up to scrape laces off the face, then he KICKS Je’Von in the back! Je’Von grits his teeth but Lexis stands him up. Lexis bumps Je’Von off buckles, then headlocks to throw in some sneaky punches! The ref sees those and reprimands, but Lexis drags Je’Von up. Je’Von stops the buckle bump to give a buckle bump!

Je’Von CHOPS and Lexis sputters! Je’Von CHOPS again, but Lexis dodges to throat chop! The ref reprimands, but Lexis stomps Je’Von around. Lexis hoists Je’Von up for a BIG back suplex, covers, TWO! Lexis looms over Je’Von, stomps him, then drags him up to bump off buckles. Lexis uses the ropes so he can dig both boots in! The ref counts, Lexis backs off, and he drags Je’Von out from the corner. Je’Von fires body shots, then whips, only for Lexis to reverse. Lexis DROPKICKS Je’Von down, covers, TWO! Je’Von stays in this but Lexis stays on him with a chinlock. Lexis leans on Je’Von but Je’Von still endures.

NXT returns to single picture as Je’Von rises up. Je’Von arm-drags free, then BODY BLOWS! And BODY BLOWS! Lexis ROCKS Je’Von right back! Lexis runs up to LARIAT in the corner, and CHOP! Lexis wrenches, then has an inside fisherman, for a FISHERMAN DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Je’Von survives and Lexis is furious! The ref defends his count was fair, so Lexis drags Je’Von back up. Lexis talks trash, Je’Von CHOPS! The fans fire up while Lexis sputters and drops to his knees! Je’Von then goes to a corner, and Lexis snarls. Lexis runs up, blocks a boot, but Je’Von stands on Lexis’ foot! Je’Von ROCKS Lexis, UPPERCUTS, then runs and hits a SUPER OG PUNCH!

The fans fire up and Je’Von keeps moving, springboard and DREAMCAST KICK! The fans fire up as Je’Von hurries to the apron! Je’Von then climbs, FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!? Lexis survives and the fans are thunderous! Je’Von just brushes that off and brings Lexis up. Je’Von underhooks, “This is Awesome!” but Lexis BACKDROPS free! Je’Von lands on his feet! Lexis runs up to SUPERKICK! Lexis snarls, drags Je’Von back up and reels him in! “LONG! LIVE! THE KING!” CORO- NO! Je’Von wrenches out, whips, but Lexis reverses! Je’Von hits a NEURALIZER! Lexis tumbles out while the fans fire up!

Je’Von shakes the ropes, he is all fired up! Je’Von runs and FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up again! Je’Von hurries to get Lexis in, then he goes up the apron. Lexis distracts the ref, OBA GRABS JE’VON! APRON POWERBOMB!!! The Young OG writhes, the fans boo, but the ring count is climbing! The Ruler counts along as we pass 5 of 10, and then 8! 9! TEN! Lexis wins!!

Winner: Lexis King, by count-out (still NXT Heritage Cup Champion)

The King keeps his crown thanks to The Ruler getting revenge on Je’Von! And while Oba stalks Je’Von back into the ring, the lights go out! Because THEY are here! Dark State is in the crowd! Je’Von fights Oba while Dion, Saquon, Cutler & Osiris creep closer! Oba ROCKS Je’Von, reels him in, but Je’Von gets out of the bomb! Trick Williams runs in, Oba dodges, TRICK SHOT hits Je’Von!! Trick is a bit stunned, but refs and security rush out here! Dark State waits at the barriers to see how this plays out. Fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” but the refs won’t let Trick and Oba get started! Dark State is loving this! Will NXT truly fall into chaos?

Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson!

It was last week that these teams “crossed the line” into TNA to call out Ash & Heather By Elegance, but it was the “weird girls” who were given the title opportunity. Will Gigi & Tatum make Lash & Jakara understand why? Or will the Meta Girls make them pump the brakes?

The teams sort out and Gigi starts against Lash. They circle, tie up, and go around. Gigi arm- NO, Lash blocks the arm-drag to then press Gigi down. But then Sol & Zaria walk out on stage to watch this in person. Lash whips and THROWS Gigi away! Lash talks smack on Sol & Zaria, then tags in Jakara. The Meta Girls double whip Gigi to the corner, then Lash sends Jakara in for a back body block! Lash runs up to SPLASH, then she feeds Gigi to Jakara’s SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Gigi stays in this but Jakara stays on her. Gigi reaches up to RANA Jakara to the corner! Gigi back body blocks, tag to Tatum!

