Who is truly the top dog of NXT?

Lowell, Massachusetts becomes a Battleground as hometown hero, Carmelo Hayes, defends his NXT Championship in a rematch against Bron Breakker!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT North American Championship Triple Threat: Wes Lee VS Tyler Bate VS Joe Gacy w/ Ava Raine; Wes wins and retains the title.
• NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Noam Dar w/ ??? VS Dragon Lee w/ Nathan Frazer; Dar wins and retains the cup.
• Last Man Standing: DIJAK VS Ilja Dragunov; Dragunov wins.
• NXT Tag Team Championships: Gallus VS The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile; Gallus wins and retains the titles.
• NXT Women’s Championship Tournament Finals: Lyra Valkyria VS Tiffany Stratton; Tiffany wins and is the new NXT Women’s Champion.
• NXT Championship: Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams VS Bron Breakker; Melo wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the NXT Battleground Kickoff Show!

Join Megan Morant, Matt Camp & Sam Roberts in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action here tonight!

Noam Dar talks with Oro Mensah backstage.

Will Oro be Dar’s cornerman now? He got Oro a first class ticket out here to Lowell, and that 5 star hotel. Oro does like the hotel room with the jacuzzi. Dar says they can live that high life together, if Oro is Dar’s second to defend the Heritage Cup in its first match on American soil! Oro says he’ll think about it. What? But the match is tonight! There’s no time to think! Dar cradles the cup, is the Scottish Supernova gonna lose his baby?

WWE returns to Lowell!

The People’s Champion, the Degeneration X, and more, “this town has always embraced the new generation.” NXT is that new generation, is still that new generation, and yet, walking into Lowell isn’t always easy for the champions. Beneath the shadow of Bean Town is the precipice of another milestone. Who will be left standing? Who will stand tall as champions? And who will make history all their own? This is NXT Battleground!

NXT North American Championship Triple Threat: Wes Lee VS Tyler Bate VS Joe Gacy w/ Ava Raine!

The Cardiac Kid has had quite the must-see title reign, but his fighting-champion ways may have gotten him stuck between a rock and a hard place. The Big Strong Boi was his friend, but he couldn’t be upfront about wanting this match. The Schism’s sinister leader is a snake in the grass, but at least he was honest about his greed. Will one of them take this title away from the #WesSide? Or will the champion win that historic title defense record?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see which way history moves!

The bell rings and Gacy rushes Wes! Wes rolls Gacy, Bate rolls Wes, but Gacy rolls Bate! TWO! The three stand off and fans cheer. The three reset, circle, and Gacy grins as he points to Bate and WEs. But Bate and Wes rush him! Gacy dodges, and Wes gets mad at Bate. Gacy tries to turn Wes against Bate again, but Batge throws hands on Gacy! Wes throws Gacy out, but then Wes shoves Bate. The “friends” circle, feel things out, but Gacy returns to egg this on. Bate and Wes change their minds and go out after Gacy! They pinball him with haymakers and forearms! Wes puts Gacy in, Bate pushes past but Wes drags Bate out.

But then Bate drags Wes out! Now Bate shoves Wes, so Wes shoves back. They throw hands! Fans fire up, but Gacy DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp and Gacy stands tall! Gacy puts Bate in and BOOTS Wes! Gacy goes into the ring but Bate CHOPS! Bate whips, Gacy reverses but Bate leaps, into Gacy’s arms! NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB! Cover, Wes breaks it! Gacy ROCKS Wes and Wes flops to the apron. Gacy goes back to Bate but Bate slips under and waistlocks. Gacy pries the hold but Bate lifts him! Gacy fights with elbows, switches, but Bate goes to ropes. Wes FLYING SUNSET FLIPS and that sends Bate flying via a GERMAN SUPLEX!

Wes covers Gacy, TWO, and fans fire up as Wes stands tall. Wes throws hands and elbows on Bate and Gacy, then SUPERKICKS Bate! Wes fires off strikes on Gacy, has him down and DOUBLE STOMPS him! Wes then RANAS Bate! Cover, TWO!! Bate escapes and that’s also good for Gacy. Wes is annoyed, but he sees Gacy in a corner. Wes brings Bate up but Bate swings. Wes bobs ‘n’ weaves, throws hands and a BOOT! Bate boots back, Wes blocks, but Bate KNEES him away! Bate goes up, FLYING UPPERCUT! Bate runs at Gacy, into an elbow! But then Gacy runs into an EXPLODER!

Bate kips up, fans fire up, and Wes runs in. Bate catches Wes, to EXPLODER! Bate kips up again, to SHOOTING STAR Wes! Cover, Bate moves and Gacy drops an elbow on Wes! Bate fireman’s carries, Gacy slips off. Bate dodges Gacy, Bop up but Gacy ducks, so Bate KICKS Gacy! And then BANG! Fireman’s carry and AIRPLANE SPIN! Fans fire up as Bate goes around and around, but then he blocks Wes’ kick! Bate trips Wes, and we get a AIRPLANE SPIN GIANT SWING COMBO! He is truly a Big Strong Boi! Bate stops at 5 to SLAM Gacy onto Wes! Bate then runs to REBOUNDER on Gacy! Cover on Gacy, Wes SMACKS Bate!

Fans fire up while all three men are down! Fans rally for Wes and he brings Bate up. Bate throws body shots but Wes throws forearms. Bate UPPERCUTS, but Wes stays up to ROCK Bate! Bate UPPERCUTS again, fans rally and duel between him and Wes, but Wes fires off a strike fest! ROLLING ELBOW, then a whip! Bate reverses, BACK DRO POWERBOMB as Gacy joins in! Gacy deadlifts Wes to BOMB Bate! Fans fire up for that show of strength, but Bate KNEES Gacy back! Bate goes up, FLYING- NO, Gacy catches Bate to a dragon sleeper! Wes runs in, but into a clinch! URENAGE REVERSE DDT COMBO!

