Will Baron Corbin dethrone… HIM?

NXT Gold Rush Part 2 is here, and Baron Corbin wants to finally be NXT Champion! But will he manage to gatekeep the leader of the new school, Carmelo Hayes?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Thea Hail w/ Chase U; Tiffany wins and retains the title.
• NXT Tag Team Championships: Gallus VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe; Gallus wins and retains the titles.
• NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Nathan Frazer VS Dragon Lee; Frazer wins and retains the title.
• Gigi Dolin VS Kiana James; Gigi wins.
• NXT Championship: Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams VS Baron Corbin; Melo wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Champion and challenger arrive.

Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams walk in, having come straight from the airport, while Baron Corbin rides up in a $3,000 Porsche. The Lone Wolf says he’ll be adding to his riches, but will he be denied by… HIM?

NXT Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Thea Hail w/ Chase U!

Daddy’s Little Rich Girl says she’s the Center of the Universe, and while she did earn the title, her opponent has earned her shot at it! Will Thea remake this into the Chase U-niverse? Or will we all still be on #TiffyTime?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Thea passes the hardest test in her career!

The bell rings and fans rally up as Tiff talks trash. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Thea powers Tiff back. Tiff turns things to an arm wrench but Thea fights up. Tiff whips, Thea reverses and then rolls Tiff up, ONE!! Tiff gets up and whips Thea but Thea blocks hip toss to a backslide! TWO, and Tiff swings, into a crucifix takeover! TWO!! Thea grabs the arm! Tiff scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Thea lets off, and now “Coach” Gulak & “Coach” Dempsey are here. Tiff rushes in but Thea gets her arm! Tiff throws body shots, whips, but Thea goes up and over to arm-drag! And arm- NO, Tiff blocks!

Tiff brings Thea up to whip her to ropes. Thea cartwheels up and over then JAPANESE ARM-DRAGS! And DROPKICKS! Tiff tumbles out and fans fire up as Thea goes to the apron. But Tiff YANKS her outta the springboard! Thea crashes ‘n’ burns, then Tiff DISCUS LARIATS! Tiff soaks up the heat, puts Thea in the ring, and then aims from a corner. Tiff handsprings corner to corner to back elbow! Fans cheer the agility as Tiff runs to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Thea survives and Tiff is annoyed. Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK against the ropes! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Thea grabs the arm! Tiff gest the ropebreak!

Thea BLASTS Tiff off the apron, tries again, and springboard TRUST FALL! Direct hit! Thea puts Tiff in and fires herself back up! But Tiff SKY HIGH BOMBS!! Cover, TWO!! Thea survives again, goes to ropes, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Duke coaches Thea up while she and Tiff rest against ropes. Tiff storms up and whips Thea to a corner. Tiff runs in to SPLASH! Tiff snapmares, then stomps Thea down! Cover, TWO! Tiff wraps on a chinlock and she leans on the hold. Thea endures, fights up, and arm-drags free! Things speed up, Thea whips but Tiff reverses to CLOBBER Thea! Cover, TWO! Tiff grows frustrated, and she drags Thea up to snap suplex! Thea bails out of the ring, Tiff soaks up the cheers and jeers. Duke looks to Gulak & Dempsey as they “coach” Thea up. Tiff continues to swagger while Thea drags herself up. Thea flops back over, checks her neck, and rises again.

Tiff continues to soak up the cheers and jeers as the ring count climbs. Thea stands, Tiff goes out after her and puts her back in. Tiff taunts Thea but Thea throws body shots! Thea ROCKS Tiff with forearms, whips, but Tiff holds ropes to KICK back! Cover, TWO! Thea hangs in there and that annoys Tiff. Tiff wraps on another chinlock, and she squeezes tight. Thea fights up, but Tiff wrangles her back down. Thea endures, fights back up, and fans rally, but Tiff wrangles Thea back down again. Tiff leans all her weight on Thea, but fans continue to rally as NXT returns to single picture. Thea fights up again, but Tiff knees low!

Tiff whips Thea to the corner, runs in but the splash misses! ARM BREAKER! Thea whips Tiff into a corner! Tiff storms back up but Thea WRINGS her arm out! Fans fire up and Thea rallies with big forearms! Tiff ends up in a corner, Thea runs in and back body blocks! Thea then reels Tiff in, T-BONE! Thea spells it out! “C! H! A! S! E! U!” SENTON! Theta shakes the ropes, then IMPLODER SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives, Gulak shouts to stay on that arm! Thea goes after that target, but Tiff scoops and SLAMS her! Tiff shakes the bad arm out, brings Thea up, and hoists Thea up, but Thea slips free to get the arm!

Tiff scrambles around but Thea stays on her! Dempsey pulls the rope back!? Thea is mad at him, she doesn’t wanna win by cheating! Duke argues with the coaches, Tiff runs in, but Thea gets her! KIMURA!! Tiff taps BUT THE REF MISSES IT!! Thea lets go and argues with everyone, but Tiff rolls her up! TIFF WINS!

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

Tiff snatches this one away, all because Thea’s mentors couldn’t stay on the same page! Gulak & Dempsey get mad at Thea?! Duke can’t believe it, he gets in their face, but they beat him up!! Fans boo, Thea is shocked, and Gulak says this is because she was listening to a loser! Gulak BOOTS Duke outta the ring! BUT HERE COMES MR. CHASE!! Andre Chase runs in, BOOTS Dempsey then CLOBBERS Gulak! Fans fire up as Andre whips, Gulak reverses, but Andre ducks ‘n’ dodges to DUOBLE LARIAT the “coaches!” The fans are thunderous as Chase & Duke JAB! JAB! JAB! Flip, flip and “U~!” DOUBLE BIONIC ELBOWS!

Fans are thunderous as Chase U is back at 100% with the right teachers in charge! Will Gulak & Dempsey be the ones having a #TeachableMoment for the summer session?

Ilja Dragunov speaks.

“What does it mean to be ‘Unbesiegbar?’ My flesh, it bruises, welts and bleeds like any other man. I experience the pain of conflict, but I choose to endure it, embrace it, become it. My body’s fallible, but my mind’s unbreakable and my will’s unconquerable. I move forward, even if I crawl. I feel an eternal flame that burns inside of me, and the agony of combat will never extinguish it. No matter the evil that stands before me, my mind, my spirit, my very essence, will always be UN. BE. SIEG. BAR.” Will Bron Breakker make good to heed these words?

Gallus talks backstage.

