The Big Five Project returns as we bring 1996 to an epic conclusion. Before we get there, though, Rey Cash joins Dave and PC Tunney to take a look at the full card for WrestleMania 42, coming up in just a few days. What matches are we excited about, and what are we unsure of? From there, it is on to Survivor Series ’96. The final PPV of 1996 delivered on many fronts. Emanating from Madison Square Garden, this event stood on the precipice of the emergence of the Attitude Era, and the crowd in New York City truly let Vince McMahon know what was working and what was not. On this memorable night, we saw Undertaker and Mankind end their storied rivalry, for a little while anyway. On the other hand, Bret “The Hitman” Hart and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin were just beginning their rivalry. Speaking of beginnings, Survivor Series ’96 saw the debut of an electrifying future champion and icon in Rocky Maivia, the man we would all come to know as The Rock in just a couple of years. In the Main Event, though, the NYC crowd would memorably turn against the WWF Champion, Shawn Michaels, and align themselves with Sycho Sid, and history was made. The Attitude Era is nearly here, and Survivor Series’ 96 caught a lot of what would make the next few years in WWE, in the eyes of many, the greatest in the history of the industry! Are you ready for a wild ride? Tune in for this latest installment of the Big Five Project!

Revenge is a dish best served HOT!

For the first time ever, it is the two-week event, NXT REVENGE! But will Jacy Jayne take the Women’s Championship back from Lola Vice?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Jaida Parker VS Kelani Jordan; Lani wins.
• Kali Armstrong VS Skylar Raye; Kali wins.
• NXT Championship: Tony D’Angelo VS Ethan Page; Tony wins and retains the title.
• WWE Speed Championship Tournament: EK Prosper VS Dorian Van Dux; EK wins and advances to the finals.
• NXT Women’s Championship: Lola Vice VS Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence; Lola wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Change is inevitable…

And when the stakes are raised, so is the price of revenge. Those who overcome and succeed stand in the crosshairs of all who dare challenge them. Not every battle is a fight for gold. Some are for pride that demand everything. Tonight on NXT, it’s just the beginning! Those who yearn for it will stop at nothing… for REVENGE!

Jaida Parker VS Kelani Jordan!

Miss Parker got the win at Madison Square Garden, but the Standout got the last word when she attacked backstage! These two downright hate each other, but who will be satisfied with one final victory?

The bell rings and The two tie up. They go around, go along the ropes, then in and out of a corner. The ref counts the ropebreak but these two keep moving around! They finally settle, but then they get off the ropes and go around at center. Jaida powers Lani to ropes, the fans chant, “Whoop, Her Ass, Jaida!” Jaida backs off, Lani shoves her, but Jaida SHOVES Lani outta the ring! Lani scrambles back in, they tie back up, and they end up on ropes again. The fans continue to cheer Jaida on, but Lani HOTSHOTS Jaida under the ropes! The fans boo but Lani storms up again, only for Jaida to CHOP! And CHOP!

Jaida lifts Lani, Lani sunset flips, but Jaida rolls through to basement BOOT! Jaida runs, and she slides into the headlock! Jaida eggs Lani on as Lani endures, and Lani fights up to her feet. Jaida hits a headlock takeover, then grinds Lani down. Lani powers Jaida down but Jaida just fights back to the headlock! The fans cheer as Jaida grinds Lani again. Lani fights up, but Jaida gator rolls her! Jaida gator rolls Lani again, showing she can do technique, too. Lani fights up to her feet, fires body shots, but Jaida CLUBS her for it! Jaida suplexes, Lani slips free, and Lani waistlocks. Jaida stops the O’Conner, switches, but Lani switches back!

Jaida bucks the O’Conner this time, but Lani kicks low! Lani whips Jaida, Jaida reverses, then arm-drags! The fans cheer as Jaida RUNS Lani over! Jaida keeps moving, she rolls over the dropdown, then bypasses to BACKDROP! The fans fire up while Lani flounders out! Jaida goes out to the apron, but Lani SWEEPS the legs! Jaida flops down, but Lani runs up! Jaida dodges, Lani avoids hitting steps, and Lani runs back in! DOUBLE LARIATS and both women are down! The fans cheer while NXT goes picture in picture.

Jaida and Lani stir while the ring count climbs. Jaida drags herself up with the apron skirt, Lani follows, and they both leap in at 9! Then Lani runs up, but into an ELBOW! Jaida goes up, but Lani KICKS the legs out! Jaida hits the mat, Lani gets her leg, and Lani puts Jaida’s foot on the rope. Lani stands on the foot to stretch it! The ref counts, Lani stops, but then she slingshots to STOMP the leg! Jaida writhes but Lani pushes her down. Lani grabs the bad leg to stomp away! Lani then holds the leg, mocks the dancing, and DDTS the foot! Jaida scrambles away but Lani puts the foot back on the ropes. Lani stomps Jaida, then HIP DROPS the leg!

The ref wants to check Jaida’s leg but Lani gets right after it. Lani has a standing toehold and she puts on the pressure. Jaida endures, keeps her shoulders up, and kicks back at Lani with the good leg. Jaida BOOTS Lani away, then crawls to the ropes. Lani runs up, but into another ELBOW! And then a BOOT! Lani KICKS the bad leg! Jaida hobbles, but Lani KNEE DROPS on the knee! Lani pushes Jaida over, has the leg, and puts on another standing toehold. Jaida endures, SLAPS at Lani, but Lani SLAPS back! Lani steps through, but Jaida makes it a cradle! TWO, and Lani KICKS the bad leg out!