Gacy clamps onto Wes with the RINGS OF SATURN!! Wes endures as Gacy pulls back! But Bate is up, and he BOOTS Gacy! But Gacy just grins!? Gacy tortures Wes while grinning at Bate. Bate says okay then, and he fires off fists on Gacy! Gacy lets Wes go, Bate keeps on hammering and fans fire up again! Bate backs off from Gacy and goes to a corner. Bate runs in again, SHOOTING FLOP, and Gacy has the RINGS OF SATURN on Bate! Gacy thrashes Bate around but Bate endures! Wes DOUBLE STOMPS Gacy and Gacy lets go! All three men are down, Ava looks worried for Gacy, but “This is Awesome!” for the fans!

Gacy goes to ropes, Bate goes to the opposite side. Wes rises up, he ROCKS Gacy! And MULE KICKS Bate! And ROCKS Gacy again! And ELBOWS Bate! Haymaker for Gacy, but Bate UPPERCUTS Wes! Gacy ROCKS Wes! Both Bate and Gacy run, but Wes moves and the REBOUNDER collides with the UPSIDE-DOWN!! Wes has his choice, he decides to handspring DOUBLE PELE!! Cover on Gacy, TWO!! Cover on Bate, TWO!! Wes is beside himself but the fans are loving “NXT! NXT!” for making this the opener. All three men stir, Gacy goes for a corner, and Bate goes for the opposite, leaving Wes in the middle.

Fans chant, “We Want Tables!” but Wes runs in to UPPERCUT Gacy! Wes runs corner to corner to UPPERCUT Bate! Wes runs but Bate reels him in. Wes ELBOWS and ROCKS Bate, then GAMANGIRIS! Bate sits down, Wes runs at Gacy, but Gacy dodges! To then DECK Wes! Gacy runs but Wes reels him in! SLEEPER! Wes is a backpack and Gacy starts to fade! Gacy reaches out, not that ropebreaks would change much. Fans rally, Gacy picks Wes back up, and he CANNONBALLS! Gacy drags Wes from the corner, covers, but Bate TORNILLOS! And then underhooks, TYLER DRIVER 97!! Cover, METEORA from Wes!! Cover, Gacy TOSSES Wes!

Gacy has Wes on the apron but Wes GAMANGIRIS! Gacy staggers away, Wes puts Bate on the apron. Gacy runs in but BLASTS Bate! Wes comes back, ENZIGURI! Wes puts Gacy up top, ROCKS him, then goes corner to corner, but Gacy leans and Wes FLIES out onto Bate!! Fans are thunderous, Wes gets in and runs at Gacy, but into an URENAGE!! Gacy roars, runs, handsprings, but into a CARDIAC KICK!!! Cover, WES WINS!!

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

Another incredible win for Wes Lee, and now both title and record are his! Will nothing stop the Cardiac Kid from making history?

NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Noam Dar w/ ??? VS Dragon Lee w/ Nathan Frazer!

Forged in NXT UK to celebrate the lineage of European wrestling, this will be a test of strategy, ability and determination! Six rounds, three minutes at a time, and first to two falls wins, aside from a disqualification or knockout. Will the Scottish Supernova keep his historically long reign going? Or will the Wonder Boy be the one that finally dethrones him?

Dragon Lee has the British Rocket by his side, but last we saw, Oro Mensah left Dar hanging. Does Dar have a cornerman? Doesn’t look like it. The introductions are made, the cup is displayed, and we see if Dar will be delighted or dismayed!

The bell rings, round one begins, and fans rally as the two circle. They feel things out, give testing kicks, and Dragon’s hits harder. They tie up, Dar waistlocks and drags Dragon down but Dragon slips to a facelock. Dar gets up, facelocks back but Dragon trips Dar. Dar pulls at the mask but Dragon has the leg. Dar gets an arm, they stand, and then Dar wrangles Dragon. Dar JAMS the arm, pushes on it, messes with the mask, but Dragon fights up. Dragon rolls, Dar fights the takedown to wrangle Dragon again. Fans rally for Dragon but Dar SMACKS the hand! Dar drops a knee on the arm, then brings Dragon around.

Dar wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER, but Dragon grabs at Dar’s face. Dar ELBOW BREAKERS again, but Dragon rolls, wrenches and WRINGS Dar’s arm! Dragon twists the wrist and bends the fingers but Dar moves around. Dar rolls, trips Dragon, steps through for a standing deathlock, then gets the other leg. Dar wants an Indian Deathlock but Dragon shoves him away. Dar hits a headlock takeover but Dragon headscissors. We’re under a minute, Dar bridges, but Dragon pushes him back down. Dragon puts on the squeeze but Dar headstands and pops free. Dar headlocks, Dragon fights up and powers out.

Dar jumps over, stops himself, but Dragon avoids the leg sweep! Dragon sunset flips, Dar gets free, both men avoid kicks but Dar almost gets hit! We’re at 15 seconds, Dar gets up to shove Dragon. But Dragon blocks the slap to DECK Dar! Dar bails out, Dragon builds speed to WRECK Dar off the apron! And that’s the round!

Dar: 0; Dragon: 0

Fans cheer a great opener, and wait! Oro Mensah does head out here? He wants to be on Dar’s side, though Dar says it was three minutes too late. In that case, fan him! The break is over, round two begins. Dragon gets around Dar but Dar fights the lift. Dar throws elbows, but Dragon CLUBS him! Dragon RAMS Dar into a corner, runs in to clothesline, then snapmare and ELBOW! Dar gets up into another ELBOW! Dragon scoops but Dar slips off and shoves. Things speed up as Dragon ducks n’ dodges ‘n’ RANAS! Dar flounders, Dragon runs in to JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! COMBINACION CABRON!

Fans fire up and Dragon stares at Dar. Dar eggs Dragon on, but Dragon rains down forearms! The ref counts, Dragon lets off to run corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Dar is still in this and he victory rolls Dragon! TWO, Dragon dodges a boot but not the BACK ELBOW! Dar rolls with a deep bridge, Dar scores!

Dar: 1; Dragon: 0

Fans boo but Supernova 11 has the all-important first point. Frazer helps Dragon get ready, here comes round three! Dar eggs Dragon on, then bails out. Dar leads Dragon on a cat ‘n’ mouse in and out of the ring, but Dragon ducks the buzzsaw! Dragon tackles Dar, rains down fists, but Dar shifts to an omoplata! Dar CLUBS Dragon, but Dragon rolls to KICK Dar! Dragon is free and he goes to a corner. Dar runs in but into an ELBOW! Dragon goes up, but Dar trips him up! Dar then covers, TWO! Dragon is still in this but Dar drags him up. Dar goes up the corner, he CLUBS away on Dragon, but the ref counts.

