Will Wes still have the title on the road to Hollywood?

NXT is headed for a Roadblock, but Wes Lee is taking a chance! Will he still have the North American Championship after another Open Challenge?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT North American Championship Open Challenge: Wes Lee VS Nathan Frazer; Wes wins and retains the title.
• Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal; Indus Sher wins.
• Meiko Satomura VS Zoey Stark; Meiko wins.
• Sol Ruca VS Elektra Lopez w/ Valentina Feroz; Sol wins.
• Katana Chance w/ Kayden Carter VS Tiffany Stratton; Tiffany wins.
• Axiom VS Hank Walker; Axiom wins.
• Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams VS Tyler Bate; Melo wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

There’s a HUGE brawl going on backstage!

Odyssey Jones is fighting with Xyon Quinn, but we also see Oro Mensah, Javier Bernal, Von Wagner, Malik Blade, and who knows who else are all crowding in the hallway going to gorilla! Why? Because of the North American Championship Open Challenge! Wes Lee is waiting, Charlie Dempsey and Drew Gulak get in on it, and even Axiom! Hank Walker comes in like a wrecking ball! Edris Enofe sacrifices himself so Malik can get ahead! They both get on stage and then decide to rock-paper-scissors to see who gets it. But then DABBA-KATO CLOBBERS THEM!! Looks like Dabba’s the one! Until APOLLO CREWS leaps in!

Apollo and Dabba brawl, fans fire up, and someone sees an opening! NATHAN FRAZER leaps over them both to get in the ring! And so that’s the match-up!

NXT North American Championship Open Challenge: Wes Lee VS Nathan Frazer!

The bell rings and fans are fired up already! The brawl goes to the back as refs sort this out, and then Frazer offers a handshake and Wes takes it, and then Frazer reels Wes in! Wes powers out, things speed up, Wes runs Nathan over and Nathan gets right up! Fans chant “Welcome Back!” to Frazer as the two reset. Things speed up again, Nathan hits a headlock takeover and grinds the hold. Wes rolls to a cover, TWO, and Frazer holds on. Wes headscissors, Nathan kicks and kicks but Wes holds on. Frazer kips free, hits another headlock takeover, and he again grinds Wes down. Fans rally up as Wes fights up.

Wes throws body shots, powers out of the headlock, and ducks the leap! Nathan hits another headlock takeover! Fans rally and duel as Wes fights around again. Wes rolls, they stand up, and Nathan goes up the corner to TORNADO TAKEOVER! Wes fights up again, fans duel, Wes headscissors but Nathan shrugs it off. Wes keeps fighting, gets back to his feet, and powers out. Nathan goes up and over and keeps moving. Things speed up, Wes hurdles but so does Nathan! Nathan arm-drags, Wes arm-drags back! DOUBLE DROPKICKS cancel out, both men kip up and fans fire up!

Things keep moving, Wes headlocks, switches and rolls up, TWO! Nathan ducks a roundhouse, Wes jumps the sweep but Nathan dodges the buzzsaw! The two stare down and fans are loving this! Nathan offers a handshake again, but Wes makes it a low-five. They go again, tie up, and Wes gets around to waistlock. Wes spins Nathan, snapmares, and he wraps on a chinlock. Fans rally as Nathan endures and fights up. Nathan powers Wes to ropes, powers out but Wes runs him over! Cover, TWO! Wes facelocks, grinds the hold, and fans rally again. Nathan fights up, powers Wes to ropes and the ref calls for the ropebreak.

Nathan and Wes let off, and then Nathan headlocks! Wes powers out but Nathan reverses. Wes avoids the dropkick and shows the Wes Side fingers. Nathan runs in, Wes hurdles and handsprings, then he puts Nathan out. Both men show slingshot, but Nathan shoulders low! Nathan shovels Wes up and out, then goes to the corner! ARIHARA MOONSAULT, but Wes avoids it! Wes runs in the ring to FLY, but Nathan moves! Wes rolls through, Nathan runs in, but into a GAMANGIRI! Nathan flops to the floor and fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Wes has Nathan in a clutch. Nathan fights up to arm-drag free! Nathan goes to a corner, dodges as Wes runs in, and comes back to SUPERKICK! Wes hits buckles and goes down, and Nathan catches his breath while fans rally. Nathan kicks Wes into the drop zone, goes up the corner, PHOENIX SPLASH- NO, Nathan rolls through as Wes dodges! Wes blocks a superkick but Nathan dodges a haymaker, and Wes dodges a lariat! Both men run, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Fans are thunderous again while both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as both men sit up. Wes ROCKS Nathan, but Nathan ROCKS Wes!

Wes mule kicks Nathan, but Nathan stands to ENZIGURI! Wes wobbles on his feet and Nathan grits his teeth. Nathan runs in, ducks the heel kick and QUEBRADAS, to dragon sleeper, SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! Wes survives, even as that came outta nowhere! Wes goes to a corner, Nathan storms up and CHOPS! Nathan hoists Wes up top, ROCKS him, then climbs up after him. Nathan sits Wes up, reels him in, but Wes resists the superplex! Wes fights and shoves Nathan away, but Nathan flips to land on his feet! And he’s right up top again! SUPERPLEX and roll through to the ANARCHY! Cover, TWO!!

The fans are electric as Wes survives Nathan’s take on Seth Rollins’ combo. “This is Awesome!” as Wes goes to the apron. Nathan runs up but Wes HOTSHOTS him! Nathan comes back to SHOTGUN! Wes hits the desk and fans are shocked! Nathan sees Wes get up again, and Nathan springboards, but only gets desk! Wes is back in the ring, he runs corner to corner to FLY! Direct hit and down goes Frazer! Wes puts Nathan back in, he goes to the corner again, and fans are thunderous for the CARDIAC KICK! Cover, Wes wins!!

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

The future of wrestling was on display in this match, and Wes is still the present! The challenge was answered and defeated, but Wes shows respect to Nathan. Fans cheer on “Both These Guys!” but will Wes be the one to stand and deliver?

