NXT hears from a Wrestling God!

The Iron Survivor Challenge approaches, and tonight, John Bradshaw Layfield chooses who in the NXT locker room is worthy of fighting for a spot!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Noam Dar w/ The Meta Four VS Chad Gable w/ The Alpha Academy; Dar wins and retains the cup.
• NXT Women’s Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Xia Li; No Contest.
• Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe; Garza & Carrillo win.
• Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Carmelo Hayes VS Josh Briggs; Briggs wins and advances to NXT Deadline.
• Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Blair Davenport VS Thea Hail w/ Jacy Jayne; Blair wins and advances to NXT Deadline.
• Eddy Thorpe VS Charlie Dempsey w/ Drew Gulak & Myles Borne; Eddy wins.
• NXT Women’s Championship (take two): Lyra Valkyria VS Xia Li; Lyra wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Noam Dar w/ The Meta Four VS Chad Gable w/ The Alpha Academy!

The Scottish Supernova beat Akira Tozawa, with a lot of help from his friends, but then got a little ahead of himself assuming Otis was up next. He instead faces the coach of Alpha Academy, the WWE Triple Crown Tag Team Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist, A THANK YEW~! Will Gable finally SHOOOOSH Dar once and for all? Or will Dar lean on his friends for more help?

The introductions are made, the cup is on display, and we see who turns it up to 11!

The bell rings and we start the first round. They circle, Dar tests the waters with kicks, then they tie up. Gable wrenches an arm, wrangles Dar with a wristlock, but Dar moves around. Dar rolls, slips through, and hits as judo takedown! Gable drags Dar over to a headlock, then facelock. Dar fights up, wrenches and hammerlocks, but Gable does some squats. Gable uses a leg to unhook and wrench back, and fans cheer as Dar suffers. Dar fights up to spin and fireman’s carry takeover, but then Gable headscissors! Gable holds tight as Dar tries to kip free, and he bridges back. Otis cheers Gable and the leg strength but Dar headstands.

Dar hops and pops free to then drop an elbow on a leg! And then float to a headlock. Dar digs forearms into Gable’s face, the ref reprimands, but Gable fights up. We’re under 90 seconds, Gable fights up and wrenches, but Dar headlocks again. Gable brings Dar down to a knee, has a standing armlock, then the wristlock. Dar spins, hooks a leg but Gable wrangles him again. We’re at the one minute mark, Dar fights up to put Gable on the ropes. The ref counts, Dar swings but Gable gets under the kick to waistlock and SLAM! Fans fire up as Gable rolls, facelocks, gator rolls, and then hauls Dar up, HALF HATCH! Cover, ONE!!

Dar tries to get away, Gable facelocks, but Dar slips around to facelock. Takedown, cover, ONE! Gable is up, we’re at 30 seconds, the fans are behind Gable as he wrenches. Dar wrenches back, Gable rolls, bridges, and handsprings to then spin and headlock, spin and drop toehold! Fans fire up as Gable has the ANKLE LOCK! Dar scrambles to the ropes, ROPEBREAK! Ten second warning, Dar throws elbows on Gable and wants the leg! Gable deadlifts but the bell rings, so Gable drops Dar!

Dar: 0; Gable: 0

Gable says it was that close, then he goes to his corner. Meta Four has to drag Dar over to help him refresh but Gable is looking goodt. Time is up and it’s time for round two.

The two circle, Dark kicks but Gable ducks the roundhouse to headlock. Dar powers out, but Gable runs Dar over! Cover, ONE, but Gable chinbars into a headlock. Dar fights up, powers Gable to ropes and then powers out of the hold. Gable still runs Dar over! “A THANK YEW~!” Dar is right up to SLAP Gable! Gable scowls, Dar KICKS, and KICKS, and then eggs Gable on. Fans fire up for Gable and he THROAT CHOPS! Dar sputters, Gable whips, and Gable CLOBBERS him! Cover, TWO! Two minutes and Gable drags Dar up. Gable CHOPS, fans rally, and Gable whips. Dar reverses, swings, but into the waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!

Dar survives but Gable has the fans singing his praises. Dar gets up, wrenches and KICKS the arm, to kick, kick, feint and KICK! Dar puts pinkies up but the fans rally for Gable. Gable BOOTS Dar, hops up, and has the HANGING ARMBAR! We’re at the one minute mark as the ref counts, but Gable lets off at 4. Gable sits up, jumps over Dar, and then ducks Dar’s punch to waistlock. Dar runs to the corner, and not only rams Gable into buckles, but Oro gets a GAMANGIRI! The ref missed that, NOVA ROLLA!! Cover, Dar scores!

Dar: 1; Gable: 0

Well what did anyone expect out of Meta Four? Otis hurries to get Gable back to the corner, and Lash does the same for Dar, and both men have 20 seconds to refresh while NXT is picture in picture.

Dar sips from his Space Jam inspired water bottle, takes aim already, and Gable stands up. The ref checks with both men, Gable says he’s good, but he looks a bit wobbly. Round three begins, Dar rushes in, but Gable catches him to TOSS him! Gable may have suckered Dar in again! Gable gets a leg, to DRAGON SCREW! And then a YANK! Gable paces, he grabs the leg again, SPINNING TOEHOLD! SPINNING TOEHOLD! And a YANK! Dar writhes, Gable drags him up and puts the other leg on the ropes, to then DRAGON SCREW! Dar hobbles, Gable runs in but Dar TOSSES Gable up and out! The Academy is there to check Gable after his crash landing!

Dar shakes the bad leg out, slides out of the ring and drags Gable up to SMACK him of the apron! And then SMACK him off the desk! Dar puts Gable in the ring, brings him up and throws knees. Dar even clinches to throw more knees before the COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, ONE!! We’re at one minute and Dar is seething. Dar eggs Gable on so Gable CHOSP! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Dar CLOBBERS Gable, covers, TWO! Dar grows frustrated and he storms up on Gable. Dar puts the leg on ropes, NXT returns to single picture, and Dar goes up. But Gable stands to ROCK Dar first! Gable climbs, and fans fire up, but Dar fires body shots!

