The NXT Women’s Championship Tournament begins!

With Indi Hartwell moving on to Monday Night Raw, NXT needs a NEW Women’s Champion! Who makes it through the tournament to take the title?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Women’s Championship Tournament, Opening Round: Gigi Dolin VS Tiffany Stratton; Tiffany wins and advances.
• NXT Tag Team Championships: Gallus VS The Dyad w/ Ava Raine; Gallus wins and retains the titles.
• Duke Hudson w/ Thea Hail VS Javier Bernal; Duke wins.
• Eddy Thorpe VS Damon Kemp; Thorpe wins.
• Ilja Dragunov VS DIJAK; Dragunov wins, by disqualification.
• Tyler Bate w/ Wes Lee VS Charlie Dempsey w/ Drew Gulak; Dempsey wins.
• Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen w/ Fallon Henley VS Hank Walker & Tank Ledger; Briggs & Jensen win.
• NXT Women’s Championship Tournament, Opening Round: Lyra Valkyria VS Kiana James; Lyra wins and  advances.
• Trick Williams VS Bron Breakker; Bron wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT Women’s Championship Tournament, Opening Round: Gigi Dolin VS Tiffany Stratton!

The Toxic Avenger takes on the Center of the Universe, but Tiffany thinks she should’ve been handed the belt. Will Gigi show Tiffany that you’re only worthy of a title by winning it? Or will Daddy’s Little Rich Girl get what she wants like always?

The bell rings and Tiff talks trash. She and Gigi tie up, Gigi puts Tiff in a corner, and Tiff wants the ropebreak. The ref counts, Gigi lets off and she blocks a kick to fire forearms! Gigi UPPERCUTS Tiff, whips and swings, but Tiff ducks and handsprings. Then goes Matrix! But Gigi kicks the arms out and brings Tiff around into a modified Magistrol! TWO, and Gigi PENALTY KICKS Tiffany down! Cover, TWO! Tiff scrambles to a corner but Gigi hits a BRONCO BUSTER! Fans fire up and Gigi goes corner to corner, but Tiff dodges! Gigi crashes ‘n’ burns, Tiff runs to DOUBLE STOMP her down! Cover, TWO!

Tiff drags Gigi around by the bad arm and wrenches to an armlock. Fans rally for Gigi and she fights up to arm-drag free. Gigi runs to forearm Tiff at the ropes! Gigi whips, Tiff reverses and steps over to JAM the arm! Tiff hammerlocks and RAMS Gigi into the corner! Gigi staggers into a snapmare and step-over, HIP DROP on the bad arm! Cover, TWO! Gigi is still in this but Tiff drops down on the arm again! Tiff covers but Gigi keeps her shoulders up. Tiff is frustrated, so she SLAMS the arm on the mat! Fans boo but Tiff talks trash on Gigi, before a springboard STOMP on the arm! Cover, TWO!

Tiff looms over Gigi, grabs the arm and drags Gigi up. Gigi reverses the whip to send Tiff into buckle! Roll-up, TWO! Gigi keeps on Tiff but Tiff wrenches and WRINGS the arm out! Cover, TWO! Tiff keeps on Gigi as fans rally for Gigi. Tiff YANKS the arm, wristlocks and wrangles Gigi down, but Gigi avoids the hip drop! Tiff still kicks Gigi back, wrings the arm but Gigi rolls through! Gigi counter punches and kicks, then fires off knee after knee! Tiff shoves free but Gigi comes back to CLOBBER her! And again! Gigi keeps moving, and BOOTS Tiff down! Gigi shouts for Tiff to get up! Gigi drags Tiff up, but Tiff wrenches the arm to a CODE BREAKER!

Gigi staggers away, Tiff runs and handsprings corner to corner, to back elbow! Snapmare and run, but Gigi dodges the stomps! Roll through and ROUNDHOUSE! Then an STO! Fans fire up and Gigi drags Tiff back up. Gigi gut wrenches, but Tiff wrenches out to an ELBOW BREAKER! Tiff fireman’s carries, ROLLING SENTON! Tiff goes up, up, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Cover, Tiffany wins!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Tiffany proved she can earn what she wants, and she’s through to the semifinals! Will Tiffany make it all the way to Battleground and the belt?

The Schism speaks.

Joe Gacy tells the Dyad, “Last week, I sacrificed myself for your opportunity, and I have no doubt that you will bring gold back to us. Four roots, one tree.” Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed head out, will they take the titles from Gallus? As for Gacy, he tells Ava Raine that he took her words to heart. He will not be joining them ringside, as his attention is directed elsewhere. But he wants Ava to guide them as he would. Ava follows after The Dyad, just who is it that has Gacy’s attention?

Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams return to the barbershop.

Trick says he needs to beat the brakes off of Bron Breakker. Change his name to Bron Er. But how’s Melo feeling? He’s aight. Medical wants him to be 100% before clearing him and letting him loose. But Melo appreciates Trick standing up for him and telling Bron he ain’t the one or the two. But does he really have to do this tonight? Yes. Trick knows Bron’s a bad boy, but Trick’s on a whole new level. Don’t he look good? Yep. Ain’t he been working? Yep! Ain’t he gonna whoop Bron’s ass tonight? YEP! Okay, bet. Pass on Melo, take care of Trick, they gotta get going. No, Trick’s gotta be the one to take care of this.

Trick is doing this for Melo, but he’s also doing this for himself. He’s gonna prove he’s everything he’s said he is. Melo’s biggest test is at Battleground. Trick’s biggest test is tonight. Well, Melo will be watching. Trick says that’s all it is, and that’s all it’s gon’ be. High-fives all around and Trick heads out. But Melo is still a little worried. Will Trick’s gift of jab match his gift of gab? Or will Bron break Trick before breaking Melo?

NXT Tag Team Championships: Gallus VS The Dyad w/ Ava Raine!

Mark Coffey & Wolfgang already dealt with Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed once, but The Schism found a way to jump the line. Will Rip & Jagger ssssoooon be recognized as the new tag team champions? Or will it always be Gallus Boys On Top?

