It was HIM, Trick! It was HIM all along!

After losing the Dusty Cup finals, Carmelo Hayes showed his true colors on NXT Vengeance Day by attacking Trick Williams! Tonight, he explains himself!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Malik Blade & Edris Enofe VS Nathan Frazer & Axiom; Frazer & Axiom win.
• Lexis King VS Riley Osborne w/ Chase U; King wins.
• Roxanne Perez VS Lola Vice; Roxie wins.
• Fallon Henley & Wren Sinclair VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson w/ The Meta Four; Lash & Jakara win.
• Ilja Dragunov VS DIJAK; Dragunov wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Carmelo Hayes is here!

The fans boo HIM as he makes his way out to the ring, holding on to the chair he used to beat Trick Williams down. Melo puts the chair in the ring before he steps in, soaking up all the heat from the fans. Melo gets a mic, takes a seat, and the fans change it to “F YOU MELO!” Melo takes a moment for that to settle down before he stands back up. But then the booing is so much he doesn’t feel like talking yet. Melo folds his chair up and says, “Not yet. Not yet.” Melo goes to leave and the fans boo more! It seems Melo is gonna keep us in the dark, but will Trick choose not to wait?

Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin speak.

Corbin says seeing as how there is some spare time now, they wanted to come out here and start the celebration! So ladies and gentlemen…” Bron stops Corbin there, he’s not doing that. Alicia Taylor will do this, because she’s the greatest voice in NXT! Alicia officially introduces the winners of the 2024 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin, the WOLF DOGS! Corbin is furious but the fans bark it up. How much did Bron pay Alicia to say that? But whatever, Sunday was off the charts! They won the cup, and they’ve got their names on here forever! And Corbin gets top billing!

But in all seriousness, they absolutely dominated! There is no one that can stop them! Maybe that top rope. How is Bron’s face? He’s got a bit of a mark there. He is good, right? Fans chant “He’s Still Handsome!” Bron smiles and nods, and says hey, when you run 23 miles per hour, stuff’s gonna go wrong sometimes. Corbin’s never gotten that fast. But let’s congratulate Bron’s tag partner on his first dive ever! Because Corbin wouldn’t have made it without Bron giving his big ass a boost. Okay, see, that’s why they’re a team. But back on track, they won the cup, so that means they get a shot at Tag Team Championships!

The fans cheer that! Corbin tells Tony & Stacks, and then Bron adds on, “The Wolf Dogs are on the hunt!” But wait! Instead, it’s Nathan Frazer & Axiom! They make their entrance to compete tonight against a team they didn’t meet in the tournament. Will the Jersey Island Rocket & Undeniable Truth show they #NeverSlowDown? Or will Malik & Edris prove they’re still in the tag title chase?

Malik Blade & Edris Enofe VS Nathan Frazer & Axiom!

Bron & Corbin join commentary, disagreeing over if “Wolf Dogs” is really the team name, and the teams in the ring sort out. Axiom starts against Edris and then offers a handshake. Edris says nope and he slaps the hand away. They tie up, Axiom waistlocks but Edris wrenches fere. Axiom rolls and rolls and gets free, then resets with Edris. They knuckle lock, Edris waistlocks but Axiom fights the lift with elbows. Axiom runs, Edris hurdles, drops and DROPKICKS! The fans cheer, Edris taunts Frazer, then stalks Axiom. Axiom blocks a kick, waistlocks, but Edris elbows free! But Axiom elbows back!

Axiom goes up top, leaps for a FLYING ARM-DRAG, then DROPKICKS Edris! Fans cheer, Axiom brings Edris down to a cover, TWO! Edris sits up but Axiom chinlocks. Axiom grinds Edris, Edris fights up, but Frazer tags in. Edris still sends Axiom out and tags Malik. Malik SUPERKICKS Axiom down! Frazer SUPERKICKS Edris down! Frazer dodges Malik, Malik dodges Frazer, and double forearms rock them both! Frazer BLASTS Edris off the apron but Malik does the same to Axiom! Then they DOUBLE LARIAT! Both men wobble, DOUBLE LARIAT again, then they both dodge to DIVE onto the others!!

The fans are thunderous as Malik and Frazer talk trash. Bron likes the fire and intensity as Malik slides in. Frazer springboards but Malik gets under to then go up. Malik springboards to FLYING LARIAT! Fans fire up for “MALIK! DA FREAK!” Malik is all fired up as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Frazer DROPKICKS Edris! Edris wobbles, Frazer hot tags Axiom! Axiom and Frazer rally on Edris with lariat after lariat then a DDT! Cover, TWO! Edris survives the speed blitz but Axiom KICKS him! Edris scowls but Axiom scuffs him. Axiom whips Edris, RAMS into him, then brings him around. Axiom whips, Edris sunset flips but Axiom rolls through to roll Edris and CLOBBER him! Cover, TWO! Axiom clamps on with a chinlock, Edris endures and the fans rally up. Edris fights up, pries the hold open and runs, but Axiom LARIATS against ropes! Axiom tags Frazer and whips Edris.

Frazer GAMANGIRIS and Axiom GERMAN SUPLEXES! Then Frazer hits ANARCHY! Cover, TWO!! Edris survives and Frazer grows a little annoyed. Frazer clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Edris down. The fans rally up again and Edris fights back up. Edris powers up to lift Frazer, but Frazer CLUBS away! Frazer then ELBOWS Edris down! Cover, TWO! Frazer clamps onto Edris again but Edris fights up again. The fans rally as Edris throws body shots. Edris fires forearms, but Frazer keeps him from Malik! Frazer whips, trips and then goes up to springboard, AX HANDLE! Frazer BLASTS Malik for good measure before the STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!!