They haven’t heard anything from Joe Coffey after last week, but Mark is sure his brother can handle himself. Stacks will get what’s coming to him. Wolfgang agrees. Tonight, Malik & Edris. Then later, Stacks. Gallus Boys On Top!

Malik & Edris also talk backstage.

Malik says tonight, this is it! All their hard work pays off tonight! Edris says it is finally their time! Nobody’s stopping them! Nobody! They’re ready to go, but will these two go far from a rookie to NEW tag team champions?

NXT shares footage from after last week’s show.

Dana Brooke was getting her leg iced in the medical room, and Kelani Jordan walks over. She feels bad for Dana, then introduces herself as one of the new prospects. Dana knows, she saw Kelani working out at the Performance Center. She has? Yeah, Dana can spot a gymnast from a mile away. That’s why Kelani wanted to talk with her! Oh yes, those gymnastic skills pay off in there. Well, most of the time. Kelani says fighting through the pain was inspiring. She’s seen Dana fight through so much, she never gives up. And it doesn’t matter what anyone says, Kelani is happy to have Dana in NXT.

Dana appreciates that, and says as soon as she can, she’d love to get in the ring with Kelani. Wow, really? That’d be sweet! Thanks, Dana! Kelani heads out, will Dana be able to pay it forward during her time in NXT?

NXT Tag Team Championships: Gallus VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe!

NXT returns as Gallus make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who’s really on top!

The teams sort out, fans rally for “MALIK! DA FREAK!” as he starts against Mark. They tie up, go around, and Malik puts Mark on the ropes. Mark shoves Malik down and flexes on him. Malik gets up, ties up with Mark, and Mark headlocks. Mark grinds the hold, Malik powers out, but Mark runs him over! Malik gets away and fans rally up again. Mark and Malik reset, tie up, and go around. Malik has Mark on ropes again but Mark turns it around. The ref counts, and Malik dodges the cheap shot! Mark nods and circles with Malik again. They tie up again, Malik headlocks, but Mark powers him to the corner!

Wolfgang tags in but Malik slips away before any mugging can begin. Fans rally as Mark and Wolfgang talk strategy. Wolfgang rushes in, Malik headlocks! Wolfgang powers out but Malik ducks ‘n’ dodges and leaps over to sunset flip! But Wolfgang stays up to bring Malik to a fireman’s carry! But Malik sunset flips! Wolfgang rolls through, into a KANGAROO KICK! Tag to Edris, he goes up to AX HANDLE! Edris wrenches, wristlocks, but Wolfgang rears back, only for Edris to crank the wrist. Wolfgang spins through, scoops, but Edris slips off to then kick low. Edris runs but Wolfgang catches the crossbody!

Wolfgang pops Edris around, Edris slips out and BOOTS from the corner! Edris goes up, leaps, but into Wolfgang’s arms! Wolfgang RAMS Edris to the Gallus corner, Mark tags in, but Edris slips away! Fans cheer, Edris goes around the outside and gets back in. Edris waistlocks Mark but Mark wrenches out. Edris headlocks, Mark powers out, but Edris goes up and over and arm-drags! And forearms! Mark wobbles, Edris runs, rolls off Mark’s back to tag Malik, and then arm-drags Mark again! Malik runs in to headlock and takeover! Fans cheer but Mark fights up. Mark powers out, Malik stops himself in the corner!

Mark runs in but Malik ELBOWS him! And ROCKS him! Malik runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and CLOBBERS Mark! Tag to Edris, DOUBLE DROPKICKS send Mark away! Wolfgang gets in but DOUBLE DROPKICKS hit him, too! SLING-DOG from Edris! Tag to Malik and he goes up! Edris BOOTS Mark down, Malik FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives but fans stay hot for Malik & Edris, and we see Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo in the perch as NXT goes picture in picture,

Malik brings Mark up, headlocks, but Mark powers him back. Edris tags in, he climbs up, and Mark wrenches the arm for Edris to AX HANDLE! Edris tags Malik back in, Malik goes up, and he AX HANDLES Mark’s arm! Malik tags Edris back in, they double whip Mark to ropes, but Wolfgang helps Mark get outta the ring. Only for Malik & Edris to DOUBLE PLANCHA! Direct hit and the fans fire up again! Edris is fired up, Malik fires off on Wolfgang! Edris ROCKS Mark, too, but Gallus hits back! Malik CHOPS Wolfgang! But Wolfgang CLUBS Malik! Malik ROCKS Wolfgang! Edris pushes Mark in the ring, Malik sends Wolfgang into the barriers!

Edris ROCKS Mark, RAMS him into the corner, and tags to Malik. Malik runs to back elbow Mark! Cover, TWO! Malik wraps on a chinlock and he grinds Mark. Mark fights up so Malik shifts to an armlock. Mark chinbars Malik to ropes, Malik turns things around, but Mark HEADBUTTS Malik down! Mark headlocks, tags Wolfgang, and Gallus mugs Malik in their corner. Wolfgang cravats to neck wrench but Malik endures. Malik fights up, but Wolfgang snapmares him. Cover, TWO! Wolfgang still has the cravat and he brings Malik around in the neck wrench. Malik fights and snapmares, but Wolfgang holds on!

Wolfgang shifts to a facelock but Malik fights up again. Wolfgang snapmares Malik again, covers, but Malik bridges up to cravat back! Mark tags in, Gallus mugs Malik again! Mark CLUBS Malik, cravats, and neck wrenches. Malik fights up, throws body shots, and then goes to snapmare, but Mark blocks! Mark keeps on the neck wrench as NXT returns to single picture, and Malik snapmares free! Malik ducks ‘n’ dodges then trips Mark up to DROPKICK him down! Mark gets up, Malik headlocks but Wolfgang tags in as Mark powers out. FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Malik sputters and fans boo while Wolfgang stands tall.

Los Lotharios are mildly impressed as Wolfgang CLUBS Malik! And UPPERCUTS him! Wolfgang headlock punches, then throws down more fists. Mark tags in, fans rally for Malik but Gallus mugs him more. Mark ELBOWS Malik down, covers, TWO! Mark drags Malik into a cobra clutch! Malik endures, fans rally as he fights up, but Mark tags Wolfgang. Ripcord SHOULDER, then a FOREARM! Wolfgang has a neck twist on Malik! Malik endures, even as Wolfgang adds a half straitjacket then shifts to a cobra clutch! Malik endures, fights up, but Wolfgang wrangles him down! Wolfgang leans on Malik but Malik still fights.

