The countdown is over!

The year’s only just begun but NXT is raising the bar! Will Bron Breakker still be champion after facing Grayson Waller on New Year’s Evil?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Match: DIJAK VS Tony D’Angelo w/ Channing Lorenzo; Dijak wins and will challenge Wes Lee for the title at Vengeance Day.
• The Creed Brothers VS Indus Sher; No Contest.
• NXT Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Gauntlet: Gallus wins and will challenge the New Day for the titles at Vengeance Day.
• NXT Championship: Bron Breakker VS Grayson Waller; Bron wins, by count-out, and retains the title.
• Hank Walker w/ Drew Gulak VS Charlie Dempsey; Dempsey wins.
• Julius Creed VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sanga; Jinder wins.
• NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: Gigi Dolin AND Jacy Jayne win and will challenge Roxanne Perez for the title at Vengeance Day.

PLAY BY PLAY

Chase U starts a new semester!

Andre Chase welcomes Thea Hail, Duke Hudson, and all the other students to the new term, “Where everybody gets a fresh start! Even you, Barbash. Now, your homework for tonight is watch New Year’s Evil. Because outside of the protective gates of Chase U, are the mean streets of NXT, run by Tony D’Angelo. But Dijak wants to knock him off those streets. But whose form of justice will be served? Whose form of justice will be served?” Chase spooks Jeffrey for not paying attention! Chase says we’ll find out. And we’ll see if Pretty Deadly is good enough to run the gauntlet and earn an NXT Tag Team Championship rematch with The New Day.

Now what does this say? Chase points to the board. It says “Respect.” A wise man once said respect is earned, not given. So either the Creed Brothers or Indus Sher earn respect in their match tonight. Marcus says he’s looking forward to Hank Walker VS Charlie Dempsey. Gasp! Chase will pretend he didn’t just say that. Because the one he should be looking forward to is the NXT Championship match, Bron Breakker VS Grayson Waller! Duke puts his money on Breakker, he hates Australians. Isn’t he Australian? Nah, mate, he’s American.

Thea is confused but Chase tells Marcus to GTFO! They don’t need that kind of stupidity around Thea ahead of her biggest match ever: a #1 contenders battle royal for the NXT Women’s Championship! Thea says she isn’t sure of her chances. There are going to be NINETEEN other women in that match and she is only 19, they’re all way more experienced and there will be arms and legs flying everywhere! She’s really nervous. Chase says that might be true, but none of them have Thea’s heart. She’s show all of Chase U that she has more heart than anyone else in NXT! Thea can send those 19 others flying out of the ring, because Chase U believes in her!

Thea fires up and she has the confidence! LET’S EFFIN’ GO!! The whole class is fired up, but will the top recruit be on top heading further into 2023?

DIJAK VS Tony D’Angelo w/ Channing Lorenzo!

Hard Justice clashes with street justice with a golden opportunity on the line! Wes Lee is willing to give the winner their shot at his North American Championship, but it’s more than just that! Who wins here to DEFINE justice in NXT?

Wes Lee is on commentary and is looking forward to 2023 as these tow face off. Tony throws his hat at Dijak and the hands start flying! Tony backs Dijak down and clotheslines him out of the ring! Tony goes out, fires off hands, and he eggs Dijak on. Dijak smacks Tony off the apron! And shoves him into the steps! Dijak runs in but Tony dodges, so Dijak BOOTS the steps apart! Tony fires off on Dijak with hockey scrum body shots. The ref’s ring count is 5 of 10, Tony slides in, but Dijak drags him back out! Dijak CLOBBERS Tony against the apron! Dijak drags Tony up to throw him back in, but Tony DECKS Dijak at the apron!

Tony stomps away on Dijak, CLUBS him, and headlocks! Fans rally, Tony talks trash and he headlock punches! Dijak slips out to a hammerlock, and a SLEEPER! Tony picks Dijak up to RAM him into buckles! Tony runs in but Dijak ELBOWS him away! Tony CLOBBERS Dijak in return! Cover, TWO! Tony frowns but he stalks Dijak to ropes. Tony stands Dijak up, ROCKS him with hands, and he talks trash, “You know who you’re messing with?!” Dijak kicks Tony to then FLAPJACK HOTSHOT, and LARIAT! Cover, ONE!! Tony hangs tough but Dijak rains down fists! Cover, TWO! Dijak drags Tony up and fireman’s carries, but Tony throws elbows!

Tony is free, he goes to ropes, and he BOOTS Dijak! Dijak ELBOWS Tony, but Tony dodges the next one! Tony runs to clothesline Dijak and himself out of the ring! Fans fire up and both men rise. Tony drags Dijak up, CLUBS him, and throws haymakers! Dijak knees low, then he whips Tony at barriers! Stacks gets in the way to take the hit! Then Tony runs in to TACKLE Dijak! Tony says, “That’s what you get!” Fans fire up for Tony as NXT goes picture in picture.

Tony checks on Stacks but he’s okay. Tony rolls into the ring, Dijak crawls around the way, and the count is past 5 of 10! Tony gets impatient, he goes out to go after Dijak. But Dijak RAMS Tony into the post, then RAMS him into the announce desk! Tony falls, Dijak storms over and he brings Stacks up! Dijak CLUBS away on Stacks, then choke grips, for an APRON CHOKE SLAM! Dijak may have just broken Stacks’ back! Dijak grabs the handcuffs from his jacket and brings it over to clamp onto Stacks. He cuffs Stacks to the corner, then starts punching away! But Tony makes the save and fires hands on Dijak!

Dijak gets in the ring, Tony grabs a leg and drags Dijak back out! Tony CLUBS Dijak, smack shim off the desk, then puts him in the ring! But Dijak gets Tony in the ropes! DRAPING SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Tony survives and Dijak is frustrated, but Wes looks very intrigued. Dijak drags Tony away from the ropes, sits him up and clamps on a cravat! Tony endures, Dijak keeps on the hold, but Tony fights up to his feet. Tony throws body shots but Dijak throws knees! Dijak grinds Tony back down and leans on the hold. Tony fights back up as fans rally back up, but Dijak shouts at him to give up!

New Year’s Evil returns to single picture and the fans continue to rally. Stacks does his best to coach Tony and Tony fights up to throw body shots. Dijak cranks the cravat and brings Tony down again, but Tony fights back up. Tony throws body shots, Wes loves the tenacity, and Tony starts rallying! BELLY2BELLY! Fans fire up with Tony and he runs in at Dijak to clothesline against ropes! Tony whips to SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Dijak stays in this but fans continue to support Tony. Tony fisherman’s but Dijak is a lot to lift! Dijak fights free with body shots, and then wrenches out to mule kick! Front kick! And- NO, Tony ducks the elbow!