The introductions are made, but the teams get at each other, and a brawl breaks out! The ref has Joe Coffey exit, Wolfgang throws Rip out of the ring while Mark keeps after Jagger. The bell rings and this is on record as Wolfgang sends Rip into barriers! Mark whips Jagger to ropes then CLOBBERS him! And then scoops to a SLAM! Mark stalks Jagger, headlocks, and he grinds Jagger down. Jagger fights around, fights up, and pulls hair! We see Tony D’Angelo & “Stacks” Channing Lorenzo up in the perch as Jagger powers out of the headlock. Mark runs Jagger over, then brings him up for another headlock.

Jagger fights around again, throws body shots, and he powers up, only for Mark to hold on tight. Mark knees low, rams Jagger to the Gallus corner, and he tags Wolfie. Gallus double whip and crisscross Jagger for a double NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Wolfgang wraps Jagger up, clamps onto an arm, but fans rally up. Jagger fights to his feet, but Wolfgang short arm lever suplexes! Wolfgang keeps Jagger down, then wrenches the arm. Jagger throws forearms but Wolfgang keeps him from Rip! Jagger throws more forearms, gets free, and tags in Rip. Rip storms up to DROPKICK the arm!

Rip throws forearms, CLOBBERS Wolfgang, covers, ONE! Rip clamps on with a chinlock, then he fishhooks Wolfgang’s face. The ref counts, Rip CLUBS Wolfgang down. Fans duel between “FOUR ROOTS! ONE TREE!” and just booing, but Rip drags Wolfgang up. Wolfgang blocks the suplex, and then suplexes Rip back! Tag to Mark and he clamps onto Rip’s arm. Rip flails, reaches out, but Mark wrenches and RAMS him! Mark clamps onto the arm again, but Rip knees low! Rip sucker punches Wolfgang, then wrenches and headlocks Mark. Jagger sneaks a tag as Mark powers out, and Rip sends mark away.

Jagger trips Mark and Rip basement dropkicks! Then MAYHEM IN MOTION takes out Wolfgang! The Dyad clinch and ENZIGURI, COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! The Dyad is frustrated while NXT goes picture in picture.

Jagger drags Mark up, throws forearms, and Mark staggers around. Jagger whips, Mark reverses and arm-drags! Mark has the armlock and he wraps Jagger up into a cobra clutch! Jagger endures, fights up, but Wolfgang tags in. Ripcord and shoulder ram, then a forearm to the back! Wolfgang snapmares Jagger to a cover, TWO! Wolfgang wraps Jagger up in a cobra clutch and grinds him down. Jagger endures, fights up, but Wolfgang wrangles him back down. Wolfgang leans on the hold, but Jagger fights up and reaches out. Wolfgang ripcords and shoulders Jagger again! And back to the cobra clutch!

Jagger fights up, Wolfgang throws knees, and tags Mark. Ripcord, shoulder ram, and FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Cover, TWO! Mark keeps on Jagger with stomps, then runs in at the corner. Rip moves in to be the cushion but Mark stops. The ref reprimands Rip but Jagger sucker punches Mark! Jagger tags Rip, Rip storms up to short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Rip clamps onto Mark with a chinlock and he puts on the pressure. Mark endures but Rip drops an elbow! And then reapplies the chinlock! Mark fights up, throws body shots, but Rip knees low. Tag to Jagger and The Dyad double whip to double LARIAT! Jagger covers, TWO!

Jagger looms over Mark, drags him up and ROCKS him with a haymaker. Jagger runs in to UPPERCUT! Tag to Rip and he runs in to clothesline! Feed to the WHEEL KICK! Rip hurries to push Mark to a cover, TWO! Rip clamps onto Mark and fishhooks his face. The ref reprimands, Rip drops an elbow on Mark’s head! NXT returns to single picture and fans rally up as Mark endures the chinlock again. Mark fights up, fans duel, but Rip knees low! Rip whips Mark to the cover, tags to Jagger, and Jagger whips Rip in, into a BOOT! Jagger runs in, Mark goes up and over but Rip do-si-dos to send him into Jagger’s SUPERKICK!

Rip throat chops, Jagger leaps onto the cover, TWO! The Dyad is again frustrated, and we see The Diamond Mine is watching backstage. Ivy Nile glares at the TV, but the Creed Brothers are goofing around, wearing blue masks that resemble the Schism’s yellow smiley face ones. Ivy gets annoyed and grabs their noses! She tells Julius & Brutus to stop making jokes! Ivy storms off and the brothers don’t understand. But back in the ring, Jagger keeps Mark down with a facelock. Mark fights up as fans rally, but Jagger CLUBS him down! Jagger keeps Mark back, but the fans continue to rally!

Mark fights back up, powers up to lift Jagger, and TOSS him away! Hot tag to Wolfgang! The Howler rallies on The Dyad! BIG haymakers for both of them, then he RAMS Jagger into the corner! Wolfgang fires off fists, Rip storms up on him, but Wolfgang ROCKS him! Wolfgang whips Jagger into the corner, SPLASHES, and goes to the apron. Wolfgang DECKS Rip, goes up the corner, and he AX HANDLES Jagger down! Fans fire up with Wolfgang and he scoops Jagger for a SLAM! And then SIDEWAYS SENTON! Tag to Mark, Gallus DOUBLE URENAGE Jagger! Mark covers, TWO!! Jagger survives for The Schism!

Mark tags back to Wolfgang and Wolfgang drags Jagger up. Fireman’s carry, Mark runs in, but Rip trips him up! Fans boo but Jagger rolls Wolfgang up! TWO!! Mark SMACKS Rip off the desk! Wolfgang CLOBBERS Jagger! Tag back to Mark, and Wolfgang drags Jagger around. Ava distracts on the apron! The ref reprimands, Ava hops down, and Wolfgang CATAPULTS Jagger at Mark! But Jagger uses that to hit a SATELLITE DDT! Wolfgang is shocked, and then Rip drags him out to throat chop! Jagger tags Rip! The Dyad take aim, ‘FOUR ROOTS! ONE TREE!” But Ivy SPEAERS Ava!!

The Creeds stop Ivy from attacking Ava, Jagger goes out to help, and Mark CLOBBERS Rip! Tag to Wolfgang! Gallus coordinates, BOOT O’ DOOM!! Cover, GALLUS WINS!

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

Ava can’t believe what just happened! She shrieks in frustration, will The Schism make Diamond Mine pay for that? As for Gallus, they’re still on top, but Tony & Stacks are watching. Will The Don & The Underboss get themselves a 2v2 match for Battleground?