Fans rally again, Malik reaches out but Mark tags in. Gallus RAMS Malik, then Mark FLYING SHOULDERS! Cover, TWO! Mark facelocks and keeps Malik down. Malik fights up yet again, and fans rally up again. Malik powers Mark back step by step, but Mark CLUBS him! Mark swings on Edris, misses, and Malik dodges to hot tag Edris! Edris rallies on Mark with big LARIATS, then a DROPKICK! Fans fire up, Wolfgang runs in but into haymakers from Edris! Edris has Wolfgang in the corner, but Mark storms up. So Edris fires off on Mark! Mark shoves, Edris dodges to kick low, then BOX JUMP onto Mark! But he slips right off!

Wolfgang laughs as Edris’ risky move cosets him. Mark must be too sweat for something like that. Mark UPPERCUTS Edris, whips, but Edris reverses and SPINEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Edris hurries to tag Malik back in. They get Mark up, fireman’s carry, NECKBREAKER SAMOAN DROP COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives again but Malik just fires back up! Tag back to Edris and they each take a corner. FROG SPLASH to MACHO ELBOW! Cover, Wolfgang SENTONS it apart! Fans boo but Malik goes after Wolfgang. Wolfgang whips, Malik dodges to fire off lariats on Wolfgang in the ropes!

In fact, Wolfgang gets caught in the ropes! Malik hurries to PLANCHA but Mark DECKS him!! Edris gets up, he brawls with Mark, and Stacks is here! Stacks runs in, but Mark dodges! The UPPERCUT sends Edris into the steel steps!! Fans boo as Stacks screws up! Mark gets in the ring, but Stacks puts Edris in?! Is Stacks helping Gallus?!? Mark tags Wolfgang, Gallus hits the KNEE FLAPJACK COMBO on Edris!! Cover, Gallus wins!

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

Why, Stacks?! What about what Gallus did to Tony D’Angelo? Or at least, we all think it was Gallus. Are there more rats than we realized?

Ava Raine tweets a message.

It was June 23rd when she posted this: “We are a family brought together not by blood but by the roots of a tree. The uncertainty in our paths is apparent and the tension is too much to ignore. As a family, it’s time to talk. I’m calling a Schism Family Meeting next week. See you all there.” What will happen to the “family” of inclusion after they sit down to talk?

Backstage interview with The Meta Four.

McKenzie Mitchell is with Noam Dar, Oro Mensah, Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend, who now have matching merch shirts, and says tonight is the first Heritage Cup match since Dar lost it- Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let’s not talk about that. Dar is not ready to process that. Next question. Lash wants to talk about something more positive. Like their nails! They all got silver~! Well, clearly Dar is still not over the loss, so- Lash puts on the brakes and tells McKenzie she didn’t hear Dar. Dar is NOT ready, so they need to talk about the big win Lash and Jakara got last week. Absolute fire! And that Legend Pump Kick, it’s lights out. Jakara tells Ronda & Shayna that it could be in their future.

McKenzie says it makes sense the group would move on to new titles since Dar lost- STOP! LALALA NOT LISTENING! What is she trying to do? This should be about the future! Best in the game, united as one. Okay, let’s move on. But then who does Dar think will win tonight? Dragon Lee or Nathan Frazer? Dar tells McKenzie that she sucks. Lash helps Dar away and tells McKenzie to know better. The Meta Four leaves, but just what is next for them?

The Schism is in the ring.

Just as Ava called four, she, Joe Gacy & The Dyad are here for their meeting. Ava says this tension has led to turmoil. All of their feelings are valid, they’re not here to hide. The only remedy is open and honest communication. So can they please do that in the name of family? Gacy allows Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed to go first. Okay, then. About a year ago, Gacy brought Jagger & Rip “into the mix,” and spoke about how they were gonna change their lives. But they’re not seeing it. In fact, Jagger & Rip have been the ones helping Gacy. Without Gacy, they exceled, but with him, they are losing! The trust between Jagger & Rip runs 18 YEARS deep. But they’re starting to lose trust in Gacy.

Gacy preaches about togetherness, but lad… Either you lost your way, or you’re full of crap! Ava says insults are not necessary, but Gacy says it is okay. Gacy thanks Jagger for his honest, and he can sense his anger. It troubles Gacy. Gacy owns his mistakes, but to say that he never changed their lives…? They did enhance Gacy’s, but let’s be honest. Before they met Gacy, Jagger couldn’t have said what he said now, because his best friend never even let him have a voice. Remember: they were two lost souls that Gacy rescued from obscurity, and he gave them a new home.

Rip takes a breath, and then says that when they first met Gacy, they were in a bad place. They were beaten up, confused and lost. Gacy showed them a new way, but recently… They’ve started to see some cracks. Gacy preached inclusion then changed to exclusion and then back again. It just doesn’t add up. The Dyad are starting to realize who they really are! Maybe the problem was never them, maybe- Ava stops Rip there, and Gacy says he DID preach inclusion! That brought them to Ava, and Gacy will never apologize for that! Gacy wants to ask The Dyad: When he brought them in, did they fully commit themselves?  Or was there hesitation?

If you ask Gacy, you think he’s a dictator, then why are you sitting here before him not in the same form as when they came, not in the same clothes. NO, they are different! And Gacy recognizes the two men in front of him, ready to take down the world, which was not the case a year ago! But wait, here comes Diamond Mine! Brutus has the mic to say, “Hey, hey, hey. I am sick and tired of the Schism Dyad family affair. You guys walk slow, you guys talk slow-” Jagger says this does not concern them! Rip says this has nothing to do with any of them! Julius tells baldie to shut up! And this does concern them because Ava used a loaded mask on Ivy to win their match!

Now, to be honest, The Dyad doesn’t wanna be here, and Diamond Mine doesn’t want them here! So why not just hurry up and implode so you- Jagger interrupts Julius by saying this still doesn’t concern them. Gacy asks what Julius’ problem with them is! In Gacy’s opinion, The Diamond Mine is a poison to NXT that is far worse than The Schism ever was! Julius says the problem is that The Schism is cancerous. They want it to spread and take over NXT, but Gacy… Julius & Brutus are here right now, letting you know that won’t happen. Well then, if it’s another match you want, it’s another match that you’ll get!

How about Creed Brothers VS The Dyad next week. Sounds good to Brutus & Julius! But only this time… LOSER! LEAVES! NXT! The Dyad isn’t so sure about that now, but Julius says he loves it! DEAL! Ivy isn’t so sure either, though… One way or another, NXT’s Tag Division will be changed, but will it be for the better or for the worse?