But Dijak blocks a kick! Dijak choke grips, Tony breaks free, then blocks, but the SUPERKICK comes around! Choke grip, HIGH JUSTICE!! Cover, TWO!?! Tony survives and even Wes is shocked! Fans are thunderous for Tony as he and Dijak crawl to opposite corners. “This is Awesome!” and it’s just the first match! Stacks coaches Tony, “You can kick his ass!” Stacks gets in, saying he can finish this for the boss. But Tony tells Stacks he’s not the boss, he’s family! Tony shoves Stacks out of harm’s way, only to take the CYCLONE KICK! Cover, Dijak wins!

Winner: Dijak, by pinfall

Wes stands up on the desk to let Dijak know that their title match is going down. Will the Must-See Kid face #HardJustice just like Tony D? Will he be able to survive Hard Justice?

Backstage interview with Toxic Attraction.

McKenzie Mitchell is with Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne and asks about the 20 Woman Battle Royal and their chance to go to Vengeance Day. Jacy says, “Chance? There is no chance, McKenzie. It’s a certainty. And how fitting of a name, that come Saturday, February 4th, it will be Vengeance Day for Toxic Attraction., And Roxanne is gonna pay for what she did to us!” Gigi says, “Everyone deals with pain different. Jacy screams it out, I take it out. I will have 18 other women to take it out on. In this battle royal, you will witness two caged beasts finally become unshackled and let into the wild.”

Then to address the elephant in the room- Oh, how McKenzie still has a job? No! What happens if it comes down to the two of them? Gigi says it is very simple: You will hear “Your winners, Toxic Attraction.” Umm, singles title battle royals don’t work that way… Will Toxic Attraction be in for a heartbreaking night one way or another? Or will vengeance by theirs?

The Creed Brothers VS Indus Sher!

Both sides have been itching for this showdown for months now, but Veer & Sanga were being gentlemen by waiting until both Julius & Brutus Creed were 100%. They are finally fit to fight, but will they have what it takes to stop these hungry tigers?

Wait, Sanga is entering alone? He has a mic, and he says, “Gentlemen, I have something to say.” Brutus gets a mic to shout, “Sanga, we don’t give a DAMN about what you have to say! It’s time to FIGHT!” Julius keeps Brutus back as Sanga goes to the ring. Sanga wants them to calm down. Veer is not here, but Sanga will honor this match, even if it’s 2v1. Julius gets the mic now to say, “You say this is about respect, but Veer doesn’t have enough respect to show up. We’re not gonna fight you two on one. We’re not gonna do that, that’s not-” WAIT! JINDER MAHAL attacks the Creeds from behind!! Fans are freaking out as Sanga has the Modern Day Maharaja by his side!

Sanga stomps Brutus out of the ring while Jinder drags Julius up to POST him!! Sanga then knees Brutus and TOSSES him into the steel steps! Jinder goes out to join Sanga as fans chant “JINDER! JINDER!” They mug Brutus, then Sanga CHOKE SLAMS Brutus on the steel steps! Jinder goes back to Julius in the ring, Sanga right behind him. They get Julius up for a KALLAS!! Fans are still going nuts, and Sanga gets a mic again to hand it to Jinder. “Veer and Sanga fight for respect. But I don’t.” Jinder drops the mic, and now Indus Sher is stronger than ever! Will they dominate all of NXT now that they are a trio?

Pretty Deadly talk backstage.

Kit Wilson & Elton Prince are finishing up with curling their hair, and Kit says they’re one step closer to the gold. Elton dabs a spot on Kit’s cheek, and they have 15 minutes left on the curls. But tonight’s the night! The New Day then walk in and wonder what the heck is all this! What do they mean? Well, that Creeds VS Indus Sher match just got canceled. That means the tag gauntlet is next. NEXT?! OH NO! DE-ROLL! DE-ROLL! Pretty Deadly get the rollers out and hurry to gorilla! They’re clearly not ready, and Woods was sure they always had straight hair. Will Kit & Elton have any chance of surviving to Vengeance Day?

Jinder and Sanga head backstage.

They speak in Hindi but Valentina Feroz storms over. Jinder lets them speak, and Feroz asks Sanga what he’s doing. What is this? Is this the real Sanga? Sanga says yes, it is. It is about him and his brothers now. Sanga leaves, and Elektra Lopez walks over to say Sanga is right. Sanga’s all about himself now. Maybe Feroz should be all about herself now. Especially tonight in the battle royal, where it is every woman for herself. Think about it. Lopez leaves, will Feroz find a way to finally go it alone?

NXT Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Gauntlet!

Pretty Deadly wanted this challenge, and now they’re getting it! Three top teams in NXT are lined up to go against Kit & Elton, will one of them stop the rematch at Vengeance Day? Or will Pretty Deadly say #YesBoy to going on the road?

Before the match, Kit & Elton get the mics and Kit says, “There’s no time to talk, because it’s time to fight! But before that, we’ve got a quick little thing to say.” Elton says, “The New Day don’t think we deserve those tag team championships. So we picked three of the toughest teams in the whole of NXT, and we’re gonna run the gauntlet to prove it!” Kit says they are the best tag team here! And the time for messing about is over! And so, first out is… The Rockers?! What? That’s not HBK and Marty! It’s “Flyin’ Bryan Williams” and “Slammin’ Jammin’ Jimmy Jackson!” Pretty Deadly are fake scared as this match begins. Clearly, the messing around has just begun!

Pretty Deadly VS The Rockers 2023!

The teams sort out, Elton starts against Jimmy, and he CLOBBERS Jimmy from behind! Jimmy knocks down Bryan, Elton drags Jimmy over and tags in Kit! ASSISTED GUTBUSTER! Then Kit tags Elton back in, for SPILT MILK! Cover, Pretty Deadly ELIMINATE The Rockers! Fans boo as Pretty Deadly pretends to be tired out. But wait, the New Day comes out! Kofi and Woods say no, no, they knew this would happen. But fortunately, ya bois the NEW~ DAY~, are not gonna let Pretty Deadly slide that easily. NO BOY! Pretty Deadly must beat two actual top teams in NXT. And the New Day have those teams right here!

But Kofi, wait. Who (who who who) will those teams be? First up, EDRIS ENOFE & MALIK BLADE, BABYYY~! Fans like this a lot better! Will Edris & Malik prove they can get serious?

Pretty Deadly VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe!