Dar shoves Dragon away and shouts, “I’m the best at this!” Fans boo as Dar flexes, then Dar drags Dragon back up. Dar throws knees, but Dragon rolls Dar up! TWO, and Dragon V-TRIGGERS Dar! Dar drops to his knees, Dragon SUPERKICKS! Dar goes to a corner, fans fire up as Dragon runs, but Dar bails out to the apron. Dragon still runs in, FLYING RANA to the floor! Fans are thunderous and we’re at the last minute of round three! Dragon gets in the ring, he builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp, this is what Dragon wanted at the end of the first round! Dragon puts Dar in and then KNEES Dar down! Cover, TWO!!

We’re at 30 seconds now as Dragon thinks on how to get on the board. Dar crawls, Dragon storms up behind him, and Dragon gives toying kicks. Dragon stomps Dar, but we’re at 10 seconds. Dar gets away but Dragon fires off more hands! The round is over, Dar gets a cheap shot!!

Dar: 1; Dragon: 0

Fans boo but Dar claims he had no idea the round ended! Frazer has to drag Dragon over to the corner, that was almost a knockout in itself! Dar defends his innocence, but he’s got a huge advantage going into round four. The ref sounds the bell, Dragon drags himself up, Dar runs in! Dar only gets buckles, but then he dodges Dragon to run and BOOT! Dar snapmares Dragon, runs in and SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Dragon is still in this but Dar soaks up the heat. Dar aims from a corner, demands Dragon get up, but Dragon flounders. Dar gets annoyed, he drags Dragon up but Dragon cradles! TWO!!

dragon was playing possum but Dar ROUNDHOUSES! Pop-up, ARMBAR! Dragon clasps hands, Dar kicks at the arms, and he has the ARMBAR! Dragon flails, scrambles, reaches out, but Dar drags him from ropes! ARMBAR, but Dragon stacks Dar! TWO, and Dar lets Dragon go! Dragon SUPERKICKS! And then trips, ties up the legs, TEXAS CLOVERLEAF!! Dar endures, scrambles, reaches out, Oro leans on the ropes to help with the ROPEBRAEK! Frazer gets in Oro’s face and fans fire up! Oro apologizes, but then RAMS Frazer into steel steps! Dragon is distracted, Dar rolls him up, TWO!!

Dar runs in, Dragon dodges and returns, tilt-o-whirl REVERSE DDT! Cover, Dragon scores!!

Dar: 1; Dragon: 1

We’re going into the next round all tied up! Oro drags Dar to the corner now, but then Frazer goes after Oro! Fans are thunderous, Frazer SUPERKICKS Oro! The ref reprimands but Frazer FLIES out onto Oro! The cornermen scrap up the ramp and refs rush in to stop this! Seems like both men lose their seconds! This is just Dar and Dragon now, and here’s round five! They both run in, DOUBLE LARIAT! They both fire forearms, Dragon gets the edge and BOOTS! Bar blocks the knee to DRAGON SCREW, and ANKLE LOCK! Dragon rolls to send Dar to the apron! Dragon runs in again, FLYING- POWERBOMB to the floor!! Fans lose their minds as Dar puts Dragon in!

Dar ELBOWS Dragon down, covers, TWO!?!? Dragon survives and no one can believe it! Fans rally up for Dragon but Dar stands. Dar eggs Dragon on, and then KICKS him! And KICKS him! And BOOTS him! Dar slaps Dragon around, but then Dragon blocks the kick! Dar ELBOWS Daron, STEP PUNCH, but then SNAP GERMAN from Dragon! V-TRIGGER! Dragon reels Dar in, fans fire up, LAST RIDE!! Cover, TWO!! Dar survives and Dragon can’t believe it! We’re at one minute, and JAKARA JACKSON is here? The ref has her stay out, but LASH LEGEND is here! She SMACKS Dragon with a water bucket!!

NOVA ROLLA!!! Cover, Dar wins!!!

Winner: Noam Dar, by pinfall (still NXT Heritage Cup Champion)

With 41 seconds left in the fifth round, Supernova 11 gets a huge assist from two people who were hatin’ on him just last week! Why did Lash & Jakara help Dar? Will anyone ever take the cup from Dar now?

Last Man Standing: DIJAK VS Ilja Dragunov!

#HardJustice and #UNBESIEGBAR are like an unstoppable force and an unbreakable object. But will Dijak prove there is no such thing as invincible? Or will Dragunov prove Dijak has no authority here in NXT?

The bell rings and the two rush in! The hands start flying and fans fire up! Dijak powers Dragunov to a corner, and just windmills big forearms to the chest! Dijak CLUBS Dragunov, puts him in another corner and ROCKS him! But Dragunov CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Dijak CLOBBERS Dragunov! Fans fire up more as Dijak hoists Dragunov up to a torture rack! Dragunov fights free, knees low, then waistlocks. Dragunov lifts but Dijak fights free. Dijak switches, shoves but Dragunov CONSTANTINE- NO, Dijak BOOTS Dragunov to the floor! Dragunov sputters, but Dijak goes out to stomp him!

Dijak pulls the steel steps apart, but puts the top half in the ring. Dijak then puts Dragunov in the ring, but Dragunov KNEES him back out! Dragunov CLUBS Dijak, CLUBS him again, and CLUBS him again! Dijak ROCKS Dragunov but Dragunov PELES! Dragunov SMAKCS Dijak off the desk, then JUMP KICKS him down! Fans fire up with The Czar and he grabs the base steps! Fans fire up as Dragunov brings those closer, runs and jumps off them, but into a BOOT! Dijak then hauls Dragunov up, suplexes, and SLAMS him on the steps! Fans are going nuts as Dragunov flops to the floor. The count starts and Dijak paces.