We’re under 15 seconds as Gable gets Dar up, SUPERPLEX!! Ten second warning, Dar cradles! TWO!! Gable cradles, TWO!! And that’s the round!

Dar: 1; Gable: 0

Dar is saved by the bell, and both teams drag their guys to the corners. The refresh goes by quick and now we’re in round four!

Dar storms up on Gable and vice-versa, and the forearms start flying! Fans fire up as they go back and forth, then Dar KICKS, ROCKS, and KICK- NO, Gable traps that leg for a T-BONE SUPLEX! Gable hurries up top, and he DIVING HEADBUTTS!! Direct hit and cover, TWO!! Dar survives but Gable keeps his cool. Dar goes to the apron, Gable goes out after him, and Gable reels Dar in. Dar holds the ropes for dear life! Dar throws elbows, slips under, and he sweeps the leg! Dar then has Gable on the apron, DRAPING COMPLETE SHOT to the floor!! Fans are stunned while Dar drags himself into the ring.

The ring count climbs, Gable rises at 7 to slide in at 9! BACK ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!! Dar is frustrated that Gable is still in this! Gable sees time is running out but the fans are behind him. We hit the one minute mark, Dar has the ANKEL LOCK! Gable rolls, and he drags Dar down to a FUJIWARA! Dar rolls, goes for the leg but Gable blocks the kneebar! Dar pops Gable around into a REAR NAKED CHOKE! Gable flails, reaches out, we’re under 40 seconds! Gable fights up with Dar as a backpack, and he THROWS Dar away! Ghost pin, TWO!! Dar stands to KNEE Gable down! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as we hit 15 seconds!

The ten second warning sounds and both men rise. Gable SLAPS, Dar fires a forearm, they brawl all the way to the bell!

Dar: 1; Gable: 0

Another close round, and again both teams have to drag their guys back. Both men refresh as well as they can in just 20 seconds, and we’re into the fifth!

Dar stands, Gable rushes in! ROLLING KICK! Dar wobbles, Gable waistlocks and goes to the corner! O’Conner, into CHAOS THEORY! Bridging cover, GABLE SCORES!!

Dar: 1; Gable: 1

And that was the fastest round perhaps ever in NXT Heritage history! Lash complains, Maxxine tells her to chill out, and Dar SUCKER PUNCHES Gable!! The ref missed it because he was busy with the ladies! Fans boo as hard as they can as Dar gets away with one. Dar grins, the fans chant “THIS REF SUCKS!” but the refresh period is over, we’re in the sixth round!

Dar runs in, FLYING ELBOW! And then NORTHERN LIGHTS! Dar aims again, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Dar is frustrated but the Academy cheers on Gable. The fans rally for Gable, Dar brings Gable up, but Gable suplexes to a BRAINBUSTER! Gable goes back to the corner, and he climbs back up! Fans fire up and Gable DIVING HEADBUTTS into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Dar has Gable caught, but Gable deadlifts Dar to POWERBOMB him down! Cover, TWO!! Dar is still in this but Gable has more in the tank than Dar thought! Fans rally, Gable CHOPS, but Dar KICKS! Dar then blocks a kick to BACK ELBOW! Cover, TWO!!

Dar is furious and Meta Four can’t believe it! The last 90 seconds of regulation is here, and the fans rally as hard as they can for Gable. Dar says pinkies out, and he runs in, NOVA- ANKLE LOCK!!! Gable has the leg, but Dar rolls to send him into buckles! Roll up, with tights! TWO!! Dar UPPERCUTS, Gable THRAOT CHOPS! But Dar rolls to drag Gable down, TWO!! Gable has the Crucifix Lift, CLIFFHANGER DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Dar survives and we’re under 40! Gable drags Dar to a drop zone, goes up top, and MOONSAULTS!! But he blocks Dar’s boots!!! ANKLE LOCK!! We’re under 20 seconds and Dar rolls, but Gable holds on!

Ten second warning, Dar just has to last a little longer! Gable GRAPEVINES!! Bell sounds, then Dar taps!!

Dar: 1; Gable: 1; END OF REGULATION

This score is TIED, so that means still NXT Heritage Cup Champion, Noam Dar! He SURVIVED this fight with Gable, again in part thanks to Meta Four. Maxxine and lash argue, and then lash SHOVES Maxxine! Oro shoves Otis, but Otis doesn’t budge! Otis SHOVES Oro right outta the ring!! And then Otis looks at Lash, and gets those hips going! Lash almost throws up, and then Maxxine stands back up! To SLAP Lash! Otis catches Lash, Lash freaks out, and she runs away! But while Gable couldn’t bring Dar down, will Dar have to contend with the tree trunk?

John Bradshaw Layfield speaks.

“Hello, NXT. It’s JBL. What an honor it is to choose the qualifying matches for the Iron Survivor Challenge. The first pick is easy: Carmelo Hayes, you are so far ahead of everybody else. You have been carrying NXT. So Melo, you are my first choice. From Vader to Hanson to Undertaker to Kane, I have been in the ring and seen the best big men in this business’ history. And Josh Briggs, you fit that mold. I was in a tag team, also. I left a great partner, and I became a Wrestling God. This is your opportunity.

“On the women’s side, Blair Davenport, you remind me… of me. You will do whatever it takes and you don’t care what anybody thinks, you do what you have to do. And styles make match-ups, so the one that everybody likes, Thea Hail, you, the spitfire, will be her opponent. Luck is for losers. Take what you want in life. This Tuesday, I will be watching NXT as I always do, and I look forward to seeing who qualifies for the Iron Survivor Challenge.” JBL has spoken, who will make the living legend proud going into NXT Deadline?

Tony D’Angelo & Channing Lorenzo walk ‘n’ talk backstage.

