Will justice, true justice, finally be served?

On the day after Christmas, NXT returns to the Underground! Will Eddy Thorpe or Dijak be standing tall at the end of this gritty grudge match?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• All Or Nothing: Chase U VS Out The Mud; OTM wins and are the new #1 contenders to the NXT Tag Team Championships.
• NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Noam Dar w/ The Meta Four VS Josh Briggs; Dar wins, by disqualification, and retains the cup.
• Cora Jade VS Karmen Petrovic; Cora wins.
• Men’s Breakout Tournament, Semifinal: Lexis King VS Riley Osborne; Riley wins and advances to the finals.
• Bron Breakker VS Nathan Frazer; Bron wins.
• Men’s Breakout Tournament, Semifinal: Tavion Heights VS Oba Femi; Oba wins and advances to the finals.
• Joe Coffey w/ Gallus VS Joe Gacy; Gacy wins.
• NXT Underground: Eddy Thorpe VS DIJAK; Eddy wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

All Or Nothing: Chase U VS Out The Mud w/ SCRYPTS!

Andre Chase is in deep with Tony D, but he has a plan. If he and Duke Hudson beat Lucien Price & Bronco Nima, Scrypts will pay DOUBLE on last week’s pot, which will erase the debt with The Don! But if Chase U loses, Tony & Stacks owe Price & Nima a tag title opportunity. Will the Andre Chase Gambit save Andre Chase University? Or will they only end up in the doghouse with the D’Angelos?

Speaking of, the NXT Tag Team Champions are watching from the perch. The teams sort out and we start with Chase against Price. Fans duel, the two tie up, and Price SHOVES Chase down! Chase gets up and Price smirks. The two go again, tie up, and Price SHOVES Chase again! Price grins but Chase keeps his cool. Chase storms up, gets around, and headlocks Price. Price powers up and out, Chase ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Price scoops. Chase slips free, DROPKICKS Price, then DROPKICKS again! Tag to Duke, and Chase U mugs Price. They whip Price into the corner, double body shot, high ten to the DOUBLE CLUB!

The fans rally and duel, Duke ROCKS Price. Price blocks the scoop, throws body shots, and he reels Duke back in for more. Price swings but Duke counter punches! Duke wrenches, RAMS and wrenches Price again, to RAM him again. One more wrench, tag to Chase and he climbs up. Chase AX HANDLES the arm! Chase wrenches, tags Duke again, and they set up so Duke can CLUB the arm. Duke wrenches, RAMS, wrenches, and then tags Chase. Chase kicks low, they whip, trip and “U~” Elbow Drop! Cover, TWO! Price hangs tough but Chase wrenches an arm. Nima storms in, the ref stops him, but Price uses the distraction to wrench and HOOK KICK!

Chase flounders, Price tags Nima and OTM have Chase in the corner. Nima fires off back elbow after back elbow, then lets off to clothesline! Nima shoves Chase down, to then HIP DROP him! Tony & Stacks discuss things while Nima covers, ONE! Chase is hanging tough, the fans still duel, but Nima says they got next! Nima ROCKS Chase and Chase ends up on ropes. Nima gets up to CHOKE Chase with a bounce! The ref counts, Nima lets off, then he stalks Chase to the corner. Fans rally, Nima talks more trash and he fires more hands. Tag to Price and he trips Chase, so Nima can KNEE Chase down! Price slides in and stays between Chase and Duke.

Price taunts Chase, then stomps a hand! But Chase throws shots with the good hand! Price RAMS Chase into a corner, RAMS him again and again, then lets off. Price slithers around as he watches Chase stagger. Price CLOBBERS Chase in the corner! Fans are torn as Price drags Chase over and tags Nima in. Nima clamps on with a chinbar and armlock, but Chase throws body shots. Nima knees low, whips Chase to a corner, but Chase avoids the splash! Chase avoids Price, too, then BOOTS Nima away! Chase ELBOWS Price, hurries for his corner but Nima picks him up and throwsh im back!

But Chase ducks ‘n’ dodges, hot tag to Duke! The fans fire up for the Chase U MVP! He BOOTS Pirce right down! Then he dodges Nima to JAB, JAB, JAB and flip, flop, “U~” BIONIC ELBOW! Duke then scoops Price to a fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER onto Nima! The fans fire up with Duke and even Tony likes this. But Scrypts gets in Chase’s face! Duke TOSSES Scrypts into the ring, then Scrypts bails out! Chase tags in, thinking he’s got this. Duke says okay, and Chase goes up to leap. Price ducks it, then SUPERKICKS! Tag to Nima, and OTM coordinates, suplex to SPINEBUSTER! Price BLASTS Duke while Nima covers, OTM wins!

Winners: Out The Mud, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the NXT Tag Team Championships)

Duke can’t believe it! He was the card shark, but the hot hand was taken away when Chase wanted the glory. Will Chase University ever get out of debut? Or will those tag titles soon be Out The Mud?

The NXT Year End Awards are handed out!

The 2023 Tag Team of the Year: The Creed Brothers! The 2023 Female Superstar of the Year: Tiffany Stratton! The 2023 Male Superstar of the Year: Ilja Dragunov! But now the question is, was it the Center of the Universe or the Mad Dragon who was crowned THE 2023 Superstar of the Year?

Trick Williams waits for Carmelo Hayes backstage.

Melo walks up, the two shake hands and Melo says it was so crazy and cold what happened to Ilja Dragunov last week. Trick says Dragunov is in bad shape, but will he make it to New Year’s Evil? Melo says they both know it’ll take more than that to keep the Dragon down. Facts. But Trick was thinking, he might have to push the match back. Trick wants Dragunov at 100%. What? Is he crazy? Trick didn’t hurt Dragunov! Take the shot regardless. So Melo doesn’t think Trick can beat Dragunov at his best? No, that’s not it at all. But Trick is on fire right now, so no better time to do this than now!

