And we’re on the clock!

NXT prepares for Deadline, and that means Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifiers! And to kill two birds with one stone, Tiffany Stratton and Fallon Henley settle their score while fighting for a spot in that match!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Noam Dar w/ Meta Four VS Akira Tozawa w/ The Alpha Academy; Dar wins and retains the cup.
• Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Tiffany Stratton VS Fallon Henley; Tiffany wins and advances to NXT Deadline.
• Bron Breakker VS Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone; Bron wins.
• Lola Vice & Elektra Lopez VS Roxanne Perez & Kelani Jordan; Roxie & Kelani win.
• Otis w/ The Alpha Academy VS Drew Gulak w/ Charlie Dempsey, Myles Borne & Damon Kemp; Otis wins.
• Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: DIJAK VS Tyler Bate; Dijak wins and advances to NXT Deadline.

PLAY BY PLAY

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

The Scottish Supernova ignored the Stamina Monster’s attempt at a challenge before, so Tozawa STOLE the cup out from under his nose! Dar and his crew went through the spookiest haunted house in NXT history, got the cup back, but had to give Tozawa this match in return. Will Tozawa say “ARIGATO~” by taking the cup fair and square this time? Or will the man who has linked himself to this championship still hold onto it?

The introductions are made, the cup is raised, and we see who raises a glass in celebration after tonight!

The bell rings on round one and the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Dar waistlocks to drag Tozawa down. Tozawa moves around, fights up and wrenches to a wristlock. Tozawa wrenches, Dar clinches and rolls to have a foot. Dar turns Tozawa over, facelocks, wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS! Fans rally and duel as Tozawa rolls and trips Dar. Tozawa has a toehold but Dar pulls at the headband. The ref reprimands, Dar throws elbows, and he moves around, but Tozawa holds on to the foot! Dar rolls Tozawa to a cover, TWO! Dar puts Tozawa in a corner, the ref counts, and Tozawa avoids the cheap shot!

Fans fire up as Tozawa fires off fast hands! Dar goes to ropes, Tozawa whips but Dar reverses. Tozawa sunset flips, Dar stays up but Tozawa avoids the stomp and the kick to roll up! TWO, and Dar headlocks. We’re under 90 seconds but Tozawa powers out. Things speed up, Dar avoids the hurdle to sweep the leg! Fans boo and chant “YOU STILL SUCK!” Dar stomps Tozawa at the minute mark, then drags him up, but Tozawa suplexes first! Fans fire up while Tozawa stands, and he does his best Otis hip thrust! Tozawa runs in but Dar puts him on the apron. Tozawa GAMANGIRIS, then hurries up the corner!

We’re at 30 seconds as Tozawa reaches the top. But Meta Four distracts him! Tozawa hops down, and he looks at the cp. Dar goes out to grab Tozawa, but Tozawa hits a BIG back suplex! Ten seconds, Tozawa puts Dar in but goes up, and Dar gets him first! SUPERLEX at the bell!

Dar: 0; Tozawa: 0

Fans fire up while the teams argue, but then they go to help Dar and Tozawa refresh. The two stand back up and we start round two! Dar and Tozawa circle, Dar gives KICK and KICK but Tozawa blocks to trip him and fire off hands! Dar goes for an arm, Tozawa rolls to go for legs. Dar grapevines but Tozawa sits on it for a cover, TWO! Dar avoids the Penalty Kick, and rolls Tozawa up, with tights!! Dar scores!!

Dar: 1; Tozawa: 0

Tozawa protests the tight pulling, and then Dar DECKS him with a sucker punch!! As if fans weren’t booing before, Dar gets away with two cheats at once! The ref has to do all he can to keep Alpha Academy from attacking Meta Four, and NXT goes picture in picture!

Dar celebrates like he’s already won, but Gable and Maxxine help Tozawa get back into this. Tozawa stands up and he’s ready, here’s round three! But then Dar bails out of the ring! The ref reprimands and Tozawa is annoyed by these stall tactics. Seconds are ticking away but Tozawa goes out. The Meta Four is a wall in front of Dar, but then the Alpha Academy steps up. Otis is a wall unto himself! Lash talks trash on Otis, but Tozawa slips through to fire off on Dar! Tozawa puts Dar in, runs up and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! Dar survives but Tozawa drags him back up to bump off buckles, and CHOP him in the corner!

Tozawa CHOPS again, whips corner to corner but Dar reverses. Dar runs in but into BOOTS! Tozawa goes up, but Dar sweeps the legs! Tozawa falls tot he mat, Dar taunts the Academy then covers, TWO! Dar is annoyed but we’re under 90 seconds already. Dar stomps Tozawa, drags him around and stomps an arm. Then he stomps the other arm! Dar flexes, taunts the fans, we’re at one minute and Dar drags Tozawa up. Dar KICKS, and KICKS, and KICKS! Tozawa falls, Dar covers, TWO! Dar is annoyed, Meta Four complains about the count, but then Dar digs his forearms in. Dar throws elbows, then clamps on a chinlock.

Tozawa fights up, fights around, but Dar wrangles him back down. Tozawa fights as we reach 15 seconds, runs, but into an UPPERCUT! Ten seconds, Dar runs into a BOOT! And a SUPERKICK! Dar fires off fists, Tozawa SOBATS, spins, slides under, and NXT returns to single picture as the round ends!

Dar: 1; Tozawa: 0

Dar still wants a sleeper! TRIANGLE HOLD! AND ELBOWS! The ref shouts, the fans boo, and the crews have to separate these two again. Dar gets away with even more than before, but the ref says he is on thin ice. A disqualification ends this automatically, but Dar seems fine with pushing the boundaries. The two men refresh, or as best as Tozawa can after all that nonsense. Round four begins and Dar rushes in! FLYING ELBOW! Fans boo but Dar reels Tozawa in for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Dar aims from a corner, Tozawa rises, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Tozawa survives as Dar couldn’t gear up for his finishing kick.

Dar taunts the Alphas, goes back to Tozawa, and fans boo. Dar clamps on an ANKLE LOCK to taunt Gable directly! But Tozawa moves around, rolls and he throws Dar out of the ring! Tozawa builds speed, to DIVE! Direct hit but Tozawa doesn’t’ stop there! He DIVES and gets Oro! Main Man Mensah goes down, Tozawa brings Dar up, but Dar POSTS him! Dar aims, but Tozawa ducks! That kick hits POST! Dar hobbles into the ring, Tozawa runs in and dodges to victory roll and ANKLE LOCK! Just like coach taught him!! Dar flails, endures, we’re at 90 seconds! Fans want Dar to do it, and Dar TAPS! Tozawa scores!!