Edris survives, Corbin says being as athletic as Frazer is great, but it doesn’t match physicality. Frazer CLUBS Edris, tags Axiom, and Axiom clamps on with a waistlock. Frazer goes up but Edris runs to ropes! He trips Frazer up and bucks Axiom away at the same time! Edris then KNEES Axiom down, hurries over, hot tag to Malik! The fans fire up as Malik Da Freak LARIATS Axiom then DROPKICKS Frazer! Malik rallies, Axiom whips but Malik CLOBBERS him! Frazer leaps, but Malik rolls through the crossbody! Malik picks Frazer up to FALL AWAY SLAM! The fans fire up as Malik ROCKS Axiom then LARIATS!

“MALIK! DA FREAK!” hauls Axiom up, to POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Malik tries again, SITOUT BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Axiom survives and shocks Malik! The fans fire up as Malik tags Edris. Edris goes up for the MACHO ELBOW! Cover, FRAZER BREAKS IT! Malik is furious and he whips Frazer. Frazer gest Malik for a BUCKLE SHOT! Edris DOUBLE KNEES Frazer, then hurries back up top! But Axiom gets up to GAMANGIRI! Tag to Frazer, Axiom goes up, and Axiom hits the SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Frazer is up top now, for the PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, MALIK BARRELS IN TO BREAK IT!! The fans are thunderous as NXT goes picture in picture!

Frazer can’t believe what just happened, but this match is still going! Malik helps Edris up while Axiom and Frazer regroup. Malik and Edris throw hands, but then Axiom and Frazer hit back! They go forearm for forearm, CHOP for CHOP! The fans rally, Axiom KICKS and Frazer forearms! Edris and Malik hit back, all four men stand, the shots are going back and forth, faster and faster! Axiom & Frazer get the edge, then both run, to ROCK both Malik & Edris! But Malik & Edris rebound to ROCK Axiom & Frazer! Axiom & Frazer rebound, but into DOUBLE BOOTS! Then Malik & Edris run, into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!

Axiom & Frazer coordinate, they run, but so do Malik & Edris! QUADRUPLE LARIATS!! All four men are down again and the fans are loving it! Malik goes to a corner, Axiom goes after him. Frazer has Edris in the opposite end, and the fists rain down! Axiom and Frazer get all the way to eight before Malik & Edris carry them out! But Frazer & Axiom both counter that to GUILLOTINE FACELOCKS! Malik & Edris endure, power their way through, DOUBLE SUPLEXES! All four men are down again and the fans are still loving it! The teams regroup, rise up, and Frazer SUPERKICKS Malik! Edris blocks Axiom’s superkick to send it into Frazer!

Malik ROCKS Axiom, and Edris hits a SPINEBUSTER! Malik & Edris go after Frazer, fireman’s carry for the ROLLING NECKBREAKER SAMOAN DROP COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Frazer survives and NXT returns to single picture as the fans rally up. Tag to Malik and he goes up a corner. Edris fireman’s carries Frazer but he slips free! Axiom SUPERKICKS Edris and Frazer SUPERPLEXES Malik! Roll through, SUPERKICK BRAINBUSTER COMBO!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Malik survives and shocks everyone, even the Wolf Dogs! Malik is dazed but his fighting spirit is alive and well! The fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” as Frazer tags Axiom.

Fans hope these teams “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this is just the opening match! Frazer goes up to FROG SPLASH onto knees! Axiom leaps in, into BOOTS! Malik hurries to ENZIGIRI! Axiom wobbles, hot tag to Edris! Malik gets Axiom up, he and Edris double pump handle for the DOUBLE TWISTER! Cover, FRAZER LEAPS IN!! Malik can’t believe it, and he hurries to TOSS Frazer out! Edris & Malik go up adjacent corners, but Frazer SHOVES Malik down! Malik clutches a leg! MACHO ELBOW FLOPS as Axiom moves! Tag to Frazer, then tag back to Axiom before PHOENIX SPLASH! Then GOLDEN RATIO!! Cover, Frazer & Axiom win!!

Winners: Nathan Frazer & Axiom, by pinfall

Bron sarcastically applauds, but this was an instant classic! In the end, Frazer & Axiom back up their talk with actions, only for the Wolf Dogs to attack! Fans are torn as the teams brawl! Corbin TOSSES Frazer, Bron TOSSES Axiom, proving they’re the alphas of the NXT Tag Division. But wait, here come the champions of the NXT Tag Division! The Don, Stacks & Adriana Rizzo are here to stare the Wolf Dogs down. Corbin says they should do this next week, titles on the line! Stacks says okay, Wolf Dogs, you got it! The match is happening, who survives Valentine’s Day to head on to Roadblock and beyond?

Ilja Dragunov arrives backstage.

Kelly Kincaid is there to ask him about Vengeance Day. Respectfully, Kelly, now is not the time for such a conversation. Dragunov is here to speak to Melo and to get some answers. See you inside. The Mad Dragon is looking for HIM, will he get to the bottom of this?

Ilja Dragunov heads to the ring!