Gigi sends Tatum and she CROSSBODIES Jakara in the corner! Tatum sets up, Gigi runs up, POETRY IN BRONCO BUSTER! Gigi gives Jakara a wild ride, then Tatum high stacks, TWO! Jakara toughs it out and then ROCKS Tatum with a right! But Tatum drop toeholds! Tatum drags Jakara back, then top mounts to hook the legs, and she turns Jakara over for the SPIDER-WEB SURFBOARD! Jakara endures, Lash storms in and pushes things over! Lash drags Tatum up, tells her off, and then Jakara HOTSHOT BULLDOGS! Tatum flounders, Jakara tags Lash, and Lash BOOTS Tatum down! Lash puts Tatum on the ropes and dares Zaria to do something.

Tag to Jakara, and she drops a knee on Tatum’s face! And another knee! Jakara runs to cartwheel ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Jakara drags Tatum up, tags Lash, and then Jakara feeds Tatum to Lash’s scoop! Lash SLAMS Tatum, talks trash to Zaria & Sol, then covers Tatum. TWO, and Lash is annoyed. Tag to Jakara, the Meta Girls mug Tatum, but Jakara swaggers too soon! Tatum BOOTS her away! Tatum breaks free of Lash, leaps, but Lash catches her! Tatum still reaches out, tag to Gigi! Lash throws Tatum back, Tatum dodges Jakara, Jakara ROCKS Lash! Gigi goes up to DOUBLE FLYING LARIAT the Meta Girls!

The fans fire up as Gigi hurries to DECK Jakara! SUPERKICK for Lash! Gigi wrenches and ROCKS Jakara, to then ripcord and LARIAT! Tag back to Tatum, Gigi gives her a boost to ENZIGIRI Lash! Tatum & Gigi then set Jakara up, DOUBLE HEADBUTT SANDWICH!! But that’s not all! They hook Jakara up, CEMETERY DRIVE!! Cover, Tatum & Gigi win!

Winners: Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley, by pinfall

The combination of STO and Lightning Spiral is certainly deadly! Will it help them knock out the Knockouts Tag Team Champions?

Tony D’Angelo is at the restaurant.

The cousins tell The Don, “the streets are talking.” “And they’re talking a lot.” Tony knows that. He hears everything. He’ll handle it. The rest of the Family arrives, and they sit with Tony. Luca asks how he’s doing, and Tony says he’ll be alright. Those four guys put a pretty good beating on him. Tony doesn’t even know who they are. Tony wants intel. He wants to know who they are, what’s their motive, what’s their purpose, and where they eat before they even do. Understood? Rizzo says got it. They’ll take care of it. Luca says Tony can count on them. Tony says he knows he can. Stacks stays silent, but then Tony tells him to hold on.

Stacks sits back down while the others leave, and Tony asks if Stacks is good. Yeah, everything’s alright. Besides this “Dark State.” But why? Tony says Stacks is Underboss for a reason. They grew up together. Remember back in high school, when Stacks and Ralphie Ziparetto hit that high roller card game? Yeah, he does. There were some big sharks there. That there were. And remember when they tried to pull his card and Tony had to step up and convince them to give Stacks a pass? Yeah, he remembers. He’ll never forget what Tony’s done for him. Tony knows Stacks won’t. Because Tony believes in Stacks, trusts him, and can always trust him. Right?

Stacks stands up and pats Tony on the shoulder. “You can always trust me, T. Always.” Stacks leaves, but is that enough for Tony to believe him? Or is something brewing in the background of all this?

Hank ‘n’ Tank regroup with MCMG.

Tank doesn’t get it! They did everything Sabin & Shelley said: Stay connected, step in unison! Shelley says okay, enough. Let’s talk them off the ledge. MCMG thinks Hank ‘n’ Tank did great. But hey, they’ve also been in this game a long time, wrestled all sorts of teams from all over the world. They definitely feel Hank ‘n’ Tank are future champions, but… They have to remember that everyone’s process is different. Everyone takes a different path to the top. It’s short term pain for long term gain. There are levels to this, but a couple words of advice: trust your partner, and don’t compare yourselves to other teams. MCMG’s been together well over a decade.