Dar: 1; Tozawa: 1

Fans are thunderous for Tozawa and we are already deep into the rounds! Next fall wins and everyone knows it! The refresh is over, time for round five! Dar staggers up, Tozawa BOOTS him in the corner! Tozawa runs to BOOT again! SAIDO!! Cover, TWO!! Dar survives and Meta Four is freaking out! Tozawa drags Dar up, fans are thunderous but Dar wrenches! Tozawa avoids a kick, Dar blocks a kick and BACK ELBOWS! Cover, TWO! Dar shakes out the bad leg but he puts pinkies up. Dar goes to a corner at the two minute mark, and he aims at Tozawa. Dar runs in, but Tozawa RANAS first! Cover, TWO!!

Dar escapes, both men get up, and Tozawa gest around to GERMAN SUPELX! Bridging cover, TWO! Dar is still in this but Tozawa keeps cool. But Dar snatches a leg! CHAMPAGNE SUPERNOVA KNEEBAR! But Tozawa pushes back, pulls Dar off the leg, GERMAN SUPLEX! Tozawa says “ARIGATO!” and SPIN KICKS! Tozawa puts Dar in a drop zone, heads up top, and we’re at the minute mark! But Oro runs up! Tozawa BOOTS him! Jakara hurries to help Oro, but also stays in the Alpha Academy’s way! TOKYO TOWER SENTON, but Lash drags Dar out to safety!! Tozawa crashes down, fans boo, and Dar hurries back in! NOVA ROLLA!!! Cover, Dar wins!

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

With just 39 seconds left in the fifth, Supernova 11 and his entire crew retain the cup. Fans boo, and then Oro gets in Tozawa’as face. Maxxine gets in Oro’s face, and SLAPS him! Gable GERMAN SUPLEXES Oro! And Meta Four can only watch as Otis SPLASHES Oro down! Dar may leave with the cup now, but will he be able to survive much longer with his crew taking the hits for him?

NXT hears from Mick Foley!

“Hello, NXT! It’s the Hardcore Legend here, WWE Hall of Famer, Mick Foley, and I’m so excited because HBK, Shawn Michaels, has granted me the honor of selecting the qualifying matches this week for the Iron Survivor Challenge. Let’s start with the women. Now I’ve been watching the NXT Women’s Division for a long time, and it’s extremely strong. There are two of the top women I want to specifically talk about, Fallon Henley and Tiffany Stratton. Now their match last week never took place due to Tiffany’s attack, so I say we absolutely see that match this week, and we up the stakes just a wee bit, with the winner punching their ticket to Deadline.

“As far as the men, aw man. Two guys I have been watching a long time, long before any of you knew their names. Dijak, we thought this guy was a future champion. But in order to get to Deadline, Dijak will have to get past the guy I’ve known and followed since he was a teenager, The Big Strong Boi, Tyler Bate! It is going to be a great match-up of different styles, I can’t wait to see these matches. Until then, have a nice day.” Foley has given us an incredible card for the night, who will be the first ones into this year’s wild ride that is the Iron Survivor Challenge?

The NXT Women’s locker room talks about the Breakout tournament.

Karmen Petrovic and Arianna Grace commend Kelani Jordan on making it to the finals, but then in walk Elektra Lopez and the tournament’s winner, Lola Vice. Lola is pretty sure she made that tournament look super easy. Lopez says she makes everything look super easy, she’s been the best since day one. But everyone should be happy that they’ll be remembered in the footnotes of Lola’s success. Right, Kelani? Kelani says, “Whatever helps you sleep at night.” But Lola should really split that contract with Elektra, because without her, Lola wouldn’t have won. Arianna defuses the situation by saying they cannot change the past.

But Elektra tells everyone that what “we” do with the contract is none of Kelani’s business. Don’t be jealous that you lost, Kelani. Uh, what is there to be jealous of? Arianna says, “We only lose when we quit.” Lola says Kelani IS jealous. But in walks Roxanne Perez with a sarcastic slow clap. “Wow, NXT Breakout winner. Congrats. Doesn’t look like it’s gone to your head at all. Let me explain something to you, Lola. It’s one thing to win that, but it doesn’t automatically mean that you become champion. If I were you, I wouldn’t make enemies out of the entire locker room.” Lola tells Roxie off in Spanish but Roxie claps back.

Lola & Lopez leave and Kelani thanks Roxie for having her back. They also head out, and Arianna tries another platitude, but Karmen tells her to shut up already. Arianna scoffs at Karmen, but is the locker room just a powder keg waiting for the right spark?

Lyra Valkyria is here!

The fans fire up for the NEW NXT Women’s Champion, and The Morrigan is back after her week of media, including back home in Ireland! Lyra gets a mic to say, “Well, I never dreamed it could happen the way that it did, but… Lyra Valkyria is your NXT Women’s Champion!” Fans cheer and chant “You Deserve It!” Lyra says whoever it was that said you should never meet your heroes, they clearly never met Becky Lynch. Becky is a true legend. Fans cheer that, and Lyra says she didn’t just meet her hero, she BEAT her! She defeated an icon! And now the finest prize iN NXT is around Lyra’s waist.

At Halloween Havoc, Lyra brought it. Becky sure as hell did, too, but something Lyra will remember forever is that the fans made this place feel like magic. “And we showed the world what a main event women’s title match is all about!” Fans cheer that, too. Lyra says we’ve all seen her story, and every bit of it is true. But she knows she’s not the only woman that dreams of holding this title. And that the locker room is packed full of hungry competitors who want to take it from her! And she knows that- Wait, who is coming down the stands? Xia Li!? Security wants to stop her, she’s a Raw superstar still in trouble for knocking Becky Lynch out!

But Lyra says it’s okay? Let her through? The fans boo but Xia steps over the barriers and to the ring. Xia gets a mic, and Lyra asks if she can help her. Xia chuckles, and she tells Lyra, “Did you see what I did to ‘your hero,’ Becky Lynch, last night?” Yeah, we all saw that attack. All because Becky told Xia that if she wanted a title match, she should go and win one. Xia laughs that off, and tells Lyra, “Now, I plan to take yours!” Security gets in there to cool this off, but then Xia HEEL KICKS one in the face!! Fans boo while that guy tries to remember where he is, and Lyra says if Xia wants it, then come get it!

Fans fire up as the Morrigan looks ready to fight the menacing Exterminator! But will Lyra come to regret it when the Deadline approaches?

Tyler Bate speaks.