Stacks says The Don looks like a champion, and Stacks looks like a champion. The titles are back where they belong. It just feels right. But Tony says unfortunately, they’re not done with Chase U. They tried to help them out, but then Andre Chase kept digging himself a deeper hole. How bad is it? Bad. But tonight isn’t about Chase U, it’s about The D’Angelos. They arrive at the restaurant, Tony tells Franky to make that sauce right or he gets bopped with the spoon. They say hey to everybody else and then get their usual table. Cousin Adriana has everyone ready for the big surprise greeting. Tony & Stacks are happy to see them all.

Tony can’t believe Adriana pulled this off. Adriana says she knows he doesn’t like surprises, but this is a special occasion. They raise a toast to The Underboss & The Don, cheers to another title reign! Tony says he appreciates this, but c’mon, let’s eat. They sit down for a nice meal, but are they letting their guards down while a hungry NXT Tag Division fights in the background?

Trick Williams finds Carmelo Hayes backstage.

Trick says hey, last week, he qualified for the Iron Survivor Challenge. And tonight is Melo’s night. Melo’s gonna get his W! He good? Yeah, Melo’s aight. Trick got in, so Melo’s gotta get in. Can’t sleep on Briggs, through. Yeah, Briggs is a bad boy. But Melo is Melo. Briggs will surely have Brooks Jensen & Fallon Henley ringside, so Trick figures give the people what they want. Melo was there for Trick, so Trick will be there for Melo. Melo likes that, but he wants to run this one by himself. Melo has to get back to the NXT Championship, so when he qualifies, he- Whoa, whoa, whoa. Focus on the night. Get this tonight, then they worry about Deadline.

Melo says Trick is right. Focus on tonight, then get to Deadline. But he’s still gotta do this solo. Trick says hey, he understands that. They shake hands and Melo heads out. Will Melo be making it to the Iron Survivor Challenge? Or will Briggs prove to be a little too much for even… HIM?

NXT Women’s Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Xia Li!

The Morrigan took this title from her mentor, The Man, but that only made her The Exterminator’s new target. Will Lyra make it through the night? Or will Xia’s wrath be overwhelming?

WHOA, speaking of that wrath, Xia attacks Lyra during her entrance! Fans boo as Xia stands over Lyra, but security backs her off. Xia warned Lyra she would show no remorse after Lyra refused the tea, but this is showing no respect! Will Lyra even be able to compete tonight? Or is this attack only going to delay the fight Xia desires?

Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe!

The former Lotharios want another shot at the NXT Tag Team Championships, but everyone else said that after their loss at Halloween Havoc, they shouldn’t be demanding much of anything. Malik & Edris are far hungrier for opportunities, will they take a bite out of Angel & Humberto to get one?

The teams sort out, Edris starts against Humberto, and the two tie right up. They go around, Edris arm-drags but Humberto avoids the dropkick. Humberto CLUBS and whips Edris, but Edris goes up and over then handstands, but Humberto scoops him, only for Edris to arm-drag! Edris runs up, rolls off Humberto’s back and tags Malik in, to then arm-drag! Malik DROPKICKS Humberto and fans fire up! Angel swipes at Malik, but Malik goes back to Humberto. Humberto swings, Malik dodges but Humberto whips. Malik goes up and CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up with Malik and he DECKS Angel!

Malik headlocks Humberto, but Humberto powers up and out. Angel tags in, things speed up and Humberto hurdles, then Angel holds the ropes open! Malik tumbles out to the floor and Humberto slides out to haul him up. Humberto puts Malik on the apron while Angel builds speed, and Angel KNEES Malik right back down! Malik is dazed as he dangles off the apron, then he flops to the floor. Angel goes out to drag Malik up, and CHOP him against the desk! Angel puts Malik back in, but Malik CHOPS back! Angel KNEES him low, KICKS him down, then snapmares him to CLUB away with forearms!

Angel drags Malik up, scoops and SLAMS him, then stomps him. Fans rally but Angel drags Malik up. Malik throws body shots, haymakers, and a boot. Angel blocks, hooks Malik up in a Gory Especial, then tags Humberto. SLINGSHOT GORY CUTTER! And then CAMEL CLUTCH DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!! Malik survives the onslaught but Humberto drags him up. Humberto suplexes high and hard, then KICKS Malik while he’s down! Fans rally, Humberto drags Malik up and suplexes again. Malik cradle counters, TWO! Humberto and Malik get up, Humberto BLASTS Edris to cut Malik off, then he DROPKICKS Malik!

Humberto whips Malik to the corner, clotheslines him, and sits him down. Tag to Angel, the cousins stomp mudholes into Malik, and fans boo. Angel lets off to then drag Malik around, Angel dares Malik to go tag Edris, then he KICKS Malik down! Angel drags Malik up, keeps him from Edris, but Malik ROCKS him with a right! Angel holds on, Malik ROCKS Angel again! Angle DECKS Malik in return! Angel CHOKES Malik on the ropes, the ref counts, and Angel lets off. Humberto kicks Malik behind the ref’s back! Angel drags Malik up but Malik JAWBREAKERS! Angel still keeps Malik from Edris but Malik hits a DDT!

Fans fire up, Malik and Angel both crawl, Angel grabs a leg! Malik kicks free, hot tags to Humberto and Edris! Edris rallies on Los Lotharios with forearms, and a DROPKICK! SPLASH on Humberto, SPLASH on Angel! Edris goes out to GAMANGIRI Angel down! Edris is up top, to 450- NO, he has to roll through as Angel moves! Humberto sunset flips then stacks, TWO! Deadlift POWERBOMB! Tag to Angel, they get Edris up, and feed to the POP-UP PUNT!! Cover, Angel y Humberto win!

Winners: Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo, by pinfall

A new edge and a new focus, those combined for a big win here tonight. Humberto & Angel then tell Tony & Stacks, “We’ll see you real soon.” Will these two fight to honor the legacy of their family and bring home the gold?

Lyra is being checked in the trainer’s room.