The bell rings, Pretty Deadly rushes in but Malik & Edris dodge to then fire off haymakers! Pretty Deadly kicks low, uppercut, but then Malik & Edris DECK Pretty Deadly! Fans fire up as Edris & Malik run, to BOOT and LEAPING LARIAT! Fans fire up as Pretty Deadly bails out. Malik & Edris then build speed, to DOUBLE TOPE CONJILO! Double direct hits at the ramp, and fans are fired up as NXT goes picture in picture!

Malik & Edris regroup in the ring, they wait on Pretty Deadly, but Elton & Kit flank the ring. Kit slides in but Malik arm-drags him down! Malik has the armlock, he grinds Kit’s elbow, then CLUBS Kit in the chest! Kit scrambles away, but Malik wrenches the arm and tags in Edris. Edris drops ax handles on the arm and Kit goes to a corner. Edris storms over, Kit kicks back but Edris fires off hands! Kit stomps a foot, bumps Edris off buckles, and runs, only to get buckles! Off comes the durag! Elton tags in, but Edris rallies on him! Tag to Malik, and they STUNNER COMPLETE SHOT COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Elton survives and Malik is snarling!

Malik drags Elton up, CLUBS him, but Elton wants mercy! Malik looks to the crowd, then he storms in, but Elton YANKS him into ropes! And then BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Tag to Kit, Pretty Deadly mugs Malik in the corner! The ref counts, Pretty Deadly lets off, and Kit brings Malik up. Malik throws hands but Kit ROCKS him back. Malik ROCKS Kit back! And again! Kit kicks low, brings him around, and UPPERCUTS! And again! And again! Malik falls and Kit talks trash. Kit kicks Malik around, stomps him to ropes, then drags him up to wrench. Tag to Elton, Pretty Deadly mugs Malik, then double CLUB to then stomp both hands!

Pretty Deadly taunt Malik with double Scott Hall fingers, and then Elton whips Malik to ropes. Elton CLOBBERS Malik, stomps him around, then drags him up. Malik throws body shots in return! Elton CLUBS Malik again, and again, but Malik throws more shots. Malik CHOPS Elton, ROCKS him with a right, but Elton knees low! Elton whips Malik to a corner, Malik stops himself, but heads collide as NXT returns to single picture! Fans rally as both men are down! Elton flops out of the ring while Malik crawls. Kit hurries to put Elton back in, and Elton crawls after Malik. Elton grabs a foot, drags Malik back, but Malik BOOTS Elton away!

Hot tags to Edris and Kit! Edris rallies on Kit, ducks ‘n’ dodges and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up and Elton runs in, into a SPINEBUSTER! Edris fires up, aims from a corner, and he runs in to KNEE Kit down! Cover, TWO!! Kit survives but Edris keeps his focus. Edris shows off the abs and he fireman’s carries Kit. Kit slips off, waistlocks, tag to Elton! Edris ROCKS Elton but Kit JAWBREAKERS! Elton spins Edris around, ASSISTED GUTBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Edris survives and Elton is beside himself. Fans rally up but Elton calms himself down. Elton drags Edris up, ROCKS him, and hoists him up top.

Fans rally for Edris but Elton finishes positioning Edris. Elton throws hands, climbs up, but Edris throws body shots! Elton drops down, Malik sneaks a tag! Elton ROCKS Edris, goes up top, but Malik is on the other corner. Elton SUPERPLEXES Edris, but Malik FROG SPLASHES Elton!! Cover, TWO!?!? Elton survives and Malik can’t believe it! Fans argue the count on Malik’s behalf but he and Edris regroup. Malik tags Edris, runs to BLAST Kit, and then Edris fireman’s carries Elton. NECKBREAKER SAMOAN DROP! Cover, Kit breaks it! Kit hurries away but Malik TACKLES him out of the ring!

Edris and Elton stand, Elton suplexes but Edris turns it to a cradle! But Kit tips it! Elton has it, Pretty Deadly ELIMINATES Malik & Edris!! New Day returns to commend Pretty Deadly on that one. Heck of a match. However, this second tag team is both rough ‘n’ tough, and New Day know from experience. Give it up for Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen!! The Country Boys have faced New Day, they’ve faced Pretty Deadly, but wait! Someone’s attacked them backstage?! Who did this?! There are chairs all over the place, too! But wait! GALLUS IS HERE!!! Pretty Deadly are freaking out as Mark Coffey & Wolfgang take this one!

Pretty Deadly VS Gallus!

The bell rings and another brawl is on! Mark and Wolfgang have the edge, they TOSS Kit & Elton out, and then Wolfgang SMACKS Elton off the announce desk! Booker T can’t even but the fans are fired up for Gallus! Mark ROCKS Kit while Wolfgang pinballs Elton around! APRON BACK SUPLEX for Kit! Wolfgang ROCKS Elton, puts him in the ring, and Mark is there to HALF NELSON SLAM! “GALLUS BOYS ON TOP!” Fans fire up for Gallus but Elton UPPERCUTS back! Tag to Kit, he picks Mark up but Mark CLUBS Kit down! Mark CLOBBERS Elton, BOOTS Kit, and tags Wolfgang! Wolfgang scoops, ENZIGURI POWERSLAM! Cover, GALLUS WINS!

Winners: Gallus, by pinfall

So then, no more suspension, and now Gallus stands on top! It wasn’t really the deal, but will Markus & Wolfie be the ones meeting The New Day at Vengeance Day? New Day seems up for that!

Julius Creed & Ivy Nile storm out of medical.

Ivy stops Julius and says Brutus will be okay. Will Julius be good? NO, he’s not! He is sick and tired of getting jumped! Time to send a message! Julius doesn’t care if Jinder’s a former WWE Champion or that he’s back in NXT, Julius wants to knock Jinder’s teeth out! Ivy wants Julius to stop already! When are they gonna learn!? They gotta move on! Julius asks Ivy what’s not clicking with her! There’s no moving on from this! Ivy needs to get ready for the battle royal, and Julius has to go ask management for this match. The two storm off in different directions, but will anything go right for Diamond Mine?

Carmelo Hayes is at the diner.

Melo mocks Apollo’s journaling as he narrates. “When it comes to the NXT title, Apollo Crews thought he had sniper vision. But last week, he truly saw that I am the past, the present, and the future. I am beyond the reach of everyone. I am Him.” Trick Williams ends up in Melo’s head, saying, “Can’t nobody see past Trick Melo Gang. We chiseled out of marble, about to reach legend status, while taking your girl out for a steak dinner. All at the same time.” Trick, the hell are you doing wearing a lucha mask? He doesn’t know, he can barely see anything in this! What? Stop ruining Melo’s train of thought and take the mask off! You look ridiculous!