“I’m aware I come across chilled. Zen, if you will. But do not mistake my way of being for a lack of drive and intensity, because I am always pinpoint laser focused. Now Mick Foley, he put me in this match because he sees what I see. The Iron Survivor Challenge is exactly something the Big Strong Boi can sink his teeth into. In fact, it’s something I need, because I am tired of living on the resumé of the past. It’s time to write my future. Now yes, Dijak is massive. He hits like a heavyweight and moves like a cruiserweight. But this David has slain many a Goliath in the past, and tonight will be no different when I take Mr. Hard Justice himself for an Airplane Spin on my way to NXT Deadline. Namaste, boys and girls.”

Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen give Fallon Henley a pep talk.

It’s go time! Is she ready? Hell yeah! Because the games are over! She is getting in that Iron Survivor Challenge. Briggs says it’s about time one of them gets an opportunity again. Jensen asks if they’re needed out there, but Fallon says nope, she is locked in. Okay, then keep eyes on the back of your head, we all know Tiffany plays dirty. Fallon knows. But “Tiffy Time” is over! It’s Fallon Time now! Fist bumps for luck and Fallon heads out. Will the Cowgirl take the Wrestling Barbie for a rodeo ride she won’t get up from? Or will Tiffany again make herself the Center of the Universe?

The Alpha Academy regroups backstage.

Coach Gable reminds Tozawa that they knew this wasn’t gonna be easy. Shinsuke Nakamura last night, Noam Dar here tonight, that’s a tall order for anyone. Just listen to coach, okay? They’ll apply the Gable Method and unlock that full Tozawa potential. But coach! He wants it NOW! Maxxine says they know that, but don’t worry. Because next week, the Academy returns to NXT to be guests on the Supernova Sessions. Oh, really? Well, okay, A THANK- “What happened to you, Gable?” Drew Gulak and his crew walk over, and Gulak says Gable is a brilliant wrestler, a former NXT Tag Team Champion, and he chooses to be associated with this group?

Yes, this is his group. Well, Gulak leads a roster that exemplifies serious competition. Damon Kemp, disciplined. Myles Borne, tenacious. Charlie Dempsey, pedigree. Dempsey says the Heritage Cup should be off-limits to a group like the Alphas. They’ll stretch you all out and show no quarter! Stretch, huh? Well, Charlie, why don’t you show Otis how to stretch this? Otis shakes those hips and Gulak’s group says that’s disgusting! SHOOOOSH~! Shoosh, please. Gulak can’t stand that! Stand, huh? Well, Gulak, why don’t you stand across the ring from Otis tonight 1v1. Gulak says it’s on! Yeah, on and on and on!

The Alphas head out, Gulak and his group say they’ve got this, but then Gable adds one last, “A THANK YEW~!” Will the Philly Stretcher fail to fold up the tree trunk that is The Dozer?

Referee Adrian Butler finishes meeting with Shawn Michaels.

He thanks HBK for his time, and NXT Media asks him what that was about. Butler says that after much deliberation, HBK has instructed him to use his discretion during tonight’s match of Bron Breakker VS Von Wagner. With the history between those two, Mr. Michaels insists there be a definitive decision. So tonight, Butler promises there will be a winner. Wait, we see Ava Raine stepping into HBK’s office. What is her meeting with the NXT General Manager be about?

Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Tiffany Stratton VS Fallon Henley!

NXT returns and Fallon makes her entrance. The bell rings and fans rally behind Fallon as Tiff talks trash. The two tie up, go around, and go along the ropes. They go along more ropes, the ref counts, and Fallon shoves. Tiff shoves back, gets around and throws Fallon by her hair! But Fallon gets up to SLAP Tiff, then throw her by her hair! Tiff wants a timeout and crawls to ropes, but Fallon YANKS her up to SLAM her down! Fallon runs, slides, trips and then hooks Tiff up in a HALF CRAB! Tiff endures, flails, reaches out, but Fallon drags hers away from ropes! Fans rally up and duel as Tiff endures and crawls again, to the ROPEBREAK!

Fallon lets off, Tiff bails out, but Fallon pursues. Tiff DECKS her! Tiff puts Fallon in the ring, goes up a corner, but Fallon ROCKS her first! Fallon climbs, brings Tiff up, and SUPERPLEXES! Fans fire up and Fallon covers, TWO! Fallon stalks Tiff, drags her from ropes, and steps over to HALF CRAB again! Tiff endures, fights forward again, but Fallon again drags her away! Fallon sits deep on that leg but Tiff still endures! Tiff fights, claws her way forward, and has the ROPEBREAK! Fallon lets go, but then slides out to ROCK her! Fallon says SHE is going to Deadline and fans fire up while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and the forearms go back and forth! Fans fire up as Fallon ROCKS and CHOPS and repeat! Then Fallon waistlocks and lifts, but Tiff fights free! Tiff swings, Fallon blocks, but then Tiff blocks a shot! Fallon HEADBUTTS Tiff! And gets around to waistlock, and she sits Tiff down for a HOOK KICK! Cover, TWO! Tiff toughs it out but Fallon brings her up. Tiff kicks the leg out! And then she goes for it, but Fallon backslides! TWO, and Tiff ROCKS Fallon! Tiff scoops, and SLAMS Fallon into ropes! Fallon clutches her legs while shouting in pain, and she goes to a corner. Tiff storms up but Fallon CHOPS!

Fallon forces herself up the corner, to CROSSBODY! Tiff rolls through and deadlifts, to TOSS Fallon out of the ring! Tiff shows her mean girl side and fans are losing their minds! Tiff puts Fallon in, drags her to the corner, and has an evil grin as she SLAMS the leg on the post! And then she bends the leg against the post! Fallon pulls hair! And she KICKS Tiff in return! Tiff storms in, but into a roll-up! TWO, and Tiff kicks the bad leg! Tiff runs up, and hits a POP-UP SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Tiff is furious and she SLAMS the leg on the mat! Tiff turns Fallon over, hooks the leg up, and has a BRIDGING DEATHLOCK!

Fans rally while Fallon endures, and she turns over to KICK Tiff down! Tiff staggers up, storms back over, but Fallon KICKS her away! Fallon stands, ELBOWS Tiff, and goes to a corner. Tiff runs in but into a BOOT! Fallon runs to run Tiff over! And UPPERCUT her down! And SOBAT! HAYMAKER! LARIAT! Fans duel, Tiff goes to a corner and Fallon roars! Fallon runs in to ELBOW Tiff, then she runs to FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Tiff is still in this and Fallon is beside herself. Fallon stands, but Tiff dropkicks the leg out! Tiff drags Fallon up, whips her to a corner, and Fallon goes up, only to get caught!