Thea Hail and other Chase U students talk.

She wonders when Andre Chase is going to return, but is also thankful that Duke Hudson stepped up so no one falls behind this semester. And the Draft! Imagine if you got drafted! Javier Bernal walks over to tell them all to keep on dreaming. He asks Thea a question: does Chase U offer classes on how to get into the NXT Women’s Championship Tournament? Because clearly, Thea isn’t in it so no. But then Duke walks over and apologizes for being late. Grading papers takes a lot more time than you’d think. But uh, is spellcheck just an Australian thing or…? Thea is anxious and asks how she did!

Oh, Thea, you… got an 88! AWESOME! She SLAPS Javi on the chest as part of celebrating! Javi gets upset and can’t believe how deep Duke is into this thing. Javi sees Duke is operating from the inside. But when Duke unveils that final plan. Chase won’t know what hit him. Uh, Javi, first off, you don’t even go here. Second, Chase will return sometime somewhere, Duke is simply filling in. Is that so? Yeah! Oh, is this… Okay, everyone thinks they can get away with whatever they want when the substitute teacher’s in, right? Well, this is not gonna go that way. So how dare Javi disrespect the good name of Duke U- Chase U!

Heh, bit of a Freudian Slip, huh? Javi, you dweeb, listen up! Duke’s gonna make a match between Javi and the MVP of Chase U. And tonight, Javi gets an ANDRE CHASE UNIVERSITY SIZED ASS WHOOPING! Big Body Javi hurries away, will he be ready for this #TeachableMoment?

NXT Anonymous watches their archive.

The Women’s Division’s various assaults all play together, side by side. Nikkita Lyons, Wendy Choo, Sol Ruca. Is there a commonality between these three? Will NXT Anonymous tell us when they find it?

Duke Hudson w/ Thea Hail VS Javier Bernal!

Is Duke playing a long con? Has he truly accepted the black ‘n’ red way? Will we ever find out? Or will all that matters is that Duke wins one for Chase U?

The bell rings and Duke circles with Javi. They tie up, and Duke powers Javi to a corner. Fans rally behind Duke but Javi gets around to slap him around. Duke shoves Javi down! Fans fire up and Javi scrambles away. Duke pursues, Javi plays a bit of cat ‘n’ mouse, and he stomps away on duke ashe slides in! Fans boo as Javi has Duke in a corner for haymakers and body shots. The ref counts, Javi stalks Duke to another corner to fire off more hands! Thea coaches Duke but Javi mocks the “U~!” Javi grins, but Duke runs in to run Javi over! Javi staggers up, Duke scoops and SLAMS him! Duke fires up and so do the fans!

Javi wants mercy, but Thea says no way! Duke storms up and Javi dropkicks the legs out! DDT! Javi keeps moving, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans chant “JAVI SUCKS!” but he stomps away on Duke. Javi drags Duke into a chinlock and he grinds Duke down. Thea shouts and the fans rally, and Duke fights his way up. Duke pries at the hold as fans chant “M V P!” Duke powers the headlock open, then arm-drags Javi away! Javi flounders to a corner, but he comes right back to stomp Duke down! Duke sits up, Javi throws a haymaker! Duke is powering up! Javi throws more hands, and Duke says “U!”

Duke throws body shots, he CLUBS Javi down, then he whips Javi to ropes to CLOBBER him and CLOBBER him! Another whip, and Duke scoops Javi for a SIDEWALK SLAM! Fans fire up more as Duke aims at Javi. JAB! JAB! JAB! Flip, flop and “U~!” ELBOW! SENTON! Javi flounders but Duke runs to the apron and slingshots to GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up again as Duke brings Javi up. Duke reels Javi in, for the Gory Especial, and the RIVER! Cover, Duke wins!

Winner: Duke Hudson, by pinfall

Duke continues to prove why he’s the Chase U MVP! But is Duke truly doing this for Chase U? Or is it all a poker face until the final hand’s been dealt?

Von Wagner talks with Robert Stone.

Von is feeling great. The weather is nice, and a positive attitude is a powerful thing. Stone never thought of it like that. But okay, rapid fire questions! Favorites, go! Hamburger? Bacon burgers! Fries? Oh, good one. Chili cheese. Ice cream? Mint chocolate chip! Wait! Cookies ‘n’ cream! Nice, nice! Stone’s a pistachio man himself. What’s Von see when he looks at this picture? Stone took the post surgery picture from Von’s photo album?! Von is upset, but then someone walks over to say he heard Von’s trying to get a head of the competition. Dude, c’mon. What? It’s just a joke. Von SLAMS the guy into road cases!

Von tells this guy to take his funny bone and shove it! Von lets the guy go, and Stone frowns. Von just scoffs at his answer of pistachio ice cream. If this issue bothers Von that much, what is it going to take to get to the bottom of it?

The Diamond Mine runs across Gallus.

Joe Coffey tells them to keep their noses out of Gallus business. Ivy gets riled up but Julius says it’s fine. He isn’t even sure what Joe said, but he still needs to watch his mouth. And Brutus tells Mark & Wolfgang to watch those tag titles. Oh, looking for a fight? Joe says not now. He has an idea: Pub party, champs only. So the Diamond Mine isn’t welcome. Gallus heads out but Julius says that’s fine, they don’t like Gallus anymore anyway. Ivy thanks the Creeds for earlier, and Julius says it’s fine. No one messes with Ivy, except for the Creeds. But will they find their way back to the tag titles one way or another?

Eddy Thorpe VS Damon Kemp!

The Alpha Wolf has been leveling up to get ready for this showdown! Will he take a bite out of the Golden Gopher? Or will Damon make him feel like he’s a Young Boy again?

NXT returns and Damon makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two tie up, and Damon headlocks. Fans rally for Eddy but Damon spins to a wrench and a wristlock. Eddy wrenches back, spins him around and arm-drags him away. Fans cheer but Damon says okay. They go again, tie up, and Damon waistlocks to SLAM Eddy! And SLAM him again! Damon facelocks, Eddy moves around but Damon floats to go for another facelock. Eddy reaches out for the ROPEBREAK, but Damon lets off slowly. They go again, Eddy headlocks and he holds on tight. Damon powers up and throws body shots.