Melo will put it like this: five years from now, ain’t nobody gonna talk about Trick beating Dragunov at 100% or not. All they’ll be talking about is Trick Williams winning the NXT Championship. And look at LeBron James. When he won an NBA Title in “The Bubble,” ain’t nobody talking about who he beat. Just take your shot. Think about it. Trick does think about it. Will Trick go ahead and slam dunk on a damaged Dragunov? Will the damage Dragunov took even keep him away?

NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Noam Dar w/ The Meta Four VS Josh Briggs!

Supernova 11 always has his three minio- er, friends backing him up, but big bad Briggs wants to do this without Country Strong? Is Briggs taking a big gamble of his own going at this alone? Or will he prove he’s all he needs to take down Dar?

NXT returns as Briggs makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the cup awaits, and we see who brings it home for New Year’s!

The bell rings on round one, and Dar circles with Briggs. They feel things out, tie up, and Briggs SHOVES Dar! Dar scrambles away, Meta Four barks at Briggs, but he dares Dar to come back. Dar resets, they tie up, and Briggs SHOVES Dar again! Meta Four gets uppity again, but Briggs wants the champ to man up already. Dar says okay, and he calls for a knuckle lock. Briggs reaches up higher. Dar says fine, this side. Briggs switches, and Dar SLAPS Briggs! Briggs snarls, swings, misses, and Dar kicks a leg, ROCKS Briggs with a forearm, then fires off knees! But Briggs blocks one to TOSS Dar away!

Fans fire up, Meta Four freaks out, and Dar drags himself up in a corner. Briggs swings, misses again and Dar hurries away. Briggs storms up, Dar dodges and KICKS! Briggs just storms up on Dar! Dar goes for a leg, but Briggs TOSSES him away again! Dar flounders, Briggs hauls him up and whips corner to corner. Dar goes up, under, comes back to throat chop, then runs! But Briggs scoops for a SIDERWALK SLAM and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Meta Four is relieved and we reach a minute left. Briggs has the HALF CRAB! Dar endures, the fans fire up, and Briggs sits deep! Dar CLUBS at the leg, then gets a ROPEBREAK!

Briggs lets off, stomps away on Dar, then lets off as the ref counts. Disqualifications end this automatically so Briggs has to be careful. Briggs suplexes but Dar slips free to shove. Thirty seconds and Briggs POUNCES Dar! Cover, TWO! Meta Four is relieved again but Briggs keeps his cool. Briggs stalks Dar to a corner but ew hit ten seconds. Briggs whips, Dar blocks, but Briggs still gets him loose. Dar gets under, Briggs brings him up, but the bell rings on the round! Dar holds off on the cheap shot he wanted to take, and Briggs lets Dar down off the bomb.

Dar: 0; Briggs: 0

Briggs backs away while Meta Four complains. Briggs is realizing what he’s missing during the rest period, but he just waits as Oro helps Dar stretch. The bell rings on round two, Dar runs in, but Briggs catches him! Briggs shoves, then scoops for a BOSS MAN SLAM! Cover, TWO! Briggs keeps his cool, there’s still plenty of time. Briggs reels Dar in, hauls him up, but Dar slips into the GUILLOTINE! Briggs stays standing, powers his way up, and he RAMS Dar into a corner! Briggs puts Dar up top but Dar holds onto the hold! The ref counts, Dar lets off, but he SLAPS Briggs again! Briggs choke grips Dar!

Fans fire up, but Dar hops on for a TRIANGLE HOLD! Briggs drops to a knee, Dar uses just his legs while taunting Briggs with his hands. But Briggs deadlifts Dar to BUCKLE BOMB him! Briggs runs, CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!! Cover, Briggs scores!!

Dar: 0; Briggs: 1

And with that, the challenger is on the board! Meta Four hurries to get Dar to the corner to refresh and NXT goes picture in picture.

Briggs throws off his shirt, he’s getting warmed up. Dar is finally on his feet again, and the third round begins! But then Dar bails out for another breather! Briggs says nuh-uh and storms out. Meta Four stands in the way, of course, and Dar goes around the way. Briggs pushes past to pursue, they go back into the ring, and Briggs ducks the kick to SPINEBUSTER! Briggs rains down fists, covers, TWO! Briggs keeps hold of Dar, drags him up, and whips him to a corner hard! Dar falls over, Briggs storms over, and then Briggs climbs. But Jakara is there to talk trash! Dar KICKS Briggs’ legs out! Dar taunts Briggs, then KICKS and KICKS and KICKS Briggs against ropes!

Dar goes again, but he sees Briggs’ guard so he kicks low! Briggs sits down, Dar runs to SLIDING KICK! Dar drags Briggs to the apron, and he SLAMS the leg on the edge! And he does it again again! And again! Then Dar CLUBS Briggs in the head! The ref counts, Dar lets off, but then he pulls Briggs into the post! Dar throws more hands, soaks up the heat, then runs to DROPKICK the leg against the post! Briggs flounders into the ring, Dar hurries in to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Cover, TWO, and we’re under a minute in the round! Dar hurries to get going, but Briggs LARIATS again! But Dar flounders away to the outside!

Briggs storms after Dar, NXT returns to single picture, and Dar ROCKS Briggs! Briggs hits back! Dar hits back! They go forearm for forearm, Dar fires kicks and a QUESTION MARK KICK! APRON DDT!! Briggs sputters, blood in his mouth and nose, and we’re under ten seconds! But Briggs shoves Dar away! Briggs runs up, Dar dodges and the boot gets stuck over the barriers! Dar jumps up to KICK Briggs down, and that’s the round!

Dar: 0; Briggs: 1

Halfway through and while Briggs leads in points, Dar may have scored huge there! Dar gets in the ring, thanks to Meta Four, but Briggs has no one because that’s how he chose to play this. The bell rings on round four, and Dar runs up to BOOT Briggs down! Then Dar goes side to side to BOOT! Dar then goes up the corner and FLYING FOREARMS Briggs down! Cover, TWO! Dar keeps moving, SHINING WIZARD! Briggs stays up, Dar runs to GAMANGIRI! Cover, TWO! Briggs is hanging in there and the fans fire up! Dar is frustrated, though, and Meta Four is worried. Briggs gets mad, especially as Dar SLAPS him again and again!