JD McDonagh speaks.

“If you’re ever unfortunate enough to suffer a retinal tear, the entire back of your eyeball, all the blood vessels and tissue that feed your eye with oxygen and nutrients, is ripped entirely away. Emergency surgery is required if you don’t want to lose the eyeball permanently. Dragunov, I don’t expect you to know what that feels like. But I promise you, you will. Between your penchant for enduring pain and my love for inflicting it, I know our next battle is gonna be the beautiful, destructive symphony you so deeply desire.

“You are an in-ring warrior, and you do have the highest threshold for pain of anyone I have ever met. But just as sure as my vision is coming back and my eye is learning to refocus, I am gonna push you beyond your barriers. To places you’ve never been before. You will suffer, and I will break your will. And I will send you home, permanently.” Will the Irish Ace be more dangerous than ever? Will The Czar still be #UNBESIEGBAR?

Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen talk backstage.

Briggs asks Jensen if he’s okay. He has big boy feelings to process. Jensen says he’s good, but Briggs asks him what’s going on. He knows when Jensen’s down. Jensen says he and Kina… Broke up? No, no! Could you imagine what that’d do to Jensen’s heart? Right, it’d be a disaster. It’s just, since Valentine’s Day, something’s been off. Something hasn’t been the same. Jensen isn’t know what to do about it. Briggs says it’s because Jensen’s stupid. But so is Briggs. When it comes to women, men ain’t exactly astrophysicists. Women want men to zig when men want to zag. But Jensen wants to zag!

Briggs is saying that it doesn’t matter. The Jensen from six months ago would be so damn proud of him now. So forget about that, that’ll figure itself out. Smile and get ready. They’re up against Indus Sher after the break, will we see that country boys can survive?

Backstage interview with Hank Walker.

McKenzie Mitchell points out Hank’s part in that wild brawl for the Open Challenge. Was Hank gunning for the title? Or just for Drew Gulak? Hank says it was a bit of both. He wants to prove to Gulak, but also everyone in NXT, that Hank belongs. Winning the North American title would’ve definitely done that. But when Hank saw Gulak and Dempsey, he saw red and- Axiom storms in demanding to know what the hell was all that. Hank apologizes, it got hectic, Axiom got in the crossfire. Yeah, but that kick almost knocked Axiom out! Well, it was meant for Gulak. Sorry if it caused problems.

Axiom says there is a problem! That cost Axiom a shot at the North American title! Hank apologized already, okay? Yeah, like Hank was gonna- Gonna what? Beat Wes? Refs step in but they start shoving! Hank is furious having someone look down on him. Will he make Axiom respect him in that ring?

Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal!

While the country boy meets city girl romcom is in the dramatic part of the story, the story of Briggs & Jensen getting back to tag titles is in the comeback arc. Will that story start looking up? Or will Sanga & Veer tear into the good ol’ boys’ hopes and dreams?

The teams sort out and Veer starts against Jensen. They approach, Veer kicks low and CLUBS Jensen to ropes. Veer headlocks, tags in Sanga, and Indus Sher mugs Jensen. Sanga CLUBS Jensen, then brings him around to scoop and carries Jensen around! Jensen slips free, headlocks, but Sanga powers out. Jensen hurdles, tags Briggs and hits a FACEBUSTER! Sanga gets up, to get run over by Briggs! Briggs fires up, he facelocks, and calls to Jensen. Jensen is mopey and Sanga fights free. Briggs ROCKS Sanga, tags Jensen and tells him to focus. Jensen wrenches, but Sanga blocks the whip. Sanga BOOTS Jensen down!

Sanga stomps Jensen, tags Veer, and they whip to run Jensen over! Veer drops the BIG elbow! Veer snarls, stomps Jensen, and Briggs coaches Jensen up. Veer tags Sanga and they have Jensen on the ropes. Sanga runs to BOOT Jensen down! Sanga looms over Jensen, drags Jensen up by his hair and wraps on a cobra clutch! Jensen endures, fans rally and Jensen fights up. Jensen throws elbows, but Sanga KNEES and CLUBS Jensen down. Sanga scoops and SLAMS Jensen! Sanga then runs the ropes, but misses the elbow drop! Jensen hurries, hot tag to Briggs! Briggs dodges Sanga, ROCKS Veer, then fires off on both of them!

Briggs keeps moving, tag to Jensen and the BOOT! Briggs is fired up, he puts Sanga on the ropes, runs and slides, to ROCK Sanga! Jensen was a step behind and apologizes. Briggs tells Jensen to get his head in the game. Jensen gets back in, brings Sanga up but Sanga choke grips! CHOKE SLAM! Tag to Veer, Sanga BOOTS Briggs! Sanga whips Jensen into the MILLION DOLLAR LARIAT!! Cover, Indus Sher wins!

Winners: Indus Sher, by pinfall

The Modern Day Maharaja celebrates with his brothers in arms, they just broke Jensen’s body to add to his broken spirit. Jinder calls out the Creed Brothers! They kept Jinder from becoming the NEW NXT Champion for all of India! The Creeds have overcome every obstacle in their lives, except for Indus Sher, and that will never change. These three want to finish this! The question is, are they? Indus Sher beat them down in the past, but it will be ten times worse at Roadblock! Julius & Brutus surely won’t back away from this challenge, but who will be their third man?

Backstage interview with Nathan Frazer.

At least, it was supposed to be. McKenzie Mitchell was on standby with Nathan in the medical room, and the doc checked Nathan’s neck. But then Katana Chance ran into the room and said something happened to Wendy Choo! The doc hurried off, the camera went with, and as always, it happened in the parking lot! Kayden Carter stayed with Wendy, the doc checks her. Wendy clutches her arm, did the same person who attacked Nikkita Lyons just attack Wendy?

Gigi Dolin is here!

