NXT prepares for Spring Breakin’!

With a NEW NXT Champion in Carmelo Hayes, there needs to be a NEW #1 Contender! Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, and two more mystery entries battle in a Fatal 4 Way!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Isla Dawn & Alba Fyre VS Kiana James & Fallon Henley; Dawn & Fyre win and retain the titles.
• Eddy Thorpe VS Javier Bernal; Thorpe wins.
• Tiffany Stratton VS Sol Ruca; Tiffany wins.
• High Stakes: Ilja Dragunov VS Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone; Dragunov wins, Wagner and Stone must part ways.
• Joe Coffey w/ Gallus VS Tank Ledger; Joe wins.
• NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Dragon Lee VS JD McDonagh VS Grayson Waller VS Duke Hudson; Waller wins and will challenge Carmelo Hayes for the title at Spring Breakin’.

PLAY BY PLAY

Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams are here!

Fans cheer for the NXT Champion and his right hand man as they head to the ring. They get the mics, and Melo has the fans settle down. He thinks it’s important to address what happened last week. Trick says talk about it. “Bron Breakker, everything between you and I was supposed to be about respect. I let my guard down, and I got caught slipping.” Trick says it won’t happen again. Melo agrees, but he also understands. Bron is still in his feelings about losing. Defeat is cold and lonely, Melo gets it cuz he’s been there. But if Bron thinks raising Melo’s hand was some kind of passing of the torch, he’s wrong. Bron didn’t pass Melo anything, Melo took it!

“Everyone at home, all these people here, they don’t want you to be their number one anymore, Bron. They want Melo.” Fans cheer and Trick says, “Hello!” Melo says he and Bron will be doing battle for a long time. WrestleMania Weekend was just a chapter of this story. So Melo will go ahead and flex the privilege by giving Bron a spot in the Fatal 4 Way to earn a rematch at Spring Breakin’. And that offer isn’t an ask, it’s a tell! Melo wants to get back- But wait! Here comes Dragon Lee! Fans fire up as The Wonder Boy, who is in that Fatal 4 Way, makes his way to the ring. Dragon gets a mic and stands with Trick Melo Gang.

Dragon says the champion is here. He congratulates Melo and shakes his hand. Fans chant for “Dragon Lee! Dragon Lee!” and Dragon days last week, Bron disrespected Melo. Dragon understands wanting revenge. But Dragon is here to fight the best. And that title says Melo IS the best! But it also proves that when Melo shoots, he doesn’t miss. Melo wants Bron, but after Dragon wins tonight, it’ll be Melo and Dragon at Spring Breakin’ for that title! Trick says Dragon’s spitting fire. Melo says okay. Give it up for Dragon Lee. Fans cheer again, and Melo tells Dragon welcome to NXT, pleasure to have him, he’s a phenomenal talent.

But here’s what you never do: NEVER interrupt the champion. But Dragon gets a pass for being new. If Dragon does get that W tonight, realize one thing. Melo has this title not because it looks nice around his waist, but because Melo is really like that. And at Spring Breakin’- Wait, here comes JD McDonagh! The Irish Ace is also already in that Fatal 4, and he tells Melo, “You gotta keep your head on a swivel when you’re the champ around here. You’ve got new challengers spring up left, right ‘n’ center. One week with that title, and your armor of invincibility is slipping already. One week with that title, and you two already got yourselves laid out by Bron Breakker.”

JD says that isn’t his style, though. Bron pulled a fast one. If it were him, he would’ve just headbutted Melo right in his face. And he would’ve done it because he likes the sound of skulls colliding. But everyone else needs to learn that “ego is loud and confidence is quiet.” JD doesn’t need to be an internet darling, he doesn’t need a fancy entrance with banners dropping, none of that matters or impresses him. When the bell rings, JD knows he’s number one. Dragon finds that out tonight, and Melo finds out in two weeks at Spring Breakin’. Melo says okay, he can’t even hold JD. Game recognizes game. But you still gotta get to the end of that rainbow to get this pot of gold, homeboy.

And yes, that’s a leprechaun joke. But that’s not what matters, either. What matters- is that Grayson Waller interrupts! Fans boo the 21st Century Success Story as he says, “Guess who the third superstar in the Fatal 4 Way is!” Fans boo but Waller says they’re dumber than they look. There’s a combined IQ here of 150. Dragon, Waller will translate. This audience, and Dragon, are estupido. But what Waller doesn’t have to translate is the fact that he’s winning the Fatal 4! Then a real superstar will take that title off Melo. Melo says okay, everyone wants to be a winner, but who’s gonna do what it takes?

In two weeks, it’s Spring Breakin’. Melo sees a whole lotta “them,” but there can only be one HIM. Melo raises the belt after throwing down the gauntlet, who wins big to go for the gold?

Fallon Henley talks with Kiana James backstage.

Their title match is up next, are they good? Let’s see. Considering Fallon tried to ruin Kiana’s relationship with Brooks, then yeah, they’re good. FALLON tried!? Yes, tried. Because Kiana and Jensen made up and are great. Now, let’s focus on getting the titles back. That’s something they can agree on. By any means necessary. There it is! Kiana has to- “I don’t want that goodie two-shoes Fallon Henley as my partner, I need YEEHAW B*TCH Fallon Henley!” Because that’s the only way they’re gonna beat Isla & Alba. Oh, Kiana wants to see that side of her? Fallon can show her right now!

Josh Briggs steps in and tells them to stop arguing. They’re up next, so why not focus on Isla & Alba instead of each other? Where’s Jensen? No idea. Kiana says he’s not coming. What? Why would he miss something this important? Because he doesn’t want to be around either Fallon or Briggs. Kiana heads out first, Briggs reminds Fallon this is about the belts, not the drama. Will it end up being both when the bell rings?

Sol Ruca was on TikTok.

The Sol Surfer wants to make sure everyone knows that her best friend, “Daredevil” Dani Palmer is making her NXT TV debut! They’re both so excited, but then Tiffany Stratton has to barge in. She asks what’s going on and Sol explains they’re making TikToks. They’re making TikToks in Tiffany’s parking lot? Uh, it’s not her parking lot. No, no, this is Tiffany’s space and they didn’t ask for permission. No one cares Dani’s debuting and no one cares she’s Sol’s friend. Tiffany heads off, Sol says whatever, just make sure to watch for Dani. But will Tiffany get in Sol’s space in their match tonight?

NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Isla Dawn & Alba Fyre VS Kiana James & Fallon Henley!

The dark and devious duo have played mind games and put on the pressure, and that is how they got the gold at Stand & Deliver. But will it be even easier to keep the titles with Kiana and Fallon at each other? Or have they been playing with forces even they don’t understand?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if a team can be saved!

Kiana CLOBBERS Fyre before the bell! Then Fallon hits a THESZ PRESS and fast hands on Dawn! Fans fire up as Kiana and Fyre brawl on the outside. Fyre scoops, Kiana slips free and scoop SLAMS Fyre! Dawn CLUBS Fallon, whips, but Fallon reverses to forearm smash in the corner! Tag to Kiana, she stomps away, then RAMS into Dawn! Tag to Fallon, and a feed to the RUNNING UPPERCUT! Cover, ONE!! Fallon clamps on with a chinlock but Dawn pulls hair. Fyre tags in as Dawn powers out, then Dawn shoves Fallon so Fyre can trip her up! Fyre spins Fallon around to ROCK her with a forearm!

Fyre storms in, drops an elbow, and covers, TWO! We see outside that someone pulls up fast in a truck. It’s JENSEN! He’s coming in with a head of steam, but what happened to not wanting to be around his friends? Fyre bumps Fallon off buckles, Dawn mocks her pain, and Fyre stomps a mudhole. Tag to Dawn, she stomps away, then tags Fyre. They dig their claws and their boots in, but let off as the ref counts. The ref reprimands, Fyre argues with him, but that’s a distraction so Dawn can pull hair! Fyre storms up but Fallon BOOTS her away! Fallon elbows Dawn away, runs, but Fyre throws her back, to then back drop Fallon!

Fyre taunts Kiana, drags Fallon up, but Fallon JAWBREAKERS! Hot tags to Dawn and Kiana! Kiana rallies, whips, and RAMS into Dawn at the corner! And again! Kiana handsprings back, Fyre runs in, but Kiana just picks her up! Kiana SANDWICHES Dawn & Fyre, to then RAM into them both! Short arm LARIAT for Dawn! Tag to Fallon, she CALF KICKS Dawn! Fyre returns, Kiana kicks and TOSSES her out! Fans fire up and Fallon slides while Kiana goes to the apron. HAYMAKER MOONSAULT IN SYNC! Fans fire up with the businesswoman and the cowgirl as NXT goes picture in picture.

Kiana and Fallon cool off a moment, and Fallon fetches Dawn. Dawn hits back but Fallon CLUBS her! Kiana whips Fyre into the apron, CHOPS her, then mocks Fyre’s pain. But Fyre knees low and SMACKS Kiana off the apron! Fyre brings Kiana around but Kiana CHOPS back! Fallon keeps on Dawn, Fyre KNEES Kiana again, but Kiana POSTS Fyre! Fallon ROCKS Dawn, CLUBS her down, then reels her in. Snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Fallon snarls but she brings Dawn up to CLUB her again. Tag to Kiana, they bring Dawn around to double whip and double shoulder tackle! Kiana covers, TWO!

Kiana snarls now but Dawn throws body shots. Dawn swings, but into a waistlock! Fyre tags in before the O’Conner, and she drags Kiana up to GOURDBUSTER onto Dawn’s knees! Cover, TWO! Fyre grows frustrated but she drags Kiana up to HEADBUTT her in the back! Fyre puts Kiana on ropes to CHOKE her! The ref counts, Fyre lets off, and she brings Kiana around to tag Dawn. Fyre feeds Kiana to the TARANTULA, and she SUPERKICKS Kiana down! Dawn covers, TWO! Dawn drags Kiana back up, puts her in the corner and stomps away! Tag to Fyre, they mug Kiana, then Fyre stomps away.

Tag back to Dawn, the mugging continues! Dawn waistlocks but Kiana fights free with elbows. Only for Dawn to throw her down by her hair! Dawn wraps Kiana up in a seated cobra Twist! Kiana endures, even as Dawn digs knuckles into ribs. NXT returns to single picture, fans rally up, and Kiana pulls Dawn’s hair! Dawn KNEES Kiana in return! Dawn laughs at Kiana, drags her up, and whips her to ropes. Dawn RAMS into Kiana, then brings her up again. Dawn whips but Kiana sunset flips! TWO! Dawn RAMS into Kiana again! Tag to Fyre, she Gory Especials but Kiana BOOTS Dawn away!

Kiana sunset flips Fyre now, TWO! Fyre kicks low, brings Kiana up to suplex, but Kiana slips free! Kiana hits a BIG back suplex! Fans fire up while both women are down! Kiana and Fyre crawl, hot tags to Dawn and Fallon! Fallon rallies on Dawn and fans fire up! Fallon blocks a kick to ROCK Dawn! Fallon springboards, wheelbarrows and BULLDOGS! Dawn scrambles to a corner while fans fire up again. Fallon runs in to back body block! Fallon keeps going, RUNNING FACEBUSTER! Fyre runs in, Fallon DECKS her! Fallon goes up and up and BLOCKBUSTERS! Cover, but Fyre breaks it!

Kiana runs in, goes after Fyre, but Fyre throws her out. Fyre SUPERKICKS Kiana off the apron! Fallon KICKS Dawn, Dawn ducks, DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSES take them both down! Fyre storms up again, Alabama Lifts, but Fallon makes it a DESTROYER! And here comes JENSEN! Jensen grabs the bag! Jensen gives Fallon the bag! Fallon gets upset, throws it back, and now the ref sees Jensen! The ref EJECTS Jensen! Fallon is upset, what is Jensen even doing? Briggs asks Jensen what he’s doing, too, but Jensen SHOVES Briggs! Fallon turns around, into a ROUNDHOUSE! Tag to Fyre, BACKSTABBER SWANTON COMBO!! Fyre covers, Fyre & Dawn win!