Just as he said a moment ago, the NXT Champion is looking for answers, as are we all! He grabs a mic to say, “Trick Williams! On Sunday night, WE WENT TO WAR!” The fans cheer that, and Dragunov says he doesn’t just respect Trick, he likes Trick. But it doesn’t matter how much he respects or likes someone, he could not allow Trick to slay the Mad Dragon. Fans respect that, and Dragunov says at Vengeance Day, Trick gave Dragunov everything he had. If there is one man to beat him, Trick would be a worthy champion.

But now, as the NXT Champion, it is Dragunov’s duty to call out… one man. CARMELO HAYES!! Fans boo but Dragunov says Melo has been throwing false accusations these past couple months. There were never any mental manipulations between Dragunov and Trick! But now, we can all see Melo’s true colors. Melo, that snake, could not stand seeing Trick reaching new heights in NXT. Melo better come out right now! The fans gave it to Melo verbally, but Dragunov will go beyond breaking him, “You traitorous SON OF A B*TCH!” The fans fire up for that!

Dragunov paces but asks what’s wrong, Melo? Can’t even look Dragunov in the eyes because his only advantage is to jump someone from behind?! Melo, come out right now, or else Dragunov will find you himself. Wait, here comes Dijak instead! And he says no no no, Dragunov, stay right there. Why is Dragunov so obsessed with Trick Melo Gang? And then he tells the fans to shut up while he’s talking. Fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Oh, does he?! “YES! YES!” Dijak says Dragunov is obsessed, but he is still NXT Champion. We saw what happened at Vengeance Day. And Dijak is sure they saw what he did to Joe Gacy that night, too.

Look at them! A couple of winners. Dragunov says this is not the time nor the place, and he is not the man Dijak should be looking out for. Fans chant, “Melo~ Won’t Talk!” Dijak again tells them to shut up! Fans boo but Dijak grins. Dijak tells Dragunov that he likes to say he’s #UNBESIEGBAR, but standing there with a broken nose, he probably feels a little regular, right? Dijak says there is nothing Dragunov can do. Dijak learned what it takes to beat Gacy, and what it takes to break a man who thinks he is unbreakable. The fans taunt Dijak with, “Shut Up, T-Bar!” but Dragunov says, “I advise you to step out of my way. Get it?”

Wait, is Gacy’s spooky mask up in the NXT logo? But that aside, Dragunov says his business is with Melo. But trust Dragunov, on the day when their paths cross again, Dijak will suffer like he’s never suffered before. And Dijak will realize why Dragunov IS #UNBESIEGBAR! Dijak SLAPS Dragunov down! How’s the nose!? Dragunov TACKLES Dijak! They fire off hands, security rushes in, but fans want to “Let Them Fight!” Dijak sucker punches Dragunov again! Dragunov is just angrier now! Refs rush in to stop this from getting worse, but will Dijak bust his way into the title scene?

Jacy Jayne and Thea Hail talk backstage.

The Ladies of Chase U calendar sold out last night, and then sold out on WWE Shop in under 30 minutes! Not too shabby. Thea has to give it to Jacy, she is a woman with a plan, she saved Chase U! Jacy pats herself on the back. Thea says Riley was there, she was so nervous. Oh wait, his match is next. She should go watch. Yeah, about that… Jacy has been thinking about this situation, and Riley is already Thea’s Valentine. She shouldn’t come off too desperate. Thea should know, the thrill is in the chase. And Jacy knows a thing or two about playing hard to get. Really? Because Thea really likes Riley and doesn’t wanna…

When has Jacy ever been wrong? Literally never, so okay, good idea. Play hard to get. Got it. But will this really work out fine for Thea and her Valentine?

Robert Stone sits and talks with Von Wagner.

Stone wants Von to get it out. Get it out of his head, out of his system. Von says this sucks. All that training for nothing. Yeah, but think about it: Noam Dar’s been in hundreds of Heritage Cup matches, that was Von’s first. They’ll get him back. Stone is more pissed off about how The Meta Four talked to his sons. Von says he snapped seeing that. But to be honest, Cash ‘n’ Carter are the best. Yeah, what is it Von’s always calling them? Huh? Stone doesn’t know? The Bash Brothers! And here they are! “SNEAK ATTACK!” They rumble and tumble, and Stone says it’s not really a sneak attack if you shout it.

But hey, were they listening in? Maybe… But they know dad loves ’em. He’s the best. Von says yeah, that’s why Oro’s ass- GASP! Er, sorry, butt got tabled. But they’re not done. Yeah, what’s Stone gonna do about this? Stone should fight Dar! YEAH! What? No, he’s not a competitor, only Von. Then what about a tag team? Tag team! Tag team! Ok ok ok! One time only. WOO! Remember: sneak attack. Will the Robert Stone Brand ride again and earn Von a rematch for the cup?

Lexis King VS Riley Osborne w/ Chase U!

The Drama King thinks he’s God’s gift to everyone, but Chase U’s newest recruit stepped up to be Thea’s knight in shining armor. Will Riley knock King off his high horse and ride off into the sunset with Lady Thea? Or will King be more like a dictator?

NXT returns and Riley makes his entrance, Duke Hudson & Andre Chase with him. Duke’s flipping through his copy of the calendar, just how saucy is it? Riley does wonder where Thea is, though. Anyway, the bell rings and the two rush in. They tie up, go around, end up on ropes, and Lexis HEADBUTTS! Riley ROCKS him back! Riley TACKLES King, rains down fists, then gets up, only for King to knee low. King headlocks, punches, and stalks Riley to a corner. King CHOPS, then whips, but Riley goes up and over! Riley then back drops King, and CHOPS! King wobbles, Riley CHOPS again, then CHOPS King down! The fans love that one!