But y’know what? This isn’t linear, it is undulating. It took MCMG a long time to get to the top, to get to the WWE. And within weeks, they were WWE Tag Team Champions! The most important thing: Don’t give up. Don’t give up! Tank says yeah, they’ll get there, and they’ll see MCMG down the line. They all fist bump, but what path will it be? Will Hank ‘n’ Tank just need more time? Or will they find a major breakthrough as soon as next week?

Ethan Page VS Andre Chase w/ Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors!

While All Ego and The Professor have different philosophies, they do have something in common: They both want to rebound from some disappointing losses. Wait, Ricky Saints pushes right past Ethan to join commentary. The Absolute wants to watch this in person, will he see Ethan rebuild his ego? Or will we finally see some school spirit again?

NXT returns and Chase makes his entrance, still a bit worse for wear, but Kale & Uriah are pumped up enough for all three of them. Chase has them remember, it’s not Chase U, though. Even so, Uriah & Kale put up that U and cheer Mr. Chase on. On commentary, Vic apologizes for Shawn Spears interrupting their interview. Ricky says hey, just one more Canadian wrestler who doesn’t like him. The bell rings and the two tie up. Chase headlocks, Ethan pries at the hold, and Ethan powers up and out. Chase goes up the corner and around to roll Ethan up! TWO, Chase trips Ethan, steps through, but Ethan boots him away.

Chase comes back, Ethan drops down, but Chase counters hip toss with a hip toss! Ethan hits a headlock takeover, and he holds Ethan down as Ethan kicks around. Ethan fights up, the fans chant, “We Want Thea!” Ethan stomps Chase’s foot, headlocks back, but Chase powers up and out. Ethan runs Chase over! Things speed up, Ethan counters hip toss with hip- NO, Chase MONKEY FLIPS that hip toss away! The fans fire up and Chase headlocks. Ethan powers up to hit a BIG back suplex! The fans rally but Ethan KNEES Chase in the side, stomps away, then drops an ELBOW! Ethan brings Chase up, but Chase stops the buckle bump!

Chase fires forearms, then whips, but Ethan reverses to DECK Chase! Ethan DECKS Chase again, then looms over Chase at the ropes. The fans boo but Ethan drags Chase up again. Ethan whips Chase to ropes, but Chase grabs ropes! Chase DUMPS Ethan out, then takes aim, only for Ethan to step aside. Ethan glares at Kale & Uriah, but Chase is on the apron! SUPERKICK! The fans fire up for Chase as he FLYING LARIATS! Down goes Ethan and the fans fire up! Chase wants Kale & Uriah to calm down, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Chase drags Ethan up, puts him in the ring, then storms up to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Ethan is tougher than that but Chase brings him back up. Chase whips Ethan to a corner, but Ethan reverses. Ethan runs in, Chase ELBOWS him away, then Chase goes up. Ethan ROCKS Chase first, then brings him off the corner for an OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! Ethan stomps Chase, then drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Ethan clamps onto Chase with a chinlock and he grinds Chase down. Chase endures, Uriah & Kale rally the fans, and Chase fights up! Chase fires body shots, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Ethan covers, TWO!

Ethan grows frustrated, but he clamps back on with a chinlock. Chase endures, even as Ethan grinds him into the mat. Kale & Uriah keep cheering Chase on with the U, and Chase fights up again. Chase JAWBREAKERS free! Ethan staggers, but he still scoops and SLAMS Chase! And back to the chinlock! Chase endures all over again as Ethan squeezes tight. Chase fights up, pries at the hold, and NXT returns to single picture as Chase fires body shots. Ethan knees low, then whips, but Chase KICKS Ethan back! Chase then wrenches and SWINGING NECKBREAKERS! The fans fire up while Ethan and Chase are both down.

Chase and Ethan go to corners, and Ethan runs up, only for Chase to dodge! Chase rallies with ELBOW after ELBOW! Chase whips, Ethan reverses, but Chase reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! The fans fire up and Chase starts to spell it out, but he feels so conflicted! Uriah & Kale tell him it’s okay! Spell it out! Chase says alright! “C! H! A! S!” But Ethan blocks the E! Only for Chase to dodge the roundhouse and SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Ethan stays in this but Kale & Uriah coach Mr. Chase to keep going. The fans fire up, Chase storms up on Ethan and brings him around. Chase goes up the corner, reels Ethan in, but Ethan wrenches out! ICONOCLASM!

