Love is in the air, but so is anger!

Last week, Jacy Jayne almost kicked the door down using Gigi Dolin! Will NXT still be toxic without Toxic Attraction as a unit? Or can Jacy do bad all by herself?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Grayson Waller VS Tyler Bate; Bate wins.
• Thea Hail VS Tiffany Stratton; Tiffany wins.
• Axiom VS Damon Kemp; Axiom wins.
• NXT North American Championship Open Challenge: Wes Lee VS Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone; Wes Lee wins and retains the title.
• Hank Walker w/ Drew Gulak VS Charlie Dempsey; Dempsey wins.
• Roxanne Perez & Meiko Satomura VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; Roxie & Meiko win.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE mourns the loss of Jerry Jarrett.

Grayson Waller VS Tyler Bate!

The 21st Century Success Story was suspended a week for getting in Shawn Michaels’ face over not being seen as “the guy.” But maybe that’s because Waller just has to put up and shut up! Will he do just that here tonight? Or will the Big Strong Boi be the one to humble him?

The bell rings and the two tie right up. Bate pushes Waller back but Waller turns it around to have Bate in a corner, and Waller ROCKS Bate with a right hand! Waller CLUBS Bate, Bate throws hands but Waller throws forearms. Bate hits back, Waller CLUBS Bate. Fans actually duel, Waller XLCUBS Bate but Bate throws hands. Waller DECKS Bate, then CHOKES him on the ropes! “This your boy, Shawn? This your boy?! You chose the wrong horse!” The ref counts, Waller lets off, but then Waller fires off fists. Waller lets off again and he tells Bate “SUCK IT!” Fans boo, Bate glares at Waller, and Bate DECKS him! And CHOPS him!

Bate HEADBUTTS Waller, UPPERCUTS him, then has him on the ropes. Bate headlock punches, Waller wobbles, and Bate headlocks again to smack Waller with his boot! Bate whips, DROPKICKS and covers, TWO! Bate clamps onto Waller, clamps on a chinlock and he thrashes Waller around. Waller endures, fights up, they go around, and Waller hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Bate is still in this but Waller KNEES him in the back! Bate hits back but Waller stomps Bate. Waller stands Bate up to CLUB him right on the neck! Waller mocks the pose, fans boo, but Waller cravats. Bate throws body shots and fans duel again.

Bate fights up, Waller throws knees! Waller KNEES Bate down, covers, TWO! Bate goes to a corner, Waller throws hands, but Bate throws them back. Waller ROCKS Bate, whips him corner to corner, but Bate reverses. Bate runs in but into an elbow! Waller runs in, but into a hip toss! And another DROPKICK! Bate clinches, EXPLODER! Bate kips up and fans fire up for the STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Waller scurries away and now he apologizes? Bate doesn’t fall for that, but Waller still throws him out of the ring! Waller grins, but Bate drags him out! Bate SMACKS Waller off the apron, then stalks him around the way.

Waller elbows low, but Bate elbows back! Bate SMACKS Waller off apron again! They go to commentary, around behind commentary, and Bate grabs Waller as he slides into the ring. But Waller BOOTS Bate into the desk! Waller builds speed, slides, and LARIATS! Fans are torn but Waller poses as NXT goes picture in picture.

Waller taunts the Bate fans, the ring count climbs, but Waller brings Bate up. Waller SMACKS Bate off the apron, pushes him in to the ring, and storms in after him. Waller drops a knee on Bate’s face! Then one into Bate’s side! Bate kicks from below but Waller stomps away! Bate still hits back, but Waller CLUBS him down! Waller drags Bate up to UPPERCUT him! Bate leans against ropes, Waller wrenches and whips but Bate ducks ‘n ‘dodges! Bate sunset flips, Waller stays up, and he turns Bate around to drop an elbow! Waller digs his knee in as he bends Bate back with a chinlock! Bate endures, so Waller drops another elbow!

Waller soaks up the cheers and jeers, drags Bate up, and fireman’s carries. But Bate fights free to roll Waller up, TWO! Bate runs in, into an UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Bate shakes his head, he’s not done, but Waller says he’s the guy! Waller scoops and SLAMS Bate, then runs, to drop an elbow! Cover, TWO! Waller is annoyed with Bate, kicks him around, but Bate scowls. Waller drags Bate up, reels him in, but Bate blocks the suplex. Waller throws body shots, but Bate still blocks the suplex. Bate then suplexes Waller up and over! Both men are down and fans fire up. Bate throws hands from the mat but Waller gives them back!

Bate and Waller brawl as they stand up, then Bate fires off forearms and CHOPS! Bate whips, Waller reverses but Bate ducks ‘n ‘dodges again! Only for Waller to scoop and hit a BACKBREAKER! Waller bends Bate against his knee as NXT returns to single picture. Fans rally up as Bate endures, and Bate pries Waller’s hand away. Waller powers Bate back down, but fans rally as Bate throws knees! Bate is free, he BOPS Waller, then ROCKS him! And CHOPS him! Waller knees low, whips, but Bate rebounds! Waller slides out, somersaults in, but Bate jukes to COMEBACKER LARIAT! Fans fire up as both men are down!

Fans cheer on “NXT! NXT!” for giving them this great opener. Bate goes to a corner, Waller runs in, Waller blocks a boot but not the knee! Bate goes up, FLYING UPPERCUT! Bate wrenches for the SAIDO! Bridging cover, TWO!! Waller escapes, but Bate fireman’s carries! AIRPLANE SPIN!! Fans count along, and Bate goes past 10 to get to 15, then 20, before the DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Waller survives that ride and both men are down. Fans rally up again, Bate gets to a corner. Waller flounders around while Bate climbs up. Waller runs in, Bate leaps over, but Waller LEG LARIATS!