King gets up, Riley DROPKICKS him out! Riley builds speed and FOSBURY FLOPS! The fans fire up and Riley nods. Riley hurries to get King up and into the ring, but King bails out the far side. Chase says just keep going, so Riley runs in. King moves, Riley tumbles up and over to the apron, and he blocks King’s boot! Riley ROUNDHOUSES King, King wobbles, and Riley pries at his grip on the ropes. King fights back, and TOSSES Riley onto the desk! The fans boo but King looms over Riley. King drags Riley up to RAM him into the apron! King puts Riley in, then slingshots for the STOMPS!

Riley sputters, King grins and runs up, BLINDSIDER! Cover, ONE!! Riley is showing grit and King is furious! King clamps on to HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOW! The fans rally for Riley but King throws crossface forearms. King then clamps onto an arm to make this a seated cobra twist. Riley endures, pries the hold open, but King CLUBS him in the ribs! Riley still fights up, King throws more shots, but Riley hits back! Riley hooks King up but King powers out of the Famouser! Riley ducks the lariat and runs, to LARIAT King! And UPPERCUT! And then whips King, but King reverses. King kitchen sink knees but Riley rolls that up, TWO!

King gets up, Riley scoops and SLAMS! Fans fire up and Riley aims from a corner. “U~!” CALF KICK! Cover, TWO!! King survives but Chase coaches Riley up. Riley goes to a corner and climbs, but he’s still bothered by Thea not being present. Chase says focus, so Riley stands up. King SUPERKICKS the legs out! King then drags Riley out, DRAPING CORONATION!! Cover, King wins!

Winner: Lexis King, by pinfall

Seems Jacy’s idea of playing hard to get just blew up in her face. Or did it…? Riley is feeling down, will Thea be around to cheer him up?

Kelani Jordan speaks.

“I’ve learned this game isn’t fair, so I’m not just standing on business, I’m stomping on it!” The Gym Princess says she has faced adversity, gained confidence, and figured out her “why.” This is the best women’s division but she isn’t afraid of competition, “because fear has never crowned a champion.” Kelani refuses to settle for anything less, because what is meant for her will be hers.

The other women watch the video.

They all admire Kelani’s athletic ability, but Izzi Dame & Kelani Jordan walk in. Izzi says they’re all a bunch of future nobodies admiring a current nobody. Izzi & Kiana sit down, it’s another day and same old story. There are so many just happy to be here. Too bad that doesn’t cut it. It’s about who you surround yourself with. And honestly, this entire locker room- Brinley Reece walks in and says OMG, just look at Kelani! She is so cute and Brin is buzzing. If you ever need energy, have a sip of this drink here. Izzi says Kiana could use a drink. Yes, Kiana is a little parched. Hey, Brin, can they have your drink?

Oh, uh, no, this is Brin’s. But she’ll go get them some. Izzi makes Brin sit and says she wasn’t asking. Kiana takes the drink, and says oh, it totally slipped her mind! She doesn’t even like coffee! Oh, wow, that’s right. Kiana just pours the drink out into the trash. It Iz what it Iz. Brin is stunned, but will Kelani show these bullies what bullies get?

Melo is back in the ring.

And this time, he has a spotlight on him! Fans boo like before, but Melo takes the sunglasses off. Melo has the mic again, but the boos keep going. The fans chant, “You’re Not Him!” Melo says, “The villain is always the villain when the hero is telling the story. But why is it nobody wants to hear my side? Trick, I’m not jealous of your success. I allowed you to succeed. I wanted you to achieve the highest of highs in this business. I wanted you to make your parents proud. And just when you got close enough, I had to be the one to take it away from you, just to remind you of your place. Just to remind you what happens when you cross me. When you bite the hand that feeds you.

“Because the truth of the matter is, Trick, you crossed me first. We had an agreement. You were gonna go after the North American Championship, and I was gonna go for the NXT Championship. But you, you let all these people get in your head, and you started to believe your own hype. You believed that you and me were on the same level.” Melo shakes his head and says, “No way.” Trick went behind Melo’s back and went after what belonged to Melo. And in that very moment, Melo knew he had to do what he had to do. “So the million dollar question that everybody wants to know: Did I attack Trick Williams?”

Melo look around at the booing fans, and he says, “You’re damn right I did! And I’d do it again if he-” TRICK IS HERE?! The fans are thunderous with “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” while Melo looks like he’s seen a ghost! But then Melo laughs because he just tricked us! Can’t get nothing past the fans, huh? But Trick ain’t coming back, he’s in a hospital bed next to Booker T, singing that stupid song. And Melo doesn’t know why everyone’s acting like this. He’s always been this way! He’s the coldest! A TWO-TIME North American Champion while Trick is a TWO-DAYS North American Champion! They are not the same!

Trick got so caught up in the headlines that he pushed his boy to the sideline. But everyone needs to know that nothing on this brand gets past without being ran through Melo. “So Trick… You wanted to be like Melo so bad, you started wearing your glasses like Melo, sliding on the apron like Melo, wearing the same gear as Melo. But at the end of the day, you’re just a trick.” Fans chant “SCREW YOU, MELO, SCREW YOU!” Melo says this was never a collaboration. Trick was always Melo’s hype man. “That’s all it is, and that is all you’ll ever be.” Melo sets down the mic and puts the shades back on, but will Trick make Melo regret all the shade he’s thrown?

The cryptic message plays again.