Ethan then RIPCORD CODE BREAKERS! Cover, TWO!! Chase survives and the fans fire up! Ethan is frustrated but Uriah is relieved and Kale is pumped up! Ethan and Chase rise up, and Ethan pie faces Chase. “Stay down! Stay down!” Chase eggs Ethan on! Ethan SLAPS! Chase SLAPS! Chase CHOPS, CHOPS, runs, but Ethan BOOTS him! Ethan goes to the apron to get Chase, and brings him up, only for Chase to APRON NECKBREAKER! Chase hurries in, goes up, and TORNADO DDTS! Cover, TWO!! Ethan survives and the fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” Chase hurries back up top, but Ethan hits the ropes! Chase gets tripped up!

Ethan goes up the corner, hoists Chase onto his shoulder, and fans boo as Ethan hits a SUPER POWERSLAM!! Cover, TWO?!?! Chase survives and the fans are thunderous! But TWISTED GRIN!! Cover, Ethan wins!

Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall

Chase gave Ethan much more of a fight than expected, but Ethan still won out. All Ego talks trash on Ricky, Ricky says if Ethan wants some, he’s right here. But then SHAWEN SPEARS CLOBBERS RICKY! The Culling mocks Ricky’s pain and Ethan smirks. Will they all make sure Ricky has nothing to show for showing up in NXT?

Dark State speaks.

They post to X as Dion shouts, “Y’all like that, huh? Y’all like that?! We ain’t even gotta do nothing and y’all go crazy!” Cutler says, “Just ask Tony D what happens when we decide to get involved!” Osiris says, “When the lights go out, anxiety goes through the roof!” Saquon asks, “Are y’all slow? When are y’all gonna realize that when Dark State strikes, ain’t nobody safe! NOBODY!” They head out into the night, when will they strike again?

NXT Media catches up with Trick Williams.

The reporter asks if Trick meant to hit Je’Von earlier tonight. Trick says everyone wants to talk about Je’Von. Everyone who can see knows Trick was aiming for Oba. Je’Von was just collateral damage. Nah, forget that! Je’Von’s a distraction! Just like how Eddy Thorpe was a distraction! A distraction from what Trick wants. Everyone’s a distraction from the fact that Trick is the man around here! Trick is supposed to be NXT Champion. Oba knows it. And if Oba is still The Ruler, then he knows where to find Trick right here next week. Trick turns to go but the reporter asks his opinion on Dark State.

Tricky says that ain’t his business. Trick leaves, not interested in distractions. But is he overlooking a major problem gnawing away at the foundation of NXT?

NXT Women’s North American Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Fallon Henley w/ The Fatal Influence!

La Primera made it through Jaida Parker, perhaps in part thanks to Grace. But Fatal Influence still had to stack the deck against Vaquer with an ambush. Will the Toxic Cowgirl just be picking the bones like a vulture? Or will the Dark Angel still have gold on each shoulder?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Vaquer can defy the odds to make history again!

The bell rings and the fans rally behind “LA PRIMERA!” But Jacy distracts Vaquer and Fallon RAMS her into the corner! Fallon RAMS in again and again, then drags Vaquer out to snap suplex! Vaquer writhes, Fallon covers, TWO! Fallon top mounts but Vaquer pushes her up and away. Vaquer then fires a flurry of forearms! Fallon kicks low then whips Vaquer. Fallon KNEES low, the fans boo, but Fallon covers, TWO! Fallon snarls, storms around, and she drags Vaquer up. Fallon bumps Vaquer off buckles, then stomps a mudhole in. Fallon whips corner to corner, runs up, but Vaquer BOOTS her away! Vaquer then DROPKICKS Fallon down! Cover, TWO!

Vaquer and Fallon rise up, and Fallon BOOTS Vaquer down! Fallon drags Vaquer to then stomp her in the stomach and ribs! The fans rally but Fallon covers, TWO! Fallon frowns, but she clamps on with a REAR BEARHUG! Vaquer endures, the fans rally for her, and Vaquer pries at the grip. Vaquer turns around to JAWBRAEKER, and SUPERKICK! Fallon falls onto ropes, Vaquer dials it up, but Jacy & Jazmyn warn Fallon! Fallon ducks the 619, then RAMS into Vaquer! Fallon POSTS Vaquer, then runs to swing and TIGER FEINT Vaquer down! The fans boo but Fatal Influence soaks up that heat while NXT goes picture in picture.