Waller goes to a corner, runs in, ROLLING UNPRETTIER! Cover, TWO!! Waller rains down fists, covers again, TWO! Grand Slam Tyler is frustrating Waller and fans continue to duel as he goes to a corner. Waller tunes up the band! Fans boo, he’s no HBK! Waller grins, aims as Bate rises, but Bate blocks the music! Bop up, BANG!! And SUPER- NO, Waller blocks! Waller puts his Bop up, but gets BANG from Bate again!! SUPERKICK from Bate! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!! Waller saves himself by fingertips! Fans are torn and Bate is beside himself! But then fans agree, “This is Awesome!” as Bate underhooks.

Waller fights out, rolls up, with tights! TWO!! Bate runs in, but he’s put on the apron! Bate shoulders in, slingshots and sunsets, but Waller sits on it, with ropes! The ref sees it! Bate rolls Waller, and BATE WINS!

Winner: Tyler Bate, by pinfall

Waller can’t believe it! But in the end, his cheating got him caught! The Big Strong Boi is back, but Waller is anything but humbled. Will Waller continue to complain until he gets what he wants? Or will Bate beat him to the golden goal?

Josh Briggs checks in on Brooks Jensen.

Valentine’s Day, baby! Is Jensen nervous? Yes, super nervous. Why? Jensen likes Kiana, Kiana likes Jensen, what’s the problem? He’s never… Uh… He motions with his hands and Briggs can’t understand what he means. Just spit it out, Brooks! Jensen has never… Oh, wow. Okay! Well it’s fine, you’re 22 years old. There are plenty of 22 year old guys who haven’t “hit the homerun” before. Jensen doesn’t feel better about that. He’s never even been on base… WHAT?! Not even a kiss?! NOT SO LOUD! Right, well, nothing to be nervous about it. 90-10! What’s 90-10? The guy goes 90% of the way in, the lady goes the other 10%. Oh…! She goes 90?

NO, you gotta make the move! It’s simple. Look, Briggs will demonstrate. What? No, don’t. Here goes. See? 90. Go 10. No, that’s 7! GO TEN! Jensen is trying not to laugh and then Fallon Henley walks in, asking what is going on here. Nothing! Just showing Jensen the 90-10. Why? Cuz he’s never kissed- HEY! That’s one more person, why not just tell the who NXT roster? Scream it in the parking lot! Jensen’s life is over. Fallon says that you need to know- YES! He needs to know everything! He wants this Valentine’s Day to go perfectly because Kiana is the woman of his dreams! He needs to get that kiss. He needs it!

Well, if it happens, which it might not, here’s a tip: when you walk Kiana to her door at the end of the night, if she plays with her keys, she wants the kiss. When you do that, 90-10. Okay, alright. He’s nervous but excited. Anything else? Nope. This is the night Jensen’s been waiting for. Have fun. Thanks! You guys are the best! Jensen heads out, will it all go according to plan?

Jacy Jayne heads to gorilla.

She passes by Waller shouting at HBK, but pays it no mind. She’s all about herself after last week. What will she say about her betrayal of Gigi Dolin?

Wait, speaking of that shouting, we focus on that as Waller SLAPS stuff off HBK’s desk! HBK tells him to calm down, A-Train gets involved, but Waller keeps calling HBK a stooge! HBK tells A-Train to get Waller outta the building, and he tells the cameras to cut to commercial. Has Waller done it now? What will the punishment be this time?

Apollo Crews speaks.

“Vengeance Day was my chance to get one step closer.” He throws down his journal to tell Dabba-Kato, “I felt that hug, I saw that smile. And then BAM, outta nowhere, and everything goes dark. Why? No call, no text. I tuned in last week to hear your reasons why, and all you gotta say is I know what I did? What the hell does that even me? What we did was travel the road together. What we did was share WrestleMania moments together. What we did was share family time together. Dabba-Kato, you have your reasons and now I have mine! I’m not focused on the future, I’m not focused on the past, the only thing that I’m focused on is revenge!”

Jacy Jayne heads to the ring.

Fans boo as the Toxic Traitor struts her way down the ramp, showing off the new shirt: a drawing of her booting Gigi through that door. Jacy gets the mic while fans boo, and says, “Last week was the end of the Toxic Attraction story, but the beginning of the Jacy Jayne story. And now, it’s all about me! And the proof is in the boot, because for the last seven days, I have been the talk of NXT. Not Roxanne Perez, Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, and damn sure not Gigi Dolin. The name on the tip of everyone’s tongue is Jacy Jayne. ME! ME ME ME ME ME ME ME!” Fans duel, “Gigi’s Better!” “No She’s Not!”

Jacy continues to say, “And for those of you who keep asking me if I regret stomping Gigi’s skull in, the only thing I regret is that I didn’t pull the trigger sooner. I’ve already watched the footage back 1000 times! But you know what’s better than 1000 times? 1001! Let’s see it again!” The replay package shows the moment that ended Ding Dong Hello and NXT last week, Gigi’s SUPERKICK to Gigi. It’s a highlight reel of their moments together, and then Jacy’s moment making it about herself, and her cheering herself on in the present. Plus, images of Gigi’s face after the fact. “Aww, boo-hoo~! Aww. And if I have to hear one more ‘Did you really have to kick her that hard~?’ YES! YES I DID!

Because all of you people wanna sit here and act like Gigi was the victim, but anyone who has two brain cells, which sadly eliminates every single person in this building, understands that I am the real victim here! Gigi, your days of doing half the work and taking all the credit are over. Sorry, Jannetty- I mean, Gigi. Everyone is gonna see you for who you truly are. Because your security blanket, aka ME, is done protecting you. I’m no longer going to be taking care of all of your mistakes. But Gigi, that’s enough about her, no one cares about Chucky anyway.

“But I want every single person in this building, everyone watching at home, to listen very, very carefully to what I have to say, because this is gonna be the most important thing I ever have to say. Screw. You. Because for the last two years, ever since Toxic Attraction form, you saw me as the one who didn’t belong. You called me the third wheel! ‘Which one isn’t like the rest? Why is Jacy Jayne even in this super group?’ Well that super group, Toxic Attraction, went on to be the most dominant female faction in WWE history. And look who’s the last woman standing! IT’S ME!!” Jacy says it’s always about her, but how long will that last?