“MAN HAS THREE FACES… ONE THE WORLD SEES… ONE HIS FAMILY SEES… AND THE REAL ONE NO ONE SEES, BUT REFLECTS THE EVIL HE TRULY POSSESSES…” Footsteps can be heard, but just who, or what, is coming to NXT?

Riley Osborne grumbles backstage.

He can’t believe he lost to that idiot, Lexis King. Thea & Jacy find him and ask how it went. Not very well. He lost. And he was looking in the crowd, where was Thea? Oh, uh, yeah, she had some things to do, business to handle, grown-ass-woman stuff. Riley wouldn’t understand. Oh, okay. But hey, they’re still on for Valentine’s Day, right? Yes! YES YES YES! Sweet! Er, uh, great. He’ll text her. Yeah, cool. Riley heads out and Thea is all fired up! Did Jacy see that? Thea played hard to get! Hardest to get! She’s so ready! Jacy has her calm down. This needs to stop. Take a deep breath, relax, and don’t worry! Jacy will give Thea all the advice she needs for her date.

Thea says okay, okay, good. Jacy says there is a right way to do this, and if anyone knows it, it’s Jacy. Yes it is! Okay, bestie, tell her everything! Will Thea really be okay listening to Jacy on this one?

Roxanne Perez VS Lola Vice!

Just as The Prodigy was close to winning back the title, the Mayor of Vice City just had to breakout and cash-in. Neither won that match, and are now looking to settle things in this one! Will Roxie fight her way back to the title scene? Or will Lola say Buenas Noches to Roxie and say hola to her own second chance?

NXT returns and Lola makes her entrance, Roxie glaring at her the entire time. The bell rings, the two step up and Roxie ducks the heel kick! THESZ PRESS! Roxie rains down fast hands but Lola shoves her away. Lola bails out, but Roxie builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! Roxie drags Lola up, but Lola whips her. Roxie stops from hitting steps to SMACK Lola off the apron! Roxie puts Lola in, goes up a corner, and then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Roxie rains down fists on Lola, but Lola pushes her away again. Roxie wrenches, clamps on, but Lola knees free! Lola fires the LIGHTNING KICKS!

Roxie ends up in a corner, Lola swaggers and says she’s a Latina~! HIP ATTACK! Lola rubs it in, then drags Roxie to a cover, TWO! Lola is annoyed as she stalks Roxie, then AX KICKS her down! Roxie goes to ropes, Lola digs her boots in, but the ref counts. Lola lets off at 4, argues with the ref, then stalks Roxie. Roxie ELBOWS Lola, then ROCKS her! Then KNEES her low! Roxie runs, to UPPERCUT Lola down! Fans fire up as Roxie rallies with shoulder tackles! Roxie runs up to UPPERCUT in a corner! Roxie climbs up and she rains down fists! Lola stops Roxie at seven, but Roxie sunset flips through, TWO!

Lola stands to KICK Roxie back to the corner. Roxie BOOTS in return! Roxie goes up, but Lola GAMANGIRIS Roxie to the floor! Lola talks trash but fans boo, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Lola has a chinlock on. Roxie endures while the fans duel, and Roxie fights up. Roxie throws body shots, but Lola thrashes the hold. Roxie fires more shots but Lola ROCKS her back. Lola storms up, whips Roxie to ropes and KNEES her low! Lola whips the other way to KNEE again! Fans duel, Lola whips again but Roxie rolls her up! TWO! Roxie ROCKS Lola, then ROCKS her again! And again! And again! Roxie fires off furious fists form all sides and the fans fire up! Roxie whips, Lola reverses but Roxie CLOBBERS her! Roxie rallies, ROCKS Lola again, then SHOTGUNS her down!

Fans fire up with Roxie and she goes corner to corner to UPPERCUT! ROLLING ELBOW! Roxie then hooks Lola up, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Roxie goes up and up to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Roxie stays on Lola with a CROSSFACE! Lola rolls it to a cover, TWO! Roxie runs up, wheelbarrows, and VICTORY FACEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Lola goes to a corner, Roxie runs up, UPPERCUT! Roxie rolls and returns, but Lola catches her to a SLEEPER!! Roxie flails, kicks off ropes but she ends up in body scissors! Fans duel as Roxie flails! Roxie rocks and rolls her way back to her feet, and RAMS her into buckles!

Lola lets Roxie go, but she stalks after her. Roxie catches Lola for a cradle! TWO, and Roxie SOBATS! Roxie hops on but Lola pops free! URAKEN!! Cover, TWO!! Roxie stays in this and Lola seethes. Wait, Tatum Paxley is here?! And she drags a ref along while holding a contract folder? Tatum is MOCKING Lola’s cash-in! There’s nothing to cash-in on, though! Lola HEEL KICKS Tatum down! Roxie SOBATS Lola! POP ROX!! Cover, Roxie wins!

Winner: Roxanne Perez, by pinfall

Tatum helps Roxie win just 48 hours after she helped Roxie lose? What is going on inside that twisted mind? Is Lola gonna owe Tatum double for Vengeance Day?

Backstage interview with The Meta Four.

Kelly Kincaid is with Noam Dar, Oro Mensah, Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson, and asks the ladies about their match against Fallon Henley & Wren Sinclair. What are they- Lash says no no, ain’t nobody worried about that wide-eyed rookie. Even Wren knew she got lucky eliminating Lash in the battle royal. Jakara agrees, and now they end Wren’s WWE career before it begins. And as for Fallon, she should know better. Meta Four remains above it all. Let ’em know, champion. Dar says YEP! Well, Kelly does want to ask Dar something. Oh, really? Yes, what are his thoughts on the tag match challenge issued by Von & Stone?

