Will 2024 be the Year of the Mad Dragon?

Despite being less than 100%, Ilja Dragunov is going to defend his NXT Championship against the 2023 Iron Survivor, Trick Williams! Will the Czar still be #UNBESIEGBAR?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Women’s Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Blair Davenport; Lyra wins and retains the title.
• Six Man Tag: Dragon Lee Carlito & The LWO VS No Quarter Catch Crew; The LWO wins.
• Roxanne Perez VS Arianna Grace; Arianna wins, by disqualification.
• Loser Works for the Winner: Tiffany Stratton VS Fallon Henley; Fallon wins and is now Tiffany’s boss.
• Men’s Breakout Tournament Finals: Riley Osborne VS Oba Femi; Femi wins and has the right to challenge for the NXT Championship.
• NXT Championship: Ilja Dragunov VS Trick Williams; cancelled.
• NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Trick Williams VS Grayson Waller; Trick wins and will challenge Dragunov for the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

The first 30 MINUTES of NXT are commercial free tonight!

A New Year signifies looking to the future.

“As you stare into the unknown, you see new beginnings, something to accomplish. But in the unknown, darkness also smiles back. Tonight, many will discover if good can be outweighed by evil. Defending what’s yours is one thing, but taking it requires much more cruelty. If you desire to stand out from the rest, you must tap into your dark side. Is this the year hard work pays off? Or will you crumble to utter embarrassment? Sinister deeds lurk around every corner. If your ambition is to be on top… As the New Year starts, let us see if you can withstand the evil, or embrace it.”

NXT Women’s Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Blair Davenport!

The Morrigan proved she was ready for The Big Time when she dethroned Becky Lynch, but now she faces the Ichiban Gaijin. Will Davenport’s devious deeds prove to have been in vain? Or will all of NXT see they should beware of Blair?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who kicks off 2024 with a bang!

The bell rings and the fans rally up for Lyra as she stares down with Blair. They tie up, go around, and Blair puts Lyra on ropes. Blair lets off fast and the two reset. They tie up, Lyra wrenches an arm and whips. Blair reverses, drops, but Lyra rolls over that to come back. Blair blocks the hip toss to facelock, but Lyra wrenches out to WRING Blair! Lyra hurries to facelock, but Blair wrenches out to WRING, only for Lyra to handspring through! And then hip toss after all! Lyra headlocks and grinds while fans clap-clap-clap “WOO~!” Blair endures as Lyra shifts to a cravat, and Blair throws body shots. Blair rolls but Lyra holds onto the cravat.

Lyra stands up, she keeps on the neck wrench but Blair spins free and kicks low. Blair whips, Lyra goes up and over, then comes back to sunset flip! Blair stays up, drags Lyra to her feet and Gory Especials but Lyra fights it and snapmares. Cover, ONE, but Lyra keeps the cravat. Blair fights up, the fans rally for Lyra, but Blair powers Lyra into a corner. Blair throws body shots, the ref counts, and Lyra lets go at 4. But then Lyra dumps Blair to the apron! Blair ducks the haymaker to HOTSHOT Lyra down! Blair then climbs up the corner, and DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS Lyra in the shoulders! Cover, TWO!!

Fans fire up as Lyra is still in this! Blair stomps Lyra around, drags her up, and scuffs her. The fans rally but Blair gives more kicks. Blair hauls Lyra up to turn and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Lyra shakes the cobwebs out but Blair clamps on a chinlock. Blair leans on Lyra, grinds her forearm into Lyra’s head, but Lyra fights up. Lyra picks Blair up as a backpack, to then BACKPACK STUNNER! Blair lets go and Lyra goes to a corner. The fans rally for Lyra as Blair storms up, but Lyra fires windmill palms! And then more palms, more windmills, and then a LARIAT! Fans fire up as Lyra LARIATS again!

Lyra whips, Blair reverses but Lyra CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up more as Lyra aims, SOBATS, front kicks, RAMS and ENZIGURIS! Blair falls and Lyra hurries up top. Blair stands, and avoids the crossbody this time! Then she hurries to haul Lyra up, but Lyra fights the suplex! Lyra FISHERMAN SUPLEXES! Float over cover, TWO! Blair is hanging in there and the fans rally up again. Lyra storms over, drags Blair up, but Blair fights the lift! Blair CLUBS Lyra, ROCKS her, and then kicks. Lyra blocks, reels Blair in, GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Blair is hanging in there and Lyra grows frustrated.

Lyra drags Blair to a drop zone, climbs up again and the fans are with her. But Blair is up to ROCK her first! Blair climbs up after Lyra, Lyra CLUBS Blair in return but Blair throws body shots. Lyra HAMMERS away on Blair, Blair hops down but she GAMANGIRIS back! Blair then climbs, brings Lyra up, and SUPER FALCON ARROWS!! Lyra flounders her way out of the ring! Fans fire up, but Blair goes out after Lyra to THROW her into barriers! Blair talks trash on Lyra, drags her up, and KAMI-GOYES the desk!! Lyra avoids disaster and the fans lose their minds as Blair clutches her knee! The desk has a HUGE hole in the side of it!!

Lyra hurries to the ring as the count climbs. Lyra is in at 7, Blair hobbles up and in at 9. Lyra has Blair but Blair HOTSHOTS her away! Blair hobbles over, stands Lyra up and suplexes, but the knee won’t let her Falcon Arrow! Lyra waistlocks but Blair POSTS her! Blair uses the corner to go up and up and DOUBLE- NO, Lyra dodges and the landing hurts Blair’s leg! Lyra HEEL KICKS Blair, then fireman’s carries! Swing and SAMOAN DRIVER!! Cover, Lyra wins!

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

A miscalculation by Blair and she loses out on the title! Lyra’s reign continues into the New Year, but wait! Here comes LOLA VICE! She brings her own ref, and her Breakout contract! But then TATUM PAXLEY attacks Lola! So Elektra Lopez rushes out to attack Tatum! Lyra WRECKS Lopez! Tatum and Lyra brawl with Lola and Lopez, refs rush out, but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Lopez & Lola back off for now, but Lyra still isn’t so sure about her stalker… What is in store for Lyra’s 2024?

BREAKING NEWS!

Kelly Kincaid is backstage in front of WWE Medical, and has a huge report. Despite Ilja Dragunov wanting to defend his title tonight, Medical will NOT clear him to compete tonight. He is still experiencing lingering effects from his neck injury, and we are waiting on Trick Williams’ reaction to the match not happening tonight. Fans are certainly disappointed, how much more so is Trick Williams?

Six Man Tag: The LWO VS No Quarter Catch Crew!