Winners: Isla Dawn & Alba Fyre, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions)

Jensen carries Kiana away, only caring about her now. Jensen tried to help in the way he thought was right, but it went all wrong. Will his friendship with Briggs and Fallon be done just like the Kiana-Fallon team-up?

Noam Dar speaks.

“NXT is about to blast off to a new stratosphere. Because finally, Supernova 11, Noam Dar, has arrived. I’m a combination of swag and style. An elegant savage of unlimited potential. There is a lot of fantastic superstars in WWE. There’s only one Supernova. I open people’s eyes, and take breaths away. And I break jaws. I’m a world-class performer, and I revolutionized a whole new match style: The Heritage Cup Rules match, designed to pay homage to the great history of European wrestling.

The rules are simple: two falls to a finish; six rounds; three minutes a round; 20 seconds in between. It tests your strategy, your stamina, and your technique. It started in NXT UK, but now I’ve brought my cup and my talents to NXT. And I’ll be honest, I’m a technical master. Nobody can do it like me. Slicing elbows, heavy knees, sharp kicks, slick submissions. The whole lineage of European wrestling belongs to me. I’m the longest-reigning and only two-time NXT heritage Cup Champion. And we came across the pond to see what NXT’s ‘best’ has to offer. So it’s time to separate the sheep from the goats. Which one of you dafties is gonna step up to the cup?

“But don’t forget. There’s levels to this, and I’m the top. Check, please.”

Chase U is in the ring.

There are red, white ‘n’ ‘black balloons, the students are right up at ringside, and there are pictures commemorating Duke Hudson’s big moment as Stand & Deliver. Andre Chase is at the podium and says good evening. He’s still here as professor and dean of Chase U, thanks to the courage of tonight’s award recipient. “At Stand & Deliver, the chips were down. And this man went above and beyond the call of duty. And he earned the distinction of Most Valuable Player! Now, we haven’t always seen eye to eye, but I know the one thing that we can agree on is that you’ll always go to fight fo rme, and we’ll stand alongside each other, and we’ll welcome whoever steps up. And we’ll show those sorry ass mother-”

WHOA! Chase, cool down. Right, sorry, apologies. This is live TV. But without further ado, Chase presents the Chase U MVP, DUKE HUDSON! The trophy is revealed and Duke shakes Chase’s hand. Fans cheer and Duke takes the mic. He thanks Mr. Chase, and says that he doesn’t really like awards ceremonies. He doesn’t want the attention on him. It isn’t about Chase me, it’s about Chase U. But as Duke stands here, thinking about Stand & Deliver, and how millions across the world watched him on the biggest night of his career, at the biggest event NXT has to offer, Duke Hudson took the entire university, put it on his back, and took them to the Promised Land!

Fans cheer and Duke says, “Now, now, now. This isn’t just me coming out here and patting myself on the large back I was talking about earlier.” Duke knows it was a group effort, he merely led the march towards evil! Fans cheer that, too. Duke says to his mentor, Andre Chase, thank you. And to his fellow student, Thea Hail, thanks, sorta. And now Duke Hudson is Chase U’s MVP!! Fans cheer again, and Duke says he loves hearing MVP and spelling it out. But here’s another word to spell it out. He hasn’t gotten to do this before, so please pardon him. Rise from your seats, stand with him, and join in!

C! H! A! S! E! U! Bron hops the railing?! He “apologizes” for interrupting, but he’s pretty sure everyone here wants to hear what he has to say. Fans boo, that’s not true. Chase says Bron is interrupting something important. That’s for good reason. There’s a #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way later tonight, and everyone keeps asking Bron, “Why are you not in the match?” Melo came out, he wants Bron in that match, but Bron finally realized. That title is a curse on Bron’s career! Bron also realized that he doesn’t need the approval of these SCUMBAGS anymore! Fans boo but Bron smirks. Bron says, “You people are gonna see a side of me that you’ve never seen before.”

So Mr. MVP Duke Hudson, if anyone should take his spot in that Fatal 4 Way, it’s all his. Wait, really? Bron offers a handshake. Chase and Thea are unsure but Duke accepts it. Duke is now in the match, but then Bron SPEARS CHASE!! Fans boo and Duke is unsure what to do! Duke snatches the MVP trophy and runs for it! Fans boo as Bron grabs the Chase U flag, waves it around a little, then TEARS IT UP!! Thea is even more devastated than a second ago! But what about Duke? Will he be able to focus on the Fatal 4 Way after seeing his mentor struck down?

Gigi Dolin speaks.

“There it is. That’s where I grew up. In that house, if you can call it that. That window is where I’d stare out at night, dreaming of the day I’d get out. My brother and I, battling broken trust and my parents’ demons. The definition of a vicious cycle. My mother always told us that we didn’t even deserve to be happy, so as soon as I got the chance, I ran away and I never looked back.” Gigi is human, she wants to be loved like everyone else, and Jacy Jayne knows all of that. But that’s why she couldn’t let Gigi have her moment. “Always reaching for something better, kind of the story of my life.”

Jacy broke Gigi’s heart, her face, but she will NEVER break Gigi’s will. Like the rose tattoo on Gigi’s arm, her story started out jagged and ugly, but then bloomed into something beautiful. The Toxic Avenger is ready to show her thorns, will Jacy Jayne regret ever betraying her?

NXT Anonymous is always watching…

In a tweet captioned, “I see it all,” NXT Anonymous shares video they recorded over the weekend. Pretty Deadly were in the parking lot when Tony D’Angelo & Stacks JUMPED THEM! They beat down Elton then kidnapped Kit! The Don is resorting to his old ways to handle business, what will happen to Kit? What’ll happen to Elton if Kit never returns?

Eddy Thorpe VS Javier Bernal!

The Alpha Wolf made a big debut with a solid victory, but he’s not going to stop until he reaches the top. Will Thorpe keep moving forward into the future? Or will Big Body Javi make this all about him?