Dar & Oro laugh. Challenge? That’s funny. The #Flintstones, Rob & Von, are a dream team now? No, Dar & Oro are the dream team! Next week, they’ll put this to an end. Thank you, buh-bye. But then The No Quarter Catch Crew walks in? And Gulak says he told ’em. Told what, Gully? Speak up. Gulak knew Dar would accept Von’s challenge. And what’s their issue? Damon Kemp says it’s that the guy representing the heritage of pro-wrestling should do just that, rather than take on a guy he’s beat before. And what do any of them know about this? Lash says SKEEEERT~! Time to go. Meta Four leaves, but will Supernova 11 have to worry about No Quarter soon enough?

Fallon Henley & Wren Sinclair VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson w/ The Meta Four!

The Cowgirl and the new girl are sticking together against the gatekeeping girl bosses to show they both belong. Will it be #YEEHAWBETCH on the Road to WrestleMania? Or will Lash & Miss Jackson embody Roadblock right here and now?

NXT returns as The Meta Four makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Lash starts against Fallon. They circle, talk some trash, and Lash shoves Fallon! Fallon shoves Lash, so Lash ROCKS Fallon! Lash rushes at Wren but she avoids the attack, and Fallon jumps on for a SLEEPER! Lash moves around, Wren tags in as Lash bumps Fallon off buckles. Lash throws Fallon away but Wren goes up! Fallon ROCKS Lash, Wren CROSSBODIES, but Lash catches her! So Fallon SHOTGUNS that over, Wren covers, TWO! Wren facelocks but Lash fights up. Lash has a BEARHUG! Lash thrashes Wren, RAMS her into the corner, and tags Jakara.

Lash traps Wren for Jakara to run up and ELBOW! Jakara fires body shots, and puts some stank on the CHOP! Jakara pushes Wren, keeps her from Fallon, then DECKS Fallon! But Wren rolls her up! TWO, and Wren headlocks. Jakara powers out, Lash tags in, but Wren BOOTS Jakara! Lash blocks a boot to ROCK Ren! Lash holds Wren out, Jakara LEAPFROG ATTACKS! The fans fire up while Lash looms over Wren. Lash slaps Wren around, smacks her off the mat, then drags her up. Lash throws Wren by her hair, then SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Wren stays in this but Lash pushes her around.

Lash tags Jakara, puts Wren in the ropes, and CLUBS away! The ref counts, Lash lets off and Jakara BOOTS Wren down. Cover, TWO! Jakara drags Wren up, puts her in the corner, then stomps a mudhole. Tag to Lash, she keeps Wren in the corner to stomp her own mudhole! The ref counts, Lash tags Jakara and she adds more stomps. Jakara drags Wren to a cover, TWO! Jakara drags Wren around, clamps on and has a motorcycle stretch. The fans rally as Wren endures, and Wren fights her way up. Wren throws elbows but Jakara KNEES low! Cover, TWO! Jakara keeps Wren from Fallon, scoops, but Wren slips free to roll Jakara up! TWO, and Wren hurries for her corner!

Jakara keeps Wren back, Wren boots her away! Hot tag to Fallon! The fans fire up as Fallon rallies with uppercuts! Then a CHOP! And a HAYMAKER! Lash runs up, Fallon dodges to springboard, wheelbarrow, and then BULLDOG SHOTGUN COMBO! Fans fire up while Lash bails out, and Fallon ELBOWS Jakara in the corner! Fallon keeps going, RUNNING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Jakara stays in this but Fallon keeps her from ropes. Lash reaches out, the ref reprimands but Lash and Fallon tug o’ war with Jakara! Lash PULLS and Fallon hits the ropes! Fans boo as Jakara hurries back in to SHOTGUN!

Wren hurries up to tag in! Jakara tags Lash, both run in, Wren gets around to tilt-o-whirl, but Lash throws her away! Choke grip, SLAM DUNK BOMB! Cover, Meta Four wins!

Winners: Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson, by pinfall

Fallon frowns, but Lash has two pinfalls on Wren. Will this finally satisfy her ego so that the Meta Four can move on?

Josh Briggs and others are watching backstage.

Briggs says everyone wants to talk Melo, but he’d rather talk Dragon Lee. Jensen walks in and says hey. Good to see you! How’s Jensen doing? Pfft, never better. Did you see Fallon’s match? Yeah, tough loss. But hey, she’s doing her thing, and that’s great. Yeah, yeah, sure is. Just like Briggs! Uh, yeah. Okay, man, see you around. Briggs turns to leave, and Jensen blurts out, “I’m lost without y’all!” What? Well, it hasn’t been the same! Briggs moved on, Fallon moved on, but Jensen doesn’t know how to! He’s struggling, okay? He needs them! Briggs says hey, does he really think being sad is gonna help him? Jensen’s not a kid anymore. The world doesn’t revolve around you!

And then Briggs shoves Jensen! Briggs tells Jensen to learn from them! Stop living in the past and stand on your own two feet! There is an entire Performance Center full of athletes waiting to take his spot, so Jensen can do one of two things: Sit and cry like he is right now; or he can grow some damn balls and wake up!! Briggs shoves Jensen again then storms off. Will that tough love be what slaps Jensen back into a championship mindset?

Ava Raine meets with Jaida Parker.