Fans chant “We Want Tables!” while the count reaches 5 of 10. Dijak looks under the ring, and he brings out a TABLE! Dijak stands this table up, but Dragunov runs in to BLAST through the table!! Fans love “NXT! NXT!” for this one while both men are down in the wreckage. Dijak is against the barriers, Dragunov has a cut on his chin, and the count begins. We reach 5 of 10 before Dijak stirs. Dijak crawls to the ring, Dragunov sits up. They both stand at 8, and they lean against the apron. Dijak drags himself into the ring but Dragunov returns. Dragunov throws hands, but Dijak choke grips! Dragunov ENZIGURIS free!

Fans rally as Dragunov waistlocks. Dragunov drags Dijak up in a waistlock but Dijak fights the lift. Dijak grabs ropes, Dragunov keeps trying, but Dijak bucks Dragunov off, and he falls on the steel steps! Dragunov writhes and Dijak drags him back up! Dijak aims at the steps, for HIGH- NO, Dragunov DDTS Dijak on the steps!! Double-edged since Dragunov has to hit the edge of the steps, but the fans are thunderous! The count begins, Dragunov stirs at 3 and rises at 5. Dijak stirs, is dazed, but Dragunov drags Dijak up. Dragunov puts Dijak in a corner, and scrapes his boot off Dijak’s face again and again!

Dijak sputters, Dragunov goes back to the steel steps. Dragunov picks those up, and runs in to RAM Dijak!! Fans lose their minds, but Dragunov then wedges the steps against Dijak. Dragunov flounders his way to the adjacent corner, and then he climbs up! Fans fire up, anticipating what’s coming! Dragunov blows a kiss before going FULL METAL COAST2COAST!! Fans lose their minds again while both men are down again! The standing count starts on both men, and Dragunov already rises at 4! Dijak stirs at 7, grabs at ropes, and drags himself up at 9! But Dragunov pushes the steps aside to CHOP Dijak!

And CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP CHOP CHOP CHOP CHOP! Dijak CHOPS back, SJUEPRKICKS, but Dragunov CHOPS again! And again and again and again and again! Dragunov roars, winds up, and BACKHANDS!! Both men fall, but Dragunov just throws more CHOPS from the mat! Dragunov spins, FALLING BACKHAND!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down. “This is Awesome!” as the count reaches 5 of 10. Dragunov rises first, he stalks Dijak, and he waistlocks to drag Dijak up. GERMAN SUPLEX!! Dijak almost lands on his head! But Dijak rises!? Even Dragunov is surprised! But Dragunov also likes this!

Fans fire up, Dijak choke grips, but Dragunov SLAPS and SLAPS and SLAPS! Dijak shoves Dragunov to the apron, but Dragunov throws more chops. Dijak APRON CHOKE SLAMS Dragunov!! Fans are shocked as Dragunov flops to the floor! The count begins again, Dijak rises at 6 and Dragunov manages to stand at 9! Dijak and Dragunov stare down, both gritting their teeth. Dijak drags Dragunov into the ring, torture racks, FEAST YOUR EYES!!! Dragunov staggers all the way to a corner, but the corner helps him stand! He might be out on his feet! Dijak is furious, he roars and storms out of the ring.

Dijak goes around the way from the outside, and he looks under the ring. Fans fire up as Dijak brings out a kendo stick! Dijak brings the stick into the ring, he aims at Dragunov in the corner, and he says that if Dragunov likes pain, he’ll love this. SMACK to the ribs! Dragunov’s legs wobble and shake but fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Dijak asks if Dragunov feels alive. Another SMACK to the ribs!! Dragunov says, “NOT EVEN CLOSE!!” Dijak CHOKES Dragunov with the stick, saying Dragunov is making him do this. A third SMACK to the ribs!! Dragunov sputters, but he doesn’t fall over yet.

Dijak shows Dragunov the blood on the kendo stick. Dijak tells Dragunov to stay down. “Don’t you make me do this.” A fourth and a fifth SMACK to the ribs!! The stick is breaking, so Dijak just finishes it with his own knee! Dijak throws the stick away, goes to the outside and he brings out a chair! Dijak brings the chair in now, and he digs it into Dragunov’s neck! Dijak says Dragunov’s forced his hand. But Dragunov throws hands on Dijak! Dijak JAMS Dragunov with the chair, then SMACKS him on the back!! Dragunov writhes, Dijak goes to the far side and winds up, but TORPEDO MOSCOW hits!!!

Fans are thunderous as Dragunov staggers all around a sputtering Dijak! Dragunov winds up, FALLING FOREARM!! Dijak still reaches for a chair but that’s about all he can do. Dragunov gets the steel steps! Dragunov stands them up the tall way, then stands on the steps. SUPER FALLING FOREARM onto the chair!!! Both men are down and the count begins! We’re at 5 and only Dragunov stirs. Dragunov rises, he stands at 9! Dijak is DOWN, Dragunov wins!!

Winner: Ilja Dragunov

And there is your proof! Dragunov is truly UNBESIEGBAR! He is the Last Man Standing, will he look to fight his way towards a championship now?

NXT checks in on Chase U.

Substitute teacher Duke Hudson says he has put in the results of everyone’s quizzes into the system, and they all did very well. EXCEPT RICKY! Ricky sucks! Aww…. Moving on, the MVP of Chase U and substitute teacher has been time consuming, as well as life draining. So he is bringing in two men to teach the Art of Catch Wrestling: Charlie Dempsey & Drew Gulak. And if anyone needs Duke, he is going to be in the back, working on the Money in the Bank study guides.

Gulak thanks Duke and tells the students that normally, you learn what to do. Today, let’s focus on what not to do when the bell rings. And who better to use as an example than Chase U’s own Thea Hail? Wait, what? Thea losing to Kiana James is used as the main example, and Dempsey says that Thea’s lack of grappling knowledge puts her at a severe disadvantage against every opponent. This is NOT how to become a superstar. But good news, not all students have to fail like Thea. Thea storms out, which gets Duke’s attention.

Gulak says with the right guidance, they can learn to crunch and crack opponents in half. Duke asks what the heck these two are doing, and Dempsey says they’re showing the Chase U students what not to do. Yeah, he knows that was the lesson, but they just made someone leave the classroom crying. Gulak says there’s no crying in WWE. This is  a reality check. No one talks to Thea or any of Duke’s- er, Chase U’s students like that! Next week, Duke has a better lesson prepared for them, in the ring. Get out. Gulak & Dempsey leave, Duke dismisses the class, and wants someone to check on Thea.