Trick takes it off, throws it aside, and sits back down. How does Axiom see anything in those? Melo doesn’t know and he doesn’t care. Speaking of blinded, Apollo isn’t seeing the NXT title any time soon. Apollo can write in a diary and look out the window, but that title doesn’t have “Apollo” written on it. It has “Carmelo” on it. Trick says Melo doesn’t need to write it down, he just needs to speak it into existence. That’s all it is, and that’s all it’s gonna be. They toast and drink their coffee. But will they be saying cheers to Melo becoming THE Champion in the near future?

The ball is dropping!

Sure, it’s the tenth of January, but as Booker T calls it, this is the after party! The lights go down, lasers and sparkles shine, and out walks… TIFFANY STRATTON!? Of course Daddy’s Little Rich Girl would hyper herself up this much. Tiffany gets the mic and there are fans chanting, “Welcome Back!” Tiffany asks, “How badly did you guys miss me? I know you all totally probably missed me so much, it’s not even funny.” Tiffany says every single woman in the locker room is sweating “like a disgusting pig” because NXT’s biggest star is back! And Tiffany can’t blame them. She’s a revelation. In her first nine months of being here, she picked up this business better than any woman ever has.

And in the past five months, she’s watched every single woman fail miserably at trying to replace her. No one has her shine, her skills, or her style. “And now 2023 can officially begin, because the Center of the Universe is back.” Tiffany smiles and blows kisses, but will she truly be THE star of NXT in 2023?

NXT Media catches up with Tiffany Stratton.

Tiffany’s about to leave but they want to ask her something. She says NO, then pie faces the camera away. So Tiffany isn’t participating in the battle royal. Will she just wait on the other side of Vengeance Day to go after the champion then?

NXT Championship: Bron Breakker VS Grayson Waller!

The Big Booty Nephew has been able to break through many obstacles, but the 21st Century Success Story has been able to get the better of him in the past. Will Bron be the one to break here tonight? Or will Bron be immune to the Grayson Waller Effect?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if there will be a new champion in the new year!

The bell rings and fans are actually dueling! Waller and Bron circle, tie up, and go around. Bron shoves Waller away, but Waller keeps cool. They circle, tie up again, and Bron powers Waller back. Waller slips away this time, and he talks trash. Waller SLAPS Bron and says this is HIS house. Bron chases Waller out of the ring! And around it, and then back into it! Bron avoids the elbow drop, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Waller! Bron drags Waller up to suplex! Bron marches around with Waller before the SLAM! Bron kips up and then STANDING MOONSAULTS! Waller sputters, scrambles to ropes, but Bron shows slap!

Waller runs away, Bron barks at him! Waller swings but Bron counter punches! Bron throws haymakers, runs in but Waller BOOTS him! Waller runs but into a scoop! But Waller makes that a tilt-o-whirl DDT! Fans are torn, Waller facelocks to grind Bron down. Bron endures, fights up, and he picks Waller up, but Waller shifts to a cravat! Waller throws shoulders and knees into Bron, then brings Bron in for a GUILLOTINE! Bron is caught in the body scissors but he powers up! Bron reaches, powers things into a SUPLEX, but Waller fights free to BACK suplex! Cover, TWO! Bron is still in this, but Waller shows off with push-ups.

Waller waits on Bron to sit up, and he JABS him! Bron shakes that off and Waller is stunned. Waller swings, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Waller flounders up, into another OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Bron didn’t even have to fall for that one! Bron whips Waller into buckles, and then scoops him for a SLAM! Fans bark it up and Bron drags Waller up. Bron throws hands, whips corner to corner, but Waller reverses and Bron hits buckles hard! Waller then RAMS Bron into the buckle, and it pops loose!! The fans are shocked and the ref checks Bron while NXT goes picture in picture.

Waller grins as the ring crew hurries to put the second rope back together. But then Waller uses the rope to CHOKE Bron! The ref reprimands, Waller lets off, and he paces as Bron sputters. Waller drags Bron up, suplexes, and clamps on a chinlock. Fans rally, Bron endures, and the second rope is almost back as Bron hits a JAWBREAKER! Waller tumbles out of the ring! Probably because there was no rope to stop him… Bron goes out after Waller, ROCKS him with a haymaker, and then RAMS him into barriers. Waller clutches his side but Bron hobbles a bit. Bron goes back for Waller but Waller dropkicks his leg out!

Bron crawls away while clutching his knee, but Waller smacks him off the apron! Waller gets in the ring but Bron drags himself in. Waller fires off knees and sends Bron back out. Waller goes to the apron, leaps, but into Bron’s clinch! Waller fights free with elbows, and then he brings Bron around, only for Bron to send Waller back into barriers! Both men are down, the rope is finally secured, and they both head for the ring. Waller slides in first, Bron follows, and Bron swings, but Waller spins him around into a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Waller is annoyed and he throws off the elbow pads.

Bron crawls, Waller stalks him, and Waller brings Bron up. Bron throws body shots, then haymakers! Waller runs in to knee low! Waller reels Bron in, DDT! Cover, TWO! Bron is hanging tough, it’s how he’s lasted 282 days as champion. Waller pushes Bron around, drops elbows on him, then kicks him around to drop more elbows. Waller talks trash, then he grabs a leg for a HALF CRAB! New Year’s Evil returns to single picture as Bron endures and fans duel again. Bron fights up, turns over, and he grabs an arm to drag Waller down! FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Waller flails to get the ROPEBREAK! Bron lets go and fans continue to duel.

Waller throws hands on Bron but Bron gives him a forearm! Waller ROCKS Bron in return, but Bron ROCKS Waller! Fans rally and duel as the shots go back and forth! Bron eggs Waller on so Waller fires off forearms! Bron fires off haymakers! Bron ducks the elbow but the BLINDSIDE LARIAT takes him down! Waller flexes, then drags Bron around. Waller barks, and he mocks Scott Steiner! He drags Bron into the STEINER RECLINER!! But Bron is just pissed! Bron stands right up with Waller on his back! Bron THROWS Waller away, then runs to rally with big shoulders! Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges, and catches Waller for the SPINEBUSTER!

Fans fire up, Bron goes to the corner and climbs up carefully. Waller stands, for the FLYING BULLDOG! The straps come down and Bron roars! Waller flounders, Bron aims from a corner, and Bron runs in, but Waller runs out of the ring! Bron storms over but Waller HOTSHOTS him! Waller somersaults, but Bron is ready! WAIT, KNEE!?! Waller suckered Bron in!! Cover, TWO!!! Bron survives Waller’s change-up and fans can’t believe it! Waller is fuming, and he goes to a corner. Waller tests the middle rope as he walks out onto it, but it breaks again!! Waller falls right to the floor!! The ref starts a ring count and fans boo as Waller is victim of karma!