Chase U meets up backstage.

Duke Hudson spooks Thea Hail as she’s deep in thought. Thea apologizes, she’s still jumpy. No, that’s understandable. Whenever she feels comfortable about it, she can tell them what happened with The Schism. They’re here for her. Andre Chase sits with Thea and says they can even get this match tonight pushed back. Thea says no, she’s good. She can’t back out, or The Schism wins, and they can’t let that happen. That’s not Chase U. She has to look fear dead in the face, and say, “Hi, Fear. I’m Thea. And tonight, you’re gonna get an Andre Chase University sized ass-whooping!” Thea has convinced herself, but will she really be ready to get back in the ring?

Sol Ruca speaks.

“I’ve been in NXT for less than a year and I still dig going into practice every single day. Being in the ring allows me to be creative and be a free spirit, and that’s who I am. Sol Ruca: free spirit. And I got that from my parents. My parents instilled that freedom in mee. See, we had a deal that if I was able to get a college scholarship, I could do whatever I wanted. When I was in high school, and if I wanted to go snowboarding or if I wanted to go surfing, I’d just text my mom and say, ‘Hey, can you get me outta class real quick?’ And she would say, ‘As long as your grades are good, I’ll get you out.'”

And so, she tried all sorts of things. From gymnastics to snowboarding to skateboarding, to learning guitar and even photography. She feels like everyone is so afraid of making mistakes, but no one is perfect. When Sol tried her Sol Snatcher the first time in practice, it sucked. But she kept doing it every single day. And you can just ask Zoey Stark just how good the move is now. Yes, Zoey won, but Sol wants a rematch. Any time Sol fails, she gets right back up, ready to go again. Will Sol manage to get back on her board and make sure Zoey Stark wipes out next time?

Thea Hail VS Tiffany Stratton!

Just as Chase U’s top recruit got in the face of Daddy’s Little Rich Girl, Ava Raine snatched her away! Who knows what Schism did to Thea, but that’s not going to be Thea’s focus tonight. Will Thea put Tiffany in her place? Or will Tiffany shine bright like the diamond she insists she is?

Fans chant “CHASE U!” and Tiffany shouts, “SUCKS!” The bell rings and Thea circles with Tiffany. They tie up, Tiffany wrenches the arm and wrangles Thea to the mat. Tiffany taunts Thea but Thea fights up, wrenches, ROCKS and arm-drags Tiffany! Then wheelbarrow to an arm-drag! And then an OVERHEAD arm-drag! And DROPKICK! Fans fire up for Thea and Thea high fives Chase. But then Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed appear in the crowd! Thea is distracted but fans boo. Tiffany turns Thea around, but Thea blocks the kick to roll Tiffany up! ONE, and Tiffany blocks an arm-drag to throw Thea by her hair!

Tiffany stomps away on Thea, drags her up, then whips her to a corner. Thea BOOTS back, goes out, but now Joe Gacy appears in the perch! Thea tells him to leave her alone, but Tiffany CLOBBERS Thea! Tiffany puts Thea in the ring, covers, TWO! Fans rally for Thea, Tiffany drags her up to CLUB her down! Tiffany then fireman’s carries, but Thea fights free! Thea whips Tiffany out to the apron! Thea runs in, brings Tiffany through ropes, but Tiffany HOTSHOTS Thea away! Tiffany springboards to SWANTON! Cover, TWO!! Thea survives and Tiffany throws a fit! Tiffany wraps on a chinlock but Thea fights up.

Thea arm-drags free, CLOBBERS Tiffany, and CLOBBERS her again! Tiffany bails out in a fit, but Thea roars! Thea runs, DIVES, and wipes Tiffany out! Fans fire up as Thea RAMS Tiffany into the apron! But wait, now Ava Raine is in the crowd! Ava’s creepy grin scares Thea back into the ring, Tiffany runs in but Thea dodges! O’Conner Roll, TWO! Thea hits ropes, Tiffany builds speed, HIP ATTACK! Tiffany fireman’s carries, for the ROLLING SENTON! And then she goes up top, blows a kiss, BEST MOONSAULT WHATEVER! Cover, Tiffany wins!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall

Thea couldn’t focus, but Tiffany doesn’t care. Will Chase U be able to help Thea get past this trauma? Will Tiffany go for the gold come Stand & Deliver?

Ivy Nile and Tatum Paxley talk backstage.

Tatum assures Ivy she is innocent and Ivy says she believes her. But then Javier Bernal walks in and says, “Ladies, ladies! More specifically Tatum. Today is a very special day, and it only comes around once a year. And I’m about to give you a very big, special once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Tatum Paxley, will you be my Javitine?” A box of candies with his face on it…? Tatum says thanks but she’s taken. Taken? Hah! Your loss. Ivy, today’s a very special day- Javi, stop. Ivy would love to be his Javitine. Really? DIAMOND DRAGON SLEEPER!! The candy goes flying! But then Isla Dawn’s voice calling makes Ivy let Javi go.

Isla Dawn is coming in through the speakers. She says it’s nice for Ivy protecting Tatum, but you shouldn’t be chained to her. Isla can still sense Tatum’s feelings of being weighed down by Ivy. But maybe it’s safer to be in chains than to stand on her own. Ivy and Tatum say they aren’t going to listen to the mind games, and they head out. But will the Wicked Witch soon be proven right?

Axiom VS Damon Kemp!

The Undeniable Truth wants payback on the Golden Gopher for ruining his moment with Tyler Bate last week. Will Axiom use his skill and intellect to humble Damon? Or will Damon embarrass the European style with his American hybrid ability?