Damon sends Eddy to a corner, Eddy goes up and over and ducks ‘n’ dodges to hit a headlock takeover! Damon keeps his shoulder up and pushes Eddy with forearms. Damon stands, pries the hold, and he spins it around to headlock and takeover! Eddy headscissors, Damon gets free, and things speed up as Eddy drops, hurdles, and CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up while Damon flounders away. Eddy is after Damon with a CHOP! Eddy facelocks, suplexes, but Damon blocks! Damon wrenches out, knees low, and UPPERCUTS! Damon then hangs Eddy out to dry before a slingshot JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO!

Damon taunts Eddy, then rains down forearms! Eddy keeps a guard up so Damon lets off. Damon talks trash to the fans but the fans boo back. Damon talks trash on Eddy, brings him up and turns him around into a chinlock. Fans rally but Damon shifts to a seated cobra twist! Damon digs his knuckles in but Eddy fights up. Eddy throws hands but Damon fireman’s carries to ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO!! Damon is frustrated, but he clamps back on with the seated cobra twist. Eddy fights up, throws body shots, then dodges the lariat to CHOP! Eddy bobs ‘n’ weaves, throws more hands, then CHOPS again!

Eddy whips and CLOBBERS Damon, then starts to rally! Strike fest, PELE! Damon staggers to a corner, Eddy runs in to BOOT! And GERMAN SUPLEX! Damon flounders, Eddy covers, TWO! Eddy waistlocks Damon but Damon throws elbows. Damon whips, Eddy reverses but Damon sunset flips! Eddy rolls through to get the legs! Damon scrambles but Eddy gets the HALF CRAB! Damon gets the ROPEBREAK! Eddy lets off in frustration, Damon holds onto the apron skirt! The ref reprimands, Damon kicks Eddy away, then stands up, into a BOOT! GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up as Eddy stomps around!

Eddy runs to JUMPING ELBOW! Cover, Eddy wins!

Winner: Eddy Thorpe, by pinfall

That last sudden burst was enough for Eddy, and Damon complains about the apron skirt. But Damon was the one who brought it into play! Will Damon ever take responsibility for his own messes? Will The Alpha Wolf soon be hunting down some championship gold?

Backstage interview with Kiana James.

McKenzie Mitchell is with the Calculator to say she’s had an incredible rookie year in NXT. She was handpicked by HBK and the coaches as part of the top 8 to be in the Women’s Championship Tournament. Tonight, she faces Lyra Valkyria- Yeah, yeah, McKenzie, Kiana gets it. She’s got the most difficult first round opponent. Whoever put this bracket together did her no favors. But luckily, Kiana thrives under pressure. Her last 12 months speak volumes, especially the latter half. She has laid out everything she’s wanted to do here, and checked them off one by one, except for the NXT Women’s Championship.

As McKenzie said, Kiana’s rookie year here was incredible. But can you imagine how much bigger year two will be as the NXT Women’s Champion? Kiana can. But will it become reality here tonight? Or will the misfortune of facing the Morrigan be her downfall?

Backstage interview with Bron Breakker.

McKenzie brings up that tonight, he faces Trick Williams in the main event, but is going to ask the question “on the minds of everyone in the WWE Universe. Why the change in attitude?” Bron says there was no change, he just stopped caring. For over a year, Bron carried the NXT Championship on one shoulder, the NXT banner on the other, and the weight of this brand on his back. What’d it get him? Nothing. And the fans made their choice, and they chose Carmelo. That’s fine. Because Melo is still picking splinters out of his ass after being Speared through the wall a couple weeks ago.

So if McKenzie or the fans or whoever doesn’t like the attitude, there’s the door. Bron didn’t ask for this interview, she did. But here, here’s something. Melo, tonight, I’m gonna put your buddy, your best friend, Trick Williams, in the same hospital that I put you in. See you at Battleground.”

Ilja Dragunov VS DIJAK!

The Czar doesn’t back down from a fight, but #HardJustice has been taking the fight to him. Will Dragunov prove what it is to be UNBESIEGBAR? Or will Dijak put his momentum on lockdown?

NXT returns as Dijak makes his entrance. The bell rings and Dijak runs in! But Dragunov blocks the boot, throws Dijak down, and KNEES him back! Fans fire up as Dragunov CHOPS Dijak! Then puts him in another corner, to CHOP again! Dragunov puts Dijak in a third corner to CHOP again! Fans are thunderous already, but Dijak turns things around to COHP in return! Dragunov shakes his head, and he CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOPS! Dragunov backs Dijak down corner to corner with the chops, then fires off MACHINE GUN CHOPS!! Fans are thunderous as Dragunov lets off, winds up and CHOPS again!

Dijak is down, Dragunov goes up, KING KONG KNEE DROP! Dijak sputters but Dragunov goes back up! Dijak gets Dragunov with both hands, and SHOVES him down! Dragunov hits the apron on the way down to the floor! Dijak goes out, pushes Dragunov into the ring, and covers, TWO! DIjak grits his teeth, rains down fists, then covers again, ONE!! Dragunov is showing that toughness but Dijak clamps on a BEARHUG! Dragunov endures, even as Dijak shouts in his ear to give up! Fans rally, Dragunov fights to his feet and pries the hold open. Dragunov turns to ROCK Dijak! Dijak ROCKS Dragunov!

The two go back and forth, Dijak gets the edge but Dragunov gives it all back! Dragunov throws boxing elbows and an UPPERCUT, but Dijak BOOTS him! Dragunov springs up to PELE! Fans are loving this as Dragunov waistlocks and deadlifts Dijak! But Dragunov’s ribs hold him back, the damage done weeks ago. Dijak choke grips, Dragunov fights free, and he comes back to FOREARM! And ROUNDHOUSE! But both men fall over! Fans fire up as Dragunov rises again. Dragunov waistlocks and deadlifts again! But Dijak holds ropes to stop the suplex! Dijak throws elbows and body shots, then he TOSSES Dragunov away!

Dragunov goes to the corner, comes back, but into the CYCLONE KICK! Cover, TWO!! Dragunov survives and Dijak is beside himself! Dijak goes out and he shoves the timekeeper aside to get a chair! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Dijak wants to hurt Dragunov, not beat him! The ref grabs the chair, but Dijak TOSSES the ref away! Fans boo more, Dijak JAMS Dragunov! The ref has the bell ring, Dijak loses!

Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by disqualification

But Dijak still SMACKS Dragunov on the back! And his rage erupts as he goes out and RAMS Dragunov into the apron! And into the POST! And then APRON CHOKE SLAMS Dragunov! Dragunov flops down but Dijak isn’t done with him! Dijak brings the steel steps around, turns them on their side, and goes back for Dragunov. Dijak KICKS Dragunov around, then tips the steps! Dragunov fights them off! Dijak STOMPS Dragunov, then buries him under the steps! “How’s that feel!? How’s that feel?!” Dijak STANDS ON THE STEPS to trap Dragunov! Dijak asks if Dragunov feels alive while he sputters and coughs!

Fans boo, the refs rush out and Dijak steps away, saying “I can break any man!” But then Dragunov shoves the steps away!! Dragunov isn’t done yet, but Dijak chuckles. Will these two go around again down the line?

Tyler Bate meditates.

Wes Lee walks in and says he hasn’t seen this much smoke since he was hanging out with Matt Riddle. But uh, Tyler, you in there? Wes knows Bate is getting his head right for his match with Charlie Dempsey, but Wes has to thank him for last week. Bate was like a “majestic leopard” as he took out Charlie, it was beautiful! And since Bate had Wes’s back, Wes will have Bate’s. Gulak & Dempsey are determined to sap all the joy outta NXT, and they’re not gonna let that happen, right? Right, yeah. Also, Bate’s up next, so let’s get going. Wes looks closer, and then Bate opens his eyes.

Bate says hey, sorry, he was “miles away” there. Did Wes say something? Uh, yeah- Bate says when he meditates, he goes into a deep, deep trance, like he’s on a higher plane of existence. Does Wes know what he means? Yeah, bro. Dope. Bate’s ready, Wes is by his side, will the Big Strong Boi humble the Son of the Gentleman Villain?

Dani Palmer tweets a video.

She was finishing training with Hank Walker & Tank Ledger when Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen walked in. She wanted them to say hey, and they congratulate her on her NXT debut win. But anyway, she watched it back, and asks what she could do to do better next time. Briggs says just keep busting your ass and doing the reps. Jensen says the more you get in there, the better you’ll be. Hank says he was telling Tank the very same thing. And if they wanna get good as a tag team, they just gotta practice. Tank says yeah, and maybe it could be against “the big boys.” What do they say? Briggs & Jensen say sure! They shake hands, will we get a real banger of a brawl from these heavy hitters?

Tyler Bate w/ Wes Lee VS Charlie Dempsey w/ Drew Gulak!

NXT returns as Dempsey makes his entrance with Gulak. The Big Strong Boi made sure Wes wasn’t cheated out of the North American Championship, will Wes make sure Bate isn’t cheated out of a win tonight? Or will the Philly Stretcher have the perfect plan to get even?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Dempsey UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS, but Bate gives those back! They go UPPERCUT for UPPERCUT! Bate runs to UPPERCUT, Dempsey rebounds to UPPERCUT! And repeat! Bate then UPPERCUTS and EXPLODERS! And then STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Bate keeps on Dempsey with a fireman’s carry, and he starts the spin! But Dempsey fights free to get the full nelson! Bate uses his leg to provide leverage and break free, then throws elbows! But Dempsey CLUBS Bate! And knees him, into the BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!

Dempsey drags Bate up to ROCK him with forearms, and UPPERCUTS, but Bate headlocks to BOP Dempsey with his foot! And BOP him again! Dempsey powers out, Bate goes up and comes back, but Dempsey steps through the roll up! But Bate sunset flips! But Dempsey rolls through to get the legs! But Bate rolls to bring Dempsey down! Now rolls reverse as Dempsey sunset flips, Bate rolls through, and Dempsey SPINNING HEADSCISSORS! But Bate cartwheels through it and fans fire up! Dempsey rushes in, Bate dodges and Dempsey stops in the corner. Dempsey turns around and heads collide!

Both men fall and fans rally up. Dempsey and Bate stand up, and Bate brings Dempsey around to UPPERCUT! Dempsey UPPERCUTS back! Bate UPPERCUTS, Dempsey knees low! Dempsey clamps on with an IRON OCTOPUS! Dempsey CHOPS Bate’s side to complete the stretch! Bate endures, powers up, and he fireman’s carries for the AIRPLANE SPIN! Fans fire up as Bate goes around and around and around, for more then TEN spins before the DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! But wait, Joe Gacy walks out? Was Gacy talking about Wes earlier? Gulak storms over to Gacy and Wes and asks what’s going on. Wes asks them both what’s going on!

Bate sees everyone is around Wes, and he FLIES out to take Gacy and Gulak down! Wes says that’s what they get. Bate hurries back in, ducks the haymaker to Bop up, and BANG! Gulak distracts the ref, Bate runs, but Gacy CLOBBERS Bate! Dempsey hurries to DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Dempsey wins!

Winner: Charlie Dempsey, by pinfall

Gacy may not have been part of Gulak’s plans, but it all worked out for Dempsey! Will Wes have to worry about more than one sneaky snake coming after his title?

Carmelo sees Bron’s message.

Melo says he can’t stay back now. He has to go and help Trick. But Trick said- Trick said what he said but he’s also family. Will the NXT Champion make sure Bron doesn’t destroy his best friend?

Backstage interview with Dragon Lee.

McKenzie knows he took a hard loss to JD McDonagh last week in what was an instant classic. But she wants to bring up what happened right after that match with Noam Dar. Dragon says Dar thinks Dragon is a threat, and he’s right! that’s why Dar wanted JD to injure Dragon. Dar only cares about two things: himself, and the- Oh, speaking of, Dar pops up on screen with a special edition of the Supernova Sessions. Dar says, “Hello, hello, hello. Dragon Lee, hear me now. It’s Mr. Supernova 11, Noam Dar, the longest reigning NXT Heritage Cup Champion. Now Mr. Dragon, I come bearing gifts.”

Dar knows the two of them got off on the wrong foot, but allow Dar to be the bigger and better man by offering him this prestigious opportunity. He’ll be the envy of the entire locker room after this, because Dar chooses Dragon Lee to be his first official guest on the relaunch of the Supernova Sessions show! Please, join Dar for the return of “the most loved and most revered talk show in the WWE Universe.” So cutting edge, so unique, that after this, Dragon’s career will skyrocket from the ground floor, where it currently is. So Mr. Dragon, Dar awaits a response. Thank you, buh-bye. Check please.