The Boy Wonder has some amigos watching his back, and just as Drew Gulak, Damon Kemp & Myles Borne thought they were getting the North American Champion, SURPRISE! It’s Caribbean Cool! Will Carlito, Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde continue to disappoint No Quarter by giving them an L?

The teams sort out, Cruz starts against Gulak and they circle. The fans are going wild for Carlito, but Cruz and Gulak tie up first. Gulak wrenches to a wristlock, but Cruz uses ropes to flip through, wrench back and whip. Gulak reverses, Cruz goes up but Gulak stays out from under. Gulak waistlocks, Cruz slips around and headlocks, but Gulak powers out. Cruz ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Fans fire up, Cruz runs up, but Gulak puts Cruz up top. Cruz uses that to springboard and CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Cruz facelocks, tags Wilde, and the LWO double whip. They double ELBOW Gulak, then Wilde runs to get the assist, hip toss SPLASH!

Fans fire up, Wilde covers, TWO! Wilde keeps his cool and he brings Gulak around. Wilde UPPERCUTS Gulak, whips, but Gulak reverses. Wilde holds ropes, avoids Kemp’s cheap shot and CHOPS Gulak! Wilde knuckle locks Gulak but Kemp runs in. Wilde hurdles over Kemp to go up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAG MISSILE DROPKICK COMBO! The fans fire up with Wilde, but Gulak distracts the ref so Borne can sucker punch Wilde1 but Carlito and Cruz rush in, it is a brawl! The LWO tosses out No Quarter, and the fans fire up again! Wilde slingshots, fakes No Quarter out, but now they’re way up the ramp.

Carlito & Cruz join Wilde on the apron and Wilde goes up the ropes. “L! W! O!” MY GOODNESS, BOOSTED SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY!! Wilde wipes out No Quarter and the fans lose their minds! Wilde stands up and puts Gulak in. Wilde climbs a corner, MISSILE DROPKICKS, then covers, TWO! Wilde brings Gulak up, ROCKS him with haymakers, then whips. Gulak reveres, Borne gets a cheap shot in, but Wilde takes a swing. Gulak CLOBBERS Wilde! Fans boo, but Wilde tags Borne in. No Quarter mugs Wilde, Borne ROCKS him and throws body shots. Borne DECKS Wilde, knees him in the back, then tags in Kemp.

Kemp & Borne mug Wilde, but Wilde throws body shots. Kemp kicks low, drops to UPPERCUT, then he DECKS Wilde! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Borne tags in. Kemp keeps Wilde down so Borne can stomp him. Borne tags Gulak, they mug Wilde, then Gulak scoops. Gulak SLAMS Wilde, taunts Carlito, then tags Borne back in. Borne tags Kemp, and No Quarter coordinates. Kemp feeds Wilde to Gulak to GERMAN SUPLEX! Kemp waistlocks, Borne and Kemp DROPKICK GERMAN COMBO! Bridging cover, but Carlito breaks it! The fans fire up, but Kemp keeps Wilde back with an ANKLE LOCK!

Wilde endures, fans rally up, but Gulak tags in. Wilde BOOTS Kemp into Gulak! Gulak hurries to stop Wilde with a haymaker! Gulak corners Wilde, tags Kemp, and Wilde slips free, only for Kemp to stomp him. ANKLE LOCK! Wilde endures again, reaches out, but Kemp CLOBBERS him! Kemp DECKS Cruz, has Wilde’s leg and reels him in. Kemp back suplexes but Wilde lands on his feet! Wilde dodges Kemp to hot tag Carlito! Fans are thunderous as Carlito rallies on No Quarter! Carlito whips Kemp to kick him, and knee lift! Borne runs in, Carlito dodges him, DOUBLE LARIATS on Kemp & Borne!

The fans are even more fired up, as Cruz passes Carlito an apple! Gulak runs in but Carlito back drops him away! Kemp ROCKS Carlito, runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Gulak breaks it! Wilde leaps in, Gulak gets under, but Wilde SUPERKICKS! Borne HOTSHOTS Wilde to then LARIAT! Cruz tightrope walks to MISSILE DROPKICK Borne! Kemp scoops and SLAMS Cruz, but Carlito ELBOWS Kemp! Carlito runs up, into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! All six men are down and fans boo. Kemp crawls to the cover, TWO! Carlito and Kemp stir, the others get out of the ring, but Wilde climbs a corner? SKY TWISTER onto Gulak & Borne!!

The fans lose their minds again! Carlito tags Cruz before the O’Conner! Carlito kicks Kemp into Cruz’s ENZIGURI! Then Carlito hits the BACKSTABBER! Carlito scoops Kemp to SLAM him into a drop zone, and Cruz goes up! PHOENIX SPLASH! Cover, LWO wins!

Winners: Carlito & The LWO, by pinfall

Gulak is furious! He was denied a fight with the North American Champion, and then loses this one anyway! And oh yeah, Carlito SPITS apple at Gulak! How is Charlie Dempsey gonna feel when he returns from AJPW?

Backstage interview with Trick Melo Gang.

Kelly Kincaid is with Trick Williams & Carmelo Hayes, and brings up this is not how Trick wanted to start his year. Trick says that to say he’s disappointed is an understatement. Trick Melo Gang has been in the gym, they’ve been grinding. Trick wishes all the best for Dragunov, because once he is healthy, they are having this title match. Melo says he ain’t buying it, though. Knowing Trick was training with Melo scared Dragunov off, because this would be a guaranteed loss! But then Grayson Waller walks in, and he says Kelly can go. Waller says it is a shame about tonight, but think of it as a blessing. Trick was NOT gonna beat Dragunov!

C’mon, Melo, tell ’em! Melo knows, right? Trick says, “Naysayer, please.” Trick is gonna get that title, and he knows Waller has heard by now, Trick is The Iron Survivor. Well, Waller is the original Iron Survivor. Surely Trick remembers that when he was just the valet. Or is Melo the valet now. Melo says we are not doing this. Waller’s messing with the wrong ones. Melo and Waller can run it back one time if he wants. In fact, Trick’s all locked in, he needs a tune-up. Waller says he’s on SmackDown now, he wrestles legends, not flops like Trick. Waller’s jacket’s the flop. Look at Waller and look at Trick. Who looks more like a flop? Uhhh Waller!

Melo says no one is more ready than Trick, no one looks better than Trick, and Trick has new merch out! Melo is so confident that Trick will beat Waller, Trick will even put his #1 Contender shot on the line! Waller likes it! Melo Don’t Miss, challenge accepted! Waller mocks “Whoop Dat Trick!” while Trick asks Melo what the what! Melo says Trick’s got this, but will Waller end up the one with it after tonight?