Jaida writhes but Lani drags her around. Lani stands on the bad leg, then SMASHES it down! Lani drags Jaida up while NXT returns to single picture. The fans rally but Lani snapmares Jaida into the ropes! Jaida clutches the leg while Lani talks trash. The fans boo but Lani pushes Jaida to a corner. Lani grabs that bad leg, and bends it against the post! The ref counts, Lani stops at 4, but Jaida kicks at Lani. Lani SLAMS the bad leg into the post! Lani CHOP BLOCKS Jaida, then scowls as Jaida hobbles to a corner. Lani runs up, but into another elbow! Jaida bumps Lani off buckles again and again, then does her best to walk on the bad leg.

Jaida storms up on Lani, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPELXES! The buckle pad goes flying along with Lani! Jaida snarls as Lani writhes. Jaida storms up, but Lani KICKS the bad leg! Lani steps over into the STF! The fans boo but Jaida endures as she crawls forward. Lani puts on the pressure and even talks trash, but Jaida caws at the hold. Jaida fights forward, reaches out, but Lani drags her away! Lani steps on the leg to SMASH it again! Lani talks trash on Jaida, then she pie faces her. “No one does it like ME, Jaida!” Jaida SLAPS Lani! The fans fire up as Jaida fires body shots on Lani! Lani KICKS the bad leg, but Jaida still throws hands!

Lani KICKS the leg, kicks again, but Jaida blocks! But the DRAGON WHIP finds her! Lani kips up, fires up, but the fans boo as she runs at the corner. Jaida dodges and Lani hits buckles! Lani gets mad, but she runs into a fireman’s carry! SAMOAN DROP! Jaida fires up, runs up, and RUNS Lani over! And RUNS her over again! Jaida whips, Lani reverses, but Jaida ducks to BACKSTABBER! The fans fire up while Lani flounders away. Jaida grits her teeth as she rises up, runs up, and she blocks kicks! Jaida puts Lani in the ropes, CHOPS, CHOPS, and manages the TEARDROP! Jaida can’t quite high step but the energy is still there!

Lani bails out, Jaida pursues, and the fans rally up. But Lani RAMS Jaida into the apron! Lani puts Jaida back in, slingshots, and CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Lani is furious as Jaida survives! Lani goes up the corner, takes aim, but Jaida rises! Jaida SLAPS Lani, then she climbs up after her! Jaida SMACKS Lani, Lani CHOPS back, and repeat! Jaida staggers back, Lani CROSSBODIES, but Jaida catches Lani! Jaida rolls through, powers up, and lifts, but Lani slips free! Lani wags her finger with a smile as she has the dragon sleeper, but Jaida spins that around! Suplex for the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Now Lani survives and Jaida is furious!

Jaida hobbles around, takes aim, and runs up, but Lani dodge! HIP-NOTIC into that bare buckle!! Lani THROWS Jaida down, then goes up, ONE OF A KIND MOONSAULT! Cover, LANI WINS!

Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall

Was that a bit of serendipity? Or did Lani plan it all along? Either way, Lani gets the better of Jaida. Will this lead Lani to a golden opportunity after WrestleMania Season?

Shiloh Hill takes stock.

Wood upstairs, nails downstairs, miter saw downstairs, hammer in hand. Pump gear…? Ricky Saints walks in and says every time he sees Shiloh, he is up to something. What’s he building now? A time machine? Wanna go back in time to make sure those teeth don’t get jacked up? Shiloh laughs it off and asks if this looks like a super conductor to him. If he was building a time machine, he wouldn’t be done until at least last week. Get it? Hah! No, it’s something for Tatum, she had this great idea- Ethan Page steps in and asks if this is a bad time to talk. Ricky says no, not at all. Ethan has saved Ricky, and Ricky is glad, because they need to talk.

Ethan agrees, they need to talk about Stand & Deliver where things between friends really got out of hand. Oh, wow, does Ethan mean when he started it? And Ricky escalated it! But y’know what? Ethan will try it one more time. He wants to extend the olive branch. Last week went well, right? Yes, for Ethan. Ethan says divided, they are distracted, but together, they are powerful. Allow Ethan to help Ricky help Ethan, which in the long run will help Ricky. Ricky needs to help Ethan become two-time NXT Champion, so that he can get first crack at it on the other side. Ricky says he is sorry, and these two hug it out.

The Absolute Egos feel good now, they’re gonna party! Shiloh can’t make heads or tails of this, but will Tony D’Angelo need someone watching is back tonight?

Sol Ruca speaks.

“Zaria and I walked into last year’s Stand & Deliver as a team, competing for singles gold. We both had a mutual understanding that it was every woman for herself. Yet, I ended it on top of the ladder. I became a double champion, but I wanted my best friend to become a champion, as well. So we decided to go after the tag team titles at Evolution. Zaria hit me with a spear, and I knew it wasn’t her fault, and things happen in the ring, we move on. A few months later, we had another title opportunity on SmackDown. Unfortunately, I hurt my knee and I felt like I let my best friend down.

“Because of this injury, I wasn’t able to defend my title at Halloween Havoc. I was about to vacate the title, but when Zaria wanted to defend the title for me, I thought of it as a way to make it up to her for losing the tag matches. I know it was a risk, but I trusted Zaria with my life, so of course I was gonna let her step up. However, she gets distracted and loses. I vacated the Speed title, focused on getting cleared, and I finally got my title rematch. I was reaching for the ropes, and Zaria threw in the towel. Zaria took the decision out of my hand, and I know that if I did that to her, she would’ve lost her mind.

“Now thinking back, it’s because she couldn’t stand the thought of me being a champion again instead of her. It makes sense now because that’s the reason why she didn’t hesitate when I said she should be the one to go after the TNA Knockouts Championship. I knew how badly she wanted to be a champion, she wanted to be a champion so that she could feel superior to me. I never claimed to be perfect friend, but I know I was a good friend to Zaria. Every time we argued, I apologized. Every time she called me out for being greedy, I vouched for her so she could get her own opportunities. I owned up to everything I did.