Dragon’s response: he’ll be there. Will Dar regret extending this invitation? Or will he make Dragon regret accepting it?

Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen w/ Fallon Henley VS Hank Walker & Tank Ledger!

The boys are reunited and it’s Country Strong! But will they get back on track tonight? Or will Hank ‘n’ Tank use their own brand of blue collar brawling to get going in the Men’s NXT Tag Division?

NXT returns as Hank ‘n’ Tank make their entrance. The teams sort out and Briggs starts, with a BOOT to Tank! Jensen and Hank start throwing hands on the outside! Hank knees low, SMACKS Jensen off the apron, and fans fire up. Briggs headlocks, Tank powers up and tags Hank. They keep Briggs guessing and Hank runs Briggs over! Tank drops a headbutt! Hank covers, TWO! Hank CLUBS Briggs, brings him up and CLUBS him again. Briggs SLAPS away on Hank, then hits a BIG back suplex! Tag to Jensen, he and Briggs double whip Hank to double shoulder him! They then double scoop SLAM!

Briggs ELBOW DROPS, Jensen ELBOW DROPS! Jensen covers, TWO! Jensen keeps on Hank in the corner and CHOPS! LARIATS! And CHOPS! And LARIATS! Hank fires back but Jensen ROCKS him! Jensen whips Hank but Hank CLOBBERS him! Fans fire up and Hank shoots in to RAM Jensen into the corner! Tag to Tank and he SPLASHES Jensen! Tank scoops and SLAMS Jensen, pushes him to a cover, TWO! Tank drags Jensen around, whips him to ropes, but Jensen KNEES back! Tag to Briggs and Jensen lifts Tank. Briggs runs, atomic drop and BOOT! Jensen BLASTS Hank, Briggs covers, TWO!

Tank snarls as he sits up and fans rally up. Tank spits out a tooth, picks it up, and nods as he puts it away for later. Briggs eggs him on, Tank fires off forearms and haymakers! Tank HEADBUTTS, HEADBUTTS, but Jensen tags in! Tank whips, Briggs reverses and feeds to the lift! HART ATTACK! High stack, the country boys win!

Winners: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen, by pinfall

That was a barn burner! And in the end, Briggs & Jensen show respect to Hank ‘n’ Tank with handshakes. There seems to be a new edge to Briggs & Jensen, will they use that edge to carve a new path to the top?

Lyra Valkyria speaks.

“You can either evolve, or get left behind. This place, this skyline, doesn’t resemble the lands that made me. But I am evolving. Adapting. And sharpening my weapons. I’m not the same person who crossed the Atlantic last year. But I am still Valkyria, Shadow of the Morrigan. And as I preside over this concrete jungle, three women have been marked on my route to the NXT Women’s Championship. Kiana James, you are the first.” Will Lyra take flight towards the golden Battleground? Or is she underestimating the Calculator?

NXT presents an all new Hard Hitting Home Truths.

Nathan Frazer is back and he welcomes us to the latest edition of HHHT. Now the WWE Draft has come and gone, and a staggering 17 NXT superstars moved on to the Raw & SmackDown rosters. That’s right, SEVENTEEN! And that means spots have opened up. But for who? We don’t know, and that’s the fun of it. See, NXT is like a melting pot of incredible talents from around the world. Axiom from Spain, Dragon Lee from Mexico, Oba Femi from Nigeria. Ghana, Brazil, Poland, Columbia, Ireland, Chase U- Chase U isn’t a country. But Duke goes to Chase U, he’s Aussie, but the list goes on and one.

Frazer himself is from Jersey. Not New Jersey, OG Jersey. Tiny little island between England and France. But anyway, all this talent from all walks of life are battling it out. That gives new meaning to the term, “World domination.” But this era of “global localization” means a certain someone has created a spot for himself. The Heritage Cup Champion, the Scottish Supernova, Noam Dar, who has a fancy little talk show of his own, debuting next week. Interestingly enough, Frazer’s first WWE TV appearance was on Supernova Sessions. He can tell us with absolute certainty, that show serves no other purpose than for Dar to stroke his fragile little ego.

Meanwhile, HHHT is designed to bring things to light and expose the lies that frauds have been telling themselves so that they don’t have a leg to stand on. Speaking of, roll the clip. Dar swings on Dragon, Dragon SUPERKICKS Dar! Frazer has a good laugh. “You love to see it.” The Heritage Cup is Dar’s baby, metaphorically and literally, because roll the clip. Dar cradles the cup and coddles it. There’s being proud of being champion, but even by WWE standards, that’s just strange. But just know this, Dar. It is likely that in the very near future, you won’t have your baby. And your entire world will come crashing down.

But for now, Frazer will love ya and leave ya, this has been HHHT. Peace. Is Frazer not so subtly putting his hat in the ring for the Heritage Cup?

NXT Women’s Championship Tournament, Opening Round: Lyra Valkyria VS Kiana James!

We’ve heard from both superstars tonight, but now it is time to put up or shut up! Who joins Tiffany Stratton in the semifinals of this tournament?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Lyra shoots around to roll Kiana up, ONE! Kiana says it’s not that easy, and the two tie up. Kiana knees low, throws Lyra by her hair, and covers, ONE! Lyra gets up but Kiana headlocks. Fans rally behind Lyra and she powers out, only for Kiana to run her over. Kiana taunts Lyra, things speed up, and Lyra hurdles but Kiana blocks the hip toss. Lyra throws Kiana to the other side, Kiana hip tosses back but Lyra handsprings through! Lyra comes back to body scissor, flip and cover, TWO! Kiana sunsets, TWO! Lyra high stacks, TWO and Kiana pops her to a sunset! TWO and Lyra prawn holds, TWO!

Kiana sunset flips again, TWO! Lyra jackknife bridges, TWO as Kiana bridges up! They spin around, Kiana wants the backslide but Lyra holds it off. Kiana knees low, whips Lyra to a corner, but Lyra goes up and Electric Chair spins to a RANA! Ghost pin, TWO! Kiana goes to ropes, but she elbows Lyra away. Lyra comes back to body scissor again, but Kiana puts her in ropes! GUILLOTINE CATAPULT! Lyra flops out of the ring and Kiana goes after her. Kiana whips Lyra into the POST! Kiana talks trash and fans boo as NXT goes picture in picture.