The Toxic Goth tells us to cut her music! “That is the last time you will hear this awful song. So, I’m gonna keep it to the point because unlike Jacy, I don’t like the sound of my own voice droning on and on. Three weeks ago, my life changed when my skull was crushed against a door in this ring. But don’t worry, don’t worry. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to deal with big, life altering changes. This isn’t the first time I’ve had my kicked in by someone I trusted, someone I considered family. I can deal with the physical pain, I can handle the personal betrayal. Because in trying to boot my head off, you made me realize who I really am, Jacy.

“You will always be about the superficial surface level things. Wanting the money, the fame, the glitz, the glamour. That is all Toxic Attraction was ever about! Hell, it was fun being the mean girl for awhile. It was a way for you to channel your insecurities, Jacy. But it was a way for me to channel my inner demons. Because deep down, I’ve always been happy to just survive.” Fans cheer that. Gigi says Jacy knows this because she trusted Jacy, and Gigi shared everything with her. The last person Gigi let betray her and beat her down the way Jacy did, was Gigi’s own MOTHER!

Gigi’s mom used her as a personal punching bag for years! And when Gigi finally got the courage to run away from home, Gigi was determined to show her little brother that she could make it to the WWE! To show that they could escape the constant cycle of pain and suffering! Jacy, you don’t know a HUNDRETH of what Gigi’s been through! Jacy says she’s the last woman standing, but Gigi has been knocked down time and again, but she has always gotten right back up!

Fans fire up as Gigi says next week, at Roadblock, Jacy can bring everything she has and it still won’t be enough. Gigi has pain, suffering and rage that she has built up inside to hammer the final nail in the coffin of Toxic Attraction. Gigi’s new theme plays, and fans are ready for what Gigi’s about to do! Will Gigi show everyone what she can do all on her own?

NXT checks in on Chase U.

Duke Hudson brings up Roadblock to the other students. Gigi VS Jacy, that story is messed up. Gigi’s face after that door stomp… One time, when they were getting on a plane to Texas, Jacy- Oh, hold on. Duke walks up to Thea Hail as she walks in. He asks how she’s doing and she says a little better. That’s a start. Duke apologizes for his behavior last week. It was rude and immature to speak to her like that. Thea says it’s okay, people say things they don’t really mean. Okay. Duke just wants Thea to know she is a strong young woman who can stand on their own. They U-five, and Thea is sure Mr. Chase will accept an apology for what Duke said about the school.

Oh, no, Duke meant all those things. Chase asks Duke if there’s a problem. No. Good. Then today’s lesson is on famous WWE factions. These factions formed because they wanted to achieve- OH NO, GACY IS ON THE SCREEN!! “Attention, students of Chase University!” The rest of Schism also speaks through the television. Rip Fowler asks how they can be proud to be representing a failing institution. Andre Chase, Duke Hudson and Thea Hair are a reflection of the university and everything for which it stands. Jagger Reed says promising minds must be nourished by rich ideals that awaken spiritual excellence, not just with anger.

Gacy says the grass is always greener on the other side, and there’s plenty of grass under the Schism’s tree. Ava Raine says Thea Hail’s body is in shock not from physical pain, but from how she saw what life could be like under the Schism’s shade. And they can’t unlearn what’s ingrained in her brain and unhear what is caught in her ears! Thea knows! Thea knows! THEA KNOWS!! Duke Hudson, let it out! You know the only flag you should be waving is a white one. And Chase U is unaccredited! So gather your books and take the first step to a better life. Move under the Schism’s tree, or else the Schism’s roots will grow deeper and dismantle Chase U “until it goes up in flames.”

The Schism burns a Chase U shirt and put on their masks. Duke wants to speak but Andre tells him no! He will not stand here and let anyone badmouth this school! First they go after Thea, and now this BS? Schism, Chase knows you can hear him, you effing freaks! Next week, Roadblock, Chase shows everyone what principles this school is built on when he gives Gacy an Andre Chase University sized ass whooping!! But will it truly be a Teachable Moment? Or will Chase have to accept the truth the hard way?

Dijak speaks.

“Tony D’Angelo. You want an answer from me, huh? I knew you had a big ego, but this time, you don’t even know what you’re asking for. A Jailhouse Street Fight, where anything goes. You could’ve saved yourself a lot of suffering, pal. But you’ve cost me the North American Championship not once, but twice. So now, you’re public enemy number one. And by the time I’m through with you, your boy Stacks won’t even recognize your face anymore, because you’re nothing but a street rat who has no business dishing out high justice. You’re not gonna put me in solitary confinement. Next week at Roadblock, I’m gonna lock you down for good.” Will Dijak lock Tony in a cell and throw away the key?

Meiko Satomura VS Zoey Stark!

The Final Boss is respected by most, but not The Hunter! Stark says SHE should get the title match with Roxanne Perez at Roadblock because she’s worked for it, and that Meiko shouldn’t just be handed things because of her legend status. Will Stark put her money where her mouth is? Or will Meiko show Stark just how hard she’s worked to become a legend?

NXT returns and Roxie has joined commentary while Stark makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. Stark headlocks for a takeover but Meiko headscissors. Stark kips free and wags her fingers. They go again, Meiko headlocks, hammerlocks then drop toeholds to a facelock and cover. ONE, and the two stand off as fans applaud. Stark and Meiko circle again, feel things out, and Roxie says Meiko is not just a legend but a trailblazer in women’s wrestling. Meiko started at 16 years old, during a time when women’s wrestling was not respected. But then Meiko made people respect it.

Meiko and Stark knuckle lock and have a Test of Strength. Meiko bends Stark back, but Stark bridges and powers back up. Stark powers Meiko back, but Meiko fights up, kicks and wrenches and KICKS! Meiko wrangles Stark down but Stark rolls back, only for Meiko to hammerlock. Stark rolls and kips up but Meiko blocks the haymaker to wrench and sweep! Then knee drop! Cover, ONE!! But Meiko headlocks. Fans rally, Stark fights up, but she can’t power out as Meiko holds on tight. Stark tries again, but Meiko still holds on. Starks fights up again, wrenches out and turns things around, to ROCK Meiko!