NXT returns and Kemp makes his entrance. The bell rings and Axiom rushes in to DROPKICK Kemp! Axiom fires off forearms and CHOPS in the corner, but he lets off as the ref counts. Axiom runs back in to basement dropkick! Fans fire up with Axiom and he runs at Kemp again, PENALTY KICK! Kemp wobbles, Axiom swings but Kemp avoids the buzzsaw! Kemp bails out but Axiom DIVES! Direct hit and fans fire up again! Axiom puts Kemp in, hurries to a corner and goes up top. Axiom leaps but Kemp gets under. Kemp runs in, Axiom wheelbarrows, but Kemp makes that a GERMAN SUPLEX!

Fans boo but Kemp waistlocks and GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Axiom staggers up, Kemp waistlocks, another GERMAN SUPLEX sends Axiom tumbling! Kemp CLOBBERS Axiom out of the ring! Kempt hen goes out around the way to CLOBBER Axiom again! Kemp puts Axiom in the ring, rains down forearms, and he covers, TWO! Fans rally but Kemp drags Axiom up. Kemp ROCKS Axiom and Axiom falls to a knee. Kemp stands Axiom up to ROCK him again! But Axiom CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! Axiom whips, DROPKICKS and down goes Kemp! Fans fire up back up and Axiom runs back in, GAMANGIRI!

Axiom pushes Kemp aside, goes up top, and he CROSSBODIES! But Kemp rolls through, covers, with tights! TWO! Axiom SOBATS, runs in, but into a DISCUS LARIAT! Axiom gets flipped around! Kemp says he’s finishing this! Electric Chair, to HIGH ANGLE GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!! Axiom survives but Kemp kicks him around. Kemp drags Axiom up, GERMAN SUPLEX, but Axiom lands on his feet! Axiom DECKS Kemp, then PENALTY KICKS again! Fans fire up as Axiom aims from the corner! GOLDEN RATIO!! Cover, Axiom wins!

Winner: Axiom, by pinfall

Kemp just got ratioed and Axiom is vindicated! Will this humble the Golden Gopher? Will Axiom soon be heading for gold?

Jensen shares pictures from date night.

From his Twitter, we can see he and Kiana got some drinks, and he’s telling his “Sugarpie honeybunch” that he had a nice time, she’s his “brown-eyed girl,” and that he’s taking his lady home after a great night. Will Jensen have that romantic kiss to make it a perfect night?

Fallon and Briggs see the pics.

Briggs tells her to stop with the comment threat, just look at how happy Jensen is. He’s having the time of his life! She knows, but she just can’t take it. She has to tell him! Tell him what? Fallon heads out, Briggs follows, is Fallon about to ruin Jensen’s chances?

Waller posts a video to Twitter.

He’s vlogging how he’s being ejected from the building! He says that’s “hilarious,” and that “HBK has no idea how to treat an actual superstar.” Waller says he’s the biggest star, and HBK is just a stooge! But how can Waller run NXT if he’s being kicked out?

Bron Breakker is here!

The NXT Champion is back and fans bark it up as he heads to the ring. Bron holds up the belt, then gets the mic to say, “Feels a little different in here tonight. Like, when one door closes, the next door opens. But this next challenge ahead of me is different. It feels… bigger. It seems to be the match that everybody wants to see, right? Me VS HIM!” But wait, Jinder Mahal heads out to the ring? He has Indus Sher with him as he stands at ringside, and Bron says this is not who he expected. Jinder says, “A great champion must always expect the unexpected.” Tell him something he doesn’t now, pal. Jinder will, just give him a second.

Jinder respectfully interrupts here, because he admires the fact that for almost an entire year, Bron has carried NXT on his back, he IS NXT and he IS the brand. But Jinder knows very well the weight that Bron carries on his shoulder. Bron, Jinder also knows the stress of the next challenger, of retaining the title. And not only that, Jinder completely understands all the press, all the late nights, the early mornings, the lifestyle that comes with being THE champion! As a former WWE World Champion to the current NXT Champion, is this the title reign Bron envisioned? Is this what he thought being champion would be like?

Bron says, “Damn straight! What the hell are you talking about?” Jinder says for almost an entire year, Bron has been NXT Champion, but he must be deaf. He doesn’t hear that small pocket of fans who once loved Bron, but now changing their tune. But it’s okay, Jinder knows better than anyone! “You either die a hero, or you become the villain.” Bron says the fans are allowed to have their opinions. Jinder says that is why he’s here! Because of that comment, of that arrogance! The fact that Bron doesn’t acknowledge what is going on around him, that the tides are turning and times are changing.

Bron cannot see that he is tired and vulnerable and weak! That is why JINDER is challenging Bron to a match! Next week, for THE NXT Championship! Fans like that, Bron likes that, too! Jinder didn’t need to come out here and waste everyone’s time with the new Three Man Band. Which one is the guitarist? Jinder holds Veer and Sanga back while fans chant “3 M B!” Jinder has everyone calm down. Jinder tells Bron that the people don’t like him, and he knows why Bron made that 3MB joke. It’s so that the fans will cheer him on! That’s for the fans to like him! But after Jinder takes the title, the fans still won’t Bron! They won’t even feel bad!

But don’t worry, Bron. Jinder will. The Modern Day Maharaja has spoken, but will he speak his title reign into reality? Or will Bron break Jinder’s hopes and dreams, too?

Kayden & Katana find Roxanne & Meiko backstage.

KC Squared have had time to think and they realize they were a bit aggressive last week. They were just pissed that they got screwed out of the titles, and that had nothing to do with Roxie. So that’s on them, and they’re sorry. Roxie accepts the apology. But is this them saying they don’t want to have a match? No, no, they want to have this match. Who wouldn’t want to go up against the Final Boss? KC Squared will bring it, and they say it is an honor. They bow in respect to Meiko and head out. Roxie thanks Meiko for coming so far to help her. Meiko says she has her reasons. With that, the main event is still on. Will the Prodigy and Final Boss make a powerful team here tonight?

Wes Lee heads to gorilla.