Riley Osborne speaks.

“Tonight is the biggest match of my life. The finals of the NXT Breakout Tournament. It’s the reason I came to NXT. To follow in the paths paved by great European superstars like Finn Balor and Drew McIntyre. Or the OGs, like Fit Finlay and William Regal. To have my name be in that conversation with those guys and the outstanding competitors, I’ve got to win that contract. If I win… I have a real shot at becoming a champion in 2024. But man, Oba Femi’s a beast. He has the advantage in every category: Size, strength, power. No doubt I’m the underdog. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Somehow, someway, I’ve got to get my hand raised, become the next NXT Breakout winner, and be on my to one day hearing my name, ‘Riley Osborne,’ on a list of the great European superstars.” Will Chase U’s top recruit soon be on top of the world?

Roxanne Perez VS Arianna Grace!

The Prodigy has accomplished much in her career, and has even exceled at showing her edge. Will she continue adding achievements to her list by beating a pageant queen? Or will Arianna show Roxanne how to lose with grace?

The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, the fans rally up, and Roxie powers Arianna back. Arianna pulls hair to bring Roxie back, and Arianna wrenches to wristlock. Arianna YANKS the arm, hits an ELBOW BREAKER, then throws Roxie up and over! Arianna “apologizes” and offers a handshake. Roxie scowls, reaches back out, but then Arianna pie faces her and says kiss the ring! Roxie SLAPS Arianna, right on the same spot she hit a couple weeks ago! Roxie bumps Arianna off buckles, then brings her around to bump her off more buckles. And then more buckles! Roxie finishes the full lap but Arianna blocks the bump!

Arianna storms up, whips Roxie to ropes, but Roxie ducks ‘n’ dodges then ducks again to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up and Roxie grabs an arm. Step over, La Magistrol to BRIDGE! TWO! Arianna flounders around, Roxie runs up, but Arianna catches her! Arianna back suplexes but Roxie lands on her feet. Roxie waistlocks, Arianna bucks the O’Conner and then BOOTS Roxie outta the ring! Arianna drags Roxie to the apron, has her in the ropes, for the GUILLOTINE CATAPULT! Fans boo but Arianna drags Roxie up to bump her off buckles. The fans rally for Roxie but Arianna bumps her off buckles again.

Arianna snarls as Roxie writhes, and Arianna brings her up. Arianna whips Roxie to a corner, runs in and ELBOWS her down! Then snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Arianna keeps cool, and she pulls Roxie back. “Show ’em that pretty face!” Roxie endures the chinlock stretch and the fans rally up again. Roxie fights up, reaches out, but then pushes Arianna onto ropes! Then rolls her up! TWO! Arianna scowls, kicks low, and says she just tried to help Roxie! Arianna SMACKS Roxie off the mat but the fans continue to cheer Roxie on. Arianna smacks Roxie off the mat, then brings her up. Arianna pie faces Roxie, talks more, but Roxie catches an arm!

Arianna shoves free, but Roxie blocks the kick! Roxie fires off fast hands from all sides! Arianna shoves her, but Roxie ROCKS her! Then DROPKICKS her! Fans fire up with Roxie, then she runs in to UPPERCUT! And she ROCKS Arianna again! Roxie climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count but Arianna claws Roxie’s face at 6! Then she YANKS Roxie into the buckles, YANKS her off the corner, then reels her in. But Roxie throws elbows! Roxie hops on, POP ROX!! Cover, Roxie wins!

Winner: Roxanne Perez, by pinfall

Arianna tried to get dirty but Roxie’s battle tested. Arianna says Roxie still needs her help because she has issues. Roxie trips Arianna and rains down fists! The ref reprimands but Roxie won’t let off! Fans cheer Roxie on as she HAMMERS away on Arianna! Roxie clamps on a CROSSFACE!! Roxie says if Arianna wants to see crazy, here’s crazy! More refs rush out, they get Roxie to let Arianna go, but Roxie still wants more! Arianna scrambles away in fear, and the ref tells the ring announcer there’s a change in decision!? Roxie is now DISQUALIFIED?!?

Winner: Arianna Grace, by disqualification

Fans boo, Roxie only did all this after the match! And she’s only angrier now! Will Arianna’s big mouth get her in big trouble with this pint-sized Pitbull?

Ava Raine exits Shawn Michaels’ office.

Kelly Kincaid is there waiting and says a lot seems to be happening tonight. Ava says yes, last night on Raw Day One was crazy, and it has been unpredictable tonight. It was a tough decision for management to make, but Dragunov’s health is their top priority. And when Dragunov is cleared, he will defend his title against either Trick Williams or Grayson Waller. Then with Ava coming out of HBK’s office, her talking with superstars and helping make matches, just what is going on? Ava says it was brought to her attention by a Wise Man that as this brand grows, HBK needs help. That is where Ava comes in.

Ava has a “unique” relationship with the NXT roster, she has her own ideas, sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. But one idea that does work is next week, the Men’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic returns! That’s exciting! Sure is. Happy New Year’s, everyone! What teams will we see join in and go for both the trophy and golden tickets?

Blair hobbles around backstage.

But then BANG, Nikkita Lyons spooks her. She says she could’ve easily taken Blair out right there, put her on the shelf for ten MONTHS, just like Blair did her. Blair says sure, but Lyons didn’t have the guts to pull the trigger. Some people either have the killer instinct or they only dream of it. Lyons says no, this is her showing the respect Blair failed to show her. Lyons taking Blair out in the back or in the parking lot doesn’t get her closer to the title. Lyons will do that in the ring. Blair says sure, but Lyons’ only chance IS taking Blair out from behind, not face to face. Lyons reminds Blair she knocked her head off face to face once before. Next time-

There won’t be a next time! Oh, there isn’t? Then fine, let’s go here and now! Refs and producers rush in to stop Blair and Lyons from getting into it, but this battle is inevitable. When and where will Lyons have her vengeance?

Loser Works for the Winner: Tiffany Stratton VS Fallon Henley!

As if the Wrestling Barbie wasn’t insufferable just being Daddy’s Little Rich Girl, she doubles down by talking down to the Cowgirl and others in her “station.” Tiffany thinks she should be in charge of everything and everyone, but Fallon wants to show the fruits of hard work. Will Tiffany get herself a new personal servant? Or will Fallon get herself a new ranch hand?