“Our ambitions became our bond, and I thought our bond was stronger than our ambitions. After I beat Zaria at Stand & Deliver, I realized she was right: I wasn’t the villain, I was just the last woman standing every time an opportunity presented itself. All Zaria does is point the blame at me and give excuses as to why she can’t get it done. So, Zaria, next week, Last Woman Standing, what’s your excuse gonna be?”

Joe Hendry is here!

The fans cheer, because it is time for another Joe Hendry concert! The fans wave their hands from side to side as Hendry steps into the ring and picks up his guitar. Hendry takes his seat, adjusts his mic, and hears the fans chant, “WE BELIEVE! WE BELIEVE!” “Say his name and he appears. Let’s call it like it is: I lost the NXT Championship. And that means I need to ask myself some really difficult questions. ‘Is this the end of the road? Should I just stop now? Should I just quit?’ Well, I looked at myself in the mirror, and I said, ‘Joe says no!'” The fans cheer for that! “Joe Says No! Joe Says No!”

Hendry says what we’re gonna do now is lift everyone’s spirits with a concert! The fans cheer again, and they clap along as Hendry strums his guitar. “I was the champion for all of NXT. And now it’s some guy leaving the mafia, his name is Tony D. Can I reclaim? I guess we’ll have to see. Everybody wants the title, so many challengers remain. Including Ethan and Ricky now, they’re on the same page again, pun intended. Can Tony D retain? The title was my life, it’s a shame that I lost her. Can I get it back? Or will I go to the…” Before Hendry can sing “main roster,” Keanu Carver storms out here! Hendry says whoa, hold on, no, no, no. We’re not doing this!

Hendry tells Keanu he saw him disrespecting everyone in NXT. The fans were promised a Joe Hendry concert, and they are gonna get a Joe Hendry concert! The fans cheer, but Keanu shoves Hendry! So Hendry fires hands! The fans cheer again as Keanu kicks low, gets his spare, and gives Keanu a SMASH HIT! But Keanu shrugs it off?! Keanu LARIATS Hendry down! Keanu rains down fists while the fans boo! Security rushes in but Keanu SHVOES them both away! Then he DECKS on, HEADBUTTS the other, and pursues Hendry on the outside. More security rushes in, but Keanu POUNCES them and Hendry through the barriers!!

The fans go nuts as the One Man Demolition Crew just wrecked half a dozen men without breaking a sweat! But will he be breaking through to that next level?

Tony D’Angelo speaks.

“Tonight, I set the tone on how my reign as NXT Champion goes, because I’m about to face Ethan Page, a man who has made is mark in NXT. A former NXT Champion, arguably the greatest North American Champion of all time. The man who broke The Ruler’s record. Now The Ruler, he’s about to slay the Beast at WrestleMania. Well, Page, you’re looking at the man who dethroned The Ruler! That’s a big notch in my belt, and I’m gonna need a couple more of those if I’m gonna get to where I wanna be. Now Ethan, I picked you cuz I don’t like you, your smile, or your style. But I also picked you because for the last two years, you’ve been at the forefront on NXT.

“Now, I changed my life for this title. And tonight, I’m gonna smash you and your ego to keep it.” The Vigilante has spoken, but will he still be the champion? Or is Ethan about to have his Revenge for Stand & Deliver?

Lola Vice prepares backstage.

And then in steps Stephanie Vaquer! Champion and champion say hola, and Vaquer says, “Amiga, that title looks good on you.” Lola says gracias. Is she ready for tonight? Si, and Lola can’t wait to see Vaquer bring La Primera to WrestleMania. Beat Liv! They hip bump and Vaquer wishes Lola luck. Will NXT still be the capital of Vice City? Or will the Fatal Influence find a way to exact their revenge?

Kali Armstrong VS Skylar Raye!

The inaugural WWE Evolve Women’s Champion has been on NXT before, and is even fighting for that title again tomorrow night in a Gauntlet Eliminator. But will the Difference Maker start making that difference in the NXT Women’s Division here tonight?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Kali and Skylar stare down, and Skylar offers a handshake. Kali slaps it away and flexes on Skylar quite literally. They tie up, Kali THROWS Skylar down, then grinds the armlock. Kali LIFTS Skylar to then SLAM her down, and repeat! Kali eggs Skylar on, Skylar fights up and around, but Kali knees low! Kali reels Skylar in, but Skylar wrenches out to kick low. Skylar ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls and LA MYSTICA! Kali flounders to a corner, Skylar whips, but Kali reverses and SPINEBUSTERS! The fans fire up for Kali, and she runs up on Skylar in the corner to RAM her! Kali digs her shoulder in, but stops as the ref counts 4.

Kali runs corner to corner, RAMS Skylar again, then brings Skylar around for a scoop and POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Skylar survives but Kali is still laser focused. Kali pie faces Skylar, eggs her on, and the fans rally up. Skylar fires body shots, backs Kali down, then whips. Kali goes up and over, then JABS! JABS! And JABS! Kali gets a shimmy, shake, and DECKS Skylar! Cover, TWO! Kali snarls as she drags Skylar into a neck wrench. Skylar endures, even as Kali puts on the pressure. The fans rally, Skylar fights up, but Kali THROWS her down! Skylar avoids the elbow drop and the fans cheer. Kali hoists Skylar up in a fireman’s carry, but Skylar slips free!

Skylar kicks, KICKS, and CHOPS! Skylar DOUBLE CHOPS, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Kali! The fans fire up with Skylar, then she runs up on Kali to BACK ELBOW! Skylar keeps moving, tilt-o-whirls again, DDT! Cover, TWO! Kali is tougher than that but Skylar hurries to the corner. Skylar climbs up top, leaps, but Kali DECKS her out of the sky! Kali brings Skylar around, whips her and POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up with Kali now, and she kicks it into gear! Kali is rolling down the highway, KALI CONNECTION! Cover, Kali wins!