Waller staggers up, he flops back down, he’s counted out! BRON WINS!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by count-out (still NXT Champion)

Bron realizes what happened and is just as disappointed as the fans! Bron still has the title, but will he give Waller a second chance?

Backstage interview with Roxanne Perez.

McKenzie is with the NXT Women’s Champion and brings up the battle royal to determine her first challenger. Is Roxie rooting for anyone in particular? Roxie says that’s a tough one. She’ll go with Cora jade. Wait, seriously? No~! Hah! Anyone BUT Cora would be good. But jokes aside, this opportunity is huge. This is to go to Vengeance Day, NXT’s first standalone premium event on the road in three whole YEARS. And the roster is deep, Roxie could see Indi winning, Zoey winning, Alba Fyre winning, or- Any concern about Toxic Attraction given they’ve sworn revenge? Well, yeah. They’re definitely threats. Gigi & Jacy dominated the Women’s Tag Division for two years!

But Roxie says it is 20 women and only one can win. She can’t wait to watch! Who will we see defy the odds to take on the Prodigy in Charlotte?

Apollo Crews watches Melo’s promo.

But Axiom walks in to ask how he is. Apollo’s good. Axiom thanks Apollo for the save, and Apollo says of course, he has Axiom’s back. But Apollo just has to say, Trick & Melo just run their mouths way too much. They’ve got another thing coming. They both know how Trick & Melo are, they will never let Apollo hear the end of it when it comes to losing that match. Apollo can’t let this be a one-and-done! He can’t let it end here! Axiom calms Apollo down, and says Apollo can’t let Trick & Melo get to him. Axiom gets it, too, he beat Trick last week and yet Trick is still the most annoying person on Earth!

But Axiom doesn’t have to tell Apollo how he feels, it’s written all over his face. Right… But Axiom is a numbers guy, and since there’s two of them, and two of Trick & Melo… Oh, okay, Axiom sees what Apollo is saying. So is he in? Oh, he’s in. Then they’ll go make some calls. Will this dynamic duo be just the thing to take down Trick Melo Gang?

Hank Walker w/ Drew Gulak VS Charlie Dempsey!

The Blue Collar Brawler has been learning from the Philly Stretcher, but he’s also been getting mixed messages on how to handle things in the ring. However Walker chooses to fight this fight, will he be able to even survive the Son of the Gentleman Villain? Or will Dempsey break Walker’s spirit along with his bones?

The bell rings and the two circle. They feel out the grapple, tie up and Hank powers Dempsey to ropes. The ref counts, Dempsey turns things around, and Dempsey lets off with a body shot! Dempsey whips Hank to a corner, run sin but Hank BOOTS hiM! Hank storms up to spin, scoop and SHOULDER BREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Dempsey hurries up and Gulak cheers Hank on. Dempsey kicks low, puts Hank in the ropes, and he CHOKES Hank! The ref counts, Hank pushes Dempsey away, but Dempsey HOTSHOTS Hank! The ref reprimands but Dempsey storms up to bring Hank around.,Hank picks Dempsey up to RAM him out of the ring!

Gulak is there to coach Hank and Hank stands Dempsey up for a haymaker! Hank puts Dempsey in the ring, hurries in, but Dempsey BOOTS Hank in the ropes! Hank stumbles to the apron, and Dempsey has a ROPE ASSIST CRAVAT! Dempsey lets go as the ref counts, and then Dempsey BOOTS Hank down! Hank drags himself up, crawls into the ring and Gulak coaches him, only for Dempsey to stomp Hank! Dempsey drags Hank up, Hank shoves Dempsey away, then Hank BOOTS Dempsey! Dempsey blocks the next boot to BRIDGING DRAGON SCREW! And HEEL HOOK! Hank throws haymakers but Dempsey SLAPS him down!

Dempsey clamps onto the arms and he has the DEEP BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH! Hank endures, crawls forward, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Dempsey lets go but he storms back up. Hank BOOTS Dempsey, hurires to his feet, but Dempsye kicks a leg out! Dempey UPPERCUTS Hank, chinlocks and CLUBS him, then drags Hank back up. Dempsey HOTSHOTS Hank again, then reels him in for a clinch. But Hank arm-drags free! ARMBAR!! Dempsey flails, claws at the legs, crawls his way over, but GUlakt ells Hank to drag him back! Hank does as told, and he pulls on the ARMBAR!! Dempsey endures, bridges, rolls, and escapes!

Dempsey CLUBS away on Hank, crossface forearms him, then has the leg again. Hank resists but Dempsey gets the BOW ‘N’ ARROW!! Hank endures, crawls, but Dempsey clamps his hands together!! Hank fights, but Dempsey rolls him!! HANDS CLASPED! Hank taps!! Dempsey wins!!

Winner: Charlie Dempsey, by submission

Hank couldn’t tough it out, Dempsey takes the win! Gulak is disappointed but he encourages his student that he’ll get better. With as close as Hank came this time, is there hope for him yet?

Sol Ruca finishes her workout.

The Sol Surfer does her handstand push-ups, and then Alba Fyre walks over. Fyre says she was just thinking. They never did have that 1v1 match. Sol is bummed about that, too. Fyre says she owes Sol that match. Now that Isla Dawn is out of the way- No, Fyre doesn’t owe Sol anything. Plus, the battle royal is tonight. Does Sol want the match or not!? Fyre is giving Sol an opportunity here. Okay, Sol will take Fyre up on the match. Fyre says good, but then realizes how aggressive she was being. She will see Sol later on. Sol says that’s fine by her. Fyre heads out, is she alright? Or was there more to what Dawn was saying about that inner darkness?

Tyler Bate is on his way back!

The NXT UK Triple Crown Winner may have lost the UK title to Bron Breakker, but he has refocused, rested, and reflected. The Big Strong Boy is ready for new challenges, and to settle some scores. Will Tyler Bate return to the top of the mountain in the new year?

NXT_Anonymous shares another video.

They’re now watching as Scrypts leaves a message for Oro Mensah! NXT Anonymous says that even when you don’t see them, they have eyes and ears everywhere. Oro responded on Twitter about people creeping around his stuff, but should all of NXT be concerned about this cyber spy?

Julius Creed VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sanga!

What was meant to be a tag team grudge match turned into a blindside from a returning Modern Day Maharaja! Will Julius defend the honor of the Diamond Mine? Or will Jinder not be hindered now that he’s back again?