The bell rings and Fallon ROCKS Tiff! Then bumps her off buckles! And fires more hands! The fans fire up as Fallon whips but Tiff reverses, only for Fallon to run her over! Fallon TOSSES Tiff out, but Tiff drags Fallon out! Tiff goes to apron bump but Fallon blocks that to ROCK Tiff! The fans duel, Fallon SMACKS Tiff off the apron, then fireman’s carries. Tiff slips free and shoves but Fallon stops herself. Fallon ROCKS Tiff, runs up, but fakes the chop. Tiff ducks but then Fallon CHOPS her on the back! Fallon shoves Tiff in, storms up on her and covers, TWO! Fallon storms up but Tiff throws body shots.

Tiff snapmares, runs, but Fallon turn stomps into sunset flip! Tiff rolls through but Fallon drop toeholds! Then Fallon CALF KICKS Tiff! Tiff goes to the ropes, Fallon runs, slides, but Tiff grabs hair! Tiff POSTS Fallon! Fans boo, Tiff goes out to cartwheel and Alabama Lift, to SLAM Fallon on the apron! The fans boo more as NXT goes picture in picture.

Tiff mocks Fallon then soaks up the cheers and jeers. Tiff then SMACKS Fallon off the apron, puts her in the ring and covers, TWO! Tiff stomps Fallon in frustration and has her on the ropes. Tiff puts Fallon in a corner to CLUB her down. Tiff whips corner to corner hard, then storms up to SPLASH! Tiff whips corner to corner hard the other way, and Fallon falls. Tiff storms back up, pie faces Fallon then stomps her down. Fallon staggers to her feet but Tiff whips her hard into another corner. Fallon falls over again, Tiff storms up on her, and whips her one more time. Fallon reverses! Fallon runs in but Tiff dodges to throw Fallon down! Tiff storms up, covers, TWO!

Tiff is frustrated but she spins Fallon around to a chinlock stretch. Fallon endures, the fans rally up, but Tiff HIP DROPS Fallon down. Tiff stretches Fallon again, but Fallon endures and fights back up. Tiff thrashes Fallon but Fallon gets to her feet. Tiff knees low, and throws Fallon again! The ref reprimands but Tiff KICKS Fallon at the ropes. And KICKS again! But Fallon blocks the third! Tiff wants mercy but Fallon CHOPS her! And CHOPS again! Tiff staggers, Fallon storms up, but Tiff YANKS her into ropes! NXT returns to single picture as Tiff HIP ATTACKS against ropes! Tiff keeps moving, but Fallon dodges!

Fallon runs, Tiff dodges, and then they DOUBLE LARIAT! Fans fire up while both women are down! Tiff sits up first, she drags Fallon up to ROCK her! Fallon ROCKS Tiff back! The forearms keep going, the two stand up, and Tiff CLUBS Fallon. Tiff runs, into a SOBAT! Fallon ROCKS Tiff, then LARIATS! And FACEBUSTERS! Tiff goes to a corner, Fallon ELBOWS her in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in! Fallon is fired up and so are the fans! Fallon goes out to RAM Tiff into barriers! Fallon puts Tiff back in, climbs up the corner, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Tiff is hanging tough, she isn’t a former champ for nothing.

Tiff goes to ropes, Fallon storms up on her and whips. Tiff reverses to knee low, then runs. Cartwheel and lift, but Fallon makes it a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives but Fallon stays focused. Fallon reels Tiff in, but Tiff fights the suplex and Fallon’s back hurts! Tiff whips, Fallon goes up and over but again the back comes into play. Tiff hits a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Tiff is furious and she hauls Fallon up. Fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT- NO, Fallon moves in time! Tiff runs back in, but into an ELBOW! Fallon goes up and up, but Tiff SHOVES her! Fallon BODY SCISSORS Tiff up and out with her!!

Both women hit the floor and fans are a bit worried. Fallon and Tiff rise so the fans rally again. Fallon ROCKS Tiff, Tiff ROCKS Fallon! Tiff ducks a haymaker to fireman’s carry! Fallon holds ropes, so Tiff gives her SNAKE EYES off the apron! Tiff puts Fallon in at 5 of 10, and then grabs a chair!? There are still disqualifications on this, Tiff, you’ll end up a ranch hand! Fallon BOOTS Tiff, the ref wants the chair but Tiff is stubborn. The chair is let go, the SHINING WIZARD hits! Fallon wins!!

Winner: Fallon Henley, by pinfall (Tiffany will work for her)

Tiff’s rich brat temper got the better of her, and now she’s gotta work on the farm! Fallon tells Tiff it’s time to go, how will Daddy’s Little Rich Girl handle The Simple Life?

HBK tweets!

“New Year’s Evil is off to a hot start. Just got a call from a former NXT Champion who wants to stop by and watch the new main event.” Who could this former champ be? Will it be a better surprise than Jinder Mahal showing up on Raw?

Baron Corbin finds Bron Breakker backstage.

He also kinda interrupts Bron’s phone call. Bron asks what the hell Corbin wants. Corbin says to drop the tough guy attitude for just a second. Did Bron hear what Ava said tonight? No, he did not. Oh, shocker. But the Dusty Classic is starting up next week, and against every single fiber of his being, Corbin thinks these two would be a good team. Bron chuckles and asks, “Really?” Corbin is coming to Bron, to be his tag partner? Corbin must be desperate. Well if Bron’s brain is a quarter the size of his ego, just… Wow, Bron’s ego? Yeah, Bron’s ego. Look around! Is anyone else wanting to be Bron’s tag partner?

The answer Bron is looking for is no. And why? Because Bron is a smug, arrogant A-hole. Well it takes one to know one. If Bron is so bad, why does Corbin still want to be his partner? Because they’re BOTH A-holes. Okay, Bron sees that. So Corbin figures, they could destroy everyone in the tournament and win those tag titles. Bron thinks, and Corbin senses the lightbulb turning on. Bron does agree with the destroying part. Bron can see it now! See what? Bron leads the team, him and Baldie Corbin. That’d be great. Uh, Bron’s not leading anything. Corbin will destroy everyone while Bron puts on like his third, fourth or fifth coat of tanner.

Bron chuckles again and says okay. They’ll do it. See you next week. Bron leaves Corbin hanging on the fist bump, but then comes back to quickly dap. This team really is gonna be #MeanerThanEvil, but can it coexist past the first round?

Oba Femi speaks.

“Oba. A name given to rulers who possess an undeniable power. You’ve all witnessed it throughout the course of this tournament. See, I come from the beautiful country of Nigeria, the heartbeat of Africa. 230 MILLION people built on a culture where strength is not only revered, but expected. And I stand head and shoulders above the rest. So tonight, I take my final step towards my contract, and Riley Osborne will crumble under my feet. Nigeria truly is the giant of Africa. And when I win this Breakout Tournament, Oba Femi will be the Giant of NXT!”