The bell rings and Javi kicks al eg out! Javi wrenches, wristlocks, but Eddy wrenches back. Javi spins, arm-drags, but Eddy holds on to wrench again. Javi rolls, monkey flips, but Eddy still holds on! Eddy drags Javi up, Javi wernches and slips through to wrench, but Eddy rolls, kips up and wrenches to a headlock. Eddy hits the takeover, Javi headscissors, but Eddy kips free. Javi headlocks for the takeover now, but Eddy fights up. Eddy powers out, Javi runs him over, and things keep moving. Eddy hurdles, CROSSBODIES, and fans fire up! But wait, Damon Kemp is on the ramp? Who’s he watching in this match?

Javi goes to ropes, Eddy runs in, but Javi ducks the Penalty Kick to schoolboy Eddy right outta the ring! Eddy hits the floor hard and Javi hurries to fetch him. Javi SMACKS Eddy of the desk, puts him back in the ring, and Javi hurries up after Eddy. Eddy CHOPS back! Javi kicks low, brings Eddy around to whip, then runs to BULLDOG! Javi keeps moving, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Javi stomps Eddy, CLUBS him, then ROCKS him at the ropes. Javi whips,. Eddy reverses, but Javi catches the dropkick! Eddy scrambles, reaches, but Javi turns him over! But Eddy turns back over! Javi tris again, but Eddy turns over.

Eddy kicks away at Javi, blocks the haymaker and ROCKS Javi! Eddy blocks a boot to COHP! Eddy fires off a strike fest, then a PELE! Fans fire up with Eddy, and he runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Javi survives but Eddy keeps cool. Eddy brings Javi up, facelocks, but Javi wrenches out. Javi reels Eddy in, SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Eddy survives but Javi keeps on him. Javi suplexes, Eddy slips free and spins Javy, but Javi cradles! TWO! Eddy BOOTS then SNAP GERMANS! Javy sits up in a daze, Eddy reels him in! MANIFEST DESTINY!! Cover, Eddy wins!

Winner: Eddy Thorpe, by pinfall

Fans fire up for the win, but the wolf notices the Golden Gopher. Will Kemp have business with the new kid on the block?

Tank Ledger gets his pictures taken.

Gallus walks over, and Joe Coffey says NXT is just letting anyone in here these days. Tank says hey, a lot has changed since Joe’s last seen him, okay? Oh, is that so? Yeah, man! As a matter of fact, Tank’s been training, and in a couple weeks, he’ll be making his NXT TV debut. Oho, hear that? A couple of weeks. Nothing like the present, though, right? Yeah, how about we bump things up to tonight and make it one to remember! Tank says sure! Let’s do it tonight! Security and producers get Tank and Gallus to back off, but then Gallus turns around to see The Schism. And Rip Fowler says, “Some things never change.” This is typical Gallus: picking fights with those they know they can beat.

Ava Raine says these street thug low lives only reach a certain level. Well, there’s enough Gallus to go around, lads. Oh, is that so, Markus? They’ll fight anyone and everyone, yet The Dyad has been ostracized from the Tag Division. Well, all they had to do was ask. They’d love another chance to kick their asses like back in the day. Well they’re not asking, they’re telling! The Schism heads out, but will Gallus still be on top against the grizzled Jagger & Rip?

SCRYPTS speaks.

“Axiom, what is your biggest fear? Is it in your future? Or is it your past? Is it looking in the mirror and seeing the guy behind the mask? It seems I have your attention, so what comes next wont’ be anything new. You can’t expose me, because I’m exposing you. Sincerely, Scrypts.”

Tiffany Stratton VS Sol Ruca!

Daddy’s Little Rich Girl wants to be the Center of the Universe, but she has to get past Sol first. Will there be a Tiffany Epiphany? Or will she just get her soul snatched?

NXT returns and Sol makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Sol pushes Tiffany to ropes, and Tiff complains. The ref counts, Sol lets off, and Tiff kicks low! Tiff wrenches an arm, UPPERCUTS it then YANKS it! Sol rolls, only for Tiff to throw her down. Tiff digs her knee into Sol’s head while bending the fingers! Sol fights up, fights through to wrench back and YANK the arm! And again! Sol CLUBS the arm, throws Tiff down, but Tiff kips up to backhand! Tiff runs, but Sol runs her over! Fans fire up, things speed up, and Tiff hurdles. Sol handsprings through the arm-drag, then jumps the sweep! But so does Tiff!

Tiff kicks low, whips Sol to a corner, but Sol goes up and over! Sol kicks low, whips Tiff to a corner, but Tiff goes up and over the same! Tiff CHOPS Sol, whips her to ropes, but Sol ducks ‘n’ dodges, both women handspring, and fans fire up for this acrobatic exchange! Sol and Tiff reset, and Tiff offers a handshake? Fans say “NO! NO! NO!” but Solo accepts it. Tiff kicks low! Tiff throws Sol down by her hair to STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Tiff RAMS Sol into buckles, then kicks the rope to jam her up! Sol reaches for ropes, Tiff STOMPS the arm down! Cover, TWO! Tiff is annoyed, she stomps Sol to ropes.

Tiff KICSK the bad arm but fans rally for Sol. Tiff whips, ELBOWS Sol, and then wrenches the bad arm to WRING it out! Cover, TWO! Tiff clamps onto that bad arm with a top wristlock. Sol endures and fans rally up. Sol fights to her feet, but Tiff wrangles her back down! Fans rally again and Sol fights up. Sol arm-drags free, but Tiff ROCKS her! And CHOPS her! But Sol rebounds to run Tiff over! And again! Sol kicks Tiff, reels her in, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! And a kip up! Tiff stands, kicks back, then whips, but Solo reverses to gut wrench! POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tiff staggers to a corner but Sol runs in!

Sol handsprings, clotheslines, and scoops again. Another POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives, she kicks Sol’s arm as she gets away, but Sol runs in. Tiff KICKS Sol down first! Tiff drags Sol up, but Sol cradles! TWO! Sol shoots in, rolls Tiff, but Tiff grabs the rope. Tiff YANKS the arm as she gets away. But then Sol FLAPJACKS Tiff! Sol runs, but into a fireman’s carry! ROLLING SENTON! And then the BEST MOONSAULT WHATEVER! Cover, Tiff wins!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall

Fans boo but Sol isn’t the center of the universe. Tiff is ready for the gold, but will she be ready for Indi?