The Must-See Kid is ready to see who steps up to his Open Challenge, but we can see Tony D’Angelo & Channing Lorenzo creeping up from the shadows. Will The Don or Stacks be the one to go after the gold? Or will someone completely unseen snipe this opportunity from them?

Backstage interview with Indi Hartwell.

McKenzie Mitchell says #IndiWrestling requested this time, what’s on her mind? Indi says that Toxic Attraction was pretty much despised by everyone else on the roster, and believe her when she says she enjoyed seeing Gigi’s head get kicked in. But sitting in the locker room, listening to Jacy’s “hot garbage,” and Jacy thinks she’s shooting up to the top? Well just like Toxic Attraction is dead and gone, Jacy is dead wrong. Indi tells Jacy, “The only place your gonna end up is behind me.” Indi heads out, will she be more than #Impressive on the Road to WrestleMania?

NXT North American Championship Open Challenge: Wes Lee VS ???

He made it through Vengeance Day and the #HardJustice of Dijak, but Wes is going to be a fighting champion! He has the mic to say, “OHHH YEAH~!” We all know why he’s here: It’s Open Season for the title, and he’s ready and waiting to see who steps up. So who who who will it be? Here comes The Don! But then Dijak snatches him into the hammerlock sleeper! Stacks goes after Dijak, it’s a brawl, refs rush out to stop it, but then someone sneaks in from behind! VON WAGNER boots Wes down! Robert Stone wants this to get going before Wes knows what hit him, but the ref has Von stand down.

The ref asks Wes if he still wants this fight, and Wes says yes! The bell rings, Von runs in, but into a SOBAT! Wes dropkicks a leg out, then dropkicks it again! Von choke grips Wes, powers him into a corner, and then hauls Wes up to BUCKLE BOMB him! And then RAM him back in! Von chokes Wes, TOSSES him across the way, and Stone likes what he sees. Von storms up on Wes, stands him up and RAMS him into another corner. Von RAMS into Wes again, then lets off as the ref counts. Wes goes to another corner, elbows Von back, but Von KNEES low! Von runs corner to corner but into BOOTS!

Fans rally for Wes, he dodges Von and fires off haymakers! Wes runs, returns, but Von catches Wes! Wes grabs ropes but Von DUMPS Wes up and out! Wes hits apron on the way down and Stone still likes what he sees. Von goes out after Wes, drags Wes up and RAMS him into the apron! Then SMACKS him off the desk! And again! Stone says not to beat Wes down here, get in the ring. The ring count climbs, but Von dribbles Wes’s head off the desk! Fans boo, Von puts Wes in and he tells Stone he has this. He slides in at 8 of 10, but Wes throws hands! Fans fire up behind Wes as he fires off again and again and again!

Wes ROCKS Von, runs, but Von CLOBBERS Wes! Cover, TWO!! Wes survives but Von snarls as he drags Wes back up. Von reels Wes in but Wes resists the lift. Von CLUBS Wes, lifts, but Wes fights it again. Wes slips under, RAMS into Von, but Von CLUBS Wes! Wes mule kicks, fires hands, and fans are thunderous! Von shoves Wes, Wes blocks the boot and trips Von, DOUBLE STOMPS to STANDING MOONSAULT! Von staggers up into a SHOTGUN dropkick! Von ends up in a corner, Stone coaches him up but Wes runs in to UPPERCUT! And GAMANGIRI! Wes pushes Von aside, goes up and FLYING- NO, Von catches Wes!

Von whips Wes away, pops him up, SLAM DUNK FLAPJACK! And then a BOOT! High stack, TWO!! Wes survives again and Von grows frustrated. Von drags Wes up by his hair, but fans rally up. Von trophy lifts Wes and aims for the desk! But Wes slips free, and SUPERKICKS! SUPERKICK again! HEEL KICK! Von wobbles around, into another SUPERKICK! Wes runs, to V-TRIGGER! Fans fire up again and Wes handsprings, CARDIAC KICK!! Cover, Wes wins!

Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)

Von got the drop on Wes but Wes just dropped Von! Will Wes continue to be that fighting champion all the way to Stand & Deliver?

Drew Gulak meets up with Hank Walker backstage.

Hank shows off his brand new singlet with his name on it and everything. Is he ready for tonight? Yes! Well, almost. His wrestling boots didn’t come in, he still has to wear his working boots… Gulak had a feeling that’d happen, so HE got Walker his old pair. Wow! Thanks so much! Gulak says it’s no problem, but he needs to lace up quickly, because he’s up next. Walker says, “Yes, sir!” But will new gear and borrowed boots be enough to help the Blue Collar Wrestler against the Son of the Gentleman Villain?

Hank Walker w/ Drew Gulak VS Charlie Dempsey!

The first time around, Dempsey put the “evil” in New Year’s Evil when he beat down and twisted Hank up. Will this just be a Valentine’s Day Massacre? Or will Hank be able to even the score now that he looks the part?

The bell rings and the two tie right up. Dempsey wrenches, wristlocks, hammerlocks, but Hank elbows back. Dempsey headlocks, but Hank powers out to RAM shoulders! Hank fires up, Dempsey fires forearms! Hank pushes Dempsey back, swings, but Dempsey dodges! they both ROCK each other, then they both BOOT each other! Fans fire up while both men fall! Gulak coaches Hank and Hank grits his teeth. Dempsey stands first but Hank gets his arm! Hank wrangles Dempsey for a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Dempsey flails, fights his way over, reaches out, but Hank drags Dempsey away! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!

Dempsey endures, fights his way back over, but Hank again pulls Gulak back! But Dempsey uses that to drag Hank down! Dempsey has the leg, he has the crossface, but Hank reaches out! Gulak coaches Hank but Dempsey throws down elbows! Dempsey clamps on, BOW ‘N’ ARROW! hank TAPS, Dempsey wins!