Gigi Dolin talks with some of the other women in the locker room.

She talks about how she finally felt comfortable in her own skin, so she doesn’t need New Year’s Resolutions. But then Cora Jade walks in and asks what is wrong with this picture. Uh, what is wrong? Seems like they’re all enjoying their time without Cora’s negativity. Cora says wrong. Gigi is in Cora’s spot. Oh, is she? Oops, Gigi got it confused. Can Cora please please please~ find it in her heart to forgive Gigi? The others snicker at the sarcasm. And then Gigi gets serious by saying when Cora doesn’t respect other people, she can’t expect others to respect her. Cora says this is typical Gigi. And Cora’s being typical Cora. New look, same dreadful attitude.

Gigi says we all know where this is going. Cora says yeah, and it’s not a place Gigi wants to go. Oh, but Gigi is pretty sure she does. The others step in to stop this from popping off, but will the Toxic Avenger tear down the #GenerationOfJade?

Ridge Holland sits down for an interview.

Sarah Schreiber is with Ridge, and she brings up how this return to NXT is about redemption. Now, there’s a lot that has been said and made about Ridge’s actions since returning. Ridge said he is no stranger to mishaps in the ring, what can he tell us about his journey to this point? Ridge says she’s spot on about that. Ridge is no stranger to injuries, mishaps and accidents. Just as his career was starting to take off, starting on that upward climb up the ladder, it was WarGames 2020, Ridge was gonna be on the same team as Pat McAfee. But then tragedy struck and Ridge blew both legs out, as well as dislocated and fractured an ankle.

Ridge felt in that moment it was all over. He was down on the ramp, looking up at the lights, wondering if this is how it ends for him. How can he go home and tell his wife, who was pregnant with their twin boys at the time, that “Sorry, love, I dragged you away from your family, from your home, to try out this new life in the States.” How could he do that and say they had to go back? This is how he feeds their family, pays their bills, keeps a roof over their heads. But Sarah notes he did recover, he did come back, and he helped form The Brawling Brutes. It was Ridge, “Butch” Pete Dunne & Sheamus, all doing big things on SmackDown.

Ridge says it’s bittersweet now. He appreciated Sheamus and Dunne helping him. Ridge gets flashbacks to that first PLE together, just last year at Day One on Sunday. Yet it feels like yesterday when he got those knees smashing his nose. The injury bug, the black cloud, reconstructive surgery. But he picked himself up again. You have to when you’re not the only one in the equation, when you’re not the only one relying on you. Sarah says weeks ago, Ridge returns to NXT, and he got the opportunity to show how he stacks up against THE NXT Champion, Ilja Dragunov. It was an abrupt ending and a lot of questions, but the real question is: Who is the Ridge Holland he wants us to see?

Ridge takes a breath, and says he respects Dragunov immensely. And every word that came out of Ridge’s mouth a couple weeks ago, he meant. When the bell rang, when whatever happened happened, it was not malicious, there was no ill will. Ridge is a dad, a husband, a friend, not a monster. Not someone who aimlessly wants to hurt someone and take away their livelihood. Because Ridge knows what that feels like, how fast things can be taken away. He doesn’t have it in him to do that to someone, it’s not in his DNA. But the point still stands that Ridge is here for a reason, and that is to prove to everybody who Ridge really is.

Ridge will go through the roster, man by man, to prove himself and find redemption. And he will show the NXT Universe just who Ridge Holland truly is, no preconceptions. Sarah thanks Ridge for his time and wishes him luck. Will Northern Grit be able to accomplish his goals without fear or trepidation?

Men’s Breakout Tournament Finals: Riley Osborne VS Oba Femi!

Speaking of proving themselves, Turbo Terry is the speed, but “The Ruler” is the strength. Will this be Riley’s David VS Goliath moment? Or will Oba be more like Godzilla?

As Riley heads for gorilla, Thea Hail & Jacy Jayne are around the corner. Thea is nervous but Jacy gives her a big push. Thea says sup! Just wanna let you know, she’ll be out there to root for him. He’ll be great! Good luck! Thanks so much, see you there. High-five! Riley heads out, Thea has a freak out and doesn’t wanna wash her hand ever again! Jacy wouldn’t go that far but sure. Thea high-fives herself as she continues to go nuts, will she and all of the Chase U Student Section get to go nuts after tonight?

The introductions are made, the contract awaits, and we see who truly breaks out in the New Year!

The bell rings and Oba RAMS Riley right to a corner! Riley goes up, kicks Oba away, then resets with him. They circle, Riley kicks, dodges, then kicks again! And steps up to ENZIGURI! Riley runs to SHOT- NO, Oba denies the dropkick! But Riley avoids the elbow drop! Riley facelocks but Oba powers up. Oba lifts and TOSSES Riley, Riley rebounds but Oba scoops. Riley slips free to CHOP BLOCK! Oba drops to a knee, Riley runs and BOOTS! Riley keeps moving, but Oba choke grips! Riley throws hands but Oba just grins! Oba SHOVES Riley up and out! Fans fire up while Oba storms out after Riley.

Oba drags Riley up, puts him in, and then runs, but Riley dumps him out! Fans fire up more, and Riley sees Thea cheering him on. Riley hurries to the apron, runs up, and BOOTS! Oba wobbles, but he comes back to CHOP Riley down!! Even Thea can’t breathe! Everyone goes nuts from how that echoed, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Riley gets in the ring, Oba storms back in after him, and then whips him to back drop high and hard! Riley writhes but Oba brings him back up. Oba UPPERCUTS Riley, and Riley flounders. Oba KICKS Riley to the corner, digs his boots in, and then drags Riley up. Oba YANKS the arm, kicks Riley around, then CLUBS him down. Oba looms over Riley, whips him corner to corner hard, and Riley falls. Oba scuffs Riley, drags him back up, and scoops him to SLAM him! Then Oba scoops Riley to SLAM him again! Cover, TWO! Oba keeps cool, and he brings Riley up again. Oba shoves and scoops Riley, for a PENDULUM BACKBREAKER!

Riley writhes, Oba pushes him to a cover, TWO! Oba is annoyed but he drags Riley back up. Oba knees low, CLUBS him down, then CLUBS him again! Riley flounders to a corner, but he CHOPS back! And fires forearms! Oba DECKS Riley! Riley is sprawled against ropes but Oba hauls him up. Oba has a BEARHUG! Riley endures the squeeze, throws some elbows, and NXT returns to single picture. Oba picks Riley up to put that bearhug on the lower back. The fans rally as Riley continues to endure, and Riley throws elbows. Oba knees low, whips Riley to a corner, then gets him on the rebound for another bearhug!