Kiana says she’s smarter than Lyra, then she goes out to bend Lyra against the post! The ref counts, Kiana lets off at 4, and Lyra crawls away. Kiana slides back in, stalks Lyra, and KNEES her in the side! Cover, ONE!! Lyra is tougher than that and Kiana is frustrated. Kiana wraps Lyra up in a seated cobra twist but Lyra endures. Fans rally up, Lyra fights up, and Lyra throws body shots! Kiana throws body shots back! Kiana whips, knees low, then soaks up the heat. Kiana swaggers around, brings Lyra up and whips her again, for another knee, that Lyra uses to get a roll-up! TWO, Kiana wants a leg but Lyra backslides her! TWO!

Kiana RAMS Lyra into a corner! Kiana stomps, RAMS, and handsprings to RAM into Lyra again! Kiana pushes Lyra down, pushes her to a cover, TWO! Kiana is further frustrated but she clamps back on with the seated cobra twist. Lyra endures, even as Kiana adds a leg to the stretch! NXT returns to single picture, fans rally up, and Lyra fights to get her leg free. Kiana keeps on the upper body but Lyra fights up. Fans rally, Lyra clinches back and MONKEY FLIPS Kiana away! Kiana flounders up, into a cradle! A shoulder is still up so Lyra has to tip that way, TWO! Kiana gets up to fire body shots!

Kiana reels Lyra in for an atomic GUTBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Kiana scowls as Lyra hangs tough and goes to a corner. Fans rally, Kiana runs in and RAMS into her! Kiana backs up, handsprings, and runs in again, into a KNEE! Lyra goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans rally up while both women are down. Lyra sits up, Kiana follows, and Lyra throws haymakers! Lyra blocks a kick to CLOBBER Kiana! And ROUNDHOUSE! And SOBAT! Front kick! HEADBUTT! AX KICK! Kiana blocks the northern lights to knee low! Kiana runs in but is dumped out of the ring! Lyra builds speed to WRECK Kiana with a dropkick!

Fans fire up as Lyra goes out and brings Kiana around into the ring. Lyra climbs up, takes aim, and leaps, but Kiana gets under! Lyra comes back to ENZIGURI! Lyra reels Kiana in, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Kiana escapes but Lyra fires back up. Fans rally behind Lyra as she hobbles to a corner. Lyra climbs up, takes aim, and dives, onto knees! Kiana drags Lyra up, gut wrench and POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives and shocks Kiana! Kiana drags Lyra up to KNEE her low! And again! Fans rally, Kiana knees Lyra more! Lyra goes to ropes but Kiana brings her up, back suplex, but Lyra lands on her feet!

Lyra BOOTS Kiana down! Lyra wins!!

Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Kiana can at least say she was right, Lyra was an incredibly tough first round opponent. Will Lyra stay tough all the way to Battleground?

Gallus is having a good time at the bar.

Mark says, “How ’bout them Creeds, eh?” Joe says to forget about those guys. A toast to their successful title defense. But then Tony & Stacks walk over. Tony congratulates Gallus on the big win tonight. Stacks made some scratch betting on them, too. Gallus showed just why they’re champs. Yeah, what’s your business here? Oh, does Joe just wake up angry? Anyway, last time Tony & Stacks came in, they left with a spot at Stand & Deliver. Yeah, that was some scrap, huh? But if Joe wasn’t involved, Gallus wouldn’t even be champions right now! What was that? Tony & Stacks tell Joe to calm down.

Tony understands the whole crew is here, but he just wants to say that they’re next. Joe says things are done differently now, and he brings out the Billy club. Gallus does things differently now that he’s back, and that means they handle business differently. So Tony & Stacks should leave while they can still walk. Okay, okay, but just know, Joe doesn’t wanna go down that road. Gallus is stateside now, and you don’t wanna threaten The Don. But don’t worry, the Family will get their title match. Joe tells them to see themselves out, but then there are more guys ready to fight. Stacks says they should go, and Tony obliges. Will The Family get theirs come Battleground?

Trick Williams VS Bron Breakker!

As #TrickWilly said himself, he isn’t just doing this for Melo, he is doing this for himself. Will Trick pass the biggest test in his NXT career? Or will Bron prove Steiner Math was right all along?

NXT returns as Bron makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two tie right up. They go around, Bron puts Trick in a corner but Trick slips away. They go again, Bron fireman’s carry takeovers, then wrenches. Trick kips up but Bron wrangles him down. Trick fights up, breaks free and DROPKICKS Bron! And DROPKICKS again! And then RAMS Bron into the corner to fire off fast hands! Trick RAMS into Bron again and again but lets off as the ref counts. Trick jukes the ref, Bron ROCKS him, but Trick RAMS Bron back into the corner! Fans fire up as Trick fires off more fists! The ref counts, backs Trick off, but Trick storms up again.

Trick whips corner to corner, Bron reverses to get around and waistlock. Trick switches, Bron bucks him, and then Bron runs up, into a BOOT! Trick runs in to BOOT Bron out of the ring! Fans fire up and Trick is feeling it! Trick goes out the side, ROCKS Bron, then CLUBS him against the desk! Fans and even Booker is loving this! Trick brings Bron around, tells the timekeeper to move, but Bron hauls Trick up to OVERHEAD suplex him onto the desk! Fans duel between barks and “Bron Breakker Sucks~!” Bron puts Trick in at 8 of 10, rains down fists, then he hauls Trick up, for another OVERHEAD Suplex!

Fans mock Bron with “MEOW~” rather than barking, but Bron GERMAN SUPLEXES Trick! Bron stalks Trick, drags him up and talks trash, but Trick SLAPS Bron! Bron DECKS Trick! Bron hauls Trick up to snap suplex! Cover, but Bron lets off to do push-ups! Bron says he could do this all day! Fans boo and give thumbs down but Bron clamps onto Trick with a cobra twist! Fans chant “YOU STILL SUCK!” Bron fishhooks Trick, the ref reprimands, but Bron keeps on the twist. Trick fights up, stands up, and he throws body shots! Bron knees low, whips Trick, but Trick whips him away! Trick dodges the lariat to BODY BLOW! And UPPERCUT!