Fallon storms back into the ring, stalks Vaquer, and drags her up. Vaquer fires body shots, but Fallon KNEES low! Vaquer falls over, clutches the ribs, but Fallon drags her back up. Fallon bumps Vaquer off buckles, stomps her down, then talks trash. Fallon stomps away on Vaquer, digs her boot in, but steps off as the ref counts. Fallon drags Vaquer up, TOSSES her out, then paces. The ring count starts while Vaquer writhes. Fallon storms out to stand Vaquer up, and she RAMS Vaquer into the apron! Fallon drags Vaquer up again, SMACKS her off the desk, then puts her in the ring. Fallon stomps away on Vaquer, covers, TWO!

Vaquer toughs it out and Fallon grows frustrated. Fallon drags Vaquer by her hair, talks smack on the fans, but Vaquer ROCKS Fallon again and again! Vaquer SOBATS, runs, but Fallon BOOTS her down! Fallon huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Vaquer around again. Fallon clamps on a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Vaquer endures, fights up, and NXT returns to single picture. Vaquer fires shots, but Fallon kicks low! The fans boo but Fallon whips and ROCKS Vaquer! Fallon cravats, Vaquer powers out, but Fallon comes back to get around. Fallon waistlocks and sits Vaquer down! Fallon then runs to SLIDING FOREARM!

Fallon keeps moving and she KICKS Vaquer in the side! Vaquer writhes, but Fallon drags her up to bump her off buckles. Fallon goes out to the apron, and she redials, but Vaquer dodges the feint kick to bump Fallon off the buckles! Then they go side to side, but Fallon blocks the buckle bump! Fallon SMACKS Vaquer, goes up the corner, but Vaquer SMACKS Fallon back! Vaquer goes up, but Fallon fights back. Vaquer HEADBUTTS again and again and again! Then she brings Fallon up for a SUPERPLEX! The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” while both women are down! Fallon and Vaquer crawl to each other, and Fallon SLAPS Vaquer!

Vaquer HEADBUTTS Fallon! Fallon ROCKS Vaquer! Vaquer HEADBUTTS again! Fallon kicks low, Vaquer sits down, but Fallon is right on her. Fallon whips, Vaquer reverses, EAT DA FEET! Vaquer bumps Fallon off buckles again and again and again, all three levels! Vaquer scrubs Fallon’s face with her boot, then goes corner to corner! METEORA! The fans fire up as Vaquer snapmares Fallon, and wraps on the headscissors! But Fallon victory rolls, and she STOMPS Vaquer’s ribs! Fallon then drags Vaquer up, clinches, pump handle, FALL AWAY SLAM! Fallon stomps Vaquer again whiel fans boo.

Fallon stands Vaquer up, runs, but Vaquer victory rolls! TWO!! Fallon SOBATS, then she TOSSES Vaquer out! The ref argues with Fallon, but that lets the Influence rush in! Vaquer dodges Jacy to SUPERKICK! But Jazmyn’s NYX KICK hits!! The fans boo as Jazmyn puts Vaquer in, and Fallon goes up, up, and BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Vaquer survives and Fallon is shocked! Fallon argues with the ref, then she snarls at Vaquer. Fallon runs in, Vaquer dodges! SUPERKICK! Vaquer tucks the arms, but Jazmyn gets on the apron! Vaquer runs up but Jazmyn scurries away. Fallon hooks Vaquer up again, but Vaquer slips underneath!

Vaquer shoves Fallon into Jazmyn! Then roll-up, roll through, and tuck! S V B!! Cover, Vaquer wins!!

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

The Influence is shocked, but their numbers game backfired! La Primera keeps both titles, but then Jacy & Jazmyn attack! The fans boo as they and Fallon stomp Vaquer again! They set her up, but HERE COMES JORDYNNE! The Juggernaut is back, and she picks Fallon up, BOOTS Jacy, and then SMACKS Jazmyn using Fallon! Grace ELBOWS Fallon down, then LARIATS Jacy! A BACKHAND for Fallon, and the fans fire up! Grace picks up both belts, and she hands them back to Vaquer. But she kinda holds on, too… Grace lets them go, Vaquer gets fired up, but then Jaida SHOVES Grace into Vaquer!