Winner: Charlie Dempsey, by submission

That was even faster than last time! But now Dempsey goes for more, and he puts the BOW ‘N’ ARROW back on! Dempsey glares at Gulak, and Gulak backs away!? Fans boo as refs make Dempsey let Hank go! Gulak now gets up in Dempsey’s face, but then moves aside? Dempsey steps out onto the apron with Gulak, and the two leave together?! Is Gulak siding with Dempsey and not his own student?

Von is furious backstage, again!

Von says the title slipped through his hands, but asks if Stone has anything to say. Stone says he has plenty to say, but what would be the point? Von didn’t lose the match because he lacks in-ring ability. Von has plenty of that. But he lost because he doesn’t have a connection to Stone or to the fans, or anyone really. His walls are up! They gotta come down! Von has to break the walls down! Help Stone help Von! Stone keeps saying that, and then cools off. Stone doesn’t have time for someone with walls up. Von’s biggest claim to fame is being the “Come Tuesday” meme! But you know what Stone has time for? The guy inside Von! And there is someone inside Von.

Stone vows he will get Von where he wants to be, but Von needs to let Stone help him. Help Stone help Von! Stone leaves, but just what does Von have to do to connect?

Gallus is having a good time.

They’re in the pub again, playing pool and drinking pints. But then Pretty Deadly walk in. Are they lost? No, they’re here to observe, “since you two filthy boys did it to us last week.” Wolfgang says they’re just keeping an eye on their NXT Tag Division. Mark Coffey adds that’s because Gallus Boys- Yes, yes, Gallus Boys On Top, they know the catchphrase. But by the way, Gallus isn’t great, Pretty Deadly could beat them in the ring and in billiards. Uh, it’s called pool. Whatever! Just give them those sticks and Pretty Deadly will give them a good thrashing! Gallus throw the pool cues over, and the game begins.

Uh, Elton, Pretty Deadly is stripes, not solids. Well, establish the rules before they start! The game continue, and despite the finesse and charisma, Pretty Deadly loses. Gallus says not to worry, they remember their first time in a pub. How about a rematch and a refill? Sure, best two out of three. And if Pretty Deadly wins, they get a title match? That’s a big “if.” They’ll take it! Pretty Deadly get another round, Gallus drinks up, and Gallus keeps winning. So they keep drinking, playing, and winning. Pretty Deadly can’t even get a ball in working together. They’re down 7-0! Well, make that eight. Speaking of, eight ball, corner pocket.

Pretty Deadly are sick and tired of playing games. Wolfgang thanks them for picking up the tab, though. Oh no, that bill! Do they have iron livers?! Mark says that if they wanted a title match, all they had to do was ask. They’re not the New Day. Save yourselves the embarrassment, and they’ll have another go like in the UK. Gallus heads out, the match is on! Will the Gallus Boys still be on top? Or will Pretty Deadly get another #SidePlateCheck in before Stand & Deliver?

Backstage interview with Ilja Dragunov.

McKenzie asks The Czar how he feels being back after his four months away with injury. Dragunov says it was a difficult path to recovery, and he had internal bleeding even. But the pain helps to make you feel alive. Well one man who isn’t excited is JD McDonagh. Dragunov’s strike to his face sent JD to the hospital with a broken orbital bone! Dragunov says this is just the beginning! But Trick Williams has something to say! He’s in the ring, and he will not move until Dragunov meets him face to face! Dragunov excuses himself, and then heads to gorilla.

Trick won’t let Dragunov punk him out like he did last week! Dragunov is treated like the baddest man to come out of Europe, but Trick wants to find out for himself who is the baddest man, pointblank, period! He’ll drop Dragunov where he stands, drop him like a mixtape, and like JD did four months ago. Trick keeps talking trash, but Dragunov makes his way out as fans chant “WHOOP THAT TRICK!” Dragunov tells Trick, “Very entertaining. All the phrases, all the rhymes, you are the life of the party. But I didn’t come back to NXT to have fun. You felt what it’s like to try and keep me away from my mission.

“And I have absolutely no problem reminding-” Trick sucker punches Dragunov! But Dragunov ENZIGURIS Trick!! Fans fire up and Trick bails out! But here comes The Irish Ace! “DRAGUNOV! Dragunov, after last week, you shouldn’t be in that ring, you should be in jail after that sneak attack. You tore my retina! You should’ve listened to what I told you when you were on that stretcher. Do you remember? I told you, ‘Go home, Ilja. Go home and stay home.’ And now you’re back and talking retribution. You are gonna force me to show these people exactly what I’m capable of.

“And seeing as you tried to blind me, I have no problem telling you that this time, Ilja, I am gonna beat you so badly, that you’re not able to hold your son.” Dragunov is furious, but Trick sneak attacks Dragunov! Trick rains down fists but fans chant “WHOOP THAT TRICK!” Trick KICKS Dragunov in the side, and then he mocks Dragunov’s conducting the choir. Fans sing “WHOOP THAT TRICK~!” but Trick leaves. JD gets in the ring, but Dragunov stands back up! JD leaves, but the rematch is coming. Will The Czar and Irish Ace finally finish things once and for all?

Carmelo Hayes checks his phone.

He sees the news about Bron’s NXT Championship match next week and wonders, “Who skipped the line?” But then Trick walks in all fired up. Trick says he is feeling bad right now! He’s 6’4″, 235, all chocolate! These hands and feet are ready to eat up everybody! Melo says good, but Dragunov’s different. Nah, Trick’s different! This is his time! Okay, but does Trick now what he’s done? He woke up the dragon. Hey, Dragunov can throw his head at Trick, his shoulders, knees and toes. Trick is the meanest, prettiest and the baddest! That’s all it is, and that’s all it’s gon’ be! Melo is down with that, but will #UNBESIEGBAR #WhoopThatTrick?

Jensen and Kiana arrive at her place.