Dar runs, but Briggs powers up to BOOT him down! Then choke grip, to a CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Dar survives and Briggs grows frustrated. There’s still two minutes in this round, and Briggs runs up. Dar dodges, trips Briggs, and then goes up a corner! DIVING DOUBLE STOMP to the bad leg! Then Dar runs again! Briggs choke grips again, but Dar ELBOWS free! And FOREARMS! And takedown to the CHAMPAGNE SUPER- NO, Briggs pushes back to turn kneebar into stack cover! TWO, and the KNEEBAR is on!! Briggs endures, we’re only at one minute! Briggs fights around, Dar stays hooked on but Briggs CLUBS away on Dar!

Briggs is free of the kneebar but Dar hurries to ELBOW away at the ropes! The ref counts, Dar lets off, and then Dar runs up, into a HAYMAKER! The ref checks Dar for a KO, but Lash CLUBS Briggs with a bucket!! Dar covers, TWO!?!? Briggs survives Lash lashing out, and the fans are thunderous! But now the rest of the team springs into action! Jakara distracts the ref so Oro can throw the bucket to Dar! But Briggs grabs it, too! Briggs and Dar tug-o-war, but Dar lets go and Briggs CLOBBERS Dar with the bucket!! The ref sees that, it’s a disqualification!!

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

Briggs went it alone and lost alone, all because of the pawns helping their king! Will any one ever get a win when Dar has Meta Four in his corner?

Axiom and Nathan Frazer talk backstage.

Axiom isn’t surprised by the award results so far. Frazer isn’t, either. But hey, it was still a great year for NXT as a whole! And Frazer is glad to see “that dog” Bron Breakker didn’t win. Yeah, best spear in the business, sure, but no one’s gonna vote for a guy so mean and angry 24/7. Axiom tries to warn Frazer but Bron is behind him. Frazer sighs and says okay, here we go again. Bron says Frazer should consider slowing down and thinking before he speaks. Well first of, he’ll never slow down. And second, he wasn’t saying anything he wouldn’t have told Bron to his face. Oh, okay, tough guy.

Bron will explain this: Frazer’s speed and high-flying ability would have no effect on Bron, and do you know why? Because he’s the badass of the WWE. He doesn’t need to win popularity contests. Okay, then let’s put that to the test. See if the Spear can even catch Frazer. Careful what you wish for. Bron heads out and Frazer says Axiom could’ve warned him. Bro, he was winking and glancing for him! WHAT?! But either way, will the Jersey Island Rocket be able to stay airborne? Or will he crash and burn after getting hit by the Big Bad Booty Nephew?

Cora Jade VS Karmen Petrovic!

The Punk Rock Mean Girl disrespected the new girl by just taking her locker, and no one disrespects the real-life Beatrix Kiddo! Will Karmen be more like karma for Cora’s bad attitude? Or will Cora continue to make NXT all about her?

NXT returns as Karmen makes her entrance. The bell rings and Cora is talking trash about how she’s the veteran. Cora shoves Karmen and Karmen says respect is earned. So Cora shoves Karmen again! So Karmen ROCKS Cora, steps over, and HOOK KICKS! The fans duel, Carmen RAMS Karmen into a corner, then RAMS her again. The ref counts, Cora hauls Karmen up but Karmen sunset flips! TWO, and Cora runs up to SHINING WIZARD in the corner! Cora shoves Karmen, then runs to ELBOW Karmen on the ropes! Fans are torn, Cora covers, TWO! Cora is annoyed, but she stalks Karmen to a corner.

Cora stomps a mudhole in, the ref counts, and Cora whips corner to corner hard. Karmen falls, Cora storms up again, and Cora stomps Karmen around. Cora talks trash on Karmen but Karmen fires body shots! Cora throws Karmen by her hair! The fans are torn, the ref reprimands, but Karmen throws body shots again. Cora CLUBS Karmen, talks trash, then hauls her up to SMACK her off the mat! Cora paces, talks more trash, then taunts the fans. Cora SMACKS Karmen off the mat again, soaks up the heat, then runs side to side to IMPLODER- NO, Karmen dodges! Cora hobbles, into a leg sweep!

Karmen goes to the corner, Cora runs in but into a KNEE! Karmen rallies with big forearms! Karmen runs to ROUNDHOUSE Cora in a corner, then kicks her down, to LION’S BARRAGE! Cover, TWO! Cora survives but Karmen storms up on her. Cora YANKS Karmen into ropes! Then reels her in to underhook, FUTURE SHOCK! Cover, Cora wins!

Winner: Cora Jade, by pinfall

Cora grins as she turns things around as she always does: underhandedly. Cora then bullies Karmen by kicking her around. Cora underhooks again, but here comes Gigi Dolin! The Toxic Avenger runs Cora off, and Cora wags her finger. Cora says this happens on her time, but when and where will that be?

Men’s Breakout Tournament, Semifinal: Lexis King VS Riley Osborne!

The Drama King of NXT acts like he’s already won that contract, but he actually has to put words to action. Will he take one step closer to his throne? Or will Chase U’s newest recruit kick in the turbo and head for the finals?

NXT returns as Riley makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, King goes for an arm and wrenches, but the fans rally for Riley. King chinbars, Riley powers through to roll, cartwheel and handspring. Riley wrenches and wristlocks to wrangle King. King fights up, slips around and whips, but Riley arm-drags to the armlock! King reaches out, but we see Trey Bearhill walking out here. King puts Riley on the ropes and then sees Trey. King HEADBUTTS Riley down, then tells Trey he doesn’t want any of this. Trey just takes a seat, and Riley fires off on King! Fans fire up as Riley whips but King reverses!