Tiff ROLLING SENTONS, then goes up, up, and PRETTIEST MOONSAULT- NO, Fallon dodges! And then gets around Tiff to O’Conner Roll, TWO into buckles! Tiff CHOP BLOCKS the leg! Tiff goes up again, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Cover, Tiff wins!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (advances to NXT Deadline)

Seems time isn’t up on Tiffy Time, and she’s heading to the last WWE Premium Live Event of the year! Will Tiffany make sure she’s ringing in the New Year with a golden ticket back to the #TiffyTop?

Backstage interview with Wes Lee.

McKenzie Mitchell is grooving with the Cardiac Kid and welcomes him back to NXT. Wes says it is a celebration! High-five, and McKenzie says that after months away, Wes returned after the NXT North American Championship. What made him come back? What, you really think he could head out of here with his head hung low? He was on a never-ending hamster wheel, he had to go so hard, so fast, he couldn’t stop if he wanted to. So he hopped off track to slow down, and he’s back now. Head’s right, body’s right, and he has a whole list that he wants to take care of. Top of the list: Smack Dominik Mysterio in the mouth and take back the NXT North American Championship.

McKenzie says that’s fair, but then in walks Baron Corbin. Corbin says, “Look who decided to finally show up! Guess we’re back on the Wes Side, huh? Internet’s going crazy, people are exc… Nobody actually cares.” Wes asks why Corbin’s so mad. Is he still searching for relevancy? Corbin says what he could do is quit, be gone for three months, come back, and demand a title match with somebody he can’t beat. That’s what Wes does, right? Or just watch what Corbin did to Dragunov. Wes hopes Corbin knows Dragunov’s gonna beat the brakes off him and absolutely destroy him, right? And it’ll make Wes extremely happy to see that, given how Corbin’s been talking.

But what would make Wes happier is if he got to do it himself. Corbin says if Wes did it himself, then he and Dragunov would both have something in common: they’d both fail. Corbin leaves, Wes says he’s adding something to the list. Will Wes get back the gold from Dirty Dom? Will he shut up Mr. No BS along the way? Or will Corbin make sure this is truly the End of Days for Wes in NXT?

Backstage interview with Bron Breakker.

His match with Von Wagner is up next, and after what happened last week, is he at all concerned- Bron stops her there. Concerned? Bron heard the ref was told to use his discretion out there, so the only one who should be concerned is Von. This is gonna be the shortest comeback in WWE history, because Bron desecrates whatever is left of the corpse that is Von Wagner in that ring tonight! Then everyone will know that Von was the fool that thought he could beat Bron Breakker. Bron says he’s #MeanerThanEvil, but will he no longer be as badass as he thinks?

Dijak speaks.

“And here I thought Mick Foley liked Tyler Bate, respected Tyler Bate. Then why the hell did you put Tyler Bate in a qualifying match that he can’t win, Mick? A hardcore legend recognizing my talent is rewarding, but even more motivating. Mick Foley sees what I see: I possess the endurance, the discipline and the grit to thrive in the Iron Survivor Challenge. And the only person standing between me and Deadline is twinkle toes Tyler Bate. Bate, you’ve seen my vicious side before. And that was with nothing on the line. So just imagine what I am willing to do to you tonight to qualify for the Iron Survive Challenge tonight.”

Bron Breakker VS Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone!

NXT returns and Von makes his entrance, Suit Man Stone by his side. Fans fire up already, the bell rings, and Bron RAMS Von into a corner! Bron RAMS into Von more but Von turns it around to fire off haymakers! Von brings Bron around, bumps him off buckles, then ROCKS him! Bron falls out of the ring, Von pursues, but Bron knees low! Bron whips, Von reverses but Bron leaps up to leap at Von, only to get a BOOT for it! Fans fire up with Von and Stone, but Von has to steady himself. Von puts Bron in the ring, goes up the corner, and he rains down fists! Fans count all the way to eight but Bron pushes Von away.

Bron leaps, Von dodges, and Von goes up to FLYING LARIAT! Fans fire up and Von again has to steady himself. Is he overdoing it already? Bron KNEES Von down! Stone coaches Von but Bron throws hands in the corner! The ref counts, Bron lets off to shout “I’M THE MAN!” Bron goes back to Von, drags him up, but Von HEADBUTTS! And ELBOWS! But Bron TACKLES Von! Bron rains down fists, fans boo but Bron taunts Von. Bron waistlocks, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Von flounders, Bron says he’s just getting warmed up! Bron storms up on Von and clinches, to OVERHEAD SUPLEX!

Bron grins, Stone coaches Von, but Bron tells Stone to shut up. Bron brings the straps down, ‘IT’S OVER!” Bron clamps onto the arms, for the STEINER RECLINER!! Von endures, Stone coaches and the fans rally, and Von fights up! Bron is surprised and concerned, as Von RAMS Bron into buckles! Bron staggers away, but he comes back to ROCK Von! But Von stands up?! Von fires up, and he fires off haymakers of his own! Von whips Bron to ropes to LEAPING LARIAT! Von rallies with more big clotheslines, then he BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES! Fans fire up as Von runs, to SPLASH in the corner! And then BOOT Bron down!

Fans fire up with Von and Stone! Von shakes the ropes, scoops Bron to a fireman’s carry, but Bron slips free. Bron runs, but into Von’s JUMP KNEE! Cover, TWO! Bron bails out but Von pursues. Fans chant “We Want Tables!” and Von obliges as he clears off the desk! Booker and Vic move, Von brings Bron up and around! But Bron slips out of the bomb to RAM Von into steel steps! The very steps Bron used to smash Von before! Stone has a chair?! Stone tells Bron not to dare try it again, but the ref stops Stone from betting any closer. Bron LOW BLOWS Von!! Bron outsmarts Stone there!

Fans boo but then Bron storms up on Stone. Stone goes for the chair but Bron steps on the chair! Bron trophy lifts Stone! But then Von makes the save! Fans fire up, Von checks on Stone, but Bron runs in! Bron SPEARS Von down!! Stone’s cost Von twice now! Bron puts Von in the ring, takes aim again, and SPEARS Von down!!! Cover, Bron wins!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

Fans boo but Stone gets in with that chair! SMACK to the back! Suit Man Stone avenges himself if nothing else, but Bron gets back up! Fans tell Stone he messed up now! Bron SWATS the chair away, chases Stone outside of the ring, but Stone says fine! Do what he will to Stone! Bron says he’s gonna put Stone in the hospital now! But wait, VON is back up!! Von turns Bron around, kicks low and gets him up, POWERBOMB through the desk!! Fans fire up again as Von stands tall! Stone says that’s right! Von did it! He finished Bron! Stone offers a handshake, and Von takes it! They hug it out! Fans cheer, will these best buds reach the top together now?