Winner: Kali Armstrong, by pinfall

The Pride of Inglewood just broke the speed limit, but will Armstrong be #TooStrong for NXT?

Blake Monroe & The Vanity Project are in Robert Stone’s office.

And the NXT General Manager isn’t happy about it. They all made quite the statement last week. Blake says that’s right they did, that is why they’re here. He figured that. Well, that said, she pinned the champion so… Yes, yes, Blake earned her opportunity at the NXT Women’s North American Championship. Stone already talked with Tatum Paxley, she’ll take the rematch for next week. HOWEVER…! She insisted on selecting the stipulation for the match, and Stone approved. What?! Why!? Hold on, hold on, Drake will handle this. The Carolina Reaper has no idea what kind of bias Suit Man Stone has against the rightful champion, Blake Monroe, but it will not stand!

Brad Baylor says hundos! Blake, look, calm down. You are the Glamour! It won’t matter what the stipulation is, she’ll be fine! Ricky Smokes agrees. Plus, how bad could it be? Blake says fine! They’re leaving! Vanity Project hopes Stone is happy making Blake cry! Stone tells them to just get out. But wait, what stipulation will Tatum choose to settle things between her and Blake?

NXT Championship: Tony D’Angelo VS Ethan Page!

Stand & Deliver raised the bar with that Fatal 4 Way, and while Tony D came out on top, he knew all three of his opponents would want their turn. All Ego gets to go first, but will he just be the first to fall? Or will he absolutely become a two-time NXT Champion?

NXT returns as Tony makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly NXT’s best!

The bell rings and Ethan talks a lot of trash already. Ethan says HE is the Face of NXT, but then Tony dodges his punch to fire fast hands! Tony backs Ethan into a corner, stomps him, then follows Ethan to another corner. Ethan kicks in return but Tony ROCKS Ethan. Tony SMACKS Ethan off buckles, then bumps him off more buckles. Ethan sputters but Tony scoops him for the SLAM! The fans cheer while Tony paces around Ethan. Tony whips Ethan and LARIATS him down! Ethan flounders to ropes but Tony is right on him. Ethan ROCKS Tony in return, CLUBS away, then whips him to a corner. Tony reverses, runs up, but into a KNEE!

Ethan hurries to reel Tony in, and he suplexes, only for Tony to fight it! Tony tries to suplex, Ethan fights it, and Ethan suplexes Tony up and over! The fans boo, but now Ricky is here! Saints is already trying to put in the fix, but someone trips him up?! Who is that under the ring!? Who is dragging Ricky into the unknown?! Ethan is just as shocked, but Tony whips Ethan to ropes. Ethan ducks to swing on Tony, but Tony dodges back! DOUBLE LARIATS bring them both down and the fans rally up! Wait, out the other side is SHILOH HILL! He has Saints’ legs tied up with a rope, and he’s dragging Saints along!

Saints grabs the ring frame in desperation, but Shiloh just laughs as he YANKS Saints free! Then Shiloh drags Saints up the ramp and to the back! Ethan whips Tony, Tony reverses, and fireman’s carry for the DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Cover, TWO! Ethan flounders to the apron, but Tony goes out after him! Ethan slips free again, then KICKS Tony in the ropes! KNEE SMASH and Tony flops down. Ethan goes out after Tony, SWINGING NECKBREAKER to the floor! Both men are down while NXT goes picture in picture.

Ethan snarls as he watches Tony writhe. Ethan drags Tony up, SMACKS him off the steel steps, then throws hands. Ethan puts Tony in the ring, but Tony fires hands in return! They throw haymakers back and forth, Ethan gets the edge, then he whips. Tony reverses to atomic drop! Ethan hobbles, Tony runs, and Tony LARIATS Ethan down! Tony runs and SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Ethan is tougher than that, but Tony stays focused. Tony stalks Ethan to a corner, but Ethan YANKS him into buckles! Ethan stomps away on Tony, then rains down fists. Ethan drags Tony up, reels him in, and hits another SWINGING NECKBREAKER!

Ethan snarls as he clamps onto Tony with a chinlock. Tony endures the squeeze, then fights around. Ethan puts on the pressure, grinds Tony back down, but Tony continues to endure. Tony fights up to his feet, but Ethan wrangles him right back down! Ethan grins as he puts on the pressure again, but Tony still fights. Tony sits up, even as Ethan squeezes tighter. Tony pushes up, up, and NXT returns to single picture as Tony fires body shots! The fans rally for Tony as he ROCKS Ethan, then whips him to a corner. Ethan reverses, but Tony ELBOWS Ethan away! Tony goes up, but Ethan pulls hair! Ethan drags Tony off the corner for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally up as Tony survives. Ethan grows frustrated, but he throws down hands. Tony shakes his head but Ethan fires more hands. Tony huffs ‘n’ puffs and the fans fire up! Ethan ROCKS Tony, Tony just gets fired up again! Tonty HEADBUTTS the fist! Then he DECKS Ethan! Tony slips around to GERMAN SUPLEX Ethan, then SPLASHES in the corner! Then BELLY2BELLY! Ethan flounders but Tony GERMAN SUPLEXES again! The fans fire up as Tony gets moving, and he SPEARS Ethan down! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again, and Tony hauls Ethan up. Tony hooks a leg, but Ethan fights free to kick low!

Ethan Canadian Racks but Tony slips free! Tony ROCKS Ethan, Ethan ROCKS Tony, repeat! The fans duel as the punches fly, but Ethan dodges one to BOOT Tony! Tony goes to ropes, he BOOTS Ethan in return, then he FLYING PUNCHES! And the THROWBACK! Then the hook for FOGEDABOUTIT! Cover, TWO!! Ethan survives and Tony is surprised! The fans rally as Tony waits on Ethan. Ethan stands, Tony winds up, guzel and- NO, Ethan CLAWS Tony’s eyes! Ethan whips Tony but Tony reverses. Ethan goes up and over, Tony POSTS himself! Ethan then drags Tony out to hoist him up top! Ethan ROCKS Tony, then climbs the corner.