Lucien Price & Bronco Nima speak.

Lucien says, “Sometimes, you gotta find a way up. And me and my boy did that through football.” They learned the street has no conscience, and football was gonna be their way outta there. They had this rage, no way to let it out, until they were on the field. The hood wasn’t made for comfort, but the bond these two have was made to last. As long as they have each other, it’s a wrap! They used to live under the lights, lighting ’em up on the scoreboard and the parking lot. Colleges came calling, they got split, Bronco was “not a team player” so he got cut. Lucien & Bronco are now on the same team. They’re not here to play, they’re here to dominate!

Hank, Tank, Axiom & SCRYPTS watch that back.

Two more football guys coming in, huh? Scrypts knew guys like them growing up. Street kids are legit, and those two are gonna do some serious damage. Agreed. But on the bright sight, more tag teams in the division! Wait, what’s Hank saying? Well, Scrypts & Axiom worked really well together against Dabba-Kato, and they’ve already fought each other, so… Scrypts says that’s true. Axiom says they’re not really a team, though. But then Nathan Frazer walks over. They all congratulate Frazer winning. And they wish him luck tonight, too. Cheers, old friend.

Frazer heads out, Scrypts sees Axiom has eyes for the Cup. Axiom says he’s drawn to it. Regardless of who wins, will the Undeniable Truth look to challenge for the Heritage Cup once aga- er, uh, for the first time?

Trick Melo Gang talks backstage.

Melo gets some last stretches in while Trick says, “Everyone wants the gold, but no one’s in a rush to put the work in. ‘Cept you, Melo. You put the work in. You are the main event. Baron Corbin can gloat in his big house if he wants to, but he’ll never be you. Night two, Gold Rush, it’s yours, dawg.” Melo says Corbin will be just another man on a T-shirt in the rafters. Because Melo is HIM. But then Rhea Ripley walks over?! Trick sees the gold on her shoulder, and that- Shut up, Trick. She’s here to send a message. Oh is that so? Yes, Finn Balor was here last week handling Judgment Day business and you got involved.

That was a dumb move. Next time Melo & Trick jump into Judgment Day business, they’ll become Judgment Day business! Rhea heads out but Trick has Melo focus on Corbin. Worry about that later. Will Melo still be champion after taking on the Lone Wolf?

NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Nathan Frazer w/ Yulisa Leon VS Dragon Lee w/ Valentina Feroz!

The British Rocket appreciated the help from the Wonder Boy, and as a way to thank him, gave him this shot. Will Dragon “thank” Frazer back by taking the cup? Or will nothing stop Frazer now that he’s reached a new level?

The introductions are made, the cup is raised, and we see if these two can stay friends after the fight!

The bell rings on the first round, and fans rally. Dragon offers a handshake, Frazer accepts it, and they circle. They tie up, go around, Frazer arm-drags but Dragon holds onto the collar ‘n’ elbow. Dragon arm-drags but Frazer holds on. They break and the fans cheer this opening exchange. They circle again, tie up, and Dragon wrenches! Dragon has Frazer on the mat, but Frazer fights up. Dragon wrenches again, but Frazer rolls, wrenches, but Dragon handsprings! Another wrench but Frazer rolls, handsprings and WRINGS the arm, but Dragon handsprings through! Fans cheer and the two stand off.

Frazer and Dragon nod and fans duel. The two circle again, feel out a knuckle lock, and Frazer rolls, wrenches, and headlocks. Frazer hits the takeover but Dragon keeps his shoulders up. Axiom walks out on stage to watch in person, and Dragon powers up. Frazer holds onto the headlock, but Dragon powers up to an atomic drop! Frazer still holds on! We’re at the last minute of this round, and Dragon pushes Frazer to a corner. Scrypts walks out now and talks with Axiom. It seems he thought they were sticking together as a team. Dragon powers out, Frazer goes up and over in the corner and handsprings awya!

Fans cheer, things keep moving, Frazer headlocks but Dragon powers up, only for Frazer to flying takeover! Dragon headscissors, Frazer kips free, but then Dragon sweeps the legs to cover! ONE and Frazer Oklahoma Rolls! ONE!! Dragon gets up, dodges a boot, snapmares, but Frazer ducks a kick to roll up! Dragon ducks a kick, Frazer avoids a dropkick, and fans fire up as we hit 20 seconds! The two reset again, tie up, but we’re at 10 seconds! They go around, fans count it down, and the two end up in a corner to end the round!

Frazer: 0; Dragon: 0

Fans cheer as Leon checks Frazer and Feroz checks Dragon. They both encourage their guy to get this, and we start round two. The two approach, tie up again, and Dragon hammerlocks. Frazer reaches around, flying mares free, but Dragon runs him over! Things speed up, Frazer redirects but Dragon drops. Things keep going, Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges and DROPKICKS! Fans fire up as Dragon goes to a corner. Frazer brings Dragon up, CHOPS him, and then goes corner to corner. Frazer ROCKS Dragon, but Dragon ELBOWS back! Dragon dodges Frazer, blocks a boot and puts it int he rope! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!

Dragon puts Frazer up top, CHOPS him, then climbs up! SUPER STEINER! But Frazer sunset flips?! Frazer scores!!

Frazer: 1; Dragon: 0

Even Frazer is surprised by that! Frazer has the all-important first fall, but Feroz encourages Dragon to keep fighting. The bell rings on round three, and Frazer rushes in! He slides under Dragon, hurdles over him, and then runs to SLINGBLADE! Fans fire up as Dragon bails out. Frazer builds speed but dodges Dragon on the return, to RANA! Dragon handsprings through to DROPKICK Frazer out! Dragon builds speed to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up again as NXT goes picture in picture.

Dragon points to the cup, then he goes back to Frazer. Dragon drags Frazer up and puts him in the ring. Dragon stalks Frazer to a corner, wraps an arm around ropes and pulls, but the ref counts. Frazer kicks but Dragon kicks back. Dragon runs to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Dragon gets the legs, brings Frazer around, and turns Frazer over. Dragon stands on Frazer’s head, before completing the HALF CRAB! Frazer endures, reaches out, but Dragon makes it a FULL CRAB! Frazer still fights forward to the ROPEBFREAK! Dragon lets go as we hit one minute left.