Jaida fires hands on Grace, but Grace DECKS her in return! And then she runs up to HIP ATTACK Jaida down! Grace shows Miss Parker isn’t the only one that’s hip-notic. But then Vaquer turns Grace around so they can stare down. Grace bailed Vaquer out two times tonight, will Vaquer have to face Grace two times in one night?

We cut back to the watch party, and Ava tells Stevie Turner that this is historic. No one has pulled off two defenses in one night, but Vaquer did. Lola Vice steps up and says she wants next. Kelani Jordan says nope, not before her! She deserves her own shot at the title. Cora Jade says she wants in, but so does Izzi Dame, Karmen Petrovic, and pretty much everyone else in the room. Ava says okay, okay! She will figure this out! Just what will Mayor Ava choose for Stand & Deliver Season?

My Thoughts:

An awesome NXT, really packed for just the two hours, and with some great story intertwining. Saints VS Spears next week for the North American Championship is a touch surprising, but they laid the groundwork really well tonight. Good interview promo where Spears “interrupts” and gives Ricky that not so subtle threat. Then with that promo, they cleverly used it to make Ethan VS Chase and put Ricky on commentary. I wonder, though… Ricky’s line about Canadians hating him, was that a shot at Adam Copeland taking those cheap shots at him last year?

That aside, great match from Ethan VS Chase, but I figured Ethan would win, this keeps building anticipation for the moment Chase U returns. But also, Ricky jawing with Ethan was a good distraction for Spears to attack. It feels like Ricky is going to win, but The Culling could easily cheat him out of the title and we extend things towards Stand & Deliver. Igwe & Dupont VS Hank ‘n’ Tank was a great match, but between Wes interfering and Hank ‘n’ Tank clearly trying to do things like MCMG and not their own way, Hank ‘n’ Tank were of course losing. I believe I said this when “going extreme” like the Hardys didn’t work out that Hank ‘n’ Tank just need to find a team more their style, aka The Dudleys.

Very good promo from Tony D with The Family, with Tony’s strength as The Don being questioned by “the streets,” but also perhaps Tony questioning if Stacks is going to stay loyal this time. They teased Stacks turning on Tony way back when The D’Angelos were feuding with Gallus, but they might actually pull the trigger now. The Culling is working to replace The D’Angelos as the top faction, Tony has done almost everything in NXT, and something would be very fitting if Tony was betrayed before he can win THE NXT Championship and become the Grand Slam Champion.

Very good stuff in this Dark State story, though it’s really more the others in it, like Je’Von, Trick and Oba. Je’Von VS Lexis was a great match, but I should’ve figured Oba would cost Je’Von. Also, good promo from Fraxiom to revive their dysfunction while also segueing into Oba showing up. Trick hitting Je’Von by accident was also a good touch, and he had a good promo after. Him claiming he doesn’t care about Dark State is intriguing, too. Could Trick be working with them behind the scenes? It’d be very “CM Punk helped The Shield” of them to do in this story. Perhaps Dark State affects the NXT Championship match for that purpose.

And of course, the highlight of the night, the throughline story, is NXT’s incredible women’s division. Opening with Vaquer VS Jaida for THE NXT Women’s Championship was rather telling that Jaida would lose, but it’s a bit disappointing it had to be because of Jordynne. I get wanting to keep Jaida strong and they’re clearly planting sees of Jaida VS Jordynne there, but it doesn’t really help Vaquer. Though they also have Fatal Influence attack to put Vaquer in the underdog position with the beat up ribs. Vaquer does get to show her grit by overcoming the unofficial 3v1, but all that could’ve still happened without Jordynne costing Jaida on some level.

I also did appreciate that the watch party had a part to play. Gigi & Tatum VS Meta Girls was really good stuff, and I really like that team finisher from Gigi & Tatum. They probably won’t beat Ash & Heather By Elegance, but they can have a great showing. And all the other women wanting their shot at Vaquer’s belts, Ava can definitely give us something big in the last three weeks before Stand & Deliver. Maybe a small tournament, maybe a battle royal, it really depends on if Vaquer will defend the belts in another double header or in a Winner Takes All match.

My Score: 9/10