They enjoyed the country music, and Jensen says Kiana should try line dancing next time. Kiana says they’ll see. But she had a great time tonight. Thanks for dinner, that was a great pick. Jensen agrees. The food was… food. Well, uh… Jensen looks up and sees the North Star. Interesting fact: the North Star is actually from the… Kiana’s playing with her keys! Jensen 90, Kiana 10, but Fallon interrupts! Briggs is freaking out but Fallon says Kiana is cheating on Jensen! What?! She was hoping Kiana would tell Jensen, but she should’ve known she wouldn’t. Kiana says it’s not true. Fallon brings up how Kiana said, “I love you, Zack!”

Kiana confirms, she does love Zack. Because Zack is her brother! What? Wow, Fallon. And speaking of, Zack opens the door. He says the dogs have been fed, and he’s gonna leave through the garage. Kiana thanks her brother for that, and Fallon flounders. Kiana says to save it. When is Fallon going to actually trust her? Kiana walks in, Jensen says good night, and Fallon apologizes to him. She was just… She didn’t want… Jensen says it’s all good, and leaves with Briggs. Fallon just stepped in it, how will she make it up to both her friend and her tag partner?

Roxanne Perez & Meiko Satomura VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance!

The Prodigy accepted the apology from KC Squared, but this match of current and former champions is still happening. This time it will be a showdown of respect rather than anger, but will things stay respectful as NXT gets on the Road to WrestleMania?

The teams sort out and Kayden starts against Roxie. They circle, tie up, and Kayden headlocks. Roxie powers out, Kayden runs her over, and things speed up. Kayden pushes Roxie out of her dropdown to stomp her, then she tags Katana. KC Squared whip, trip, and basement dropkick to the slingshot senton! Cover, TWO! Katana keeps on Roxie with an armlock. Roxie endures, fights up, and fans rally. Katana whips, Roxie reverses but Katana goes up and over. Things keep moving, Katana RANAS but Roxie handsprings through! Fans cheer the standoff and Roxie throws off her sleeves. Katana drop toeholds Roxie and facelocks!

Kayden tags in, rolls Roxie up, TWO! Kayden keeps on Roxie with an armlock of her own, then wrenches to wristlock. Roxie rolls, kips up, wrenches back and brings Kayden over. Meiko tags in and fans fire up. Meiko and Kayden shake hands, then they each try kicks. Meiko blocks one, but she lets Kayden go. Kayden CHOPS, but Meiko BOOTS, KICKS and brings Kayden around to UPPERCUT! Kayden ends up in a corner, Katana runs in but Meiko sends her to Roxie for a spin and UPPERCUT! KC Squared are in the corners, Meiko and Roxie both run to UPPERCUT! They somersault to meet at the middle, and go back for more UPPERCUTS!

Fans fire up as the champ and the legend bring KC Squared around to DOUBLE UPPERCUT! KC Squared bails out, fans fire up as Roxie builds speed, and Roxie DIVES to take Katana out! Kayden storms over but Meiko FLYING FOREARMS from the apron! Fans fire up as the champ and legend stand tall in the ring, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Roxie and Meiko high five, then Meiko goes out to put Kayden back in. Meiko puts Kayden on the apron, steps over her, then brings her up. Meiko wrenches, wristlocks, and tags Roxie. Roxie climbs up to drop AX HANDLES on the arm. Roxie wrenches Kayden now, wristlocks again, and wrenches to an armlock. Then La Magistrol! TWO, but Roxie drags Kayden into a ghost pin! TWO, and Roxie wrenches. Roxie headlocks, Kayden powers out, things speed up and Roxie CROSSBODIES, but Kayden catches her! Kayden RAMS Roxie into the corner, tags Katana, and Katana hits DOUBLE KNEES! Cover, TWO!

Katana keeps on Roxie, brings her away from Meiko, and she tags in Kayden. Kayden holds Roxie in place for Katana’s SHOTGUN! Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden drags Roxie away, traps an arm and has a seated cobra twist! Roxie endures, fans rally up, and Kayden digs her elbow into Roxie’s side. Roxie fights up but Kayden wrangles her back down. Roxie fights up again, powers through and throws body shots! Kayden ROCKS Roxie then fireman’s carries but Roxie slips off! CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Roxie crawls but Kayden drags her away! Tag to Katana, and Katana drags Roxie up to have a standing cobra twist!

NXT returns to single picture as Roxie endures. Fans rally, Roxie pries at the hold, and they move around. Roxie hip tosses Katana away! Katana comes back with a SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Katana keeps Roxie from Meiko and tags in Kayden. Kayden brings Roxie up and they go around, but Roxie rolls Kayden up! TWO, and Kayden storms up, into a JAWBREAKER! Kayden staggers, turns around and is spooked seeing Meiko there. Kayden turns around again, Roxie slides right under her! Hot tag to Meiko! The Final Boss grabs an arm and wrenches to a wristlock. Meiko wrenches again, sweeps the legs, then drops knees on the arm! Cover, ONE!!

Meiko runs to BLAST Katana, then KICKS Kayden! Kayden staggers up but into more KICKS! Meiko reels Kayden in, but Kayden fights with a headlock! Kayden throws down elbows, runs, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Kayden drops to her knees, she ducks the buzzsaw but Meiko SPINNING BUZZSAWS! Cover, TWO!! Kayden survives but Meiko hauls her up to a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Tag to Roxie, she stomps Kayden, rolls and HANDSPRING SENTONS! cover, Katana breaks it! Fans fire up but Roxie drags Kayden back up. Kayden ROCKS Roxie first! Roxie ROCKS Kayden back!

Fans duel, Kayden ROCKS Roxie but Roxie tilt-o-whirls and RUSSIAN- NO, Kayden fights the leg sweep! Hammerlock and clinch, and Kayden CLUBS away on Roxie! Then LARIAT! Both women are down, the fans duel even harder, and Roxie gets to ropes. Kayden goes to the opposite end, their partners call for them, and Kayden runs in! BOOT WASH! Tag to Katana, Kayden puts Roxie in the ropes for the DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Katana facelocks to keep Roxie back, but Roxie fights up! Roxie powers Katana back step by step, wrenches out, and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS! Hot tag to Meiko!