She has a big icepack, naturally, and the trainer has her follow the flashlight. Will the champ be cleared to still compete tonight?

Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen & Fallon Henley talk backstage.

Brooks & Fallon hype Briggs up, this is a great opportunity. If Fallon can’t be in the Iron Survivor, then she would love if one of them got in. Brooks knows Briggs is locked in, so he and Fallon will be ringside for him. Briggs says he appreciates that, but JBL gave him this opportunity, and this is something Briggs has been waiting his whole life for. The music hits, Briggs is gonna do this alone, too. Fallon & Brooks are a little surprised, but at least now it’ll just be the two men in the ring. Who is going to punch their ticket to Deadline?

Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Carmelo Hayes VS Josh Briggs!

NXT returns and Briggs makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two tie right up. Briggs shoves Melo away and says this is Briggs’ time! Melo SLAPS Briggs and dares him to show something then. Briggs swings, Melo bobs ‘n’ weaves, and Melo fiefs off on Briggs. Briggs KNEES low! Briggs whips, Melo springboards, but into a choke grip! Briggs lifts, Melo slips free to SUPERKICK! And DROPKICK! Briggs tumbles out of the ring, Melo goes out to CLUB away on Briggs, and fans fire up! Briggs ROCKS Melo in return! Briggs SMACKS Melo off the apron, puts him in, but Melo BOOTS Briggs right back down!

Fans fire up as Melo goes out, he SMACKS Briggs off the apron now, then CHOPS him! Briggs ROCKS Melo again! And again! And again! The ring count is climbing, but Briggs BOOTS Melo down! Briggs pushes Melo into the ring, but Melo KICKS him in the ropes! Then the GUILLOTINE FADE AWAY! Briggs tumbles back out but Melo won’t stop there. Melo goes up the corner, to SUPER CROSSBODY! Direct hit but Melo keeps on Briggs with a rain of fists! The ref has Melo back off, and the fans fire up! Melo goes onto the barriers and Briggs stands up. Melo CROSSBODIES, but Briggs catches him!

Briggs SLINGS Melo into the ring, storms in, and he drags Melo up. Briggs suplexes, Melo slips free and shoves, but Briggs CLOBBERS Melo! Cover, TWO! Briggs clamps onto Melo with a chinbar and armlock, but the fans rally up. Melo fights up, Briggs CLUBS him and whips him, but Melo holds ropes. Briggs runs in, but Melo sends him back out again! Melo goes after Briggs, but Briggs throws body shots! Briggs scoops, aims, but Melo fights free! Melo SLAPS Briggs, but that just pisses Briggs off! Briggs tosses Melo at ropes to then CLOBBER him again! And then Briggs TOSSES Melo over the desk! The fans are all fired up as NXT goes to break!

NXT returns again and Briggs hauls Melo up for a GUTBUSTER! Melo writhes and fans rally up. Briggs snarls as he drags Melo back up, whips Melo to a corner, and he ELBOWS! Briggs runs side to side to BOOT Melo, then reel him in, BOSS MAN SLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo is still in this and Briggs scowls. Fans rally behind Melo and he eggs Briggs on. Briggs looms over Melo, Melo throws body shots but Briggs throws hands back! Melo gets the edge with haymakers, but Briggs CLUBS him for it! Briggs whips, Melo reverses to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Melo runs, but Briggs scoops for a SIDEWALK SLAM, and SPLASH!

Briggs roars, remembering those old days before he had a tag partner! Briggs storms up on Melo, SLAMS him down again, then covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Briggs pushes Melo around, CLUBs him all over, and then stands up. The fans rally up, but Briggs clamps on a chinlock and leans on Melo. Melo endures, the fans still rally, and Melo fights up. Briggs CLUBS Melo in the side, then hauls him up to whip him to a corner. Briggs ELBOWS Melo, runs, but Melo BOOTS back! Melo runs, springboards, FLYING LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Melo pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and Melo throws more hands!

Melo whips, Briggs blocks! Briggs whips, runs in, but blocks boots to YANK Melo up, only for Melo to RANA! Briggs ducks a roundhouse but not the SUPERKICK! Melo roars and runs, tilt-o-whirl, LA MYSTICA! And then the SCISSOR KICK! Cover, TWO!! Melo tried using Trick’s shoutout to Booker T, but it just wasn’t enough. Melo goes up a corner, but Briggs anchors his foot. Melo kicks Briggs but Briggs ROCKS and CLUBS Melo. Briggs has the leg, but Melo KICKS with the other! Briggs YANKS Melo back up, but Melo slips out of the bomb! Only for Briggs to CHOKE SLAM him!! Melo wobbles up, into a BOOT!! Cover, TWO!!!

Melo survives those heavy hits and Briggs is beside himself. “This is Awesome!” and Briggs goes to a corner. Briggs climbs?! Melo hurries to anchor Briggs, but Briggs kicks him away. Briggs choke grips again, CHOKE- CODE BREAKER!! Briggs is down, Melo goes up top! But LEXIS KING is here!? Melo ROUNDHOUSES King down! Melo dodges Briggs, leaps, but into the LARIAT!! The shot was blocked, and now Briggs goes up! BRIGGS SAULT!! Cover, BRIGGS WINS!!

Winner: Josh Briggs, by pinfall (advances to NXT Deadline)

Big bad Briggs punches his ticket, and give the assist to King. King has been messing with Trick Melo Gang for whatever reason, is Melo going to make him pay for it? As for Briggs, this could be his moment, will he be the 2023 Iron Survivor?

Backstage interview with Lyra Valkyria.

McKenzie Mitchell apologizes for the intrusion but earlier tonight, we saw Xia attack Lyra from outta nowhere. Does this mean the title match is officially off? Lyra says no no no no, this is still happening! She doesn’t need to be 100% to fight with the title on the line. But even if she was at just ten percent, Lyra would not let Xia get away with this. She owes Xia a kick in the face. McKenzie wishes Lyra luck, will it be Xia’s bad luck to have angered the Morrigan?