But at the same time, looking at the highlight reel, Duke isn’t happy. Will he need to start using some tough love to get Thea’s record up?

Backstage interview with Noam Dar and his team.

They’re all celebrating but McKenzie Mitchell asks for a word. She does congratulate him on retaining, but what is this? This is history! “They” just defended the cup on American soil! The lovely Miss Jackson is holding the cup, Lash and Dar’s “main man” Oro are by his side. There’s levels to this, and THEY are at the top! CHECK PLEASE! Thank you, buh-bye! They head out, but will this Supernova squad still be partying into the summer?

The NXT Great American Bash is back!

July 30th, NXT salutes the stars ‘n’ stripes from Cedar Park, Texas, as their next Premium Live Event! Will everything be bigger in Texas?

NXT Tag Team Championships: Gallus VS The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile!

The Iron King’s return at Stand & Deliver is why Mark Coffey & Wolfgang are still on top, but now that trump card is out in the open. Will Julius & Brutus be the ones back on top now that they know all the pieces in play? Or will nothing stop Gallus from making this their kingdom?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really runs the tag division!

The teams sort out and Julius starts with Wolfgang. Julius gets a takedown but Wolfgang fights up to UPPERCUT! Tag to Mark, Gallus mugs Julius, then Mark facelocks to wrangle Julius down. Julius fights up to an armlock, they go around, and Julius wrenches to a SAYANAGI, and then another armlock. Mark fights up, Julius puts him in the Creed corner to tag in Brutus. Brutus wrenches and cranks the arm, trips Mark, and fights to a headlock. Mark moves around, Brutus has an arm but Mark turns that around onto him. Mark grinds the shoulder, but Brutus gets free, and Wolfgang tags in.

Julius backs Brutus up and the teams talk trash. The ref keeps the peace, things calm down, but then Wolfie runs in! Julius DECKS him, and Brutus fireman’s carry takeovers! Brutus has Mark’s arm, tags Julius, and the Creeds pinball Mark between knees to the side! Brutus drags Mark up to hit a BIG back suplex! Julius covers, TWO! Julius keeps on Mark with an armlock but Mark fights up. Julius arm-drags Mark, keeps on the armlock, but Mark fights up to ROCK Julius! Mark whips, Julius goes up and over and then runs. Brutus tags in as Julius ducks ‘n ‘dodges! Brutus then goes up, FLYING AX YHANDLES!

Brutus SMASH again and again on Mark, but Wolfgang distracts. Brutus runs Wolfgang off but Mark UPPERCUTS! Brutus just powers through to hit a headlock takeover! Mark keeps his shoulders up, powers Brutus to ropes and Wolfgang tags in as Mark powers out. Brutus returns into a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Brutus sputters, Wolfgang CLUBS away on him, then drops knee after knee! Wolfgang CLUBS Brutus again, then clamps on a neck wrench. Brutus endures, fans rally, but Mark tags in. Gallus stomps Brutus down, Mark CLUBS Brutus, cover, TWO! Mark KICKS Brutus in the back!

Mark drags Brutus up to ROCK him with forearms, but Brutus hits back! Mark whips and kitchen sink knees Brutus! Tag to Wolfgang, BASEMENT SENTON! Wolfgang then clamps on with a cobra clutch. Fans rally, Brutus fights up, but Wolfgang tags Mark. Ripcord shoulder, then a FLYING SHOULDER! Cover, TWO, but Mark clamps on with a chinlock. Fans rally as Brutus endures and fights up. Brutus pries the hold but Mark throws him down! Mark grinds Brutus down but Brutus keeps his shoulder up. Fans rally, Brutus fights up, and he powers up to lift Mark, BIG back suplex! Fans fire up while both men writhe!

Mark crawls, tags Wolfgang, and Wolfgang keeps Brutus from Julius with a facelock. Fans rally, Brutus fights up again, but Wolfgang CLUBS him! And then ELBOWS Julius! The ref reprimands and Julius is mad, but then Brutus back drops Wolfgang! Tag to Julius! Julius fires off hands on Wolfgang, then clinches to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Fans fire up as Julius kips up, to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly Mark! Wolfgang returns, for another OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Julius kips up again to hit another OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And then another kip up for another OVERHEAD Belly2Belly for Wolfgang!

Fans are thunderous, Joe Coffey can’t believe this, Mark gets another OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Julius kips up, brings down the straps, but Wolfgang ELBOWS him! But Julius still OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! Mark tags in, but he runs into a seventh BELLY2BELLY! SHOOTING STAR! Brutus tags in to STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Fans are still fired up for the Creeds, and Brutus brings Mark over. Julius tags back in, he hoists Mark up in an Electric Chair. Brutus climbs, but Mark victory rolls! Cover, TWO! Wolfgang runs in to trip up Brutus! Mark ROCKS Julius, he and Wolfgang DOUBLE URENAGE Julius!

But Brutus is still up top! BRUTUS BALL still hits!! Fans are thunderous as all four men are down! “This is Awesome!” as the teams regroup in corners. The Creeds fire each other up, they egg Gallus on, and Gallus fires up now! And the brawl is on!! Fans are loving it as fists fly! Mark shoves Julius but Julius SPEARS Mark! Wolfgang DEGS Brutus, Julius DECKS Brutus! Mark ROCKS Julius, Julius JUMP KNEES Mark! And then ROLLING SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up as Julius throws off the elbow pad! Joe hurries in! The ref reprimands, but Ivy trips up Joe! Julius clotheslines Joe out!

Julius gives thumbs up to Ivy, but wait! AVA RAINE POSTS IVY!! She still isn’t done with Ivy! GALLOW’S GATE hits Julius!! GALLUS WINS!!

Winners: Gallus, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)

The roots of Schism’s tree reach further than expected, and it helps Mark & Wolfgang survive the Creeds! Will Gallus Boys always be on top?

The hooded attack watches her handiwork.

“I have wreaked havoc on the NXT Women’s Division for months. This Tuesday, I will reveal myself.” Who is this that has been picking apart the roster from the shadows?