Riley still endures and the Chase U Student Section rallies as hard as they can. Riley throws elbows, but Oba squeezes tight! Riley throws forearm after forearm, and Oba lets go! But that’s so he can clinch and IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Riley writhes and Oba shakes out the leg. Oba has fans cheering “O~BA! HOO! O~BA! HOO!” Oba drags Riley up, and its’ back to the BEARHUG! Oba thrashes Riley, squeezes tight, but Riley doesn’t give in! The Chase U Section fires up as Riley throws forearms! But Oba spins Riley around, only for Riley to JAWBREAKER! Oba holds on, Riley JAWBREAKERS again! Oba CLUBS Riley down!

Oba shakes his head, storms up and UPPERCUTS Riley to a corner. Oba digs his forearms into Riley, the ref counts, and Oba lets off at 4. Oba whips corner to corner, runs in, but Riley moves! Oba POSTS himself! Fans fire up as Riley hurries up to CHOP! Riley whips, Oba reverses but Riley slips around. But Oba blocks the crucifix takedown! So Riley sunset flips it! But Oba drags Riley back up! Oba swings, misses, Riley tilt-o-whirl RANAS! And then DROPKICKS! Oba is finally down! The fans fire up as Riley hurries to STANDING MARIPOSA! Cover, TWO! Oba is tough, too, but Riley doesn’t give up.

Riley runs corner to corner, and he UPPERCUTS! Oba ROCKS Riley right back! Oba whips, Riley goes up but Oba puts him on the apron. Riley shoulders in, ROUNDHOUSES and Oba falls again! Riley goes up and up, but Oba’s up, too! Riley front-flips over Oba, keeps moving, and CALF KICKS Oba down! Fans fire up as Riley hurries to the corner! Riley climbs, Jacy fans Thea while she cheers Riley. SHOOTING STAR ONTO KNEES! And then the scoop, SNAKE EYES in the corner, then the SHOT PUT BOMB!! Oba is all fired up as he waits on Riley. Riley stands, into the POP-OP POWERBOMB!! Cover, Oba wins!!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall (2024 Breakout Tournament Winner)

The Chase U section is stunned silent, but The Ruler has his key to the throne! Will whoever is NXT Champion in the near future have to keep their head on a swivel?

Out The Mud speaks.

Bronco Nima tells Tony D’Angelo, “Escucha me bien, cuz uh, from what we’ve see, you’ve had a good run, boss man. But sabes que, after Lucien and I are done with you and your boy, all you’re gonna have left is a nickname.” Price adds that Stacks should keep that nickname. Because these two are gonna make it rain. And if Tony & Stacks are family, these two are connected from the bottom up like the letter V. And what do they know about the bottom? The D’Angelos might be champs now, but OTM doesn’t see the hunger. Tony & Stacks forgot what it’s like to not know where their next meal is coming from. To go to bed with nothing but acid in your stomach.

OTM has been starving! They hungry! Gold in their mouths, around their necks, and on their ears, so the only thing missing is the gold around their waists! This may not be OTM’s field, but Tony & Stacks are gonna feel what it’s like to play their game! Matter of fact, OTM will let you in on their playbook: power, speed, and nothing you can do about it. Nada! Scrypts then speaks up that the D’Angelos don’t even need to say much. OTM beat the streets, beat the system, and made it through. Next week, they’ll pull that punk card and become the NEW NXT Tag Team Champions.

Backstage interview with Kiana James & Izzi Dame.

Kelly is with The Calculator and her new sidekick to say that since Deadline, these two have been quite the pair. How did this partnership come about? Izzi says that everyone saw her sling that door shut on Roxie. Did you see the social media comments on it, though? “Who is that? What is she doing? Who who who?” What, you all a bunch of owls? But that’s how Izzi knew she made the right decision. Kiana has the best business mind in all of WWE, and joining with her was a no brainer. Kiana then says Izzi is a Triple Threat: loyal to a T, unlimited potential, and Kiana’s personal favorite, Izzi is not afraid to stomp on whoever she has to in order to get ahead.

Izzi isn’t shy of conflict, either. Never have been, never will be. She used to hit volleyballs and b*tches in her free time. If anyone had issue, she’d handle it. Kiana sees Izzi and sees dollar signs. In this business, you either make friends or you make money. She’s Kiana James, she will change that. She has a friend in Izzi, and it is time to make money. In 2023, Kiana made it crystal clear that she is a threat to the Women’s Division. In 2024, with Kiana’s help, everyone will know who Izzi Dame is. These two head out, will they take over NXT and then the WWE?

Trick Melo Gang talks backstage.

Melo gives Trick pointers on Waller. Take the legs out and then it’s easy. Are they all good? Trick again asks Melo how he could put the #1 contender’s spot on the line! Melo says Trick has this in the bag! When Trick wins the title, he’s gotta be ready to take on all comers anywhere, anytime! Time to start practicing like they play. And Trick’s talking about doing the impossible and beating Dragunov anyway. Trick agrees, he is The One. But putting up the title match is crazy! Melo says Trick isn’t seeing it how he’s seeing it. Melo wouldn’t have said that if he didn’t think Trick could handle it. And Melo will be by Trick’s side regardless.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. They talked about this before. Trick wants to handle this himself. He wants to face Dragunov by himself, he wants to face Waller by himself. Trick wants to do this how he’s always done it: by himself. Oh, by himself? So when they were hoopin’ in the gym. Trick was by himself? Well, okay, no. But Trick’s gotta run this play by himself. Melo nods and says okay. Trick hopes Melo feels what he’s saying. Melo does feel it. Trick heads out, but is Melo feeling the way Trick hopes he’s feeling? Or will Melo prove that Trick needs… HIM?

Thea & Jacy return backstage.

Thea says Riley had Oba, he was so close! Jacy agrees. Thea is sure Riley must be so sad right now. She should text! Jacy agrees, but then Thea hesitates. No, she’ll buy a gift card! Uh, no. Let Riley cool down for now. Duke Hudson & Professor Chase walk in, and the Chase U MVP says Riley did one hell of a job. Chase says Riley represented The U with pride. But speaking of tournaments, Mr. MVP, get your head in the game because the Dusty Cup is coming up. Jacy says no no no. She is taking over. With all due respect, Chase, but going by your track record, you can’t focus on two things at once.