Von Wagner visits the Stone Family.

Rob welcomes Von, and Von brought brownies with M&Ms in them. He loves ’em. Rob says he didn’t need to do that, but thanks. Von admits he ate a few on the way. No, yeah, that’s fine. Come on in. But does Von look okay? He put on his best tank top. No, he looks great. He remembers his wife, Tara, right? Tara welcomes Von over, and they hug. Stone’s kids run in, and Von says look, he brought brownies! They love brownies! Hey now, dinner before dessert. Mom sure is tough, huh? Yeah. They all eat up spaghetti with sausages, and no asparagus. Yeah, asparagus sucks! Von, c’mon. Kids gotta eat their veggies. O-Oh, right. Von still secretly fist bumps the boys over hating asparagus.

Anyway, they all chow down, and it’s hard to say who has the bigger appetite: Von, the kids, or the dog picking up the scraps. And then Stone’s sons look at the two scars on Von’s head. Stone tells Cash & Carter it is rude to stare. Von says it’s okay. Stone taught Von how to be okay with himself. Be thankful you two are young and healthy. Let’s ese those guns. Flex! Yeah! Look at those! So how was school today? It was fine. Except… Those older kids. What older kids? They keep being mean at recess! That’s crap! Do they need Von to be at school with them? Von asks if he can help. Yeah, Von should come to school!

Stone has everyone settle down. But they need him! Tara gives Rob a look, and he tells them that they’re to not fight at school. Use words. They do! Okay, but they gotta get past this themselves. Von says their dad is right, no fighting at school. Tara has Rob help her bring in dessert. Von then whispers to the boys to write the bullies’ names down. Von’s got them. They fist bump again, and then the brownies are served! Okay, one at a time, guys. But they’re good, right? Mm-hmm! Will “Uncle Von” help Stone’s boys grow up to be strong young men?

Wes Lee is here!

The fans fire up as the Cardiac Kid heads to the ring, and he feels that energy. He knows they know him by now. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and for better or worse, he’s extremely real with us. So he’s sure they know why he’s out here right now, especially after last week! It’s Dirty Dominik Mysterio. Dom has the North American Championship, and Judgment Day holds all the gold heading into WarGames. Wes losing that title was the catalyst to all of it. When Wes sees Dom, Wes sees red! Not just because Dom is the lowest form of a human being, and not just because Dom has a face you just wanna punch into dust. Fans cheer that.

It’s that Dom has the North American Championship. Now, people lose and win all the time. But when Wes was champion, he felt like he belonged. He found himself! Hell, all the fans accepted Wes! Including all of y’all right through the screen. The fans cheer that, and Wes says he wants that back! He wants it back so bad that he wants- NO, he NEEDS another shot at Dominik Mysterio, at Deadline! Because before it was Wes VS The World- Wait, here comes Dom. Fans boo and Dom says, “Wes Lee… The one thing you do better than anyone is make these people feel bad for you, make them feel sorry for you. You’re good at it!

“Because two months ago, you got beat by Ilja, by Melo, took time off, came back, lost to Corbin, and you think you deserve a title shot? Why? Because these people love you? Their opinion, like yours, is worthless! I made this title more relevant than you ever did!” Fans boo and Wes tells Dom to shut up! Dom’s run has been nothing more than Judgment Day saving his ass at ever turn! Wes is pretty sure Cody’s crew handles them at WarGames. But just like a roach, Dom will continue to survive. That is why Wes is after that North American title! Oh, he wants it back? Yes, and he is willing to do everything and anything to get it back.

Dom says Wes’s run consisting of him proving himself. Most consecutive days as champion. Yeah, not that important to Dom, so Dom doesn’t remember the rest. But next week, Wes will have to face three other contenders to get to Dom. But if, and only if, Wes wins will he get that shot. So when Wes doesn’t win, that’ll be his last shot. What’s Wes say to that? Wes says challenge accepted! The fans cheer, but who will Dom set up as barriers to a rematch with the #WesSide?

NXT Investigates: Chase U.

Chase University, an establishment meant to mold the young minds of the future, is now the center of a massive scandal. “What started as a light whisper… grew into curious speculation, and has now turned into a full-fledged investigation.” HBK is meeting with Mr. Chase as we speak! What should’ve been the pinnacle of success is now overshadowed by the dark cloud that hangs over the university’s figurehead. NXT Anonymous even has video of Chase arguing with Jacy Jayne about something. And as we saw last week, Jacy was Chase’s only ally to get away from the media mob. How will this affect the institute for higher learning? We find out, next week!

Thea Hail nervously paces backstage.

Where is he? She’s so nervous! Scandal or not, Mr. Chase has always been there for her. Jacy calms her down. Thea knows she is Mr. Chase’s & Duke Hudson’s number one girl. And trust Jacy, there is a good reason they’re not here tonight. But that doesn’t matter, because Thea can do this! She can? Yes! But she couldn’t the last time so she doesn’t- Jacy says she knows how hard it is to do things on her own. She’s been there. But Thea is fine, Jacy has her back. And scratch that, Jacy always has Thea’s back! Really? Yes. Thanks! They hug and head out. Will there be some good news for Chase U as Thea goes for the Iron Survivor Challenge? Or will Blair leave them in despair?

Josh Briggs returns backstage.

He’s hyped up for his big win, and Tiffany Stratton says it feels good to be a winner, huh? Trust her, she knows. See you at Deadline. Uh, yeah, tootles… Brooks & Fallon walk over and congratulate him now, he got what he wanted! Yeah, thanks. But what was that with Tiff? Nothing! Don’t worry about that. Let’s roll. Jensen shrugs and Fallon sighs, the three head out, but will they be raising a beer to another big win at Deadline?

Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Blair Davenport VS Thea Hail w/ Jacy Jayne!

The Ichiban Gaijin has been waiting for her moment to finally crown herself a champion, dating back to NXT UK. Will she let nothing stand in her way? Not even the hyper positive and hyperactive Thea Hail?