Chase U regroups backstage.

Duke pumps up while Thea gets Chase water. Chase says he’s fine, and Duke thanks Chase for “taking one for the team,” sacrificing himself so that Duke can win the Fatal 4 Way. And now, Duke will be the first to finally bring home gold to Chase U! SWEET! Thea is so hyped up, but will the odds be in his favor in the main event?

Backstage interview with The Diamond Mine.

McKenzie Mitchell is with Ivy Nile & The Creed Brothers. She says Ivy requested this time, so what’s on her mind? “Divide and conquer. Last week, I handled my issue with Tatum, and now Diamond Mine is back to us three.” Julius says that at Stand & Deliver, Gallus played their ace in the hole when Joe Coffey came out to help them escape. But now they’re out of surprises. They can keep crossing their arms and acting all big ‘n’ tough, but next week, we find out! The Creeds want Gallus for the NXT Tag Team Championships!

McKenzie points out that The Dyad also made their intentions clear. Brutus says those guys always get into everything, but the Creeds are not done with Gallus just yet. Julius says the focus is on Gallus. Joe Coffey is in action tonight, so they’ll be watching tonight. Thanks for your time, McKenzie. Diamond Mine heads out, McKenzie wants to send things back to ringside, but Tiffany walks over to say, “Um… Kenzie, to the surprise of no one, another victory for The Center of the Universe.

“How I’m not the #1 contender complete fascinates me. I mean, I know Indi Hartwell is like, totally scared of me. I’ve beaten her twice in like three months. She’s like, the most beatable champion like, ever.” So does that count as a Tiffany Epiphany? Gross, Kenzie. Tootles. Is Indi just going to have to watch her back at all times with this many challengers coming for her?

Cora Jade is here!

Fans boo as the Generation of Jade makes her way to the ring, following her ambush attack on Indi Hartwell in her return. Cora gets the mic to say, “Do I have everybody’s attention now? Last week, I returned to find the NXT Women’s Division completely flipped upside-down. So I believe it’s time to start humbling some people around here, shall we? I’ll start with the most athletic woman in NXT, Zoey Stark. Zoey, I’ll be honest, there’re some things you can do in this ring that even I can’t do, so I’ll give it to you. But there is one thing that you will never be able to do, so, I don’t know why you’re so angry, Zoey. I’m just the only one woman enough around here to say it.

“And the fact is that you will always be the challenger, and never the champion.” That brings Cora to the former champion, Roxanne Perez. Her old bestie~! “Roxanne, I put you on the map the second I put that tag team championship in your bag. I’m the only reason you’re here. But y’know what? What you went through, I’m not gonna touch, because it’s real. I knew you, and I still know you. I knew what you went through. So I’m not gonna talk about it. But the thing is, how long are you gonna use it as your crutch? We’re all fighting our own demons, Roxanne, you’re not some special exception.

“The only difference is, you’re just proof that some of us are a little bit better than handling the pressure than others. Speaking of handling the pressure, Gigi Dolin! To be honest, Gigi, I kinda thought you’d crumble without Toxic Attraction, and I probably speak for everybody else, but you didn’t. You were fingertips away from that title. And I saw your video earlier. But let’s get one thing perfectly straight: that title says Cora Jade. So why don’t you go on, and don’t let the door hit you on your big, Instagram famous ass, on the way out.” Fans boo but Cora says “Instagram Famous” brings her to only one person: Tiffany Stratton!

Listen, Tiff, Cora loves the confidence and the ego. Tiff looks the part and plays it even better, but here’s an epiphany for you: Cora runs NXT, not Tiff. Then, Lyra Valkyria. She doesn’t know anything about Lyra, or birds, or any of the weird stuff Lyra’s into. But Cora gives her credit, she attacks anything with a pulse. And in that ladder match, Lyra showed no fear. But if there’s one thing that Lyra should fear in NXT, it is CORA! Which leaves her with one woman left. The NEW NXT Women’s Champion, Indi Hartwell! “The biggest shock of WrestleMania Weekend!” Everyone is saying, “You Deserve It!” but Cora was thinking, “Took ya long enough!”

Indi, this isn’t your fairytale, this is CORA’S NXT, she is the hero of this story! It’s true. But wait! Here comes Lyra! She tells Cora that the fans said it best: Shut up. Cora can cut through the women’s division with her words, but what’s the reason for it? Lyra wants to be blunt for a second. Is it because in Cora’s absence, everyone took a step forward? Cora tells Lyra to do her a favor and fly off to wherever the rest of the division is. Lyra says watching Stand & Deliver didn’t create jealousy, did it? It must’ve been a reality check. A humbling experience. Fans chant, “Cora’s Jealous!” but Cora covers her ears.

Lyra wants Cora to look at her. If Cora wants to come back, a house on fire, and reach the peak on the mic, go ahead. Here’s your crown here and now. But when it comes to the title, if Cora even goes near it, Lyra will rip her eyes out. Cora SLAPS Lyra! And then laughs! But then Lyra catches that arm to ROUNDHOUSE Cora down! Cora scrambles up, and narrowly avoids the heel kick! Cora scurries away, Lyra wants her to come back for more! Will the Morrigan swoop in and snatch up the rat that Cora is?

Backstage interview with Wes Lee.

McKenzie says the North American Champion is on an amazing run, and is closing in on the current record of successful title defenses. How does Wes stay so sharp? It’s the chip on his shoulder. And with the amount of talent in NXT, he has to remain on point. So many great champions have come before him, and many of them are on Raw and SmackDown. Wes really wants to make sure his reign- Wait, Drew Gulak & Charlie Dempsey walk in. Gulak says Wes’s match with Axiom was just “so good.” Gulak is such a fan of that high-flying ability. The only question is, can Wes get it down when he’s grounded?