Backstage interview with Carmelo Hayes.

McKenzie is now with #HIM, and brings up how emotions must be running high. A lost last week to Ilja Dragunov for the NXT Championship, and then Trick Williams’ surprise return. Footage replays of the moment, and Melo looking like he was seeing a ghost. Trick stood Melo up after the loss, but Melo asks what about that? He was just shocked Trick returned after such a brutal attack. How does Melo know it was a “brutal” attack? Because Melo was there when they loaded Trick into the ambulance. He knows what McKenzie’s trying to do, so he’s gonna tell her and the entire world right now: Melo did NOT attack Trick.

Another reason for Melo’s reaction was the look in Trick’s eyes when he stood Melo back up. Melo could tell Trick is listening to all the outside voices pointing their fingers at Melo. So Melo knows what Trick wants, and that is answers face to face. That is what Melo will do, because that is what Melo owes Trick. Why does Melo owe Trick that? Melo says because they’re Trick Melo Gang, and they always gonna be here. Melo goes off to prepare for that moment, but who will Trick believe?

The Brawling Brutes speak.

Ridge Holland tells #OutTheMud that they heard the story. Pete Dunne asks, “Are you lot mad? We grew up on the streets! But different pavement.” Ridge says on these streets, danger is around every corner. And Dunne says if you didn’t scrap, you didn’t survive. But at the end of the day, they were the ones standing tall. They were the ones to make ends meet. For Northern Grit, it was a decade spent running through people on the rugby field. For the Bruiserweight, it was him at 12 years old scrappin’ grown men all over the UK in pubs and workingmen’s clubs. And no matter the scrap, the numbers were always fair. There was NO snake behavior!

If you make a racket, you face the consequences. “OTM, we have different principles.” “We don’t run up on people when their backs are turned!” “You’ll see us face to face next week…” “And we’ll look you dead in the eyes, and knock your teeth down your throats.” “Buckle up, fellas. The Brutes are coming.” Will Scrypts, Lucien Price & Bronco Nima wish they hadn’t picked a fight with these blokes after next week?

Lola Vice & Elektra Lopez VS Roxanne Perez & Kelani Jordan!

That verbal confrontation in the locker room is now going to be a physical one in the ring! Will the Women’s Breakout Tournament Winner(s) get the job done together tonight? Or will the original breakout star and the Gym Princess show them what real winners look like?

NXT returns as the Prodigy and Kelani make their entrance. The teams sort out and wait, Arianna Grace makes her way out here? “As Miss NXT, I, Arianna Grace, would love to wish you four lovely ladies the bestest of luck tonight. I look forward to watching you showcase your talents. I love you all.” Arianna gets emotional, and someone brings her a chair to sit in. The others are confused, but then Lopez ROCKS Roxie with a sucker punch! The bell rings, Lopez throws Roxie by her hair, then drags her up. Lopez whips, Roxie reverses and ROCKS Lopez! And again and again! But Lopez throat chops! Lopez scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM!

Lola tags as Lopez storms up on Roxie. Lopez puts Roxie in ropes and THRASHES her around! Lopez lets off and Lola AX KICKS! Cover, TWO! Lola keeps on Roxie with an ARMBAR! Roxie rolls Lola up, TWO! Roxie wrenches, YANKS the arm, and wrenches it again. Roxie wristlocks, then spins her and knuckle locks. Roxie CHOPS, then CHOPS again! Roxie goes up and up the ropes, tags Kelani and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Kelani then slips in, waistlocks, but Lola bucks the O’Conner. But Kelani comes back to slingshot arm-drag Lola away! And DROPKICKS her down! Fans fire up as Kelani covers, TWO!

Kelani keeps Lola from Lopez, only for Lola to RAM her into the corner! Lopez tags in, she runs up and ELBOWS Kelani in the corner. Then short arm LARIATS! And ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Lopez tags Lola back in, they put Kelani in the corner, and Lopez digs her boots in while Lola tosses her hair and shouts, “Viva Latinas!” HIP ATTACK! Lopez mocks Kelani’s pain, Lola taunts Roxie and she whips Kelani. But Kelani ducks ‘n’ dodges to CROSSBODY! Cover, ONE, and Roxie tags in! Roxie hits a THESZ PRESS, and rains down fast hands! Roxie ROCKS Lopez, too! Lola body shots and kicks in return!

Tag to Lopez, she runs and Lola coordinates, HIGH LOW on Roxie! Cover, TWO!! Roxie survives but Lopez rains down elbows! Lopez drags Roxie around, tags in Lola, but the fans rally hard for Roxie. But the devious duo double hip sandwich Roxie! Lola drags Roxie from her corner, sits her up to talk trash and says she’s the breakout star now! Roxie fights up and throws body shots! Roxie then gets around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Roxie kips up, fans fire up, and Kelani tags in! Kelani rallies on Loa, hits Lopez for good measure, then CLOBBERS Lola! And kips up! Fans fire up as Kelani kicks, hooks, and OVERDRIVER! Cover, Lopez breaks it!

Fans boo but Kelani storms up on Lola. Tag to Roxie but Lola YANKS Kelani into ropes! Roxie keeps Lola from Lopez, brings her back, but Lola spins to KICK Roxie! Tag to Lopez, and Lopez picks Roxie up. Roxie fights free with elbows and sends Lopez into Lola! Then Roxie SHOTGUNS them both! Lopez stays up, but Roxie SOBATS! She hops on for POP ROX! Tag to Kelani and Kelani goes up so that Roxie can DIVE onto Lola! Kelani goes up and up and SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, Kelani & Roxie win!

Winners: Roxanne Perez & Kelani Jordan, by pinfall

Arianna hijacks the announcement from Alicia Taylor, and says that while Roxie & Kelani lucked out tonight, the real winners are all the fans! Because- KARMEN ATTACKS ARIANNA! “Will you shut up already!?” Arianna says she’s so mean! But will The Prodigy & The Princess prove they’re the ones more worthy of a title opportunity than the Breakout Star?

Joe Gacy speaks.

“When it started, it was a whisper. It used to be something I could handle. But as I got older, it got louder. It was like somebody in the back of my ear just constantly yelling at me to the point where I saw nothing but red. And the people around would just look at me and judge me and label me, call me ‘The Weird Guy.’ Some even called me a maniac. But I mean, it’s just me. This is how I was built, this is how I was brought into this world, and then all the people that I surrounded myself with somehow kept the voice so quiet. I barely heard it, but it was still there. And it’s like they were never in a room full of people, and never felt more alone.

“Now, it’s like I’m in my own personal hell, and I don’t even know what to do. But maybe I do. Maybe I do know what to do.” Just what is it that Gacy knows now that he’s all alone?