But as Julius makes his entrance, he rushes right at Jinder! The bell rings as Julius hits a SPINEBUSTER! Julius gives Jinder ground ‘n’ pound but Jinder scrambles to ropes. The ref has Julius back off, and Jinder resets. Julius blocks a kick to RAM Jinder into the corner! Julius RAMS into Jinder more and more, fires off hands, but lets off as the ref counts. Jinder kicks low, ROCKS Julius, and he whips Julius, only for Julius to reverse! SPINEBUSTER! Julius rains down more fists, then brings Jinder up to POST him! Fans duel but Julius POSTS Jinder in the other corner! Jinder staggers, and Julius clotheslines him out of the ring!

Julius talks trash as NXT goes picture in picture. Julius then goes out to fetch Jinder but Jinder kicks low! Jinder bumps Julius off the apron, ROCKS him with a right hand, but Julius blocks the steel step bump! Julius bumps Jinder off the steps, then puts him in the ring. Julius slides in, but Jinder CLOBBERS him! Jinder stomps Juilus, digs his knee in, but lets off as the ref counts. Juilus sputters, Jinder puts him through ropes and bends him back! The ref counts, Jinder lets off, but then bends Julius back again! The ref reprimands, Jinder CLUBS Julius down, and Jinder kicks Julius to the ropes.

Jinder drags Julius up, reels him in, but Julius blocks the suplex! Julius suplexes Jinder up and over! Both men are down, Sanga looks a little worried, and Julius runs up to KICK Jinder in the side! Julius fires off hands, Jinder uses the ropes for defense, but Julius just grab a leg! Julius drags Jinder from the corner, trips and SLAMS him, then covers, TWO! Julius drops an elbow, then another. Jinder staggers up but Julius storms up on him in a corner. Julius whips Jinder corner to corner, runs in, but Jinder dodges! Jinder CLOBBERS Julius! Jinder drags Julius up, whips him to ropes, but Julius reverses to DROPKICK him down!

Jinder crawls to the apron but Julius crawls after him. Julius fires off haymakers, Jinder wobbles, and Julius bumps him off buckles. Julius drags Jinder up to the top rope, but Jinder fires body shots! Jinder shoves Julius away, but Julius returns to ROCK Jinder! Julius climbs up to the very top, New Year’s Evil returns to single picture as Jinder shoves Julius away. Julius rolls, stands back up, and springs right up top! SUPERPLEX!! Both men are down and fans fire up! Julius crawls to the cover, TWO!! Jinder is still in this, he crawls to a corner, but Julius runs in to RAM into Jinder! And again! And again!

The ref counts, Julius lets off, but Jinder throat chops! Jinder headlocks, Julius powers out, but Jinder holds ropes. Julius runs in, to get a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! And then a BOOT! Jinder grins and covers, TWO! Jinder looms over Julius, clamps on a chinlock, and then he puts Julius on the ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Jinder lets off, and then Jinder drops springboard knees! And again, and again! Jinder digs his knee in, the ref counts, but Jinder lets off at 4. Jinder grins and fans rally up as he sits Julius up. Jinder throws crossface forearms, then big forearms to Julius’ face. Fans rally, Jinder stands Julius up but Julius counter punches!

Julius kicks, whips, but Jinder reverses. Julius KICKS back, runs, but into a JUMP KNEE! Cover, TWO! Julius is hanging tough but Jinder stomps him down. Jinder JAMS his knee into Julius, throws down an elbow, then clamps on a half nelson chinbar. Julius endures, fans rally up, and Julius fights up to his feet. Julius pries the chinbar away, then the half nelson, but Jinder knees low! Jinder CLUBS Julius, puts him in the corner, and runs in, but into a clinch! Julius hits an EXPLODER! Fans fire up as both men are down. Jinder and Julius crawl to opposite ends, slowly rise, and then storm in!

Julius throws a haymaker, dodges Jinder’s, and then CLOBBERS Jinder! Julius scoops for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Julius and Jinder rise again, Julius shoots in but Jinder holds off the fireman’s carry. Jinder rains down elbow after elbow, but Julius still fireman’s carries! ROLLING SPINEBUSTER! Julius fires up, throws off his elbow pad, and then goes up top! But Sanga distracts from the apron! The ref reprimands, Sanga steps down, but Jinder avoids the shooting star! Julius hobbles, into the CRESCENT KICK! And then, KALLAS!! Cover, Jinder wins!

Winner: Jinder Mahal, by pinfall

The Modern Day Maharaja is not only back, he’s back in rare form with this win! Will the brotherhood of Indus Sher be unstoppable now?

Kiana James checks in on Brooks Jensen.

Fallon Henley is also there to check on him and Briggs, and Kiana asks why Gallus would do this to them. Briggs says it’s because Gallus are SOBs! And the Pub Rules Match last September. Weren’t they suspended? Yeah! Well, that’s clearly over. Yeah. But now, the ladies have the battle royal. Fallon assures the boys, she and Kiana will handle this. Yeah. But it ain’t as fun when you can’t see the action coming right at you. The medic asks where Briggs wants the ice pack, but Briggs says he’s good. Just look at Brooks! He got beat up left, right and all over. Fallon is looking, but she doesn’t like what she’s seeing in Kiana fawning all over him.

Fallon heads out, Briggs wishes her luck. Jensen tells Kiana to go, too, and also wishes her luck. Will either Kiana or Fallon be the one to move on to Vengeance Day? Or will they have about as much luck tonight as Briggs & Jensen?

The Fourth Dimensional Superstar is on her way!

Time and space mean nothing to Stevie Turner! She was just getting going in NXT UK, and now she’s watching her own highlight reel? Stevie says she’s the best! And she is live as a streamer! She says hi to chat, and her channel is up and running. If you remember who she is from NXT UK, thanks in advance for the views. And if not, she’s “your resident data collector,” and she will be giving you the details on everything that is the life of Stevie Turner. She’s traveled across the ocean to bring the world… herself! And remember, she is always two levels above and two steps ahead. Her stream is offline, but when will she hit the ring again?

NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal!

It’s actually easier to see who is NOT in this match tonight. Cora Jade, Indi Hartwell, Zoey Stark, Nikkita Lyons and pretty much every name you can think of is fighting for that golden ticket. Who will be the one to rise up and head for Vengeance Day?

NXT returns, the rest of the competitors have arrived, with Zoey Stark the last to arrive. The bell rings, and it’s chaos! Cora goes after Lyra Valkyria, but Lyra whips and TOSSES Cora right out!! Lyra ELIMINATES Cora!!! Roxie already gets her wish! Cora is freaking out, the fans are loving it, and Lyra goes after Ivy Nile! Tatum brawls with Kiana, Kiana blocks a kick and she flips Tatum out to the apron. Kiana shoulders into Tatum, POSTS her, and Tatum falls! Kiana ELIMINATES Tatum, and then mocks her with “Boo-hoo!” Sol goes after Valentina Feroz but Feroz is a slippery one. Fallon holds onto ropes with her legs to stay off the floor!