The NXT General Manager says she hears what Jaida is saying, but Jaida says how Vengeance Day went down is not how this is gonna end. OTM don’t stand on that and neither does she. So what is Jaida getting at? Jaida says that she wants Rizzo 1v1. Ava doesn’t mind that. BUT her boys in OTM can’t be ringside. Tony & Stacks have a tag title match that night, too, so they won’t be ringside either. Jaida says fine, and say less. But also, she appreciates it. Jaida heads out and in walks Ridge Holland. He knows they’ve been through this before, but she obviously saw what Gallus did last week, right? They tried to break Ridge’s leg!

Yes, she hears him- Then give him Gallus. First off, don’t interrupt. Secondly, she is not giving him Gallus 3v1! That’s not fair to Ridge! So instead, she has an idea. She can give Gallus one-by-one, in a Gauntlet match. But if he loses at any time, this is the end. So then it’s all on him? He can deal with that. Ridge heads out, will he show his full Northern Grit and take down each member of Gallus? Or will it just take one to keep the Gallus Boys On Top?

Ilja Dragunov VS DIJAK!

The verbal confrontation that turned physical has reignited this rivalry, and it might be even more violent than it was the first time around! Will the Mad Dragon finally do away with #HardJustice? Or will Dijak use this sequel to earn a title shot?

NXT returns as Dijak makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two rush in! Draguonv fires off forearms but Dijak gives those back! Dijak fires off in a corner, throws some elbows, but Dragunov gets away. Dijak storms up but into a kick! Dragunov CHOPS! And CHOPS! Dijak CHOPS and Dragunov falls! Dijak hauls Dragunov up but Dragunov gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Dragunov holds on and says Dijak wanted this, so this is what he gets! ANOTHER GERMAN SUPLEX! Dragunov drags Dijak up, but Dijak fights with elbows! Dijak reaches back to headlock and punch! Dragunov falls, clutching his nose.

Dragunov is furious but Dijak stomps him around. Dijak fires off in a corner, CLUBS Dragunov down, then stalks him to another corner. Dijak CHOPS, then brings Dragunov around. Dijak bumps Dragunov off buckles, wanting to break the nose again! Dijak digs Dragunov in, taunts him, but the ref counts. Dijak lets off at 4, then brings Dragunov up. Dragunov blocks the buckle bump, glares at Dijak, and elbows him away! Dragunov CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Dijak is in the corner, Dragunov CHOPS again! Fans fire up as Dragunov runs in, to KNEE Dijak and snapmare him down! The fans fire up for Dragunov as he goes up, KING KONG KNEE DROP!

Fans fire up while Dragunov again checks his nose. No blood yet, so Dragunov goes up top. But Dijak runs in! Dragunov leaps over, rolls and returns to BOOT Dijak! Dragunov pushes Dijak down, fires up and the fans are with him! Dragunov climbs the corner, but Dijak trips him up! Dijak SUPERKICKS and Dragunov tumbles down to the apron then the floor! Dijak goes out after Dragunov, drags him up, and he CLUBS Dragunov on the back. But wait, is something alive under the ring? That distraction allows Dragunov to RAM Dijak into the apron! Dijak KNEES Dragunov, puts him in, and then he looks under the ring.

There’s nothing there, so Dijak hurries back into the ring. Dijak is still unsure if he’s seeing things, and Dragunov SLAPS him! Dijak DECKS Dragunov! Dragunov clutches his nose, Dijak got him right between the eyes! The fans boo Dijak while NXT goes picture in picture.

Dijak storms around, and drags Dragunov into place for an ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Dragunov goes to ropes, and eggs Dijak on! Dijak stands Dragunov up to ROCK him with a forearm. Dragunov goes to ropes but Dijak digs his boot in. The ref counts, Dijak lets off, and Dragunov goes to the corner. Dijak stomps Dragunov, stomps him more and more, but lets off as the ref counts. Dragunov sputters, Dijak grins, and Dijak storms back up. Dijak ELBOWS Dragunov, ELBOWS him again, then CLUBS him! Dijak facelocks to then suplex, TIME TO FLY! Dragunov crashes, flounders, but Dijak keeps him in the ring.

Dijak drags Dragunov to a cover, TWO! Dragunov sputters but he is still in this. Dragunov crawls to ropes, Dijak storms up, and Dragunov CHOPS! And CHOPS! But the nose still bothers him! Dijak CLUBS Dragunov down, then drags him around by the legs. Dijak stomps Dragunov right in the stomach! Dragunov sputters, Dijak sits him up and clamps on a chinlock. Dragunov endures, even with Dijak’s fists right in his face. NXT returns to single picture as the fans rally up. Dragunov fights up, pries the hold open, then BACK HEADBUTTS! Dragunov fires boxing elbows but Dijak ROCKS him! Dragunov rebounds but Dijak avoids the enzigiri!

Dijak SLAMS Dragunov on the mat, then torture racks! FEAST YOUR- NO, Dragunov blocks the knee to CHOP! Dijak CHOPS! Dragunov BOOTS! Dijak SUPERKICKS! Dragunov JUMP KICKS! Dijak CYCLONE BOOTS!! Dragunov falls and the fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” Dragunov goes to a corner, Dijak runs up, into the ENZIGIRI! Dragunov stands up again, fireman’s carries, but Dijak CLAWS the nose! Dragunov still CORNER DEATH VALLEY DRIVERS!! The fans lose their minds, and Dragunov drags himself to the top rope! The fans fire up, Dragunov aims, and he SUPER SENTONS!! Cover, TWO!!