Ilja Dragunov speaks.

“Last week, I needed to use every gram of energy to dispatch Carmelo Hayes. I could barely put one foot in front of the other, that’s how drained I was from our trilogy. He is a warrior. And all of that felt me in our set of battles. But as I turned the corner, I got dropped by a force last week. Baron Corbin, you saw a little window of opportunity and you took it. But y’know, my eyes are the window to my soul. So take a good look. Because now you are on my radar. We may have met before, but with this title on my shoulder, I’m a different animal. So Baron, if you remember one thing, remember this: The only person who can slay the Dragon is the Dragon himself!”

Corbin watches this message.

Edris Enofe & Malik Blade watch it, too, and so do Hank ‘n’ Tank. That dragon spittin’ fire! Yeah, if they were Corbin, they’d be worried. Corbin chuckles and says that’s why they’ll never be anybody. Corbin may be Mr. NO BS, but is he the one oblivious to what’s coming his way?

Otis w/ The Alpha Academy VS Drew Gulak w/ Charlie Dempsey, Myles Borne & Damon Kemp!

The Meta Four cheated “Cadet” Tozawa and the Philly Stretcher had to pile on. Now The Dozer steps up for his team! Will he run through Gulak and his big mouth? Or will Gulak’s goons help him win like Dar’s did?

NXT returns and Gulak makes his entrance, his crew with him. Hmm, Catchpoint hand sign. The bell rings, Gulak and Otis circle and fans rally behind Otis. Otis and Gulak tie up, Gulak headlocks but Otis powers out. Otis runs Gulak over and shakes those hips! Fans fire up, Gable goes to a corner and Otis taunts him with the hips. The two reset, go again, and Gulak kicks low to headlock. Otis pries free, shimmies and shakes, and he reels Gulak in to short arm LARIAT! Otis brings Gulak up to RAM him with the gut! And again! Fans fire up and Gulak goes to a corner. Otis runs in to RAM Gulak into the corner!

Fans fire up and Otis brings Gulak up. Otis whips corner to corner, runs in but Gulak dodges and Otis POSTS himself! Otis falls to the floor, the Academy is there to coach him, but Gulak lets the ring count climb. Otis rises, he rolls in, but Gulak runs in to UPPERCUT! Gulak then goes out and up the corner, to FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO and with authority! Fans fire up as Otis rises, but Gulak wrenches an arm. Gulak drops to TRIANGLE HOLD, but Otis stays up! Gulak shifts, drags him down, and keeps Otis from grabbing the ropes by grabbing both arms! Maxxine coaches Otis and fans rally up as he endures!

Otis fights up, stacks Gulak, TWO! But Otis tries again, TWO as Gulak gets the other arm up. So Otis deadlifts and POWERBOMBS Gulak down! Fans fire up as Otis goes to a corner. Gulak runs in but Otis catches him, BIG back suplex! Gulak flounders away and both men are down. The fans rally, Gable coaches Otis while Gulak’s team coaches him. Otis runs, he busts through the clothesline, and then busts through another! Otis somersaults and stands to POUNCE Gulak! Fans fire up as Otis then WRECKER ELBOWS, and WRECKER ELBOWS, and WRECKER ELBOWS again! Gulak is in a corner and Otis whips him! WRECKER ELBOW in the corner!

DISCUS LARIAT puts Gulak down! And off comes the shirt! The fans are thunderous for the CATERPILLAR ELBOW! Otis drags Gulak up to then POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Cover, Otis wins!

Winner: Otis, by pinfall

The Academy now celebrates as Otis gets the big win! And they all do the Tozawa shuffle! That’s naaaasty! But will things be even wilder next week on the Alpha Academy’s debut on Supernova Sessions?

Kiana James talks with Tiffany Stratton backstage.

Kiana congratulates Tiffany on beating Fallon tonight, and Tiffany thanks her for it. But did Kiana really expect anything else? And now Tiff gets to sit back, relax, and watch as the next four women are determined. And Kiana says one of those spots has her name on it. And they can both agree that they cannot let Roxie win the Iron Survivor Challenge again. This Women’s Division is the hottest in all of WWE thanks to these two. They are carrying this division on their backs! Which is why they can’t let anyone else, new or established, to knock them off their perch. Like Fallon Henley! She doesn’t even deserve to breathe the same air as them.

Or Roxie! Kiana did NOT deserve what Roxie did to her in the Devil’s Playground match. Absolutely! But guess at Deadline, it comes down to the two of them in the end. And Tiffany says we all know who is winning. Kiana says so does she. Kiana heads out, and Tiffany says she actually doesn’t hate Kiana. Are these two mean girls actually bonding over being mean girls? But then who will be the meanest of them all when it comes down to the Deadline?

Wait, Boa is in the background, but we can’t see who it is at this angle. They step forward, and it’s Dante Chen. But with face paint like Boa’s?! These two head off, just what is brewing in the shadows?

NXT checks in with Chase U.

Jacy Jayne paces around while ranting about how she scratched his back but he won’t scratch hers. He thinks he can get away with that? No he will not! But then Tony D’Angelo’s cousins walk in asking for Mr. Chase. Sorry, he’s not here right now. Well, make sure he gets this letter. Who is this from? Oh, he knows exactly who this is from. Okay… Jacy takes a peek, and sees some rather incriminating pictures! But Chase snatches the envelope from her and says, “Seriously, Jacy?!” Jacy says she didn’t do anything. Jacy, opening other people’s mail is illegal! And this is not something she wants to get involved with.

Duke Hudson & Thea Hail walk in and Duke says look at these two, getting along and all. Almost like they’re becoming besties. Thea asks what they were talking about. Jacy says nothing, just how the match went last week. Chase nods and Jacy says good news is, our men’s NXT Tag Team Champions have their first title defense next week. Duke is surprised to hear that but Jacy says it’s the rematch with Tony & Stacks. When was Mr. Chase gonna tell Duke? He was gonna do that right now but it slipped his mind and Jacy beat him to it. Anyway, class dismissed, everyone can go. Yeah, good idea. Time to strategize! That’s why Chase is the professor.

Y-Yeah, that’s why. Thea and Duke head out, and Jacy gives Chase a knowing look. Chase goes to the envelope, and sees the things for himself. Just what kind of dirt does The Don have on The Professor?

Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: DIJAK VS Tyler Bate!

Though he is big and strong, Hard Justice isn’t the Big Strong Boi! And while Bate has had all the gold NXT UK had to offer, he still wants THE gold in NXT! Will Bate finally be able to move on from former glory? Or will Dijak feast his eyes on the Deadline?