Stark says that’s right! Meiko doesn’t deserve the title shot! But then Meiko UPPERCUTS, KICKS, Stark ducks the buzzsaw but not the return! Stark goes to a corner but Meiko runs in to UPPERCUT! Meiko fires up, whips corner to corner, and she runs in, but Stark dodges to then ROCK Meiko! Stark snapmares, runs, and SLIDING LARIATS! Meiko bails out, fans sing “OH~ Zoey is angry~!” Stark runs, slides, but Meiko avoids the dropkick. Stark rushes in but Meiko dodges to KICK Stark down! Fans fire up for Meiko while NXT goes picture in picture.

Meiko drags Stark and puts her in the ring. Meiko stands Stark up to snapmare, and then she wraps on an abdominal stretch! Stark endures, grabs at Meiko but Meiko ghost pins, TWO! Stark stands into an UPPERCUT! Meiko runs to HANDSPRING KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Stark gets to ropes but Meiko is on her with forearms. Stark blocks a whip but Meiko ROCKS her! Stark reverses the whip to send Meiko right into ropes! Meiko sputters, stands, into a LARIAT from Stark! Stark seethes and she stomps away on Meiko! Then rains down fists! Stark lets off to set Meiko down, for a KNEE DROP to the head!

Stark stands Meiko up, whips her into a corner, then whips her in again! Snapmare and cravat, Stark cranks on a neck wrench. Meiko endures, fights up, but Stark wrangles her back down. Meiko keeps fighting, arm-drags free, and kicks Stark! Stark ROCKS Meiko in return, and snapmares to have the cravat again. Meiko endures, fights up again, and she throws body shots. Stark wrangles Meiko back down, then drops an elbow! And back to the cravat! Stark leans on the hold but Meiko continues to endure. Meiko fights up, throws more body shots, but Stark keeps on the cravat, even digging her chin into Meiko’s head!

NXT returns to single picture and fans rally up. Meiko continues to endure and fight up. Meiko throws more body shots but Stark thrashes her around. Stark throws knees in, whips Meiko to a corner, then runs in, but is put on the apron. Meiko swings, but into Stark’s GAMANGIRI! Meiko falls, fans boo, but Stark springboards, into a ROUNDHOUSE! Meiko kicks the leg rather than the ribs, knowing Stark has leg problems. Fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” while both women slowly rise. Stark crawls over to throw forearms on Meiko but she gives them back! They go back and forth, Stark gets the edge!

Stark runs, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! And another! Stark goes to a corner, Meiko runs in to FOREARM! Meiko whips, Stark reverses but Meiko reverses back, DDT! Meiko puts Stark in the drop zone, climbs the corner, DIVING SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Roxie says she’s ready for Meiko, she’s not the competitor she was a few months ago. But Meiko KICKS Stark, KICKS her again, and KICKS her again! Meiko fires up, to KICK Stark again! Stark flounders to a corner, Meiko runs side to side, but Stark avoids the handspring knees! Stark stands on the apron, she brings Meiko up to throw her down!

Fans boo again but Stark slingshots to ARABIAN PRESS! Cover, TWO! Meiko is still in this and fans rally up. Stark hobbles to the corner, goes right up, but Meiko kicks the legs out! And then PELES Stark off the corner! Meiko fires up and she brings Stark up, to wrench and back suplex! Cover, TWO! Stark is still in this but fans rally up behind Meiko. Meiko stands Stark up but Stark blocks the back suplex. Stark throws elbows, then mule kicks! And SUPERKICKS! Stark runs, SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Meiko survives and Stark grows frustrated. Stark puts Meiko in the drop zone and climbs up again.

Stark leaps, 450- NO, Stark has to roll through as Meiko moves! Meiko kicks, fireman’s carries, and DEATH VALLEY DRIVERS! Stark flounders but Meiko fires up! Meiko runs in, SCORPIO RISING!! Cover, Meiko wins!

Winner: Meiko Satomura, by pinfall

The Final Boss proves that the legend is real, and that the legend is ready! Roxie says she’s also ready, and that she is the one going to Hollywood. Roxanne joins Meiko in the ring and looks Meiko in the eyes. This collision is happening at Roadblock, who will make it through to Stand & Deliver?

Shawn Michaels has a tweet.

“Every day I focus on the development of the young men and women of NXT. I had my time in the spotlight. Now that attention should be directed on these incredible Superstars. However, knowing Grayson’s behavior will only get worse, and against my better judgment, I accept the invitation to be on the Grayson Waller Effect next week at Roadblock, and promise to be as professional as I can be.” HBK has spoken, but what will Waller have to say when they’re face to face next week?

NXT checks on things backstage.

McKenzie is just outside of NXT medical and points out Wendy is getting medical attention after the attack outside in the parking lot. Hopefully we get an update before the night is over, but then Tiffany Stratton walks in. “Oh, McKenzie. Here’s your update. Wendy Choo will be out indefinitely after being attacked in the parking lot. Newsflash, people! Stay out of the NXT parking lot.” KC Squared exit with the real update. It isn’t looking good. Tiffany says she told us so. But look on the bright side: no one cared about Wendy, so she won’t be missed.

Kayden checks with Katana, didn’t Tiffany have a long-standing issue with Wendy? Yeah, not too long ago, actually. Okay, Tiffany knows what they’re doing. They can point that blame finger right back at them. Where were they when Lyons got attacked? And they just happened to find Wendy first? Sounds sketchy. What is she trying to say? O M G, Tiffany Epiphany! What if she became a detective? What she should do is put her wrestling boots on because Katana’s gonna get them a match. KC Squared head out, and then Tiffany scoffs before going the other direction. Will someone get to the bottom of this every growing whodunnit?

The Creed Brothers talk backstage.

Julius tells Brutus that he isn’t happy about this, either. He’d rather get hit by an ambulance than do this. Brutus knows, and says they can rethink this. They don’t have to tag with this guy. But it’s gonna take an SOB to beat Indus Sher, and that’s exactly who this guy is. Okay, fine. The man they’re talking about is DAMON KEMP! Damon says, “Sup, boys?” Julius says that Damon is an awful person. Wow, missed you, too. But Damon is calculated, sly and has no remorse. But that’s what it’ll take to beat Indus Sher. Oh, so Julius Creed is coming to Damon Kemp for help? They did rock some Six Mans. Is the band getting back together?