Wes asks if Gulak’s getting at a “styles make fights” thing. Dempsey says it isn’t a debate, it is a one sided argument. How is Wes supposed to run and jump when his ligaments are torn, his limbs are tied up, and the only option is to tap? Only option? Wes knows where this is going. If they want a shot, say so. He’s down. Bring game plans, strategies, whatever you want. Wes has one: keep the title. Now if you’ll excuse him, up top! McKenzie high-fives Wes, and he heads out. But will the Philly Stretcher & Son of the Gentleman Villain look to rip that gold away from him?

High Stakes: Ilja Dragunov VS Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone!

The Mad Russian didn’t win the North American Championship, but it’s not like big bad Von was even in Hollywood. Will this be the final straw for Von and Stone? Or can Von find that special something to finally get going?

The bell rings and Dragunov runs in, but into a BOOT! Von stalks Dragunov to a corner, fires big haymakers from all sides, then elbows! Dragunov falls, Stone cheers Von on, and Von whips Dragunov to a corner. Von runs in to SPLASH! Dragunov falls over again but Von drags him up. Von TOSSES Dragunov across the ring! Fans boo but Stone likes what he sees. Von drags Dragunov up, whips him corner to corner hard, and Dragunov bounces off buckles. Von CLUBS Dragunov but fans rally for the Czar. Von stands Dragunov up to whip him to another corner, but Dragunov elbows back!

Dragunov tries to suplex but Von is too big! von wrenches, and hits a BIG back suplex! Von looms over Dragunov and Stone says to finish this. Von waistlocks but Dragunov throws elbows! Dragunov wrenches to waistlock, but Von elbows. Dragunov lifts! Von throws more elbows, then headlock punches! Von switches, shoves, but Dragunov comes back, CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! Fans fire up and Dragunov reels Von in! Another waistlock, but Von fights! Dragunov shifts to a Gotch lift, for the SUPLEX! Fans fire up while both men are down! Stone coaches Von but Dragunov goes to the corner!

Dragunov climbs, but Von CLUBS him first. Von chock grips, to ROCKET LAUNCH Dragunov! Von then BUTTERFLY POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Von throws hands, he BOOTS, but Dragunov PELES! And BUZZSAWS! And then runs for the FALLING FOREARM! Fans fire up, Dragunov aims again. “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!” TORPEDO MOSCOW!! Cover, Dragunov wins!

Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by pinfall (Von Wagner and Robert Stone MUST PART WAYS)

Von loses, and yet Stone doesn’t look that upset. Stone tells Von he is DONE with him, what does Von do now? Wait, DIJAK is making his way out now! Dragunov is ready, but he also knows. Dijak appears behind him! Dijak steps into the ring and Dragunov is ready for the fight. Dijak says, “You say that pain makes you feel alive? That’s great. Because I’m gonna make you immortal.” Hard Justice has spoken, but will he be able to put #UNBESIEGBAR in lockdown?

Tank Ledger gets ready.

Hank Walker finds him and is fired up for his friend. Is Tank ready for this? Well, he wasn’t supposed to debut for a couple more weeks, so… Hank tells Tank that this is the WWE! Anything can happen! Tank says that’s right. And this isn’t his first run-in with Joe Coffey. Everywhere Joe’s been, he’s been a top guy. That means tonight, Tank will show what he’s all about. Hank says this is Tank’s moment, go get it! But will the Iron King ruin Tank’s dreams? Or can #MechanizedMayhem make a huge impact?

Joe Coffey w/ Gallus VS Tank Ledger!

NXT returns and Tank makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. Joe gets around, CLUBS Tank, but Tank shrugs it off. Joe throws body shots, does some rope a dope, then he pie faces Tank. Tank shoves Joe down! Fans fire up, Joe comes back to headlock. Tank powers up and out, they RAM shoulders, but neither falls. Joe ROCKS Tank, Tank ROCKS Joe! Tank headlocks, Joe powers out, but Tank ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING SHOULDER! Fans fire up, Tank covers, ONE!! Tank nods, he knows the Iron King is tough. But Joe ROCKS him again! Tank blocks the whip to RAM shoulders!

Tank whips Joe to a corner but Joe comes back to UPPERCUT and then SHOTGUN! Joe whips, Tank hits buckles hard, then Joe whips him back in! And then a scoop to a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Joe keeps cool and he mocks Tank. Joe pie faces Tank, but Tank throws body shots! Joe BOOTS Tank down! Tank gets up, throws hands, but Joe gets an arm for a cording hold! Joe cranks the elbow, but Tank throws hands. Joe just switches holds! Joe grinds his wrist into Tank’s face, but fans rally up. Tank swings, but Joe traps both arms! Joe HEADBUTTS! Joe and Tank fight for control, and Tank OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes!

Fans fire up, Gallus gets worried, and fans are behind Tank. Tank and Joe stand, Joe swings but Tank counter punches! Joe rallies with some big clotheslines! Joe blows past but Tank ELBOWS him down! Fans rally and Tank cartwheels to then SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Tank keeps his cool, he hoists Joe up into an Alabama, but Joe grabs the ropes! Tank pulls, Joe kicks Tank away. Tank comes back, only gets buckles, and Joe DECKS Tank! Tank falls right out of the ring but Joe goes out after him. Joe aims, runs in, GLASGOW SENDOFF into the steel steps! Fans fire up and Joe drags Tank back up.

Joe puts Tank in, fans rally as Tank crawls, and Joe waits. Tank stands up, for ALL THE BEST FOR THE BELLS!! Joe poses, fans boo, and Tank crawls to ropes. Joe is a bit surprised Tank even is getting up! Joe says fine, he’ll add on. ALL THE BEST again!! Cover, Joe wins!

Winner: Joe Coffey, by pinfall

The Iron King is back, and Gallus Boys are on top! Will Joe finally get himself some NXT gold to truly make this Gallus’ Kingdom?

But wait, here come The Creeds! Julius & Brutus promised to be watching, so here they are! And wait! THE DYAD jumps in, too! It’s a huge brawl! Gacy is after Joe, the tag teams brawl with each other, and refs rush in! Fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” and this is utter chaos! How will the tag title scene sort out with Spring Breakin’ only weeks away?

Tony D’Angelo & Channing Lorenzo talk backstage.