Ethan drags Tony onto his shoulder, and SUPER POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO!! Tony survives and the fans fire up! Ethan goes right up top, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO!! Tony survives again and Ethan is beside himself! Ethan bails out of the ring, and he storms his way over to the title! Ethan picks it up off the pedestal, but the ref can see him sneaking it in! The two tug-o-war, but Tony rolls Ethan up! TWO, and Ethan reels Tony in! Canadian Rack, EGO’S EDGE on the belt!! Cover, TWO!! Tony survives again and the fans are thunderous! Ethan is furious as he rains down fists! Ethan then brings Tony outside, and clears off commentary!

The fans fire up as Ethan brings Tony up, puts him on the desk, then climbs up to join him. Ethan reels Tony in, the fans fire up already, but Tony turns Twisted Grin into a FACEBUSTER off the barriers! Tony puts Ethan on the desk now, and he goes up the barriers! The fans fire up as Tony gets a running start, SPEAR onto the desk! The table stays standing but Ethan is hobbling! Tony pushes Ethan into the ring, he picks Ethan up, DEAD TO RIGHTS! Cover, Tony wins!

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

Tony knew it’d be one heck of a fight with Ethan, and that’s exactly what he got! But will Tony make sure to check every name off the list?

NXT returns as Ricky Saints storms around backstage.

He demands to know where Shiloh went! How dare he hogtie Ricky, like everything is a joke! Saints says Shiloh stuck his nose in Saints’ business! This ain’t over! Shiloh says oh, good, Saints can help him with this stuff. Shiloh holds up the electric drill and the electric saw! Saints says this ain’t over! Saints storms off, Shiloh laughs again, but just what is this project he’s helping Tatum with…?

Myles Borne is in the ring.

The NXT North American Champion is back, and he has the mic to say, “At Stand & Deliver, I pulled the black ‘n’ gold outta Johnny Wrestling, and I sent him right back to SmackDown. What a feeling! I was standing there on my own with this title that I busted my ass for, about to go home and celebrate with my favorite dessert.” Myles winks and the fans cheer. Myles says then, he gets hit with a chair from behind by Dion Lennox! Now, he knows that we all know he’s deaf. But he heard that chair shot, and more importantly, he felt it. And all the chatter after the match wasn’t about how Myles beat an NXT legend. It was that Dion Lennox might be our next champion?!

So last week, Myles decided to DarkState DarkState, minus the cute little masks that they wear. Dion, at Stand & Deliver, you stole Myles’ moment. So it is only fair when Myles says this: “DarkState… When you attack the North American Champion, ain’t nobody safe!” But wait, DARKSTATE IS HERE! The fans freak out already as Osiris Griffin, Cutler James, Saquon Shugars, and of course Dion Lennox, stand in the crowd. Dion tells Myles that he may have gotten this championship edge from Ethan Page, but he sure didn’t get any brains. Over the last year, DarkState has dropped champions, won titles, and put fear into NXT!

And over the last few months, Dion has been fingertips away from the NXT title. Distractions keep getting in the way, but Dion’s gonna put a stop to all of that! The DarkState slump is over! And their future is on Myles’ shoulder in that North American title! So Dion will give Myles two options: Accept your fate, or try and deny the inevitable. Myles tells Dion if he wants a title match, they can just put that together for next week, no problems. But as for his ultimatum, Myles goes with option C: he keeps the title! Dion doesn’t like that answer, huh? Well, Dion can either have the title match, or DarkState can do what DarkState does and slide into this ring, and try and take him out!

But if you do that, you might not get your match. So Dion, as the leader of DarkState, you have a decision to make. Either way, Myles is ready. Saquon has everyone hold on. Leader of DarkState? Fool, you misinformed. There ain’t no leader, and ain’t no damn reason you should be talking out the side of your neck like they ain’t gonna break it! Listen, fool! Nobody care about no damn title match! Myles says it’s on then! But Dion says hold on, hold on! They ain’t doing this right now. Saquon asks what Dion is talking about, and Dion says he’s talking about their future! And their future IS that title! Saquon asks if Dion means their figure, or just Dion’s.

Saquon rushes the ring, Myles dodges, and BORNE AGAIN for the Sugar Man! DarkState regroups on the outside, and Cutler keeps the peace between Dion and Saquon. Will DarkState work on their dysfunction before they even try to go for a goal?

Zaria speaks.

“The writing was on the wall at least year’s Stand & Deliver. I was the first to qualify for the North American title ladder match, and then Sol had to go and do the same thing, under the impression that it was every woman for herself. When we met at the top of that ladder, the only thing in that moment that mattered was her. She was everything. The only thing that mattered to Sol was gold! So she kicked me off of the ladder, and she won. I did my best to be the supportive best friend when she had two titles while I had nothing. We finally got our first change at tag team gold at Evolution, Sol screws it up, in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“But of course, it’s not Sol’s fault. Just like it was a few months later on SmackDown. When I needed Sol to come through, what happens? She gets hurt. Who gest the worst of it? Me. So instead of leaving her, I did what any good friend would do, and I volunteered to defend er North American title so she didn’t have to watch all of her hard work slip through her hands. And what happens in the match? Sol makes it about her, and it costs me again. But this time, Sol got a taste of it cuz she lost the title. Now in the rematch, the girl can barely stand. I throw in the towel so that Sol doesn’t go on the injured list for a year, and I’m the bad friend?