The bell rings and fans fire up as the two rush in! Bate headlocks, Dijak powers out and Bate RAMS shoulders, but Dijak doesn’t budge! Dijak then DECKS Bate! Fans rally, Dijak grins and he stomps Bate. Dijak stands Bate up in the corner to ROCK him, ELBOW him, and whip him corner to corner. Dijak runs in, blocks boots, but Bate brings Dijak down to KNEE! Bate goes up to FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Dijak catches his breath but Bate headlocks. Fans rally as Bate SMACKS Dijak with a boot! And then again! Dijak crawls, Bate brings him up and around, but Dijak blocks! Dijak fireman’s carries, but Bate fights free!

Bate waistlocks, Dijak switches and whips, but Bate stops himself to ENZIGURI Dijak out of the ring! Bate builds speed and he FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Dijak! Fans fire up as Bate stands and Dijak crawls. Bate runs in, to CROSSBODY, but Dijak catches him this time! Dijak KNEES Bate int he side, then spins to TOSS Bate over the barriers! Fans boo but Dijak grins as NXT goes picture in picture.

Dijak stands, the ref reprimands, but Dijak drags Bate up and over the barriers to dump him down. Dijak drags Bate up, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Dijak pushes Bate down to rain down fists! The ref reprimands, Dijak lets off to cover, TWO! Bate sputters but Dijak stomps him around. Dijak drags Bate up, whips him to ropes, but Bate ducks ‘n’ dodges and UPPERCUTS! Dijak stays up so Bate keeps moving, to UPPERCUT again! And UPPERCUT again! Bate keeps moving, but he blocks a boot, to reel Dijak in and EXPLODER! Both men are down but then Bate kips up! And STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO!

Bate keeps cool and he stalks Dijak to a corner. Dijak goes to the apron, Bate drags Dijak up, and Bate throws hands! Bate climbs up the corner, stands Dijak up and rains down fists. Dijak throws hands in return! Dijak climbs up now, but Bate throws more hands! Bate brings Dijak up to SUPER- NO, Dijak fights to be back on the corner! NXT returns to single picture as Bate tries again, for a STALLING SUPERPLEX!! Fans are thunderous while both men are down! Fans rally, both men sit up, and Bate throws hands. Dijak hits back! Bate fires a flurry, but Dijak ROCKS him with just one! Bate stands to fire more shots!

Dijak fires shots in return, and even more shots! But Bop up, BANG hits! Dijak staggers, Bop up to BANG again! And then Bop up, but Dijak choke grips! HIGH JUSTICE!! Cover, TWO?!? Bate survives and fans rally up. Bate goes to the corner, Dijak runs in to CYCLONE- NO, Bate gets under the boot to fireman’s carry! AIRPLANE SPIN!! Fans fire up as Bate goes around and around and around and around, for TEN! FIFTEEN! TWENTY before the DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Dijak survives and Bate is beside himself. Fans rally up as Bate and Dijak crawl to ropes. Bate drags himself up while the fans cheer him on.

Dijak wobbles, Bate hobbles, and both men swing, but miss wild from being so dizzy! Dijak and Bate stand up again, Dijak swings wild and almost hits the ref! Bate ROCKS Dijak! Dijak SUPERKICKS Bate! Dijak CYCLONE- NO, Bate dodges, REBOUNDER! Cover, TWO!! Dijak is still in this but Bate drags him up! But Dijak suplexes, TIME TO FLY! Bate ends up in a corner, Dijak storms over and he climbs that corner. Bate is in the drop zone and Dijak reaches the top, but Bate goes up after him! SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX! But Dijak lands on his feet?!? Dijak then CYCLONE BOOTS!! Cover, TWO!!! Bate survives and the fans are thunderous!

“This is Awesome!” while both men are down. Dijak stands, he drags Bate up, and he reels Bate in to the torture rack. FEAST YOUR- NO! Bate lands out! Bate ROCKS Dijak! ROCKS him again! And then reels him in! Underhooks and- NO, Dijak back drops free! Bate lands on his feet to run, and he baits Dijak into the ring. Dijak blocks a boot but Bate again knees him back! Bate goes up to leap, into the torture rack!! FEAST YOUR EYES!! Cover, DIJAK WINS!!

Winner: Dijak, by pinfall (advances to NXT Deadline)

Fans can’t believe it, but the Big Strong Boi falls short! Will Dijak turn the Iron Survivor Challenge into an action movie with him as the big bad boss villain?

Trick Williams pulls into the parking lot!

Trick rolls up in style and he storms into the arena in style, but this isn’t about looking good, this is about looking for the truth! Will Trick get to the bottom of who attacked him? Or does he already know?

More Iron Survivor Challenge qualifiers are on the way!

We saw Mick Foley pick his two match-ups tonight, but there will be even MORE WWE Legends helping make the matches! Jerry “The King” Lawler, John Bradshaw Layfield, and the one and only Lita will all be giving their choices in the following weeks! They will be looking over the entire NXT roster, each superstar’s body of work in 2023 as well as their intangible traits to determine who is worthy. And there’s always a chance diamonds in the rough who are hungry for opportunities stands out. Lita is on the clock now, who will she name in her dream match-ups?

Carmelo Hayes is in the ring.

NXT returns and Melo has a mic to cut to the chase. “This thing is bigger than the NXT Championship. This is about my friend, this is about my brother. Trick, come out here, man, let’s talk about it.” And so Trick Williams makes his way out! Fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” and Booker feels it as Trick also has a mic. Trick takes the sunglasses off to get serious but Melo stops him to say he understands exactly why Trick is upset. Trick got blindsided and the opportunity of a lifetime got taken away from him. Melo understands why Trick is feeling the way he’s feeling. But Trick needs to understand, roadblocks are part of the journey.

Melo wants Trick to look at their own journey. Melo needed someone by his side, who did he call? He called Trick Williams. He put Trick on game, won championship after championship, and shared that glory with Trick, his best friend! Without Trick, there’d be no Melo. So before- But now Trick cuts Melo off! This is exactly why Trick is having such a hard time figuring this whole thing out. Because over the last two years, Trick’s done nothing but put Trick Melo Gang first. Melo’s success has been Trick’s success. Whenever Melo won a championship, Trick was so happy, it was like he won a championship himself.

And he heard all the critiques, took all the beatings on the side, and Trick said that whenever Melo shoots, he don’t miss. Melo nods and says it worked. Because he didn’t miss! They were like Shaq & Kobe, Jordan & Pippin! Whenever Melo won, Trick won. That’s exactly Trick’s point! Whenever Melo won. It’s easy to talk like that when you got the ball, when Melo’s taking all the shots. But what about now? Now that Trick has the ball, now that Trick’s taking all the shots, why can’t Melo be there exactly the same way Trick was there for Melo?