Seems so. Well… NOPE! Damon leaves the Creeds high ‘n’ dry and that pisses Julius off! Brutus holds Julius back, but in walks Bron Breakker. Bron tells the Creeds that if they need a third, they kept his match clean against Jinder so he’s in! Brutus is all fired up, but Julius is upset. Bron couldn’t have come in a minute earlier and saved Julius from the most humiliating moment of his life? Brutus and Bron have a laugh, but Julius lightens up. But hey, they needed an SOB, so here’s one! Brutus asks, “Where my dogs at?” He and Bron bark, but Julius doesn’t join in. Aw c’mon, Julius. For Roadblock? Fine. For Roadblock. They ALL bark it up! Will these dogs have their day next week?

Sol Ruca VS Elektra Lopez w/ Valentina Feroz!

The Sol Surfer waves hi to Stark as they cross paths. Their rematch has yet to happen, but will Sol show the Hunter that she can hang? Or will La Madrina use Sol as a stepping stone to the top?

NXT returns as Lopez makes her entrance, and surprisingly, Feroz is with her! Feroz didn’t want to accept Lopez’s advice or her help, but it seems things might be changing. The bell rings, Lopez and Sol tie up, Sol puts Lopez on the ropes, but she lets off as the ref counts. Fans sing, “SOL~ So-o-o Sol~!” Lopez shoves Sol, storms up on her, but Sol headlocks. They move around, Sol hits a headlock takeover, but Lopez fights up. Lopez pulls hair, the ref reprimands, but Lopez wrenches out. Lopez arm-drags Sol down to a wristlock but Sol fights up. Lopez wrenches, Sol rolls and kips up to cartwheel, only for Lopez to throw her by her hair!

Lopez stands Sol up, whips her to a corner, but runs into a boto! Sol then goes up and over but runs into an elbow! Lopez snarls, whips, but Sol handsprings through the hip toss to FACEBUSTER! Sol brings Lopez up, whips her to ropes, but Lopez reverses. Sol goes up and over again but Lopez throws her to the apron. Sol ROCKS Lopez, climbs up, but Lopez SHOVES her to the floor! Fans boo but Lopez goes out after Sol and brings her up. Lopez puts Sol in, covers, TWO! Lopez stalks Sol while fans rally up. Lopez KNEES Sol in the back, and again, then drops an elbow! Cover, TWO! Lopez keeps on Sol but Sol throws body shots!

Lopez knees low, and throws Sol at the ropes! Then CLOBBERS her from behind! Lopez whips Sol to ropes, back drops and Sol lands hard! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Solo but Lopez has a neck wrench. Sol endures, but Lopez shoves her down to drop an elbow! Then it’s back to the neck wrench! Fans rally, Sol fights up, but Lopez CLUBS her! Sol ROCKS Lopez! Lopez kicks low, throws Sol at ropes but Sol blocks! Sol turns things around to throw Lopez at ropes! Lopez staggers, into JAB, JAB and kick! Sol whips, Lopez reverses but Sol blasts through the lariat to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! And again!

Sol DROPKICKS Lopez and fans fire up! Sol stands Lopez up, underhooks and BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES! Lopez staggers to a corner, Sol runs in, handspring and- NO, she only gets buckles! Lopez throws Sol into those buckles, drags her out and covers, TWO! Sol shows toughness but Lopez grits her teeth. Lopez goes to her favorite corner, but where are the brass knuckles? Feroz has them! Lopez wants Feroz to hand them over, but Feroz says she doesn’t need them! But then SOL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol wins!

Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall

Feroz might’ve been wrong. Maybe Lopez needed those knuckles after all. Or maybe if she didn’t rely on them, she could win without them? Either way, Sol gets a big win, will she continue to ride the wave of momentum to the top?

Lopez argues with Feroz, pie faces her and says all Feroz is gonna be is a little girl. But then Feroz puts on the knuckles to DECK Lopez!! Fans fire up for Feroz, has she just learned how to stand on her own?

Gallus is back at the bar.

Mark Coffey & Wolfgang are playing pool again. But how long have they known each other? Not sure. Since they were wee lads in Glasgow? Yeah, and they’ve been Gallus for years. Their firm ran NXT UK. Their firm commanded respect. Every team feared them, and they put their names down in the record books. But back home, there’s no way a couple of chancers would get away with what Pretty Deadly did. “Two years ago, Pretty Deadly stole the NXT UK Tag titles from us. And then last week, to remind us of that, they jump us from behind.” Is Wolfman in there? Is he processing this? He better visualize what happens when Gallus gets their hands on them.

Because last Mark checked, NXT is now THEIR kingdom! Is Wolfgang gonna let “two badly dressed English pricks” do that to them? Embarrass them!? Gallus Boys On Top! All fun and games until someone tries to take their titles. Wolfgang should be raging! Wolfgang hits his next shot, then bumps into some random guy. So Wolfgang BASHES the guy with his mug! Yeah, they’re ready. But speaking of Pretty Deadly…

Backstage interview with Pretty Deadly.

McKenzie is with Elton Prince & Kit Wilson, and we all saw what Gallus did in response to last week. Yes, they’re doing that tough guy act after Pretty Deadly gave them “a jolly good thrashing!” Kit agrees, they gave Gallus a good and proper spanking. The plan worked out perfectly. Well-done, Kitster! Thank you, Elly. Those two are so angry, just imagine how mad they’ll be when Pretty Deadly takes the titles! Bye-bye pool tables. Wolfgang, get the pool tables!