“No, I think it’s the complete opposite. I shouldn’t have thrown in the towel, because then I wouldn’t have to watch her get handpicked for every single opportunity! Every time I get close to something, Sol was there to keep me down. Sol, you tried to keep me in your shadow because you know I am better than you! No one has ever kicked out of a Soul Snatcher, except me. It took THREE Soul Snatchers to keep me down at Stand & Deliver. But I promise that will never happen again. Sol, I would have let the world burn for you. But after everything you’ve done, you will be burning beside it. Next week, I will be the Last Woman Standing!”

WWE Speed Championship Tournament: EK Prosper VS Dorian Van Dux!

With Lexis King waiting in the finals, the Disrespectfully Athletic and the Muscles from Brussels meet, three minutes between them and a golden opportunity! But will the Drama King soon be facing the Knight? Or will will this tournament soon be on DVD?

The bell rings and both men run up! EK RAN- NO! DVD stops the rana, throws EK to the corner, but EK goes up and over! EK gets moving, but DVD puts him on the apron. EK goes back up and over to keep moving, but DVD hurdles. EK pommels off DVD’s back, but DVD ducks ‘n’ dodges to then fake EK out! EK runs up but DVD catches him and THROWS him outside! Then DVD FLIES! He just manages to clear the ropes but he takes EK down all the same! The fans fire up for DVD as he puts EK in, goes up top, and DIVING BODY PRESS! That was two-thirds of the way! Cover, TWO!! EK survives but the fans rally up again.

DVD reels EK in, lifts him up, and POP-UP- NO, EK sunset BOMBS DVD! We hit the orange phase but EK goes to the apron! TOP ROPE ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes DVD but EK hurries to put him back in! EK runs up on the corner, blocks the kick and DROPKICKS back! EK then aims from the apron, springboards in, but DVD dodges! DVD goes up the corner and MISSILE DROPKICKS in return! The fans fire up as DVD keeps moving, and he LARIATS EK inside-out! Cover, TWO! EK survives but DVD goes up the corner again. We hit the red phase as EK DROPKICKS again! EK then goes to the UPPER ROOM!

DVD flounders, EK runs up, SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! DVD survives but EK hurries! DVD SMACKS EK, EK SUPERKICKS back! DVD KNEES EK, then goes up, up, and fakes EK out before the FLYING CUTTER!! DVD keeps going, we’re under THIRTY! DVD is up, up, and away! But EK avoids the Shooting Star! EK hurries up top, MOONSAULT! Cover, EK WINS!!

Winner: EK Prosper, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

With SEVEN seconds to spare, EK snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! He shows respect to DVD, DVD shows it back. We all got to see what Van Dux can do, but will we see EK prosper in the Speed tournament finals?

Robert Stone reprimands Keanu Carver.

Suit Man Stone asks what Keanu thought he was doing out there, ruining the Hendry concert. Keanu says time for talking is done! No more singing, no more guitarists, none of it. Stone isn’t sure about all that, but Keanu is forcing his hand. Next week, Keanu VS Hendry. Keanu asks if Stone is really putting Hendry in a match with him. Keanu promises us, it’ll be Hendry’s funeral! Keanu doesn’t seem to believe in Joe Hendry like the rest of us, but will he have no choice but to respect Hendry after they go 1v1?

NXT presents Chronicle: Kendal Grey.

“This isn’t my typical style. Getting dressed up, talking about myself. I’m the type of person to let my actions speak for me. But coming off of Stand & Deliver and competing for the NXT Women’s Championship, even though I didn’t win the title, I’ve had a ton of time to reflect over the past year. I remember asking last year what my chances were to get on Stand & Deliver, because it was in my hometown, Las Vegas, Nevada. And the answer I got was, umm, probably like 1%. I was on nobody’s radar, nobody knew who Kendal Grey was, and when it came to the NXT Women’s Division, I was pretty much non-existent, so it’s pretty cool to see how far I’ve grown over the past year.

“And a big part of that has been my friendship with Wren. When I get in the ring, I’m serious, I’m locked in, I’m laser focused. But then when I’m making videos with her and going backstage, and doing #Wrensdays, I’m silly, I’m goofy. I let that goofy side come out. Another big part of my growth over the past year is Evolve. If you look at my very first match on Evolve, to my last match on Evolve, I’m a completely different person. Evolve gave me a platform to find myself, to find confidence inside and outside of the ring. And most importantly, it gave me confidence in believing I will be a WWE Superstar.

“My transition from amateur wrestling to pro-wrestling hasn’t been easy. And just because a few people have done it doesn’t mean it’s not difficult. But without Evolve, I would have no success on NXT, and I definitely wouldn’t be the 2025 Iron Survivor. That was the night that I truly believed that I can hang with the best in NXT. That was the night the WWE Universe saw me as a star, NXT saw me as a star. And you’re telling me John Cena picked me to be in that match? Like, bro, c’mon, that’s the best I could be! I mean, I remember as a kid wearing John Cena merch, having his chains, my dad would take me and my brother just to watch John Cena!

“Me and my brother would argue who was gonna be John Cena on the video games, and now he chose ME as someone worthy of going after the NXT Women’s Championship? I’d always find little pieces of advice John Cena would say in podcasts and interviews. He would say to always show up early, outwork everyone, and be coachable. And that’s exactly what I did at my tryout to get to NXT. I remember after winning my third national title, I had Julius Creed reach out saying, ‘WWE next?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, okay, totally.’ Because I didn’t even think this would be a possibility. And days later, I had WWE reaching out, asking me if I wanted to try out.

“It was right after Nationals, I was still cutting weight, like 110 pounds, I was the smallest girl at the tryout. And I remember in that moment, I was like, ‘What am I doing here? I don’t fit in. I’m too small, stuttering over my words.’ But the more I got in the ring, the more I realized I was starting to fall in love with it. And once my competitive edge kicked in, I knew I wasn’t walking out without a contract. That’s what got me to NXT, but trust me, there’s a whole different side to me that NXT doesn’t know.” The Ice Woman is ready to do more than Evolve, but will Grey be golden soon enough?