NXT Women’s Championship Tournament Finals: Lyra Valkyria VS Tiffany Stratton!

Between injury and the WWE Draft taking Indi Hartwell away, the title was going to be vacated, and a new champion would need to be crowned. The Morrigan fought through Kiana James and Cora Jade while The Center of the Universe made it through Gigi Dolin and Roxanne Perez. Will Lyra ride on the winds of change to reach new heights? Or will Daddy’s Little Rich Girl once again get what she wants?

The introductions are made, the belt is on display, and one way or another, we will have a new champion!

The bell rings and fans rally and duel. Lyra and Tiff circle, stare down, and then tie up. They go around, Tiff puts Lyra on ropes but Lyra turns it around. Tiff puts Lyra in a corner but Lyra pushes back. Tiff pushes, too, they tie up again, and then Lyra headlocks for a takeover. Tiff kicks and moves around, fights up to her feet, and Lyra wrenches. Tiff ROCKS Lyra, wrenches the arm, YANKS away on it, but Lyra rolls, kips up and WRINGS Tiff out! Tiff kicks around, rolls, kips, but Lyra wrangles her with a headlock! Lyra traps an arm, rolls Tiff to a ghost pin, TWO! Tiff gets away to ropes and Lyra smiles.

Fans rally up as the two reset. They circle, they tie up, then Lyra gets a waistlock. Tiff elbows free, snapmares, ghost pins back, but Lyra rolls through! Reverse sunset, TWO! Tiff scrambles away all flustered but Lyra is loving this. The fans love it, too, and the two reset again. They tie up, Tiff knees low, then headlocks. Lyra powers up and out, but Tiff runs her over. Tiff blows a kiss, things speed up, Lyra hurdles but the bad leg gives out! Lyra hurries to a corner, walks it off, and Tiff smirks now. The two approach and Tiff wants a test of strength. They knuckle lock, they go shoulder to shoulder, but Lyra rolls back to put the pressure on!

Tiff turns things around, throws Lyra over, but Lyra then MONKEY FLIPS Tiff away! Tiff staggers up, into a SWINGING ARM-DRAG! Tiff bails out, fans fire up for Lyra, and she watches Tiff go around the outside. Lyra then runs, but she just fakes Tiff out. Tiff scowls and storms into the ring. They tie up again, go around, and Lyra arm-drags Tiff out again! Fans rally again, Tiff is even more upset, and Lyra waits on her. Lyra then builds speed to WRECK- NO, Tiff blocks the dropkick, drags Lyra out and SLAMS her to the apron! Tiff then hoists Lyra up, SHIN BREAKER to the post!

Tiff looms over Lyra, slaps her around, stomps her around, then drags her by the bad leg. Tiff stands Lyra up, gets the leg again, and SHIN BREAKER to the post, AGAIN! Fans cheer and jeer while Tiff goes into the ring to let the count handle this. Tiff then goes back out, stomps Lyra, and pulls at the knee brace! The ref reprimands but now Lyra has no protection on that leg. Tiff tosses the knee brace and puts Lyra in the ring. Tiff lifts Lyra, SHIN BREAKER! Lyra hobbles, but Tiff DRAGON SCREWS her! Tiff drags Lyra up, has the leg again, SHIN BREAKER, and then another DRAGON SCREW!

Tiff smiles as she pushes Lyra to a cover, TWO!! Lyra is hanging tough but Tiff doesn’t let up. Tiff gets the leg, turns Lyra over, and then hooks the leg up. SNAP LOCK! Tiff puts pressure on the leg, stands back up, and SNAP LOCKS again! And then Tiff stands back up, ties both legs together in a deathlock, and fans cheer as she bridges back! MUTA LOCK!! Lyra endures as Tiff pulls on her! Fans rally and duel as Lyra pries the chinlock open! Tiff lets the leglock go, covers, TWO! Tiff stomps Lyra’s leg and Lyra goes to ropes. Tiff gets the leg again, but Lyra SLAPS her! Tiff SLAPS back! They SLAP fight!

Lyra kicks but Tiff ducks, then SMASHES the knee on the mat! Tiff drags Lyra to a cover, TWO! Tiff huffs and puffs but she gets the leg, for a STRETCH MUFFLER! Lyra bridges to relieve pressure and then reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Tiff lets go quickly, but then drags Lyra back. STRETCH MUFFLER! But Lyra kicks at Tiff with her free leg! Tiff lets go, clutches that arm, but she goes after Lyra again. SHIN- SUNSET FLIP! TWO!! Tiff escapes, stomps Lyra, and then steps through. Lyra boots Tiff into buckles! Tiff checks her teeth, Lyra O’Conner Rolls and it’s deep! TWO!!

Lyra ends up in the corner now, clutches her leg, but she says she’s still good to go. Tiff runs in, into an ELBOW! Lyra goes up, MISSILE DROPKICK! But it proves double-edged given the leg damage! Fans rally while both women are down. They stir, Tiff crawls after Lyra and they both stand. Tiff ROCKS Lyra with a forearm, but Lyra UPPERCUTS back! Tiff SLAPS Lyra, but Lyra UPPERCUTS again! Tiff runs in, Lyra dodges to SOBAT! Front kick! HEADBUTT! AX KICK!! Lyra grits her teeth, brings Tiff up again, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridge, roll through, and then another NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridge, roll through, but Tiff kicks the leg!

Tiff runs, but Lyra ENZIGURIS!! Tiff flops out of the ring and fans fire up as Lyra slaps her leg. Lyra scowls, builds speed, and she WRECKS Tiff! Then CROSSBODIES her to the floor! Lyra drags Tiff back up, puts her back in, and hurries up the corner! The bad leg does slow her down a bit but Lyra still reaches the top. Lyra aims, for a CROSSBODY! But Tiff rolls through! Tiff powers lyra up, but Lyra CRUCIFIX DRIVERS!! Cover, TWO!!! Tiff survives and fans fire up! Lyra drags Tiff to a drop zone, goes back up the corner, and fans fire up even more! But Tiff trips Lyra up! Lyra ends up in a Tree of Woe!