King runs in, Riley ELBOWS him away, then goes up. But King SUPERKICKS the legs out, and WOE STOMPS Riley out of the ropes! Cover, TWO! King clamps onto a HALF CRAB! Riley endures, the fans rally, and we see Thea Hail Y Jacy Jayne front and center. Riley crawls, powers up, reaches out, and the student section keeps him going! Riley rolls to send King into buckles, then Riley MONKEY FLIPS! Riley ducks ‘n’ dodges to CALF KICK! Then STANDING MARIPOSA! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up and Riley grits his teeth. Riley has even more of the fans with him, but King CHOPS him! So Riley CHOPS back!

King BOOTS from below, then ducks a haymaker to swinging BACKBREAKER! Then crossarm, STRAITJACKET BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO!! Riley survives and fans fire up! King rains down fists, Thea & Jacy are worried, but King hauls Riley up. King puts Riley up top, CHOPS him again, then climbs up, Riley fires forearms in return! King and Riley brawl, King has the edge, but then Trey gets up! King says stay back, but Riley SHOVES King down! Riley adjusts, and he “U~” SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Cover, RILEY WINS!

Winner: Riley Osborne, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

Big assist to big Trey, and now King gets screwed over just like he did! Will Chase U have something to celebrate with the tournament finals? Or will breaking out be hard to do?

As for King, he wants Trey to show him mercy, then takes a swing! Trey blocks to CLUB King, and CLAW King, and CLAW him again! Fans fire up with Trey and he reels King in, whips, but King holds ropes to slither away! Denied vengeance tonight, will the bear get his paws on the snake of NXT soon enough?

MORE NXT Year End Awards are handed out!

The 2023 Match of the Year: Hayes VS Dragunov for the NXT Championship at NXT No Mercy! The 2023 Moment of the Year: The Undertaker shows up on the October 10th edition of NXT!

Backstage interview with Ava Raine.

Kelly asks Ava if there’s any update on Dragunov’s medical condition. No one has heard all week, but word is, Dragunov is on his way here. Later tonight, Dragunov will announce his personal decision on whether or not the match at New Year’s Evil is still happening. That’s all she’s got. Kelly thanks Ava for that, and now we’re all waiting on an answer. Will the Mad Dragon still go through with the NXT Championship match with Trick?

Bron Breakker VS Nathan Frazer!

“That dog” heard Frazer talking crap, so now it’s time to put up or shut up! Will Frazer survive sticking his foot in his mouth again? Or will he get torn right in half by the best spear in the business?

The bell rings and Bron stares Frazer down with a smug smile. Fans sing “Bron is gonna kill~ you!” Frazer ignores that as he ties up with Bron. Bron powers Frazer to a corner, the ref counts, and Bron lets off to pat Frazer’s head. Frazer pie faces in return! Bron runs up, Frazer dodges and headlocks. Bron powers up to THROW Frazer away! Frazer goes to a corner, Bron says that was like cradling a baby. Fans bark for Bron, but Frazer resets. They tie up, Frazer headlocks again, but Bron powers out. Frazer slides under, headlocks, but Bron powers up to back suplex! Frazer lands on his feet, headlocks again, but Bron powers out.

Frazer redirects, and again, and again, but Bron still runs him over! Fans bark for Bron and he barks at Frazer. Bron waits on Frazer to get up and the two reset again. Corbin is watching, liking what he’s seeing. Frazer waistlocks but Bron throws Frazer away. Frazer’s back again, and he hits a flying takeover! Bron powers up but Frazer hits another takeover! Bron powers up, getting annoyed, and Bron powers up again. Bron denies Frazer his takeover to TOSS Frazer into buckles! Bron snarls, storms up on Frazer, then drags him up. Bron whips corner to corner hard and Frazer tumbles up and down! Bron does push-ups just to show off.

Bron taunts Frazer as he has him in the corner, then digs his knees in. The ref counts, Bron lets off, and Bron drags Frazer up to whip corner to corner hard! Frazer staggers but Bron RAMS him back in! And again! And again! Bron ROCKS Frazer, suplexes, and he holds Frazer up! Frazer slips free, Bron bucks the O’Conner, and now Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges. But then Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges back, to SHOTGUN Bron down! Fans fire up with Frazer as Bron bails out, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Bron TACKLES Frazer! Bron throws down fists, drags Frazer up and fireman’s carries, to GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO! Frazer hangs tough and the fans rally, but they also bark. Bron drags Frazer up, puts him in a corner, and says Frazer’s stupid for thinking he stood a chance against him. Bron then TOSSES Frazer across the way! Bron storms up on Frazer, but Frazer fires body shots! And haymakers! Fans rally, Bron gets around and GERMAN SUPLEXES Frazer inside-out! Cover, TWO! Bron’s getting annoyed and he tells Frazer to just give up. Bron bends Frazer with a modified Bow ‘n’ Arrow!

Frazer endures, the fans rally behind him, and Frazer claws his way free! Frazer reaches back, bridges up, and hits a JAWBREAKER! Bron wobbles, storms up and he stomps Frazer at the ropes. The ref counts, Bron says he’s the man, then storms back up. But Frazer BOOTS from below! And again! Bron gets the legs, YANKS Frazer up but Frazer lands on his feet to PELE! A very Rollins-esque move! The fans rally, Frazer storms up to ROCK Bron! And again! And again! Frazer fires off, fans fire up, but Bron shoves Frazer away. Bron runs up but Frazer tosses him out! Frazer builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp!

Frazer hurries to his feet, and he runs to SHOTGUN Bron into steel steps! The fans fire up while Bron writhes and the ref counts. Frazer puts Bron in at 5 of 10, then drags himself up. Frazer climbs a corner, Bron stands up, and Frazer CROSSBODIES into a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Bron is seething and he shakes his head. Bron aims from a corner as Frazer rises, and Bron runs in, to a SUPERKICK!! Cover, TWO!! Frazer hurries back up top, and he PHOENIX- NO, he has to roll through as Bron moves! SPEAR!!! Cover, Bron wins!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

Despite all of Frazer’s heart, Bron proves himself right about strength over speed. Corbin nods and says, “Very interesting.” Just what is Mr. No BS intrigued by in this match? Just what will it take for Frazer to get to the next level?