Robert Stone checks in with Tatum Paxley.

Stone gets she wanted to talk but he was thinking more his office. Why is she up this high in the shelves?! Tatum says this is where she goes to think. To think?! Stone, look, this has to stop! She is the one and only NXT Women’s North American Champion! Yes, and they have the match set, but what is the stipulation she’s chosen? Well, it seems that no matter what Tatum says or does, Blake keeps finding ways of calling herself a champion. Yes, but can they talk about this on the ground? No. The more Blake is pushed, the more she becomes the ruthless, vindictive Woman From Hell. So Tatum will do what she should’ve done the moment Blake set foot in NXT.

Tatum will lay Blake to rest. W-What? How? Tatum will send Blake and that fake belt to HELL where they belong! Shiloh calls to Tatum and says he’s finished! It’s all done! Is that a CASKET?! Tatum loves it! And it’s perfect for their Casket Match! A c-c-casket match?! Tatum and Shiloh are both laughing but Stone might be ready to faint. Will Tatum make Blake rest in pieces next week?

DarkState regroups backstage.

Dion is heated at Saquon but Saquon says it’s all good, right? Dion got what he wanted. Dion says no, it ain’t good! Saquon ain’t listening to Dion, he questions everything Dion does, and he dropped on to Ethan Page last week! Oh, and where was Dion last week? Fool, Saquon got mobbed while Dion was worried about the North American title. They been down and Dion don’t care! Dion says if they’re down, he’s down, don’t act like he doesn’t care! Saquon says that’s not how they rule! If it was anyone else, Osiris & Cutty would’ve sent his ass through the clouds! But no, they gotta worry about Dion and his title match! What do Dion wanna do? Dion keeps changing the play!

Dion shouts that he isn’t changing anything! He’s trying to be smart, UNLIKE Saquon! Osiris & Cutler step in and tell them to calm down! They gotta stick together! Dion takes a breath, and says in order to get to the top of NXT, something they all want, they need gold. Right now, this is their only shot, so why risk it? Saquon just leaves, but the others seem to understand. Will DarkState (not) be alright after Dion gets his shot at Myles?

NXT Women’s Championship: Lola Vice VS Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence!

A wild finish in Madison Square Garden led to a wild Triple Threat in St. Louis, and in the end, it was the Mayor of Vice City standing tall! But now the Toxic Rockstar wants her Revenge, so here is the rematch! Will Lola’s moment only last for a moment? Or will her reign survive through WrestleMania Season?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who says buenas noches to the spotlight!

The bell rings and the fans rally up for Lola. Jacy and Lola circle slowly, put their dukes up, and they tie up. They go around, end up on the ropes, and Jacy pie faces Lola, but Lola shoves past her. The fans duel as the two reset, tie up, and Lola wrangles Jacy with a chinbar! Lola digs her knee in, but Jacy headscissors! Lola powers out to get a leg but Jacy kicks free. Jacy is frustrated already but the two reset. Lola and Jacy tie up, and Jacy pulls hair to put Lola on the ropes. The ref counts, Jacy lets off slowly, and she CHOPS! Lola CHOPS back! The CHOPS continue, then Lola blocks a shot to fire off palm strikes!

Lola runs and uses the ropes for a slingshot arm-drag! Jacy tumbles, Lola runs up, but Jacy ducks a kick! Jacy jukes around, arm-drags back, then trips Lola to a cover, ONE! Lola trips Jacy to a cover, ONE! Lola ghost pins, TWO! Jacy CLOBBERS Lola, then does her dance. Jacy runs, Lola stays low, but Jacy counters hip toss with hip toss, only for Lola to counter with an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Jacy flails, Fallon & Lainey panic, but Jacy high stacks Lola. TWO as Lola lets Jacy go, and Lola BODY BLOWS Jacy! The fans fire up as Lola then storms up on Jacy, whips her to ropes, and she KICKS low! Lola whips and KICKS again!

Lola SOBATS Jacy outta the ring, then goes to the apron. Lola waits, runs up, but Lainey takes the SEATED SENTON for Jacy! Jacy returns to BOOT Lola down! The fans are torn but Jacy smiles as she stands tall, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Jacy leans on the pedestal, getting a photo op with the belt as she signals she’s gonna be a THREE-TIME champion. Jacy then drags Lola up, RAMS her into the apron, and RAMS her in again! Jacy puts Lola in the ring, then hurries after her for a NECKBREAKER DROP! Cover, TWO! Lola is tougher than that but Jacy stalks her to the ropes. Jacy drags Lola up, bumps her off buckles, then bumps her off more buckles. Jacy fires hands, stomps Lola down, and repeat! The ref counts, Jacy digs her boots in, but she stops at 4. Jacy swaggers before she brings Lola up and around for a snapmare. Jacy KICKS Lola in the back, then basement SUPERKICKS her down!

Jacy runs to SENTON onto Lola! Cover, TWO! Lola survives but Jacy keeps on her. Jacy clamps on with a neck wrench but Lola endures. Lola fights up, fires body shots, but Jacy CLUBS her! Lola fires in return, whips Jacy to ropes, but Jacy reverses and ELBOWS Lola down! Jacy snarls as she ELBOWS Lola in the head ‘n’ neck again and again! Jacy clamps onto a chinlock and grinds Lola down. Jacy almost has a Bully Choke but Lola still endures. Lola fights around, rises up, and RAMS Jacy into the buckles again and again! But Jacy THROWS Lola into the corner! Jacy runs up, but Lola BOOTS her away!