Dragon gets the legs again, YANKS Frazer up but Frazer lands on his feet! PELE! Dragon staggers, Frazer runs and slides to trip him and roll back into a BOSTON CRAB! Dragon endures now and reaches out! Frazer drags him away and shifts to an STF! Thirty seconds left as Dragon endures! Frazer shifts to a full CROSSFACE! Dragon rolls to a cover, TWO! Frazer runs but into an atomic drop! Ten seconds as Dragon hits an USHIGOROSHI! And then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO!! And that’s the round!

Frazer: 1; Dragon: 0

Dragon goes back to his corner while Frazer crawls to his. Leon helps Frazer get up and Feroz fans off Dragon. Round four begins and Dragon DROPKICKS Frazer in the corner! Leg sweep, SWINGING DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Dragon throws down forearms! Dragon then runs corner to corner and back again for another DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Frazer hangs tough but Dragon sits him up. Dragon throws hands, NXT returns to single picture, and Dragon suplexes, but Frazer cradle counters! TWO!! Dragon escapes, but Frazer sends him out! Frazer builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up again!

Frazer hurries to put Dragon back in, then he goes to the apron. Springboard but Dragon gets under! Frazer rolls, returns, but into a BOOT! Dragon blocks the lariat, BOOTS Frazer, then blocks the superkick, only for the PELE to come back! But Dragon BLINDSIDE SUPERKICKS! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Frazer lands on his feet! BLINDSIDE SUPERKICK in return! Dragon goes to ropes, Frazer runs in but into a roll-up! ONE?! But right into a deadlift POWERBOMB! Cover, Dragon ties it!

Frazer: 1; Dragon: 1

We’re all tied up going into round five! Leon hurries to get Frazer back into this, because now it all comes down to the next fall! The bell rings, and Dragon SHOTGUNS Frazer! Frazer hits buckles, Dragon goes corner to corner, but Frazer SUPERKICKS!! Dragon is down and fans lose their minds! Frazer goes to a corner, climbs up fast, but Dragon trips him up! Dragon CLUBS Frazer into the Tree of Woe! Dragon climbs up, WOE STOMPS!! Fans fire up as Frazer sputters. Dragon goes to a corner, takes aim, runs in, but into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX into buckles!! Fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” as Frazer puts Dragon on the top rope.

Frazer throws hands, climbs up, and brings Dragon up, but Dragon resists with body shots! Dragon shoves, Frazer flips to land on his feet! Frazer is right back up, SUPERPLEX! Roll through a la his mentor, but Dragon turns things around, suplex into a POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!? Frazer survives the Orange Crush and Dragon can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” as both men are down. We reach one minute left in the fifth and both men stir. Frazer rises first and he goes to Dragon. Frazer throws a forearm, Dragon throws it back, and they brawl to their feet. Dragon gets the edge, runs, but Frazer follows, only for Dragon to victory roll! TWO!!

Frazer is up, he rolls Dragon and bridges, TWO!! Twenty seconds, Frazer kicks and runs, but Dragon slips through the lariat! POWER- RANA! Cover, TWO!?!? Dragon has Frazer, TWO!! Frazer has it back, Frazer wins!!!

Winner: Nathan Frazer, by pinfall (still NXT Heritage Cup Champion)

With literally seconds to spare in the fifth, Frazer seals the deal! Even Frazer needs confirmation, and it cleared the buzzer. Leon brings the cup to Frazer, and Dragon shows his friend respect. Will Frazer continue to hold onto the cup with nail-biting finishes like that?

NXT prepares for the Underground.

A highlight reel of Raw Underground shows that no ropes and no pins means no telling what could happen! Damon Kemp wants to drag Eddy Thorpe into the mayhem, but will it help him finally get the win?

Eddy Thorpe trains with Gable Steveson.

Gable’s been watching Damon’s career for a long time. A three-time state champ, a five year starter at the University of Minnesota, this Golden Gopher is for real. Eddy says that is legit, but Damon isn’t an Olympic gold medalist like Gable. That’s true. Eddy says he’s ready, so let’s get after it. Gable puts Eddy through his paces on the pure technical style, but Eddy shows he has the striking ability to counter. They take a break, and Gable says Eddy’s doing great. Stick to that game plan and don’t let Damon get in your head. Yeah, Damon’s so annoying. Gable says, “Tell me about it.”

They go another round of training, and Eddy’s getting the hang of the technical side. The Alpha Wolf makes it through, and thanks Gable for it all. Eddy’s been thinking, it’d be an honor if Gable was in his corner next week. Gable will be there! And he’ll even wave to Damon’s parents, cuz he knows they’ll be watching. They fist bump, but will all this truly be enough for Eddy to take down Damon once and for all?

Wes Lee talks with guys in the back.

But then Mustafa Ali walks in, saying “And still…! NXT North American Champion, Wes Lee!” Ali wants a fist bump but Wes just says what’s up. Ali apologizes for that slap last week. He just wanted so badly for there to be a clear victor between Wes and Bate that he got a little too involved in the match. Oh, you think? Ali, your ref skills… Well, just stick to being a dope wrestler. Ali thought he did okay, but he also called it down the middle. Bate walks in and says that’s rubbish. Fast counts. For the both of them. Slow counts! For the both of them! If there was a real ref, that outcome would’ve been different, and so Bate wants a rematch.

Wes is upset hearing that but Ali tells Big Strong Boi to hold on. First off, they both agreed to have Ali as the ref. And second, Bate just had a chance! Ali was thinking that he should have a chance. Then maybe Bate will be their ref. Is he gonna call it down the middle? Yes. That means nope! They argue, Wes rolls his eyes and takes his belt. He lets them continue, but will NXT Management see the value in this opportunity?

Robert Stone is looking for Von Wagner.

No one has yet, and he doesn’t get it. But then he finds Von in a corner. What the heck? They were supposed to meet. Von knows. He does? Then what’s going on? What’s he been doing? Stone doesn’t understand. Just try him, Von. Von says the photos… Everything his family’s gone through… The trauma…! Stone just doesn’t get it, okay? He can’t do this now. Stone keeps his cool, because he understands. Will there ever come a time when Von is truly at peace?

Gigi Dolin VS Kiana James!