Dijak survives and Dragunov is shocked! Dragunov rises up as the fans rally, and he KICKS Dijak in the side. Dijak goes to a corner, Dragunov scrapes his sole off Dijak’s face, then runs side to side, BOOT WASH! Dragunov grits his teeth as his nose is still paining him. The fans rally with “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” and Dragunov nods. He puts some stank on the CHOPS! CHOP! MACHINE GUN CHOPS!! Dijak choke grips but Dragunov SLAPS and SLAPS! Dijak hits Dragunov’s face off ropes then KNEES him! And then choke grips, HIGH JUSTICE!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Dragunov survives and the fans are thunderous!

The fans chant “This is Awesome!” “Thank You, Ava!” as we’re getting this instant classic. Dijak taunts Dragunov about his nose, smothers him, then CHOPS away on him! Dragunov grabs Dijak by the neck! Dijak returns the favor! Dijak drags Dragunov up, but Dragunov HEADBUTTS again and again! And then wrench, SPINNING CHOP, and a CHOP to a knee! CHOP to the neck! Dijak sputters, Dragunov runs, CONSTANTINE- LARIAT from Dijak!! Dijak goes out to the apron and the fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” Dijak springboards, to MACHO ELBOW!! But That was double-edged after what Gacy did to that arm on Sunday!

Dijak shakes out the bad arm, but Dragunov KNEES him down! The fans rally up while both men are down, and then both men flounder to opposite ends. Wait, GACY CRAWLS OUT FROM UNDER THE RING! Is that a boxing glove on a stick?! Gacy BOPS Dijak in the face with it!! Gacy laughs and crawls back into the shadows! Dragunov powers up, for the H-BOMB FOREARM!! Cover, Dragunov wins!!

Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by pinfall

It seems Gacy has the last laugh! He made sure Dijak’s momentum was stopped, and Dragunov stands tall with the title in his hands. Is Gacy going to make sure he and Dijak run it back? WAIT, MELO CHOP BLOCKS DRAGUNOV!! Fans boo as Melo rains down fists on Dragunov! Melo even has the audacity to have a “Trickin’ Ain’t Easy” shirt in his pocket. Melo grabs the NXT Championship, and he CLOBBERS Dragunov with it! Fans sing, “Melo~, Trick Comin’ For You!” That may be true, but will nothing, can nothing, stop HIM now?

My Thoughts:

An awesome NXT, especially to follow up Vengeance Day. A lot of Melo doing stuff, but for good reason. I did like that his opening segment ended up just being him stringing the fans along to get that heat, but I almost feel he really should’ve waited to give his explanation next week. He still gave a great promo confessing to attacking Trick, and for a reason that does make sense for Heel Melo. He was fine with going for a Two Man Power Trip, but only if he was the top title guy. Dragunov calling him out but getting Dijak was a good segment, too, and gave us tonight’s amazing main event. Great win for Dragunov, as well as great bit from Gacy.

Melo attacking Dragunov was good for heat, and I think is the start to setting up Melo VS Trick at Roadblock, winner faces Dragunov at Stand & Deliver. Hell, maybe they’ll go for a Triple Threat scenario to make this the biggest Stand & Deliver ever to fit how WrestleMania 40 is meant to be the biggest Mania ever. Makes me wonder what the plan is for the Women’s Championship, with no appearance from Lyra but a great match out of Roxie VS Lola. Tatum showing up to parody the cash-in was a weird move, but maybe we see a Triple Threat #1 contender’s match at Roadblock, Roxie VS Lola VS Tatum.

Really good story builds in the promos tonight. Good promo from Kelani, then good response promo from Izzi & Kiana where they also bully Brin. Brin & Kelani VS Izzi & Kiana is definitely a tag feud right there. Von & Stone get their tag match with Dar & Oro, but No Quarter is coming for the cup. I am really gonna love seeing Dar VS Dempsey, with equal number of cornermen so that Dar will actually have to beat Dempsey himself. I still want to see Von KO Dar in an early round to win the cup, though. Really good tag match from Lash & Jakara VS Fallon & Wren, but I suppose Lash & Jakara winning makes sense. Meanwhile, Briggs’ “tough love” on Jensen might make Jensen his first feud, which makes sense as that is the tradition of a team breaking up.

I like Ridge getting a Gallus gauntlet, that’ll be good stuff. I could see him beating Wolfgang and Mark Coffey in the first two and then losing to Joe Coffey in the third, and maybe a tag team helps Ridge out? It should be Hank ‘n’ Tank since they’ve had beef with Gallus before. Jaida VS Rizzo will also be really good as Rizzo’s first 1v1 match, but I feel like Jaida is gonna win it. And then awesome stuff in the Men’s Tag Division tonight. Good promo from Wolf Dogs, AWESOME match from Frazer & Axiom VS Malik & Edris. I feel a little bad that Malik & Edris lost again, but it also fits their story, which could be leading to their own break-up.

And I’m surprised we’re getting Wolf Dogs VS Tony & Stacks so soon, I thought they were gonna build this towards Roadblock. Maybe they want Roadblock to be for determining new contenders. Just as Bron’s character is torn between the three brands, I’m torn on whether Wolf Dogs should win. Bron’s never had tag titles, but neither has Corbin, they could have a lot of fun being champs. And honestly, they are a great duo, even I’m having fun watching those two interact, I can’t wait to see where this goes.

My Score: 9/10