That little bit of roughing up on Pretty Deadly was good stuff, huh? Operation: Cobalt was a success. But hey, Roxanne’s here! How’re you doin’? Good, how about them? Yeah, good. What’s she doing here? Roxie says she just needed a break after Stand & Deliver, but she’s back and ready to get that title back. Tony & Stacks are after the tag titles, Roxie’s after the women’s title. The Don really thought Roxie was gonna get the first crack at Indi, but Zoey comes in and takes it outta nowhere. Yeah, she saw. But honestly, after what Zoey had to say about Roxie, Roxie’s glad Indi and karma got Zoey back.

Tony tells Rox that if she ever needs back-up, they- Wait, Zoey comes walking in, sarcastically applauding. “Well if it isn’t lil’ miss radio silence herself. So glad you’ve finally got the strength to show your face around here.” Wow, the mouth on this one, huh? Roxie tells Zoey that she’s exactly why people can’t be open and honest about anxiety. People like Zoey don’t get it and don’t wanna try. “But understand this: I have all the strength to beat you next week.” The Don & Stacks like the sound of that. They fist bump with Roxie and she heads out. Stacks starts to ask Zoey why she’s always angry, but PRETTY DEADLY ATTACKS!

Kit & Elton jump Tony & Stacks in return for being jumped this past weekend, and now the fight is on! Elton SMACKS Stacks off a table, Kit THRWOS Tony at a wall, and then Pretty Deadly mugs him! They stomp way on Stacks, snatch the jacket and hat, to cut them up with box cutters! Make fun of them now!! The NXT Tag Division is THEIRS! The Don & Underboss are down, but will they look to retaliate for this retaliation?

NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Dragon Lee VS JD McDonagh VS Grayson Waller VS Duke Hudson!

Stand & Deliver was a big night for all four men, but only one of them came away with a win, and that’s the Chase U MVP! Will Duke parlay that win into a golden ticket to Spring Breakin’? Or will someone else move on to face… him?

The bell rings and the four men stare down. Waller tells Duke they should work together here, Aussie Aussie Aussie and all that. Duke says sure, but then he sees the sucker punch coming! Duke DECKS Waller, tells him off, but then JD CLUBS Duke! Duke doesn’t even budge! Dragon runs in, is sent into Duke, then Waller drags Duke out to DECK him! JD headlocks Dragon, Dragon powers out but JD runs him over. JD ELBOWS Waller away and he falls on Duke. Dragon and JD speed things up, JD hurdles but Dragon leaps over! JD kips up, runs in, but Dragon steps aside. JD elbows the waistlock, whips Dragon, but Dragon DROPKICKS the hurdle outta the sky!

Fans fire up, but Waller runs in to CLOBBER Dragon! Waller stomps away, fans boo, and he taunts Duke. Waller says this is HIS house, but Dragon SLAPS him! But Waller fireman’s carries, only for Dragon to RANA! Dragon fires up, runs, but into an ENZIGURI from JD! SUPERKICK from Waller! JD PENALTY KICKS Duke! Duke stays up but Waller WRECKS Duke with a dropkick! JD and Waller are working together now and they get Duke back in. JD CLUBS Duke, Waller joins in, and they double suplex! Duke is too big for that, and he DOUBLE SUPLEXES them instead! Fans fire up with Chase U!

Duke scoop SLAMS JD, then scoop SLAMS Waller onto JD! Dragon returns, Duke scoops him, and fans fire up as he SLAMS Dragon on both JD and Waller! The MVP is fired up, he runs but Dragon dumps him out! Dragon builds speed and FLIES over JD to take out Duke! Waller returns, JD jumps the slide, Waller LARIATS Dragon! Waller sets Dragon back up, JD moonsaults to take out Dragon! Duke gets back in the ring, and fans rally up. Duke decides to gamble, says a quick prayer, but Waller somersault STUNNERS! Cover, but JD and Dragon break it! Fans are thunderous as all four men are down, and NXT goes picture in picture!

Waller goes to a corner, JD CLOBBERS Duke, and Waller throws Dragon out. Waller mocks the lucha lucha, but Duke CHOPS JD! Waller stomps and CLUBS Duke, kicks him in the leg, then wraps that leg around ropes! JD adds stomps! They keep on Duke’s leg with a standing toehold and some kicks! Dragon returns but Waller DECKS him! JD focuses on Duke’s leg by SMASHING it into the mat! JD then YANKS the bad leg, and Waller takes a turn. Waller drops an elbow and has a toehold, then JD does the same to the other leg! Duke tries to chinlock them both, but then JD and Waller split the wishbone!

Duke writhes, JD DECKS Dragon, and Waller brings Duke up. Duke hits back with body shots, then stands to throw hands! JD throws body shots, Waller CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg! JD kicks Duke down. Waller goes out to LARIAT Dragon! JD sits deep on a Half Crab! Waller gets the other leg, DOUBLE HALF CRAB! So technically a full Boston Crab? Either way, Duke endures! Who would win if Duke gives up, though? NXT returns to single picture and everyone rallies up for Duke! Duke fights, reaches out, but JD has to let go to go after Dragon! Dragon KICKS JD, ROCKS Waller, and then slingshots up and over to RANA Waller!

Dragon turns around, JD kicks and whips but Dragon reverses to JUMP KICK! LEG SWEEP! SWINGING DROPKICK! Combinacion Cabron completed! Fans fire up and Dragon runs at Waller, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Fans rally for Dragon, he goes out to scoop JD. JD slips off to POST Dragon! Waller comes around, he high-fives JD, then POSTS him! No more team-ups here! Waller goes up to BALLER ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Duke survives and fans rally up again. Duke sits up, Waller throws hands. But Duke is powering up! He’s DUKING OUT! “U!!” Duke throws hands, CLUBS Waller, ROCKS him, then DECKS him!

Duke rallies with elbows, whips Waller to ropes, then scoops for the SIDEWALK SLAM! JD returns, but he gets a BIG back drop! Dragon returns, but Duke clinches to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Fans are thunderous for Duke and he runs in to clothesline Dragon! JD runs in, he gets the U-RENAGE! Waller runs in, he’s sent into Dragon, and then Duke brings him around to RAM into Dragon! Duke has the fans chanting “M V P! M V P!” Duke JABS! JABS! Flip, flip and “U~!” ELBOW! SENTON for Waller! Dragon throws Duke out but Duke returns to shoulder in. Duke slingshots up and over to GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, Waller breaks it!