Despite their past, Kiana actually pulls Fallon in! They’re both a bit confused, but then go off to brawl with other superstars. Kiana is after Lyra, Fallon is after Wendy Choo. Amari Miller KICKS and CHOPS Lash Legend! That had some stank to it! Lash is upset, she choke grips Amari, and then SHOVES Amari out to ELIMINATE her! Lash says “Bye bye!” to Amari before going after Feroz. Toxic Attraction toss Sol but she handstands to avoid elimination! Fans fire up as Sol steps on one foot, then pushes herself back up to keep going! Toxic Attraction goes after whoever else they can find, and Sol gets to the apron!

Sol hooks her feet, sits up, and she skins the cat! Fans fire up for Sol pulling off a Kofi Kingston worthy move! Sol CLUBS Jacy, ROCKS her, Feroz and Lopez work together to stave off Ivy Nile. But then Thea rushes in to TOSS and ELIMINATE Feroz! For the U! Thea then goes after Ivy while Lyons CLUBS Fallon. Lash picks up Arianna Grace, but Grace fights free of the bomb! Indi shoves Grace aside, but Lash whips Indi. Indi holds ropes, ducks the boot, and dumps Lash to the apron! Lash ROCKS Indi, but Indi BOOTS Lash and ELIMINATES her! Kiana dodges Lyra, stomps her in a corner, but Lyra headscissors her out to ELIMINATE her!

Kiana staggers into Lash and Lash gets mad at her. Kiana says it wasn’t even her fault, but then Stark lifts Grace to TOSS her onto them both! Stark ELIMINATES Grace as she bowls Lash and Kiana over! Lyra rushes Stark, blocks a kick, and then RVD WHEEL KICKS her! Fans sing, “OH~ Zoey is Angry~!” as Lyra runs up to clothesline Stark against ropes! Stark doesn’t go up or out so Lyra KICKS her! Fyre is after Fallon, Lyra stomps Stark, and Lyons helps out! But wait, Cora is back?! Cora is pissed, she runs at Lyra, but Lyra dumps her right back out! Does that count as a second elimination? Cora is upset again either way!

The refs tell Cora to leave while she’s shouting at Lyra. NXT goes picture in picture as #GenerationJade throws her tantrum all the way to the back. Lyra stomps Stark, Lyons is after Jacy but Gigi has Sol by the ear. Ivy helps Lyra drag Stark out of the way but Stark RAMS Ivy into the corner. Fyre is still after Fallon, Indi and Thea grapple on one end, and Wendy’s in the mix there somewhere. Fallon ROCKS Fyre, blocks a superkick, but Fyre spins Fallon around to hang her out to dry! Fallon HOTSHOTS Fyre, but Fyre mule kicks Fallon off the apron! Fyre ELIMINATES Fallon! Sol CLUBS Gigi, Stark throws Lyra up and out!

Lyra holds onto the ropes and rests on the apron, but Stark and Ivy stomp her! They kick at her but she clings to the ropes. Thea fires up as she has Jacy down, and she stomps it out! C! H! A! S! E! U! What’s that spell? CHASE U!! But then Lopez TOSSE and ELIMINATES Thea! La Madrina taunts the college student while Sol gut wrenches Lyra. Lyra fights that off, trips Sol, and then stomps her down. Wendy gives Indi and Gigi some stomps, Lopez stomps Ivy, and Fyre is after Jacy. Lopez runs in at the corner but only gets buckles! Ivy has Jacy in the DIAMOND DRAGON, but Gigi DECKS her and ELIMINATES her!

New Year’s Evil returns to single picture as fans boo, but Indi picks Gigi up! Gigi headscissors and Jacy helps out, Toxic Attraction ELIMINATES Indi! Toxic Attraction laughs at Indi while Lopez brawls with Lyons. Fyre and Wendy both go after Stark while Sol CLUBS Lyra. Toxic Attraction work together on Fyre, dig their boots in, and Stark dumps Wendy out. Wendy stays on the apron, Sol dumps Lyra out there but Lyra HOTSHOTS her back. Lyons CLUBS Lopez, Wendy HOTSHOTS Stark, and Lyra gets back in safe. Lyons scoops Lopez but Lopez slips out to the apron. Lopez throws hands, but Lyons SOBATS Lopez down to ELIMINATE her!

Sol goes after Lyons now, Stark ROCKS Wendy! Stark SLAPS Wendy’s hands off the ropes, and Wendy lands on both feet! But on her body pillow! Wendy is safe, but Lopez YANKS the pillow out! Lopez ELIMINATES Wendy! Stark gives a thumbs up for the assist, but then turns around into hands from Lyons! Lyra is the odd one out as Gigi has Fyre and Jacy has Sol. Lyons swings a kick but Stark gets under! Stark clotheslines Lyons up and out and ELIMINATES her! Fans boo but the Hunter just took out her prey! But Sol is there to TOSS Stark out and ELIMINATE her!! Fans love it and now Stark really is angry!

Solo CLOBBERS Jacy, DROPKICKS Gigi, and fires up! Fyre kicks Sol low, whips her, but Sol reverses. Fyre ends up in the corner, Sol runs and handsprings in, but into a SUPERKICK! Lyra stomps Gigi while Fyre drags Sol up to TOSS and ELIMINATE her! And now we have our final four! Fyre, Lyra, Gigi & Jacy! But we know two of those are going to work together against the other two. Fans are torn between Toxic Attraction and not Toxic Attraction, and those are the battle lines drawn. Jacy brawls with Fyre and Gigi brawls with Lyra! Jacy knees low, whips Fyre up and out, but Fyre holds on! Jacy & Gigi mug Lyra but Fyre slides in safe.

Toxic Attraction double whip Lyra but Lyra DOUBLE SHOTGUNS them down! Lyra kips up, fires up, and fires off kick after kick on Jacy! AX KICK! Gigi runs in, Lyra dodges to ENZIGURI! Fyre storms in but Lyra gets around to headbutt low! Fyre goes to a corner, she dodges Lyra but Lyra headscissors! Lyra drags Fyre up and over! They’re both on the apron, Fyre tries to German Suplex! Lyra holds ropes, powers up, and she elbows Fyre away. They’re both still on the apron, Toxic Attraction rushes in! But Lyra and Fyre both shoulder those two away! Fyre slips in, elbows Gigi and BOOTS Jacy, but Lyra headscissors her up and out! Lyra ELIMINATES Fyre!!