Therefore, Chase’s first and only focus is his debt. And since everyone thought Riley did amazing, it will be Duke & Riley in the Cup. O M G! Thea says that’s the best idea ever! Chase speaks up but Jacy tells him to hush. Chase University, his university, hangs in the balance and he can’t say he’s handling it well, because it’s all over his face. And under his eyes. But don’t worry, Jacy will get them the money, with Thea’s help. Jacy is gonna dig down deep, grab Chase U and pull it up from the depths of Hell and back to prominence. Jacy likes her plan already. But how?

Chase U heads out, and we see Tatum sneaking up on Lyra again. Tatum is all excited as she congratulates Lyra on still being NXT Women’s Champion. Lyra is creeped out as Tatum says that so long as Lyra is champion, all is right in the world. BYE~! Uh, thanks? Just what is going on inside Tatum’s twisted mind?

Axiom & Nathan Frazer talk backstage.

The Undeniable Truth says, “He’s unstoppable. What do you think?” The Jersey Island Rocket says, “Yeah, nice try, pal. I’m not saying anything about either man, because knowing my luck, they’ll morph through this freakin’ wall as soon as I’m about to give an answer.” Axiom says okay, don’t worry. But what about The Dusty Cup? Is Frazer in? Oh, now we’re talking! Axiom’s technical wizardry and Frazer’s pure speed, he always thought they’d make a great team. Axiom says they will be so good, dynamic, and make a lot of noise in that tournament. Brooks Jensen is in the background, and he leaves, not wanting to hear tag team talk.

Frazer says not only will they make noise, but they will be the ones to win it all! Truth be told, “all the other established tag teams have failed miserably.” Oh no, Malik Blade & Edris Enofe hear him! Frazer says the NXT Tag Division needs a major revamp. Axiom tries to signal with his hands, but Frazer misunderstands. The rest of the division is here, but Axiom & Frazer are up here! Axiom sighs and Frazer realizes his mistake. There’s someone behind him. Yep. Oh, hey, Malik! Edris! Looking forward to the Dusty Cup? Edris echoes Frazer, then says, “Looking forward to shutting you up.”

Malik says just because Axiom & Frazer are friends doesn’t mean they make a good team. But you’ll see it in this year’s Dusty. And Edris hopes he and Malik are the ones to prove it to them. Malik & Edris head out, and Frazer sighs. Every time! He doesn’t understand! Axiom says normally, he’d let Frazer fend for himself. But since they’re a team now, they’ll do this together. They shake on it, and more of the Dusty Cup field is filling out! Will these super friends soon find themselves holding up the trophy?

The D’Angelo Family heads out.

Tony points out something in the books to Adriana and she agrees. NXT Media asks the Family their response to the comments made by OTM. Tony says first, Mr. Chase isn’t even close to being off the hook with them. Chase’s losing ways now puts Tony & Stacks on the hook for a tag title match. Stacks says they’re giving Chase a little too much  grace. But regardless, a deal’s a deal, and these OTM wise guys are running their mouths a little too much. Adriana says worry about OTM next week. You gonna keep flappin’ your gums like a fish, or are you gonna introduce her? Right, right.

Ladies and gentlemen, you’ve probably seen her do business for them a couple weeks now. This is the glue of the D’Angelo Family, Adriana Rizzo. How ya doin’? Rizz takes care o’ bizz, she gets the job done. And if you wanna be a wise ass, she’ll punch you in the mouth. And she says that goes for them, too. Stacks says let’s get going. They go to load their trunk, and JOE GACY pops out!? He asks how they doin’. Sorry about this, he needed a quiet place to think. Nice trunk, by the way. Uh, Gacy, how long were you in there? Hmm… Two hours. Oh, okay… And what about-

The other guy in there? Oh yeah, Gacy knew you were taking him to the bridge, so he went and did that for them. See ya! Wait, what? Huh? Well, Gacy’s strange ways aside, will The Don & Stacks handle business by checking OTM off the list?

NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Trick Williams VS Grayson Waller!

On the first NXT of 2024, it’s Iron Survivor VS Iron Survivor with the shot at The Mad Dragon on the line! Will Trick be immune to the Grayson Waller Effect? Or will Waller be the one to #WhoopDatTrick?

The bell rings and the two stare down. The fans fire up, Trick lets Waller know this is HIS NXT now. The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” but Waller JABS! Waller throws hands on Trick in the corner while the fans boo but the ref counts. Waller lets off to talk trash, then he storms back up on Trick. Waller snap suplexes, covers, ONE! Waller talks more trash, drags Trick up and whips him to ropes. Trick sunset flips but Waller rolls through. Trick ducks the Penalty Kick, things speed up and Trick hurdles to DROPKICK! Trick scoops to SLAM Waller, and then he scoops and SLAMS again! Trick scoops again but Waller slips free.

Waller shoves, Trick ducks ‘n’ dodges to DROPKICK again! Then he scoop SLAMS, covers, TWO! Trick stays on Waller, brings him up for knees, then the SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up with Trick as Waller staggers up. Waller avoids the spin kick and bails out. Fans boo but Trick keeps cool. Trick storms out after Waller but Waller trips him up! Waller brings Trick out but Trick counter punches him! The fans tell Waller he’s an Aussie A-Hole, and Trick has Waller against  barriers. Trick has everyone hush real quick, then he CHOPS! Waller sputters and staggers away and the fans love it!

Waller kicks Trick back, CLUBS him, then tells Booker, “This your guy?” Booker says yeah, what about it? Waller whips, but then Trick reverses, sending Waller over the desk! Waller hits barriers on the way down, and Trick gets on the desk to fire up with the fans! Booker says stay on Waller, Trick hurries in but Waller dodges to ROLLING ELBOW! Waller runs up to BOOT Trick to the floor! Waller keeps moving and he slides, to LARIAT Trick down! Fans boo and Waller says Trick just got whooped, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Waller drags Trick up, puts him against barriers, and he CHOPS! Fans boo but Waller mocks Trick. Waller then has Trick against barriers again for body shots! Waller puts Trick in the ring, taunts the fans, then slides in. Waller storms up on Trick, drags him up, and suplexes, only for Trick to cradle counter! TWO, and Waller ELBOWS Trick down! Waller soaks up the heat from the fans, goes back for Trick, and drops a knee on Trick’s head! Waller drags Trick back up, CLUBS him down, and then stalks him. Trick reaches for ropes, Waller stands on Trick’s head, then steps away. Waller taunts the fans, drags Trick up again and whips him hard into a corner!