Meiko wrenches, fireman’s carries, DEATH- NO, SUNSET FLIP! TWO, and Katana hits a CODE BREAKER! Meiko goes to the corner, Katana runs in but into an elbow! Meiko ELBOWS Kayden off the apron then goes up top. Katana goes up to ROCK her first! Katana and Meiko brawl, Kayden tags in! But Roxie reinforces Meiko, only for Katana to kick her away! Katana then CROSSBODIES Roxie down! Kayden and Meiko brawl, Katana tags back in. Kayden gives Katana the boost, SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Meiko survives but Kayden tags back in. Kayden stands Meiko up and Katana climbs, but Meiko shoves Kayden away!

Katana leaps over Kayden and Meiko, comes back, but into a SOBAT! Meiko runs, to HANDSPRING KNEE DROP! But Kayden SUPERKICKS Meiko! Kayden brings Meiko up, Meiko slips off the fireman’s carry, but Kayden ROLLING ELBOWS! Meiko PELES! Hot tag to Roxie! Roxie SOBATS Kayden, hops on, POP ROX!! Cover, Roxie & Meiko win!

Winners: Roxanne Perez & Meiko Satomura, by pinfall

The champ and the legend stand tall in a big team-up! But Meiko gets the mic to say that since she did something for Roxie, Roxie should return the favor. And she points at the title! Fans like the sound of that, and Roxie says it would be her honor. Roxie bows in respect, then holds up the title. Meiko wants the gold, but will the Prodigy bring out that gamer girl and defeat the Final Boss?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for NXT that sets up a lot for… Well, not for Stand & Deliver but for the build to it. I didn’t write it down but Vic Joseph just said the word “roadblock” so sadly, I think they’re only giving us Roxie VS Meiko as a TV match when that is Stand & Deliver material. At the same time, that’s the only place Bron VS Jinder belongs. Bron and Jinder had a decent promo, the pacing of it seemed a little odd, but Jinder had such a good point that Bron is no longer beloved by everyone. Jinder is definitely going to be one more win for Bron before he loses at Stand & Deliver to Carmelo Hayes and then moves on to RawDown.

Really good promo from Jacy to put herself over and talk down to the fans, and of course she calls Gigi the Jannetty to further the parallels to the barbershop segment. Indi had a good response promo to call her out. Jacy is probably gonna beat Indi in their match, but Gigi will surely show up to go after Jacy and set up a grudge match for Stand & Deliver. Then winner of that can go after the title in the post-Mania weekend phase. Great little promo segment from Ivy, Tatum, Javi and Isla. Javi is doing great stuff as a Heel, I hope he gets a post-Mania push. Also this is getting us closer to Ivy & Tatum VS Isla & Fyre, that’s going to be a fun tag match.

Gallus and Pretty Deadly had a hilarious segment, and I love the twist that the tag match is happening despite Pretty Deadly losing. That match is going to be great stuff, but I would think Gallus wins. Good promo from Apollo to respond to Dabba-Kato, but I figured Apollo himself wouldn’t understand Kato’s anger. But they’re going to have a great match either way. Great opening match from Bate VS Waller, and it was both a good move to have Bate win and also Waller get in HBK’s face. This isn’t usually how wrestler VS authority figure goes, but that in itself is a creative move. Waller could probably use this story as his way to go up to RawDown, where HBK just can’t deal with him anymore and makes Waller HHH’s problem.

Trick Williams calling out Dragunov was an interesting move, but of course Trick sucker punches Dragunov with JD’s distraction. Dragunov VS JD might end up a Roadblock match even though that’s also Stand & Deliver material. Maybe the winner of that moves on to the North American Championship. Good stuff from the Open Challenge segment, both Dijak stopping Tony and Stacks from doing anything, to Von stepping in only to lose. Von obviously hasn’t opened himself up and Stone is getting more frustrated with it, but I do love that Stone brought up the meme. I honestly can’t be sure where Von’s character goes from here, but it’ll probably be some great stuff.

Good promo from Hank and Gulak with Gulak giving Hank some old boots. The silver does go pretty well with the black and orange Hank had. I didn’t expect Hank VS Dempsey to be a squash match, and while I was figuring Gulak and Dempsey would eventually team up, I didn’t think it’d happen here. I know the Creed Brothers are top collegiate wrestlers turned pro-wrestlers, but Gulak & Dempsey are going to be the team that brings technical wrestling to the NXT Tag Division. If anything, NXT might set up another Fatal 4 Way match for the tag titles to maximize who is on the Stand & Deliver card.

Really good vignette for Sol for us to understand her origins, and clearly that’s a sign she’s going to go far. Really good match from Axiom VS Kemp, and I was actually surprised Axiom won. I thought Kemp was going to win to call out Bate, but maybe Kemp will just come back for more. Good stuff from Chase U and The Schism on top of Thea VS Tiffany. Tiffany gets a good win, even with it being because of distraction. Tiffany is also a frontrunner for facing Roxie for the title at some point, though Cora Jade and Lyra Valkyria need to settle their score first. And Thea would make for a great first opponent for Ava Raine as Ava has yet to get in the ring. Heck, make it a Mixed Six, let Duke, Chase and The Dyad do the heavy lifting of the match.

And of course, the major attraction of this Valentine’s Day NXT was Jensen’s romance with Kiana. Great promos all night, and I just knew Fallon telling on Kiana about Zack was gonna blow up in her face. I thought Zack was a cousin but Zack turned out to be her brother, either way Fallon looks awful. I don’t wanna say it’s because Fallon also likes Jensen, but that could be part of the twist. And whether it’s a love triangle or just the issues of distrust, this could be how Fallon and Kiana break down as a team and lose the titles to whoever comes for them at Stand & Deliver. My vote is for Isla & Fyre, though, as that’s a really strong team.

My Score: 8.7/10