The bell rings and fans rally behind Thea. Thea and Blair tie up, Thea headlocks and holds on as they go around. Blair lifts Thea but Thea arm-drags! Thea runs at Blair, flips through Blair’s scoop and arm-drags again! Blair goes to a corner, Thea runs in but Blair BOOTS her! Blair goes up to DIVING STOMP the arm! Then Blair RAMS Thea into buckles, and RAMS her into them again! Blair RAMS Thea into the bottom buckle, and then BOOTS her back down! Cover, TWO! Blair keeps on Thea with an armlock and she grinds that shoulder. Thea endures, fans rally up, and Thea fights to her feet. Thea throws hands, but Blair throws her by her hair!

Blair drops an elbow, covers, Thea’s shoulders are still up so Blair pushes her down. Now it’s a cover, TWO! Blair keeps on Thea with the armlock and she grinds the shoulder again. Jacy coaches Thea, even as Blair grinds forearms in. The fans rally, Thea fights up and arm-drags, but Blair holds on to drag Thea back down! Blair grins as she grinds Thea, but Thea fights up again. Thea jumps off the corner to arm-drag free! Thea ducks ‘n’ dodges, kicks and KNEES and CLOBBERS Blair! Fans fire up as Thea rallies! Thea ducks ‘n’ dodges again, but Blair tilt-o-whirls her! Blair suplexes, Thea slips free to waistlock, but Blair spins around, FUJIWARA ARMBAR!

Thea endures, Jacy coaches her, and the fans rally up again. Thea fights, reaches out, and Jacy pushes ropes a little closer. Blair lets off to drag Thea away, but Thea uses that to roll her up! TWO, and Blair WRINGS the arm out! And DROPKICK Thea back down! Jacy is worried as Blair SLAMS the bad arm down! Blair gets in Jacy’s face now, Jacy dares her to do something, and then Thea DIVES! Direct hit on Blair and fans fire up! Thea clinches to hit an EXPLODER! Blair flounders, Jacy cheers Thea on and Thea puts Blair in the ring. Thea runs, somersaults and SENTONS! Fans fire up with Thea, but even the student section looks shallow.

Jacy tells Thea to focus on the match. Thea springboards, SENTONS, but onto knees! Blair drags Thea up for the KAMI-GOYE!! Cover, Blair wins!

Winner: Blair Davenport, by pinfall (advances to NXT Deadline)

Jacy frowns, but the student section is nonplussed. They can’t take out their frustrations with Mr. Chase out on Thea! But that aside, will Blair use this opportunity to finally take the top spot in NXT?

NXT compares and contrasts Ilja Dragunov and Baron Corbin.

The Mad Dragon was goaded into giving The Lone Wolf a title shot, and now their NXT Championship is set for Deadline. “The only person who can slay the dragon is the dragon himself.” Corbin repeats Dragunov’s words, and says he sacrifices more than just his body. “He sacrifices his day-to-day life, time and distance from his family living halfway around the world in Germany. Ilja puts his body on the line every time out to give his family a better life. Like Ilja’s mother did for him, the NXT Champion puts himself second to his family. The life of a champion is lonely enough, but coming home to a cold, empty apartment, no one to share your day to day with, only communicating through a screen…

“The only connection he has to America is that NXT Championship. The one thing he kisses before going to sleep is that cold metal.” Corbin meanwhile, “is the complete opposite.” He has “generational wealth, expensive cars, and a big mansion.” Corbin kisses his wife and children every day and every night. How many times did he ask for this title match without a response? But once Corbin did some digging, once he figured out who the dragon was behind the madness, it was easy for Corbin to get what he wanted. “What better way to culminate my 2023? The year I found my true self. I burned all the ships of the past so that at Deadline, I dictate the future, my future, as the NXT Champion.

“Because I agree, Ilja. The only person who can slay the dragon is the dragon himself.” Corbin is confident, but will that confidence all come crashing down around him when he finds Dragunov is still #UNBESIEGBAR?

Eddy Thorpe VS Charlie Dempsey w/ Drew Gulak & Myles Borne!

The Alpha Wolf may have beat Damon Kemp all those months ago, but that NXT Underground win doesn’t prove a thing to Drew Gulak’s gang. Will the Son of the Gentleman Villain prove Eddy’s Strong Style is not nearly strong enough? Or will Eddy’s fighting spirit prove unbreakable?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Eddy wrenches to wristlock. Dempsey spins, wrenches, and bridges to throw Eddy down. Dempsey has the arm, but Eddy fights up. Dempsey bridges again but Eddy blocks that takedown. So Dempsey gets a leg to trip Eddy! Eddy rolls, Dempsey gator rolls him and has the FUJIWARA! Eddy rolls through, stands up but Dempsey whips him to ropes. Eddy reverses and CROSSBODIES! Eddy then whips, but Dempsey holds ropes to avoid the dropkick! Dempsey KNEES Eddy in the side, then drags him up to UPPERCUT! Dempsey whips, RAMS Eddy, and then CLUBS him!

Dempsey BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES with a bridge! TWO!! Eddy escapes, but Dempsey kicks Eddy around. Dempsey drags Eddy up, but Eddy fights free to CHOP! Dempsey ROCKS, Eddy ROCKS, Dempsey UPPERCUTS, Eddy ROCKS! Eddy bobs ‘n’ weaves, body shots and UPPERCUTS, but Dempsey kitchen sink knees! Gulak says to show no quarter, and Dempsey clamps on a chinlock. Eddy endures and the fans rally up. Dempsey throws down elbows, then pulls Eddy into a COBRA TWIST! Eddy endures as Dempsey digs knuckles into the ribs! Dempsey shifts as Eddy fights up, and Dempsey has the chinbar and armlock.