The No Quarter Catch Crew speaks.

Drew Gulak says that he’s learned the hard way that you have to finesse things a certain way here in the WWE. So if Dragon Lee & The LWO wanna step into Gulak’s world, they’re gonna have to experience just what Gulak’s learned, and that is something Gulak’s taught to every member of his crew. Damon Kemp says, “Heart will get you nowhere. You have to be remorseless!” Charlie Dempsey says, “We don’t care if you’re the future of lucha libre. All those high-flying, flashy moves mean nothing when we’re grinding your faces into the mat.” Myles Borne says, “No quarter means we take no prisoners, and we show no mercy.”

Gulak returns to say, “Adapt, survive, punish, obsess.” Kemp says “Your breaking point is our starting line.” So Dragon, Cruz, Joaquin, this is a challenge for a Six Man Tag at New Year’s Evil. Dempsey says the LWO can do all the flips, planchas and topes they want, because none of that matters. Gulak says the LWO will see NXT is a No Fly Zone, and they’re gonna get No Quarter. But which three exactly are we talking about? And will all of the technical savagery matter when the Boy Wonder and his new amigos are too fast to catch?

Briggs regroups with Country Strong.

Jensen says Briggs almost had Dar, and Fallon says he was so close. If they were out there, then maybe it would’ve been different. Yeah, maybe. But that’s not what Briggs wanted… Jensen says he knows Briggs. Two years ago, Briggs helped Jensen find his footing. And yet, it’s clear Briggs wants to win as a singles competitor. Jensen knows Briggs knows he’s right. And as for Fallon, she should spread her wings and accept Tiffany’s challenge for New Year’s Evil. Fallon would love nothing more than to make Tiffany a ranch hand for the day, make her rake out some muck from the stalls and actually get her hands dirty.

Briggs smiles and says he loves these guys. So then that’s it, right? It’s over? Jensen says hey, one last time. Hands in, and Jensen says they’re family forever. They all head out, and Country Strong is no more. Briggs and Fallon have goals, but what is Jensen to do with himself now?

Ava Raine meets with Arianna Grace.

Arianna is so incredibly appreciative of Ava taking the time. From one busy woman to another, Arianna wants to make Ava aware of the “tragedy” that occurred. She was “viciously” attacked by Roxanne Perez. You can still see the bruising on her face. But thankfully, Arianna has a very lovely bone structure as it is, but that doesn’t give anyone the excuse to assault her. Roxie has anger issues, and Arianna suggests that for the betterment of the Women’s Division, this brand as a whole, and Roxie herself, that Roxie has some anger management classes. And Arianna knows Ava cares about the safety of the roster. Oh, yes, of course.

Arianna knew Ava would understand. So what are their next steps? Because Arianna does have some ideas. Well, the next step for Roxie is that Roxie had an idea to have a match against Arianna at New Year’s Evil. Oh, goodness, bless her heart. How’d she handle HBK rejecting the idea? Um, HBK didn’t reject it, it was a great idea. So next week, Roxie VS Arianna. Good luck. Yes, that’s nice. Arianna forces a smile, but will she end up with more than a hand mark on her face after next week?

NXT holds a face-to-face of Lyra Valkyria and Blair Davenport.

Sarah Schreiber moderates as the NXT Women’s Champion and her #1 contender sit with her backstage ahead of their title match at New Year’s Evil. Sarah’s question is, what took this so long? Blair says it’s only because Lyra blew her knee out back in NXT UK. Which was actually good for Lyra because she never wanted to face Blair in the first place. Lyra says that’s not totally true. Blair’s been avoiding Lyra this whole time, until Lyra had the title. Lyra worked her way back from that knee injury, until she was the one facing Becky Lynch, and while Blair was jumping people in the parking lot.

Blair says that’s cute, but Sarah says Lyra has a good point. Blair’s methods are a bit… different. Blair says “hard work” only shows when the right people are watching. It’s not hard for people to take notice when Lyra’s on screen with big names like Rhea Ripley, Rey Mysterio, Xia Li and Becky Lynch. No, Blair had to make people take notice of her, and it worked. Yeah, until it came back to bite Blair in the butt, like when Nikkita Lyons returned to kick Blair’s head in. Don’t forget all your cowardly actions, Blair. Cowardly? Blair beat four other women in the Iron Survivor this year, 25 minutes, no one tapped her out, no one pinned her to score!

And y’know what? Lyra probably wishes anyone else won that match! Tiffany, Fallon, Lash, Kelani, they all wanted a piece of Lyra but they have to line up behind Blair, Lyra’s only competition. Lyra welcomes competition! Sarah wants this to wrap. What happens next week? Lyra says there’s no doubt it’ll be ugly. Lyra doesn’t like how Blair does things, because she’ll do whatever it takes to win this. But the difference between them is that Blair wants the title so she can call herself a champion. Lyra wants this title because she wants to be the best. Blair says that’s exactly right, and that is why Blair will leave next week the new champion.

Blair witnessed Lyra’s rise, but vows to be the reason for her fall. Lyra says we’ll see about that. See you at New Year’s Evil. The two stand up, Sarah thanks them for their time, and wishes them both the best of luck. But will luck have nothing to do with how hard both women fight?

Men’s Breakout Tournament, Semifinal: Tavion Heights VS Oba Femi!

With Riley Osborne waiting in the finals, two of the biggest and baddest in the tournament now collide! Will Tavion reach new heights? Or will he be thrown out by the former shotput champion?