Tiff runs in, she DROPKICKS Lyra out of the Tree! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, TWO!??! Lyra survives and Tiff can’t believe it! Tiff scowls and she drags Lyra up. Tiff fireman’s carries, but Lyra slips out to waistlock! Tiff kicks the bad leg out! Lyra sits down, Tiff runs, DOUBLE- NO, SUNSET FLIP! TWO!! DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!!! Tiff grows frustrated but the fans stay fired up. Tiff storms up on Lyra, grabs the leg and then rolls to THROW Lyra! Lyra is in a corner, Tiff handsprings in, but into a waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX! Lyra roars, Tiff stands, but the bad leg gives out!!

Lyra tried the spin back kick but the leg gave up on her! Tiff drags Lyra up, fireman’s carries, ROLLING SENTON! Tiff goes up now, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT- FLOPS!! Lyra fights to her feet, SPINNING HEEL KICK!!! But the bad leg slows her down, she can’t make the cover! Lyra crawls to Tiffany, ROPEBREAK!!! Tiff survives by a literal foot and Lyra cannot believe it! Fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” while Lyra grits her teeth. Lyra drags Tiff into the drop zone, goes up the corner, but Tiff goes up after her! Tiff throws forearms, Lyra CLUBS her back! Lyra digs her elbow into Tiff’s back, then adjusts position.

Lyra balances on one leg, SUPER SUNSET- NO, Tiff holds on! Then she RANAS Lyra away! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON again! And then PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!!!! Cover, Tiffany wins!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (NEW NXT Women’s Champion)

The Center of the Universe finally has the prize she’s been seeking since day one of her career! She may be rich, she may be a brat, but she still earned this one all on her own. Will Tiffany Stratton make this HER era of NXT?

NXT Championship: Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams VS Bron Breakker!

Boston’s hometown hero is none other than HIM! Melo is back in Massachusetts, ready to have a rematch from the main event of Stand & Deliver. But while Melo is still Melo, the Big Bad Booty Nephew has changed. This dog is now #MeanerThanEvil, and he wants to bring scorched earth to Lowell! Will Bron break Melo to become a THREE-TIME NXT Champion? Or will Melo still not miss?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s a sadistic sequel to see who is really leader of the pack!

The fans chant for “MEL~O!” already and the bell rings. The two rush in, Melo dropkicks a leg out! Melo fires off haymakers, Bron shoves him away, but Melo comes back for more! Melo KICKS the leg, Bron shoves him again, but Melo just KICKS the leg out! Bron ELBOWS Melo from a corner, hobbles but runs Melo over! Fans boo, things speed up, Melo kips up to PELE! And then runs in to BOOT Bron out of the ring! Melo builds speed and he FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp, if only barely! Melo then rains down fists on Bron, dusts himself off, and CHOPS Bron against barriers! The fans fire up as Melo CHOPS him again!

Melo brings Bron around but Bron RAMS him into the apron! Bron puts Melo in at 6 of 10, shoulders into him, then storms in. Melo dodges, Bron dodges back, and Bron turns leap into SPINEBUSTER! Fans boo but Bron puts Melo in a corner. Bron RAMS into Melo, and again, and again! The ref counts, Bron keeps going until 4. Melo BOOTS Bron back, runs and rolls off Bron’s back, to then DROPKICK Bron to the corner! Melo runs in to forearm smash! Melo whips, Bron reverses, but Melo goes up, only to get caught! Bron TOSSES Melo away, then mocks the chants, “Let’s Go, Melo. IDIOTS!”

Melo goes to the apron, Bron brings him up, but then Bron blocks the gamangiri to DECK Melo! Bron goes out after Melo, fans boo but Bron kicks Melo into the barriers. And SMACKS him off them! Trick protests but Bron brings Melo around to put in the ring. Bron tells Trick to back off, and he goes to the apron, Melo KICKS Bron, and then HOTSHOT STUNNERS him! And then FADE AWAY LEG DROP! Cover, ONE!! Bron is hanging tough but Melo drags him to the ropes. Melo has the leg on the ropes to springboard STOMP it! Bron writhes, Melo grabs the leg and stomps away on it more!

Melo drags Bron around, steps over, HALF BOSTON CRAB! Fitting since this is #Melochussetts! Fans cheer, Bron endures, and Bron fights up. Trick demonstrates how to stretch Bron, but Bron turns things over! Bron BOOTS Melo away, then hobbles up. Melo runs back in, but Bron dodges! Melo goes up, FLYING ARM-DRAG! Melo runs in, but into a LARIAT! Bron’s good leg still has some explosive power to it! Bron hobbles around, he stalks Melo, and Bron brings Melo up, to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Melo writhes and Bron walks off the pain in his legs. “Boston sucks!” Bron then stalks Melo and drags him up.

Bron clinches, to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly again! Melo shakes his head and the fans boo Bron. Bron tells them to shut up, and he stalks Melo to ropes. Bron waistlocks but Melo holds the ropes! Bron gets in between Melo and ropes, for a SPINNING BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO!! Bron does push-ups just to mock Melo! Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Bron but he doesn’t care. Bron scuffs Melo, says, “This is what Boston looks like?” Melo throws body shots! And a CHOP! Bron KNEES low, whpis, but Melo sunset flips! Bron stays up, drags Melo up, another OVERHEAD Belly2Belly!

Bron stalks Melo to a corner, drags Melo up and pie faces him. Fans still chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but Bron throws body shots on Melo. Bron puts Melo up top, but Melo throws haymakers! Bron ROCKS Melo back, climbs up and brings Melo up, but Melo fights back with body shots! Melo KICKS Bron’s bad leg! Bron staggers back, but returns, for a SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives but Bron smirks, he’s starting to have fun with this. Bron drags Melo up, reels him in, short arm LARIAT! Bron taunts the fans as they boo him, and he drags Melo up again. Short arm LARIAT!

Bron says this is as easy as beating up one of the fans. Bron drags Melo back up, scuffs him, but fans chant “You’re Not Him!” Bron short arm- NO, Melo ducks! Melo KICKS the legs, CHOPS Bron, then ROCKS Bron! But Bron gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bron still has power to spare, but also attitude as he mockingly chants, “Let’s Go, Melo.” Bron HIP DROPS Melo, then HIP DROPS again! Melo crawls, but Bron says it’s done! Bron hooks up an arm, Melo resists, and he gets that arm free. HIP- KNEES! Melo gets Bron low, then KANGAROO KICKS him away! Bron staggers up, kicks low, and suplexes!