Or better yet, here’s the better question, the question the whole world wants to know, and the question that Trick needs to know. “Melo, did you-” “Did I do what, Trick? Did I believe in you? Yes! Before Trick Williams became the hottest star in NXT, before the Whoop Dat chants, all of that, I was there for you, Trick. Look, man, you need to understand that. I knew you were destined for greatness from the beginning. When the NFL didn’t work out, all of that. Look, man, everything that Cena told you, I told you months ago. I knew you were destined for greatness. I knew that you had the potential to be a once in a lifetime performer.

“So does that answer your question, Trick?” Trick tells Melo he just wants to do his own thing, have his moments, have his main events. Melo had his moments, so why can’t he see that Trick deserves that, too? Melo says that’s why he wants Trick by his side! But Trick says he can’t help but think back on this. He had Melo’s back. When Melo needed him, Trick was there. When Melo needed the fancy entrances, Trick poured his heart and soul into them and made them the bets entrances in all of WWE! But where is Melo when Trick needs him? When he got jumped! When he got attacked! Trick didn’t even see what happened, he just knew Melo wasn’t there!

Melo double checks. Trick didn’t see who it was? No, all Trick knows is that he got hit in the head and went down. When he came to, the refs were beside him, and the only voice he heard was Melo’s. Boom, in the ambulance. Only thing Trick could think of were that his chances at the NXT Championship were gone. No, no, hold on. Let’s run that back. Trick for real didn’t see who attacked him? What is Melo’s mind on right now? Is that all he can think about? Trick got attacked, and here Melo is, talking about wanting this, wanting that, Melo chooses this. But look where they at, Trick! EXACTLY! So let’s clear all the ice and address the elephant in the room.

Trick asks Melo, “Did you attack me?” Fans seem convinced, but Melo takes his time. Trick wants the truth? Yes. But wait! Lexis King makes his way out here? “Well, well, well. Ladies and gentlemen, we have quite the paradox here, don’t we? We got the friend who was brutally assaulted. And the first man at the scene of the crime was his best friend. Am I wrong, Melo?” Melo says he knows King is new here and all, but do us a favor and shut up and mind your own business! Fans cheer that. Trick says real talk, this isn’t King’s business, so mind your mouth while grown folks is talking. Fans cheer that, too!

King tells everyone to relax. He is just trying to help get to the bottom of this. And seems to him like everyone knows who did it. Don’t they? Though, it could’ve been someone else. Someone new, someone trying to make an impact. Someone dark and dirty like you’ve never seen! Someone with a mind so twisted, his thoughts so unclean… Now ask yourselves, are you sure that it was Melo that assaulted Trick? Trick said it before, get on out while grown folks is talking. King wants Trick to say it! He wants Trick to say what everyone here is thinking! Trick has been sucking his thumb for weeks, and- Trick takes a swing on King! But King ducks and Trick DECKS Melo!!

King gets away and everyone is stunned! Trick is furious with King, he wants to help Melo up, but Melo slaps Trick’s hand away. Trick still offers, and Melo accepts the second time. Trick Melo Gang still stands together, but Melo still scowls. Is he mad at King? At Trick? At himself? Or D, all of the above?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT to get things going towards Deadline. I like that we’re getting Hall of Famers to “book” the qualifiers, and I’m also okay with not having it in a roundtable discussion format. Less talking to get to the point of great match-ups, which we definitely got tonight. Tiffany VS Fallon was a great match to “make up” for the no contest last time, but I figured Tiffany was going to win that. And great promo from Tiffany and Kiana to plug Kiana as a potential choice. Though I’d love if they made Kiana sweat and have her be one of the last chosen. And Dijak VS Bate was awesome stuff, great main event match, and what a surprise that Dijak won!

Also I love NXT using the same Easter egg “watch the background” stuff during Tiffany and Kiana talking. Boa has now brought Chen into the same spookiness as before, I really hope this means Tian Sha returns soon. Which in some relation, Xia Li being here to go after the NXT Women’s Championship is also a nice surprise. Xia may be feuding with Becky on Raw but she also still wants the title she felt Becky let go on purpose. Great knockout on that big security guard, and Xia VS Lyra is going to be great stuff for Deadline. And at the same time, Xia is that kind of opponent that could do a lot of damage even though she loses, and then Lola Vice tries to MITB that title off Lyra.

Really good group promo from the various female superstars tonight, with everyone getting something to say. Great match of Lola & Lopez VS Roxie & Kelani, and great win for Roxie & Kelani. Also, great bit of Arianna being a somewhat two-faced Heel, trying to hog the spotlight while giving backhanded comments to the others, only for Karmen to call her out on it and go after her for it. Karmen VS Arianna will be really good stuff, and could even be part of the Iron Survivor Challenge qualifiers. And good promo from Joe Gacy here. NXT Stand & Deliver Philly should be Joe Gacy VS his intrusive thoughts in a cinematic match.

Great Heritage Cup match to open the night, but of course Tozawa lost because duh, that dang Meta Four is always gonna get in the way. They’ve all learned well from the Roman Reigns Bloodline strategy books. I don’t know who is gonna take that cup away from Dar, but they might just need to be someone gigantic and with the strength to win by knockout. Hell, make it Von. Von may have lost to Bron in a really good match, but he got the last laugh tonight putting Bron through the table. And while Robert Stone isn’t enough to counter all of Meta Four, maybe, just maybe, the Robert Stone Brand can rebuild. Or also continuity with how Maxxine used to be Sophia and she could help out.

Good promo from the Alpha Academy and Gulak’s Not Catchpoint, and really fun match of Otis VS Gulak. Otis is also a possibility since he’s a big man who could literally squash Dar to get a pinfall, and maybe even make it so Dar is deemed unable to continue because he got squashed that badly. At the same time, that seems kinda mean since Otis would just be another RawDown star winning an NXT prize. Corbin had some good promos with Wes Lee and then the other tag team guys, but Dragunov’s promo was great. Dragunov VS Corbin is going to be great but yeah, Dragunov definitely wins to retain.

And what great use of the whodunnit story tonight. Melo defended his side, but McKenzie was fishing for clues. Was Melo really trying to deflect things onto Cena with the whole “Trick couldn’t see the attacker” line? That seems like a silly move. But Lexis King joining this story is a nice little detail. And that look on Melo’s face after getting hit by Trick, that’s very telling in its own way. I said last week that I’d like for Melo VS Trick to happen separate of the Iron Survivor Challenge, so I guess we’ll have to see what happens these next few weeks.

My Score: 8.8/10