The bell rings, the two tie up, and they go around. Oba powers Tavion back but Tavion slips around to waistlock. Tavion lifts, Oba fights it and ELBOWS Tavion away. Tavion gets a leg, Oba hops to the ROPEBREAK, but the ref counts as Tavion holds on. Oba BOOTS Tavion away, but Tavion comes back to SLINGBLADE! Tavion goes to fireman’s carry but Oba CLUBS away on him! Oba then rains down fists, then drops a big knee! Cover, ONE! Tavion hangs tough but Oba clinches, for an URENAGE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Oba stays cool as he stalks Tavion to a corner. Oba ROCKS Tavion with forearms, then CLUBS him down!

Tavion staggers, Oba stalks him to a corner, but Tavion throws body shots. Oba CLUBS Tavion, wrenches and YANKS the arm, then CLUBS Tavion again. Oba kicks Tavion, drags him up, then whips again. Oba storms up but Tavion throws elbows and haymakers! Oba gets under to SHOTPUT BOMB! Fans fire up and Oba takes aim. Oba runs corner to corner to UPPERCUT! Tavion falls, Oba covers, TWO! Oba keeps on Tavion with a chinlock but Tavion fights up. Fans rally, Tavion throws elbows, but Oba CLUBS him again. Oba underhooks, but Tavion fireman’s carries! Oba fires elbows, but Tavion powers up! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!

Both men are down, Tavion stands and shoots around, to GERMAN SUPLEX! Oba flounders, fans fire up, and Tavion lures Oba into an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Oba bails out, the fans fire up and Tavion goes out after Oba. Tavion puts Oba in, hurries after him, but Oba LARIATS!! Fans fire up with Oba now, and he drags Tavion up. Oba whips Tavion for the FLAPJACK! Oba roars, fans fire up, and Tavion staggers into the POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Cover, Oba wins!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

And with that, the final match-up is set! Will Oba toss one more man out to break through? Or will Riley win this one for Chase U?

Ilja Dragunov arrives backstage.

Kelly apologizes but she has to ask- He says excuse him, but he is looking for Trick. Dragunov heads on, is he going to tell Trick his decision before he tells the world?

Ridge Holland tweets a message.

“I’m sorry for what happened, @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR, this is not who I am. Get well soon.” Ridge the Fridge is not without emotions, can he get over the damage he has caused?

Joe Coffey w/ Gallus VS Joe Gacy!

It’s a battle of the Joes as the Iron King is red hot for this fight! But will he be able to rid himself of Gacy’s shadow? Or is he unable to comprehend the twisted mind of NXT’s resident Joker?

NXT returns and the bell rings. The Joes circle, Gacy dodges Coffey, and the two go again. They tie up, go around, and then break. They tie up again, go around again, but let off. Coffey fires a forearm so Gacy gives it back! Coffey headlocks, Gacy powers out and they RAM shoulders. Then they go back to forearms! Gacy headlocks, Coffey powers out and Gacy RAMS Coffey! Gacy then dodges Coffey to DROPKICK and SENTON! Fans fire up with Gacy, oddly, and Gacy whips. Coffey reverses to send Gacy out, but Gacy tells commentary that he’s Joe Gacy. Yes, we all know that… Gacy gives Vic a thumbs up, but the ref is telling Gallus to back off.

Gacy eggs Wolfgang on but Markus keeps him away. Joe Coffey DIVES and sends Gacy into the desk! Coffey stomps away on Gacy, and he says HE is Joe Coffey, remember that! Wait, so, was Gacy parodying Coffey or something? Coffey puts Gacy in, fans chant “Let’s Go, Joe!” and Gacy fires hands! Coffey throws hands back, whips Gacy into a corner, and then whips him back in! Fans chant “JOE FOREVER!” as Coffey scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Coffey snarls, runs up and goes up and up, VADER ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Gacy is still in this and Coffey grows frustrated. Coffey digs his boots in, stomps away on Gacy, then lets off as the ref counts.

Fans sing “Joe is gonna kill~ you!” but that’s technically a different Joe’s song. Gacy gets up and tells Coffey to try harder! Then Gacy fires off forearms and haymakers! Gacy whips, Coffey reverses but Gacy CLOBBERS him! And CLOBBERS him again! Gacy gets around to hit a SAIDO! Coffey flounders, Gacy runs up to whip corner to corner, then he back drops Coffey on the rebound! Fans fire up with Gacy, but Coffey bails out. Gacy DIVES to take Coffey out! Gacy hurries to put Coffey back in, then he clinches for the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Coffey survives, and Gallus wants in! But here comes Hank ‘n’ Tank!

Hank ‘n’ Tank drag Mark & Wolfgang down to start throwing hands! Gacy nods for the assist, but Coffey HEADBUTTS him! GLASGOW SENDOFF! And then, ALL THE BEST FOR- NO, Gacy ducks to go into the UPSIDEDOWN!! Cover, Gacy wins!!

Winner: Joe Gacy, by pinfall

Gacy wins out, proving it takes a Joe to beat a Joe! But will this Joe prove he’s no shmo and go for some gold in the New Year?

Backstage interview with Dragon Lee & The LWO.

Kelly is with the NXT North American Champion, as well as Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde, and asks them about the challenge from No Quarter. What’s their response? Dragon says of course they accept! Carnales, mucho gracias, thank you for the save. Cruz says claro que si, of course they were there for him. They’re familia! Wilde says those No Quarter Catch cronies disrespect lucha style. So at New Year’s Evil, they will show high-flying is better than ground game. But then in comes Elektra Lopez & Lola Vice, and La Madrina says they’re gonna need more room for all this Latino Heat.

They all hug it out for this mini-reunion. Feels like not that long ago that the OG Legado was running things in NXT. A lot has changed, but the LWO is very proud of Lopez. Just look at her now! And she introduces Loa to them. Hola, boys. It’s so good to have the gang back together. Will Lopez & Lola cheer on Cruz, Wilde & Dragon against Gulak and his goons next week?

NXT Underground: Eddy Thorpe VS DIJAK!