Well, here’s a tweet from Drew McIntyre. “I’ve known Mark Coffey for a decade, Wolfgang for two. I’ve faced them, we’ve stood side-by-side, and the Gallus lads are tough as hell and take no BS. Pretty Deadly, you have a receipt coming your way.” Oh, the Scottish lads sticking together! Oh~! Scottish friends! It’s a terrible country, all grey and dreary, full of horrible people reveling in how allegedly rough they have it. And Pretty Deadly is positively cocker-hooped! So they’ll do it next week! A face-to-face meeting at Roadblock, to have a “civilized discussion” about their coming tag title match. How smashing! #YesBoy! But will the only thing smashed be Pretty Deadly into the dirt?

Katana Chance w/ Kayden Carter VS Tiffany Stratton!

This match was made just as Katana wanted! Will KC Squared uncover the truth of the NXT parking lot attacks? Or will Daddy’s Little Rich Girl continue to make things all about her?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Tiffany doesn’t budge as Katana pushes her, and then Tiffany throws Katana aside! Tiffany flexes but fans boo. Katana comes back, shots around to roll Tiffany up, TWO! Katana waistlocks but Tiffany elbows her away. Tiffany whips, Katana goes up and over, then DROPKICKS! Tiffany is in a corner. Katana runs in but is put on the apron. Katana shoulders in, slingshots but handstands to then headscissor Tiffany away! Fans fire up, Katana wrenches and wristlocks but Tiffany scoops. Katana fights that to a cradle, TWO! Katana headlocks but Tiffany powers up.

Tiffany back suplexes, Katana lands on her feet and shoves, but Tiffany handsprings over. Tiffany hurdles, she blocks the rana and brings Katana up. ALLEY-OOP HOTSHOT! Fans boo but Tiffany smirks. Tiffany stomps away on Katana, then mocks Katana’s pain. Tiffany digs a knee into Katana’s back and has the arms for the motorcycle stretch. Fans rally, Katana fights up but Tiffany wrangles her. Katana fights up, flips and kangaroo kicks! Tiffany staggers, Katana runs and trips her! Then Katan runs in to CLOBBER Tiffany! Tiffany swings, misses, and Katana ranas! Fans fire up while Tiffany goes the apron.

Katana runs in, avoids Tiffany’s shoulder, and KICKS her in the ropes! Tiffany’s stuck, Katana goes up the corner and DOUBLE STOMPS Tiffany down! Then STANDING TORNILLO! Cover, TWO! Katana keeps cool, but Tiffany DECKS her! Tiffany fireman’s carries, but Katana turns throw into arm-drag! Tiffany stands up, into Katana’s ENZIGURI! Katana goes to the corner but out walk Isla Dawn & Alba Fyre! Fyre has her bat, Kayden tells her and Isla to back off. Katana is up top, but she’s distracted. She leaps, into Tiffany’s arms! Pop-up to the fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON to the BEST MOONSAULT WHATEVER! Cover, Tiffany wins!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall

The Center of the Universe never loses focus, and she wins another match! But what business did Fyre & Dawn have with KC Squared? As for Tiffany, she gets the mic to say, “I have proven that I am the very best woman in NXT. And all of you would be satisfied by that. But I’m never satisfied. I don’t wanna be called ‘the best.’ I wanna be called the NXT Women’s Champion! Roxanne Perez, Meiko Satomura, I don’t care who wins next week. Because that title belongs to me!” Fans boo, but Tiffany has called her shot. Who will make it through the Roadblock to face Tiffany at Stand & Deliver?

Briggs & Jensen regroup backstage.

Jensen wants Briggs to understand that all that was on him. Briggs stops him there. He wants to be honest here. Fallon and Jensen are all he’s got. He supports Jensen and Kiana, but whatever is going on between the three of them, it needs to stop! It is WrestleMania season! You can’t keep doing this! Jensen knows, he kept overthinking and screwed up. That is on him. He is sorry, really. Briggs knows. It’s a bad time but it’s not a bad life. Fallon apologized to Kiana, and that’s the hard part. The next step is Jensen getting his girl back. But it will take some time, honestly. Jensen knows. He just wishes he could have a do-over, but he doesn’t know the right words to say.

Briggs says that if he’s learned anything in life, is that you don’t get a lot of do-overs. Oh, what if Briggs talks to Kiana for him? Really? Absolutely. Briggs would do anything for Jensen. They hug it out, will Briggs be the voice of reason that helps everyone get on the same page?

Axiom VS Hank Walker!

Misfire or not, the Undeniable Truth knows that the boot from Hank Walker was a heavy one! Will Axiom hit back just as hard? Or will Hank prove to everyone that he belongs in the ring?

NXT returns as Hank makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Axiom waistlocks, headlocks, and hops on for a SLEEPER! Hank RAMS Axiom into buckles, is free, but Axiom leaps right back on! Axiom has the sleeper and the body scissors but Hank pries free. Only for Axiom to squirrel around into an ARMBAR! But hank deadlifts and throws Axioma way! Axiom runs in, Hank blocks a kick, but Axiom SLAPS Hank! Hank is just mad now! Hank picks Axiom up and carries him around, but Axiom sunset flips. Hank drags Axiom up, Axiom slips around to another sleeper!

Hank pries at the hold so Axiom shifts to a waistlock. They go to ropes, Hank bucks the O’Conner, and Axiom kips up, into a BOOT! And that one was on purpose! Fans rally behind Hank and he brings Axiom up. Axiom headbutts low, Hank powers out and scoops, to then TOSS Axiom! Cover, TWO! Hank keeps cool and he brings Axiom back up. Hank ROCKS Axiom, but Axiom CHOPS Hank! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! And CHOPS! And ROCKS again! Hanks wings, misses, and Axiom DROPKICKS Hank down! Fans fire up, Axiom runs to GAMANGIRI Hank in a corner! Axiom then goes up top and leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!

Axiom grows frustrated but he stands up. Hank sits up, into a PENALTY KICK! Hank grimaces and fans fire up. Axiom runs in to PENALTY KICK again! Hank scowls, Axiom scuffs him. Axiom SLAPS Hank, throws forearms, but Hank throws a body shot. Hank runs, but into a LARIAT! Axiom runs, into a SHOULDER TACKLE! Fans fire up with Hank and he runs in to SPLASH at the corner! Whip corner to corner for another SPLASH! Hank roars, runs, but Axiom follows, only to get a LARIAT! Hank drags Axiom up, but Axiom cradles! ONE!! Hank shoots in, into a KNEE from Axiom!!