Trick bounces off buckles and falls, and Waller does push-ups just to show off. Waller wrenches and CHOPS Trick, whips him, but Trick sunset flips! Waller stays up, drags Trick around and CLUBS him on the neck! Waller then clamps onto Trick for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cover, TWO! Waller mocks the fans then slaps Trick around. Waller drags Trick up but Trick throws body shots! Trick fires haymakers, whips, but Waller blocks by holding ropes. Waller BOOTS Trick, then CLOBBERS him! Cover, TWO! Waller fumes, soaks up the heat, and then facelocks Trick to grind him down. NXT returns to single picture as the fans rally up.

Waller suplexes but Trick fights it again. Waller throws body shots, still tries a suplex, but Trick suplexes Waller up and over instead! The fans fire up again, Trick fires forearms and haymakers on Waller from all sides, and the fans fire up! The ref counts as Waller is in the corner, but Trick lets off. Trick whips corner to corner, but Waller goes up and STOMPS Trick down! Cover, TWO!! Trick is still in this but Waller stays focused. Trick goes to the apron, Waller storms over, and Waller POSTS Trick! Waller climbs up the corner to have Trick in a HANGING HALF CRAB! The fans boo and the ref counts, but Waller lets off at 4.

Waller tells the ref to watch that count, but the ref says Waller should watch it. Waller drags Trick to center, drops ELBOW after ELBOW, then clamps on the HALF CRAB! Waller sits deep while mocking the fans chanting for Trick. Trick endures, the fans rally, but Waller sits even deeper! Trick claws his way around, reaches out, and he has the ROPEBREAK! Waller holds on, lets go, and says this is his house. Waller taunts Trick, “You wanna be the guy, huh?” Waller CLUBS Trick! Waller tells Trick to understand: Trick isn’t on Waller’s level, he isn’t on Melo’s level, he doesn’t belong here. Trick SLAPS Waller!! Fans fire up as Waller falls back!

Waller staggers up, swings, but misses! Trick fires haymakers and body shots, then an UPPERCUT! Trick whips, Waller reverses but Trick FLYING LARIATS! And then ELBOWS! And then FLAPJACKS! Waller flounders to the apron but Trick runs up, only for Waller to HOTSHOT! Somersault, but into the HAYMAKER!! Cover, TWO!! Waller survives but Trick stays cool. Trick stomps Waller around, the fans rally behind him again, and Trick throws forearms on Waller. Trick drags Waller up, throws knees, but Waller fights the turn to cravat and knee, knee, KNEE! Trick goes to a corner, Waller rushes over.

Waller puts Trick up top, climbs up after him, but Trick throws body shots! Trick then changes positions so he can clinch, and SUPER BOOKEND!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Waller survives by a literal foot, and Trick is furious! Waller bails out, Trick hurries after him, but Waller HOTSHOTS that arm! Somersault, COMPLETE SHOT!! Waller changes it up, covers, TWO!!! Waller is fuming, and he rains down forearms on Trick! The fans rally as hard as they can but Waller goes to the corner. Waller goes along the rope, for the BALLER ELBOW FLOP!! Trick avoids the dunk, to then NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up as Trick aims from a corner!

Wait, Melo is here now!? He was told to stay backstage! Trick argues with his friend, but Waller is aiming his shot! WAIT! IS THAT KEVIN OWENS!? Kevin DECKS Waller!! And then feeds him into the ring! Trick hits the FLASH KNEE!! Cover, Trick WINS!!

Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall (still #1 Contender to the NXT Champion)

The Prizefighter, the former NXT Champion, just smiles and shrugs. He made sure Waller didn’t get what he wanted, but it’s hard to say if Melo was helping Trick keep what he earned. One way or another, Trick is still going to get his shot at Ilja Dragunov, when and where will we see that happen?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT, but a bit of a shame on the changed plans. Dragon Lee apparently had some work visa issues, so he couldn’t be here for tonight. Great adlib, though, having Carlito join the Six Man Tag. Great win for LWO, and Dragon Lee will be back so surely he and Gulak will have a title match between now and Vengeance Day. And Dragunov not being able to defend the title tonight feels like more story stuff to give this a little more time to build. I don’t know if that’s a sign Trick is going to win or lose, but we still got great stuff out of Trick, Melo, Waller and even Kevin showing up to get his shot on Waller. Though that seemed just kinda mean on Kevin’s part, since Kevin already beat Waller in the US Championship Contender’s Tournament.

Great NXT Women’s Championship match as the opener, great showing for Blair but great win for Lyra. And great move to have Lola attempt a cash-in, but of course Tatum interfered. Tatum being Lyra’s stalker is still an odd move, but maybe she and Lyra have a tag match against Lopez & Lola, and somehow, this leads to Tatum getting her own title shot at Vengeance Day. Lyons VS Blair would also make sense as a Vengeance Day match, but they might have it out sooner so that the winner (probably Lyons) moves on to be a challenger as well. Great match from Fallon VS Tiffany, and great win for Fallon. Can’t wait to see Fallon make Tiffany work on the farm and how hilariously awful that’s gonna go for Tiffany.

Good stuff out of Roxie VS Arianna, and I actually like that Roxie went so far as to the ref reversing his decision. That hasn’t been done enough when someone, Face or Heel, goes overboard after a match, so I like how it adds some more dimension to Roxie’s overall story. Good promo from Gigi and Cora to get themselves a match, that’ll be really good stuff, too. And good promo from Kiana & Izzi to fully establish themselves as a duo. Just not sure if there are enough teams for a Women’s Dusty Cup right now. I do like Ava establishing herself as Assistant to the GM (or just Assistant GM maybe?) as she announces the Men’s Dusty Cup.

Great promos stemming from that news, too. I sensed last week Corbin wanting to team up with Bron, so here we are. And then another good “foot in mouth” promo from Frazer where he now upsets a tag team. I can feel it right now that Corbin & Bron and Axiom & Frazer are gonna go far, maybe even fight over the trophy and the title shot. Really good promo from OTM to call out the tag champs, and good promo from The D’Angelos to respond. A formal introduction to Adriana is a bit redundant now, we’ve all seen her for weeks, just as they said. I feel like The D’Angelos will retain so as to make them put more pressure on Chase U.

And great stuff in the Men’s Breakout Tournament finals tonight. Thea got one step closer to making a connection with Riley but Riley also lost. I figured Oba would win, though, he really is just a massive man. He’ll easily cash his contract in on whoever is champion. And I like that Jacy is stepping in to call the shots for Chase U. Riley & Duke will make a good combo in the Dusty Cup but again, The D’Angelos might turn up the heat. Not sure Jacy’s plan to get tons of money, but this will be an interesting stretch in this story.

My Score: 8.8/10