This all started with the Alpha Wolf winning in the Underground and Hard Justice not being impressed. Now it all ends with Dijak finally stepping into the ropeless ring himself! Will Dijak demolish Eddy once and for all? Or will this be where Eddy finally avenges everything Dijak has done to him?

The introductions are made for the big fight feel. The bell rings and Eddy BOOTS, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans fire up, Eddy mounts and rolls Dijak but Dijak fights the Rear Naked Choke! Dijak goes for an arm but Eddy turns that around for an ARMBAR! Dijak high stacks but there are no pins, so Dijak just stands on Eddy’s face! The fans boo, Dijak stomps Eddy, then gets free of the hold to stomp again. Dijak throws hands but Eddy avoids those, to BOOT from below! Eddy fires hands, CHOPS, then more shots! Eddy KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Dijak swings, into a SNAP SAIDO! Dijak sits up in a daze and Eddy takes aim.

Eddy runs in to- NO, Dijak catches Eddy in a choke grip! HIGH- NO, Eddy goes back to the TRIANGLE HOLD! But Dijak deadlifts Eddy, to SITOUT POWERBOMB! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Dijak rises, he rains down fists, then roars in Eddy’s face before he throws more shots! Eddy flounders, Dijak drags him up, and Dijak tells Eddy to just stay down. Eddy HEADBUTTS Dijak instead! Dijak snarls, drags Eddy up, and aims! Dijak POSTS Eddy and Eddy falls on some ringside fans! The other fans boo while NXT goes picture in picture.

Dijak snarls while he storms over to fetch Eddy. The fans get back, Dijak clamps on a choke grip, but Eddy reaches up to TRIANGLE HOLD again! Dijak stays on his feet, lifts Eddy up, and SWINGS him into barriers! Eddy’s down in the dark while Dijak storms off to fetch something else. Dijak brings the steel steps around, putting them by the desk! Eddy crawls, Dijak clears the desk, and he SMACKS Eddy with the hood! Dijak then drags Eddy up, fireman’s carries, and he goes up the steps! But Eddy fights around to a SLEEPER! Dijak has Eddy as a backpack, and he SLINGS Eddy to the floor! Eddy sputters again while Dijak catches his breath.

Dijak drags Eddy up, and SMACKS him off the steps! And again! And again! Dijak puts Eddy “in” the ring, then storms after. Eddy gets away, but then Dijak FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp! Fans fire up, Dijak drags Eddy back to the ring, and Dijak storms around. Dijak clamps onto Eddy’s neck, drags him up, but the fans still rally for Eddy. Dijak hammerlocks, but Eddy fights the sleeper! Eddy fights up, the fans are thunderous, and Eddy BOOTS, then SNAP GERMANS! Dijak staggers up, into KICK, SOBAT and GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up as Eddy keeps the Strong Style going, but Dijak fights with elbows! Eddy gets under, but Dijak throws hands!

Dijak swings again, but Eddy turns that around into a BRAINBUSTER!! The ref checks Dijak, but he isn’t knocked out and he isn’t giving up. The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” and Eddy drags Dijak into a SLEEPER! Dijak gasps, reaches out, but no ropes means no ropebreaks! Eddy hops on, he’s a backpack again, but Dijak stays on his feet, to BACKPACK SENTON! Dijak is free, and he drags Eddy around. Dijak smothers Eddy into the mat, CLUBS away on his back while he hammerlocks the other arm! Dijak has the CROSSFACE! But Eddy fights up, and he arm-drags free! Dijak runs up, CYCLONE BOOT!!

Eddy wobbles but he’s not knocked out. Dijak aims again, CYCLONE BOOT!! Eddy falls but he’s still conscious. As such, Eddy says he isn’t done yet! So Dijak runs in again, but into a GAMANGIRI! Dijak wobbles around, the fans fire up again, and Eddy reels Dijak in! Dijak CLUBS the arms, throws elbows, but Eddy still holds on! Eddy HEADBUTTS Dijak in the back! Eddy CLUBS away on Dijak’s back, then he GERMAN SUPLEXES Dijak off the ring! But Dijak lands on his feet?!? And he drags Eddy into a torture rack! FEAST YOUR EYES!!! Dijak laughs as he leaves Eddy down. But then wait, Eddy rises?!

Dijak takes his anger out on the big and bulky fans around him!? What’s that about?! Dijak then ROCKS Eddy, runs up, but Eddy back drops Dijak on the apron! Dijak dangles over the apron but the ref sees he’s still conscious. The fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” giving us this to close out 2023! Eddy gets up, but Dijak is taking off his belt! Dijak wraps his fist in it, just like in the Strap Match! Eddy is back, but he blocks the belt punch!! Eddy snarls, and spins Dijak around, MANIFEST DESTINY DDT!!! Dijak is somehow still conscious, so Eddy grabs the belt! And he LASHES Dijak! And again! And again! Poetic justice!!

The fans fire up with every LASH Eddy fires off! Then Eddy clamps on a SLEEPER!! Dijak flails, fades, but there’s no ropes for a break! Dijak powers up to his feet, and he RAMS Eddy back into a post! Eddy falls off Dijak’s back but the fans are still with him. Dijak sputters, storms up on Eddy and brings him up. Dijak reels Eddy in and tells people to move! Dijak is still aiming for the desk!? Dijak hoists Eddy up, but Eddy RANAS Dijak to the floor! The fans fire up again and Eddy hurries, HOKA HEY ELBOW!!! The fans are electric as Eddy hits another MANIFEST DESTINY, to the floor!! Eddy goes back to the ring, the ref checks Dijak, but Dijak choke grips the ref! “DON’T. STOP IT.”