These two have gotten into it verbally and physically as of late, and now they look to settle it physically! Will the Toxic Avenger show the Calculator what happens when you mess with an outsider? Or will emotions only be a hindrance to Gigi against Kiana’s “all business” style?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Gigi puts Kiana on the ropes. Kiana turns it around, Gigi powers Kiana back and waistlocks to SLAM Kiana! Cover, ONE and Kiana sweeps the legs to cover, ONE! Gigi arm-drags Kiana around, fans are on her side, and Gigi grinds the armlock. Kiana fights up, gets to ropes, and the ref counts. Gigi lets go at 4, then blocks the boot to trip Kiana! Kiana goes back to ropes, but Gigi YANKS her up to SLAM her down! Kiana bails out and Gigi asks where she’s going. Kiana snarls, gets back in, and swings, but Gigi dodges to wrench the arm.

Gigi wrangles Kiana, steps over and then SUPERKICKS! Kiana flounders, Gigi runs and HIP ATTACKS! Gigi keeps going, DROPKICK! Gigi drags Kiana around, tucks her for a bridge, TWO! Kiana escapes, Gigi brings her around but Kiana SLAPS her! Fans boo but Gigi ROCKS Kiana with forearms again and again! Gigi UPPERCUTS Kiana to a corner, runs in but into an UPPERCUT from Kiana! So Gigi TACKLES Kiana out to the floor! They both writhe and NXT goes picture in picture.

Kiana shakes her head as she sits up but Gigi is on her first. Gigi puts Kiana in, stalks her, and brings her up in a facelock. Kiana fights, but Gigi spins her with the chicken wings to a backslide! TWO, and Kiana kicks low! Kiana brings Gigi around, whips her to a corner, then runs in, but Gigi puts her on the apron. Kiana DECKS Gigi first! Kiana slingshots to ELBOW DROP! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Kiana is mad and she pie faces Gigi around. Kiana ROCKS Gigi, CHOKES her on the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. Gigi sputters to a corner, Kiana brings her up and ROCKS her with a haymaker!

Kiana keeps on Gigi but Gigi fires off body shots! Kiana knees low, throws Gigi out to the floor, and snarls before going out after her. Kiana CLUBS Gigi, but Gigi SMACKS her off the apron! Gigi RAMS Kiana into the apron, then brings her up and into the ring. Kiana CLUBS Gigi down! Kiana stomps Gigi, drags her up by her hair, and throws her down by her hair! Cover, TWO! Kiana pie faces Gigi again, fans rally up, and Kiana drags Gigi up. Kiana whips Gigi to a corner hard and Gigi bounces off buckles. Kiana drags Gigi back up, whips her to the other corner, but Gigi reverses to a takedown! Cover, TWO!

Gigi hurries to her feet but Kiana kicks her low. Kiana pie faces Gigi more, covers again, TWO! Kiana pulls on Gigi’s hair and clamps on a chinlock. Gigi endures, pries at the hold, and NXT returns to single picture. Fans rally, Gigi throws body shots and ROCKS her! Gigi whips and back drops! Kiana bails out, Gigi goes after her, but Kiana hurries away. Gigi pursues, puts Kiana in the ring but Kiana slides out the side. Gigi goes around the corner but into a BOOT! Kiana grins as she says she’s smarter than Gigi. Fans boo as Kiana drags Gigi up and puts her in the ring. Kiana covers, TWO!

Kiana clamps onto Gigi and dribbles her off the mat! Kiana KNEES Gigi in the side, and says Gigi is nothing! Cover, TWO! Kiana is annoyed and drags Gigi into a chinlock. Fans rally as Gigi endures and Kiana thrashes her around. Gigi fights up, throws body shots, but Kiana swings. Gigi counter punches, KICKS, and KNEES! Kiana wobbles, Gigi LARIATS her down! Gigi rallies with more clotheslines, and a BOOT! Kiana staggers up, Gigi wrenches but Kiana ducks the kick to RAM her low! Kiana whips, Gigi reverses but Kiana holds ropes to KICK back! Kiana swings but so does Gigi, DOUBLE LARIATS!

Fans fire up while both women are down. Kiana crawls to get her purse! Gigi drags Kiana, the ref says no, but Kiana swings! Gigi dodges the purse to ROUNDHOUSE! FINAL NAIL!! Cover, Gigi wins!

Winner: Gigi Dolin, by pinfall

The crucifix driver finishes off Kiana, but is this the final nail in the feud? NOPE! Kiana CLOBBERS Gigi with that purse, to then hit the 401K!! What was even in that bag anyway?! Kiana brings out paint cans! And she dumps them out on Gigi to make a mess of her. Kiana still says Gigi is nothing, but is she only “inspiring” Gigi to make her into a “work of art?”

Tony D’Angelo has a visitor.

The Don sits at the table, but it isn’t Stacks. It’s Joe Coffey! Tony asks how Joe got on the list. Joe laughs, and says, “Let’s just say I know people, too.” Tony says Joe’s a real funny guy. Didn’t Stacks kidnap- Er, give Joe a free ride? Things aren’t what they seem, Tony. A lot has changed since Tony got locked up. Don’t get cute with him, Joe. They both know the only reason Tony’s locked up is because Gallus are a bunch of rats! They’ll do anything to keep those titles! Joe is lucky this glass is between them. Oh, Joe’s lucky? Yeah! Tony doesn’t know how Joe escaped, but Stacks will handle things.

Oh, yeah, Stacks has it handled. So what? Another 3v1 or something? Hey, Don. The Underboss… He has ambition. He has a mind of his own. What’s Joe talking about? Stacks is family! No, Tony. Stacks sold you out! Get outta here! Stop trying to drive a wedge! Even Joe should be smart enough to see it. If Tony doesn’t believe him, then have a listen for yourself. Joe has his phone and plays a recording. As a car trunk opens, Joe shouts at Stacks about the blindside attack. Stacks tells Joe that this could’ve been a lot worse. Starks tells Joe to listen and do exactly what Stacks says, and “everything will work out for the Gallus boys.”

Joe wasn’t so sure about that, but Stacks told him to just lay low for a week. Trust him. Why? Because Stacks is “done being the underboss. There’s a new Don on the streets.” Joe tells Tony, “Things, they aren’t what they seem, hey, Tony boy?” Joe hangs up and leaves. Has Stacks been the rat all along?!

Roxanne Perez was on NXT’s Snapchat AMA.

The Prodigy was having a good time, until Blair Davenport had to chime in. “What’s it like to never feel save anywhere you go?” This is what makes Roxie’s blood boil. Blair thinks this is all a joke. But then Blair shows up in studio and attacks!! “Who’s the joke now, huh!?” Blair says that’s a wrap. Roxie is furious, and she is going after Blair next week! Will she finally have her revenge for all the sneak attacks?