Bron staggers, Trick runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Trick is showing heart but Bron gets annoyed. Bron toys with Trick, Trick stands, and Bron runs in to LARIAT! Fans chant “Bron is Neutered!” while Bron looms over Trick. Bron runs, but into a BOOT! Trick hurries to SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up for Trick, he counter punches Bron! And again! Then dodges to DROPKICK! Bron staggers, Trick keeps moving, for a LEAPING LARIAT! Trick roars and fans fire up behind him! Trick has an arm, he cartwheels to bring Bron right up into the URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Bron survives but Trick keeps focus.

Trick aims as Bron rises, and Trick spins, but Bron catches him! Trophy lift, BREAKKER SLAM!! But Bron isn’t done, he wants Trick to get back up! Fans boo as Trick crawls to ropes. Bron drags him around but Trick kicks away on Bron! Bron gets that foot but Trick EDDY GORDO KICKS! Trick fires up again and fans are with him! SCREW HIGH- SPEAR!! Bron takes Trick down, he brings the straps down, and he shouts “IT’S OVER!!” STEINER RECLINER!! Trick shakes his head, he refuses to give up, but Bron bends him back! Trick taps, Bron wins!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by submission

Trick put up one hell of a fight, but Bron is #MeanerThanEvil! Fans boo but Bron doesn’t care, he puts Trick back in the STEINER RECLINER!! But here comes Melo! Melo rushes in to fire off on Bron! Fans fire up but Bron shoves melo away! Melo dodges, springboards, into a SPEAR!! The champion gets intercepted! Fans are in disbelief as Born stands over Trick Melo Gang and picks up the title. Bron grins as he tells Melo, “You have something that belongs to me. NXT Battleground, this is gonna be mine.” Fans chant “You Still Suck!” but will Bron once again be champion? Or can Melo find a way to still be #HIM?

My Thoughts:

A great episode, and even commentary seemed surprised at how literally hard hitting it was. Most surprising was that Briggs & Jensen were being so aggressive against Hank ‘n’ Tank. The match was made out of a social media promo, but clearly Briggs & Jensen want to reestablish themselves in the division. They were wearing dark jeans, are they going to suddenly turn Heel? That seems a bit random, since Jensen rejoined Fallon & Briggs. But maybe they’re just trying to match the hard hitting, no nonsense teams like Gallus, The Dyad and even The D’Angelo Family.

Speaking of, great tag title match from Gallus VS The Dyad, but I figured Gallus would retain. Nice segue within that match to set up some Schism VS Diamond Mine, mostly with Ivy going after Ava. And of course, Tony & Stacks want after Gallus next for some of that mafia VS mafia stuff, which we got a touch of tonight with Tony & Stacks confronting Gallus at their favorite spot. I wonder if Gallus will return the favor and go to Tony’s favorite restaurant. But obviously, something happens to give us Gallus VS Tony & Stacks at Battleground, and honestly, I wouldn’t mind if Tony added new faction members to even out the numbers since Gallus has three.

Gacy’s part in the promo should have of course clued us in that he wants the North American Championship. Great promo with Wes and Bate, I just knew Bate was too deep in meditation to hear anything. Really good match with Bate and Dempsey, but of course overbooking costs Bate. Dempsey probably gets in the mix for the North American Championship, too, and we could get some good stuff in deciding a contender, like a Triple Threat of Gacy VS Bate VS Dempsey, winner goes on to Battleground. Though, personally, it’d be a shame if we don’t get individual matches, like Wes VS Gacy and Wes VS Bate, because those would all be great stuff.

Really good promo to get things moving in the Heritage Cup scene, too. Dar interrupting Dragon to announce the return of Supernova Sessions was a good move, as was Frazer responding through his own talk show. I love that Frazer threw those jabs at Dar, I love that he said “global localization” as a nod to HHH’s dream/plan of putting an NXT in every major market, and I am still hoping there’s something more than just saying Dragon is Dar’s challenger. We need to have the Heritage Cup Division grow, and do so by having Heritage Cup Rules matches, like Dragon VS Frazer, maybe bring in some other names, and have a #1 contender by Battleground.

Good promo from Duke and Javi to set up their match, and it was a pretty good match. Duke won, of course, and I like that there is still the mystery of Duke’s true allegiances. Things are of course leaning heavily towards Duke wanting to put himself over, but we’ll have to see how many more twists and turns there are before Duke and Chase fight it out. In that time, maybe Duke should try his hand at the Heritage Cup Division. Von Wagner and Robert Stone had a good promo, too, and I just knew Stone was going to bring up the surgery picture. And I think the route they’re going is that Von’s anger comes from being bullied for the scar, because he basically snapped on that rando who made the head joke.

Really good stuff out of the NXT Championship story, such as a return to barbershop promos. Trick VS Bron in the main event was also great stuff for getting less time than I expected. Bron of course wins to build momentum towards Battleground, but I didn’t think he’d also beat down Melo. But I suppose that is to establish Melo is the underdog even as champion, making it even better when he overcomes Bron in his hometown. Maybe then, Bron moves on to RawDown, or at least another title on NXT. Then Melo can have a true clean start for the Summer, facing just about whoever is still in NXT.

And really good stuff out of the NXT Women’s Championship Tournament, but uh, what is with that opening bracket? Gigi VS Tiff, Jacy VS Roxie, Lyra VS Kiana and Fallon VS Cora? This is the same WWE trope, or rather their bad habit, of making opening round matches that set up super obvious second round matches. If Face A wins their match, Heel B wins theirs. If Heel A wins, Face B wins. That is to say, now that Tiffany has beat Gigi (without Jacy’s input, surprisingly), Roxie will beat Jacy. Likewise, now that Lyra beat Kiana, Cora will beat Fallon. The silver-lining there is that we’re free to have Gigi VS Jacy in their tiebreaker grudge match at Battleground.

Another thing I would like to point out about the tournament is that four matches seems too small. I get that they’re kayfabing these eight as the “top eight” in the division, like there’s suddenly a ranking system. And I get there’s only three weeks until Battleground and they can’t use all six hours for just the tournament. But there should’ve been something to give us the feeling that all the women in NXT were being given an equal opportunity. A battle royal to name a wild card to the bracket, perhaps?

My Score: 8.7/10