Eddy pries free, and hip tosses Dempsey down! Fans fire up and both men stand. Eddy body shots, then fires haymakers and CHOPS! Eddy whips Dempsey and CLOBBERS him! And CLOBBERS again! SOBAT! ENZIGURI! Both men are down and fans fire up! Eddy and Dempsey go to corners, Eddy runs in to BOOT! Eddy reels Dempsey in, Dempsey blocks the suplex with a headlock! Dempsey switches, and clamps on the IRON OCTOPUS! Dempsey throws elbows into the ribs, and he pulls on the arm! Eddy endures as Dempsey even bends the fingers! Eddy pops free, rolls Dempsey to a cradle, EDDY WINS!!

Winner: Eddy Thorpe, by pinfall

Myles & Gulak attack! The sore losers can’t stand Dempsey lost to a wrestling move! They mug Eddy as Dempsey holds him in an Iron Octopus! Fans boo, but the damage is done. Will Catchpoint 2.0 soon take over NXT by any means necessary?

The D’Angelo Family dinner continues.

They’ve made it through the many courses, and it was good stuff. Tony has to take it easy, though, he’s got that agida. Louie, Tito, and Franky all bring Tony envelopes. Franky’s feels a little light. He blames inflation and taxes. Well, okay, they can talk later. Stacks says it has been a bit tough on some. And Cousin “Tiny” is last, and tells him to say hi to his mom. That was a good envelope, but Adriana asks if they want anything wrapped up to take home. Tony appreciates all she did for them tonight, but she can have it for herself. Take it easy, okay? Stacks says that stunad, Georgie, set up a room for them, they can go celebrate.

Tony asks if Stacks can even believe that “Lil’ Adriana with the pigtails” grew up to be an enforcer. Yeah, he can’t believe it. But remember when she was little and she’d used to crack Robbie in the nose? OH NO, Angel & Humberto jump Tony & Stacks in the parking lot! Who would’ve guessed!? They beat Tony & Stacks down up against their car! Angel says that next time, Tony & Stacks will remember who they are! Then Angel & Humberto drive away before the family rushes over! Tony says if they want it, they’ve got it! The tag title match is made, will Deadline be the end of one of these families?

Arianna Grace speaks.

“Real beauty queens fix each other’s crowns. I understand for most of you this may be a hard concept to grasp, given your levels of education. But that’s just the kind of woman that I am. I couldn’t be any other way. I was a victim of a heinous attack by Karmen Petrovic. An attack that has gone unnoticed, unpunished.” Arianna calms herself, and says as a pageant queen who finds the beauty in everyone and everything, she struggles to find such beauty in Karmen, as well as the NXT Universe for enjoying such aggressive behavior. They need to seek medical attention. But before they do, they should shower. With soap. Arianna almost passed out from the foul stench!

As for Karmen, envy is incurable. But thankfully, Arianna Grace is the cure. She loves you all. Um, sure… But will Karmen be the cure to Arianna’s delusions?

BREAKING NEWS on the Fatal 4 Way put together by Dominik Mysterio!

To really stack the deck against Wes Lee, Dirty Dom has chosen three former NXT North American Champions, Cameron Grimes, Bronson Reed and Johnny Gargano, as Wes Lee’s opponents! Will the Cardiac Kid be able to make it through the Carolina Caveman, the Colossal Aussie and the NXT Triple Crown Winner to go after the title at Deadline?

NXT Women’s Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Xia Li!

The Morrigan may have been ambushed by the Exterminator earlier tonight, but that only made her more motivated to fight her! Will Lyra show Xia that a lack of respect gets her nothing? Or will Xia look to tear down Lyra’s life’s work in an instant?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and while neither of these warriors will be denied, we see who is truly unstoppable!

The bell rings and right away Lyra fires off forearms and knees! Lyra has Xia on ropes, the ref counts, but he has to back Lyra off. The fans are on Lyra’s side but Xia CLOBBERS her! Xia stomps Lyra, storms up on her in a corner, and then digs her boots in! The ref counts, Xia lets off at 4, and Lyra staggers to ropes. Lyra kicks back, Xia ROCKS her, and then Xia stalks Lyra again. Xia smothers Lyra in the ropes, then CHOKES her! The ref counts, Xia lets off and fans boo. Xia drags Lyra up, whips her to ropes, but Lyra ducks ‘n’ dodges to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up and Lyra runs up to whip. Xia reverses but Lyra goes up and up.

Lyra leaps, Xia gets under, but turns around into a hip toss! And a DROPKICK! Lyra snarls as Xia bails out, and Lyra builds speed! Lyra WRECKS Xia with a dropkick! Xia flounders, Lyra storms after her and puts her in the ring. Lyra goes up a corner, fans fire up, but Xia YANKS Lyra off the corner! Lyra hits buckles on her way down, Xia talks a lot of trash, and fans boo as NXT goes picture in picture.

The ref has Xia back off while he checks Lyra. Lyra is still in this, so Xia grabs her legs. Lyra kicks at Xia, but Xia slides out to spin Lyra around, and she then spins Lyra again to ROCK her with a forearm! Xia CLUBS away on Lyra against the apron, but lets off to then trap her under the apron skirt! The ref reprimands but Xia KNEES Lyra back into the ring! Xia storms in after Lyra, covers, ONE!! Another cover, ONE!! Xia CLUBS away on Lyra, then stomps her! Lyra goes to ropes, Xia paces, and Xia storms up to stomp Lyra in a corner. The ref counts, Xia jumps to STOMP Lyra again! The ref backs Xia down, and Xia fires up again.