Jacy Jayne talks with Tatum Paxley and a few others.

Jacy says Lyra Valkyria acts like she owns the place. It’s crazy! Lyra can’t handle someone else talking about her? If you wanna make it in this business, you need a thick skin. Lyra won’t make it if she can’t handle one little comment. Tatum says Jacy doesn’t need any of that. Jacy should just tell Lyra off. Yeah! She should! Who blindsides someone when they arrive in the building? Does Lyra think she’s scaring Jacy? If Lyra shows her face tonight, Jacy’ll go right up to her, tell her to put those little wings on, and fly back home to Europe where she belongs. Um, Lyra just walked in… Jacy keeps going, saying Lyra peaked at Battleground.

Lyra speaks up and tells Jacy, FOREARM! Jacy’s on the floor, and Lyra says, “I told you, I don’t play games.” Jacy can’t believe Lyra just hit her. Rhea walks in and says Jacy kinda deserves it. Lyra’s badass. Mami gives her approval of The Morrigan, but what will Jacy do in response?

Ava and the Dyad regroup backstage.

She knows they’re upset but just try to calm down. Jagger instead asks what the hell all that was. Rip recaps: Losers Leave NXT?! What is going on? What is Gacy thinking!? Ava says they’re an excellent tag team, there’s nothing to worry about. The issue isn’t the challenge, it is Gacy’s audacity to make decisions that greatly affect their careers! Ava says Gacy wants them to figure out who they are, so at least now they know what they’re fighting for: their careers! Yeah, but if they lose, they’re GONE! An ultimatum given to them by their supposed friend! Ava tells them to trust Gacy, he has a plan! He better! Because if he doesn’t, The Dyad will.

The tensions have only gotten worse within The Schism, could next week be the end of it all?

NXT Championship: Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams VS Baron Corbin!

The leader of the new school clashes with a Black ‘n’ Gold alumni, and according to the Lone Wolf, becoming champion here doesn’t mean anything. Then will Corbin be able to brush it off when he loses to #HIM? Or will he finally have the title he never did back in the day?

Speaking of back in the day, Corbin brings back the old gear and old entrance! As for Melo, he again shows off the “shirts in the rafters,” and shows off the new one for Corbin. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who strikes gold to end the Gold Rush!

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Corbin shoves Melo away and END- NO, Melo slips free! Corbin runs in, TOSSES Melo to a corner, and runs in, but Melo dodges. Corbin slides out, slides in, and LARIATS! Fans can’t help but fire up for Corbin as he drags Melo up. END- NO, Melo gets around, waistlocks, but Corbin bucks him away. But the CODE BREAKER hits! Melo hurries up top and looks for the game winner! Corbin bails out, so Melo just SUPER CROSSBODIES! Direct hit and down goes Corbin! Fans fire up and NXT goes picture in picture.

Melo dribbles and shots the free throw, then CLUBS Corbin down! And KICKS him around! And CHOPS him, too! Corbin goes around the way but Melo keeps on him, and RAMS him into barriers! Melo fires off forearms and body shots, then CHOSP again! Fans fire up as Melo stalks Corbin. Melo brings Corbin up, ROCKS him, then refreshes the ring count. Melo goes back after Corbin but Corbin hauls him up to POST him! Corbin mocks the fans, brings Melo around and TOSSES him into barriers! Corbin refreshes the count, stalks Melo, and puts him in the ring. Corbin storms in, stalks Melo to a corner, and whips corner to corner.

Melo hits buckles hard, and he drops to the mat. Corbin mocks the Melo chants, then storms up on Melo. Corbin swings but Melo counter punches! And CHOPS! And forearms! And shoves to run, but into an ELBOW! Corbin covers, TWO! Melo hangs tough but Corbin taunts Trick. Trick taunts back, and Corbin goes back to Melo. Corbin CLUBS Melo down, drags him up, and wraps on a half nelson chinbar. Melo endures, claws at the hold, and fights his way up. NXT returns to single picture as Melo throws haymakers! Corbin knees low, throws Melo out, then goes out after him, only for Melo to ROUNDHOUSE!

Fans sing a form of Rollins’ song, “MEL~O~ HAYES~!” Melo facelocks but Corbin wrenches out to TOSS Melo over the barriers! Melo gets up, fans rally for him, but Corbin runs over. Melo CLUBS away on Corbin! Fans fire up more as Corbin flounders away. Melo stands on the barriers, leaps, but Corbin gets under! Melo rolls, but Corbin BOOTS him inside-out! Melo clutches his jaw, but Corbin puts him in the ring to cover, TWO! Corbin is annoyed but he takes it out on Melo with hammering elbows! Fans rally for Melo as Corbin puts the half nelson chinbar back on. Trick coaches Melo and he fights up.

Melo reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Corbin leans on Melo, the ref counts, but Corbin ROCKS Melo in the back! Corbin back suplexes, Melo lands on his feet to DROPKICK! And ENZIGURI! Corbin comes back, Melo dodges, springboard FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Corbin is still in this, but fans rally behind Melo. Melo brings Corbin up, but Corbin UPPERCUTS! Melo kicks low, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Melo writhes but Corbin grins. Fans boo but Corbin tears off his shirt. Corbin puts it on Melo, drags him up, and says this is for the kids in the audience. Corbin DECKS Melo!

Fans boo but Corbin brings Melo up to DECK him again! Fans boo more but Corbin just DECKS Melo again! “All day! I told you!” Corbin drags Melo up again, to DECK him again! Corbin taunts Melo, has him in a corner, and ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! The ref counts, Corbin lets off, and then he storms back up to CLUB Melo on the back! Corbin stands Melo up, runs, and LARIATS him down! Cover, TWO! Melo is still in this but Corbin grins that evil grin again. Corbin looms over Melo and stomps him. Corbin drags Melo up, puts him in a corner and on the top rope, then ROCKS him.

Corbin climbs but Melo hits back! Fans fire up as Melo ROCKS Corbin again and again, then CLUBS away on him rapid fire! Melo DECKS Corbin, then adjusts up top! FROG SPLASH!! But that hurts Melo as much as it does Corbin! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives, perhaps Melo’s loss to Finn Balor has factored in here. Corbin and Melo rise, and Melo ROCKS Corbin! And again! And again! Corbin staggers around into more shots, and Melo fires fast hands! Corbin shoves Melo but Melo BOOTS back! Corbin tumbles out, Melo BOOTS him in the ropes! FADE AWAY LEG DROP! Fans fire up while both men are down!