Lola ELBOWS Jacy, then dodges to run, dodge, again, but DOUBLE LARIATS take both women down! NXT returns to single picture as the fans rally harder and harder for Lola. Jacy flounders away, but comes back to ROCK Lola! Lola ROCKS Jacy, Jacy mule kicks, and they throw shots back and forth! Jacy ROCKS Lola, Lola ROCKS Jacy, but Jacy mule kicks, front kicks, and- NO, Lola ducks the enzigiri to then GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up while Jacy flounders. Lola waits on Jacy to stand, so she can KICK her down! And KICK her again! And SPIN KICK! SPIN KICK! And LIGHTNING KICK! Jacy falls into the corner, and the fans know waht’s next!

Lola reminds us, “I’M A LATINA~!” HIP ATTACK! Lola keeps moving, HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up again as Lola drags Jacy up, SAIDO! Lola keeps moving, SEATED SENTON! Cover, TWO! But into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Jacy makes it a cover, TWO! Jacy SUPERKICKS! Lola wobbles, Jacy ducks the heel kick, but not the second HEEL KICK! Jacy flops back out of the ring but Lola pursues! The fans chant “SI SE PUEDES!” as Lola drags Jacy into the ring. Lainey talks trash on Lola, the ref warns her, but Lola focus on Jacy, ROCKSTAR KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Jacy almost stole this thanks to Fatal Influence but Lola is tougher than that!

The fans rally as Lola goes to a corner, Jacy runs in and BACK BODY BLOCKS! Jacy SMACKS Lola, puts her up top, then SLAPS Lola! Jacy goes for another shot, but Lola gets her in a HANGING TRIANGLE!! The fans fire up, but Lainey distracts the ref so Fallon can YEEHAW KICK from the post!! Fallon puts Lola in, Jacy runs up, ROLLING ENCORE!! Cover, TWO!!! Lola survives and Fatal Influence is both shocked and furious! The fans rally even harder for Lola now, but Jacy runs up! Lola avoids the knee to roll Jacy, into a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK!! Jacy flails as she’s in the body scissors, but she fights up!

Lola lets the scissors go to swing Jacy around! Then with the corner, TORNADO TAKEDOWN! GUILLOTINE!! Jacy fights back up but Lola holds on tight! They roll, Jacy has the jackknife bridge! TWO, Jacy is free, but Lola dodges to waistlock! O’Conner Roll, TWO! LAINEY SMACKS LOLA!! The fans boo as Jacy runs up, ROLLING- NO! Lola ducks it! URAKEN!! Cover, LOLA WINS!!!

Winner: Lola Vice, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)

Lainey tried to repeat history from when she screwed Lola over to help Jacy, but it did NOT work! Lola overcame these 3v1 odds to solidify her reign! But then KALI ARMSTRONG clobbers Fatal Influence?! Kali stares Lola down, but then surprise! Kendal Grey appears from the crowd side. And so does Izzi Dame! And then ZARIA makes her entrance?! Only for SOL TO FLY IN FROM OUTTA NOWHERE!! Sol and Zaria go brawling off backstage, what happens when those to go all out in a Last Woman Standing match? As for the rest, did Lola win just to have the walls close in on her? Or can she survive the most stacked division in wrestling today?

My Thoughts:

A great first night for the first-ever NXT Revenge, this can definitely work as their equivalent of Backlash. I will say, Kendal Grey’s promo definitely hinted that Stand & Deliver was meant to be in Vegas this year, but then something complicated that and they went with St. Louis as the fallback. That aside, very good promo from Kendal, and it surely helped the NXT-only audience understand Evolve is a great starting place for a lot of the new NXT stars. Kali Armstrong certainly made a case for herself winning her match tonight and then attacking Fatal Influence. But if Kali is already looking to THE NXT Women’s Championship, that basically spoils she isn’t winning the Evolve Women’s Championship on tomorrow’s episode of Evolve…

Honestly, where was Kelani Jordan in that ending? Lani VS Jaida was a very good match, very good win for Lani, and I would think Lani would stake her claim to the title, too. Izzi Dame of course did, but does she really have that much of an argument when she’s coming off a loss to Tatum? We’ll get a great series of matches to determine a contender, though, with Izzi, Kendal, Kali and Lani making for either a great two round tournament or an awesome Fatal 4 Way. That said, great match from Lola VS Jacy, and now with Jacy out of the way, we can see them build to Jacy’s farewell to NXT, and maybe even all of Fatal Influence with her to bring that all to main roster.

We also got great promos from Sol and Zaria, though it didn’t add much to what we had going into Stand & Deliver. Both women still stand by their feelings, and then they had that great scrap at the end of the show, their Last Woman Standing will be the highlight of Revenge Night 2. EK VS DVD was a great Speed match, and that was really risky to push that close to the time limit. Great win for EK, he and Lexis will have a great title match, but I feel like Lexis finds a way to steal the win so that Birthright has something going for them.

Very good Joe Hendry concert, including where Keanu interrupted and then demolished Hendry and some Evolve prospects dressed up as security. The detail of Hendry being interrupted right as he was going to say “main roster” is great, too, because I would think that’s exactly what happens next for him. Good stuff with Ethan & Ricky patching things up, but Shiloh Hill also getting involved so that Ricky doesn’t cheat Tony out of the title. With that, great win for Tony, and I think Keanu is next for him. Ricky’s gonna feud with Shiloh with Ethan helping, Hendry’s halfway to main roster, and no one else is ready for the top title.

Myles had a very good promo with DarkState, and the DarkState dysfunction is going well. Myles VS Dion is going to be really good as a match, and I can’t be sure how it goes given the DarkState story. If Dion wins out, all is well. If Dion loses, the tension only grows, and someone’s gonna get jumped out of the team. And very good build to this Women’s North American title Casket Match. That casket is HUGE, makes me think someone ends up in it by falling through the lid. But perhaps not, that’s pretty wild for WWE. But as I said before, they’re not gonna waste the time and money to make a custom belt for Blake to not have her win, she will surely be the Undisputed Women’s North American Champion.

My Score: 8.8/10