But now Lyra is all alone with Toxic Attraction! And CORA returns again?!? Lyra avoids the sweep, but then Toxic Attraction BLAST Lyra off the apron! Gigi & Jacy ELIMINATE Lyra!! And Cora laughs right in Lyra’s face! Lyra scowls, and she fires off on Cora! They brawl, Cora knees low, refs reprimands, but Gigi & Jacy celebrate! They say they’re both winners, but that’s NOT how battle royals work!! Jacy & Gigi look to each other, and Jacy is going to give Gigi the win? Gigi says no, it should be Jacy, but Jacy goes to the ropes. Jacy then SUPERKICKS Gigi!! Jacy TOSSES Gigi, Gigi holds on, but Jacy runs in! Gigi begs Jacy but Jacy throws down fists!

Jacy kicks, Gigi punches back! Fans are on Team Gigi as she bumps Jacy off buckles! Gigi tosses Jacy up and over, but Jacy lands safe! They’re both on the apron, opposite sides of the corner, and Gigi climbs up. Jacy GAMANGIRIS! Gigi wobbles, Jacy climbs up, and she shrugs. Jacy wants to suplex!? Gigi fights that off, CLUBS Jacy, and they brawl up top! Fans rally as the forearms go back and forth! Gigi ROCKS Jacy, gets the edge, but Jacy sits back up. Jacy and Gigi have wild looks in their eyes, HEADBUTT AND FOREARM COLLIDE!! They both fall, and they both hit the floor!!! Each ref says they saw the other first, so who wins?!?!

Fans have no idea what to make of this, all the refs discuss this, and replay is brought in, too. After looking back at the tape, including a special ceiling cam, the refs come to a decision. Gigi and Jacy are both brought back into the ring, because it’s a DRAW!!

Winners: Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne (NEW #1 Contenders to the NXT Women’s Championship)

It’s just as they said! Gigi & Jacy both get to win and they both get to go to Vengeance Day! Roxie appears and she holds up the belt. Roxie’s up for a Triple Threat, but is she biting off more than she can chew for her very first defense?

HBK has a meeting with Bron Breakker and Grayson Waller.

Shawn Michaels says what happened tonight is not how anyone wants a title match to come to an end. He wants there to be a definitive winner between them. Bron says so does he. Waller says that’s finally something they can agree on. Waller had Bron beat tonight, the title was going to be his! Bron gets heated but HBK stops them from fighting here. They all settle down, and HBK says there will be a decisive winner. On Saturday, February 4th, Vengeance Day, the title will be defended… in a STEEL CAGE MATCH!

Waller and Bron are all fired up again! Waller’s ready to be locked in with the dog, and he vows to get that title! But will Waller have his vengeance? Or will this dog have his day as NXT returns to the road?

My Thoughts:

This was, and yet also wasn’t, a really good night for NXT. For one, the NXT Championship match not being the main event should’ve told us all that something wonky was going to happen. As such, it’s actually hilarious how the second rope broke loose before the moment it was meant to. You could tell that was the case looking at how Waller reacted. But at the same time, it breaking the first time did help make the second and intended time more believable. However, that was a rather garbage way to protect Bron and extend this to Vengeance Day.

That combined with Melo & Trick taking a detour to face Apollo & Axiom as a tag team, it’s a shame that we won’t get a new champion for NXT’s first major event back on the road, unless Waller wins the rematch. A cage match does allow you to win without pinning or submitting the opponent, Waller can win by basically running away. I will say, good promo from Apollo and Axiom to set up the tag match, and I really liked Melo copying Apollo’s diner promo. Trick was ridiculous, though, for saying he couldn’t see in that lucha mask when those had classic eye holes, which were honestly bigger eye holes than most.

Another thing that was a bit off was that they didn’t outright call Dijak VS Tony and the Tag Gauntlet match traditional contenders matches. I ended up putting that in myself, but it just feels like that’s what should happen. Dijak won, Wes promised the winner their shot, Wes VS Dijak is a given. Pretty Deadly was hilarious in their promo with New Day, and I should’ve known when Pretty Deadly said they found teams that there were going to be joke teams coming out. I do like that HBK gave himself a shoutout by naming that jobber team “The Rockers,” he kinda poked fun at himself with Pretty Deadly going over that team.

Malik & Edris had a great showing even though they lost, and Gallus making a return here was awesome. I would love New Day VS Gallus at Vengeance Day, that should really be the match we get. Also, I like that Gallus is just the first of more NXT UK returns. Tyler Bate coming back is great timing, I hope he gets in on the top title conversation come WrestleMania Weekend with Stand & Deliver. Stevie Turner coming back is great, her being converted into a Twitch streamer isn’t. I suppose she really didn’t have a gimmick in NXT UK other than claiming she’s four-dimensional, but seeing through time and space is Apollo’s thing so she had to have something.

NXT_Anonymous keeps us guessing, at least, as now it was a male voice watching a male superstar (it was Reggie) plant the Scrypts card in Oro’s bags. Oro VS Scrypts would be some great stuff as far as in-ring, who knows who wins that one. Walker VS Dempsey was good stuff, and Walker got to look great, but I figured Dempsey was going to win. Gulak let this one slide, but I bet another loss will upset Gulak, and eventually Gulak faces Hank to see if Hank can really hang or not. And win or lose, I bet Gulak still turns on Hank and sides with Dempsey. The Creeds VS Indus Sher not happening was a rather confusing move, but I do like that Jinder is back.

Jinder looked great, and even with Sanga helping him get that win, it just makes sense that Jinder would win as the more experienced pro-wrestler. And now, we’re surely getting Creeds VS Indus Sher at Vengeance Day to really up things like with Bron VS Waller. Tiffany Stratton being the countdown person was a bit of a Dan Matha, but whatever, she had to return at some point. I kinda wish they’d blended the reveal with the battle royal, but then a loss in the battle royal would hurt her return, I guess. Good promos from Fyre and Sol to set up a rematch and tease more of Fyre’s Heel turn, as well as from Fallon and Kiana checking in on the guys.

The battle royal was great stuff, especially Cora being eliminated so quickly. That was great mostly because of the shock factor, but I should’ve expected Cora to be petty and go after Lyra multiple times. Lyra can definitely get good momentum off a feud with Cora, as I’m sure Lyra wins out in the end. And mainly, that was a brilliant way to give us two winners of a battle royal. Even if they can’t mention Mandy Rose, this is a fitting way for Toxic Attraction to go after Roxie without it being the usual outside interference attempt. That said, Roxie can find a way to pit Gigi and Jacy against each other and win out, as I don’t see Jacy or Gigi just letting the other be champion.

My Score: 8.3/10