But Melo turns it into a DDT!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous again! Trick fires up and he coaches Melo! The fans are thunderous as Melo stands up again! Bron shakes out the stars in his head, but Melo dodges the haymaker to give haymakers! Bron hits back, but Melo gives more! Bron ROCKS Melo, Melo ROCKS Bron again and again and fires off body shots! Bfron shoves Melo, Melo spins Bron around, SMASH and SUPERKICK! Melo runs to BOOT! Melo keeps moving, he springboards, FLYING LARIAT! Fans are thunderous again as Melo aims from a corner. Melo runs in, tilt-o-whirl, FACEBUSTER! Cover, ONE?!?!

Bron says “Is that all you got?!” Melo KNEES Bron in the face! Suplex CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Bron is still in this and Melo is starting to wonder what he has to do. Melo drags Bron up, SLAPS him, but Bron DECKS Melo! Fans boo but Melo gets up to throw hands. Bron ROCKS Melo with just one! Melo ROCKS Bron, Bron ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, comes back and he fires off a flurry! Bron UPPERCUTS Melo! Melo kicks but Bron blocks to choke grip! Trophy lift, but Melo hits a CODE BREAKER out of it!! Melo hurries up the corner, Bron stands, NOTHING- NO, Bron dodges! Bron runs in, but Melo POSTS him!

Melo runs, springboard- SPEAR!!! Cover, TWO!!!! Bron got Melo like he did a few weeks ago, but this time Melo survives! Bron is the one shocked now, and even Trick looks in disbelief! But the fans are electric for Melo! Bron gets mad, he brings down the straps! Bron gut wrenches Melo up to SLAM him down! And then another gut wrench for another SLAM! Bron says he’s gonna end it, and he waits on Melo to rise. Choke grip, trophy lift, but Melo cradle counters! TWO!! Bron escapes, but Melo SUPERKICKS again! Bron sputters but stays up, so Melo SUPERKICKS again! Bron is still up!? SUPERKICK AGAIN!!

Bron is still up so Melo runs, springboard, FADE AWAY DDT!! Melo hurries up top, takes aim, NOTHING BUT NET!!! Cover, MELO WINS!

Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)

Count it! Melo was in a shootout but he gets the game winner! The hometown crowd cheers their hero, has he dispatched of Bron once and for all? And if so, then who is next to challenge… HIM?

My Thoughts:

Awesome stuff for NXT here. Even though they call these Premium Live Events, this felt about as close to a TakeOver as we’re getting in this era. As such, this also flew by rather quick, and I’m not sure where they really could’ve given more time to anything because all these matches felt just right. The Triple Threat was a great opener, and I really liked Tyler Bate’s new robe and ring gear. And it was great for Wes to retain the title, he has done great work so he definitely deserves to be deemed the winningest North American Champion. There’s still any number of people he can face before ever losing the title.

Great follow-up in the Heritage Cup match, though boy I wish it was Sha Samuels who helped Dar win. But it is great for Oro Mensah, Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson to all have a spot in story and on TV. No idea how this is going to go now, other than Frazer VS Oro given their interaction. Dar can also face just about anyone next, and it feels like maybe they want it to be Frazer, between them both having talk shows, Frazer getting involved on Dragon Lee’s behalf, and the history between Frazer and Dar from NXT UK. Frazer is also great, and also deserving of things, this could be a great summer build for him.

That Last Man Standing match was wild! Never seen someone get a busted open chin the way Dragunov did, but it added something to this. Dragunov winning also made sense, as he’s been a great “giantslayer” before. But I can’t really be sure where he goes next, unless it’s the Heritage Cup with Dar being the Heel champion to Dragunov’s Face challenger. Great tag team championship match, it felt like the black ‘n’ gold era’s tag team wrestling. Though I should’ve known Ava and Ivy weren’t done fighting this out, and that is why The Creeds lose. The Tony D’Angelo arrest story is going to shake out, and maybe the D’Angelo Family gets to face Gallus over the summer, but a two month build to Great American Bash might be too much for this.

Speaking of which, great to see Great American Bash becoming more than just a themed episode on TV. A little surprised they aren’t trying for a little closer to July 4th, which is a Tuesday, but I guess that’s just how scheduling their events goes. And nice surprise promo from Chase U and Not Catch Point. Duke standing up for Thea is a good detail, but I feel like he’s going to get cheated by Gulak & Dempsey. And we might even get a tag match now of Dempsey & Gulak VS Duke and a returning Andre Chase. And good promo from this mysterious attacker, good that we’re finally going to see who this is. I’m hoping Blair Davenport, but for some reason the presentation of the character makes me think it’ll be Stevie Turner, making her streamer gimmick just her façade to fool us.

And awesome stuff from both top titles to close out the show. I wasn’t sure who was going to win in Lyra VS Tiffany, but it did feel too soon for Lyra. They kept her strong by making it about the injured leg, damage done by Cora Jade, and I don’t doubt Cora will take credit for it on Tuesday. Tiffany wins because she really is great in the ring, and is just too good at playing her character because it really gets the Heel heat from me. But HBK is also of the school that the Face is better in the chase, so whoever it is, whether Roxanne Perez, Gigi Dolin or even Lyra rising back up, they’re going to go after Tiffany over the summer.

In Bron VS Melo, I feel like Bron’s logo needs to change colors to go with his Heel side. Instead of the cyan, magenta and yellow, it should be like red, white and black. He was even wearing a white wolf mask with a black hoodie that was all “torn up and bloody,” so there it is: red, white and black. But naturally, Melo was winning here, 2-0 and winning the blowoff in his hometown. Great moment that Melo got to keep, no new challenger showing up at the end to shift attention or anything. That can be on Tuesday when Trick Melo Gang surely celebrates this win. Much like Wes and his title, Melo can move on to just about anyone for a fresh new feud to truly define Melo’s reign.

My Score: 8.9/10