Xia runs in to jump up and ELBOW Lyra down! Xia drags Lyra up, clinches, and EXPLODERS! A bit like a shot at Becky there. Cover, TWO! Lyra toughs it out but Xia clamps on a chinlock. Lyra endures, even as Xia thrashes her around. Lyra fights, fans rally up, and Lyra stands, only for Xia to throw her down! NXT returns to single picture as fans boo, but Xia cravats to wrench the neck. Lyra endures and the fans rally up again. Lyra fights up, throws body shots, but Xia cranks the cravat harder. Lyra still throws shots, then HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! Lyra whips, but Xia turns her for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Xia grows frustrated and she storms up on Lyra again. Xia turns Lyra over and clamps on the camel clutch! Lyra endures, even as she’s bent backwards! The fans rally, Lyra fights, and she arm-drags free! And she dropkicks Xia’s legs out! Lyra KICKS, and KICKS, and KICKS again! Xia blocks one, then steps over to have the STF!! Lyra endures, even as her head is being pulled backwards! The fans rally, Lyra fights up, and she rolls to cover, TWO! Xia stands, into a SOBAT! Front kick! HEADBUTT! Another KICK, and then a NORTHERN- NO, Xia fights that and CLUBS Lyra down! Xia then turns Lyra, but Lyra uses that to backslide, TWO!

Xia kicks low, brings Lyra up, and she shifts to torture rack! Lyra endures, even as Xia spins! Xia hits a TORTURE RACK NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives and shocks Xia! Xia is frustrated like she was with Becky just last night! Xia drags Lyra up while the fans rally again, and Xia reels Lyra in. Lyra fights the suplex, waistlocks, but Xia switches. Lyra switches, Xia holds ropes and throws elbows. Xia then spins, but Lyra blocks the kick! Trapped leg GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” while both women are down! Both women rise, they get face to face, and Lyra throws a forearm! But Xia gives it back!

Lyra fires another forearm! Xia gives it back! They stand, they throw forearms, and the fans rally as Lyra gets the edge! Lyra fires off fast strikes, then runs, but into a JUMP KNEE! Lyra rebounds to ENZIGURI! Xia rebounds but Lyra gets around, O’Conner Roll! TWO, and into a REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Lyra rolls back to a cover, TWO!! Xia runs up, but Lyra ducks the kick! To hit HEEL KICK of her own! And then a fireman’s carry, for a swinging MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, Lyra wins!!

Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)

The Exterminator could not terminate Lyra, and the fans cheer on their champion! Xia seethes, will she have to fight even harder to get back to a title opportunity? Will Lyra be more than ready for whoever comes out of the Iron Survivor Challenge as her next challenger?

My Thoughts:

An awesome NXT here for Thanksgiving week, with lots built for the next few weeks as well as Deadline. Really good promo from Wes and Dom and of course Dom is making a special contenders match where it’s only Wes fighting for an opportunity, and he still has to beat three former champions to earn that opportunity. Somehow, some way, Wes will win that. Hell, Grimes and Gargano are Faces, they should understand Wes wants to get even with Dom, they might help Wes against Reed. And really good match from Eddy VS Dempsey, and I like that Eddy won with a quick pin move to get the better of Dempsey. But that beat down of course means this feud continues, maybe someone backs Eddy up against Gulak’s NXT Catchpoint.

Maybe it’ll be Von Wagner? He doesn’t like bullies, and he had a fun little promo with Robert Stone and family where he wanted to help Stone’s kids with their bullies. And very well made vignette where it was kinda like Corbin’s biased version of Prime Target. I guess in kayfabe, Dragunov’s family didn’t move with him to Florida, so that loneliness is supposed to be Dragunov’s one weakness. But chances are, just because Corbin has his family around him and has all his worldly possessions, he will be denied the one thing he wants in the NXT Championship.

Awesome Heritage Cup match, but of course Dar has Meta Four help him against Gable to keep the cup. I could’ve sworn there was supposed to be a sudden death overtime seventh round, but maybe they did away with that rule because NXT on USA Network has more of a time constraint than NXT UK on the Network/Peacock. I still want Otis to get his shot, he could be a real challenge for Dar because he is just so big and bulky compared to literally anyone Dar has ever faced. That is to say, Dar also never faced Dave Mastiff for the cup, and Mastiff is still the only guy in NXT/NXT UK history to win a Heritage Cup British Rounds Match with a knockout.

Great choices from JBL for the Iron Survivor, and great promos from his choices tonight. Melo and Briggs both wanting to do this without cornermen was an interesting move. Melo’s makes sense, he is wary of Trick because Trick might still put it together who really attacked him. But then what a surprise that Lexis King interfered to keep Melo from winning. This has to now mean Melo and King fight to get to the bottom of who really attacked Trick. And then great stuff for Briggs, he was a strong singles guy in Evolve Wrestling so maybe NXT is seeing if he still has that. And it feels like a Mixed Tag could be in the works, Tiff bringing Briggs over to her side to face Fallon & Jensen.

Great stuff from Blair VS Thea, too, and of course the dwindling Chase U student section affected Thea. Blair wins, that’s three Heels in that Iron Survivor already, so the next two really should be Faces. Sucks for Kiana then but I totally expect Kiana to get screwed over by Roxie in return for how Kiana screwed Roxie over. And I bet Karmen VS Arianna is another qualifier, with Karmen going over. There’s no point in giving Karmen a spotlight in the Breakout Tournament if there isn’t more in store for her. And great little video to incapsulate the Chase U “scandal” that we don’t even really know the nature of. Next week, Chase giving us his tell-all, that will be some great stuff for sure.

Great stuff in the tag title story. Great match from Garza & Carrillo VS Malik & Edris. Should’ve figured Garza & Carrillo would win when they’re Heels and Tony & Stacks count as Faces, even though they used blackmail to mess with Chase U. But great attack from them after Tony & Stacks had a filling pasta dinner. The tag title match is going to be great stuff, and I have half a mind to say Garza & Carrillo win. Tony & Stacks are two-time champions to move up in the record books, and with a certain group that isn’t even in WWE anymore standing at three-times, you can bet NXT wants us to FOGEDABOUTIT and make The D’Angelos better than Undisputed Era.

Then really good stuff from the NXT Women’s Championship story. Xia attacking Lyra to delay this match until it could be the main event was a bit much, but Xia had to make her momentum back after losing to Becky last night. The title match was awesome stuff, though, but of course Lyra wins out. Lyra has her first defense in the books, and who knows how things go when she faces the Iron Survivor winner.

My Score: 8.8/10