Melo sits up, Trick coaches him, and Melo wants Corbin to get up again. Corbin stirs, Melo hobbles over and brings him up. Corbin shoves Melo but Melo SUPERKICKS! And CODE BREAKERS! Corbin drops to a knee, Melo springboards again, FADE AWAY DDT! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives but the fans continue to rally for Melo. Melo goes to the corner, but Corbin anchors a foot! Melo throws forearms and kicks, but Corbin still stands. Melo CLUBS Corbin again and again, then goes up the corner. Fans fire up as Melo takes aim, NOTHING BUT- NO, Corbin dodges! Choke grip, CHOKE- Victory roll! TWO!

Melo jumps, Corbin catches Melo this time and fireman’s carries! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Some kinda reference to Cena? Corbin then deadlifts Melo for the CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Melo survives and shocks Corbin but the fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” as Corbin rises again. Corbin drags Melo up but Melo breaks free and goes outside. Corbin pursues, but Melo sends him into steel steps! Melo goes to the apron, and leaps, but Corbin blocks the rana! POWERBOMB on the desk!! Fans are thunderous as Corbin tells Melo that he’s better than Melo every day of the week!

Corbin CLUBS and HAMMERS away on Melo against the desk! Fans boo and Trick can only watch as Corbin puts Melo back in. Cover, TWO!?!? Melo is still in this and Corbin is beside himself! Fans rally up for Melo again, and Corbin scowls. Corbin tells Melo to get up, then drags him up. Corbin CLUBS Melo back down, then mocks the fans cheering Melo on. Corbin CLUBS Melo again, then again! Corbin runs, into a JUMP KNEE! Melo runs, DEEP- NO, Melo arm-drags free! Another KNEE! Melo runs, but into DEEEEP SIX!! Corbin crawls to the cover, TWO!!!! Melo survives again and Corbin is shocked!

Fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” and Corbin drags Melo up. Corbin reels him in, END- NO, Melo flying-mares free! Corbin’s on the apron, Melo SUPERKICKS! And slingshots, into a choke grip! Corbin aims for the floor! But Melo HOTSHOTS back! And then slingshots, APRON DDT! Corbin staggers, Melo puts him back in! Melo goes up top and takes aim! Fans are thunderous as Melo hits NOTHING BUT NET!!! Cover, Melo wins!!!

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

And that is why Melo is HIM! Corbin gave Melo a fight worthy of champions, and Melo comes out still the champion! Will this win be evidence that Melo truly has “made it?” Who will be next to be a shirt in the rafters?

Bron Breakker is shouting at Shawn Michaels.

The Big Bad Booty Nephew says he’s beaten everybody, there’s no one left! No one can freakin’ control him! Just figure it out! Bron storms out of Shawn’s office, and tells NXT Media to leave him alone, because everyone will find out next week! How will HBK satisfy someone #MeanerThanEvil?

My Thoughts:

A great Gold Rush finale here for NXT, with all but one match being a title match. Gigi VS Kiana was good, but is clearly only the escalation of the feud. Gigi won here, Kiana will surely win the next, and then we might get the blowoff around the Great American Bash. Probably not on it, as NXT tends to focus on titles for their special events. But all this is again to build Gigi up towards going after the title. Really good match from Tiffany VS Thea to open the night, and it went about as expected. Tiffany wins because of the falling out between Duke and Gulak-Dempsey, then Andre Chase returns and helps fight off Gulak-Dempsey, and that sets up a big tag match for the near future.

Big stuff out of the Tag Division tonight. Great tag title match but that also went about as expected, except for Stacks’ part in all this. No one new was coming in, no one was returning, it was Stacks, Tony. It was Stacks all along. Gallus retain the titles, they might defend against Los Lotharios next, and we’ll see if Stacks does find people to bring into his familia or what. At the very least, we should get Tony VS Stacks, winner is the true Don of NXT. And a pretty decent promo from Dana and Kelani. Kelani makes a quiet move up from NXT Level Up, and Dana now finds herself in the mentor role when she got started as a protégé. They might get into the tag division at this point.

Great promo stuff from The Schism, and decent stuff from Diamond Mine as part of it. But the major thing is we’re getting a Losers Leave NXT match and that is pretty wild. I honestly can’t be sure which way it goes, but I feel like it’d actually be better if Diamond Mine lost. If The Schism splits where The Dyad more or less go back to being Grizzled Young Veterans, it’d be better for NXT because they can feud with Gacy and maybe some new Schism members. And good stuff from Gable Steveson and Eddy Thorpe preparing for “NXT Underground.” That will be a really good match, but I still feel like there has to be some kind of swerve where Gable & Damon end up working together since they’re brothers in real life.

Good promo from Meta Four, emotionally distraught Dar is hilarious, and it was a good lead into the Heritage Cup. Also good tie in going from Lucien & Bronco to Scrypts and Axiom being in a disagreement about their team-up, to the Heritage Cup match. Great match, Frazer and Dragon are both incredible, but it makes sense Frazer would retain. WWE isn’t about hot potato short reigns, even down here in NXT. Well, aside from Ziggler and Bron over the NXT title but that was a single case. I would think Dar will come around to the idea of a rematch, and that could be for Great American Bash. And I think Dragon could move on to one of the other titles.

Fairly good promo from Von and Stone, with some strong realism as digging up such emotions really can have recoil on the person. Really good promo out of Wes, Ali and Bate to follow up the special referee match last week. I like that Wes is so done with the arguing, and we’re going to get Ali VS Bate as an unofficial #1 contender’s match. That is to say, Ali wins and he’ll get his shot, perhaps also at Great American Bash. Ali hasn’t had any title of any kind, and as great as Wes is, it’d be great to see Ali be the one that ends Wes’ record setting reign and win streak. Then perhaps Wes moves up to the top title while Ali freshens up the midcard scene over the Summer.

Awesome main event, and of course Melo won, but a little surprised no one came out to challenge Melo right then. There’s plenty of time, though, and who knows who it’ll be. Bron yelling at HBK in his office (though not really, we never saw HBK on screen) and asking for competition is an interesting move. But c’mon, after he beat down Dragunov and then Dragunov had a great video promo tonight, Bron VS Dragunov has to be the match. That match will be awesome, but I would think Dragunov wins to set him up for a title shot of his own. It feels like this time more than the previous times that Bron is going to move on to RawDown, since it doesn’t seem like he’s gonna go down to the midcard titles.

My Score: 8.8/10