The ref says okay, the match will continue. Dijak rises, so Eddy jumps on for a SLEEPER!! Fans fire up, but Dijak RAMS Eddy into the apron! Eddy stays wrapped on, so Dijak RAMS him back again! Eddy refuses to let go, so Dijak RAMS him into barriers! But that’s not enough! Dijak sits down, Eddy THRASHES him around! Dijak sputters and coughs but he still moves around! Dijak goes up the steps! Fans can’t believe Dijak is still moving, and Dijak reaches the top! He aims for the desk, but Eddy thrashes the sleeper as much as he can! Dijak grits his teeth, but then sputters again! Eddy turns things around, MANIFEST DESTINY THROUGH THE DESK!!!

The fans lose their minds for “NXT! NXT!” as both men are down in the wreckage! The ref checks if either men is even awake. Eddy stands, but what about Dijak? Dijak is OUT, Eddy wins!!

Winner: Eddy Thorpe, by knockout

Undefeated in the Underground, the Alpha Wolf stands tall over Dijak! Will this finally end things between the two of them? Will this be just what Eddy needs to head for a championship?

Dragunov sits down with Trick backstage.

They’re in a conference room, a contract between them. Trick tells Dragunov that he needs to know. Is Dragunov able to strap up the boots and stand against him at New Year’s Evil? Because Trick isn’t holding back. Trick signs his part, and hands the contract over. If Dragunov needs more time, they can push the match back. Just let Trick know. Dragunov says unfortunately, Trick… Nothing and no one can stop Dragunov. He takes the neck brace off! Dragunov signs his part, and the match is on. They shake hands, and there’s nothing left to say. Who will win and start their 2024 off as champion?

My Thoughts:

What a great NXT to be the go-home to New Year’s Evil. No need for tons of recaps and hype packages, we just got a ton of story development and matchmaking instead. Great opening match of Chase U VS OTM, which I figured OTM was gonna win. Tony & Stacks VS Price & Nima is going to be good stuff, and I wonder if Chase gets himself in more trouble by trying to help Tony, only to screw things up and OTM wins. Something tells me this has to be the route, because there has to be more drama for Andre Chase within the Chase U story. On the flipside, Riley Osborne is doing great for Chase U, moving on to the Breakout Tournament finals with a little help from Trey. And just as I was thinking, Bearhill VS King is gonna happen now, separate from the tournament.

Tavion VS Oba was a great match for the tournament, too. Big meaty men not so much slapping meat as throwing their weight around. Oba is a great choice for winner here, he’s already had some time on NXT TV before this tournament, he’s probably a bit further along in presentation and character development. Riley VS Oba could probably go either way, it really depends on how they wanna play Riley’s story within Chase U and with Thea. My gut instinct is that Thea is gonna ask Riley out but he’s gonna turn her down because he either already has someone or is interested in someone that isn’t Thea.

Great Heritage Cup match, and with an actually clever finish where Dar & Meta Four gets Briggs so mad, he barely hesitates in beating Dar up with that bucket. But hey, that’s our first DQ finish in a Heritage Cup match, so check that off the list. And in a surprising move, we got an actually peaceful parting for a faction. So long, Country Strong, you had a good run. But as I said in the segment, Jensen is the one in the wind. Fallon VS Tiffany in a Loser Works for the Winner could go either way, but I feel like it’d be more entertaining if Tiffany lost and had to eat crow while struggling to do farm work. Even if it would be a ripoff of that reality show Paris Hilton did. Briggs could always get another shot at Dar, but what’s Jensen to do? Maybe also get in the Heritage Cup scene?

Good promos from No Quarter Catch Crew, which really should just shorten the name to No Quarter, and a good response from Dragon Lee & LWO. I appreciated the reunion of Lopez with Cruz & Wilde, and Lola being oddly reluctant to be there. The Six Man Tag will probably have Kemp, Dempsey & Borne in it, as there’s word a “technical assassin” with “killer catch style wrestling” from NXT is going over to AJPW for a New Year’s event in Japan. Gulak probably needs to save his energy for that match, meaning his guys will be the ones taking the loss to Dragon, Cruz & Wilde. But even then, I suspect this comes down to Dragon VS Gulak for the North American title at some point.

Great promo from Lyra and Blair to give them each one last word before their title match. I’m leaning towards Lyra retaining, maybe we see Lola tease a cash-in, and maybe we get something of Lyons reminding Blair she’s on the prowl. Cora vs Karmen was good but of course Cora wins. Gigi running Cora off was a nice touch, and Gigi VS Cora is probably also on the horizon. Good promo of Arianna getting her comeuppance by learning she has a match with Roxie. Roxie is surely going to beat Arianna, and she probably calls Kiana James out for a true blowoff. Just hope Roxie has an answer for Izzi Dame.

Good promo from Frazer, and it is apparently becoming his thing to speak without realizing he’s gonna piss off whoever he’s talking about. Great match from Frazer and Bron, but per the trend, Frazer loses. Corbin watching is what’s interesting. Is Corbin going to restart a feud with Bron? Or a team-up? That’d be wild if those two actually worked together to be a tag team and be tag team champions, something neither has done yet. I was a little surprised we got Joe VS Joe here, but it was good stuff, the fans had fun doing Joe chants, and naturally, Hank ‘n’ Tank went after Gallus. That’s gonna be a Six Man Tag for sure, but I don’t see Gacy sticking with Hank ‘n’ Thank. Gacy just got out of a faction, I don’t think he’s gonna form a new one.

Awesome NXT Underground match from Eddy and Dijak, and they really took advantage of the no ropes aspect. Great win for Eddy, I like that he is becoming Mr. NXT Underground out of this stuff, and I hope Eddy also gets towards a title match. At this point, it’d be more the Heritage Cup than North American or top title, but I’m sure we’d get some great promos between Eddy and Meta Four. And great stuff in the NXT Championship story. Melo wants Trick to go for it, which somehow still sounds like Melo’s plotting something. Dragunov of course isn’t letting his (kayfabe) neck injury hold him back, he and Trick are going to have a great match that probably could go either way, given the factors of Trick’s whodunnit and Dragunov’s neck damage.

My Score: 8.8/10