Hank is dazed and fans fire up! Axiom aims, but Hank ducks, only for the HEEL KICK to hit! Axiom aims from the corner, GOLDEN RATIO!! Cover, Axiom wins!

Winner: Axiom, by pinfall

That was a fast and furious showdown between speed and strength! Speed kills, and Axiom stands tall! Axiom respects the fight Hank put up, will this help Hank get back up? But wait! Someone is watching from the background. It’s SCRYPTS! Is the mysterious man of many words looking to write his own epic with Axiom?

Grayson Waller speaks.

“G’day, Mr. Michaels. Just wanna give a huge thank you for the night off, and for finally getting back to me. Now next week at Roadblock, we can sit down and talk face to face for the greatest episode of the Grayson Waller Effect of all time! And properly discuss Stand & Deliver. And I’m gonna be honest, I’m pretty excited, lads, because I don’t know which version of Mr. Michaels is gonna show up. When you sit down next to me, and you look in the mirror at the man you used to be. Are we gonna see the Heartbreak Kid one more time? Or are we gonna see the same old corporate stooge in a suit and cowboy hat that we’ve had to deal with for the last few years?”

Waller just asks that Michaels shows him the proper respect. “Because they say never say never.” Don’t make Waller put HBK in a position HBK said he’d never be in again. Is the 21st Century Success Story going to stop the show with the Showstopper?

Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams VS Tyler Bate!

When it comes to being #1 contender to the NXT Championship, when it comes to being a star, when it comes to Stand & Deliver, Carmelo Hayes says he is that man. But the Big Strong Boi says he’s going to take us on a mystical journey back to the top of the mountain! Who will be proven right? Who will be him?

NXT returns and Tyler Bate makes his entrance. The bell rings and fans rally as the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock so they break. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and Bate spins to wristlock and arm-drag. Melo headscissors but Bate kips free. Fans applaud the standoff and the two go again. Bate wrenches, wristlocks, but Melo rolls, only for Bate to roll with him! And again! Melo wrenches through, but Bate turns, breaks free and hammerlocks Melo. Bate toys with Melo, they go around, and Melo throws Bate out! Bate lands on his feet, he’s right back in, but Melo arm-drags! Bate headscissors, Melo kips free, and fans applaud the exchange!

Bate offers a handshake but Melo slaps it away. Bate fakes Melo out, Oklahoma Rolls, TWO! Melo covers, ONE, and Bate body scissors to a rolling clutch! TWO, Melo high stacks but Bate rolls that back, only for Melo to roll it through to the sunset! TWO and Bate high stacks, only for roles to reverse and Melo rolls through and high stack back! Bate pops Melo through to a sunset flip, TWO!! Melo narrowly escapes and fans duel the count! Melo rushes in, Bate steps up and over and underhooks, but Melo wrenches out! Melo jumps but his Code Breaker is blocked! Bate throws Melo away, runs in, but Melo dodges. Melo comes back but Bate goes up then under!

Bate baits Melo, they knuckle lock and Bate reels Melo in, slips around, baits Melo again, then leap frogs to slide under. Melo doesn’t fall for the bait this time and fans applaud. Melo swings, but Bate blocks! Bate UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS again, then UPPERCUTS again! Bate whips, Melo rolls off his back and runs back in, but into a back drop! Bate runs to tilt-o-whirl headscissor and DROPKCIK! Melo bails out, Bate FLIES! Direct hit and fans fire up! Trick is beside himself while NXT goes picture in picture.

Bate stands first and checks his shoulder, then goes back for Melo. Melo wants to leave but Bate throws him in the ring. Melo uses that to build speed and BLAST Bate off the apron! Melo keeps moving, but he runs into an UPPERCUT! Bate goes back in but Melo kips up to EDDY GORDO KICK! Cover, TWO! Melo keeps on Bate and CHOPS him down! Melo snarls, he drags Bate up and DECKS him! Bate comes back with body shots but Melo CLUBS him down! They trade shots, Melo knees low, but Bate blocks the suplex. Melo fights off a suplex, too, and they go back and forth. Melo gets Bate up and hangs him out to dry!

Melo holds on, and he uses the ropes to help snap suplex Bate back down! Melo then rolls to the cover, TWO! Melo is annoyed and he clamps onto Bate with a top wristlock. Bate endures, fights up, and arm-drags free. Melo comes back, dodges the lariat and SPRINGBOARD LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Melo has the top wristlock again and NXT returns to single picture. Fans rally while Bate endures again. Bate fights up but Melo keeps on that arm. Bate stands to throw body shots, Melo cranks on the cording hold, but Bate whips. Melo reverses and Bate hits the buckles. Melo runs in, blocks a boot but not the KNEE! Bate goes up to FLYING UPPERCUT!

Fans rally as both men stand, and Melo goes to a corner. Trick saves Melo from the splash! But Bate throws up Bop to BANG! Down goes Trick! Bate then ROCKS Melo, clinches, and hits an EXPLODER! Kip up and STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Melo is still in this and fans rally up. Bate slaps Melo’s hands away, stands him up, but Melo boots. Bate blocks, but Melo doesn’t fall for Bop! Melo spins Bate around, but Bate fireman’s carries! AIRPLANE SPIN, but Melo sunset flips it! TWO, and Melo BOOTS! Bate wobbles, Melo runs, but into a pop-up fireman’s carry! AIRPLANE SPIN!!

Fans fire up as Bate goes around and around and around, to the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo is still in this and Trick is relieved. Fans rally up again as Bate runs, but Melo grabs a foot! Bop up, BANG hits! Bate rebounds, COMEBACKER LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Melo survives again and Bate can’t believe it! Fans duel as Bate stands and Melo stirs. Bate rushes in but is sent into buckles! Melo snarls, he storms up and he ROCKS Bate! Bate UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS! Melo CHOPS!! Melo ROCKS Bate, throws more forearms, but Bate UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Bate just keeps going, then he fires off hands at the ropes!