Thea frowns but fans rally up. Waller brings Duke up, but Duke blocks the whip! Duke whips Waller, Waller goes up but into the Electric Chair DROP! Duke brings Dragon up, Electric Chair DROP! Duke sees JD, he wants the trifecta! Electric Chair, but JD POISON-RANAS Duke!! Fans are freaking out, Waller runs in at JD but JD goes up and out! Waller hits buckles, JD trips him up then slingshots to TORNILLO SPLASH! Waller staggers, JD brings him up, DEVLINSIDE!! Cover, DIVING DOUBLE STMOPS from Dragon!! Fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” for making this match happen!

Dragon brings JD up, but JD shoves him away. Dragon dodges, but JD puts him on the apron. JD swings but Dragon blocks to buckle bump and ROUNDHOUSE! JD staggers, Dragon goes up, but JD GAMANGIRIS! JD climbs up after Dragon, brings him up, but Dragon fights! JD sits down, Dragon hits him into the Tree of Woe! WOE STOMPS!! Dragon keeps moving and he DIVES onto Duke!! Dragon is still going, he watches JD get up! RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO!?! JD survives and shocks Dragon! Fans argue the count on Dragon’s behalf but he just throws hands on JD. Waller returns but no stunner! V-TRIGGER!

JD JAWBREAKERS Dragon! Duke returns to BOOT Waller to the desk! And then he breaks through to DOUBLE LARIAT JD and Dragon! Fans fire up, Duke gets Dragon up, Crucifix for the- RANA INTO BUCKLES! JD SHOTGUNS Duke down! JD runs in, Dragon SNAP GERMANS! JD flops all the way out of the ring! Dragon drags Duke up, reels him in, and gets him up!? SIT-OUT POWERBOMB!! High stack, SLINGSHOT STUNNER from Waller!! Waller takes the cover, and takes the win!!

Winner: Grayson Waller, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)

The Grayson Waller Effect takes over as he snipes this win! Waller goes to the ramp and says he IS NXT, that this is HIS house, but here comes Melo! Waller grins, and turns around to look at the champion. A new champion and a new contender, but who will be the one running things after Spring Breakin’?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT here to keep things rolling. Spring Breakin’ is coming back, and a bit of a surprise to me since we’re also getting NXT Battlegrounds at the end of May. I guess they want something to wrap up certain stories before going towards the Premium Live Event. Great promo at the beginning to set up the main event, though Melo should’ve gotten more annoyed that, after he said you don’t interrupt the champ, people kept interrupting him. And great MVP award ceremony for Chase U, with Duke humble bragging and being rather selfish. Bron showing up during this segment was a nice surprise, and I kinda like his logic that the NXT Championship is just holding him back. It’s a sign he’s ready to move on to RawDown.

Great Fatal 4 Way main event, too, with everyone looking great. While Duke is just a moment away from becoming smug Heel again, fans still love him. But as Melo is now top Face and Waller is of course top Heel, they’re a natural choice for a match-up. But even if it’s a themed episode, that’s still on free TV, so Melo is gonna get his first defense in the books before we see what Battleground has for us. I hope Dragon Lee moves over to the Heritage Cup story like they teased last week. Noam Dar had a good promo to help get viewers who never watched NXT UK familiar with him. Honestly, why not give us a Heritage Rules Tournament to lead to Battleground and the winner faces Dar for the cup?

Good stuff from the Kiana story, but of course she and Fallon lose. Their story is going to now be Kiana more or less turning Jensen against Briggs & Fallon, and we probably get a Mixed Tag to finally put this away. As for Dawn & Fyre, we’re gonna need some new teams to give them contenders, I can only think of Katana & Kayden as the other team in the Women’s Tag Division. Maybe Dani & Sol can be a duo since they’ve now been established as friends. Good TikTok promo and great match from Sol and Tiffany. Commentary might be right, these two are probably going to lead the way for the division very soon. But Tiffany gets the win because she’s being built as top Heel in the Women’s Division.

Very good promo from Gigi, but… was that really the house she grew up in? That’d be pretty bold to do for this. But whenever Jacy is back to 100%, we’ll definitely get another match between them. Good promo from Cora, though maybe a little slow in pace and one bit too long. If she was interrupted by Lyra when she was calling Lyra out, that’d fit better. And I do appreciate that NXT didn’t just drop the story between these two. Though, where the hell was Stevie Turner in all this? Anyway, Lyra VS Cora will happen, Cora will probably cheat to win even though Lyra should win to humble her momentarily.

Decent promo from Scrypts, but they had a really missed opportunity to say “a kid behind the mask” instead of “the guy behind the mask.” It isn’t the strongest response to being humiliated in that failed sneak attack, but whatever. NXT Anonymous is still at it, and it has to be a group rather than one person because of how they get all over the place. Good promo from Roxie, Tony, Stacks and Zoey, and great ambush from Pretty Deadly. We’ll get matches out of both those stories and the winners can move up in the title races. Good match from Dragunov VS Von, and I figured Dragunov would win. Von struggling on his own might actually be a good story for him.

Really good promo from Wes with Gulak and Dempsey. Wes VS Dempsey will be great stuff and I can’t wait to see it. Good promo from Diamond Mine, good stuff out of Gallus and Schism backstage, and what a great way to elevate Tank Ledger’s in-ring debut by having him face Joe Coffey. Hank Walker and Tank Ledger should definitely be a team. Hank & Tank going to the top of the tag division together in late 2023! And while word was that Jagger & Rip (James Drake & Zack Gibson) wanted out of NXT, they’re still here. If that’s the case, can it at least mean they shake the Schism gimmick and return to Grizzled Young Veterans? Granted, being scam artists wasn’t a better gimmick, but they were a lot more fun as the team SSSSOOOON~ to be recognized as the best team in the WWE.

My Score: 8.7/10