The ref counts, Melo botos Bate away, then spins him around, underhooks for the BUTTERFLY SLAM! Cover, TWO! But Melo body scissors for a Gedo Clutch! TWO! Melo KNEES Bate in the face! Then Melo suplexes, CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo grows frustrated as Bate survives but fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” Melo HAMMERS away on Bate, then he goes to the corner. Melo climbs up, but Bate springs up after him! SUPER EXPLODER!! Bate hurries up top now, but Trick distracts! Bate BOOTS Trick! And SKY TWISTERS to FLOP! CODE BREAKER!! Melo hurries up top, aims again, NOTHING BUT NET!!! Cover, Melo wins!

Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall

Give Trick the assist, Melo would not have made his shot without him! Melo says there are NO roadblocks in his way to Stand & Deliver. “There’s only one man left, and I am Him.” Will Melo finally be THE A Champion in NXT? Or will it take more than an assist from Trick to stop Bron Breakker?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT to be a go-home to Roadblock, and we got such great interweaving of many stories. For one, I love that we got a wild scramble for the Open Challenge, and maybe it was just deja vu, but it feels like Frazer answered a previous one with this same brawling opening. Either way, many stories were featured all in one segment, like Apollo Crews stopping Dabba-Kato from answering the challenge, Hank getting at Gulak and Dempsey while ending up with a match with Axiom. Hank VS Axiom was a quick match but a really good one. And also, Scrypts in the background of Hank VS Axiom, I bet we see what they just threw on Level Up actually be a story on NXT.

Frazer VS Wes was an awesome match, Wes retaining against Frazer was of course how things were going to go, and Wes’s Stand & Deliver opponent could still be just about anyone. Dijak had a good promo to call out Tony D and accept the Jailhouse Street Fight. I should’ve figured that the “jailhouse” part is putting someone in a cage. With that stipulation, I feel like Stacks is going to help Tony beat Dijak and put him in the cage. Real good promo from JD to call out Dragunov, and given how things escalated for them in NXT UK, I hope they get a No Disqualifications type stipulation for their rematch. It’s the only thing that’d fit how vicious and personal this meant to be.

Amazing promo from Gigi Dolin. Fans have always really liked her, and she really bared her soul here. I wish Gigi VS Jacy was Last Woman Standing given they’ve used that phrase in their promos, but it seems to be just a normal match. Maybe Jacy wins in “controversial fashion,” and we get an escalated rematch for Stand & Deliver since the women’s title is spoken for. Great match from Meiko VS Stark that Meiko of course wins, and her match with Roxie would normally feel like it could go either way. But Roxie is going strong, she’ll surely survive Meiko and go on to Stand & Deliver.

And wow, another attack in the parking lot? I did not expect that, but I do like that we’re getting more and more people questioning each other. Wendy Choo is taken out, taking her off the suspect list, and she could be a clue to who is the real attacker. Tiffany only cares if it can put the spotlight on her, but she has a really good match with Katana. Tiffany has been going strong as a character, I suppose she does deserve to be a contender. Fyre & Dawn must also think KC Squared had something to do with the attacks since they showed up, but we’re of course going to get Fyre & Dawn VS Carter & Chance in both storyline feud and a way to determine contenders to the Women’s Tag titles.

And speaking of the titles, the drama of Kiana, Fallon and Jensen continues to ripple out as it affects Jensen & Briggs in their match. Good promos from the boys, but I have a feeling Briggs talking to Kiana will backfire in some way. That will ruin the trust Fallon and Kiana have been trying to build, that will end their title reign and give those belts to whoever, probably Fyre & Dawn, and then maybe Kiana and Fallon feud through the summer to build both of them towards top title contention. And great stuff from Sol VS Lopez. Sol gets a good win, but Feroz has the real highlight as she stands up to Lopez. Feroz VS Lopez is gonna be some great stuff to also build them in the singles division.

More great story interweaving as Indus Sher win against Briggs & Jensen and then call out the Creeds. I knew that we’d get a Six Man Tag of Bron & Creeds VS Indus Sher, and they gave us a good, natural build to it. With Roderick Strong still MIA, the Creeds turned to their former Diamond Mine ally in Damon Kemp, but because Damon is a jerk, he turns them down. Bron steps up because he is returning the favor, and I would think Bron & Creeds win to give them all momentum towards Stand & Deliver. Gallus had a really good promo, as did Pretty Deadly, but still nothing about escalating their tag title match’s stipulation to match the intensity they’re feeling. At least give this Tornado Tag Rules so there can’t be like sneaky tag shenanigans.

Good social media based back and forth from Waller and HBK, and of course we’re getting HBK on Waller’s talk show. Waller of course wants HBK to come out of retirement for one more match with him, but HBK’s tweet said he doesn’t wanna take the spotlight from the current generation, so I’m still betting on a proxy. Great stuff from Chase U and The Schism, and Andre Chase VS Joe Gacy will be good stuff. I’m still thinking we need some kind of Mixed Tag to finish this off, mostly so we can see Ava Raine in action. Given how things have been going, and how Chase brought up WWE factions “in class,” I feel like Chase U is gonna be the next faction to fall apart, as is the way of many, if not all pro-wrestling factions.

And just awesome stuff in the main event from Melo VS Bate. It was clear Melo was going to win, but if Trick keeps helping Melo, I don’t know how strong Melo’s gonna look if/when he wins the title off Bron. Which is a shame because Melo should be looking GOODT going into that match, not looking like every other Heel WWE’s booked. Melo has what it takes to win things on his own, he and Bron should be a true 1v1 match and Melo should be the one to overcome the seemingly unstoppable Bron, on his own. That will allow Bron to lose without excuses and leave NXT cleanly, while truly establishing Melo as the face of the next chapter.

My Score: 8.7/10